It seems like yesterday, I was ushering in the month,with Julie Andrews singing "The Lusty Month Of May" from "Camelot." And here we are at the end.
May was good to all of us. It was the month of Mary, so how could it not be? I had my half birthday this month. I saw "Promising Young Woman." I read a ton of books. And, of course, I spent time with my beloved, David.
So , on we move to June, which should bring Summer, fun and comedy, plus more Svengoolie screenings. But anxiety hangs over me because of something that is looming over me this coming month--
Oh, girls, help me! Save me! I know I MUST do it, but I hate it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It figures, darlings!!!!!!!!!! Just as 'SVU' is wrapping up its season, they start doing something right. Last week's episode, "What Happens In The Dark," dealt with something rarely depicted--spousal abuse by a female toward a male. Anna Wood simply snarled and sneered her way through the role of Diana Richards--but then the role hardly required much more. Unlike the gold standard set by Isabella Hoffman, as Charlotte Bayes, in 2003's "Churchgoing People," on "Cold Case." Can you believe that was 18 years ago????????????????
Anyway, when Andy Richards, the spouse, gets into it with a coworker at his construction site, I thought they were going for male rape, where Andy would eventually be found having been sodomized by his male coworker. I had the concept right, but the perpetrator wrong. Andy's wife, Diana, played by Anna Wood, is so stressed out by running an art gallery, that she abuses her big, strapping husband, played by Michael Gladis, in a shattering performance. He could easily take her out with one punch, but, like most abused spouses, is so afraid--of further injury, of having his son Charlie taken away, let alone her focusing the abuse on him, because these types don't stop with one person.
The ending enraged me. Diana goes on trial, is found guilty, has to register as a sex offender --she sodomized her husband with a dildo, to the point where he bled internally, tearing his perineum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, can you believe that??????????????
Also, she did not get hardly a strong enough sentence as a male abuser. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. And that bullshit about how they will work things out, and she will be able to see her son, Charlie. To hell with that! Get the child away from her, fast!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Michael Gladis was the showcase performer in this episode. His performance as Andy Richards will stay in 'SVU' memory!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Maybe there IS hope for series improvement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the time I was born, until 1971, when it was celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day was always celebrated on May 30. I remember that day vividly, as I had had in mind a different picture than the one seen, dolls! On May 30, there was always a parade, in the morning, down Raritan Avenue, which was that town's biggest event.
Then, in the afternoon, we would drive over to my paternal grandparents house, at 702 Nassau Street, in North Brunswick, and sit on the front porch, and watch, as the parade marched right in front of us.
This is still how I always remember this day, and what I had planned to show, pictured was that house, circa the 1960's. Alas, I could find none, and what stands on that land known is so ponderous and pretentious, my grandparents, not to mention my maiden aunt and godmother, Katty, would turn in their graves. As they are probably doing, right now.
So, for me, Memorial Day is for remembering those times, locales, and people that made my childhood special. It is a day of honor and remembrance, after all, and this is how I choose to remember. And I wish it WOULD go back to May 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What I did not realize, or forgot, was that it started after the Civil War. Was that when families started having cemetery picnics, at the graves of their dead beloveds?????????????
I always thought that would be kind of fun. Provided I do not go, alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lord knows "The Bad Seed" has been mentioned on here numerous times, but a rather recent viewing has caused me to take a closer look at Nancy Kelly in it.
Several years before Veronica Cartwright, in her 1961 performance as Rosalie Wells in "The Children's Hour," certified her position as Queen Of Hysterics for the next forty or more years, there was Nancy Kelly, on stage--1954--and screen--1956--as Christine Penmark in "The Bad Seed." She won a TONY Award for it onstage, and an Oscar nomination for the film verssion. But she never made a career of it, like Veronica. Maybe she didn't have to.
