You pick up a lot of baggage when you live to be 100, a sentiment confirmed by the long, long movie career of Bob Hope. His unofficial status as the preeminent entertainer of the 20th century is open to debate but he was without a doubt that era’s most conspicuous comedian. Marlon Brando’s infamous dismissal, “He’ll go to the opening of a market to receive an award”, was mean-spirited but it had the sting of truth; for over eighty years Hope was everywhere, for better or worse.
Living up to his nickname, “Rapid Robert”, the 31-year old Hope shot out of the gate in 1934 with a series of quick-on-their feet comic shorts revolving around his unique presence as a leading man and comical sidekick rolled into one. It wasn’t long before he was starring in pleasantly prosaic musicals like The Big Broadcast of 1938 and handsomely mounted...
Living up to his nickname, “Rapid Robert”, the 31-year old Hope shot out of the gate in 1934 with a series of quick-on-their feet comic shorts revolving around his unique presence as a leading man and comical sidekick rolled into one. It wasn’t long before he was starring in pleasantly prosaic musicals like The Big Broadcast of 1938 and handsomely mounted...
- 8/15/2017
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
This fascinating look at the world of the flying trapeze centers on one of the greatest acts in circus history, The Flying Gaonas. First performing on a trampoline, the Gaonas went on to become a star attraction for the best circuses in the world, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.
"The Flight Fantastic" opens April 1st a the Cinema Village in New York.
Having left the center ring, we see The Flying Gaonoas pass the torch through teaching and coaching to new generations. When Tito decided to retire from the circus he did not retire from the trapeze and set up programs at Club Med and Camp Care for children with cancer. When the next big circus act, the Vasquez Family, succeeded theirs, Tito’s comment about them was “I’m just glad they’re Mexican like us”.
You will love the circus spirit of this documentary. And the love that went into creating it is a charisma to the trapeze artists themselves.
Sports Illustrated has said, "Tito Gaona may be the finest athlete in the world...whenever circus people gather to speak of the best acrobats of all time he will be mentioned; some will even say that Tito Gaona was the best ever."
Director Tom Moore, a long-time Broadway Director (and trapeze flyer), brings their story to life through interviews with family members and colorful archival material. The Gaonas light up the screen with their blazing charisma, a quality that is undiminished in their "second act".
Your career on Broadway and in television is so vast and varied, what inspired you to make this documentary?
I feel I’ve been very fortunate in my career and life in that I’ve had an opportunity to do so many things. A good many successful, and even more a great experience. But like many people in the arts I’m always looking for a new adventure and a new way of work.
Mike Nichols was once asked, what do you enjoy doing most plays or films, and he replied “Whatever I haven’t done last.” Well, documentary was a form I had never had a chance to direct, and because of my passion for the trapeze, and my passion for film, it allowed me to combine my skills to tell a story I felt had to be told.
Do your past productions on B’way and in TV share anything in common with “Flight Fantastic”?
First and foremost, all of my productions whether on B’way or TV or film hopefully tell an interesting and intriguing story with compelling characters, with a lot of excitement and drama thrown in for good measure. As a director, there is also probably a certain style and sense of theatrics that hopefully helps tell the story and progress the plot.
You say you also work out on the trapeze? How did that come about?
What led to trapeze also led to making this documentary. In retrospect, it all seems like a through line from the first time I took hold of the trapeze bar and “flew,” to making this film called “The Flight Fantastic.”
I had been entranced as a child with the circus, but more particularly the flying trapeze and I no doubt fantasized about being a trapeze star. As my life and career went on of course, that faded into childhood and the past. But one year, feeling I had been doing too much of the same thing for way too long, I began looking for a new adventure. Well, I discovered the Flying Trapeze, and a childhood memory was brought to life when I had a chance to learn to “fly” with Richie Gaona at the Gaona Trapeze Workshop.
As Sam Keene, a wonderful writer on the trapeze world said. “Sometimes a childhood fantasy that you never dared to dream, holds the key to renewal.” And that is exactly what it did for me. It gave me a new sense of exhilaration which led to better work and better life. As I continued to practice it as a sport, I also got to know Richie and the whole Gaona family. These were some of the greatest athletes who ever lived, and absolutely one of the “greatest flying acts in the history of the circus,” and outside the circus world,, most no longer knew who they were. I felt I had the skills to right that wrong, and the result is “The Flight Fantastic.”
What other involvements do you have with the Gaona family?
The Gaona famly is quite the amazing group of individuals, charismatic and compelling, and I have gotten to know them deeply over the years, and have become almost a surrogate, though very wasp Gaona. I have a photo where Richie photoshopped me, wearing a matching trapeze robe, into one of their iconic press photos, and it looks like Victor, the patriarch is looking at me saying something like “Who let the blonde guy in???”
I’m very fond of all of them, and all of them, by the way, are very unique and different from each other, but the one I love the most was the matriarch Teresa (Mama Terre) Gaona. Had she been alive, she would have been one of the stars of this film. I am quite sure the warmth of this family came directly from her care. People were drawn to her everywhere, and being around her made for a “happy” time. There were four children that became performers on the trampoline and trapeze, but there are 3 others that had different careers altogether. One of the narrators of this film is Jose, often called “The Walking Gaona.”
Who do you see as your audience?
We knew that the film would have a core audience of those who love the circus and the aerial arts (and it has brought many to the film) but Tff seems to reach many others because of the warmth of the family, the closeness of the family, and the family’s ability to work together to build something (as Paul Binder, founder of the Big Apple Circus says) “magnificent.” It seems to reach old and young alike for many different reasons. The ringmaster at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus used to say: “Ladies and Gentlemen, and Children of All Ages…..”
Something happens when an audience sees this film in a theatre. (And this was a surprise to me when I first saw it on a big screen). It seems to unite them in a shared sense of hope and joy. It seems to rejuvenate and inspire. At all of our screenings in many different places, the reactions have been the same and it has been very exciting.
Tell us about Camp Care
Camp Care (a camp for children coping with cancer) is located on Lake Lure in North Carolina, and it was actually our first shoot for the documentary. It was knowing that Richie and Armando Gaona were going there to coach, teach, and support, that got me off of the theoretical idea and into the practical of making the movie. Within a couple of days, I had gotten our equipment, and a few people together to help, and off we went.
I can safely say that I don’t think I have ever been in a more inspirational, supportive and caring environment. Many of these kids had just gotten out of a hospital room to come to camp which is held for one week every year, and their joy in being there was palpable. That they never complained, and that they worked through fear to go up on that trapeze to achieve their goal was impressive at every turn. And it wasn’t just the kids, as I was also very impressed with the counselors, many who arranged their year of study or work just to be available at Camp Care for these children, some of whom had been coming to the camp for years. I have so much film of this camp, as I just couldn’t stop filming, as around every corner and every group of children, there was something remarkable. I could have stopped right there and made a documentary about this magical place alone. I look forward to going back there again some day as I remember it and everyone there with great fondness.
In the days when the circus was one of the most important events of the year and when audiences went to see their favorite performers each and every season, The Flying Gaonas were Big Top royalty. Often called the "First Family of the Air", The Flying Gaonas are a 4th generation Mexican circus family. They began their careers on the trampoline, but quickly took to the air.
From the beginning, Tito Gaona always knew he wanted to be a trapeze artist and used to fly with any trapeze act that came to the circus, starting at the age of 10. And after seeing the Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis movie “Trapeze”, Tito convinced his father, Victor - a legend in his own right- and siblings to develop a trapeze act, making their debut at the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers circus. It took only a couple of years for them to become one of great acts of the circus, and in their time they were the headliners in circuses around the world. Most notably, they performed for 17 years with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, The Big Apple and the legendary European circuses. For this, The Flying Gaonas won the circus world's highest award, The Golden Clown, at the international circus festival at Monte Carlo - the Oscars of the circus world.
The charismatic and very handsome Tito was the center of the act and one of the foremost innovators in the world of trapeze. People would come again and again to see him perform, and often he would have arenas of 40,000 people chanting and clapping: “Tito, Tito, Tito! It is said that Tito communicated with an audience as if he or she was a very personal friend, and he could mesmerize 25,000 or 40,000 people at a time.
When the Gaonas were in residence at Madison Square Garden with the Ringling show, the flying act was covered by all the major media in the city, each and every year. NBC news called him “arguably the greatest athlete in the world today.”
