2013 TCM Summer Under the Stars Blogathon: Suddenly, Last Summer

For decades – beginning with National Velvet (1936) – Elizabeth Taylor was a major film star. One of the things I admired most about her was that seemed to regard “movie queen” as her job. She accepted her status, seemed comfortable with the perks and demands, and often used her power very wisely.

Because her multiple marriages and health problems were so notorious, Taylor's work is often, unfortunately, overlooked. Look at her films of the late 1950s through the late 1960s, when she was at the height of her bankability and celebrity, and you’ll find quite a few that were more daring than typical box office fare. Many of these movies would not have been made if Elizabeth hadn’t signed on early and fought for them. These films entertained, provoked and challenged both the actress and her audience.

During this 10-year period – the high-water mark of her long career – Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf is far and away the best film. But there were also Raintree County, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, BUtterfield 8, The Comedians, Reflections in a Golden Eye, Hammersmith is Out and Boom! These provocative movies tackled adult themes like race, sexuality, prostitution, child abuse, infidelity, mental illness and political barbarism. They didn't all end successfully (she herself would dismiss some as "turkeys"), but each began with an impeccable literary pedigree -- coming from works by the likes of Tennessee Williams, John O’Hara and Graham Greene -- top-notch costars and a talented director.

While none of the above was safe fare, the one farthest out of the mainstream was Suddenly, Last Summer. It was released in 1959, but even if this story was made today, it would leave the movie going public in shock.

I can just imagine audiences -- who were watching I Love Lucy and Bonanza at home and listening to Dion and The Belmonts on the car radio -- filing into theaters over that last Christmas holiday of the Eisenhower 1950s. To them, Suddenly, Last Summer probably seemed like a safe bet for a few hours of quality entertainment. After all, it boasts sure-handed direction by Joseph L. Mankewicz and an amazing, Oscar-recognized cast – Katharine Hepburn, Montgomery Clift, Mercedes McCambridge and, as the tormented Catherine, Elizabeth Taylor.

But what this film delivers is anything but safe. Suddenly, Last Summer takes us into a Southern Gothic world fueled by greed, corruption, deception and lust. I don’t want to give too much away, but let’s just say that it starts out with a wealthy New Orleans matriarch (Hepburn) trying to bribe a doctor (Clift) to lobotomize her inconvenient niece (Taylor) … and it gets really dark from there.

Exactly how weird is the plot to Suddenly, Last Summer? Let me illustrate by sharing a true story. I once had a boyfriend who was not a classic movie fan. (Honestly, he thought Audrey and Katharine Hepburn were sisters.) Yet somehow he had a better cable package than I did. I’ve always been fascinated by Suddenly, Last Summer, so when the opportunity arose I asked him to tape it for me. “What’s it about?” he asked. I hit the high points: cannibalism, procurement, insanity and sea turtles. To which he replied, “No, really. What’s it about?”

Okay, now we’ve established that Suddenly, Last Summer has to be seen to be believed. So give it a chance. It's an enthralling, eccentric nightmare where no one is as they seem but everyone speaks so beautifully … a world populated by heavyweight acting champions, where Monty Clift officiates as Taylor and Hepburn go toe to toe, and Kate’s the one who blinks.

TCM will show Suddenly, Last Summer 

at on August 23 at 10:00 PM (EST).

For more blogathon entries, visit  

Sittin’ On a Backyard Fence and Scribehard on Film. 

Melancholy observation

As the baseball season slowly winds to a close, it occurs to me that this is the first season of my entire life that I haven't watched a Cub game in the living room of my girlhood home.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 20

Don. Don is the age-appropriate man at the health club who insisted on talking to me today. He has heavily-lidded eyes (Italian?) and slight balding at the crown. We were on the elevator together as he was leaving the gym and I was beginning my workout. We joked about how we'd both do better to use the stairs, to make it part of our workouts, but we don't. Then we talked about our exercise routines ...

At any rate, he was flirting with me and it was nice to not feel invisible. So many of the men at my office are young enough to be my children. Men that I pass on the street seem to not see me anymore. Some of it is my age, much of it is my weight.

