Farewell To The Year, Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Or, as Barbara Loden, playing Ginny Stamper in the 1961 classic "Splendor In The Grass" said in the New Years Eve scene, "Happy New Year, Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                           Ah, that was a scene.  So will be the one in Times Square.  And no, I am not going to be the New Year's Baby this year, because it is too cold to run around nude.  Nor will there be any Satanic rejoicings as in the New Years Eve scene in "Rosemary's Baby."

                           I still remember my first New Years Eve, which was 1967 going into 1968.  I was thirteen years old, and you know what my grandmother and I watched that evening, before Guy Lombardo?  Burt Lancaster going after Shirley Booth with a knife in 1952's "Come Back, Little Sheba." No wonder my middle school years were the worst.

                           Things are much different now.  "Merrily We Roll Along" was the Best Picture Of The Year, and "Culpability," by Bruce Holsinger as The Book Of The Year

                           Compared to 2024, this was a pretty good year.  I can only pray that 2026 keeps up the good vibes we had this year.  And, of course, Easter will mark the annual screening of "The Song Of Bernadette.".  And "Gone With The Wind," the novel, turns 90 in 2026, so you know I am going to reread it.

                                And the USA turns 250 on July 4.  I can remember all the 1976 hoopla around the bicentennial.  I never thought then about 50 years in the future.  And here we are.

                              I cannot end this year without thanking my beloved David, who sustains me through everything, and who I am always here for, regarding him.  Thanks to all you readers out there, even those who argued with me; it is still a discussion.

                             More I cannot wish you than a blessed 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Onward and upward!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            

Farewell To December, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            The last day of the last month.  The last day of the year.  Can you believe we are at that point already, girl?

                              I am telling you, December was one of our busiest months.  We got all the shopping done.  We sent out all the cards.  David's cousin Elan and his friend Rhonda came into the city early in the month, and we went to The Met, and saw my favorite Christtmas tree, and then had a nice leisurely lunch.

                             On December 7, we had the unforgettable experience of seeing the film (or filmed) version of "Merrily We Roll Along."  With the same extraordinary cast, we saw it do live on Broadway in 2023.

                                Broadway had us attending four shows--'Liberation," "Marjorie Prime," Mama Mia!" and "CHESS!"   

                                 We also saw the movies "Blue Moon," with Ethan Slater, and "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," with Jennifer Lopez.  David gets the blame for that.  And I prefer Priscilla Lopez, darlings.

                                  On December 23, the annual group of Bill, Nancy, Alyssa, Joe, Davida, and David and I converged on The Bridgeview Diner for our annual holiday gathering.

                                     Don't forget I cited The Times 10 Best Books Of The Year, not to mention my five best.  Go with mine, darlings.

                                      And lastly, I reached my goal of having read 100 books.  I have 88 pages to go in "The Director," which is terrific, so it will be either book number 101 for 2025, or book number 1 for 2026.  Only time will tell.

                                        Oh, and we cannot forget "Svengoolie's" lop sided screening of "The Bad Seed."  Let's hope we don't go through that again.  That may not have been in December, but it was a rather negative highlight of the year.

                                         Hope your December was filled with highlights, and not just in your hair.

                                          May 2026 bring happiness and much more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Something I Have Been Thinking About, Girls--Were Joyce Maynard 18 Today, And Wrote Her Times Piece, Would It Be Any Different, And Have The Same Impact As In 1972????????????????

                              This reference may not resonate with some; in fact, I may be exclusively writing to Baby Boomers, in our now twilight years.  But on April 23, 1972, when this article was published, it set many of my generation's teeth on edge.  Many of us asked, "Why isn't this me?"  Including myself.

                                To give Joye credit, unless I am wrong, she stands on record as the youngest published author in "The New York Times."  That alone is an achievement.

                                  As for if this were to happen today, I can give you two words that would make it differ tremendously--social media.  Forget The Times; it may have gone viral.   But in spite of that, I do not think it would have the same impact, because with You Tube and Podcasts, so many out there are telling their own stories.  Joyce was singular, as she was then "the spokesperson of The Baby Boomer Generation."  Now, generations following us speak singularly for themselves.  And maybe that is the way it should be.  Too much importance, on both pro and con sides, was placed on Joyce at the time.

                                     And another thing, for those who remember.  Were J.D. Salinger alive today, would he have tracked down Joyce with the same tragic results?  That is one for the books, and one to think about.

                                      Funny how ideas pop into my head.  Boomers out there, what do you think.  Agree or disagree?  Anything to add?

