Is It Hitchcock's Masterpiece???????????????? No, But It Is Exhilarating In Its Detail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       Girls, there are so many things I can say about this film, and will, but I will start with my grad school years at NYU.  I took a film course as an elective, and as the semester rolled on, the professor kept hinting that he was going to show us a film that was not legally allowed to be shown at the time--I forget why--and that we were not to tell anyone he had shoun it.

                                             Well, I thought it was going to be something daring, foreign, with a touch of eroticism.  In a way, it turned out to be that way, for the film we saw, Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo," had a more European sensibility than most American film, especially of that time.  I had seen it on TV years before, while still in my teens, and after screening it a few days ago for what was my fourth viewing, I can say this is a film that does not stay static.  Instead, it gets better and better with each viewing. 

                                                   I would also bet, dollars to donuts that Ingmar Bergman saw this film before making his 1966 classic "Persona," as did Robert Altman before filming his 1977 gem, "Three Women."

                                                   "Vertigo" is a film about obsession, and let's start with the director's obsession with blonde women.  This film offers a diptych of them, what with Kim Novak's Madeline, and Barbara Bel Geddes' Midge.  Then there is Novak again as Judy Barton.  Ah......But let me get to some other details.

                                                          James Stewart, in one of his darkest performances, plays John "Scotty" Ferguson, a retired detective due to his suffering of the titular illness.  He is roped in by a former college friend, Gavin Elster, played by Tom Helmore, to following his wife, Madeline, about, and this sets in motion a cat and mouse game that does not end until a confrontation in a church bell tower.

                                                                For viewers'' sakes, that is as much of the plot I will divulge.  The force of this film is Kim Novak's performance as Madeline/Judy.  As the former, she is so elegant looking--my God, how I would want to wear that green dress in that red walled restaurant, or the white coat when she kisses Stewart by the sea with the waves majestically dashing against the shore--yet switches adeptly to crudeness when playing Judy, a girl who seems to have come from the wrong side of the tracks.  It is to Novak's credit as an actress, and Hitchcock's direction, that she is able to pull this off so adeptly.  I would never have expected it of her.

                                                                    I had forgotten how lushly technicolored this film is. San Francisco is to this film what Venice Italy was to "Summertime."

                                                                       "Vertigo" has any number of interesting shots--Madeline's apartment building, the museum and the portrait of Carlotta Valdez, with matching flowers, in the museum where Madeline sits, the iconic shot of Madeline "jumping" into the bay--demonstrating this may not be Hitchcock's masterpiece, as some declare, but his most visually arresting film.  And one can see here the foreshadowing of his next film which I consider his masterpiece--1960's "Psycho."

                                                                            Watching "Vertigo" is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, one that fascinates again and again.  I do not know when, if ever, I will see it again, but I can say with certainty it will continue to fascinate viewers.

                                                                                And, oh my God, Kim's outfits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                        

Girls, You Will Not Believe It--I LOVED This "Ragtime!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  We saw this show last Sunday.  I had been curious about it ever since seeing the TV commercial with the whole company performing outdoors in what was my former workplace.  I knew the cast was terrific, but I had reservations that it was staged by Lear DeBessonet, now the head of Lincoln Center Theater.  I did not care for how she handled "Oliver!" at ENCORES, and I was afraid she would ruin "Ragtime" more than I felt it had been.

                                    I admit I have a problematic history with this show.  The E. L. Doctorow novel on which it is based is one of my favorites.  So much so that, when I first heard Robert Altman was to direct the movie version, I was on cloud nine.  But that fell through, and I refused to see the Milos Forman film version of 1981.  I still feel only Altman could have done "Ragtime" justice.

                                      I saw two previous productions.  I saw the original at the tail end of its run, and I am sorry to say no one in it was memorable, and the performers seemed to be walking through the performance, so it was lackluster.  There was a revival in the early 2000s, featuring Christiane Noll, whose father, a musical director, I had worked with in "The Pajama Game" in 2001.  She was good, but in retrospect brought nothing to the role.

                                        This "Ragtime" started as a concertized version at The New York Philharmonic.  At the time I asked why?  Then it became such a hit it moved to its current occupancy, The Vivian Beaumont Theater, next door to my former workplace.

                                          Allow me some humble pie.  Lear DeBessonet's staging of this production more than compensates for her miss with "Oliver!"  "Ragtime" begins on a dark stage, with the title in lights hanging above it.  The lights go down, the stage lights go up, and a little boy runs across the stage.  Then another begins the story of the New Rochelle family.  Then slowly, inexorably, like the dancers in "A Chorus Line," the entire company is elevated to upstage center, assembled and ready to sing.  They sing, they form combinations suggesting their stories will all interconnect, which they do, and while I always loved the opening number, I have never seen it staged as beautifully.

