Haines His Way

Archives => Archive 1 => Topic started by: bk on May 11, 2004, 11:59:21 PM

Title: AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 11, 2004, 11:59:21 PM: Well, you've read the notes, you've had your fun and eaten it, too, and now it is time to post without lethargy. We must have none of the lethargy of yesterday, which didn't even match the somewhat slow weekend. Let us keep lethargy out of it, shall we? Now, post I say - so much to post about, so little time.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 12:08:55 AM: For DR Laura: Me at home with a feathered friend!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:11:36 AM: Nice cockatoo.

We've got GUESTS aplenty. Welcome GUESTS. Wonder if our merry searchers are amongst our GUESTS? And then there is Panni, sitting there like so much fish.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 12:21:22 AM: I agree with bk that there should have been much more backstage, at home, rehearsal footage in the Stritch at Liberty hybrid. There was a short sequence, for example, of Stritch with a podiatrist in London. Her toes were totally covered in bandages and she was screaming with pain as he removed them. In the next sequence she is seen dancing on stage. This says tons about the pain behind the laughter (pardon the cliche) - but it really makes the dancing sequence mean so much more than it already does. Apparently they shot from the first day of rehearsals (ironically 9/11) -- so there must have been lots of footage. But i still enjoyed the film. And Anthony Hopkins and Liz Smith were a hoot in the Q & A.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 12:24:03 AM: Nice picture, Tomovoz!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 12:26:35 AM: George Chakiris was at the Stritch screening. He looks very good for a man of 70!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 12:34:01 AM: A pastel done by Colin for a friend returning to Latvia.
Eastern Rosella, Supher Crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and King Parrot. All these parrots are regular visitors to our garden and they were quite happy to post for their portrait.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 12:47:46 AM: Lovely parrot portrait. You must live in a little paradise, Tomovoz.
Time for bed. G'night!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 01:06:26 AM: Thanks for the positives Panni. Yes it is a pocket of paradise.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 04:14:16 AM: Question for Ask BK Day

When you were preparing the song choices for the two duet albums with Skinner and Ripley how did you decide who would sing what when it came to solo lines and did you have to make sure the received equal amount of solo lines in each song?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:51:19 AM: Good morning, all! It's very humid this morning on the Upper West Side, and my cleaning house continues. When I moved into this place in July, 1980, it seemed huge. Now when I turn around, I knock over something. Yesterday, I organized cartons of DVDs, found several duplicates (!) and found several things missing, which may be with my goddaughter. Today, it's my desk and work area.

DRTomovoz, beautiful birds. I see an occasional sparrow and tons of pigeons on my fire escape. In Ohio, the house I grew up in always had cardinals, ravens, robins, sparrows, and an occasional humming bird flitting about the yard. I wish we'd had some of your beauties.

DRGeorge, there is no unabridged PRINCESS BRIDE; the title and editorial credits are part of Goldman's humor.

DRWEL, on BYE BYE BIRDIE orchestrations, I don't believe Rob Fisher found anything in a box, but it's good publicity. His assistant Isaac is usually the one to do the initial research on materials at the various archives, and no one gets into the Tams-Witmark vaults but the employees and owners. I'm sure Mr Kugel, its brilliant librarian emeritus, and his replacements Finn and Matthew knew exactly where the original cartons of orchestra parts were stored, dragged the cartons into a public space and let Rob or Isaac examine the materials.

When Jack Everly conducted the last Channing revival of HELLO DOLLY!, he told me the original parts on file at Tams-Witmark were used for the Broadway run. The touring reduction had been used on the road.

On a publicity digression, when Ian Marshall Fisher staged the Cole Porter-Moss Hart JUBILEE in London, 1999, which BBC-Radio 3 broadcast, the program notes and broadcast notes claimed that the original parts for JUBILEE turned up in the famous Warner Brothers Secaucus warehous, and they were being used in this performance. Well, it's good publicity. but this was a total lie; JUBILEE was created from scratch in 1985 by Tommy Krasker and me for the New Amsterdam Theatre Company; everything played by the BBC Concert Orchestra in those performances was arranged and scored by yours truly, and Ian Marshall Fisher knew it. The only bit missing from Dick Vosburgh's misinformation was the fact that 100 copyists went blind copying my notes.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:58:29 AM: Dear Friend BK, I have no question for you at the moment, but I may throw one at you later in the day. Last night at dinner, everyone was asking about the current FA situation. My friend Elliot from Papermill says he wants you back in the studio.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 05:04:10 AM: Happy Wednesday! Things are going right along, and I may go on a camping trip on Friday night, yes camping. I am reticent, oh yes, I am reticent, but .....

I didn't buy the AT LIBERTY DVD because I had heard something about this Pennebaker documentary coming out, so that is the one I think I want.

It sounds like it was great fun for all last night, was Ms Stritch's podiatrist in the audience to see himself onscreen?

My question for ASK BK DAY:

Do we have anyone today to compare with:

Mr Danny Kaye
Miss Joan Davis
Mr Vincent Price
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ben on May 12, 2004, 05:15:48 AM: DR Tom and DR Laura: You two have the most BEAUTIFUL bird pictures I have ever seen (Tom, Colin's paintings are pretty beautiful also). Thanks for posting these lovely shots every so often.

No questions at the moment.

Johnny Guitar, a campy musical version of the Joan Crawford, Mercedes McCambridge film is closing this Sunday, May 16th. I saw it and had a good time. It's not great but it's a fun afternoon in the theatre with some good performances and a nice pastiche score. Sometimes, that's all you (or I) want.

I'm seeing Homebody/Kabul on Friday at Brooklyn Academy of Music (AKA BAM bam, bam bam - a Flintsones reference).

Elmore, we have been doing the same thing downtown. I've been in my place for almost 21 years (moved here in 1980 and moved into the current apartment in 1983). While it's OK for one person, two makes it a bit cramped sometimes so we are "thinning out" and re-arranging and moving, etc. It's funny to put things out on the street (well before garbage pick up) to see what will be gone very soon after curb arrival (NY is famous for inhabitants who have furnished their apartments using street cast offs).
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on May 12, 2004, 05:49:15 AM: DR Ben,

I had a desk lamp that was ugly and scratched. I put it in the garbage room. Minutes later, my neighbor was displaying it on her hall table. On the other hand, we have another neighbor who lost weight. He kindly placed his clothes in the same garbage room - and my wardrobe increased as his waistline decreased. Another neighbor passed away, and neighbor number one (who got the above lamp) and I found ourselves fighting over the "Davis estate," which included some excellent sheet music.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on May 12, 2004, 05:55:32 AM: Quote from: JRand53 on May 12, 2004, 05:04:10 AM
Do we have anyone to compare to
Mr Danny Kaye
Miss Joan Davis
Mr Vincent Price

I watch "I Married Joan" videos regularly - and they always crack me up. I'd love to see a tribute to Joan Davis. (Anyone in Indianapolis listening?) Her combination of physical humor and verbal wit is matchless.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 06:13:34 AM: Quote from: Dan-in-Toronto on May 12, 2004, 05:55:32 AM
I watch "I Married Joan" videos regularly - and they always crack me up. I'd love to see a tribute to Joan Davis. Her combination of physical humor and verbal wit is matchless. (Anyone listening in Indianapolis?)

Way back in the late 70's when we first got cable, the predecessor of The Comedy Channel (I can't recall the exact name) nightly aired I Married Joan reruns. I had never heard of Joan Davis or the show before and I first regarded it as a cheap I Love Lucy knock-off. But after repeated viewings, it grew on me. It was a knock-off, but Joan Davis was damn funny. The episode which sticks in my mind was one in which her character wanted a chef's famous soup recipe. She wound up hiding in the chef's industrial kitchen sized soup pot. It sounds like a stupid gag, but Davis unashamedly mugged her way through it as vegetables and soup stock were tossed all over her and she dutifully scribbled each ingredient down on her note pad. It was a great silly and funny scene.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 06:25:41 AM: Re: "Johnny Guitar", the problem is that the book is as camp as the film, but the score is more standard musical theatre, and therefore while both are entertaining, they are like being from two different shows.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 06:27:22 AM: Yes - to the Dan(s) - I think WEL has mentioned the I MARRIED JOAN box set that he purchased.

As has been written, several of the IMJ episodes had enough story for two or three I LOVE LUCY episodes. But Joan was a funny physical comedienne, and she was fearless in her stunts.

Here is your Allison Hayes picture of the week, just another day at U-I:
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 06:47:58 AM: In the original The Music Man movie, there is a River City citizen who looks very much like Joan Davis. She doesn't have a speaking role but participates in the production numbers (you can see her very clearly as the camera pans by everyone lined up during "Wells Fargo Wagon".) I doubt that it actually is Davis, but the resemblance is there.

I just read on IMDB that Joan Davis went through the tragedy of losing her mother, daughter and two grandsons in a fire in 1963. That's very sad.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: DearReaderLaura on May 12, 2004, 06:49:32 AM: DR Tomovoz: Thank you for the beautiful bird photos. It must be a sight to see all those gorgeous colors flying around!!

