This 1958 Film Lives Up To The Poeticism Of Its Title!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       One could start with the stunning opening shot of Jeanne Moreau talking on the phone to her lover., Julien Tavenier, played by Maurice Ronet.  They are plotting to kill her husband, but the film goes from there to a kind of "Comedy Of Errors."  The humor is understated but the Parisian visuals are cream- colored and luscious.  Moreau's wandering through the night rain is one of the highlights of the film, as she searches for her lover who, in his incompetence, has gotten himself stuck in an elevator.  Meanwhile, two crazy kids, Louis (Georges Poujouly) and Veronique (Yori Bertin) have taken off in Tavenier's car--he left his keys in the ignition? how stupid--and end up at a sleazy motel, where they end up killing a German couple.

                                         The most important thing I learned from this film is that even France has sleazy motels.  I thought they were just indigenous to America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Had this been an American film, it would have been a farcical comedy.  But Malle, who was smart to start his film career with a very narrative film is going for something more understated and gets it.  The mismatch of murder charges, the revelation of the real crime by indiscreet photos; as for the teenagers, Veronique and Louis stage an attempted suicide but survive to awaken in the hospital where they are arrested by police.

                                             So, justice is meted out, but not without a bit of comic irony and a lot of cream-colored noir.  The irony is especially in pay when Tavenier is stuck in the elevator; at that point, the title flashed into my head.  Yes, he really is taking an elevator to the gallows.

                                               This film proves Louis Malle could create cohesive narrative cinema, unlike the crap he lowered himself to with 1981's "My Dinner With Andre," 23 years later.

                                               Within the annals of both film noir and foreign cinema, "Elevator To The Gallows" is pretty much forgotten.  It should not be, as its quality is much higher than might at first be expected.

                                                  I loved it, darlings!  But if I were to go out at night, I would want to look just like Jeanne Moreau.  Even in the rain, her hair is perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"On A Picnic Morning, Without A Warning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

                                          Yes, darlings, it is that sad time of year--Labor Day, which is called the unofficial end of Summer, but for all intents and purposes is.  When I was growing up in New Jersey, the tradition, on Labor Day Saturday, was for ABC to show, on its late movie, the 1955 film version of William Inge's play, "Picnic."

                                           This is the one with Kim Novak in her pink gown, William Holden a little long in the tooth, Betty Field being controlling, and Susan Strasbeerg and Rosalind Russell being hysterical.  Oh, and Aruthur O' Connell being sedate, which netted him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor of 1955.

                                             Girls, it is so Fifties, but that is why we love it.  And William Holden going shirtless back then was pretty provocative.  And when he and Kim Novak dance to "Moonglow......." wow!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Alas that was then.  Anyone who wants to see "Picnic" had best order a DVD of it, because I am certain by now it is pretty much a forgotten movie.

                                                 So, preserve those Labor Day memories by watching this classic.

                                                  To add to it, I will try to provide the McGuire Sisters' song.

                                                  Here it is, girls!  Happy Labor Day and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents His First September Offering, "They Came From Beyond Space!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                          Face it, girls, nothing could top "Trilogy Of Terror," so why try?  I can't blame Svengoolie for starting the month with this crap, which looks like it was done on the budget of "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians," but, as I have never seen this 1967 offering--though I have heard of it--all of us here are going to tune in.

                                            There is one actor of note in it, Michael Gough.  He must have really needed a job and money to do this.  Hopefully this will be humorous enough to be considered camp.  I cannot guarantee this, darlings, because I am going into this wide-eyed an uninformed.

                                              The saying goes "take a chance on love."  I am taking a chance with             tonight's "Svengoolie" offer, because who knows it could be a surprise.  Though there are no guarantees, like Adrienne Barbeau, with "Swamp Thing."

                                                So, join us at 8 tonight, darlings.  If anyone of us should fall asleep, who can be blamed?

                                                 September is not shaping up to be a great "Svengoolie" month!!!!!!!!!!!!

Digging Deeper Into David Lynch's World, "Lost Highway" Takes You Farther Than Any Of His Films Hitherto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Just like Alice plunging down that rabbit hole, where things get more bizarre and reality more distorted, so too does David Lynch's 1997 "Lost Highway."  With its duality of men and women (Bill Pullman and Balthazar Getty, and Patricia Arquette playing Renee Mason and Alice Wakefield) the film definitely foreshadows "Mulholland Drive," in which feminine duality is explored further.

                                         The film opens with a fast ride down a dark road as the credits roll, leading the viewer to think this will be some sort of continuation of "Wild At Heart," but that is farther from the truth as any this film has.  "Lost Highway" is a series of dreamlike fragments, all having to do with Fred Madison's guilt/reluctance/remorse? over having murdered his wife Renne, played by Patricia Arquette.

                                           But like all of Lynch's films, it is the imagery that counts, and "Lost Highway" gives plenty, starting with that road ride, constant images and references to fire, heightened sexual passion, and, my favorite, Robert Blake as the Mysterious Man.  This, along with Jack Nance as Phil and Richard Pryor (what a surprise!)  as Arnie, the auto shop owner where Nance's Phil works, were the final performances of these three actors, and I am so happy they went out on a high note!  David Lynch was always able to get good actors for his films and get them to give him their best; I so wanted to work with him myself, but he left us all too soon.

