Home » Articles posted by Conner Garrett
Author Archives: Conner Garrett
Natalie Wood
Natalie Wood came into Hollywood as a child star and was able to age into several roles. The movie focuses on her life as an actress but also includes interviews with family and friends (including her stepfather Richard Wagner).
This documentary uses never-before-shared home movies, personal letters, and a who’s who of bygone Hollywood to make its case for this forgotten actress.
Wood began appearing on screen in 1943 at the age of 4 in a 15-second role in a short film called Happy Land. Her talent was recognized by the director, Irving Pichel, who asked her mother to bring her to Los Angeles for a screen test. The test went well, and Natalie Wood was given a part in the movie Tomorrow Is Forever, starring Claudette Colbert and Orson Welles. The movie was a box office hit, but Wood was still a child actress.
When she turned 16, her roles became more adult, with a small role in the forgettable One Desire and the lead in Rebel Without a Cause. This was a socially aware film that depicted teenagers as individuals, not as stereotypes. It proved a huge success and earned her an Oscar nomination.
She continued to appear on TV in anthology shows like Studio One in Hollywood, Camera Three, Kings Row, and Warner Brothers Presents. She was also a guest star in a couple of westerns with Tab Hunter.
By the mid- 1950s, it was clear that Natalie Wood had a special gift as an actress. The public loved her. She was a natural beauty, and she had a rare talent to play both sexy and sweet roles. Her performances made her a teen idol and one of the most popular leading ladies in Hollywood.
At the same time, her personal life was turbulent. Her volatile mother Maria resented her daughter’s success and tried to dominate every aspect of her life. Natalie would often leave home to live with her sister or with an older ex-partner to escape the suffocating atmosphere at home.
In 1956 she met and married actor Robert Wagner, with whom she had a daughter before divorcing him in 1962. She divorced again in 1972 and then remarried him in 1973. He was the love of her life until his death in 1981. They spent much of their time boating on Catalina Island.
Her Film Career
In 1943, Wood landed bit parts in the movies The Moon Is Down and Happy Land, but it was an introduction to director Irving Pichel that set her on the path to stardom. A bit role in Claudette Colbert’s 1947 film Tomorrow Is Forever pulled at America’s heartstrings, and Wood won the role of a wide-eyed little girl who questions Santa Claus’ existence in Miracle on 34th Street. This movie cemented her as a popular child actress. In 1955, she earned her first Oscar nomination for the juvenile delinquent drama Rebel Without a Cause. Her performance, opposite James Dean, made her a screen siren. She followed up with the romantic melodramas Splendor in the Grass and Love with the Proper Stranger.
In 1961, Wood played Maria in Jerome Robbins’ and Robert Wise’s musical West Side Story, which became one of the most successful films of the decade. Her character, a Puerto Rican woman on Manhattan’s West Side, was a modern allegory of Romeo and Juliet that expressed the restlessness of 1950s American youth, as reflected in youth gangs and juvenile delinquency. Wood’s performance garnered her a second Academy Award nomination.
During the 1970s, Wood appeared sporadically on screen as she raised her children. She had a supporting role in John Ford’s The Searchers (1956,) and a small part in Irving Rapper’s Marjorie Morningstar, Delmer Daves’ war film Kings Go Forth, and studio anthology TV shows such as Studio One in Hollywood, Camera Three, and The Kaiser Aluminum Hour.
Wood’s personal life also attracted much attention, particularly after her 18-year-old marriage to actor Robert Wagner, eight years her senior. The pair divorced in 1962. In the midst of her troubles, she was nearly killed on the set of the 1962 thriller The Green Promise when she fell through a broken bridge. The accident left her with a protruding bone in her wrist and a permanent fear of water.
After her acclaimed performance in Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice (1969), Wood began to take on more adult roles. However, the 1979 disaster movie Meteor and the 1980 comedy The Last Married Couple in America failed to find an audience. Her final film was Brainstorm, a science fiction thriller starring Christopher Walken.
Her Personal Life
Throughout her lifetime, Wood had many ups and downs in her personal life. She often fell victim to the exploitative processes of Hollywood, whether by directors who took advantage of her young age or studio executives who looked the other way as she was abused by men. She was also often a victim of gossip and rumor.
Her acting career started at a very young age. Natalie was just 4 years old when she made her first film appearance in the 1943 drama Happy Land. Her nonspeaking role lasted only 15 seconds, but her face and talent grabbed the attention of Irving Pichel who gave her a screen test for a larger role in the following year’s Tomorrow Is Forever. Pichel’s decision was a game-changer for the actress, who soon became a major child star and teenager sensation.
