Darlings, Can You Believe How August Has Flown By???????????????????????

                                                    And with it, comes time to say farewell to Summer.  The fastest passing season, whether in school or not.  This weekend is Labor Day Weekend, and Labor Day marks the unofficial end of Summer.  When I was growing up, in Highland Park, New Jersey, we always went back to school the Wednesday after Labor Day.  I wonder if that still holds.

                                                        The best news I can give about August is that David safely and wonderfully came through his bi-lateral hernia surgery, which was two weeks ago this Friday.  A lot of people we knew celebrated birthdays; I think I send more cards out in August than any other month.

                                                           The other thing we did is see "Funny Girl," with Julie Benko.  There will be a separate post for this; for now, just let me say Julie was triumphant.  Completely believable, in both singing and acting, as Fanny Brice, and her vocals could bounce off the back wall. Amazing!

                                                               We also had fun with Svengoolie.  My favorite film this month was "Horror Of Dracula," while "The Land Unknown" was just plain ridiculous, but in a fun way.  And I have some upcoming news about the new season, in another post.

                                                                 August is a month I have an ambivalent relationship with.  The days are getting noticeably shorter, a magical time is ending, and then we head into what I call the"ber" months, which winds the year down fast.  Two thirds of the way through today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                   Like Judy Collins sings, "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?"

                                                                   See you in September, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Never Pass Up The Chance, When Presented, To Thank Someone! You May Not Get A Second Chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Believe it or not, darlings, my 50th anniversary high school reunion is approaching--June 3, 2023--and I cannot believe it.  The man pictured above was a member of that class.  Through a confluence of circumstances, I found out that Jonathan Weinstein, pictured, had recently passed, on August 6, after a long battle with cancer.  He was my age--67.

                                                 I last saw him at the 25th reunion, in 1998, and wanted to say thank you then.  When the 50th was announced, I was hoping he would turn up, so I could say thank you.

                                                    For what?  I will tell you.

                                                   Eighth grade was my worst year, both academically and socially.  I was never proficient in math or science, but I was always able to hold my own.  Until that year.  As my grades declined, I recall approaching Mr. Frankowsky--who was more approachable than my math teacher, Mr. Barber--to see what I could do to raise my grades.  He guessed math was related to my problems, so he proposed I work with someone on a tutoring basis.  He picked Jonathan, asked if we would be willing to work with each other, and both of us said yes.

                                                      Jonathan was great to work with, and I actually enjoyed our sessions.  Alas, I was also very prideful, and, while it helped, I also felt humiliated.  Consider the age I was--thirteen or fourteen!  So, after a time, I just stopped going.  I had no issues with Jonathan, nor he with me.  But over the years I realized what a great opportunity I had been given, and I regretted passing it up, after a time.

                                                         I also promised, at the right time, I would thank Jonathan.

                                                         I was so sad to hear of his passing, and sad I could now not thank him in person.  So, this post will have to do.

                                                           Thank you, Jonathan.  I wish we could have known each other better.  Your passing is sad, but a very real reminder not to pass up opportunities when given.

                                                               My sympathy to Jonathan and his family.

                                                                Rest In Peace, Jonathan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Do I Want To Be An Orphan In "Annie????????????????????????????"

                                        Well, for starters, look at that pose!  What classic form!

                                         These are the Original "Annie" orphans, back in 1977, from left to right--Diana Barrows, Robyn Finn, Donna Graham, Danielle Brisebois, Shelley Bruce, and Janine Ruane.

                                            Girls, with gender fluidity quite the thing, why shouldn't I want to be an orphan in "Annie?????????"    I especially want to be Diana Barrows, as Tessie, on the far left, because she introduces the song I have been singing lately, one of my favorites in the show, which is "You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile."  This number has everything, and when I saw it in 1977, I knew it could not be topped.  Save for a production which a coworker years back was in, I have never seen any other production of "Annie" since.  Not many folks I know have children, so the prospect of my seeing the show again is just about nil.

                                                Unless I can audition for a production as either Tessie, or Bert Healy, who hosts "The Oxydent Hour Of Smiles," and sings the song first.

