Girls, There Is Nothing Like It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 The Holiday Season is really rushing in.  The Radio City Christmas Tree arrives Saturday, and yesterday David and I took in the very first performance of The Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular.  And it lived up to its name.

                                   The Rockettes Falling Soldiers Routine is still an impressive showstopper.  But the icing on the cake, is the Living Nativity.  I am telling you, when the angel descends from the sky, singing, and The Nativity appears, with even the Baby Jesus being a real baby, I don't think the real thing could have been better staged.  There was, however, a lamb, downstage left, who looked directly at the audience.  Maybe it was his first time on stage, or maybe he just wanted extra attention.  But all the animals were fabulous. 

                                       This show is equal opportunity.  It gives audiences a secular, colorful, commercialized look at Christmas, with songs aplenty.  But when it goes spiritual, look out.  I mean, this is on par with "The Song Of Bernadette," darlings, and you had better be sitting up straight in your seats.

                                          The 90 minutes flew by, with everyone getting their fill.  This is one of the most satisfying of all Christmas entertainments in NYC.  And for those who value unison dancing, look no further than here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             The Holiday Season is upon us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, After Viewing "Parasite" I Still Do Not Know What To Expect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I had always wanted to see this 2019 film, the first foreign language film to win the Academy Award for "Best Picture."  But when I did, it was far from what I expected.  What I did expect was a light, Korean take on the comedy of social manners, where a poor family envies a wealthy one, and tries to interject its way into it.  That element is there, but the results are far from comic.

                                            It is hard to explain.  There is also the matter of a group of squatters living in a hiding space of one house, and how they function while the owners go about their business. This was when I got confused and just settled back and watched.

                                              Bong Joo Ho knows about convoluted plotting and great camera shots capturing the sprawl of Korean suburbia in a manner that almost replicates America.  Sunshine surrounds one, but darkness is hiding underneath.

                                                   And when it erupts, oh, my God!  What starts out as a child's birthday party turns into a massacre worthy of an 80's slasher film, when some homeless guy with a machete comes onto the property and starts killing everyone in sight.  This sequence goes on for almost too long, and leaves a blood bath in its wake, unlike any I have seen, and that would be plenty.

                                                       Ho asks who the parasite is, or who are the parasites?  Is it you?  Is It I?

                                                       The film leaves viewers to figure this out for themselves.

This Has NOTHING To Do With Tennessee Williams, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  When I hear the name of Elysian Fields, I think of Stanley and Stella Kowalksi.  Isn't that where they lived, or at least nearby?  Imagine my surprise, when I heard it in this new musical, that the name comes from Homer's "The Odyssey" (which I have not read since high school) and refers to a place at the West end of Earth where men can inhabit freely.  Sounds good to me.  At one time, Manhattan seemed to be that.  But now...............

                                     Alas, if only I could dwell on the above and not have to talk about this new musical, also titled "Elysian Fields," and written by Steve Fisher and Marc Fliedner.  It played in the John Cullum Theatre at the American Theatre Of Actors, and this was its closing performance.  They have come up with an interesting premise--what if Abraham Lincoln had a gay relationship with Joshua Speed, meanwhile following two present day gay men named Abraham and Joshua.   It is a great idea, but like many great ideas it fails to work, not because of lack of the librettists' talent, but because they have tried to cram too much, musically and dramatically, into this show.

                                        Had the show been split into two acts, one centering on Lincoln and Speed, the other on Abraham and Joshua, this could have been a good show.  The composer and lyricist have a sense of musicality and melodic structure that gives the show some potential.  But the show is mired down in the concept of time travel, which I never fully grasped, and want to cover present day issues like civil and gay rights.  One could build shows on those issues alone.  Here, too many ingredients cause the soup to boil over.

                                          Cut, cut, cut, that is what the show needs.  Refigure it into the two-act concept I suggested, get rid of the ensemble, so Andres Coopman can provide more varied choreography and cohesive direction, and center it on the story of the two sets of Abrahams and Josuhas.

                                             By the way, the actors playing those roles, Harrison Drake and Casey A. Johnson are amazingly good.  Centering on them would give them more talent to display and keep this show on track, which it badly needs.  Drake is the hottest Abraham Lincoln I have seen, and that helps a lot.  Johnson as Joshua is cute-ish, but I wonder how the relationships would work.