Wood’s mother, Maria Zakharenko, was an aspiring actress herself and did everything she could to promote her daughter’s career. She reportedly forced her daughters into the business and was a controlling and manipulative parent. According to her youngest daughter Lana, she was also a pathological liar and one couldn’t always be sure what she said was the truth.
The teen star’s next big breakthrough came in 1956 when she was cast as the abducted niece of John Wayne’s character in the hit western The Searchers. The film was a critical and commercial success, but Wood was still being saddled with roles that lacked depth. She was paired with teen heartthrob Tab Hunter for many films, but it was in 1961 when she proved herself as a capable leading lady in the urban retelling of Romeo and Juliet called West Side Story. She did all her own dancing in the landmark film, although her singing was dubbed by Marni Nixon.
After the hit film, Wood starred in several other popular movies such as Splendor in the Grass and The Gunslinger. In 1970, she married British producer Richard Gregson and had a daughter with him. After 11 months, the couple separated, and rumors surfaced that he had been unfaithful.
Her Death
The final chapter in Natalie Wood’s life was as mysterious as it was short. She was 43 when she drowned off the coast of California’s Catalina Island. The cause was ruled accidental drowning by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, but there are questions about her time on the boat and bruises found on her body. The mystery surrounding her death hung over the rest of her film career, and she was seen by many as a tragic figure.
A few months before her death, Wood had received an Academy Award nomination for Splendor in the Grass. She was nominated again in 1962 for Love With a Proper Stranger. She had starred in films since she was 4, and she was making the transition from child star to respected actress. She was a coveted leading lady, and she was a fixture of the gossip magazines.
In the years leading up to her death, there was a lot of turmoil in her personal life. She was estranged from her first husband, Robert Wagner, and she had a brief second marriage with British producer Richard Gregson. She also suffered from mental illness. She tried to commit suicide at least once and underwent daily psychoanalysis. She had a great fear of being alone at night, and that stemmed from a prophecy made to her superstitious Russian mother by a Gypsy.
On the night of her death, Wood was on a yacht with Wagner and co-star Christopher Walken. It was anchored off of Southern California’s Catalina Island. At around 11 p.m., the three got into an argument. Wagner reported that he assumed Wood would take off in her small dinghy to get some fresh air, but when she didn’t return after about 15 minutes, he called Harbor Patrol. Her body was later discovered about a mile away from the boat, and her Valiant-brand dinghy was beached nearby.
The case was reopened in 2011 after new information was uncovered, including a sworn statement from the medical examiner that the bruises on her arms and legs were most likely caused before she entered the water, not from her fall into it. Bruises are usually a sign of foul play, but investigators have not been able to identify a person of interest.
Fencing Companies
Fencing Companies Rock Hill SC help homeowners enclose their properties. They can also improve the value of their homes by boosting curb appeal. Some fencing companies have showrooms where customers can test and compare fence materials.
Steel fencing is a good choice in areas with mild climates. However, it is important to note that low-quality steel can rust easily.
Fencing materials can have a significant impact on total project costs. There are many different types of fencing materials, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. For example, wood fencing can be relatively inexpensive, but it also requires regular maintenance and upkeep. On the other hand, chain-link fences are prone to corrosion and require periodic painting. Aluminum is a popular choice because it resists corrosion and doesn’t require any upkeep.
The type of material chosen will also influence the cost of installation and the overall design. For instance, a wooden fence will generally cost less to install than an iron or vinyl one. In addition, a fence that requires an elaborate gate system can significantly increase costs. In addition to the hardware, materials and labor needed to construct the gate itself, a homeowner may need to hire an electrician to lay the necessary 110 volt power lines for lights or security features.
Another factor that can affect fencing costs is the location of the property. If there are large trees located within the project site, it can be expensive to remove them prior to construction. This is especially true when the roots are close to the surface of the ground or if they interfere with building codes that require corner posts to be set in concrete.
Finally, it’s important to take into account that many manufacturers offer discounts to professional contractors. This can add up to a substantial savings for a homeowner who works with a reputable local company.
A well-designed and constructed fence can enhance a home’s beauty, provide privacy, and increase its value. It can even reduce energy costs by providing a barrier from the elements. However, it’s important to plan carefully and understand the costs associated with a fencing project before beginning the process. Getting estimates from several companies can help a homeowner choose the right style and material for their specific needs. The best way to avoid costly surprises is to choose a contractor with experience in the industry and good reviews from past clients. This will ensure that the final product meets expectations and is built correctly.
