On August 28th 2007,the world lost Miyoshi Umeki.You might wonder who this Japanese born actress was.
She was the 1st Asian actor to ever win an Academy Award back in 1958.Shown here with her costar and co-supporting actor winner,Red buttons for Sayonara...
...but it is this piece that will forever put her in my heart.Playing the adorable Mei Li,in Rodgers and Hammerstein's beautiful Chinese musical Flower Drum Song
She played it first on Broadway alongside Pat Suzuki(the ponytail girl)as costar Linda Low.
When she played it on film the movie immediately became a classic,and a childhood favorite film,you know the kind,the ones where you were allowed to stay up late to watch.
In the film the Linda Low role was taken over by Nancy Kwan ,shown here singing "I enjoy being a girl". I love,love,love this song,and sang it along with a tap solo in my 8th grade dance recital.Here is darling Miyoshi singing "A Hundred Million Miracles"from the film.
In the world of pop culture her most recognizable role ,however ,is probably that of Mrs. Livingston,from ,The Courtship of Eddies Father. She retired from acting altogether after this nostalgic television role.
My littlest Petal needed a fall jacket. I decided to create a little tribute to Miyoshi and her special film,one of my favorite movies.I love the colors and that the little person is playing music,almost like my little blossom has an accompanist that serenades her wherever she goes.
The front is simple,with a little Gibson Girl and a collar of crocheted pansies(you may click image to enlarge). Oh,and a little butterfly.
Miyoshi was a delicate butterfly. Goodbye Miyoshi.
20 comments:
"Courtship of Eddie's Father" was one of my favorite shows when I was a kid. I don't remember much of it, but I do remember wondering why "Mr. Eddie's Father" didn't just marry Mrs. Livingston. Although, I guess that would mess up the title of the show!
hey! great post. I've been away and SO missed Jungle Dream! Oh, I used to love Flower Drum Song. Such great songs. And the jacket you are making is so adorable. You're very creative.
Happy fall!!!
My girls love that song too! (Love being a girl) I adore the jacket you put together in her memory.
LOVE the jacket and adding the movies to my netfix list...
Did you do your own embriodery? It is delightful!
I never heard of her but am intrigued, def going to rent the movies! Great post, as always sweets.
Boone just asked - "what about jdp?" - so here we are as a little family and now to rent Flower Drum Song... thanks so jdp for keeping us apprised of events that slip by us unawares... oh Miyoshi! - thank YOU for sharing your beautiful spirit - we will cherish your sweet songs - flowers in our hearts forever...
xox - eb.
Awww, she looks so sweet.
I learn so much from your blog! Thanks for sharing about Miyoshi.
this was a great post!!!! did you know they made Courtship of Eddie's father comic books???
What a lovely tribute to a wonderfully talented women!
The photos you found of her are beautiful and the tribute in the form of the jacket....well, your daughter can wrap herself in this flowering beauty.
Yes, will need to watch this again!!
or woman.....
Her soft spoken determination in "Courtship" always just undid me.
Being a San Francisco girl I loved that movie
Awww! Thanks for sharing, I didn't know anything about her before! She's adorable.
What a lovely informative tribute. I like the old theatre posters, they are so inspiring. Also love the jacket you created, the crocheted pansies on the collar is a beautiful addition.
Miyoshi was beautiful. I have never seen any of those things she was in. I'm curious but I don't love musicals. Maybe I'll make an exception for this one.
did you do the stitching on the jacket?
Bethany and Angelina-
Oh no ,I cannot take credit for that lovely embroidery! I am merely a scavenger,uh,I mean curator for these beautiful vintage linens. I try to give them a new lease on life!
My mom loves Flower Drum Song too. She showed it to various Chinese friends, and they were all offended by the film. Apparently it's really racist and sterotypical. I have been known to sing, "I enjoy being a girl" from time to time, though. I only remember that and "100 Million Miracles" fromt he film.
What a sweet tribute to a lovely lady.
oh thank you for this tribute, your detail of her career was so thorough, a true fan! having loved all these musicals growing up you have inspired me to get this one, i havent seen it for so many years. you are so creative!
on another note: our cliff may neighborhood finally got approval from the city council to stop all modifications on ranchos without approval (no more second story additions with design restrictions to follow soon). we are so happy! there are so few original ranchos left and we love them soooo! xoxo
So sad. It feels like we are rotating changing, so many people, going... Just embers left flickering of a few... Mr. Lovee and I get so nostalgic listening to his soul music, talking about people he played gigs with who are gone.... Sad sad stuff....
As for the jacket, it is absoloutely lovely! Your girls as so so so very lucky to have you as there mommie! xxooo
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