                                             In any case, there is hope. "Elysian Fields" was a workshop production, an Equity showcase, so more work can be done on it.  If my suggestions are followed, the show could be on its way to a moderate success.

                                              Oh, and three hours is much too long, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Do Not Invite These "Visitors" To Your Home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Bryna Turner's domestic drama has a capable cast, including the theatrical Divinity that is Celia Keenan-Bolger.  But not even Celia can save this mess.  Jenna Worsham's direction is skilled and capable but adds up to nothing because Turner's text is not fully realized.

                                             The premise is simple--a youngest sister, Joanna (Mary Wiseman) and her partner, Naomi (Eco Jouley) wants to have a baby, but there is a problem.  One of Joanna's kidneys is failing and in order to carry the pregnancy she needs a donor fast.  So, they invite Joanna's siblings, including estranged brother Rory (Danny Wolohan) and the battle is on.  Who will give Joanna one of their kidneys?.  The next 90 minutes, with no intermission, hinges on that.

                                                But Turner's writing is not cohesive.  I thought at first that Theresa (Ceilia Keenan-Bolger) and Henry (Will Pullen) were husband and wife. I thought Henry the most insufferable of the group but wait until a twist at the end when the real villain is revealed.  Oh, my God!

                                                   Of course, things are entertaining enough--who doesn't love family bickering because it is all something we can relate to--but it isn't "August: Osage County."  Even though that play we twice as long as this, Tracy Letts was a skilled playwright, the time just flew.  Had this been three hours long, I am not sure I would have last, Celia or not.

                                                     I can only wish Celia luck with this show and hopes for a better one that showcases her singular talent. Yes, she has the range to go beyond her past portrayals, but the writing here just does not do her character. justice.

                                                       Skip this one, girls, as it may not run long, anyway.  For more gripping family drama, pick an argument with one of your most disliked relations.

                                                           Hey, the holidays are coming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                                    

                                                     

"Hell's Bells!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Christ On A Bicycle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                            I have not heard that expression in ages, but I used to hear it often, as a child, used by my parents' generation whenever they got frustrated.

                              One day, I did or said something to my mother, and she had just had it, so she shouted this at me!  I began laughing, because as soon as she said it, what came to me was the image of Judy Garland in the house up in the cyclone, and instead of Miss Gulch appearing on her bike, it was......Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              But that is just me.  The phrase is of British origin, but I know not where or how.  But whenever I think of it, I want to burst out laughing.

                                I always thought Jesus had a sense of humor, so I think he would get a kick out of it.  He would have to have a sense of humor, with all the craziness going on down below!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Go for a bike ride, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Election Day And Happy Gojira Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        And Gojira would like all of you to get out there and vote!

                                       It is the first Tuesday in November, so that means Election Day.

                                       But--On this day in 1954, seventy-two years ago, and fifteen days before yours truly was born, an art house in Los Angeles introduced the original 1954 "Gojira" film.  Unfortunately, it took 50 years for viewers to see it, thanks to Joseph E. Levine and his dumb idea of cutting it, Americanizing it and having Raymond Burr as some sort of patsy.  And then the name was changed to Godzilla!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Make no mistake, darlings, the name is Gojira and we have Baby Gojira living with us.  Both wish everyone a Happy Election Day and urge you to get out and vote.

                                            I would not be surprised if Gojira, who is so thoughtful, is working the polls today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Did You Know Yesterday Would Have Been Betsy Palmer's 100th Birthday??????????????????????????????

                                 No one has ever said, "Kill her, Mommy! Kill her!" like Betsy Palmer.  I can say this because I am having such fun with Linda Cardellini as the young Pam Voorhees, whom I could easily see morphing into Palmer.  The adaptation, however, is something else, and that is not a compliment, but I will discuss all that at length, once I have finished the entire series.

                                   How could Betsy have guessed a piece of junk like "Friday The 13th" would have become a cult classic, and Mrs. Voorhees turn out to be her signature role?  Such are the ways of show biz careers.

                                       Wouldn't we all have loved to wear that white fisherman's sweater yesterday to honor Miss Palmer.  I know I would have.

                                          So, a happy 100th birthday to Betsy Palmer, and another 100 years of entertainment from Mrs. Voorhees.

                                           "...what you did to him!  Look what you DID to him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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

Happy All Souls Day, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Yesterday was All Saints Day, honoring Bernadette, The Fatima Children, St. Francis, and future saints like Pope Leo and Sister Camille D'Arienzo.

