I Cannot Believe This Film Is Going To Be Turned Into A Musical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            The book, and maybe the lyrics, will be by Lynn Nottage, probably the foremost name in Black Theater in this town.  The score will be composed by John Legend.  Who?????????   The vehicle is--get this--a musical adaptation of the 1959 film, "Imitation Of Life."

                              Are you kidding me?  In THIS time we live in?  So, don't go jumping on me for demanding a revival of "The Member Of The Wedding.'

                                Some consider this film campy, and believe me, I get it.  I have always wanted Sandra Dee's bedroom, all in pink, her pink wardrobe, and most of all, her pink Princess telephone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   I only saw the film once and hesitate to see it again.  Not because of camp but because it really cut me emotionally.  The two performances that anchor the film are those of Juanita Moore as Annie Johnson, a Black single mother, and Susan Kohner, as her daughter Sarah Jane.  Throughout the film, Annie passes Sarah Jane as White, but there comes a reckoning, when Sarah Jane is in adolescence, and she is beaten violently in an alley by a young Tab Hunter, who is enraged at her racial deception. Throughout the rest of the film, she treats her mother terribly, with Annie being hurt, yet persevering.  Thinking she will escape all her problems, Sarah Jane runs away to become a cheap Las Vegas showgirl.  She gets word that her mother is ill, but gets home in time for her funeral, where she finally weeps and repents on her coffin, which is being pulled by an enormous truck, with Mahalia Jackson singing.  All Annie's savings were for her funeral.  I say to Sarah Jane, too little, too late.

                                  This sequence, which would have to be staged at The Metropolitan Opera really got to me, thinking about my parents, and if I were this bad to them, and, how I wish they were here.  Coincidentally, or maybe not, I am writing this on what is the 8th anniversary of my father's passing.  I wish my parents and some others could be here.

                                  So, how in hell will this be musicalized?  Will it be changed for our times?  Then the point is missed.  The alley beating is one of the most horribly violent scenes depicted on film, and the funeral is too grand for where they want to stage it, which is The Shed on West 30th Street.

                                    If this musical  even gets off the ground, and that is problematic, who is going to go to it?  If camped up, gays and Theater Queens will run to it.  But then it might lose some of its integrity.  If played seriously, it may lose the camp audience, and only theater purists, who are few and far between, will go.  Years ago, The Public Theatre did a musical adaptation of Edna Ferber's novel and 1956 film, "Giant," which, loving the film, interested me a great deal.  Alas, it did not last long to even consider a move to Broadway, and I have the same feeling if this show gets off the ground.

                                    I hate to say it, but next to this, "Beaches" looks like a hit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      But I will keep my darlings posted on all this, and whether or not I get a pink Princess Telephone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many Plays Have Not Been But Need To Be Revived On Broadway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And This Is My First Choice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         "The Member Of The Wedding," Carson McCullers' stage adaptation of her own novel of the same title, opened on Broadway at The Empire Theatre, on January 5, 1950.

                            Part of the reason for its success was not only the author's poetic lyricism in her dialogue but its extraordinary cast--Julie Harris, Ethel Waters, and Brandon DeWilde.

                              That cast is one reason why this play has never been revived.  The other might be that the Southern gothic tone of its nature may be too much for today's allegedly PC world.

                               But let' get back to that cast.  They were truly extraordinary, and while The Empire Theatre has been defunct for ages, the performances of this extraordinary trio have been preserved on film, made in 1952, and Julie Harris received an Oscar nomination for her performance as Frankie Adams, who imagines herself to be a more sophisticated version of herself named F. Jasmine Adams.  That film, by the way, was directed by Fred Zinnemann.

                                Indeed, that cast can never be beat.  But if one looks far and wide, I think one might be able to find a suitable cast, and an audience that would run to this play, which would be perfect for The Booth Theatre.

