LEGENDS OF WESTERN CINEMA WEEK, 2021

Rachel at Hamlette's Soliloquy, Heidi at Along the Brandywine, and Olivia at Meanwhile, in Rivendell are our hosts for the online celebration Legends of Western Cinema Week, during July 19 - 24. The celebration of our favourite westerns will be a treat during the strangeness of 2021

 

HERE'S THE "TAG" TO START OFF THE FUN!

1. Western movies or western TV shows?

I grew up in an era of western TV shows, both first-run and in syndication. I freely admit to a deep nostalgic association for the programs, the stars, guest stars, and the storytelling. 

2. Funny westerns or dramatic westerns?

I love a giggle and a good western spoof (Support Your Local Sheriff!, Way Out West), however, it is the more dramatic fare I go to most often when choosing which western to watch.

3. Westerns that focus on loners or westerns that focus on families?

H'm. It seems that while I love the dramatic possibilities in a family dynamic I tend to lean toward the loner.

4. Male-centric westerns or female-centric westerns?

Marie Windsor in Hellfire, 1949

I like the fellas, I really do. Nonetheless, since my first viewing/reading of True Grit back in 1969 I look for the female-centric westerns for validation. I enjoy slipping into the worlds of Westward the Women, The Guns of Fort Petticoat, The Secret of Convict Lake, and watching Barbara Stanwyck and Maureen O'Hara and other strong women ruling the range.

5. 1930s to 1960s westerns or 1970s to 2020s westerns?

Henry Fonda and Cathy Downs in My Darling Clementine, 1946

I'm a 1930s to 1960s gal. Let's say from Hell's Heroes to Ride the High Country and everything in between, prestige pictures or formulaic B fun for the Saturday matinee crowd.

6. Westerns that take place in America or westerns that take place internationally?

Westerns that take place in America are my preference (I would definitely accept western Canada) as they have the feel of organic, authentic storytelling to me.

7. Family-friendly westerns or edgier westerns?

I enjoy a similar comfort in both the family-friendly fare and the edgier films. I'm not sure what that says about my psyche but I'm going with the tough guys and gals on this one.

8. Straight-forward good guy or conflicted hero?

James Stewart in Winchester '73, 1950

While I still admire the straight-forward heroes I grew up with, it is those conflicted fellows who hold a lot of allure for me these days.

9. Historically accurate westerns or westerns that aren't afraid to take some creative liberties?

I am fascinated by the way filmmakers throughout the decades have taken liberties with the western genre to highlight or re-examine history as well as the times in which they were creating their films. The McCarthy era gave rise to High Noon and Silver Lode. The feminist movement presented opportunities to take the focus off of the men, in films like Cat Ballou and Johnny Guitar.

10. Bittersweet or happily-ever-after endings?

CITIES WITHIN CITIES: Union Station, 1950

Cities within cities fascinate creators and audiences. Consider the nightclub in Piccadilly, 1929, the business complex in Skyscraper Souls, 1932, and the transportation hub in The Terminal, 2004. The transportation mecca for our feature's setting is the Chicago Union Station, with the conveniently located Los Angeles Union Station playing the part.

Nancy Olson, William Holden

Lt. William "Tough Willy" (Don't call him "Willy!") Calhoun is the top cop at Union Station.

Calhoun: "It covers over six acres. Counting commuters, we handle about 80,000 people a day. That doesn't include the people who are just wandering through. You know, using the station for a shortcut."

Joyce Willecombe is a young woman, a witness, involved in a kidnapping case closely tied to Union Station. 

Joyce: "The job, your railroad station, that's all that counts. ... Yesterday you called yourself an ordinary citizen, but you're not. You're a policeman, 24 hours a day."

William Holden (Stalag 17) stars as Calhoun and Nancy Olson (Pollyanna) as Joyce. The Paramount Pair can be seen in four films released in a two-year period. Also from 1950 is Billy Wilder's acclaimed Sunset Blvd. which gave both Olson (supporting actress) and Holden (lead actor) Oscar nominations. 1951 would see the release of two war pictures, Submarine Command directed by John Farrow and Force of Arms directed by Michael Curtiz.

Joyce is an observant young woman, a secretary to wealthy Henry Murchison played by Herbert Heyes (A Place in the Sun). Joyce reported suspicious men on a train to the conductor who passed the information along to Calhoun at Union Station. Further investigation revealed that the men had kidnapped Murchison's daughter Lorna played by Allene Roberts (The Red House). Lorna's blindness adds a complication to the circumstances.