                              Today, we honor those having gone before us--parents, friends, associates, and others in our pasts.

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                                I apologize for not posting yesterday, but it was a frantic day, and I had to witness something excruciating, which I will examine on this blog in the very near future.

                                  Meanwhile, a Happy All Saints And All Souls Day!

                                 Starting November on a positive note!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And So We Come To November!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Darlings, if you think 2026 has gone fast, wait for these next six weeks.  Today is All Saints Day, tomorrow is All Souls Day, my birthday is coming up, as well as Musical Theater Week and later Thanksgiving.  Then comes December and the holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Gird your loins or whatever, darlings.  Things speed up now like a silent movie played at the wrong speed.

                                              But we are looking forward to a lot of excitement.  First and foremost, I hope "Svengoolie" improves his line up for this month.  How dare he show "The Wizard Of Oz.?"  Cheapening one of the great cinematic achievements of the 20th century!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  I expect to post more movie reviews this month, thanks to You Tube and Criterion.

                                                  And books!  Oh, my God, I will never reach 100 this year!  I feel like such a failure.  And the "The New York Times" list will be coming out, and I may have to read what is on their fiction list.  Where is time?  I need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                    I also have to pick out an ANNA WINTOUR restaurant for my birthday celebration with David.

                                                    Help me get through November, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!  It will be some month!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               What a day!  Not only is it Halloween, but the end of October, and then comes November with the marathon, Musical Theater Week, my birthday and others.

                                 So, a Happy Halloween to all, and what an October, what with Philly, seeing old friends and new, and the huge number of unseen movies watched and recorded this month, though I have yet to post on "Parasite."  Tonight we may watch "Crystal Lake, " because I want to see how the young Pamela Voorhees handles things, and if she gets her hands on that slut, Claudette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    If you are Trick or Treating, girls, have fun, but be careful/

                                   Have fun, but safe Halloween, darlings, and see you next month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This Film Really Speaks To 1975 Los Angeles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Even after fifty years, "Shampoo" can still serve as a reminder to Easterners why we prefer living in the jungle of New York City than the smog ridden, politically laden infestation that is Los Angeles.

                                     Warren Beatty plays George, a straight (!!!!!!!!!!) hairdresser who screws anyone female in sight.  George has no plans or alternatives; he talks about opening a salon of his own but never follows through on it.  He will never be Sally Hershberger.

                                        Much of this film, wonderfully directed by Hal Ashby, consists of shots of Beatty on his motor bike, racing through Oriental-like hills and houses of Los Angeles. I am convinced Beatty was playing himself, circa 1975.  I cannot imagine how Annette Benning managed to tame him!!!!!!!!!!!  I know Carly Simon had him, but let me admit I never did, nor did I want to!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            Goldie Hawn as Jill and Julie Christie as Jackie are two of his conquests, and neither one has looked better than in this film.  First, when one is Julie Christie, how can one not look good?  Wouldn't we all like to look like Julie Chrisite, darlings?????????  And Goldie Hawn here reminds those who might forget what a marvelous comic actress she was.  Daughter Kate Hudson never came close!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                There is even a one scene appearance by a pre-"Star Wars" Carrie Fisher, who plays Lorna, daughter of Felicia (Lee Grant).  She gets the best line in the film--"Do you want to fuck?"

                                                   Cycle riding, fornicating and parties is what "Shampoo" adds up to in a dismal picture of Los Angeles, albeit tinged with humor.

                                                     I enjoyed every minute of it.  But one thing I could not believe.

                                                      Good an actress as Lee Grant is, and as fine is she is this film, SHE beat out Ronnee Blakley and Lily Tomlin in "Nashville???????????"  How???????????

                                                          One of many things I cannot forgive the MPAAS for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Really?????????? PEOPLE Magazine Must Be Getting Desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Noah Wylie????????  The SEXIEST Man Alive????????????????

                             You have got to be kidding.  I mean, he is nice looking enough, but with folks like Jake Gyllenhal and Jonathan Groff--even Daniel Radcliffe--out there, you have got to be kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 Everyone, including myself, remembers Wylie best as the baby-faced intern on TV's "E.R."  But that is about twenty years ago.  He was cute then.  Now, he has just aged.

                                   Maybe PEOPLE need gay men on the staff who judges this award.  Had there been any, I am sure it would not have gone to Noah Wylie.

