The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Eugene Pallette: Swashbuckling Monk

OK, so Eugene Pallette was not really a monk, but that is an apt description of two of the most memorable characters he ever played.  MovieFanFare posted a brief biography of this great character actor.  With his bullfrog voice and bull-like frame, he could play a police sergeant (the Philo Vance series), a stressed businessman (My Man Godfrey) or a sword-wielding friar who fenced with the likes of Errol Flynn and Basil Rathbone.  (The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Mark of Zorro respectively).

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