Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 1 => Topic started by: bk on March 09, 2004, 12:01:21 AM

Title: BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 12:01:21 AM
Well, you've read the notes, the notes have spoken to you, the notes have illuminated you, the notes have made you whole and once you were half now you're whole, no more hunger and thirst but first be a person who needs PEOPLE!  PEOPLE who need PEOPLE, are the luck-i-est PEOPLE in the world.  My goodness, I went off on a Bob Merrill tangent, didn't I?  In fact, I went off on a Bob Merrill tangent quite merrilly, didn't I?  And now I'll paraphrase Mr. Bob Merrill:

Posters,
Our very special posters
Are the luckiest posters in the world
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 12:06:48 AM
Okay, I was the last to post on the 8th -- let's see if I'm the first on the 9th.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 12:09:18 AM
What do I win?
I shall now retire for the night and read and then dream about my winnings. 'Night, all.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: George on March 09, 2004, 01:29:55 AM
I have absolutely no idea which musical numbers that I like are specifically by MGM, so I will wait until other people who are more knowledgeable about such things start posting what their favorite MGM numbers are and then I can find out which songs are MGM songs and then say that I like that song and that song, etc., etc., etc. (a King and I reference).  Isn’t that a great plan? (I think that that's a You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown reference).

That first sentence was quite long and unseemly, wasn’t it?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 02:40:13 AM
Whew!  What a lot of posts!  And so tasty, too....just like candy!  ;D

DRCharlesPogue - I am directing a show called LOVING LUCY which is a one woman show that takes place in a Desilu PropRoom on the night of the filming of the last Lucy-Desi Westinghouse Special...Lucille will file for divorce from Desi the next day, and she reflects on what was and what might have been and remembers a few of her funnier routines in a roundabout way, copyright laws being what they are.  It's fun, but waiting around for the tech is beginning to get annoying!

CAMELOT!  I like almost all of the filmings of the story...even "Knights of the Round Table" with Robert Taylor!  And I like the musical CAMELOT although its shortcomings were discussed yesterday.  Joshua Logan was the WRONG director, but I don't know who would have been better....maybe Carol Reed, I don't know....  My favorite number is "Guenevere" with all the action and drama!  Although I don't have a number that I don't like.

I saw Mr Robert Goulet do MAN OF LA MANCHA about 5 years ago, and he was very good....surprisingly so.  I hadn't expected to like him, but I did!  A bit shorter than I imagined, but that's okay!

DRJOSE met Christopher Durang!  8)

I will consider some additions, but a favorite "forgotten" MGM musical number that I enjoy is June Allyson's "Now, Baby, Now" in THE OPPOSITE SEX.  Whew!   :P
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 02:42:13 AM
And here is your Allison Hayes Picture of the Week:

Miss Hayes & Mr Gene Barry again in HONG KONG CONFIDENTIAL.... Allison forgot the top of her dress...again...but she seems completely at ease nonetheless!  :D

Lovely Frances Dee...widow of Joel McCrea...and who remembers her "I Love Lucy" connection?  ;)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: elmore3003 on March 09, 2004, 04:24:02 AM
Good morning, all!  It's 7:15 am or so, I finished reading the remainder of last night's posts, and I long to see BK in Olivier's pageboy dol.  Reminds me of the Cole Porter lines:

Let's talk about LaMarr, that Hedy so fair
Why does she let Joan Bennett wear all her old hair?

Now to our serious topic:  MGM numbers

1.  Singin' in the Rain  
2.  Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas (not a production number but my fave number in the film)
3.  Triplets
4.  The Girl Hunt Ballet
5.  New York, New York (hate most of this film for its bad arrangements of Bernstein's score and the new songs)
6.  Everything from SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
7.  Be A Clown
8.  Gigi (great song and great shorts of Paris)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 04:31:14 AM
For sheer exuberance and breathless excitement - I have to mention the Challenge Dance - Barn Raising sequence in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS - the scoring is superbly realized in movement and the growing interest of the town girls in the Pontipee brothers is perfectly represented as well.

The suitors are an unlikely lot (and all of them have the talent to have been cast as a "brother") and I love it when one of them sneers:  "It's them Pontipee brothers..."

AND I still say if the director and choreographer had found a way to put the barn-raising onstage - 7B47B would have had a chance at a longer Broadway run!

So if I have to pick ONE favorite....this would be it!  And I know I'm not a Lonesome Polecat!  ;D
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 04:42:29 AM
DRelmoore we had the same thought!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 05:04:03 AM
MR BK - you really want your hair to look like this?  Talk about unkempt!  ;)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 05:09:46 AM
Too many MGM numbers to think about this eraly. Later i willl post.  

"It's Always Fair Weather" has some good moments but is a a terribly cynical film and quite a downer when you think about it.  Reflects the times though---Post war post mortem.

Wasn't Frances Dee in the Hollywood Wives fashion show (along with Gloria Stewart, etc.) OR was she the one Lucy replaced?  Was it a Don Loper collection?


And Jack and Tom, you are stranger than I thought.  And I am stranger for listening to the cd that shows how strange you are!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 05:10:06 AM
If you are going for the PageBoy - use this model!  ;D

And by the way, in doing a search, I have discovered that this movie will be released on DVD on May 10!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 05:12:35 AM
LOL DR KERRY!   But you DID listen!

And YES you are correct, it was the Don Loper collection and Mrs. Joel McCrea couldn't be in the show, Sheila remembered:  "Frances called me, they're leaving for Europe.  Who can we get....and it has to be the wife of a star....."

"Excuse me...may I use your telephone?.....this is Mrs. Ricky Ricardo....the STAR'S wife......"

Ethel:  "Well...that was a subtle performance!"
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 05:30:12 AM
Robert Wagner always said he felt he looked like Jane Wyman with that haircut!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 05:31:11 AM
WFO:

How is Joe doing (send him a hug), and how much lomger does he have to be there?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 05:33:18 AM
If that was post 222, whatever happened to Karen Valentine (who reallly was quite good)?   AND whatever happended to Bobby Buntrock?  Not that I expect you all to be William Lamparski, but I figured someone might know.  We ALL know the oddest collection of things here!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 05:36:28 AM
I just read that Bobby Buntrock was killed in a car qwreck in 1974.   SAD.  I wonder what he did between 1962 and 1974.  Surely the royalties from "Hazel" couldn't have been THAT good.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 05:36:56 AM
Was that Big Noise from Winetka?  I have it on the very best authority (Oh, a Camelot reference!) that the very best Big Noises are from that particular burg.  Usually a Big Noise annoys me.  I find it noissome.  (Which actually has nothing to do with noise.  Nor Does Alfred Noyse.)

Some say, "Bring on the noise!  Bring on da funk!"  But I detest a noise, unless it is a Joyful Noise.  Which is the kind made by Noel Katz, and so everyone must go to www.weddingmusical.com and order the CD of Our Wedding immediately, if not sooner.

I need coffee.  My Lord, I sound like BK, I really do.  I will go out and get some coffee and then read last night's late night posts and return here.  In the meantime, here is a poem by Alfred Noyes to tide you over:

Daddy Fell Into the Pond
   
 
Everyone grumbled. The sky was grey.
We had nothing to do and nothing to say.
We were nearing the end of a dismal day,
And then there seemed to be nothing beyond,
Then
Daddy fell into the pond!

And everyone's face grew merry and bright,
And Timothy danced for sheer delight.
"Give me the camera, quick, oh quick!
He's crawling out of the duckweed!" Click!

Then the gardener suddenly slapped his knee,
And doubled up, shaking silently,
And the ducks all quacked as if they were daft,
And it sounded as if the old drake laughed.
Oh, there wasn't a thing that didn't respond
When
Daddy Fell into the pond!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 05:43:02 AM
I love Karen Valentine - but I don't know if she is still working.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 05:50:56 AM
Jane Wyman should be so lucky.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 05:56:22 AM
I know for a fact that one of my favorite M-G-M musical numbers is "Coffee Time" in YOLANDA AND THE THIEF.  Fred Astaire and Lucille Bremer are simply divoon together in each of the M-G-M joint appearances.
"Limehouse Blues" in THE ZIEGFELD FOLLIES.
"This Heart of Mine" in THE ZIEGFELD FOLLIES.

I also like Gene Kelly paired with Cyd Charisse:
"The Heather on the Hill" in BRIGADOON
"The Broadway Ballet" in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

Cyd with the boxers, "Baby, You Knock Me Out" in IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER.

So, many great individual numbers came out of M-G-M, but, of course, the absolute joy that Gene Kelly brings to the title tune in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN will always be my favorite.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 06:17:39 AM
In answer to Dear Reader Kerry's inquiry on Joe, here is the present situation.

He is bucking up rather well, considering that they are still not giving him his pain medication, despite repeated requests from his own doctors and his attorney.  We are pursuing other legal avenues, although he is set to be released a week from Friday.

But the saddest news is that his mother is dying, and it is not certain whether she will last until his release.  I spent Sunday afternoon holding her hand and assisting the Nurse's Aide.  Dementia has set in, so Mom seems to believe me when I say that I am Joe.  She is also in a lot of pain, but fortunately her daughter the RN has flown in from California and is pushing the medical people to get her more relief.

As far as suggestions that Joe might be released early to see his mother before she passes, that is a nightmare of regulations and red tape.  Sure, they say, if she is in the hospital, but not if she is home.  Well, there is a thing called a Conditional Release, and the paperwork takes about two weeks to process.  Of course, he can't leave the county, and she is in the next county over.  And on, and on.  I am pursuing other legal avenues, oh yes I am, including a Civil Action against the county.

If I'm off-line this afternoon, it is because I will be with Mom.  She has treated me like a son for twenty-three years and I owe her this.  And although she is a very religious Catholic, I don't think she understands what a threat to the American Family I am.  Perhaps President Bouche could explain it to her.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 06:25:22 AM
DR WFO - sometimes I feel as though we are living in the Age of Technology AND the Dark Ages at the same time.

GOOD VIBES TO YOU AND JOE!!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 09, 2004, 06:25:46 AM
Not only did we lose Ms. Dee (aka Mrs. McCrae), but also Paul Winfield.  Although he had many major credits, I remember him most from the under-rated late 80s sitcom "The Charmings" where he played the magic mirror.  And Jrand --- wasn't Ms. Dee one of the participants in the "Celebrity Wife Fashion Show" on one of Lucy's Hollywood episodes?

