I'M IN THE HOSPITAL

DATE AND STATUS:      MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH AND I'M STILL IN HOSPITAL



Sorry people, but as long as I am in hospital, I will not be posting, and I'm sure the world shares your regret.

I expect that approximately one week from today, I should be back to posting as usual.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED  INTEREST IN MY  BLOG, AND AS THE TERMINATOR SAYS:  I'LL BE  BACK

THE NEW NORMAL

                                             JACK'S BACK and this time it's personal

DATE AND STATUS:  Tuesday, September 11th, 2011, and I'M BEING HELD HOSTAGE!

Today's quote is by Crystal Eastman:  "Indifference is harder to fight than hostility, and there is nothing that kills an agitation like having everybody admit that it is fundamentally right."

One of the first things I want to write about is something I was hoping to save for the end of this post, alas, I'm insecure, and am placing it here in case you do not read the entire post.  Here goes:

If you ever want to do something, and in your efforts to achieve that goal, you receive nothing but discouragement from people, try to remember that you are a "Canadian," and that the first three letters of "Canadian" is "CAN," and not "CAN'T!" remember that!


It is so breathtakingly beautiful out.  I long to be a part of the day, and be out walking in it, or to be relaxing on the sunny dock, alas, my salacity to achieve this is fruitless due to the gravity of my knee's condition, which prevents me from leaving the confines of my bedroom.   I am hostage to a seven-inch gash, that refuses to heal, and is making me feel miserable, and in quite a lot of pain.

Mac is going to consult with another doctor to decide the best way of handling this bitch of a gash that seems to have a life of its own.  It just doesn't want to heal, and everything that's been done to it, so far, has been an exercise in futility.

The fifty-plus stitches that were installed to close the wound were ultimately in vain, because after their removal, the wound completely re-opened, sending the treatment. and me, back to square one/step one.  Let's hope that I have better luck this next time.

I have sad news to report, Bill Pudvan, who is a treasured friend to almost everyone here at Lake Nipissing, is today mourning the loss of his identical twin brother, Al.

Al Pudvan, whom both George and I had the privilege of knowing, passed away Sunday after succcumbing to heart disease complications.  He was a lovely man, and will be greatly missed by Bill and Als' families.  Our prayers and heart are with them today.

Well , I was going to write about the film, "Elmer Gantry" today, but have since, changed my mind and have made the revolutionary decision to take the day off from reviewing any movie.  I did watch "Elmer Gantry," (quite enjoyed it,)  and will eventually write about it, just not today, there is so much other material that is on my mind and that I want to write about.

First of which is that I've been thinking of changing some of the particulars of my blog, yes. AGAIN, BLANCHE!

It is all about  preventive maintenance.  I do not want to make myself nuts by having to publish a post every day, and I don't want to become so obsessive about blogging that I forget to live. 

Presently, I'm organized, and it isn't too hard to produce a daily post, but what about when we leave life here at the lake?   What about when the real world invades my existence, and I have to contend myself with doctor, or dental appointments, going to New York, or to see Barbra Streisand in a concert, (which I am on October 23rd,) what then????   

There are so many unknown variables that I can't possibly plan for, and I need to be honest with myself, and my capabilities.  I simply can't do it all!

While movies are very, very important to me, (they're my passion,) I do, do other things. and sometimes I may want to talk about those other things, and not just focus on film. 

While it's conceivable to write about the two separate entities, AND combine them in one post (such as in previous published posts,) it is not always practical, (and you all know, I'm nothing if not practical.) 

Don't fret yourself , I will still meet my goal of watching a new film every day, I just won't be providing reviews of film every day.  I need a respite.

 I have alot to say, and evidently there is way too much verbiage for Blogspot to publish all of it (no LOLA, I can't, nor WILL I, cut it down!)  Check out the previous posts of "Zorba The Greek" and "Incredibly Loud and Extremely Personal,"  and you'll see what I mean. 

The complete reviews got cut off, and did not have everything I wrote about them.  And, if I take the time to watch and review a film, I want you to see the whole critique, not just part of it, most of it, half of it, ALL OF IT, and I think that's what you want too! 

I want time to smell the flowers, read relevant books, and visit valued friends and family.  I can't do that if I'm cloistered in the world of film.

So that's how it's going to be people, one day there will be a review of a film, and the next day, or the day after that, the post will be about this, or that, and then I'll go back to writing about films. 

You'll never know what you're going to get until you sign into all of my posts, and now that we've got that out of the way, let us continue.

It is Fall, and with leaves changing colour and falling, television is giving us it's new lineup of programs to consider for our viewership.

On television tonight, watch for the premiere episodes of "Anger Management," which stars Charlie Sheen being himself, and "Men with Kids" which going by the title of the show is indicative of situations pregnant with possibilities,( sorry it was just too tempting to pass,)

"The New Normal" and "Go On" are back again tonight after having their premiers last night.

 Ryan Murphy, who previously created "Glee"offers us his new show "The New Normal," which revolves around a gay couple who have a baby, courtesy of a surrogate. 

Mac and I watched the premiere episode last night, and it was a gem!  Besides seeing a huge potential for future episodes, last night's show was so good that I'm urging all of you to watch it. 

Trust me, I bet "The New Normal" becomes the first hit show of the season.  It is well written, acerbic and very entertaining.  Mac and I both can't wait for the next episode, which thankfully is tonight. 

The only person in "The New Normal" that you might know is film actress, Ellen Barkin, who previously shared the movie screens with the likes of Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Robert DuVall.

Ms. Barkin recently received a Tony award for her performance in Larry Kramer's "The Normal Heart."

Also in the cast, as one of the fathers, is Andrew Rannells, who helms from performing musicals on Broadway, his last being the male lead in the very successful "The Book of Mormon."

It was from watching Mr. Rannells perform a musical number from "The Book Of Mormon" on the telecast of the Tony Awards, that propelled me into wanting to see the musical in New York.

Mr. Rannells was amazing then, and he's funny NOW, and he is just one of the stars of "The New Normal!"

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) continues and all of you who are in the city of Toronto, or it's vicinity, should keep your eyes open for actors, singers and celebrities.

Justin Bieber was in town to support his girlfriend,  Selena Gomez's new film, "Hotel Transylvania," and after driving a black Cadillac to the Cineplex Odeon Queensway, Justin went and saw the film, "Ted." 

The cashier, at the cineplex of Odeon, who sold Justin his ticket, now has a great souvenir, with Justin's signature on the receipt. 

Also, a couple of giddy teenagers, who were at the cineplex to see a movie, managed to take Justin's photo with their phone, (of course,) and tweeted his pic, to everyone and everywhere. 

One teen even claims that she grabbed Justin's "junk" which according to other sources report that that isn't too much of a thrill,  but come on, we are talking about teenagers.