                                      I would love to hear what you think, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last Evening At 7:15 I Reached My Goal Of Having Read 100 Books This Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                       From

                                      To

                                          It has been a while, girls, about two years, since I made this number, and that I read a huge number of lengthy books; to be surpassed in the coming year.

                                           I know I listed "Culpability," by Bruce Holsinger as The Book Of The Year, and I still stand by that, but my favorite reading experience of all this year was my "Summer Of Victoriana."  That is when I re-discovered the pleasures of "Jonathan Strange And Mr. Norrell," by Susanna Clarke, which then led to my actual "Summer Of Victoriana."  It started with "Wide Sargasso Sea," by Jean Rhys, (the prequel to "Jane Eyre") then "Jane Eyre, " by Charlotte Bronte, "Wuthering Heights," by Emily Bronte, "Great Expectations," by Charles Dickens, "Frankenstein," by Mary Shelley, and "The Turn Of The Screw," by Henry James.  Darlings, I am telling you, after this the year was just not the same!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             And so, we come to the end.  Not to get morbid, but I have begun reading "The Director," by Daniel Kehlmann, and while it is spellbinding, I cannot be sure whether this will turn out to be Book #101, or the first book of 2026.

                                             I cannot answer that one, girls.  All I can do is hope you had a happy year of reading, and wish you another, no matter your taste or preference.

                                             And I get to start over trying to reach that goal of 100 Books.  It gets more challenging each year.

                                              See you in 2026, dolls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope You Are Enjoying Your New Years' Week, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Just a brief post to wish you all a happy week.  We saw "CHESS" yesterday and I am still processing it, so a post is forthcoming.  I am struggling to finish my 100th book and I will do so as I sign off here.  I sang in choir all through Advent and Christmas, with doctor appointments a 'plenty.

                           But I want to wish all out there a joyous week, and a Happy Celebration into a New Year filled with peace and love.  And some animal friends.  And some wonderful fiction.

                              Didn't 2025 just whizz by?  Well, dears, when one gets older, the years do go faster.  It seems like yesterday I was in my Forties.

                               So, just a brief post today to wish you all the best.

                                Gojira and Baby Gojira send their love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Marjorie Prime" Is No 'Miss Jean Brodie,' Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Give me a moment before I get into my discomfort over this play.

                                         This play has an interesting history.  It was done ten years ago, with the divine Lois Smith, then a mere 85, in the title role., and then in 2017 a film was made of it, with Smith again repeating the role of Marjorie.   And awhile back, Cynthia Nixon herself took a turn at 'Miss Jean Brodie,' but it went nowhere.

                                          Now, despite a previous post, Cynthia Nixon may not be the most charming person around, but she is a good actress.  I give her that.  I had the pleasure of seeing her play Miss Birdie in the last revival of "The Little Foxes," with Laura Linney, and let me tell you Cynthia nailed it enough to win a TONY Award.  Birdie was as far from her alleged persona as she could get.

                                            So, the cast is made up entirely of pros.  June Squibb's ability, in her late 90's to remember all the lines and blocking is remarkable.  And eight shows a week!  That's where I want to be, darlings!  Ninety-Six and eight shows a week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              And yet, despite a well written script by Jordan Harrison, and adept direction by Anne Kauffman, I did not like this play.  Why?

                                               It plays around with the AI concept that if one loses a loved one, a living person can have a robotic replica of said deceased back and engage in conversation.  Now, the idea of death and loss makes me uncomfortable.  First, as a lapsed Catholic, I am afraid of death and Hell.  Second, I always felt that if one could bring back a loved one, it would not be the same.  One of the best moments in the play comes from Danny Burstein--a reliable and fine actor; he should be playing Willy Loman, not Nathan Lane! --who, facing his robotic dead wife, screams out that it is like talking to himself.  And the wife is played by Cynthia Nixon, who is at her shrewish best in one scene, but does fine work in others.

                                                  But honors go to Miss Squibb who plays both a living thing and a robotic replica.  It took me awhile to realize in the moment that she was playing the latter, but I suppose that is another example of this play making me uncomfortable.

                                                  Interestingly, my husband David loved it.  What can I say?  Some may love it, some not.

                                                 As I have posted here, enjoyment of this play depends upon how comfortable one is with the ideas and issues being presented.  As drama, it works well.  As entertainment I am not so sure.

                                                  The matinee audience the day we saw it was packed.  But I am not sure how many of those audience members enjoyed it.

Girls, Unfortunately "Svengoolie" Ends The Year Rock Bottom With This 1962 Clunker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              When this came out in 1962, the poster art so excited me I was dying to see this film.  Of course, my parents would not let me, so when "Svengoolie" showed this awhile back I was quite excited about seeing it.

