Darlings, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents "Doctor Cyclops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

 

                                      This 1940 film is rarely shown--I have not seen it since I was a child--and it is so iconic it is mentioned in Roger Corman's 1959 cult classic, "The Wasp Woman."

                                        Albert Dekker, a fine actor who plays the title role, is venturing into the same territory as that of Lionel Barrymore in MGM's 1936 "Devil Doll."  He wished to increase the world's food supply by decreasing the size of people.  Of course, no one wants to face up to reality, like biology, and that once the food supply is exhausted, how are little people to farm and do agriculture when they have not been trained for it????????????

                                          But I am overthinking this.  Just enjoy Dekker's performance--he wants to control the environment by shrinking people--and glamorous Janice Logan, as one of the tinys he toys with!!!!!!!!!!  Girls, if we are ever shrunk, we should all look like Janice Logan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           This is a film not only better suited to "Svengoolie" but to The Svengoolie Squad.  I hope Nostalgiaferatu appears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              And the film won an Oscar for Best Special Visual Effects.  Who knew?

                                              So, do not miss this rarely shown film.  It could be your last chance to see it!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              I am telling you, girls, even in B films, people dressed better in the 1940's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            See what I mean, dolls?????????????????????

                                              

                                           

                                        

Girls, Let's Have A Nice Discussion About "Rosemary's Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                         No matter how many times I read it or see it, I always find something to learn from "Rosemary's Baby."  So, I will share some of those topics with you; keep in mind these are only my interpretation of things, and I am going to proceed in the manner of the story.

                           1.  Was Mr. Nickles a member of the cove?.  Both he and Mrs. Gardenia demonstrate that not everyone at the Bramford is a member of the coven.   Mr. Nickles, wonderfully played by Elisha Cook, Jr. is either a realtor or the community representative of the building.  He is only seen when showing Guy and Rosemary the apartment, and later, when people gather around the dead Terry.  He is not seen during Rosemary's dream sequence--the conception scene--and he is not present when Rosemary comes into the Castavet apartment, carrying that knife.

                          2.  Mrs. Gardenia--".... than merely the intriguing pastime I imagined it to be.  I can no longer associate myself......"   Mrs. Gardenia was a non-practitioner whose friendliness earned the coven's trust, and so she was recruited.  She and Minnie Castevet were good friends; both had herbariums.  But Mrs. Gardenia got in over her head.  She thought the coven's activities was like a parlor game; when she realized that they were for real, she backed out.  Smart.  But since she and Minnie were in and out of each other's apartments, it was easy for Minnie to acquire something of Mrs. Gardenia's.  It is my belief that the writing stopped when Mrs. Gardenia suffered a stroke or coma, thanks to the coven.

                         3.  Terry Gionoffrio--Terry is the most problematic character in "Rosemary's Baby."  I stick with Ira Levin and Roman Polanski's version. wonderfully enacted by Victoria Vetri, that she was a down on her luck drug addict and prostitute.  The encounter in the basement has a touch of irony, because, while extolling to Rosemary the Castevets, she says, "At first, I thought they wanted me for some kind of sex thing."  Actually, they did.  The Castevets made a big mistake in telling Terry what was expected of her, and I am sure when she found out, she wanted out, tried to escape but could not.  Now, was Terry pushed out of the window, or did she jump?  The apartment was unoccupied, and she put a note on the door.  Did Terry write it?  I am sure she did, because through their incantation, the coven put into Terry's head the idea of killing herself.  Now, when someone--hopefully a policeman--first spotted the body, I am sure he laid it out flat, because a jumper would not land on the ground as perfectly as Terry did.   Now, had the Castevets not told Terry, like they did with Rosemary, things might have been different. Then, in 2024, some idiots came up with the idea of making a prequel to "Rosemary's Baby."  Interesting in and of itself, except the creators deviated from Ira Levin.  Terry here is a down and out dancer, felled by an irreparable injury.  She is taken in, conceives, but at some point, the end of the Ira Levin novel is almost recreated.  Terry, like Rosemary, walks into the apartment, now occupied by the coven, and in front of them runs to the window, pushes through and jumps. She is pregnant, so the ch8ld is destroyed.    This completely destroys the point of Terry's story, which was to demonstrate that Satan did not necessarily want some gutter rat, but someone relatively innocent and not quite pure, like Rosemary.  Anyone who watches "Apt. 7A," do not believe a word of it.  Stick to Levin and Roman Polanski.  They make more sense.

