haines his way

10/16/2002:
"RANT AND RUN"

Well, dear readers, I must hurry along today – I’ve been threatening short notes for the last three days, but they’ve all ended up lengthy, but today I shall have to deliver on the threat. I have simply run out of time, therefore I must go to the market and get some more. I promise to make up for giving the notes short shrift today, but you can help by posting wonderful posts today, including all your excellent questions for Ask BK Day.
Just a brief rant before I go. Yesterday I got the brand spanking new DVD of Mr. Otto Preminger’s Exodus. I know it’s not a great film, but it’s rather a guilty pleasure of mine. I first saw it when it was playing its roadshow engagement in 70mm and 6-track stereo sound, at the Wilshire Theater here in Los Angeles. It was a very impressive film and I went back several times. I was thrilled when it came out on a letterboxed laserdisc over ten years ago, but I felt that that transfer was weak and not worthy of the film, and the stereo sound was barely passable. So, I was really looking forward to the DVD. Well, blow me over with a tubesteak if this isn’t the bottom of the barrel for MGM/UA. They can sink no lower than this sorry excuse for a DVD. The transfer? The same as the over ten-year-old laser, which looks ten years worse, given what they can do these days. It is filled with artifacts and bad color. It is letterboxed the same as the laser, that is, incorrectly at 2:35 (the scope ratio – this film was 70mm, which is closer to 2:20). It is, shockingly, not enhanced for widescreen tvs, which makes the transfer look even worse. The stereo sound is muffled and distorted and a joke. It’s a travesty of the highest order and everyone at MGM/UA should be made to flog themselves like Judge Turpin and they should all be bitch-slapped from here to eternity. The Russians are Coming has a nice enhanced transfer – so does Henry Orient. So do the beach party movies (hardly the apex of cinema art), so you’d just think that a major Academy Award-winning film would merit at least a fresh enhanced transfer, given that it stars Paul Newman and Eva Marie Saint, along with a pretty wonderful supporting cast (including the film debut of lovely Jill Haworth, who would go on to create the role of Sally Bowles in the original Broadway production of Cabaret). In any case, damn them, damn them all to hell. I will not forgive them for this abomination.
Well, I hate to rant and run, but we really must all click on the Unseemly Button below or, in other words, let’s have an exodus to the next section.

Short notes, short notes, mamma’s little baby writes short notes, short notes, short notes now.
I had an unpleasant altercation with AFTRA, one of the actor unions yesterday. Because I made an appearance on this show I’m working on, they wanted to make me reup at a rather lofty amount of money, and I must say I became rather snotty with them, but they would not budge. Until, that is, I informed them that I’d given hundreds of AFTRA singers so much work over the last ten years that it wasn’t even funny – 130 albums worth. That finally had an effect, and we came to a reasonable resolution.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must get in my automobile and endure disgusting traffic on the 101 freeway which they should call the 101 busyway. I must work all the live-long day and then drag myself home where I will sit on my couch like so much fish eating food as prescribed by Eileen and Chet Atkins. Today’s topic of discussion: As you know, it’s Ask BK Day, so I’m looking forward to checking in to see what your excellent questions are. I will, of course, be answering them on Saturday. Now, post away, my pretties - questions, ephemera, tales of old and new, the story of The Randy Vicar and the Shoe Salesman - whatever your collective Hainsie/Kimlet hearts' desire.

Replies: 32 Unseemly Comments

Wow. First post.
Posted by Sandra @ 10/16/2002 08:20 AM PST

This may have been asked before, but, hey, it couldn't hurt to ask - and have it answered - again.
Is there any particular theatrical event that you wish you had been witness too? This can be anything from a particular show, a particular performer, to a particular performance of a show where something notable happened? In or out of your current lifetime, play or musical.
Consequently, what has been one of your favorite nights in the theatre?
And have you ever been to the Tony awards? If so, how many times, which years, with whom, etc...?
In other news, the much needed rain here in Virginia is finally coming to an end this morning, and, hopefully, the sun will make an appearance later this afternoon. Maybe once the sun comes out I'll have some bright news to share. You may proceed with your day.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 10/16/2002 08:23 AM PST

Dear BK,
Given that the universe in infinite, and that God is also infinite, would you care for some toast? (A Red Dwarf reference)
Posted by Sandra @ 10/16/2002 08:32 AM PST

Hello BK--
Maybe I'm suffering a bit of party envy, but since the big event in New York with all the Hainsies and Kimlets back there sounded like so much fun, my question for ask BK day is this: what's the chance of us having a similar get together with you and all the rest of us Hainsies and Kimlets here in sunny (well, it's not sunny at all today, but we do need to maintain the image, don't we?) Southern California? I even have my pointy party hat and pantaloons all picked out for such an event!
Posted by Jay @ 10/16/2002 09:13 AM PST

