Category Archives: Movies

“I started at the top and worked my way down.” — Orson Welles

It’s his birthday today. When Orson Welles was just a teenager, he traveled to Ireland. And although it seems improbable (perhaps not, because this is Orson Welles we’re talking about), he decided to audition for the newly-formed Gate Theatre, and … Continue reading

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“I’ve always had everything I wanted, and I never wanted a great deal. ” — Aline MacMahon

“I pass emotions through a filter not generally used by actresses. I find the ground to meet my characters and am able to move from one feel to another. It is real stuff — no tricks, simply expressed.” — Aline … Continue reading

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“I was never totally involved in movies. I was making someone else’s dream come true. Not mine.” — Mary Astor

“The reminder that there are people who have worse troubles than you is not an effective pain-killer.” — Mary Astor It’s her birthday today. Her memoir is great, by the way. Her story was told – by everyone else – … Continue reading

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“If one devalues rationality, the world tends to fall apart.” — Lars von Trier

It’s his birthday today. So … happy (?) birthday to this provocative sometimes-maddening always-fascinating auteur. Question mark due to the doubt that “happy” has anything to do with the Danish film director, who has been poking the bear from the … Continue reading

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“A woman came up to me after one of the screenings with tears pouring down her face and sobbed, You’ve defined my entire life for me on the screen.” –Jill Clayburgh

This was part of a larger series. I would throw a name at Mitchell, ask him to describe that person in “one word” and then we would discuss. Here’s our discussion on Jill Clayburgh, whose birthday it is today. SOM: … Continue reading

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“When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” — Willie Nelson

“Ninety-nine percent of the world’s lovers are not with their first choice. That’s what makes the jukebox play.” – Willie Nelson Legend. It’s his birthday today. I will never ever forget his performance of “America the Beautiful” in the telethon … Continue reading

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It’s (not) a beautiful day in the neighborhood …

Michael, the “star” of a couple of pieces I’ve written here has a movie hitting streaming called Monkey’s Magic Merry-Go-Round (which … lol). I don’t post about all the cool shit he does, because I’ve got my own cool shit … Continue reading

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“I don’t cook and I don’t care.” — Ann-Margret

Ann-Margret entertaining US troops in Vietnam, 1966 Today is Ann-Margret’s birthday. Her autobiography, Ann-Margret: My Story is wonderful. What a career. And it’s still unfolding. There are so many classic scenes. Tommy. Carnal Knowledge. Of course, too, there is the … Continue reading

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“I have been done in by both men and women. I don’t have any preference.” — Anita Loos

“I’ve had my best times trailing a Mainbocher evening gown across a sawdust floor. I’ve always loved high style in low company.” — Anita Loos Anita Loos’ screenwriting credits are so extensive it’s impossible to absorb them. She’s most well-known … Continue reading

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“True success is figuring out your life and career so you never have to be around jerks.” — John Waters

It’s his birthday today. To anyone who is old, like myself, and into subversive art, like myself … watching John Waters becoming an elder statesman of mainstream cinema has been not only hilarious but GOOD AND RIGHT, as my friend … Continue reading

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