                          4.  Minnie Castavet--Ruth Gordon rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   Dianne Wiest, forget it!!!!!!!!!!!  But here is the thing about Minnie.  Once Rosemary has given birth, the coven is done with Guy and are now more sympathetic to Rosemary.  Yes, they gaslit her, but if it was not for Guy' s consent, the baby would not have happened, and John Cassavates delivers just enough sleaziness to make Guy's selling his wife's uterus to the coven believable.  What is not known about Minnie is where she comes from, and how she entered in the coven; that is, was she brought up a practicing witch, or only so when she married Roman.? I think somewhere in the novel, Minnie is alluded to having come from the Midwest but that is all we get.  Much more is revealed about Roman, except how he and Minnie met, and was she already practicing or did she enter into it by marriage?   There is no answer here, but it is interesting to conjecture!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         5.  Doctor Abraham Sapirstein--I really thought it a surprise when it is revealed he belongs to the coven, in spite of his highly regarded reputation.  It is also interesting that he does not live in the building; he is only seen in Minnie and Roman's apartment, not seeming to live at the Bramford.  But he did not charge Rosemary his "fancy schmalzy society prices."

                            6.  Edward "Hutch" Hutchins--No, darlings, this was way before "Starsky And Hutch."  Next to Rosemary and her girlfriends, especially Elise, Hutch, thanks to Maurice Evans' performance, is the most likable character in the story.  He mentors Rosemary, has no idea what a sleaze Guy is, but knows quite a bit about the Bramford.  His mentioning a dead baby being found in the basement in 1959 suggests that the coven tried something before, but it did not work.  Of course, readers/viewers only learn this when discovering what is actually going on.  As for the Trench Sisters, Keith Kennedy and Pearl Ames, I wish Levin had written more about them in the book.  When Hutch disappears, it is very similar to Mrs. Gardenia.  And more tragic, for having gotten to know and like him.

                         7.  The Ending-- This might be the most controversial topic of all.  People have different interpretations--my David feels when Rosemary finally connects with the baby she loses her sanity.  I disagree.  I think Rosemary's maternal instincts kick in, and, as the mother of the presumed child of Satan, she has a power position she did not have before.  Guy at this point is expendable; he will go to California, achieve some fame, but at some point, have an on-set accident.  Rosemary, as the venerated mother of the child, will always be watched over and taken care of, as will the child.  As Roman tells her, "You don't have to join."

                          Darlings, what a nice discussion we have had about "Rosemary's Baby."  I leave you with much to think about.

                          And keep an eye on how Ruth Gordon twirls that fork in her mouth as she eats the cake!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                        

                          

"Beaches" On Broadway Is All Washed Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           It's not like I was not expecting it, darlings, but, really, this soon???????????

                           "Beaches," the first casualty of the TONY season, because it got no nominations, will close this Sunday, May 24, a special day in Musical Theater history because, sixty years ago on that day, "MAME" opened at the Winter Garden!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               When a show closes, the ones I feel most sympathy toward are the actors.  Eight shows a week they have to present this material, even if it is a piece of crap!  The ones I really blame ae the composer and lyricist of this score.  What in hell were they thinking?  And Lonny Price?????????  Hey, Lonny, couldn't you have gotten a better composer-lyricist team, or one singular, to write a better score, which this show not only deserved but desperately needed?  If "Beaches" had had a good score, it might have become a cult classic among Theater Queens, then it might have lived on in memory and respectability.  Remember 'Merrily' and "RAGS," Lonny???????????????????

                                 So if anyone out there wants to see "Beaches"--God help you, if you do--there is only till this Sunday to do so.  Careers are ruined with this show; it will not take its leads anywhere, nor the superb children who were even better than the leads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                               But remember, folks, what Bette Davis as Baby Jane Hudson said, "You can lose everything, but you can never lose your talent."

                                  So, how come I am not appearing on Broadway?????????????????

I Just Found Out Juliette Lewis Sings In "The Rocky Horror Show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" The Question Is, Can She?????????????????"

                                  Juliette Lewis does not look so good, girls.  Could it be too much facial work, drugs, or a combination of both????????????????

                                     Lea Michele is a disgrace, but at least she can hit notes.  Lewis is a quirky actress and is playing a role many of us want to--Magenta--in this show.  But did you know she sings the opening song "Science Fiction?"  The score's most melodic and lyrical song, and Juliette Lewis sings THIS?  Can she?

                                        And I thought the Narrator always sings this.  I would rather hear Rachel Dratch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        I have seen a couple of clips on YouTube, and I have not been impressed.  And the theater staff and show crew are coming down hard on the audience participation thing, which is crucial to this show.  I mean, are people going to be stopped from doing the "Time Warp?"  I defy anyone so stop me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                           I admit when I first heard she was cast as Magenta, I asked why?  Now, I am really wondering.  I have not seen the show yet, but I plan to, at some point.

                                             Juliette Lewis has always been an actress of limited range.

                                              This time, I am afraid she may be stretching things too far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, It Is Important To Hydrate And Moisturize, And Use Sun Screen During These Sizzling Summer Months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Otherwise, You Will End Up Looking Like This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                            I don't think even Sally Hershberger could do something about "The Water Ghost Of Harrowby Hall."  Looking all damp and clammy is no way to present oneself at any kind of party or social gathering.

