Can You Believe We Are Now Three Quarters Through 2021?????????????????????????????

                                        Today we say farewell to September; altogether a good month.  I sang "Frank Mills," sat in the iconic spot from Woody Allen's "Manhattan," spent time with Dexter and Cujo, and, most important, time with my beloved David.

                                          We had a blast with the Svengoolie screening of  "Blood Of Dracula,"  this past Saturday.  I tried to see "Dear Evan Hansen" today, but no luck.   Maybe Monday.

                                            All in all, a quiet, peaceful month.  Even my sister has settled into her new adobe.

                                            Have to run, darlings!  "SVU' starts at eight!  Let's all  watch it!

Perhaps This Should Have Been "Red Tide's" Final Shot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I was right!  Alma was the last one standing.  Sure, Ursula and the Chemist survived, but, with the latter taking off into the sunset, with  Baby Boy Gardener, Ursula exercising her  career bitchery, to the point Alma really does not need her, leaving Little Miss on her own,  which I imagined she always wanted  to be, Alma was the real survivor!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         And the beautiful Lily Rabe is a bald Untalented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        So, "Red Tide" really should have ended with Alma sinking her teeth into Daddy--which would have been delightfully macabre--or on her concert note of triumph, with the viewer knowing what she doesn't--that, like Baby Jane Hudson, Alma's star will  be  short lived; once she reaches adulthood, she  will  cease to be a novelty,  and be another chair in another orchestra.   But no one  can  tell  Alma that.  Or  they die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           She may have an interesting future, at that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Watching Belle and Austin getting devoured was fun, because I disliked them, once  they determined to gorge on the Gardener baby.

                                               Aside from Alma, "Red Tide" ended like its title--just washing out to sea.

                                               More was expected from the promising previous episodes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Meanwhile, let's see what "Death Valley" holds for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Can Sally Hershberger Do This For You??????????????????????????????

                                           Of course, she can!  But it will take considerable time and money.  Along with 1958's "The Astounding She- Monster"--kind of AIP's variation on  "Attack Of The Fifty Foot Woman"--have there ever been seen such crazy, jet propelled eyebrows????????????

                                             Just walk  into Sally's, show them this photo and ask for the "Sandra Harrison 'Blood Of Dracula' Special."  I am telling you, with October looming,  this will be the fashion  look of the season!  I don't know if  Sally supplies the fangs, but, especially now, fake fangs are easy to find.

                                               All of which proves what I  have said all along.  Sandra Harrison (still  alive, at 86!!!!!!!!!!) looks more glamorous in this film as the monster, than as herself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 I am  telling you, this is a work of  make-up art! ANNA would love  it!

                                                 So, make your appointment, at Sally's, now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just A Quick Literary Post, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    After seven years of waiting, going rhapsodic over Anthony Doerr's previous novel, "All The Light We Cannot See," which I cried upon finishing, because I wanted it to go on forever, out he comes with his newest, "Cloud Cuckoo Land."  I went to Three Lives--where else?--and bought it today.  However, much as I look forward to sinking my teeth into it,  I cannot, because I am current halfway through--

                                                    

                                        "I, The King," by Frances Parkinson Keyes--Oh, my God, Frances Parkinson Keyes!  If ever an author needs to be rediscovered, it is she.  She haunted my childhood, as we had,  in the house I grew up in, a copy of her book, "Dinner At Antoine's," which I wish I had kept.  Its colored illustration of the interior of Antoine's Restaurant, in New Orleans, started me on my fascination with the city.  I have actually dined at Antoine's twice, and I am telling you, their Cafe Diable will knock you to the floor!!!!!!!!!!! Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I  found this volume in one of our neighborhood book bird houses,  and I just had to grab it.  I want to start a Frances Parkinson Keyes and Taylor Caldwell collection.  Wish me luck, girls, because I need space.  They may have been trash in their day, but let me tell you, they write  better than any of today's trashers out  there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            However,  you really MUST read--

                                                                      

                                      "The Magician," by Colm Toibin--The most satisfying piece of fiction  I have read so far,  this year.  I loved "The Master," but, darlings, this is even better--gorgeously written,  mixing history and literature, the Holocaust, Venice, wrapped in a package that will have you glued to your seat, enraptured, as I was.  I had been so disappointed up to now, having not found even one contender for Book Of The Year; only now to be hit with a whole galaxy of them.  This may not make  it, but let me  tell you,  it is a GREAT start!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Back to Frances, girls!!!!!!!!!!!  We'll talk soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                   

                                                     

Girls, Join Us All Tomorrow Night, For A Season Campfest, As Svengoolie Presents "Blood Of Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                             Last week, after showing and botching, what many consider the  most sublime vampire movie  of  them all,  now, this  week, comes the campiest caper, and, darlings, if you have never seen it, this is a MUST.