Union Station Headquarters

The case becomes a joint operation between the Union Station police and the City police led by Inspector Donnelly played by Barry Fitzgerald (The Sea Wolf). The Inspector has years of experience and a mouth full of clover. He speaks comfort to Mr. Murchison and jaded cynicism to those he commands. Nonetheless, every effort and then some are put into the investigation. 

Lyle Bettger, Allene Roberts

The mastermind of the crime is Joe Beacom played by Lyle Bettger (The Greatest Show on Earth). He is one of life's losers who spent five years in prison planning every detail of his "big score." The kidnapping requires the human element in that he must have underlings for grunt work and his girl Marge played by Jan Sterling (Ace in the Hole) to help with Lorna. The human element always means there is room for mistakes and in these conditions, mistakes can be deadly.

Union Station adopts some of the docudrama style popular at this time and it is fascinating to watch the tailing of a suspect through the elevated train system and to see the number of people and businesses being transacted at the station. Crooks making their living and the police patrolling and rounding them up. The passengers and passers-through are not aware of half of what is going on around them.

Barry Fitzgerald, William Holden

The film is not all work, although it occupies the thoughts and actions of all the characters. As a fan of actors working with props, I enjoy a scene at Donnelly's apartment where he fixes hot toddies for himself and Calhoun as they discuss the case, war, wives, and work. 

Donnelly: "Were you ever pinned down by mortar fire? In my time it was cannonballs, the kind they have on monuments now. But even then there was always someone, some foolish man who stood up and walked into it. That's how wars are won."

Sidney Boehm's (The Atomic City) screenplay was based on a story by Thomas Walsh (Pushover). Rudolph Mate, a five-time Oscar nominee for cinematography (Cover Girl) turned director (The Dark Past). His cinematographer's eye brings us many interesting angles from which to see the story, but not in the artsy way that they overwhelm the script.

Thomas E. Jackson

Union Station clocks in at just over 80 minutes which is filled with interesting scenes, absorbing characters and it all leads to an exciting, action-packed finale. Along the way, you will note many familiar faces including Edith Evanson, Queenie Smith, Kasey Rogers, Douglas Spencer, Byron Foulger, Ralph Byrd, Trevor Bardette, Harry Hayden, James Seay, Parley Baer, Dick Elliott, Robert Easton, and Robert Cornthwaite. The last time I watched the movie I spotted Thomas E. Jackson (Little Caesar) as a sharp-eyed detective.

The next time you have the opportunity to stroll through your city's Union Station to catch a train or watch the people, you'll think of this well-made movie and your imagination will work a little overtime.

Nancy Olson turns 93 on July 14th

Happy Birthday!

THE CHRISTOPTHER LEE BLOGATHON: How the West Was Won, 1978

Cinematic Catharsis and Realweegiemidget Reviews present The Christopher Lee Blogathon, May 21-23, 2021. Thank you, Barry and Gill.  Day 1   Day 2   Day 3

When the auspicious 20-year run of Gunsmoke came to an end, executive producer Toronto-born John Mantley, his star James Arness, and his writing and directing team turned to an epic television series inspired by the epic sweep of the 1962 film How the West Was Won. Set in the tumultuous years of the American Civil War, Zebulon Macahan, a respected frontier scout returns to Virginia to assist his brother's family in moving west to avoid the conflict. Avoiding the Civil War proves impossible, but the family does become part of the migration. 

The series premiered in 1976 with four episodes and concluded with 11 episodes in its third season in 1979. We are looking at the epic opening episodes of season 2 from 1978 with Christopher Lee among its distinguished guest cast.

Vickie Schreck (Jessie), Fionnula Flanagan (Molly), Kathryn Holcomb (Laura)

Bruce Boxleitner (Luke), James Arness (Zeb), William Kirby Cullen (Josh)

The stories of the Macahan family intersect throughout the story. The home base is a farm where those who remain are adjusting to the death of their mother Kate and the arrival of their Aunt Molly Culhane (Fionnula Flanagan - Emmy nominee). Laura becomes enamoured of a strong-willed Mormon (John Reilly) and they face the bigotry rampant toward the religious sect. Luke hits the trail running from a wronged past and the gunfighter's reputation he does not want. He will become involved with a canny sheriff (Lloyd Bridges) and his spitfire of a daughter (Elyssa Davlos). 

