...for forgetting his birthday (August 12, 1939).
If ever Ann-Margret had a himbo counterpart in the 1960's, it was George Hamilton. Sexy, popular and not a little cheesy, as one of MGM's last contract players, George probably made more mediocre movies for a major studio than anyone else besides...well, Ann-Margret. Glancing at the titles and cast lists, we eagerly await The George Hamilton DVD Box Set. A few highlights:
All the Fine Young Cannibals (1960) with Robert Wagner, Natalie Wood and Susan Kohner
By Love Possessed (1961) with Lana Turner, Angie Dickinson and Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.
Light in the Piazza (1962) with Olivia de Havilland, Yvette Mimieux and Rosanno Brazzi
Two Weeks in Another Town (1962) with Cyd Charisse, Daliah Lavi and Leslie Uggams
Doctor, You've Got to Be Kidding! (1967) with Sandra Dee, Celeste Holm and Bill Bixby
Jack of Diamonds (1967) with Zsa Zsa Gabor, Carroll Baker and Lilli Palmer
The Power (1968) with Suzanne Pleshette, Yvonne de Carlo and Barbara Nichols
Clearly, the man deserves an Honorary Oscar or AFI Tribute based on that body of work. He also was named to the International Best-Dressed List in 1968, and his perma-tanned image notwithstanding, cuts a more dapper and elegant figure off-screen than you might imagine. We ran into him on Fifth Avenue one brisk autumn day, as he chatted with a group of friends outside Cipriani's. George was wearing a gorgeous light blue cashmere overcoat atop a chocolate brown suit, and looked superb. He gave us and our outfit the once-over, smiled and nodded in approval, then turned back to his conversation.
We walked a little lighter down Fifth Avenue after that encounter.
Happy Belated Birthday, George Hamilton!
Love George Hamilton the last of the American society playboys.
ReplyDeleteBut you left out "Where The Boys Are"
and he was best at making fun of himself in his later films... Zorro The Gay Blade and Love At First Bite.
Thats so great that you not only saw him but got the nod!
And Susan Saint James co-starred with George in Love At First Bite.
ReplyDeleteOh, I purposely left out WTBA...I figured everybody had already seen that one. I'm much more fascinated by "Jack of Diamonds," which I don't think ANYONE has seen. I mean, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Carroll Baker AND Lilli Palmer?!
ReplyDeleteThe mind boggles.
And I suppose you not only saw Jack of Diamonds, but have a copy? Sounds fabu!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, no. And it's leaving a gaping hole in my George Hamilton/Zsa Zsa Gabor/Carroll Baker collection!
ReplyDeleteGeorge's mum also supported Mae Murray in her last, demented days. I asked George about it once (no, I don't know him, but I worked on a show with him), and he told me he danced the tango with her!
ReplyDelete