haines his way

05/09/2003:
"THE NOTES WHAT I WROTE"

Well, dear readers, you won’t believe it. I can barely believe it myself and yet I must because it is true. As you know, we have a screening of The First Nudie Musical coming up at the American Cinematheque at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood on May 28th. I was beginning to be really concerned about it because of the quality of the print they’d be showing. For those of you who’ve watched the documentary on the DVD, you know that we spent a lot of time getting the color right and replacing splicy sections of the print we were using (the one which had retained about sixty-percent of its color) with sections from my mint but totally faded print (and how the amazing telecine artist had somehow matched the color for those short sections). So, we’d already decided there was no way we were going to show a mint but totally faded (and I mean totally – not one color left) print – we were going to show the sixty-percent of its color print. But, as I said, that print, while overall very good, has a few really splicy sections at the ends of reels and, in fact, one end of reel is missing about forty seconds of footage totally. Also, we were going to have to repair multiple torn sprockets which would even add more splices.
Flashback: A year ago, when I was doing the Ray Courts’ Hollywood Collector’s Showcase show at the Beverly Garland, a nice fellow had approached me, bought the DVD, and asked if I’d be interested in screening the film at the Nuart Theater in West LA. I told him the problems with the print situation. Anyway, we corresponded and he told me he had put the word out that he was looking for a print. I told him that most of them would be Eastman color and totally faded, but that there had been a handful of Fuji color prints which, like the one we used, would have retained some of the color.
Flash forward: Last week he e-mailed me to say he’d found a collector who was selling a print and that the collector said it was in very good condition and, best of all, in Fuji color. So, I gave the okay to buy it, and it came in on Wednesday, and again he e-mailed me to say he’d run the first and last reel and that he thought I’d be happy. And so, yesterday at noon I drove to the Nuart and watched the film. First of all, let me say that it’s great to see a movie on the big screen the way it was meant to be seen. The film started, and while there were numerous light lines on the print, there were virtually no splices in the first reel at all, and, although I could not believe my eyes, the color hadn’t faded one bit – it was perfect. At first I was concerned because the first scene did look a bit washed out, but then I remembered how much I adjusted and pumped the color, especially in that scene, to make it look better than the print had ever looked. Once we got past that scene, the colors were vivid and totally there. The lines got better as the print went along and there were only two splices in the entire print – one, a one-frame splice in The Lights and The Smiles (barely noticible) and one when Harry says, “This is the dildo number, every dildo works”, where the first half of the line is gone. Otherwise, it’s a great print and obviously the one we’re going to screen at the Egyptian. Isn’t that exciting? Isn’t that just too too?
If you’re around you simply must come to the screening. You can get all the ticket and time information online at www.americancinematheque.com.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below, because, well, just because we can.

Yes, we can and we did, damn them, damn them all to hell. We had a new dear reader join us yesterday, one of our One from Column A readers who has happily found us. She said she had a lot of notes to catch up on – over 550 of them to be exact. In any case, because our new dear reader might not know, please check yesterday’s late posts (simply use the handy-dandy Unseemly Archive Button and then scroll down until you find yesterday’s date), because there are lots of lovely welcoming posts there for your mental delectation.
Also, if you haven’t listened to Donald’s current radio show, it’s quite lovely, so give it a listen. Tomorrow we will have a guest Unseemly Trivia Contest question, so don’t be errant and truant you trivia people. In fact, let’s make that our weekend goal – no errant and truant Hainsies/Kimlets this weekend. It’s been so light on the last few weekends that I’ve seriously considered dropping the notes – so let’s get back to where we were, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must roam the byways and the highways, I must roam the windmills of my mind, I must, in short, get crackin’. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your DVD/video and CD players? I’ll start – DVD, Perfect Blue, a rather startling Japanese anime which is a like a strange Brian de Palma thriller which I found quite good. Also, Shenandoah, with James Stewart, and another Japanese anime called Ghost in the Shell. CD player – the new Studio Ghibli anime called The Cat Returns, with music by someone other than Joe Hisaishi, but equally as excellent – fully symphonic and very catchy indeed. Your turn. And, in tomorrow’s notes I shall talk about the first thing I’ve heard about The Sherman Brothers Album – my assistant in New York gave me a full report, and I’m afraid that it wasn’t all peaches and cream.

