It Was Anything But A "Hot September," Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              "Hot September" was a musical version of William Inge's play "Picnic" that was supposed to open at the Alvin Theatre on Broadway in October 1965, but closed in Boston.  Somewhere along the way, if I recall, a cast recording was made.

                                This September was a soggy one, and no "picnic morning, without a warning."

                                 Still, we managed to see a stirring production of Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," and I even got to see a movie with my movie maven friend, Chris.  We saw "The Nun 2" last Monday, and what a hoot!  I will be sure to post it soon.

                                   Along with David, I celebrated the Jewish high holidays, and St. Andrews thankfully returned to their Saturday 5PM service.

                                    David survived the deluge yesterday but had to walk two hours home to our place from where he works, in downtown Brooklyn.  He had just gotten over a regular cold, not Covid, and I got my latest Covid booster and flu shots last Sunday.

                                      Two outstanding books I read this month were "Into The Bright Sunshine--Young Hubert Humphrey And The Fight For Civil Rights," by my classmate, Samuel G. Freedman, which I urge all on here to read.  Both David and I read and liked Sarah Addison Allen's novel, "Other Birds," which was more in my comfort zone.  Also recommended.

                                       And we have some things coming up in October.  Don't forget "Trilogy Of Terror" tonight; what a way to cap off a month.

                                         See you next month, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Just think--we are three quarters of the way through 2023!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      

                                

Girls, Don't Miss Tonight's Show, As "Svengoolie" Presents One Of Our Favorites, "Trilogy Of Terror!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                           See how Karen Black is inviting us all, darlings????????????????????

                           This is the one where she plays several characters--a spinster English teacher, named Julie, twin siblings named Therese and Millicent, and Amelia, who is menaced by the killer Zuni doll in the last, and most famous story.  The two bookend stories, all originated with Richard Matheson.

                             

                              Baby Gojira cannot wait.  And there is no truth to the rumor that he played the Zuni doll!

                                But my favorite in the bunch, really, is "Julie," based on Richard Matheson's short story, "The Likeness Of Julie," which I have always wanted to read.  Karen Black remarkably gets the spinster stereotype right, then turns it on its head!

                                                                                

                            Here is Karen Black as "Julie."  Don't study with her, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            See you all, tonight at 8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An Open Message To The Broadway Company Of "Merrily We Roll Along--" The Raving Queen Is Coming! And You Had Better Be Ready!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Yes, girls, next Saturday, October 6, I see the first revival on Broadway of the musical "Merrily We Roll Along," since the original 1981 Broadway production, which I saw.

                              But the things I am worried about?  Will Beth deliver an impassioned "Not A Day Goes By," like she should?  Because the one I saw in the London production did not.  Will Daniel Radcliffe play Charley with a beard?  You had better not, Dan, dear, because Charley is the last vestige of innocence and integrity among the inhabitants of the show's world, and an innocent look is essential to portray the character.

                                  More important, how will Daniel handle something like "Franklin Shepard, Inc?"  Oh, my God!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Will Gussie be the more interesting character she has become over the years, rather than a venomous bitch?  And will the last fifteen minutes of the show break the hearts of those old enough to know the original, and are now the age, or older, of the characters in the opening scene?  When I was young, "Our Time" was just a gorgeous song.  It still is, but at the last 'Merrily' I saw, now I am of age, it just broke my heart.

                                     You have been warned, dolls!  That is Saturday, October 6, 2PM.  The Raving Queen will be watching.

                                       Step carefully, loves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Frieda Inescourt's Perfomance In "The Return Of The Vampire" Is A Master Class In Style And Elocution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Anyone having seen this film will want to dress and speak like Frieda as Lady Jane Ainsley.  Those stern clipped tones belie a warmth, missing in someone like, say Gladys Cooper, in one of her nasty roles.  But Frieda, no matter what film, is always beautifully modulated.  I would guess she was seen for the role of Lisa in "Now, Voyager," but that part went to Ilka Chase.

                                       Still, Lady Jane knows how to battle vampires, and safe enslaved werewolves' souls, as elegantly as giving an afternoon tea.  I think this film is on YouTube, so if you missed it last Saturday on "Svengoolie," see it there, and learn to behave and act like Frieda as Lady Jane!