Christopher Lee (The Grand Duke), Horst Buchholz (Sergei)

Our multi-linguist actors and characters converse in Russian

Zeb Macahan is in the Dakotas where the State Department, through Major Drake (Peter Hansen) requests his expertise as a hunter and scout. A party of Russian noblemen led by The Grand Duke Dimitri (Christopher Lee), the Csar's brother no less, are making a grand tour. They wish to hunt; they wish to hunt buffalo, 200 or so kills should satisfy their plans. Zeb wants nothing to do with the entitled noblemen, particularly the arrogant nephew Sergei (Horst Buchholz). Zeb is friends with the Sioux and he will not trespass on their territory nor do anything to the buffalo stock so necessary to their survival. Zeb walks away from the government's "offer."

Trisha Noble (Valerie), Christopher Lee (The Grand Duke)

Major Drake turns to the talents of another scout Coulee John Brinkerhoff (Cameron Mitchell). Brinkerhoff hates all Indians and his agenda includes deliberate trespass of treaty lands and antagonizing the Sioux into a fight. Face to face with the Sioux, the Grand Duke understands the concept of discretion being the better part of valour while the hotheaded Sergei treats the Sioux as if they were Russian serfs. The result of the confrontation finds Sergei and his mistress Valerie (Trisha Noble) taken captive and one cavalry officer dead.

James Arness (Zeb), Ricardo Montalban (Santangkai)

The war chief of the Sioux, Santangkai (Ricardo Montalban - Emmy winner) is justifiably angry. He will keep the unlooked-for Russian hostages until the American government admits their intrusion onto Sioux land and the killing of the buffalo. He seeks retribution. Santangkai tells all of this to his friend Zeb Macahan, who will relay the terms of releasing the hostages to the man now in charge, General Stonecipher (Brian Keith). 

A small party of unarmed men from each side meets in a meadow to exchange cash and, on the part of the Americans, a cagily worded apology. It should have been a simple matter to complete the transaction. Sergei had plans of his own and once his hands were freed he rushed to whip Santangkai and found death at the hands of an outraged Sioux brave. A brave dies at the hands of a Russian guard. The outrage of the Grand Duke will of course be appeased by further violence sanctioned by his government hosts. Washington will be alerted and Washington will send orders.

Peter Hansen (Major Drake), Brian Keith (General Stonecipher), Van Williams (Captain MacAllister)

General Stonecipher has his own opinion on the circumstances. He knows they are in the wrong and therefore must assert themselves to save face. He will do his duty; he will not deny the facts. Zeb Macahan has his opinion and he leaves the Fort to offer his assistance to Satangkai. "Are you going to make the whole Sioux nation suffer because of one man, General? One man who was such a jackass, it was a miracle he didn't get killed years ago?"

Christopher Lee (The Grand Duke)

The Grand Duke has an opinion that he does not keep to himself. The trip to the American frontier has opened his eyes to much, and that much is that America is a failed experiment. "You! How dare you speak of Sergei in that manner? I will not tolerate this, General. Sergei lost his life as a direct result of this man's miscalculations and he is paid to know that the Savage can't be trusted. You cannot let him go. I insist that he be punished."

"You are fools, all of you. Do you really imagine that you can have a society where every man considers himself the equal of every other man? Where every serf and every peasant opposes his betters with impunity? Where a man like Macahan can defy your authority and walk away without any fear of being punished? No, gentlemen, this is folly, sheer folly. One day soon this nation will crash around your ears and I, for one, will await that day with great pleasure."

The story of the Grand Duke's royal tour and its repercussions plays out over the episodes Buffalo Story, Mormon Story, and Interlude. It is a tale of adventure, of loyalties, of sacrifice, and of shame.

(Caftan Woman is currently still in the hospital due to her transplant recovery. This post was published at her request by her daughter Janet.)

NATIONAL CLASSIC MOVIE DAY: 6 Films - 6 Decades Blogathon

National Classic Movie Day is supported annually by its founder Classic Film & TV Cafe hosting a blogathon. The 6 Films 6 Decades Blogathon invites participants to list one favourite film from each decade from the 1920s to 1970s or 1930s to 1980s. The goal is to highlight the incredible movies that were made during cinema's classic era. Let the May 16th festivities begin here!