                                                There are bosoms in this film, but no heaving ones.  As I keep telling David, the setting has to be a tropical island for the bosoms to heave, as in 1958's "She Demons."

                                                 For those having delighted to this film already, if it seems familiar, it is  no coincidence.  The plot is simply a gender reversal of  "I Was A Teenage Werewolf," only more fun.  In fact, this film's original title was to have been, "I Was A Teenage Vampire!"

                                                  But so  much fun, girls!  The setting is a girls' school, whose headmistress is Mrs. Thorndyke! (Wink, wink!)  The girls are all wearing tight Fifties sweaters, with bullet bras, underneath. And wait till you see Louise Lewis, as Miss  Branding,  the most repressed  lesbian I have seen depicted on film!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    This is even better than "The Killing Of Sister George," or Elaine Stritch's turn as a murdered lesbian, in 1965's "Who Killed Teddy Bear?"

                                                      There is also some neat musical work done, with Jerry Blaine's song "Puppy Love," performed by some male rockers with the tightest jeans and derrieres the censors could have them get away with.

                                                           Not  to  mention the neat trick lead actress Sandra Harrison pulls in this film.  I will talk about that, after the screening.

                                                            And take  note of Jean Dean's performance as Nancy's (Sandra Harrison) recent stepmother, Doris.  She is only in the film's first two scenes, but makes an indelible impression as one of the most gold digger sluts of all time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                             Join us for  the fun! And throw popcorn, at the screen!

Barney, The Bull, Has Been Found!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  After a two month hiatus, Barney was tracked down, and captured, by Mike Stura, of the Skylands Animal  Sanctuary And Rescue, on a former farm  on Long Island, located on Barnes  Road, in Moriches.

                                    I have to hand it to Barney, who is  this year's most popular, and beloved, bovine.  I actually think Barney hitched himself onto the ferry to Fire  Island, and had himself a jolly old time  there.  Like the song says,  "he loves the night life," and the boys really took to him, and he to them.  And why not?  He looks so cute and lovable.

                                       Barney's story will have a  happy end.  His days will be spent with other rescued and/or abused animals on another Skyland Sanctuary, which is 232 acres of land in Wantage,  New Jersey.

                                         A happy ending for those of us who came to love Barney, and still do.  He  had yourself  one hell of an adventure, and now he deserve some  rest.

                                           If possible,  I  encourage us all to visit Barney, once he settles in.  He would love  the attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Hooray for Barney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In Remembrance

                                    I knew this day had meaning, girls, when I suddenly realized--today is the 11th anniversary of the death of Tyler Clementi.  He would be approaching thirty--can you believe it--and my guess would be he might have been involved in some research work to  help us out of this pandemic.

                                        Alas, he was not given that chance.

                                        The two who caused this are still out there. I wonder how they live with themselves now, or maybe they are devoid of conscience.

                                         Let us remember Tyler, and this as a day to help those still suffering from bullying by those less tolerant.  May Tyler's memory serve as a reminder that so-called outcasts deserve a chance too, and may ultimately prove more contributory than their more popular contemporaries.

                                            You are not forgotten, Tyler!  May your memory help society move forward in this direction!

Let's Get Real About Gabby Petito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                    As soon  as this attractive girl was cited as missing, I knew she was dead.  And I  know who the scum was that did it.   He is pictured here.

                                      But now that the body having been found in Wyoming's Grand Teton National  Park, has been declared to be Gabby, and Brian has gone missing, I would venture that he, too, is dead, by suicide, as he was too cowardly to face up to his deeds.  I am also convinced he killed that other couple, which means not only looking at a burgeoning serial killer, but, for Brian, the death penalty--which I  would favor--or  LWOP.