                            This is actually billed as "A Victorian Christmas Spirit Story."  The author is John Kendrick Bangs.  I first discovered this story in my children's Hitchcock anthology "Haunted Houseful."  This volume also contained "The Wastywych Secret," by Constance Savery.  With that nasty Victorian mean girl Jessica Fairlie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 But 'The Water Ghost' is hopeless, although she can serve as an example of what happens to girls who do not take care of themselves, especially during the summer months.

                                 Stock up on beauty products while you can!

                                  So you can have "Fun, fun, fun," and maybe Daddy won't take your T-bird away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Am Important Word About Fleet Week, Girls!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Now, I know that everyone on here loves Fleet Week.  The thing is it usually is around this time.  Gojira leads in the ships from the sea, the sailors disembark, and action ensues.

                                         Remember what I always say, darlings--Bring a sailor home for a home cooked meal.  But "a bit of dinner never hurt, but guess who is gonna be dessert?"

                                             The event will take place, but it will be more chaotic.  Because it is being only limited to three days--July 3, 4, and 5.  To coincide with our nation's 250th Anniversary!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               Can you imagine what a bottleneck Manhattan will be, then.  I would not even think of coming in.  Though on the 5th, we are supposed to see "Citizen Kane" at a Fathom Events at Regal Cinema on West 14th Street.  Maybe I will nab a sailor then!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                  So, don't be disappointed, dolls.  Fleet Week will happen, but in a more abbreviated form.

                                                    It will accelerate your wiles in recruiting sailors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, What Kind Of Blogger Would I Be, If I Did Not Write About Rex Reed?????????????????????????

                            Rex Reed, who died on May 12 this year at the age of eighty-seven, during my youth--the Seventies and Eighties--was a big name in entertainment journalism.  Though this post may read more like a gossip column than a tribute.

                           No, darlings, I never slept with Rex Reed, though I can say that even during my wildest periods I don't think I would.  Or would I?  If he could do something for me?  Maybe.  But the point of all this is that, even at his handsomest I did not find him attractive, and I think our personalities would have clashed.  Two too strong egos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           I shall never forget Rex Reed going after Robert Altman on every picture he made.  Of his 1971 film, "McCabe And Mrs. Miller," Reed called it "an incoherent, boring, ponderous and totally worthless piece of garbage....and I am sad to say that 'M*A*S*H*' was an accident."

                           What most people don't know, but I do, girls, after reading an article in "Film Quarterly" during the time "Nashville" came out in 1975 relating an incident at one of the film festivals, where both gentlemen were staying on the same hotel floor, rooms from each other, that something took place.    One night , Altman was going back to his room, and Reed had the door open, coming on to him! Are you kidding?  Anyone who knows anything knew Robert Altman was straight, and that when gay men go after straight men it always ends badly.

                               But then he never came out, did he?   Instead, he never learned from his comeuppance several years before the above, when "TIME Magazine" said of his appearance in the 1970 film, "Myra Breckinridge--"Rex Reed's debut as an actor is on a par with the best line the scriptwriters could give him, 'Where are my tits?' "  Indeed, Rex, where were your tits?????????????

                                  Where Rex trolled, I could not tell.  Though I am sure he did.  He bought an apartment years ago in the Dakota for $30K--can you imagine??????--and Lord knows what that will go for today.  I would love to live there, but I am not about to make a deal with the devil.  I would guess Rex Reed did.

                                     Yes, he could write.  Yes, his bitchiness was entertaining, but after several decades he seemed to disappear from public view.  Like John Simon, his pieces might not be publishable today.  Why do you think I write on here?  Would the American press, even the more minor publications, accept such candor as mine?  I doubt it.

                                      So, hail and farewell to Rex Reed.  Rest In Peace.  And be content with being a footnote in American culture.

                                       Though you probably won't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Darlings, THIS Is The Show Of The Season!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Three weeks from today are The TONY Awards.  Now, "Schmigadoon" has already picked up some minor prizes, like the Outer Critics Circle choice for "Best Musical."  But here's the thing.  The TONYS, like the Oscars, are so damned political and corporate--isn't everything, girls? --that, much as I want and think it should win "Best Musical," it probably will not.  My advice to you out there is to keep an eye on "The Lost Boys" and "Two Strangers (Carry A Cake Across New York)."

                                        But "Schmigadoon" is the show everyone should see.  A play on the Golden Age Of Musical Theater, even the title suggests "Brigadoon," and so do aspects of the plot.

                                         For show aficionados and Theater Queens like me, the references and in jokes fly, and I caught every one.  For those not in these groups, its colorful staging and knowledgeable direction and choreography by Christopher Gattelli recall the Technicolor musicals of Vincente Minnelli in the 1940s (like "Brigadoon!").  Anyone looking for a 2.5-hour getaway from the current travails of this world are encouraged to see this show.