Replies: 82 Unseemly Comments

Am I the first post??
Posted by Jason @ 05/09/2003 08:43 AM PST

HUZZAH!!! It was me!
In my DVD player: Its a Mad Mad Mad Mad World. Gotta love that Ethel...
CD Player: My friend's band's CD. Nickel Creek: "Nickel Creek." They have a couple of Grammys, I believe, and he's played mandolin for Dolly Parton for a while now.
Also "TV's Greatest Theme Songs Vol. 5, 6 & 7"
VCR: Nothing.
And now, unfortunately, I'm off to MTI.
Posted by Jason @ 05/09/2003 08:45 AM PST

What great news about TFNM print! And I have bid on a poster at EBAY...probably won't win, but since I can't be at the screening, I can sit and look at my poster and watch my DVD!
DR Kurt is leaving for LA on Tuesday, but on Saturday we are going to see A MIGHTY WIND!! I can hardly wait!
In my CD player OBC AIDA - yes again - along with National Theatre's SOUTH PACIFIC.
In my DVD player IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE.
In my VCR SUPERMAN AND THE MOLE MEN - feature version.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/09/2003 08:50 AM PST

In my DVD player-BRUTE FORCE.Wonderful movie starring Burt Lancaster and Hume Cronyn.I have a wonderful story to tell about this movie.Jonathan Schwartz tells the story that he had a friend who worked the late movie show on a local TV station.He started BRUTE FORCE'Somewhere in the movie the inmates of the prison go to the courtyard to view a movie.The movie starts, It is THE EGG AND I starring FRED MCMURRAY,When the movie starts he started playing THE EGG AND I from start to finish.When the movie was over the Inmates walked out of the courtyard and he continued playing BRUTE FORCE. What a hoot!
Posted by Arnold M. Brockman @ 05/09/2003 09:02 AM PST

Well the carpet cleaner guys
came last night and left what
looks like a giant blowdryer
sticking under my carpet, so
the whole thing is now floating
a few inches above the
ground, except when I step on
it...all in all a rather strange
look for a room, but at least
they don't have to replace the
whole thing.
Here we go..
In my DVD - Tank Girl
in my VHS - Eddie Izzard,
Glorious
in my CD - Soundtrack to Lilo
and Stitch
bk - saw Perfect Blue a few
years ago, my ex-boyfriend
was an anime enthusiast.
Many of the anime he made
me watch during our time
together simply put me to
sleep...namely ones where the
primary plot elements involved
scantily clad people mutating
into strange beings and
kicking the s*** out of each
other. Perfect Blue, however
got my attention and kept it.
and I really enjoyed it.
Posted by Ann @ 05/09/2003 09:06 AM PST

LOL Arnold Brockman story. I was watching a movie I had seen once on late night tv and I think the engineer kept the movie running during the commercials so he could go home early. We would come back and it would be 8 minutes later in the story.
Last night on TCM, they showed THE AMBASSADOR'S DAUGHTER a movie that starred Olivia deHavilland, Edward Arnold, Myrna Loy, Adolph Menjou - and no it wasn't made in 1936 - it was made in Paris in 1956!
John Forsythe, Tommy Noonan, and Francis Lederer co-starred as well. It was written and directed by Norman Krasna.
I had never HEARD of this movie before, but it was so funny. In color and Cinemascope. Olivia was a bit too old - but it was great to see her in a comedy. Oh, and lots of Dior clothes and a fashion show - 1956 style!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/09/2003 09:16 AM PST

WOW! What a lovely number of posts yesterday. I actually went to bed before midnight(!?!?!?), and since I had yet one more lovely evening... I didn't have the chance to catch up on the posts like I usually do... -Let's just say that "something" may be in the air! *That's almost a Sondheim reference. ;-)
-But, boy did all the listings of TV themes and songs bring back many memories! And I loved "3-2-1 Contact" too - I had a crush on the older guy... And, yes, I did list "Joanie Loves Chachi"!
As for today's topic:
CD: Diana Krall's "Live in Paris" and a Jobim collection (dinner music from last night); Liz Callaway's "The Beat Goes On"; Ben Folds' "Rockin' the Suburbs"
VCR: Hmm... Nothing right now...
DVD: On Standby: The First Nudie Musical - I had planned to go up to DC tomorrow with my friend, but since the weather forecast doesn't look too good - I can deal with rain, but not storms - my back-up plan consists of watching a few DVDs. I may also put Cinema Paradiso - the new version - in there!
Car Cassette: Manhattan Transfer "The Offbeat of Avenues"; Closer Than Ever OCR.
Michael: My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/09/2003 09:22 AM PST