                                     So many more I could have thought of.

                                      Maybe there is some kind of hormonal imbalance at PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Baby Boomer Generation Gets Its Due Here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Far more eloquently than Joyce Maynard on that fateful April 23, 1972, Billy Crystal today speaks to our generation in a connective way with humor and insight that I was not quite expecting.

                                        I won't say I disliked Crystal; I just was not a fan.  I mean, he was OK on "SOAP," and on the Oscars, which I did not know he hosted for nine years!  But I was never one to run to a Billy Crystal show or movie.  Of course, I have seen the famous scene from "When Harry Met Sally," but it never made me want to see the rest of the movie.

                                             860 refers to the house address where Billy Crystal and his wife Janice raised their two daughters, hosted parties and family gatherings, and in general did what people do when living in a house for years.  That is, before being destroyed in one of the California wildfires.   Just like my family did at 166 North Tenth Avenue in Highland Park, NJ.  He interjects humor and pain, talking about loss, including that of his friend Rob Reiner, and the phone call he got when he learned what had happened.

                                                   It is 100 absorbing minutes of Crystal on stage.  He wrote this show, and had marvelous directorial help from Scott Ellis, one of the best out there.

                                                     Girls, would I lie if it was not good?  Would I tell you to run to a Billy Crystal show if I did not believe in it?  Well, I do, and here I am telling you to run and see this show.

                                                        Like me, you may come out with a different outlook on Billy Crystal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Brighten Your Home With Comforting Childhood Wallpaper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                

                                   Nothing says comfort more than childhood, darlings, and with the long Winter approaching, make your home as comforting as possible.  Here are two spectacular examples.

                                      The first is "Alice In Wonderland."  Now, wouldn't that look nice in your living room?  I can't wait to get it for ours.  Just think, by looking at the walls, one could go to Wonderland whenever one chose.  I am all for that, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Now, of course, the only place for "Wynken,Blynken,' And Nod" is the bedroom, what with that night sky, those clouds, and the comforting moon that they are steering toward.  Imagine awaking and going to sleep like this, darlings, and that would be the fulfillment of childhood dreams.

                                          Comfort is needed in a house anytime, but especially in Winter.

                                          So elevate your SAD with child centric memories to make the dullness pass!

                                         I can't wait to see them on my walls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Meet My Very Special Friend, Doctor Pickles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  As most of you know, I am an animal lover, and I cannot pass a bookstore without going in and buying something.  Just like Imelda Marcus, darlings!!!!!!!!!  Imagine my delight, when I realized that just around the corner was the used bookstore Book Trader, run by the distinguished gentleman I am paying so much attention to, Doctor Pickles.  He is a beautiful cat, a real gentleman, and he was always available to me when I came in.  Needless to say, I made off with a pile of books.  Not counting our visit to Head House Books.

                                  I just loved Dr. Pickles, and he really took to me.  It did sadden me that I seemed to be the only one paying attention to him.  Despite being a hefty cat, he is spry, affectionate and deserves all the attention he can get.  Future visitors, please pay a visit to this store, and give some attention to Doctor Pickles.

                                  I have missed him, ever since we returned.  But I have a feeling we will see each other again.  As well as my childhood friends we visited in South Jersey.

                                  A lovely time by all.  With special thanks to Doctor Pickles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here We Are In Philly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                I never thought Philadelphia would be so much fun, but it really was.  We stayed at the charming Penn View hotel, which was just down the street from his cousin Judy, whom we were visiting, and had a lovely time with.  I discovered tapas, and found it delicious, had an old-fashioned black and white soda in a store where supposedly the first ice cream soda was served in 1874.

                                 At David's behest, we visited the Museum Of The American Revolution.  It was beautifully curated and quite moving.  The highlight was the film and viewing live of Washington's tent, a majestic presentation that thrilled us.

                                And here are the two of us, in a picture taken near Constitution Hall.  Don't we look fabulous, darlings???????????????

                               The weather could not have more perfect for this trip.  After a sad and soggy Summer, I felt this was some kind of weather reward.  Every day was filled with cloud free skies and golden sunshine..

                                  I also enjoyed seeing the Benjamin Franklin Bridge lit up at night in blue.

                                And that was just the tip of the iceberg.  There is more to follow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  

                                       

Gird Those Panties, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jonathan Groff Is Coming Back To Broadway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!  But, darlings, you might want to get a grip on those panties, because, despite Jonathan bringing all his charm, this is not the kind of evening one throws panties to the performer.