                                         I have discovered that both  Gaby and Brian were native Long Islanders, and childhood sweethearts.  Let me say the day she met Brian was the worst day of  her life.

                                          Suddenly,  the Laundries up and move to North Port, Florida.  From what I have seen of the house, it is clearly White Trash, and so are they.  My heart goes out to the  Petitios, but how could they, even with their daughter being  of legal age,  allow her to live with this scum and his trash family, as they live  off of  the parents?  The whole  arrangement is  wrong,  disgusting, and I am telling you, officials had better look  into Brian's past--just ten years, back  to age twelve, since  he  is  only twenty-two.  There will  be  signs and clues pointing to this behavior, and perhaps even  evidence he has done this before.  I would not be  surprised.

                                                   Maybe this is why the Laundries moved.  They did not want their dirty linen aired.  Well, now  it will be. They are  complicit with Brian in all he did; Gabby especially, and anything having come  before.

                                                       Track  down this trash, and destroy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        Gabby deserved a better future.  At the very least, being  whisked to  Paris by a sophisticated Frenchman, telling her, "Gabrielle, the wine almost fell into my shoes."

                                                           Rest In Peace, Gabby.  And justice for your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

              

Wouldn't It Be Great, If Someone Built A LEGO Tara??????????????????????????????????

                                             I mean, girls, after the stunning job that young Musical Theater student from Michigan did with the Boris Aronson set  for  "Follies," I figure it is time for someone  to tackle Tara.

                                             First, it is  a work  of set design art, and would lend itself well to LEGO.  Second, spare me the dreck about how "GWTW" is passe,  incorrect, racist, while ignoring how groundbreaking it actually was for  its  time. Hattie McDaniel's Oscar broke the color barrier, and I bet every Black actor in Hollywood who was in it was proud.  It was work, and the most prestigious job of their lives.

                                                I hope  I am able  to see it  on  a  screen  again, whenever this pandemic  ends.  And not a moment, before.

                                                After all, darlings, "Tomorrow is another  day."

                                                Someone get going on Tara!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Proserpina Goes Back To Hell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             That is right, darlings.  Today is the first day of Autumn, and it came in quite nicely.  But don't expect it to last.  Because, once we have experienced Indian Summer, and  Proserpina  continues her stay in Hell, the weather will turn colder, the leaves will  fall from the trees, as Demeter, her mother, mourns the half-year loss of  her daughter.  Which is why we have the Four Seasons.  No, dears, not the vocal group!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               I am  pleasantly looking forward  to the quiet and tenderness of  Autumn.  My birthday falls within this season, and so do many I admire, including Sister Camille.

                                               So, let us joyfully segue into this mellow, contemplative, and  hopeful season.

                       And to musically usher in the season, here is Frank Sinatra, singing "Autumn In New York!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Svengoolie's Saturday Night Screening Of "Dracula" Was Disappointing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              All week long, I had been looking forward to seeing this film;  my last  recollection of viewing it  was on the big screen at the  Film  Forum, several years ago.  However, Svengoolie, and maybe the station, pulled some fast ones on me.

                                                 The first was his announcing that the film  would be shown with a musical accompaniment, which most  of  his viewers loved.  Well,  I  did  not.  "Dracula's" lack  of music gives  the film  its tension  and  terror; adding it  removes viewers  further from unreality.  The second mistake, maybe by the station, was the  omission of a brief, but important, scene.  Midway through  the film, there is  a brief shot of a tree from a distance,  followed by a wolf's howl and a child crying.  From behind the tree, emerges Frances Dade as Lucy Westenra, proving she is  the "Bloofer  Lady," later referenced, who lures children with the promise  of  chocolates, only to extract their blood.  Let me tell you, if Lucy were  to lure me, she would have to promise me her glamorous Twenties flapper look she has in this film, even though it was released in 1931, and set in Victorian England!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   What survived are the stunning cinematography, set decoration and art  direction.  So, to cover the film, I have decided to speak on iconic images in "Dracula."

                                                                             

                                      The Titles--"Dracula" opens with the well known  Tchaikovsky "Swan Lake" theme. We all know it, darlings.  I first saw  the film at  the age  of nine, and knew nothing  musically, then .  Hence, to this day, whenever I hear the  piece, the first thing  I think of is "Dracula."