Sadly, today is the anniversary of the tragedy of the attacks on the World Trade Centre, the Pentagon and  the attempt to crash the Capital.  To this day, whenever I remember, and think about the loss of so many people, I feel the devastation of a life and time that will never again be the same.

All of us have to do everything in our power to ensure that something like this never happens again.  Even if all we do is cast our vote to elect the next President of the United States, or Prime Minister of Canada. 

Whomever will be the decision maker of our safety and welfare, will be there because we put him/her there, and we should really stop and think about the gravity of such a decision, and responsibility, and never, NEVER allow ourselves to become blase about electing or non-electing an official to office. 

It is a gargantua of a right and responsibility to vote, and we must never shirk it off, otherwise 9/11 could happen again tomorrow! and you're right, THAT IS PONTIFICATION!, it's just sometimes I have difficulty in being passive and remaining silent about those things I value so highly, my freedom, and my safety to enjoy that freedom!

                                      UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  Please note, that the time for me to see this movie has been changed to November to coincide with my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.


"The Dark Knight."  I thought I should view a relatively-recent film. As a child of ten, I loved "Batman," and this film  offers, Heath Ledger, who won an academy award, posthumously, as the joker.  I'm really looking forward to this one!

"Big Night."  I have been frequently asked if I've seen this film which quite a lot of people seem to enjoy, I think it's time I'm able to tell people YES, I'VE SEEN IT!!!!!

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."  I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, and years ago I did see this film, I must have, but the fact that I can't remember it qualifies it to be seen by this viewer and sometimes critic.

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Monkey Business, The Slut At Four' O'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!

ZORBA THE GREEK

                                 JACK'S BACK and this time it's personal

DATE AND STATUS:  Monday, September 10th, 2012 and I'm re-injured!

Quote of today comes from  E.L. Doctorow:  "There is no longer any such thing as fiction, or nonfiction; there's only narrative."

What's going on in Jack's world?, and yours:

Hillary Clinton, (I like her, I really like her!,) still has not completely ruled out running for President in 2016. 

There were many people, including this one, who were disappointed when Hillary dropped out of the race in 2008 to join the team of President Obama, but looking ahead to 2016, there is still quite a plethora of people encouraging Hillary to run.  

 I really hope Hillary does run for President, and if so, I hope this time, her husband, Bill Clinton, doesn't interfere in her campaign so much!

It seems that the OJ Simpson Trial had some tampering.  (I knew it.)  Evidently, Christopher Darden, co-attorney for the Prosecution team, claims that Johnny Cochrane altered the lining of the glove so that it couldn't fit when the defendant put it on. 

Remember, the phrase "if it don't fit, you must acquit."  Well NOW we know why it didn't fit, and if there is any of you who still have doubt about the guilt of OJ Simpson, please call me.   I happen to have some swamp land in Florida for you to purchase!

Potential frightening news looms over Prince Harry whose gone back to Afghanistan, to fight the Taliban, and is in grave danger as El Qaeda has threatened to kidnap Prince Harry, and kill him.  I'm very surprised and astonished that the Brits have let Harry go back.

I had a perfectly wonderful day yesterday.  As previously posted,  Mac took out my stitches, the weather was co-operating, and we even had a visit in the afternoon from a good friend.  And then it all slowly went into the toilet.

I was sitting on the couch watching the movie "Back to the Future," with Michael J. Fox, and I looked down at my left knee and saw that my gash, that had had over fifty stitches put in it, had RE-OPENED!, and it looked like it did the day of the accident, I just couldn't believe it. 

Subsequently, Mac said there was no point to going back to the hospital as he said they would not put new stitches in it.  Dr. George continued and said that I was just going to have to let the injury heal itself.  Great, how long is this going to take????

Oh well, focus on the positive Jack, always focus on what's good. 

It looks like another glorious day, weather-wise, so far, there are no clouds in the sky, and one can just look at that fantastic blue horizon forever.

The 2012 Para Olympic games closed last night.  The Para Olympics were a huge hit.  I really get inspired from these athletes because they show the world "what they can do," instead of "what they can't do," and some of us who are not disabled could take a page out of their books!  (AM I pontificating again?)

Today marks the debut of talk shows for:  Katie Couric, Ricki Lake and Jeff Probst.

Can't say that Mr. Probst's talk show has any interest for me, I never liked "Survivor."  I've always liked Katie Couric, and she is a warm,friendly and competent journalist, so I will give her talk show a chance, as will I also tune into Ricki Lake's NEW talk show.

I loved Ricki's former talk show, so it will be interesting to see if she still has the chutzpah and the magic that she had in 1993 when her first talk show premiered.   I really believe that sometimes it's better to keep your original, positive memory of an experience, then going back to try it again, it isn't always a good idea, but, as they say, "nothing ventured, nothing gained," so you have to admire her moxie.

The Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF) continues, and I do wish I was there to participate in it.  I miss TIFF every year because I'm here at the lake and it is a drawback for me.  One of these years, I'm going to have to miss seven wonderful days at the lake to take in the TIFF, we'll see.

Just because I'm not in Toronto at the festival, doesn't mean I'm not staying in the loop of things. 

It looks like the film, "The Master" (even with the negative publicity of Joaquim Phoenix's strange antics)  is a huge hit, and because of the huge, huge buzz,  I'm actually going to see it at the cinema.

Phillip Thomas Anderson's "The Master" revolves around a charismatic intellectual, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, who launches a religious organization following World War II.  A drifter, Joaquim Phoenix becomes his right-hand man, but as the faith begins to gain a fervent following, the drifter finds himself questioning the belief system and his mentor.  ⁽Sounds strangely similar to Ron Hubbard and the creation of Scientology.)

While I have enjoyed Mr. Anderson's previous films of "Magnolia," and "Boogie Nights," as there are always great performances in them, I am on guard for some of the bizarre events, that the director and writer enjoys putting in his films, remember the frogs falling in "Magnolia."

 I'm not sure if I'll go and see "Cloud Atlas" which has an amazing cast of Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Susan Sarandon, and Jim Broadbent, all of whom are academy award winners.  The film got a very bad review, but, I'll  likely see it as that is a very impressive cast, and I like to decide whether or not I enjoy a movie for myself.

However, the film I want to see most of all is Ben Afflecks "Argo."   "Argo" premiered to rave reviews at the Telluride Film Festival last month, and its favourable reception at TIFF means that the film will likely land at least a few Oscar nominations in 2013.

  "Argo" revolves around six American diplomats who were smuggled out of Iran during the 1980 hostage crisis by disguising them as a Canadian film crew.

I remember this event so well.  When it happened, I was vacationing in Hawaii, and whenever anyone there found out that I was Canadian, they thanked me profusely, and a few even offered to buy me a drink.  We, Canadians, don't often get appreciation from our neighbours to the south.