DRBen: Thank you for the compliment. I am just about to head out for my walk -- who knows what I'll see today!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ben on May 12, 2004, 07:14:38 AM: This obit from the Times today on Virginia Capers:

Virginia Capers, an actress and singer who won a Tony Award in 1974 for her role in "Raisin," the musical version of "A Raisin in the Sun," died on Thursday in Los Angeles, where she lived. She was 78.

She died after a bout of pneumonia, said her son, Glenn Capers.

Ms. Capers was an experienced but little-known character actress when she was cast as Lena Younger, the matriarch of the struggling working-class black family in "Raisin," a musical that opened in the fall of 1973, based on Lorraine Hansberry's play. But Ms. Capers's intense stage presence captivated critics. In his review for The New York Times, Clive Barnes called her "a vast and loving Gibraltar of a woman" and said she was "tremendous in just about every sense you can use the word."

Ms. Capers won the Tony for best actress in a musical. The show, which also starred Deborah Allen, Ernestine Jackson and Joe Morton, was nominated for nine Tonys, and also won for best musical. It ran on Broadway for more than two years and had a long life as a touring show.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: MBarnum on May 12, 2004, 07:27:40 AM: Tomovoz, I am amazed at those beautiful birds! Those are just wild birds that arrive in your yard?? I never get anything that colorful in my backyard!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 07:28:51 AM: Quote from: JRand53 on May 12, 2004, 05:04:10 AM
It sounds like it was great fun for all last night, was Ms Stritch's podiatrist in the audience to see himself onscreen?

Yes, and he now has his own reality show: "On Your Toes" (Sorry!)

Actually, the doc was a Brit. She was seeing him while doing the show in London. Betweem sweetly abusing him and screaming in pain, she mentioned that she'd love to bring him back home with her as he treated her so well. Unless he took her up on the offer, it's doubtful he was in the audience.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 07:38:06 AM: Here's a question for music expert DR elmore: am I imagining things, or do the first four measures of Bernstein's "Ballet at the Village Vortex" in Wonderful Town sound exactly like the opening verse of "America" in West Side Story ("Puerto Rico, you lovely island, island of tropical breezes")? To me they sound identical. It's just a short piece of music, but it's always disheartening to me when I find a composer like Bernstein recycling. I thought I’d plotz the first time I heard A Pray By Blecht. Are there any other examples of Bernstein reusing his music?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 07:47:23 AM: One more note on the Elaine Stritch screening... There was a very powerful moment in the Q&A. Anthony Hopkins, who is a great friend of Stritch, talked about their shared past problems with the bottle. He said that to look at this film and her life now (and his life) is to see the triumph come through like a FIST. And with his face red, his eyes gleaming, he punched through the air to make the point.
On paper it doesn't read like much - but there was so much raw emotion in what he said that it was a truly revealing and extremely compelling moment.

Another interesting note about Hopkins (BTW - he is pleasingly plump, with long, wild white hair, and he wore a Hawaiian shirt - not at all the "Sir Anthony" one would imagine.): He said -- a surprise to me -- that he had always hated the stage and wanted above all else to work in the movies and be a beach bum in Malibu. (And his dreams have come true!)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: MBarnum on May 12, 2004, 07:54:00 AM: Did any DRs catch the Dick Van Dyke reunion show last night?

I have never been a huge fan of the show but I really enjoyed the reunion. I must say that Dick Van Dyke still has it! He hasn't slowed down one iota. Mary Tyler Moore was still good as well (but needs to stop having face work done! Yikes!) and Jerry Van Dyke and Ann Guilbert had me in stitches! Those two ought to have there own show!

Some of the program fell a bit flat (although the laugh track certainly found every joke hilarious!), but as the program moved along it got funnier!

Am looking forward to the Carol Burnett Show special tonight!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: George on May 12, 2004, 08:01:17 AM: Quote from: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:51:19 AM
DRGeorge, there is no unabridged PRINCESS BRIDE; the title and editorial credits are part of Goldman's humor.

Thanks for the info! I assumed that this was the case, but I didn't want to really assume, just in case it wasn't the case. ::)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Noel on May 12, 2004, 08:29:39 AM: Thanks for all the responses yesterday re: the recorder. (A lot of re in that sentence.) Danise's 2nd suggestion came closest to what I need, http://gc-music.com/Recor.htm (http://gc-music.com/Recor.htm) - a whole on-line course in recorder playing. The trouble is, I'm looking for one fingering chart I can print out - Jose assures us the internet contains such a thing. The on-line course contains all the answers, but it's in 10 lessons, ten pages to print out. Yes, folks, you're listening to laziness talking. If the recorder came with such a chart, it's long gone, as my father purchased it no later than the 1960s and probably earlier. And, yes, we're talking All Good Gifts.

I'll be seeing the composer of All Good Gifts (Stephen Schwartz) tonight at the ASCAP workshop, which is always the educational highlight of my year.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 08:30:08 AM: Quote from: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:51:19 AM
The only bit missing from Dick Vosburgh's misinformation was the fact that 100 copyists went blind copying my notes.
As opposed to the "usual way," I assume.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ben on May 12, 2004, 08:31:06 AM: Here is page 2. I'll leave the dance to someone else.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 08:33:51 AM: Quote from: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:51:19 AM
DRGeorge, there is no unabridged PRINCESS BRIDE; the title and editorial credits are part of Goldman's humor.
Which brings up the other novel supposedly written not by Goldman but by S. Morgenstern, The Silent Gondoliers. Not as detailed as PB, it still stands as fine comic fantasy on it's own merits. When I first read it, I thought it would make a great musical, with an interesting twist: the lead character literally cannot sing!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Noel on May 12, 2004, 08:57:12 AM: Success for lazy me!
I've found the fingering chart I was seeking.
Hallelujah.
...and thanks for your help
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 08:57:23 AM: Quote from: MBarnum on May 12, 2004, 07:54:00 AM
Did any DRs catch the Dick Van Dyke reunion show last night?
Yes, der Brucer and I watched the show. I thought the pace could have been better (which I blame on the writing), and that one of the trademarks of the original show was missing (the physical humor). But working Richie into the story at the beginning was nice. The Petries having a dance studio in their Manhattan home was a bit odd, given what space costs in that neck of the woods (particularly given the cost of space being part of the storyline). Still, if they can all get together once, maybe they can get together again...and get it right!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 08:58:20 AM: I recorded THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW reunion last night, but haven't had a chance to watch it.

BTW, if anyone missed it and wants to see it, CBS is rerunning it and tonight's Carol Burnett clip show a week from this coming Saturday from 9-11 p.m. EDT
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:00:20 AM: Dear BK: Towards the end of yesterday's posts, you mentioned that a number of merry lurkers have been searching merrily through the site, looking for two words in particular.

Wouldn't it be fun to post those two words, with absolutely no context, every once in a while? Just to give those merry searchers something to find? I kind of feel sorry for them, knowing that they search and search with little in the way of results.

Or, as Bugs would say, "I'm such a stinker."
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:08:12 AM: KELSEY UPDATE:

Yes, the old feller is still with us. He's eating much better, and generally doing fine, but his back legs have given out on him. He can pull himself around when there's carpeting underneath, but so much of our house has hardwood floors, and that's where his front legs fail him.

What he doesn't like is being alone, which I understand. He want's to have people around, and can be very vocal when he's lonely. I can't blame him on that.

And he still likes popcorn! That's always been a favorite treat.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:28:39 AM: Quote from: Michael Shayne on May 12, 2004, 04:14:16 AM
Question for Ask BK Day

When you were preparing the song choices for the two duet albums with Skinner and Ripley how did you decide who would sing what when it came to solo lines and did you have to make sure the received equal amount of solo lines in each song?

We all chose the songs together. I did the arrangements with Todd, then the girls came over and worked with Todd and figured out who'd sing what. I left that totally to them.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:32:52 AM: Quote from: JRand53 on May 12, 2004, 05:04:10 AM

My question for ASK BK DAY:

Do we have anyone today to compare with:

Mr Danny Kaye
Miss Joan Davis
Mr Vincent Price

Not in my opinion (IMO, in Internet lingo). I suppose some would say Robin Williams is the modern day Danny Kaye, but he's not, or Jim Carrey, but he's not. Kaye was a true unique one-off performer. I suppose there are some character comediennes around but I don't know that there are any with the timing of Joan Davis, except maybe Cindy Williams and she's sort of lost it these days. No one will EVER be like Vincent Price and there is no one who even comes close.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:38:10 AM: Quote from: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:00:20 AM
Dear BK: Towards the end of yesterday's posts, you mentioned that a number of merry lurkers have been searching merrily through the site, looking for two words in particular.

Wouldn't it be fun to post those two words, with absolutely no context, every once in a while? Just to give those merry searchers something to find? I kind of feel sorry for them, knowing that they search and search with little in the way of results.