                                Now, girls, I know Celia Keenan- Bolger recently turned 48, but she still has that eternal child-woman quality, delineated so superbly in both "The Glass Menagerie" and "To Kill A Mockingbird."  I still say she could pass--especially on stage ss Frankie, and I would run straight to that theater to see her.  Now, for Berenice, the Ethel Waters role, there are many choices out there, but the two best I think would be Tonya Pinkins and La Toya Jackson.  Both are fine, but I would give it to Jackson, as she seems to have more gravitas.

                                 The role of John Henry West, originated by Brandon DeWilde in 1950 is the most problematic role to cast.  It requires a boy of eight, with blond hair, who can act.  I feel this would eliminate most of the young male children working on the New York stage now.  Best to conduct a search throughout the South.   An extraordinary child needs to be found.  Which is how Mary Badham was found for "To Kill A Mockingbird," and Sondra Locke for "The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter."  And both received Oscar nominations.

                                    How I long to see "The Member Of Wedding" on stage in my lifetime.   And the clock is ticking, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     When I was eight, I would have made the perfect John Henry West.  Unfortunately, unlike Celia I cannot trans morph my age on stage.  At least, not THAT young!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I will be forced to see Nathan Lane (??????????) do Willy Loman in "Death Of A Salesman" this Spring.  Not my choice for Willy, but this will probably be my last, and only, chance to see this play on stage.

                                            So, how about taking a stab at "The Member Of The Wedding???????"

                                         

Girls, I Think This Was The Old Vero Beach "Bamboo Lounge" From My Youth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Save for the name change and the sign, it looks exactly the same, as I recognized it right away.  I always thought this was the inspiration for "The Slow Club" in David Lynch's 1986 masterpiece, "Blue Velvet."

                               The tragedy is in all my years of visiting Vero Beach--when my father and his siblings all lived there--I never tot to visit this place.  I did not drive, and I could not get anyone to drop me off there.  Who knows if I would have come back?  Who knows what goes on in there?

                                The building is still sleazy and cheap, as befits it, but I love the Betty Boop logo, and the name "Shadows Lounge" is OK.

                               Ah, youth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  What memories it brings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Aunt Gladys Is This Year's Fashion Icon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Really, girls, Chloe Malle needs to get her act together and put a fully dressed Aunt Gladys on the cover of "VOGUE."  I have heard stories of Aunt Gladys's being seen in last year's Halloween parties, and as a receptionist at a gay bar in St. Louis!!!!!!!!!!!!  I bet Vincente Minnelli would have loved it.  If only he could have done a movie about Aunt Gladys.

                              I want Aunt Gladys to become a cottage industry.  Dolls, coffee mugs, outfits adults can wear--think of the revenue she could bring.  And who would not like to have their own parasitic voodoo stick?  That could straighten out all problems.  Maybe even Trigonometry.  If only Trig could be banished from existence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Aunt Gladys would also make a great home health aide.  I would love to have her visit here.

                               For those who have not yet seen "Weapons," do so, and see what all the fuss is about Aunt Gladys.

                                  Here is a scene of Aunt Gladys in action.

                                 You just gotta LOVE her, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The 168th Anniversary Of The Apparition Of Our Lady Of Lourdes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                      You know, darlings, I know all the important dates about Bernadette, but this is the big one--the day the girl actually saw Mary for the first time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Now I am talking for real about the real Bernadette Soubirous, not Jennifer Jones, who brought her to Oscar winning life in the movie.

                                         This is a day to pray, reflect, and think on what Bernadette, thanks to the Lady, has done for us, and how she can be a comfort to all of us, through prayer.

                                            One might say this is a perfect day to watch "The Song Of Bernadette," and I am not here to stop anyone.  But my traditional date for viewing the masterpiece is on Easter Sunday, which this year is April 5.

                                             Pray for us, Bernadette.  May you be honored on this day, and every day ot the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Alleluia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Here is that day, superbly reenacted by all.  Note the internalization of Jennnifer Jones, which helped her win that Oscar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Could John Steuart Curry's Painting, "The Tornado" Inspired Part Of The Kansas Sequences In 1939's "The Wizard Of Oz????????????"

