tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17709440552992415862024-03-18T17:29:19.587-07:00The Raving QueenA Gay/campy chronicling of daily life in NYC,with individual kernels of human truth.
copyright 2011 by The Raving QueenThe Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.comBlogger9203125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-13149313317506373682024-03-18T17:29:00.000-07:002024-03-18T17:29:18.840-07:00 A Sophomore Novel That Reads Like A Debut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbhleRlkzD1N-MutaB1dC7viQ8gpYroGYWLIDoGs3MIUjkScAl0iwjtRZh7K40VNOrS0qykbO9_Datzb3RopUnSLsNbpzTyf9mpNSbEUnuM0Ozqni4h81hFqCktgJjPuU6h_uENSfoVczSTdUP0OVJWmqiABRZigzQBPNB8BAwZWrWEymDuw5jv7lQpPP/s1500/71Ebm1IAXTL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="992" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbhleRlkzD1N-MutaB1dC7viQ8gpYroGYWLIDoGs3MIUjkScAl0iwjtRZh7K40VNOrS0qykbO9_Datzb3RopUnSLsNbpzTyf9mpNSbEUnuM0Ozqni4h81hFqCktgJjPuU6h_uENSfoVczSTdUP0OVJWmqiABRZigzQBPNB8BAwZWrWEymDuw5jv7lQpPP/w265-h400/71Ebm1IAXTL._SL1500_.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br /> The quality of "Such Sharp Teeth" is so outstanding I want to go back and read Rachel Harrison's first novel, "Cackle!" As stated, it is a "werewolf novel," about a girl named Rory who goes to take care of her pregnant sister, Scarlett, and while on her way gets bitten by a werewolf. The big reveal--which I won't---is whom the werewolf turns out to be. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Never has a novel that I have read delved into the physical and emotional pain that comes with being a werewolf. Forget Lon Chaney, Jr. and his Universal make-up, it is a painful and agonizing experience to go through, and once losing one's human memory there is no turning back. As scary as the novel is, Harrison makes the reader feel the pain of Rory's burden.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I have her third novel, "Black Sheep," awaiting me. I am looking forward to that, and I may go back and read "Cackle," which sounds like witches.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> This is the first writer in the horror genre I have been excited about in a very long time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Watch that full moon, girls! It does awful things to the hair!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-91108980255845911732024-03-18T16:22:00.000-07:002024-03-18T16:22:58.500-07:00 Speaking Of Witches, Darlings, We LOVED "Wicked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2uptQnOtF3Szhc0LoXhqzGsPseZvSdtki8AokLsZuOFoPRV99vWaeoP13K_KN-kOD-IWEh3Spy18m0gu-_QFAKh3JkcbUPaTISu3UQRhfLcwey4QeFd3dNSLojA42ygiPogWm4xfh018LSmIXlcUSwnbbg73ebKamAclTKP6a21maJCa0fStH0xfyKHg/s1200/s-l1200%20(1).webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2uptQnOtF3Szhc0LoXhqzGsPseZvSdtki8AokLsZuOFoPRV99vWaeoP13K_KN-kOD-IWEh3Spy18m0gu-_QFAKh3JkcbUPaTISu3UQRhfLcwey4QeFd3dNSLojA42ygiPogWm4xfh018LSmIXlcUSwnbbg73ebKamAclTKP6a21maJCa0fStH0xfyKHg/w266-h400/s-l1200%20(1).webp" width="266" /></a></div> My expectations for this show were not high. All I knew walking in was that I loved the song "Defying Gravity," and I was looking forward to hearing it sung live.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But---</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Five years ago, before we knew there would be a pandemic, David and I saw ENCORES! do an excellent production of the Jerry Herman musical, "Mack And Mabel. Playing Mabel was someone I had never heard of, named Alexandra Socha. She blew us both away, and I predicted she would go places. Well, darlings, she has, because when I opened my Playbill, there I saw her, listed in the pivotal role of Glinda!!!!!!!!!!!!! So I knew we were in good hands. And her remarkably lyric soprano voice was put to good use. She could be the next Cunegonde!!!!!!!! I was also happy for her, because, for an actor working on Broadway, "Wicked" is about as close to a steady gig as one could hope for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Nor did Mary Kate Morrissey disappoint as Elphaba. She nailed "Defying Gravity," making it the shattering Act One climax it is!!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to end the first half of a show.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And there were other surprises as well.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I never realized how politicized this show is, and though twenty plus years old, holds up today. Girl empowerment, mean girls, being on the outside, or different, greed--all these things play into this rather insightful fantasy. While references to the Baum book and Garland movie abound, the film makes no attempt to replicate either. So, for those like me, for whom MGM's1939 product is their all-time favorite movie, let me assure you--you are in good hands!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> What got me to "Wicked" after twenty years? When it opened I desperately tried to get a single ticket to see Kristin Chenowith and Idina Menzel! I tried several times, to no avail. Then, when they left, I figured, what was the point? Until I made a vow that if someone I really liked were ever to go into the show, I would see it. And on March 5 of this year, that happened.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Donna McKechnie, whom I saw almost 50 years ago as the original Cassie in "A Chorus Line," is currently playing Madame Morrible in this show, in the most deliciously tongue and cheek way. She sings and dances, though not as much as us fans would like, but when she moves across the stage with a dancer's gracefulness and delivers her lines with a diction lacking in many younger actors, there is no question one is witnessing a Legend Of The Musical Stage. Even if younger viewers have no idea who she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Other surprises are the still fresh look to Eugene Lee's sets and Susan Hilferty's costumes. They looked as pristine as if it were opening night. Unlike some shows who tire after a long run, "Wicked" is in terrific shape. Though I wonder about Alexandra Socha; hovering high above the stage in a Glinda bubble, with nothing in front to block a fall. That takes courage! I would be scared to do it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Which brings me to Joe Mantello. Now that he is an aging actor, I had forgotten how good a director he is. I wonder if he checks in on the show from time to time. I hope, because it would need that to keep it in the remarkable shape that it is in. I would not mind working with Mantello myself, though let me tell you girls that if he thinks he is going to pull that direct-by-intimidation approach on me, I will show him on the spot what B-I-T-C-H means!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> "Wicked" surprised us both to no end. I urge those having never gone to do so right away, not only for Donna but to see one of the last examples of a genuinely lavish Broadway musical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And I love Elphaba!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /> </p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-80715806203401557752024-03-18T15:14:00.000-07:002024-03-18T15:14:08.339-07:00 Monkeys Escape From A Georgia Lab! And I Know Why!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZyb_qP3wK-0-T5CCSg0QeCJgpP_ySwuhgrVVVgDrIsDVJdle8parwnOxdDpwoU2_9_mkHAliLcn2sseDwNm1DvTc4wX-uIjTTCWJ7xO3xH6s87cZGphyphenhyphen4gAzUFMB8mm9xacidAuGS8ZSWQ2PRBRgw9wJj50fgKTtSB1c0XV-vFzd2Pwi3jtlBBDwl17S/s1200/Picsart_24-01-11_18-18-21-979-1.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1200" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZyb_qP3wK-0-T5CCSg0QeCJgpP_ySwuhgrVVVgDrIsDVJdle8parwnOxdDpwoU2_9_mkHAliLcn2sseDwNm1DvTc4wX-uIjTTCWJ7xO3xH6s87cZGphyphenhyphen4gAzUFMB8mm9xacidAuGS8ZSWQ2PRBRgw9wJj50fgKTtSB1c0XV-vFzd2Pwi3jtlBBDwl17S/w400-h329/Picsart_24-01-11_18-18-21-979-1.