Tony Curtis

2008
Tony Curtis-early '50'
Today they had a day of Tony Curtis movies on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). I watched some of "The Rat Race" & then a little of "Boeing, Boeing" this afternoon and I have to admit they both brought back memories of a great looking Tony Curtis when he was in his prime! Of course, I was just a little kid when those movies came out. My very first Tony Curtis movie that I really fell in love with was "The Great Race" with Natalie Wood and Keenan Wynn. Don't forget Jack Lemmon as Professor Fate and Peter Falk as his assistant! I never laughed so hard! We still do! What a wonderful movie!

Tony Curtis was born Bernard Schwartz in the Bronx, New York on June 3, 1925 to Helen and Emmanuel Schwartz. He had a hard childhood in that his mom was never diagnosed as being Schizophrenic and Bernard was beaten by his mom because she was afraid of the father, so she took it out on the kid. Sadly, Bernard's younger brother, Julius was struck and killed by a truck and he had to identify the body. When World War II broke out, Bernard Schwartz served in the United States Navy. He watched the signing of the surrender by Japan from 300 yds. away.

At the end of the war Schwartz was spotted by a talent agent and placed under contract at Universal Studios. This was after he had studied acting in New York with Elaine Stritch,, Walter Matthau and Rod Steiger. When he did sign with Universal he changed his name to Tony Curtis (or Anthony as we've noted in Winchester '73-watch the credits sometime!)
From there he went on to act in some on his most favorite and famous roles. Who could forget "The Black Shield of Falworth?" or "The Purple Mask"? or" Lobster Man from Mars"?
Even Mr. Curtis admits those are pretty bad. But the good ones are too numerous to name. How about "40 Pounds of Trouble", "Some Like It Hot", "Operation Petticoat", "The Defiant Ones"-for which Mr. Curtis was nominated for an academy award. The list goes on.
Tony and his wife, Jill Vandenberg now head Shiloh Horse Rescue and Sanctuary. And you all know how I love horses! So you go, girl! (I'm not sure who's baby this is since Mr. Curtis has loved to ride since he was small-so Attaboy!)

Look out for upcoming Drum Corps Associates results this weekend.

Cheers!