                                            Besides Gattelli's staging, it also has some Broadway stalwarts like Alex Brightman, Brad Oscar, and Ana Gasteyer, whose performance as the mayor's wife, is a hilarious combination of Hermione Gingold in "The Music Man" and Margaret Hamilton as Almira Gulch in "The Wizard Oz."  By the way, since that film--my favorite--I bet no parent has dared to name their daughter or daughters Almira.  Brad Oscar is the mayor, hilariously dressed as the Mayor Of Munchkin City--another 'Oz' reference--and the reveal between he and Max Clayton, as the Reverend, is hilarious and great for today's times.

                                               The score by Cinco Paul, who also did the book, is wonderfully evocative of musical melodies without plagiarism.    Throughout, one can hear recollections of "Oklahoma!" "Carousel," "The Music Man" and Gilbert And Sullivan Patter that also suggests Stephen Sondheim.  This is American Musical Theater, so no Andrew Lloyd Webber here!  I loved how the score was handled.

                                                I also loved maintaining the methods of entrance and departure from "Schimgadoon."  The duo here are Josh Skinner (Alex Brightman) and Melissa Gimble (Sara Chase), an unmarried couple, one of which is that Skinner is one of the worst kinds of straight guy--someone who dislikes musicals.  It is a pity because, anyone who saw the opening of "Beetlejuice" on Broadway knows Brightman is a more than a capable musical performer, and it is a pity he gets only one song.  He plays his role well, but I wish he had been given more to do.

                                                   Sara Chase, thankfully, is given more and it is when she and the chorus step forward to sing and dance that the show is at its best.  Michael Bennett would be proud, because, beside the stalwarts mentioned--- including McKenzie Kurtz, who plays Betsy, a sort of stand-in for Ado Annie--the show's chorus is actually the star, with its blend of jazz tap, and ballet seldom seen in today's present-day musicals.

                                                      Credit for the Vincente Minnelli color style must be given to set designer, Scott Pask, costume designer Linda Cho, and lighting designer Donald Holder.

                                                     Will "Schmigadoon" stand Time's test, like the shows it references????? Only Time itself will tell.  But right now, darlings, I am telling you, it is the show of the moment, and an avenue of escape for those who need it.

                                                        And all of us do, from time to time. So go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Want To Be Photographed By Steven Meisel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Originally, darlings, I wanted to be photographed by Patrick Demarchelier, but he died in 2022; so, unfortunately, that is that.  But after looking at the superb color composition, I think Steven Meisel might be the person to photograph me.  That is, if he agrees to photograph me on at least some of my terms.

                           The photo, without question, has to radiate pink.  My idea is me peeking through a face hole, surrounded by a wall of real pink flowers, and smiling at the camera.  I am telling you, it could make a "VOGUE" cover!!!!!!!!!!!!!   ANNA, you hear this???????????????

                             Of course, photographers have other ideas, and I would be interested in hearing them, but the request that is non=negotiable is that I be surrounded by pink.  And with my skin tones, pink is sure to highlight them.

                              I guess "Schimgadoon," which I recently saw and will report on, is giving me all these Technicolor Vincente Minnelli fantasies.  Also, a little bit of Cecil Beaton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                              How about it, Steven?  When and where?????????????

I Have Missed Some Important Dates, And Am Sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           It is said in all marriages a time comes when an anniversary is forgotten.  I thought it would never happen this year, but it did.  About ten days later, I realized I had missed May 8, which is the anniversary of when David and I first met.  We always celebrate it.  This year, with shows and doctor appointments it just slipped by.  I am so ashamed.  Now, I suppose one might say we could celebrate it any time, but I am one of those people who like to address the occasion on the actual day.  Will we celebrate the occasion?  I am sure at some point we will do so, but for now, I cannot believe I forgot such an important event in my life.  A life changer in the best, most positive, way.

                              Now, the other date I missed has religious connotations.  That was May 13, which was the 109th anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady Of Fatima to Franciso, Jacinta, and Lucia.  All of whom were first cousins, by the way.  Jacinta, the holiest child at Fatima, must be hauling down lightning bolts at me. not just  for my promiscuous. profligate past life, but for forgetting this date; the only time I have done so.

                                Is it age?  Or was May such a taxing month?  A lot happened in it, and continues to, but I think it was more from coming off the difficulty of April, which has been the case since the late Seventies.  Life changed for me shortly after my college graduation, but in ways I could not have anticipated and that had so many negative impacts upon me.

                               Like Scarlett O' Hara, I managed to survive.  Now that I am in my seventies, perhaps I still get emotionally overwhelmed around this time of year.

                                What's important is David knows I love him, and he me; in fact, several weeks ago, when my friend Angie was in town, we dined at what used to be the place David and I met.  Back in 2010--sixteen years ago!!!!!!!!!!!--it was called the Riviera Cafe; now it is Little Ruby Cafe.  Angie and I had not seen each other in at least seven years--she has been living in Alaska for the past 18-- so maybe, in a way, that was our premature celebration.  The occasion was certainly celebratory.