I love "It's Always Fair Weather".  The script started out as a reunion of the "On the Town" sailors, but that was changed.  I think it's one of Betty and Adolph's best scripts although it would have been nice to give Gene and Cyd at least one number together.  Dolores Grey shows what she could do when given the opportunity.  And it's great use of CinemaScope.  Just too bad that "I Said Good Morning to the Sun" which was written for this film was never used.

As for favorite MGM musical numbers... far too many to list.  From the 20s (title number in "Broadway Melody" and "Singin' in the Rain from "Hollywood Revue"; from the 30s "A Pretty Girl" from "The Great Ziegfeld", Nelson & Jeanette duets; any Ellie Powell dance; from the 40s - Judy, Judy, Judy; the 50s any number from "Singin' In the Rain" or "Bandwagon"; etc.  It was a unique art form that has gone out of style, but at least can still be viewed today.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 06:41:09 AM
DR WEL - in fact, as posted above - Lucy Ricardo got the chance to be in Don Loper's fashion show because Frances Dee - Mrs Joel McCrea - had to drop out!  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 07:10:07 AM
My favorite MGM musical number is GET HAPPY from SUMMER STOCK!

I watched IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER last night also. I saw the movie when I was a youngun, but oddly enough I remembered very little of it. Loved Cyd's dance scene with the boxers and Dolores Gray was great, but otherwise the film didn't do a whole lot for me..it wasn't bad or anything, it just wasn't a lot of fun.

WFO, good vibes to you, Joe, and mom!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 07:14:40 AM
by the way the Johnny Weissmuller Tarzan collection will be released on DVD on 6/8/04! What childhood memories that will bring back. Hope they release the Gordon Scott films eventually!


Today I am taping the movie THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO! Love those little marionette people!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 07:27:52 AM
I adore IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER. I think every number is a winner, and it's beautifully put together even if Kelly and Donen were not getting along at the time. The pacing and cutting of "I Shouldn't Have Come" set to "The Blue Danube Waltz" is just hilarious. Also Cyd's number with the boxers.

Gene and Cyd did film a number together "Love Is Nothing But a Racket" which is on the laserdisc boxed set THE GENE KELLY COLLECTION. Fine number but didn't add anything to the film and so its cutting wasn't a major loss.

My favorite numbers:

Judy's "A Great Lady Has an Interview/Madame Crematon" from ZIEGFELD FOLLIES
Judy's "Mack the Black" from THE PIRATE
Judy's "Get Happy," and Judy and Gene's "The Portland Fancy" both from SUMMER STOCK

Fred and Eleanor's spectacular "Begin the Beguine" in BROADWAY MELODY of 1940.
Fred and Lucille "This Heart of Mine" and "Limehouse Blues" from ZIEGFELD FOLLIES
Fred's "You're All the World to Me" in ROYAL WEDDING
Fred and Cyd's "Dancing in the Dark" in THE BAND WAGON

Gene's "The Pirate Ballet" in THE PIRATE
Gene's "American in Paris" ballet
Gene and Vera's "Slaughter on 10th Avenue" in WORDS AND MUSIC
Gene and Donald's "Moses Supposes" in SINGIN' IN THE RAIN
Gene and Cyd's "Heather on the Hill" in BRIGADOON
Gene's "I Like Myself" mentioned in bk's notes

Other MGM munbers not involved the Holy Three:

"Pass That Peace Pipe" and "The Varsity Drag" from GOOD NEWS
Ann Miller's "Shakin' the Blues Away"
Doris Day's "Shakin' the Blues Away"
Marge and Gower Champion's "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
Donald O'Connor's "Make 'Em Laugh" and "Life Has Its Funny Little Ups and Downs"
Jane Powell's "My Hero"

Actually, I could go on all day with these.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 07:35:10 AM
Favorite has to be Gwen Verdon & Carol Haney's performance in "Singing in the Rain" from the eponymous film.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 07:41:05 AM
DRMATTH your list just makes me remember all the ones I missed!  LOL

"Get Happy" of course, MBARNUM mentioned it as well.

And how could I forget the hula tap that the remarkable Eleanor Powell does in "Honolulu"...how could I?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 07:57:07 AM
I didn't mention those wonderful three group numbers in SEVEN BRIDES: "The Barn Raisin'," "Lonesome Polecat," "Sobbin' Women."

There are just too many to hit them all.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 07:58:31 AM
WFO - Sending heartfelt wishes for strength and endurance to you and Joe. And wishes for peace of heart to his Mother.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 07:59:41 AM
MGM Musicals Reference Site:MGM Fanatic (http://members.aol.com/mgmfanatic/index.html)

MGM Musicals pre 1940:

1929   Devil May Care
1929   Hallelujah
1929   Hollywood Revue of 1929
1929   It's a Great Life
1929   Marianne
1929   So This Is College
1929   The Broadway Melody
1930   A Lady's Morals
1930   Call of the Flesh
1930   Chasing Rainbows
1930   Children of Pleasure
1930   Free and Easy
1930   Good News
1930   In Gay Madrid
1930   Lord Byron of Broadway
1930   Love in the Rough
1930   Madam Satan
1930   Montana Moon
1930   New Moon
1930   The Florodora Girl
1930   The Rogue Song
1930   They Learned About Women
1931   Cuban Love Song
1931   Flying High
1931   The Prodigal
1932   Blondie of the Follies
1933   Broadway to Hollywood
1933   Dancing Lady
1933   Going Hollywood
1934   Babes in Toyland
1934   Hollywood Party
1934   Student Tour
1934   The Cat and the Fiddle
1934   The Merry Widow
1935   Broadway Melody of 1936
1935   Here Comes the Band
1935   Naughty Marietta
1935   Reckless
1935   The Night Is Young
1936   Born to Dance
1936   Rose Marie
1936   San Francisco
1936   The Bohemian Girl
1936   The Great Ziegfeld
1937   Broadway Melody of 1938
1937   Maytime
1937   Nobody's Baby
1937   Rosalie
1937   The Firefly
1938   Everybody Sing
1938   Girl of the Golden West
1938   Let Freedom Ring
1938   Listen Darling
1938   Sweethearts
1938   The Great Waltz
1939   Babes in Arms
1939   Balalaika
1939   Broadway Serenade
1939   Honolulu
1939   Ice Follies of 1939
1939   The Wizard of Oz

Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 08:00:46 AM
MGM Musicals from the 1940s:
1940   Bitter Sweet
1940   Broadway Melody of 1940
1940   Hullabaloo
1940   Little Nellie Kelly
1940   New Moon
1940   Strike Up the Band
1940   Two Girls on Broadway
1941   Lady Be Good
1941   The Chocolate Soldier
1941   Ziegfeld Girl
1942   Babes on Broadway
1942   Born to Sing
1942   Cairo
1942   For Me and My Gal
1942   I Married An Angel
1942   Panama Hattie
1942   Rio Rita
1942   Seven Sweethearts
1942   Ship Ahoy
1943   Best Foot Forward
1943   Cabin in the Sky
1943   DuBarry Was A Lady
1943   Girl Crazy
1943   I Dood It
1943   Presenting Lily Mars
1943   Thousands Cheer
1944   Bathing Beauty
1944   Broadway Rhythm
1944   Meet Me in St. Louis
1944   Meet the People
1944   Music for Millions
1944   Swing Fever
1944   Two Girls and a Sailor
1945   Anchors Aweigh
1945   Thrill Of A Romance
1945   Yolanda And The Thief
1946   Easy to Wed
1946   Holiday in Mexico
1946   No Leave No Love
1946   The Harvey Girls
1946   Till the Clouds Roll By
1946   Two Sisters from Boston
1946   Ziegfeld Follies
1947   Fiesta
1947   Good News
1947   It Happened in Brooklyn
1947   Living In A Big Way
1947   The Unfinished Dance
1947   This Time For Keeps
1948   A Date With Judy
1948   Big City
1948   Easter Parade
1948   Luxury Liner
1948   On An Island With You
1948   Summer Holiday
1948   The Kissing Bandit
1948   The Pirate
1948   Three Daring Daughters
1948   Words And Music
1949   In The Good Old Summertime
1949   Neptune's Daughter
1949   On The Town
1949   Take Me Out To The Ball Game
1949   That Midnight Kiss
1949   The Barkleys Of Broadway
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 08:03:38 AM
For those of you who missed my post last night... Saw THE BARBARIAN INVASIONS, Denys Arcand's Best Foreign Film Oscar winner from Quebec. I highly recommend it. A movie about intelligent articulate ADULTS. Now when was the last time you saw something like that? Makes you actually use your mind as you watch. But it is also a very emotional film (those French-Canadians, eh?) about life and death and love and aging. And it's not tied up with a neat little ribbon at the end. Like life.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 08:06:09 AM
Wowsa - dose list long!
Anybody want the rest  of the MGM Musicals List posted (2 more long posts!)

der long-winded Brucer
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 08:11:49 AM
I LOVE the MGM musicals. Watching them on TV was one of the things that kept me sane as a child. In my imagination I was there, dancing with Gene and Fred and the seven brothers. They just took my breath away and transported me to a world that was filled with music and fabulous people who SANG and DANCED when they were happy or sad. That's where I wanted to live, in that world. So don't make me choose a favorite number!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 08:17:05 AM
Excellent lists.  

Big noise has begun.