Well, after talking about some movies that I haven't seen, it's time to talk about a film I did see, "ZORBA THE GREEK!"

The film revolves around British writer Basil (Alan Bates) who is on his way towards Crete, and in particular, to the beach house which his parents owned until their deaths so that he can re-launch an abandoned mine and gather his thoughts once more.

On the way, Basil meets Alexis Zorba ( Anthony Quinn) an eccentric if not crazy multi-labourer, and womanizer, who practically sells himself to Basil and pleads to go with him.   The young Anglo-Greek  (a little more than a smirking straight-man,) is slightly wary, easily pushed around, but reluctantly agrees, and they go off to Crete.

 Zorba introduces Basil to the highs and lows, and to the lust and the greed as well as the extremes of the Greek culture, as well as meeting a courtesan in Madame Hortense (Lila Kedrova, a wrinkled and tacky relic of a once successful coquette) whom Zorba flirts around with, and a widow (Irene Papas) whom Basil would later have an ill-fated fling.   The experience would change Basil forever at first for the worse, but ultimately for the better. 

IF ever the abundance of life force in man has been poured forth on the screen, and, goodness knows, many efforts to do so have been made over the years, it is done in the brilliant performance given by Anthony Quinn.  fellow who takes on Zorba (or is taken on by him) to help in restoring an old lignite mine, inherited from his father, on the island of Crete.

The film is simply a balls-out power surge of energy which is totally about living life to the fullest and accepting life regardless of its flaws and failures. Zorba seems to be that spokesman for that anthem, and it’s Zorba whom constitutes the main pillar in which this film stands.

 

There are certain parts of the film that suffer because of that, one of them being that the film is probably too long,and certain parts are pretty slow and there are several scenes, notably the relationship between Basil and the widow and the aftermath of their fling which may polarize some viewers.

There are also incidents when the meanness and ignorance of the people of Crete surge up like a flow of molten lava to confront Zorba's cheerfulness and strength. 

One incident is when the fierce and angry people rise up in vengeance to destroy a lonely widow who has dared bestow her favor on Zorba's timid friend.  The other occurs when the old women, the old ghouls, strip bare the room. and then the house in which Zorba's aged mistress has just died in his comforting arms.

These are sequences that the director has staged with such intense reality, as he has the whole of the picture, that they fairly paralyze the senses for brief spells. Zorba, too, staggers momentarily at such bestial displays.  But he quickly recovers from them, as he does from the ultimate collapse of the crazy cable railway he has constructed for bringing the logs down out of the hills. 

When the pressures pile up too much within him, either of joy or of sorrow, Zorba's solution is to go into his wild, defiant dance.  ZORBA, MUST DANCE!!

This is the weakness of the picture, as a dramatic exercise, that is.  It lacks a significant conflict to prove its dominant character.  Zorba is powerful and provocative, but nobody gets in his way.  Nothing provides competition, except mob rule for a moment, and the hand of death.

The message of the film is somewhat bloated and jumbled but there’s enough going so it can make its point. Thankfully the goods outweigh the bads here, and there are many of them.  The music by Mikis Theodorakis has immediately become one of my favorite scores of all time.

The cinematography by Walter Lassally is great, with several beautiful aerial shots as well as some noteworthy hand-held camerawork, notably in the hilarious ship scene where the ship in which Basil and Zorba are traveling in is being rocked by a storm.

Cacoyannis’s direction is also spot-on, and is effective on most parts in the movie, though his screenplay needed some polishing.

Irene Papas, wow, the dame from Greece, who was hot in her heydays for sure. and who played Electra in Mr. Nikkos Cacoyannis's memorable film of the "Euripides" play, is dark and intense as the widow, but she, too, is soon got out of the way.  Several other Greek actors are exciting but transient as people of Crete.

Alan Bates does well in the film too though he’s no match for Quinn although he gets quite a competition from Lila Kedrova whom matches Quinn’s steps almost every step of the way.

The main backbone in this film, however, is Anthony Quinn, whom gives an equally lusty, larger-than-life performance that should’ve won him the academy award but lost to Rex Harrison in "My Fair Lady."

Quinn's dance sequences are simply amazing, true, he isn’t exactly Fred Astaire, but just watch when he starts his dance by hitting the table three times, and the intensity in his eyes will give you a chill on your back for sure,  and he’s the one that carries the film’s weight on his shoulders and does a remarkable job with it.  Anthony Quinn's unforgettable portrait of colourfulness and vitality justifies the film!  

In the end, "ZORBA THE GREEK" is a very solid piece of work despite the fact its gathering a little bit of dust.  Regardless though, it’s a well made fable which gives out an interesting overview of life according to the Greek perspective. Who knows? Maybe in the end of the day, when our troubles have beaten us into deep do-da, sometimes it’s better to simply dance your troubles away and move on with your life.

In one huge and bold portrayal of a rugged and weather-worn old Greek of uncertain age and origin, indefinite station and career, but of unmistakable self-possession and human authority, Mr. Quinn presents us with a picture of man as he might be in the world were not so much with us and civilization had not forced us into molds.

Quinn's Zorba, in this tempestuous picture, possesses all the energies and urges of the great ones of history and myth.  He is Adam in the Garden of Eden, Odysseus on the windy plains of Troy.  He is a little bit of Nijinsky and a good bit of Tom Jones.

                                    UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  Please note, that the time for me to see this movie has been changed to November to coincide with my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.


"The Dark Knight."  I thought I should view a relatively-recent film. As a child of ten, I loved "Batman," and this film  offers, Heath Ledger, who won an academy award, posthumously, as the joker.  I'm really looking forward to this one!

"Big Night."  I have been frequently asked if I've seen this film which quite a lot of people seem to enjoy, I think it's time I'm able to tell people YES, I'VE SEEN IT!!!!!

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."  I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan, and years ago I did see this film, I must have, but the fact that I can't remember it qualifies it to be seen by this viewer and sometimes critic.

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Monkey Business, The Slut At Four' O'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE

                                 JACK'S BACK and this time it's personal!

DATE AND STATUS:  Sunday, September 9th, 2012 and I'm stitch less!

AND I QUOTE SOPHOCLES:  "These are the best of words if they are honest."

HOORAY!  The remaining stitches that were in my left knee have been removed by Dr. George, and I can finally see that the end of this trauma will soon be over.  However, healing will not be complete, until I am able to get back on Cruella and row.

 The good doctor, (actually, he's the best doctor in the world)  says that my rowing will not be feasible for at least another two weeks, but at least, we are headed in the right direction.  But, thank goodness I no longer have to endure getting stitches out.

I know what you're thinking, having stitches removed is no big deal, and, ordinarily, I would agree with you.  But, MY SKIN has become so sensitized from all the medication and steroids I take for my asthma that the slightest touching of it, and this is no exaggeration,  sends me into excruciating pain and suffering.