                               In early February 2027, at the Broadhurst Theatre, Jonathan Groff will perform the one-man show "The Amish Project," inspired by the West Nickel Mines school shooting, which took place in the Amish country, where Groff hails from, on October 2, 2006.

                                So yes, one is getting two hours of Jonathan Groff, but a very different Groff from what one is used to, which is what interests me.  He demonstrates a range, willing to try different things, and I am curious to see what he does with this.

                                  All you Groff groupies who want to adulate, please wait at the stage door.

                                 I cannot wait to see Jonathan's dramatic triumph!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, We Are Back On The Aisle, With "Downstate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                         One of the more interesting things about this play is it was written by Bruce Norris, who wrote the Pulitzer Prize winning "Clybourne Park," which opened on Broadway on April 19, 2012.  I so wanted to see it but was never given the chance.  The play went on to win the TONY Award that season for Best Play, so this current offering had much promise.

                                        The premise is arresting--the lives and interactions of the inhabitants of a halfway house for sex offenders.  Yes, this may put off some people, but believe it or not, Norris seems to work some humor into the play, even if the audience's laughter seems of the nervous kind.

                                         I have to wonder--how may audience members each performance are actual sex offenders?  Or has this been performed before them in prisons?  I wonder.  And I wonder how they would react to the material.

                                        It has a first-rate cast, if not a stellar one.  The outstanding performances are Thomas Sadoski as Andy, a victim confronting his abuser, a former piano teacher played by Francis Guina, as well as K. Todd Freeman as the house monitor, and Liza Colon-Zayas as the parole officer.  And herein lies the problem.  These characters are central; the rest are unnecessary.   This play needs to be cut and trimmed so it can dig deeper into the idea of sex offender versus victim.  As such the play is too crammed with actors to go any deeper.  Good as its moments were, it seemed like a work in progress, and I would love to see it again, once it has been ironed out.  And again, with a more sterling cast, but keep Sadoski.

                                        Joe Mantello directed this and let me tell you he did a better job with this than his disappointing interpretation of "Death Of A Salesman."  Hey, Joe, sometime we will meet on stage, and let's see you try to intimate me!  You think BARBRA is difficult????????????

                                       One thing it gets right.  The abused never forgets what happened and remembers every single detail.

                                       This is coming not only from a critic or blogger, but one who was sexually assaulted myself on November 12, 1970, six days before my sixteenth birthday.

                                       As the child Blanche says at the opening of 'Baby Jane--"

                                     "I won't forget.  You BET I won't forget."

Great News, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MERYL STREEP Will Play Enid Lambert In A Netflix Presentation Of Jonathan Franzen's "The Corrections!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                                                    

                                 Now, darlings, I have no idea who else is in the cast but the fact that MERYL is at the helm is promising.  What many may not know was that back in 2012 a cable presentation.  of "The Corrections" was presented with a reputable cast--Diane Wiest as Enid, Chris Cooper as Alfred, Greata Gerwig as Julia, Ewan McGregor as Chip, Lucas Hedges as Young Chip and Maggie Gyllenhal as Denise.  At one point I thought Gene Hackman was attached to the project as Alfred, but obviously that fell through.  Now, this adaptation, which was to become a series, did not go anywhere, so I am not surprised "The Corrections" is being attempted again.

                                    I would like to know who is doing the adaptation, because I don't want this to turn into another Zoe Kazan "East Of Eden."  If MERYL is heading the cast, the actors need to be on her level, and while I have several ideas, I will not mention them here.

                                   I just found out Cord Jefferson (who is he?) will be directing it, and Jonathan Franzen himself is an executive producer.  Will he do the screenplay?  One can only hope.

                                  Filming will commence in January 2027 and will not air until sometime in 2028.

                                  Darlings, this could be the event of the year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     

Is "The Damned" Luchino Visconti's Masterpiece? I Don't Think So!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     When "The Damned" was released, in 1969, it generated a lot of controversy.  First, it was rated X, meaning to those too young to view it, that it was a dirty movie with sex, sex, sex.  In those days, the rating X which is hardly used these days, meant practically pornographic.

                                       So, my expectations were high, when David and I, in lieu of "Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man," sat down to watch "The Damned," this past Saturday.