WFO: It would seem to me that if these cretins are withholding pain medicine and doctors and lawyers have apprised them that this is not a good or decent thing to do, I would absolutely instigate a HUGE civil action suit against them.  They have no RIGHT to do that and they should be punished and made to pay.  That's the sort of thing that you can get a really good lawyer to do pro-bono, because they could actually score a good deal of money, and they love to expose this kind of thing publicly.  In fact, I'm sure 60 Minutes would love this story.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 08:17:26 AM
It would be a great reference tool DR DB
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 08:23:14 AM
You asked for it:
MGM Musicals of the 1950s:

1950   Annie Get Your Gun
1950   Nancy Goes To Rio
1950   Pagan Love Song
1950   Summer Stock
1950   The Duchess of Idaho
1950   The Toast of New Orleans
1950   Three Little Words
1950   Two Weeks With Love
1951   An American In Paris
1951   Excuse My Dust
1951   Mr. Imperium
1951   Rich, Young And Pretty
1951   Royal Wedding
1951   Show Boat
1951   Texas Carnival
1951   The Great Caruso
1951   The Strip
1952   Because You're Mine
1952   Everything I Have Is Yours
1952   Lovely To Look At
1952   Million Dollar Mermaid
1952   Singin' In The Rain
1952   Skirts Ahoy
1952   The Belle Of New York
1952   The Merry Widow
1953   Dangerous When Wet
1953   Easy To Love
1953   Give A Girl A Break
1953   I Love Melvin
1953   Kiss Me Kate
1953   Lili
1953   Small Town Girl
1953   The Affairs of Dobie Gillis
1953   The Band Wagon
1953   Torch Song
1954   Athena
1954   Brigadoon
1954   Deep In My Heart
1954   Rose Marie
1954   Seven Brides For Seven Brothers
1954   The Student Prince
1955   Hit The Deck
1955   I'll Cry Tomorrow
1955   Interrupted Melody
1955   It's Always Fair Weather
1955   Jupiter's Darling
1955   Kismet
1955   Love Me Or Leave Me
1955   The Glass Slipper
1956   High Society
1956   Invitation To The Dance
1956   Meet Me In Las Vegas
1956   The Opposite Sex
1957   Les Girls
1957   Silk Stockings
1957   Ten Thousand Bedrooms
1957   This Could Be The Night
1958   Gigi
1958   Merry Andrew
1958   The Seven Hills Of Rome
1958   tom thumb
1959   For The First Time
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 08:25:06 AM
MGM Musicals 1960-1994:

1960   Bells Are Ringing
1962   Billy Rose's Jumbo
1962   The Wonderful World Of The Brothers Grimm
1964   The Unsinkable Molly Brown
1966   The Singing Nun
1969   Goodbye, Mr. Chips
1971   The Boy Friend
1974   That's Entertainment!
1976   That's Entertainment, Part 2
1981   Pennies From Heaven
1982   Victor/Victoria
1982   Yes, Giorgio
1985   That's Dancing
1994   That's Entertainment III


And That's All Folks! (A WB Reference)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 08:25:45 AM
Now wait just a darned minute.  I didn't check the calendar and we've got us a birthday to celebrate.  Yes, you heard it here, dear readers, so let's put on our pointy party hats and colored tights and pantaloons, let's break out the cheese slices and the ham chunks, let's dance the Hora or the Pachanga, for today is Echo's birthday.  Yes, Virginia, Jane's beloved dog Echo is havin' a birthday, so let's send a big haineshisway.com birthday cheer, shall we?  On the count of three: One, two, three: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE'S BELOVED DOG ECHO!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: PennyO on March 09, 2004, 08:31:50 AM
Oh, WFO - my heart is with you and Joe. So sorry for such pain. Glad you can share life. Every man's tsurris is mine... John Donne ref.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 08:32:07 AM
Here is a great opportunity for a new BK Musical:

In today's news (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,113631,00.html):

UCLA Acknowledges Sale of Body Parts
Monday, March 08, 2004
 
LOS ANGELES — Officials at the University of California, Los Angeles (search), acknowledged Monday that parts of bodies donated for medical research there had instead been sold, and apologized for a failure in oversight.

Donors' families, meanwhile, filed a lawsuit against the school, claiming the director of the university's Willed Body Program (search) had been selling body parts illegally for years with the knowledge of other UCLA officials. UCLA has denied knowing about the sales.
The director, Henry Reid (search), was arrested along with another man accused of helping to sell the body parts.

UCLA officials admitted Monday that some body parts were sold to companies, but said they were only used for medical research. They promised to revamp the cadaver program.

Reid, 54, was arrested Saturday for investigation of grand theft for allegedly selling corpses and body parts for profit. He was released from jail after posting bail and has declined to comment.

Ernest V. Nelson, 46, was arrested for investigation of receiving stolen property. A UCLA statement said Nelson, who also was released on bail, was not a university employee.

Nelson claimed he acted as a middle man for six years, retrieving body parts from the medical school's freezer and selling them to research companies. He said Reid and other UCLA employees knew what he was doing.

"I call one of the most prestigious universities in the world, their director gives me the protocol, I follow that protocol and they charge me with receiving stolen body parts?" Nelson told the Los Angeles Times for Monday's editions.

He added that he collected the body parts by simply walking into the UCLA Medical Center twice a week with a saw and taking them. Over the years, he said, he cut up approximately 800 cadavers and sold parts to as many as 100 clients.

"If I wasn't supposed to be there, why couldn't they tell me that?" Nelson asked.

Louis Marlin, a lawyer for UCLA, denied that the university knew that the donated bodies were being cut up and sold to others. He said Nelson paid for the parts he took with cashier's checks made out to Reid.

Marlin said Nelson himself brought the situation to light when he filed a claim against the university for $241,000 for body parts he said he paid for and was then ordered to return.


We could have a HHW contest for the best title.
I offer:

Cadaver Caravan
Cadaver Carnival
Cadaver Capers


der Brucer (ever alert for creative opportunities)

Hmmm....The First Dead Nudie Musical
 
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: PennyO on March 09, 2004, 08:32:46 AM
Happy Birthday, Echo Sweetie! Auntie Pen has a gift for you very soon.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 08:33:46 AM
Is Aunt Pen still in LA?  If so, can Aunt Pen call me?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: PennyO on March 09, 2004, 08:35:01 AM
Liza, Liz and Cher could star in it... lots of embalmed celebs to choose from...
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: PennyO on March 09, 2004, 08:35:53 AM
Hi, BK - Aunt Pen tried to call you yesterday. Aunt Pen left a message. Aunt Pen is still waiting to hear from you...
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 08:38:20 AM
Favorite MGM numbers:

"Slaughter on 10th Avenue" Ballet -- Words and Music
"Thou Swell" -- June Allyson -- Words and Music
"Where's That Rainbow?? -- Ann Sothern -- Words and Music
"Buckle Down Winsocki" -- Tommy Dix -- Best Foot Forward
"Alive and Kickin'" -- Nancy Walker -- Best Foot Forward
"You Stepped Out of A Dream" -- Tony Martin -- Ziegfeld Girl
"You've Never Looked So Beautiful Before" -- Ziegfeld Girl
"This Heart of Mine" -- Fred Astaire -- Ziegfeld Follies
"Limehouse Blues" Ballet -- Ziegfeld Follies
"Swing Trot" (Opening of film under credits) -- Barkleys of Broadway
"The Pirate" Ballet -- The Pirate
"Begin the Beguine" (2nd part) -- Broadway Melody of 1940
"Drum Crazy" -- Easter Parade
"The Varsity Drag" (big dance before finale) -- Good News
"Pass That Peace Pipe" -- Joan McCracken -- Good News
"Broadway Ballet" -- Singin' in the Rain
"Girl Hunt Ballet" -- The Band Wagon
"Baubles, Bangles and Beads" -- Kismet
"Sawdust and Spangles and Dreams" -- Billy Rose's "Jumbo"
"Silk Stockings" (Charisse dance) -- Silk Stockings
"Heather on the Hill" -- Brigadoon
"An American in Paris" Ballet -- An American in Paris
"On the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe" -- The Harvey Girls
"The Trolley Song" -- Meet Me in St. Louis
"Follow the Yellow Brick Road" -- The Wizard of Oz
"Ding-Dong the Witch is Dead" -- The Wizard of Oz
"Dear Mr. Gable/You Made Me Love You" -- Broadway Melody of 1938 (?)
"Main Street" -- On the Town
"Miss Turnstiles" Ballet -- On the Town

And in a class by itself:

"Madam Bovary Waltz" -- Madam Bovary

Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 08:42:18 AM
I called Aunt Pen back at the parents.  They said you were at the sisters.  I called the sisters but got the machine (didn't want to confuse the sister so didn't leave a message).  I'm right here right now.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 08:42:19 AM
WFO - I agree with bk about the pro bono (not Sonny) lawyer and about 60 Minutes. You should get in touch with them ASAP. Send them (60 Minutes, that is) an e-mail outlining what's going on written in your inimitably humorous and superbly intelligent way.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 08:45:05 AM
Woof-woof-woof-woof-woof- wooooo
Woof-woof-woof-woof-woof- wooooo
Woof-woof-woof-woof-woof- ECHO
Woof-woof-woof-woof-woof- wooooo!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 08:56:33 AM
[move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%] HAPPY BIRTHDAY ECHO!  ECHO  ECHO ECHO ECHO echo [/move]
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 09:01:00 AM
a gigantic happy birthday to DP (Dear Pet) Echo from MBarnum and his cat Freddy!!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:04:59 AM
Happy Birthday Echo from Holly the Zaftig Sharpei!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:05:23 AM
Don't have an idea for a title, but one of the numbers would have to be Roll Dem Bones!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:10:42 AM
Miss Vickie wishes Echo a purrrrrrrrrrrrr-fectly warm and sunny birthday.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 09:11:19 AM
It occured to me we could do our own set of lyrics to My Favorite Things, called My Favorite Posts.

Panni and Pogue, and der Brucer and Jenny
We've got S. Woody and Swishy and Penny
William E. Lurie, WEL sometimes he boasts
Still everybody makes excellent posts

elmoore, and Laura and Laura the sequel,
We've got the posters and no one's their equal
We've got Craig Brockman, let's give him a toast
Maybe we won't until he starts to post

We've got Jane posts
We've got Ann posts
We've got posts galore
And just when I think we will hit a new low
Then somebody posts some more

MattH and Noel and Dan-in-Toronto
Tom who's in Oz land, let's get him here pronto
Double U Eff Oh, and Ar El P, too
Newbies and lurkers and no, we're not through

Ben and Danise , JMK and dear Jrand
Kerry and George, and let's not forget Jay, and
MusicGuy even though he's been a ghost
Errant and truant, not making a post

Where is Jason?  Where's Andrea?  
Tell me where they roam
And if I've forgotten your name, please forgive
Let's post till the cows come home!




Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:16:11 AM
Paul Winfield will be sorely missed.

The Internet Movie Database had his birthday listed as 1941, which would have made him 62.

He played a recurring role on "Touched By An Angel" as "Sam."

He was also the narrator for the wonderful A&E "City Confidential."
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:17:29 AM
.......and MBARNUM tooooooooooooooooo!  Cha cha cha.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jay on March 09, 2004, 09:25:05 AM
Roller and Blackjack wish Echo lots and lots of happy tail wags on his birthday!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jay on March 09, 2004, 09:26:39 AM
Continued good vibes to Dear Reader WFO during this trying time.