                                             The film runs two hours and fourteen minutes but moves at an unbelievably fast pace; more so than "Wild At Heart," which was not as long.  More and more Lynch seems to be moving farther and farther from the narrative thread established in "Blue Velvet," pushing the viewer closer and closer to the edge.  It will be interesting to see, as I continue to explore his work, how far to that edge he will take us.  Or will we topple over it?

                                                "Lost Highway" is especially for Lynchians like me, who are drawn to the secret underbelly, maybe because there is a little bit of it in all of us.  The furnishings, dark lighting, and quick edits are all hallmarks of Lynch.  I was amazed to see he scripted this with Barry Gifford, who wrote the novel "Wild At Heart," which Lynch adapted into that film.  Lynch was also the film's sound designer.

                                                   Casual viewers may not make it through or come out of the film asking WTH.  My advice is to sit back and enjoy the perverse but compelling ride Lynch takes the viewer on.

                                                     How many of us have traveled this highway in our dreams????????

                                                

Can You Believe It??????????? A Stabbing In Times Square??????????? The Theater District?????????? My Part Of Town????????????????

                          For those who remember, I used to write a weekly column on Thursday called "Bitch Of The Week."  I stopped it around the time of the pandemic, because it seemed outmoded and I wanted to move on to other things.  But were I still writing it, Pamela Cisneras, the woman who, at 4:30 yesterday afternoon, stabbed a 32-year-old woman, and a 68-year-old man, who managed to survive would have made it for this week.   She told the cops she would kill them all, would not drop her knives, so they shot her.  She had a record of mental illness.

                            The kicker to all this was just several hours before, David and I walked through the area, enroute to the subway, on way home from The Algonquin.  Who do not have a new Hamlet yet.

                             Listen, bitches, don't mess with my areas.  Stick to the Bronx, especially Hunts Point, where all the dregs and prostitutes are.

                               We Theater Queens will not stand for it!  Jessica Tisch, you have nice hair but get a grip and do your job!

                               Are we to be permanently isolated?  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lately, It Seems Everyone I Know Is Talking About Cataract Surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        It all began last November.  I received a notice from my current eye doctor that he was giving up his NYC practice, keeping his one in Teaneck, New Jersey.  He offered to keep me as a patient, but that would not work.  I mean, Bay Ridge to Teaneck?  By public transportation?  That could take up an entire day!  And what if I had to have cataract surgery?  He always said he would do it, but now the situation has changed.

                          As a favor he offered to give me an exam (I was scheduled for February of this year) in December, so I took it.  He felt I was not yet ready for cataract surgery, but soon.  He did say if I went to new doctors, they might want to do it right away or wait.  Well, from my PCP, whom I trust implicitly, I got a reference to an eye doctor at NYU.  What a mistake!  This butch thing, who looked like she spends her Saturday nights at Henrietta's walks in and berates my former eye doctor, then tells me I have dense cataracts, which I have never been told before.  A friend of ours, it turns out had a similar experience with this same doctor, so I say run for the hills.  Her initials are RM.  Beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          So, like I said in my last post, January I am in for it. The 7th, to be exact.  That is when I go to see David's eye doctor whom he likes so I hope I will.  David had cataract surgery under him, and he introduced me to our dermatologist, whom I like, so I am hoping I like this doctor.

                           I am certain he will say I should have cataract surgery right away, though I have no symptoms.  But neither did David.  If I like him, I will do as he says; on the other hand, I don't have much choice because I do not want to jeopardize my eyes by waiting too long, and I am afraid the procedure will take my sight.  I mean, what am I supposed to do in recovery?  I know about the drops and David can help me with them, but am I supposed to just sit and do nothing?  My eyes are the window to my world!  What am I supposed to do????????????

                            So, already 2027 seems a challenging year.  It is also the 50th anniversary of my graduation from college, and my 20th anniversary writing this blog.  Which I want to continue to do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Mother Mary, have mercy on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"See You In September, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                         "Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posy."

                                         Darlings, can you believe it is that time again?  Not only for Labor Day, and then back to school, but now we have entered the "ber" months, in which the year goes its fastest.  This month we have Labor Day, school, the Jewish holidays, me singing "Frank Mills" in front of the Waverly," not to mention Proserpina going back to Hell in just 20 days.  And by then I will have to pick my next mammoth book for the season.  But watch out--with the mild and soggy Summer we have had, I predict a sizzling September, so watch out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              October brings birthdays, Halloween, and the weather chills.  Summer is gone and long past.

                                                November is my birthday month, along with Musical Theater Week, and Thanksgiving.  We shall dine at Chadwick's, as usual.  I have not decided on my birthday yet; I have to check with ANNA.  Oh, and don't forget All Saints Day, which starts the month!

                                                 We all know what December is. Jesus, Chanukah, The Rockettes, Christmas Trees, The Nativity, Latkes, and a final farewell to 2026.  It will happen faster than one thinks.