                                                                          

                                        The Armadillos--The ride to the castle is a visual gem in itself, deserving to be examined and explored, frame by frame, like the Shower Scene  in Hitchcock's "Psycho."  But the armadillos  are the film's first scene stealers.  Name a vampire, or any horror, film, that features them.  You can't, right?  My guess is since the film was shot in  Southern California, a couple  of  them wandered onto  the  set,  and Tod Browning, in his wisdom, decided to  use them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                        

                                                                                    

                                

                                                                                    

                              The Three Vampire Women--Sometimes described as Dracula's brides; mentioned in the film here, as "his wives," in human or bat form, their visual look and movements are stunning, having an almost poetic, choreographed form to them.  I am convinced Michael Bennett saw this  film  when young, and images like these foreshadowed his staging of "At The Ballet," in "A Chorus Line."

                                                                               

                                Renfield--If any performance can be said to steal the film, it is  Dwight Frye's spot-on portrayal of this tragic character.  In the novel, Jonathan Harker goes to Castle Dracula, on  business, but returns, unscathed.  In the film, Renfield is dispatched, only to be made an acolyte of Dracula.  As  unsurpassable as Lugosi is, acting mainly with his face, lighting, and little dialogue, not to mention  that signature cape, Frye, a distinguished stage actor, matches him scene for scene.  The tragedy of Renfield is twofold--he still has a conscience, when  he plaintively pleads to Dracula, before dying, not  to be allowed to die with all the lives  he has  on his soul.  I had  not realized the film  was so moralizing.  Second, so good was Frye as  Renfield, that he was typecast, playing variations on  this role for the rest of  his Universal career, not getting the more serious roles  he wanted.  Lastly, I had no idea the censors  took  issue with Dracula bending over Renfield, preparing to drain him of blood.  It was said to have had a homosexual connotation to it.  Girls, in my 46 years as a card carrying homosexual, I never once thought of this.  Which may explain the omission of my favorite,  the "Bloofer Lady" scene; it might be, even today, just too intense for viewers.

                                                                    

                                           Girls Just Wanna Have Fun--Mina (Helen Chandler, on the left.) spends  the night with Lucy in London.  Just hanging out, brushing their hair, fantasizing about Count Dracula.  Darlings, how many of us would want a sleepover like this?  That hair, those gowns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         How Did  This Get Past The Censors?--Seldom has been depicted on film  such a rabid shot of female, carnal lust.  But here it is, with Helen Chandler, as Mina,  contemplating  sinking her  teeth into  fiance  Jonathan Harker,  played  by David Manners.  And a good look  at him  will make  Mina's  manner  understanding.  Many would want to  sink their teeth into  delicious David!

                                         "Dracula," at 90, is still a remarkable film, but Svengoolie ruined it.  See this one at a screen revival, or on DVD, minus music, and see what a true screen  masterpiece it  is.

                                             Go suck, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                  

                                                                           

                       

Goodbye, Summer Of 2021!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         For those, like I, who believe tomorrow is officially the first day of Autumn, when Proserpina  goes back to Hell for the next six months, today marks  the official last day of Summer.!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           The first thing to be said is Summer Of 2021 was better than that of 2020!  The second is it seemed the fastest Summer on record.  It just flew, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             And though not much happened, there were trips to bookstores, books that got read, plays that got viewed, and all kinds of health safe, at home, fun.

                                               This is usually a time of sadness, but for some reason, not this year, what with contemplating the coziness of  cool Autumn and  cold Winter nights, all with  my beloved David, there is more to look forward to, than bemoan.

                                                   So, you were a good  one, Summer of  2021.  May the rest of the year go as well!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     And what better way to mark the season's end,  than Christine Ebersole, as Little Edie,  singing, from the 2006 musical, "Grey Gardens," "Another Winter In  A Summer Town????????????"

                                         Happy Autumn To All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Let's Catch Up With "American Horror Story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      The fourth episode, entitled "Blood  Buffet," demonstrates why I avoid buffets, at all cost.  With the sole  exception of  The Court Of Two Sisters, which is based in New Orleans, most buffets are simply excuses for White Trash pigs to indulge their gluttony.