                                                 Who knows, girls?  As the show says, there is always...."Tomorrow!!!!"

Do Pitbulls Own Tattoo Parlors??????????????????

                                   If they do not, they should.  I would not be surprised if there was one on the premises of every tattoo parlor extant, because those that practice this art look like pit bull owners, who are usually convicted felons.  So, for a pit bull to go into business, this would be the one.

                                      Now, girls, you know I love dogs, but frankly pit bulls scare me. They look so friendly but can turn on a dime.  Just like mean girls in high school.  Except there is nothing feminine looking about a pit bull.  Though some of their female owners don't look that feminine, either.  More like White Trash.

                                        "Meaner than a junkyard dog."  I wonder if Jim Croce had pit bulls in mind while penning that lyric to "Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown?"

                                            I would bet a show ticket on it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Tomorrow Is The Day, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      That's right, darlings.  Having weathered bi-lateral hernia surgery, and being cleared by the doctor to do so, we are marching into the city to see Julie Benko in "Funny Girl."

                                       Back in April, we saw that Feldstein thing disgrace the memory of this show and BARBRA.  Well, good riddance to her.  I have not heard a track of the score from Julie, because I want to experience her fresh from the stage.  I have heard her sing other songs, and this girl can sing!  Finally. a "Funny Girl" that we deserve.   Who will do the cast recording, Judy or Lea?  This show still has some backstage drama!

                                        I will think of you all, when the curtain rises on Julie, tomorrow.

                                       "These are facts, I've got no ax to grind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

They Are Just Dogs With Monster Masks Over Their Faces, And Some Are Puppets, But What The Heck????????????????

                                                 Admittedly, the 1959 film, "The Killer Shrews" is one of the worst movies ever shown on "Svengoolie."  And it was shown last February.  To think it stars Sidney Lumet's father, Baruch Lumet.  What was he thinking?  His son's career was on the rise, so why did he have to do this junk? It is not even good junk, but just plain bad.

                                                  But the little monsters liven things up, and some actors in the film deserve to be killed.  And this film killed their careers.

                                                    Still, Baby Gojira, Kerwyn, Cucumbo, David, and I invite you to join us, tomorrow night.  If you've never seen it, you don't know what bad is.  If you have, well.......

                                                       See you at eight, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Bit Of Glamour Is Needed Today!

                                         So, here it is, darlings!  Today happens to be Blake Lively's birthday.  She is 35, and let me tell you, I never looked good at that age.  But I still want to play Baroness Pauline De Rothschild in Ryan Murphy's project about Truman Capote's Swans.  I cannot wait.

                                          But back to Blake.  Her closet is world famous, and she is ANNA's top choice for the Met Gala.  I can't even get a ticket.  Nevertheless, wishing Blake loveliness on her special day, do whatever you want, dear, and have a cake as glamourous looking as yourself.

                                             If only Sylvia Weinstock was still here.  But who is one to go to, now?

                                            Happy Birthday, Blake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, THIS Is New Jersey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     When I first saw this photo in "The New York Times," I had no idea where it was, but I instinctively knew it was from New Jersey.  I mean, those crowded buildings, streets, and wires, not to mention that diner?  "Dinner in the diner, nothing could be finer." Indeed.  I just knew it had to be somewhere in New Jersey.   And I was right.

                                    The location happens to be Keyport, a small town in Monmouth County, and this picture is so stunning it makes me want to go there.  And I don't venture to Jersey too often, these days!

                                      Remember, this state produced not only myself, but MERYL STREEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        But Keyport!  It is simply bucolic, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Happens When A Saint Retires????????????????????????????

                                       That is right, darlings!  Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the saint who guided us through the Covid crisis, especially in the wake of Trump, is set to retire in December.  No date has been given, but he is a Christmas Eve baby, and will turn 82.

                                          I shudder to think what will happen after his retirement from the CDC.  Will things get better or worse?  It all depends on whom his successor is.

                                            Dr. Fauci was a tower of strength and assurance at a time when needed most.  He will become an important figure in history, and, in my opinion is a living saint!

                                              And at his age, many, including myself, girls, find him kind of cute.

                                              So, a happy retirement to you, Dr. Fauci.  Hope you are still heard from, occasionally.

