Singin' and Dancing Back in Time.: "Catwoman" Julie Newmar. The "Purrfect" Villainess!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

"Catwoman" Julie Newmar. The "Purrfect" Villainess!

Julie Newmar was a "dancer-assassin" in Slaves of Babylon (1953) and the "gilded girl" in Serpent of the Nile (1953). There is a video on youtube of her dancing in this film. It is a little to racy for me to post here. She also danced in several other films: The Band Wagon and Demetrius and the Gladiators. She also worked as a choreographer and dancer for Universal Studios.

Her first major role, was as one of the brides in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954). Her 3 minute Broadway appearance as the leggy "Stupefyin' Jones" in the musical Li'l Abner in 1956 led to a reprise in the 1959 film version. She was also the female lead in the comedy, The Rookie. She also featured in many further films including, Mackenna's Gold (1969).

Newmar had first appeared on Broadway in 1955 in Silk Stockings with, Hildegarde Neff and Don Ameche. She also performed in the 1961 play, The Marriage-Go-Round, which starred Charles Boyer and Claudette Colbert. Newmar developed the role of the Swedish vixen and won a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress. She later performed on stage with Joel Grey in the national tour of, Stop the World. I Want to Get Off and as "Lola" in Damn Yankees! and "Irma" in Irma La Douce.

From an early age, Julie Newmar (Catwoman), studied piano, dance and classical ballet. Julie became prima ballerina for the Los Angeles Opera.

Filmography:

Just for You (1952)
Serpent of the Nile (1953)
The Band Wagon (1953)
Slaves of Babylon (1953)
Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)
Li'l Abner (1959)
The Rookie (1959)
The Marriage-Go-Round (1961)
For Love or Money (1963)
Mackenna's Gold (1969)
The Maltese Bippy (1969)
Mother (1970)
Hysterical (1983)
Love Scenes (1984)
Streetwalkin' (1985)
Evils of the Night (1985)
Deep Space (1987)
Nudity Required (1988)
Body Beat (1988)
Cyber-C.H.I.C. (1989)
Ghosts Can't Do It (1990)
Oblivion (1994)
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) (cameo)
Oblivion 2: Backlash (1996)
If... Dog... Rabbit... (1999)

2 comments:

montyMay 6, 2010 at 6:38 PM
I'm back Dawn, feeling much better now. What a great post to return to as well. I remember Julie as Catwoman from the Batman tv series. She was fantastic. Great video you also posted. I'm raring to get back into the flow of blogging once again.
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DawnMay 7, 2010 at 6:55 AM
Monty, I'm looking forward to reading your movie reviews. Next week, TCM, is showing 3 Doris Day movies. Please Check Noir and Chick Flicks homepage, for new and updated movie reviews.
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