Topic: THE HURRIED AND CURRIED NOTES (Read 21657 times)

bk · « **on:** June 10, 2004, 12:00:24 AM »

Well, you've read the notes, you've hurried through the notes, you've curried through the notes and now it is time to post and keep the home fries burning.

Dave in the valley · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2004, 12:54:10 AM »

I could live at EPCOT Center. And the best ride park is Cedar Point outside Cleveland in Sandusky, Ohio.

Sigerson Holmes · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2004, 01:23:29 AM »

I don't know why these two popped into my head, but I'll get the favorite-bio-pics topic going with "Serpico" and "Donnie Brasco," two real-life undercover-cop yarns. Why these two, I don't know. Because they both end with the letter "o"? Because they both feature Al Pacino (which also ends with "o")?

In addition to top-notch lead performances, both manage to generate a lot of suspense by getting their protagonists into one-man-against-the-world situations, and heaps of trouble. Suffice it to say that for me they both fulfill a requirement of any good bio-pic: "Would this story be worth telling if it WASN'T (more or less) true?"

As for strange showbiz bio-pics which I nevertheless enjoy, the one that comes to mind today is Jose Ferrer as Sigmund Romberg in "Deep In My Heart." It messes around with the facts (as showbiz bio-pics seem required to do) yet still manages NOT to justify itself plotwise. However . . . [1] Lots of nice music. [2] Gene and his brother Fred Kelly sing & dance together. [3] You simply haven't lived until you've seen the bizarre scene in which Romberg does a backer's-audition-type reading of a new show he's writing for Al Jolson, relating the entire plot, performing all roles and all songs, all by himself and seemingly all in one breath, Jolson-impression included.

(. . . and, bio-pic I'm most looking forward to, however cautiously, "De-Lovely.")

Tomovoz · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2004, 02:54:37 AM »

I quite enjoyed those bio-pics about Gypsy Rose Lee and Fanny Brice.
As I kid I loved the Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman & Glenn Miller stories. Even the Eddy Duchin story I remember as being enjoyable. I also enjoyed "Lady Sing The Blues". I had no idea about the truth or fiction of the stories at the time so it was "entertainment".
I am looking forward to the Spacey take on Darin in "Beyond the Sea".

Sandra · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2004, 02:57:17 AM »

Those spinning teacups at Disneyland have always been a favorite of mine. But that Snow White ride is way too scary. (How wimpy am I?)

Tomovoz · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2004, 03:02:22 AM »

Let's hear it for the wimps. I hated every second of Space Mountain. I'm the sort who would rather be home watching Carousel than be riding one.

Tomovoz · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2004, 03:23:06 AM »

I thought "Carve Her Name With Pride" was a wonderful movie. (Virginia McKenna). I couldn't find a listing for it in my Maltins's guide. Maybe it was released under another name in North America.

Danise · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2004, 03:32:32 AM »

Sorry I was E & T last night. I was trying to read the notes/posts but we had a bad thunderboomer (summer in Florada/late afternoon/early evening = thunderstorms) last night and I had to shut down before I could post.

I didn't even make it to my e-mails!

Talk with ya'll tonight (hopefully). I have pictures from the parade for the Lightning to share.

Hi Tom!

Tomovoz · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2004, 05:53:12 AM »

Hi Danise! That could be hours later!

Just finished the last of "Angels In America".
Overhyped and non involving 6 hours of TV.
I felt "Nothing".
As a play it may have worked. For me on TV - NOT.
To each his own.

Jason · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2004, 06:03:08 AM »

Bio-pics? Would "The Miracle Worker" count?

I love just about anything to do with amusement parks--I'm obsessed with them. Unfortunately, I haven't been to one since I moved up here. There's a big one in New Jersey that I'd love to visit, but it's quite expensive and none of my friends like roller coasters (those wussburgers!), so I can't get anyone to go with me.

I particularly like the roller coasters where you let your feet dangle under you. I also enjoy the ones that are inside--they're very dark and you have no idea where you're going. I grew up going to Paramount's King's Island just outside of Cincinnati (the very park where the Bradys got Mike's blueprints mixed up with a poster and then ran all over the park--past the reproduction of the Eiffel Tower--only to find the blueprints in the canoe ride) and also Six Flags' Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, which is actually a great park. I've always heard about Cedar Pointe and have wanted to go there, but it's too far away. Coney Island doesn't do it for me. I'm just sure that ferris wheel is going to tip over one day...

Off to work. I'm at the reception desk again today, so I'll have computer access all day long. Ciao for niao!