                                        But I had to hand it to AHS, which gave us Belle and Austin's back stories.  Belle, with Frances Conroy shining as always, was a beaten down, emotionally abused wife,  who fancied herself a would be Barbara Cartland or Danielle Steel.  I believe the latter  is referenced.  I am telling you, after Belle takes the pill, and tears into her abusive husband,  I  bet everyone watching was applauding furiously. I  know I  was.

                                           Now,  where did that pill come  from?  The sudden arrival  of  chemist Angelica Ross explains its spreading, but just who is this dame? A mad doctor?  A disciple of the Devil?  Both???????  The  final  episode is approaching fast; will  all these questions be answered?  Or what will viewers  be left  with?

                                             Frances  was  not  the only one  who shined.  So,  too, did  the  brilliant Evan  Peters, as  the most  faux of  faux drag artists; he could  not even get  his wig on  right, so that  his real  locks  shone through.  Priceless.

                                               It was smart having  this episode be somewhat cathartic and  humorous.  Because the one that follows  is anything but.

                                                                            

                                "Gaslight," which was episode five, was emotionally wrenching.  Ursula, in true bitch form, is linked with Harry and  Alma to  drive  Doris,  who  has just  given  birth, mad.  Lily Rabe makes  her moments almost  a potential  redo of "Rosemary's Baby," and she  is up to the level of Mia.  Crafty little Alma comes in, and  manipulates Mommy into talking the pill.  Unfortunately, and  I was afraid of  this, Lily/Doris turns  into  one of  the Untalented, and even her gorgeous hair falls  out.  The make-up department really gets  credit for this one.

                                    Now, get ready for this.  Mickey professes  love  to  Karen, and  tries to con her into taking the pill.  Karen is  smart, but ambiguous; does she take the pill,  or doesn't she?  She morphs, or pretends to, into a blood  feeder,  gorging on Mickey, so that is the end of  Macualay Culkin.  And, unless he is lucky enough to get a gig from this, so goes his career...again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Sarah/Karen is the saddest.  Her artwork never shown, but still with a social conscience, she  walks into  the ocean, committing suicide.   I hope Sarah was properly layered for  this  shot, so  as  not  to catch pneumonia.  I actually cried at the last sight of Karen.  In some ways, I felt  this  should have ended "Red Tide," as the waters  flowed  with Karen's blood.

                                          So, heaven knows what we are in for, next week, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I am telling you, that Alma!   I bet she'll be the last one standing!

Girls, Join Us Tomorrow Night, As Svengoolie Presents One Of Cinema's Masterworks, The 1931 "Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                 This film, with  "Frankenstein" released in succession,  not  only  put Universal on  the  path  to being the horror studio,  it also put Lugosi and vampirism on the map.

                                                     There is so  much to enjoy in this film.  The Victorian look of the cinematography gives the film its  period feel.  Lugosi's performance is signature, but not to be overlooked are Dwight Frye, who almost steals  the show as Renfield, and Frances Dade as Lucy Westenra, dressed and mannered like  a Twenties flapper,  yet her performance works, anyway.  And how about that brief scene where  she is  victimizing children, as "the Bloofer lady?"    That  is the  most  disturbing scene  in  the film,  and Universal was lucky to get that by the censors.   Maybe they would have included the scene of  the distraught peasant woman,  banging on the door, screaming, "Monster, give me my child!"  That  would have been great.  But I think, censorship wise,  it might have  been too much for the time.

                                                         So,  darlings, when watching "Dracula" tomorrow night,  and  I hope you do, cherish these moments, which are now iconic screen moments and images.

                                                          Not to mention,  the film  is  now 90 years  old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                           See you tomorrow, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Would Rather Have Seen "Abbott And Costello Meet Joan Crawford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                 Saturday night's Svengoolie screening of "Abbott And Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde" was marred by sound and technical disruptions from the station it was broadcast on.

                                                    The film was mildly entertaining, trying to cram everything--Stevenson's story, Frankenstein, Dracula, "House Of Wax"/"The Mystery Of The Wax Museum"--including musical numbers, chorus girls, you name it.  There was even a subliminal hint at incest between Boris Karloff and his attractive ward, which made me wonder how it passed by the censors.

