MovieChat Forums > Christmas Eve (1947) Discussion > Joan Blondell

Joan Blondell

posted 11 years ago by ms-zanadu
8 replies | jump to latest

This was the same actress that played in two much later memorable roles ( and my personal favorites of hers too ) . It was " The Twilight Zone " 1964 episode " What's in the Box " as character Phyllis Britt the cab drivers wife AND the movie " Grease " from 1978 as character Vi the waitress at the local malt shop . JB was excellent in this movie too . Does anyone else here remember any other stand-out roles of hers besides these two mentioned and that were favorites of yours as well ?

[–] chaosrainz 11 years ago

I remember her from "Grease" and "Desk Set" the most although I'm sure I've seen her in other things as well...they just aren't coming to mind at the moment.

[–] ms-zanadu 11 years ago

I totally understand chaosrainz . I'm watching this movie tonight on TCM ( Turner Classic Movies ) . I just happen to spot JB in her first opening scene with Michael and said to myself " that's Phyllis from TZ ! " I also looked up her IMDB Profile Page here and saw she was in the movie Grease ( 1978 ) . Also JB was age 41 in this movie tonight but I think she looked a bit younger than this ( IMPO late 20's early 30's ? ) . Thanks chaosrainz for your reply .

[–] ms-zanadu 11 years ago

I just remembered another one from the IMDB Profile Page . It was the movie " A Tree Grows in Brooklyn " from (1945) she played Aunt Sissy the sister of character Katie Nolan .

[–] Basho 11 years ago

She was great as Violet, the personal secretary/companion of Jayne Mansfield, in Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and as Mabel in Dames.

[–] ms-zanadu 11 years ago

Thanks for your reply Basho . I will most definitely be looking out for those two movies on TCM . Jayne Mansfield was also another wonderful actress . It's too bad she didn't get enough exposure the way Marilyn Monroe had still all memorable actresses thanks to TCM .

[–] george-695-323782 11 years ago

Nothing better than Zeena in "Nightmare Alley" (1947)

[–] alifeatthemovies 11 years ago

Joan Blondell was a great actress with a very long career. She was always sassy, but I like her when she was sassy, young and an eyefull. Check out the pre-code film "The Greeks had a Word for Them"(on archive.org), "Public Enemy" and the already mentioned "Nightmare Alley".

[–] DorianGray502 9 years ago

___JB did have an incredible figure when she was young, more so than either Marilyn or Jayne. She was relegated to supporting roles, but my favorites are 'Nightmare Alley', and 'Three On A Match'.