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Girls, before you go all cutesy on me about the monkeys, let me assure you these are very dangerous animals. Not for the reasons you may think, such as disease, disagreeability, or that they will, excuse me, shit all over the place. No, there is a stronger reason to be afraid of these creatures, and here it is--<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6LstV9xcb_d8E0k_9R0uIMGiwCclJy_rlG7LEJNaVGl9ztNK-PfL-7unG_CKpt60s7nCkHJBZaUjvqRXNcWin-QgSPxbgTnvAMIFVcyVTlqTHrFiadWjK73HVuKblkIhgEXELsFDJyLOCQn3CdE7_HdwLTPxPS8zU2u1CDIsYkq4aYmB94WvVDuiIxN8/s1024/c441a8bdea004bff8e2af2e7d356a312.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG6LstV9xcb_d8E0k_9R0uIMGiwCclJy_rlG7LEJNaVGl9ztNK-PfL-7unG_CKpt60s7nCkHJBZaUjvqRXNcWin-QgSPxbgTnvAMIFVcyVTlqTHrFiadWjK73HVuKblkIhgEXELsFDJyLOCQn3CdE7_HdwLTPxPS8zU2u1CDIsYkq4aYmB94WvVDuiIxN8/w400-h400/c441a8bdea004bff8e2af2e7d356a312.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> That is right, darlings! Marjorie Taylor Greene! She is the Wicked Witch Of Georgia, and these monkeys are her minions. Can't you see hear standing on her porch, dressed like this, screaming, "Now, fly! Fly! Fly! Fly!?" And I wouldn't be surprised if she has a broom she takes out and flies all over the nation with, seeing what political mischief she can cause. Mark my words, girls, if Trump is re-elected, she may or may not make his cabinet, but she will play an important role in his administration. Though, many in the first administration were eventually fired, so that could work in our favor, loves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If only water could melt Marjorie. Or holding a crucifix in front of her! Or burning her at the stake!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Meanwhile, those monkeys are now with her, and God knows what plans she has for them!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Surely not the ruby slippers! Because she has no fashion sense!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-43548482227845158702024-03-18T14:55:00.000-07:002024-03-18T14:55:16.885-07:00 A Belated St. Parick's Day Wish For All My Readers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvKFCkaF1Yr0v0T2M2NnXKx8irBf9uSIQtLmHuXCnVGYzZA5fjJFOTciF9v6TCHLMc4EdC8NB0e_HDA94eryMItbijQ_utVWXQ6TOU6klS4Abs3fLnkMf7F6pFxKGIARLVjMQa6tBC2cM-9cS1G_yiC5pYRdfmEI9dP684Pxn9k1MKKOjskea3TaEz2vg/s1200/st-patricks.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvKFCkaF1Yr0v0T2M2NnXKx8irBf9uSIQtLmHuXCnVGYzZA5fjJFOTciF9v6TCHLMc4EdC8NB0e_HDA94eryMItbijQ_utVWXQ6TOU6klS4Abs3fLnkMf7F6pFxKGIARLVjMQa6tBC2cM-9cS1G_yiC5pYRdfmEI9dP684Pxn9k1MKKOjskea3TaEz2vg/w400-h209/st-patricks.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Hope all my girls had a Happy St. Pat' s day. Ours was quiet; we had been at a dinner party the night before, so we did a lot of reading--especially me with my Mammoth! --and had a delicious, corned beef and cabbage dinner, with carrots and potatoes. Otherwise known as an Irish Boiled Dinner!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> In days of yore, like before the Internet, a time of which the young do not believe it exists; to them it a time as distant as Middle Earth, there was the parade live--which we chose not to watch--but movies like "The Quiet Man," or even "The Informer" would be shown. Would you believe, darlings, I have never seen "The Quiet Man all the way through? Oh, and the first 25 minutes of 1968's "Finian's Rainbow" is worth a look. But only the first 25. Like "Barbie," with only the first 45 minutes being good.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And today, I am having some trouble getting it together. I wonder if it is my thyroid, or blood sugar? I am telling you, darlings, if David had not walked in, I might have been on the couch now, having only oatmeal for dinner.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But I see my endocrinologist in about two weeks, so we shall see.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Meanwhile, I am back, so I hope everyone's St. Patrick's Day was happy.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Whether you are Irish, or not, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-73474174895198781162024-03-16T10:28:00.000-07:002024-03-16T10:28:58.344-07:00 Today Is The 61st Anniversary Of My First Holy Communion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPg6Yoha0JxB5DCu7vjsk-zajChF4hlZ7TcK7YrcP_hSXF7OKXhkibahxHNyJAZDixwQFnh2QZt1EpyOZcW0kJFUiY1v8Ev0wb1Gkmp3g-exwJ8Y1I57a6_V14KHGwNXsmluxVxUL62NRPq9fLIqNKKIeCulZeGP6bksHL83DArsOCP7fTZ8q0tB0s3ej/s1280/commcardboy4laminated__20897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPg6Yoha0JxB5DCu7vjsk-zajChF4hlZ7TcK7YrcP_hSXF7OKXhkibahxHNyJAZDixwQFnh2QZt1EpyOZcW0kJFUiY1v8Ev0wb1Gkmp3g-exwJ8Y1I57a6_V14KHGwNXsmluxVxUL62NRPq9fLIqNKKIeCulZeGP6bksHL83DArsOCP7fTZ8q0tB0s3ej/w400-h336/commcardboy4laminated__20897.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> And it happened on a Saturday, too, girls! My parents had a time getting me into the car because I wanted to postpone the event, because Channel 9 was showing "Godzilla" (ie;. "Gojira") on "Super Adventure Theater." Needless to say, I was forced into the car, and made it to my communion.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It was a beautiful and moving ceremony. You should see the picture of me in my robe, which is on our refrigerator. I look like Gladys Cooper in "The Song Of Bernadette." </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But the most memorable moment in the event, was that, after receiving the wafer, Ricky Brown, who sat next to me, got sick, and threw up on the pew seat. Within seconds, a nun appeared to take him away--I thought he was going to be tortured--while another appeared with a large portion of incense, and covered the vomit with it, so it looked like a graveyard mound. I had to spend the last several minutes of the mass looking at this, knowing what was underneath.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It was a communion like no other. But I still recall it vividly.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And this was a good five years, before seeing Jennifer Jones in "The Song Of Bernadette."</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-53064332905858476942024-03-16T07:46:00.000-07:002024-03-16T07:46:53.397-07:00 Girls, You're On Your Own, Tonight, With "Svengoolie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbpEXFYaQs0I9lhl0ujNfrw_84gtNespTS0YIEGR4XxrU4le9e7WGEQvaItIboLL6TSH_xCQwhLlv1Mha0O8lrfUfqvNsSc1o5rXuZm5Cx9H6rsB6RMH9yF6WKplTOCPYQPZ4e-8kimZrQcoGURYBx_k8DBRqSefbU23CRSUg8lCeF2fXVMH2dlxWmjei/s1000/the-comedy-of-terrors-us-poster-art-1963,2457275.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="1000" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbpEXFYaQs0I9lhl0ujNfrw_84gtNespTS0YIEGR4XxrU4le9e7WGEQvaItIboLL6TSH_xCQwhLlv1Mha0O8lrfUfqvNsSc1o5rXuZm5Cx9H6rsB6RMH9yF6WKplTOCPYQPZ4e-8kimZrQcoGURYBx_k8DBRqSefbU23CRSUg8lCeF2fXVMH2dlxWmjei/w400-h316/the-comedy-of-terrors-us-poster-art-1963,2457275.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> As David and I have a much overdue dinner party to attend this evening, we will not be able to watch "The Comedy Of Terrors," and that might be a good thing. The title is obviously a play on Shakespeare's "The Comedy Of Errors," and is probably like 1963's "The Raven," which gathers together a bunch of old horror pros and lets them camp it up. Remember how Peter Lorre stole the show in "The Raven?"<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I expect this film to be much of the same. So, I want you girls to watch and let me know if I am right. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> And can you imagine? Joe E. Brown, in a supposed horror film? That alone gives an indication how campy this is going to be.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> So, we won't be with you tonight, girls, though Baby Gojira and Little Pippin. might. We will hear first thing from them. But for those of you who watch, let me know.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> And let us hope next week's offering is better!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-44887130871912438092024-03-15T13:57:00.000-07:002024-03-15T13:57:54.645-07:00 "A Soothsayer Advises Beware The Ides Of March!