But, anyway, girls, she is SO much fun! And, darlings, she is SO Fifties. Even before things start, her dress and movements suggest such forthcoming Fifties anguish. My mother herself had blouses, sweaters, and sheets with initials sewn on them--I am telling you, this was SO Fifties!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
However, the fun really begins at Monica's (Evelyn Varden) Fabulous Fifties Luncheon, when the drowning of the boy is announced on the radio, and Nancy Kelly, on stage cue, drops the glass, and runs to Monica, calling her name out hysterically. This is just the first in a series of histrionics that defy credulity, for never, for a single scene, is Nancy Kelly relaxed in this movie.
How about when she pounds her uterus, as she referes to "that evil woman, my mother?" Or when she screams out to her father, of Rhoda's so-called perfection, "IS she, father, IS she?" And when she realizes she is a "Denker," and chokes on the word?
Nothing like this has ever been seen like this, stage or screen, before or since. No doubt, it never will again. And though her monlogue over Rhoda's supposedly dying body is tame, compared to the rest, it wreaks of anguish. Culminating in that resounding gun shot aficionados know is coming.
You have to hand it to Nancy Kelly. She and Patty dance a marvelous dramatic pas de deux throughout the entire film.
Now, if only I could learn to drop my drinking glass, on cue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, and don't forget drinking with the coffee pot, the stunning wardrobe, and that line they left out from the play, "I suppose I could go about the dreary business of trying to make my face presentable...it happens every morning!"
This looks like a REAL Forties Fest. With a cast including Lon Chaney, Jr. , Evelyn Ankers, and Elena Verdugo, (yes, Consuelo Lopez, on "Marcus Welby, M.D.") "The Frozen Ghost is a movie I have heard of, since I was a kid, but never seen. It is supposed to be a "noir mystery." So, I cannot say what the film will turn out to be, except next to last week's, it has to be a masterpiece..
I can tell you, it IS possible to freeze a ghost. For verification, read the short story "The Water Ghost Of Harrowby Hall," by John Kendrick Bangs, first published in "Harper's," on June 27, 1891, and then, where I read it, in the Alfred Hitchock anthology, "Haunted Houseful." It takes the reader through the process.
So, join us, darlings, tomorrow night, for "The Frozen Ghost!"
It should be simply chilling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I meant to write this post yesterday, but, in the wake of it being the first anniversary of George Floyd,Jr.'s death, I decided to wait until today.
For those who may not know, the child, pictured above, is Etan Patz. On May 25, 1979, he disappeared while walking to school, from his SoHo home, and was never seen again. He was on milk cartons, the subject of news programs, books, and movies, and may still be New York City's Most Famous Missing Child.
Eventually, this date became known, because of Etan, as "National Missing Children's Day.
It was a fame neither his parents or family members wanted. He would have been 48 today.
For so many years, his vanishing was a mystery. The body was never found. Many theories developed, including some insisting he was still alive. Here is what I have come to accept.
Jose Ramos, the boyfriend of the Patzes' current babysitter, abducted and killed him. He had a history of child molestation, which the tramp babysitter either did not know, or see fit to reveal to the parents. If the latter is the case, she should be culpable, too.
In some quarters of NYC, Etan Patz is code for child abduction. If one happens, sooner or later, his name will come up.
To think this happened, and awakened me, during my own personal tragedy--the death of my mother, just seven weeks before.
May this tragedy alert parents to stranger danger. And vet whom you hire to care for your children, making sure no tramps are employed, as babysitters.
Rest In Peace, Etan. You were not looked out well enough, here on Earth.
If I were a NYC parent, my hired babysitter would only be a Miss Porter's graduate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe if that had been the case, Etan would be alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is simply no way to describe how awful "King Kong Escapes" is. The best performance was given by Mie Hannah, as Madame Piranah, an alleged spy whose side I am still not clear she was working for. What was clear is that most of the film's budget was spent on her Sixties influenced, Jacqueline Kennedy wardrobe.