                                            That's just for starters.  Joshua Henry was out that week.  I had seen him in the 2018 "Carousel," so I know what he can do.  His replacement, John Clay III was every bit up to the level of Henry, and his and Kayla Pecchioni as Sarah's rendition of "The Wheels Of A Dream" not only stopped the show but brought tears to my eyes.  I had never shed tears for this show before.

                                              But the real anchors of this show are Caissie Levy as Mother, and Brandon Uranowitz as Tateh.  By the way, the story of he and his daughter may resemble another musical, 1986's "RAGS," which I still say has the superior score, but "Ragtime" is more embracing of all cultural intersections into America at the turn of the century.  Levy's is a powerful presence on stage, as is her singing, especially in the second act song, "Back To Before."  I am glad this gifted actress, whom I first saw do Sheila in the 20099 "HAIR," was recognized with a TONY Award.  Uranowicz breaks your heart every time he is on stage, as does Pecchioni as Sarah.  And there is also "SUFF's" Shaina Taub as Emma Goldman, Ben Levi Ross as Younger Brother, Morgan Marcell as Evelyn Nesbit, and Rodd Cyrus as Harry Houdini.  Part of this "Ragtime's" success is the great cast that has been assembled.  I urge you to see them before the show closes in August.

                                                I cannot say I now embrace the score, but I recognize more its quality and how it functions in relation to the story.  Some of that comes from DeBessonet's staging, and the exquisite cast.  I may not listen to a CD of this show, or sing any of its songs, but I will remember this production with special affection, as it made me appreciate "Ragtime."

                                                    This "Ragtime" is all that is promises and is as definitive a production as ever will be done.

                                                    Girls, I strongly urge you to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hell May Be Hot, But "Hadestown" Is Not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     I really cannot say what I expected from this show, which we saw last Saturday night, but whatever it was I did not get.

                                     This show swept the 2019 TONY Awards, and has been running for seven years, and I cannot figure out why.  To be fair, none of the performers in the current cast can be accused of walking through the show; their passion in performing the material was palpable.  Yet the end result was unsatisfying.  

                                        The plot blends two Greek myths--that of Hades and Persephone, and the other of Orpheus and Eurydice.  For starters, I did not like the idea of Jordan Tyson, playing Eurydice as a 21st century schoolgirl.  Tawdry and cheap!  I also was not bowled over by the score, written by Anais Mitchell, who also did the Book and Lyrics.  Those who like gospel, spiritual, Black culture centric music should go for it, and while I respect those forms, they did not work for me here.  Maybe the Book was just a little too long, and the show in the second act dragged.  I did love the trio of actresses playing the Three Fates; their numbers were always well staged and fun.  Plus, the set design, by Rachel Hauk, establishes a sort of smoky 'Streetcar Named Desire,' or "Porgy And Bess" atmosphere that works.

                                          Dark lighting may be apt for the subject, but it is rough on an audience.  I have not seen a show so darkly lit since the original "CATS" over forty years ago.  Though we sat fairly close to the stage, some things were not as visible as I might have wished.

                                           I looked at the show as an interesting, if not quite successful, experiment.  It started downtown at the New York Theatre Workshop, then moved uptown to Broadway.  Maybe it should not have.  Or maybe the Book should have been trimmed, and the show kept off-Broadway.

                                              Nevertheless, I am glad I saw "Hadestown."  I wish it seven more years of success, and joy to all the theatergoers who see and embrace it.

                                                 Simply not my cup of tea, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                 

Girls, We Stayed At The Algonquin Last Weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Now, last weekend was Pride, but that is not the reason we stayed.

                           The Actors' Temple, where David has been active before we met, and with me has been to several gatherings and services, were having a twenty-year anniversary tribute to Rabbi Jill.  That was the impetus for going, though we did other things, too.

                           But let me start with The Algonquin.  Quality service as always, but I was disappointed that have not yet replaced Hamlet with another feline mascot.  And after nine months, since I first inquired.