                                                       Nevertheless, I think Bud and Lou facing Tough Joan would have been hilarious!  After all, Joan went on to do "The Story Of Esther Costello" in 1957.

                                                         Universal probably could not afford Joan, who would have wanted top dollar.  And, had she come aboard, the film  would have been no longer Abbot and Costello's, but hers, as she would insist on star billing, and would upstage them mercilessly.

                                                            Still, it would have been fun to see.

                                                             As was this 1953 film, which really showcased Universal's make-up department!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ninety-Nine Years Ago, Tonight, Darlings........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      I did a long post on this, nine years ago, but as the Centennial is approaching, I thought it worth mentioning.

                                       Many of my age, and older, living in Middlesex or Somerset Counties in New Jersey, could not help hearing about The Hall-Mills Murder.  My paternal relations talked about it all the time, as they were children, when it happened, back  in  1922.

                                           Technically, it is till  an unsolved case, though, like my paternal grandmother, I always felt Willie Stevens, Mrs. Hall's special needs brother, did the deed, at his sister's request.

                                             It was the scandal of the day.  The Reverend Hall, pastor of the Episcopal Church on George Street, was allegedly having an affair with his choir singer, Eleanor Mills.  It was known all over town, and Mrs. Hall came from money; her family was involved in the founding of Johnson and Johnson, which now runs New Brunswick.   I grew up, across the river, in Highland Park.

                                              The murder took place this night in an apple grove, on what was then DeRussey's Lane, and is today Franklin Boulevard.  What I believe is that Mrs. Hall discovered what was going on through the discovery of letters, and, with Willie Stevens, went to the lovers' trysting place, where they confronted them.  Either things got out of hand, or Willie was ordered to kill them, but on  the morning of September 16, their  bodies were found under the crabapple tree.  Allegedly--maybe an urban legend--his penis was cut off and placed in her mouth.

                                               Several books were written about the case--"Lovers Lane," by Rick Geary, "The Minister And The Choir Singer," by William Kunstler (the one and only!)--and countless articles,  proposing all sorts of theories, but, based on the knowledge  of  my grandmother, plus the credibility of its possibility, I have always gone with Mrs. Hall and  Willie confronting the couple, resulting in their deaths.

                                                   Something  to think about, girls!  No wonder I developed such macabre fascinations.

                                                    They geographically surrounded me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    Let's hope New Brunswick does a Centennial Celebration, next year!

                                                   I  will actually go back there, for that!

                                             

Here Is How To Deal With Covid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               If this image looks familiar, I used "BASH!" four years ago, during the Christmas season, when my theme was "Games Of My Past!"

                                                 But, with all the anger, exhaustion, and explosion of emotions, not to mention frustration, in the wake of still dealing with the pandemic, it  occurred to me that a reissue of  this game, might be the thing to reduce tension.  Get out your aggressions by--pardon me, darlings!--banging Mr. Bash!  Or, better  yet, smashing him.

                                                  Because, once done, he can be reassembled, to be smashed again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   This could be just the thing, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Sorry now I  did not keep my copy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here Is How To Bring Musical Theater Back To New York!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Girls, I am telling you, Theater Queens would flock to it, in droves--"Kill Her, Mommy!," a musical adaptation of the 1980 classic, "Friday The !3th!"

                                           Back in 2005, librettist and lyricist Hunter Bell, along with composers Jon and Al Kaplan did a musical Off-Broadway called "Silence!," based on the book and film, "The Silence Of The Lambs."  I was always sorry I never saw this, and meant to, but I changed my mind today when I saw that Hannibal Lecter's opening number was a solo called "If I Could Smell Your ***t!!!!!!!!"

                                              Imagine, having to sing that?  Or not?  On the other hand, maybe I should track it down; what an attention grabber for an audition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Of course, what I am proposing would not be as vulgar.  It would go something like  this.

                                                  The whole thing would  take place inside a camp cabin.  The entrance door would be up center, through which characters, especially Mrs. Voorhees" would make their entrances, and exits.  Six beds,  three on each side, would comprise the Camp Chorus.  Boys and girls mixed, all of "Annie" age.

                                                    The songs, at least what I have thought up so far, would go something like this--

                       1.  Opening--"The Ballad Of Barry And Claudette--"  Barry, Claudette, Baby Jason, and Camp Chorus.

          

                        2.  "Hi, Boy!--"Annie (the first present day victim).