 

                               Of course, those on here know I consider the Judy Garland classic sacrosanct.  There is no other.

                               I had always read the Kansas sequences were inspired by American painter Grant Wood.  Having looked Wood's work, I think it makes sense.

                                 But the first time I ever saw this painting, it reminded me too of "The Wizard Of Oz."  So, I would like to give Curry's painting credit too for the success of the film

                                    The sky, the funnel, the family gathering to dash to the storm cellar--it is all too real, just like in the 1939 movie.  Thank God lives are saved but think what will have to be rebuilt after.

                                      I used to be excited by tornadoes and wanted to be a chaser.  I loved the 1996 film "Twister," which turns 30 this year, and contains many references to "The Wizard Of Oz."

                                       Come to think off it, the opening of 1996's "Twister" is pretty scary.

                                        Don't let the fantasy fool you.  Curry's painting shows a very real and present danger, as bad then as it is today.

                                          Watch the sky, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Is The REAL "Wuthering Heights!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                          Well, actually, darlings, Emily Brontes' novel, the greatest in the English language, is the REAL thing.  But when it comes to adaptations, the 1939 one was the best--in cinematography, casting, and fidelity to the story--to a point.  Not to mention Alfred Newman's magnificent music score.

                             But, as perfect as this adaptation is, it still does not get it right.  Because the film stops at the hallway mark of the novel, which is what everyone remembers.  It does not go into the second and third generations, like the story should.

                                I say all this in light of the approaching Emerald Fennell film version of "Wuthering Heights."  Now, I just loved her first film, "Promising Young Woman," and when I heard she was going to do this, I had high hopes for it.  To the point that I was considering seeing it.

                                    Alas, the casting is awful.  Only Heathcliff has dark hair, and all the leads are supposed to have it.  There have been hints that purists who love the book will be upset by the changes.

                                       Emily Bronte created a perfectly realized story.  Why must it be constantly tampered with?????????????  Do filmmakers think they can improve on it?  Not a chance.

                                          The 1939 film, though flawed, remains definitive.  By the way, did you know it was named "Best Film Of The Year--"over "Gone With The Wind!!!!!!!!!!!!--by "The New York Film Critics???????????? "

                                              May filmmakers stop trying to get "Wuthering Heights right, because they never will.

                                               To paraphrase Emily Bronte, "Let Heathcliff and Cathy and the rest sleep quietly in the slumber of the printed page."

                                                See the current film at your own risk!  I warned you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Just LOVE The Benedictine Sisters Of Mary, Queen Of The Apostles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             They are located in a beautiful convent space in the heart of rural Missouri.  I could join their order.  But David would have to come with me.

                                With that habit and my voice, I am all set to join.  Their choral work is some of the best I have ever heard. It is beautiful and breathtaking.  Imagine if they did "Climb Ev'ry Mountain."

                                    This restores tradition to nuns.  They are wearing real habits, not ones that show their hair or legs.  It just is not nun-like, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      You really need to hear one of their pieces, and I will try and find one for you.

                                        And I love the church name, Mary, Queen Of The Apostles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Because Mary, darlings, is queen of ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Here they are singing "Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All!"  Wait till you hear them!    But you will have to go to You Tube to hear it.

                                     Ave, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pink And Pointillist Art Go Together So Beautifully!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                Something I was watching recently--I cannot recall what--had the camera go deep into a pointillist painting, so it felt as though the viewer were in it.  No, it was not the famous Seurat portrait, but the image was powerful.

                                   That got me to thinking about blending this art form with the color pink.  As the song in 1957's"Frunny Face" says, "Think Pink."  And I do, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!  As much as possible.  For me, it is an emotionally cheering color.