OK... now I have to ask - Where is everyone?
-Although some DRs have submitted "notes" excusing them for a few days, so...
Oh, JRand - I keep meaning to ask... How do you like the Aida OCR? I, of course, got wedded to "my cast", and I have a hard time listening to the original cast now. Additionally, I don't think it was engineered that well, and the cuts in the Fashion Show sequence during "My Strongest Suit" drive me up the wall. -Just my take on things...
Posted by Jose C. Simbulan @ 05/09/2003 10:24 AM PST

Oh, I agree. The cuts are unseemly.
I really thought Jeremy Kirschner and Felicia Boswell were great. Felicia was the standby AIDA we saw in the afternoon. She got ALL the laughs and sang the songs wonderfully. Paulette Ivory - THE Aida we saw in the evening had a British intonation that kept her from getting a lot of her laughs in the evening...hard to understand. BUT Lisa Breschia as Amneris was just terrific and every bit as good as Sherrie Renee Scott on the CD.
I like the music a LOT and the Cd really captures the show!
Thanks for reminding me of it. Lisa Breschia was the standout, but Jeremy was terrific as well!
Too bad this tour cast won't be recorded.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/09/2003 10:30 AM PST

The last two nights have been theatre-packed. On Wednesday night we saw "Camelot" at the PaperMill here in NJ, starring Brent Barrett. He did a fine job as King Arthur, but I didn't find the rest of the cast or the production all that it could have been. The direction, especially in the firt half-hour was awful, with the actors being directed to telegraph every line with extraneous and annoying movements and facial expressions. It quieted down after than. Guenevere was OK, but not great and it bothered me that she was a brunette unlike all other actresses who I have seen playing the part. The line "your hair red as flame" certainly didn't fit here. Also, Lancelot was OK dramatically but vocally I thought his voice not strong enough. "If Ever I Would Leave You" is one of the best ballads ever written for a Broadway musical and should bring the house down if sung properly but received only a polite and tepid response here. I had seen the original back in '61 with Burton, Andrews, Goulet, McDowell, and no one can ever match that cast. Howard Kissel was at the performance and we introduced ourselves to him at intermission and had an interesting chat about the various productions of the show and about "Gypsy", which he didn't like, but we did.
Last night we went to the Encores production of "No Strings" at City Center in NYC. I had seen the original back in '62 and never thought it a great show. My opinion was reinforced last night. The acting by the leads (James Naughton and Maya Davis) was mediocre at best (Davis sang very well, however). I was surpised by Naughton, from whom I expected better. He was also too old for the part. The supporting cast was actually better (Penny Fuller, Marc Kudish, Len Cariou and Emily Skineer), although they didn't have much to do. The book, which was I assume abbreviated for this production, was about nothing- the story non-existent. The songs were enjoyable, however. Howard Kissel was there again, and I asked him what we should all be seeing tonight.
With regards to the movie "The Ambassador's Daughter" mentioned above, I remember being taken to it by my parents back in '56. I haven't seen it in years, though.
Posted by steveg @ 05/09/2003 10:35 AM PST

The computers in the library are all being upgraded, so I'm in the computer lab. It's the computers in this here lab that need to be upgraded, in my opinion (IMO in internet lingo).
Any way, so today was the last day of classes. All I have to worry about are finals and a couple more papers. WOO HOO!! Then I'll have to find my textbooks so we can sell them back.
Posted by Sandra @ 05/09/2003 10:37 AM PST

As I mentioned this morning, I got my two Rhino Handmade discs, Royal Wedding and Born to Dance. I'm listening to them at work. Nothing in the house at the moment. We watched the tape of Six Feet Under last night. Ant has gone back to LI for the week end for a clown show and I will spend the weekend getting ready for our trip to Key West. From Thursday May 15 through Wednesday May 21 I shall be errant and truant because we will be basking in the sun, sand and anything else we can find.
I will also be errant and truant this Sunday at Chat. I may get in at the end but I'm not sure. At 7pm I'm seeing Drama Department's production of Mondo Drama starring Caroline Rhea. If I have time on Monday, I'll post about it.
Posted by Ben @ 05/09/2003 10:50 AM PST

Where in tarnation IS everyone.
Ha-ha, fooled you! Bet you thought I was BK. No, not BK...but a startling simulation.
Actually things are a bit of a bummer here right now...thanks to a projected $140 million budget cut to Florida's state universities (thank you, Jeb Bush!), my job is in jeopardy. Yippee! Glad to know my summa cum laude BA degree is good for job security. Maybe Mickey D's is hiring. The really fun part is, we all get to just wait and wonder...if and when the axe is going to fall on us...
Posted by Lulu @ 05/09/2003 10:55 AM PST