I try not to take out my misery on Mac, (which is hard, when he is at the root of my pain,) he has only been treating my injury, at least when it was over, I thanked him properly, which was only good manners.

Sometimes, when someone has inflicted pain on me, I forget my manners!   I temporarily forget that they were not intentionally bringing me pain, it was just an unfortunate drawback of my treatment.  Anyway, onto happier things!

Once again we can rejoice, the clouds have lifted, the wind has blown yesterday's storm away; it is a perfectly gorgeous fall day, (except for the fact that it still is technically summer,)  and  one feels happy to be alive.

The sky is blue,  there's not a cloud in the sky, (well, there wasn't,) the air is crisp, and everything is fresher-God really has given us one of his most excellent days.   Lucky, lucky ALL OF US!

If you're getting today's post later than usual, that is completely my fault.  I slept in, and when I did finally awake at eight o'clock, I just laid there in bed, luxuriating in my comfort, and appreciating the amazing view of the lake from my bedroom window. 

Lake Nipissing really is beautiful, and I'm so blessed that for almost six months of the year, I get to live here on our little island, and keep the rest of the world at bay.

Our travel plans to New York City are coming along, we have hit a bump or two, but nothing so complicated that it can't be worked out.  Santosh Kalwar said "Every problem comes with a baggage of solutions."  How true, how very, very true.

It is great to be busy, again.  It makes me feel that I'm more in sync with the rest of the world who go off to work each day.  I'm back to work too, except I don't get paid for it.

There are rewards other than financial ones to make one's job worthwhile, and the joy I get from writing far supersedes my taking home a pay cheque.

Please do not misunderstand me, it would be nice to get paid for my writing, but, unfortunately, CROWN PUBLISHERS, KNOPF,  NOR THE GLOBE AND MAIL, realize what they're missing!

Whenever I think I have a way with words, and think I'm witty, I look to the literary works of some of my heroes, "Mark Twain," "Shakespeare" and "Cicero.",  who could really say something, and say it well!   

Perusing their quotes and readings, and others that range "from the sublime to the ridiculous," which in itself is a quote from Shakespeare!) never fails to keep me grounded!

Having to watch a new film every day,  and then get out my post which reviews that movie, cuts down on my tendency to "veg out."   I simply don't have time to procrastinate.!

Consequently, I've missed watching some really good movies that have been available for viewing on the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) channel.  However, there was one movie,  "EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE," I didn't miss, even though it wasn't featured on TCM.

"EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE"  begins with a body that seems to be falling from the sky, alluding to jumpers from the twin towers on September eleventh (9/11).

Oskar Schell (played convincingly well by Thomas Horn,) is introduced as the German American son of Thomas Schell (Tom Hanks) who died during the attack.

In a flashback sequence, Thomas and Oskar play a scavenger hunt to find objects throughout New York City. The game requires communication with other people and is not easy: "if things were easy to find, they wouldn't be worth finding".

Oskar is let out of school early on September 11th, and while his mother Linda, (Sandra Bullock) is at work, Oskar gets home, and finds five messages from his father on the answering machine saying he is in the World Trade Center.

When his father calls for the sixth time, Oskar hears the phone ringing, but is too scared to answer it. The machine is recording a message, that suddenly stops when the building collapses, and Oskar knows his father has been killed.   He replaces the answering machine so his mother will never find out

Later, and after a few weeks have passed  Oskar calls and confides in his German Grandmother (Zoe Caldwell,)  about "the worst day", and they become closer.  Oskar's relationship with his mother worsens when she cannot explain why the twin towers were attacked and why his father died.

Oskar tells his mother he wishes it had been her in the building, not his father, and she responds, "So do I!" Later, Oskar tries to take it back and says he did not mean it, but his mother tells him he did.

A year later, Oskar finds a vase in his father's closet with a key in an envelope with the word "Black" on it.  Oskar is determined to find what the key fits, and searches in the New York phone books to find 472 Blacks listed.   Oskar plans to meet each of the Blacks to see if they knew his father.


Woven through all the moments, Oskar's very specific journey unfolds, the memories of his past guiding an uncertain future, with Horn narrating much of what's running through his mind.

Oskar is a naturally anxious boy, with Asberger's syndrome.  Oskar is fearful in ways his father had tried to help mitigate with intricate explorations of the city, a search for the mysteriously missing sixth borough of New York City chief among them.

That search of the key becomes the engine that drives the rest of the film.  This also becomes the movie's treatise on healing as it takes Oskar into the homes of the traumatized nation of ordinary people, some coping, others not.

Oskar sets out on foot, because one of his peculiarities is that he won't use public transportation.  What do we learn during Oskar's quest? That more than 4,000 may have died in the 9/11 terrorism, but millions more still live? That those named Black form a cross-section of the metropolis? That life goes on?

That he is able to undertake this task while apparently keeping it a secret from his mother is a tribute to his intelligence. That he thinks it's safe for an 11-year-old to walk alone all over New York is not.

Abby Black (Viola Davis,) is the first Black, (no pun intended,) that Oskar meets.  Oskar's social skills don't extend to noticing that Abby is in the middle of a marital crisis with her husband (Jeffrey Wright.)  

Davis and Wright are so good here, in roles that work mostly by implication, that Oskar's quest starts off on the right foot emotionally.  Eventually, Abby tells Oskar she did not know his father. 

Oskar is not entirely alone.  He is seen off by his building's doorman, (John Goodman,) and soon he makes a new friend.  This very old man, known only as the renter (Max Von Sydow) has moved in with Oskar's grandmother.

The Renter cannot or will not speak, communicating only with written notes, but he is a tall and reassuring companion.  As they become friends and go together on the hunt to find what the key fits, Oskar learns facing his fears, such as those of public transport and bridges.  Oskar concludes that the stranger is his Grandfather.

Oskar plays the answering machine messages for the stranger.  Before playing the last message, the stranger cannot bear listening any longer, and stops Oskar.  Later on, the stranger moves out and tells Oskar not to search anymore.

When Oskar looks at a newspaper clipping his father gave him, he finds a circled phone number. He dials the number and reaches Abby, who wants to take Oskar to her ex-husband, William, who may know about the key.

William tells Oskar he has been looking for the key. William had sold the vase to Oskar's father who never knew the key was in the vase.  The key fits a safe deposit box where William's father left something for him.  Disappointed that the key does not belong to him, Oskar goes home.

Oskar's mother tells Oskar she knew he was contacting the Blacks.  She visited each Black in advance and informed them that Oskar was going to visit and why. Oskar makes a scrapbook of his scavenger hunt and all the people he met and titles it "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."

At the end of the scrapbook there is an animation where the body is falling up instead of down.

Oskar's grandfather returns to live with Oskar's grandmother.