Stuart · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2004, 06:03:54 AM »

One of my favorite bio-pics (aside from the aforementioned ones about Louise Hovick and Fannie Borach) is INTERRUPTED MELODY about Metropolitan star Marjorie Lawrence. Also, Susan Hayward chained to a roving piano as Jane Froman in WITH A SONG IN MY HEART.

I do enjoy a good amusement park ride, but usually pass on the overly "thrilling" ones......Space Mountain is about the strongest dose of amusement park thrills that I need. Though I did love "Imagination" at Epcot. At least I think that's what it's called. The one with that little green dragon, Figment.

Perhaps you should ask DR Jay about how treacherous Snow White's Scary Adventure can be..... :-)

William E. Lurie · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2004, 06:48:49 AM »

Outside of the Disney Parks, I'd say the California Universal Studios is the best (or was when I went there about 20 years ago). And one of the worst is the Florida Universal Studios. In California it is an actual movie studio with added attractions; in Florida it's a theme park where they shoot a couple of tv shows just so they can call it a studio.

If we can include television films, the Judy Garland biopic with Judy Davis is way up there.

And speaking of biography, did anyone see Bette Midler on A&E last night? Interesting clips and Bette looked great in her recent interview, but I really didn't learn anything new. I feel the same about Bette as I do about Babs... she still has the talent but has lost the knack of picking the best material. I don't mind "Wind Beneath My Wings" or "From A Distance", but not whole CDs of their type. I long for the variety that was on her first albums.

***

I didn't check last night's late posts so this might have already been mentioned, but have other DRs seen the news from the AVENUE Q producers? Instead of a national tour they will be playing only one place outside of New York: Las Vegas!!! If the Vegas production were in addition to a tour it would be fine, but to keep a Tony®-winning musical out of all other cities for several years (as is the current plan) is not a good idea. Apparently even the writters just found out. I'm sure that it was not announced before so it would not lose the road presenters Tony® vote. I hope that they don't change the show, but knowing Vegas it will probably be cut down to 90 minutes without an intermission (to get people back to the casinos faster) and could add human nudity to the puppet nudity.

Jrand73 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:24:30 AM »

Whew! What a lot of posts last night....and what a lot of information. Running, gay motorcyclists, Anthony's birthday, shakalaka, Hindi Parent Trap, Dominique, Sunrise and....well I could go on and on....

My favorite biopics:

Harlow with Carroll Baker, but not because it tells the truth about Jean Harlow

Frances with Jessica Lange but not because it tells the truth about Frances Farmer

And a couple already mentioned The Miracle Worker, Me & My Shadows.

Lawrence of Arabia, El Cid (was he real), King of Kings

ON THE RECORD one of the worst biopics I have ever seen in casting and writing was the tv movie Jayne Mansfield with Miss Loni Anderson.

Like DRJASON, I grew up going to King's Island in Ohio. They have wonderful roller coasters, including The Beast with at least 3 long drops, a tunnel, and a lean. I also like the log flume as it goes high into the trees and then drops into the water.

But MY favorite ride I have ever seen is the ride my brother Kent took when he was on top of a television table, and it went down the backstairs!

MBarnum · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:31:01 AM »

Favorite amusement parks...well, STUMPS OF MYSTERY in Southern Oregon is rather amusing! LOL! Yes there really is a place called STUMPS OF MYSTERY!

I loved Disneyland and I loved Universal Studios, also. Knotts Berry Farm is fun. I guess that is all I have been to.

PS: To BK from yesterday...I own the Singing Nun's CD! LOL!

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:37:35 AM »

Quote from: Tomovoz on June 10, 2004, 03:23:06 AM

I thought "Carve Her Name With Pride" was a wonderful movie. (Virginia McKenna). I couldn't find a listing for it in my Maltins's guide. Maybe it was released under another name in North America.

It seems it was not given a US release.

IMDB does list it and indicates that the only current source for the mater is a Region 2 Encoded DVD available form UK Amazon - a reviwer at IMDB notes:

"Virginia McKenna does a great job of portraying unsung British war heroine Violetta Szabo. Paul Scofield, perhaps the greatest actor of his generation, is equally magnificent as Tony. Lewis Gilbert allows the tale to unfold without much pomp and fanfare but with crisp direction and solid supporting performances, this merely adds to its power. The resilient score is also worth noting. Every time I finish watching this film, I cry, then I want to watch it again."

der Brucer

Matt H. · « **Reply #15 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:38:08 AM »

Favorite biopics have already been mentioned: GYPSY and THE MIRACLE WORKER. Not surprising they were both Broadway plays since I'm a Broadway Baby at heart.