                                    Still, in a way, I wanted to remember these dates and celebrate them with my readers.

                                     Be good to your spouses, darlings, and may Heaven forgive me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Girls, I Don't Know What To Tell You About This One!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  Actually, darlings, I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                 "Rosemary's Baby" is a masterpiece, filled with horror and humor, and Mia Farrow giving what is still the performance of her life.  I would never hesitate to recommend this film to anyone, but tonight it is being aired on the "House Of Svengoolie," meaning that in between the film will be Borscht Belt style jokes ruining the film's impact.  Also, they are running it in their usual two-and-a half hour time slot.  "Rosemary's Baby" runs exactly two hours and sixteen minutes, meaning large portions of the film are going to be cut to fit the time frame and moronic humor.

                                    So, here is what I say.  Anyone out there who has NEVER seen this film, even if having read the book, give it a look, because its brilliance will shine through.  This will make those in this group seek out a DVD or streaming airing, to see the complete, uncut film.

                                        For those, like me, who are aficionados of this film, I say SKIP IT!  It is disrespectful to the film, Roman Polanski, Mia Farrow and everyone connected with it.

                                          Those who choose to watch, keep an eye out for the painting of the burning church, and the hourglass coffee pot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             I would love to own those movie props!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                          

The Latest In Bathroom Fashion, Darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gojira Shower Curtains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Girls, I am telling you, our reptile friend Gojira is branching out.  He is becoming an entrepreneur as well as a movie star.  I understand he actually took the above pattern to ANNA, and she approved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Aren't they cute, darlings???????????  Little pictures of Gojira all over the curtain.  Children will especially love it.  You know how much Gojira loves children, and they love him!!!!!!!!!!

                             I am telling you this will the next hot fashion item!!!!!!!!!!!!  Your bathroom will be the talk of the neighborhood, darlings.  Make it look sparkling, like this, and not the convent cell in "The Song Of Bernadette."  Unless your taste and faith run to Catholicism.

                              I would be proud to have these curtains in my bathroom.  Everyone get out and support Gojira, who, of course, will donate to his favorite charity.

                              Probably St. Jude's Hospital For Children!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Forty-Nine Years Ago Today...........................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Darlings, I cannot believe it has been that long.  Today, on this very day, I graduated, with honors, from Seton Hall University, with a B.A. in Communications. Of course, I had my eyes set on being a critic on "The New York Times," but how could I have known that the journalism profession would tank?  Or that, in less than two years, my mother would be gone, creating a life change akin to the Civil War enacting a change in Scarlett.

                                           I had to survive the cruelty of some relatives; maintaining I was a loser because I had so much trouble finding a job!  And when I eventually proved them wrong, not a one apologized.  Forgiveness, maybe, forget no.

                                             Though I was a late bloomer, thanks to my education, going all the way back to Highland Park, I found a job perfectly suited for me, in the arts, and that I retired from after 35 years.  My generation, I believe will be the last of the long job termers.

                                              All in all, I have to say I have done pretty well, and I am happy in retirement.  Could I have been a lawyer?  Sure.  But could my stress level and other health issues take it; not to mention mountains of debt I accrued from student loans.

                                             So, thank you, Seton Hall.  Next year will be fifty years, and I am already talking of a party.  Can ANNA come?  I hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             To those out there who may be in the situation I was--don't you let anyone, family or not, put you down.  You are better than they are.

                                               They just do not know it.

Happy Ascension Thursday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                          I don't know if happy is the word for it; a better choice might be celebratory.

                         Ascension Thursday, which takes places 40 days after Easter--yes, we are at that point already--when Jesus bid goodbye to his Apostles on Earth, and, before them, ascended into the sky to Heaven.  That's the way it was told in the Gospel I heard this morning--I was also singing in the choir--and as the Gospel was read, I could almost picture this happening before my eyes.

                             This day creeps up on us--last year I forgot--so I am grateful to be given the chance to rectify the past.  This particular day is also very important as I will reveal in the next post.

                            So, congratulations, Jesus, on completing your mission on Earth.  Now, you get to see how we all handle things down here.  God help us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                             However, you acknowledge this Thursday, make it one to remember, darlings!

                              And the season finales of "Law And Order" and 'SVU' are on tonight!

                              I wish they would get rid of Mariska Hargitay and Hugh Dancy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I Just Love A Crescent Moon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

                                                                                   

                                                                            

                    

                                 I have always had a special relationship with the moon.  I love looking up at it, and when I was a child, in my prayers I would always say "God bless the Moon."  At the time, I thought the moon was my special friend, because it seemed, to me, that it followed me everywhere.  It was always there for me to look at, and when driving home from friends or relatives, it always seemed to be following me, watching, until I got home.