The Mary Pickford Company presents the 1927 romantic comedy My Best Girl directed by Sam Taylor based on a story by Kathleen Norris with a screenplay by Tim Whelan and Allen McNeil.

Charles "Buddy" Rogers is Joe Grant, the boss's son who goes to work in the shipping department of the family's department store. Joe falls for a co-worker the poor, but honest and totally beguiling Maggie Johnson played by Mary Pickford. The fact that Maggie's beau isn't who she thinks he is may be the least of the complications on their road to a happy ending. They have to deal with Joe's high society mother and fiancee. Maggie's problematic family includes her theatre-mad flapper sister, overbearing mom, and indolent pop.

My Best Girl is sweet without being cloying, and funny in its ring-true characterizations. The chemistry between Mary and Buddy is touching and joyful.

Twentieth Century Fox presents the 1937 musical comedy On the Avenue directed by Roy Del Ruth based on a story by Irving Berlin and a screenplay by Gene Markey and William Conselman.

Dick Powell stars as the writer and star of a Broadway revue not dissimilar to Irving Berlin's As Thousands Cheer. A popular skit lampoons the wealthy Caraway family and Mimi, "the richest girl in America" played by Madeleine Carroll is not amused. Sparks fly between the heiress and the entertainer. Can movie romance and its inherent misunderstandings be far behind? 

On the Avenue introduced the standard I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm and a lovely ballad for Alice Faye in This Year's Kisses. The Ritz Brothers are hilariously awesome in the dance number He Ain't Got Rhythm. Cora Witherspoon, George Barbier, Alan Mowbray, and Walter Catlett are among the outstanding comedic supporting cast.

In a decade filled with outstanding musicals, On the Avenue with its humour, songs, and outstanding performers should take its place among the best remembered.

Twentieth Century Fox presents the 1941 drama How Green Was My Valley directed by John Ford based on Richard Llewellyn's novel with a screenplay by Philip Dunne.

Leaving his hometown young Huw Morgan narrates the story of the life he has known in a Welsh mining town, his strong and loving parents, his brothers and sister, and the tumultuous times, personally and historically that affect them all. 

John Ford's movie is filled with those big and small moments that create life. How Green Was My Valley is worthy of its ten Oscar nominations and five wins including Best Picture. If it had not won a single award, it would still be remembered and rediscovered as a true classic. Let the singers take you away.

J. Arthur Rank Organisation and Sirius Productions present the 1953 comedy Genevieve directed by Henry Cornelius on a story and screenplay by William Rose.

"For their patient co-operation the makers of this film express their thanks to the officers and members of the Veteran Car Club of Great Britain. Any resemblance between the deportment of our characters and any club members is emphatically denied --- by the Club."

Our delightful stars Dinah Sheridan, John Gregson, Kay Kendall, and Kenneth More take us on a weekend jaunt from London to Brighton and back in antique automobiles. There is positively no racing involved, no romantic hi-jinks, jealousies, or imprudent wagers. The club would not allow it! A highlight among all the highlights of Genevieve is the score by Larry Adler. 

Cherokee Productions presents the 1969 comedy-western Support Your Local Sheriff! directed by Burt Kennedy and written by William Bowers.

James Garner stars as Jason, a traveler who is passing through a suddenly gold-rich town in need of a lawman. Jason is in need of money so this is a perfect match. All he has to do is deal with an indecisive town council, the Danby clan of dangerous repute, various paid gunmen, and Miss Prudy Perkins. Joan Hackett is perfection as Prudy. The cast is made up of talented character actors familiar to us from hundreds of movies from Willis Bouchey to William Tannen. It's old home week for film fans! 

When the creator of Seven Men from Now (Kennedy) and The Gunfighter (Bowers) combine their experience to spoof the western genre you are guaranteed that it will be the last word on the subject. By my reckoning, Support Your Local Sheriff! pokes genial fun at My Darling Clementine, Red River, Winchester '73, Rio Bravo, High Noon, and McLintock! Let me know what I've missed.

G.W. Films Limited presents the 1974 crime classic Murder on the Orient Express directed by Sidney Lumet from Paul Dehn and Anthony Shaffer's screenplay of Agatha Christie's novel.