Of the composer musical biographies, I like TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY. It's SO over the top, but there are certainly wonderful sequences contained within the trite storytelling and that Technicolor is breathtaking. The film has been in the public domain for decades, so many prints out there are dismal and don't represent the film at its best. The MGM-produced laserdisc in their COMPOSER boxed set is the way to go. That's what the movie is supposed to look like!

Panni · « **Reply #16 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:39:47 AM »

Favorite biopics: THE JOLSON STORY and JOLSON SINGS AGAIN. I know they have very little to do with reality, but I was obsessed with those movies when I was a kid. Saw them over and over again on television. Haven't seen them in years - would like to - but perhaps the memory is better than the film - who knows? (That's a rhetorical question.)

Amusement parks. Haven't been to that many. I guess I'd choose Disneyland on a rainy day when it's not crowded. Can't stand the crowds. Favorite ride - don't laugh at me - the Peter Pan Ride - it's magical.

Matt H. · « **Reply #17 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:42:08 AM »

Well, I loved Disney-MGM in Orlando. Thought the Tower of Terror was one of the most fun thrill rides I've ever been on. We kept going back in and back in to enjoy it, and the Muppet 3-D experience is beautifully done. But all the Disney Parks in Orlando have wonderful attractions. We spent four days there and rode everything thrilling multiple times. The only one I didn't care for was Splash Mountain because you do get soaking wet and have to squish around the park until you dry. Not my idea of fun.

Another theme park I really loved was Busch Gardens in Tampa. They have a couple of roller coasters there that twist you in every conceivable direction, and they are another repeat experience ride for me.

Panni · « **Reply #18 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:42:52 AM »

Quote from: JRand53 on June 10, 2004, 07:24:30 AM

But MY favorite ride I have ever seen is the ride my brother Kent took when he was on top of a television table, and it went down the backstairs!

My first laugh of the day. Thank you!

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:44:12 AM »

Today's debunking of yesterday's falsehhoods.

DEBUNK ONE

Sandra posted:

Quote

I know this doesn't have anything to do with anything, but every time I hear that thing about Lincoln, it makes me think of an argument I got in with my fourth grade teacher. She told us that Lincoln got his picture on the penny because he returned six cents to somebody. I raised my hand and asked why he didn't get his face on a six-cent coin. She said that we didn't have a six-cent coin because coins' values are all divisible by five. I said that the penny is worth one cent and that's not divisible by five. She told me to be quiet.

TRUTH - The teacher was flat ass wrong!

US Coinage has had 1/2 cent, 2 cent, and 3 cent coins (non of which are" divisible by five" (integrally, that is).

A Library of Coinage describes:

Half Cents (1793 - 1857)

The half cent was the lowest denomination coin ever struck by the United States of America. The half cent was authorized for coinage on April 2, 1792. Originally, the weight was to have been 132 grains, but was changed to 104 grains by the Act of January 14, 1793, before coinage began. The weight was again changed to 84 grains on January 26, 1796 by presidential proclamation in conformity with the Act of March 3, 1795. Coinage was discontinued by the Act of February 21, 1857; perhaps because of inflation. All half cents were minted at the Philadelphia mint.

Two Cent Pieces (1864 - 1873)

The Act of April 22, 1864 changed the weight and composition of the cent. It also included a provision for a bronze two cent piece. The weight was specified as 96 grains using the same alloy as the cent.

Three Cent Pieces (1851 - 1889)

Three cent pieces were made by the United States in the later half of the nineteenth century. There were two types coined, that of silver composition and that of copper-nickel. From 1865 to 1873, both kinds were manufactured simultaneously.

der Brucer (who thinks maybe Lincoln should've had a six cent coin!)

Jason · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:46:25 AM »

Dollywood's another fun amusement park. I never actually got to see La Parton at the park at any time, but you could just feel her...um...presence. There's a great environmental movie cinema there that shows a film about Dolly's rise to stardom. It's fun...when they talked about her growing up in the Tennessee mountains, flowers actually bloomed in the greenery and butterfly puppets flittered around the theater. It was really cool.

And then there's the roller coaster that's shaped like Dolly...two big humps and that's about it. Of course, I'm kidding...or am I?

DERBRUCER · « **Reply #21 on:** June 10, 2004, 07:55:34 AM »

DEBUNK TWO

Sandra (again):

Quote

My brother would like to know why Frank Sinatra was called the Chairman of the Board, and frankly (see what I did there?) I would like to know too.

BK offers:

Quote

Because he was the Chairman of the Board - the leader, A-Number One, top of the hill. I, on the other hand, am the Chairman of the Bored.

which is clever, cute, and erroneous.