It is said that their skill came from their father,Victor and that their warmth and generosity came from their mother, Teresa. “The Flight Fantastic” is dedicated to her memory.
“The Flight Fantastic “is Tom Moore’s first documentary feature, although he has had a long career in theatre, film, and television fiction. He directed the film of “Night Mother” with Sissy Spacek and Anne Bancroft, following his direction of the Broadway production with Kathy Bates, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and for which he received his second Tony nomination
In the theatre, Mr. Moore is best known as the director of the original production of “Grease”, which ran for eight years and is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. Over the years, this production introduced John Travolta, Richard Gere, Patrick Swayzee, Peter Gallagher, Treat Williams, Barry Bostwick, Marilu Henner, Adrienne Barbeau, and countless others.
His first directorial Tony nomination was for the direction of the Big Band Musical “Over Here!”, which brought the Andrews Sisters out of retirement. Other Broadway productions include the critically-embraced revival of “Once in a Lifetime” (with John Lithgow, Deborah May, Treat Williams, and Jayne Meadows) at the Circle-in-the Square, “Division Street”, “The Octette Bridge Club”, “A Little Hotel On The Side” with Tony Randall and Lynn Redgrave, and the short-lived, but legendary
“Frankenstein” at the Palace Theatre.
His most recent Broadway production was “Moon Over Buffalo” with Carol Burnett.
On television, he directed Disney’s first original musical for television, “Geppetto”, starring Drew Carey and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. He has helmed episodes of “ER” (Emmy nomination), “Mad About You” (Emmy nomination), “L.A. Law” (Emmy nomination), “Cheers”, “Ally McBeal”, “Gilmore Girls”,”Thirtysomething”, “Cybil” and many others.
He was a fellow at the American Film Institute, and he holds a B.A. from Purdue University and an M.F.A. from the Yale University School of Drama. He was also awarded the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, by Purdue University.
As an avocation, Mr. Moore is actively involved with the Circus Arts, and spends as much time as possible on the flying trapeze.
"The Flight Fantastic" opens April 1st a the Cinema Village in New York.
Having left the center ring, we see The Flying Gaonoas pass the torch through teaching and coaching to new generations. When Tito decided to retire from the circus he did not retire from the trapeze and set up programs at Club Med and Camp Care for children with cancer. When the next big circus act, the Vasquez Family, succeeded theirs, Tito’s comment about them was “I’m just glad they’re Mexican like us”.
You will love the circus spirit of this documentary. And the love that went into creating it is a charisma to the trapeze artists themselves.
Sports Illustrated has said, "Tito Gaona may be the finest athlete in the world...whenever circus people gather to speak of the best acrobats of all time he will be mentioned; some will even say that Tito Gaona was the best ever."
Director Tom Moore, a long-time Broadway Director (and trapeze flyer), brings their story to life through interviews with family members and colorful archival material. The Gaonas light up the screen with their blazing charisma, a quality that is undiminished in their "second act".
Your career on Broadway and in television is so vast and varied, what inspired you to make this documentary?
I feel I’ve been very fortunate in my career and life in that I’ve had an opportunity to do so many things. A good many successful, and even more a great experience. But like many people in the arts I’m always looking for a new adventure and a new way of work.
Mike Nichols was once asked, what do you enjoy doing most plays or films, and he replied “Whatever I haven’t done last.” Well, documentary was a form I had never had a chance to direct, and because of my passion for the trapeze, and my passion for film, it allowed me to combine my skills to tell a story I felt had to be told.
Do your past productions on B’way and in TV share anything in common with “Flight Fantastic”?
First and foremost, all of my productions whether on B’way or TV or film hopefully tell an interesting and intriguing story with compelling characters, with a lot of excitement and drama thrown in for good measure. As a director, there is also probably a certain style and sense of theatrics that hopefully helps tell the story and progress the plot.
You say you also work out on the trapeze? How did that come about?
What led to trapeze also led to making this documentary. In retrospect, it all seems like a through line from the first time I took hold of the trapeze bar and “flew,” to making this film called “The Flight Fantastic.”
I had been entranced as a child with the circus, but more particularly the flying trapeze and I no doubt fantasized about being a trapeze star. As my life and career went on of course, that faded into childhood and the past. But one year, feeling I had been doing too much of the same thing for way too long, I began looking for a new adventure. Well, I discovered the Flying Trapeze, and a childhood memory was brought to life when I had a chance to learn to “fly” with Richie Gaona at the Gaona Trapeze Workshop.
As Sam Keene, a wonderful writer on the trapeze world said. “Sometimes a childhood fantasy that you never dared to dream, holds the key to renewal.” And that is exactly what it did for me. It gave me a new sense of exhilaration which led to better work and better life. As I continued to practice it as a sport, I also got to know Richie and the whole Gaona family. These were some of the greatest athletes who ever lived, and absolutely one of the “greatest flying acts in the history of the circus,” and outside the circus world,, most no longer knew who they were. I felt I had the skills to right that wrong, and the result is “The Flight Fantastic.”
What other involvements do you have with the Gaona family?
The Gaona famly is quite the amazing group of individuals, charismatic and compelling, and I have gotten to know them deeply over the years, and have become almost a surrogate, though very wasp Gaona. I have a photo where Richie photoshopped me, wearing a matching trapeze robe, into one of their iconic press photos, and it looks like Victor, the patriarch is looking at me saying something like “Who let the blonde guy in???”
I’m very fond of all of them, and all of them, by the way, are very unique and different from each other, but the one I love the most was the matriarch Teresa (Mama Terre) Gaona. Had she been alive, she would have been one of the stars of this film. I am quite sure the warmth of this family came directly from her care. People were drawn to her everywhere, and being around her made for a “happy” time. There were four children that became performers on the trampoline and trapeze, but there are 3 others that had different careers altogether. One of the narrators of this film is Jose, often called “The Walking Gaona.”
Who do you see as your audience?
We knew that the film would have a core audience of those who love the circus and the aerial arts (and it has brought many to the film) but Tff seems to reach many others because of the warmth of the family, the closeness of the family, and the family’s ability to work together to build something (as Paul Binder, founder of the Big Apple Circus says) “magnificent.” It seems to reach old and young alike for many different reasons. The ringmaster at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus used to say: “Ladies and Gentlemen, and Children of All Ages…..”
Something happens when an audience sees this film in a theatre. (And this was a surprise to me when I first saw it on a big screen). It seems to unite them in a shared sense of hope and joy. It seems to rejuvenate and inspire. At all of our screenings in many different places, the reactions have been the same and it has been very exciting.
Tell us about Camp Care
Camp Care (a camp for children coping with cancer) is located on Lake Lure in North Carolina, and it was actually our first shoot for the documentary. It was knowing that Richie and Armando Gaona were going there to coach, teach, and support, that got me off of the theoretical idea and into the practical of making the movie. Within a couple of days, I had gotten our equipment, and a few people together to help, and off we went.
I can safely say that I don’t think I have ever been in a more inspirational, supportive and caring environment. Many of these kids had just gotten out of a hospital room to come to camp which is held for one week every year, and their joy in being there was palpable. That they never complained, and that they worked through fear to go up on that trapeze to achieve their goal was impressive at every turn. And it wasn’t just the kids, as I was also very impressed with the counselors, many who arranged their year of study or work just to be available at Camp Care for these children, some of whom had been coming to the camp for years. I have so much film of this camp, as I just couldn’t stop filming, as around every corner and every group of children, there was something remarkable. I could have stopped right there and made a documentary about this magical place alone. I look forward to going back there again some day as I remember it and everyone there with great fondness.
In the days when the circus was one of the most important events of the year and when audiences went to see their favorite performers each and every season, The Flying Gaonas were Big Top royalty. Often called the "First Family of the Air", The Flying Gaonas are a 4th generation Mexican circus family. They began their careers on the trampoline, but quickly took to the air.
From the beginning, Tito Gaona always knew he wanted to be a trapeze artist and used to fly with any trapeze act that came to the circus, starting at the age of 10. And after seeing the Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis movie “Trapeze”, Tito convinced his father, Victor - a legend in his own right- and siblings to develop a trapeze act, making their debut at the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brothers circus. It took only a couple of years for them to become one of great acts of the circus, and in their time they were the headliners in circuses around the world. Most notably, they performed for 17 years with Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey, The Big Apple and the legendary European circuses. For this, The Flying Gaonas won the circus world's highest award, The Golden Clown, at the international circus festival at Monte Carlo - the Oscars of the circus world.
