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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                     So many more I could have thought of.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                  

                                       

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                                                    

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

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

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

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

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

                                     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                            

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                       

                                                    
 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Got News For You, Kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Joyce Maynard Beat You To It First! And She Was Younger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                        Not only that, but she had a pedigree of educated parents, and then had a relationship with J.D. Salinger that rocked the literary world

                                           Last night on his Saturday evening show, "On Stage," Frank Dilella, resident phony who fancies himself a member of the theater community--only no one else does--had this Tik Tok loser on his program, and what a bunch of bull.  All the memoir tricks were pulled--maudlin, self-pity, addictive parents, self-addiction, and while he has never been on a Broadway stage--I doubt if he has even seen a Broadway show--fancies himself a member of the Broadway community.

                                             Girls, the kid is as phony as a cigar store Indian.  Remember "A Million Little Pieces," by James Frey?  When it came out, in 2003, it was thought to be the last word on addiction.  I read it.  Only it was revealed later Frey fabricated the whole thing.  Sure, it could read as a good novel about addiction, but why not market it that way?  Phony slob!  No one will read you again

                                               The same could be said of Chris Olsen.  Kid, quit while you are ahead.  Go back to whatever suburban burg you are from and take a dance class in the studio above the town grocery store.

                                                The Island Of Failed Performers, darling!

Girls, I Really Don't Encourage Anyone To Watch This!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     The reasoning behind this 1966 film was the same as for "The Ghost And Mr. Chicken."  Because Don Knotts was so popular on "The Andy Griffith Show," Hollywood figured he could carry a film.  Well, dolls, we all saw how that went!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                         "The Munsters" with its superb comedic cast and atmospheric look was enormously popular, and Hollywood thought they could carry a film.  They could not, but in this case I would say it was not their fault, but the scriptwriter's.  Also, the idea that a half hour sitcom, while hilarious, cannot be expanded into a two-hour feature.

                                               So, I encourage my girls to stay away from this one.  I will let you know what we watch tomorrow.  However, for true "Musters" devotees who have never seen this film, be my guest!  But I guarantee you will not return to it again.

                                              When will artists learn when to let things be?

                                               You hear that, Zoe Kazan????????????????

This Film Foreshadowed Both "Nashville" And "Network!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                   I would bet you dollars and donuts, girls, that before Robert Altman and Paddy Chaeyefsky created their masterworks, at some point prior, they had seen this 1957 film, directed by Elia Kazan.

                                      I had heard of "A Face In The Crowd" for years, but had no idea until yesterday, when I finally saw it, of its impact.

                                      Andy Griffith gives the performance of his life.  Forget Sheriff Taylor of Mayberry, he should have followed this path, maybe becoming a great actor and not a sitcom icon.  Patricia Neal is as usual brilliant, and the title comes from her character's radio program, which showcases unknown people.  Griffith is both game and fool enough to allow it to propel him to extremes.

                                         They are supported by Walter Matthau, Lois Nettleton, and, in her film debut, a young Lee Remick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                            This is one of the best screen examinations of the corruption of fame.  Be careful what you wish for, darlings!  The ending is haunting, and the final shot masterful.  I could not stop thinking about this film for hours.  The amazing thing was how it was overlooked when it came out--no Oscars or critics' awards!  Was it ahead of its time?  Or was America just as dumb as I suspect it always was?  Think about that one, girls!

                                                  Speaking of Andy Griffith and what he does here, it made me think of one other show cast member.

                                                   What if Frances Bavier had done "The Killing Of Sister George?"

                                                      Now, that would have been a hoot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cathy Ames Or Scarlett O'Hara? You Tell Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                                         

                            Girls, I have not yet seen the Florence Pugh 2026 "East Of Eden," but I am not satisfied with how Zoe Kanzan--what nerve!!!!!!!!!!--had the temerity to soften Cathy's narrative impact to bring her story into the Me-Too movement, where it does not belong.

                             Cathy Ames, the Eve of John Steinbeck's "East Of Eden" is the most evil woman in American literature.  A while back, I wrote a post asking what the worst thing was Cathy did.  I said it was driving her Latin teacher, James Grew, a failed seminarian, to suicide by sexual manipulation, which he both wanted but felt guilty over, leading him to kill himself.  She did this when she was only 14.

                             I know Florence Pugh is the acting toast of the moment as Cathy, but is her Cathy really Steinbeck's or Kazan's?  It will be interesting to find out.

                               Now, as to Scarlett O'Hara, she is both pure Margaret Mitchell and pure Vivien Leigh.  The worst thing she does is marry her sister's beau, Frank Kennedy.  But then she did it to keep a roof over everyone's heads. and, girls, let's face it, with Sue's pinched look, had Frank not come along, she would have been an old maid anyway.

                                  No, Scarlett is not even on the same level as Cathy Ames; the latter is actually closer to Veda Pierce.  Now, the word bitch is very overused, and with the women I have mentioned has been used extensively.  But Cathy, by Steinbeck, is by far the worst.

                                   I can't tell you mor about Pugh, until I see it.  But my expectations are not high!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How Could I Have Missed "Klute?" After All These Years???????????????????????

                          "Klute" was a big surprise, because it is not just one, but three, movies.  It is first an exposition of New York City in the Seventies, when the city was at its worst.  It takes the viewer inside the life of a professional call girl, circa 1971, and it is also a film noir mystery.

