Advertised as a film about the final moments of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is also the dividing line between the technicolor optimism of the American Dream and the harsh, black flipside of a violent, undercurrent reality in our society. The Manson Family scared the hell out of America; the murders … More Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)
Some of the most memorable supporting players in American film and television were British actors. The list of distinguished British actors is long, so I have narrowed those I will focus on to four favorites. These four were never leads, but acted in many featured roles. Often their screen time was brief, but on occasionally … More The British Are Coming!: Character Actors
…many things that some or most people do not know. The same applies to you. Inside ourselves lurk many secrets, things we do not openly reveal to others. Even chatty people who seem to announce everything about themselves to friends, family and the world, information remains under lock and key. Some of us retain more … More Secretly, I Am…
Singer/songwriter Elvis Costello long ago decided to keep from repeating himself. His career has taken many turns, ups and downs, changes of direction, different musical partners, and incorporated changing influences. On his 2020 release, Hey Clockface, he returns with an eclectic collection of musical styles and ideas. I sampled reviews from critics about this album … More Elvis Costello: Hey Clockface
Mile marker number 64 is dead ahead for me. Maybe “dead” is not the best word to use. Anyway, around and around in orbit we go. On the occasion of birthdays, one may feel a bit philosophical. So, here are a few observations about the journey. The sun no longer seems surprised; him again. And … More Growing Younger
Cary Grant made his final film in 1966, promptly retiring from the business. He felt like it was time, refusing efforts to coax him back to the screen. His final five films were not awful, but they were not up to his prior work. With the exception of Father Goose, he seemed to walk through … More Cary Grant’s Final Five
Imagine the world without The Beatles. I cannot. We would be deprived of such incredible music, yes, but the loss would be so much more than that. From the moment The Beatles arrived in America, the Earth spun with a different groove. “She Loves You” had such energy and enthusiastic vocals, yeah, yeah, yeah. Not … More The Beatles
Singer/songwriter Paul Williams is probably more known for his acting career. Recently, a documentary was made about him, Paul Williams Still Alive, because many people assumed he has passed away. Paul Williams is 80 years old and still entertaining, in addition to being the president of ASCAP, which oversees the payment of royalties for songwriters. … More Paul Williams: Yes, he’s still alive
Distinguished, debonair and a bit roguish, that would describe actor David Niven. Niven had a very long acting career on both sides of the Atlantic and even found acclaim as an author, late in life as he described his rather colorful career. Even late in life, Niven was in demand as a featured actor, even … More David Niven
Greta Thunberg, the environmental activist, turned 18 years old last weekend. What did you do before age 18? If you are like me, I was trying to graduate from high school and figure out my future. Greta was been working to make sure we have any kind of future. Search my blog for other Greta … More Greta at 18