I'll be seeing NO STRINGS tomorrow, but without even seeing it I think Encores made a mistake in picking out a show for a particular star, postponing it a year when the star was not available (it was supposed to be part of the 2002 Richard Rodgers Centenial celebration) and then having to re-cast when the star became unavailable again. Im sure that if the powers that be at Encores were not so enamoured with Vanessa Williams this show would not have been scheduled in the first place. I have no idea how good her replacement is, but I know the material is not very strong. This is probably why the supporting roles are all cast with performers who normally play leads. I'll let everyone know my opinion after I see it, but it's not a show I am looking forward to. But who knows... I thought NEW MOON would be a chore to sit through and it turned out to be one of the best shows they ever did.
In my CD - I went on a buying spree at Footlights last week and haven't even listened to most of what I bought, plus there are the two latest Rhino MGMusicals, so I'm not sure what is next although it will probably be the SB CD. I did listen to "New Faces of 1952" and found the sound to be better than I expected although I am upset that this is only what was on the 52 LP and eliminates "Time For Tea" which was recorded in 52 but not released until the LP reissue in the early 70s. For those of you who don't know what an LP means it is a Long Playing 33-1/3 record. See Thomas Edison's post of yesterday if you don't know what a record is.
DVD - The same situation. If I have time I'll watch one of the new Cole Porter DVDs.
VHS - Some shows I recorded this week and haven't had time to watch - Rachel York's Lucy bio and the Miss Dog Beauty contest (canines - not ugly humans).
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/09/2003 11:08 AM PST

For you fans of BK's recording of NIGHT OF THE HUNTER, click on my name.
BK - Please read this.
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/09/2003 11:28 AM PST

In the car CD player: Michael Feinstein singing something. DR Kerry supplied me with several new CDs to listen to when we had coffee this morning.
In the VCR: no clue, since it's in Sandra's room. Earlier this week, however, it contained Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, which she analyzed for her cinema class.
Now I think that Sandra and I will have a leisurely trip to the zoo, since she's done with classes and it's a very nice day here in the Phoenix area. Next week it will probably be too hot to go.
Posted by Laura @ 05/09/2003 11:31 AM PST

Well, being the dear reader who joined your ranks just yesterday, I'm guessing that it's protocol here to report on what is currently in your cd player, yes? In mine right now: The Full Monty, Promises, Promises, Broadway Bound, The Most Happy Fella, and Joni Mitchell's Court and Spark. They are keeping me company as I play internet backgammon. I feel quite pathetic. I roll the dice by clicking on them and yet I still feel some bizarre sort of pride when I roll double sixes. It happens so rarely. I'm currently on my seventeenth sucessive game. It seems I'm becoming a full scale hermit.
Oh, if anyone has the opportunity to see Master Harold and the Boys, please let me know what they think. I saw the dress rehearsal, but I have the feeling that it will change a good deal in previews.
Posted by Anna @ 05/09/2003 11:53 AM PST

Sandra - you too? this was the last week of classes for me as well. Now on to papers and finals next week *shudder* But at the end of the week there's always that nice bit of cash from selling books back to look forward to. Anyway, best of luck to you next week :-)
Posted by Ann @ 05/09/2003 12:16 PM PST

For those who missed Michael Riedel's column in the POST today with his Tony predections:
Actress in a Musical:
...And from "Gypsy," surely the nominators won't overlook its brilliant Mama Rose - Maureen Moore.
This is on top of an entire column Wednesday bashing Bernadette and illustrating it with her picture as "Missing" on a milk carton. Even if she is not that sick --- and only her doctors know for sure --- this is cruel. Nathan and Matthew did not start missing performances in THE PRODUCERS' first weeks. They waited until after the initial hype and awards gradually missing more and more performances until they were averaging one performance a week with both in the cast. I have to assume this time that Bernadette is really sick since missing performances when award nominators and voters attend could really hurt her chances. So why does Reidel continue to pick on her?
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/09/2003 12:18 PM PST

I have The Painted House to watch. I loved the book. Did anyone see the movie? Is it worth watching? I missed The Ambassador's Daughter. I have now programmed it to record next time it's on. I don't have any music on as my son is still sleeping. Once he is up I will listen to what ever he is in the mood for.
Posted by Jane @ 05/09/2003 12:19 PM PST

Thanks, William, for the link to
Night of The Hunter....
An exciting, and moving, article
indeed.....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 12:28 PM PST

Thanks, William, for the link to
Night of The Hunter....
An exciting, and moving, article
indeed.....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 12:28 PM PST

oops ! DOUBLE thanks, i
guess ....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 12:29 PM PST

You're welcome!
You're welcome!
Posted by William E. Lurie @ 05/09/2003 12:36 PM PST