The charismatic and very handsome Tito was the center of the act and one of the foremost innovators in the world of trapeze. People would come again and again to see him perform, and often he would have arenas of 40,000 people chanting and clapping: “Tito, Tito, Tito! It is said that Tito communicated with an audience as if he or she was a very personal friend, and he could mesmerize 25,000 or 40,000 people at a time.
When the Gaonas were in residence at Madison Square Garden with the Ringling show, the flying act was covered by all the major media in the city, each and every year. NBC news called him “arguably the greatest athlete in the world today.”
It is said that their skill came from their father,Victor and that their warmth and generosity came from their mother, Teresa. “The Flight Fantastic” is dedicated to her memory.
“The Flight Fantastic “is Tom Moore’s first documentary feature, although he has had a long career in theatre, film, and television fiction. He directed the film of “Night Mother” with Sissy Spacek and Anne Bancroft, following his direction of the Broadway production with Kathy Bates, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, and for which he received his second Tony nomination
In the theatre, Mr. Moore is best known as the director of the original production of “Grease”, which ran for eight years and is one of the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. Over the years, this production introduced John Travolta, Richard Gere, Patrick Swayzee, Peter Gallagher, Treat Williams, Barry Bostwick, Marilu Henner, Adrienne Barbeau, and countless others.
His first directorial Tony nomination was for the direction of the Big Band Musical “Over Here!”, which brought the Andrews Sisters out of retirement. Other Broadway productions include the critically-embraced revival of “Once in a Lifetime” (with John Lithgow, Deborah May, Treat Williams, and Jayne Meadows) at the Circle-in-the Square, “Division Street”, “The Octette Bridge Club”, “A Little Hotel On The Side” with Tony Randall and Lynn Redgrave, and the short-lived, but legendary
“Frankenstein” at the Palace Theatre.
His most recent Broadway production was “Moon Over Buffalo” with Carol Burnett.
On television, he directed Disney’s first original musical for television, “Geppetto”, starring Drew Carey and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss. He has helmed episodes of “ER” (Emmy nomination), “Mad About You” (Emmy nomination), “L.A. Law” (Emmy nomination), “Cheers”, “Ally McBeal”, “Gilmore Girls”,”Thirtysomething”, “Cybil” and many others.
He was a fellow at the American Film Institute, and he holds a B.A. from Purdue University and an M.F.A. from the Yale University School of Drama. He was also awarded the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa, by Purdue University.
As an avocation, Mr. Moore is actively involved with the Circus Arts, and spends as much time as possible on the flying trapeze.
- 3/28/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Constance Cummings: Actress in minor Hollywood movies became major London stage star. Constance Cummings: Actress went from Harold Lloyd and Frank Capra to Noël Coward and Eugene O'Neill Actress Constance Cummings, whose career spanned more than six decades on stage, in films, and on television in both the U.S. and the U.K., died ten years ago on Nov. 23. Unlike other Broadway imports such as Ann Harding, Katharine Hepburn, Miriam Hopkins, and Claudette Colbert, the pretty, elegant Cummings – who could have been turned into a less edgy Constance Bennett had she landed at Rko or Paramount instead of Columbia – never became a Hollywood star. In fact, her most acclaimed work, whether in films or – more frequently – on stage, was almost invariably found in British productions. That's most likely why the name Constance Cummings – despite the DVD availability of several of her best-received performances – is all but forgotten.
- 11/4/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Interview with Cavewoman writer and artist Budd Root
Budd Root is the creator, writer, and artist of Cavewoman, a comic book series published mainly by Root’s own Basement Comics, as well as Caliber Comics and Avatar Press. Cavewoman is a science fiction series that features time travel to a prehistoric wilderness and DNA altering of humans to provide superhuman strength and agility to those who must withstand the rigors of time travel. Meriem Cooper, the series’ protagonist, is a vivacious and buxom young woman, drawn in the “good girl” style, who uses her superhuman powers to survive in a harsh environment full of carnivorous creatures. She befriends a giant gorilla, Klyde, and goes on a variety of jungle-themed adventures, including rescuing, then raising, a pair of Tyrannosaurus hatchlings, Harmony and Peace. Harmony remains Meriem’s companion, while Peace becomes one of her deadliest enemies. Overall, the book has become...
Budd Root is the creator, writer, and artist of Cavewoman, a comic book series published mainly by Root’s own Basement Comics, as well as Caliber Comics and Avatar Press. Cavewoman is a science fiction series that features time travel to a prehistoric wilderness and DNA altering of humans to provide superhuman strength and agility to those who must withstand the rigors of time travel. Meriem Cooper, the series’ protagonist, is a vivacious and buxom young woman, drawn in the “good girl” style, who uses her superhuman powers to survive in a harsh environment full of carnivorous creatures. She befriends a giant gorilla, Klyde, and goes on a variety of jungle-themed adventures, including rescuing, then raising, a pair of Tyrannosaurus hatchlings, Harmony and Peace. Harmony remains Meriem’s companion, while Peace becomes one of her deadliest enemies. Overall, the book has become...
- 9/29/2015
- by Merriell Moyer
- SoundOnSight
We never get tired of the story of Cinderella, and whether we know it or not, the version we never get tired of is the one put forth by Walt Disney 65 years ago. The 1950 animated feature, released 65 years ago this week (on February 15, 1950) was an instant classic, and its this version we think of when we imagine all the visual details of the story -- the slipper, the pumpkin, the fairy godmother, the mice, and Cinderella and Prince Charming dancing all over the palace grounds.
Still, as many times as we've heard the story or seen the cartoon, there's still more to be mined from the 17th-century fairy tale. (Indeed, Disney is releasing a new live-action retelling next month.) As many times as you've seen the 1950 classic, there's plenty you may not know about it -- how the actress who played Cinderella landed the part without even knowing she'd auditioned,...
Still, as many times as we've heard the story or seen the cartoon, there's still more to be mined from the 17th-century fairy tale. (Indeed, Disney is releasing a new live-action retelling next month.) As many times as you've seen the 1950 classic, there's plenty you may not know about it -- how the actress who played Cinderella landed the part without even knowing she'd auditioned,...
- 2/15/2015
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
Sadly, Neil Patrick Harris didn't show up for his Rolling Stone interviews tripping on mushrooms, Harold and Kumar-style. But senior writer Brian Hiatt's interviews with Nph, conducted just before opening night of the actor's Tony-nominated Broadway run on Hedwig and the Angry Inch, still had their moments. Hiatt followed Harris through rehearsals, watched him get fitted for new bespoke Samuelsohn suits (he lost so much weight to play Hedwig that he can't suit up in his old ones) and saw him transform into Hedwig on his dressing room's make-up chair.
- 5/12/2014
- Rollingstone.com
Stand back, world – Marvel is taking over the universe.
On the heels of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s renewal for a second season last night, ABC also announced the official pick-up of Agent Carter: a series centered around the popular Captain America character played by Hayley Atwell, based on the one-shot of the same name first released on the Iron Man 3 DVD last year.
True to form, Marvel is keeping the details of the project under tight lock and key. But until we can confirm more at ABC’s Upfront presentation next week, here’s what we do know:...
On the heels of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’s renewal for a second season last night, ABC also announced the official pick-up of Agent Carter: a series centered around the popular Captain America character played by Hayley Atwell, based on the one-shot of the same name first released on the Iron Man 3 DVD last year.
True to form, Marvel is keeping the details of the project under tight lock and key. But until we can confirm more at ABC’s Upfront presentation next week, here’s what we do know:...
- 5/9/2014
- by Andrea Towers
- EW.com - PopWatch
The Twelve Days of Christmas Classics is on! EW is putting the best versions of the most-covered Christmas songs up to a daily vote to compile the ultimate holiday playlist. (We’ve already covered “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “The Christmas Song,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Let It Snow!,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” “O Holy Night,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” and “Silent Night.”) If your favorite singer isn’t in the list below, you better not pout: Each artist will only appear once throughout the 12 days. Listen to our top six, vote for your favorite,...