                                        To start, practice saying "Sir Frederick" a lot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something Lovely For You Girls To Hear To Brighten Your Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I am sure many on here have heard the glorious voice of Barbara Cook; if not from me, then elsewhere.  One of her least know songs, was in the undeservedly short run musical, "The Grass Harp," in 1971, which marked her return to the stage, with a noticeable weight gain, but a voice untouched by time.

                            The musical, by Kenward Elmslie and Claibe Richardson was adapted from Truman Capote's novella, about the Talbo sisters, one of whom, Dolly, (Cook) lives in a treehouse.  She has this gorgeous song, "Chain Of Love" that never really made it into her repertory, and I wish it had.  Her vocals are simply exquisite If only ENCORES would do this.  I can just hear Jessie Mueller, or maybe Celia Keenan-Bolger, singing this.

                                Here it is--

.                                  Just savor this.  And hope this brightens your day, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     

Free Again, For Another Six Months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             At least as far as dental matters are concerned.

                                           Yes, girls, Autumn means here more doctor visits for both David and I; I saw my endocrinologist last week, and David sees a doctor on October 6.  And somewhere in there we have visits with our dermatologist, and I with my cardiologist.

                                              Oh, don't worry there is fun stuff coming up, and I will share.  And other things I must share with you.  If I have seemed absent on here for a while, medicine is the reason.

                                              When one retires, work hours can often be replaced by doctor visits.

An Update On Nicholas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Alas, save for Cujo, Ruby and Troy, my animal friends are not doing well.  You just heard about Dexter.  Now, I have an update on my lovely Nicholas.

                        Nicholas is still safely and independently ensconced in his surroundings in Park Slope.  However, in the last two weeks, no one has visited him, and I think he is very unhappy.  He has gained back some weight, I hear, but is still acting out by pooping all over the place.  He has had every test, and there is nothing physiologically wrong with him.  He feels unloved and is tired of being shunted from home to home.  He probably feels he does not know what will happen next.

                          Girls, send your love to Nicholas.  I so wish I could visit him.  I have made it clear to the owner I would do anything to help Nicholas.  But it's like he does not hear me.

                            Meanwhile, Nicholas suffers.  I know a visit and some play time with him would cheer him up.

                            What can I do, darlings????????????????????????

Here Is The Latest From Our Beloved Canine Friend, Dexter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              This is the House Of Dexter.

                                                             

                                   This is Dexter surveying his property at sunset, like Scarlett and her father, at Tara!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                 

                              And here is Dexter, pining for visitors.  I wish I could visit him.  Dexter needs some cheering up.  Everyone, send your love to Dexter.

                                                                               

                                    And here is Dexter showing how bored he is with Hickory, North Carolina.  He needs the bright lights and the big city, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   We love you, Dexter, and are always thinking of you.

Here Are Some More Swaths Of Color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Here is some more work from, I believe, Charles de Vilmorin. Aren't the styles are just brilliant.  And I think it is about time men started embracing themselves, and if they want to wear something like this, they should.  Only make sure it is tailor made for you, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Fashion Week has largely been disappointing, except for some of these stand outs.

                                          Embrace color, girls!  It looks good, and makes one feel good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Your social event will be made!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Have You Seen The Latest From The de Vilmorin Collection????????????????

                             There is no doubt, girls, from these pictures, that Charles de Vilmorin is the designer of the day, and he needs to bring his stuff to New York.  Look at the color on those jackets.  I want to wear each and every one.

                              And how about that dress, pictured above.  Darlings, a de Vilmorin outfit, head to toe, would make my evening.  But, really, Charles, can't you get fixed up in a shop in SoHo?????????  People will be clamoring for your style.

                              While I will be so happy to promote it.

                               Vive la France, and Charles de Vilmorin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              And he is only 26, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ever Had Days Like This, Girls????????????????????????

                                     I have, I can tell you.  The evening after watching "The Return Of The Vampire," I had a bad night, where I could not sleep.  It happens every couple of months.  I don't know what to do. 

                                      Also, this dreary weather, courtesy of Ophelia, is getting me down in the dumps.  I mean, five straight days of gloom????????????  Add to that the elevator in our building is not working, we are on the fifth floor, we have some elderly folk up on six, and no sign of when repair will begin.  I feel like Joan Fontaine in "Rebecca."  Wish I had her wardrobe, though.