If I never see Don again -- and in a city this size that's very likely -- it made me happy to flirt again.

Another day

I'm beginning to assume that my job is safe for now. I think our new management -- both internationally and in Chicago -- are getting to know one another before deciding what to do.

It's mind boggling to think of all the change that's happened in the last two months: we were part of a multinational merger, with tons of talk about "conflicts" and "efficiencies"* … one CEO resigned and the very day it was announced a new one took his place ... our top creative resigned, leaving on the 31st, and a search has begun to replace him. And I thought summer was traditionally a slow time!

Of the 375 people who work in this office, approximately 90 of us are creatives. So I suppose it's possible that if cuts come, they will come from other areas.

What does all this mean? Hell if I know.

I guess I just have to try to roll with it. "Rolling with it" is not one of my natural gifts.
 
 

*Corporate speak for layoffs

This year's Christmas card

"May the warmth of the holiday season
be with you today and
throughout the New Year"

I love that American Humane promotes the cards in advance, and that they arrive in August -- typically our warmest month. Sometimes in summer (borrowing from Mame here) we need a little Christmas.

If you would like to help American Humane "ensure the welfare, wellness and well-being of children and animals," as you send happy holiday greetings to friends and loved ones, click here.

This is me!

I took a bag of STUFF to the recycling bin, a bag of STUFF to the dumpster, I created a bag of STUFF for Goodwill and another for the resale shop, and I still have too much STUFF!

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 19

Prince George of Cambridge. It's been a month and I'm still enchanted by William, Kate and little George. Will's first post-baby interview was aired today and he told us that everyone is doing well, even Lupo the Royal Dog. Now I'm going to curl up with my Life commemorative book about the arrival of the new heir.

Self fulfilling prophecy?

This morning, at the very last moment, I decided to stay home from work today. I was a little gassy and uncomfortable and wasn't feeling secure about the commute. I figured I probably could go in, but it didn't feel worth the risk.

Well now, after laying around all day, I still feel a little punk. Did I somehow bring this upon myself?

Getting ready for Goodwill

Twice a year -- spring and fall -- Carson's has a Goodwill Sale. I bring in clothes I no longer want, they give me a coupon for 25% off just about anything in the store.* They haven't announced the date of this year's sale yet, but it's usually in September and I want to be ready. So I pulled some sweaters and t-shirts that I know I'm never going to wear and set them aside. I know I'll need a new raincoat soon, and this will help me afford a nicer one. (And let's not forget that Goodwill is a fine charity that donates a full 92¢ of every dollar they raise to help those less fortunate.)

This weekend I'll take some of the nicer pieces over to the resale shop up the street. I've made $20 there already! Yeah, I know it's not that much. But to me it's not so much how much money I bring in as what the act represents -- I'm being more responsible about my finances.

*15% off cosmetics.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 18

Under budget. I have $15.15 in my checking account that's unaccounted for. Even after this weekend's grocery shopping, brunch and haircut. Feeling rather proud of myself just now.

Sunday Stealing

Let Me Give Your Heart A Break Meme

Do you prefer a lot of ice in your drinks or just a little bit of ice? Just a little, please


Which condiment (ketchup, mustard, etc.) do you use the most of? Ketchup

Does war scare you? It's not something I look forward to

Do you know any songs that are older than you are? "Won't you come home, Bill Bailey, won't you come home?" she moans the whole night long. "I'll do the cooking, honey, I'll pay the rent. I know I've done you wrong. Remember that rainy evening? I threw you out with nothing but a fine-tooth comb. I know I'm to blame. Ain't that a shame? Bill Bailey, won't you please come home." That was written around 1900. There's the patriotic songs -- The Battle Hymn of the Republic, The National Anthem, America, etc. And church songs, like Onward Christian Soldiers. But I think Bill Bailey is the oldest pop song I know all the words to.

Are you comfortable sharing drinks with your friends? You mean letting them drink out of my beer bottle? I suppose ... but, while it's not as bad as war, it's also not something I look forward to.


What season were you born in? Autumn

Have you ever spent over $100.00 on an article of clothing? What was it? Sure. I know my winter coats have cost more than $100.