[size=8][move=left,scroll,6,transparent,100%]~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~[/move][/size]
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JMK on March 09, 2004, 09:27:27 AM
Re:  Room 222 and Karen Valentine.  I posted about this a long time ago on the old Board, but I shall say it again (I only have two or three anecdotes, which I constantly recycle, a la Sydney Omarr's horoscopes):  my literary magazine in high school actually sold a script to Room 222, and it was produced!!  It was the episode where the Ute Indian boy transferred into Walt Whitman High and experienced some bigotry.  Karen and Judy Strangis (remember her?) came out to little ol' SLC and had a private "do" with our class.  It was really, really cool.  And, no, for some reason they did NOT make us join the WGA (if I recall, we got the "story by" credit, but someone else got the actual "teleplay" credit).

And in the power of the internet department:  as I emailed breathlessly (no mean feat) to JR this a.m., a rather well-known author emailed me out of the blue yesterday after having read my FF web article, and wants to hook me up with his literary agent for a potential FF book.  Pretty cool, if I do say so myself, and I do:  pretty cool.  :)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:28:00 AM
I haven't flown for awhile and the lists are a bit confusing.....

Are disposable razors allowed in your carry on luggage?  I am flying to Kansas City tomorrow.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jay on March 09, 2004, 09:28:23 AM
I've been immortalized in song lyrics now.  I feel so......so.......special!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 09:28:31 AM
Bravo, BK!  A most excellent song!

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:29:33 AM
Congratulations to JMK!

Did you dance with Karen?  And yes I remember Judy Strangis...I think her father was head of casting somewhere Sam Strangis...and somehow she kept getting parts...go figure!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 09, 2004, 09:30:13 AM
So many great MGM muscial numbers.  Off the top of my head:

Nina and The Pirate ballet from THE PIRATE

Moses and Good Morning from SINGING IN THE RAIN

The Barn-raising number from SEVEN BRIDES

the squeaky board/newspaper number from SUMMER STOCK
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:30:18 AM
Yes an excellent song....it's rather like being notorious, isn't it, DRJAY?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JMK on March 09, 2004, 09:32:10 AM
BK:  make sure to look for white Horse Delivery Truck speeding by in the background of Bosworth Field at about 11 minutes before the end of the movie.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jay on March 09, 2004, 09:32:28 AM
My favorite MGM musical production number has already been mentioned:  Fred and Eleanor tearing up that polished black floor to the strains of "Begin the Beguine" in Broadway Melody of 1940.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jay on March 09, 2004, 09:34:58 AM
Yes an excellent song....it's rather like being notorious, isn't it, DRJAY?

Say, Dear Reader JRand53:  You and I are partners in rhyme!

Remember:  No groaning, Dear Readers, no groaning.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:36:30 AM
GREAT lyric, Bruce...it tickled my synapses.

Ar El P
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 09:37:31 AM
LOL
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:40:23 AM
William F. Orr:  Let me add my encouragement to that already urged.  Your story is a powder keg waiting to explode.

With "gay marriage" a major issue, this ordeal with you fighting for your partner's medical rights and being rejected time and again while he suffers in jail is the kind of spark to blow to smithereens the self-righteous right's current public posturings.

It seems like the kind of thing "20/20" or "60 Minutes" or "Nightline" would jump on, and the end result could be a major victory for you and Joe and thousands of other men and women.

On the other hand, I can fully appreciate that you and Joe may have no desire to be on public display.  And that's something you must consider.

But someone at least needs to have contacted the governor's office with notification that if things aren't corrected PRONTO, the media will be alerted.  I am quite certain they don't want the attention.  (Why am I picturing Zeljko Ivanek when I write this?)

Believe me....something will be done.

At least consider it....

:D
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 09:45:12 AM
I

Are disposable razors allowed in your carry on luggage?  I am flying to Kansas City tomorrow.

In a word, YES!

In a link to TSA Rules (http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrary/Permitted_Prohibited_12_18_2003.pdf):

Can I take it? Carry-on Checked
Personal Items
Cigar Cutters Yes Yes
Corkscrews Yes Yes
Cuticle Cutters Yes Yes
Eyeglass Repair Tools (including screwdrivers) Yes Yes
Eyelash Curlers Yes Yes
Knitting and Crochet Needles Yes Yes
Knives, round-bladed butter or plastic Yes Yes
Lighters * Yes * No
Nail Clippers Yes Yes
Nail Files Yes Yes
Personal care or toiletries with aerosols, in limited
quantities (such as hairsprays, deodorants)
Yes Yes
Safety Razors (including disposable razors) Yes Yes
Scissors-plastic or metal with blunt tips Yes Yes
Scissors-metal with pointed tips No Yes
Toy Transformer Robots Yes Yes
Toy Weapons (if not realistic replicas) Yes Yes
Tweezers Yes Yes
Umbrellas (allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been
inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed)
Yes Yes
Walking Canes (allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been
inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed)
Yes Yes
* Up to 2 lighters or 4 books of safety matches are allowed in your carry-on baggage - NOT checked
baggage. Disposable lighters and absorbed liquid lighters are allowed in your carry-on baggage.
Lighters with unabsorbed liquid fuel are NOT permitted. Strike anywhere matches are NOT permitted.
Note Some personal care items containing aerosol are regulated as hazardous materials. The FAA
regulates hazardous materials. This information is summarized at http://asi.faa.gov/Passenger.asp
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 09:46:56 AM
Good Afternoon!

I would have made it to "Good Morning" on time - at least here on the east coast - but it's been slow going for me since I got up.  I'm feeling quite drained after all the "excitement" of the past few days, the anticipation of the excitement of the next few days, and the drastic change in the weather yesterday.  So...  I actually found myself sleeping on the sofa around 10:45, stayed up to watch the first part of the news (up to the sports report), then plopped myself in bed.  The next thing I knew, it was 10:45 this morning.  Whew!  In any case...

As for MGM musical numbers - Ditto - I can honestly say that I've liked every one of them I've seen with my personal favorites coming from Singing in the Rain - especially the "Broadway Ballet".

Happy Birthday, Echo!

DR WFO - My thoughts and prayers are with you and Joe and your family.

BK - So how hard would have been to rhyme my name?  Huh?  Or at least sacrifice two other syllables somewhere in there? Huh?  Forgive you?  We shall see...  ;)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:48:02 AM
 :) Did I MISS something?  :)

Has someone gone and declared today LIST DAY?  :D

I thought it was MGM Musical Numbers day!  :D
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 09:53:47 AM
Haedline from FNC:

Ashcroft to Lose Gall Bladder

Shucks, not to worry, sombody will find it and put it up for bid on Ebay.

der Brucer (thinking a USAG would be more careful!)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 09:55:56 AM
:) Did I MISS something?  :)

Has someone gone and declared today LIST DAY?  :D

Yes, Franz!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 09:57:47 AM
LOL
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 09, 2004, 10:03:54 AM
I give up - what did Gwen Verdon and Carol Haney do in "Singin' In The Rain"?  I've seen the film at least 50 times over the years and can't recall them nor have I ever read they were in it.  Rita Moreno, yes.  But Verdon (who was in MGM's "Merry Widow") and Haney (who was in "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Invitation to the Dance")?  I don't think so.

BK - Wasn't the Larry Blank interview supposed to go up over the weekend?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 10:05:18 AM
Thanks, Mr. Lurie, for asking that question.

I was going to, but got sidetracked.

I was thinking maybe he confused it with "Kiss Me Kate," except that Jeanne Coyne appeared in that with Haney, not Ms. Verdon.

So I'm as confused as you.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ben on March 09, 2004, 10:07:10 AM
Ah, it's lunch time and I have some free moments to post.

Most wonderful song BK. It made me smile on this busy day.

WFO - what more can I say that others haven't. I need to breathe deeply and calm down because I would need every ounce of restraint and more if this was happening to me. My anger would need to be channeled into something more constructive so I wouldn't tear down the jail house brick by brick.

Echo, Happy Doggy Birthday!

TOTD:

Good Mornin' from Singing in the Rain

Moses also from Singing in the Rain

The opening sequence from The Band Wagon where Fred walks through the 42nd Street arcade

The Trolley Number from St. Louis (Meet Me In)

and so many others. I must now hurry off to eat and get back to work.

I'm seeing Wicked tonight and will post about it tomorrow.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ben on March 09, 2004, 10:10:47 AM
Carol Haney and Gwen Verdon were not "in" the film but they worked "on" the film as assistant choreographers and if I remember correctly, I heard a story years ago that in post-production, Verdon enhanced some of the sounds of tapping in the dancing sequences
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jed on March 09, 2004, 10:28:24 AM
Hardly being original with my MGM choice, but I've gotta go with the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Barn Raising/Challenge Dance.  What's funny is that, other than that scene, I'm not a fan of 7B7B at all!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 10:29:04 AM
MY new absolutely positively VERY favorite thing is bk's song!

...the Plosive Panni of Panni and Pogue
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 09, 2004, 10:34:34 AM
I'm sure Ashcroft will survive without his lost gall bladder; after all he's been surviving without his lost soul for years.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 10:40:48 AM
Ha ha, WEL!  Gotcha!

You may have seen Singing in the Rain several times, but have you heard it several times?  That wasn't the sound of Gene Kelly tap-dancing in the rain, because Gwen and Carol dubbed his taps for the soundtrack--in a bucket of water, no less.

I learned that from a TV show Gwen did in the 70's with the American Dance Machine.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jed on March 09, 2004, 10:42:09 AM
Love the new song, BK!

Jose, TCB, TD, myself, and some others will simply have to supply the missing verse! :D
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 10:46:06 AM
OMG I haven't thought of The American Dance Machine in years!  And remember that show that Wayne Sleep used to do?  And Dance Fever with Denny Terrio?

Oh my yes, we used to be up to our armpits in culture...which is higher than usual!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ann on March 09, 2004, 10:49:28 AM
Good morning everyone
I'm gonna be late for choir if I don't get my sorry self out the door
Later when I have time at work, I'll think on the MGM question and post my answer.  

The BEST of vibes to Joe during this time.  My prayers are with you both
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 10:54:25 AM
Oh and thanks, DERBRUCER, that's the way I read the list as well....but if I end up with a fine or am bounced from the plane tomorrow morning, I will direct them to your post here at HHW!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JMK on March 09, 2004, 10:56:58 AM
I am in Percy Faith heaven.  And do you know how nice it is to be able to post that at a site where I know at least a few of you understand?  (Those of you who are snickering quietly in your homes are forgiven).
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 09, 2004, 10:57:20 AM
The Wayne Sleep show was "The Hot Shoe Show" and featured some of England's best show dancers of the 80s.  One of them --- Finola Hughes --- came to the states, did the "Saturday Night Fever" sequel with John Travolta and then became an Emmy winning Soap Actress.  I wish thet they would show this again (it was on A&E I think) or release it on DVD.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 11:00:16 AM
Oh and thanks, DERBRUCER, that's the way I read the list as well....but if I end up with a fine or am bounced from the plane tomorrow morning, I will direct them to your post here at HHW!