                                        Take me to Wonderland, Alice!  I am ready.

Girls, Make Sure You Lock Your Doors Before Sleeping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            If you want to keep on looking like Frances Dade, here, darlings, you had better lock up before you go to sleep.  If you don't want vampire hickeys in the middle of the night, you might want to hang out some garlic and wolfbane.

                              I mean, us girls have to get our beauty rest, and it cannot be disturbed by two legged vermin.  Oh, and keep a crucifix at hand, to drive said visitor away.

                               But what a great close-up shot.

                                We should all look that good, when asleep.

Tonight "Svengoolie" Presents A Film Very Special To Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           This film is special in many ways, but for me it was the very first horror film I ever saw, and it scared me outright.  The scene where the children are sleeping, and the double doors open, wind blowing, and leaves pouring in, and the vampire enters, standing over the little girl's bed truly frightened me.  I thought for a long time that someone was going to come into my room, even though it was above ground, and hurt me.

                                             Needless to say, I never forgot it.  But there are some other special things about this movie.

                                              It marked the screen debut of Nina Foch.  Oh, my God, that hair!  And this is Frieda Inescourt's signature performance, as Lady Jane Ainsely. Darlings, her style of dress, and her stern, clipped tones in speaking are just too much, and, I am sure, invited a whole slew of Inescourt imitators.  But only she defined it.

                                                Now, starring Bela Lugosi, in what essentially is his Dracula role, one might think the film would be titled "The Return Of Dracula."  That is what Columbia, who released the film, in 1943, wanted to call it.  But because of copyright ownership by Universal, the name had to be changed to the wonderful "Armand Tesla."  Listen to how caressingly Inescourt pronounces that name, at the start! 

                                                 Fifteen years later, Francis Lederer played the Count in 1958's "The Return Of Dracula," released by a lesser film company, United Artists.  Maybe that is how the copyright problem was solved.  However, when this film was released to television, where I first saw it, the title was changed to "The Curse Of Dracula."   Confused?  Don't worry, girls.

                                                   "The Return Of The Vampire" is considered by many film historians to be an unofficial sequel to "Dracula."  Too bad it took twelve years.  Had Universal released it, the title indeed would have been "The Return Of Dracula."  So, remember, girls, for all this talk of "Armand Tesla," Lugosi is essentially playing Dracula.

                                                      This is one film, girls, not to be missed.  Hope to see you at 8PM.  Baby Gojira and Pippin are SO excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           And here is the film's iconic shot, with Nina Foch.  How many of us would love to have that hair????????????????

                                                       

Lest We Forget.................

                              This, of course, is the most important blog post of the day.  Thirteen years ago, this evening, Tyler Clementi, that sweet young man, took his fatal leap from the George Washington Bridge, having been outed by two I still find unforgivable.  It changed the fabric of the LGBQT community.

                               Not only that, but it also brought focus to bullying and teen-aged suicide.   The Trevor Project, the "It Gets Better" movement, and The Tyler Clementi Foundation all developed in the wake of this tragedy.

                                 Maybe this is why a feeling of sadness permeated me today.  I can't help thinking of Tyler's last moments on the bridge, feeling no help for him was unavailable.  And then that irrevocable leap into space.

                                  He would be 31 years old today, probably in some form of scientific research, and I feel he would have kept up with his music.  His choices were endless.  But he felt paralyzed to the point of helplessness.

                                   No one should have to feel that.  As I said then, and do now, any future Tylers can reach out to me on this blog.  I will listen.

                                     My thoughts are with Tyler's parents and brothers on this day.

                                     A day we must never forget.

Him Honorable Slob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                  

                                                                                   

                                     Who says obesity does not have a place in entertainment.

                                       In Sixties comics, there was not only Herbie and Little Lotta, but an underworld villain called Fatman, and on TV there was Stubby Kaye, a musical theater veteran on "Shenanigans," not to mention, or forget, Victor Buono in 'Baby Jane', and as King Tut on "Batman."

                                        Sophie Tucker, back in the day, was plus sized, and how about Patsy Kelly?

                                         Today, Nathan Lane may be a little porky, but it has not halted his career.

                                          Whatever one's reason for being plus sized, it should not be a fault, and these examples prove. that, in many cases, talent wins out over appearance.