Or, as Bugs would say, "I'm such a stinker."

Oh, I don't like to make anyone's JOB easier.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:59:08 AM: What is this, bump on a log day? We need some merriment and mirth and laughter and legs, not to mention questions.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 10:12:38 AM: Here's a little more on a topic from a couple of weeks ago... was there or was there not an Intermission at the Roadshow screenings of WEST SIDE STORY. Apparently Robert Wise planned it without an intermission and it opened that way, but when some theatres started adding one in in inappropriate spots Wise added one to avoid this. Therefore if you saw it very early in the run (as I did), there was no intermission, but if you saw it after a few weeks, there was.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:13:03 AM: Quote from: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 06:47:58 AM
In the original The Music Man movie, there is a River City citizen who looks very much like Joan Davis. She doesn't have a speaking role but participates in the production numbers (you can see her very clearly as the camera pans by everyone lined up during "Wells Fargo Wagon".) I doubt that it actually is Davis, but the resemblance is there.

I just read on IMDB that Joan Davis went through the tragedy of losing her mother, daughter and two grandsons in a fire in 1963. That's very sad.

Dan, although it is true that Joan Davis' mother, daughter, and two grandchildren died in a fire in 1963, this was two years after Miss Davis passed away. Her daughter Beverly Wills was also an actress, and on I MARRIED JOAN, she played Joan's sister.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 10:18:47 AM: No, WEL, you have merely read this on the Internet and it is not true. Whether he planned it or not, the film opened in its roadshow engagements WITH an intermission. I saw it one week into its roadshow run at the Chinese and saw it fourteen weeks in a row thereafter - intermission every single time. I have checked with cast members who were in NY at the time it opened at the Rivoli and it had the intermission there. Mr. Wise, IF he said it, is in error. In fact, I hate to tell you this, but Mr. Wise is often in error on these commentary tracks he does, and also in print. He's eighty-ish now so it's understandable. I can't swear the film didn't have an intermission everywhere it played in roadshow, but it certainly did in NY and LA. The intermission was, of course, gone when the film went into general release.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM: (An unofficial) ASK BK QUESTION:

I knew that Elaine Stritch and Anthony Hopkins were good friends, but what was Megan Mullalley doing on the panel last night?

An Official ASK BK QUESTION:

George Chakiris can be seen as a dancer in several big Hollywood movies (i.e. WHITE CHRISTMAS) prior to winning an Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY; and yesterday you mentioned Donna McKechnie as a dancer in BILLIE; can you think of others who started their careers as dancers in film and then managed to build a career of their own?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Stuart on May 12, 2004, 10:45:07 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM
George Chakiris can be seen as a dancer in several big Hollywood movies (i.e. WHITE CHRISTMAS) prior to winning an Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY; and yesterday you mentioned Donna McKechnie as a dancer in BILLIE; can you think of others who started their careers as dancers in film and then managed to build a career of their own?

None other than Miss Gwen Verdon.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 10:56:59 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:13:03 AM
Dan, although it is true that Joan Davis' mother, daughter, and two grandchildren died in a fire in 1963, this was two years after Miss Davis passed away. Her daughter Beverly Wills was also an actress, and on I MARRIED JOAN, she played Joan's sister.

DR TCB, are you insinuating that I did not carefully check my facts in this regard? That I didn't take the time or bother to scan my eyes an inch or two upwards on the IMDB Joan Davis bio page and see that her date of death occurred two years earlier? (Well, okay, I didn't do that, but I can't be expected to be both entertaining and factual!)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:59:07 AM: Quote from: Stuart on May 12, 2004, 10:45:07 AM
None other than Miss Gwen Verdon.

What other films did she dance in, Stuart?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Noel on May 12, 2004, 11:06:19 AM: Anton Chekov is alive and well and doing readings in Union Square: http://improveverywhere.csbl.net/chekov/ (http://improveverywhere.csbl.net/chekov/)

AskBK:
Some years ago, my old pals Marcy & Zina had it in their bio that a song of theirs was going to be on an upcoming album, Broadway Bound II.

I've said before that I love the first Broadway Bound.
So, here is what I'm aching to know: (a 70 Girls 70 reference)

Was there going to be a Broadway Bound II?
What happened to it?
What songs had been selected?
Which Marcy & Zina song(s) would be on it?
How can we get there to be a Broadway Bound II album, or III or IV?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 11:09:51 AM: Quote from: Dan (the Man) on May 12, 2004, 07:38:06 AM
Here's a question for music expert DR elmore: am I imagining things, or do the first four measures of Bernstein's "Ballet at the Village Vortex" in Wonderful Town sound exactly like the opening verse of "America" in West Side Story ("Puerto Rico, you lovely island, island of tropical breezes")? To me they sound identical. It's just a short piece of music, but it's always disheartening to me when I find a composer like Bernstein recycling. I thought I’d plotz the first time I heard A Pray By Blecht. Are there any other examples of Bernstein reusing his music?

I know I'm going to screw this up, but he reused a lot, and I should consult my friend Charlie Harmon, who worked for Bernstein as an assistant and Amberson, the publishing company, after Bernstein's death. I know that the song "Ain't Got No Tears Left," cut from ON THE TOWN, ended up in one of the symphonies (AGE OF ANXIETY?), "Peter Peter" from PETER PAN was originally written as "Betty Betty" for Betty Comden, "Dream With Me," cut from ON THE TOWN, was later cut from PETER PAN. "One Hand One Heart" began as a song originally in CANDIDE, "Chichester Psalms" inorporated music from the abandoned SKIN OF OUR TEETH project with Comden and Green.

I don't think that's as prolific as Rodgers & Hart's, Jerome Kern's, or Jule Styne's reusage, but it's hard to let go of a good song sometimes.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 11:10:07 AM: Gwen Verdon was in the chorus of the Danny Kaye film "On the Riveara" and the MGM Lana Turner remake of "The Merry Widow", featured in one of the "That's Entertainment" trilogy.

BK - The intermission was NOT in the print shown at the Michael Todd in Chicago. At least not at first. I tend to think that this was a per-theatre decision. Even though it was reserved seats at the Todd, there were three shows a day on weekdays and four on weekends so maybe they needed the extra time the intermission would have taken up for between shows.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 11:14:11 AM: Quote from: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:00:20 AM
Dear BK: Towards the end of yesterday's posts, you mentioned that a number of merry lurkers have been searching merrily through the site, looking for two words in particular.

Well, what are the two words? Are their initials F and A? Let me know and I'll drop them liberally for the next couple of days.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 11:16:58 AM: Quote from: bk on May 12, 2004, 10:18:47 AM
No, WEL, you have merely read this on the Internet and it is not true. Whether he planned it or not, the film opened in its roadshow engagements WITH an intermission. I saw it one week into its roadshow run at the Chinese and saw it fourteen weeks in a row thereafter - intermission every single time. I have checked with cast members who were in NY at the time it opened at the Rivoli and it had the intermission there. Mr. Wise, IF he said it, is in error. In fact, I hate to tell you this, but Mr. Wise is often in error on these commentary tracks he does, and also in print. He's eighty-ish now so it's understandable. I can't swear the film didn't have an intermission everywhere it played in roadshow, but it certainly did in NY and LA. The intermission was, of course, gone when the film went into general release.

My memory is that WSS played Cincinnati at the Valley Theatre, where I also saw MY FAIR LADY, and there was definitely an intermission. I was wrong about an Entr'Acte.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 11:20:47 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM

George Chakiris can be seen as a dancer in several big Hollywood movies (i.e. WHITE CHRISTMAS) prior to winning an Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY; and yesterday you mentioned Donna McKechnie as a dancer in BILLIE; can you think of others who started their careers as dancers in film and then managed to build a career of their own?

Harvey Evans, who was in NEW GIRL IN TOWN as Harvey Hohnecker, is one of the Jets in WSS, and Leroy Reams can be seen in the film of SWEET CHARITY.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 11:21:21 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:13:03 AM
Dan, although it is true that Joan Davis' mother, daughter, and two grandchildren died in a fire in 1963, this was two years after Miss Davis passed away. Her daughter Beverly Wills was also an actress, and on I MARRIED JOAN, she played Joan's sister.
Clearly, tragedy can strike at any time, even when caring seems beyond us.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 11:26:18 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM
(An unofficial) ASK BK QUESTION:
I knew that Elaine Stritch and Anthony Hopkins were good friends, but what was Megan Mullalley doing on the panel last night?
I know I'm not bk (although I used to be "ak" - it's a long story) - but as he doesn't seem to be around at the moment and I happen to know the answer, Megan Mullally was in the short-lived "Ellen Burstyn Show" in which Elaine S played Burstyn's mother (even though she was only a few years older than Burstyn).
From TV TOME:
THE ELLEN BURSTYN SHOW: ABC Sitcom, Premiered September 20, 1986.
Burstyn plays Ellen Brewer, the head of a multi-generational household. Brewer is an iconclastic writer-in-residence at a Baltimore college. She holds seminars in the brownstone she shares with a hyperactive mother Sydney (Elaine Strich), 25-year-old daughter Molly (Megan Mullally) and 5-year-old grandson, Nick(Jesse R. Tendler).
Theme song "Nothing in the world like love" lyrics: John Bettis, music: Artie Butler
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 11:36:33 AM: The latest 4 Disney Treasures are being released next week WITH all Roy Disney's contributions (and signature) included. Eisner was getting so much bad press and internet comments that he changed his mind about deleting any mention of Roy.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 11:41:37 AM: I am feeling a bit under the weather today. :(
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 11:43:21 AM: Which is sort of weird, since I was perfectly fine yesterday.