                                         The decor was garish in a decadent way that suited this very decadent family that worsens before our very eyes as Nazism invades Germany.  Helmut Berger and Ingrid Thulin deliver the best performances, and even today their Oedipal sex scene is shocking.  Direk Bogarde, one of Britain's underrated actors, delivers a nuanced performance.  And with tits and tushies showing, plus implied child molestation, a juvenile suicide, and implied homosexual orgies, I can understand how this got an X rating in 1969.  But in this time period?  This is nothing; in my past, I have been to parties that were wilder than this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           The problem with "The Damned" is that it is too long; even more so because it feels like I have seen it all before.  And maybe I have.  This was supposed to be a German trilogy, followed by a film I do consider masterful, "Death In Venice," again with Dirk Bogarde.  As for the third film, I am not sure he made it, or it is obscure and has been forgotten.

                                               I fear that in time "The Damned" will suffer the same fate.  What was shocking and new in 1969 has become rather pastiche.  I am glad to have observed it as part of the Visconti oeuvre, but I cannot call it a masterpiece.

                                                 Only for film mavens and students, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Very Belated Happy Birthday To Sister Camille D'Arienzo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             Girls, it is not like I could forget!  But, with all the excitement in getting ready for the trip to Philly, I missed Sister Camille D'Arienzo's birthday, which was on October 17.  Now, I will not speak of age, because Sister Camille ts thriving.

                              So, late, heartfelt wishes for a joyous, celebratory birthday, Sister Camille.  May the day be all you wanted it to be.

                                    Also, on hand to wish Sister Camille a Happy Birthday is our lovable reptilian friend, Gojira.  He wishes Sister Camille the best, and I would not be surprised if he baked this special birthday cake just for her.

                                       Many happy belated returns Sister Camille.  We miss your broadcasts, but your presence on earth is still a comfort.

                                          Wishing you many more!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, I Am So Sorry I Got The Last Week Mixed Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Last week I thought this would be the week for showing this gem.  Instead, "Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man" will be shown by "Svengoolie" this week.  The only gem this month, 1956's "Invasion Of The Body Snatchers" was shown last week.  The greatest McCathysim sci-fi film ever!

                                          We just got in from Philly last night, which I was so nervous about last week.  I promise future posts will chronicle it, and you will meet an interesting friend of mine.

                                           But tonight is the night NOT to watch if you have seen this film before.  I will have to have a talk with Baby Gojira to see what it will be.

                                         So, join us this evening at 8PM for our special surprise showing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, It is Time To Think About Our Tea Gowns!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     With Autumn settling in, and Winter definitely on its way, we will be spending more and more time indoors, so it is time to think about serving afternoon tea, and what one is going to wear.

                                         Everyone should have a tea gown for afternoon tea, and this is the one I want!  Isn't it lovely, darlings!  With its almost pink hue set off by the dashes of blue?  I cannot wait to wear this, and I know you will be anxious to see me in it.  I shall be proud to pour tea in this outfit.

                                          So, yes, dears, the time has come to think about warmer clothing.

                                          And what to serve with that afternoon tea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Oh, Well, La-De-Da! La-De-Da!"

                                           That phrase, spoken by Diane Keaton in "Annie Hall," which David and I watched last night in lieu of "Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman," is still spoken so charmingly, and the film is a charmer, but watching it this time was also a sad experience.  Many of the stars listed on the poster are no longer with us, including Diane Keaton, and the film evokes a New York City I recall so well, but sadly no longer exists.

                                              Still the movie theater-Marshall McLuhan scene rings true, the family scenes are hilarious, the school scene downright accurate, and Diane Keaton's talent was on full display, not only with her comedic acting, but her singing as well.  She had an excellent singing voice; but don't forget she was in the Original Broadway cast of "HAIR," back in 1968.

                                                  The film also seems to chronicle Woody and Diane's relationship to a point.  They shall always be remembered and this film solidifies it.

                                                     "Annie Hall" is indeed a Seventies film.  Which is why Keaton and the film won Oscars.

                                                         It evoked its time so perfectly then, and even more so now!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Lord! The Duke Is Raising The Dickens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        The Duke Theatre, that is, where the new musical, "Copperfield!" is playing, and David and I saw it, yesterday.

                                         Don't be fooled by the exclamation point in the title.  The show is not "Oliver!"  It does not have a score to match it.