- 12/18/2013
- by Katie Atkinson
- EW.com - PopWatch
A look back and a final farewell to the notable entertainment celebrities who died in 2013. Cosmo Allegretti (b. 1927) (actor) Allegretti was an actor and puppeteer on Captain Kangaroo, working his way up from set painter. He made and voiced puppets, including Bunny Rabbit and Mr. Moose, and also played Dancing Bear in a full costume. Patty Andrews (b. 1918) (singer) As part of the famed and influential Andrews Sisters singing group, Patty Andrews contributed as a mezzo-soprano to the trio’s close harmony popularity during the swing era and beyond. Patty and her sisters began their fame with hits in … Continue reading →
The post Remembrances 2013 appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
The post Remembrances 2013 appeared first on Channel Guide Magazine.
- 12/9/2013
- by Jeff Pfeiffer
- ChannelGuideMag
Welcome, Boys & Girls, to my live-blog for the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, or the "VMAs" as the kids used to call them back when I last watched them. 1946. I remember it well. The Andrews Sisters twerked their way into America's hearts and a young Glenn Miller stirred up controversy with a remix of "Little Brown Jug." Follow along as I express confusion at how music has changed and what awful taste "the kids" have. 8:58 p.m. Et. Brooklyn in the House. And thanks to Sway and the MTV pre-show, I now know who Austin Mahone and Ariana Grande...
- 8/26/2013
- by Daniel Fienberg
- Hitfix
Paul Henreid: From Eleanor Parker to ‘The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse’ (photo: Paul Henreid and Eleanor Parker in ‘Between Two Worlds’) Paul Henreid returns this evening, as Turner Classic Movies’ Star of the Month of July 2013. In Of Human Bondage (1946), he stars in the old Leslie Howard role: a clubfooted medical student who falls for a ruthless waitress (Eleanor Parker, in the old Bette Davis role). Next on TCM, Henreid and Eleanor Parker are reunited in Between Two Worlds (1944), in which passengers aboard an ocean liner wonder where they are and where the hell (or heaven or purgatory) they’re going. Hollywood Canteen (1944) is a near-plotless, all-star showcase for Warner Bros.’ talent, a World War II morale-boosting follow-up to that studio’s Thank Your Lucky Stars, released the previous year. Last of the Buccaneers (1950) and Pirates of Tripoli (1955) are B pirate movies. The former is an uninspired affair,...
- 7/24/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Los Angeles -- Paul Smith, a jazz pianist, composer and arranger who worked with such greats as Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole and Dizzy Gillespie, has died at 91.
Publicist Alan Eichler tells the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/1cKQSCX) that Smith died Saturday at a Torrance hospital.
Smith began studying classical piano when he was 8 and joined a professional band in his teens.
Over a long career, he recorded more than five dozen albums with his own groups and accompanied many performers, including Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and the Andrews Sisters.
Smith also arranged and performed TV and movie scores as a studio musician. He spent more than 25 years as pianist and music director for "The Steve Allen Comedy Hour."
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com...
Publicist Alan Eichler tells the Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/1cKQSCX) that Smith died Saturday at a Torrance hospital.
Smith began studying classical piano when he was 8 and joined a professional band in his teens.
Over a long career, he recorded more than five dozen albums with his own groups and accompanied many performers, including Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day and the Andrews Sisters.
Smith also arranged and performed TV and movie scores as a studio musician. He spent more than 25 years as pianist and music director for "The Steve Allen Comedy Hour."
___
Information from: Los Angeles Times, http://www.latimes.com...
- 7/2/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Eleanor Parker Now on TCM Palms Springs area resident Eleanor Parker, who turns 91 next June 26, is Turner Classic Movies’ Star of the Month of June. One of the best actresses of Hollywood’s studio era, Parker isn’t nearly as well-remembered today as she should be despite three Best Actress Academy Award nominations (Caged, 1950; Detective Story, 1951; Interrupted Melody, 1955), a number of box-office and/or critical hits, and a key role in one of the biggest blockbusters of all time (The Sound of Music). Hopefully, the 34 Eleanor Parker movies TCM will be showing each Monday this month — beginning tonight — will help to introduce the actress to a broader 21st-century audience. Eleanor Parker movies "When I am spotted somewhere it means that my characterizations haven’t covered up Eleanor Parker the person. I prefer it the other way around," Parker once said. In fact, the title of Doug McClelland’s 1989 Eleanor Parker bio,...
- 6/4/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Ideally, each season of a show brings a fresh perspective. But Lifetime's Season 11 of "Project Runway," which has its finale Thursday, April 25, genuinely was new.
For the first time, designers were divided into teams. Zac Posen replaced Michael Kors as a judge. And host Tim Gunn reveals tells Zap2it what he thought of all of it.
"This will be a first," Gunn says. "I have never commented on any of the designers' work." Gunn has always been a mentor, not a judge. After decades in the business, he certainly knows what works, and he agreed to critique some of the looks that will be in the season finale.
"Season 11 was very different," Gunn says. "And I don't say these words idly: This was my favorite season ever. I loved the team construct. I loved that each designer is responsible, in a manner of speaking, for more than their own work.
For the first time, designers were divided into teams. Zac Posen replaced Michael Kors as a judge. And host Tim Gunn reveals tells Zap2it what he thought of all of it.
"This will be a first," Gunn says. "I have never commented on any of the designers' work." Gunn has always been a mentor, not a judge. After decades in the business, he certainly knows what works, and he agreed to critique some of the looks that will be in the season finale.
"Season 11 was very different," Gunn says. "And I don't say these words idly: This was my favorite season ever. I loved the team construct. I loved that each designer is responsible, in a manner of speaking, for more than their own work.
- 4/25/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Reg Presley, the frontman for The Troggs who snarled his way to rock fame on the iconic song "Wild Thing," died Monday following a battle with lung cancer. He was 71. According to the BBC, Presley -- born Reginald Maurice Ball in Andover, Hampshire, England -- died surrounded by family members at his home in Hampshire. Also read: Patty Andrews, Last of the Andrews Sisters, Dies at 94 Though The Troggs (short for "Troglodytes," the group's original name) didn't write "Wild Thing" -- the song was penned by New York City songwriter Chip...
- 2/5/2013
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Last surviving member of the wartime swing trio the Andrews Sisters, whose hits included Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
Patty Andrews, who has died aged 94, was the lead singer and soloist with the Andrews Sisters. The swinging American trio, comprising Patty and her older siblings, Laverne and Maxene, achieved their greatest success in the 1940s, contributing to the war effort with catchy songs including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me) and, with Bing Crosby, Don't Fence Me In.
The Andrews Sisters performed at military bases and raised money for war bonds; their hits were sung by the troops and by women working in factories. Patty, Laverne and Maxene accompanied the most popular singers and big bands of the day; enjoyed success not just on radio but also in musical comedy films; and spawned a host of other sister acts – not all of whom were real siblings.
Patty Andrews, who has died aged 94, was the lead singer and soloist with the Andrews Sisters. The swinging American trio, comprising Patty and her older siblings, Laverne and Maxene, achieved their greatest success in the 1940s, contributing to the war effort with catchy songs including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me) and, with Bing Crosby, Don't Fence Me In.
The Andrews Sisters performed at military bases and raised money for war bonds; their hits were sung by the troops and by women working in factories. Patty, Laverne and Maxene accompanied the most popular singers and big bands of the day; enjoyed success not just on radio but also in musical comedy films; and spawned a host of other sister acts – not all of whom were real siblings.
- 2/1/2013
- by Michael Freedland
- The Guardian - Film News
What are Us Weekly's preferred partners buzzing about this Thursday? The end of 30 Rock! Check out more stories in today's roundup. The series finale of 30 Rock airs tonight! Take a look back at the 12 most bizarre scenes. (The Daily Beast) Karl Lagerfeld is not a fan of First Lady Michelle Obama's bangs. "It's not good," the designer says. (Fashionista) Andrews Sisters lead singer Patty Andrews dies. She was 94. (Zap2It) Get excited for Super Bowl 2013! Take a look back at the finest onscreen football coaches. (Popsugar) American [...]...
- 1/31/2013
- Us Weekly
Patty Andrews was lead singer and youngest member of 1940s swing trio whose hits included Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree
Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the singing trio the Andrews Sisters, has died in California at 94, her spokesman has said.
Andrews died at her home in the Northridge area of Los Angeles, said Alan Eichler on Wednesday.