                                Forget it, dolls.  It is cheaply made, designed and costumed.  I swear, "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" was more sophisticated than this.

                                 This film is on a par with some I would like to see like "Cat Women On The Moon," or "Devil Girl From Mars."  Now, those have some potential.

                                    It is disappointing to me that "Svengoolie" should end the year with such a terrible film.  Even his showing of the A-list classic "The Bad Seed" was a mistake because of how it was mishandled.  It worries me as to what he will show in the coming year.

                                   As for us, I have no idea what we will watch tonight, but it is bound to be better than "The Creation Ot The Humanoids."

                                   I often tell first timers to give the films shown here a look.  But I can honestly say--everyone skip this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Here is to better horror in 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gojira Wants To Send His Holiday Wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Doesn't he look handsome by the tree, girls?  It would not be Christmas without Gojira.

                             He sends his love to all out there, including Sister Camille and her fellow sisters.

                            Holidays always make Gojira happy.  And Baby Gojira, too.

                            So, holiday cheer and wishes for a better New Year from Gojira and Baby.

                           Don't you just love them, darlings????????????????????????

Girls, It Is Not Too Early To Think About Next Year! How About Someone Creating A "Bad Seed" Calendar For 2027?????????????????????????

                                 Darlings, wouldn't it be just fabulous????????????????????

                                 Not that I did not love "The Wizard Of Oz" calendar I always get; in fact, I watched the 1939 classic yesterday, to make up for not being able to see it the day we went to see 'Merrily.'  Baby Gojira, Little Pippin, Kerwyn, and I all cried real tears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Later evening, the idea occurred to me.  What if someone were to create a "Bad Seed" calendar for 2027???????????  That's right; twelve monthly photos showing Nancy Kelly at her most hysterical, and Patty McCormack at her most menacing.  Not to mention Eileen Heckart at her most......well, one has to experience Eileen to get the impact.  Not to mention Henry Jones leering as Leroy, and Evelyn Varden in all her garrulousness as Monica Breedlove.

                                Theater Queens would just go for it.  It would be every gay man's dream gift for the holidays.  I know it is mine.

                                 And maybe someone can find a photo of the scene where Nancy Kelly drops the glass at the luncheon.  That is when the hysteria really notches up and does not come down until the ending.

                                Those who are smart, darlings, should place their orders now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        See, it all begins with a simple cup of coffee.  Or is it iced tea?????????????????

                                  

 

Today Is The Day We Have Been Awaiting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            This is it, girls, Christmas Day, so a Merry Christmas to one and all.

                               Here is the Radio City Music Hall Nativity; as I have said before, I don't think the real thing could have been better staged.  I mean, the star, and the moving rendering of "O Holy Night."  Where is Josh Groban????????????

                             What a holiday it has been.  I have been running between doctors and choir rehearsals, snag two services, one early this morning.  Last night NBC aired "It's A Wonderful Life," and for those who relish it I can only quote Miss Jean Brodie--"For those who like that sort of thing, that is the sort of thing they like."

                               Really, why can't they show "Meet Me In St. Louis" instead?  Speaking of Garland, because I missed an 'Oz' screening due to 'Merrily,' I am going to watch the 1939 film--the REAL thing--this afternoon.

                                  For those who care about presents I hope you get a lot.

                                  But remember Christmas is a time of giving and love.

                                  And each Christmas makes a new memory.

                                 And memories have a way of living on.

                                So, enjoy the making, and the living, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Now, here is a very dysfunctional Christmas, darlings!  And don't we just love it?????????????

Yes, Darlings, It Is That Time Of Year Again--Judy And Margaret!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        It would not be Christmas without acknowledging this classic scene between these two iconic actresses from "Meet Me In St. Louis."  I could not find the photo of them looking out the window, which is priceless, but I thought this shot was perfect, before it descends into heartbreaking sadness.

                          This is, of course, the classic scene where Judy tries to comfort Margaret and get her to sleep by singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas."  Which then causes Margaret to do something that has to be seen to be believed.  Her role earned her a Juvenile Oscar for this performance.

                            Judy's rendering is of course the gold standard for this song.  I try to follow her example when singing it, myself.

                              When Judy and Margaret show up on here, it means Christmas is closing in on us.

                               So, everyone have a Merry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Here is Judy, singing that song.  Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Someone In Bay Ridge Must Have Worked With Cynthia Nixon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    You can view this masterpiece, darlings, on the Manhattan bound R train platform at 77th Street here in Bay Ridge!  I don't know who wrote it, but from what I have heard it is not far from the truth.