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMrJEjequ61G7t5_ww0zIMDltFMnEkm-yhV0DOyXXpfxEuEm-Ffpf-YOxtpndjA1QGvvuOtY6w702td-ZHOX5qjKf0xeK6hh956A1de31xfHqrH8JrMTNPDNBfudvvh4-O_1mzo1cxajaLx-2k7MVPwjY0soPeHcUznAlflloHSsoi-4l5ELqZLOR33QE/s644/March-15-meme.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="644" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMrJEjequ61G7t5_ww0zIMDltFMnEkm-yhV0DOyXXpfxEuEm-Ffpf-YOxtpndjA1QGvvuOtY6w702td-ZHOX5qjKf0xeK6hh956A1de31xfHqrH8JrMTNPDNBfudvvh4-O_1mzo1cxajaLx-2k7MVPwjY0soPeHcUznAlflloHSsoi-4l5ELqZLOR33QE/w400-h301/March-15-meme.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Yes, darlings, today is THAT day, but let me tell you, from my vantage point, girls, it has been one hell of a week. Let us start with the events in order!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaQT5oJAFhfGjp6Cl5lRY_folw_zwOhzYHjqoHrIzDlhX5dQatEP7KRWZL16eZtU4yb3Spf0D1uKY7gzMmAdOC0k73nJjHzfmVTVlLcPAf_F93KTv3piCYN9j7Xq5BUdl1FPrGiBwCSFuKJ7y0HLkXuK7a6-1LXuofsraoFwoL-LRLF32gnM7IvwupNP9/s300/Cover_Liza_Live_at_Carnegie_Hall.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaQT5oJAFhfGjp6Cl5lRY_folw_zwOhzYHjqoHrIzDlhX5dQatEP7KRWZL16eZtU4yb3Spf0D1uKY7gzMmAdOC0k73nJjHzfmVTVlLcPAf_F93KTv3piCYN9j7Xq5BUdl1FPrGiBwCSFuKJ7y0HLkXuK7a6-1LXuofsraoFwoL-LRLF32gnM7IvwupNP9/w400-h400/Cover_Liza_Live_at_Carnegie_Hall.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Tuesday, March 12, was Liza Minnelli's birthday! Still going great at seventy-eight! And just six more months till "Frank Mills" day. Lots to celebrate.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ73NWwIlSkiS1kCL8RTSW9zr0U5yXK3pdlUD4h98WHu6BiD4rJwMIYAmPaulo8uJ7IAbTyJaNNcjw_3MLELPoaaEmNZXyNm-l2eAWEBg5SmtD_0bH67AhpBh64FBYjFx8jd84uS8Qkbzop66cgbQHRQk_3bV5Q5KEPO3HdQVXAp8CHzvFXl37B3_VFlFv/s717/kitty.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="717" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ73NWwIlSkiS1kCL8RTSW9zr0U5yXK3pdlUD4h98WHu6BiD4rJwMIYAmPaulo8uJ7IAbTyJaNNcjw_3MLELPoaaEmNZXyNm-l2eAWEBg5SmtD_0bH67AhpBh64FBYjFx8jd84uS8Qkbzop66cgbQHRQk_3bV5Q5KEPO3HdQVXAp8CHzvFXl37B3_VFlFv/w400-h328/kitty.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Wednesday, March 13, was the 60th anniversary of the murder of Kitty Genovese in the early morning hours--say 3AM-- in Kew Gardens, Queens, on Austin Street. An urban nightmare that became a national tragedy having stood the test and time of shattered myths. May Kitty rest in peace.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAbkLRJQS26MNjDxdfXnUdPnAtWDPEfbksd4dKkMjjFDTQyBkxdUD5kndCrqM3w6GgfdWlDfsL8cf7yjzLv4EBhD0GCJh1GxJb55rSO4Ac6q8j_voNKOM-ScPYrwAKc8qIS-4ryl2aDygAETRph-AKb2LD-UPNgUCU40KZX5CLPXrDrYdgW8arKJ6L0g-/s1280/maxresdefault%20(3).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAbkLRJQS26MNjDxdfXnUdPnAtWDPEfbksd4dKkMjjFDTQyBkxdUD5kndCrqM3w6GgfdWlDfsL8cf7yjzLv4EBhD0GCJh1GxJb55rSO4Ac6q8j_voNKOM-ScPYrwAKc8qIS-4ryl2aDygAETRph-AKb2LD-UPNgUCU40KZX5CLPXrDrYdgW8arKJ6L0g-/w400-h225/maxresdefault%20(3).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Wednesday, March 13, also marked the end of "Feud--Capote Vs. The Swans." What a shame it had to end, and I will write a more extensive post on it, soon, but it made the Genovese anniversary slightly bearable, and cleared up some things for me. More to come, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ0sOhfsOPd2NIDFeoojB6PWzXnWeIYPmhyHPoECEUNycUH5Z8kyEv9WSX2G8FUUOfRfbjoNKzCD5xJfslfmH7B2cLHq2PCMLDv3jFwntADvxOVeWLjsDKgRhDg2AwimxoGUpkukvWAY4iJLttgvLg9ETAlf2P0DicMzYc9_mieNg2_IPZ5L3lkDTG1dd/s1023/46487196164_6ae38c21c9_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="779" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJ0sOhfsOPd2NIDFeoojB6PWzXnWeIYPmhyHPoECEUNycUH5Z8kyEv9WSX2G8FUUOfRfbjoNKzCD5xJfslfmH7B2cLHq2PCMLDv3jFwntADvxOVeWLjsDKgRhDg2AwimxoGUpkukvWAY4iJLttgvLg9ETAlf2P0DicMzYc9_mieNg2_IPZ5L3lkDTG1dd/w305-h400/46487196164_6ae38c21c9_b.jpg" width="305" /></a></div> And, yes, this was the day Caesar was stabbed, and uttered the famous words, "Et too, Brute?" But, on a highly positive note, 68 years ago tonight, "My Fair Lady," with Rex Harrsion and Julie Andrews, opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. I can hear the Overture in my head. So, there is something to be said for this day!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Added to all that--oh, my God, I have a dental appointment and an ear appointment in less than two weeks, and I am about to tackle my Mammoth book, "Shamataran," by Gergory David Roberts, which clocks in at 936 pages. So much to do, so little time.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Don't kid yourselves, girls! Retirement has time constraints, too!<br /><br /><p></p><div> </div></div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-56447939412803620152024-03-12T14:31:00.000-07:002024-03-12T14:31:21.373-07:00 Happy Birthday, Liza!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8h9upxCk5V9FNUJYQJQGfmOegk2WatMhDB4T98C6aTxDyzgtkS2aS0xk9pwq664T5U5-bfiNRzck-KUko1Om-f48pLTcOKScCiaGROeESTBzhCFutm2ESj6onTiJJvujxajfGVvBYliVmmK62t0OaN4gisYUC95g5XEFCKyARDrmN7wiogqqYYnYlbIe/s320/mqdefault%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8h9upxCk5V9FNUJYQJQGfmOegk2WatMhDB4T98C6aTxDyzgtkS2aS0xk9pwq664T5U5-bfiNRzck-KUko1Om-f48pLTcOKScCiaGROeESTBzhCFutm2ESj6onTiJJvujxajfGVvBYliVmmK62t0OaN4gisYUC95g5XEFCKyARDrmN7wiogqqYYnYlbIe/w400-h225/mqdefault%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Today, Liza Minnelli turns 78. Can you believe it, darlings???????? Every theater queen alive should have taken this day off. Here is Liza, in the person of Christine Peidi who is now more Liza than Liza herself, with Lady Gaga(?). I will try to include the whole scene at the end.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Seventy-eight years, hip replacements, knees, drugs, and Liza has beat them all. Sure, she can't do things like she used to, but who among us can? And what a legacy she leaves behind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> "It may not be that long a stay," to quote Kander and Ebb, but Liza has made herself one.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Congratulations, Liza, and may your "Cabaret" life continue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OdrjRBB8TA4" width="320" youtube-src-id="OdrjRBB8TA4"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p> Here is Christine/Liza and "Lady Gaga." What a howl, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-87966167008950338772024-03-12T14:21:00.000-07:002024-03-12T14:31:52.802-07:00 "Beautiful Babe" Was The Most Poignant Episode Of "Feud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Perhaps It Should Have Ended Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBlnhuUZXslLVl8rKinJFw5bPaVE4VrmM2rOWKHn8uum_l4_cFHZacJ_J0J2tVpOz-eks2Np00PX9rX1k0YM5llw1eG_6AJnXQD_8QjXF1DazPLvhtNBK9dmlJGPlc3KSfGjUNdxJOBhUYY4_xKj-1o8DWtUNXd1QXUoKOKpPKXqE9EUMbaCaE3Kazs0R/s1920/gettyimages-501828036.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglBlnhuUZXslLVl8rKinJFw5bPaVE4VrmM2rOWKHn8uum_l4_cFHZacJ_J0J2tVpOz-eks2Np00PX9rX1k0YM5llw1eG_6AJnXQD_8QjXF1DazPLvhtNBK9dmlJGPlc3KSfGjUNdxJOBhUYY4_xKj-1o8DWtUNXd1QXUoKOKpPKXqE9EUMbaCaE3Kazs0R/w266-h400/gettyimages-501828036.webp" width="266" /></a></div><br /> Despite Naomi Watts' brilliant, award worthy portrayal, when I think of Babe Paley, this is what comes to mind. I mean, how can it not????????????????<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Simultaneously ending the lives of both Babe and Capote in this episode was touching, but I am not sure the best idea. Jennifer Lynch, David's daughter, did a wonderful directing job.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So many touching moments--Babe accepting her fate, planning the funeral down to the nth degree, Truman reading his eulogy of Babe to C.Z. Guest, (Chloe Sevigny) as the tears poured down her face, and Joe Mantello as Jack Dunphy coming to terms with Capote's passing. All of these actors are doing their finest work in this series, and it shows. I almost cried real tears here.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Was "Beautiful Babe" the last thing Truman Capote spoke on Earth? I highly doubt it. But one hopes in the beyond they are, like all of us hope, having tea and dishing.