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[Charles Pogue]

I don't think Simon Cowell is nasty at all.  I think he just doesn't coddle these kids and tells it like it is.  He's judging people who want a professional career by professional standards.  He's not there to puff up their delicate, fragile egos.  He's there to dispense his honest professional opinion which he does with blunt matter-of-factness and no mincing of words.  It's refreshing...particularly when you see Paula always hedging to nice when you know what she really thinks.  I've notice that even Randy's getting more blunt these days, taking a page from Simon's book.

[Maya]

Regards whether the anecdotes about Mermo are true or not,  my theory as always been, it doesn't matter whether a story is true or not, only how well it's told.

Case in point, Maya's story about the swear box, I've heard about Loretta Young, a devout Catholic, who always put up a swear-box on her sets and it was Tracy who plunked it several fivers or tens and said, "Go fuck yourself, Loretta."  

But it's a good story whoever it's about.  It's the raconteurism that counts.  Not the true.  All good stories are embellished.  I believe in the adage from THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, "When the legend become truth, print the legend."

Great pic of Mary Astor.  Mary in Barrymore's Don Juan...for which I have an original programme...is perhaps one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

I hope I'm a decent raconteuse!  It's easier when you are writing something than when you are telling it to someone...I wish there was a delete button in everyday conversation.

Mary was ravishingly lovely in Don Juan, definitely!

Did you ever hear the story Joan Crawford told?  Loretta Young supposedly sat on one of Joan's chairs at one of her parties, and left the sign of the cross on it!

Note: No offense to any Christians here...it's just that people often thought of Loretta Young as a tad sanctimonious.

[MBarnum]

I think there is a very good article about the Biograph girl in the current issue of CLASSIC IMAGES...or is it the Pathe' girl....or another studio...anyway, it was very sad, but quite interesting.

I myself love to hear stories about actors and actresses of the past...good or bad...and that is one of the reasons that I started interviewing old time performers...I love hearing about their lives, their work, their family and friends, the people they worked with, etc.  It all fascinates me....and if I were rich and didn't have to work I would probably be down at the Motion Picture Home doing volunteer work if I could! What a fascinating place it must be.

[MBarnum]

And by the way, even though I may not agree with Panni on this particular topic, I do certainly respect her opinion. And I do always enjoy Panni's posts very much!

[Matt H.]

DR MBarnum, are you starting to feel a god-like tingle in your toes? The gods of Valhalla are calling you . . . .

Your cloud is ready . . . .

[Robin]

Case in point, Maya's story about the swear box, I've heard about Loretta Young, a devout Catholic, who always put up a swear-box on her sets and it was Tracy who plunked it several fivers or tens and said, "Go fuck yourself, Loretta."

When I heard the story, it was Miss Young and Mr. Robert Mitchum.  

But who knows?  It may have happened more than once.  

[MBarnum]

DR MBarnum, are you starting to feel a god-like tingle in your toes? The gods of Valhalla are calling you . . . .

Your cloud is ready . . . .

I was wondering what that sensation was!

[TCB]

I don't think Simon Cowell is nasty at all.  I think he just doesn't coddle these kids and tells it like it is.  He's judging people who want a professional career by professional standards.  He's not there to puff up their delicate, fragile egos.  He's there to dispense his honest professional opinion which he does with blunt matter-of-factness and no mincing of words.  It's refreshing...particularly when you see Paula always hedging to nice when you know what she really thinks.  I've notice that even Randy's getting more blunt these days, taking a page from Simon's book.

I don't watch American Idol, but it is hard to avoid seeing and hearing Mr. Cowell and his comments.  I don't think he is either nasty, nor blunt.  I just think he knows what to say to make himself controversial.  His judging technique has earned him as many cover stories and photo ops as any of the top four finishers without even having to sing a note.

[Jrand74]

DR TCB - On the Hallmark Channel you can see two episodes of THE VIRGINIAN each Saturday!

[TCB]

DR TCB - On the Hallmark Channel you can see two episodes of THE VIRGINIAN each Saturday!

Thank you, Jrand, I will watch for it.

[Jay]

Dear Readers Panni and TCB:  May your (respective) mothers' memory be a blessing to you both.

[Charles Pogue]

Maya, Loretta was thought a tad sanctimonious by most...particularly by those who were in on the well-known secret that the daughter she "adopted" was actually the daughter she had had by Clark Gable when they had an affair on the set of CALL OF THE WILD. I remember a story told by William Wellman, the director of the picture (can't remember where I read it though), well aware of the romance between Young and Gable. He said something to the effect:  "After that picture she went on a long rest and when she came back, she had adopted a kid with the biggest ears you'd ever seen."

This is not a tale told out of school.  I believe the daughter has written her own book and, if you've seen pictures of her, she can see both her mother and her father's resemblance. I know people who worked with Loretta, by the by, and said she was very lovely and nice.