                                       That whole "Sex In The City" crowd was so full of themselves, acting like they were manufacturing great art, when it was just one step above trash.

                                        Added to that, several years ago, David and I attended an actor reading of "The Bad Seed--" Yes, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!--and Miss Nixon allegedly directed it but failed to get it right. Half the cast were playing it for camp laughs; the other half played it straight. And John Camerson Mitchell reading Rhoda had no sense of danger and menace lurking in the role It was a desecration of an iconic 1950's work, and one that gays just love.  But not here.

                                         As can be seen, Miss Nixon's alleged "directorial career" has gone nowhere.  I wonder why?????????????????

                                           And yesterday we saw "Marjorie Prime."  I will write another post on that later, but Miss Nixon was her usual arrogant, shrewish stage persona, and I am getting tired of it.

                                           So, maybe there is some truth to the above, after all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I'd like a turn with Cynthia.  Then we would see who the bigger C-word is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            

Today Is The Shortest Day Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Yes, darlings, that is what I was taught.  Which means last night was the longest night.

                                It sure does not feel like it, because with doctor appointments and choir rehearsals, it feels like I am running on empty.  Just to relax, rest, and read would be a dream.  And on Christmas Day something special--since I missed a screening at the Film Forum, because of seeing "Merrily We Roll Along," which I do not regret for a second, I am going to watch "The Wizard Of Oz" here at home.  I have two DVDs of it, because, as far as I am concerned, one can never have enough copies of that film.

                                Yes, dears, the holidays can wear down one.  And the older one gets the easier that becomes.

                                    Still, I am all excited about the coming of Christmas, and grateful to have avoided another screening of "It's A Wonderful Life."

                                    May your Christmas, darlings, be filled with spirituality and sugar plums!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    What the hell are sugar plums, anyway??????????????????????

                                        

Farewell To Autumn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I know, girls, it seems like we have been in Winter all month, but the way I was taught, that season does not begin until December 21, so today is the last day of Autumn.

                           Does it seem this Autumn was longer?  It does to me, because it seems Winter arrived unusually early.  So, who knows what it will be like when it actually arrives.

                              Yes, darlings, the days are shorter, and it seems it takes us more time to get things done, since daylight time is so limited.  But the 22nd is the shortest day of the year--so is tomorrow the longest night??????????--and then daylight starts expanding.  Thank God, because this period of darkness can be a downer.  Good thing I have my reading and 100 book goal to occupy me.

                                Autumn provided us some wonderful moments.

                               May Winter be as kind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"The Boy Is Ignorance, The Girl Is Want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                        "Beware them both, but most of all beware the boy!!!!!!!!!!"

                                         This is my favorite moment in Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," and only the 1951 Alistair Sim version of the story had the courage to dramatize it.  For me, it is the precise moment where the entire point of the story is made.

                                            It is a reminder to be mindful of what we have, darlings, and be grateful for that, while thinking of those unfortunates who do not.  And doing something about it, even if it is just going up to someone and offering a kind word and happy wishes.  It is impossible to know how much something that small might mean to an individual.

                                              I have never forgotten this moment, especially after seeing the scene enacted on film.  Remember, dears, Christmas is not just about gorgeous design--though who DO love it!!!!!!!--but sharing with those in need.  As the child who arrived on Christmas Eve would say we should do.

                                                 So, hons, strike a blow for both Jesus and Charles Dickens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 It will make your Christmas merrier!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, If It Is Bosoms You Want, 1960's "The Brides Of Dracula" Is The "Svengoolie" Film For You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I would love to see it again, darlings, but tonight David and I have a Chanukah party to go to.  So, Baby Gojira And Company will watch it for us.  

                              David Peel, so good looking, and, unbelievably in his Forties when he made this, plays the vampire, and Martita Hunt, who was Miss Havisham in David Lean's 1947 definitive film adaptation of "Great Expectations," plays his mother.  But the brides, who are girls at boarding school are the real stars, with their bosoms and their fangs, and their carefully coiffed hair looking like they had spent a couple of hours at Sally Hershberger, before stepping in front of the camera.

                                Not to mention implied lesbianism!  So, if one is tired of Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine (but who could be?) these girls will do it for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               First timers are not to miss this; you will get a kick out of its effective combination of horror and campiness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Dolls, you will have the time of your life with this film.  This was one of the best to come out of the Hammer horror film factory.