EXTREMELY LOUD AND INCREDIBLY CLOSE began unsettling with scraps of paper fluttering like confetti from a skyscraper, smoke billowing out of its windows, a man falling, even more unsettling were the shots of the polyglot of humanity that is New York hurrying down the sidewalk, wearing fear, worry, confusion in every line of their suddenly lined faces.

Though there are many themes coursing through this movie, its primary concern is how anyone copes with a loss like this one. The filmmakers dive into the deep end as soon as we've gotten to know the boy who becomes the totem for our collective pain.

In Oskar's case it's the loss not only of a father, but his best friend.  In Hanks' hands, Thomas is kind, funny, clever and fascinated by his son.  He also becomes the film's primary source of comfort.  It seems a smart choice to put two quintessentially heartland stars in Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock at its center. It makes acceptance easier, offense harder. 

 If Thomas Horn is the film's diamond in the rough, channeling Oskar's sorrowing and searching, yearning and regretting, Max  Von Sydow is its buried treasure. He's the film's enigma with a past so shadowy and troubled, he has chosen not to speak, though his shrugs and sighs and outstretched palm "yes" tattooed on one, "no" on the other telegraph volumes.

 The boy and the old man, both damaged, both trying to make amends for past mistakes, become the film's point-counterpoint on coping.

Given its polarizing subject and this much raw emotion, the film is probably destined to be divisive. Some will be bothered by the sentiment, others won't believe it goes far enough or deep enough, still others will resent the movie for even trying to examine the wound.

There are certainly big, capital-letter themes explored here:  Death. Sorrow. Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Stephen Daldry does somewhat bring  it all down to a human level.  "EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE" won't be the last cinematic word on 9/11, but it proves to be a memorable one.

Ultimately, and sadly, the plot is contrivance and folderol. The mysterious key, the silent old man a magical tambourine are the stuff of fairy tales, and the notion of a boy, (no matter how intelligent,) walking all over New York is so preposterous we're constantly aware of it as a storytelling device.

It is really too bad that the film did not completely succeed, but there is enough good stuff here, that your viewing time will not be wasted, nor will your Kleenex!


                                                  UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  Please note, that the time for me to see this movie has been changed to November to coincide with my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.

"Zorba The Greek." This film stars Anthony Quinn as an amoral Greek peasant who teaches a British student the meaning of life.  I want to see if the movie can teach me anything.

"The Dark Knight."  I thought I should view a relatively-recent film. As a child of ten, I loved "Batman," and this film  offers, Heath Ledger, who won an academy award, posthumously, as the joker.  I'm really looking forward to this one!

"Big Night."  I have been frequently asked if I've seen this film which quite alot of people seem to enjoy, I think it's time I'm able to tell people YES, I'VE SEEN IT!!!!!

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. The slut at four o'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!!!

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

                                                   JACK'S BACK and this time, it's personal

DATE AND STATUS:  Saturday, September 8th, and I'm so excited I that I could wet my pants!

It's raining quite heavily out, the wind is blowing hard, and this is the second time today that I'm attempting to create this post, as due to a temporary blackout, I lost all the work that I had previously done on this post.  Too bad for me.

I still have some stitches in my left knee, and I really want them out as they are impeding my exercise on Cruella, really, it's time for them to go!

Last night I only had two hours of sleep, at most.  It's amazing how fast time goes while your doing research in etymology.  Missing sleep is neither healthy, nor does it help my appearance.  I shall have to try to find some time today to take a nap, although, no one can ever make up for lost sleep completely.

I'm so glad I started blogging again.  I love writing, and it's nice to have an audience to write for, although sometimes that's not enough. 

We all come into this world with our particular egos, I'm no exception, and occasionally, (okay, quite often, ) I need to receive validation that my audiences appreciate the hard work I do producing my blog.

You may have noticed that on my blog, I've modified the section 'About Me'  It now includes favourite movies and books of mine.

Yesterday, Mac and I made the decision to visit New York City in the Ides of November.  We're both quite excited about it.  It has been fifteen years, at least, since Mac and I were last there, which is far too long for someone who is a theatre buff.  But, we all have our priorities, and timing is everything. 

The important thing is that we ARE now going back to that metropolis, and I'm sure at this juncture, we'll get the very best in in theatre, song and dance.  Can't wait.

I have already purchased tickets for the revival of "Annie," and for the huge hit "The Book of Mormon."

I tried to purchase tickets for "The Anarchist," a play by David Mamet which stars Patti Lupone and Debra Winger, but because the tickets do not go on sale until October 7th, I was out of luck.  However, you can bet your bottom dollar that first thing on October 7th, I will be in touch with Broadway.Com to get tickets.

While Mac and I are in the big apple, besides going to the theatre, Mac and I plan to visit the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) they're exhibits are always fresh and exciting, take a walk in Central Park, during the day, and go on a shopping expedition to Bloomingdale's, (Well, Christmas will be just around the corner.) 

Also, no trip to the big apple would be complete if one didn't visit the Empire State Building, so we shall, and I'll get to live out my fantasy of "An Affair to Remember" and "Sleepless in Seattle."

There's so much to do, see, and buy in New York City, if one doesn't run out of energy, time, and money.

Due to the high cost of purchasing premium tickets for this lolapalooza of a theatre getaway,  Mac and I may need to take out a mortgage on our home in Guelph, Ontario. 

Last night, a dear friend of mine, Darlene Mignacco, telephoned me, and we chatted about the old days, plus the more current ones.

It really was nice to know that after, not talking, to Darlene, for over forty years, we are still kindred spirits; there was no awkwardness between us, and we were as comfortable as when we were first students at Central High School of Commerce.

Darlene and I didn't share too many classes, but we were both involved in the theatre and I can remember, vividly, being in two plays with Darlene, "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Playroom."

Darlene is a very talented actress, and once, when we both worked on Paul Zindels play of "And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little," and I was the assistant director, and Darlene had the female lead, Darlene managed to walk off with the Best Actress award, given by a panel of judges of the Simpson's Drama Festival, pretty impressive, eh.

Subsequently, Darlene studied acting at York University and Ryerson (where one of her classmates was Eric McCormick, of "Will and Grace" fame) and appeared in many Canadian films, including "Brown Bread Sandwiches."  Sadly, Darlene retired from acting for a career in clinical social work, where she succeeds admirably.

Okay, I'm the harbinger of big news, are you ready?  Darlene is going to join Mac and I in Manhattan, and the three of us are going to paint that town, and have so much fun.  Due to the high cost of housing/hotels, Darlene may even room with Mac and I which will be great as long as the National Enquirer doesn't find out! 

Just think:  "Annie," "The Book of Mormon," "The Anarchist,"  Bloomingdale's!, Darlene!, what a truly lucky man I am!!

And my luck didn't run out there, it continued during my non-sleep when I watched the movie "An American in Paris."