Well, I just flew on four flight segments with disposable razors in my carry-on, so...  *And in Delta's First Class cabins on their international flights, they provide disposable razors in their overnight "clutches" - along with those great L'Occitane toiletries.  And since they now allow nail clippers again, I'm sure disposable razors are up to snuff.

WOW!  I've been up for over two hours, and have yet to have breakfast... I need to remedy that.. NOW!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 11:00:55 AM
Ha ha, WEL!  Gotcha!

You may have seen Singing in the Rain several times, but have you heard it several times?  That wasn't the sound of Gene Kelly tap-dancing in the rain, because Gwen and Carol dubbed his taps for the soundtrack--in a bucket of water, no less.

I learned that from a TV show Gwen did in the 70's with the American Dance Machine.

At the risk of sounding argumentative, maybe she did and maybe she didn't.  She may have dubbed/overdubbed taps, but it does seem a bit unlikely that Gene Kelly would have left the dubbing of his taps to anyone.

Verdon may have been remembering incorrectly.  It would not be the first time a beloved celebrity misremembered the extent of his or her involvement in a project.  Mercedes McCambridge, for one, is said to have overstated her role in "The Exorcist."

I found this bit of trivia on the internet:

Some Rain trivia:

 The title song has been included in six other movies. Most notably it was first used in The Hollywood Revue of 1929, given jazzy swing by Judy Garland in Little Nellie Kelly (1940), and served as counterpoint to violence in Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971).

 The Broadway Rhythm ballet lasts 14 minutes and was as expensive (in rehearsal/shooting time and overall cost) as the climactic ballet in American in Paris. Running MGM $600,000, it’s also almost exactly the amount SITR went over budget.

 The film was the tenth highest-grossing picture of 1952, with film rentals of $3,300,000.

 Since no one can really tap in loafers or in water, for the famous puddle dance Kelly had to dub his own taps after the fact in the sound studio.

 Reportedly Debbie Reynolds’ midwestern accent and lack of professional experience were problematic. Playing the role of an understudy who dubs the voice of a silent star, ironically Reynolds was sometimes dubbed herself by Betty Noyes for singing and Jean Hagen for the lines Debbie was supposedly dubbing for Hagen’s character, Lina Lamont. Got that?

 The film received only two Oscar nominations (Best Supporting Actress for Hagen and Musical Scoring) and won neither.


It was at a site for "summertheaterfestival".  I googled "singin in the rain, taps, dubbing" and it was there.

Of course, I'm devilishly advocating against the above by suggesting they ALL may have done some dubbing for it.  They may have each dubbed taps and then had the decisions made during sound editing as to which were the best to use.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: S. Woody White on March 09, 2004, 11:26:02 AM
Here is a great opportunity for a new BK Musical:
UCLA Acknowledges Sale of Body Parts...
...We could have a HHW contest for the best title.
Depending on the reason the body parts were taken, we could call the show Dinner From Eight!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 11:26:15 AM
From a Yahoo site on Gwen Verdon:

Reportedly, she and Carol Haney worked as choreography assistants to Gene Kelly in 1952's Singin' in the Rain. (Verdon later claimed that she and Haney post-dubbed some of Kelly's taps in the title number, standing ankle-deep in a drum full of water to match the soggy onscreen action.)

And just to prove that everything old is new again, check out this response when this very topic was discussed at HHW.com back in 2002:

William-
It wasn't just the splashes -- it was the entire number ("Singing in the Rain"). Kelly was too busy with the ballet to bother with the post-dubbing, so Haney's feet filled in all of the tapping/splashing sounds you hear, much as Hermes Pan or Fred Astaire dubbed in most of Ginger Rogers' taps. Oh, the magic of Hollywood.

Posted by Robert Armin @ 03/05/2002 11:57 AM PST


I yield.


Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 11:28:24 AM
But who SANG for Vera Ralston in "Jubilee Trail"?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 11:35:07 AM
But who SANG for Vera Ralston in "Jubilee Trail"?

Lassie.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 11:39:20 AM
LOL....
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 11:44:29 AM
Missing verse:

Then there is Jed and Jose S Piano,
Td, and TCB and Dan the Man, oh
I'm sure there's more, yes, including your host
I could go on but I really must post
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 11:46:51 AM
and MBARNUM toooooooooooooooooooo....cha cha cha.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: S. Woody White on March 09, 2004, 11:55:39 AM
Der Brucer came into my room a few minutes ago.  I can't find any confirmation on-line, but he told me that he'd just heard on the news that actor Robert Pastorelli has died.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 12:00:08 PM
Yes, it is sadly true.

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=entertainmentNews&storyID=4530552&section=news
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 12:01:08 PM
I always check the Reuters news site for breaking news.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 12:06:48 PM
MBarnum, I totally forgot.  New verse coming.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 12:10:11 PM
And MBarnum
Yes, MBarnum
And steveg as well
I've simply remembered my favorite posts
And now I am feeling swell
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William E. Lurie on March 09, 2004, 12:12:13 PM
I get my wish.  All three THAT'S ENTERTAINMENTs will be out on DVD later this year as well as a double SEVEN BRIDES - CinemaScope and regular with many differences.

For 2005 - BELLS ARE RINGING with 3 outtakes, BRIGADOON, IT'S ALWAYS FAIR WEATHER, a boxed Busby Berkley set and a 2 Disc BANDWAGON.

For 2006 - A 2 Disc  AN AMERICAN IN PARIS and a lot of Garbo films
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: elmore3003 on March 09, 2004, 12:13:08 PM
BK, Great song!  I wish you were here to help me finish this act for a cruise to the Mediterranean.  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 12:16:12 PM
"They'll forgive anything if you have a big finish."  Rose Hovick
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jed on March 09, 2004, 12:18:52 PM
For 2005 - BELLS ARE RINGING with 3 outtakes

FINALLY!!!  That's the one I've been waiting for.  Just wish they'd gotten around to it when they first planned to have a commentary with Adolph and Betty!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 12:19:27 PM
I get my wish.  All three THAT'S ENTERTAINMENTs will be out on DVD later this year as well as a double SEVEN BRIDES - CinemaScope and regular with many differences.


DR WEL, I am glad that you wished hard, cause that is very good news to me as well!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 12:41:35 PM
Missing verse:

Then there is Jed and Jose S Piano,
Td, and TCB and Dan the Man, oh
I'm sure there's more, yes, including your host
I could go on but I really must post


OK - So now the question is:  What color, pattern and fabric will our playclothes be made out of?  Who's got swatches?

-And DR MBarnum - Lucky you!  You get mentioned twice during the bridge!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 12:45:26 PM
Why didn't you tell me...to bring my harmonica?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 01:00:19 PM
I just hope we all live long enough to enjoy those DVD releases....and that Nothing newer/better will come along and replace the DVD format.

Sad news about Pastorelli who apparently let career speculators convince him his star was too high to remain on "Murphy Brown" and that he should cut loose and score big on his own.

I thought it was a disastrous decision at the time, and it seems to have been the case.  His career went nowhere.  

So sad...drug use...and now another child is an orphan.

Another bullet for the Bush "heterosexual family unit" agenda.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 01:02:04 PM
I'm waiting for a man to come and install OS 10 and then AOL 9.0. After which I'll get a Cable Modem.
Then you can call me Thoroughly Modern Pannie
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 01:04:56 PM
So sad...drug use...and now another child is an orphan.
Another bullet for the Bush "heterosexual family unit" agenda.

Yes, I read that his girlfriend, the mother of their  child, died in the same house in '99. Tragic on so many levels.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jrand74 on March 09, 2004, 01:20:03 PM
Off to rehearsal.

Everyone have a great evening.  Headed to Kansas City early in the morning but back on Friday!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 01:21:54 PM
OK - I'm off to my last musical theatre class at school... At least I'll have "American Idol's" Wildcard Show to "console" me. ;)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 01:22:38 PM
But who SANG for Vera Ralston in "Jubilee Trail"?
The year after Jubilee Trail, Vera was dubbed by Virginia Rees in Timberjack (also a Republic film).

Q. Virginai Rees? Is that your final answer?
A. I guess so.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 01:29:12 PM
I had read about Paul Winfield yesterday and was so saddened by the news. I always admired him, found him a very powerful presence in a film. He will be much missed.

Those Warners/MGM releases are good news (no pun intended) indeed, but it's a little mortifying to have to think of two years in advance to get some films. They'll have high def DVD by then.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 01:30:28 PM
The year after Jubilee Trail, Vera was dubbed by Virginia Rees in Timberjack (also a Republic film).

Q. Virginai Rees? Is that your final answer?
A. I guess so.


Virginia also dubbed Angela Lansbury in THE HARVEY GIRLS.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: TCB on March 09, 2004, 01:52:20 PM
Virginia also dubbed Angela Lansbury in THE HARVEY GIRLS.

It is interesting to think of someone having to dub an actress that, today, is thought of first as a Broadway Musical legend.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 01:54:15 PM
Off to rehearsal.

Everyone have a great evening.  Headed to Kansas City early in the morning but back on Friday!

Ohhhhh!  Too Bad!

You should get to Kansas City on a Fridey.

By Satiddy you'd have larned a thang or two.

Cause up til then you wouldn't have had an idee

Of what the modren world was comin' to.....
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Maya on March 09, 2004, 01:58:26 PM
EEEK, I can't possibly choose all my favorite MGM musical numbers...there are simply too many, and I'm bound to forget some.  But how about:


Singin' in the Rain
Singin' in the Rain
Good Morning
Broadway Ballet
Make Em Laugh

An American in Paris
I Got Rhythm
I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise

The Bandwagon
Dancing in the Dark
Triplets
A Shine on Your Shoes

miscellaneous:

The Night They Invented Champagne from Gigi
Think Pink from Funny Face
The Trolley Song from Meet Me in St. Louis
From This Moment On from Kiss Me Kate

I really need to see It's Always Fair Weather...I adore Dolores Gray so!