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So many people await me to dish them, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-69324870245080483992024-03-12T14:09:00.000-07:002024-03-12T14:09:07.414-07:00 A Word About The Oscars, Dears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKTTGbHbWsndVZSvUt9GuRFEzjZFejle-jGQOVAlt-lzVF7vW9klADzau_A9tgQPZSddKoQa90MMMoFTLFsHc21Z5Y0Zw26OKEcqD1gVOLdQi1JV2PZzOabvlHahR9AyNrFUZXTApR-ltvodd_AjbFoG-dYj5QtUSR1k8pe2A2nQbZZMQlLLoLxSa26ew/s2000/Ryan-Gosliong-Ken-Oscars-2024.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihKTTGbHbWsndVZSvUt9GuRFEzjZFejle-jGQOVAlt-lzVF7vW9klADzau_A9tgQPZSddKoQa90MMMoFTLFsHc21Z5Y0Zw26OKEcqD1gVOLdQi1JV2PZzOabvlHahR9AyNrFUZXTApR-ltvodd_AjbFoG-dYj5QtUSR1k8pe2A2nQbZZMQlLLoLxSa26ew/w400-h266/Ryan-Gosliong-Ken-Oscars-2024.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The program was crap.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Jimmy Kimmel was a boring host. He has done it before? Really? Why?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Emma Stone--are you kidding? Look, I admit I have not seen the film, but she was not that good in "La La Land," and she is not even pretty! To think she has two Oscars. Still, it could be worse. It could be Gwyneth Paltrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> As usual, the "In Memoriam" segment was screwed up. At home viewers could not see the pictures or names, nor the collage of names projected at the end. This is supposedly to honor those film artists we have lost in the previous year. Whomever is in charge of this segment does it more of a dishonor.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But there was one highlight that made it worth it. Ryan Gosling and his performance of "I'm Just Ken." His costume, his moves, and, girls, did you catch the visual reference spoofing Marilyn Monroe doing "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend?" I have to hand it to Ryan for having a sense of humor and the nerve and talent to pull this off. He elevated the evening to what its entirety should have been!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Robert Downey, Jr. was deserving. When is Carey Mulligan finally going to get an Oscar? I could ask the same thing of Amy Adams. And those dresses--it only proves style is in NYC, not Hollywood. Hell, the fabric draped around the supposedly naked guy looked good on him, and he looked better than most of the women there!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> How did the Academy Awards become so torturous? Take a look at the movies being made, and the actors in them!.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> As the song in "Chicago" asks, "What ever happened to class?"</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-57666425163348355052024-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:002024-03-09T08:00:47.981-08:00 There IS Such A Thing As A Pink Ouija Board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe0wvG4QJrzX2_wJj9kWqP-bfTHKX3qrG57ToxwjE75OpgTdfR-eeoOgxkbgBWU__d7E0qda6Bx9-GC2S9fFYoqnEobARhMgMLCZ2h4iTesRcWdosJJSMkl_AkrsFmlTyEFMU8x7yWZKzdlZGcY4wJQlvrKGlbyr-id6zkZbCtWQVIRJdZuKhVceMP65m/s1000/fpp,small,lustre,wall_texture,product,750x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe0wvG4QJrzX2_wJj9kWqP-bfTHKX3qrG57ToxwjE75OpgTdfR-eeoOgxkbgBWU__d7E0qda6Bx9-GC2S9fFYoqnEobARhMgMLCZ2h4iTesRcWdosJJSMkl_AkrsFmlTyEFMU8x7yWZKzdlZGcY4wJQlvrKGlbyr-id6zkZbCtWQVIRJdZuKhVceMP65m/w300-h400/fpp,small,lustre,wall_texture,product,750x1000.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> Now, girls, you know how much I love to play with anything pink, and that includes a Ouija board. But I have grander ideas for it. It can be used as a home decorating scheme.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Remember my saying I wanted the bedroom walls painted sky blue, with the ceiling featuring white, floating clouds? Well, the same holds true for the living room!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Meaning there I want all the walls painted pink and, on the ceiling, I want, stretched out to its entire size,, this pink Ouija board!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Wouldn't that simply be fabulous, darlings???????????????????????</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Who knows what possibilities exist with the kitchen, bathroom and foyer?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I am sure ANNA would just love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-56475134229256250002024-03-09T07:53:00.000-08:002024-03-09T10:05:29.865-08:00 Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents "13 Ghosts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DLVhMYL0IwKnnBQsekhbGBOQTiEAvuJ_K_ZiD54_meCPmGJr4erkuTZuWFVb2VXaDHe8sssqF9nElyfMem2LJCkFpLzQDETw5SyRsWxCH5Y4Mlb2tn_v-9nKMV4tywQNyUhPnAr6TrJPFy9TwSHCynQATUnG5fYIOX1lJZACmxe40KafOWn3AxC2E3-e/s2500/2-1a3fae57981a7521c0c2d837c1b15e73.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1933" data-original-width="2500" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DLVhMYL0IwKnnBQsekhbGBOQTiEAvuJ_K_ZiD54_meCPmGJr4erkuTZuWFVb2VXaDHe8sssqF9nElyfMem2LJCkFpLzQDETw5SyRsWxCH5Y4Mlb2tn_v-9nKMV4tywQNyUhPnAr6TrJPFy9TwSHCynQATUnG5fYIOX1lJZACmxe40KafOWn3AxC2E3-e/w400-h309/2-1a3fae57981a7521c0c2d837c1b15e73.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> None of us here have ever seen this one. I guess, after the success of his 1959 haunted house classic, "House On Haunted Hill," William Castle wanted to go one step further. So, he assembled a real Sixties cast--Rosemary De Camp and Martin Milner, for heaven's sake! --and put them through their paces in a house filled with the titular amount of ghosts. The gimmick here is Illusion-O. Whatever that is.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> There is a surprise star in the film, who shall be revealed eventually, but I am looking forward to an evening of camp. I have never been disappointed yet, by a William Castle film, (save for 1964's "The Night Walker") so I cannot wait to see this movie. Be there or be square, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G_gfQrGIKnDJrc_bupzA2LS8oDlc2TTdL33m3WEtudaJsVZFq7DCDGPw55Ty0D5y9w3XPSFkgiwO1zOl_GWy8jAnaLt4JWQE5Go5DDmFmcddylyUuvYXLEInu3DhK3t_QPF6mLTdGZAADjYfE0h0SnovxPzGM7rD3HpT2tV0wWjD6viPtNJli49z6CnQ/s758/134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="758" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3G_gfQrGIKnDJrc_bupzA2LS8oDlc2TTdL33m3WEtudaJsVZFq7DCDGPw55Ty0D5y9w3XPSFkgiwO1zOl_GWy8jAnaLt4JWQE5Go5DDmFmcddylyUuvYXLEInu3DhK3t_QPF6mLTdGZAADjYfE0h0SnovxPzGM7rD3HpT2tV0wWjD6viPtNJli49z6CnQ/w400-h225/134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> As for the surprise star, here she is! No, it is not Judith Anderson reprising Mrs. Danvers. That is the fabulous Margaret Hamilton, of 'Oz' fame, and I just know she will walk off with this film.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So join us at 8PM for "13 Ghosts," darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It is sure to be haunting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-60516699679355776422024-03-08T13:28:00.000-08:002024-03-08T13:28:38.680-08:00 One Look At This Face Told The World A Star Was Born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2291AApz8xYisvAli3ld_vVlBb2FuQGJ8Z01zrWjP2ADUGK-ZMxIc2OfHNj7whnkcdTqiomL9mbtCZP4VKZwmv9iYSTV7bFe9pKW3JXhxPw2FJ2JVqkl1dPX8F7O3dy2tkOyJUNnkHItnIAyAbiZ0fODBVfyaz1bC54FwRKWcLVwE3LzY39cDUZd5FzM/s774/BB1jjmKM.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="774" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2291AApz8xYisvAli3ld_vVlBb2FuQGJ8Z01zrWjP2ADUGK-ZMxIc2OfHNj7whnkcdTqiomL9mbtCZP4VKZwmv9iYSTV7bFe9pKW3JXhxPw2FJ2JVqkl1dPX8F7O3dy2tkOyJUNnkHItnIAyAbiZ0fODBVfyaz1bC54FwRKWcLVwE3LzY39cDUZd5FzM/w400-h225/BB1jjmKM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> This, of course is Hayley Mills in her Juvenile Oscar winning performance in the title role of "Pollyanna," one of Disney's most neglected films, made in 1960. And Hayley still endures; having aged some she still has that gorgeous facer and smile. And the minute she speaks, there is no doubt she is Hayley Mills. She was 14 here and will be 78 on April 9.