                                             Which is the way it should be, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, "Mr. Sardonicus" Was So Much Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                                                                      

                         If you did not watch it, or have not seen it, girls, you may want to skip over this post. 

                       The first picture is Sardonicus unmasked.  When he saw the decaying body in his father's grave, which he robbed for a winning lottery ticket, his face was frozen in rictus; in fact, the condition in the film is "rictus sardonicus," hence his name.  He is able to eat through holes in the side of his mouth, but only if liquid or pureed.

                            He treats everyone terribly, torturing poor maid Anna with leeches, which I had forgotten and found disturbing, and he abuses his wife emotionally.  When her former fiancé Sir Robert Cargrave, played by Ronald Lewis, a surgeon, is summoned to the castle, to make Sardonicus' face normal, the surgeon agrees.  Perhaps the most abused character is his loyal servant, Krull played by Oskar Homolka, who gets his big moment, at the end.  At one point, it is revealed Krull once had two eyes; the implication being that Krull was tortured, and his eye removed.

                            The operation is performed and viewed as a success.  While the reunited lovers are at the train station, a frantic Krull arrives to ask them to return, saying something has gone wrong.  When Cargrave reveals the ironic truth-- he barely did anything, the injections were water, and that Sardonicus' whole problem is in his mind, Krull seems dejected, and returns to the castle..  But wait.

                                 You see, the face is normal, yet he cannot open his mouth.  And he does not realize it is all in his mind.  But Krull does, and, in one of the great revenge scenes on film, Krull lies, saying the train had left the station.  He then sits down to a meal, opposite Sardonicus, eating almost lustfully, as the other tugs at his mouth, trying to open it, unable to, not knowing it is all in his mind.  But Krull does, and Oskar Homolka milks every ounce of revenge, resulting in a chilling ending worthy of Shirley Jackson.

                                    I am telling you, girls, this must be seen.  The last scene alone is worth it, and, though on a low budget, with its black-and-white cinematography it manages to conjure up a period atmosphere.   This is one of William Castle's best.

                                      But what will he die of first--dehydration or tooth decay???????????

                                      Think about it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                            

Proserpina Went Back To Hell, Yesterday! Now, We Suffer With Fall And Winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           On September 21, Fall began.  Proserpina's mother, the Earth Goddess, Demeter, gets unhappy for these next six months, which is why we have Fall and Winter.  The dropping of the leaves from trees, and the accumulation of snow is akin to her shedding tears.

                           Don't be fooled by naysayers, girls, who insist the season begins tomorrow.  It began yesterday, and now we have to wait for the return of Proserpina, come Spring.   No wonder Mother's Day is in May. The Earth Goddess, Demeter, will be so happy to have her daughter back, who can blame her for celebrating?

                                   Speaking of celebrating, or NOT, girls, the season opener of "American Horror Story: Delicate" was awful Sure, it was nice of Ryan Murphy to cast Emma Roberts against type, though I prefer her mean, but the problem was the writers let poor Emma down.  All she did was run through these expressionistic sets, suggesting a very stylized New York that has nothing to do with the one any of us know, darlings.  It was like schlock imitation of Murnau.  The whole thing looks to have been lifted from, not one, but two Ira Levin works--"Rosemary's Baby" and "The Stepford Wives."  I am convinced the husband and Denis O'Hare (who looks awful, either due to make-up or age) are in on some kind of scientific scheme, and Emma is the guinea pig.  Oh, really!  The show used to have high standards of originality, but seems to be sinking into a creative quagmire, just by having Kim Kardashian be the liveliest thing in the show, relying on her to see words like "cunt," and expressions like "suck my clit."  Is this really what we want to watch, girls?  Sounds sexist to me.  Sounds also like the writers have run out of ideas.  Maybe it is time to bury this show, before it does itself in.

                                   Not a great way to start Fall, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It Is The End Of Summer, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But A New Beginning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I shall remember this as the Summer Of Reunions--reconnecting with an older friend, my 50th high school reunion, and then my sister and her family. 

                            Oh, and I saw "Sweeney Todd" on Broadway, with Josh Groban and Company!

                           If this isn't enough for Summer, I don't know what is.  Maybe the majestic enjoyment of reading one of the year's best books, "The Covenant Of Water," by Abraham Verghese.

                           As I was taught, the seasons change on the 21st of their respective months, so today is the last day of Summer.  Meaning tomorrow is the first day of Autumn.