Well, I'm off to watch Wilde and then to rehearsal...ciao!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 02:35:40 PM
Where are our posters, like Jrand and Jenny,
There were a lot but right now there aren't any
I'm all alone, well, it's Noel and me
Won't someone join us and then we'll be three?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 02:36:57 PM
Forgot to mention, book order was placed yesterday, and they're going to do their damndest to have them in my hands in exactly two weeks from today.  That's a week earlier than expected, and I'll have all the envelopes filled out and ready to stuff, and I promise to get all orders out the day after books arrive.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 02:45:32 PM
Of course, FUNNY FACE was not an MGM musical though it was made with some of MGM's personnel. Paramount filmed it, however.

Thanks, though, for mentioning "From This Moment On" which definitely would have made my list had I thought of it. Love that song (amazing that it was cut from OUT OF THIS WORLD when it's better than any song that was left in the show, to my ears at least).

About Angela being dubbed. She was dubbed in THE HARVEY GIRLS but she wasn't dubbed in TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY. Front office thinking is sometimes mind boggling.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: elmore3003 on March 09, 2004, 02:49:34 PM
Dearest BK,  I'll join you for a second to keep your company.  Harvey Schmidt told me, when we were doing MIRETTE at Goodspeed, that you would have been his best friend if the two of you had grown up together.  I feel the same way about Benjamin Kritzer!  This is not a review, just an observation, and I may drop hints, but I'm keeping pretty mum until April i.  

When I heard the news about Robert Pastorelli's death today, my initial thought was "Are he and Glenn Close still a couple?  Where was she?"  Are they still a couple?  Were they ever?  Am I making this up?  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 03:12:48 PM
It won't be long now:

Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 03:17:50 PM
Don't forget to also post all these jpegs and new release info at The DVD Place - we really need to jump-start things over there, and I can't do it single-handedly.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 03:20:20 PM
When I heard the news about Robert Pastorelli's death today, my initial thought was "Are he and Glenn Close still a couple?  Where was she?"  Are they still a couple?  Were they ever?  Am I making this up?  

You knocked me over with a feather. I had not read this.  Then, I started googling...and saw that Pastorelli was in "A Streetcar Named Desire" with Close...and was in the hideous TV version of "South Pacific" with Close.

And then I found this on E!Online:

Significant Other(s):
Husband: Cabot Wade, married 1969; divorced 1971
Len Cariou: actor, singer; lived together in the 1970s; no longer together
Kevin Kline: actor; dated in the 1970s; no longer together
Husband: James Marlas, business executive; married 1984; divorced 1987
John Starke: producer; had production company Trillium Productions with Close; relationship ended 1991; father of Close's daughter Annie
Woody Harrelson: actor; five-month relationship ended September 1991
Cam Neely: hockey player with the Boston Bruins; no longer together
Stephen Beers: carpenter, engaged March 1995; relationship ended 1999
Robert Pastorelli: actor; met in 1999


Our Glenn is quite the butterfly!


Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 03:20:20 PM
Minx is searching for Echo to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY
(http://www.hawthornesavings.com/images/kids/paws_1.gif)

I think she's hot on the trail.   ;)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 03:23:17 PM
This is for Joe. . .only the best vibes:
(http://www.kind-of-blue.de/bilder/instrum/vibraphone.gif)
and for li'l william f. orr, too, of course!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 03:27:12 PM
Love the new song, BK!

Jose, TCB, TD, myself, and some others will simply have to supply the missing verse! :D

Now, now nephew Jed!  We are getting our very own BK lyrics, I'm almost sure, to the tune of BELLS ARE RINGING's "Drop that Name."  (and it is an MGM musical coming to dvd in 2005)!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 03:29:18 PM
And let's not forget about:

Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 03:38:52 PM
Don't forget to also post all these jpegs and new release info at The DVD Place - we really need to jump-start things over there, and I can't do it single-handedly.

All the jpegs I post here are on my hard drive.  I don't have a clue how to post them at the DVD place because that site requires a URL address.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 03:52:03 PM
Thanks for the covers, DR RLP. The CALL ME MADAM and STAR! are the definite cover art graphics? Can't wait for the releases, but I can't say that I'm thrilled with that cover art.

However, beggars can't be choosers. I just want  the movies, and I'm sure they'll look wonderful, especially STAR! which was awesome on the laserdisc, and the DVD certainly will be that much sharper and likely with superior surround sound.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Michael on March 09, 2004, 03:55:02 PM
I give up - what did Gwen Verdon and Carol Haney do in "Singin' In The Rain"?  I've seen the film at least 50 times over the years and can't recall them nor have I ever read they were in it.  Rita Moreno, yes.  But Verdon (who was in MGM's "Merry Widow") and Haney (who was in "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Invitation to the Dance")?  I don't think so.

BK - Wasn't the Larry Blank interview supposed to go up over the weekend?

They dubbed in the dancing in the rain sound effects

I was beaten to it twice!!!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 04:46:38 PM
I got the art work off Amazon.com.  Amazon has always given correct artwork in the past, to my knowledge.

I've read that LOTR:TROTK will be issued in its widescreen theatrical version May 25, and that a complete "trilogy", loaded with extras, will be issued in a couple of years.

Anyone know if that affects the LOTR:TROTK collector's edition?

I'm gonna be really pissed if they don't do one for TROTK...I don't want to have to buy the trilogy in order to get an expanded final film
.

Never mind.  The expanded collector's edition will be released for the Christmas holidays.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: elmore3003 on March 09, 2004, 05:09:40 PM
DR RLP,

I thought I read in the news this morning that the expanded RETURN OF THE KING will be released around the end of the year, which is sort of how the other vols. of LOTR were released.  I figure it takes the director some time to reassemble the cut material and for Howard Shore to readjust the score.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: George on March 09, 2004, 05:13:51 PM
Not only did we lose Ms. Dee (aka Mrs. McCrae), but also Paul Winfield.  Although he had many major credits, I remember him most from the under-rated late 80s sitcom "The Charmings" where he played the magic mirror.  

If I remembered correctly, Paul Winfield was also on a very excellent episode of "Star Trek:  The Next Generation."  His character was from a species that spoke only in metaphors and never said exactly what they wanted to say.  He and Captain Picard were transported to a planet (against their will) and had to learn to understand and work with each other to be able to survive.  It was a very interesting and thought provoking episode and one of my favorites.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 09, 2004, 05:17:22 PM
Then there is Jed and Jose S Piano,
Td, and TCB and Dan the Man, oh
I'm sure there's more, yes, including your host
I could go on but I really must post

Well, Alrighty, then!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 09, 2004, 05:22:53 PM
OK - So now the question is:  What color, pattern and fabric will our playclothes be made out of?  Who's got swatches?

My Nanny once made playclothes for me out of curtains.  Unfortunately, they were sheer curtains.

(Ba-ding-boom!)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 05:43:21 PM
[size=10]GROAN[/size]
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 05:45:06 PM
And just for good measure, this post puts us ahead of yesterday!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 05:52:00 PM
Good evening!

-Watching "American Idol"...

OUCH!

OUCH!!

OUCH!!!

-For various different reasons... I'll follow up after the West Coasters get their chance to see it.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 09, 2004, 06:05:03 PM
[size=10]GROAN[/size]

Yikes!  That GROAN has grown since I last saw it!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jenny on March 09, 2004, 06:12:32 PM
Where are our posters, like Jrand and Jenny,
There were a lot but right now there aren't any
I'm all alone, well, it's Noel and me
Won't someone join us and then we'll be three?

You rang?

Maya mentioned that "Think Pink" is one of her favorite MGM musical numbers, but I'm fairly certain that "Funny Face" was a Paramount film.  Regardless, it's one of my all time favorite movies, and the best big musical number in it is not "Think Pink", but rather "Bonjour, Paris"!  Silly Maya.  Silly Maya and I are having a slumber party on friday, so expect us to be posting til the cows come home, in our PJs, at obscene hours of the night!  

WOW!  I'm a jr. member!  Time sure does fly.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 06:13:27 PM
Hello, my friends.

I wanted you to know that Joe's mother passed away at 4:30 this afternoon.  There is grief, there is anger, and there is some peace in my soul, knowing that the horrible pain she suffered for the last few years is finally over.

I was the only family member there when she died.  The Good Sister, who has been caring for her for the last six years, was at work.  The other Good Sister, who flew in from California on Friday, the RN, was out getting Mom's medications.  Another sister was in Florida, because she didn't want to cut her prepaid vacation short.  Two others were just so terribly busy.  Joe, of course, would have been with her night and day if only he could.  But it was just me and the Aide when she stopped breathing, blessedly in her sleep after not being able to sleep for days.

Grief:  Because she accepted me as her son when my own parents could not accept Joe.

Anger:  Because the vacationing sister and husband were yelling at me on the phone that they now want the funeral put off until Monday so they can drive up.

And because our neighbors, the Macbeths... well, if they had a potted plant on the deck of their boat, I'd throw it overboard, if you get my drift, Mr. Roberts.

I went to pick up my niece from high school, while the police were there with her mother, the Steel Magnolia, doing all the paperwork.  I stayed until the funeral parlor came to get her.

Joe has on his "teflon suit", as he says, and only asked me not to cry when I visit him tomorrow.  "I'll have my break-down when I get home, not before," he says.

I know you all send good wishes, but please don't feel you have to break up the conversation here for this, as I am a fan of M*A*S*H* and know that laughter is the best medicine.  Oh, a Readers Digest reference!

Example:

Me:  Now she's finally with your Dad again.

Good Sister:  No, Bill.  She went up.

Carry on, crows.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 06:13:58 PM
My Nanny once made playclothes for me out of curtains.  Unfortunately, they were sheer curtains.

(Ba-ding-boom!)

 . . .and I'll bet you looked cute in your birthday suit, with sheer curtains swaying in the breeze. . .
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jenny on March 09, 2004, 06:17:24 PM
I'm so sorry to hear about Joe's mother.  She sounds like a wonderful woman.  My thoughts are with you and your family.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: td on March 09, 2004, 06:21:49 PM
Mr. William F. Orr, you have my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
True that one really never knows what to say at times like these (Oh, an Ahrens & Flaherty reference), and I always look to John Donne's Meditations . . . so, heartily, I offer you:

Perchance he for whom this bell tolls may be so ill as that he knows not it tolls for him; and perchance I may think myself so much better than I am, as that they who are about me and see my state may have caused it to toll for me, and I know not that.