Gene Kelly stars as Jerry Mulligan, a struggling American painter living in Paris.  Happy, but poor, he spends his time trying, unsuccessfully, to sell his paintings to passers-by, and hoping one day to have his own art show.

Adam (Oscar Levant), is a struggling pianist and is also a longtime associate of a French singer, Henri Baurel (Georges Guétary) and they all are friends with Jerry.

One day an attractive older woman called Milo Roberts (Nina Foch) stops to buy his paintings.  A wealthy socialite, Milo becomes his patron, although it is clear from the start that she is interested in a romance with Jerry, she isn't too subtle about it either.

Jerry goes along with the arrangement with Milo for a while, however he is soon smitten by another beautiful woman, perfume shop girl assistant, Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), without realising that she is already involved with someone else,  the aforementioned, Henri Baurel (Georges Guétary) raised Lise Bouvier after she was orphaned in the war.

Jerry and Lise spend time together, mais oui, and their feelings grow, but Lise stops seeing Jerry as she is already in a relationship with Henri, to whom she feels indebted for keeping her safe.

Eventually Jerry learns that Lise is in love with him, but is marrying Henri the next day anyway.   (I don't think I will ever understand women.) 

Jerry invites Milo to a masked ball that night and there, with everyone in black-and-white costumes, Milo learns from Adam that Jerry is not interested in her, and Henri overhears Jerry and Lise saying goodbye to each other.

Afterwards, while Henri and Lise drive away,  Jerry daydreams about being with her all over Paris.  This is done to the George Gershwin composition "An American in Paris."   Suddenly, (after a fifteen minute dance) Jerry's reverie is broken from car noise,and it becomes clear that Henri is bringing Lise back to him.   Jerry and Lise embrace as the Gershwin composition (and the film) ends. 

As many of you know, "Singing in the Rain" is regarded as the best movie musical ever made, however, the last seventeen and a half minutes of "An American in Paris" is an unequaled masterpiece and I think surpasses "Singing in the Rain!"     Yup, that's what I think, its also what I know!

During the climactic ballet sequence "An American in Paris pushes the envelope of the level of sophistication, and rips it wide open leaving the audience agog.

Can you believe it that Kelly and Caron, during the ballet sequence, symbolized the entire story of their courtship in dance, not an easy feat, on any level! 

The production numbers, set in everyday Paris, are dead ringers for the city of light!  I really thought we were in Paris, but the film was actually made at the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studios in Hollywood.

“An American in Paris"  set a new standard for the sub genre known as the "songbook" musical and even though the overall film, especially the non-musical elements haven't worn quite so well over the years, in its time, it was a vital piece of cinema! 

Sure, the plot was/is superficial, most of the musicals of that period were, but the film is also cheerful, colourful, and will brighten your day. 

Gene Kelly, is athletic, handsome, and speaks fluent French;  his final ballet within a painting is an astonishing piece of film theatre.  Clearly, the man knows his craft!  Kelly is at his best, and took a big risk in casting the unknown Leslie Caron, who became an instant star.

 Leslie Caron's performance is not quite as strong in this, her first film appearance, but she does show promise, and also shows signs of the charm and ability that will appear more strongly in her later work.

Oscar Levant essentially plays himself, (like in most of his films,) brilliantly, and the rest of the supporting cast also shines.

Vincente Minnelli has created another masterpiece, and this viewer assigns "An American In Paris," a five star rating!  It really is a glorious and magical movie.

                                             UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  Please note, that the time for me to see this movie has been changed to November to coincide with my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.

"Zorba The Greek." This film stars Anthony Quinn as an amoral Greek peasant who teaches a British student the meaning of life.  I want to see if the movie can teach me anything.

"The Dark Knight."  I thought I should view a relatively-recent film. As a child of ten, I loved "Batman," and this film  offers, Heath Ledger, who won an academy award, posthumously, as the joker.  I'm really looking forward to this one!

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."  I don't know any of us that wasn't touched by the horrific tragedy of Nine-Eleven, and this film offers a story of a boy who searches New York City for a lock that matches a mysterious key left to him by his father, who was killed in the towers.
Something tells me to keep the kleenex handy for this one.

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Big Night, The slut at four o'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!!!

ADAM HAD FOUR SONS

                                             JACK'S BACK and this time it's personal

DATE AND STATUS:  Thursday, September 7th, 2012, and regarding movies, I'm a dithyramb!

September 7th, WAIT, if September means “seven” why is it the ninth month? 

We take the predictability of the calendar for granted.   But we may have felt differently if we were living under the rule of Julius Caesar.

September was the seventh month of the old Roman calendar.  In this calendar, the year began in March.  But the Julian calendar reform shifted the start of new year back two months to where it is now: January 1, ah, interesting.

This change made September in the new calendar the ninth month, and one of only four Gregorian months with 30 days.  The name of the month is derived from septem, which is Latin for seven.   It has long been regarded as a number of perfection, luck, and wonder. (Think: seven days of creation.)

Talk about a shift in the weather, YIKES!   It feels so chilly, (that's because it is chilly,) and all those dark clouds heed my sunny, bright, personality, what a shame!

Okay, so the good doctor removed most of my fifty-plus stitches/staples.    I gotta tell you, during the painful procedure, I was a plucky little soldier, and stopped myself from screaming obscenities at Mac.

I still have some of the stitches; Mac, the most excellent and thorough doctor feels the remaining staples should not be removed at this point;  they haven't healed to a strong enough point, and he doesn't want the wound/injury to re-open.  Fine by me.

I hope that it won't be much longer that I can get back on Cruella, rowing! Can you believe that I miss exercising?   I'm the epitome of a non-athlete who hates to sweat!

Are you back into the scheme of work yet?  Sorry, I shouldn't be rubbing your faces in it, but when one is retired, he/she tends to think of days gone by.

Days gone by, yesterday, I went back and looked at all of my posts that I have created since I started blogging. 

My writing has greatly improved, although my thought process still tends to be peripatetic, quite random, and then there are those bloody prepositions.  Don't get me going about them, they're my nemesis, or seem to be. 

I am always trying to improve my writing style, vocabulary, and, grammar.  I suppose it just takes a little more reading on the subject, and of course, time.  Lots of studying, and lots of time will always improve one's knowledge of a subject. 

 "Let no man deceive himself.  If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God."  (unknown source.)  Exactly!

 I am also trying to use more of Blogspot's features to enhance my posts, although enhancing the appearance of a post is a lot more easier than uploading videos from you-tube.  The instructions seem so easy, but  I still can't do it!  I try and try, and fail and fail. 

On the one post where I did succeed in including a video, ("Strangers on a Train",) I wrote down all the steps of creating that post, and have tried to match them to my new posts, but, still I fail, fail, fail!

