Well, dear readers, I am waiting on pins and needles and also needles and pins to hear my muse Margaret’s reaction to the final batch of pages. I’m hoping that will be today, and sooner than later, since it is not comfortable to be on pins and needles. Pins, maybe. Needles, maybe. But pins AND needles – that’s overkill, baby. So, I shall just try to keep my mind on other things, such as why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? That was outré, wasn’t it? I’m babbling, but only because I am waiting on pins and needles. Normally, I don’t brook any babbling, but today I do babbling brook. What the HELL am I talking about? I’m trying to get these here notes written a little earlier than usual because I have an early rehearsal today, plus two other meetings. Speaking of earlier than usual, yesterday was a very full day filled with a day’s full of fullness. For example, I woke up, did some full things, and then went to Staples to Xerox pages, after which I delivered said pages to said muse Margaret. I then attended a rehearsal with Miss Merissa Haddad, and it went very well. My notes are getting more nitpicky now, as much of the act is working splendidly. After rehearsal, I came home and packaged up ten orders, several of which were quite large. If you haven’t placed your orders for the second batch of sale CDs, there are a couple of titles sold out already, and several are close to selling out. You can see the list on page one of yesterday’s posts. I then shipped all the packages, then got some food, then ate some food, then sat on my couch like so much fish, on pins and needles.
Last night, I managed to watch two count them two motion pictures on DVD. The first motion picture on DVD was entitled The Long, Long Trailer, starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. I remember seeing this film at the Picfair Theater back in 1954, especially the scene where Lucy is in the trailer trying to cook dinner. I must say, it doesn’t really hold up, but it’s got some amusing moments and it’s enjoyable. The transfer is not enjoyable, and it’s from everyone’s favorite studio, Warner Bros., the studio that can do no wrong (according to pundits on every DVD group). Well, they do plenty wrong, and this transfer is a perfect example – it’s soft, the color is merely okay, it’s too dark, and the film is presented full frame/open matte, when it would have been shown in 1:85 back in 1954. I know it’s right on the edge of widescreen, but it’s so clear from every shot in the movie that the film was framed for 1:85 – all you have to do is go into zoom mode and you’ll see how much better it looks. If that doesn’t convince you, then tell me why we see Mr. Arnaz’s trunks in the shower scene, when he is clearly supposed to be nude? I then watched the second motion picture on DVD, which was entitled Jane Eyre. I’ve always been fond of Jane Eyre, especially the opening section of the film with young Jane. It’s runs a very crisp ninety-six minutes, features an extraordinary score by Bernard Herrmann, and great direction by Robert Stevenson. Orson Welles doesn’t thrill me as Rochester, but Joan Fontaine is a fine Jane, and the supporting cast is wonderful. The transfer (taken from the best elements, so says a title card) ranges from excellent to dupey looking. There are some extras – two commentary tracks (including one hosted by Mr. Nick Redman), and a little “documentary” about Orson and Stevenson.
What am I, Ebert and Roeper all of a sudden? Why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because frankly these pins and needles are keeping me on pins and needles.
This morning I have a two-hour rehearsal, then I’m supposed to meet with the producers of The Creature Wasn’t Nice CD so that I can get my CDs, and then I have a meeting with the president of LACC, after which I shall return to the home environment.
Tomorrow is another rehearsal, plus a visit to Vitello’s to get Merissa used to the playing space. Also, we start working with the show pianist tomorrow, Mr. Steven Applegate – I haven’t worked with him before, but I know he’s very talented and I’m looking forward to the experience.
There is a French film festival starting next week, all films playing at the DGA, and I’m going to see about seven of them. This festival has been going on for years and I always miss it, so I’m happy I found out it was happening and I will, of course, have full reports on all films seen.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, rehearse, pick up CDs, have a meeting, and do a few errands and whatnot. Today’s topic of discussion: A variation on yesterday’s topic – take any of today’s hit musicals (and of the last decade) and cast them with your dream cast of great musical theater stars. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, and I hope I hear something nice from my muse Margaret so I can get rid of these pins and needles.