 If we understand aright the dignity of this bell that tolls for our evening prayer, we would be glad to make it ours by rising early, in that application, that it might be ours as well as his whose indeed it is. The bell doth toll for him that thinks it doth; and though it intermit again, yet from that minute that that occasion wrought upon him, he is united to God. Who casts not up his eye to the sun when it rises? but who takes off his eye from a comet when that breaks out? Who bends not his ear to any bell which upon any occasion rings? but who can remove it from that bell which is passing a piece of himself out of this world? No man is an island. entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if promontory were, as well as if a manor of thy friend's or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Neither can we call this a begging of misery or a borrowing of misery, as though we are not miserable enough of ourselves but must fetch in more from the next house, in taking upon us the misery of our neighbors.
Tribulation is treasure in the nature of it, but it is not current money in the use of it, except we get nearer and nearer our home, heaven, by it. Another man may be sick too, and sick to death, and this affliction may lie in his bowels as gold in a mine and be of no use to him; but this bell that tells me of his affliction digs out and applies that gold to me, if by this consideration of another's dangers I take mine own into conteplation and so secure myself by making my recourse to my God, who is our only security.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 06:22:54 PM
Dear William F. Orr and Joe - Peace, Comfort and Understanding.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 06:30:41 PM
Double U Eff Oh - you know we are with you on this.  

Slumber party, yes!  Be there or be round.  We haven't had one of those in a long time.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Danise on March 09, 2004, 06:35:51 PM
Good evening all.

I finely got my e-mail under control.  I think.  It took all night for it to download or I assume so since I went to bed and left the computer running.  What a mess and mostly junk mail to boot.  How does one get on some of those horrible mailing lists?  One states there is someone out there dying to meet/date me, the next wants to make parts of me I don’t have bigger and the next offers me free condoms!  Oy!

My boss took me out to the Mosquito Control unit today so I could teach another new person how to use some of the computer programs.  Don’t tell Craig or any of techies on the board but they are under the impression that I am a computer guru.  I don’t know where they get that idea at but what can I say?

Anyway, they had a sign out there that I thought was pretty cute: “Our computer is so human, it blames another computer when it makes a mistake!”. **chuckle** I thought it was funny.  

We had the Democratic vote today.  My boss asked, “Why do they always hold them up North first?”  I told her it was because the Yankees won the war.  I was born and raised here in the Tampa area but my co-workers say I sound just like a Yankee.  Sigh.  Comes from having parents from Pittsburgh, I guess.  People up North say I sound like a Southerner.  It’s so confusing to not know what one sounds like.  Do I type with an accent?

I wanted to comment on yesterdays fantasy theme.  I have so many favorite books and movies in that genre that I can’t name them.  Anything by Piers Anthony is wonderful.  Lord, my mind is drawing a blank here.  I’ll have to come back to it.

I will say “The Seven Faces Of Dr. Lao” is one of my all time favorite movies. It’s so nice to find a group that likes the same things I do.  I thought I was the only one who even remembered it.   Is it out on DVD?  

DR William F. Orr that is terrible about Joe’s Mother.  My lord, you would think they would show some kind of compassion.  Bless you for giving comfort to his Mom.  You will never know how much it meant for her to have “her son” next to her in her time of greatest need.  I can only imagine how hard it must be on you.

I remember the “ThunderBirds” from when I was growing up.  I liked those little puppet people too.

MGM Musical–errr I like the same one DERBRUCER listed.  Yeah, that sounds good.  

Happy Birthday to Echo!  Bear and Brandi send their very best doggie wishes along as well.  Arf, Arf!  Bow, Wow!

I was very sorry to hear about Paul Winfield.  I enjoyed many of his roles.  So sad.


 Golly, that makes two songs with something of me in them on the board to date. ::blush:: I feel so special.  The one from Noel and now BK.  

Congrats JMK on the possible book!  

Thank you for the list of “Things One can take on the plane”, Derbrucer!  I was hunting for that for my trip!  I didn’t think knitting needles would be allowed because you might bring an Afghan on board.   Duh Dum Ching.

I’d better post this.  You guys were on page 5 when I started it and now your up to 6.  I might never get this done!  Let me go back to page 3 and read up from there.  

.  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jenny on March 09, 2004, 06:48:24 PM
BK, DR SwishySarah and I have decided to open a performing arts high school for gifted youngsters such as ourselves.  She'll teach music, I'll teach drama, and we're recruiting you to just show up and talk.  We've decided that knowing BK is essential to a child's development!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 06:50:52 PM
I agree, I am essential - essential for what is the question, of course.  I'll talk whenever you like.  I shall be there with bells on and for the slumber party I shall be there with Nike shorts and t-shirt on.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Michael on March 09, 2004, 06:53:44 PM
Deepest condolences on your loss, DR William.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Danise on March 09, 2004, 06:54:21 PM
So Bruce, How many carbs in a stuffed envelope?

Paul Winfield was also in “Star Trek: TWOK”, If I remember correctly.  BTW, My favorite Star Trek:TNG was “The Inner Light”.  The one where Picard get’s hit by the beam of a probe and lives a whole life in a matter of 20 minutes.  I cry every time I see that one.  When he’s an old man and all of his old friends in that “life” come back after being gone for years and years.  

I wish I could get a copy of that one show on DVD.  I found it on the set but I don’t really want to buy the whole season.
 
Oh my, William F. Orr.  My most deep and sincere condolences on the loss of Joe’s Mother. I can only express my outrage that Joe was not allowed to be with her.  How cruel can the “system” be?  At least she had the comfort of you being with her and Joe has the comfort of knowing she was not alone.  Blessings and comfort to you both.

We are all bound by One voyage.  Sooner or later we must all sail away.


 



Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jenny on March 09, 2004, 06:54:34 PM
I agree, I am essential - essential for what is the question, of course.  I'll talk whenever you like.  I shall be there with bells on and for the slumber party I shall be there with Nike shorts and t-shirt on.

BYOB

Bring your own bells!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jane on March 09, 2004, 07:01:43 PM
William F. Orr and Joe you have my deepest sympathy.  I’m sending you best wishes and thoughts of strength to cope with your loss.  I hope Joe can at least go to the funeral.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Charles Pogue on March 09, 2004, 07:03:20 PM
So how do I take that flattering picture that William Orr printed of me yesterday (my "serious" author picture) and make it my photo on my profile next to my posts?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jane on March 09, 2004, 07:08:57 PM
Echo thanks you for all of her wonderful birthday wishes.  I just finished reading them to her.  She had a happy day with lots special dog treats.  Keith joined us on our walk, which was a rare treat, and he is currently making popcorn he will share with her.

We are glad Keith got the new computer up and running in time to read her birthday greetings. :)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jane on March 09, 2004, 07:10:56 PM
So how do I take that flattering picture that William Orr printed of me yesterday (my "serious" author picture) and make it my photo on my profile next to my posts?

Great idea!  It is a wonderful photo.  When was it taken?

Sorry I can't answer your question. :-[
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ann on March 09, 2004, 07:23:17 PM
WFO - I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss.  I'm glad you could be with her, though.  My heart goes out to Joe...I can't even imagine being prevented from being with my mother when she passed.  You are both in my prayers.  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 07:26:17 PM
Ask WFO to send you the pic, Pogue.  Once you have it on your computer, then all you have to do is "edit" your profile and add the pic.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: JoseSPiano on March 09, 2004, 07:48:27 PM
Well, tonight I'm going to be a Wussburger - with Tillamook cheddar, thick-cut pepper bacon and pineapple!

My headache came back about an hour ago, and the "sleepies" are already settling back in.  Hopefully, I'll get up early tomorrow, and be able to get a bunch of stuff done before heading up to DC tomorrow afternoon.

Goodnight.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 07:55:27 PM
WFO, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's mom's passing, but I am so glad you were able to be there with her. I am sure that means a lot to Joe and to his mom! Please take care.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: MBarnum on March 09, 2004, 07:57:02 PM
JRand53, what are you going to be doing in Kansas City! Become a Kansas City Bomber? Sing Kansas City Here I Come?...well have a safe and fun trip and if the razors get you arrested..well...I guess we will hear about it on the news!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 08:15:02 PM
DR Danise wrote: "I will say “The Seven Faces Of Dr. Lao” is one of my all time favorite movies. It’s so nice to find a group that likes the same things I do.  I thought I was the only one who even remembered it.  Is it out on DVD?  "

It most definitely is out on a Warner DVD that looks very, very good and lists for $19.98. You should be able to find it new for around $14 and used for about $10.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 08:17:27 PM
Can't write anything about AMERICAN IDOL yet because there would be spoilers involved. Of the 12 who were announced as Wild Card contestants last week, the judges eliminated live tonight four of them before they got to sing a note for the audience. And some of the eliminations were jaw-dropping. That happened in the first 30 minutes, so in 20 minutes or so, I'll be back to give comments about the oens I felt gave the best performances.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Kerry on March 09, 2004, 08:19:41 PM
WFO, I'm soooo sorry about Joe's mother. I know this is a family site, but SHIT!   I hope she thought you were Joe, and I'm so glad you were there.  You were where you were suposed to be. I KNOW Joe felt better (although it still was not the same or as it shoud be).


I will end this note (for my sake and yours) by wishing a happy birthday to ECHO.

I think every MGM number has been listed.  I've been told that every dancer's (including the lovely Ms. Powell) taps were later dubbed by anyone who was around.  The only dancer that had to her OWN dubbing was Ann Milller.  No one else could tap that fast.

Thanks BK-  I don't know if I've ever been mentioned in a song before (not one you could print anyway).

And yes, we'll all have matching playclothes made from the drapes and romp through the hills singing.  I look good in green flowers.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Matt H. on March 09, 2004, 08:50:41 PM
OK, here are some assorted AMERICAN IDOL comments. If you haven't finished watching the show yet, consider this a SPOILER WARNING!



First off, I was dumbfounded when Lisa Lubner was cut at the very start. One of the two potentially best voices, and they cut her. Unbelievable!

Then, Marckie got cut for have a "show" voice instead of a pop voice. Hmmmm. Simon said that about CLay all last season, too. Lame excuse for cutting someone with the ability to sing.

The two people who put on the best show: Jon Peter and Suzy. Jon Peter's song was lousy to show any vocal range, but it was GREAT to show he can perform and not just stand there. He got votes from me.

Suzy has a wonderful voice and was on pitch throughout her song, something that can't be said for any of the other singers including Jennifer who was otherwise a powerhouse.

What depresses me is that one of the judges will put through the absolute worst singer of the night: Bulgarian Leah who began terribly and got worse throughout with her pitch all over the place(and Randy and Paula just raved about her.)