Do you think you’re too hard on yourself sometimes? So I'm told


What pizza place do you usually order from? It's around the corner from me. My order changes --
but lately it's been the deep dish spinach.


Honestly, have you ever mooned or flashed somebody? No


Do you have a least favorite color? Not really. I can't wear yellow, it makes me look sallow, but I like it.


Honestly, have you ever written something on a bathroom stall? Before I answer: What's the statute of limitations on this crime?

Who do you consider to be the king of pop? Paul McCartney. Maybe Elton John or Billy Joel, since Beatle purists would prefer to think of His Lordship as a rocker.

Do you know all of the words to any childrens song?  The Witch Song, which we sang at Halloween. "Stirring and stirring and stirring our brew. Ooh, ooh! Ooh, ooh! Tip toe. Tip toe. Tip, toe. BOO!" Did I scare you?

Can you name 3 purple foods? Grape, eggplant and ... I guess I can't.

When was the last time you made a pinky promise? I don't recall ever doing that.


What celebrity do you wish would have a big comeback? Andrew Ridgely.

Do you think your parents know things about you that you don’t want them to? Both of my parents are gone now.


Have you ever walked into a spider web? I've accidentally touched one, but I don't think I've ever actually walked into one.


What grocery store do you usually get your food from? Trader Joe's

What would be your happily ever after? Security

When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people? Late May. I just had a mole removed from my lip and I was embarrassed that my audience would think I'd been socked in the face.


Who is the worst driver you know? My friend Barb. Without a doubt.

How about the best driver? My oldest friend claims she's never gotten a ticket, so I'll vote for her.

Are you shorter or taller than most of your friends? At 5'2, I'm shorter than just about everyone.


Do you know anybody who was born on a holiday? My birthday is November 22. While it wasn't Thanksgiving Day on the day of my birth, it has been Thanksgiving several times since. Like last year.


What is one thing you really don’t like sharing? Here's a bonus, because I'll give you two: undies and a bathing suit.


Have you ever been hit on through text message? No.


What was the last junk food you ate? A Whopper Jr.


Do you prefer sweet or sour candy? Sweet


What was the last alcoholic beverage you consumed? Something sweet, made with rum

Currently waiting on something/someone? Yes

What was the last thing you watched on television? I'm watching Dinner at Eight on TCM right now

How old will you be in 12 months? Older than dirt

Do you sleep naked? I have


Have you ever held hands with someone in a car?  Yes

Could you go the rest of your life without smoking a cigarette? Yes. I could also go very happily without smelling the stink of anyone else's.

What do you say during awkward silences? I'm confused. If I'm saying something, how is it an awkward silence?

When will you next see the last person you texted? Not for months

Honestly, when is the last time you have been to Texas? I don't remember exactly, but Bush 41 was President. Honestly. (Why would anyone lie about being in Texas?)

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 17

My haircut. It's cute. I like it. Maybe it makes me especially happy because it was a week overdue, and my unruly locks were flipping and cowlicking all over the place before he cut them away.

So hot for him right now

Cub Starlin Castro is a star in this town. At 23, he's heralded as the future of the franchise.

Today Castro made a really stupid mistake. He simply wasn't paying attention to the game he was playing in. A run scored. A Cardinal run! It wasn't the first time he's screwed up like this, but it was the most blatant and the most embarrassing. It could/will be argued that Castro let down the pitcher -- Travis Wood -- who was having a great day until that point, and the 30,000+ fans in the park and those of us watching from home.

Dale Sveum, the shaved-headed, tattooed Cubs manager who has spent his life in the game, uttered just two syllables to Castro (maybe "you're out" or "sit down") and sent the young millionaire to the showers.

This was huge. The benching of a superstar is big news. Chicago sports fans are going to be talking about it for days.

And right now, I'm more than a little in love with Dale Sveum.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Cowboy Casanova
 

1) The singer tries to warn her friend against a neighborhood Lothario. Do you advise your friends when it comes to love? Or do you stay out of it? Usually I stay out of it, because the couple will inevitably patch things up, remember my brilliant advice, and hold it against me. But just this past June I spoke my mind and warned my oldest friend against the jerk that had her twitterpated. She's so lonely that I thought my advice was falling on deaf ears. I was shocked that she did the self-protective thing and passed on the relationship. The success of this single episode of intrusive behavior has not caused me to change my attitude toward unsolicited advice.

