The Pre-Read

Goodbye Lena Horne

It's been a while since I've posted. Again, it isn't as if I have nothing to write about, but the things I want to write about I'm beginning to think are far to personal to share or might not be read in the same frame from which they were written.

I should just get over myself and write. I have always found it cathartic, and if there's one thing I need nowadays, it's catharsis. Especially tonight.

News flashed of the passing of Lena Horne.

I'm not sure how many people are familiar with her these days. I remember watching television in the 70s and the staple, in those days, was the variety show. And Lena, along with so many others were staples of television back then.

But of course she was much more than just a frequent guest of a summer variety show, or a late night talk show. She was a star. And she was black.

There's a wonderful obituary to her in the New York Times that basically says-the only thing that stopped her from being a mega star was the color of her skin.  How amazing to think that we lived in a time where that could be a determination of someone's future...that is to say the color of their skin. But then again, we have the whole thing in Arizona going on so maybe we're not that far removed after all.

In reviewing all the footage of Ms. Horne singing, it is perhaps the one below that was her most famous. She went on to record a tremendous amount of records and was, at one time, the top seller for RCA Victor of any female vocalist in their history. Just goes to show you that skin color doesn't really matter if you've got something to offer and Lena Horne had a great deal of talent to offer.

So here's her signature song. But check out You Tube, there's much more of her, and it's all good.

Goodbye Ms Horne, we'll miss you.

Goodbye Bea Arthur

I was not only saddened to hear the news of Bea Arthur's passing today. But I was really surprised. I didn't know she was ill. But I have to think she went out on her own terms (as much as anyone can I guess) in that she always seemed to be this big star with an even bigger private life. I'm glad I didn't know she was ill. But I am sad to see her go.

Many of my friends, and I would imagine most people these days, associate Arthur with The Golden Girls. The show that joined the ranks of perplexing ratings watchers as actors, seemingly past their prime, were commanding huge ratings. The Golden Girls debuted on CBS at a time when Murder She Wrote was big in the Neilson's, but also battled shows like Family Ties, Cheers, Whose the Boss? and later challenged, and beat, shows like Moonlighting and The Wonder Years.

For me, however, Bea Arthur will forever be Maude Findlay.

Maude, the 1972-1978 series, was another in the Normal Lear spinoff's of his highly successful half hour show All In The Family. In fact, Maude may have been the first spinoff. Arthur as Maude was the perfect foil for Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker. Where Archie was a conservative bigot, Maude was a liberal bra burner and when the two appeared on the small screen together, it made the already controversial, but amazingly well written and enjoyable All In The Family true Must See TV.

I'm not exactly sure why that show caught on with me so much. Maybe it was Arthur's bigger than anyone persona; with her deep voice and steadfast convictions. Or maybe it was the talk of politics without apology that I would later find myself so enthralled with.

Maude Findlay was a the time divorced, four time married woman who couldn't understand a world where everyone wasn't treated equally. And anyone who crossed her path with a differing opinion was the recipient of her wrath.

A situation comedy in name only, Maude tackled a variety of issues that were difficult to discuss around the family dinner table, but somehowseeing them on television made them a little more accessible. Whether it be issues of abortion, pre-marital sex, or even homosexuality, Maude took the side of tolerance and even acceptance that seems so out of bounds some 35+ years later.

An interesting side note is that Maude's best friend on that show was a character named Vivian Harmon played by future Golden Girl Rue McClanahan. Vivian was a ditzy sidekick to the always strong and self assured Maude. The two really did click on camera and it was great to see them reunited some time later.

Another interesting note is that during this same time, about 1973-1977, Betty White, another future Golden Girl, was on The Mary Tyler Moore show as Sue Anne Nivens. White played a character whose tv show was something along the precursor to what Martha Stewart would later make popular. However, Nivens was a sex vixen who was always after Lou Grant (Ed Answer).

My understanding is that producers were so solidified in their thinking of both McClanahan and White, that when they were originally pitched the idea for The Golden Girls, they wanted both to basically replay the characters for which they were, at the time, most famous. Supposedly it was McClanahan and White who suggested the switch which now is recognized as pure genius.