Robin chimes in with:

Quote

"Chairman of the Board" -- it's one of those nonsensical euphemisms someone made up...probably because it was more masculine than calling him "Old Blue Eyes" in introductions, etc.

is there a Gong I can wring - wrong again!

Jane tries to help with:

Quote

Keith says, because he was Chairman of the “Rat Pack”. Then he said to check out Google where I got a slightly different answer:

He originally recorded for Columbia Records in the 1940s but switched to Capitol Records in the 1950s. At Capitol, he worked with many of the finest arrangers of the era, most notably Nelson Riddle and Billy May, with whom he made a series of highly regarded recordings. By the 1960s he was a big enough star to start his own record label: Reprise Records. His position with the label earned him the long-lasting nickname "The Chairman of the Board".

Keith still thinks he is correct.

Well, it seems Jane is right. If Keith wants to the Master of Truth he must either join a certified organized relgion that dispenses THE TRUTH, or learn to use a search engine.

Ask Yahoo reports:

Chairman of the Board was one of many heroic epithets used to describe Frank Sinatra during his decades as a leading celebrity icon, heart-throb, bad boy, singer/stylist of swing ballads, romantic leading man, and serious movie actor. The Chairman of the Board was also known as The Voice, The King of Crooners, Ol' Blue Eyes, or simply the Greatest Entertainer of the 20th century. In fact, most of the 1998 online obituaries we read used some combination of these titles to pay homage to Hoboken, New Jersey's legendary star and to honor his stature as a showbiz institution.

They refernce a article in the TECH (an MIT newspaper) which reports:

In 1961, Frank Sinatra started Reprise Records. The label eventually recorded such artists as Jimi Hendrix, the Kinks, and Neil Young. It was as the head of Reprise that Sinatra earned his coolest nickname, "the Chairman of the Board."

der Brucer (Jane - tell Keith that Yahoo is much easier to deal with than God)

Panni · « **Reply #22 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:12:28 AM »

For the Canadians in the group, I just read that Brian Linehan had died. I was never a huge fan - I think that James Lipton took fawning lessons from him - but it's sad when someone goes that young.
(For the non-Canucks - Martin Short created one of his most hilarious SCTV characters, Brock Linehan, the obsequious talk-show host, from him.)

DearReaderLaura · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:12:44 AM »

I love Disneyland and love every ride there. But I'm always frustrated that my wimpy kids are afraid of everything.

Once, when DR Sandra was in high school, her orchestra class participated in the Hollywood Music Festival, and I was a chaperone. One of the activities of the weekend was a trip to Six Flags. She and I ditched the group and enjoyed a day on Hollywood Boulevard. BK, if we had known you then, we'd have called and gone to DuPars for pancakes.

DearReaderLaura · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:14:55 AM »

This morning I went for a walk, and this is what I saw:

Matt H. · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:23:12 AM »

I read something a little puzzling this morning. 20th Century Fox announced that its Studio Classic title for August is going to be ZORBA THE GREEK, and the specifications for the release said it will be full frame 1.33:1 aspect ratio.

This can't be right. Wouldn't it at least have been 1.66:1 in view of the fact that most European directors still used this aspect ratio in filming movies that weren't in Panavision or some other wider process. I'm confused and disappointed.

BTW, ALEXANDER'S RAGTIME BAND is their September choice which makes me very happy indeed.

But ZORBA does not.

bk · « **Reply #26 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:33:32 AM »

MattH you must learn not to be disappointed until the DVD actually comes out. Many Fox titles recently have been reported as being full-frame when they were announced and all have been anamorpic and in their proper ratio. I don't know what they were doing in Greece at that time, but HERE it would absolutely have been projected in 1:85 even if it had been shot for 1:66. Something else was recently announced by Fox as full-frame, and the usual suspects were all up in arms, and the head of Fox video went in and posted and said, "Why do you believe these sites? It will be anamorphic and proper ratio." Hence, we should wait.

Off to film.

Jason · « **Reply #27 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:37:03 AM »

Thank you, MattH. I now have "Alexander's Ragtime Band" running through my head. ARGH!!!

Come on along...
Come on along...
It's Alexander's Ragtime Band...!

Jason · « **Reply #28 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:37:53 AM »

Break legs, BK!

Jason · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2004, 08:39:06 AM »

And a very Happy Birthday to DR Ben's DP (that's Dear Partner) Anthony! I hope they both have a wonderful night out...two nicer people there never were.

Feliz cumpleanos, Anthony!

News:

Author Topic: THE HURRIED AND CURRIED NOTES (Read 21657 times)

MBarnum