                              However, I did find out--and I hope I was not just getting the runaround--that they are looking for a rescue cat to replace Hamlet.  Now, according to Algonquin history, the cat to replace Hamlet has always been a female and always named Matilda.  But that will not be the case this time.  I have been assured that the succeeding cat will be a male and also named Hamlet. When he arrives, he will be Hamlet IX.  Isn't that exciting?  I cannot wait to meet him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               As for the temple, the service was lovely and the tribute fitting.  The highlight of the tribute, especially me, was when Musical Stage Legend Neva Small, got up and sang a song she sang in Bernstein's "Mass." I have always wanted to hear the whole work, which Neva and others introduced originally at the Kennedy Center.  Neva was superb and showed everyone there how to really perform.  She will be 74 in November, the day before my birthday.  Mine is the 18th, hers the 17th.

                               We love you, Neva!  You will always be a legend to us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               And congratulations to Rabbi Jill.  I wish her another twenty years of service.

                              "Would a convent take a Jewish girl?"  No, darlings the real question is--Would a Yeshiva take a Catholic boy??????????????????"

                                And love to The Algonquin, and all the staff there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, Would You Believe I Never Saw "The Bicycle Thief" Until Now???????????????????????

                               Having reached the age of 71, and approaching 72 in November, I can live with the idea that certain books--like Joyce's "Ulysses"--I may never read.  But there are so many films that I am embarrassed to say I have never seen, and while the lists may help, there is so much out there it boggles the mind.   Having seen "GWTW," 'Oz',' and 'Bernadette' combined over 100 times, there is so much I am lacking.  So, I decided, especially with the imminent approach of cataract surgery that now is the time to make up for lost time.

                                 The other day, I was talking with a film friend of mine about "The Bicycle Thief," and she could not believe I had not seen it While I took many film courses in college, the Vittorio De Sica film the professor chose to show was 1952's "Umberto D," which for reasons I won't spoil viewers I cannot sit through again.

                                  What a revelation "The Bicycle Thief" turned out to be.  This 1948 film is a cinematic meditation on father and son, child and adult, good and evil, beauty and ugliness, and visual patterns.  The opening shot panning people walking the streets through a ravaged post-war Rome is only the beginning.  The narrative impetus is a husband, played by Lamberto Maggiorini, and his son Bruno, played by Enzo Staiola.  The film follows them on a journey of justice throughout the city in an effort to reclaim the bicycle stolen from Antonio Ricci, and the journey is long and hard, culminating in two tragedies that are heartbreaking and question the heartlessness of the world.

                                     So, where is the beauty?  Never have I seen geometric patterns used to such visual effect. Crescent moon shaped arches, especially in the night club and church sequences, square patterned cobblestones, and the linear geometrics of the apartment buildings in Rome that De Sica places his camera on. are compelling to behold.   This film is as much a visual treat as a narrative one, and in exploring Antonio and Bruno's quest for justice, the film visually explores post war Rome.

                                        Really, I have never seen ugliness pictured as a kind of beauty, which is what makes this film special.  De Sica displays a grasp on the material that not even the finest of American directors of the time could touch.  I loved every minute of "The Bicycle Thief".  I have known the title as this all my life, though some label it "The Bicycle Thieves."  Which will make sense once viewed.

                                        So, that is my first step, a baby one, into the waters of film exploration.

                                        I will be back, with others!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Here Is What "Svengoolie" Is Offering, Tonight At 8PM! We Here Are Watching Something Else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            That I cannot reveal until after tomorrow, because I am keeping it from David as a surprise.  I have never heard of this film, and frankly I do not care.  It is some kind of Forties spy thriller, with Peter Lorre doing his own take on H.G. Wells' "The Invisible Man."  Does this really belong on "Svengoolie?"

                              As you shall see as we progress through July, "Svengoolie" is not offering up a great selection for this month.  I was disappointed when I saw the July lineup.

                               Nevertheless, if you decide to watch, go ahead.  I wish he could have shown Peter Lorre in "M."  Though not a horror movie technically speaking, it comes off more as one than I am sure this will.  And "M" is a work of art.  Sometimes classy films do turn up on "Svengoolie."

                                So, girls, in between fireworks, watch at your peril!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                This almost makes me long for "The Killer Shrews!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Happy July 4th, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Happy 250th Birthday, America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                            When I think about the bicentennial back in 1976, I never gave a thought as to fifty years later; to me, then, it was like eternity.  Well, here we are, and however you choose to celebrate the fourth, darlings, that is up to you.  If you want to listen to the cast recording of "Hamilton," I would personally throw up, but the choice is yours.

                               Mine, of course, pictured above, is "1776."  And the song I am going to try to include on here is the simple song called "The Egg."

                               Those of us in the metropolitan, tri-state area are still suffering from the heat, so I think for many it will be a quiet Fourth Of July.  Sometimes those are the best of all.  Besides, I have lots of reading and writing to do.