                                       The above portrait exemplifies what I am getting at, but I would like to dive even deeper.  Imagine a canvass made up entirely of pink points?  Granted, the artist doing this would have to have patience, but the end result could be so lovely, and hang in one's living room as a conversation piece.

                                         Why are Valentine's Day and Easter the only time pink is remembered?  I think it should be a color for all year round!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Remember Polly Pinks in "Miss Sniff?"  I so relate to her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Remember The Car Girl Waitresses From Another Era??????????? Well, I Have An Even Better Idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I have finally gotten around to reading Eric Schlosser's "Fast Food Nation," which came out over 20 years ago, but still has relevance for today.  Anyone still going to fast food joints on here, will stop, once they read this book.  But the car girl waitresses were part of the charm--imagine being one, and charm is alarmingly missing in the fast-food industry.

                           So, I have a great idea--

                            How about gay car boy waiters??????????????????

                          I am telling you, this would draw crowds.  Gay men and straight women would have a field day--all that male pulchritude, and I just know you gay guys would slap and tickle the waiters' buttocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Such fun, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!  Now, gay men get to be sexist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         I have no idea where this photo was taken, but, girls, I am ready to go there!  Let's all pile into a bus and go!!!!!!!!!!  Well, maybe not in this weather.  Maybe in Summer.

                        But female car waitresses have been around for a long time.  Or were.  Now, it is time for the gay boys to have their chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           After all, we fought for rights like this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I cannot wait to order and black and while milkshake from one of these guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, How I Mourn The Loss Of Real Laura Ashley Stores!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                                                               

                                                                               

                                           For a time, for me, Laura Ashley was the first name in fashion, for a while.  Second only to Sir Cecil Beaton, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             While still a struggling young artist, I would hang out at Laura Ashley shops, not so much to meet guys, but to admire the colors and patterns of things I was then too poor to buy.  I remember fondling a comforter--now, remember, this was the 80's--that cost then the unaffordable price of $300..  Imagine, today, how much that comforter would now cost.

                                                Laura Ashley still has an online presence, thank God, which is where I found these vintage outfits I would just love to wear.  I don't know if they could accommodate my size and shape online.  I would favor myself taking them to a custom dressmaker, showing the outfit, taking measurements, and then voila!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Wouldn't any of us look spectacular in any one of these????????????

                                                 Yes, hons, class is still around.  One just has to hunt high and wide for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  Come back, Laura Asheley store franchise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 

                                             

Darlings, Set Your Calendars For Sunday, April 5!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Yes, girls, Sunday April 5th is not only Easter--important in itself--but is also the day I air here the annual screening of "The Song Of Bernadette."

                               Oh, my God--Jennifer Jones, Anne Revere, Gladys Cooper, Ermadean Walters, Mary Anderson, that arti direction and cinematography, not to mention Alfred Newman's score.  It is almost too much for the heart to bear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Nevertheless, hearts will be moved again on Easter this year when once again we all sit down to watch the 1943 film masterpiece.  I know "Casablanca" won Best Picture, and romantics love it--I do, too--but to compare it to a movie like 'Bernadette' and for it to win over it was one of the Academy's most egregious mistakes.  And they have made their share of them!  More and more, it seems as the years go on, and they are slowly becoming useless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Even if you are not religious, tune in for an exemplary example of film craftsmanship!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       If not, there is always Judy and Fred in 1948's "Easter Parade!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                      God forbid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Kicks Off February With 1964's "The Gorgon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                I have to be honest, and say I have never seen this film, so I am looking forward to it.  Of course, it being a Hammer film, Baby Gojira is hoping for bosoms.  I think Barbara Shelley will provide them.

                                Of course, I have always loved the Gorgon myth, and Medusa has been one of my favorite characters.  I have to wonder what would Sally Hershberger have done with her??????????

                                  From what I have read of the film this sounds a lot like "Cult Of The Cobra."  And with Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee giving it their best, it will not be a waste of time.

                                  But can the film live up to its poster?  We shall see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Who will turn out to be the reptilian monster?  Or monstress?   Only time will tell.