By contrast, there was Linda Miller, a wannabe Japanese model, in the role of Susan Watson; clearly the Fay Wray stand in, but without talent or the looks. Trying to be Doris Day, with a dubbed Betty Boop style voice to match, it is outrageous to me, a Theater Queen, that this character was the name of a genuine Fifties and Sixties musical theater ingenue. And to think she empathized with Kong--and that he responded. I don't know what the filmmakers were going for here, but it was not cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And to think Universal had a hand in its distribution, at least in America. Must have been some deal made with TOHO. I would love to know who at Universal put this deal together. As soon as this film was shown in the United States, I can guarantee that person was canned!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"In the can" is where this movie should have been left. Svengoolie, please don't do this to us, again.
Tomorrow, I will reveal what is being shown this coming Saturday!!!!!!!!!! A big improvement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Imagine, as I write this, sitting in the Winter Garden Theatre 55 years ago, as the curtaian is about to go up on the opening night of "MAME." If time transport were possible, this is one thing I would want to witness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First, the orchestra plays the most fabulous Overture; one of Broadway's best. The lights come down, then up, as they focus on Jane Connell as Agnes Gooch, and Frankie Michaels (still the youngest TONY Award Winner in history) as Young Patrick Dennis, stepping out on stage, and the music, with their voices, segues into "St. Bridget."
Oh, my God, girls, can you imagine????????????????????????????
That was 55 years ago tonight, darlings. Almost to the time I am now writng this!
Alas, Time has moved us all on. To think that Angela Lansbury--Mame, hersellf!!!!!!--is the only surviving lead cast member, at 95!!!!!!!!!! She will be 96 in October!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, get your "MAME" cast album out, and relive the triumph of the opening night of a true Broadway musical masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When we used to have them. Alas.......................
And I always said, many of our best musicals played the Winter Garden Theatre, which is why I still dream of playing there.
Here is the opening number, "St. Bridget," just as it sounded tonight, 55 years ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have not written about 'SVU' this season, because, now that is has become "The Olivia Benson Show," who the hell cares??????????? Over the years, there have been characters I always wished they would bring back , but never did. But now, with "Post Graduate Psychopath," and the return of Ethan Cutkosky as Henry Mesner, I am hoping the writers may be on to something, which they may continue. That is, if La Hargitay allows it.
Ethan played Henry back in the 2013 episode, "Born Psychopath." Hope Davis and Alex Manette played his parents, Viola and Tom Mesner, while Brooke and Kiley Liddell played Ruby Mesner, Henry's five-year-old sister.
I was never crazy about this episode, which relied too much on generic tropes, going back to the days of "The Bad Seed." Ethan, at thirteen, was playing a ten-year-old, and while he was convincing, the script let him down. The most memorable scene was the "knife scene," between Henry and Viola, where he retieves a knife from under his mattress, where it had been concealed, and, asked to turn it over to his mother, hands it in such a way it cuts her palm. I can still see the look of horror on Hope Davis' face, as she fully realizes, just as Nancy Kelly in "The Bad Seed," what kind of child she is dealing with. Tom Mesner is hopelessly clueless.
Alas, the only member of the Mesner family to return was Ethan Cutkosky, as Henry. In the intervening years, Viola died in car crash--so there goes Hope Davis; too bad--but Tom Mesner is now played by Jason Cottle. (Sister Ruby, now thirteen, is played by Maxine Wanderer.) He has re-married a woman named Holly, and has a five-year-old son. It is not clear whether the chiild is Holly's or theirs; if the latter, I have to, like Mrs. Van Hopper in "Rebecca," give credit to Tom, for being a fast worker. But how disloyal to Viola.
Now, Henry has been locked away for eight years. Now eighteen, he is seen as ft for release, but who is anyone kidding???????????? A born psychopath never dies; just goes on to create chaos, and, with Viola dead, which Henry had nothing to do with, but nevertheless says she deserved, Henry is out to avenge, however irrationally, everyone he thinks has wronged him, which includes his family, and the SVU squad.
There was a rumor going about that Amanda Rollins was going to be killed off in this episode, and, I am telling you, had that happened, it would not only kill the show, but be the morst unforgivable act since killing off Sister Peg!!!!!!!!!!!!! I still have not gotten over that!