                         And it is Jane Fonda's show.  As Bree Daniel, she commands the screen every time she is on it, which is quite a bit, for the good of this film.  The film also exposes American suburban hypocrisy, because not only is the antagonist foreshadowed, I spotted him right from the start. His is played by Charles Cioffi, and the monologue he has with Fonda near the end is a masterwork in acting, and line delivery.

                         It is also a taut screenplay, written by Andy Lewis and David E. Lewis.  Who the hell are they, and how did they get this far?  Did they ever write anything else?

                          The film starts at a suburban party where the workers of a corporation are gathered and bemoaning the disappearance of the hostess' husband. Tom Gruneman on a New York business trip awhile back.  Did something happen to him?  Was there another woman?  He is asked by his boss, Peter Cable, to go to New York and investigate.  And once we get to New York, darlings, we see all aspects of life there, and I know my 16-year-old self would have been fascinated The city was drawing me in, even then.

                              What follows is a detailed maze of sexual intrigue, led by the brilliance of Fonda, but supported, in turn, by a surprisingly sexy performance by Donald Sutherland.  I have never, under any circumstances, thought this man sexy, but director Alan J. Pakula taps something dark and lurking within him.  It is one of his best performances as well.

                                  Had I seen "Klute" in 1971, it would not have stopped me from coming to New York but might have given me more of an insight into what I might be in for.  No, girls, none of my experiences matched Bree's, but we all have our stories to tell about New York, don't we, darlings?

                                    Few movies dissect New York City as sharply as "Klute."

                                    But, girls, please--not that Jane Fonda hairstyle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                     

                                     

                                     

Coyotes In Central Park? Oh, My!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                         Not having been in the park for some time--and no, girls, I have never gone near the Ramble; I had some standards, you know--I was not aware of coyotes, but I approve and am concerned Isn't the one pictured the cutest thing?  I understand there is a whole family of them in the park The parents are named Romeo and Juliet!!!!!!!!! They like to hang out, among other places around the Delacorte. Which leads me to what I want to question.

                        Raccoons are common at the Delacorte but is an actor really safe playing on that stage with coyotes roaming about?????????? Has one ever crossed the stage?  And what would an actor do, if one did????????????

                         I always wanted to play the Delacorte, but with the possibilities of wildlife, running about, if not upstaging me, I am not so sure.  Blythe, dear, how did you do it?

                         Maybe they would all cotton up to me, just like the animals in my neighborhood.  That would be so sweet.  But I hope they are OK.  I do not want to happen to them what happened to Flaco!!!!!!!!!

                              So, I welcome the coyotes to the park, but don't approach them let them approach you.  And how did they get here; did they hop a train from the upstate mountains to get here?  Were they formerly domesticated pets?  Did they have a yearning for the high life?  Who could blame them?

                               Love and respect all creatures in the park, darlings, but please be careful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Introducing Gay Film #5--1950's "All About Eve!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                  Midway is the perfect spot for this film for burgeoning gay youngsters.  When first submitted, Joseph L. Mankiewicz' script was entitled "Best Performance."  Which is pretty accurate because every actor AND every character in this film is giving a performance, but who the hell is the best one?

                                        "All About Eve" makes more sense, for it gives the characters a central point around which they can all revolve.  This film is ideal for young gays in the throes of puberty, because its real title should have been "How To Be A Bitch."  Every character is an absolute bitch; even the understated Karen, played brilliantly by Celeste Holm, and whose fur coat I want to wear!  Because this film prepares young gays for the world, because, let me tell you, darlings, in order to survive in this world as a gay person, you have to be a bitch.  This film, and Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara will teach you how.

                                       Really, it is one of the best written screenplays, and almost every line is quotable.  I will share a few of my favorites at the end, but I admired Mankiewicz using theater to poke subtle fun at Hollywood.  And lunch at 21?  Oh, girls, if you haven't, you simply must.  And, of course, with hats.

                                           My favorite scene is in the theater, when Margo pretends not to know Eve is her understudy.  Probably the best example of ensemble acting captured on film.  Regretfully, Celeste Holm is not in this scene.

                                              Marilyn Monroe, as Miss Caswell, a graduate of The Copacabana School Of Dramatic Arts, has a line I have often wanted to use--"You won't bore him, honey.  You won't even get a chance to talk.'"  A star in the making!

                                                   I also want the dress Celeste wears in The Cub Room scene.  Which ends in her breaking understatement with peals of laughter, realizing something no one else around her will--that Eve has abased herself for nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                     The best thing I can say about this film is it is a learning experience, a pleasure to watch, and the verbal sparring is unequaled.

                                                       If this doesn't make you a bitch, nothing will, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                       Favorite Lines                                                                                                                                                 Lloyd Richards (Hugh Marlowe): "It is about time the piano realizes                                                         it has not written the concerto!"                                                                                                                     Karen Richards (Celeste Holm):  "Don't run out of adjectives, dear."                                                           Birdie (Thelma Ritter) "Well, let's say she thinks only about you."                                                              Margo: "Nice speech, Eve.  But I wouldn't worry too much about                                                              your heart.  You know you can always put that award where your                                                                heart ought to be."

                                                        Max Fabian:  May I say something?                                                                                                              Lloyd Richards:  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         Eve:  "She was a liar!  She was a LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

                                                        Watch and learn, juniors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!