                                   But this is a reminder, girls, that we will need to get our hair done for Spring!

                                   See you at 8PM, darlings.  Kerwyn will be with us, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Nancy Guthrie Case!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           My girls on here know I have been dying to write about this.  Not since Gabby Petito has a crime case so captured the nation.  It is a human tragedy for all the Guthries, most especially Savannah, and of course I have a few theories.

                               But I cannot say too much because I have been advised to wait and see how this all plays out.  My first comment is take a GOOD look at this picture and THINK.

                                 Second the cops are lying about persons of interest and prime suspects.  They have them, and I am pretty sure I know who.  If it plays out the way I think it will, remember you heard it here first.

                                     I do think Nancy is alive, being held captive somewhere, and getting her daily meds.  Considering how things have been operating, her demise would be a big surprise, let alone an unimaginable tragedy, not only for the Guthries, but for all of us who mourn for them.

                                         Having lost my mother to terminal illness decades ago, I have an idea what Savannah and her siblings are going through.  Losing a loved one to illness is bad enough, but abduction, where one is virtually powerless, is worse.

                                                I will keep you updated on situations as they unfold.

                                                But remember, I called it on Gabby Petito!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Do I Need To Study Color Theory?????????????????

                                          Could it help me get ahead with ANNA??????  

                                          I always thought I had a pretty good grasp of colors--I know what I like, what works on me, and others, and what does not. This chart is almost self-explanatory, and my colors are pretty much on the top half of the color wheel.  The second I would reserve for those who might benefit from those colors, and things like violet and blue violet are few and far between.

                                          Still, I think color is essential in fashion.  Who wants to look at some dull paisley????????????

                                            Treat your body, girls, like the ornament it ought to be.   Take a tip from Carrie Preston as "Elspeth."  Now, THERE is someone who knows how to dress.

                                              As for me, I am sticking with my color schemes, but if the opportunity arises for a class, I will certainly grab it.

                                                  Remember the album "Color Me Barbra?????????"

                                                   Color your lives, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Here Is An Idea For Minimalist Decorating!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Most on here know what this is.  It is the photo of Janet Leigh, lifeless on the floor after the shower scene in "Psycho."  

                             Now, imagine having this enlarged to fill your inner living room wall, so that when company walks into the living room, this would be the first thing they would see.  Wouldn't that be fabulous??????????  I am telling you, girls, I would love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          For the other wall, which one would have to turn and see, the perfect companion to the above would be a wall sized photo of the eye scene in "Un Chien Andalou."

                          Girls, I am telling you, this would spell out style and be the talk of the visit.  Of course, being a living room, a few furniture pieces must be on hand.  But only a few, so as not to upstage these images.

                              It could even serve as a gentle reminder to get your eyes checked.

                             Don't you just LOVE it????????????????????????????

Girls, Remember When It Was Possible To Dine Elegantly, But Inexpensively, In NYC????????????????????

 

                                                                                 

                                                                               

Oh, girls, for the elegance of bygone days!  Remember The Bird Cage at Lord And Taylor?  I almost got to dine there once, but unfortunately there was not a seat available.  It was a low-cost way for patrons to feel more sophisticated than they might actually be.

The same could be said of Schrafftt's.  Now, I am talking about the one in Manhattan.  Legend still maintains that the branch on the West Coast is where Lana Turner was discovered.  I never got to visit either Schrafftts, so I could not get discovered.  Besides, I did not have the chest to fill out the sweaters Lana wore.  Oh, well.