She was the youngest of the singing threesome, who were renowned for their tight harmonies in hits including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree. The Andrews Sisters sold more than 75m records and became household names in the 1940s when they entertained second world war troops in Africa, the Us and Europe.
The sisters specialised in swing and played with some of the best-known big bands of the era, including those led by Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.
The sisters also appeared in 16 films,...
Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the singing trio the Andrews Sisters, has died in California at 94, her spokesman has said.
Andrews died at her home in the Northridge area of Los Angeles, said Alan Eichler on Wednesday.
She was the youngest of the singing threesome, who were renowned for their tight harmonies in hits including Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree. The Andrews Sisters sold more than 75m records and became household names in the 1940s when they entertained second world war troops in Africa, the Us and Europe.
The sisters specialised in swing and played with some of the best-known big bands of the era, including those led by Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.
The sisters also appeared in 16 films,...
- 1/31/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
Los Angeles — Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the singing Andrews Sisters trio whose hits such as the rollicking "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B" and the poignant "I Can Dream, Can't I?" captured the home-front spirit of World War II, died Wednesday. She was 94.
Andrews died of natural causes at her home in the Los Angeles suburb of Northridge, said family spokesman Alan Eichler in a statement.
Patty was the Andrews in the middle, the lead singer and chief clown, whose raucous jitterbugging delighted American servicemen abroad and audiences at home.
She could also deliver sentimental ballads like "I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time" with a sincerity that caused hardened GIs far from home to weep.
"When I was a kid, I only had two records and one of them was the Andrews Sisters. They were remarkable. Their sound, so pure," said Bette Midler, who...
Andrews died of natural causes at her home in the Los Angeles suburb of Northridge, said family spokesman Alan Eichler in a statement.
Patty was the Andrews in the middle, the lead singer and chief clown, whose raucous jitterbugging delighted American servicemen abroad and audiences at home.
She could also deliver sentimental ballads like "I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time" with a sincerity that caused hardened GIs far from home to weep.
"When I was a kid, I only had two records and one of them was the Andrews Sisters. They were remarkable. Their sound, so pure," said Bette Midler, who...
- 1/31/2013
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Patty Andrews Returns: Bette Midler revives the ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B’ [See previous post: "Patty Andrews: The Andrews Sisters' Last Surviving Member Has Died."] In 1974, a year after Bette Midler repopularized "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B," Maxene and Patty Andrews reunited for the World War II Broadway musical Over Here. (Laverne Andrews had died in 1967.) With a score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and book by Will Holt, Over Here, a mix of rose-colored nostalgia and social criticism, ran for a year. (Photo: The older Patty Andrews.) Three years earlier, Patty Andrews had starred off-Broadway in the Sherman brothers’ Victory Canteen, a sort of prequel to Over Here. The show, also featuring Sherry Alberoni, Lorene Yarnell, and Anson Williams, ran for seven months. Rift between Maxene and Patty Andrews Following that last major hit, the two surviving Andrews sisters, both San Fernando Valley residents, went their own way. According to reports, in the two decades...
- 1/31/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Patty Andrews: Last Surviving member of The Andrews Sisters dead at 94 Patty Andrews, the lead vocalist and last surviving member of the Andrews Sisters musical trio, died of "natural causes" earlier today at her home in the Los Angeles suburb of Northridge, in the San Fernando Valley. Andrews, who was also the youngest sister, was 94. (Photo: The Andrews Sisters: Laverne Andrews, Patty Andrews, Maxene Andrews.) Born in Minnesota into a Greek-Norwegian family, the Andrews Sisters began their show business career in the early ’30s, while both Maxene and Patty were still teenagers. Their first big hit came out in 1938: the English version of the Yiddish song "Bei Mir Bistu Shein" (aka "Bei mir bist du schön"), with lyrics — "To me, you’re grand" — by Sammy Cahn and Saul Chaplin. (The song made into the movies that same year, but Warner Bros. star Priscilla Lane is the one singing it in Love,...
- 1/31/2013
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The last surviving member of the original girl group has passed away.
Patty Andrews (above, center), the lead singer of 1930s and '40s singing trio The Andrews Sisters, has passed away at the age of 94, reports the AP.
Patty was the youngest of the trio, flanked by older sisters Laverne (right) and Maxene (left). The three of them are the best-selling female vocal group in pop history, selling between 75 and 100 million records, according to estimates.
Our favorites by the Andrews Sisters include "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen." But their influence stretched beyond fans. The Andrews Sisters inspired artists from Mel Torme and the McGuire Sisters to Barry Manilow and Bette Midler.
Patty is preceded in death by her sisters Laverne in 1967 and Maxene in 1995, and her husband of 60 years, Wally Weschler, in 2010. She is the second legendary women's trio vocalist we've lost in the...
Patty Andrews (above, center), the lead singer of 1930s and '40s singing trio The Andrews Sisters, has passed away at the age of 94, reports the AP.
Patty was the youngest of the trio, flanked by older sisters Laverne (right) and Maxene (left). The three of them are the best-selling female vocal group in pop history, selling between 75 and 100 million records, according to estimates.
Our favorites by the Andrews Sisters include "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen." But their influence stretched beyond fans. The Andrews Sisters inspired artists from Mel Torme and the McGuire Sisters to Barry Manilow and Bette Midler.
Patty is preceded in death by her sisters Laverne in 1967 and Maxene in 1995, and her husband of 60 years, Wally Weschler, in 2010. She is the second legendary women's trio vocalist we've lost in the...
- 1/31/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the singing group the Andrews Sisters, has died at 94. According to CNN, Andrews died Wednesday (January 30) at her home in Northridge, California.
[Left: Patty Andrews in the 1940s / Right: With sisters Maxene and Laverne] Andrews and sisters Laverne and Maxene began their singing career in the 1920s, becoming one of the biggest selling girl groups in history. They are best known for their popular World War II-era song 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', as well as 'Rum and Coca Cola' and 'Apple (more)...
[Left: Patty Andrews in the 1940s / Right: With sisters Maxene and Laverne] Andrews and sisters Laverne and Maxene began their singing career in the 1920s, becoming one of the biggest selling girl groups in history. They are best known for their popular World War II-era song 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', as well as 'Rum and Coca Cola' and 'Apple (more)...
- 1/31/2013
- by By Zeba Blay
- Digital Spy
Patty Andrews, last surviving member of the Andrews sisters, has died. She was 94 and died today at her home in Northridge, CA. The phenomenally popular singing trio that entertained U.S. troops during World War II even announced the war’s end in 1945 to 5,000 G.I.’s while they were performing at a show in Italy. Laverne (top), Patty (center), and Maxene (bottom) also appeared in movies and on TV. A signature song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy From Company B” was featured in the 1941 Abbott & Costello film Buck Privates. They appeared in more than a dozen features, including another Abbott & Costello film In the Navy, and the 1947 Bob Hope-Bing Crosby-Dorothy Lamour vehicle Road to Rio. With Crosby they also performed the hit “Don’t Fence Me In” and several other tunes. They also sang with the big bands of Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Crosby,...
- 1/31/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of the singing Andrews Sisters, died Wednesday at 94. She was the lead singer for the trio, whose hits -- including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "I Can Dream, Can't I?" -- helped cheer American Gis abroad and those on the home front during World War II. Andrews died of natural causes at her home in the Los Angeles suburb of Northridge, family spokesman Alan Eichler told the Associated Press. The Andrews Sisters -- which she formed with her sisters Laverne and Maxene -- recorded more than...
- 1/31/2013
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
It's the end of an era. Patty Andrews, the last surviving member of World War II-era vocal group the Andrews Sisters (and the center sister in the photo above), died today of natural causes at her Northridge, Calif. home, her manager tells the Los Angeles Times. She was 94. The Minnesota-born trio was known for bubbly hits like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy of Company B" (introduced by the ladies in the 1941 Abbott & Costello comedy Buck Privates) and covers of "Nice Work if You Can Get It" and "Bei Mir Bist Du Schoen," which became their first No. 1 record in 1938. Most notably, the Andrews Sisters were fixtures on the Uso tour scene, and it was Patty and her sisters, Maxene...
- 1/31/2013
- E! Online
Patty Andrews, the last remaining member of The Andrews Sisters, has died. She was 94. The Andrews Sisters were active for over 40 years, from 1925 to 1967 and, as of last count, had sold over 75 million records, making them the best-selling female vocal group of all time. Composed of three actual sisters—contralto Laverne, soprano Maxene, and mezzo-soprano Patty—the group recorded a number of swing and boogie-woogie hits, including their 1941 smash, “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” During World War II, the sisters went from base to base in America, Africa, and Italy and sung for countless members ...