 

2) This song is about the hot guy "leaning up against the record machine." Does your favorite restaurant or bar still have a juke box? Yes. I enjoy it but never play it, because other patrons load it up.

3) Carrie is an American Idol winner. Have you ever gone online or picked up the phone and voted for a contestant on Dancing with the Stars, American Idol or any similar show? When Nancy Grace was on DWTS, my friend John and I voted for her every week. She was so deliciously bad, and her dance partner had such a cute Irish accent, that we enjoyed the spectacle. I haven't watched the show or voted since. But if ever anyone's campy badness captures John's and my attention again, you can bet we will back.

 
4) Carrie graduated magna cum laude and majored in journalism, yet instead of being a reporter, she's a country music superstar. How similar are your life/career today to the way you envisioned them when you were 21? I was going to be an award-winning, crusading journalist with a fabulous Old Town apartment and a string of lovesick men on speed dial. Today I write advertising copy, I live in a condo in the burbs and ... well, phones don't even have dials anymore, do they?

 
5) Carrie also competed in beauty pageants and was a runner up for Miss NSU (Northeastern State University). If you were a contestant in a pageant, what would you do for the talent competition? I am proud of my ability to wiggle my ears.

6) This December, Carrie is scheduled to star in a televised remake of The Sound of Music. Do you have any year-end plans? I'm going to Florida: probably my November birthday in Tampa with my cousin and definitely Christmas in Key West with dear friends.

7) She is married to NHL player Mike Fisher, center for the Nashville Predators. What's your favorite professional sports team? I love my Cubs. They beat the Cards last night, you know!

 
8) Hockey is a tough game! Do you currently have an owie or an ouchie or a boo-boo that requires a bandaid? Not at the moment. But I'm a klutz and expect to need one soon.


9) Summer brings a lot of power outages and brown outs. Do you have a flashlight? If so, have you checked the batteries? Yes, on the flashlight, I don't know on the battery. Which makes the flashlight kind of useless, huh? Guess I better do something about that.

 

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 16

Today's happiness: Afternoons off. During the summer, our office closes at 12:30 on Fridays, and I treasure what feels like "stolen time." I did my grocery shopping on the way home and was on the sofa, taking a nap, restful in the knowledge that I'd already crossed off one of my least-favorite weekend tasks.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 15

Binge watching. It began when I was a little girl and would get up in the middle of the night to see if Jerry Lewis was really still on the Labor Day Telethon.* Then, around 2010, I started watching the Law and Order marathons on TNT. Ever since, I've been hooked. Psych, NCIS -- when I fell in love with my TV boyfriend, Mark Harmon -- Friends, L&O: SVU, The Golden Girls ... I've enjoyed watching them all, one episode after the other.

Tonight I watched back-to-back episodes of Magnum, PI, and I loved it!

*He never disappointed me. Jerry was always there, screeching like a monkey and putting an entire glass in his mouth before introducing a plate spinner.

"A void at the top"

So today is August 15, the mid-point of the third quarter. Six months since the last layoffs and, if the company I work for is to behave predictably, time for another round.

Only today there's no news to report.

I don't mean that the blade came down and I was spared. I mean nothing happened.

I asked my boss about this and, instead of telling me not to worry, he said, "Can't happen this week. There's a void at the top." Huh? He means that our new Big Boss is on vacation this week, and I guess it would be bad form to not be in the office when the quick and the dead receive their final judgement.

So maybe Monday. Or maybe not at all.

I wish I could stop worrying about this. But I don't know how.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 14

Today's happiness: "It's covered." The DVD drive on my MacBook had to be replaced. The charge for parts and service? $0, thank you very much. Even though it's years old, it's still under warranty! Oh, how I didn't feel like spending money on this right now. Oh, how I'm relieved I didn't have to.