Been eating lots of soup, which I rarely do.

Anybody have any other easy remedies if you feel a cold coming on.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 11:49:44 AM: Quote from: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 11:20:47 AM
Harvey Evans, who was in NEW GIRL IN TOWN as Harvey Hohnecker, is one of the Jets in WSS, and Leroy Reams can be seen in the film of SWEET CHARITY.
And, speaking of Sweet Charity, Ben Vereen appears in the chorus, well before he turned "Chicken" in Roots.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 11:55:19 AM: Page Three Dance!!

(http://www.gifs.net/animate/dance89a.gif)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 11:56:42 AM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM
(An unofficial) ASK BK QUESTION:

I knew that Elaine Stritch and Anthony Hopkins were good friends, but what was Megan Mullalley doing on the panel last night?

An Official ASK BK QUESTION:

George Chakiris can be seen as a dancer in several big Hollywood movies (i.e. WHITE CHRISTMAS) prior to winning an Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY; and yesterday you mentioned Donna McKechnie as a dancer in BILLIE; can you think of others who started their careers as dancers in film and then managed to build a career of their own?

Miss Mullalley and Miss Stritch worked together on a TV series, The Ellen Burstyn Show.

Gwen Verdon (as someone has pointed out), Teri Garr. I'm sure there are others.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 11:59:50 AM: Good Afternoon!

I slept in again - sort of - this morning... and then had a follow up with my uncle/doctor at 11:30, so.... All is still well!

Then I stopped in at Target... -How come everytime I go into Target I always end up spending at least $100?!?!?! -And I even found some great stuff on clearance!!! -My favorite find was a set of four(!) sturdy, lidded storage bins for only $1.49!! I bought two sets!!! I always make sure to check those endcaps for the Clearance items! Oh, and I also picked up the DVD of the final episode of "Friends" just because (and I haven't seen it yet anyway, so...), and a copy of "In America".

Oh... I guess that leads to a question for Ask BK Day:

Is there a particular store where you KNOW you will always spend a good chunk of change (and dollar bills)?

Is there a particular store where you DON'T think you'll spend that much money, but end up getting surprised once you're at the cash register?

And is there a store that you AVOID going into because the "temptation(s)" will be too hard to resist?

Oh, and might as well complete the thread, is there a store (or type of store) where you know you will NEVER spend any money?

Then it was over to the Food Factory for a reshmi kabob - ground chicken with spices. Soooo good - and their tandoori bread, as always, was dee-lish too!

Driving around, I started noticing all the cicada "precautions" - trees wrapped in muslin(?), etc. They're starting to come out of the ground now - after 17 years of gestation - and we're supposedly going to get slammed sometime in the next few days. I was in the area the last time the cicadas appeared, but I don't really remember them being a nuisance. The local news media, however, is making quite the big deal of the whole situation. And there are local "gourmets" who are coming up with various "cicada treats" - and I think there's even a cookbook. Hmm.. I don't care how much protein they supposedly have, but I think I'll pass.

DR Tomovoz - So nice to see that painting again! -Unfortunately, I just found out that I may not be heading back to OZ this fall. However, I am thinking I may be heading back on my own... So... We shall see.

DR Noel - Congratulations on your lazy success! ;) *If you plan to get your recorder back from your student - it may pay to invest in a bottle of Sani-Spray - or at least a cleaning cloth and rod and/or a couple of alcholol swabs. *The last time I did Godspell, we found a recorder in the key of "A" - made everything sooo much easier for the performer.

OK - time to tend to the laundry...

Oh, and DR WEL - I know I could probably look them up elsewhere, but what are the last 4 Disney Treasure releases? -This from someone who kicks himself every day for not buying the first four - even though he was in the store as they were putting them on display the day they were released?!?!?!?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:00:33 PM: Quote from: Noel on May 12, 2004, 11:06:19 AM

AskBK:
Some years ago, my old pals Marcy & Zina had it in their bio that a song of theirs was going to be on an upcoming album, Broadway Bound II.

I've said before that I love the first Broadway Bound.
So, here is what I'm aching to know: (a 70 Girls 70 reference)

Was there going to be a Broadway Bound II?
What happened to it?
What songs had been selected?
Which Marcy & Zina song(s) would be on it?
How can we get there to be a Broadway Bound II album, or III or IV?

I was starting to gather material for BBII when the Varese years came to a close. I know I'd chosen a Marcy and Zina ballad (don't remember which) and maybe The Alto's Lament, which I ended up putting on Emily Skinner's album. I never got back to it at FA, and then that ended.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:01:09 PM: Oh, and Ben Vereen can also be seen as a dancer in Sweet Charity.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:03:43 PM: Quote from: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 11:10:07 AM

BK - The intermission was NOT in the print shown at the Michael Todd in Chicago. At least not at first. I tend to think that this was a per-theatre decision. Even though it was reserved seats at the Todd, there were three shows a day on weekdays and four on weekends so maybe they needed the extra time the intermission would have taken up for between shows.

Well, I wasn't in Chicago. In every major market the roadshow played two a day, one matinee, one evening. So, I'm surprised to hear the sched you quote - naturally if they were doing three or four a day they would have had to remove the intermission, no question. I would understand that sched later in the run, but not at the beginning.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:04:43 PM: Sorry, S. Woody, didn't see your Ben Vereen post before I did my redundant post.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 12:19:44 PM: Quote from: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:04:43 PM
Sorry, S. Woody, didn't see your Ben Vereen post before I did my redundant post.
No appology necessary, you've simply confirmed that we're both geniuses.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Charles Pogue on May 12, 2004, 12:24:52 PM: BK, I heard on KSURF 1260...the Joey, Joey cut from your Liz Callaway/Frank Loesser album the other day.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 12:26:58 PM: One of my favorite tracks that we did.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 12:32:56 PM: A look back:
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 12:34:50 PM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:26:35 AM
(An unofficial) ASK BK QUESTION:

I knew that Elaine Stritch and Anthony Hopkins were good friends, but what was Megan Mullalley doing on the panel last night?

An Official ASK BK QUESTION:

George Chakiris can be seen as a dancer in several big Hollywood movies (i.e. WHITE CHRISTMAS) prior to winning an Oscar for WEST SIDE STORY; and yesterday you mentioned Donna McKechnie as a dancer in BILLIE; can you think of others who started their careers as dancers in film and then managed to build a career of their own?

Chakiris can also be seen in the "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" number in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 12:42:22 PM: Quote from: RLP on May 12, 2004, 12:34:50 PM
Chakiris can also be seen in the "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend" number in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"!

That's right. Thank you, Ron. I knew I had seen him dance in another big musical number, and I could almost picture it, but all I could think of was the color red.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ben on May 12, 2004, 12:45:26 PM: Dracula, the Musical seems to have dates and a theatre for the new Broadway season. Miss Melissa Errico will be the poor Mina.

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/86116.html
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 01:12:42 PM: Jose ---
The four new Disney Legends out next week are
Mickey Mouse in Black & White #2
Donald Duck in Color #1
Tomorrowland (space episodes from Disney's early tv series)
Disney Goes to War (Shorts, cartoons and the rarely shown feature "Victory Through Air Power)

I don't remember which of the others were from the 4 released in 2001 or the 3 released in 2002, but the previous seven titles were
Mickey Mouse in Black in White 1
Mickey Mouse in Color 1
Silly Symphonies
Disneyland (early years of the theme parks)
Davy Crockett - every episode
Goofy
and I can't think of the 7th but will let you know later
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 01:23:32 PM: I have done my few errands and am now back. Ain't we got fun?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 01:37:03 PM: I see browsing. Browsing doesn't cut the mustard. Actually, nothing really cuts the mustard, nor the mayonnaise for that or any other matter. We must have questions and answers, that's what we must have.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 01:37:16 PM: More hot pies, more hot pies.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 01:37:27 PM: And one for Mahler.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 01:40:02 PM: Charles Walters is Judy Garland's dance partner in the finale of PRESENTING LILY MARS.

BTW, George Chakiris can be glimpsed in lots of choruses in the mid-50s and not just in WHITE CHRISTMAS. He's in "Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend" in GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES and you can spot him in the chorus of BRIGADOON at MGM, too. I've spotted him in the chorus of other movie musicals around that period, too, but the names escape me at the moment.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 01:45:07 PM: I watched A DAY AT THE RACES this afternoon, and both Charles Pogue and I were wrong about that Groucho punchline "If I were any closer, I'd be in back of you."