                              So, let me wish all my readers a Happy Fourth Of July.

                              And all the fireworks and sky rockets you could wish for.

                                 Here is that short song.  I think it is from the movie.  But it should suffice!!!!!!!!!

The Really Big Question Of The Day, Darlings, Is Who Is Designing Taylor Swift's Wedding Gown???????????????????

                                       Personally, girls, I always thought the best wedding gowns were worn by Elizaberth Taylor, Grace Kelly and Julie Andrews in "The Sound Of Music.'

                                        I know any one of us would love to wear those--though I opt for Julie's.  I do not think Taylor Swift will outdo them, but it is going to be something spectacular, nevertheless.

                                          Only the best for this girl, darlings, and she has earned it.

                                           Rumor is that the gown will be a compilation of the finest designers out there-- like Monse, (with some help by Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia) Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, and Christian Dior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             I would be thrilled to wear one gown by any of them alone.  But a compendium--wow!!!!!!!!!  I hope we mortals are eventually given a chance to see it.  I think it should go in The MET's Costume Institute.

                                              I think I wore Ralph Lauren at my wedding, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Girls, I am telling you, it is going to be simply FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Truer Words Never Spoken!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But What Exactly Is A Gay Film??????????????????????????????

                          To start with, a gay film is not porn.  That is something else altogether.

                          The other day, while musing on those Criterion Closet video shorts, I came up with a list of several categories--Gay Films, Art Films, and New York Films.  Oh, and yes, Hitchcock.  The idea is to watch each film on each list and write about it on here.

                           This may take some time, because I am assembling those I do not own from Amazon, and until they arrive, I cannot begin.  However, I can start by giving you the Gay Film List.  In all lists, they will be assembled in the order of year made.  So, here goes--

                                                           Gay Films                                                                                                                                                   1. "Bringing Up Baby," 1938                                                                                                                         2. "The Wizard Of Oz," 1939                                                                                                                         3.  "Now, Voyager," 1942                                                                                                                               4.  "Mildred Pierce," 1945                                                                                                                             5.  "All About Eve," 1950                                                                                                                             6.  "The Bad Seed," 1956                                                                                                                               7.  "Suddenly Last Summer," 1959                                                                                                               8.  "What Ever Happened To Baby Jane?" 1962                                                                                           9.  "My Fair Lady," 1964                                                                                                                              10. "Valley Of The Dolls"                                                                                             

                                  Granted, everyone's favorite may not be on here, but, hey, if you want to pass on suggestions, I am happy to watch and write about them.  This is a sharing experience for all of us.

                                     I can honestly say these were the films that formed me as I emerged into a burgeoning gay child/man.  I think at least one of these films are on most people's lists, but others of course will vary.

                                      I don't know if it is hot where you are, but in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, it is scalding, so I may binge watch some films today.  Maybe to get an idea of what to put on the next list of Art Films.

                                         Meanwhile, Happy Happy Fourth, and 250th, stay cool, and what a pity they are not streaming Taylor Swift's wedding!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              

Girls, How Come I Was Not Invited To Taylor Swift's Wedding!??????????????????????????

                                   I will admit, darlings, that I do know who Taylor Swift is, but I really cannot name any of her songs.  I will also admit that, until he started dating Taylor, I had no idea who Travis Kelce was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       But is that any excuse not to invite me---The Raving Queen??????????  Let's face it, girls, we all know it is going to go down at Madison Square Garden this weekend, and it is going to be the social event of the year!!!!!!!!!!!  I am sure ANNA will be there, so why not me???????????

                               

What a social faux pas!  It is not like I have never been inside Madison Square Garden before.  And not just for the circus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I mean, Taylor, I know we haven't lunched in ages, but is that any reason to shut me out of your wedding????????????  And who is designing your gown??????????

                                            Heaven help me!  I wish Truman Capote were here.  If I could connect with him, I bet he could get me into this event.

                                               But not Wallace Shawn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

Still Magical! Still Enchanting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          When the film version of "Oliver!" was first released in December 1968, the critics went crazy over it.  One said it was the best musical they had ever seen; "TIME Magazine" did s big story on it, stating it was the Best Picture Of The Year.  And it won that at the Oscars and five other awards!!!!!!!!!!!

                           But time has not been kind to "Oliver!"  I tired watching it on television, and it just does not work.  Like "The Sound Of Music " and "My Fair Lady"--also Best Picture winners--"Oliver!" cannot work anywhere but on the big screen.