[Charles Pogue]

Robin, I also just ran across the Mitchum/Young/swearbox story, told slightly differently in one of Jim Bacon's books, looking for the Wellman quote.

[Jason]

I have a fun second-hand story about Ms. Carol Channing...

During the '94 tour of DOLLY, apparently Ms. Channing had difficulty controlling her aging bladder.  Each night when she was lifted up on the shoulders of two of the dancing waiters, she apparently peed, not only bleaching out a huge spot on the back of her red velvet gown, but also leaving a damp sensation on the shoulders of her boys. One of those boys apparently complained to stage management, and when the SM spoke to Ms. Channing about possibly wearing some sort of bladder control device, Ms. Channing had the young complaintant removed from the show! Yes, she pissed on him and then had him fired for complaining about it! Can you imagine??

[Jennifer]

Jennifer---
I thought the host was some obnoxious Englishman named Simon assisted by former Laker girl Paula Abdul.

I love Simon Cowell

Simon, Paula, and Randy are the 3 judges (as someone else said).

I really love American Idol. And the good part (which used to drive me crazy) is that I cannot vote.  But really that is a good thing. Cause now I don't have to spend an hour or two trying to get through busy phone lines (i feel like a teeny bopper )

[Jay]

Speaking of faded beauties....

I was made aware of this upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre earlier today and have purchased tickets.  Not sure who is playing what parts.  I'm guessing that John Raitt would be Ben, Betty Garrett would be Phyllis, Teri Ralston would be Sally and Julie Wilson would be Carlotta.  This production could be interesting and well done.  Or it could be a complete trainwreck.  In any event, it will be fun to see some of these folks live on stage in this show.

***********************************************

Stephen Sondheim's "Follies"
Presented by the California Conservatory of the Arts

Thursday, January 29th, 2004 -
Saturday, January 31st, 2004

Follies has long been considered Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, and this staged concert musical stars some of the most celebrated Broadway veterans in musical theatre history, including John Raitt, Harvey Evans, Betty Garrett, Stephanie Zimbalist, Kurt Peterson, Teri Ralston, Jonelle Allen, Gloria Allen, and Julie Wilson--along with a cast of thirty talented young people fron the California Conservatory of the Arts, Orange County's most comprehensive training ground for young performers and artists from throughout Southern California. This fully staged and costumed production is directed by award-winning Broadway actress Teri Ralston. Follies pays tribute to the women who became the Ziegfeld Follies singers and dancers, recreating the theatrical milieu of these magnificently costumed vaudeville performers who made up the "follies" shows between the two world wars. The story centers around two couples, Phyllis and Ben, and Sally and Buddy (and the ghosts of their former selves). As they reunite at the old majestic, yet crumbling, Weismann Theatre, they reflect on their lives and reminisce about their legendary past.

[Matt H.]

Betty Garrett played Hattie in the NYC  revival a few years ago, and I suspect that's all she could manage now. I think Phyllis would be totally beyond her ability.

[Jennifer]

DR MBarnum wrote:

DR Jennifer,
My favorites will likely be Ethan, Colby, and Tina...Rudy will be entertaining!

Well I don't want Tina or Ethan to win.  

And like I said I am in love with Colby. His loss was the only time that I was truly devastated at the outcome.

The ones who won previously start at a disadvantage, I think, because other tribe members who didn't win will be gunning for them. When SURVIVOR players appeared on THE WEAKEST LINK, Richard was the first one voted off, even though he BY FAR answered the most questions correct, because they didn't want to see him win again.

I agree. I think the winners will be at a disadvantage. But I am so curious to see how Richard Hatch will do (since he is IMO a brilliant Survivor player).

It's hard to tell though about alliances. I'll bet colby and tina will still work together if they are given the chance.

I'm not sure how strong players like Colby will do.

It should be interesting.

Btw, good vibes to DRs Panni and TCB.

[Jennifer]

I want to see Follies.

I don't think Simon Cowell is too harsh these days. I think in season one he did tend to go overboard a bit.

I agree though, that he wants to be critical because it's what he's known for.  IMO, HE IS a big part of why the show is a huge success.

Oh I almost forgot.  DR Laura II, what did you think of Average Joe II?  I actually cannot wait for the hunks to arrives.  Most of the guys are not my cup of tea. Although I liked the artist guy. Sort of sweet without being totally awful.  I also thought the contractor (who she went on a date with) was much different than what I expected. I think he is okay (not too whiney, and more confident than the others). I do not like David (the long haired guy who she went on the lava date with).

[Charles Pogue]

Jason,

I too have bathroom story about Ms. Channing which I will not tell here for three reasons:

1) It might prove too offensive for some.

2) Despite what Panni thinks, I do have certain boundaries of discretion.