                                                   Then comes January, when I am really in for it.  Stay tuned for what in the next post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    "They say that all good things must end someday.  Autumn leaves start to fall."

This Is One Of The Saddest Days Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Mind, I said only, "one of."  The end of August signals Summer is winding down.  Even though I have been away from school for at least 50 years, I still think of this as a Back To School period.

                               As for our August it was fun, but cinematic.  We saw Visconti's "White Nights, " as well as Stanley Kubrick's 1968 film, "2001--A Space Odyssey."  It certainly was.

                               And we spent two Sunday nights at The Algonquin.  We are still waiting for the new Hamlet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  And last night, we had a suite!  Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  The Birthday Club met last night, and a good time was had by all.

                                   "Svengoolie" showed everyone's favorite, "Trilogy Of Terror."

                                   I have resigned to not reading 100 books this year.  I will just do my best.

                                  Like the song says, "One last caress/ It's time to dress/ For Fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Introducing Gay Film #3-- 1942's "Now, Voyager!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                    Before writing this post, I went over the blog to see how many, if any, posts I have written on "Now, Voyager."  I discovered I had written quite a few, and after viewing it recently, I discovered the older one gets the more one understands all the psychological subtleties and one's own past as well.

                                      I have always said this movie was "my story," and in a way it is.  It is almost like viewing two movies simultaneously because the plot comes full circle.  Let me explain.

                                       Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis), one of the Vales of Boston, has been made into a frumpy, ugly spinster with no social or romantic prospects, save to serve her sadistically domineering mother, played by--who else? --the great Gladys Cooper.  The only family member who wants to help--and she is not even a blood relative, is her sister-in-law Lisa Vale, played by the great Ilka Chase.  One afternoon she brings to tea a friend of hers, Dr.Jaquith, played by Claude Rains, in one of his greatest performances.  Completing the tea, Lisa's daughter June, who has dropped in, makes snide remarks about Charlotte, sending the poor woman into a fit of nerves.   Dr. Jaquith follows her, draws her out in her bedroom, takes a token gift from her, and confronts the mother, telling her Charlotte is seriously ill, and she belongs at his place, Cascade, in Vermont.

                                          With Lisa's help, Charlotte goes there, and slowly she transforms from the ugly duckling her mother calls her into a young confident woman, who would fit in well, and does on her South American cruise, getting along with everyone.  Particularly a single man she is matched up with, Jerry Durrance, played by Paul Henried in a heartrending performance.  He is unhappy in his life, and wants to help his daughter Tina, who is even more miserable, because, like Charlotte, she was not only a late child but an unwanted

                                              I will stop here.  I relate to this, because, while I was wanted, I myself was a late child.  I was too months premature, being born in November of 1954, rather than January 1955, as scheduled.  Early in the film Mrs., Vale says, "it is true all late children are marked," and I believe they are.  Not just with health problems but a difference from others that manifests itself when they become Tina's age.  But more on that later.

                                                  Circumstances throw Charlotte and Jerry together, and they fall in love. But the time comes to part, so cue in Max Steiner's classic, and again, heartrending score, and Chalotte returns to Boston, clashing with her mother and relations, who are shocked by her appearance and brazen outlook.  One quarrel too many makes Mrs. Vale die.  She died because she knew what Charlotte said to her was the truth--"Youd didn't want to be born, I didn't want to be born, it has been a calamity on both sides!"

                                                        In between this, Charlotte romances Elliot Livingston, a widower with two boys, played by tall, good-looking John Loder.  Now, if it were me, I would have married Elliot; he could give stability and he is easy on the eyes.  Durrance is in a situation worse than Chalotte's; his wife is the spousal version of Mrs. Vale, and the youngest daughter is headed for Charlotte's misery unless he can help.  As fate would have it, she and Jerry run into each other in Boston, and out goes Elliot.  Guilty over her mother's sudden death, she retreats to Cascade, encountering an emotionally unhappy little girl, who reminds her of herself.  It is Durrance's daughter, Tina, played by Janis Wilson in what may be the film's most heartrending performance.  Eventually, she learns who Tina is, and they bond.  Charlotte wants to raise Tina, which her mother does not, so Tina comes to Boston and transforms further.  When she sees her father, dressed in her first party dress, and walking down the stairs toward him, you better get out your hankies, girls!!!!!!!!!!!  Several may be required.

                                                          "Now, Voyager" is iconic for several reasons.  Bette Davis, Gladys Cooper and Max Steiner were nominated for Oscars, and Steiner won.  The film is most famous for the cigarette lighting scene, which represents Charlotte and Durrance's love, as he lights two cigarettes in his mouth, and hands one to Charlotte.  All over 1942 America, this ritual was copied; only screen queens like me know about it today, but it was impacting.  Davis said it was one of her favorite films, and unlike most roles, she thought about Charlotte after the story ends.  She felt Charlotte would eventually marry Jaquith and run Cascade.  I agree with the Cascade part, but not marriage, as both are too strong willed.

