Hello:I am writing a book currently under consideration by St. Martin's Press on the making of the film The Women. I have included a chapter on some of the fascinating supporting players and would love the opportunity to communicate with you about your mother. Howard Mutte- Mewes (former assistant to Mildred Shay) gave me your email address and suggested that you might be gracious enough to assist me.
I understand that you might not have any stories or information on your mother's experiences on the set of the film, but it would be great to hear your own impressions of your mother and her life as an actress. I've always appreciated her knowing and light touch, particularly in comedy roles. She made it all look so easy, breezing through her roles with twinkle in her eye and her tongue planted firmly in her cheek.
We could work by phone, or I would be happy to send you a few questions to answer in writing.
Thank you for your consideration.
Charles Davis
Dear Ruth Hussey,And I thought I could no longer be surprised
I never thought I'd see the day that Ruth Hussey had a web site.
This truly is a marvelous world.I often see your films on TCM and elsewhere and enjoy them as much today
as I did 40 years ago, when I first started watching them."Thanks" for so many delightful hours,
is hardly adequate recompense but perhaps brevity is still best.Respectfully,
Jeff Perrenoud
Dear John,Your mother, Ruth Hussey, is a wonderful actress and great talent. Her presence in any movie always made for a touch of class. I am so happy to hear that she is alive and well at age 93!! Please tell her she has a fan in me -- a 38-year- old stay-at-home mother of three from suburban Philadelphia. Please thank her for me for all the joy she has brought to so many via her talent!
Sincerely,
Mary Ranaudo-Somers
Philadelphia PA
Dear Ms. Hussey:I write this as a longtime fan, and also as an author of many books on film history, including GREAT HOLLYWOOD MOVIES. Certainly one of the greatest was THE PHILADELPHIA STORY, and in watching it the other day (not for the first time) I was again struck by your splendid performance in this movie. You had many memorable lines and projected an intelligence and wit that made the character of Liz come alive. ("Wipe the spit out of your eye," you tell Jimmy Stewart, after he's been bested by Tracey Lord.)
Thanks for your many other performances, including one stage performance in STATE OF THE UNION.
Sincerely,
Ted SennettAn Author of books about motion picture history |
Hi,My friend and I were watching THE UNINVITED tonight... Her talent has NOT aged, like other "over the top" performers from that time. She could walk into ANY film today and STILL be contemporary... EVEN if she had the costumes from back then!
A TRIBUTE to her natural gifts...
Dave Plomin
Chicago, IL
Dear JohnI was so pleased to see on the website that you mother is alive and well. Philadelphia Story is one of a few movies that I can watch again and again, and one of the reasons is your mother's fine performance. It seems that your mother has held up as well as her role. To stand out in such a magnificent cast is remarkable, and she more than earned her nomination.
I just wanted to pass on to your mom that she is very much remembered and respected, and that a fan out here in the Czech Republic wishes her well.
Very Sincerely,
Patrick Cunningham
Dear Ms Hussey,Just noticed a movie on TV which you made with Ray Milland. I was a teenager in the 40's and enjoyed your movies. I am very pleased to know that you are doing well and certainly hope that all continues well with you.
Best wishes,
Jim Benton
Miss HusseyJust wanted to let you know that you are one of my all-time favorite actresses. My wife and I watch "Philadelphia Story" every few weeks or so. Frankly, I think you are one of the most beautiful actresses to grace the silver screen.
Best to you!
Lon
Beautiful, classy, talented, elegant -- these words can only begin to describe Ruth Hussey. I am a 16 year old fan who has seen many of your films. Each time you appear on that screen I am impressed by how wonderful you are. Thank you for everything you have done to bring joy to so many.With love, gratitude and best wishes,
Carrie
Dear Miss Hussey,Only yesterday, I watched your performance in "Blackmail" (1939), which I had taped off of TCM, and I was moved today to search the internet for more info about your work. I'm sure that you already know that "H.M. Pulham Esq." was on during the summer as well. My VCR was set to tape that one too in order not to miss your performance. I consider it an honor to be able to send off this note via email to you to let you know how much I enjoy your work and to send to you my very best regards!!