                                And, as an unofficial tribute, here is Bradd Pitt's impersonation of Fauci, on SNL!

Guess Who The Biggest Scene Stealer On Broadway Is??????????????????????????

                                            That's right, girls, in the current revival of "Into The Woods," now at the St. James Theatre, the one who gets all the applause is Milky White!  This bovine lovely stops the show at every turn, and Julie Taymor should be envious, for not since "The Lion King" first opened has anything like this been achieved.

                                                Milky White is the cow who Jack's mother wants him to sell, only he won't part with her.  She is operated by puppetry, and by theatrical magic seems more real than any of the actors playing characters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   I am telling you; I hope she gets a TONY nomination this coming season.  I am almost considering seeing this, just for her!

                                                    I have always loved cows, from Elsie, to Ferdinand, The Bull.  But Milky White is a real heart stealer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      The latest in a bevy of theatrical cows!  Remember Caroline, in "Gypsy???????????"

Theater Queens Are Already On Speed Dial, I Am Sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Back in March of this year, it was announced that Daniel Radcliffe would be undertaking the role of Charley Kringas in the New York Theater Workshop production of--oh, my God!--"Merrily We Roll Along."  I think Radcliffe will make a perfect Charley, though, seeing him in 'How To Succeed' years back, he is going to have to work on his voice, because, while his dancing was amazing, his voice did not quite match that.  And 'Merrily' is dependent on the score, and its voices.

                                           Of course, I wondered who would play Franklin Shepard and Mary Flynn.  Because, after casting Radcliffe, you cannot fill the other two in with nowhere unknowns.  Otherwise, Radcliffe would upstage the whole thing, and 'Merrily' is about balance.

                                                So, when I heard the other day that Franklin would be played by Jonathan Groff, and, especially, that Mary would be played by Lindsay Mendez, I said "Thank God!  Someone must be reading this blog!"  Because I kept insisting Lindsay would be the perfect Mary.  And Jonathan is a good choice for Franklin.

                                                   Now, when does it all take place?

                                                   Tickets go on Sale September 21, which is the same day Proserpina goes back to Hell.  I can see those anxious fingers on the phones now, mine included.  It will run from November 21--just three days after my birthday! -- through January 8, exactly one week after David's.

                                                       And, with this cast, and if done correctly, it turns out to be the hit of the upcoming season--right now, it is the most anticipated event! --it may extend to another venue for an open-end run.  I certainly hope so, because while David and I will do our best to get tickets, they will be a hard commodity in this town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         So, get set, those of us who love 'Merrily.'  Hope there is an Original Cast Recording.  Unlike with the recent "Funny Girl," ha, ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          And remember, girls, you heard it first here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did You Know There Are Two Alexandra Cabots, Darlings??????????????????????????

Everyone knows Stephanie March from "Law And Order SVU," and well we should.  When in heaven's name are they going to bring back Stephanie?  Something is needed to liven up this show, to compensate for doggie downer Olivia!

Now, in the Archie comics universe, and before the Pussycats, there was Josie.  She was sort of the male counterpart of Archie, with red hair, and her friends Melody and Pepper, the short haired, bespectacled one.  Lesbian?  Could be.

Everyone had a counterpart to someone in the Archie comics.  In the Josie universe, there was the Cabot family, who, like the Lodges in Archie's world, were wealthy.  Veronica was the wealthy Lodge, but the Cabots had fraternal twins, Alexander and Alexandra.

Now, Josie had a boyfriend named Albert, not wealthy, who always seemed to have a guitar in a case slung over his shoulder.  He was the counterpart of Archie in the Josie universe, and Alexander was his nemesis, just like Reggie Van Mantle was Archie's.  Josie was more aligned to Archie and Betty Cooper, so her rival in her world was Alexandra Cabot, seen here.  It was not until recently that I made this connection between the Stephanie March character, and Alexandra from the Josie series.

I do come up with the strangest things, sometimes, don't I, girls?  You never know just where I am going to go.

In the corresponding universes, I wanted to be Veronica in the Archie world, and Josie in hers.  I thought Josie was the prettiest, and besides it was HER comic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even then, darlings, even then!