It's Esther Muir he says that to in A DAY AT THE RACES, not Thelma Tood in MONKEY BUSINESS, as CP claimed.

I erred by saying the line happened in a movie that Margaret Dumont wasn't in. Well, Groucho didn't say it to Dumont, but she is in A DAY AT THE RACES, of course.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 01:49:47 PM: Quote from: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 11:59:50 AM
Oh... I guess that leads to a question for Ask BK Day:

Is there a particular store where you KNOW you will always spend a good chunk of change (and dollar bills)?

Is there a particular store where you DON'T think you'll spend that much money, but end up getting surprised once you're at the cash register?

And is there a store that you AVOID going into because the "temptation(s)" will be too hard to resist?

Oh, and might as well complete the thread, is there a store (or type of store) where you know you will NEVER spend any money?

<cough, cough> ...Ahem... ;)

-I know, I buried my questions in my post....
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 01:50:47 PM: So who will be the bottom two on American Idol tonight?

I think Jasmine is an obvious guess.

But I cannot decide who the other gal will be.

My guess will be LaToya.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 01:52:17 PM: Question (for anyone): Are there any songs that make you cry?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 01:58:47 PM: Quote from: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 11:59:50 AM
Oh... I guess that leads to a question for Ask BK Day:

Is there a particular store where you KNOW you will always spend a good chunk of change (and dollar bills)?

Is there a particular store where you DON'T think you'll spend that much money, but end up getting surprised once you're at the cash register?

And is there a store that you AVOID going into because the "temptation(s)" will be too hard to resist?

Oh, and might as well complete the thread, is there a store (or type of store) where you know you will NEVER spend any money?

Yes, the questions got buried. Unfortunately there are way too many stores where I know I'll spend a good chunk of change. My neighborhood used DVD store is one such place, although I do a lot of trading there, so rarely have to put out cash.

I really don't like Amoeba and I never want to spend money there, but occasionally I have because they are the only store in LA that really has any kind of multi-region section.

I avoid going into bookstores (of the rare kind) because I sometimes lose control and cannot be trusted to just be a looker.

I would never spend any money at a luggage store.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 02:00:42 PM: Been in printer hell the last hour and am a better person for having survived.
I'm now going to go out to forage for food and coffee beans.
BTW - They're shooting "According to Jim" - a show I've never seen - at the MM/Joe house up the street. Trucks parked all over the street. Apparently the producer lives there and they're using his pool for a location.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 02:04:55 PM: Quote from: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 01:52:17 PM
Question (for anyone): Are there any songs that make you cry?

Yes. Any song sung by one of the contestants on American Idol.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 02:07:53 PM: Oh - and feel better, Jennifer. I always take loads of Vitamin C when I feel a cold coming on.

Lots of songs make me cry. Sometimes even happy ones. I'll think of a list after I've come back from getting lunch food.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Robin on May 12, 2004, 02:20:53 PM: Quote from: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 01:52:17 PM
Question (for anyone): Are there any songs that make you cry?

"Children and Art" from Sunday in the Park with George.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: MBarnum on May 12, 2004, 02:25:35 PM: Abraham, Martin, and John always puts a lump in my throat.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 02:29:17 PM: TWo recent discoveries that make me cry:

Falling & Chinese Food in Bed both on the Guy Haines album.

Thanks WEL - I am anxious for the TOMORROWLAND disk expecially!

George Chakiris can be seen in a small role in MEET ME IN LAS VEGAS and also dancing in (I think) THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE. It is interesting that he is in the ensemble in WHITE CHRISTMAS and also in Rosemary Clooney's nightclub act in NYC in the same movie.

Beverly Wills was also VERY funny as one of the band members in SOME LIKE IT HOT.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 02:29:20 PM: Quote from: MBarnum on May 12, 2004, 02:25:35 PM
Abraham, Martin, and John always puts a lump in my throat.

Yes, Michael, I bet they do.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 02:32:01 PM: Quote from: Panni on May 12, 2004, 02:07:53 PM
Oh - and feel better, Jennifer. I always take loads of Vitamin C when I feel a cold coming on.

Lots of songs make me cry. Sometimes even happy ones. I'll think of a list after I've come back from getting lunch food.

Thanks, I don't have any vitamin C. But I think I will try some echinacea.

Btw, when I said cry, I meant CRY (like tears pouring down your face cry).

I had one of those crys today and was wondering if I'm a freak. :)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 02:33:27 PM: I also think LaToya will be the other one at the bottom tonight though I think it will be Jasmine who gets sent home.

As I have said on many, many occasions, LaToya has a glorious, silky voice, but she doesn't put a lot of oomph into her singing; it's just not exciting enough to want to make me dash out and buy one of her CDs. Since the prime reason for doing this show is to find an artist that can sell CDs, I don't think it's LaToya. But Ruben won last year with less than thrilling vocals, so what do I know?

I know I have never bought Ruben's singles or his CD.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 02:35:07 PM: The other Walt Disney Treasures DVD that WEL didn't mention was BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE WALT DISNEY STUDIO which contained the complete THE RELUCTANT DRAGON feature.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 02:35:53 PM: Page Four Dance!

(http://www.millan.net/anims/giffar/germanhula2.gif)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Noel on May 12, 2004, 02:37:52 PM: Quote from: Jennifer on Today at 04:52:17pm
Quote
Question (for anyone): Are there any songs that make you cry?

Quote from: Robin on May 12, 2004, 02:20:53 PM
"Children and Art" from Sunday in the Park with George.

A resounding "me too" to Children and Art, the only Sondheim song that always makes me cry.

There are many others:

One of the Good Guys by Maltby & Shire
I Wont Mind by Jeff Blumenkrantz and 2 lyricists
Temporary by John Bucchino
New Words by Maury Yeston
The Lady Down the Hall by Anne Dinnerman
4 by Craig Carnelia:
Joe
The Mason
The Picture on the Wall
What You Call a Dream
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 02:39:29 PM: One of the treasures on the new Disney release about war will be the Academy Award-winning cartoon "Der Fuehrer's Face" -- its first home video release, to my knowledge.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 02:49:57 PM: Those new Disney tins come out this Tuesday, and I understand they've manufactured more of them this go-round since the limited edition of MICKEY MOUSE sold out the last time.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 02:52:37 PM: Those who are interested in AMERICAN IDOL tonight, be sure to note the odd time of its start: 8:56 p.m. It's an hour and four minutes in length tonight/

I guess Fox is taking notes from the NBC playbook about starting shows a little before or a little after the hour.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Robin on May 12, 2004, 02:54:19 PM: I'm feeling a bit...lethargic today. Perhaps it's because I had a bit too much wine last night, but hey, it was my party and I'll wine if I want to. Or something like that.

Maybe the wine has become whine.

Oh, my achin' noggin! OK, it's not quite that bad...

Which reminds me...and here's a somewhat rickety segue into the Ask BK question...The Stephen Sondheim Album was in the CD changer at the birthday get-together nite before last, and there were two really big hits, namely "Losing My Mind" by the divine Dame Edna and "Broadway Baby" by Lea Delaria.

What are the stories behind those two tracks? And don't be afraid to dish, Possum!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 03:21:22 PM: Quote from: Robin on May 12, 2004, 02:54:19 PM

Which reminds me...and here's a somewhat rickety segue into the Ask BK question...The Stephen Sondheim Album was in the CD changer at the birthday get-together nite before last, and there were two really big hits, namely "Losing My Mind" by the divine Dame Edna and "Broadway Baby" by Lea Delaria.

What are the stories behind those two tracks? And don't be afraid to dish, Possum!

The Broadway Baby track: I wanted to do it slow and bluesy and sexy, and did the arrangement that way (if memory serves, Brad Ellis did that track for me) - I then called Lea, because I knew she could hit a home run with it, which she did in spades.

After I saw Dame Edna's show in NY I was determined to work with her. I was then planning the Sondheim album and I can't really remember how we got in touch with the Dame - maybe through the musical director - I think that was it. I didn't know which song yet - and then I thought of Losing My Mind, as as soon as we told DE that she came on board instantly. I asked her to come up with some dialogue for the middle instrumental section - we did four takes and each was different and funny, but I used the one where everyone in the booth fell on the floor. On the first take she did one reading using that "Lewwwwwsing my mind" thing - and I asked her to do it each time when she sang that line - so funny.