                                           And this is not to be confused with the 1981 musical "Copperfield," which opened on April 16 at the ANTA (now the August Wilson) Theatre.  It had Book, Music and Lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.  Who went nowhere.

                                            It had in the cast two Broadway stalwarts--George S. Irving and Mary Stout.  And a young up and comer named Christian Slater, in a minor role.

                                              The current musical is not any better, but it makes several serious mistakes.

                                               Someone dumb here had the idea of going back to director John Doyle's gimmick of performing Sondheim musicals, with all the actos doubling as musicians.  He did this, with no great effect, to "Company" and "Sweeney Todd."  Thank God he never got to "Follies."

                                             "Copperfield!" is performed like a live version of a Classic Comic Strip, but on speed.  Many actors seem unsuited to their roles, especially Cathryn Wake as Dora.  Meanwhile, Nancy O'Connor, early on should not be playing Em'ly; she looks a mature woman, and when she and young David (well played by Henry Wichter) it seems ill matched. And the accents vary.  Bobby Conte cuts more a Byronic than Dickensian figure as the adult David, but his song "I Am Home," Dora's death scene, displays some talent. Act Two had moments that got to me--Dora's death, with its song, "Always The Pleasure Was Mine" and Agnes' proclamation of love, and her song, "If Only You Knew My Heart," probably the two best songs in the score, though as David said was I reacting to them genuinely or to my love for the characters in the book I love so much? I cannot answer that.

                                                Everything--choreography, costumes and direction-- are merely serviceable Director Gabriel Barre was handed too large a task impossible to fulfill.  My hopes were dashed.

                                                  Jeffrey Scharf wrote the Book, Music and Lyrics.  Why is it one man thinks he can do this novel justice?  He should have quit while has was ahead.  Sure, he gets most of the story in, but what about dramtic nuance?

                                                  I still say when it comes to "David Copperfield," stick to the 1935 David O. Selznick, George Cukor Hollywood production.  Oh my God, Maureen O'Sullivan as Dora!

                                                   Now, THAT is "David Copperfield!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                            

Girls, Tonight Is Bela's Turn At 8PM, On "Svengoolie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                        During the seventeen-year span--1931 to 1948--of Universal's monster era, three of its top stars all played the Frankenstein monster.  Boris Karloff, most famously, then Lon Chaney Jr. and in 1943's "Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man, Bela Lugosi!!!!!!!!!!!  This is unprecedented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Now, because the make-up was crafted for Karoloff, it was easy to recognize him in close-up!  Which is one of many reasons why the Frankenstein trilogy is the best of the series.

                                             Lugosi looks different but is really not recognizable behind the make-up.  Which is just as well, because no one played the monster better than Karloff.  "Frankenstein Vs. The Wolf Man" verges closely to camp; those never having seen it, it is worth a look, but for the rest of us, I think we will pass it by.

                                                   What is it with "Svengoolie" this month?  Rock bottom choices, and then "The Wizard Of Oz??????????"  Which, despite the witch, is not a horror movie.  Yes, it may introduce new generations, but Oz mavens know when they are being had.  See it on the screen, darlings.  Or on a DVD with no commercials.

                                                       See this film tonight, if so wished.  I will watch something else.  Enough is enough.

                                                         Come on, "Svengoolie," give us a gem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       

                                                    
 

Back On The Aisle, Girls, And At The Hudson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          That is right, girls, The Hudson Theatre, where we saw both 'Merrily' and Daniel Radcliffe's one-man show.  If he does one more show there, the theater will have to be named after him.

                                               The current theater season started for us with the exquisite all-star cast production of Jon Robin Baitz' "Other Desert Cities," dominated by the lovely and marvelous Lily Rabe.

                                                 Now, Lily plays Brooke, the one I could relate to.  She has returned home to her West Coast--she lives on the East--home with her published memoir about her family that bares all--or does it?  Because whatever one may think of Brooke or her family there is a twist in the second act that makes the audience think about all that has gone before.

                                                       Allson Janney has some wonderful scene-stealing moments as Aunt Silda.  Ed Harris captures the psyche of a tormented individual, while Julia Louis-Dreyfus' performance, I am sorry to say, does not go much beyond her Elaine on "Seinfeld."  I was expecting a lot more.

                                                          I guess that marvelous, good looking actor John Benjamin Hickey could not extend her further.  But with Lily he could make magic and he does. Actually, his direction is not the problem; Dreyfus' inability is.