                           But Summer has one last surprise-- 

                               "American Horror Story" starts Season 12 tonight.  To find out what Ryan Murphy's excuse is for casting Kim Kardashian as an actress, tune in tonight at 10pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 See you in the Fall, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Heights Players Season Opener Is A Brilliant "All My Sons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                       When "All My Sons" landed on Broadway, in 1947, it made a name for Arthur Miller, one he would consolidate with "The Crucible," "A View From The Bridge," and the masterwork which this one foreshadowed, "Death Of A Salesman."

                          Though well versed in Miller's work, I had never read or seen "All My Sons."  Not even the movie, with Edward G. Robinson.  So, Joe Pacifico's production at The Heights Players was an eye-opening intro to this work.

                            "All My Sons" takes on capitalism, corporate America, greed, and the tragedy of loss during World War II.  That is a lot for any playwright or production to take on, but Pacifico's careful direction and guidance of his actors make for compelling drama.

                                Joe and Kate Keller are a decent, married couple.  Joe works for a factory making airplane parts for the war.  As the drama unfolds, it is discovered that he and his business partner, Steve Deever, whether intentionally or accidentally, allowed some defective parts to get into some planes, resulting in the loss of 21 men during World War II.   Deever, who was also Keller's neighbor, went to prison, while his wife and daughter Annie moved away. Joe was exonerated, and there is a lot of tension and resentment between the families.  Additionally, one of the Keller's sons, Larry, went down in a plane during the war, and Kate, like Lola Delaney in "Come Back, Little Sheba," clings to the hope that Larry will eventually return.  Now, Larry was engaged to the Deever's daughter Annie, but with his death, she and Chris form a bond.  And when Annie returns to visit the Kellers, intending to announce their intentions, all hell breaks loose.

                                But this allows for a marvelous quartet of acting performances.  Noelle McGrath, so superb as Grandma in "Lost In Yonkers," back in April, is heartbreaking as Kate Keller, clinging to her belief in Larry's return, despite son Chris trying to convince her otherwise.  And while Kate loves her husband Joe, wonderfully played and nuanced by Thomas S. Kane one gets the feeling, as the play progresses, that she knows Joe was wrong, and so does he.  Their almost counterparts are son Chris and his now fiancé, Annie, superbly played by Gabriel Pinciotti and Josie Wright. My heart went out to them, trapped in the time frame of their parents' mistakes, yet wanting to move on.  Annie is a tragic figure, suggesting Stella in "A Streetcar Named Desire."  Both are genteel, but also trapped in their time; what prospects were there for women then, aside from marriage?  Which is how Blanche ends up in the mental hospital, after Stanely deliberately sabotages her chance for Mitch, and Stella, in order to keep her marriage and baby, has to believe that Stanely did not rape Blanche, even though I always thought that secretly she believed he did.  Pinciotti and Wright are so heartbreaking as the young couple they almost detract from the Kellers.  When the curtain came down, I wondered if they were to marry; I so wanted them to get away from the mistakes of their parents' pasts.

                                   All this shows the play is gripping, edge-of-the-seat drama, the kind that used to be dished out in abundance, but today where are the writers like Miller, who can do so?

                                    I was lucky to see the show's opening performance; it deserved more than a two-week run; indeed, it could have been moved to Off-Broadway.  This is great writing and great acting opportunities for gifted performers.  So, if you missed this "All My Sons," catch a production that may pop up near you.  Audiences are in for a solid theater experience.

                                       It was like buttah, darlings, just like buttah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Decorating On The Cheap, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        Now, here is an idea cheaper than having a professional designer do it.  Be your own professional designer, instead, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         This is one of my favorite patterns.  Years earlier, and still single, someone gave me some paper wrapping--a yellow background with orange polka dots.  I took it and taped it to a wall.  It made such a beautiful decal, that I wished for more fabric or paper like it, so I could fill in all the wall space in my apartment.

                            Which is what I am suggesting you do, girls.  Find a fabric or paper wrap that suits you and fill in all that empty wall space with it.  Your home/apartment will look like a fashion salon.  ANNA would be impressed.

                             Start right now, girls, Go out and find the pattern that is you, and start decorating.

                              All you need is the material and lots of tape.

                             We all deserve the best, don't we, girls?????????????????????