3) And, lastly, it simply requires an audible impression of Ms. Channing's distinctive voice to pay it off.

[Maya]

Charles--I've seen a picture of Clark's and Loretta's lovechild.  The resemblance is unmistakeable!

I have a fun second-hand story about Ms. Carol Channing...

During the '94 tour of DOLLY, apparently Ms. Channing had difficulty controlling her aging bladder.  Each night when she was lifted up on the shoulders of two of the dancing waiters, she apparently peed, not only bleaching out a huge spot on the back of her red velvet gown, but also leaving a damp sensation on the shoulders of her boys. One of those boys apparently complained to stage management, and when the SM spoke to Ms. Channing about possibly wearing some sort of bladder control device, Ms. Channing had the young complaintant removed from the show! Yes, she pissed on him and then had him fired for complaining about it! Can you imagine??

Oh, wow!  LMAO!  I hope this wasn't a repeated incident!

Speaking of faded beauties....

I was made aware of this upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre earlier today and have purchased tickets.  Not sure who is playing what parts.  I'm guessing that John Raitt would be Ben, Betty Garrett would be Phyllis, Teri Ralston would be Sally and Julie Wilson would be Carlotta.  This production could be interesting and well done.  Or it could be a complete trainwreck.  In any event, it will be fun to see some of these folks live on stage in this show.

***********************************************

Stephen Sondheim's "Follies"
Presented by the California Conservatory of the Arts

Thursday, January 29th, 2004 -
Saturday, January 31st, 2004

Follies has long been considered Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, and this staged concert musical stars some of the most celebrated Broadway veterans in musical theatre history, including John Raitt, Harvey Evans, Betty Garrett, Stephanie Zimbalist, Kurt Peterson, Teri Ralston, Jonelle Allen, Gloria Allen, and Julie Wilson--along with a cast of thirty talented young people fron the California Conservatory of the Arts, Orange County's most comprehensive training ground for young performers and artists from throughout Southern California. This fully staged and costumed production is directed by award-winning Broadway actress Teri Ralston. Follies pays tribute to the women who became the Ziegfeld Follies singers and dancers, recreating the theatrical milieu of these magnificently costumed vaudeville performers who made up the "follies" shows between the two world wars. The story centers around two couples, Phyllis and Ben, and Sally and Buddy (and the ghosts of their former selves). As they reunite at the old majestic, yet crumbling, Weismann Theatre, they reflect on their lives and reminisce about their legendary past.

OHMIGOD!!!  I wish I lived in California! *cries*

Julie Wilson???  John Raitt???   I have to agree with Matt H. though--Betty Garrett was a good Hattie, but there's really not much of a chance for Phyllis.  Even though it's probably Sally that's the more vocally demanding role.

[Maya]

Charles--can you PM the story to those of us who want to hear it??  My curiosity has been whetted, no pun intended.

[Matt H.]

Well, I'll still be watching FRIENDS and will be reading about SURVIVOR. Once the three tribes merge into one, I may then start recording the last few episodes. I would be fine with anyone winning except Jerri, the most irritating and loathsome player ever to me.

[TCB]

Speaking of faded beauties....

I was made aware of this upcoming production of Follies at the Irvine Barclay Theatre earlier today and have purchased tickets.  Not sure who is playing what parts.  I'm guessing that John Raitt would be Ben, Betty Garrett would be Phyllis, Teri Ralston would be Sally and Julie Wilson would be Carlotta.  This production could be interesting and well done.  Or it could be a complete trainwreck.  In any event, it will be fun to see some of these folks live on stage in this show.

And what the Hell would Stephanie Zimbalist play?

[Maya]

TCB--I imagine they cast her as Phyllis.  

[Matt H.]

  I have to agree with Matt H. though--Betty Garrett was a good Hattie, but there's really not much of a chance for Phyllis.  Even though it's probably Sally that's the more vocally demanding role.

I wasn't thinking of the vocal requirements as much as the physical ones. Phyllis does a pretty acrobatic dance in "The Story of Lucy and Jessie" with the chorus boys that at Miss Garrett's age I think would be very problematic. Plus, she's just not right for the sophisticated older Phyllis.

[Jay]

As I said, I was simply guessing at who would play what.  Who knows, perhaps as rehearsals progress, there may need to be some last minute replacement(s) due to "illness."  You can trust, however, that I will file a full report after seeing the show.

[Maya]

Good points!  

Damn it, why couldn't they get Lauren Bacall??  Who is probably about as old as Betty Garrett, but she's one of my dream Phyllises.

[Jay]

In one place the flyer says "fully staged," and in another it says "staged concert."  If the latter is the case, choreographic demands may be minimal.

[Charles Pogue]

Alas, Maya, as I said, it's a story one can only TELL, it doesn't work written...Besides, you're far too young for such an indelicate story.