 

Girls, Be Sure And Join Us Tonight For A Special Svengoolie Screening Of "The Land Unknown!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                        This 1957 film, which I have never seen, was also referenced throughout my childhood in "Famous Monsters Of Filmland Magazine."  Our entire household is excited over the broadcasting of this known but seldom seen film.

                                           I have a feeling it will be one of those movies where the poster turns out to be better than the actual product.  The cast is everyone who went nowhere.  And the prehistoric monster special effects are pretty cheesy.  Like advanced, artistically inclined children's, Play Doh models!!!!!!!!!

                                             I am telling you, the special effects in 1925's "The Lost World," and 1933's "King Kong" were better than here.  I will have you know Gojira was offered a look at the script and threw it across the room!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Like I said, girls!  Nothing to write home about!  But it should be an evening of campy fun!

                                   See you tonight at eight, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The National Day Of Pilgrimage Of The French People At Lourdes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       No, girls, I do not watch "The Song Of Bernadette" on this day.  That is strictly reserved for Easter.  Nor do I understand why this date was set for this occasion, as I have no idea how it fits into the Bernadette story.  I discovered this fact in an edition I had growing up of "The World Book Encyclopedia," when its text was the gospel truth.  And maybe it was.  Anyway, I have remembered this date from that point on, and so I commemorate it.

                                        Maybe it was chosen because it ties in so closely to Mary's Feast Of The Assumption, just five days before.  Now, that would make sense, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         When it comes to Bernadette Soubirous, I believe in every accolade accorded to her.  I wouldn't be as good a person as I am, were it not for Bernadette.  So, hats off to Mary and Miss Soubirous.

                                            Because Sainthood nets one more than an Oscar, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Here is Bette Midler's "Song Of Bernadette."  Very fitting for this day.  But very different from Jennifer Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, Amy Adams!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Darlings, can you believe Amy Adams turns 48 today?  I wish I had looked half as good as she, at that age.  Wishing Amy the best, and hope she celebrates her natal day however she all wants.  Today is all about her.

                                               The gift I would most like to see Amy win is an Oscar for her efforts, girls!  Come on, Academy, get with it!  Instead of stewing over the whole Will Smith-Chris Rock thing, next time Amy is Oscar nominated--and she will! --just give her the damn thing, already!!!!!!!!!!!  She is long overdue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  So, Happy 48th, Amy!  One of the few actresses on hand, with distinction and class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seeing "The Kite Runner" Dramatized Made Me Understand Why I Dislike The Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Last Saturday, David and I, plus our neighbor Michael, were treated by him to a matinee of "The Kite Runner."  It is playing through October at The Little Theatre on West 44th Street.  Who am I to turn down free theater, but the prospect initially sounded distasteful.  "The Kite Runner" is the only book I have read twice, other than Zadie Smith's "White Teeth," and still disliked.  Which is why I never bothered seeing the 2007 movie adaptation.

                                       Oh, let me make one thing clear.  Like "Yentl" on Broadway, the way this show has been advertised made me think it was a musical.  It is not.  It is a theatrical adaptation, with the lead actor onstage most of the evening, narrating action, and participating, enacting both child and adult roles, in Matthew Spangler's adaptation.

                                         This is a fine company of actors, under Giles Croft's direction, and there are two breakout performances--by Amir Arison as Amir, and Eric Sirakian as both Amir's childhood friend Hassan, in Act One, and Hassan's son Sohrab in Act Two.  The most emotionally challenging and wrenching performance I have seen on Broadway, since Celia Keenan-Bolger played Laura in "The Glass Menagerie," back in 2013.  Acting as almost counterparts to Amir are Faran Tahir, as his father, and Azita Ghanizada as Soroya, his wife.  They provide balance and ballast to Amir's character, which is why I have a problem with the story.

                                           Whatever their flaws, both father and wife have integrity.  Amir has none.  For ninety-nine per cent of this story the audience is asked to sympathize with someone who has no integrity, betraying people, especially his childhood friend, Hassan, time and again.  I could summon no compassion for him on either book or stage, good as Arison's performance was.