I was thinking, which is always a little dangerous for me, perhaps there might be someone out there, reading my posts, who can help me in this endeavour, is there, and will you?  If so, get in touch with me by email, or here, whatever you want.

With reference to film, I really am the personification of a dithyramb!   I'm so enthusiastic, and excited about movies, even that one of today "Adam Had Four Sons" yup people, it's time to get out the popcorn, we are going to the movies, well, movie.

"Adam Had Four Sons" is a good quality Hollywood film of drama and romance, starring that talented esteemed actress, Ingrid Bergman, in the leading, and only significant role. 

Warner Baxter, (whose name sounds similarly-studio-like) also, lends a hand, while classy Susan Hayward, one of my all-time favourite actresses, veers into unexpectedly, and totally, tawdry territory!   (My alliterations have also improved!)

Warner Baxter portrays a wealthy, easy-going father of a family of four boys who is doubly struck with tragedy when his wife dies, he goes out of business, after the stock market crash, and is ultimately forced to give up his estate. 
 

A recently arrived governess, Emilie  (played by Bergman,) works to keep the family together.   But with the loss of Adam's fortune, the boys are off to a boarding school, luckily financed by a wealthy cousin, and Emilie must return to France, until Adam (played by Baxter) can afford to repurchase the family estate, and recall Emilie to look after it.

Years later, Adam's financial situation improves, and everything is getting back to the former status; Adam invites Emilie back to the estate, partly because he is comfortable with her presence, and partly because he wants a replacement for his wife, but just as she is settling in, the Great War comes, and the four boys, now grown up, enlist in the army.

 Hard times are soon to follow, again, when one of the son returns home married,to a self-serving-conniving-jezebel, named Hester, whose motivations are muddy (at best,) and who wants to rule the roost, among other things.

Hester schemes to rid the house of Emilie, while she seduces another son, Jack, when her husband is at war.  Emilie discovers the affair, but to preserve Adam's happiness, and the brother's reputation, she keeps quiet and pretends to Adam that she was the one involved with Jack.  The movie is  beginning to essentially sound like the television  series "Dallas," isn't it!

Ultimately, all is discovered, and Hester receives her comeuppance.  Emilie and Adam become engaged and all ends happily.

"Adam Had Four Sons" proves to be surprisingly enjoyable fare, primarily because the film often veers into unexpected, totally, tawdry territory.  There are many, MANY unforeseen plot developments, and this is one of the film's strengths.  I love being surprised in films, and guess movie endings far too often. 

It's not exactly the most memorable classic film, but it's certainly one of the more entertaining, and reminds, this critic, of films from the forties which were cranked out by the studios every month!

"Adam Had Four Sons" is heavily charged with sentiment.  It lays stress on the simple virtues, and wrings the tender heart.  It is comfortably set on bygone days for nostalgic effect.

The film is a trashy guilty pleasure, typically melodramatic, designed solely to entertain, high art this is not, and though the film doesn't exactly contain any great shakes, in terms of acting or directing, the high sleaze quotient ensures that "Adam Had Four Sons" remains engrossing enough to warrant a recommendation.

"Adam Had Four Sons" contains a number of genuinely compelling characters, starting with Adam himself.  Played by Baxter, Adam is more than a stereotypically stiff patriarch; it's clear that he loves his sons, and even when he suspects one of them of having an affair with Emilie, he is outwardly accepting of their relationship.

Ingrid Bergman is just as effective as Emilie, her angelic nature, reminiscent of her Joan-of-Arc portrayal, is a nice counterpart to Susan Hayward's nasty Hester.

"Adam Had Four Sons" is good quality Hollywood entertainment concerning a family that is able to persevere, despite a few tragic setbacks, and one vicious hussy (think Joan Crawford,) who is attempting to disrupt what dignity the, mainly-all-male-family, has left.

"Adam Had Four Sons" is a little bit earnest but it has all the attributes of the kind of craftsmanship and skilled balance of story and content that we don't see much of today.

Miss Bergman, as the governess, does manage in a restrained and understanding performance to convey the devotion of a woman for the boys whom she helps to man's estate and from her alone does one catch a sincere emotional response.

But Warner Baxter plays the father in a routine, surface way; none of the several young actors who play the boys stand out above the rest, and the norm lacks distinction, indeed; and Susan Hayward so coyly overacts the romantically unlicensed mischief-maker that often she is plain ridiculous.  Too bad,  I'm a huge Susan Hayward film, but this film does not do her credit.

 On the whole, "Adam Had Four Sons" is an antique tear-jerker, one of those dramas all dressed up in old clothes which never gets anywhere.

                                      UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"An American in Paris." I love musicals, and this one gets great reviews from practically everyone, we'll see what I think very soon.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  Please note, that the time for me to see this movie has been changed to November to coincide with my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.

"Zorba The Greek." This film stars Anthony Quinn as an amoral Greek peasant who teaches a British student the meaning of life.  I want to see if the movie can teach me anything.

"The Dark Knight."  I thought I should view a relatively-recent film. As a child of ten, I loved "Batman," and this film  offers, Heath Ledger, who won an academy award, posthumously, as the joker.  I'm really looking forward to this one!

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Big Night, The slut at four o'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!!!

HIGH SOCIETY

                                            JACK'S BACK, and this time, it's personal!

DATE AND STATUS:  Thursday, September 6th, 2012,  I'm fat and hideous, but at least I smell nice.

Goodness, we had a helluva thunderstorm last night,  IT WAS WILD!   My beloved dog, Angel saddled up beside me, and I could feel her shaking.  I really hate it when my baby's upset.  But, today is looking better, although,  there certainly is a chill in the air. 

It's not enough to know that all our summer holidays are over, and we return to work, (well, some of us,) but, the weather has to dramatically change as well!   JEEZ, sometimes I think it's a plot!

And the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) channel!  They keep running nothing but excellent films, how the heck can I possibly tune into "Days of our Lives?"

Yes, I'm fat and hideous, it IS a side effect from my asthma medication, but I still shouldn't delude myself that I'm the stud I once was.  I'm not Brad Pitt, then again, I'm not Quasimodo either!  (He really was ugly,  HE REALLY WAS, don't you think?)

But, I do smell nice.  I used to think that I smelled like celery, but, fortunately for me that malodorous condition disappeared, and I can stop worrying that someone' s going to put me in a salad!

Today, I'm supposed to have the stitches in my knee out.  I fear it will hurt, let me amend that, I know it will hurt!  The doctors always lie and say it won't hurt, but it does! 

Relative of mine, Tallulah Taylor, got her driver's license today, yes, after six years of practising, she finally gets it! 

My good friend, Pearl Ring, who's been married four times, told me she's ready to go down the aisle, yet again.  ARE YOU KIDDING?  And she had the nerve to ask me, why not?  ME, of all people!  The girl has to have had a slight cerebral disturbance, (it's in her family you know.)