Henry scores a big success, killing off his father (whose cluelessness I feel earns him what he deserved), wife Holly (always kill the stepmother) and the five-year-old son. He accosts Amanda's daughter, Jesse, as a threat, which leads to scene in a fun house, with skillful art direction not too often seen on this show, and a finale between Amanda and Henry, wherein she gets the final shot, not Olivia, and Henry now has an adversary worthy of him.
Henry is off the predictable grid, as Cutkosky's performance was more nuanced and skilled. He is genuinely creepy, and I think he might return.
Here are some others I wish would return--
1 Jenny Brandt, from 1999's "Killerz," played by a now grown Hallee Hirsh.
2. Harper Anderson, from "Closure, Parts One and Two," aired in 1999, and 2,000 resptectively. She is played by Tracy Pollan, the actress wife of Michael J. Fox.
3. The girls from 2004's "Mean," now grown women--Brittany O'Malley (Kelli Garner), Andrea Kent (Arielle Kebel) and Paige Summerby (Kimberly McConnell) plus Lindsay Hollister as Agnes Linsky.
Alas, these may never happen, and who knows, with Diva Olivia, if an 'SVU' episode will ever engage me enough to write about it again???????????????
Two days ago, May 21, was the 62nd Anniversary of "GYPSY" opening on Broadway, with Ethel Merman, and Company. Theater queens should know that, and they should know this photo, which I have used in other posts. This is the human Christmas tree at Minsky's, during the latter part of the show, when Louise/Gypsy ascends to the heights of Broadway stardom.
It is so eye catching that it bothers me it has never been used in any other production of "GYPSY." If I live to see another production, I hope and pray someone restores this visual image to the production. I can't understand why it was not used again.
The story goes that, during its planning stages, "GYPSY" was designed, by Jerome Robbins, to be a concept musical, celebrating the history of the American variety stage. It emerged as a conventional book musical, but thanks to Arthur Laurents, what a book, and to Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, what a score; ground breaking in some ways.
So, let's remember "GYPSY" for what it was, and what it could have been, and may be some day.
Though now that Patti LuPone has crystalized Rose for this generation, just as Ethel Merman did for hers, I doubt there will be another production while Patti lives. May that be a long time.
But, hey, girls, you need a creative activity? Stage your own human Christmas tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"King Kong Escapes?" I mean, I have heard of it, darlings, but who gives a shit?????????? It is Gojira we want to see.
I would feel a sense of disloyalty to Gojira, if I watched this. So, David and I have decided on something.
We will watch the opening, and maybe the film, until the first commercial. If we can't stand it by then, we will switch to our own taped presentation of "The She-Creature," which is sure to be more fun.
Only trouble is--we won't get to know what Svengoolie's presentation, next week, will be. It could be a gem, or a campfest.
Better than this week's dud, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Slatons are quite a sister act. Only a year apart--Tammy, on the left, is 34, and Amy, to the right, is 33, they also differ in weight by 200 pounds. Amy weighs in at 405, while Tammy is a hefty 605.
They hail from Dixon, Kentucky, a podunk town in Webster County. Let me say, this is not an endorsement for Kentucky.
So,it is not over, until the fat lady sings? Then how come these two are still alive??????????????
Not that I wish them, or anyone, dead. But, come on! How does one get to be this size. I mean, how much food must be consumed? And what about clothes? And hygiene? And washing, getting into those....crevices!!!!!!!!!!! It makes my skin crawl.
Health issues? How about obesity...and then some, not to mention diabetes, heart problems, and breathing....can they lay in a bed at night, or do they have to sleep sitting up????????????????????
Forget Blythe Danner, hons! At this point, the best these girls can hope for is Kirstie Alley, at her worst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are known as the "l000 Pound Sisters." Some distinction. How can they support themselves???????????????
David had to go to Skeecher's shoe store in SoHo. I hardly ever go in that area. While enroute, we discovered something I would have loved to see, but there was a line, and time was pressing-- The Museum Of Ice Cream. Mmmmmmmmmm.....wouldn't that be fascinating, girls???????? I wonder if patrons actually get some?