                                                It would be like sitting through "The Miracle Worker," up to the point where the water passes through Helen's fingers, and the house bell is rung.  After which, Helen would begin fully spouting "The Gettysburg Address."  It just would not make any sense.

                                                  Neither does Amir's so-called redemption.  With all having gone before, I just cannot buy it.  His wife has more balls than he.

                                                    Maybe I am too judgmental.   Or maybe there is something in my past, which I cannot see, that prevents me from reaching out to Amir at the end, as most readers and audiences seem to.

                                                       "The Kite Runner" is well crafted and well-acted theater. On that it has merit.  But its demands on the individual for understanding Amir's plight, leaves me cold.

                                                            For that, I urge you to avoid it.  Same with Joan Didion and Sylvia Plath.

                                                            Captial D for depressing, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Real "Horror Of Dracula" Was What Was Done To The Lugosi Film, And The Bram Stoker Novel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    I will grant you Svengoolie's showing last Saturday of "Horror Of Dracula," surpassed that of "The Curse Of Frankenstein."  It had some good moments, but some of the bad stuff I was not prepared for.

                                     For starters, look at this shot. This is Castle Dracula, in the 1958 Hammer film.  Not only does it not look terrifying or nearly vampiric, but it is also a day shot!!!!!!!!!!!!  It looks more like a cheap backdrop from a community theater production of "The Sound Of Music!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      Characters are tampered with all over the place.  Jonathan Harker goes to Dracula's castle, and keeps a diary, as in the novel, but he does not survive, and become a vampire.  As I said previously, Valerie Gaunt is on hand as the Vampire Woman, and she is superb--and those bosoms! --but not as effective as the choreographed trio in the 1931 Universal version, with Lugosi.

                                         As a result of this, there is no Renfield in this movie!  NO RENFIELD???????????????????   How can the Dracula story work, without him????????????

                                           And there is no Carfax Abbey, or Dr. Seward.

                                          But it does find some ways.  Carol Marsh, next to Valerie Gaunt gives an outstanding performance as Lucy, whose role as "The Bloofer Lady" is really played up!  However, here she is not Lucy Westenra, as played by flapper Frances Dade in 1931, but Lucy Holmwood, sister of Mina Holmwood (no longer Jonathan Harker's fiancé) who is married to Arthur Holmwood, played by British veteran Michael Gough.  Girls, the minute I saw housekeeper Gerda's daughter, Tonya, appear on screen, I knew the Bloofer Lady angle would be played up.  And it was, to a perfect fare-thee-well, resulting in Lucy screaming with agony as she gets a crucifix emblazed upon her forehead, and then screams again as Peter Cushing, as Van Helsing, drives a stake through her heart.

                                              The ending, with the sun blazing in through the windows, after Van Helsing tears away the curtains (reminding me of "Great Expectations") so that Dracula can be reduced to dust before the viewer's eye (suggestive of 1944's "The Return Of The Vampire") was horrifically breathtaking and shows where much of this film's budget went.  So that the cheap castle, and only one Vampire Woman could almost be excused.

                                                  Color, gore, blood, bosoms, and a Bloofer Lady.  "Horror Of Dracula" may never surpass the Universal 1931 original, but it has its fun and surprises!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    And all those teeth.  These vampires certainly had good dental insurance!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Happy 53rd Anniversary Of Woodstock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      To think so much time has gone by, darlings. But every year, this time, I cannot forget Woodstock, nor the impact it still has on me.  From trying to get there myself, by walking to the Jersey Turnpike, to finally stepping out onto the stage area, and doing a set of six songs, upon which an audience gathered, back in 2013.  And I did it one more time, too, though I forget the year.

                                         Anyone here know the famous Dorothy Parker quote about people being laid end to end?  The same applies to those who claim they were at Woodstock.  If all who said they were there actually, New York State would be overflooded.  Come on, people!  Most of us listened to it on the radio, the news, and the subsequent record albums.  We wore Woodstock T-shirts and hung Woodstock posters.

                                          So, take some time out of the day to remember this momentous occasion.

                                            Its like will never be seen again.