Will This Become The Symbol Of The Baby Boomer Generation???????????????????

                                            It's Andy Warhol, darlings, so it is pretty seminal.

                                            But to how many of us boomers is that can more than just a painting?  When I was young, and ill, with flu, or stomach virus, which I had a lot during my childhood, the first sign of recovery was nothing more comforting than a can of Campbell's Tomato Soup, made with milk, so it became Cream Of Tomato.  Just thinking about this makes me want to curl up in bed with a cup right now.   But I have things to do, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              If there has to be a symbol of the boomer generation, I cannot think of one better than this.  I am sure there are some out there for whom this is a guilty pleasure.  Because it brings back those comforting times.

                                              So, when you are feeling down and not your best, reach for that can of Campbell's.  With milk.

                                               That is all it takes, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy, Happy, Girls! Join Us Tonight At 8, As "Svengoolie" Presents One Of My Favorites, "Mr. Sardonicus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                       This 1961 film is the adaptation of Ray Russell's short story, "Sardonicus," also published in 1961.  William Castle must have jumped on this one fast.

                          Guy Rolfe plays the title role, who lives in seclusion and always wears a mask.  He would have fit right in with the pandemic times!!!!!!!!!!!  His wife is played by Audrey Dalton, and her former fiancé, Sir Robert Cargrave is portraayed by Robert Lewis.  Oscar Homolka is in this one too, as Sardonicus' servant, Krull.  The action involves Baroness Sardonicus asking him to come visit her at the castle, where he learns she is being horribly abused by her husband who has issues of his own.  Wait till you see what pops up, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           As with all William Castle films, there is a gimmick, and here it is the "Punishment Poll."  The audience is asked to vote for what punishment should be doled out to Mr. Sardonicus.

                             Campy?  Sure. But it is also chilling and disturbing.  Not nearly in the league with Polanski's "Repulsion," but, in its own way, this film gets under the skin, too.  So, make sure you do not miss it, darlings.  Baby Gojira can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Join us at 8 for this tale of supernatural and psychological horror.

                                      Don't cover your mouths, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We Had A Camp Fest Last Saturday, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Unable to subject ourselves again to "War Of The Gargantuas, we opted to watch two camp offerings.  The better of them, "What Ever Happened To Aunt Alice?," I first saw at the RKO State Theatre in New Brunswick, New Jersey, back in 1969.  Fifty-four years later, it is still hoot.

                                               Geraldine Page plays a widow who has been left penniless by her husband.  To keep up her lavish lifestyle, she hires women as housekeeper/companions, finds out how much they are worth, and if satisfied, knock them off, burying them in her garden, and planting pine trees on top of them.  It is fascinating how the film is edited, as when an additional pine tree is shown, we know another woman has been bumped off.

                                                    But Mildred Dunnock and Ruth Gordon are the kickers.  Dunnock is bumped off early, but she does put up a good fight.  But when Geraldine and Ruth go at it, you say "Go, Ruthie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"  Unfortunately, she does not make it, Geraldine is eventually caught, and the film has a famous last line, delivered by Geraldine herself.

                                                        The cinematography makes it look like it should have been a made-for-TV movie.  But it became a part of the "What Ever Happened To...." franchise.  Robert Aldrich had a hand in it, so it was destined for the theaters.

                                                            The actresses make the show.  I don't think they needed much direction.  After blocking out their moves, I am sure the director turned the camera on them, saying, "OK, now do what you do."

                                                               You are in for a laugh riot of horror if you watch this.

                                                               Alas--

                         Because the legend fascinates me, we opted to watch the "American Horror Stories"--also by Ryan Murphy--episode, "Bloody Mary."  What I was interested in was an exploration of the legend; how it came to be, and whether or not a real woman inspired Bloody Mary.  The legend says if one looks into the mirror and says her name three times, something will happen, she will appear, and there will be consequences.  As several schoolgirls in this story find out, which, with them, at times veers away from Bloody Mary and more toward Slenderman, though the latter is not mentioned.  There are shocks and a surprising twist at the end, which I can tell you is right out of Robeert Marasco's 1973 novel, "Burnt Offerings," which was filmed in 1976 with Bette Davis, Oliver Reed and Karen Black.  With Burgess Meredith and Eileen Heckart stealing the show.  This episode needed at least one or two actors of this caliber to work.  Anyone interested in "Bloody Mary" won't miss it, but as escapist entertainment, it is ultimately disappointing.