Drama League Award Winners - click on my name to see who took home the prizes.
I can't believe I beat Bill to the keyboard!
But thanks from me for the NOTH link as well, Bill.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/09/2003 12:44 PM PST

Some article regarding SONG
OF THE SOUTH...
Click on my name.... It should
work....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 01:02 PM PST

According to the article, "Most likely, the film remains unreleased due to sensitivity over the stereotypical portrayals of its African American characters and its perceived benign image of slavery, which have embroiled the film in controversy since its theatrical release."
Apparently the NAACP also criticized the film for glorifying the "master/slave relationship."
Am I nuts? I thought Song of the South took place at the turn of the 20th century. Slavery had been abolished decades before.
Just as confusing - someone who defends the film is quoted as saying it's valuable because of the important role Brer Rabbit et. al play in African folklore. But Joel Chandler Harris created those characters relatively recently...they're not a part of authentic African folklore.
I just find it hard to believe that Song of the South pushes people's buttons more than Mandingo, Hurry Sundown, or just about any of those miserable UPN or WB sitcoms that portray all black people as being a bunch of buffoons. Yet this seems to be the case. Weird.
Posted by Lulu @ 05/09/2003 01:25 PM PST

So the latest movie being considered for the stage is now "8 Mile".
For some reason.. this does not excite me in the slightest...
Posted by Craig @ 05/09/2003 01:41 PM PST

Lulu, I do wonder the same thing regarding those horrible sitcoms. You are probably too young to have seen the "Amos and Andy" show but I remember it was a very funny. It's possible I would have a different opinion today, but I think it was better than many of the current shows. The other night we watched the first few minutes of the Shirley Temple version of Seabiscuit. Now that was degrading to blacks
Posted by Jane @ 05/09/2003 02:25 PM PST

Greetings all!
I know I've been errant and truant, but I've been busy putting on a play in South Florida.
There's a nice write-up in today's Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. If I knew how to post a link, I would, but here's how I got there:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/stage/sfl-shjz9may09,0,7728968.column?coll=sfla%2Dentertainment%2Dstage.
Ther will be another in tomorrow's Miami Herald, which can be found on-line tomorrow.
I don't know how nice that one is yet.
I've missed you all, and hope I've been missed.
Brucie, I'll be in LA again on the 26th, probably for about a month.
Posted by mark rothman @ 05/09/2003 02:38 PM PST

My goodness, where in tarnation IS everyone? Yesterday was huge, today is teeny-tiny. Let's meet in the middle, you Hainsies/Kimlets - surely you must be listening and watching things, and surely those who have been errant and truant are tired of being so. So it is written, so it shall be done.
Posted by bk @ 05/09/2003 03:06 PM PST

I'm here, I'm here. I don't have anything in any of my CD players or VCR or audio tape players and I don't even own a DVD player, and I was afraid you'd all think I was a boring stick in the mud if I so reported, but better to so report than risk the unseemly wrath of our host, who, I have now learned from a dear reader's post earlier today, goes by the name of "Brucie."
Posted by Jay @ 05/09/2003 03:12 PM PST

DVD: Harry Potter & The Chamber Of Secrets
CDs: Mame OBC, Cleo Sings Sondheim. Barbara Cook - The Broadway Years.
VCR: 8 and 1/2. (If it taped last night!)
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 03:15 PM PST

Back from breakfast and feeding the wild birds (now they are neither wild nor angry or even demanding) and still no more posts. It is a mild sunny day in this part of OZ. Tonight I go to see a production of "Sweeney Todd" - the complete version - whips and all!
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 03:43 PM PST

Why not a "special edition" DVD of "Song of the South," made with the participation of the NAACP, Bill Cosby, Leonard Maltin, and EVERYBODY with an opinion on the film, pro or con?
Fans of the film would finally get to see it again, and young, impressionable viewers would be given its proper historical context. It might even be an impressive, educational race relations/public service tool. It could wind up being shown in schools.
Perhaps a portion of the profits could go to an appropriate charity, like the United Negro College Fund.
Just a thought.
Posted by Sigerson Holmes @ 05/09/2003 03:52 PM PST

SONG OF THE SOUTH deserves to be seen, and since a portion of the world is allowed to, I think it's despicable that most Americans can't.
CD player - Streisand's PEOPLE CD (which I listened to as I cleaned the house this morning).
laserdisc - GOODBYE, MR. CHIPS (Peter O'Toole version; very faded print; BK's remarks on finding good color on films of that era reminded me of shoddy Eastman color on so many films that are in danger now of being gone).
DVD - the last disc in the CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION box set.
VHS - nothing at the moment.
Posted by Matt H. @ 05/09/2003 04:10 PM PST

