Well, dear readers, all I have to say is open sesame. Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, all I, BK, have to say is open sesame. I say open sesame because I’m in the midst of watching a motion picture entitled Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. When I was a wee sprig of a twig of a tad of a lad of a youth and a wee bairn, I had a book of Arabian Nights tales (which I talk about in the first Kritzer book) and one of the stories in that book was Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves – in that story was the first time I’d read the words “Open sesame” and I believe I was quite obsessed with that phrase and also “Shazam” from the Captain Marvel serial. But I want to say this: No matter how many times I screamed “Open sesame” nothing ever opened. That was quite maddening to the young me. I finally got so frustrated that I went into our kitchen and found a jar of sesame seeds, which I opened as I said “Open sesame.” It was, frankly, too little too late. And no matter how many times I stood in front of our hall mirror and screamed “Shazam” I never changed into Captain Marvel, which was quite irritating. In any case, I’ve been walking around the home environment saying “Open sesame” to no avail. Some things never change. So, I had quite a pleasant and relaxing Sunday and ended up doing no writing of liner notes or much of anything else. Oh, I prepped an eBlast for our new release, which is going live as soon as I post these here notes. I got a good night’s sleep, I took a nice drive in the motor car and visited Malcolm and Christine at Mystery and Imagination Books – they’re once again reaching out to their customers by having a 30% off sale this week – it’s been really slow lately and they desperately need some business. Happily, when I walked in the store there were quite a few people taking advantage of the sale. I hung out there for an hour or so, then came back home, after which I satisfied a craving I’ve had for about a year for Taco Bell tacos. They were quite yummilicious and it did satisfy the craving. I then sat on my couch like so much fish.
Yesterday, I watched a motion picture on Blu and Ray entitled What’s Up, Doc. I enjoyed the film when I saw it on its original release (actually prior to its original release at a sneak preview) – it has a very funny script by Buck Henry and David Newman and Robert Benton, and the performances are stellar across the board. Peter Bogdanovich does a good job of aping his heroes, Howard Hawks and Ernst Lubitsch, and it’s still very funny after all these years. Kenneth Mars is hilarious doing a sort of John Simon impression, and Madeline Kahn is absolutely magical as Eunice Burns. Streisand and O’Neal are wonderful together, and Liam Dunn almost walks away with the film in his one scene. The transfer is quite luscious – perfect color and the texture of the image is exactly what the film looked like back when it was released. After that, I watched a little of the high definitions broadcast of Lolita, which doesn’t look all that hi-def to these eyes, but it is better than the DVD release. I watched the entire opening scene with Peter Sellers and James Mason – it’s one of my all-time favorite movie opening scenes ever. Then I watched the new episode of Mad Men – for me, the best of the season so far, probably because I find Peggy the most interesting and least irritating character on the show, and I adore the actress who plays her. The I began watching the region B Blu and Ray of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves – it looks rather good, I must say.
After that, I did a mile and a half jog, and walked around the home environment saying “Open sesame” and opening various doors and jars and things. I felt empowered, frankly or even georgely. Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must get these here notes posted and then announce our new title.
Today, I will write some liner notes, but other than that I’m takin’ it easy and bidin’ my time ’cause that’s the kind of Guy I’m. I have no plans and I shall relax and smell the coffee or the roses or the Tootsie Roll. I shall jog, make a telephonic call, and eat something light but amusing or, conversely, something amusing but light.
Tomorrow, I have a late lunch meeting with a singer, and I must finish casting our Gardenia show – I’m mostly concerned about the person who’ll be singing Sherry – I need someone as caustic and commanding as Christine Baranski. I’m meeting with a young up and coming singer for the other gal I need to cast, and I’m also having a four-member ensemble of young women to sing backup to the opener, Smile, and to do one other song by themselves.
The rest of the week is very busy, prepping a new soundtrack release, having meetings and meals, and seeing a couple of shows, I think.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, do a jog, write liner notes, eat, and relax. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite screwball comedies? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, and be sure to shout “Open sesame” to a complete stranger.