2013 TCM Summer Under the Stars Blogathon: Splendor in the Grass

I had an "a ha" movie moment when I was in high school. I was watching Splendor in the Grass on TV while doing my homework. As the movie drew to a close, naturally I was sad for the young lovers. But for the first time ever, I really noticed the wardrobe. The white ensemble Natalie Wood wore in the final scenes as Deanie helped tell the story, helped reveal the evolution of her character, and I got it.

I've paid attention to wardrobe ever since. Not just because I enjoy the clothes, but because when they're done right, the clothes enhance the storytelling. I love how Nora Charles' backless evening dresses establish her as the most sophisticated woman in any Thin Man film, how Mary Poppins' layer upon organized layer (coat and hat and scarf and vest and blouse and skirt) immediately let us know that this buttoned-down nanny is in control, how at the end of The Country Girl, we know Georgie is finally feeling like a confident woman again because exchanges those dowdy duds for an LBD she can really rock. I recently did a Fashion in Film blogathon post about Valley of the Dolls, and how the clothes are the best thing in that truly wretched movie.

So as TCM honors the irreplaceable Natalie Wood with her own day on Summer Under the Stars, I want to memorialize her and the white ensemble that opened another dimension of film appreciation for me.

Deanie lived in the same small Kansas town her whole life. Always doing as expected and trying to live up to the ideal set for her very nearly destroyed her. It literally took a nervous breakdown to take her away and introduce her to a world of greater possibilities.

When she comes back home and prepares to see her high school sweetheart, Bud, one more time, Deanie changes into an all-white ensemble -- hat, pearls, dress, gloves, bag, bracelet (Nat's always wearing a bracelet) and shoes. She's letting the world know she was reborn when she was away, and now she is ready for her fresh start.

The dress has a womanly silhouette. The shoulders, neckline and waist are designed to flatter, not conceal. The color signals that she no longer believes that celebrating her sexuality means she's "spoiled" (her mother's word from earlier in the film). Deanie has learned that enjoying her body is natural and comfortable and as clean as her white ensemble.

As she walks with Bud through his farmhouse, listening about his life and telling him her plan to go to Cincinnati and marry someone else, her bright new outfit stands out in stark contrast. It helps put the end of their romance in perspective: Bud has finally found serenity (if not happiness) in the simple life, but Deanie doesn't belong here. So yes, their parting is sad but it's also inevitable.

Props to costume designer Anna Hill Johnstone for creating the perfect visual coda to this classic love story.

 

TCM will show Splendor in the Grass

at on August 18 at 3:45 PM (EST).

For more blogathon entries, visit  

Sittin’ On a Backyard Fence and Scribehard on Film. 

Eenie meenie miney moe, who will be the next to go?

In mid-July, my company lost our CEO. Then we were part of a major merger. Yesterday there was another resignation at the top of the totem pole.

I know this all means something. I just don't know what.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 13

Today's happiness: He worries. I got a couple phone calls from my friend in the Keys, worried because he sees that THE DAY is rapidly approaching. Yes, I've told people that if I'm going to be let go, it will be this week, most likely on August 15. And my friend is worried about me. I admit it: I like being fussed over. It was sweet of him to care, and I really appreciated it. He works on a newspaper and his hours are unpredictable, so I haven't called him. But I did thank him via email.

2013 August Happiness Challenge: Day 12

Today's happiness: Hotels. I woke up this morning for the third, and final, morning at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. I loved the antiseptically clean bathroom, the fluffy fresh towels and the travel-sized shampoo and conditioners. The ones we didn't use, I'm sending off to the troops in Afghanistan, c/o Operation: Shoebox.

In praise of Chad and Jeremy

How I once loved these two British imports! They weren't the Beatles, of course. No one is that good. But these two were terrific, nevertheless. Not only did I enjoy their folk-tinged music, they were so funny. They memorably appeared on Batman (the dastardly Catwoman stole their voices!), The Patty Duke Show (as Nigel and Patrick, who rehearsed in the bedroom of that lucky Patty Lane!) and the Dick Van Dyke Show (as a fictional group, The Redcoats, who appeared on The Alan Brady Show).