DVD: The Man Who Came To Dinner with Nathan Lane & The Great American Songbook hosted by Michael Feinstein. (There is a Bonus MGM short film "There Must Be Music". Which starts out as an interesting film but ends up being really a WW2 propaganda film. Also they show a roster of many of the stars in the MGM roster at the time. I am usually good at faces but there were so many I did not recognize!!!)
CD Car: Linda Purl, Lee Lessack, Kevin Koebl, Christopher Glines, Michele Nicastro and Monica Mancini
VCR: Night Visitor (Bruce is in it. One brief scene done in a long shot)
Thank you to all who gave their condolenses. There is a unfortunate side effect. I had plan to visit my father who went into the hospital for an emergency procedure. He is in Montreal and the funeral is in Toronto. The hospital won't allow him any visitors who have been to Toronto.
As for Song of the South I saw it on its last release in 1986. I saw it in Montreal and was appalled at the depictions of black people in film. I couldn't believe it was a Disney film. But I guess it was when the film was released and I think it should be seen and discussed.
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/09/2003 04:25 PM PST

Michael, so sorry you can't visit your father. Distances are especially difficult during times like this. I hope your father has a speedy recovery.
Posted by Jane @ 05/09/2003 04:37 PM PST

Good luck with your play, Mr
Rothman..... will you bring it
here soon ?????
To have an easier access to
the Sun Sentinel write-up,
please, all you all, click on my
name ;- )
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 04:42 PM PST

Don't have a TV set, don't have
a VCR, don't have a dvd player
BUT I can play the radio AND
compact discs so.......I'm
presently listening to
Maureen MacGovern singing
the Bergmans -- thanks to a
Dear Reader friend..
and a bunch of Painted
Smiles Revisited -- Cole
Porter, Vernon Duke, Harold
Harlen etc, etc -- thanks to
another Dear Reader friend...
As Long As There's Music.......
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 04:53 PM PST

I hope the hospital in Montreal can allow a positive thoughts to get through the barriers to your father Michael. We are thinking of you and your family at this time.
Any news on an official release of "Sherry"?
I wonder if it's possible to get a copy of "The Great American Songbook" without Feinstein.
Is the Nathan Lane DVD easily obtainable?
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 05:11 PM PST

Tom,
They could only get rid of
Michael Ball for "The Great
American Songbook" !!!!
;- )
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 05:21 PM PST

Someone e-mailed me and asked me about a Julie Andrews song called Time is my Friend, which apparently was her "theme" on her seventies tv show. Also, this person believes she wrote it. Does anyone know this song, and has she recorded it?
Posted by bk @ 05/09/2003 05:31 PM PST

CD -
Pet Shop Boys Very,
Chess (OBC),
Rufus Wainwright's debut album
and my new REVERSE mix of the
York Theater's Merrily We Roll
Along.
What can any DR report on Ken
Ludwig's re-do of Twentieth Century
(the play)?
Posted by Kurt @ 05/09/2003 05:42 PM PST

To read some very pertinent
thoughts on SONG OF THE
SOUTH please click on my
name -- I'm getting a real kick
out of that "click-on-my-name"
stuff !! -- This is an article
recently written by a friend of
mine in Canada.....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 05:48 PM PST

Well, I'm just a theatre maven this week. I saw Nine on Wednesday, and as I mentioned, I'm seeing Mondo Drama w/Caroline Rhea on Sunday (so I won't be there for the chat) and now, thanks to my Union, Actor's Equity, I'm seeing A Year with Frog and Toad. The show is not doing well so there is much paper in the house. I'm going tomorrow evening. I'm looking forward to it. I like both performers and I've heard good things about it, even though it's a "children's show". I've done lots of children's theatre in my time and while some of it is dreck, some of it can be quite wonderful. I'll let you know what I think.
Posted by Ben @ 05/09/2003 05:52 PM PST

I know the answer ! I know the
answer !
Yes, Julie wrote that song with
the help of Leslie Bricusse,
and no, to my knowledge, it
has never been commercially
released...
I have the version she sang at
the end of her TV series on
audio cassette.... Musical
director then was the one and
only Nelson Riddle....
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 05:55 PM PST