                                                                  Women of Charlotte's age often see themselves in her, but I see myself in Tina, because at that age, that is exactly what I was like--afraid of people, change, and while I was not unwanted, I had trouble making others understand me.  So I always wondered about her after the story ends.  With Charlotte's love and her father's, I think she would transform into a bright young woman.  My guess is she would go to Harvard, major in psychiatry, and then go work at Cascade.  But that is just me, wishing for Tina the same transformation and opportunities I was given, and remain grateful for to this day.  

                                                                   Though not nearly as pithy as "All About Eve," this film does have some great lines, which I will share with you.

                                                                     Mrs. Vale:  "Are we into botany doctor?  Are we flowers?" 

                                                                     Charlotte's first line, "Introverted, doctor!"

                                                                     Charlotte explaining to Tina about "a kind of beauty."

                                                                      Charlotte"  "I am my mother's companion. My mother's beloved daughter.  My mother's servant.  My mother!  My Mother!  MY MOTHER!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                       And, of course one of the most famous closing lines in history, "Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars."  Darlings, as the camera rises to the stars, and Steiner's music builds, have those hankies handy.

                                                                        The gayness of this film stems, and I will speak only from the boys' perspective--from the experience once puberty sets in, gay children are instantly separated from their peers.  They don't have the same feelings as the straight ones, they isolate and feel different and unattractive.  I went through all this at Tina's age, and I cannot believe I now communicate with some I was once afraid of.  Only the person I was most afraid of then was myself, something I am sure Tina will learn.  And I am not saying she is gay.  She just mirrors my experience

                                                                            "Now Voyager" is at once a romantic drama, a Litmus Test, and one of the most well-acted films ever cast and made.  Highly recommended here; those who have never seen it, well it is about time.

                                                                             But, dear readers, "don't let's ask for the moon, we have the stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                           My heart goes out to all past, present and future Tinas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        

                                                        

What A "Golden Afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                          That afternoon was this past Thursday, August 27, when we went to the Paris Theater in Manhattan for a 75th Anniversary screening of what is my favorite Disney cartoon.  Not since "The Wizard Of Oz" twelve years before, has color been used so brightly and brilliantly.  Not only that, for an 80 plus minute film, the screenwriters manage to cram as much Lewis Carroll into the story, even bits of "Through The Looking Glass," and get it right.

                                                                                

                                  Take a look at the artistry and detail of this shot.  Where is this quality of work done anymore?  I just want to sink into the flowers, like Alice, and I  so wanted to have Alice's hair and wear that blue dress with the white apron, stockings and shoes.  

                                    Disney assembled quite a cast for 'Alice.' Kathryn Beaumont, in the title role, who would go on to voice Wendy in Disney's "Peter Pan," Then there is Richard Haydn, who would go on to play Max Detweiler in "The Sound Of Music," come 1965.  Ed Wynn is unforgettable as the Mad Hunter, as is Sterling Holloway as the White Rabbit., and the scene stealing Verna Felton as the Red Queen, whose "Off with her head!" steals the show each time she says it.

                                   But it is the visuals that make the film, and it amazes me that this did not enjoy success with the drug crowd, but "Fantasia" did.  Even The Beatles reference Lewis Carroll's classic in the lyric "Follow her down to a bridge by a river/Where rocking horse people eat marshmallow pies."  This is from "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds," yet is SO "Alice In Wonderland!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  It had been three years since I last saw this, and I hope in three years, or even less, to see it again.   Underrated at the time, I think it deserves recognition as Disney's best animated feature.

                                   "How do we get to Wonderland," a song lyric asks.

                                     Viewers will want to know after seeing this film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                              

Girls, Join Us Tongiht, As "Svengoolie" Presents A Perennial Favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  "Trilogy Of Terror" is "Svengoole's "Wizard Of Oz," in that it is such a favorite I think it gets an airing every year.  And I am sure it draws in viewers.

                                       This is the one with Karen Black being terrorized by the Hintu Fetish Voodoo Doll!  Karen is a real pro to interact with this seemingly inanimate object, that becomes animated, and, hons, look out!  The title of the story is "Amelia," and it is based on Richard Matheson's better titled story, "Prey."

                                            She has a field day playing two different personalities in "Millicent and Therese," and, darlings, you can tell Karen is just having a grand old time playing this.

                                               Then there is my favorite, "Julie," where a student, especially a male, had better do well in her English class or else.......!!!!!!!!!!!!  This is from Matheson's story "The Likeness Of Julie," and I only wish someone would redo the original story wherein Julie was just a teenaged girl, like her male contemporaries.

                                                       In any case, girls, if you have never seen this, it is a MUST.  If you have it is one of the "Svengoolie" presentations worth watching again.

                                                       See you at 8PM, for an evening of ribald fun.  "Svengoolie" picked the perfect way to end August, and, in a sense, the summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Take a look at this!  Wouldn't it be fun to have this covering a wall as guests enter your living room??????????????????

A Road Trip, But With A Lynchian Sense!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                  I remember first seeing "Wild At Heart" in 1990.  That was 36 years ago, I was 35, and took the day off to do so, because, with David Lynch at the helm, I was expecting the next "Blue Velvet."  Instead, I couldn't understand what the hell was going on.  The one thing my memory retained was of an unconscious Nicolas Cage lying on the ground, while a bubble enclosed Glinda type hovers above him.