                              At 14, I was so consumed with the film's hype that I pleaded with my parents to take me to see the film in New York City.  This was in the days when big films played reserved seat engagements and did not get out to the suburban hinterlands for two years.  So, my parents took me to see "Oliver!" in early 1969, and I was awestruck by its beauty, as well as the darkness of Dickens, which I was already familiar with.

                               The film finally reached the Albany Theatre in New Brunswick in 1970, and I saw it again, and was awed by its magic.  But when "Oliver!" began turning up on television, I could not watch it, because it did not work, which is why I think the film courted disfavor over time.  The other thing was having no genuine stars, because this film was exceptionally cast for character's sake, rather than star name value, and so much the better.

                                  Now, if you look closely at the poster, notice something.  The two characters most prominently displayed are Nancy and Oliver.  They were played by Shani Wallis and Mark Lester, respectively, and, ironically, they are the only cast members still alive.  Wallis is 91, Lester may be in his sixties, but they are all that survive.

                                 On June 21 of this year, I saw "Oliver!" on the screen for the first time in 56 years.  And I was right; the screen is where it belongs.  You MUST see this on the screen, darlings!!!!!!!!!!

                                    Ron Moody was Oscar nominated as Best Actor for his role as Fagin.  As was Jack Wild as Best Supporting Actor for his memorable portrayal of The Artful Dodge.  But it is Shani Wallis who should have received a Supporting Actress nomination for her Nancy.  She is the greatest of all Nancys.  Also, Oliver Reed's performance as Bill Sikes is chilling, not just because he was a good actor, not because he was director Carol Reed's nephew, but because, to this day, I remain convinced he was not acting.  What is on screen is not only Bill Skikes, but the real Oliver Reed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                       The film has two of the most exquisite musical numbers ever filmed, and they both come in the second half It opens with the lyrical "Who Will Buy?" which begins softly, poetically and lyrically, with exquisite camerawork, and builds to a crescendo of musical bliss.  Onna White's choreography is some of the best I have seen captured on film.   The other number is "Ooom-Pah-Pah," which Carol Reed made a brilliant decision with.  On stage, the number opens the second act and is used as a showcase for Nancy and the ensemble.  But Reed had the brilliant sense to switch this number to near the end--the last in the film--where Nancy creates a commotion in the bar, distracting everyone with the song, so she can escape with Oliver to Mr. Brownlow, waiting atop London Bridge. Every time I see the escape sequence in this version, and it is because of Wallis' performance, I always wish Nancy here would have gotten away.  She too could have had a better life than what was dealt.

                                        Nevertheless, "Oliver!" is a better film than is sometimes recognized today.  Should the opportunity arise, darlings, I cannot urge you enough to see this on the screen.

                                         And would you believe this?  It was not until I had reached my twenties, I realized Nancy was a prostitute.

Announcing My Film Project!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                          As this cataract thing looms, darlings, and I get older, while I have seen many movies--more than some in their lifetimes--and have sat through multiple viewings of film I cherish, after seeing celebrities visit The Criterion Closet, I thought it time to create one of my own.  So many important movies I have NEVER seen.

                         But it won't be easy.  Because I am listing different categories and some films may be on more than one list.  I can tell you one film that well; most of you on here will know what that film is.

                           I have two definitive categories.  Gay Films and Art Films.  Not everyone's choice will be on here; in fact, if readers would like to share their picks you are welcome to comment.

                            I am also pondering two other categories--New York Films and Hitchcock.

                            And I am limiting the list to ten, because, well, this could go on forever.

                            This will take some time because I have to acquire certain films, watch them, and then write about them.   I would like to do it in sequence, but since some of the films are already in my collection, I may have to do it as I go along and then list everything in the last post.

                              Let me know what you think of this, girls, and any suggestions you may have.  

                              I may write about those suggestions separately.

                                

                          

Welcome To July, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         The seventh month is almost always the most exciting, as it is the peak of the summer.  And this year proves to be more exciting than the rest.

                                           First, there is the 250th Anniversary of the United States.  Hey, I remember the Bicentennial back in 1976.  At that time, I never thought about 250; it was in a vast, faraway time.  And yet here we are.

                                             I have so much reading and writing to do I can barely think straight.  And I have something to share with you all, which may impact my July.

                                               Late last November, I got a letter from my current eye doctor, saying he would be giving up his practice in Manhattan, and operating out of his hometown in Teaneck, NJ.  He offered me that option, but face it, girls, Bay Ridge to Teaneck by public transit would take a whole day!  Instead, though originally scheduled for February of this year, he offered me the option of a visit in December.  I chose that, because it would give me one last visit with him, and that went fine.