Hi Esteemed, suave, and lithesome BK, et al.
I don't know about the Julie Andrews theme......
I just got back from the "truck drive" (damn, that sounds rugged!), and it didn't even have a cassette player in it.
So, Nothing in the DVD, nothing in the CD player either.
As I wasn't here yesterday afternoon or evening, I would like to add my contribution to the "best TV theme" category.
I would have to say, even though I very much love most of the great themes mentioned, the all-time, best of the best, wonderfully dramatic winner quite simply has to the stirring piano opening theme to....(double-forte low B flat unison octave on the downbeat, followed by a run up to the glorious opening chords in E flat major) "General Hospital!" Especially mid-fall of 1967, when modesty forbids me naming the player steering the Steinway!!!
Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/09/2003 05:58 PM PST

Thanks Kurt! I am still a fan of the Pet Shop Boys. Have a cople of the videos as well. Great lyrics underneath that deadpan delivery.The boys keep good company of course. Dining with Kevin Spacey and of course recording with Dusty. I still have yet to hear their "Musical" that bombed so badly.
Must also try the reverse Merrily at some stage.
WLR: Has Ray been locked up in the closet?
So DR Kerry shares a breakfast/dinner table with a truckie. How wonderful. What was on the 8 track?
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 06:11 PM PST

If you want to try to pressure
the Suits at Disney regarding
Song of the South, please sign
the petition at
http://www.UncleRemusPages
.com
Thank you.... where is that
Blue Bird ???
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 06:22 PM PST

Ahhh- the Julie Andrews Show. Network ABC gave her an hour variety show. I had forgotten about it....Alice Ghostley was a regular...and the song Julie sang at the end was indeed a lovely bit of melody.
I had a Columbia Double LP of songs she sang on the show that featured her on the cover wearing a blue dress from the show...but I believe it is mostly Columbia reissue material. Of course, I can't find it right now. But a couple of the novelty songs on it were priceless:
"Who Threw the Overalls is Mrs. Murphy's Chowder" and "Don't Go In the Lion's Cage Tonight" always make me laugh.
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/09/2003 07:24 PM PST

Hiya, how is everyone? My best wishes to Michael for his father.
DVD player: I'm going out to rent BEST IN SHOW (want to catch up on the Christopher Guest films, before I see A MIGHTY WIND tomorrow--loved SPINAL and GUFFMAN) and FRAILTY. Also, a friend transferred some of my LDs to DVDs: PANIC IN NEEDLE PARK, COME BACK TO THE 5&DIME, JD, JD, and CLOSETLAND. They turned out very nice. He's also putting some of my Pacino VCR tapes onto DVD: CRUISING, SCARECROW, and BOBBY DEERFIELD.
CD: Stuck on the CHICAGO movie soundtrack...
Posted by KT @ 05/09/2003 07:24 PM PST

I just won 2 eBay bids: hardcover book ($3.00) and VCR tape ($9.99) for THE DIARY OF A MAD HOUSEWIFE.
Posted by KT @ 05/09/2003 07:28 PM PST

Is that mad housewife anyone we know? I wonder what housewife has the time to write a diary - maybe while the Betty Crocker cakes are cooking.
At least I am posting.
Just to let you know some of us still here. (Well,François is someone)
Happiness is finding a bluebird. Ask Kevin Spacey. (K-Pax_
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 07:55 PM PST

DR Tom.........
No, happiness is finding Kevin Spacey !!
Posted by MusicGuy @ 05/09/2003 08:03 PM PST

Julie won her Emmy Award for her variety series.
Posted by Matt H. @ 05/09/2003 08:16 PM PST

Yes, I think Julie wrote the words to leslie Bricusse's music for "Time Is My Friend." Don't know if she ever recorded it, but I know the words to the short version she used most weeks to sign off:
Time now to go
For everything must end
I'll see you soon, I know
Knowing time is my friend.
Posted by Matt H. @ 05/09/2003 08:19 PM PST

We are back on air. MusicGuy indeed you are so right. I've just sent some emails to DR Kerry. Smile time.
With the number of times I type Dr and not DR people would think this was a medical journal.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 08:25 PM PST

BK - I have the sheet music for Julie Andrews' "Time is My Friend." ;-)
Posted by td @ 05/09/2003 08:49 PM PST

The two LP set of set that JRand52 refers to is "The World of Julie Andrews" It is a compliation of material from My Fair Lady, Camelot, Don't Go In the Lion's Cage and Broadway's Fair Julie. The Last title was reissue to coincide with the TV series as TV's Fair Julie. It had a picture of her dressed in white sitting on a "director's chair" with the "JULIE" logo on the back rest.
Now Broadway's Fair Julie and Don't Go In the Lion's Cage were released on CD from Sony Spain on a twofer under the title Broadway's Fair Julie & Heartrendering Ballads & Raucous Ditties. The latter is actually a subtitle of the Don't Go Into the Lion's Cage
Posted by Michael Shayne @ 05/09/2003 09:28 PM PST