                                     But that was then, and this is now.  If David Lynch in "Blue Velvet," exposed the seamy underside of Middle America, with "Wild At Heart" he lets the White Trashiness of Cape Fear, North Carolina and Big Tuna Texas hang out their dirty laundry in all their trashiness.

                                         Laura Dern and Nicolas Caage play Lula Pate Ridley, and he Sailor Ridley, two overaged White Trash kids who are simply sex, drug, crime and murder crazed.  Isabella Rossellinni turns up as a prostitute of sorts and is just as compelling as she was in "Blue Velvet" but gets less screen time here, unfortunately.  Willem Dafoe does his usual Willem Dafoe thing; the same goes for Jack Nance, and both are terrific.

                                             "Wild At Heart" has a wild visual quality; the viewer can look at it and admire it sequence by sequence because it is brilliantly made, yet, in the end, like me, may not like it all that much.  Hey, if you are exploring Lynch's work it is required, but I would not run out and see this again.

                                               As I mentioned earlier about Glinda, Lynch inserts several "Wizard Of Oz" references in here.  Diane Ladd, as Lula's mother, just about steals the show, and livens every scene she is in, from putting lipstick over her face to occasional glimpses of her riding on a broomstick like the Wicked Witch Of The West.  Jank Nance mentions Toto, and in frustration, Laura Dern, alone in a motel room, clicks her red shoes three times.  I was more aware of all this now, and don't forget Rossellini's character in "Blue Velvet" was named Dorothy.

                                                 Lynch's sizzling hot visuals lend an atmosphere to a film short on narrative.  The strip mall trashiness of Big Tuna is shown in all its glory, and the end, with Laura Dern finally dressed in a bargain basement dress instead of the slut wardrobe she wears throughout the rest of the film demonstrates an actress waiting to break through, if only this film gave her a chance.

                                                     Oh, and the sex scenes!  Nicolas Cage still looked good here; today no one would do scenes as brazen as these with him.  And while Ladd livens things up, Louise Fletcher, Grayson Hall, or Sylvia Miles could easily have done her part.

                                                        I got more out of "Wild At Heart" with age and a second viewing.

                                                        But I am none too eager to experience a return viewing soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What A Week! First Shelley, Then Dolly, And Now Tim Curry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Yes, darlings, Tim Curry, the one and only Dr. Frank N. Furter, who was just a "Sweet Transvestite' From 'Transexual-vania'" has passed at the age of 80   And just a day after Dolly!  Both the same age--80!  Will that become the age to die now???????????

                               Tim Curry will always live on in "The Rocky Horror Show," and I hope the current cast, especially at today's performances pay him respect.

                                 The role brought him instant fame but was not the only role he did.  He was the original Pennywise The Clown, in 1980's "IT," and was in some of the "Scream" films and "Home Alone 2."  He was even in the film version of the musical "Annie."  Predictably, he played Miss Hannigan's brother, Rooster.

                                     No cause of death has been released, but in 2012 he suffered a severe stroke, and experienced health issues ever since.  All this likely had to do with his death.

                                       Farewell, Tim Curry.  As long as anyone watches the film, sees a live stage version, or does the "Time Warp," you will be remembered.

                                          Rest In Peace!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How Sad To Say Goodbye To Dolly Parton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Even before I knew who Dolly Parton was, I loved the song "Jolene," and the voice that sang it.

                             As her career climbed, I discovered that, aside from her non-financial assets, she was a wonderfully comedic actress, a smart businesswoman, a humanitarian and a gracious human being.  This and being one of the top C and W stars in Nashville, and the world.

                              Her husband, Carl Dean, died only seventeen months ago.  It is said when one love dies, another soon joins it. Having been married for 60 years, I am sure Dolly and Carl are together again, and I am happy for them.

                                But her presence and talent on Earth shall be deeply missed.

                                 For me, the saddest thing, aside from the departure of these great talents, is that no one seems to be coming up the ranks to replace them.  Taylor Swift may be hot now, but will she be mentioned twenty years from now?  I am not so sure.

                                     Rest In Peace, Dolly.  Songs, movies, charities, you did it all.

                                      Never to be forgotten!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Sad Farewell To Shelley Fabares!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             As a member of the Baby Boomer Generation, I cannot believe Shelley Fabares is gone.  Or that she was 82.

                               To us of a certain age, she will always be Mary Stone on "The Donna Reed Show," but she was so much more.

                                 She was the wife on "Coach," gave a moving performance as James Caan's wife in the TV movie "Brian's Song," and my favorite portrayal of hers was the lovably obnoxious Francine Webster on "One Day At A Time."  One could tell she was having such fun in that role.

                                  And then there was "Johnny Angel."  She may not have had the greatest voice, but somehow, it became one of if not THE top song(s) of 1961.

                                   She was married to "M*A*S*H*" actor Mike Farrell. She had no children except a stepson and stepdaughter from a previous Farrell marriage.