Instead, we wound up in the NYU Bookstore, no longer on Waverly Place, but now at 726 Broadway, several blocks down from The Strand. I picked up one book in there--"Paradise, Nevada," by Dario Diofebi. I will let you know. It has been talked about.
As I was making my way to the register, my eyes caught this lovely Gojira tote bag. He is beloved by all in this house, and I am sure, by many of you, too. Isn't he cute? He just loves to shop, too. But being good hearted, he shops more for others, than himself.
How could we resist????????? So, we bought the bag, and now I wouldn't think of going anywhere, without it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I mean, girls , you can't be so out of step!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When the time comes, and it will, you may not get that table for tea, otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
From 1994, till about 2010, I was a social doyenne at NYC's LGBQT Center. Darlings, you simply have no idea. One group that was exclusive, but everyone wanted to get into, was GOAL--the Gay Officer's Action League. For those nursing hot cop fantasies, this was Nirvana. Trouble is, whenever there was a GOAL meeting, the line of people, not members, yearning to get in, was down the stairs, and out the door. So, it only was limited to members.
Nevertheless, the presence of non-members spoke not only of their respective fantasies, but a sense of pride and support toward these brave gentlemen working in a rough environment, and daring to be out and proud. I, for one, still salute you all.
Now, I don't know who all the Pride Organizers for 2021 are, but let me adress you--
You are all a bunch of fucking bitches!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of these fucking bitches I will name outright--Dan Dimant, spokesperson of the organization Heritage Of Pride. As he views it, "There's always been aggression by law enforcement, and it's been an issue for years."
Oh, really????????? Danny boy, has it occured to you and your moronic crowd that the NYPD has kept what could turn into a free for all, were their no police presence there, from taking place?????????? Even if there were no pandemic, I would not go this year. And while I would hate to see mass hostility break out, it would serve you right for taking this stance.
What's more, those with this view, want to maintain this, until the year 2025, when it will be reviewed. Oh, give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!! Get off your high horses, all you India Wilkeses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am much more in line with Brian Downey,the President of GOAL, who says, " 'Heritage Of Pride' is well aware that the city would not allow a large scale event to occur without police presence. So their response to activist pressure is to take the low road by preventing these fellow community members from celebrating their identities and honoring the shared legacy of the Stonewall riots."
Brian, I am with you. These folk are cutting off their noses to spite their face. They will create a divide in the gay community that should not be there, especially on Pride Day, and, down the years, it could have dangerous reprecussions. Proud Boys, White Supremacists, homophobes, and such, may well be lurking, and who but the police are able to dispel such potential incidents??????????? Which will happen, eventually if the NYPD is alienated.
Brian and Dan (especially Dan) should heed the immortal words of the late Joan Crawford--
"Don't fuck with me, fellas! This ain't my first time at the rodeo!!!!!!!!!!"
As King Lear remarked, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is, to have a thankless child." But what if that child is entrepreneurial??????????????
That is the sad situation facing Blythe Danner, whom all my girls on here know I just adore, and am sure you do, too. It seems daughter Gwyneth Paltrow, will not stop pushing that envelope. I thought she had don that with "This Smells Like My Vagina" candle. That was enough for me, though Blythe patiently endured it. Then there was that other candle, "This Smells Like My Orgasm." I mean, is this for real??????????? Still Blythe remained patient and understanding.
But when Gwyneth, pictured above, endorsed this $15,000 golden dildo--that's right, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!--on her website, GOOP--which is indeed, what it is!!!!!!!!!!--I threw my arms up, in exasperation. And I am sure Blythe did, too. And I do not blame her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's just say I have seen some dildos, in my time, darlings. This one looks like a goddamned banana!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blythe, dear, you have done nothing wrong. Even if your daughter has more money than any of us, she has no integrity, but is simply the P.T. Barnum of our time. And she knows exactly what fools to go after. And who will follow her every word.