While known to millions for her television performances, Bea Arthur was also quite accomplished on stage. She was the original Yenta in Broadway's original cast of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as Vera Charles in 1966's Mame, a role she would later recreate in the feature film version in 1974.

There are a ton of wonderful video's posted of Bea on YouTube and other places. One of the great things I loved about her was her apparent willingness to do just about anything. Sometimes the result may not have been the most flattering, but almost always funny, and certainly always worth watching.

Below is just one of the many, many, many bits I still enjoy. Goodbye Bea Arthur, you will be terribly missed:

Live Better, Work Union

I can still remember back in the 80s when Ronald Regan fired Air Traffic Controllers who had gone on strike.

My memory is vivid on this because I remember hearing someone say how happy they were that someone finally stood up to the unions and called their bluff.

I also remember my dad, an oxymoron on some issues, being a little angry about that. Angry because he was a staunch Ronald Regan supporter, but also a supporter of unions.

While finding a connection with the strike may seem odd at first, I hope the little story below makes sense in the end.

I remember sitting in a bar sometime after Gay Pride years ago, as a very young guy was complaining that Gay Pride was so unnecessary. His argument (this was during the Clinton era if I remember correctly) was that gay people are so integrated into society that having a special parade, or pride celebration was unnecessary at best, and at worse, silly.

My friends looked at him and smiled, one asking if he knew why celebrations were, typically, held in June. His quick answer was because it was summer weather and a good excuse for walking around in short sleeves, or no shirt at all.

It was obvious to all of us that he had never heard about Stonewall. About the riots or even how gay people had been treated long before he, or any of us at the table, came into this world. I even told him the story of visiting Singapore a couple years before and the potential problem a friend nearly caused.

While sitting at a bar in that far away, and amazingly modern, country my friend leaned into his new friend (an ex-pat from Australia) while laughing at a joke.

Immediately the bar owner came by and chided all of us, the American's and the Aussie for such an outrageous show of affection. I'm not kidding when I tell you that my friend was sitting next to this guy, laughed at his joke, his shoulder leaning into the back shoulder of the Aussie in the most innocent way. My buddy's hand touched the Aussies back more to break his lean than to cop a feel.

Talk about a buzz kill. We looked to the owner in disbelief. We honestly thought there was no way anyone could have misconstrued that friendly, drunken, lean as anything other than  ... a lean.

Immediately the Aussie apologized and promised it wouldn't happen again. We were dumbfounded again, this time at his comment. The bar owner went on to say that if there were a policeman in the bar he could make life very difficult for the owner and us as well.

The young man to whom I was relating the story, thought for sure I was making it up. I assured him I wasn't.

Now back to the strike.

I have to say I have yet to meet anyone, and I do mean anyone, who doesn't agree with the WGA on this issue. I'm not saying those who disagree don't exist, I'm just saying I have yet to meet them.

Even some producers, members of the AMPTP (Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers), have gone on record in agreement with the writers. It's obvious to most that the strike is really more against the studios than producers themselves.

The reason I brought up that earlier story is because I think a lot of people have forgotten what it is that unions provide. Much like the young man had no idea why Pride events are held in the summer (that's when the Stonewall Riots took place) many forget that Unions are, at least in part, responsible for 40 hour and five day work weeks, vacation time and safe working conditions. And any number of other elements of employment that we take for granted.

Yes, I know there are some who would argue that unions are no longer necessary. And when I hear that I can't help but think of that young man in the bar. His comments were made at a time when few could have imagined "gay rights" would once again be characterized as "special rights". And treating others fairly was all well and good unless you were a member of a minority class. Or a member of a union.

So many talented people on the picket lines and so many of them documenting their experience. And some, showing how creative they truly are. When the strike is over, give this man a show!

Goodbye Anna Leonowens

Wow,it's been almost a month since I last posted. I didn't mean to be gone so long...really, I didn't.

I'd like to say it's because I'm a member of a striking union...but that would be a lie. I'd also like to say it's because I was on a 'round the world cruise, and while that would be nice, it too would be a lie. No, I haven't posted in a while because I had been so busy for a few weeks there that I neglected blogging, making a mental note to myself that a week of not blogging would be the limit. But of course that turned into a week and a day, or two, or three and here we are, almost a month later.

But I'm back.