                                                   This meant six months later, in June, I would have to find a new eye doctor.  So, I went to my PCP, who always gives great referrals, and he gave me one, connected to NYU Langone, which I am a part of, as a patient.   Well, I went, and all I will say is it reminded me of what my dear reader, Mistress Maddie, said to me about Tory Burch--"Run for the hills!"  Cold, opinionated and giving me mixed messages--do I need cataract surgery? do I not? --till my mind was exploding, and I wanted to get out of there instantly, because I did not feel at all comfortable with this woman.

                                                           Here is the kicker.  Last weekend, we stayed at The Algonquin, which I will get to chronicling, and we saw our friends, Dan and Norma.  I recounted my experience to Norma, and she said she had a similar experience with an eye doctor.  When she got home, she emailed us.  It turned out her doctor was the same as mine.  We are on the same page when it comes to medical treatment, so, if this wasn't a sign to avoid this woman, I don't know what is.

                                                             Needless to say, after Norma's confirmation, I am not going back to this woman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                   I see my PCP on July 7, and I will tell him this, and ask for another referral.  Should that not work out, I will go to David's eye doctor, here in Bay Ridge.

                                                                     Did you ever see "The Twilight Zone" episode, "Time Enough At Last?"  Burgess Meredith plays a bank clerk who is an omnivorous reader.  He survives a nuclear explosion by hiding in the bank vault, so he can read.  He emerges into a world where he has every book at his disposal and time to read them.  He begins, but at some point, his glasses fall off, and break.  He cannot read without them, and now he is trapped in a world where he cannot read.

                                                                           This story represents my greatest fear about cataract surgery.  For all that this woman seemed to say I needed it, I can honestly say in the last several years my vision has been as good as back in grade school.  I read without my glasses, and I wear glasses for distance--movies and shows and such.  I have no overt symptoms.  My father did not have it till he was in his eighties.

                                                                   I am afraid the cataract surgery will render me like Burgess Meredith, which would traumatize me if I could never read again.  And don't try to tell me about audio books; much of the stuff I read is not on there, and the experience just is not the same.

                                                                        So yes, girls, July is an exciting but fraught filled month.  Added to that on the 22nd I am having a colonoscopy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                          Anyone out there who has or knows about cataract surgery, please feel free to comment.

                                                                            The eyes are the windows of the soul.  But I do not want the shades lowered on my windows!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                      

Girls, Can You Believe It? It Is The End Of June, And We Are Halfway Through 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             I am more amazed, darlings, that we have reached the first half of the year.  The time has gone so fast!

                                              June was Pride Month, and we celebrated Pride by seeing three shows this month--"The Rocky Horror Show," which I have posted, and, most recently, "Hadestown," and "Ragtime," which I will just say now is going to get a rave from me for the first time having seen two previous productions, which failed to impress me.

                                                 Will wonders never cease, girls!

                                                 This month, after a period of 53 days, I completed the Larry McMurtry "Lonesome Dove Tetralogy."  It is so far my most enthralling read of the year.  I was also surprisingly impressed with Ocean Vuong's second novel, "The Emperor Of Gladness," not having been impressed with his earlier first novel, "On Earth, We Are Briefly Gorgeous."

                                                    Because of my dedication to this, I have not read as many books total for this time period. I should be at least on 50, but I so far have only read 32 books.  Poor me!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     After over 50 years, and I will write more on this, I finally got to see the 1968 musical film of "Oliver!," which has undeservedly been forgotten over the years.  I will have more on that in coming posts.  Also, we saw Steven Spielberg's film, "Disclosure Day."  Sci fi mavens will love it; for the rest of us, stick with 'Close Encounters.'

                                                       Yes, a lot happened in June.  Including some stuff I will reveal in tomorrow's--next month--post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                          Hope everyone had a Happy Pride and join me for the second half of the year.

                                                            See you next month, girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Gay Pride Horror??????????? Look No Further Than Studio 54!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         Let's start with it was where LIZA got strung out on drugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         But, really, girls, if you want a theatrical event for Gay Pride Sunday, or even the days before, look no further than Sam Pinkleton's wonderful and fun production of "The Rocky Horror Show."