                                     How Shelley will be missed but remembered.  And don't forget, she was Nanette Fabray's niece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    The Circle Of Time is closing in on the Baby Boomer Generation.

At The Age Of 71, I Finally Got To See "2001: A Space Odyssey" On The Screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         First of all, darlings, there is no other way to see it.  Second, how the hell do I write about this film?  If I thought covering "The Wizard Of Oz" was a challenge, this is an even bigger one.  I haven't the background for the scientific aspects explored in this film.  Fortunately, my movie friend Chris was on hand to give me an idea--that it is about how intelligence came to mankind.

                                            That was good enough for me to go on, but what I decided was to look at it as though watching a foreign film--as a series of beautiful, patterned images set to simply gorgeous music, including "The Blue Danube," by Johann Strauss and my favorite, "Thus Spoke Zarathustra," which is repeated several times,

                                                One could get drunk on the imagery in this film; it is so intoxicating.  Not to mention two attractive astronauts played by Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood.  The latter played Alan Tuttle, known as "Toots," in Natalie Wood's 1961 triumph "Splendor In The Grass."  They are on a mission to Jupiter with a computer named HAL--but are they really?  Because after witnessing "The Dawn Of Man," one of the best sequences in the film, for imagery, cinematography and art direction, the narrative takes a turn when Dullea is alone on the ship with a deranged HAL.  This, in the second half, is followed by a cacophony of multi-colored, but beautiful imagery, suggesting one is on an LSD trip.  I loved it, but this segment could have been cut a little.  But then, who am I to say this about Stanley Kubrick, who, though not a director I consciously follow, cannot be ignored for having supplied us with this masterpiece??????????????

                                                 Kubrick was nominated for Best Director but did not win.  I would be shocked if this did not pick up some technical awards; it was clearly the most advanced film of the day. And still seems that way. Being released by MGM was a big deal for the film, which was initially shown in CINERAMA.  How I wish there was one CINERAMA theater in each major city so that we could see this and other films the way they were intended.

                                                   Of course, watching it today there are some references--"Forbidden Panet," "Invaders From Mars," and "The Wizard Of Oz" were some I spotted.  Not to mention "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind."  Others may find more.

                                                       Yes, good things come to those who wait, and I was so glad for the opportunity to see this iconic film.

                                                        But I am telling you, darlings, the truth is still out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   

Can You Believe It, Girls????????????????? A One-Night Stand At The Algonquin????????????????????????????

                            Darlings, I thought I was done with one-nighters after my early youth.

                           But yesterday David got the idea for us to go into the city and spend the night at The Algonquin.  All because we were seeing a 5:45 PM screening of "2001: A Space Odyssey," with our friend, Chris.  Who is the one I go to when I need to talk about movies, because what I do not know, he certainly does.

                              I was dead set against the one-nighter.  But I have to say it worked out just fine.  I even forgot it was a Sunday night, I thought we were in Manhattan on a Saturday night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Unfortunately, a new Hamlet has not yet been chosen.  Our room was lovely, though there was a problem with a flickering light above the shower.  It was remedied.

                                The service was lovely, the breakfast luscious, as was our late dinner, which all three of us enjoyed.  Next week we are staying over because of a birthday event this coming Sunday, and I am told we are getting a suite!!!!!!!!!!!  Darlings, I cannot wait to tell you.

                                   Who thought that, at this age, a one-night stand could be so much fun???????????

I Had A Playdate With Bova!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 A block away from David and I, on the corner of Ridge Boulevard and 76th Street, lives a retired surgeon.  His daughter, Bethany, often comes to visit on weekends, and when she does, she brings her lovable German Shepherd dog, Bova.  I just love Bova.  He is so strong, proud and handsome. He is also very lovable, and he and I have become good friends.

'                                  Yesterday, David got a crazy idea, which I will post about next.  Had it not been for the idea, I would have not seen Bova, if we had stayed at home.  But when we passed the house enroute to the subway, there was Bova, and he came running over, bringing his ball, meaning he wanted to play catch with me.

                                      His owner, Bethany, was there, and we had a nice chat with her, while I threw the ball back and forth for Bova to catch.  This picture is not Bova himself but looks exactly like him. He is four years old and has so much energy.

                                         After hearing of the passing of Dexter last week, it was a surprise and a pleasure to have so much fun with Bova.  I look forward to seeing him again.

                                          Love to you, Bova!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Must For Anyone Inerested In Exploring The Work Of Daivd Lynch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                       Like Dorothy Gale, David Lynch was a Midwesterner and wanted something more out of life than there.  He shares that in common with many people, me included, but this film, "David Lynch--The Art Life" shows not only how Lynch artistically evolved, but the sacrifice and loneliness creators must face in their passion for the work they do.

                                          Much footage shows Lynch at work, slapping paint onto paint, or creating the kinds of bizarre images his movies would show, and sticking them on to various projects.  Lynch's skill for building began with his father, who would build unusual contraptions.  They had a fascination to them, suggesting to me that David inherited his talent from his father.

                                          Lynch's talent was honed at the Pennsylvania Academy Of Fine Arts, which he attended for a limited time, and where his developing imagery led to a life in Philadelphia, the gritty side, resulting in short films, and culminating in his first major work, "Eraserhead," with Jack Nance in 1977, the year I graduated from college.