But Rumplemayeer's--oh, how I loved that place.  Each Easter, in those pre-DVD days, before I started annually watching "The Song Of Bernadette," I would go here, sometimes accompanied by a now deceased friend of mine.  Just look at that pink!  Is it any wonder I could not resist this place?  The decor was simply fabulous, darlings; I wanted to design my apartment like the interior of Rumplemayer's, and I still would.  How I miss visiting the place; just the sight of it was elegant.  And the ice cream desserts were scrumptious.  My favorite was the Peach Melba Sundae.  Going here, I felt as though I was Sally Ann Howes as Truly Scrumptious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alas, these days and modes of elegance are gone!  And it looks like forever, or at least the rest of our lifetimes--which might be the same thing.  Crassness has replaced classiness, and it is a shame.

Remember the ending of 1968's "Planet Of The Apes," when it was discovered the apes were earthlings who had mutated into apes????????????????

I fear this is how it actually started.

Don't let this happen.  Get a mink stole, your best hat, even with a veil, and walk into your diner dressed in 40's or 50's glamour.

Show them you will not stand for anything less!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Must Young Girls Dress As Tramps????????????????

                                             Now, don't start on me.  I know "slut shaming" is the new PC thing, but several things have to be considered.  Back in 1973, this poster would have been considered trampy.  Today, it's like nothing.

                                               And gay men.  Are gay men sluts?  Oh, my God, what I have seen!  Let alone done--in my youth.  And I am not even talking about those, like me, who want to be Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereux on "The Golden Girls."

                                                  No, I am talking about the classless--this is perfect after my posting on Miss Class Blythe Danner--who choose to exhibit themselves this way.  Why?  And what about their mothers, who allow it?  Or are they all cheap beauticians, waitresses or prostitutes?  I know one cannot talk to teens--I was a teen once! --but these days, it is appalling.  A girl has no respect for her reputation!

                                                   And I can understand wanting to feel cool and comfortable in the warmer seasons.  But there are classier ways to do this than dressing like the world's oldest profession!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    The other night, David and I were walking home from Offshore, the diner where we had an early meal.  As we walked home, we saw, a block ahead, a young, attractive girl, with the most gorgeous long, flowing, black hair.  But--now remember how cold it has been, darlings--she was dressed in a thin black blouse with a white skirt so short one could probably see up to her hoo-hoo!!!!!!!!   I mean, who wants to see that?  But, seriously, even if you choose to display yourself this way, the cold is unhealthy for such things.  Unless she was high or intoxicated.

                                                       Does her mother know she is out, dressed like this?  Does anybody care??????????

                                                        I have been compared to Joan Rivers.  She always used to say, "What a tramp!"  Oh, Joan, if you were here today, you would turn your head in shame!

                                                          There is no excuse for dressing cheaply, and smothering yourselves in cheap, non-designer--oh, my God, would you believe it????????--perfume!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                             Cover yourselves, you tramps!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                      

                                                      

Happy Birthday, Blythe Danner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Graciousness, elegance, breeding, class--where have they gone?

                                Fortunately, there is still one person emblematic of all these qualities--Blythe Danner!

                                 And today is her birthday!   Happy Birthday, Blythe!  Girls, can you believe she is now 83?  I should look this good now.  If only I could find out where Blythe gets her hair done.  That would be a step in the right direction.

                                 Many of us are concerned about her.  Not only has she not acted recently, but she waged a yearlong battle with oral cancer, and I hope she is in remission.  No word from Gwyneth about her mother, so my hope is things are OK.

                                  So, Blythe, celebrate any way you please.  Cipriani's is nice.  They have this ice cream desert that is scrumptious.

                                   However you choose to celebrate, we wish Blythe Danner the best for the following year.

                                   And hopefully act in something soon.  How about Hannah in "The Night Of The Iguana?." 

                                  Even iguanas are excited to be working with Blythe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     

Reading Nancy Drew As An Adult Can Help Develop One's Understanding Of Lesbianism!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          Who knew, when we were children, that Nancy Drew books were burgeoning homosexual texts?  I discovered this in fifth grade, when I would always get a warm feeling every time I read about Nancy's father, "handsome lawyer Carson Drew." Mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!  I knew I wanted Carson Drew!!!!!!!!!!!!!  But I did not yet know what that meant!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            As for girls and lesbians, they had it better.  Did Nancy have a boyfriend?  I was never sure.  But she always showed up to luncheon in her white gloves, and she referred to her two best friends as "chums."  They were Bess and George, and were always labeled that way, so I am taking that to mean they were lesbians and were role models for girls facing that line crossing.