                                          Of course, Juliette Lewis was out, which was no surprise for me, especially as I have always wanted to play Magenta.   Anania did a superb job.  As did Rachel Dratch as The Narrator, though I wish she could have worked a bit of Debbie Downer into her performance Would you also believe the two Brads were out ill, so an unknown was plucked from the company and put through rehearsal paces so he could do the role.  Which necessitated delaying the show's start by an hour.  As it turned out the actor was wonderful, and had we not known anything, one could not tell he was winging it.  He did Brad superbly.

                                            Stephanie Hsu is a charming and vocally strong Janet.  But it is Luke Evans as Dr. Frank N. Furter, who steals the show.  He is hot, so is his costume, he has strong vocals, and I would not be surprised if on some nights panties are thrown at him on the stage.  Is this now a new Broadway trend?  Sex up the male lead so you can throw panties?  I am all for it, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                Everyone on stage looks like they are having fun, especially we and the actors doing the "Time Warp" together.  And the call outs are hilarious.  But I never realized until now what strong vocal voices this show demands.  It is not just about being cutesy, it is about maintaining resonance and projection in a score that pushes the voice beyond conventional Broadway standards. 

                                                 Speaking of resonance, readers this show is alive with color and technology.  dots did an excellent job with the Set Design, David I. Reynosa scores with the costumes, and Ani Taj's choreography fits the piece superbly.  I am not sure who created the special effects, but credit is deserved there too.

                                                   Gay Pride Sunday's performance will be especially up. but I suspect any show the audience catches will lift them right out of their seats.

                                                     Horror has never been this much fun, darlings!!!!!!!!!  See it soon!

                                                        

                                           

Gojira Wishes Everyone A Happy Gay Pride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Darlings, it would not be Gay Pride without our lovable, humanitarian reptile friend Gojira sending his best wishes to all.

                             Gojira wishes everyone on here a happy and healthy gay pride!

                              He is so sweet and helpful to all, especially during this time.  He knows how it feels to sometimes be on the outside of things, so he is a big supporter of the LGBQT community.  The biggest, in fact!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               Thank you, Gojira for your support this month and all year!

                                Happy Gay Pride to you, too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Speaking Of Old Commercials, How About Games????????? Remember "Mouse Trap?????????????????????"

                                                                                      

                             Looking back at this game--and who did not have it? --one can see through the interaction it requires the foreshadowing of video games.  But who could have known back then.

                            "Mouse Trap" was Ideal's greatest hit.  Its success led to the creation of "Crazy Clock," but I fount that one difficult to work. After "Crazy Clock," they ceased these kinds of games.

                             This game was fun to construct, and fun to see the results.  Playing it, alone or with others, I must have enacted the trap numerous times, just to enjoy seeing the mouse get caught..

                                Where is the fun today?  Color, creativity, and interaction of a very different kind have all vanished with time.

                                    Let's bring it back, darlings!  Before we all turn into stooges!

WHO DARES TO BETRAY THE OUEEN??????????????????????????????

                                     This Pride Week, hons, and let me tell you NO ONE betrays the Queen!

                                      That is because the Wicked Queen in Disney's 1937 "Snow White" could arguably be labeled the screen's first gold standard bitch!  And this week, the bitches are in town by the droves.  See what kind of mischief they can get into!  And who they can get into it with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         I just love Pride Week, girls, because it ups the inner bitch in all of us!!!!!!!!!  Such delicious fun!  If you need help, screen either 1939's "The Women," or 1967's "Valley Of The Dolls!"  After that, you are all set.

                                         You will be queen of your domain, like me!  And no one will DARE betray you!

                                           Just try it, hons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next To Grace Slick, No One Could Throw Her Voice As Well As Linda Ronstadt!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           When Grace did it, the voice was strong and defiant.  With Linda Ronstadt, young and pretty, there was something poignant and heartbreaking about it, something no singer since has been able to match.

                            Sure, it is on her early hit, "Different Drum," but, oh, my God, when it is really heard is in her heart-rending rendition of "Long, Long Time."  If anyone else has covered this song, I cannot imagine a better job than that of Linda Ronstadt.

                           Age and Parkinson's have sadly caught up with her, but music creates memories and those memories will forever stay.  Whether the early stuff, or the Gershwin-esque standards she transitioned to on her album, "What's New?," her voice will always be a gold standard for future female singers.

                            Something to aspire to, but I do not think will ever match.

                             You don't believe me?  Here is Linda on "Long, Long Time."

                                   Who can sing like this today?  No one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are You Ready For The Summer, Girls?????????? You Better Be , Or Else You Could Look Like This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 We all remember the sun and fun of our youth, darlings.  But that youth has, to quote Blanche Du Bois, "gone up the waterspout!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   It is important for all my girls to use sunscreen for protection.  I have had two minor bouts with skin cancer, which turned out all right, but it was from what I did in my youth, and now, once the Summer rolls around, I carefully apply the skin that shows with both sunscreen and moisturizer.