My question for ask BK day: What is your opinion of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas?
Also, how could you talk about EXODUS and not mention Sal Mineo? His line "They used me like you use a woman" was the height of unintentional humor.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 10/16/2002 09:54 AM PST

A question I asked before, but which was not answered: How do you get your CDs and DVDs before their release dates and do you get them for free?
I'm disappointed that the transfer of Exodus is so poor. I was hoping to buy it, as it also one of my favorite movies of its type. I won't bother now given what I'm sure is your accurate appraisal.
I've been listening in the car to the CD of Li'l Abner. I saw the show as a kid back in 1957 and still remember it vividly, even getting Edie Adams', Peter Palmer's and Charlotte Rae's autographs on my Playbill. I haven't listened to my LP in years, but recently bought the new CD. I agree with you that this is a great score, both tuneful and lyrically very funny, with great performances by all. I think its one of the best of its time.
Posted by steveg @ 10/16/2002 10:09 AM PST

My question is about a CD I just picked up on my lunch hour.
I got The Judy Garland Show: The Show That Got Away. It's a compilation of many of the performances from her television show which ran on CBS from September of 1963 through March of 1964. It's produced by a friend of mine, Scott Schecter. As I read the notes at the end of the booklet, I notice that he thanks you, Mr. BK, and I wondered what you did for this wonderful CD?
On a related note, did you ever see Ms. Garland live and if so, where was it?
Posted by Ben @ 10/16/2002 10:18 AM PST

Since this has been such a banner year for OCR reissues, I'm wondering what would be your next 5 choices for CD versions of cast albums.
Posted by JMK @ 10/16/2002 11:07 AM PST

It seems that there are many Broadway Shows that are made into rather BAD Movies.And then someone out there seems to think they can do it on Television and make it worse.
My best example of this is SOUTH PACIFIC. No one has got this one right.
Do you think that maybe it"s time for Hollywood to try this one again and who would you cast in the leading roles? Also,what other transitions to the silver screen would you like to see made over.
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 10/16/2002 11:28 AM PST

I'm certain other Hainsies and Kimlets will have their own additions to the list to make, but I offer this to you first, BK: Most musicals have as their central character a hero or heroine. It is very unusual for the central character to be a "villian," in other words not the good person. Gypsy's Mama Rose is one of the best characters in the history of musicals, but she is by no means one of the best of the "good," she is one of the best of the "bad."
So, my question is, besides Mama Rose, how many other leads in musicals can you think of who are the "not good guys"? Or, if you are partial to the advertising on ToonDisney, what are the musicals where we're "chillin' with the villians?"
Posted by S. Woody White @ 10/16/2002 12:11 PM PST

Ask BK Day:
1)
In the stage version of the first nudie musical will you be restoring:
Where is A Man?
I'll Kick You With Boots
The Plumber Scene
2)
I was watching the film again and listening to the commentary. What exactly did Mark Haggard direct in the movie?
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 10/16/2002 12:34 PM PST

For those to whom this applies (mostly U.S....major cities, I believe):
A Richard Rodgers gala will be on major PBS stations tonight. Some stations have scheduled a follow-up airing of the documentary "The Sweetest Sounds."
The gala will feature Shirley Jones, Howard Keel, John Raitt, Rita Moreno, Kristin Chenoweth, Joshua Bell and many more. I believe this performance was videotaped in April at the Kennedy Center.
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 10/16/2002 12:46 PM PST

Cast these performers in already-existing musical roles in which you think they would be GREAT:
Liza Minnelli
(and for that matter) Lorna Luft
Rita Moreno
Sandy Duncan
Bette Midler
Goldie Hawn
Tommy Tune
Posted by Philip Crosby @ 10/16/2002 12:54 PM PST

Dear BK --
Why is a movie trailer called a "trailer?"
Posted by Laura @ 10/16/2002 01:00 PM PST

Did you enjoy the bio films of the late 50's such as "The Glenn Miller Story", "The Eddie Duchin Story", "The Gene Krupa Story" and "The Benny Goodman" Story". What was your favourite of the genre. Whose life story would you like to see depicted on screen. (Apart from BK of course).
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 10/16/2002 02:29 PM PST

I have been errant and truant,
yes, but here I am oh so happy
that I've managed to
remember my Ask BK
question for a change!
You've mentioned writing a
number of new songs for
TFNM stage version. Are all
the old songs remaining in the
show, or are a couple of them
getting axed? And what about
"Where Is A Man?"
Posted by Jed @ 10/16/2002 03:02 PM PST

Anyone have a clue what's the deal with the N.Y. Times and the fact that it has not yet seen fit to publish an obituary of Keene Curtis?
What does it take for them?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 10/16/2002 03:03 PM PST

I know something of the shennanagins (sp?) of the studio involving your original screenplay for The Faculty.
Once the film got made, were you happy with it? Did it reflect your original idea?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 10/16/2002 03:16 PM PST