                                   And what better way to honor this day?  Here is Grace Slick, there in 1969, doing "White Rabbit."  Still amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Feast Of The Assumption, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Next to Christmas, and giving birth to Jesus, this is Mary's biggest day!  On this day she was taken to Heaven directly, body and soul.  No "Midnight Train To Georgia" for her.

                                        She was the purest of the pure.  More than can be said for me, I am sure!

                                         So, on this day, pray to Mary, thanking her for all she has given and done for us, and, Mary, keep a loving eye on my David, who faces surgery this week, and let it turn out right.

                                           When it comes to church matters, Mary is Top Woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             We salute her, on this day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For Once, I Am Actually With Lin- Manuel Miranda On This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       "Hamilton" just did not do it for me, or David.  But that does not mean others should not see it, nor that it can't be recognized as a well-crafted theater piece.

                                          In light of recent events, I am with Miranda on this.  A church in McAllen, Texas, on August 5 and 6, performed a very different enactment of "Hamilton."  One that was laced with right-wing rhetoric, anti-abortion and anti-gay references, all in complete opposition to what the piece is.

                                           I have several questions.  How rights were given so freely to this church, named The Door, to perform this, as it is still running on Broadway.  The church officials knew from the start what they were going to do, so they are duplicitous at best.  But what surprises me the most, is where did a group of right-wingers find those creative enough to rewrite the lyrics and such?  The IQ of a right winger or White Supremacist is not very high, so how were they able to pull this off?  I could see the "South Park" people doing some kind of riff--but not this one! --on "Hamilton," and its phenomenal status, but hey, Trey Parker and such have creativity.  And they are not like those in McAllen.

                                             Oh, and get this, after the performance, the pastor delivered a sermon, linking homosexuality to drug addiction!!!!!!!!!!  Come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             So, Lin, I hope you and your lawyer nail these bastards.  I am all for artistic freedom, but not artistic desecration.

                                               It is similar to when the Pieta was desecrated at the 1964 New York World's Fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Murder Of Becky Stowe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      High school is horror enough, darlings--those of us who have been through it know that--and as I watched the Oxygen program about Becky Shaw's murder, which used voiceover narration by the actress playing Becky, to make it seem like "Stolen Voices, Buried Secrets," which was always my favorite, but seems to have disappeared --I was reminded that girls from the wrong side of the tracks, who reach beyond, do not end well.

                                         Sweet as Becky was, her life was far from it.  She lived with her trash mother, and her live-in boyfriend, named Steve.  When Becky went missing, Steve fled Niles, Michigan, as he was then the number one suspect.  Nice guy, huh?

                                           Becky was pretty in an average sort of way.  But she smoked, and at that age, back in my day, that made one a tramp, she strung along two boys, aiming for the higher prize, Robert Leamon, the dumb jock All- American football type so many girls want.  One of those girls was mean girl Angela Snyder, who was vying for Rob's intentions, and seemed to be more of an item with him, rather than Becky, who could not see she was being used.   This was friendship with benefits, nothing more.

                                                Becky went missing on July 9, 1993.  As soon as I knew that I knew she had been murdered.  And I was certain Angela, the mean girl, did it.  Or she and a group of her acolytes, which these girls always have.  I thought this would be another mean girls story, because the species has been around since women were afforded education.  Back then, when girls were confined to one room, they picked on other girls.  When things turned coed, it was a free market for these meanies.

                                                  Except, it really wasn't.   Angela, in mean girl fashion, cornered Becky in the girls' room one day, telling her to stay away from Robert, or she would be sorry.  Standard stuff.  Becky refused, because, as she and her best friend, Jacqueline knew, Becky was pregnant, and Robert was the father.  Becky really jerked Tod's chain, who would have been a better fit for her, but Becky was not all that innocent, being a tramp from the wrong side of the tracks.  And wanting more.

                                                    On that July day, in 1993, Becky vanished.  And the investigation went cold.

                                                     But--and here a mean girl earns some credit--Angela Snyder went to police, after two years, saying Robert had killed Becky, burying her near a tree line by a lake on his uncle's farm.  At least Angela had somewhat of a conscience, though, when police asked why she did not step forward sooner, she said it was of little concern to her, implying Becky was just trailer trash.  Well, she might have been, but Becky did not deserve what she--and her unborn child--got!