By the way, "Another Thin Man" (1939) is on tonight on TCM!! So you don't need three guesses to figure to which channel my VCR will be set to tape!!
Most gratefully,
Neil Kelly
Hello,My name is Jim Gaddis and I been been totally entranced with you since seeing you in "The Philadelphia Story," The screen always becomes brighter for me when watching your performances... they never seem to date. Still as fresh after all these years. I search every month for your Movies on TV.
My Wife and I recently viewed "The Uninvited." A truely memorable movie with you and Ray Milland. We loved it.
I just felt compelled to let you know that there are many people out there who remember you and let you know how much we enjoy your work on film.
Thank God for Video!!
I wish you all the Best...
Take Care
Jim Gaddis
Ruth Hussey Movies on Television: TV Schedule |
Love your movies and performances. Just watched the “Uninvited” as we do every year at this time of the season, and I cannot help thinking what a beautiful actress you are. Thank you for the gift you’ve given us all. Wish all actors could be as classy as you.A true fan,
Tim Osner
Dear Ruth Hussey,Ironically I worked with my long time friend John on the Academy Award winning film "The Sting" 25 years before I found out he was your son. And before I found out you were his illustrious mother, I was a fan.
Loving the films of the '40's and 50's and the smart strong, sassy, women in those sophisticated comedies or a femme fatale of the film noire genre, your talent and beauty captured my attention and imagination.
Being a lesser luminary in the celestial heaven of Hollywood Stars I know, more than some of us mere mortals, how the stars truly shine. And as the years slip away, isn't it wonderful that through the cinematic immortality of film, you will continued to be seen and admired by your fans at your best and most compelling visage and talent.
Thank you for being Ruth Hussey.
Lee Paul
Hello Ruth,I just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your performance in The Philadelphia Story.
I was very pleased to see that you are doing fine, after finding this site.
All the best to you.I thank you!
Scott Sibbick
The Philadelphia Story on Turner Classic Movies
Ruth Hussey Movies on Television: TV Schedule |
My wife and I have just watched you in The Philadelphia Story yet again, and again we loved you. Stay well and happy. We're 57 and are Ruth Hussey fans.Anthony Weber
Palm Desert, CA
Dear Ms. Hussey,Having recently rewatched The Philadelphia Story (a longtime favorite), I was struck anew by your performance. You were surrounded by so many wonderful actors in that film that your own work could have gotten swallowed -- but didn't. Your character was such a "modern" person... so easy to see her using a cell phone today or digital camera... she is closer to the roles Sandra Bullock plays these days... I am glad to show my 11 year old that smart, working women have always existed. From your biography on this website you obviously have lived a full and contented life and probably don't want to hear about something you did 60 years ago... but I enjoyed your work so much, I wanted to express that it was as fun to watch today as when you originally played it. And finally, so glad to hear that a cast member from that wonderful movie is still around to talk to...
Sincerely,
Ellen Maloney
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Dear Ms. Hussey,I'm so pleased to find your website and especially happy to hear that you are doing well!
I just finished watching "The Philadelphia Story." I've lost count how many times I've seen it! I wanted to add my voice to the many wonderful notes that you have received in your guestbook. Your performance as Liz was incredible. You delivered those great lines with such wit. The movie is timeless. Thank you for all of your great performances and continued good health to you.
Sincerely,
Jenny Smith Westfield NJ
So happy to be addressing this note to you to thank you for the great pleasures your film performances have given me over the years. I am at this moment watching "Philadelphia Story," and think you added just the right class and grace to the proceedings. I am 70, and spent much of my young years in front of a movie screen -- as so many of my generation did. My favorite film is "The Uninvited" in which you hone, I thought.Best wishes for good health and thanks for every stellar performance.
Janet Grayson
Dear Ruth Hussey,I have just seen "The Philadelphia Story" for the 6th time, and I absolutely love it. I haven't seen characters or a script this charming in present day films. Thank you for your contribution to American film. I will make sure that when I have children that they see this movie to show them that films can be funny and inspiring and still clever. What a delight!