                              "Fangs a million," says one of the many "Brides Of Dracula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                Tune in at 8PM, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Musical Theater History Was Made On This Very Night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I know that some of my girls will recognize who these people are.  They are Robert Preston and Barbara Cook in their signature roles of Harold Hill, and Barbara Cook in hers as Marian The Librarian.  The show, of course, is "The Music Man" and it opened at the Majestic Theater on this very evening in 1957.  To think, that was 68 years ago.  I was just three.

                                          I saw a revival of this show several years ago, at The Winter Garden, and while it still had the ability to charm, Sutton Foster's transposed vocals did not work.  But then no one could hold a candle to the divinity of Barbara Cook.

                                            So, let us remember these performers and this show.  Where are the likes thereof today?????????????

                                             To give you an idea, here is Barbara Cook singing "Goodnight, My Someone."  I cry each time I hear it.

                                        Enjoy, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, What Better Way To Greet Christmas Than With This Stunning 1950's Outift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                              Darlings, I am telling you, when it comes to fashion there is no better combination than Christmas and the 1950s.

                                                 Overall, people back then--men, too! --knew how to really dress, and I wish we would see the return of that fashion era today. I have seen cows grazing who look better dressed than many folks today.  Hey, remember Barney The Bull?  Now, that fellow had style!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    I was at a store yesterday where I saw some striking outfits.  But in order for me to wear them, they would have to be altered, or I would have to go to a store where I can get it custom made.  Are there any such stores anymore where one can get clothes custom made?

                                                        Anyway, dears, this frock is divine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       It goes perfectly with egg nog and Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               

Do We Really Need ANOTHER Revival Of "Death Of A Salesman??????????????????"

                                    I hate to be the one to tell you this, girls, but come Spring 2026, Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf will be starring, at the Winter Garden, no less, in Arthur Miller's "Death Of A Salesman."

                                      Really?  I would rather see them in Neil Simon's "The Prisoner Of Second Avenue."

                                      I mean, Nathan Lane, with that mug of a face as defeated Willy Loman?  And  Laurie Metcalf, usually a portrayer of strong women, playing one of theater's greatest martyrs, Linda  Loman?????????????  I just can't see it fly.

                                       Add to this, I might have to see it.  Never having seen this play on stage, this may be, at 71, my last chance to see this on the stage.  But I would have hoped for a better cast.

                                         And at the premiere musical house, The Winter Garden.  Miller's play will get swallowed up by the stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Whose dumb idea was this, anyway??????????????

                                          And when it fails, do not come crying to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

"No Brianers" Are Not Offensive, When The Music Is As Fun As This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          I saw the movie version of "Mama Mia!" back in 2008, with MERYL And Company.  I had never seen it on stage and never thought I would.

                                         Then came this touring company for a limited run at where it started--my favorite theater, The Winter Garden!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Yes, this is a "check your brain in at the door" show, but when the music is ABBA, and if one is familiar with the music, it is an irresistible experience.

                                              Darlings, I had forgotten how many ABBA songs I knew and still remembered as I sang my way through the show.

                                               Which, in spite of having no stars, and less ability to create a gorgeous, exotic atmosphere, I have to say Mark Thompson's sets and Howard Harrison's lighting create the atmosphere needed to tell the story on stage.

                                                   For the uninitiated, Sophie Sheridan is marrying her love, Skye, and her mother Donna, single and independent, is all a' flutter trying to get the wedding organized.  Sophie unknowingly complicates things when, after reading her mother's diary of her early years, sends invites to three possible men who may be her biological father.  The men show up, so do Donna's friends, and the rest of the show, with ABBA music, is the working out of this situation.  Without the music it would sink, but thanks to ABBA and a vocally adept cast the show soars.

                                                     Phyllida Lloyd and Anthony Van Laast, with their direction and choreography, keep the show moving at a rapid pace.  The actors do eight shows a week.  At this rate it is truly amazing anyone is able to keep up, but no one wears out for a second.  

                                                       And you must stay for the end, when the audience and cast join forces, singing out some ABBA favorites I had been waiting for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        After the week we have had, this show is the perfect remedy to take one's mind off world troubles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          "Mama Mia!" scores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            

Season's Greetings To Everyone From Dexter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     Some of you may remember Dexter, who belonged to a former neighbor of ours, here in Bay Ridge.  Now, for about three years, Dexter has been residing in Hickory, North Carolina, and you can see he is pretty settled, and as lovable looking as ever.

                                      He is also sixteen years old and doing quite well for his age.  He has some arthritis--who doesn't? ---and he is being treated for an ear infection, but he is still as affectionate and mobile as ever.