I always thought it was Sunny Spain.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 09:30 PM PST

... and the two LP set
mentioned by Jrand52 was
ALSO issued on cd some
years ago....
Aren't we thorough when it
comes to Dame Julie??
Posted by François @ 05/09/2003 09:59 PM PST

There are a lot of posts from yesterday and today for me to catch up on.
Favorite TV theme songs:
I Love Lucy
Theme from "Hollywood and the Stars"
Bachelor Father
"Bewitched"
Theme from "The French Chef"
Theme from "The Wallace and Ladmo Show" (a local kids' show with lots meant for adults)
Although not necessarily favorites, how can you NOT sing along with "Green Acres," "Gilligan's Island" or "Brady Bunch"?
Posted by Kerry @ 05/09/2003 10:47 PM PST

In the VHS, a copy of "My Sister Eileen." I'd only seen parts of it (like the bits of the dance with Tommy Rall and Bob Fosse), so got a copy from amazon.
In the CD player: Compilation CD's of stuff I made now that I'm learning how to do it. Right now it's at the aprt with "Tracy's theme" (by Stewart Ross? from a tv version of the Phidalphia story). a little Guy Haines, a little Brent Barrettt, a little "She Loves Me," a little "Lost Horizon (damn you Bruce for starting me on that) and some Jeri Southern.
I've got "Will Rogers Follies" in the ready to listen to pile.
I love you all.
Posted by Kerry @ 05/09/2003 10:52 PM PST

On one of those Julie Andrews albums she does an absolutely lovely version of the song, "The Kerry Dances."
Posted by Kerry @ 05/09/2003 11:04 PM PST

DearReaderKerry: Speaking of Will Rogers Follies, are we going to go see that? If so, we really ought to think about buying tickets!
Posted by Laura @ 05/09/2003 11:24 PM PST

Spencer Ross: "Tracey's Theme"
Most played instrumental that no-one ever seemed to buy in the year of "A Summer Place". 1960 - My favourite year of pop music.
Does anyone else remember Jan & Kjeld's "Banjo Boy"? The song was covered by Dorothy Collins, Art Mooney and George Fromby I have not heard a version on radio since 1960.
Posted by Tom from Oz @ 05/09/2003 11:28 PM PST

In the VCR, one of my favourite British films - 'Secrets and Lies' - I am always bowled over when I see this film, it has so many wonderful performances.
In the DVD - 'The Great American Songbook' - Michael Feinstein looks so young!
In the CD player - I am discovering the wonders of 'A Man of No Importance' gradually. It's really growing on me with each play.
Off to Italy for 3 days tomorrow, so I will be E & T.
Posted by Allan @ 05/10/2003 01:34 AM PST

I'm currently watching Princess Mononoke. It's the kind of film I find I have to watch in stages, letting my brain catch up with what I've seen. Very interesting.
Posted by S. Woody White @ 05/10/2003 03:38 AM PST

Wow, Anna: your having Broadway Bound and The Most Happy Fella in your CD player shows you to be a person of great perspicacity. Welcome!
Speaking of Broadway Bound, over at the Merkin Concert Hall near Lincoln Center Monday night (5/12/03), there's a concert, hosted by Stephen Bogardus, of new musical theatre writers "Bound For Broadway" - certainly worth checking out.
Posted by Noel @ 05/10/2003 04:13 AM PST

We are in C I N E MA S C O P E again!!!
Kerry - the prettiest version of the Kerry Dance I have heard is in SMILIN' THROUGH by Jeanette MacDonald. What a sweet song.
WOW - I thought I was the only one who had that Julie Andrews album. I should have known it would be popular here at HHW. In addition to the white suit, she is also pictures in a long blue gown!
She still has that Maria Von Trapp hair!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/10/2003 06:51 AM PST

On my way to lunch and the A MIGHTY WIND viewing with DR Kurt!
Just like a trip on the Rock Island Line!
Posted by Jrand52 @ 05/10/2003 08:21 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:51 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:52 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:53 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:55 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:56 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:56 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 01:56 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 02:08 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 02:09 AM PST

JAMES NAUGHTON KICKED SERIOUS BUTT IN "NO STRINGS" HE'S IN THE BEST SHAPE OF HIS LIFE (physically + vocally)B.K. your way off base in your review. Clean the wax out of your ears next time.
Posted by jilleeeeeeebn @ 06/25/2003 02:19 AM PST

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