You did your best, Blythe. My God, you sent her to Spence!!!!!!!!!! I don't think the Convent Of The Sacred Heart, where Lady Gaga went, would have made a difference.
We clutch your hands in support, Blythe. What will Gwyneth pull next?????????????????
I have screamed enough about "RAGS" on here, but was privilged to see the Original Production, back in 1986, and the show fortunately rendeered itself a Cast Recording, which is one of my musical theater treasrures.
Now, "The Yearling," Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings' novel, first published in March of 1938, and made into a masterful movie by MGM, in 1946, wherein Claude Jarman, Jr., as Jody Baxter, gave one of the most compelling child performances, especially for a boy. He won a Special Juvenile Oscar, for his incandescent performance.
As Broadway was getting ready to mount a musical of "The Yearling," I was just discovereing "The Yearling," as a novel. Having read all the key animal books of my youth--"Black Beauty," by Anna Sewell, "Beautiful Joe," by Margaret Marshall Saunders, "Lassie, Come Home," by Eric Knight, and "My Friend Flicka," by Mary O'Hara, it was inevitable I would get to "The Yearling." And, like most of these titles, it is heartbreaking, yet with a message.
The message of "The Yearling" is that childhood must end, and puberty continues us onward. Way past this point now, I still don't cherish this fact.
Jody Baxter, loved by his parents, Penny and Ora, (Penny is the father) is nevertheless lonely, until he encounters a friend in an orphaned fawn he finds, whom he names Flag. Flag is cute and sweet, bonds with Jody, and things are happy, until Flag begins to age, and Jody has to make the most difficult choice of his life, at that point. In addition to Jody, there is another child, Fodder Wing, hunchbacked and crippled, on a farm nearby, in swampland Florida. Fodder Wing and Jody both love animals, and Jody learns things from his friendship with the disabled youngster.
The time of the story is several years past the Civil War!
Much as I would love to watch the film again, I don't think I could bear to. So, imagine this being turned into a Broadway musical, which it was. "The Yearling," the musical, was produced by Lore Noto, who had delivered the hit, "The Fantasticks." He also served as the Book and Lyric writer, along with Herbert Martin, who also wrote the lyrics. The Composer was Michael Leonard. Save Noto, I never heard of them. It opened at the Alvin Theatre, on West 52nd Street, (home of such gems as "Company" and "Annie") on December 10, 1965, and closed on December 11, 1965, after a run of 11 previews, and 3 actual performances.
I was in fifth grade when I read the book, and all this took place. On a childdren's program of the day, I recall Sonny Fox interviewing a young girl, who said that she auditioned for the role of Jody in "The Yearling." Steve Sanders, who went nowhere, played the part, while Peter Falzone, also unsuccessful, played Fodder-Wing. The Baxter parents, Penny and Ora, were portrayed, respectively, by David Wayne and Dolores Wilson. Lloyd Richards, who would later gain a name by directing the plays of August Wilson, directed the production, and I have to wonder if he was right for the project, or just took it as a benchmark on his escalating career in the theater.
Lonny Price, where are you?
"The Yearling" was a benchmark, but not for glowing reasons. It was panned, and closed almost immediately. With so few to see it, and no cast recording, it has become something theater queens yearn for. When I think of the score, I imagine it sounding similar to "The Grass Harp," also a flop, but not as big a one as this, and Barbara Cook's last books show. Adapted from a novel by Truman Capote, Cook played one of the Talbo Sisters, Dolly, and the score was magical and whimsical. It was by Claibe Richardson (Music), with Book and Lyrics by Kenward Elmslie. I hadn't heard of them, and while it ran for only four days (November 2-6, 1971), maybe, due to Barbara Cook, it yielded an Original Cast Recording, which is just glorious. In the over forty years of theatergoing in NYC, I have only seen one revival of this show, in some Off-Broadway theatre, which probably now does not exist, back in the Eighties.