Bran muffins don't always set you free.

Stephen King has probably written another book.

Mary Poppins is a bitch!  Who the hell is she to spit spot? How come she keeps fooling everyone?

If I didn't have bad luck, I'd have no luck at all.

 LIFE!  It keeps going on, and we all have to face certain unpleasantness's, but if we face those painful matters with humour, courage, and conviction, knowing perfectly well that "this too shall pass," then we will have survived the worst of it, and we can laugh at adversity's face.  SO THERE!

Big announcement time, HUGE, really:  In the month of November, on Monday the fifth to Sunday the 11th, I will be having my very own salute to Humphrey Bogart.  YUP, I have already picked out the seven of his films that I'll be first-time viewing, and then of course, reviewing them. 

Why don't you share in this experience with me?  It will be interesting, fun, and thought provoking because the movies I have chosen are:

"The African Queen"
"To Have and Have not"
"Key Largo"
"The Treasure of the Sierra Madre"
"The Maltese Falcon"
"The Big Sleep"
"Dark Passage"

HUMPHREY!   HUMPHREY!    HUMPHREY!
WATCH A GREAT MOVIE STARRING BOAGIE
READ ABOUT IT FROM JACK E
ENJOY A CUP OF TEA,
BUT DON'T FORGET TO TUNE INTO THE MOVIE!

I know it's corny-I had to!

On with today's review of "High Society!" which is yet, another remake of a classic movie,"The Philadelphia Story."

"High Society," (hoity toity, indeed,) directed by Charles Walters, and starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra is a musical comedy movie.  The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, (MGM), famous for all those Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney musicals,  and shot in Technicolour, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.   Pretty impressive, eh! Yeah, I thought so too.

Based on the film "The Philadelphia Story"  the movie is about a successful popular jazz musician named C.K. Dexter Haven (Bing Crosby replacing Cary Grant's role) who tries to win back the affections of his ex-wife, Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly substituting for Katharine Hepburn, imagine?) who is preparing to marry another man, (conflict, we have to have conflict.)

The musician has huge competition from a National Enquirer-like reporter, Mike Connor (Frank Sinatra now standing in for James Stewart, who won an academy award in this role,) who also falls in love with his ex-wife, and the woman's priggish fiancee, George Kittresh, played by John Lund, whom I've never heard of before. 

As an aside, this was Grace Kelly's last film appearance before she became Princess, consort of Monaco.

Anyway, the film, just like "The Opposite Sex" was/is a musical remake.  The location of the story was changed from Philadelphia to Newport, Rhode Island.

INTELLECTUALLY speaking, there was never much sense or sanity to Philip Barry's "The Philadelphia Story," either as play or film.

Its story of a society woman whose psyche was so confused that she could think herself thoroughly devoted to a priggish fiancee, a magazine writer yet, and her ex-husband, all within the span of one day was a sheer piece of comedy contrivance.

The attractiveness on stage and screen was due almost wholly to the sparkle of Katharine Hepburn as its erratic heroine.  Since its brittle material has been cast into a musical film, there is little chance of disguising its bright but faux qualities.

 "High Society," its new pretentious name set to music, is as flimsy as a gossip-columnist's word, especially when it is recounting the weird behavior of the socially elite. With pretty and lady-like Grace Kelly flouncing lightly through its tomboyish Hepburn role, it misses the snap and the crackle that its UN-musical predecessor had.

For sure, there are moments of amusement in this handsome film,.  One bit is when Frank Sinatra as the magazine writer sent to do a story on the mores of society plies the haughty heroine with wine and gets her drunk, loosening her inhibitions. Mr. Sinatra does make hay with this scene.

Some other scenes include Louis Armstrong and his band beating out some catchy tunes that have been borrowed from Cole Porter records, or especially written by him for this show.  In spite of the austere surroundings of a gold-plated Newport chateau, Mr. Armstrong beams as brazenly as ever and lets the hot-licks fall where they may.

Musically, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby sing some catchy songs together.  The best is "Well, Did You Evah?", a spoof of the haughty and blase, and Mr. Crosby makes "I Love You, Samantha" (whoever she is) a pleasingly romantic thing.

There do come tedious stretches in this socially mixed-up affair, and they are due to direction, and the miscasting of Grace Kelly in the pivotal role.  The part was obviously written to be acted with a sharp cutting-edge. Miss Kelly makes the trenchant lady no more than a petulant, wistful girl.

 Mr. Crosby seems a curious choice in the role of the young lady's cast-off husband, and who gets her back at the very end.  Humphrey Bogart would have been a better C.K. Dexter Haven, yeah, Boagie, too bad for us we got Bing Crosby.  He strolls around the place like the favourite uncle, having fun with Mr. Armstrong, and his boys, and viewing the feminine mystique with an amiable masculine disdain.

Mr. Crosby, also strokes his pipe like a phallus, and with more affection than he strokes Miss Kelly's porcelain arms.  I know,  I couldn't believe it either, and in a musical, YET!

Adding to the general hubbub of pre-wedding day madness in the Newport set are: John Lund as the stuffy fiance, Celeste Holm as a smart photographer, is usually better in films than she is here.  Louis Calhern as a wicked old uncle, seems much too believable,  if you know what I mean, and Margalo Gillmore as the mother of the bride.   

Miss Lydia Reed as an impish younger sister is kept pretty closely confined.  She appears to have the waspish nature that Miss Kelly could use to good advantage.  But then, who amongst us, besides that Poppins woman is perfect! 


                                               UPCOMING MOVIES FOR REVIEW:

"Elmer Gantry." Both Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones received academy award nominations for their work here. I want to see if they deserved them, you know how the Academy can be.

"Adam Had Four Sons." This movie stars Ingrid Bergman and Susan Hayward, two of my favourites, and that is reason enough for me to watch this movie. But I bet I end up liking this movie for all sorts of reasons, and not just because of Miss Bergman and Miss Hayward.

"Blow Dry." For no other reason that when I saw the title of this movie in the television guide, it intrigued me.

"Thief." This film stars James Caan and is reported to be one of Mr. Caan's personal favourites. Well, now it is time for us to decide if we want this movie to make our favourites list.

"An American in Paris." I love musicals, and this one gets great reviews from practically everyone, we'll see what I think very soon.

"The Maltese Falcon."  I've avoided seeing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre in this story of murder and intrigue for far too long, (I'm supposed to be a film buff!)  The time for me to see it has been changed to November for my salute to Mr. Humphrey Bogart.

"Zorba The Greek." This film stars Anthony Quinn as an amoral Greek peasant who teaches a British student the meaning of life.  I want to see if the movie can teach me anything.

FILMS COMING SOON:  Exodus, The Sand Pebbles, Giant, Big Night, The slut at four o'clock, can't wait to see all of them!!!!