                                           I saw "Eraserhead" in the early eighties, and while the camerawork and imagery impressed me, because of the on-camera murder of the mutant baby, I could never bring myself to see it again.  It was with "Blue Velvet," not covered here, that Lynch and I clicked.

                                           Lynch's life happened to be a genius who took off.  Not all do, and the chronicling of Lynch's early years shows the solitude and uncertainty of the life of any artist.

                                              This 2022 documentary is a must for all David Lynch fans.

                                                It may even begin to have one viewing life in images instead of absolutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Tonight "Svengoolie" Serves Up A Healthy Dose Of Sadism And Torture, With 1935's "The Raven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   We have seen it before, and this is a good one!  Though Universal was really pushing the boundaries of the censors with Lugosi torturing Karloff in a torture chamber of his own making.

                                      Lugosi plays a Poe obsessed mad doctor--and yes, a raven figures in the story--who invents a torture chamber and makes a deformed Boris Karloff his lackey in exchange promising to restore his deformed face.

                                        This is one to watch, darlings.  Is there a storm?  Do strangers show up and unleash the secrets of this chamber?  I am not sure, but I am sure enough to tune in, recalling this as one of "Svengoolie's better offerings.  I mean, torture, madness and sadism!!!!!!!!!!!  What more could one want?

                                           Those never having seen it should not miss it.  Baby Gojira and everyone here are excited for a second viewing, especially after last week's disappointing showing of "Man Made Monster."

                                              I look forward to all of us tonight watching "The Raven!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                             And try to spot all the Poe references!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              See you at 8PM tonight, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              

 

As The Line In "Blue Velvet" Goes, "It Is A Strange World!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            This 2022 documentary, which I unfortunately missed in the theater, is dear to my heart, and makes me think David Lynch and I would have gotten on fine.  Because we both share one thing in common--our all-time favorite movie is "The Wizard Of Oz."

                             It did not make me a filmmaker, but it made me the person I am today.  The takeaway from the film is that anyone can say anything about anything.  There are strange interpretations throughout this film, from the symbolism of curtains, which I get, to the connection between "The Wizard Of Oz," Stanley Kubrick's 1957 "Paths Of Glory," "The Shining," and Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now."  I have seen both "The Shining" and "Apocalypse Now," and never in my viewing, for a second, did I give any thought to their association with "The Wizard Of Oz."  It just was not there.

                               The film is divided into six parts--"Wind," narrated by Amy Nicholson, "Membranes," narrated by Rodney Ascher, "Kindred," narrated by John Waters, "Multitudes," narrated by Karyn Kusama, "Judy," narrated by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, and "Dig" is narrated by David Lowery.

                                  This is a must for 'Oz' fans, and I know there are lots out there.  I learned that the choral vocals heard in the opening credits, and when Dorothy steps out of the house In Munchkinland, the tones are different--the first whirling and intense, like the cyclone that will transport Dorothy and Toto, while the Munchkinland vocals are more comforting and soothing These sounds are meant to represent wind.  Th urban myth of someone being murdered on the Yellow Brick Road is explored, but it is just a bird flapping its wings.

                                      And don't forget--the first name of Isabella Rossellini's character in "Blue Velvet" is Dorothy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Of course, the most fascinating insights come from David Lynch himself., a born and bred mid-Westerner.  He talks about dreams, alternate realities, and how do we know which world we are in.  I had a dream once of being in the Village in the Sixties and going to a nightclub to see Shelley Plimpton perform--a dream I did not want to end-- and then later on, I found myself in some nameless place, or even in front of the Waverly, when it really was the Waverly--and near Waverly Place--singing "Frank Mills."  When I awakened, I wanted so much to return to that dream world, but there is much to occupy me in this. I will say that when I first saw "The Wizard Of Oz," in 1959, I thought Dorothy should have stayed in Oz!  I would have, then!

                                    Lynch makes us question our identities--do we live in the real world of Dorothy, or the brilliantly technicolored world of Oz?  Maybe both, because identities split and merge, as Lynch proves in his 2001 "Mulholland Drive," which I hope to explore on here.  Hons, I was fused between reality and fantasy from the moment I first saw "The Wizard Of Oz. " Which may account for my being something of an eternal child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    This documentary makes you think and there is much to learn.  Sadly, it reminds us that Lynch is gone, having passed last year.  Someone needs to carry on his legacy.

                                      Could that person be me?????????????

Girls, The Fall Is Coming, And So Is The Return Of The 1950's Coffee Klatch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Even if your home is not retro decorated like the 1950s, with the weather cooling off, and more activities taking place inside, it is time to bring back the 1950s Coffee Klatch.

                             The hostess provides the coffee, along with some cakes and dainties.  Those who desire may bring something of their own making or purchase.

                               For the next several hours, one wears their Fifties finery, gossips frantically with their girls, and, like the song says, "meow about the ups and downs of all their friends."

                                Girls, I cannot wait for the first Coffee Klatch or the season.