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> When I came upon this photo, I had to share it with all my readers. Isn't it simply radiant?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Track down "Pollyanna" if you can, for Hayley's performance alone. But it is also one of Disney's underrated live action achievements.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Tinker Bell was jealous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-47145834010530322852024-03-08T13:22:00.000-08:002024-03-08T13:22:55.063-08:00 Just Three Weeks From Sunday--Three Weeks!!!!!!!!--Until The Annual Screening Of "The Song Of Bernadette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEP-fWR3Zn5UVFIgBo_Kg9s47HKLT61hWlojR0Ju4lNSIKO5uEdH6Hr9tXFanqgQbWNaBLYtVfYczLNlL-wCJhgfVaczd9vcUAErjPcU4Eza7VyGdgeaDur8sC8u3TIxjyInhuI7ZiLnsHpvMDLDB4c0axqremSW385dsuRQSJ0U9GzHWFCUyQiqIRg76/s1579/BB1jrulY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1579" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEP-fWR3Zn5UVFIgBo_Kg9s47HKLT61hWlojR0Ju4lNSIKO5uEdH6Hr9tXFanqgQbWNaBLYtVfYczLNlL-wCJhgfVaczd9vcUAErjPcU4Eza7VyGdgeaDur8sC8u3TIxjyInhuI7ZiLnsHpvMDLDB4c0axqremSW385dsuRQSJ0U9GzHWFCUyQiqIRg76/w400-h274/BB1jrulY.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> This photo is stunning and exquisite, but it hardly comes near equaling her performance or the artistic magnificence of this film. So, in three weeks, I want all you girls to join me in a screening of "The Song Of Bernadette, with Jennifer Jones, in her stunning Academy Award winning performance. On DVD, TV airing, or YouTube, it does not matter, as long as it is watched.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Make sure you have plenty of tissues on hand, and a rosary, as both will be needed.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And wait till you see a repentant Gladys Cooper carry in an ailing Jennifer Jones. I am telling you, dolls, the screen has never seen such piety!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> A friendly reminder that Easter is just around the corner. As is "The Song Of Bernadette."</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> For those having never seen it, it will be a life changing experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-58917207266721816722024-03-08T13:13:00.000-08:002024-03-08T13:13:49.548-08:00 March Is The Month Of The Mammoths--Books!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I Am In Such A Quandary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8AV259jYFZgc-dZtT4IVUTdpnx_cBCYDi_HRgwjiOMcX6OHJqIzK5c68mpRBxeq7TCeJNrWQBqt38sAJqJT-pEH9NQ94BBJVuYm1T84jqehoBFLB5Bd5d71Cq73VLsxdVPzAvwg-Ci6stG8gxpo8zgUZQ1yy9F7ziDSxLSd4huEr8uUsRfztW4IcS8Sr/s300/download.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT8AV259jYFZgc-dZtT4IVUTdpnx_cBCYDi_HRgwjiOMcX6OHJqIzK5c68mpRBxeq7TCeJNrWQBqt38sAJqJT-pEH9NQ94BBJVuYm1T84jqehoBFLB5Bd5d71Cq73VLsxdVPzAvwg-Ci6stG8gxpo8zgUZQ1yy9F7ziDSxLSd4huEr8uUsRfztW4IcS8Sr/w400-h224/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> This was news to me, girls! According to book tubers, March is the month when one is supposed to choose and read a Mammoth book--that is one exceeding 800 pages. Many of the suggestions I have already read, and don't feel like reading again.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Right now, I am getting through "The Shards" by Bret Easton Ellis, who, in spite of it, is still a pretty good writer. The premise is engaging--what if you suspected there was a serial killer among the senior members of your high school class? Clues and herrings are thrown out from the beginning, all pointing to one person, but really?????????? I can't wait to get a back to it to find out. Like "American Psycho," there are some excessively gory parts. Even for me, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So, here is my quandary. If I finish the Ellis book before the close of March--and I anticipate I will--then I have three contenders on here for you to ponder. I would like input from folk on which one I should read. Starting with--</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB8eHLI09LgZFK8ou5umDd8sUASRkBrmJf7Knt2Drcp6HKF4ypDjZ4ozzL2PpxuNjEnO7oqSeBmg7ZDtO0mq31c2cHoQgdpGFfbEsSrXmRFuQEpms6xrsJ-9EhcwHQVN2JFgBixNPl4nNkVO1ZgvVLbxLfvw8LYDkiyzxzxgscN5HXQ5S7hurCK8_AJQ0/s500/9780312330538-us.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhB8eHLI09LgZFK8ou5umDd8sUASRkBrmJf7Knt2Drcp6HKF4ypDjZ4ozzL2PpxuNjEnO7oqSeBmg7ZDtO0mq31c2cHoQgdpGFfbEsSrXmRFuQEpms6xrsJ-9EhcwHQVN2JFgBixNPl4nNkVO1ZgvVLbxLfvw8LYDkiyzxzxgscN5HXQ5S7hurCK8_AJQ0/w266-h400/9780312330538-us.jpg" width="266" /></a></div> 1. "Shantaram," by Gregory David Roberts--This is an epic novel of India that I have been meaning to read for over twenty years; it came out in 2003. It clocks in at 938 pages. What do you think? By the way, I just purchased this copy yesterday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u1gCJkqz0yRtUbauOu8J1uufrkMfsupqcFj0XjPGNOvp9l7aUO83xZKJgpZEBZNKET6_n1tQsmhAThpvvLewd3Hsxd_0elFSOvaF_IWiMr2RE4G6HqyCJ2nl90FL8GcJ1FqY2JXc1fB8q6cq0i01LIhyphenhyphen0aIavsBsGN0zn0Ns0P-upLHAI-0xiMvG0f2X/s500/9780593087503-us%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7u1gCJkqz0yRtUbauOu8J1uufrkMfsupqcFj0XjPGNOvp9l7aUO83xZKJgpZEBZNKET6_n1tQsmhAThpvvLewd3Hsxd_0elFSOvaF_IWiMr2RE4G6HqyCJ2nl90FL8GcJ1FqY2JXc1fB8q6cq0i01LIhyphenhyphen0aIavsBsGN0zn0Ns0P-upLHAI-0xiMvG0f2X/w266-h400/9780593087503-us%20(1).jpg" width="266" /></a></div> 2. "The Books Of Jacob," by Olga Tokarczuk--I read her first book, "Flghts," and did not like it at all. I read another, "Drive Your Plow Over The Bones Of The Dead," and liked it moderately. Now, this work clocks out at 917 pages, and the pages go backwards. Does the story? Is this a novel structured like the musical "Merrily We Roll Along?" I can't say. I do know I keep hearing good things about it from people, so what on earth should I do? It has been in my piile for ten years. Yes, this book is ten years old! You tell me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF21_qwJC4F6rewypHaww5HRe66D_6byeH_wSXkaK6bfbFswZDpDNa7-kns2XRp1Xm3Bd62yBeVlH0SjM3Q4RYPE4czDjReCDT7gnM7jfjmqjdO6x7rO68X5LY7NutKliifCtyP9ybFGwmmHSQs-OP7w1Bt6dPAGKVyE4ZQgAE3LsI3BS9_m7mi6nupCGu/s350/C7AA6D63ECD767094B4E6B634E3E756C6AFE4552.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="234" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF21_qwJC4F6rewypHaww5HRe66D_6byeH_wSXkaK6bfbFswZDpDNa7-kns2XRp1Xm3Bd62yBeVlH0SjM3Q4RYPE4czDjReCDT7gnM7jfjmqjdO6x7rO68X5LY7NutKliifCtyP9ybFGwmmHSQs-OP7w1Bt6dPAGKVyE4ZQgAE3LsI3BS9_m7mi6nupCGu/w268-h400/C7AA6D63ECD767094B4E6B634E3E756C6AFE4552.jpeg" width="268" /></a></div> 3. "Don Quixote," by Miguel De Cervantes--As a Raving Queen, I am also a Theater Queen, so, of course I know "Man Of La Mancha." Knights, windmills, "The Impossible Dream; " I get it. This one clocks in at 976 pages, and I have owned this one the longest. I know, of course, that "The Impossible Dream" will not be in there, but I bet I can find the spot in the novel where it would be. Should I try it? I will let you decide.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Whatever is chosen I will stick to, unless it is insurmountable to get through, which does not necessarily mean length. Let's see what book gets chosen. And if anyone has read any of these and can recommend one above the others that would be helpful too.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> And, girls, I know you want to know about last night's episode of "Feud," but I promise I will get to it soon.<br /><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p></div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-34891786942359549312024-03-06T12:53:00.000-08:002024-03-06T12:53:46.604-08:00 Darlings, I LOVE It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, As ANNA Would Say, "Where Is The Color???????????????????"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazt4cDgQcfz1An7NXI_bt6LOUUdQnKoCMP1hbzFvkpPb_hAQXV-E8b6-8lvWWG0ITuiSPdYwaKqaGfgtmk31mKDBt7mzg9_DNvOCl72Lvz75T-B-ZhsYqE7HrZAS3pXXoUT-CgRyCEOVxBp3SGQogZDKBdx7dn0t6YbPPK3CTNJp2hSUOr3uwfPs2A2iT/s640/Scd415751cb0d44a589b955bb55963d49S.