"The Grass Harp" is, at least, accessible. "The Yearling" is not. However--
Apparently, those few who actually saw the show went crazy over the score (just like with "RAGS") and somehow, four songs, by some enterprising individual were gotten to Barbra Streisand, before she became BARBRA, and she recorded them. One is a standard you may know--"I'm All Smiles," and darlings, I am dying to learn this and do as it as an audiiton piece. The other songs are "The Kind Of Man A Woman Needs," "Why Do I Choose You?," (also recorded by Barbara Cook!) and "My Pa."
It is just a taste, but one that promises much. It would be equally fascinating to see how these songs fit into the context of the musical. Why no one has ever done a studio recording of the score, or ENCORES has not considered it--well, you tell me! But, maybe, to lure us pandemic paranoidiacs back to live theatre, it would take something this monumental to lure us! And tickets would sell, like proverbial hot cakes! Maybe a cast recording would come out of this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Like the song says, "I'm all chills, darling........"
Here is a photo from the original production. Note a real deer. It must have had some agent. And how about its hygeiene??????????????????????????? The photo is interesting, but tells little.
However--
Here is BARBRA, early on, singing I'm All Smiles." I am sure she tailored it to her own voice, because its last lines, "And that someone is...you!" I am sure got a big, belting finish on Broadway. At least, that's the way I would do it, darlings.
Hey, if I was the right age, I'd grab the role of Jody!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Darlings, that line could have been my autobiography. As a matter of fact, it is very apt. But I also think we need some cheering up, and what better pick-me-up than Marilyn and Jane, those two girls from Little Rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, my God, girls, wouldn't you love to wear those gowns? I can tell you I would.
This has to be one of the best openings of a film musical that I have ever seen. Twentieth Century-Fox really did not top it, until 1965, when Julie Andrews did her iconic "Sound Of Music" twirl.
So, let's watch these two girls show us gals how to get what we all want!
May we all become "educated gals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
I am telling you, darlings, 1958 was a vintage year from oozing monsters. "The Blob," "The Crawling Eye," and now this???????????????????
I don't much about this one, dolls. It was shown in my childhood but I never caught it. I often confused this film with "Face Of Fire," s 1959 film, which is less a horror film, and a more a social examination of communitiy bullying, when a man, whose face is horribly disfigured while saving a child in a fire, is persecuted by the townsfolk for the way he looks.
Not much fun. But this other film should be a hoot! I mean, already you have the scantily clad maiden--a sexual stable of the genre-- being menaced. And, as suggested by the poster, the monster looks like a distant cousin of "The Crawling Eye." At least that monster had one orb enabling him to get around, so how does this creature do it????????????????
We will have to find out on Saturday night, so please join yours truly, David, Baby Gojira and Kerwyn for this campfest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The film is supposedly based on a short story by Amelia Reynolds Long, entitled "The Thought Monster," and published in the March issue of "Weird Tales" magazine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wish they would reprint that mag!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But let's see how much thought this creature and the screen writeers have....or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you Saturday, hons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"From Hell It Came" is delicious crap, but, girls, let me tell you, Suzanne Ridgeway, as Korey, the social climbing bitch, steals the show!
She is also a fool. She is willing to give up her husband, Kimo's, (Greg Palmer, who is pretty hunky!) life, so she can be Queen to Chief Maranka (Baynes Barron), the Witch Doctor, who wants no part of the White Man's medicine. See what happens when you don't take AP Biology, darlings????????????
Once Kimo is buried, he will eventually grow out of the ground as Tabonga, the Tree Monster, whose name, aptly enough, means "Revenge." Which he justifiably gets.
Korey soon gets a taste of her own medicine, when the Witch Doctor turns her away, in favor of Tani Marsh, as Naomi, who distinguished herself, the following year, by appearing in the screen classic of 1958, "She Demons." Chief Maranka, seeing how avaracious Korey is, tells her plainly he does not want a traitor for a wife. Smart man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You have GOT to seen the fight scene between Korey and Naomi, with things ending with Tabonga appearing, grabbing Korey, and throwing her into the quicksand, when we all cheered. There has been nothing like this until twenty years later, with Anne Bancroft and Shirley Maclaine in "The Turning Point!"
