I’ve recently added a true gem to my collection: an original 1972 press photo of the radiant Jane Seymour. The inscription on the back tells a thrilling story: "4 Nov 1972, Heathrow, London. Jane Seymour, 21, leaves Europe for New Orleans to star in the new James Bond film, alongside Roger Moore."

When Jane Seymour boarded that flight on November 4, 1972, she was a 21-year-old actress leaving behind a steady role in the British drama The Onedin Line. By the time she landed in New Orleans, she was entering the "Bond machine," a transition that would permanently alter her career trajectory.

• The "Fillet of Soul" Restaurant: Located at 826 Chartres Street, this was the site of a tense confrontation between Bond and Kananga’s men.
• The Opening Jazz Funeral: The haunting opening sequence was filmed at the intersection of Chartres Street and Dumaine Street.
• The Legendary Boat Chase: Much of the film’s action took place just outside the city in the Louisiana Bayous, specifically around Slidell and the Irish Bayou, where Bond’s famous speedboat jump over Highway 11 was staged.

SUBSTANTIALNESS and warmth of the country pervades the exterior of this house. Indoors, all the suavity of a city apartment in the dropped-floor living room. Large floor-to-ceiling bay with small panes and the fireplace seem early American. Dining room, one step up, with a honey of a glassed-in sun porch and its indoor-outdoor garden and sliding glass partition — ultra modern. Equally smart; dining alcove, large pantry, walk-in closet, two baths, one with built-in vanity.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

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 There is a unique thrill in finally tracking down a rare piece of cinematic history. This morning, I officially added an incredible on-set photo from the 1963 neo-noir thriller The Yellow Canary to my collection. Holding a physical piece of production history feels like a direct link to the Golden Age of Hollywood, capturing a moment of focused artistry before the cameras even started rolling.

The Yellow Canary itself is a fascinating, gritty slice of 60s cinema. Written by the legendary Rod Serling (of The Twilight Zone fame), the film follows a wealthy, arrogant pop singer whose life is upended when his infant son is kidnapped. It’s a tense, psychological journey that moves away from the glossy musicals of the era and dives into a darker, more suspenseful atmosphere.

Of course, the heart of the visual appeal—and a major reason this photo is such a prize—is the presence of the gorgeous Barbara Eden. Long before she became a household name in I Dream of Jeannie, Eden was proving her range as a dramatic actress. In this film, she plays Lissa Paxton, the distraught mother. Even in a high-stakes thriller, her elegance and screen presence are undeniable. Seeing her "in character" on set reminds you why she became one of the most enduring icons of the screen; she possesses that rare mix of classic beauty and genuine emotional depth.

TONE OF MORE leisurely era created by graceful curved staircase leading up from large entrance foyer to second floor bedrooms and bath with tub and stall shower. Luxurious details heighten pleasant side of life. Large terrace with pool accessible from dining room, breakfast nook and kitchen. Powder room with shower easily reached from center hall and garage. Den has private covered porch with garden.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

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 There's something truly special about holding a piece of cinematic history in your hands, a tangible link to the magic that unfolded on screen decades ago. Today, I'm thrilled to announce a fantastic new addition to my collection: an original on-set photo from the 1954 film, The Long, Long Trailer. This candid shot, capturing the iconic Lucille Ball alongside other cast members and crew, offers a wonderful glimpse into the production of a beloved classic. It's not just a photo; it's a window into the past, a silent story of a moment frozen in time during the creation of a film that continues to bring joy to audiences.

The Long, Long Trailer is more than just a comedy; it's a testament to the undeniable chemistry between Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, who, by this point, were household names thanks to their groundbreaking television series, I Love Lucy. The film sees them as newlywed Tacy and Nicky Collini, embarking on an ambitious cross-country honeymoon in a ridiculously oversized travel trailer. What ensues is a series of escalating comedic mishaps, from navigating treacherous mountain roads to attempting a disastrous dinner party inside the cramped confines of their mobile home. The movie masterfully blends physical comedy with heartwarming marital squabbles, showcasing the everyday absurdities of life and love on the road. It remains a delightful watch, a perfect example of mid-century American humor and a charming exploration of domesticity under unusual circumstances.

At the heart of The Long, Long Trailer is, of course, Lucille Ball, a woman whose influence on comedy and cinema history is simply immeasurable. Before I Love Lucy cemented her status as a global superstar, Lucy had a robust career in Hollywood, transitioning from a model to a B-movie actress, slowly honing her craft and developing that extraordinary comedic timing. What made Lucy truly revolutionary was her fearless commitment to physical comedy. She wasn't afraid to look silly, disheveled, or utterly ridiculous – in fact, she embraced it. Her rubbery face, expressive eyes, and willingness to throw herself into any slapstick scenario set her apart. She shattered perceptions of what a leading lady could be, proving that women could be hilariously funny and command an audience with their wit and physical prowess. From her groundbreaking work in television as an actress and a powerful studio executive, to her enduring cinematic roles like Tacy Collini, Lucille Ball wasn't just an entertainer; she was a pioneer, a comedic genius who paved the way for countless performers and left an indelible mark on the landscape of entertainment that continues to resonate today.

BIG ENOUGH to hold all of life’s treasures — small enough to fit your purse. Clean, straight lines without monotony describes exterior. Living room one of two moods: intimate, friendly mood of fireplace corner, light-hearted mood of perpetual spring created by the corner window wall and indoor-outdoor garden. Interesting angle to double window in dining room has exterior built-up window box suggesting a morning greeting from bright geraniumiums. Bathroom has separate wash bowl and toilet compartments. Three bedrooms off rear hall.

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source: 53 house plans for 1953 by Rudolph A. Matern

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