                         3.  "They're Opening That Place Again?-- "Trudy and Cafe Crowd.

                       4.  "You're All Doomed!--"  Crazy  Ralph (the role  I would audition for!).

                      5.  "Back To California--"  Alice.

                      6.  "Sleep With Me, Even Though I Am Such  A Loser!--"  Steve Christy.

                     7.  "I'm So Stupid, I'm Gonna Get Killed!--"  Ned.

                     8.  "Strip Monopoly--"  Brenda.

                     9.  "'Oh, Lizzie, Lizzie, You'll Always Be Plain'--"Marcie.

                     10.  "Just A Night On The Town!"--Sandy, The Diner Waitress.

                   11.  "Kill Her, Mommy!--" Mrs. Voorhees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                   12.  "Decapitation Ballet--" Alice and Mrs.  Voorhees.

                   13.  "Finale--" Company, with actress playing Mrs. Voorhees taking bow, with decapitated head,  held in  hand!

                     Hey! "Friday, The 13th!" Thirteen musical numbers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                     All right, start writing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                     Now,  as for casting, well you've got me as Crazy Ralph!  MY choice for Mrs. Voorhees  would be Ann Morrison, the original  Mary Flynn in "Merrily,' who has the sense of humor, vocal chops, and understanding of parody to pull this off.  Though my age, she looks 20 years younger, which, with all else, would make her the perfect Mrs. Voorhees.

                     How about Celia Keenan-Bolger, as Trudy?

                     Kate Burton, as Sandy, The Diner Waitress.?

                      Victoria Clark, as Diner Customer In  Striped Dress And Cat-Eye Glasses?

                        If this were playing now, I might just flock to it.  Except, I would be too busy on stage,  performing this.  And, of  course,  I would understudy Mrs. Voorhees.

                        "Let's put a show, kids!"  Let's REALLY bring Musical Theater back to New York!

                       More sparkling than "Babes In Arms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

What A Phony, Pretentious Prick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Before we get started, girls, I just want to fill you in.  I did sing "Frank Mills" live, last night, not in front of the Waverly, but in my living room, at sundown.  I also, yesterday, finished the new Sally Rooney, "Beautiful World, Where Are You?," and all I will say now is it is high time Sally made up her mind if she is a novelist or a playwright.  And then stick with it.  I have also started the new Lauren Groff, entitled "Matrix," and let me tell you, not since "Black Narcissus" has there been such a nun's story!  And I am only one third of the way through.

                                    Now, to the topic at hand.  For all those decrying Ben Platt's look and manner in the film "Dear Evan Hansen,"-- which I plan to see, because of Platt's gorgeous vocals--take a good look at this guy.  He calls himself Cash Jordan.  That is about as phony a  moniker as "Chance Wayne," except that name was spun from the prosaic cloth of Tennessee Williams, so it had some dramatic cred.  But, THIS guy?

                                       You think Platt's overaged?  Take a good look at this guy.  He claims to be 24, but looks more like 40, and he is dressing more  Evan Hansen than Platt ever did, even when he played the role onstage.  Give me a break!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           He fancies himself one of NYC's top realtors, operating out of some one horse dive in the East Village,  on St, Mark's place.  Face it, Cash, you are NOT Ann Cutler Lenane.   She has been around longer than you, and she is the top.

                                             Honey, you most likely aren't even A top!  You parade around with a cute Asian woman purporting to be your wife, and a child named Lily, claiming to be your daughter, but both are probably some nanny and her charge  you abducted off the street for media exploitation purposes.  Because your underage way of dressing, and your manner of "Oh-look-at-me-I-am- so-straight-and-SO-cool!" is not fooling anyone, doll!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 As for the videos, short though they be, I could not get through even one.  Taken into consideration as some sort of experimental cinema, it barely passes muster.

                                                    Who the hell would name a child Cash?  Maybe Johnny, but that was once in a  lifetime.  This cash lacks credibility, exudes phoniness, and, girls, couldn't even sell me a candy bar.  Even if I wasn't diabetic.

                                                      Stay in Astoria, where you belong, Cash.  I always had a low opinion of the borough of Queens, and you exemplify all the reasons why.