So much has happened in the last few weeks. Stuff that others have commented on much better than I could have, so I don't feel as though I missed giving my two cents on any issue.

Though, I will say one thing happened that was both sad and nice. The passing of Deborah Kerr was, for me, really a terribly sad day. I have always thought she was somewhat overlooked by Hollywood. That is an odd comment to be sure. After all she was nominated for an Academy Award six times! And she received an honorary Oscar in 1994 and it's inscription read, in part "An artist of impeccable grace and beauty, a dedicated actress whose motion picture career has always stood for perfection, discipline and and elegance." I don't know that truer words could have been written about her.

The nice thing was the write up that Keith Simanton provided for IMDb. Most of you know that IMDb stands for Internet Movie Database. Nearly everyone in checks out that site at least once during the day to keep up on all things film and television.

I was so afraid, upon hearing of her passing, that the write up would have been a brief one, mentioning only her movies The King and I and From Here To Eternity. I was sure that current Hollywood had forgotten one of the greatest actresses to ever grace the silver screen.

But that was not to be the case. In a few short sentences Simanton managed to educate those who may not have known her, as to what an accomplished actress she was.

I always thought she was a terrific actress, and one of the few that could honestly claim the moniker Movie Star. She will be terribly missed. But she will never be forgotten.

Time Passages

For some reason I've been thinking a great deal about my friend S who passed away a couple of years ago.

Even though I've gotten somewhat used to her being gone, I still find myself reaching for the phone sure she would find something as funny as I had. Or wanting to talk to her about politics or movies, or anything and everything it seems because she would just get it.

But I can't.

And that leaves me a little frustrated. I mean I am truly blessed with great friends. I really am. And I love them all very much. But there is connections we have with different people for different reasons. And the connection I had with S is one I miss terribly.

Again, I'm not sure why I've been thinking of her so much, but it might have something to do with a video post I put up a few weeks back. I say; might have something to do with, because every time I see the video I can't help but see S tilting her head a bit, looking to me for assurance that I'm seeing what she's seeing. And then the look of someone stifling a laugh as her hand covers her mouth and she utters a very faint "ooohhhh noooooo."

That's what I imagine S would have said and done had she seen the post about Stacy Hedger, the trumpet soloist doing her rendition of the Star Wars disco theme.

Now word comes from this blog that Stacy has been located. If this quick interview is true, then she was Miss Douglas Arizona 1993. She seems like a very nice woman who didn't think she did too terribly, though does admit to not being the strongest candidate on stage.

I guess the fascinating thing to me is that she had no idea the video was floating around. When someone finally contacted her, she was very matter of fact about the performance and for that I have to give her a lot of credit.

She never says it was bad, or funny, or any of the other things people have described it. And even when the interviewer comments about everyone having an embarrassing moment, you get the feeling that this wasn't necessarily one of hers. And you know what?  Good for her.

As I've said many times before, I love people who think outside the box; who don't know enough to not do something because they haven't heard it's not the thing to do. Again, I point to Tchaikovsky writing a note for a cannon, or Jeff Lynne performing rock with a cello. And while I don't think Stacy's performance was equal to those two, it takes a little bit of courage to go against the tide.

So my hat's off to Stacy who apparently didn't make the cut to the next round. But as far as I'm concerned, she is a winner in the way she has handled the attention, and for taking it all in stride.

"Star Wars, Nothing But Star Wars ..."

Things have been busy around the beach compound that is The Pre-Read. What with taking a little weekend jaunt, planning a vacation, organizing participation in a show, writing, casting and well just about everything else.  Anyway, I have been remis in posting.

But if there was something to get me off my butt and back on the blogosphere, it's the good people over at Towleroad. If case you haven't checked out this site, you really should. They're a clearing house for all things newsworthy with a specific focus on LGBT issues. And, luckily for us, every once in a while they post items that have nothing to do with anything, other than they're amazing to watch.

Imagine my jaw dropping surprise when I came across their latest video post. The link is, of course, to YouTube and while the video itself is horror beyond imagination, the comment by rottonkilrog was enough to make me almost fall out of my chair.

There is debate as to whether her trumpet playing is live or has been dubbed over. But, for me, that isn't the issue. The issue is the, er, uh, choreography and chioice of music.  At anyrate, what a great way to bring in the weekend.