That track got so much flack from uppity uptight Sondheads who thought we were desecrating Mr. Sondheim's work. My point was that a) there have been many recordings of the song by many people and b) it was a valid interpretation. Sondheim loves DE and he loved the track and he called those people (especially at The Sondheim Review) humorless *****s.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 03:23:49 PM: Thanks to DRs for the comments re the Oz bird life. Unfortunately it does cost way more than tuppence a bag to feed them. We also have yellow tailed black cockatoos visit frequently. They are bigger than the white cockies and they feed on the seed pods on the trees and bushes. Photographs don't really seem to work out well as the birds are so dark.
We also have quite a number of small honeyeaters that are residents of the garden. I shall try and post photos of them too at some later stage.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 03:30:34 PM: Btw, I totally get what some DRs have said about how exotic those birds look. It is just so hard to grasp the fact that they are wild birds. Since there is nothing that looks remotely like that here.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 03:33:07 PM: Matt beat me to it with the last Disney Treasures previously released.

I just read that for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland next year they are building three new major attractions... at Walt Disney World in Florida! Disneyland will have half of Tomorrowland closed for the celebration (including Space Mountain) because Eisner feels people will come anyway, so why spend the money.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 03:34:00 PM: The song that makes me cry: Jonathan Wesley Oliver, Jr. sung by Lee Lessack.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 03:34:23 PM: Thanks Jennifer. I don't get to handfeed all of them. The King Parrots are less shy. Sometimes the Crimson Rosellas will be brave enough. I hate the idea of any bird being caged and there is so much joy to be had in knowing that they trust you. Our dogs don't bother them. (Our dogs don't even bother the rabbits!).
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 03:35:26 PM: Michael Bennett is also in the film version of Sweet Charity. Ben Vereen appears in 2 musical numbers and not sure about Lee Roy Reams.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 03:39:26 PM: Quote from: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 01:12:42 PM
Jose ---
The four new Disney Legends out next week are
Mickey Mouse in Black & White #2
Donald Duck in Color #1
Tomorrowland (space episodes from Disney's early tv series)
Disney Goes to War (Shorts, cartoons and the rarely shown feature "Victory Through Air Power)

I don't remember which of the others were from the 4 released in 2001 or the 3 released in 2002, but the previous seven titles were
Mickey Mouse in Black in White 1
Mickey Mouse in Color 1
Silly Symphonies
Disneyland (early years of the theme parks)
Davy Crockett - every episode
Goofy
and I can't think of the 7th but will let you know later

Re: The above. -- the Goofy title is "The Complete Goofy" and the 7th title, as MattH has pointed out, was "Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studios."

Just a correction or two about the new releases:

"Mickey Mouse in Living Color Part 2" (vice "MM in B/W")

_{Only 175,000 sets issued

21 short subject cartoons starring Mickey Mouse

Introduction by Film Historian Leonard Maltin

Disc One:

1939: Society Dog Show, The Pointer

1940: Tugboat Mickey,

Pluto's Dream House,

Mr. Mouse Takes a Trip

1941: The Little Whirlwind, The Nifty Nineties, Orphans Benefit

1942: Mickey's Birthday Party, Symphony Hour

1947: Mickey's Delayed Date

1948: Mickey Down Under, Mickey and the Seal

1951: Plutopia, R'Coon Dawg

1952: Pluto's Party, Pluto's Christmas Tree

1953: The Simple Things,

Bonus Features:

"The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

Deleted Animation From "The Sorcerer's Apprentice"

"Mickey and the Beanstalk"

Disc Two:

Mickey Mouse Shorts: Mickey's Christmas Carol, The Prince and the Pauper, Runaway Brain

Bonus Features:

"Mickey's Cartoon Comeback"

"The Voice Behind the Mouse"

Mickey Mouse Club Titles in Color

"Mickey Meets the Maestro"

Mouse Mania

Mickey Cartoon Physics from "Plausible Impossible"

Mickey on the Camera Stand from "Tricks of Our Trade"

"The Making of Mickey's Christmas Carol"

Publicity and Memorabilia Gallery

Story and Background Art Gallery

Number of discs: 2}

"On the Front Lines" (the WWII stuff)

_{Only 250,000 sets issued

32 short subjects made for the war effort

Introduction by Film Historian Leonard Maltin

Disc One: Shorts

Donald Gets Drafted, The Army Mascot, Private Pluto, Fall Out; Fall In, The Old Army Game, Home Defense, How to be a Sailor, Commando Duck, The Vanishing Private, Sky Trooper, Victory Vehicles, Der Fuehrer's Face, Education for Death, Reason and Emotion, Thrifty Pig, Seven Wise Dwarfs, Donald's Decision, All Together, The New Spirit, The Spirit of '43, Food Will Win the War, Out of the Frying Pan and into the Firing Line, The Grain that Built a Hemisphere, Defense Against Invasion, Cleanliness Brings Health, What is Disease?, Planning for Good Eating, Chicken Little and the Winged Scourge.

Disc Two:

Shorts:

Four Methods of Flush Riveting, Stop that Tank, Training Film Montage

Full-Length Feature: "Victory Through Air Power"

Bonus Materials:

"Victory Through Air Power" Trailer

On the Set of "Victory through Air Power"

Production Art Galleries

"Victory Through Air Power" Art Galleries

"A Conversation with Roy Disney"

"A Conversation with Joe Grant"

"A Conversation with John Hench"

Number of discs: 2}

"The Chronological Donald Duck (1934-1941)"

_{Only 165,000 sets issued

Features 36 of Donald's starring shorts

Introduction by Film Historian Leonard Maltin

Disc One:

1934: The Wise Little Hen (Excerpt)

1936: Donald and Pluto

1937: Don Donald, Modern Inventions, Donald's Ostrich

1938: Self Control, Donald's Better Self, Donald's Nephews, Polar Trappers, Good Scouts, The Fox Hunt, Donald's Golf Game

1939: Donald's Lucky Day, Hockey Champ, Donald's Cousin Gus, Beach Picnic, Sea Scouts, Donald's Penguin, The Autograph Hound, Officer Duck

Bonus Features:

Publicity and Memorabilia Gallery

Story and Background Art Gallery

Disc Two:

1940: The Riveter, Donald's Dog Laundry, Billposters, Mr. Duck Steps Out, Put-Put Troubles, Donald's Vacation, Window Cleaners, Fire Chief

1941: Timber, Golden Eggs, A Good Time for a Dime, Early to Bed, Truant Officer Donald, Old MacDonald Duck, Donald's Camera, Chef Donald

Easter Eggs

Number of discs: 2}

I think it's interesting to note the differences in numbers of copies of each of these three sets.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 03:41:53 PM: I think Carol Haney can also be added to the list working at MGM
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Danise on May 12, 2004, 04:10:30 PM: Hi folks!

Just poping in. Took the dogs for a walk and am just sitting down for a moment before I go do my other last minute stuff. :)

I had a wonderful day at work. At least I think I had a wonderful day at work. You see, they had a pizza party in honor of my going on my trip. In other words, a party because I'm leaving. I'm not quite sure how to take that.

I asked if we were going to have a party when I come back and was told, "NO!". Hummmm.

I know, I know, it was was a joke. :)

I had my mid term review today. Gulp! I'm always nervous when stuff like that comes up but I had not to worry. My boss had nothing but good things to say. I would share some of it but I don't want to sound like I'm bragging.

Well, I've rested enough. I have a few things to do.

Take care and I'll try to check back later before I go.

:D
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: elmore3003 on May 12, 2004, 04:15:35 PM: Quote from: Michael Shayne on May 12, 2004, 03:35:26 PM
Michael Bennett is also in the film version of Sweet Charity. Ben Vereen appears in 2 musical numbers and not sure about Lee Roy Reams.

I believe Leroy's in "The Rich Man's Frug."
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 04:18:07 PM: Quote from: Danise on May 12, 2004, 04:10:30 PM
Just poping in.

I'm trying to picture this...

Doesn't "poping" give you an awful crick in your neck????

:D
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Robin on May 12, 2004, 04:22:03 PM: The 4th wave of these wonderful Disney discs will include:

True-Life Adventures
Mickey Mouse in Black and White, Volume 2
a Pluto collection
and a Mickey Mouse Club collection

I was a complete idiot, and didn't buy the first volume of Mickey Mouse color 'toons. I eventually got it, but at an extortionate price on eBay. Needless to say, I've already pre-ordered all four of the latest two-disc sets, and will do the same with wave four.

Of all of these, I'm most looking forward to the second black-and-white Mickey Mouse anthology. Mickey had a much more anarchic personality in his early years, which was more to my liking.

The Silly Symphonies set is quite wonderful, too.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: DearReaderLaura on May 12, 2004, 04:26:05 PM: DR Danise: HAVE FUN!!!!!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 04:43:00 PM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 02:04:55 PM
Yes. Any song sung by one of the contestants on American Idol.
Oh, TCB, how cruel!