- 1/30/2013
- avclub.com
Barack Obama and Mitt Romney threw down the gauntlet one last time tonight—and the Twitterverse was ready. The politically inclined corner of Hollywood was again hanging on every word of the candidates' third and final debate before the Nov. 6 election, this one devoted to foreign policy and how the sitting president and his challenger plan to lead the United States forward. Here's what the celebs had to say in 140 characters (or much, much more): Michelle Obama: Barack's steady leadership has made us stronger and safer than we were four years ago. That was clear tonight. –mo#ProudOfObama Bill Maher: Ok, one last try: We have fewer Andrews Sisters and Ritz Brothers...
- 10/23/2012
- E! Online
Singer Dorothy McGuire (right) of the popular 1950s musical trio the McGuire Sisters has passed away at the age of 84, her daughter-in-law Karen Williamson tells the AP. McGuire died of natural causes on Friday (Sept. 7) at her son's Phoenix-area home.
The McGuire Sisters, made up of eldest sister Christine, 86 (left), middle sister Dorothy and youngest sister Phyllis, 81 (middle), began singing together as young girls and went on to form a trio that was often compared to the Andrews Sisters. The McGuire sisters had hits with "Sincerely," "Picnic," and "Sugartime," which all sold over a million copies.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lowell Williamson, two sons, two step-children and her two sisters.
The McGuire Sisters, made up of eldest sister Christine, 86 (left), middle sister Dorothy and youngest sister Phyllis, 81 (middle), began singing together as young girls and went on to form a trio that was often compared to the Andrews Sisters. The McGuire sisters had hits with "Sincerely," "Picnic," and "Sugartime," which all sold over a million copies.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 53 years, Lowell Williamson, two sons, two step-children and her two sisters.
- 9/10/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
Chicago – I have a confession — I grew up watching Abbott & Costello movies. I can remember watching them at a very early age and getting into the hysterical verbal jousting of two stellar movie comedians. The timing in some of the best bits from Bud Abbott & Lou Costello is simply amazing. And watching it again, in their breakthrough debut “Buck Privates,” a film in the Universal 100th Anniversary Collection series of Blu-rays and the first Abbott & Costello movie in HD, I was stunned at how much I still loved it. Abbott & Costello rock.
Blu-ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Throw your chest out, private.”
“I’m not through with it yet.”
If that silly exchange of verbal wordplay doesn’t make you smile, don’t bother with “Buck Privates.” Here, let’s try another one:
“You got three dollars?”
“Roughly speaking.” [Pause.] “When you smooth it out, I got a buck.”
Personally, I find that kind of silly,...
Blu-ray Rating: 4.5/5.0
“Throw your chest out, private.”
“I’m not through with it yet.”
If that silly exchange of verbal wordplay doesn’t make you smile, don’t bother with “Buck Privates.” Here, let’s try another one:
“You got three dollars?”
“Roughly speaking.” [Pause.] “When you smooth it out, I got a buck.”
Personally, I find that kind of silly,...
- 4/23/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Robert B Sherman, who has died aged 86, was part of one of the most unusual songwriting teams of all time. He and his younger brother Richard may not be as well known as other pairs of composers and lyricists, but they will for ever be remembered as the writers of Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and a swath of other productions from Walt Disney Studios.
Their score for Mary Poppins (1964), the movie that introduced Julie Andrews to filmgoers, secured them a place in popular musical history and made them multimillionaires. Featuring songs including Jolly Holiday, Let's Go Fly a Kite and Feed the Birds, it won them two Oscars. It also included the classic A Spoonful of Sugar and the song with the one-word title that they used when they accepted the Academy awards: "All we can say is 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
Their score for Mary Poppins (1964), the movie that introduced Julie Andrews to filmgoers, secured them a place in popular musical history and made them multimillionaires. Featuring songs including Jolly Holiday, Let's Go Fly a Kite and Feed the Birds, it won them two Oscars. It also included the classic A Spoonful of Sugar and the song with the one-word title that they used when they accepted the Academy awards: "All we can say is 'Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious'.
- 3/6/2012
- by Michael Freedland
- The Guardian - Film News
In Nashville—where the art-country orchestra symphonette Lambchop was born and raised—there’s a radio station that plays the old oldies, the real “Music Of Your Life” stuff, from the ’40s and ’50s. For a time, late at night, the station even played old broadcasts, anchored by a honey-voiced DJ who’d been dead for years, but who from the beyond the grave was still filling the space between old Andrews Sisters and Andy Williams records with ad copy so mellifluously intoned that they gave the corner florist the air of an elegant salon. There are moments on Lambchop ...
- 2/21/2012
- avclub.com
There are those for whom the appearance of new kid at McKinley, Rory Flanagan, played by one of apparently legion winners of The Glee Project, Damian McGinty, was the whole point of tonight's episode.
There were those for whom it was about an inexplicably badly-dressed and even-more-badly chapeau'd Blaine dancing to another Katy Perry song.
But I write this recap for those of us for whom this was the episode in which Brittany and Santana acknowledged they were dating. Also: taking baths together. And for whom Blaine's sartorial mistakes paled when compared to the fact that he lay down on the floor and put his arm around Brittany while Santana glared at him. And who really would have been perfectly happy if Santana had whipped those razor blades out of her hair instead of just threatening wee Rory with torture and suffering if he didn't back off her gf.
Now...
There were those for whom it was about an inexplicably badly-dressed and even-more-badly chapeau'd Blaine dancing to another Katy Perry song.
But I write this recap for those of us for whom this was the episode in which Brittany and Santana acknowledged they were dating. Also: taking baths together. And for whom Blaine's sartorial mistakes paled when compared to the fact that he lay down on the floor and put his arm around Brittany while Santana glared at him. And who really would have been perfectly happy if Santana had whipped those razor blades out of her hair instead of just threatening wee Rory with torture and suffering if he didn't back off her gf.
Now...
- 11/2/2011
- by Christie Keith
- The Backlot
St Katharine Docks; Theatre Royal, Haymarket; Olivier, National Theatre; Southwark Playhouse, all London
Figures are pressed against a long pane of glass. They are spread-eagled, as if blown there by a huge wind, and aghast. In a restaurant a trio of widows meet on their shared anniversary, to tell the story of their year: one is eager to uphold the tradition, the others impatient to move on. A Muslim shopkeeper is visited by a well-heeled regular customer: she chucks a brick through his window.
In Decade, Rupert Goold has drawn on 20 writers to provide scenes about 9/11 and its legacy, and made an uneven but absorbing evening. His first good decision is to tackle the scepticism which most people will feel at the idea of making a catastrophe into a theatrical event. Miriam Buether's design puts the audience in the Windows on the World restaurant at the World Trade Centre, with...
Figures are pressed against a long pane of glass. They are spread-eagled, as if blown there by a huge wind, and aghast. In a restaurant a trio of widows meet on their shared anniversary, to tell the story of their year: one is eager to uphold the tradition, the others impatient to move on. A Muslim shopkeeper is visited by a well-heeled regular customer: she chucks a brick through his window.
In Decade, Rupert Goold has drawn on 20 writers to provide scenes about 9/11 and its legacy, and made an uneven but absorbing evening. His first good decision is to tackle the scepticism which most people will feel at the idea of making a catastrophe into a theatrical event. Miriam Buether's design puts the audience in the Windows on the World restaurant at the World Trade Centre, with...
- 9/10/2011
- by Susannah Clapp
- The Guardian - Film News
If you’re watching The Voice, there’s a good chance you, like us, are polarized by the enormous gap between those contestants are really good and those who, well, aren’t. Watching the first real competitor to American Idol unfold is a lot of fun for viewers, but it’s also quite confusing to wrap our heads around the idea that painfully shy Xenia Warrior Sadness and Dia Frampton share the stage with powerhouses like Nakia and Beverly McClellan. On last night’s show, the whole pin-up aesthetic that started with [judge] Christina Aguilera on Back To Basics — and continued with Katy Perry, Kat Von D, and every Women’s Studies major who decided to “dip her feet” in burlesque — came to a screeching halt when sunshine-y siblings Tori and Taylor Thompson covered The Andrews Sisters. It’s the end of an era, now that the young girls — prepped to look all sexy and stuff,...