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazt4cDgQcfz1An7NXI_bt6LOUUdQnKoCMP1hbzFvkpPb_hAQXV-E8b6-8lvWWG0ITuiSPdYwaKqaGfgtmk31mKDBt7mzg9_DNvOCl72Lvz75T-B-ZhsYqE7HrZAS3pXXoUT-CgRyCEOVxBp3SGQogZDKBdx7dn0t6YbPPK3CTNJp2hSUOr3uwfPs2A2iT/w400-h400/Scd415751cb0d44a589b955bb55963d49S.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Few things are as striking and colorful to me than Tarot Card Art, but I would expect this bed and linen set to be more aglow with color. Maybe it is the way it is photographed, or the lighting, but, girls, I am telling you, if I received it like this, I would send it back, and have it custom made.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Oh, and that goes for suits, casual wear, even pajamas and tablecloths, which are all things Tarot Card Art can be used for. Imagine me at the Met gala in a Tarot suit. Wouldn't I just upstage everyone? Even Blake Lively!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bet Ryan Reynolds would notice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But really, this art concept is brilliant, but the color has to be as heightened as on the actual cards. Otherwise, there is simply no point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Sorry I cannot give you a reading, dolls, I am a Raving Queen, not a Tarot Master!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-22039132532221693642024-03-06T12:40:00.000-08:002024-03-06T12:40:18.836-08:00 Good Of Its Kind, But Really For Those Into Fantasy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1bnndaB5yPI_ubFJN1aMfj1c1sVh5ILLH4OnD88YnjZkmS3JLtyllZ05VlYMha2vJ8B_LZnc2prSciC7ULResKLW288kdkGMLEN5pAdH77k0zh7Aj2a37WJuRp5UtL4MeZOKSERE7MxyUYNp8IITBI_IWPk7ai-dnQ1WkziGE8b6Eyb6G-mqguq1Qox/s500/9780316422017-us.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="337" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_w1bnndaB5yPI_ubFJN1aMfj1c1sVh5ILLH4OnD88YnjZkmS3JLtyllZ05VlYMha2vJ8B_LZnc2prSciC7ULResKLW288kdkGMLEN5pAdH77k0zh7Aj2a37WJuRp5UtL4MeZOKSERE7MxyUYNp8IITBI_IWPk7ai-dnQ1WkziGE8b6Eyb6G-mqguq1Qox/w270-h400/9780316422017-us.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br /> Now, I loved the author's previous novel, "The Ten Thousand Doors Of January." I also like witches, and the blurbs kept speaking of a sweeping story. Well, girls, let me tell you.......<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Full-fledged fantasy fans will dig this, because they will read anything in this genre, and I mean anything. The story does not sweep so much as drag; it starts with the Eastwood Sisters, three witches, in the town of New Salem, where women's rights are on the line. There is a bit of social activism here, a figure that is very Trump-like, but does this need to be over five hundred pages? Not really, because I did not find it that engaging, though I finished it. The cover is beguiling, but for titles, stick with "The Once And Future King," by T. H. White. That one I could not put down; I read it in college during play rehearsals and was so absorbed I missed several cues! Thank God, I finished it before opening night.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> This is Harrow's second novel, and sophomore efforts are often a disappointment. But unless she comes up with something amazing, I do not think I will be following her.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> What is the best witch novel ever written? Why, "The Witching Hour," by Anne Rice, of course. Even though it clocks in at over 900 pages, it is gripping, and gives a fascinating history of international witchcraft, New Orleans, and the Mayfair family. Do not miss it.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> This book, in short, failed to cast its spell on me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-1189958368952859752024-03-06T11:32:00.000-08:002024-03-06T11:32:21.002-08:00 Girls, I Have GOT To Have Lunch With Cornelia Guest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50w5UX-yPD4km7ST4oJWNZDwsmB3RZTaJNHAMJzXa3a4x88u7GNXVBQcUPCioorQsrOTnXB4RVoUaDF_4nDN2kRnwxonnpw68HE8ZbFsMhOWATTvN3erkYroCT10pFxynWDusN9AF7Fu-EnYAO9Y0QsVvVyFTy5Q_XQxRP6qp_tI_N8DyvqTSh21qf8DB/s2180/477053349.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2180" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi50w5UX-yPD4km7ST4oJWNZDwsmB3RZTaJNHAMJzXa3a4x88u7GNXVBQcUPCioorQsrOTnXB4RVoUaDF_4nDN2kRnwxonnpw68HE8ZbFsMhOWATTvN3erkYroCT10pFxynWDusN9AF7Fu-EnYAO9Y0QsVvVyFTy5Q_XQxRP6qp_tI_N8DyvqTSh21qf8DB/w400-h266/477053349.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /> For those of my darlings who have been following "Feud--Capote Vs. The Swans," you know that Cornelia is the daughter of one of the Swans, C.Z. Guest. And she is just as pretty and fabulous as her mother.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So, of course I have GOT to have lunch with her. But where? What is in New York that can be called fabulous? Oh, I know, Balthazar, but that has been done; it is time to try a new spot.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If Cornelia should read this, maybe she knows the spot. If not, I can scout about, or maybe some tri-state area readers could suggest a place in Manhattan. It has to be Manhattan, darlings!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And Cornelia, if you are reading this, my weekdays are free, save for March 27 when I have to visit my dentist. If we must, yes, we must!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> If Cornelia and I do meet, I will share every juicy morsel, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-6288793741663506192024-03-03T10:41:00.000-08:002024-03-03T10:41:56.338-08:00 "On This Day, In The Year Of Our Lord, 1692, The People Of Whitewood Massachusetts Condemned Elizabeth Selwyn As A Witch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bc7rfCH2CzL1dgW4eD2EsJaR9VojGA0S3IUbjMSyNt2QMi_idS4_fo0jB2vdYBKVJCsSHqXVQriOwXVHOU7gE_AfXzefkFraln68kOoWO98z2XsIQIye1MAIqG7omjh-Ha2pSMsfrz4sTvwdDOmv5vtoR4sVGd7BTW4Sq3VD82E8Wg6NHQu_Gb-ozGwk/s768/MV5BNDE1ZTM3NDktZWNlYS00N2FlLWJlNjYtZmJjZGQ3YjM4MWU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjIxOTc3NjQ@._V1_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="636" data-original-width="768" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4bc7rfCH2CzL1dgW4eD2EsJaR9VojGA0S3IUbjMSyNt2QMi_idS4_fo0jB2vdYBKVJCsSHqXVQriOwXVHOU7gE_AfXzefkFraln68kOoWO98z2XsIQIye1MAIqG7omjh-Ha2pSMsfrz4sTvwdDOmv5vtoR4sVGd7BTW4Sq3VD82E8Wg6NHQu_Gb-ozGwk/w400-h331/MV5BNDE1ZTM3NDktZWNlYS00N2FlLWJlNjYtZmJjZGQ3YjM4MWU2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjIxOTc3NjQ@._V1_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Let's face it, hons, it was time to burn that bitch. So that the flames could cleanse her soul, of its evil, of its lust for blood that made her bring about the death of Abigail Adams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> How does one celebrate a witch's execution? Well, I am reading a book about witches right now. Have some witches' brew for dinner. Watch "The Wizard Of Oz." Wear a peaked hat, and run about your house.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Whatever is done, remember this day. And that after the execution, she would be seen at night, walking through the cemetery. A year later, the town elders who condemned her died. And then their daughters!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Witches are out there but beware of making accusations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But stir that pot, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-84336664998181683742024-03-02T08:17:00.000-08:002024-03-02T08:17:35.632-08:00 Happy 59th Anniversary To "The Sound Of Music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAg5PiPUP7DZvcKYkQ96tFW9s_2evI8efFbF1aUu79N6rlBFuR4fG0beWWmQbAXoptACgdBmE4aKsRLbo-wJhY-a9V5uOe2wteW1p37ahKKR_DvtkbK5TIRxBttwPr-C5w8SXkHLSRN9sX683g8HzNifGgofqGj2GzRk_P8hHH58hUhVngZHZDB8Afled/s1136/603d1ea313b221001876ae21.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1136" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAg5PiPUP7DZvcKYkQ96tFW9s_2evI8efFbF1aUu79N6rlBFuR4fG0beWWmQbAXoptACgdBmE4aKsRLbo-wJhY-a9V5uOe2wteW1p37ahKKR_DvtkbK5TIRxBttwPr-C5w8SXkHLSRN9sX683g8HzNifGgofqGj2GzRk_P8hHH58hUhVngZHZDB8Afled/w400-h300/603d1ea313b221001876ae21.