Ladies and Germs, I present Stacy Hedger.

Goodbye Alice Ghostley

Sad news that Alice Ghostley passed away late last week.

For those who don't know of Alice Ghostley, it is safe to say you have missed a great punch line in television comedy. Punch line because she so often played that part.

Though, in the 70s, often referred to as the female Paul Lynde (don't EVEN say you don't know who he is) she was really her own actress with her own style. I remember watching an interview with her once, and she commented on how people thought Lynde and her were either related, or perhaps she "borrowed" some of his mannerisms. Her answer was quite simple; she was her own person, and Lynde was his own, and if their mannerisms seemed similar, so be it. And that was as good an answer as anyone should expect. And now that I come to think of it, I don't remember many references to Paul Lynde after that interview.

A successful Broadway actress who transitioned to film and television quite well, it was the moniker 'actress' that best describes her. Not only was she funny, and serious, a singer and a performer, she was all of those thing equally, and that's what made her a wonderful actress. She won a Tony Award for her supporting performance as Rita Moreno's sister in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. She was also nominated for an Emmy for her portrayal of Bernice Clifton in the long running series Designing Women.

Like many, I first took notice of her on reruns of Bewitched. Of all the television series' that have come and gone, I have to say (and maybe it's just because I was so young at the time) it seems like those of the late 60s and 70s had such an impact on me. Besides loving Bewitched, I loved nearly every character on that show. And Ghostley's portrayal of the nervous, bumbling Esmerelda was a character I couldn't wait to appear.

She would make special guest appearances on television throughout the coming decades, but she was reintroduced to a whole new group of fans with her Bernice Clifton role. Playing the forgetful, neighbor who said more than she sometimes should, she was always hilarious and her Emmy win was much deserved.

I suppose there are outstanding character actresses, and actors, in todays television landscape, but I can honestly only think of a handful. And of those, I don't know how many will leave long lasting impressions.

While Ghostley may not have been on television lately due to ill health, she wasn't forgotten. And the notice of her passing is a sad one. Not only for her friends and family, but for her fans, and the entertainment industry as a whole.

She will certainly be missed.

Goodbye Brett Somers

Sad news that Brett Somers passed away this past Saturday.

It really does feel like some of my childhood is slipping away. Granted I'm far from being a child (well in size anyway) but there is something profoundly sad about seeing hallmarks of your youth pass by.

Match Game (where I first became familiar with Somers) was a fast paced game show that featured host Gene Rayburn, Richard Dawson, Charles Nelson Reilly, and a hilarious line-up of current television talent. The show made great use of double and triple entendre that were not just risque, but terribly funny.  It was great to watch a collection of celebrities relax, play the game for fun, not necessarily strategy, and just enjoy each others company.

It was Brett Somers who I always felt a little sorry for as the butt of jokes by Reilly or other members of the panel. But just as I was feeling bad for her, she'd say something just as biting, and all would laugh and move on to the next question.

I don't know that there are many shows like Match Game in our future. And I certainly know there are no Brett Somers in the wings.  She was one of a kind. And while I will always remember her with her big glasses (to rival Reilly's it seemed) I wanted to post this photo of her because she really was beautiful. Both outside and in.

Goodbye Brett, you are already sorely missed.

Your Destiny. Or My Destiny For You

I may have written about this sometime in the past, or maybe I just thought about writing it and didn't.

A long time ago I was doing location casting, and this kid comes in to read for a part. Location casting basically means you're in a town or city where your production is filming, and you hire locals for the smaller roles. Sometimes even larger roles can go to actors hired on location.

In fact, anyone who watches the new Battlestar Galactica will know that the character of Helo played by Tahmoh Penikett was originally a local hire. He was supposed to be in the original mini series, and then that was it. But his character was so popular that he was hired as a series regular.

Anyhow, this kid comes in to read for a part, he can't be more than 18 years old. And he reads and just nails this one scene. It isn't that the scene was so difficult, but there were nuances to it that I honestly didn't expect from someone with no acting experience.

We read a few more people, but I couldn't help but judge everyone by this one kid. I was an assistant on the project, doing the "pre-read' and decided to include him on the tape that would go to the head casting director and ultimately the director.

Well they were equally blown away, and he was cast.