                                                           Scott Pask's set design is dull California chic, which, as a New Yorker, I would not be seen dead in.  A crack house in the Bronx would have more defined style than this.

                                                              But in relation to the status of the characters, especially the parents, it somehow makes sense.

                                                                  It has been so long since there has been a good family drama, so, darlings, make the most of this one.

                                                                    Especially with Lily Rabe in it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Introducing Gay Film #6--1956's "The Bad Seed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                          Oh, girls, I am telling you, this is hilarious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         The thing about "The Bad Seed," darlins, is that the film has to be looked at in several ways.  First, as the 1950's shocker it genuinely was, because back then the idea of a seemingly innocent child committing murder was inconceivable.  Unlike today, when it is now commonplace.

                                           Theater Queens can look at it from the perspective of a stage play being put on film in a highly theatricalized style, with the key members of its Broadway cast.

                                            Then there is the Gay Way to look at it, which ratchets up the histrionics, with such stalwarts as Nancy Kely, Eileen Heckart and Joan Croydon, as repressed lesbian spinster Miss Fern to guide you.  And once Nancy Kelly drops the glass, early on, we are off and running.  How do you like her dresses; that blouse with her initials sewn on, and the striped thing she wears when Miss Fern comes?  Oh, and when she drinks the coffee?  Girls, don't we all want to be like Nancy Kelly as Christine Penmark?  Of course, if you were dealing with a homicidal child, you would be hysterical too!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 Eileen Heckart registers as sympathetic camp, because her pathos is genuine.  I always wince at the line "It's a pleasure to stay drunk when your little boy has been killed."  Ain't it the truth?????????????

                                                    Now, Joan Croydon as Miss Fern is something else.  I have no doubt she carries in her pocket book a paperback copy of Radclyffe Hall's "The Well Of Loneliness," which has been well thumbed.  When running a private school and living in a small town, what chance does a repressed lesbian have??????????????

                                                    This film teaches gays the importance of histrionics which are going to be needed when confronting one's adversaries.  And there is no better film to learn from than 1956's "The Bad Seed."

                                                   As for Patty McCormack as Rhoda, well, has there ever been such a child, before or since?

                                                  And let's forget Henry Jones as Leroy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Of course, the film can be viewed on its own as pure entertainment!

                                                   But where is the fun in that, darlings????????????????

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All Small Towns Offer Is Sex, And Hanging Out At The Local Luncheonette!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           Believe me, darlings, I know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          Not that sex is limited to small towns.  It is what its citizenry is limited to.  But if one moves to the city, the possibilities are endless.

                                           Few films exemplify this better than Peter Bogdanovich's masterpiece, 1971's "The Last Picture Show."  What fascinated me about this viewing was the character I expected to spend the rest of his life in town--Duane Jackson (Jeff Bridges) -- is the one who actually leaves town and makes a life of his own.  You just never know, darlings.

                                            From the first to last tracking shots, influenced by Welles' "Touch Of Evil," this film chronicles the misery, beauty and ennui in such a dismal environment as Anarene, Texas.    And with pros like Ben Johnson, Ellen Burstyn, and Cloris Leachman to serve as guides, the acting meter cannot get better.  Take note; this is the only good film performance Cybill Shepherd gave, not because she was young, but because the character fit her limited range to a tee.  But you have to give her credit.  When Bogdanovich's Selznickian attempt to make her into another Jennifer Jones tanked, she licked her wounds, rallied and returned to TV, where she was discovered to have a surprisingly comic range.  More power to her.  But one can see here how Bogandanovich might have been entranced with her.

                                            As for Bridges and Bottoms, who were young and promising, what happened to them, especially Bottoms?  I could not dismiss from this viewing that there some subliminal homosexual feelings between Duane (Bridges) and Sonny (Bottoms) that impeded their growth toward stable relationships with women.

                                               Robert Surtees, one of the last great cinematographers, is responsible for making beauty out of isolation.  And Verna Fields is the one who edited it all superbly.

                                                 This film is underrated in the cinema canon because of Bogdanovich's plunge.  It should stand on its own, and does, as a masterwork.

                                                     Just think, when I first saw this film in my hometown at 16, I thought I might end up as Genieve, (Eileen Brennan).

                                                      See what can happen, girls!????????????????????????????

                                                     Now listen to me and experience the splendors and pleasures of a true film masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!