                              You can be sure Bess and George, and maybe even Nancy, if only to understand her "chums," had all read "The Well Of Loneliness," by Radclyffe Hall.  Oh, honey, what discoveries there are with that book!  Is it still taken seriously, or is it camp??????  Either way it is a great read.

                                  It is also a sure thing that in 1952, when Patricia Highsmith published "The Price Of Salt," which later became Tod Haynes' 2015 film, "Carol," that Nancy and chums would order Creamed Spinach and Poached Egg On Toast, with a Martini, the standard set by Highsmith's novel and Haynes' film.  Oh, girls, I am telling you, it is still done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Now, Nancy Drew offered hope and inspiration for the lipstick lesbians.

                                   Who might it have been for those who were beans n' franks?????????????

                                   Maybe Pat on "Saturday Night Live?"  Or Fran Lebowitz?????????????

                            

Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Six More Weeks Of Winter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Today is Groundhog Day, girls, so I want first to wish everyone a happy one!

                            The bad news is that the official Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, saw his shadow, so that means we get six more weeks of Winter!

                             I was so hoping for an early Spring.  I mean, the swallows coming back from Capistrano, April in Paris, outdoor dining, and Spring wardrobes It all sounds like it is out of "Gigi," and I wish it were, because, with this wretched Winter, that is what I so desperately need!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              I have said it before and will say it now.  Snow may be beautiful, but the only time I want to see it is when I am watching "Doctor Zhivago."  During the rare times when Julie Christie is off camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               We all want to look like Julie, I am sure, but isn't Punxsutawney Phil cute?  Too bad his prediction was a negative one.

                                Six more weeks of Winter gives me more time to curl up and read!  And I am thankful for that!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Candlemass Eve, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Girls, how could I forget?  Tonight is Candlemass Eve.  The night the witches mock the rituals of the church and.........sacrifice a VIRGIN????????????????

                                   A WHAT??????????  A virgin????????????  What the hell is that????????????

                                  I know, I know, it seems there aren't many around anymore.  I mean, even one's old maid aunt may have had some experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     And if there are any on here reading this, consider the possibility you may not be old enough for this blog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    You have to feel for the witches.  All they want is one virgin, and each year it gets difficult to find one.  Certainly not in a women's prison!  And do convents still exist?????????????

                                   Candlemass Eve will continue.  But it may come down to sacrificing a virgin effigy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       For so many reasons, purity and virtue need to return, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  

Come On, Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It Has Been Thirteen Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                It is said author Donna Tartt, whom we all love, darlings, averages a new book every ten years.  And when that book comes out, it is an event.

                                 Well, would you believe it has been 13 years since "The Goldfinch" was published?

                                  Get a grip, Donna.  I know you write slowly, and read all those New York Review Books Classics, but readers are clamoring for another work.

                                     The Fiction market is practically going down the toilet!  We readers need a jolt of excitement to justify our passion for fiction!!!!!!!!!!!!  To hell with "Game Of Thrones!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                       Donna, I am not placing it all on your shoulders, but surely, they deserve a nudge.  When can we hope to see the next Tartt opus?   And will we???????????????

                                         Or will we just have to depend on rereads of "The Secret History??????????"

Is This The Future Of The American Beauty Parlor??????????????????

                           Oh, girls, I hope so!  And Sally, think about renovation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Imagine walking from the drab outside into a Melies replicated world where one can wait in satin gowns on flying moons, and planets, while intergalactic stylists greet you to do your hair.

                            I am telling you, I would just LOVE it!  It would make getting one's hair done easy, and not the trip of anxiety it often can be.

