Haines Logo Text
Column Archive
March 11, 2005:

FINE FETTLE

Bruce Kimmel Photograph bk's notes

Well, dear readers, once again a week has flown by like a gazelle in a Commando Cody Rocket Jacket. But, what a week it was. In fact, that was the week that was. I took grand and great pleasure in this week. I was in fine fettle this week, oh, yes, I was in fine fettle. It is much better to be in fine fettle than to be in middling fettle. Middling fettle is just so dreary. No, fine is the way to go, fettle-wise. What in HELL is fettle anyway? Speaking of fettle, yesterday I didn’t do much of anything. It’s weird to not be writing, now that I’ve finished the book. I’d done the little notes that I had to implement on Wednesday. And, I may have a few more to do after Saturday. Then I shall read the thing on the plane and hope I’m happy with it. I always find things I have to smooth out, especially in the beginning chapters. Where was I? Oh, yes, I was in fine fettle and discussing yesterday. The Wall Man did his thing and is coming back today to paint and finish. He had to really tear up the ceiling of one little section near the doors to the yard, which he then dry-walled over. I had a nice luncheon with a friend I hadn’t seen in quite some time. I went into storage and found two charts I needed to find. I did several errands, and then I attended a splendidly splendid birthday dinner for my pal Barbara Deutsch. I gather I was a late addition to the partay, but I’m glad I got invited. It was a small gathering of about nine people. We supped at Vitello’s – the food was excellent, especially the cake. There were lots of laughs and Barbara got lots of nifty gifties. I ate a bit too much food yesterday, but I’ve really been good for the last two weeks, so I guess I’m allowed. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?

Last night, I watched a motion picture on DVD entitled Laura. I always forget how enjoyable this film is. The dialogue sparkles, especially Clifton Webb’s. All the actors are wonderful, and Mr. Preminger’s direction is elegant and very assured (I believe it was his first film). Gene Tierney is achingly beautiful as the titular character. Clifton Webb gives a great performance as Waldo Lydecker (“Laura, I cannot stand these morons any longer. If you don’t come with me this instant I shall run amok”), and Dana Andrews, Judith Anderson, and Vincent Price are all really fine. And David Raksin’s score is one of the glories of the Golden Age. The transfer is actually breathtaking – it’s sharp as a tack, with great contrast and vivid blacks and grays.

What am I, Ebert and Roeper all of a sudden? These here notes need a little pick-me-up, I think. They’re just lying there like so much fish, aren’t they? I did this, I did that – who cares? We need some ooh la la. We need some joie de vivre. We need a spritzer, some tang, some zip, some zing, some frolic. Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because we sure aren’t getting any of it in this section.

Perhaps we can give these here notes a little spritzer if I recount the tale of The Randy Vicar and the Fudgsicle. Perhaps not. Speaking of Fudgsicles, I’m really looking forward to next week, which I must start preparing for. I’ve got to send ahead CDs, I’ve got to book singers, I’ve got to get it together. Meanwhile, this very evening I shall be attending opening night for a play entitled Doubt, at the Pasadena Playhouse. I shall, of course, have a full report.

On Sunday, I shall be attending the yearly paperback show in Mission Hills. It’s always quite enjoyable, and I do like looking at those old classic paperback covers. And, the fellow I buy original art from (the original art used for paperback covers) is usually there, so that will be fun.

I still haven’t gone out and bought my new carry-on bag, but I shall do so tomorrow for sure (or maybe even today). Also on Sunday, I’m told I will hear some more rough tracks. One simply cannot hear enough rough tracks. I even have Mr. Grant Geissman stick them on a CD so I can play them in my motor car. I love motoring about listening to rough tracks. I recommend it to one and all and also all and one.

Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, motor about whilst listening to rough tracks, I must be in fine fettle, I must do a few errands, I must Xerox pages, I must pick up packages, and I must have no doubt that I’ll be seeing Doubt. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your DVD/video player, and your CD player? I’ll start – DVD, next up is Panic in the Streets, The Daydreamer, and several region 2 RKO films on DVD from France, including Swing Time, Blood on the Moon, The Big Steal, and a couple of others. CD, rough tracks. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, and please try to give them some zip and zing and ooh la la and joie de vivre, won’t you?

Search BK's Notes Archive:
 
© 2001 - 2024 by Bruce Kimmel. All Rights Reserved