As circumstance would have it, almost half a year later, I was working on another film, again with location casting, and, oddly enough, in the same region of the country as before and a role was available for someone in the age range of my young discovery.

I called him in for a read, and while the character was different than the first, again he just nailed it.  Like before, I ended up judging every actor by this one performance. And, like before, different casting director, different director, but we all agreed, and this kid got the part.

This was a long shoot, and about a month later he comes into the office, his scene already having been filmed, and said he wanted to ask me a question.

He got some mail from SAG asking him to join. Of course I told him that since he had two parts in two major motion pictures, if he wanted to make this a career, he should certainly consider it.

He didn't hesitate a moment in telling me he thought that he HAD to join and was a little relieved that he didn't necessarily have to. Of course I pointed out that he could work on non union projects from now on, but if acting was a career choice for him, he's have to join up if he wanted to work on any more major union features.

He looked to me a little perplexed. And, as before, with almost no hesitation he said he didn't plan to act again. He did this as a lark and a way to earn some extra money. His real passion was engineering and he was in college for a degree in that field.

I think I smiled, I hope I didn't laugh. It's just that dealing with so many actors who would give their eye teeth to be cast in a major motion picture and just as much to join SAG, it was funny that this guy had what so many wanted, and couldn't have cared less.

For whatever reason it hadn't occurred to me that acting wasn't his life. That he came to audition not because he was hoping for his big break, but because he could use the money just struck me as funny.

This young man was talented, very talented. I'm not sure what he's doing now, I hope it's something he loves because I have no doubt that whatever it is he wants in life, he'll have little trouble getting it.

As fate would have it, his part in the first movie was reduced to just a few seconds, and his second part was deleted all together.

But, to this day, I still remember him, his face, his manners and his talent. And I hope his destiny is of his making, not what someone wants for him.

So On Goes The Show

Several people, me included, were excited that Cloris Leachman was brought in for meetings to reprise her role of Frau Blucher in the intended Broadway bow of Mel Brooks Young Frankenstein.

Everyone knows the success Brooks has had with The Producers metamorphosis from film to stage and I believe everyone is hoping the same will hold true for Young Frankenstein.

Problems cropped up when it was revealed that while Leachman had met with producers, apparently did a table read and even sang a few bars, she was told later that her services wouldn't be needed after all.

In fact, they told her the standby line of "we've decided to go in a different direction." Oh, I know that phrase so well, and have used it numerous times. It can mean anything from, well, the producers have decided to go in a different direction; younger, older, fatter, thinner, any number of different directions.

Or it could mean talent just didn't meet expectations. In the end I don't know if one answer is better than another. After all, the end result is the same. The part will go to someone else.

I said either here, or on Army Archerd's blog that I couldn't see myself spending any greenbacks to see a production WITHOUT the original Frau Blucher, if indeed, Ms. Leachman were available. I think I was stung by the fact that word leaked (from Brooks himself) that said, in essence, Leachman was too old for the part and they were afraid she wouldn't be able to survive the rigors of 8 shows a week.

Now, I don't know if any of this is true; why she was ultimately passed over, whether or not she could handle the boards for a six day work week with two matinees or if she just didn't meet expectations.

But as they say, The Show Must Go On, and on going it is.

Word is that tickets are now on sale for out of town previews being held at the Paramount Theater in Seattle, Washington.

Now, I find myself in a dilemma. First of all, I'm still ticked that Leachman won't be in the production. But I can't help but feel a tingle of excitement that the show will actually be mounted, and features a cast that includes the very talented Roger Bart (Producers, Desperate Housewives), Megan Mullally as Elizabeth, the role made famous by Madeline Kahn, and the amazingly underrated Andrea Martin (SCTV).

Part of me wants to buy my tickets and head up to Seattle (great excuse to visit some friends) and see if the stage version lives up to expectation. But another part of me would rather not since I feel Leachman kinda got dissed.

Oh, if only Mel Brooks would let her perform a night or two during previews, Leachman could then bow out after that and save face by saying it was more work than she had planned, or it just wasn't her cup of tea or whatever. Then I wouldn't feel guilty about wanting to see this show so much.

Wow, am I living in a fantasy world or what?  I should just bite the bullet and make a decision....but which one?