With Gratitude,
Jessica Stanford
Dear Ruth Hussey,I'm so glad that I found your web site so I could write to you and tell you how much I have always loved seeing you on the silver screen. Of course, I see you more often now on television. In fact, I've seen The Uninvited and The Philadelphia Story just recently. Both of these movies show how much star quality you really have. It is difficult to stand out among those with whom you stared with in those two movies, but indeed you did. I've always remembered you as a special and beautiful lady.
Take care of yourself my dear Ms. Hussey. And thanks for the wonderful performances.
Fondly,
Robert Vatical
Dear Miss Hussey,Writing from the french speaking part of Canada, I just want to tell you that you are a very good actress. I liked your pictures very much. I've seen many of your movies and I'm still hoping to see you back on screen one day... Take care!!!
A french canadian fanFrancois St-Germain
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Dear Miss Hussey,I just watched "The Philadelphia Story" again, it's one of my most favorites. I went online afterwards and looked up your name to see which other movies I could see you in, when I came across this site! I just had to let you know how wonderful you were in that film! Yours was my favorite character! Thank you so much for the wonderful enjoyment I feel every time I see that film! Hope all is well with you!
All my best wishes!
Christy Mathers
Scottsdale, AZ
Dear Ruth Hussey:I just saw the movie "The Uninvited" on AMC a few weeks back, and so enjoyed it, that I ordered the tape. In just a few words... it is so sad that the "class" is totally gone from the movies of today. Thank goodness for the classics...
Cynthia
Dear Miss Hussey,When I saw this email address I had to write to express my admiration for your work, especially "The Philadelphia Story" and "The Uninvited." I hope you are well, and I hope you actually see this email.
Kindest Regards,
Michael LaBaugh
Portland, Oregon
Hi Ms. Hussey,I am so privileged to have been able to be acquainted through telephone and eMail. I hope to meet you in person someday. I am very intrigued about your life and film career and will be watching the classics just to see you on screen. I’m grateful that your son and I have become friends even though we are 2000 miles apart. I don’t know a man that regards his mother any higher!!
Thanks for sharing the photo’s -- you are stunningly beautiful!
Roy Lee Scott
"The Flying Cowboy"
Altus, Oklahoma
My Dear Lady:While scanning the Internet this morning I stumbled upon your web page and am delighted to know you are up and at 'em and well.
I am retired Colonel William T Harris, US Army and from 1957-60 was a regular army advisor to the RI National Guard.
My family and I lived one house away from your lovely mother and have fond memories of her. One Sunday she brought you to our house because she wanted you to meet us, which was a nice twist. We had a very pleasant visit.
Major O'Rourke had a great interest in things military and he and I had many good sessions over Pat Brannon's back yard fence. The major was a splendid gentleman.
Your mother's kind and gentle presence in my family's world during those years contributed to what was an enjoyable tour of duty for us.
Once again, I am delighted that such a charmer as you is alive and well and I hope you are still able to get a lot of happiness out of this cockeyed world.
Sincerely,
Bill Harris
Hi John,Steve Isherwood at the Hussey House in Providence here.
I just bought a contract online that your Mom signed. It is with CBS Television for a program called "Climax" to air on Sept 26, 1957 sponsored by Chrysler. And she was paid $5000. That was a lot of money back then. I'm still hoping that you have some pictures and info that you will let me have for the wall in the house dedicated to your Mom.
And if you ever need an extra on a set of a movie, just let me know. :) I've been in 3 movies so far. Matinee in 1990 with John Goodman, Meet Joe Black with Anthony Hopkins and Providence -- and a movie, recently filmed in Providence with Matthew Broderick.
So I guess living in the Hussey House has given me the acting bug. I'm also in a top notch Barbershop Quartet called "Applause." We are the Yankee Division Quartet Champs for southern New England and we are expected to win the Northeastern District Quartet Contest in Saratoga Springs, NY in October.
Take care,
Steve Isherwood
179 Ontario St Providence, RI 02907
Tel: 401-941-1978
eMail: SIsherwood@aol.com |
Site: http://JL-Site3.com/BarbershopQuartet/Applause.html |
Ontario Street | Providence, RI
A recent visit by Ruth Hussey relatives at her childhood home in Providence, RI. There is a granddaughter, a daughter, a niece or two and a couple of grand nieces. Pretty neat. The owner now keeps the home all fixed up, and the family is very grateful.