The Times is notorious for running obituaries of non-superstar show business personalities late. They just ran Theresa ("Laugh In") Graves several days after the other NYC papers. They will eventually get to Curtis when no other non-show biz people die and leave room on the obituary page.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 10/16/2002 03:37 PM PST

Dear Mr. Kimmel: Please settle an arguement my father and I are having. What is your definition of a "shaggy dog story?"
Posted by Wilby Daniels @ 10/16/2002 03:40 PM PST

I think that it's about time somebody made a movie or a TV special of FOLLIES(not concert).It would be terrific to cast.What do you think? And how about a Film Adaptation of SHE LOVES ME.???This could be filmed on location and I believe would make one hell of a movie.
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 10/16/2002 04:17 PM PST

For ask BK:
In your video of "The Shop Around the Corner," did you get the impression that it had trailers of the original film, plus "In the Good Old Summertime" and "You've Got Mail"? Mine "reads" that way but has only the original film's trailer.
Did you find the other trailers? If so, where are they?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 10/16/2002 04:36 PM PST

Another ask BK:
In today's column you mentioned AFTRA tried to get you to pay a fee (renewal??). Could you give us an idea of what that membership fee is?
Posted by Ron Pulliam @ 10/16/2002 04:37 PM PST

Ron: I'll answer the trailer question now - I searched for an hour but it appears they left the trailers off.
Posted by bk @ 10/16/2002 05:07 PM PST

you're not the only one, BK. The noteworthy (C sharp) DVD Savant Glenn Erickson has this to say:
"A nifty trailer appears for Shop in which Lubitsch himself makes a short appearance, but I couldn't find trailers for the other two remakes, even though they're listed on the back cover. Not that I wanted to see anything having to do with You've Got Mail - it was a terrible picture that somehow managed to make both Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan totally unlikeable and undeserving of favor. No Lubitsch Touch, there. "
And now, we know you're feeling about EXODUS on dvd, and I am here to say (and ask about) that CASINO ROYALE rocks on dvd.
Did you acquire your copy of CASINO yet?
What about that Barry Nelson Americanized James Bond on television? I must admit a fondness myself for anything with Peter Lorre...
So, my BIG question mark for the day:
Does AUSTIN POWERS owe more to the FLINT movies of James Coburn, or are the POWERS films merely rehashes of the best bits of CASINO ROYALE?
Posted by td @ 10/16/2002 06:35 PM PST

The First Nudie Musical was given #24372 by the MPAA. What was the film that was #1 by the MPAA?
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 10/16/2002 06:38 PM PST

On the records you've produced, which is more expensive and time-consuming: using several background vocalists or having the artist (e.g., Liz Callaway) record several tracks for the backgrounds?
Posted by Kerry @ 10/16/2002 09:44 PM PST

Wasn't there some specific day of the week (Thursday? Tuesday?) that you officially designated "What's currently in your CD/DVD/VHS/record player"?
Have we given up on that?
Posted by Kerry @ 10/16/2002 09:46 PM PST

One more: What food(s) that aren't on your Chet Atkins diet will you "cheat" for?
Posted by kerry @ 10/16/2002 09:47 PM PST

I received my FNM dvd today. Thanks BK. I also AT LAST received my copy of Hairspray yesterday. No prizes for guessing what is in my players at the moment.
Kerry. My yesterday's Gary Larson cartoon was the "Let Them Eat Cake" quote with Marie- Antoinette adding in a last attempt ditch to avoid the blade - and Ice-Cream.It would have won me over. IF she provided the cake and ice-cream.
Posted by Tom from OZ @ 10/16/2002 11:13 PM PST

Dear BK,
Just in case I'm in town when the election occurs next month, for whom should I vote for governor of Arizona: Janet Napalitano or Matt Salmon?
Posted by Laura @ 10/16/2002 11:23 PM PST

Thanks to Dear Reader Sandra, I recorded our own, our very own Jason Graae in Hidden Hills Tuesday evening. What Dear Reader Sandra did not point out was that at the same time, the Disney Channel was showing Gotta Kick It Up starring our own, our very own Susan Egan.
Well, this morning I watched my tape of Hidden Hills. This is the first time I've watched a network comedy in ages. I like the look. Filmed on location. No laugh track. Brisk dialogue. Only our own, our very own Jason Graae's bit was just too short. Less than a minute. That was a shame.
The story was all too familiar--uh, not as far as I am concerned. But my brother-in-law. Tough military man, but too squeemish to have minor in-and-out surgery, so he decided his wife should have major surgery instead.
Anyway, I got to thinking of our own, our very own Jason Graae as Harry Schechter in The First Nudie Musical. What do you think, our own, our very own Bruce Kimmel?
Posted by William F. Orr @ 10/17/2002 05:03 AM PST

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