                                                       Robert tried to say it was an accident, but why was there a shovel in the car?  Because he planned on killing Becky.  A hole had been already dug.  She and Robert went to have a serious discussion about the baby; Robert wanted her to have an abortion, Becky wanted to keep it.  They fought; he threatened.  Then he choked Becky into unconsciousness, but she was still alive! He moved the body into the hole, burying her--ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        I won't describe what Becky suffered, but I am sure we call all imagine, girls!  And none of us would wish this on anyone!  I know I would not!    

                                                         So, good for you, Angela!

                                                          Yet, this tale does not end happily.

                                                          Robert Leamon was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1997.  Twenty years later, he appealed, won, and is now released, and living near his former home, which rankles, and rightly so, some of the citizenry.   I hope Becky's family is not near him, and that he stays away from them. But take comfort.  Robert is real scum; he may do something again to put him back in jail.  Meanwhile, let time take its toll. 

                                                             What goes around comes around.

                                                               Meanwhile, Becky's tale is another cautionary one, reminding those from the wrong side of the tracks to maintain their social boundaries.

                                                                  Otherwise, look what happens.

Can You Believe It Is Time To Talk Fall Fashions???????????????????

                                       I mean, my God, I am seeing products for Halloween and Christmas being advertised and sold.  Can we just get through the summer first, at least till Labor Day?????????

                                         I am certain ANNA has put out "VOGUE's" September issue, so I simply must get a copy.  But I want all of you to look at some items from the Christian Dior Fall Collection.  I have just picked what I liked, but the truth here is I did not like much.  Except for the last two entries, where is color?  As I said in another post, what the hell is wrong with color?  If this is any indication--and I have not yet seen any designers or heard from ANNA--this could be a disappointing fashion season.  I have to see what the other designers are up to.  Girls, I am telling you, it is simply divine!

                                            Divine is what I want from this season.  ANNA and I are both November babies, so we can be tough and exacting.  You can bet if I was sitting near her, I would be handing out my opinions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Let's try and be optimistic.  Dior is just one designer.

                                                  But suddenly, those diaphanous horror gowns are beginning to look good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Join Us All Saturday Night As Svengoolie Redeems Himself With "Horror Of Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                    While Christopher Lee will never trounce Bela Lugosi in Universal's 1931 version, this retelling of "Dracula" solidified the stardom of both Lee and Cushing, as they enacted roles better suited to them than in "The Curse Of Frankenstein."

                                         It also has Valerie Gaunt, who played the slutty Justine in the aforementioned "Curse Of Frankenstein," as the Vampire Woman, here.

                                            I am telling you, the scene where he carries her through the secret passageway--look at that hair, those bosoms, and that diaphanous white gown.  Is there any other kind worn by women in horror movies?  I don't think so.  And, of course, heaving bosoms always help!  Baby Gojira will be thrilled.

                                             Again, I have never seen "Horror Of Dracula" before, but I have seen Lee play the Count in other films, so I know he can do it.  This should be a far better evening than last week.  Don't miss the fun Saturday, at 8PM!

                                  And, girls, don't forget to look your best.  Like Valerie Gaunt, here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, I Am Telling You, This "Frankenstein" Was Cursed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Another film referenced when I was a child, thanks to "Famous Monters Of Filmland Magazine."  But, darlings, having finally seen this film, I tell you it is tremendous disappointment.

                                             "The Curse Of Frankenstein" was Hammer's first entry in the horror market, released in 1957, mistakenly thinking refined British actors, lush sets, and costumes would outdo Universal. Far from it, according to what we saw on "Svengoolie" the other night.

                                                If Christopher Lee had never made this film, he might have become a star sooner.  His role, as The Creature (so called here) is thankless, gives him nothing to do, and instills none of the poignancy Karloff invested in it, which in some moments, recalled to me Patty Duke in "The Miracle Worker."  It took "Horror Of Dracula," the following year, to really put it on the map.

                                               And what is with that make-up?  I mean, look closely and you can see his actual forehead!  Universal was wise to order Hammer not to copy the iconic Karloff look but couldn't something better been done?  Even AIP did a superior job in "I Was A Teenage Frankenstein," released that same year.