- 6/15/2011
- by Eliot Glazer
- BestWeekEver
The second quarterfinal round of NBC’s The Voice was a sexy, sexy, sexy affair — at least in the eyes of randy, rambling Christina Aguilera. For those of us whose brains aren’t permanently stuck in “French brothel” mode, however, Tuesday night’s episode was a mixed bag of raw talent, strange song choices, squandered potential, enthusiastic dancing, cheerleader-y critiques and counterintuitive advice from coaches Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine. Oh, and as a bonus, we got some extremely encouraging results from last week’s quarterfinal showdowns involving Team Blake Shelton and Team Xtina. Let’s start by recapping...
- 6/15/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
Tonight’s second round of quarterfinal performances on NBC’s The Voice featured songs from as far back as 1941 and as recently as 2009, with titles containing words as disparate as “Sex” and “Jesus,” “Addicted” and “Angel.” There were dancers dressed as soldiers, backdrops featuring hundreds of juicy lips, and Christina Aguilera rambling like a batty aunt at the end of a raucous Thanksgiving meal. Plus, we had results from last week’s Quarterfinal performances by Team Blake and Team Xtina! (Spoiler alert: America and the judges went four-for-four in advancing the right vocalists! Well, that’s if you ask me.
- 6/15/2011
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
NBC The coaches from “The Voice.”
We’re crying. We’re shaking. We’re moving and we’re grooving on The Voice.
Christina and Blake will each keep two members of their teams and two will go home. Team Cee Lo and Team Adam are performing and they’ll face the ax next time.
Christina is crying and we’re not four minutes into the show.
Two of her four girls are going home. America voted to save baldie Beverly McClellan.
We’re crying. We’re shaking. We’re moving and we’re grooving on The Voice.
Christina and Blake will each keep two members of their teams and two will go home. Team Cee Lo and Team Adam are performing and they’ll face the ax next time.
Christina is crying and we’re not four minutes into the show.
Two of her four girls are going home. America voted to save baldie Beverly McClellan.
- 6/15/2011
- by Dawn Fallik
- Speakeasy/Wall Street Journal
Fanning
It seems that playing Cherie Currie in The Runaways (2010) was just not enough girlgroup action for Dakota Fanning. News is she and little sister Elle are maybe doing a biopic about a failed 1960s family band The Shaggs. [src]
Dakota, The Shaggs, and Elle
Are there any other Fanning sisters we haven't heard of yet to play the other band member(s)? If Dakota is moving backwards in time through musical biopics will we be seeing her and Elle doing The Andrews Sisters biopic set in the 1940s a decade or so from now? There are not enough pictures, other than war movies, set in the 1940s if you ask me.
But I'm actually a bit surprised they're in talks to do something together. Dakota and Elle aren't frequently photographed together. The pics accompanying every article about them seem to be from 2008 so I guess I'd pictured them as one...
It seems that playing Cherie Currie in The Runaways (2010) was just not enough girlgroup action for Dakota Fanning. News is she and little sister Elle are maybe doing a biopic about a failed 1960s family band The Shaggs. [src]
Dakota, The Shaggs, and Elle
Are there any other Fanning sisters we haven't heard of yet to play the other band member(s)? If Dakota is moving backwards in time through musical biopics will we be seeing her and Elle doing The Andrews Sisters biopic set in the 1940s a decade or so from now? There are not enough pictures, other than war movies, set in the 1940s if you ask me.
But I'm actually a bit surprised they're in talks to do something together. Dakota and Elle aren't frequently photographed together. The pics accompanying every article about them seem to be from 2008 so I guess I'd pictured them as one...
- 3/4/2011
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
I was saddened to learn this morning that Betty Garrett, the great star of stage, screen, and TV, passed away yesterday at the age of 94 after suffering an aortic aneurysm.
Garrett was one of those rare people — like, say, Jack Valenti — who happened to be a witness to and/or participant in a remarkably high number of historic events of the 20th century. She was a member of Orson Welles’s famed Mercury Theatre company, and was with him on the night that he shook up America with his infamous radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” (1938); she was Frank Sinatra’s leading lady in two of the earliest great M-g-m musical-comedies, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (1949) and “On the Town” (1949); her career was greatly hurt by the Hollywood Red Scare after her husband, the Oscar nominated actor Larry Parks, refused to name names before the House Committee...
Garrett was one of those rare people — like, say, Jack Valenti — who happened to be a witness to and/or participant in a remarkably high number of historic events of the 20th century. She was a member of Orson Welles’s famed Mercury Theatre company, and was with him on the night that he shook up America with his infamous radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” (1938); she was Frank Sinatra’s leading lady in two of the earliest great M-g-m musical-comedies, “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” (1949) and “On the Town” (1949); her career was greatly hurt by the Hollywood Red Scare after her husband, the Oscar nominated actor Larry Parks, refused to name names before the House Committee...
- 2/13/2011
- by Scott Feinberg
- Scott Feinberg
The first part of Bob Dylan's autobiography, "Chronicles: Volume One" spent a long time on the New York Times non-fiction best seller list in 2004 and fans have since been waiting for more. EW reports that Bob Dylan is returning to writing again, and rumored to have signed a six book deal with Simon & Schuster, his publisher for "Chronicles."
Dylan has yet to confirm the report himself, and he'd have to stop touring for the love of God, but the deal is rumored to include two more volumes of his Chronicles memoirs, and a book based on his Xm satellite radio show, "Theme Time Radio Hour." The subjects of the three remaining books are unknown.
Read this masterful excerpt from "Chronicles: Volume One," courtesy of NPR from a piece that included an interview with Dylan from the time of it's release in '04.
Lou introduced me to Jack Dempsey, the great boxer.
Dylan has yet to confirm the report himself, and he'd have to stop touring for the love of God, but the deal is rumored to include two more volumes of his Chronicles memoirs, and a book based on his Xm satellite radio show, "Theme Time Radio Hour." The subjects of the three remaining books are unknown.
Read this masterful excerpt from "Chronicles: Volume One," courtesy of NPR from a piece that included an interview with Dylan from the time of it's release in '04.
Lou introduced me to Jack Dempsey, the great boxer.
- 1/19/2011
- by Brandon Kim
- ifc.com
Katy Perry has taken part in the VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert presented by the Uso on Friday night, December 3, and videos of her performances have popped out online. Performing live in front of the service men and women at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, the "Teenage Dream" hitmaker entertained with four sexy performances.
The 26-year-old kicked off the show with a tribute to The Andrews Sisters. Together with Keri Hilson and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, she mimed the original version of the group's hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in Wac uniform, before performing their version when they appeared on stage in short, gold dresses with different armed forces caps.
Katy was later joined by Nicki Minaj in covering Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". Donning a sexy camouflage garb, she delivered a slightly more sped-up, rock-and-roll version of the song on the...
The 26-year-old kicked off the show with a tribute to The Andrews Sisters. Together with Keri Hilson and Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles, she mimed the original version of the group's hit "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in Wac uniform, before performing their version when they appeared on stage in short, gold dresses with different armed forces caps.
Katy was later joined by Nicki Minaj in covering Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun". Donning a sexy camouflage garb, she delivered a slightly more sped-up, rock-and-roll version of the song on the...
- 12/6/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
VH1 divas, Katy Perry, Keri Hilson, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Nettles, paid homage to the troops in a concert held at the Marine Corps air hangar in San Diego aired on December 5. First, Katy, Keri and Jennifer kicked off the tribute by doing the iconic Andrews Sisters World War II tune "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", looking sassy in their white and gold mesh corset dresses.
Nicki who was absent during the opening number came on to the stage, firing up with her singles such as "Moment 4 Life", "Right Thru Me" and "Roman's Revenge". Donning big white hair and towering heels, the Young Money femcee also made a duet with Katy in "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".
Like the Mc, Katy, Keri and Jennifer also got their own set. Katy made a grand entrance and spread patriotic spirit as she landed on the stage with a huge American flag parachute,...
Nicki who was absent during the opening number came on to the stage, firing up with her singles such as "Moment 4 Life", "Right Thru Me" and "Roman's Revenge". Donning big white hair and towering heels, the Young Money femcee also made a duet with Katy in "Girls Just Want to Have Fun".