But, like Peter and Gordon, Gerry and the Pacemakers and The Dave Clark Five, Chad and Jeremy hit the charts big in 1964 and disappeared by 1966. I have their greatest hits on vinyl packed away somewhere in a closet, but I haven't listened to, or even thought about, them for years.

Now 71, they have reunited and are doing a handful of concert appearances. Fortunately, I was able to catch them here in Chicago at The Fest for Beatle Fans. They are charming raconteurs, regaling us with their few and very humble encounters with John Lennon and Sir Paul, as well Batman and Robin and Rob and Laura Petrie. Then they sang and I was shocked and pleased by how gorgeous their harmonies still are.

Here they are, half a century ago, singing (or rather, lip synching) my fave rave on American Bandstand. I heard them perform it live Saturday afternoon and was not at all disappointed. Some notes are no longer held as long as when they appeared with Dick Clark, but the sound was pure and lovely and very original.

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Days 10 and 11

The past two days' happiness: Excess. I did too much on Saturday and Sunday. With my oldest friend in town, I laughed too much ... ate too much ... spent too much ... slept too late ... and it was entirely enjoyable.

We were at The Fest for Beatle Fans/Chicago and a fine time was had by all. As lifelong Beatle fans, it was good be among our own kind. And with her unexpectedly losing her job, and me worrying about the axe blade at my neck, it was helpful to just concentrate on something that only makes us happy. And that would be the Lads.

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Waking Up in Vegas

Thanks to Cat for recommending Katy Perry 

 
1) As she sings about her night in Las Vegas, Katy wonders if

she "got hitched last night dressed up like Elvis." Tell us about the last wedding you attended. My friend Barb and her true love, John. Though technically speaking, it wasn't the wedding. That was immediate- family-only. This was a small reception, and it was beautiful.

 
2) Whenever Crazy Sam visits Las Vegas, she stays at the Paris Hotel and Casino. Have you ever been to Las Vegas, Nevada? What about Paris, France? Yes, and yes. (This makes me sound far more glamorous than I am.)

 
3) Do you enjoy gambling? Have you had any success at it? Hell yes! I just won $2 in the Illinois State Lotto. Second time this year! (Let's not think about how much I spent to earn that $4.)

 
4) Las Vegas is served by the RTC Bus Service and the Vegas Monorail System connects many of casinos on The Strip. When was the last time you rode a bus or a train? Every workday I ride the train to and fro.

 

5) It's not unusual for the mercury to hit 100º in Vegas in August. Which are you more comfortable in -- extreme heat or bone-chilling cold? Cold. I simply don't do heat well. Actually, I wish we could have this summer's weather all year around. It's been gloriously mild. And, while we're at it, I'd prefer it if the rain may never fall till after sundown, by dawn the morning fog must disappear ...

 
6) As a little girl, Katy Perry sang nothing but gospel. Do you remember any church songs from your childhood? "Red and yellow, black and white, we're all precious in His sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." 

 
7) She made her film debut as the voice of Smurfette in The

Smurfs (2011). Who is your all-time favorite cartoon character? Mr. Peabody. Bullwinkle is a close second.

 
8) Do you consider yourself a picky eater? No. As long as the food's not spicy, I'm good.
 

9) You receive an invitation to a party that starts at 7:00 PM. When will you arrive? 7:30. I hate to be the first one there.

 

 

2013 August Happiness Challenge -- Day 9

Today's happiness: Freedom. No, not the Thomas Jefferson/God Bless America variety, though that makes me happy, too. I'm talking about being the mistress of my own ship, being able to do pretty much do whatever I want, whenever I want.

My oldest friend is now in the air, winging her way here from LA. She sent m a text saying she was having the worst day ever -- her new boss fired her AND her bra fell apart at the airport. So, instead of meeting her at the hotel tomorrow, I'm on the phone right now, hiring a car to get me there tonight. I'll present her with the nicest bra one can buy at 8:00 on Friday night. (Yes, CVS does have everything!)

Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by the responsibility of being my own woman, of handling everything by myself all the time. Right now, I want to take a moment to enjoy the flipside. I can race out to the airport Hyatt without worrying about anything except a little extra kibble for the cats.