One of things that Google does is to occasionally modify the logo at the top of its search page with a “Doodle”. Today, for all Canada, the Doodle is a celebration of Marie Dressler’s 152nd Birthday. See it yourself by going to Google’s home page – click the Doodle and get the results of a Google search for Marie Dressler. Cobourg Council recently declared today (November 9) as Marie Dressler Day – can we imagine that Google noticed? Normally, the Marie Dressler Foundation would be holding a Birthday celebration event like they did in 2018 but this year the celebration is virtual.
In addition to the Doodle, Google also has a page where they explain what the Doodle is about. Here is what they say on that page:
November 9, 2020
Marie Dressler’s 152nd Birthday
Today’s Doodle celebrates the 152nd birthday of Oscar-winning Canadian-American stage and screen actress, comedian, and singer Marie Dressler, who is widely considered one of the most significant actors of early-1930s film. With her signature style of raucous slapstick humor, Dressler challenged stereotypes to become one of Hollywood’s most unconventional stars.
Marie Dressler was born Leila Marie Koerber on this day in 1868 in Cobourg, a Canadian town on the shore of Lake Ontario. She began acting with stock companies by the age of 14. Over the following years, Dressler showcased her comedic chops in vaudeville, burlesque, and revue performances and ascended from local theater all the way to Broadway musicals.
By 1896, Dressler was a certified theater phenomenon. She reached the apex of her stage career in the 1910 Broadway hit “Tillie’s Nightmare,” which was adapted for the big screen four years later. The result was the first-ever feature-length comedy film “Tillie’s Punctured Romance” — a massive box office hit in which Dressler co-starred alongside a young Charlie Chaplin.
Dressler’s rich stage voice proved a perfect fit for the “talkie” films that came along in the late ‘20s. She delivered a show-stealing performance in the 1930 drama “Anna Christie,” and the following year, her talent was recognized at the highest level when she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1930 film “Min and Bill.”
Happy birthday to a legendary star whose talent and humor knew no bounds.
The graphic (above) is cool but includes a poor image of Marie – there’s a better one here.
Maybe the Museum (when it re-opens) will get more visitors as a result of this publicity.
Marie Dressler Foundation is planning an expansion to the House; the museum will grow to include two other Canadian women Hollywood stars: Norma Shearer and Mary Pickford.
Links
- Google Doodle explanation page
- Google Doodle Archives
- Marie Dressler Web site
- Marie Dressler’s Birthday Party – 16 November 2018
- Progress on New Museum – 15 January 2020
Print Article:
Currently open to Dec. 4 through Northumberland News there is a survey on Tourism for any who should wish to contribute their thoughts and any actions they would like to see.
Very good catch John. When I saw it, the ‘black & white’ of it attracted my attention. Pleasantly surprised that Google noticed. Glad to see another positive reference to Cobourg.
Just a note that a photo of Marie accepting the Academy Award is the feature picture In today’s Globe & Mail on page A2 under “Moment in Time”.
Glad to see that cobourgblog.com took notice and posted details.
I admit my first impression was “who is that woman in the sketch that they are honouring today?”
Happy way to start the day, in any case.
Rick Miller must be proud of all his hard work and dedication to a Cobourg celebrity. Thanks Rick for stepping up and helping to preserve Cobourg history. Your efforts are much appreciated.