A bullseye, of course!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 04:50:27 PM: Quote from: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 03:33:07 PM
I just read that for the 50th Anniversary of Disneyland next year they are building three new major attractions... at Walt Disney World in Florida! Disneyland will have half of Tomorrowland closed for the celebration (including Space Mountain) because Eisner feels people will come anyway, so why spend the money.
Dear WEL, where are you getting these quotes about how Eisner feels about things or makes decisions?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 05:16:29 PM: Have a GREAT trip, Danise!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 05:21:44 PM: Sondheim's "No One is Alone" always makes my cry. The line "People sometimes leave you halfway through the wood" gets me each and every time I hear that song.
(I just put on the CD to see if anything has changed. The answer is NO.)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Charles Pogue on May 12, 2004, 05:26:31 PM: BK, the June show was the one to pick. Though the guest list is just started, you'll be on the bill with Western icons Clint Walker, Ty Hardin, Will Hutchins...Cheyenne, Bronco, and Sugarfoot.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: George on May 12, 2004, 06:05:25 PM: I just had a musical theater Twilight Zone moment! I'm at work and I'm listening to a compilation CD that I put together. The song that I was listening to was "An Opening for a Princess" that I took from Hey, Love: The Songs of Mary Rodgers, starring Faith Prince (and produced by our very own BK!). What I am doing at work while listening to my CD is going through a pile of papers and getting rid of things I no longer need (including some personal articles that I printed for myself).

Anyway, as I was listening to "An Opening for a Princess," I came across an article that I printed from Playbill.com about Marissa Jaret Winokur and I just happened to glance at the paragraph that said that she "will star in the third TV production of Once Upon a Matress. Winokur will play Princess Winnifred opposite the original Princess, Carol Burnett" as I was listening to a song from that very show! How's that for a coinkydink?? :D
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 06:24:01 PM: I like that the western boys will be there - but I must say, thus far, the rest of the list (save for Penny and me) is lackluster. We need some Playmates and B-Girls and such. And we need Leslie Parrish.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 06:34:01 PM: Woody---
These quotes and this information come from JimHillMedia.Com, an unofficial Disney website. Apparently it was postings on this site in November that cauded Eisner to change his mind about deleting Roy Disney's participation from the third wave of Treasures.

With the Mickey Mouse Club set in the next wave of releases, I trust that it will be the original series from 1955-58 and noit the recent onw with all the future pop tarts.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Sandra on May 12, 2004, 06:43:43 PM: School is out. Yay. I'm going back to sleep.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Dan-in-Toronto on May 12, 2004, 07:05:45 PM: It may not make me cry, but it brings me to the brink:

From Carnival: "She's My Love" - followed by the finale.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 07:54:16 PM: Hmmm. Dullsville, baby, dullsville. Let's get some dancin' goin' on, shall we? Let's just not sit here like so much fish.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:02:21 PM: Ladada.

Watched American Idol for the second time this year. American Yodel that is, what a bunch of egomaniacs with irritating voices!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 08:04:20 PM: I notice that one of my favourite movies is to be screened on locall TV this week - "Death In Venice". Always think of the film when I hear Mahler. Mozart is now forever "Elvira Madigan" (another favourite of mine) and of course Richard Strauss is always imprinted there as "2001". Guess the same is true of a few film/classical music connections for others - eg "Ordinary People".
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 08:04:59 PM: Anyone watch the Carol Burnett Special. So unfunny and a very wrong concept. Did they use up all the best bits in the first one? Or they couldn't clear the rights to other sketches?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 08:05:48 PM: I remain a true believer and do not watch reality shows nor American Idol or Australian Idol. I hope the fascination with such things dies quickly.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:06:47 PM: Dick Van Dyke reunion was okay... But those shows, like I LOVE LUCY, need the whole set up for the payoff...without it, the gags fall a bit flat.

Watching Carol Burnett's latest special. So far so good....but who needs a NEW SONG by Carol? Of course it's the new improved Carol as well, so there you are.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 08:06:49 PM: Bought I Could Go On Singing today. I take it isn't anamorphic. Also tood bad they didn't have the British trailer where the film was called The Lonely Stage.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jennifer on May 12, 2004, 08:07:11 PM: Re: American Idol

Interesting bottom two. Will post tomorrow once the West Coast viewers have watched.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 08:08:43 PM: Also got Little Prince. Just looked through it. Donna McKechnie's song was slashed in half. And whatever happened to kid who played The Little Prince he was quite good. The fish eyed lense was annoying.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 08:12:39 PM: Also got the Marx Bros sets. I hope the various songs are chaptered because the majority are painful to watch and listen to.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Michael on May 12, 2004, 08:13:26 PM: DR. Elmore do you have a favorite song that you did the arrangement for?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:14:01 PM: I think I'll watch The Loved One on TCM tonight, I have never seen it all the way through.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: George on May 12, 2004, 08:16:48 PM: Quote from: Michael Shayne on May 12, 2004, 08:04:59 PM
Anyone watch the Carol Burnett Special. So unfunny and a very wrong concept. Did they use up all the best bits in the first one? Or they couldn't clear the rights to other sketches?

It's on at 10:00 here on the West Coast (it's almost 8:20 now). I figure I have nothing else to do, so I'll watch it...even if it is bad. I have to admit that I've never seen any Carol Burnett reunion/retrospective.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:24:50 PM: Maybe I should be glad that my posts at the DVD Place are getting views but no comments. Thanks for the two you gave me, MR BK.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:37:36 PM: WEL - since the MMC DVD's are coming up - do you think the Mouse has settled its disagreements with the original gang so that we can see them the way they were boradcast?

Some of the others have been trimmed with the offending Ear Babies edited out.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 08:38:11 PM: I am a small frenzy.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 08:43:10 PM: I am greatly excited about the True-Life Adventures, and I hope some of the short subjects like NATURE'S HALF ACRE get placed on the set rather than just the excellent features. I bought all the features on videotape, showed them to my lunch class on days when we had to stay inside for recess during my last five or six teaching years, and brought them home with me and have enjoyed them myself. Would love to have pristine DVD copies. I doubt Disney will sink any major money into restoring or cleaning them up, but just to have them in a convenient package will be gift enough.

BTW, the True-Life short subject adventure "Water Birds" is already available on the RESCUERS DVD.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Matt H. on May 12, 2004, 08:47:31 PM: Yes, a disappointing bottom two on AMERICAN IDOL for me. Not that I'm completely surprised with the outcome, but it was still disappointing.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 08:59:43 PM: A mini-frenzy. Excellent.

Jrand, I don't know what it is at The DVD Place - the threads and columns get a lot of views but not a lot of posts. I think it will happen in time, but people ARE coming regularly, so keep on posting. I know people have written me to tell me they think the site is refreshing, so that's good. If we build it, they will come.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 09:10:51 PM: Quote from: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 08:04:20 PM
I notice that one of my favourite movies is to be screened on locall TV this week - "Death In Venice". Always think of the film when I hear Mahler. Mozart is now forever "Elvira Madigan" (another favourite of mine) and of course Richard Strauss is always imprinted there as "2001". Guess the same is true of a few film/classical music connections for others - eg "Ordinary People".

....and I always think of A Hard Day's Night everytime I hear Lennon/McCartney.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:13:20 PM: I hear Mahler and there's no one there
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 09:13:31 PM: And one for Mahler.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 09:16:20 PM: I hear Musack and there's no tune there.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 09:17:05 PM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 09:10:51 PM
....and I always think of A Hard Day's Night everytime I hear Lennon/McCartney.
But do you think of the movie?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 09:22:28 PM: Do you smell blossoms or just Bear?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: td on May 12, 2004, 09:26:31 PM: George Chakiris also danced against Marilyn Monroe in THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS, iirc.
And nobody mentioned that Valerie Harper is in the chorus of the film of LI'L ABNER! C'mon Kritzerheads! ! ! It's a Leslie Parrish movie for cryin' out loud! And Valerie carved herself quite a niche in the tv industry, didn't she? ? ?

Songs which make me cry, no matter what:
"Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)" - comp. Don McLean
"Errol Flynn" - comp. Amanda McBroom
"Yard Sale" - comp. Tom Anderson
"Father to Son" - comp. William Finn
"What Would I Do?" - comp. William Finn
"We Can Be Kind" - comp. David Friedman
"We Live on Borrowed Time" - comp. David Friedman
"Grateful" - comp. John Bucchino
"Sweet Dreams" - comp. John Bucchino
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: td on May 12, 2004, 09:29:22 PM: I'm letting "The invisible man" do my PAGE SIX DANCE:

Great stuff, eh?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 09:31:15 PM: Good Evening!

It's hot up here! And it was hot in the theatre tonight too! Ugh! The A/C malfunctioned halfway through the first act, so... I could suddenly feel the air just "stop"... and the heat and humidity just started to sink in. It's an historical building, so it is prone to getting "warm" during the summer months, but tonight.. ugh.. Thankfully, it got started back up during intermission, but since they open the big doors to the outside during intermission... Ah, well...

After the show, I took two of the cast members on a mini-adventure, and we walked around the neighborhood and got some food. Very dee-lish - and a great night to eat outside. -And a great night to walk too! Very nice breeze. Oh, and we saw a few cicadas trying to crawl out of their "shells" too!

OK - I need to decompress for a bit... be back later..
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 09:32:22 PM: Okay, heaven knows I have no shortage of things to say about movies. :P

For Wednesday night....can anyone name the film this screen cap comes from?