                                    When I got older, I developed a strong fondness for crescent moons.  They are beautiful to look at, because one can imagine what is hidden behind it, and I always do.  Georges Melies in his famous 1902 film "A Trip To The Moon" had chorus girls in satin gowns sitting on crescents, and how I would love to be one of them.

                                        Now, a full moon is beautiful but also creepy.  I thought so, even before I knew about werewolves.  Though I can honestly say, I never heard a wolf howl during the full moon, but I think it has something to do with humans and their sexual cycle.

                                        But the crescent moon is safe and comforting, which is why I love it.

                    I mean, look at this image.  Who wouldn't love to be on that crescent?

                  This would be great, expanded into a wall!  Images make great decorations!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Beaches" Gets Beached!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                    This will be another post that may have spoilers, so let me say first if you have never seen the 1988 film "Beaches," with Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey, skip this post, but see the film, and avoid this musical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      The "Playbill" cover says more about the show than may be realized.  The musical is at its best when the focus is on the children--Little CeCe, played by Samantha Schwartz, and Little Bertie, played by Zeya Grace.  They are wonderful, and it is interesting how they move throughout the show as figures of memory.  Because when Jessica Vosk and Kelly Barrett take over, they are so lackluster.

                                         What prompted Lonny Price to get involved in this mess?  The Sondheim alum, and forever original cast member of "Merrily We Roll Along," uses the children in a "Follies-esque" way, but the unexciting book and even worse music and lyrics make this a disappointment.

                                           The biggest disappointment is the end, which should have given audiences who are so inclined--like me--a good catharsis.  If I recall the 1988 film correctly Hillary (the Barbara Hershey character; why the name change here I could not tell you) dies with CeCe at her side, holding hands.  Tears were shed over this moment. But the show denies the audience this; when Bertie gets sick, cancer is unmentioned.  If the audience blinks, they will miss Bertie's passing, which is so anit-climatic, rushing too soon into a not so moving rendition of the moving "Wind Beneath My Wings." 

                                              "Beaches" might have been the entertaining tearjerker it is capable of being had it been better cast, scored, and more attention paid to the key emotional aspects.   Like the song in "Gigi" says, "Thank Heaven For Little Girls."

                                                   Because when they are on stage, the two little girls transform "Beaches" into what might have been.  Pity it was not.

I Would Like Some Answers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           After seeing "Fried Green Tomatoes" yesterday, I found myself asking questions I have not asked in years.  There will be extensive plots aspects mentioned, so if you have not seen the film or read the book, skip this post.

                           The film is beautiful and heartbreaking, well-crafted cinematically and heartbreaking at the same time.  The line that haunts me most from yesterday is when Sipsie (Cicely Tyson) is comforting the grieving Idgie (Mary Stuart Masterson) and says to her, "You know, Miss Ruth was a lady.  And a lady...always knows.... when to leave."  I sobbed over that one.

                             It is also one of the best cast films I have seen.

                                This is not THE question I want answered but as I recall, when Idgie turns to the window and tells the story of the lake, doesn't Sipsie "help Ruth along" with an injection?  This viewing I was not sure.  It has been years, maybe decades since I saw this.

                                   Speaking as a gay man from a current time, it is no question to me that Idgie and Ruth had a loving lesbian relationship.  A lot better than straight couples.  This was the South in the Twenties and Thirties, it was a small town, and everyone knew.  Had this been two men, they would have been killed, tarred and feathered and castrated.  And I offer this theory via another gay couple's film.

                                                                     

                    That film was "Brokeback Mountain," made fourteen years after "Fried Green Tomatoes" in 2005, taking place in Wyoming.  It is the early Sixties, I believe and while both Ennis and Jack are married to women, it is clear their love is real.

                     Midway through the film there is a scene when Ennis is a child.  He and his father take a walk, and he shows the boy this abandoned house, which used to be a ranch.  He said years ago two men who were cowboys lived on their own, had their own ranch--but they lived as a couple!  They were out of range of the town, but it knew, and one night they were attacked and killed.  I remember being appalled at this but also wondering why the father was telling this young boy, far from puberty, about this? Did he sense his son was a burgeoning gay man?  Like "Fried Green Tomatoes," this film is beautiful and heartbreaking, but I have never forgotten this part.  It makes me uncomfortable.

                          I may be naive, but I still want to know why Idgie and Ruth were able to "get away with it," and those two men, as well as Ennis and Jack, could not.  Today, thankfully, David and I live as comfortably--he is the Ruth to my Idgie--and we have never had a problem.  Yet back then we might have and I would have had to fight.

                          During childhood I recall my cousins had an uncle on their father's side, who lived in Belmar, New Jersey, near his sister and her husband.  The uncle ran a flower shop, was not married, but had a "companion." though they did not live together.  When the uncle's time came, the "companion" took care of him.

                           When I was old enough to understand, I wondered.  Was not living together a choice, or imposed by the time?  I suppose I will never know, but at least they were open enough to be there for each other.  Which is what I love about Idgie and Ruth.