Cost of Installation
The cost of installing a fencing system can vary significantly depending on the materials used. Fences made from wood, vinyl and metal all have different costs, so the choice of material is an important consideration when planning a new fence. Adding gates, upgrading the finish or selecting an ornate style can also increase the cost of the project.
If you want to save money, consider doing the work yourself instead of hiring a professional. However, a fencing project can be time-consuming and physically demanding, so make sure you’re up for it before taking on this challenge. Also, remember that you’ll need to buy the required tools and equipment, such as a power auger or manual auger to drill holes for fence posts.
Another major factor that influences the cost of fencing is the terrain where the fence will be built. Flat, soft soil is ideal for fence construction, but rocky or hilly areas will require more labor and expense. In addition, if there are trees on the property that need to be moved or removed, these expenses should be factored in as well.
In most jurisdictions, you’ll need a permit to build a fence. The fee for a permit typically costs around $200 to $1,200. You may also need to pay for a land survey that marks your property lines and shows where the fence can legally be built.
The cost of a fence also depends on the style and height you choose. A basic chain link fence costs about $7 per linear foot, while a welded wire fence averages $8 to $25 per square foot. Other types of fences, such as palisade fences, are more expensive and are usually installed around industrial properties to provide extra security.
Once you’ve selected the type of fence, it’s a good idea to get an estimate from a local fencing company before beginning construction. Many fence installation companies have apps that let you plug in your project details and provide a quote. This can help you stay within your budget and avoid surprises during the project.
Cost of Permits
A fencing company can provide a variety of materials, styles, and installation services. It can also help a homeowner get a permit to build their fence. Permits are required for many types of construction, including fencing. Permit fees vary by location and type of construction. However, it is important to know whether or not a permit is needed before starting work on a project.
If a homeowner wants to install a new fence, they must first check with their local city or township about building permits. Some areas require a permit for any structure that is more than 6 feet tall. Others have restrictions on the height of a fence and on the material used. Some areas may also have specific regulations about setbacks.
Fencing is an excellent sport for kids. Not only does it teach them to think on their feet, but it can also increase their confidence and problem-solving skills. In addition, it can improve their mental well-being and help them develop self-discipline and a positive attitude towards work.
When choosing a fencing company, homeowners should look for those with convenient scheduling options. They can use online tools to schedule their estimate, or call a company that offers in-store estimates. This will give them the flexibility to choose a time that works best for their schedules.
Some fencing companies offer financing options for homeowners who are not ready to pay for their fence outright. This can take the form of a credit card with zero-percent interest, or a loan from a third party. However, it is important to choose a company that can handle this type of financing.
A fencing company that serves the Brooklyn metro can help homeowners with their fencing needs. This includes constructing and installing wood, ornamental, PVT, and hedge slat fences, as well as swing and walking gates. It can also help a homeowner install window guards and stair railings. The company’s skilled specialists can handle ironworks and corrugated fencing as well. It is also possible for a homeowner to share the cost of a fence with a neighbor. However, this is not a universal rule and depends on the relationship with the neighbors.
Cost of Landscaping
When building a fence, you may need to spend money on landscaping associated with the project. This can be to beautify the area, provide privacy or a sense of security, or create property boundaries. Some companies will include landscaping with the cost of a fencing system, while others charge for it separately. You can also expect to pay for regrading the land and removing any trees that might interfere with construction.
Before starting a fencing company, you must determine the costs of your business and the type of licensing required in your state or region. You can check with your local chamber of commerce or the Small Business Administration to find out the requirements. Also, make sure to get a business plan to help you identify your customers and set goals for your company.
Once you have a clear understanding of the costs involved in running your fencing company, you can start looking for clients. Start by advertising in your community by using online listing sites and by distributing brochures and flyers. You can also attend local events and network with other small business owners. Once you have a list of potential customers, you can contact them and ask for an estimate.
Fencing contractors are responsible for constructing and installing a variety of fence types, including wood, vinyl, aluminum, and chain-link. They can also install custom gates, deck railings, and pergolas. In addition, they often offer landscape and lawn care services. It is important to choose a qualified fencing contractor to ensure that your project is completed properly.
Choosing the right fencing contractor can save you time and money. Look for a contractor with experience and a good reputation. Ask for references and check their website to see if they have a portfolio of past projects.
When comparing costs, make sure to consider the total cost of the project, including labor and materials. It is important to factor in any additional expenses, such as regrading the soil or removing any trees that may interfere with the construction process. It is also a good idea to hire a professional to ensure that your project is up to code and looks great.