And, let me tell you, there have never been islanders like these. No pretense of an accent, or ethnicity; sexy, clinging sarongs, and Fifties hair styles? Plus, the Americans have a Fifties American stove and refrigerator, in the middle of nowhere? It has to be seen to be believed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But here is something to consider. Could these have been the Diana Nellis Dancers? They came to full glory in 1958, with "She Demons."
Which should be lauded, not consigned to Hell, as this film deserves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, they say Broadway is coming back. Good luck with that.
I decided to check out ticket info. on "The Music Man." Had Covid not hit, it would have been my top choice. Though I am sorry Jessie Mueller was not cast, even though she had done it already, at the Kennedy Center.
Now, as I suspected, should the Great White Way be lit again, tickets would go up. But this?
Listen to this. On one site I looked, Orchestra seats were priced at $2K+--I kid you not!--while the Mezzanine and above ranged from $750-$900!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Don't blame the stars, darlings, blame the producers. Are they for real? Who the hell can afford to go to this? If this is for real, kiss Broadway goodbye. Theater queens cannot afford such prices.
Now, on another site, I saw a different set of less expensive prices. Orchestra seats will range frorm $250 to $500. Granted, it is not four figures, but who is going to pay this much? Again, who can? Mezzanine and Rear goes from $99-$279!
Come on, close to $300 just to sit upstairs? Even, let's face it, $100 for the nosebleed section is steep. I can remember when that was a top price--and unprecedented.
Another thing. "The Music Man" is a revival. People will go and see it. But after the first rush, it will quietly fold up, and go. Look at the 2018 revival of "Carousel," one of the best theatrical experiences of my life. Covid eliminated, it should still be running. But it closed after five months; once those really interested got to see it.
Lastly, darlings, like BARBRA, LIZA, and "FOLLIES," I have always wanted to play the Winter Garden. If I do, I won't stiff my public.
Hell, I may issue comps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I admit; we veered off course last week, in favor of Promising Young Woman." Which was special. But, when I heard Svengoolie was showing "From Hell It Came," I knew I had to cancel all plans and watch this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Baby Gojira can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Widely regarded as one of the worst movies ever made, the title is apt. But wait till you see Tabonga, the Tree Monster. I won't say too much, but, in common with "Promising Young Woman," this is a kind of revenge film, too.
Who ever thought up Tabonga must have been on acid. Or something. Not nearly as cute as "Cucumbo," from "It Conquered The World," the monster is less a tree than a walking piece of bark. With branch-like claws.
And who knew there was social climbing in the South Seas? Tabonga may be the monster, but Suzanne Ridgeway, as Korey, is the film's social climbing bitch! Married to Kino, it is really she who sets the whole thing in motion.
So stay home with us, dolls, and enjoy this laugh riot!
Hell hath no fury, like angry tree bark!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would you believe the day came and went, and we did nothing? I hope some of you, out there, indulged in a free Margarita. Or sipped some Sangria. Red or White--what does it matter??????????? Drink both!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We did not even have Mexican food for dinner. So, I have to do something for my readers, to recognize this date. And here it is--something only I would come up with. Here it is!
That's right, girls, a picture of Carmen Miranda!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I know she was not Mexican, but Braziliian or Portugese; nevertheless she has an East European flavor, and most people think she is some form of Spanish, anyway! She's is also a symbol of camp, and isn't that what I do??????????????? Hey, I used to know a guy who put a Carmen Miranda doll atop his Chirstmas Tree, insteaad of a star.
How Tres Gay, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dabney Coleman is still a great actor, though there was a time, decaades back, when I found him pretty hot!!!!!!!!!! "Nine To Five?" How I would have LOVED to have tied him to that chair! And I am not even into BDSM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So, when I saw this guy on the Folger's ad, whose name is allegedly Greg Wrangler, two things struck me--how hot he looks in his red boxers, and his startling resemblance to Dabney Coleman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Girls, enjoy this ad, with or without coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
And, Greg, wishing you luck in future endeavors, with or without those red boxers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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