                                                   Now, I am not saying Universal's 1931 version was faithful to the Mary Shelley novel.  But it had art direction, cinematography, actors, and an atmosphere that transcended mere horror into art, which was what Shelley aimed for.  So I prefer this more iconic version.

                                                       "The Curse Of Frankenstein" is more a mash up of Mary Shelley.  It eliminates much of the Universal context, instead reaching for mistakes of its own.   For instance, the character of Justine Mortiz, played by Valerie Gaunt (Who next year would be Lee's bosomy bride in "Horror Of Dracula.") is not the center of tragedy, but here a slutty maid whom old goat Peter Cushing playing a long-in-the-tooth Victor Frankenstein, takes up with.  Justine's real story is she was the governess of Victor's younger brother, Ernest, and, while on a picnic, the child wanders off, and encounters the Monster.  What starts out friendly ends tragically as Ernest is killed, because he is frightened, and the Monster does not want attention called to him.  Being last to see Ernest, Justine is suspected, caught, convicted, and hanged, leaving Victor to wish everlasting mercy on this poor, innocent girl's soul, and sealing his everlasting guilt over what he has created.

                                                           This version played like farce.  The whole thing was predictable and anti-climactic.  Worse, not a bit scary.  If you missed it, girls, don't fret; you can afford to!

                                                              And how this movie needed a hunchbacked assistant!

                                                              Even Marty Feldman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, You Cannot Begin To Imagine The Scenic Splendors Of Mill Basin, Brooklyn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     This past Sunday, David and I, along with our friend Kathy, went to a barbecue at the home of our enchanting friends, Joe and Davida, located in Mill Basin.  What scenic wonders abound here, not just in Mill Basin, but along the way.

                                         Let's start with the Mill Basin Stop, pictured above, on Avenue U, just blocks from where we ended up.  It has to be really seen in the daytime to appreciate its splendor.  The front of the store in the daytime, coupled with what surrounds it, makes it resemble a magical amusement area.  I would have loved it here, as a child!

                                    But that is not all.  Riding to the store, along Shore Parkway, in Brooklyn, is Adventurers Amusement Park.  Watching all the excitement from the car window always makes me want to stop everything and go there.  If David and I had a car, we would be there many weekends, I can tell you.  Who needs Coney Island when you have this??????????????????????????????

                              And there is shopping.  Oh, my God, the Mill Basin Plaza, and the Kings Plaza!  Where people go to become great shoppers.  And with this much shopping, there just have to be several hair stylists in the area!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                It can be fun going here in the winter, too.  But the park is a sad ghost, then, and the sun does not shine as brightly on the Mill Basin stop!

                                So, girls, come to Mill Basin, Brooklyn, while summer is still here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                It could be a life changing vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Summer Greetings, From My Good Friend, Nicholas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Girls, I am telling you, isn't he the handsomest cat?  Here he is, in the backyard, in true summer repose.  You can bet on these heat wave days Nicholas has found his own cooling areas. But he is quite the charmer, and the camera and he love each other.  Just as I love Nicholas.

                                     Nicholas wishes all on here a fun summer.  Like many of us, I am sure he enjoys the cooling comfort of autumn.

                                        "Love to all!" says Nicholas

Is This From A Melies Archive? No! But Before Getting To The People Seen, Take A Look At That Nursery Set!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Isn't this the most surreal childhood nursery set you have ever seen, darlings???????  Is it any wonder I want a room where I can redesign a replica to my specifications?   

                                       I mean, those curtains, that furniture, the stars out in the sky, that Humpty Dumpty!!!!!!!!!!!  Who could resist????????????

                                        Now, it makes me really want to see this film.  This is a shot from one of Judy Garland's pre-'Oz' films, "Everybody Sing," back in 1938.  Judy is on the left in the Little Lord Fauntleroy outfit, and on the floor is the REAL Fanny Brice herself, doing her Baby Snooks characterization.

                                           How many film shots feature two such icons?

                                           But really, I want that nursery set.  I would like to see a color shot, but if not, I would not mind it being designed in black and white.

                                              Just make sure I get the correct Humpty Dumpty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!