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Can you believe it has been 59 years since Julie Andrews first took that historic twirl, and audiences gasped at her voice, and the breathtaking scenery????????????<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> That's right, the movie version of "The Sound Of Music" turns 59 today. That means next year it celebrates its 60th anniversary, and I want to see special screenings I can go to, as well as Nicholas Hammond, Duane Chase, Angela Cartwright, Debbie Turner, and Kym Karath--the surviving film Von Trapp children--do some publicity junkets. They and the film deserve it.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Those who have a sterling DVD copy should celebrate by watching it today. Too bad TV programmers do not know what I know, or there might be airings tonight. Unfortunately, such tradition and sophistication has gone by the wayside.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But us true SOM'ers will not forget.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Happy Birthday to "The Sound Of Music!"</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> May the hills still be alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-32034665694319673172024-03-02T08:06:00.000-08:002024-03-02T08:06:50.726-08:00 Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents 1944's "The Invisible Man's Revenge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-HkazkSTSuOxIpoJhx2ntikaMoz9_Xa6WmhdJDdOmnk7eO9jGqPcQnaDdygpcA5jFLDpF0Q7sUtbAc-8iSlMfKkPokkFx8LU9FU53D1EbN2jh0F7mPbP59cmKpPKfD2Rpp7fSdsCIo5cg9Q6ms2mGfxjg8gEuqJe2jF1i48_sOZ0_KvwDPLWK241-5VO/s733/5b8be559a7df2_395972b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="489" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-HkazkSTSuOxIpoJhx2ntikaMoz9_Xa6WmhdJDdOmnk7eO9jGqPcQnaDdygpcA5jFLDpF0Q7sUtbAc-8iSlMfKkPokkFx8LU9FU53D1EbN2jh0F7mPbP59cmKpPKfD2Rpp7fSdsCIo5cg9Q6ms2mGfxjg8gEuqJe2jF1i48_sOZ0_KvwDPLWK241-5VO/w266-h400/5b8be559a7df2_395972b.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /> Just look at that cast! Universal must have gone all out on this one, darlings!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Now, the thing is, John Carradine is NOT the invisible man. Jon Hall is. He plays an escapee from a psych ward who seeks Carradine out to make him invisible, so he can wreak havoc on those he feels have done him wrong.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But with Evelyn Ankers and Oscar winner Gale Sondergaard, this should be a fun filled, vengeance packed evening. More sophisticated, perhaps than the 80's slashers.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I don't think this will become a "Svengoolie" favorite, but it will complete the "Invisible Man" trilogy. And it is a perfect reminder to watch your back.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Because you never know who has or does not have yours, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> See you, tonight at eight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-59445674051674080522024-03-01T14:29:00.000-08:002024-03-01T14:29:58.166-08:00 Girls, Have You Heard About "Monster On The Campus???????????????"<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuym3hdwWwOcXf_T93661ymxA1tZSbbsR7JrLpI5SKB8zSdLeXMy2Jems1lFe0P9p9tDRRTWcgwBEJOjiuhMKFyDj4C-Hsm3tHXMB35RqwV837OkP8-58kRKB1WeczBRrVQARJ9jcHMMmrsYf9KcOKv-LkvQeFsCCm41Jw4eJ7fNRRGvr_5rN6ZPqK68as/s2896/MV5BMjVkMmViYjMtMTA1Ny00ZWNlLTk3NWEtOTM1NjE0ZjU5ODc0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2896" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuym3hdwWwOcXf_T93661ymxA1tZSbbsR7JrLpI5SKB8zSdLeXMy2Jems1lFe0P9p9tDRRTWcgwBEJOjiuhMKFyDj4C-Hsm3tHXMB35RqwV837OkP8-58kRKB1WeczBRrVQARJ9jcHMMmrsYf9KcOKv-LkvQeFsCCm41Jw4eJ7fNRRGvr_5rN6ZPqK68as/w269-h400/MV5BMjVkMmViYjMtMTA1Ny00ZWNlLTk3NWEtOTM1NjE0ZjU5ODc0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><br /> This is a camp delight, darlings! Troy Donahue must have been up and coming to appear in this crap! Though this was made in 1958, two years after his breakout performance in the 1956 remake of "Imitation Of Life." Oh, well, a girl has to work.......<p></p><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Arthur Franz plays a college faculty scientist, Dr. Donald Blake, who is trying to revert man to a primitive state by injecting himself with some kind of concoction. Does it matter what? Of course, not. Because the result is predictable; he turns into a monster and look at this face!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SuWhWXM-f3jrXVNcYBgTz4ito4GRc73wFI3tvxAGlm46362FcFIVtYmSfs3nWsY-0ZJRrBO-qWXgzH4jGRI7jx-OIsmDX0lhvH4xV-tPDlR81pDFeheomSNza5zj67NRTnXdoDYozJTFcc7T63QUrKEFZBniavRgYbsH9lsqU69_ZosJt-bK6UcrNM6r/s720/vlcsnap-2018-07-29-16h01m09s572.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2SuWhWXM-f3jrXVNcYBgTz4ito4GRc73wFI3tvxAGlm46362FcFIVtYmSfs3nWsY-0ZJRrBO-qWXgzH4jGRI7jx-OIsmDX0lhvH4xV-tPDlR81pDFeheomSNza5zj67NRTnXdoDYozJTFcc7T63QUrKEFZBniavRgYbsH9lsqU69_ZosJt-bK6UcrNM6r/w400-h300/vlcsnap-2018-07-29-16h01m09s572.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div> Get a load of this, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who knew monsters could dress so preppy? Well, maybe in the Fifties!!!!!!!!!!!!! But, if the face looks familiar, it is because the mask looks like it was lifted from 1953's "The Neanderthal Man," 1958's "How To Make A Monster," and 1962's "Eegah!"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> But remember this was made in 1958, so there are plenty of heaving bosoms in this one. I mean, the setting is a college campus, with toothsome co-eds! But not nearly as fun as 1957's "Blood Of Dracula."</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> However, the piece de resistance--and wait till you see it, girls! --is the giant, two-foot flying dragonfly! This has to be seen to be believed. It has no relation to reality in how it was designed to look; its artificiality is so obvious, and so is its sound. This poor thing must have been a casting call reject from Universal's 1957 insect epic, "The Deadly Mantis." I guess his agent got him a cameo bit in this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> College was never this campy, back in my day! "Monster On The Campus" is a barrel of laughs! See it for that alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> And keep your eyes on those Fifties outfits, girls! Now, THAT is how to dress!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-16465997119683292024-03-01T14:06:00.000-08:002024-03-01T14:06:55.381-08:00 "Hats, Gloves, And Effete Homosexuals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Gasp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD14nNAChuhvUkf_DCAh_GeYnJVUJgwL7RSplanpxDnoDBiGsBalmpd0fp6RRtCbs5fOHH7shUWiCuGISTpJT-qIN5UiKkxbuHHmVX7PEwYw4KYDFHQOcgXGd8EABSiZ1oCLtaZ1ggn3GjlHh12jA7hcY6RDoEPSbs4WmPbm9pr4mO-cVkay7gaPeLAxFP/s1885/feud-305-lock-122023-new-01-sub-16-copy-65e0cf0d0fdca.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="1885" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD14nNAChuhvUkf_DCAh_GeYnJVUJgwL7RSplanpxDnoDBiGsBalmpd0fp6RRtCbs5fOHH7shUWiCuGISTpJT-qIN5UiKkxbuHHmVX7PEwYw4KYDFHQOcgXGd8EABSiZ1oCLtaZ1ggn3GjlHh12jA7hcY6RDoEPSbs4WmPbm9pr4mO-cVkay7gaPeLAxFP/w400-h165/feud-305-lock-122023-new-01-sub-16-copy-65e0cf0d0fdca.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> I know what all my girls really want to know, and that is about the recent airing of "Feud--Capote Vs. The Swans." Titled "Hats, Gloves, And Effete Homosexuals," episode six in this series offered up what I thought was a cornucopia of camp, and I should know.