No prizes, but if you know it, it may say something about you.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:33:55 PM: Quote from: William E. Lurie on May 12, 2004, 06:34:01 PM
Woody---
These quotes and this information come from JimHillMedia.Com, an unofficial Disney website. Apparently it was postings on this site in November that cauded Eisner to change his mind about deleting Roy Disney's participation from the third wave of Treasures.

With the Mickey Mouse Club set in the next wave of releases, I trust that it will be the original series from 1955-58 and noit the recent onw with all the future pop tarts.
The key word in your own discription of JHM.com is "unofficial."

A quick check at the site revealed a top-of-the-home-page banner reading "Goodbye Michael, Restore the Magic." This does not make the site sound unbiased in it's reporting of news. A further check listed something like a little over six hundred registered users of the site's discussion board.

Just six hundred registered users? And this site is claiming to change the decisions of the head of a company that is worth billions? Does this seem rational?

Another website I regularly post at, eGullet.com, has over twelve THOUSAND registered users. The biggest ripple that site has ever caused is decrying the use of Rick Bayless as a spokesperson for Burger King, something that got mention in a couple of newspapers...on the back pages...in a side bar...maybe. Compare this with the claim that a site with little over six HUNDRED registered users could sway Disney, a media conglomerate with world-wide connections.

As the song goes, "A dream is a wish the heart makes when you are asleep." Dream on.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:42:16 PM: Quote from: Tomovoz on May 12, 2004, 08:04:20 PM
I notice that one of my favourite movies is to be screened on locall TV this week - "Death In Venice". Always think of the film when I hear Mahler...
So that's the "One for Mahler" everyone keeps talking about!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 09:42:52 PM: Hello. Nothing much to say. Reading. Drinking Diet Cherry Coke. Eating peanuts. Reading. Drinking Diet Cherry Coke.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 09:54:34 PM: I tried something different when I made dinner tonight. I made Leftover Chinese.

No, not leftover from a Chinese food place. Leftovers with Chinese veggies and flavors added.

I thought it turned out OK, for a first try. The how-to needs some work, of course. Der Brucer was less impressed, finding some of the meat less than at it's prime. Oh, well.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 10:00:33 PM: Valerie Harper was not the only dancer in Li'l Abner to move on to a successful career - add Beth Howland, too.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:14:01 PM: Quote from: Panni on May 12, 2004, 09:42:52 PM
Hello. Nothing much to say. Reading. Drinking Diet Cherry Coke. Eating peanuts. Reading. Drinking Diet Cherry Coke.

Panni -- Who wrote Drinking Diet Cherry Coke?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 10:16:21 PM: The name of the author excapes me, but it's the sequel to Drinking Diet Coke. The third in the series, Drinking Diet Coke with Lime, isn't selling as well.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 10:34:26 PM: But it is selling better than The New Coke.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 10:35:18 PM: Yes it is, yes it is FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER with Sandra Knight and John Ashley. 8)
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 10:35:32 PM: "American Idol" -- Fantasia Barrino, who should be this year's "American Idol", will probably be voted off next week and we'll have the two 16-year-olds as the final two.

I am resolute in my blaming of Simon for his cruel remarks to Jasmine last night...tonight's results are a direct backlash of sympathy from the voting public (the teens, mostly) for Jasmine. Simon's and Randy's callous remarks kept John Stevens around much longer than he ought to have stayed. It wasn't until Simon complimented John's conduct in the face of all that derision that the public was content to let him go.

Jasmine was obviously beside herself in delight tonight, not giving too much thought at first to the fact that her being safe meant that someone much better than she would have to go.

I think LaToya played things a bit too safely, and warily, throughout the competition. I think she's the best voice we had in the top 12, but I think Fantasia is the one with all the magic going for her.

The trouble is getting others who agree with me to vote for her, and to vote often. I'll reiterate that all the lines on the West Coast were pretty much open and available for any calls last night, proving what I cannot say, except that the London and Barrino fans were not voting.

There were apparently "controlled leaks" about tonight's show on both Ryan Seacrest's TV show and CNN and Fox News saying that America would be "shocked" once again. That could only mean Fantasia or LaToya.

Fox, of course, is milking everything it can, creating dramatic tension on the show that, under other circumstances, might be considered cruel and inhumane abuse. At the very least, Fox has cornered the market in tedious pacing and asinine pronouncements.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 10:51:50 PM: There was a neat 10-minute preview of "The Day After Tomorrow" preceding AI tonight.

It looks sensation, effects wise. The story has that all-too-familiar scientific-expert-telling-the-White-House-what-it-doesn't-want-to-hear-until-something-terrible-happens-and-then-he-plays-catchup-trying-to-evacuate-folks-who-might-otherwise-have-been-saved story arc.

It was central on NBC's "10.5" most recently...and has been the central arc on every natural disaster movie I've ever seen.

Damn those politicians for NEVER doing the right thing in each of them.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 10:51:54 PM: LOL you've got FOX right RLP.

But you really can't become a star by winning a contest. And the comments of the judges about the absurdity of the voting really was crushing to the girls on the couch.....

But then....I don't plan on watching it again. Too dumb...the show, that is.

I liked the preview too RLP. But I hate movies that look like video games....and some of the previews for TROY look just that way. And I think I saw NYC underwater in WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE. I liked the tornadoes in LA though!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:52:02 PM: I realize that what I am about to write is bound to set me up for a lot of jokes from all of you, but here goes.....

I am beginning to think I am becoming a prude! As I have said many times, I don't watch reality shows on TV, but I still feel like I am aware of what each one is basically about. Yet, I walked in to the bedroom tonight, and THE BACHELOR was on television. I could not believe this show! Here is this guy (who for all intents and purposes is a rich, handsome, and fairly successful NFL quarterback) sitting at this dinner table telling this beautiful blonde that he is falling in love with her AND he is, also, falling in love with another woman. Having said this, he then hands her a key to the "Fantasy Suite" and suddenly they are off for a night of great sex. From the voice-overs he apparently spent the night before with the other woman and she is aware that he spent the night with the other woman. And yet, we leave them (at the fade out), on the bed together at what is to be the start of a long hard night.

I'm sorry, but what kind of crap is this to show on national television? Aren't we teaching the young people watching the same double standards that (a) it is fine for a guy to sleep with any woman he wants; and (b) if a woman wants to land the guy, she has to sleep with him? This is pure crap!

Sorry. End of rant.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: JoseSPiano on May 12, 2004, 10:52:29 PM: Good Evening...

Well... I've seem to have fallen into a "funk" during the past couple of minutes... ??? Guess it was a longer day today than I thought it was... I'm heading to bed...

Goodnight.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 10:54:54 PM: It wasn't an "Allen Funk" was it? Cause if it was an "Allen Funk," then things might turn around and tickle your funny bone.

:D
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Jrand73 on May 12, 2004, 10:54:54 PM: Goodnight DRJOSE.....

TCB - that's entertainment!
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Ron Pulliam on May 12, 2004, 11:03:31 PM: Quote from: TCB on May 12, 2004, 10:52:02 PM
I realize that what I am about to write is bound to set me up for a lot of jokes from all of you, but here goes.....

I am beginning to think I am becoming a prude!
I'm sorry, but what kind of crap is this to show on national television? Aren't we teaching the young people watching the same double standards that (a) it is fine for a guy to sleep with any woman he wants; and (b) if a woman wants to land the guy, she has to sleep with him? This is pure crap!Sorry. End of rant.

Dear Prudish TCB....NOT!

I'm sorry....have you totally missed out on soap operas the past 30 years?

The values you've described have been espoused on every successful soap since I got hooked on "All My Children" back in 1970 when it starred Richard Hatch and Karen Gorney as a pair of teenagers doing the naughty things teens weren't supposed to do.

No, it doesn't make it any more palatable that they set up this "glamour puss" parade of honeys displaying themselves for the male ego that seems to need constant stroking. The one "Bachelor" series I watched did not contain sexual escapades....I'm rather surprised it has moved into that arena....

...but if you've been paying any attention to the preachers when you channel surf, you'll know that this not the the beginning of the end but the very end days that have been prophesied in the Bible...every vile corruptible thing the Bible has said will happen is happening...and more, according to some.

(My tongue is firmly placed between my upper and lower teeth and I'm desperately trying to avoid any cheek contact).
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: Panni on May 12, 2004, 11:37:24 PM: Everything is incredibly W-I-D-E.... :P
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: S. Woody White on May 12, 2004, 11:52:41 PM: There's nothing wide here.

Maybe it was the peanuts?
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 11:57:55 PM: Wide? We don't need no stinking wide.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 11:58:29 PM: And one for Mahler.

Of course, if all Miss Panni ate for her evening meal was peanuts, perhaps she's hallucinating.
Title: Re:AIN'T WE GOT FUN?
Post by: bk on May 12, 2004, 11:58:46 PM: New notes coming in a mere two minutes.