Matthew is very nice to look at, but his voice is just barely there. I don't see how he could ever compete vocally in all the styles to come, so I didn't vote for him.

And I didn't vote for George either. Pitchy beginning and raspy top notes. Nope, he seems like a nice guy but he just doesn't have it.

So, I'd like to see Jon Peter, Suzy, and Jennifer from tonight.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jenny on March 09, 2004, 08:55:59 PM
Goodnight, dear readers.  Tomorrow, I'll be embarking bright and early on a journey to the Irish Hunger Memorial in Battery Park with my English class.  We will be given pizza to eat at the memorial.  Don't you think that's sick?  A group of teenagers sitting around munching on pizza at a hunger memorial?  Oh, well.  I hope that you all enjoy your wedensday.  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 09, 2004, 08:58:58 PM
DR William F. Orr, I'm sorry to hear about your and Joe's loss.  
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: George on March 09, 2004, 09:25:07 PM
WFO, my deepest condolences to you and Joe.  My mom (who is German but lives on the other side of town from me) just called me and said that she got a call from her sister (from Germany) who said that her mother died just about two hours ago.  I'm glad for you that you were able to be with Joe’s mother.  That’s important.  I’m very sorry that Joe and my mom weren’t able to.  I wish you and Joe all the best.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Dan (the Man) on March 09, 2004, 09:25:19 PM
Call me decidedly unoriginal, but my favorite MGM production number is "Singin' in the Rain" from a movie whose title escapes me at the mo'.  Other than that, there's
"On the Atchison, Topeka and the Sante Fe" (Harvey Girls)
"Skip to My Loo (Lou?)" from Meet Me in St. Louis
the dance-off in 7 Brides/7 Brothers (only in widescreen, tough)
"I Remember It Well" from Gigi (featuring one of the best fake sunsets in cinematic history!)
"Ya Got Me" from On The Town

I never got around to listing my fav fantasy movies/books, but I'll now mention my least favorite--Alice In Wonderland.  The book bores me to tears and I've never seen an adaption that didn't annoy me or put me to sleep (the one exception might be the Hanna-Barbara version, only because of Sammy Davis' catchy "What's a Nice Girl Like You" and a cameo appearance of Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble.)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DearReaderLaura on March 09, 2004, 09:26:56 PM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, WFO. You were a great blessing to her in her time of need.  Sometimes the family we choose is better than the family we are born into. Peace and blessings to you all.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: George on March 09, 2004, 09:32:24 PM
So Bruce, How many carbs in a stuffed envelope?

I had read a long time ago that the glue on stamps from Israel is kosher.  Just had to share.

Paul Winfield was also in “Star Trek: TWOK”, If I remember correctly.  BTW, My favorite Star Trek:TNG was “The Inner Light”.  The one where Picard get’s hit by the beam of a probe and lives a whole life in a matter of 20 minutes.  I cry every time I see that one.  When he’s an old man and all of his old friends in that “life” come back after being gone for years and years.  

I wish I could get a copy of that one show on DVD.  I found it on the set but I don’t really want to buy the whole season.

I love the "Inner Light" episode.  I also thought that it was pretty cool when they cast Patrick Stewart's real son as the character's son in the episode.

As for getting the individual episode on DVD (the VHS is available on Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/6304614071/qid=1078894909/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-0204166-9134278?v=glance&s=video)) but (shhh...don't tell anyone ::)) if you or someone you know has a DVD burner, you could copy the one episode from the whole-season-DVD onto a recordable DVD.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 09:37:11 PM
Panni sends good vibes to WFO and Joe.  She's having computer issues.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 10:02:29 PM
It won't be long now:



How long is the trip tp Denmark? When you get back we'll throw a party and Call You Madam - a Wayland Flowers reference)
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: DERBRUCER on March 09, 2004, 10:09:45 PM
All the jpegs I post here are on my hard drive.  I don't have a clue how to post them at the DVD place because that site requires a URL address.

The solution is easy: you cozy up to someone like JRand or me and say, "Please, sir, will you host my pictures?" Then you EMail the files to your new best-friend, he will host them and send you a URL you can use to reference them elsewhere. If groveling does not become you, you could subscribe to a hosting service like PictureTrail.com ( $20/yr) and do the dirty deed yourself.

der Brucer
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Ron Pulliam on March 09, 2004, 10:09:48 PM
The tricky thing about American Idol tonight is that four will advance, but three will be selected by the judges and they wouldn't give us any hints as to who they'll pick.

My favorite of the group: Jon Peter Lewis.  I think he has the most potential because he's the one who puts himself out there and has a powerful voice that he has yet to put to a proper test.  Still, his performances have been unique and he has presence.

I, too, thought Suzy was terrific.

I voted for both of them in hopes that one of the will be an audience favorite.

Jennifer will be put through by the judges, as will Leah (who doesn't deserve it, I don't think).  Matthew is a lanky body, a huge smile that reminds me too much of Matthew McConnaghey with a Tom Cruise attitude.  It also takes talent and his is meager.  He whisper sings...and it's because he doesn't have range or power.

George....sorry, but he's pedestrian, to borrow a word.  Back line of the Temptations, indeed.

Lisa Leuchner (wasn't Lisa Lubner a Gilda Radner character on SNL?????) was a shocking omission.



Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: William F. Orr on March 09, 2004, 10:19:00 PM
Thanks to all for your condolences and kind remarks.  Condolences to George for the loss of your grandmother so far away.  

td:  Thanks for the John Dunne.  There is a lot in that poem, and I will have to reread it once I am more focused.

Dick Van Dyke is singing "Put on a Happy Face" in the other room, and that is so much better than "Lost in the Stars", which I've been humming all evening.  Well, better at this moment, I mean, because LitS is one of my favorite songs, but probably the saddest one ever written.

It is amazing to me that I can feel so much closer to people I've never seen, kilobytes of data zipping through the ether, as it were, than many that I see every day in the flesh.  But there you have it.

Hey, too many people forget that we're all in this together, and no one gets out alive.

DR FS Charles Pogue:  There is a limit to the size of a picture you can put in your profile.  I've resized your "serious writer" pic and will send it to you if you send me your e-mail address.

I'm in my pajamas, but it's a bit late to party, so the sack and the hay are about to be hit and hit hard.  Party on, dudes and dudettes!

Oh, and >HUGS<[/color]
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Jed on March 09, 2004, 10:29:15 PM
The best of all possible wishes (almost a Candide reference) to WFO, Joe and family.  Also to George and his family.  A somber evening at HHW.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a "C'mon, get happy!!!" day for us all.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 10:44:55 PM
I'm finally back on!

WFO - So very very sorry for everything you and Joe are going through.  I'm thinking of you. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 10:57:33 PM
I just got OS 10 and AOL 9.0 this afternoon. Soon I'll be getting a Cable Modem. The kinks will have to be worked out. The first kink was trying to get back here. But with the help of bk, Mark and the French Foreign Legion, it's done. Wheww!
Thank you, all.

Everybody's in show business. The man who installed the software into my computer was telling me that he had optioned a musical, The Woman I Love, about Wallis Simpson and the Prince of Wales.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:03:49 PM
Omigod! I just looked at the clock. How did it get to be 11?!  I haven't even finished eating supper. Stopped with the computer problems and never got back to it.

My daughter's on her way to Hungary tonight. That's such a strange feeling for me. My stomach's all in knots. The best place and the worst place all rolled into one. She called me from the airport and I gave her the most useful advice a mother can give -- taught her how to ask in Hungarian, "Where is the bathroom, please?"
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Tomovoz on March 09, 2004, 11:05:11 PM
DR Panni, I wonder if it is the musical "Always" by William May and Jason Sprague (1997). It was "workshopped" here in Melbourne in 1994.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:05:27 PM
Okay, enough of the monologue. Glad to be back. I'm going to eat my late supper or early breakfast.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:07:30 PM
DR Panni, I wonder if it is the musical "Always" by William May and Jason Sprague (1997). It was "workshopped" here in Melbourne in 1994.

That's not the title he used. They workshopped it here in the last few years. He said it was first written in the 1970's.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 11:11:37 PM
If it's the show they did at the Pasadena Playhouse three or four years ago, it is the WORST piece of crap.  They tried to get me to do the CD for ages, and I just couldn't.  I offered them suggestions on how to at least help the show, but they thought it was fine.  It wasn't.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Tomovoz on March 09, 2004, 11:14:04 PM
Not the first time a few musicals have been centred on the same events. I loved the play "Crown Matrimonial" (early 1970s) based on teh same events.
Have you had a chance to catch up with the work of Stephen Poliakov yet Panni? His "The Lost Prince" is wonderful and very moving - a forgotten piece of British 2oth Century royal history.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:15:56 PM
How many Wallis and Ed musicals ARE there? I just looked up an article on the Internet and they're everywhere! This wasn't at the Pasadena Playhouse. He mentioned the theater, said it was old and beautiful. Said the songs were prerecorded by singers and the actors sang over the recordings? Sounds strange.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 11:18:05 PM
Well, the Pasadena Playhouse is old and beautiful, but the singers didn't mouth the songs, certainly, as they were good singers and, as I recall, there was a small band.  It was Stan Chandler and Shirley Knight's daughter, whose name escapes me - Caitlin something?
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: bk on March 09, 2004, 11:18:16 PM
Yes, Kaitlin Hopkins
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:18:40 PM
Have you had a chance to catch up with the work of Stephen Poliakov yet Panni? His "The Lost Prince" is wonderful and very moving - a forgotten piece of British 2oth Century royal history.
No, I haven't. But he should be among the plosive contingent in bk's lyrics..."Panni and Pogue and Poliakov"....If only Danny Kaye were still alive...
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:20:06 PM
Different musical, bk. Probably even worse than the one you're speaking of.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Tomovoz on March 09, 2004, 11:21:11 PM
Sounds very odd indeed! The link between Edward and Hitler is interesting - it is brought up again in "Cambridge Spies" (more excellent writing for TV).
Perhaps it could me more of a crossover between the love story and "Sprintime For Hitler".
About time I called it a night too. Or maybe I will call it something else. Dinner time.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:25:41 PM
Good night, tomovoz!
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: Panni on March 09, 2004, 11:27:36 PM
Okay, I'm postively light headed and must eat.
Title: Re:BIG NOISE
Post by: George on March 09, 2004, 11:38:15 PM
I'm going to say goodnight.  It's been quite a weird day today.  Goodnight all.