                                       His owner recently sent home pictures, and knowing I love Dexter so much, sent this photo for me.  I wish I could just go up to Dexter and give him a hug.

                                         Let's all give a spiritual hug to Dexter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        As he wishes us all Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Love you, Dexter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Girls, "Svengoolie" Is Showing 1971's "Duel" Tonight At 8PM! First Timers Should Tune In, Those Having Seen It Don't Need A Second Viewing!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             To think Steven Spielberg filmed this made-for-TV film in 1971, the start of my junior year of high school.  Fortunately, he shot it while Dennis Weaver was still hot, and in the same year Weaver did "What's The Matter With Helen?"

                            "Duel" is based on a Richard Matheson short story about a trucker, who, for no apparent reason, is harassed by what I always thought of as a "ghost truck," or "ghost driver" plowing down on him throughout the film.  There is plenty of tension and suspense for first timers, whom I urge to watch.  Those having seen it had best tune to something else.  I would love to see "Trilogy Of Terror" once more.  Especially Karen Black as "Julie."  And everyone loves her in "Amelia," the voodoo doll story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Alas, this is not a great month for "Svengoolie," girls!  Though next week is promising, but I won't reveal that until next Saturday.

                                The film is good of its kind, and interesting in the Spielberg chronology.

                               Personally, I would rather again watch 1946's "Duel In The Sun," with Jennifer Jones as Pearl Chavez, "The half-breed Indian girl, built by the devil to drive men crazy!"

                                To think that used to be said about me, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dick Van Dyke Reaches 100 Today! Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Whenever I hear someone is nearing age 100, I get a little nervous.  I recall when my father was on that threshold.  Will he make it, or will he die days before?  It happens sometimes.

                              So, I am delighted to say Dick Van Dyke has made it.  For my generation, he has been many things to us--Rob Petrie, Bert in "Mary Poppins," and Caractacus Potts in "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang."  With Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious.

                                And don't forget the role that started it all--Albert Peterson, in "Bye Bye, Birdie," a role he also did on stage.

                                 These filmed legacies will live on long after Van Dyke passes. But today I wish him many happy returns---and I do mean MANY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Living till 100 is a privilege for a chosen few.  I am happy Dick Van Dyke is among the chosen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Happy 100th birthday, Dick Van Dyke!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Merrily We Roll Along" As Best Picture Of The Year???????????? It Is In My Book, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            I have recounted on here before my personal relationship with 'Merrily,' going back to the 1981 Original Broadway Production, which I saw twice; I was so enamored of it.  I will gladly repeat it if needed.  Just say so in the comments, and I will do another post on it.

                             But right now, I am urging everyone to see this film version of the Sondheim musical.  It is more than a filmed stage play; it is a work of cinematic art as I will demonstrate.  The entire score has been retained, and is just as beautiful as ever, and it really is a cinematic achievement.  The last time I went crazy over a film version of a stage musical was when MERYL did "Mama Mia," back in 2008. Though its score cannot equal this one, which is why I think, over time, 'Merrily' will become a classic in the pantheon of well-done filmed musicals like "My Fair Lady," "The Sound Of Music," "Funny Girl," "Oliver!" and "Cabaret."

                              So well has Maria Friedman directed this film I would not mind her taking a crack at "FOLLIES."  Now that is something worth waiting for.

                                How did Maria do it?  Let's start with an extraordinary cast.

                             Jonathan Groff--OK, girls, pick yourselves up off the floor, we know he is incredibly good looking.  Though the story remains the same, Groff's performance is different from any Franklin Shepard I have seen, because he remarkably manages to humanize a pretty despicable character.  Viewers seeing this will not forget Frank's negatives, but when the film closes on this shot of a yearning, youthful Frank, he becomes as human as we have seen and reminds us of all of when we were young and starting out.  How do we feel about the way we turned out?  Hmm, girls?  The film forces us to ask these questions of ourselves, and they may be hard to answer.  But Groff's acting and singing are remarkable--screw "La La Land--and his is an Oscar caliber performance

                           Lindsay Mendez--Just look at this face, and you can see the pain in Mary Flynn.  Mendez makes the viewer feel it throughout, and her voice is glorious.  In some ways she is the most impacted of the three friends' breaking up, but I always wondered--in the opening scene, when Mary leaves the party, finished with Frank, I know she is going back to New York, but are she and Charley Kringas still friends?  I have always wondered.  Vocally, Lindsay knocks every one of the songs she is assigned out of the proverbial ballpark.  She was robbed of a TONY Award, so where is that Best Supporting Actress Oscar?????????????????
.