Like the Mc, Katy, Keri and Jennifer also got their own set. Katy made a grand entrance and spread patriotic spirit as she landed on the stage with a huge American flag parachute,...
- 12/6/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Jennifer Nettles were pinup perfect for an Andrews Sisters cover.
By Aly Semigran
Keri Hilson, Katy Perry and Jennifer Nettles perform for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
The Andrews Sisters got a 21st century tribute, courtesy of Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Sugarland's leading lady Jennifer Nettles in the opening number for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" at the Marine Corps air hangar in San Diego.
While "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (which was an iconic tune during World War II) isn't just for the good-ole boys anymore (there are plenty of women now in the armed forces, and a good portion of the audience, these days), it still had that swingin' thing that made it a staple so many years ago.
Perry, Hilson and Nettles all donned Wac uniforms like the ones the Andrews Sisters wore back in the day...
By Aly Semigran
Keri Hilson, Katy Perry and Jennifer Nettles perform for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops"
Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images
The Andrews Sisters got a 21st century tribute, courtesy of Katy Perry, Keri Hilson and Sugarland's leading lady Jennifer Nettles in the opening number for "VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" at the Marine Corps air hangar in San Diego.
While "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (which was an iconic tune during World War II) isn't just for the good-ole boys anymore (there are plenty of women now in the armed forces, and a good portion of the audience, these days), it still had that swingin' thing that made it a staple so many years ago.
Perry, Hilson and Nettles all donned Wac uniforms like the ones the Andrews Sisters wore back in the day...
- 12/5/2010
- MTV Music News
Katy Perry has rehearsed the opening number for VH1 Divas Salute the Troops, and a sneak peek at the session has been put out through VH1 Blog. In the less-than-a-minute clip, the "California Gurls" hitmaker can be seen joined by R&B star Keri Hilson and country crooner Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland.
All three singers team up to cover The Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". Paying homage to the original version of the iconic World War II tune, they all wore retro military outfits and sat on stools in a bar-themed set. According to VH1 Blog, raptress Nicki Minaj will join the three to spice up this opening number.
VH1 Diva: Salute to the Troops will air on VH1 at 9 P.M. this coming Sunday, December 5. Katy, Keri, Jennifer and Nicki will perform at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, while Paramore is set to...
All three singers team up to cover The Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy". Paying homage to the original version of the iconic World War II tune, they all wore retro military outfits and sat on stools in a bar-themed set. According to VH1 Blog, raptress Nicki Minaj will join the three to spice up this opening number.
VH1 Diva: Salute to the Troops will air on VH1 at 9 P.M. this coming Sunday, December 5. Katy, Keri, Jennifer and Nicki will perform at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, while Paramore is set to...
- 12/4/2010
- by celebrity-mania.com
- Celebrity Mania
Ahead of VH1 Divas Salute the Troops concert which will take place this coming Sunday, a clip featuring Katy Perry and Keri Hilson rehearsing their opening number is unveiled. They teamed up doing a rendition of The Andrews Sisters' "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy".
Joining them at the rehearsal done at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a military base in San Diego, was Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. The three ladies donned traditional army outfits, sitting on stools in a bar-themed set while delivering the iconic World War II tune.
Beside the three of them, there will also be rapper Nicki Minaj serving as a musical guest at the upcoming gig. Although she is not featured in the rehearsal footage, the Young Money first lady is confirmed to join Katy, Keri and Jennifer for the opening number.
The VH1 Divas concert will be aired live on December 5 at 9/8c. Beside wearing army uniforms,...
Joining them at the rehearsal done at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, a military base in San Diego, was Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles. The three ladies donned traditional army outfits, sitting on stools in a bar-themed set while delivering the iconic World War II tune.
Beside the three of them, there will also be rapper Nicki Minaj serving as a musical guest at the upcoming gig. Although she is not featured in the rehearsal footage, the Young Money first lady is confirmed to join Katy, Keri and Jennifer for the opening number.
The VH1 Divas concert will be aired live on December 5 at 9/8c. Beside wearing army uniforms,...
- 12/4/2010
- by AceShowbiz.com
- Aceshowbiz
This Sunday night (December 5), the long-running "VH1 Divas" series of annual specials flips the script a little bit. Sure, it'll still feature some of the biggest female names in music, including Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Paramore, Keri Hilson, Sugarland and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals. As always, it will feature some tremendous performances and some truly killer collaborations (many of which will be surprises). And it will also have plenty of glamor, glitz and theatricality that these divas are known for. But this time around, these ladies are paying tribute to people in uniform who are serving the Unite States in the military.
"VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" will air this Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern on VH1. The whole show is hosted by Kathy Griffin and will air from the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. The VH1 team is on the ground in San Diego and...
"VH1 Divas Salute the Troops" will air this Sunday at 9 p.m. Eastern on VH1. The whole show is hosted by Kathy Griffin and will air from the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California. The VH1 team is on the ground in San Diego and...
- 12/3/2010
- by Kyle Anderson
- MTV Newsroom
We'd been waiting and waiting for the carnage to begin on "Skating With the Stars," and when it finally did... it left us feeling empty inside.
Other people's misfortunes normally give us such pleasure, but there was no laughing at Sean Young or Vince Neil when they came crashing down on their famous behinds in this second round of "Swts."
So what did we learn this week aside from the fact that we just might have a soul? Well, for one, this show is markedly more entertaining now that they've ripped off the broadcast band-aid. Once it became clear that collective skepticism couldn't cause the studio to burst into flames, everyone seemed a lot more comfortable the second time around -- including Mr. Dick Button, whose mixed metaphors make us wish we could adopt him from the grandpa orphanage.
Oh, and the skating was better and more difficult. This week's...
Other people's misfortunes normally give us such pleasure, but there was no laughing at Sean Young or Vince Neil when they came crashing down on their famous behinds in this second round of "Swts."
So what did we learn this week aside from the fact that we just might have a soul? Well, for one, this show is markedly more entertaining now that they've ripped off the broadcast band-aid. Once it became clear that collective skepticism couldn't cause the studio to burst into flames, everyone seemed a lot more comfortable the second time around -- including Mr. Dick Button, whose mixed metaphors make us wish we could adopt him from the grandpa orphanage.
Oh, and the skating was better and more difficult. This week's...
- 11/30/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Do you remember watching Face/Off and thinking, “If this movie didn’t have any slow-motion, it would be ten minutes long.” You get a similar, and far more aggravating, stretched-out feeling from Mafia II. The gangster video game is set in a lavishly designed postwar metropolis called Empire Bay: Think downtown Manhattan with San Francisco’s freeways, plus Chicago’s El Train and Vice City’s traffic laws.
There’s an impressive attention to period detail. Clothes, cars, buildings, mid-Atlantic accents…they’re all here, and you’ll enjoy them all from the comfort your car, as you drive...
There’s an impressive attention to period detail. Clothes, cars, buildings, mid-Atlantic accents…they’re all here, and you’ll enjoy them all from the comfort your car, as you drive...
- 9/10/2010
- by Darren Franich
- EW.com - PopWatch
On top of getting full lists of "Just Dance 2" tracks and "Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock" songs this week, we've also received a complete soundtrack listing for a game you may not have been looking forward to for its tunes — "Mafia 2." 2K Games released the rundown ahead of a live one-hour playthrough they're hosting today at 2Pm Pst via Ustream.
Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Louis Prima and Little Richard all appear on the game's soundtrack, which has been posted on the "Mafia 2" website. If "GTA Godfather" has always been something you thought you might like to play with some bona fide Ratpack music in the background, you should find the entries here to your liking:
• Gatemouth Moore - "Did You Ever Love A Woman"
• Al Hibbler - "After the Lights Go Down Low"
• Al Hibbler - "Count Every Star"
• The Ames Brothers - "My Bonnie Lassie"
• The Andrews Sisters -...
Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Louis Prima and Little Richard all appear on the game's soundtrack, which has been posted on the "Mafia 2" website. If "GTA Godfather" has always been something you thought you might like to play with some bona fide Ratpack music in the background, you should find the entries here to your liking:
• Gatemouth Moore - "Did You Ever Love A Woman"
• Al Hibbler - "After the Lights Go Down Low"
• Al Hibbler - "Count Every Star"
• The Ames Brothers - "My Bonnie Lassie"
• The Andrews Sisters -...
- 8/20/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
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