                          Still, with 'Aunt Alice,' the evening was not a total waste.  I know that "Svengoolie" is running a favorite this Saturday, and I am telling you now, not to miss it.  More to be revealed at a later time.

                              Ta, ta, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

How Many Of Us Growing Up Had A Magic 8 Ball????????????????????????

                                            I didn't, darlings, but knew so many who did it was almost like owning one. I was always fascinated by the liquid the answer cube seemed to float in.  This was created in 1946, so it is 77 years old this year.

                                            But the Ouija Board preceded it, having been created in 1890.  Magic 8 Ball is more fun, but if you take this sort of thing seriously, Ouija is more reliable.

                                            When young, we think that toys and games are created especially for us.  

                                             The good ones are those that last.

                                             Cheaper than a visit to the Fortune Teller!

Unfortunately, Darlings, There Is No Official Keith Haring Museum In NYC!!!!!!!!!!!!! Deplorable Isn't It? However, In A Way, I Will Show You, NYC Is A Keith Haring Museum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Now, ANNA could do a fashion show on him at her Costume Institute at The Met, whcih I am waiting for, but the best way to see Haring's work is to run all over New York.  This can be done either in a day, or to one place at a time, depending on schedules and needs.  

                            Besides Cecil Beaton and cover art like The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper,' Haring was influenced by the likes of Jean Michael Basquiat, Kenny Scharf, and, as does make sense, Andy Warhol.

                              Let's take a look--

                  1.    Here is one of Haring's most famous works--1986's "CRACK IS WACK."  Isn't the color just stunning, hons?   The exploration starts in Harlem at a handball court on East 128th Street.

                                                                          

                      2.  From uptown, head downtown, like ANNA, to see this lovely mural at the Carmine Street Pool, in the West Village.  Completed by Haring in August of 1987, the blue on blue look, in tandem with the filled pool, is especially striking.

                                                                              

                          3.  "Once Upon A Time--" This was my introduction to Haring's work, beside subway walls, in the Men's room at The LGBQT Center.  I would go in there just to view it, even if I had no other reason for going.  Today, there is a Keith Haring Wing in The Center, which I must visit, darlings, and this work can now be seen there, and in a virtual online tour.  It is one of Haring's few titled works.

                                                                               

                         4.  "The Life Of Christ--" This triptych, which can be seen in The Cathedral Of St. John The Divine, at Morningside Heights--back to uptown, girls!!!!!!!!!!!--is the last work completed by the artist before he died.  It is exhilarating in its detail, and while not colorful in itself, blends in the with the textured artistry of the cathedral.  Probably the most unusual, yet striking, of Haring's offerings.

                                                                       

                           5.  Woodhull Hospital 

And Health Center--The mural was completed in 1986, and Haring hung out at the hospital, signing shirts and other items graciously to those who requested it.  His labor was a gift to the hospital for its wonderful way in handling pediatric AIDS patients.  You have to travel all the way to 760 Broadway, in Brooklyn, darlings, but it is well worth it.

6.   "Two Figures Dancing"

Located at 17 State Street, along with another Haring work, "Balancing Dog,"

                              these works were created in 1989.  They are down near the Battery. Haring's distinctive use of color and linear geometrics is again in evidence.  Another reason to venture downtown     In 1992, this second piece was donated to a park in Haring's hometown of Kutztown, Pennsylvania.

                                                                          

                        7.  "Self-Portrait--" Go a little further uptown for this one, darlings, located at Astor Place.  The title was dubbed by Haring himself.  It has traveled to Chicago and back but is now permanently ensconced at Astor Place and Third Avenue.  Suggestive of the nature beneath Haring's serious exterior.  And that shade of green, darlings--fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     

                                                                       

                          8.  In Conclusion--This linear black and white mural was originally part of a larger work at Haring's Pop Shop in SoHo, which lasted from 1986 to 2005.  It is now above the reception desk at The New York Historical Society, at 170 Central Park West.  How fitting to end with a quintessential Haring.

                           I feel as if I have running all over the city, just writing this blog.  But whether you do it like that, or in daily increments, make sure the artistry of Keith Haring is continually appreciated and not forgotten.

                             Trust us queens for artistry, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!