                                     Daniel Radcliffe--How fitting the film's most recognizable cast member is also the biggest surprise!  His, for me, was the most heartbreaking of all the performances.  His pain when signing "Franklin Shepard, Inc.," which he nails with razor sharp precision, is so palpable, and his is the most moving rendition of "Good Thing Going" I have ever heard.  He is a revelation, darlings, and like his co-stars, deserves an Oscar for his especially gripping performance.

                                     Noticeably, Katie Rose Clarke as Beth sings the hell out of "Not A Day Goes By," and Mary's internal response at the wedding is just devastating.  Lindsay scores again.  Clarke is also great in the "Bobby, Jackie, And Jack" number.  I was sorry when she had to disappear from the story.

                                          God bless Maria Friedman; it took her and 42 years to get this show right.  What she has most noticeably done is really pared down the story to being really about Frank and Charley, and the actors play them almost as a team, with Mary looking on in support.  This was especially true during the heartbreaking final number, "Our Time," where one is forced to first question one's decisions. In the Original Broadway Production, the trio were backed up by a youthful ensemble, and while they sounded gorgeous, it took away from the intimacy of the lead trio. Friedman makes the number more about Charley and Frank, though Lindsay's Mary joins in, with her captivating voice.  As my David says, it is all their time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Kudos to Krystal Joy Brown for making Gussie Carnegie stand out more than she has in other productions.  Her despicability level, I think, exceeds even Frank. And Reg Rogers' performance as her cast aside husband Joe is both theatrical and sadly touching.  This is the first time I have really noticed Joe as a character.  Rogers is good; forget Nathan Lane, he is the one who should be doing Willy Loman this Spring.

                                               I want all my readers to get out and see this emotionally gripping musical. I am so glad I lived long enough to have seen it made right.

                                                 If only Sondheim and Hal Prince had lived to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Go And Stuff A Chicken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                No, darlings, I am not trying to insult everyone, but I just love the way "The Golden Girls" stuff their chickens.  At 71 now, I feel like I am a "Golden Girl."  And no, I have never stuffed a chicken.

                                Actually, I think what the ladies are stuffing are Rock Cornish Game Hens, which look very elegant and festive, when served on a dinner plate with other garnishes.  They are edible, but can be a bit dry, and not as much meat on them as chicken.  That is my memory of eating one.

                                 But that lyric about Mississippi bothers me.  They are in Florida.  Is Mississippi south of there?  I am not sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Stuffing a chicken may bring elegance to your table.

                                   But Happy Holidays, girls! Stuff whatever you want!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seventy-One Years Ago Tonight, This Opened On Broadway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Yes, girls, it is "The Bad Seed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                              I told you there is always a reason for writing about it, and here it is.

                             Today marks twenty days after my birthday.  On that day in 1954, which also happens to be the Feast Of The Immaculate Conception, this play opened on Broadway?  Did Nancy Kelly drop the glass on stage?  That had to have been a lot of glass ware during the run.    And just think, two shows a day on Wednesday and Saturday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                What a treat it must have been to witness this on stage.  Anyone out there who has and remembers, comment here and answer about Nancy Kelly and the glass.  Because that is really when the scale of hysteria is notched up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Mervyn LeRoy's 1956 film almost preserves the play in a way foreshadowing Maria Friedman's current and brilliant film adaptation of Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along."  More on that, in another post, dolls!

                                   I am sure it was planned to open this on the Feast Of The Immaculate Conception.

                                   I wonder what Mary thinks of it all?????????????????????

Congratulations, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today It Is Mary's Big Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           It really is darlings.  The Assumption, on August 15, is about Mary's soul automatically going to Heaven.  Christmas, which is fast approaching, is all about the birth of Jesus, but it could not have been accomplished without Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             But the Feast Of The Immaculate Conception is a celebration of Mary's actual being.  She was conceived and born into this world, free of Original Sin, the purest of the pure.

                               Hey, if some of you want to watch "The Song Of Bernadette," that would not be a bad idea.  I claim it as my personal Easter film, but this could easily be watched on this day, or the Assumption, since both deal with Mary, and the movie deals with Mary appearing to Bernadette at Lourdes.

                                 So, my dears, a big hoorah to Mary on her special day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Even Paul McCartney honored her in "Let It Be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                 Here's to Mary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

A Question Especially For Baby Boomers--Were The Annual Christmas Specials Of Our Childhood Meant To Enlighten Or Traumatize Us, Darlings??????????????????????????

                                 Baby boomers like myself, growing up in the 1960's always looked forward to certain annual Christmas TV specials, when growing up.  But, as I aged, I had to, and do, ask myself, were these specials to enlighten us, or to traumatize us???????????