                                                         Get off your ego trip, and do something REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"......Right Here, In Front Of The Waverly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                              Yes, my dears, it is that time again.

                                               Happy "Frank Mills" Day!  Where has the time gone?

                                               I played the song first thing when  I got up.  Shelley Plimpton, of  course.

                                               I  will sing it live, later today.  I don't think  I will  go into  the city today, so my spirit will be in front of the Waverly.

                                                 However,  one may celebrate this day,  remember it!

                                                 Here is Shelley's inimitable rendition!  Cherish it!

Gojira Remembers 9/11!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Our beloved reptile friend, Gojira, bows his head sadly, in memory of those who have gone before us on this day, twenty years ago, and the families it still impacts on.

                                       He is especially sad for the children then, and the adults they have become.

                                        He comes in peace, and  wishes that, and comfort, for everyone  on  this day.

                                         Thank you,  Gojira!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can You Believe It Has Been 20 Years???????????????????????????

                                      I had just emerged from below ground, having taken the No.1 downtown train,  to 14th Street and Seventh Avenue.  I had an appointment with  my then therapist.  It was such a beautiful, clear, crisp morning that was almost too perfect.  Well, that was about to change.

                                         As I approached St. Vincent's Hospital, I saw a group of Con Ed workers talking.  Walking by, I caught something  about a "plane hitting the World Trade Center."  I was surprised,  and walked on, thinking of the story my father once told  me, of  how a  plane crashed into  the Empire State  Building, back  in  1947.  Nobody was really harmed,  and I thought, at first,  the World Trade Center incident was no  more ominous than back  in  1947.

                                          Then, I  saw what was pictured, above.  My first thought was this was out of a 50's monster movie.  People were standing  in the middle  of Christopher Street and  Seventh Avenue South,  where I now was, watching in horror.  Then, the second tower seemed to go ablaze, and  mass  hysteria struck.  Even more,  when a woman , on her phone, shouted,  "They hit the Pentagon!"  That is when I knew we were under attack.   Along  with November 22, 1963, I knew this would be a benchmark  date  for  my generation.  And it is.

                                             I was late for my appointement, but neither of  us seemed  bothered.  I was in some kind of  shock, and we  talked of  inconsequential  things.  This was on  Waverly Place.   When  I was sent back into the  fray, more people gathered  in shock and horror, consoling each other.  Suddenly, we  all  screamed, as before our eyes, the second tower fell before our eyes,  slowly flattening out.  People began to  run.  I began to walk.  I wasn't  certain where, though I eventually ended up at my workplace, where we watched the  coverage, till told  to  go home.

                                              That was two decades  ago.  I was 46, then; I am 66 now.  

                                                City life changed then; ironically, as a  result of the current pandemic, another benchmark, it will change again.

                                                  We can never forget.  But, twenty years ahead, I have to ask  myself--

                                                    Where shall we be???????????????????

Darlings, Join Us Tomorrow Night, As Svengoolie Presents "Abbott And Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                             Darlings, what a week!  I am on a reading spree, reading the new Sally Rooney, which all the glitterati in NYC are doing right now, my sister is in the middle of a dramatic, life changing move, with a problematic daughter, and troubled granddaughter.  My great-niece!  One of my friends advised me this week not to "borrow trouble," and boy, was she right.

                                              Tomorrow is September 11th--20 years, hons!--and that is enough to give one pause.  I will sure  do a post on that, tomorrow.  And then Sunday is "Frank Mills" Day, so will I go to the Waverly?  Even if I don't, I WILL sing it!

                                                So, maybe David was right--hell, of course he was!!!!!!--when he said Svengoolie probably chose this seldom seen--I have never seen it, and can't wait!-- film to show tomorrow night.  A little levity and humor on a traumatic day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               I did see excerpts in my childhood, thanks to a childhood friend, whose father had a one reel home movie compilation of scenes from it.  But that is all I know.

                                                 And Boris Karloff playing Dr. Jekyll?  That should be a real treat!!!!!!!!!!

                                                So, join  us all tomrrow night for some ghoulish, humorous cheer.

                                                  Baby Gojira, Pippin, and Kerwyn cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  See you tomorrow,  girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!