Albert Finney is the famed Belgian detective Hercule Poirot traveling the famed train of the title. It should be out of season, but the train is packed with passengers. It should be a simple passage but a man, hated though he may be, is slain in the night. Where there is a murder victim there must be a murderer. Will that murderer remain hidden from the great detective? 

Everything about Murder on the Orient Express is first-class opulence from its all-star cast to its lush score from Richard Rodney Bennett and Tony Walton's eye-filling production and costume design. Viewing it on the big screen was a thrill and it evinced a unique feeling of nostalgia at that time that has grown over the years.

(Caftan Woman is currently still in the hospital due to her transplant recovery. This post was published at her request by her daughter Janet.)

BING'S BIRTHDAY MOVIE: Just for You, 1952

Bing Crosby stars as Jordan Blake, a successful producer, composer, director, andentertainer. A widower for ten years, romance has entered his life in the form of musical star Carolina Hill played by Jane Wyman. Blake has not intentionally neglected his children, it is simply that he has been a very busy man and suddenly they are growing out of childhood, and he is suddenly aware that his relationships with Jerry played by Robert Arthur and Barbara played by Natalie Wood are rocky at best or at their worst, non-existent.

Robert Arthur, Natalie Wood, Bing Crosby

Jerry wants to write music and get out from under the shadow of his acclaimed parent. Jerry is experienced love for the first time, and the object of his affection is Carolina Hill whom he believes returns his love. Jerry is so blinded by it all that he doesn't see the relationship between Carolina and his father.

Barbara's problem is less troublesome than Jerry's. We are told that she has been "hard on governesses" and the latest one, Miss Angevine played by Cora Witherspoon is a tippler. However, Miss Angevine has put in Barbara's head the notion of the benefits of an exclusive girl's school, St. Hilary's. Barbara sees in such an institution the guidance her life has lacked and the joyful camaraderie of peers. 

Ethel Barrymore, Bing Crosby

Barbara's problem is easily solved when her father makes the acquaintance of St. Hilary's headmistress Miss de Bronkhart played by Ethel Barrymore. The school isn't as deadset against "show biz folk" as they had been led to believe. Jerry's broken heart will not be so easily mended. He must find his own way.

The emotional crux of the movie relies on Robert Arthur as Jerry and he shoulders the burden well. Natalie Wood, at 12 years of age, seems to have skipped the awkward stage that plagues youngsters. She had some inner magic, not attributable to Hollywood magic. Jane Wyman is bubbly and caring as the musical star, wearing the best of Edith Head gowns and seemingly having a grand time. Bing, as always, makes it look oh-so-easy.

Songs in Just for You, including the title ballad are by Harry Warren and Leo Robin. Production numbers from Blake's hit show showcase talented dancers choreographed by Helen Tamiris and beautifully costumed. 

Jane Wyman, Julie Newmar in the background, Bing Crosby

Zing a Little Zong is a catchy tune and presented at a party to celebrate opening night. Bing and Jane appear to be having almost as much fun as they did with the Oscar winner In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening in the previous year's Here Comes the Groom. In fact, the new song did get itself an Oscar nomination, losing to Dimitri Tiomkin and Paul Francis Webster's Ballad of High Noon. Click on the link above to enjoy the song from the movie and give yourself a bonus point for spotting Julie Newmar (in the photo above), her first year in the movies. She is easy to spot in the big dance production numbers.

Bing Crosby, Jane Wyman

Just for You is a sumptuous treat for the eyes thanks to George Barnes Technicolor cinematography, and a treasure of mid-century design in sets and costumes. Robert Carson's (A Star is Born) screenplay is based on Famous, a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet. 

Elliott Nugent (The Male Animal) directed the movie, the final of three with Bing Crosby including She Loves Me Not, 1934, and Welcome, Stranger, 1947 (plus Bing's cameo in My Favorite Brunette, 1947).

Bonus treat:

Here's Bing and Ben Lessy performing a little number at the St. Hilary's tea and recital. On the 10:10 (from Ten-Ten-Tennessee).

CAFTAN WOMAN'S CHOICE: ONE FOR MAY ON TCM

Isolation, illness, and fear; humanity's history and misery can be tracked through its battle with plagues. Isle of the Dead is a 1945 release from the Val Lewton production unit at RKO, noted for their non-traditional horror tales. The movie is a character study of people grappling with overwhelming disaster.