                                 I would go with the latter, as this list of the more popular specials aired in that era will demonstrate.  With the exception of one personal one, these are specials I will never look at today.

                                Consider--

                        "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer--" First broadcast in 1964, things end wonderfully here but not before Rudolph is bullied by his playmates and own father.  It takes Clarice, the lead female deer to sing the haunting "There's Always Tomorrow" to comfort not only Rudolph but also those feeling bullied in home audiences.  Add to that Rudolph runs away from home, after being bullied by his own father.  Meanwhile, Herbie, the elf, is bullied by his colleagues for wanting to be a dentist, while they work away like overworked unionizers doing "Racing With The Clock" from "The Pajama Game," and then there is the Island of Misfit Toys," who are unwanted by all the children in the world. I mean, is this a downer, or what?  I don't care how much happiness one gets at the end, to be subjected to this much trauma beforehand?  This is what stays with one, not the happy ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           "A Charlie Brown Christmas--" This 1965 cartoon set the gold standard for all future "Peanuts" specials.  Its rollicking piano solo by Snoopy is a welcome relief from the trauma which included Lucy Van Pelt's (the gold standard for all future mean girls) relationship with Charlie Brown, to the plaintive moment when the Christmas tree falls, and Charlie Brown blames himself, as the bullied will do, when he says, "I've killed it.  Oh, everything I touch gets ruined."  This I can relate to, and despite the touching rendition of "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," I can never quite watch this again.

                           "Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol--" I had just turned eight, in 1962, when this was first broadcast.  By the way, for Theater Queens, this was the first score Jule Styne and Bob Merrill wrote immediately after "Funny Girl," and it is every bit up to that effort.  Now, most boomers remember the thieves'' song "We're Despicable," because of the melody, lyrics and how it is staged.  And most are frightened by the Ghost Of Christmas Yet To Come.  But what gets to me the most is the abandoned child Ebenezer singing "I'm All Alone In The World," reprised by the adult Magoo at the end of Act Two.  And then, most of all, Belle's breakup song "Winter Was Warm," which captivated me as a child, and which I still sing today.   By the way, this was hauntingly sung by Jane Kean, who went on to play Trixie in the Jackie Gleason technicolor version of "The Honeymooners" in the Sixties. Just writing about this gives me melancholy thoughts.

                             "The Little Drummer Boy--" Oh, my God, don't get me started with this one!  The song is lovely, but the Christmas dramatization of it was extremely traumatizing for me, even when broadcast first, back in 1968, when I had just turned 14.  By the way, I saw Disney's 1942 "Bambi" as an adult and have never gotten over it.  And don't get me started on "Dumbo!"  Greer Garson narrates the story, which follows the song, save one aspect.  The boy, like me, is a friend to all animals, and his special and only companion, is a little lamb.  Well, in a shocking act of dramatization, this innocent creature is shown being cruelly run over by a wagon, and the lamb is dead.  Nice, huh?  Now, this kid is alone!  And we are made to feel that.  The moving culmination, where he delivers the lamb to the manger of the infant Jesus, and, as a gift, plays his drum, restoring the lamb to life is beautifully rendered and moving, but can never erase the trauma of the aforementioned accident.  After the first broadcast, I have never watched this one again.  And I never will.

                         The Christmas Scene In 1944's "Meet Me In St. Louis--" This is very personal for me. Start with the most plaintive Christmas song ever written, "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, sung by the one who could do it best, Judy Garland.  Following this, Tootie, played by Margaret O'Brien has a childhood nervous breakdown in a scene that was one of several earning her that year a special Juvenile Academy Award.  The film is staged seasonally, so this does not come till near the end, so up to that the film is palatable.  But when the Christmas dance comes, watch out.  Still, this is one of the most perfectly made films ever, so the heartbreak of Judy and Margaret is beautiful to endure, though it can be a bit hard on younger viewers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

'                         "It's A Wonderful Life--"   Is it?  After seeing this 1946 film, I wondered. Name me a film that combines child abuse by a pharmacist, and father toward his wife and children, a special needs family member who is not especially treated well, denigrations of both spinsterhood and prostitution in the film's lead female characters, and lack of comeuppance for the culprit and you have Frank Capra's iconic Christmas classic.  I don't deny its labeling or stature, or the quality of filmmaking at hand, but over the years, the aforementioned has come to bother me so much I do not think I can view this film ever again.

                              Well, dears, those are my observations.  Let me know what you think.

                              And may the rest of this year be less traumatic than that depicted here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!