                              To sum up, tell me why women can get away (or could?) with it, easier than men?

                             And I still want to wear all the outfits from "The Devil Wears Prada 2."

                           I would even wear some of Ruth's dresses!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Two Most Perfect Movies For Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           "The Bad Seed," 1956--Oh, my God, darlings, when Nancy Kelly's hysteria ratchets up after realizing she has a homicidal child, she sets new screen heights for hysteria, that did not even come close to anything else until Veronica Cartwright came along in "The Children's Hour" in 1961.

                              Darlings, even the alcohol ridden Mrs. Daigle, the wonderful Eileen Heckart, had Rhoda's number--well, sort of.  She had all the pieces assembled, but not in the proper place.  And that Monica Breedlove, the garrulous Evelyn Varden.  I still maintain the picture should have lasted long enough to have Rhoda push her from the roof!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                This film is a mother's nightmarish delight.  Having a missing child is a tragedy, but a murderous one is something to fear.  How long before she kills you?  And once puberty and hormones would have set in that becomes a frightening reality.

                                 Yes, girls, this film is perfect for Mother's Day, reminding us also of the importance of morning coffee and facial treatment.

                                                                 

                          Mildred Pierce," 1945--My mother's name was Mildred--she hated it--and when I first heard of this film, I briefly was calling her Mildred Pierce.  Until I had seen the film.  This is another film where a mother has a nasty daughter, though, with Joan Crawford, take your pick.  She had one here, in "Strait-Jacket" and in "Berserk!"   But "Mildred Pierce" is the best.  Ann Blyth, as daughter Veda advances to murder on her nineteenth birthday, only to get hauled off to prison.  On her birthday; can you imagine?  Her line about the dress being cheap is spot on: I mean, what would ANNA have said?  Everyone has Veda's number, but Mildred.  Even at the end, I was never sure she figured it out yet.  I always said it was too bad Kay died; she might have given Veda the comeuppance she needed.  But Joan is at her masochistic self-sacrificing best, and Eve Arden's acidity is along for the ride, and Zachary Scott cuts a dashing figure as Monty.  Oh, hons, it is such fun, especially with Ann Blyth livening things up as Veda.  And wait till you see the nightclub sequence.

                          So, take your pick, darlings!!!!!!!!  Each one is guaranteed to ensure a delightful Mother's Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                           Happy, happy, all you mothers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                

Gojira Wishes All Mothers A Happy Mother's Day By Standing Next To The Statue Of Liberty, Showing He Is On The Side Of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         This publicity shot from his forthcoming film is just too precious, as Gojira shows his love for Mom, and the American way.  He is a true patriot and hero.  He is so modest he never told us.

                          I know he wishes Sister Camille D'Arienzo a Happy Mother's Day.  Many of us have looked to her over the years for maternal wisdom.  She and Gojira have a special bond.

                          Today we are all going to a screening of "Fried Green Tomatoes."  I have not seen it in years, and I love the film, but for those who know, I dread that early scene which transitions the film from a feel-good film to something else, but special.

                             However, you celebrate and honor your mother, have a happy and healthy one, dears.

                             And stay tuned for some perfect Mother's Day film selections!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girls, Join Us Tonight At 8PM, As "Svengoolie" Presents "First Men In The Moon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                           This is the film version of a 1901 novel by H.G. Wells of the same title.  I have seen the trailer and, though made in 1964, it suggests a Technicolor version of Georges Melies.

                                            The spaceship is antiquated, the color is like an old movie, and the cast is filled with stalwarts like Lionel Jeffries, Martha Hyder and Valentine Dyall.  Remember him as Jethro, Elizabeth Selwyn's acolyte in "The City Of The Dead"/Horror Hotel?"

                                              The special effects are by the great Ray Harryhausen, and that is special enough for me, darlings!!!!!!!!!!  This was when things were done for real, not like today's artificial CGI.

                                               Having never seen this film, I cannot promise artistic thrills, but the visuals should be stunning.  And I am sure The Sven Squad will be on hand..

                                                So, join David, me, Baby Gojira and Company for this special viewing tonight!

                                                And God help us next week, when The Sven Squad airs "Rosemary's Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Girls, It Is Every Bit As Good As Could Be Hoped, And I Cannot Get Over Not Being Disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                   
                                                                                   

                              Still and all, I learned several important things from "The Devil Wears Prada 2."

                              1. NEVER shop at Kohl's!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                                                                2. Do NOT give away CHANEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!                                                                          3.."May the bridges I burn light my way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                             Gabriela Hearst...Tom Ford...Dries Van Noten....CHANEL...Schiaparelli...Catherine Holstein....the names and faces of designers and celebrities was almost too much to take in, while concentrating on the Divine MERYL, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tuccci.