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> First, for the unimitated, not all homosexuals are effete. And, judging by this episode, if not effete, then they are closet cases, which I suppose is what Capote was drawn to. But that, girls, is playing a very dangerous game. As for effete homosexuals, I can tell you a few things. I mean, no one is ever going to call me butch, but at least I know my priorities. I know this episode was to try to make Capote's self-destruction sympathetic, and the decline of old New York pathetic--which it was. But an author who cannot grasp, even though drink, that his best days are over, that "In Cold Blood" was destined to be his masterpiece, and the book he keeps talking of in between drinks never really materialized is a bit over emphasized. OK, we know, but does it have to be ground in????????????? As for old New York, it is pathetic that it does not exist, because what is left is so wretchedly declassee; good thing the internet lets us see into these new places to decide whether or not to go. Oh, bring back the days of La Cote Basque!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Still, all the acting was superb, but oh my God, when is Calista Flockhart going to stop making Lee Radziwill into a scowling sourpuss? I mean this was LEE, a princess, for God's sake! The prettier and classier of the Bouvier sisters. And her constant funeral wardrobe is annoying.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But the real laugh of the evening was Vito Schnabel as Rick. First, what a name! Does he expect to get anywhere with that? Rick is some guy who shows up to fix Capote's plumbing, and who Capote blithely askes, "Oh, by the way, would you be interested in having your cock sucked?" And the fool turns around and says yes. Am I to believe this? Like, every hot guy doesn't care who sucks him? Has Robbie Baitz been outside lately in the world? I had to laugh because this guy reminded me of one from work and the gym. He was what I called "The Body." From the neck down, his body was gasp-for-breath scenery. From the neck up--not so much. He was an aspiring actor, which I discovered when he approached me with questions about play scripts. I could see how the skin on his face was just horrible. Maybe if one was blindfolded...... But then, on Tuesday and Thursdays, which were all men's nights at the gym I then attended, he would walk about the place, making sure everyone stated at him. I had to wonder, how and when did he work to keep that fabulous body? Because it was! Now, even if not gay, the notion that this or every hot guy wants their cock sucked is ludicrous. This episodic segment said more about Ryan Murphy and Robbie Baitz, and their fantasies, than historical accuracy. Yes, Capote was drawn to straight acting, often closeted men, but the notion of him getting every single one is ridiculous. And I can tell you, from the farewell scene between he and Rick what Rick's future is. Back to Illinois, his fiancé, disillusionment, and before one knows it, he is ending his days at the most derelict gay bar in town, drinking himself into oblivion, because he cannot see the truth of his own sexuality. Good riddance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> The show is getting tiresome. Not enough of the Swans in this one. I did love when Capote called Rick's fiancé "department store trash," for working such a mundane job in as mundane a place as Illinois. His idea was right, but his accuracy was off. The real trash are those who work in America's strip malls. And you know where most of them are? New Jersey and Florida!!!!!!!!!!! Believe me, I know.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> I also know this episode was more some kind of quasi porn fantasy of Baitz and Murphy. Let us return to the Swans, and focus more on Capote, and his tragic decline, which was a real tragedy to those of us who love literature.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> But accurate homosexual behavior??????????? Give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-78584886403960170182024-03-01T11:27:00.000-08:002024-03-01T11:27:10.529-08:00 One Thing To Do This Month Is To Go To The Beatrix Potter Exhbit At The Morgan Library!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-pYGqZFdm5tNGKu2Aaq12sGvlfs1Fkv1AS1tFr1PqHxwOM-vlxyEdf24iwoTGCZ3lDTbixljzGN07DSdiLyCkz8rTH46HxjQGB8NONxDs-d87wlwKWZgtyjkLaVJzb2W-hjLOSvgExcIca6d54YW-tJS97UKwjperNefguxcOENbfWY8AZyPcnmQLGAY/s1000/71gfiSf8ZXL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-pYGqZFdm5tNGKu2Aaq12sGvlfs1Fkv1AS1tFr1PqHxwOM-vlxyEdf24iwoTGCZ3lDTbixljzGN07DSdiLyCkz8rTH46HxjQGB8NONxDs-d87wlwKWZgtyjkLaVJzb2W-hjLOSvgExcIca6d54YW-tJS97UKwjperNefguxcOENbfWY8AZyPcnmQLGAY/w266-h400/71gfiSf8ZXL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /> I mean, girls, what Beatrix Potter did with pastels and colors was sheer genius. And I for one cannot wait to see this exhibit at The Morgan.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> It runs from February 23 to June 9, so March would be the perfect time to see it, what with the coming of Spring. Imagine the joy a roomful of Beatrix Potter could bring.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozUSp72nQdNxBLHsha91JcawBtLrqwqOUVm5AvLW6XDCkcagPW86R4mrv90GjmHVAfP8gZHEnzxkQKauvDqN8o4F7kcx9PgXoVrLTC7kJRIf7DeMIllWGNLtA4AKXgvW5QRimsYsXkINP241fIN4BpMfnkRhJnkMrSmGB4MyTHqMq9ex85w1VLIhmrpmC/s716/Peter-Rabbit-Beatrix-Potter.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozUSp72nQdNxBLHsha91JcawBtLrqwqOUVm5AvLW6XDCkcagPW86R4mrv90GjmHVAfP8gZHEnzxkQKauvDqN8o4F7kcx9PgXoVrLTC7kJRIf7DeMIllWGNLtA4AKXgvW5QRimsYsXkINP241fIN4BpMfnkRhJnkMrSmGB4MyTHqMq9ex85w1VLIhmrpmC/w335-h400/Peter-Rabbit-Beatrix-Potter.webp" width="335" /></a></div> Here is Peter Rabbit in Mr. MacGregor's Garden, with the sweetest looking robin as his lookout. The artistry is so detailed and intricate, one would want to jump into the picture, like Mary Poppins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCggjXVg2O3FnX4VgkXjcKrTaujSik7xVJf7rYazv0i4QY2OIzlYu3PJcWikjINQEd60oxSEOYXs0InOGhfkWo2JvfP68Wvl-P7zRcPshIpU_utEHyW7FuI3Idzh7qvfwRBr10_-PZD7EN6HHc4NnuUjjK9DHlBua-U7p_ysKXRbWbh5EgXTZCgd7EOnJj/s900/a-happy-pair-by-beatrix-potter-beatrix-potter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="643" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCggjXVg2O3FnX4VgkXjcKrTaujSik7xVJf7rYazv0i4QY2OIzlYu3PJcWikjINQEd60oxSEOYXs0InOGhfkWo2JvfP68Wvl-P7zRcPshIpU_utEHyW7FuI3Idzh7qvfwRBr10_-PZD7EN6HHc4NnuUjjK9DHlBua-U7p_ysKXRbWbh5EgXTZCgd7EOnJj/w286-h400/a-happy-pair-by-beatrix-potter-beatrix-potter.jpg" width="286" /></a></div> Look at that gorgeous pinkish white background! Has Winter ever looked so lovely. There is this and more at The Morgan!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> I can't wait to see you there, darlings! Dressed in your best!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> And then perhaps an afternoon tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><p></p><div><br /></div></div>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1770944055299241586.post-45148493173848517372024-03-01T11:05:00.000-08:002024-03-01T11:05:58.757-08:00 If Today Is Any Indication, March Came In Like A Lamb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGICE_1eDVUNDKpPHDOdkdPQYAWPKdn1Rav0QYiD3U0NL56uRU-R6V8JWlnGjg9X9uy-RVcyhiHaOhqQmEZDUOlud8NYSWehOqhR_fkmpiJKENAohVuJOiHyEOMPaCRXVEHKdvjvB01oI9cwlrP-F-zP8NOnBS6uJN9kbBiRfG2AnUHqVVxxaHiPkBCrBX/s900/sheep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="900" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGICE_1eDVUNDKpPHDOdkdPQYAWPKdn1Rav0QYiD3U0NL56uRU-R6V8JWlnGjg9X9uy-RVcyhiHaOhqQmEZDUOlud8NYSWehOqhR_fkmpiJKENAohVuJOiHyEOMPaCRXVEHKdvjvB01oI9cwlrP-F-zP8NOnBS6uJN9kbBiRfG2AnUHqVVxxaHiPkBCrBX/w400-h338/sheep.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Which means come the end of this month--my God, Easter! --it should go out like a lion--windy and roaring! So, enjoy this lamb weather while one can, and let's see how the month goes. <p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Don't forget March 25 is The Annunciation, when Mary was told she was to give birth to Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> And the 13th of this month is the 60th anniversary of the murder of Kitty Genovese, in Kew Gardens, Queens.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> So, March could be quite something, darlings.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> Make sure you have the right outfit for it.</p>The Raving Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01700003803433178894noreply@blogger.com2