Swiss artist Arnold Bocklin's 1883 work Isle of the Dead inspired the film. Ardel Wray (I Walked with a Zombie), Josef  Mischel (Prison Ship), and uncredited Val Lewton wrote the story and screenplay. Film editor turned director Mark Robson (Bright Victory) proved himself adept at the relatively modest tales released by the unit. Cinematographer Jack MacKenzie (Two O'Clock Courage), in films since the teens, worked in B films for the studio and helped create the shadowy atmosphere.

Marc Cramer, Boris Karloff

Our setting is 1912, the War of the Balkans. The battlefield is strewn with corpses and the threat of plague is in the air. General Pherides played by Boris Karloff is an old campaigner and a stern officer. Marc Cramer plays Oliver Davis, a war correspondent from Boston assigned to follow the General. He will follow him to an island cemetery to pay respects to the General's long dead wife.

Skelton Knaggs, Jason Robards Sr., Boris Karloff

The Island and its odd component of residents are placed under quarantine when funny little Andrew Robbins played by Skelton Knaggs. The traveler only wanted to return to the sound of Bow Bells, but he staggered to his death on the desolate island. The army physician Dr. Drossos played by Ernst Deutsch issues the quarantine orders and instructions regarding hygiene and distancing yourself from others. Once contracted, there is no cure for the illness. Hope is held out in a watch for the warm sirocco which will clear the area of fleas. 

Jason Robards Sr., Ernst Deutsch, Boris Karloff

The owner of the home belongs to an archeologist, Mr. Albrecht played by Jason Robards Sr. He does not discount the doctor's science, but steeped in an antiquarian's mindset he amusingly says he will pray to the god Hermes, and see who helps their plight first. 

Ellen Drew, Katherine Emery, Alan Napier

A married couple, the St. Aubyns played by Alan Napier and Katherine Emery have secrets to keep and to share, involving Mrs. St. Aubyn's delicate health. Thea played by Ellen Drew is a companion to Mary St. Aubyn. The St. Aubyns love and trust the young woman, but Madame Kyra played by Helene Thimig is suspicious, perhaps jealous, of the younger woman's blooming health.

Helene Thimig, Boris Karloff

Kyra spreads old country superstitions about the evil spirit of the undead vorvolakas. In her eyes, Thea is to blame for the troubles that have befallen them. Sensing a kindred soul in Pherides, Kyra turns the General against Thea.

Death, fear of death, superstition, and fear of the unknown are among the plagues that come to the small island. Will the wind change? Will it be too late? 

Boris Karloff

RKO Studios and Boris Karloff had a felicitous teaming in the mid-1940s when the actor appeared in a series of pictures for the B unit run by producer Val Lewton. "B" in budget and expectations, but "A" in the care given, the ensemble casts, and Boris Karloff following his phenomenal Broadway success with Arsenic and Old Lace. The pictures include one of his finest performances as the grave robber Gray in The Body Snatcher, the sadistic Master Simms in Bedlam, and General Pherides in our picture. Karloff also struts his stuff in a 1947 release for the studio, Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome.

TCM is screening Isle of the Dead during the daytime of Tuesday, May 18. Islands figure prominently in the lineup which includes Robinson Crusoe, The Most Dangerous Game, and The Little Hut. 

So, what did I miss?

 

"What a story! Everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end."

- All About Eve, 1950

Multi-organ transplant unit at Toronto General Hospital April 8 - April 27, 2021

All patients bring their greatest hopes and greatest fears to the hospital but there is something surreal about hanging your hopes on an object foreign to your own body. 

The surgical team, considering my complication of not having a bladder (lost to cancer years ago) proclaimed the operation "Challenging, exciting, and ultimately elegant." Personally, I have never felt less elegant in my life! Nonetheless, I am grateful and in awe of the skill and dedication of the staff at the hospital.

I am more than grateful for my beautiful family and friends whose love and support sustained me during the rollercoaster ride and will continue to do so as this crazy ride continues. My wonderful online friends from CMBA, Old Movie Weirdos all, and inspiring bloggers who share our passion for classic films keep it real and touch my heart. A kidney was generously donated and it is my job to care for it. (Send Swiffer Dusters!)

It will take a while for my energy to return, but I am back!

Postscript July, 2021: 

It took quite a while for my energy to return, and it is not quite up to capacity yet. Two months back in hospital and rehab have taken a toll and given me a bit of my old life back. The journey continues.