                            I am ready right now, girls!  Sign me up for an appointment pronto!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           But make sure you still serve coffee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, February Is The Month Of Romance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                  

                            I am talking about the "Moonstruck" kind, not that of "Fatal Attraction!"  Actually, the Cher movie would be perfect to watch on Valentine's Day.

                            But, in the words of Stephen Sondheim, whose "FOLLIES" is a masterpiece, this is the month we all go to Loveland, where "everybody lives to love, and loves to live."  Girls I am telling you, if I had one of those gorgeous costumes--hell, if I could even fit into one--I would be in Loveland this very minute.

                             Make sure you are at your romantic best this month, dears.

                             And never go traveling without a chaperone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Victorian Welcome To February, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              Here we are already at the shortest month.  And it is packed with more birthdays for us than any other, the event of Bernadette and the vision, the romance of Valentine's Day, chocolate, and all kinds of other goodies.

                             Do not forget Blythe Danner's birthday, the cast album of "She Loves Me," and that we have our first Friday the 13th this year.  So, you know what that means we watch, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               February also gives up hope, with Groundhog Day, and having reached a midpoint to Winter, bringing hope for Spring, and warmer weather.

                                  So, a lot to look forward to in this short month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  May your table be as elegantly set as above!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Welcome, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Victorian Farewell To January!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  For the year's most annoying month, I sure racked up a lot of posts.

                                Doesn't this look like me, girls?  An elegant dress, but my hands in supplication as I still battle this cold, which I have noticeably recovered from, but my voice, at least the singing part of it is still not where it should be, and I am frantic!  I should talk to my PCP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 But that did not stop us from having a fabulous time at David's boss' retirement party. or enjoying the revival of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."  And I read 9 books in January.  Not bad for the first month, and I have not even started the Mammoth ones yet!

                                Most of all, the snowstorm allowed for my recovery, and a lot of reading that I can at least now do.  The best part of January is that it is over.  Just think, we are through one twelfth of 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Now, that is a milestone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    So will be when my voice fully returns.  

                                      Meanwhile, thanks to all for getting through January, and I look forward to greeting you all, next month in February. 

                                         Have a merry, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Real Question Here Is, How Does One Get By On A Single Adult Diaper??????????????????????

                                          I am not going any further than that, darlings, but apparently that is what the Colossal Beast wears throughout the entire film.  Come to think of it, he wore it through his predecessor, 1957's "The Amazing Colossal Man."

                                            All I can say is, this fabric must have some wear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Now, this film, which "Svengoolie" is showing tonight, is a sequel to "The Amazing Colossal Man," in which the titular character falls off of Boulder Dam in Colorado, thus becoming, here, the Colossal Beast.

                                               The fall caused him to lose an eye bash his head, and is causing him cerebral damage, hence becoming a beast.

                                                 So, this is what "Svengoolie" chooses to end January with.  It is worth a look, girls, especially for those having not seen it.  The Technicolor transformation is dazzling, but not exactly MGM.  It really would have made sense to show "The Amazing Colossal Man" first, though I believe in this film there is a flashback sequence show how Glenn Manning, the character's name, became the horror he turns into.

                                                    In some ways, this is a tragic film, girls, so there may be some tears.  Also, note in the ending, aside from the color the similarity to the ending of "Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman," made the same year, 1958.

                                                     So, girls, join us at 8PM for this worthy film.  Baby Gojira and Company will be there.

                                                      And so, I hope, will be Nostalgiaferatu!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   

 

Darlings, With Spring Not That Far Away, It Is Time To Think About Some Christian Louboutin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 I mean, just look at these gorgeous creations!  Who wouldn't want to wear them?

                                My favorite is the red gown, pictured above.  And the green, flowing Springtime thing above that is a close second.  I really have to think about my closet.

                                As do all us girls!  Which Christian Louboutin would you like to be seen in?

                                Of course, if you cannot decide, there is always Christian Delacroix!!!!!!!!!!!!!