                                 And look at the hats in that photograph.  I need a decent millenary right away.

                                Off to Madame Paulette's, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Happy Birthday Today To Amy Adams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Today Amy turns 52!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Can you believe that darlings?  I never looked that good at 52, and that was 19 years ago.

                                       Amy has not been heard from lately; I wish she would come back and do a movie that would net her another Oscar nomination, so that finally she would get the Oscar she deserves.

                                         I bet Amy is busy raising her daughter, who must be nearing the puberty mark, so oh, boy!!!!!!!!!!  As the saying goes, the only thing worse than being a kid going through puberty is being the parent of a kid going through puberty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Nevertheless, myself and everyone on here wish Amy the happiest of birthday celebrations.  This is your day, dear, so do whatever you want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         But, please, in the foreseeable future, Amy win yourself an Oscar!!!!!!!!!!  Yoo deserve it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, It Is Not Too Early To Start Thinking About Fall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, How About Some Hats By Madame Paulette???????????????????????????????

                              The real Madame Paulette, who died in 1984, at the age of 84, having been born in 1900, had her headquarters located at Avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, in Paris, France.  However, her legacy lives on; there is a New York location at 230 West 39th Street.

                               Darlings, just look at these fabulous millinery creations.  I would be proud to wear any one of them, and so should you.

                                 Maybe I should think about a trip into the city to visit 230 West 39th Street.

                                Imagine some of these hats going with a gorgeous Schiaparelli!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 So, start thinking about Fall, girls!  It is never too soon.
 

Introducing Gay Film #2--1939's "The Wizard Of Oz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  Perfect.  What more can be said?

                                 Quite a lot, actually.  During my recent viewing--and I reckon I have seen this film pretty close to my actual age--I found myself asking a question I never asked before.

                                    When Dorothy and the Scarecrow are attacked by the nasty apple trees, are the trees really that way, or was this a spell put on them by the Witch?  Because, just as Dorothy and the Scarecrow approach the area, a slinking Margaret Hamilton (her iconic role) has been hiding behind a tree and tries to distance herself from Judy Garland and Ray Bolger.  I really do think the Witch is seen there, because she did cast a spell on those trees.

                                           That thought had never occurred to me before.

                                           Now, how is this a gay film?  It has always been labeled a children's film, but I disagree. I think it is more adult than realized.  Margaret Hamilton herself said no child should see this before the age of 10, and I agree.

                                               However, I was a very different child.

                                               Back in 1959, my parents were concerned because all I was watching were cartoons.  Nothing with real people.  So, my mother sat me down one afternoon, saying there was a program she wanted me to watch.  It was "The Wizard Of Oz."  Even in black and white, I was transfixed, and I even then noticed how even on our set the Kansas scenes were lit differently than the Oz scenes.

                                                   Who knew that my first movie would become the leitmotif of my life?  But it did.

                                                       At the time, the one I most related to was the Witch.  I loved her costume, flying on a broom, and her spooky castle.  In fact, the morning after my first viewing, to my mother's consternation, I would take my toy broom, fly off the top of one of our love seats, crying, "To the Emerald City, as fast as lightning!"  The whole Judy Garland/"Over The Rainbow" thing did not hit me until sometime after reaching the double digits.

                                                            "The Wizard Of Oz" is the perfect film for a burgeoning gay child, and if any children respond similarly to how I did, they are well on their way.

                                                                First, it is the most dazzling use of Technicolor in film history.  I stand by that statement today, and, darlings, if it is one thing gays respond to it is color.

                                                                 Being different and set apart can lead to loneliness.  Here we have an unfortunate child whose only real companion is her dog Toto, who turns out to be a real hero.  A gay child, more than others, would get the Dorothy-Toto bond.

                                                                     The film is effusively emotional from the start.  I maintain the MGM lion roared louder for the picture than any other MGM film.  Perhaps the lion knew something and was ahead of his time!  It begins with a series of short notes followed by a very intense opening overture.  Then there is the austerity of the Kansas scenes, adults who seem not to care for the child amidst them, who is so yearning for love she concocts a world beyond the rainbow.  No wonder when I first saw the film, I wondered why Dorothy did not just stay in Oz, especially Munchkinland, which is the best designed Hollywood set of all time.  By the time Dorothy gets there, and Glinda appears in that pink dress--oh my God, if you are gay, darlings, you gravitate to that!!!!!!!!!!!! Who wouldn't want to wear that dress?

                                                                      Fear of being an outcast, common to many gays, infuses "The Wizard Of Oz."  Even in Oz, Dorothy still feels an outsider, and a child's fear of loss is clearly felt when Aunt Em appears in the crystal ball, followed by the Witch!

                                                                          Not only is the film a litmus test for gays, but for, shall I say more normal, or straight children, it can be an intense and frightening experience.  They are the ones who should wait longer before seeing it.  When they can appreciate its artistry.

                                                                             "The Wizard Of Oz" is for everyone, but, having lived my life, I maintain it is especially resonant for gay children.  As I can attest.

                                                                                 But in the pantheon of cinema, there never will be anything like it.

                                                                                   How many films can be called perfect?  This one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!