                                 Everyone looks so gorgeous and cute after 20 years--has it really been twenty years, darlings?  Yes, it has, and don't we all look fabulous? -but then as devotees of this film and its ideas, why shouldn't we?  At least that's what we tell ourselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                  I think ANNA sees the whole thing as a hoot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                   Speaking for myself, girls, I saw this as a microcosm of my fast-paced life.  My God, up early, shower quickly, gulp down coffee, then off to an event, doctor appointment, movie or show!!!!!!!!!!!!  I really have to squeeze in time to write this blog; on a good morning, I just take my coffee to the desk and write!!!!!!!!!!!!  It is evening right now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                      So, now you know what I go through girls!!!!!!!!  Bul like the characters in the film, I would not trade it for anything!  And that includes my David!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        This is is the film all us girls and queens have been waiting for!

                                         Guys who do NOT see this, start questioning your sexuality!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                                                

Have You Heard About The "Trad Wife" Movement!???????????????????????????????

                                        To think I was made aware of this on the TV show "Elsbeth," which we watch for pleasure on Thursday nights.  The "Trad Wife" movement is simply dreadful.  It is a group of women and their neanderthal husbands who want to live life as it was in 1950's America!  Girls, I kid you not!!!!!!!!! Can you believe this???????????????

                                           Not since Marabel Morgan's "Total Woman" movement in 1973--which netted Joyce Maynard her second cover story in "The New York Times" Magazine--" in which she seemed to be an advocate--has there emanated such media nonsense.  Why would any adult woman in her right mind want to go back to that time?  Even Joyce seems to have moved on, living life as an individual, though I do not fault her for her pie crusts.  They are difficult to make.  My mother said that only her friend, Dotty Kramer--oh, what a character!!!!!!--could make really good pie crusts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                              This "Trad Wife" thing is total garbage, and phony as hell, as demonstrated well on last night's episode of "Elsbeth," where the guru of non-liberation was blithely hauled off to prison for murder.  It was great that a murder took place on this show--it almost always does--but the "Trad Wife" advocate should have been the victim.  But then, I guess, there would have been no story. Maybe there should be one, or a documentary about how this movement could spell damage for America.

                                                  Are we generating a group of Blondie Boopadoops?????????????

                                                  In this case, I was glad for this episode of "Elsbeth" to open my eyes.

                                                   This could destroy the fabric of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What Is The Worst Thing Catherine Ames Did????????????????????????????

                                 Recently I embarked on, and completed, a fifth reading of what I consider The Great American Epic Novel--John Steinbeck's "East Of Eden."  A biblical allegory, Cahterine is the Eve figure of the novel--evil.  She murders her parents, abandons her family, eventually running the kinkiest house of prostitution in a town in the Salinas Valley in California.  She is pure evil, and yet without her there would be no story.  She continues to fascinate readers.

                                  But what is the worst thing she did?  To me, it happened early, when she was just fourteen, as in the picture suggested above.

                                    During her time in school, then there arrived a Latin teacher by the name of James Grew.  He was young, but with a tragic past.  He is described as a "failed seminarian," but Steinbeck never states how he failed and came to leave the seminary.  He is tormented from the moment he enters the story, and the torment only gets worse when Cathy sets her sights on him.  Like all skilled at evil, she is able to accomplish deeds without anyone else being aware of them--until it is too late.

                                      Focusing on Grew, Cathy lures him with her youthful sexuality.  The young teacher is attracted, but tormented by his feelings, torn between lust and holiness.  Eventually, he gives in and the two have a sexual relationship, usually in the school where he teaches.

                                     One late evening, Grew desperately knocks on the door of the Ames house, imploring Mr. Ames to let him explain something. Ames never gives him the chance and slams the door.  Cathy is listening from her bedroom door, but closes it, smiling at the outcome.

                                        Again, Steinbeck never clarifies what Grew wanted to tell Ames, but it is pretty clear to the reader.  The next day, the body of Grew is found at the foot of the church altar.  He is dead, having shot himself to death.

                                         Yes, James Grew pulled the trigger, but who is really responsible for this?

                                         Catherine Ames.  She knew Grew's torment, and she drove him to suicide.

                                          Had this been her only ill deed, it would have stood out as an ultimate deed of evil!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         

Yes, Darlings, I Survived The Dentist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                   Even after seven months, instead of six, I got through the dental visit with little trouble.  Oh, my upper teeth are problematic to clean, but I think by now I have gotten so use to that pain it hardly bothers me anymore. I used to groan, and now I don't.  And I am given an oral anesthetic.  

                                                    Lisa, my personal teeth cleaner, did her usual fine job, while Dr. Jacob, a fine young man, by the way, was covering for his father, who was on vacation.  His hands are some of the softest that have ever poked my mouth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       I hate going to the dentist.  Then there is the bill.  But, compared to other dental bills I have dealt with, this one is not bad.  I always have anxiety going, but I always come out feeling like a burden has been lifted from me.

                                                          Until the next six months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                            Keep smiling, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!