                                    Summer, and how it can vary, is one reason you will not see me moving to Florida or New Orleans; the latter city I love.  Too hot, not to mention too filled with creepy crawlies, snakes and such.  

                                   So, take it from me, girls!  Take care of your skin and as you age you could end up looking not like our friend above, but like this--

                                  Have a great Summer, girls, and let us usher it in with the season's theme song!

                                     Take it away, Freddy Cannon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why Can't Today's Children's TV Commercials Be As Creative And Macabre, Like When I Was A Child????????????????????????????

                           This is the Sugar Rice Krinkles clown for Post Cereals.  How fun and scary he is, just like the commercials of my childhood.

                             When every child was visually perfect.  When every little girl looked like Morgan Brittany, even if she wasn't.  When advertisers weren't afraid to be daring with children, unlike today's media promoters who condescend to them.  Let me tell you, back then, and especially now, if anyone was to condescend to me, they would have to deal with me, pronto.  You want to see a bitch?  You would, should you ever condescend.

                                But I know my girls would never do that.  I am talking about the working nuts out there who think a career promotion is going to define their lives.  It will not.  In the end, it could ruin them.

                                   I am getting off the track here; I was talking about creative TV children's commercials.  We need more innovation like back in my childhood, with scary clowns, talking animals-real ones, not animated--and sophisticated material directed at children who are more perceptive than the adults behind the crap being merchandised out think they are.

                                     I just love the Sugar Krinkles Clown.  I don't know who played him but hats off to that actor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      Get with it, Madison Avenue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Pride Week, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I know it is busy and I have a busy schedule this week, but I wanted to wish everyone on here a Happy Pride Week.

                          Get out those gay CDs and DVDs and watch and listen to some classics.  Bring a sailor home for a home cooked meal, but remember who is going to be the dessert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          This is the week of all weeks when you step outside, girls, and be your true selves.  For example, if I could get it custom made, I would wear the green dress Vivien Leigh wore as Scarlett to the Twelve Oaks picnic.  That is one of my favorite dresses.

                          Or higher couture, if preferred.  Whatever, this week, this sky's the limit.

                          Just make sure it is nothing from a clearance bin!

                        But even if it is, darlings, Happy Pride Week!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today Is The Longest Day Of The Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I have a busy schedule this week, girls, so this will have to be a quick one.

                          Yes, as I was taught, today is the day we have been building toward, the longest day of 2026.  Starting tomorrow, the days start winding backwards, till it starts getting dark at 4:30PM, and, well it is just downright depressing.

                         Today is also the 57th Anniversary of the death of Judy Garland.

                        And it is the birthday of the Divine MERYL STREEP.  She turns 77, as will ANNA in November.

                       So, this is a day to remember, darlings!  Enjoy the length!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Farewell To Spring!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     The next several days, darlings, are full of importance.  Today, according to how I was taught, is the last day of Spring.  Tomorrow, June 21 is not only Father's Day but the first day of Summer.  Sadly, it marks the halfway point for Proserpina's visit to Earth, so we know that sooner than we expect, she will be returning to Hell.

                                         However, June 22, as I was taught is not only the longest day of the year, but also the Divine MERYL'S--that is right Meryl Streep! --birthday.  I believe she will be 77 and going strong.  Actually, the same age as ANNA who will turn such in November, the month I will turn 72!

                                             Sadly, beginning June 23, the days will gradually grow shorter; I really don't notice it till sometime in late August and then we gradually slide into Autumn and then Winter.  When Proserpina is below.

                                             So, celebrate this precious time given, girls!

                                             It just may be the Summer of your lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take The Night Off, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Well, we are, for a very particular reason; we are going to a party and may not be home in time to watch "Svengoolie.

But even if we were we would not watch tonight's showing--Abott and Costello in the 1946 film "The Time Of Their Lives."  Yes, it has ghosts, but who cares?  Their schtick get tiring after a while.

This is not to be confused with William Saroyan's 1939 Pulitzer Prize winning play, "The Time Of Your Life."  Which was made into a movie in 1948, starring James Cagney, and produced by the actor's brother William.   Now, if this movie were showing, I would watch that, but that would never show on "Svengoolie."  

So, I am afraid we will just have to skip it, girls, and I advise you to, as well.

Come on, "Svengoolie;" you can do better than this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!