And I Still Love Lucy

Saw three great classic "B" films from the early 1940s, starring Lucille Ball.  Before the television comedy, Miss Ball was an actress at RKO studios, making dramatic, comedic and even musical films. The three films are The Big Street; Dance, Girl, Dance; and Dubarry Was A Lady.  Ironically, in all three films she portrays an entertainer in either a nightclub or burlesque theatre, something that her latter persona, Lucy Ricardo, would not be allowed to do thanks to Ricky.  
The Big Street is a drama based on a short story "Little Pinks" by Damon Runyon, you know, the creator of the Guys and Dolls characters.  In this film, Miss Ball portrays a singer in a supper club, Gloria Lyons.  She wants riches, good food, jewels, etc.  Her boyfriend is a mob leader.  She meets a busboy, Little Pinks (Henry Fonda) and somehow their lives intertwine in an interesting way.  She earns the nickname "Your Highness" and it sticks with her throughout the film.  As luck would have it, Gloria wants to go out with other men; her boyfriend does not think so.  He slaps her hard that she falls down some stairs and is hurt badly- paralyzed from the waist down.  Little Pinks wants to help her in any way he can- he is smitten with her.  Miss Ball's character is so bitchy, a far cry from her comedy persona.  She does not like being taken care of by Pink and his neighbors.  She cannot see how kindness can help one get through a personal hell.  She wants to go to Miami Beach and Pinks helps her achieve this dream.  She is after a millionaire, by the way, who does not want damaged goods.  Many other things happen and towards the end Gloria realizes how good she has had it with Mr. Pinks.  By the way, have that box of tissue at hand.  Among the supporting players is one Agnes Moorehead- young and witty. And I swear there is a young Hans Conreid as a head waiter of the supper club.  Hmm.
Next, Dance, Girl, Dance with Maureen O'Hara, Ralph Bellamy and Maria Ouspenskaya.  Miss Ball's character in this film is Bubbles.  She's a dancer, a rather good one, in a club that doubles as an illegal gambling joint.  Her best friend, Judy, is also a chorine.  Both lose their jobs and return to New York City.  Judy aspires to dance in the ballet.  In New York they return to a dance school run by Maria Ouspenskaya, a classic character actress, wherein she must lower her standards and teach her students the hula.  Judy does not have the "oomph" needed to work in a club; Bubbles lands a job in New Jersey, eventually becoming a headliner in a burlesque theatre.  It's a great comedy and Judy works hard to achieve her dream.  There is a great "cat fight" between Judy and Bubbles.  No tissues for this one, just laugh and feel good.
Lastly Dubarry Was A Lady a hilarious musical comedy co-starring Red Skelton and Gene Kelly, and Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra.  In a supporting role, a young and not so chubby Zero Mostel.  The story opens in a nightclub (yes, again) and Lucy is a headliner.  Red Skelton and Gene Kelly are in love with her.  The first 45 or so minutes are in New York, then a trip back in time to Paris in the 18th Century where we meet Madame Dubarry and her control of Louis XV.  Three Cole Porter songs are used in the film, which is based on a Broadway stage version.  Miss Ball's voice is dubbed for the opening song, but her real voice is used in the finale, Friendship.  It is funny and filmed in lush technicolor.  You can see her red hair fire up each scene she is in.  
So, check out these films for a chance to see Lucy before she became the Lucy we all know and love.  Some of the lines are dated, so it's good to know your American history or slang from the times.

With So Many Things To Be Thankful

Thanksgiving 2009.  So many things to be thankful for.  My job.  My friends here in the Bay Area and in Cathedral City.   Reconnecting with long lost friends.  My family.  The children I teach.  Somewhat in good health.  New friend from Spain.  Yes, so many things to be thankful for.  I look forward to a nice, long weekend...to rest, work a little, and get ready for the next holiday.  Thank you to the readers of this blog; this blog that can be silly or serious.  Yes, so many wonderful things to be thankful for.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Jonathan Livingston Seagull- Where Are You?

The weekend was spectacular. Was able to go to Half Moon Bay, a quite pleasant seaside community some 30 miles south of San Francisco. Friday afternoon and all Saturday the weather was clear, cool and delightful. We stayed at a friend's home and just enjoyed the peace, quiet and ocean views. At night the stars were in their galactic glory. Sagittarius being a major highlight of the night sky. We had dinner Friday night at a nice Italian restaurant downtown. We shopped at Safeway for the foods needed for the weekend; yours truly the chef for the weekend. Saturday we walked along the beach and breathed the great cool, salty air. Boy, did the lungs feel good. As I stated, the weather was cool, sweater weather actually. We walked along a path and met the locals and other tourist. I must say the locals are very, very friendly. They say hello, unlike the city where everyone minds their own business. Went to Mass at the local Catholic church, Our Lady of the Pillar. Quiet, no cell phones going off, no kids running up and down the aisles...total bliss.

There is a small shopping center and I must give kudos the to the bookstore located there. One of the small, independent book stores. Friendly and lots of books to choose from.

If ever in this part of NorCal, you must make it a point to spend a day in this hamlet. On Highway 1. Words cannot adequately express nor describe this town- it's a must see place.

The Charity of Christ Crucified Urges Us On

Her name was Sister Louise Camous, D.C. She was my principal. Last Friday evening, around 9:45 she passed away after a long, turbulent and painful ordeal with cancer. She was my principal for the school year 2008-2009 and she was starting her mission this year, but her body and superiors decided she should take a medical leave. She was not doing well and was on oxygen. The last time I saw her was on Saturday the 10th of October. She looked exhausted, but was pleased to see me and another co-worker from the school.

She was a tough cookie to work for. A professional at all times, strict, a sense of humor, and a deep spiritual devotion to God and her religious community. We became friends, much to the "bad mouthing" of my close co-workers. It hurt a lot to see people close to me referring to me as a kiss ass. Everyone would be quiet when I entered the room, thinking I'd snitch. That's not me and Sister Louise knew what was going on. My co-workers will never understand why she and I became friends. I like to talk to people; be friendly. And I do sign a piece of paper called a contract and must do everything I sign on for. Loyalty can get you into trouble, but who cares! My mother always said if I signed something, to keep my name clean. But, as usual, I digress.

Sister Louise believed in me, I suppose. I started using computers in the classroom, with my notorious WebWednesdays, wherein the kids would do webquests or research. As long as everything in the curriculum was covered, my classes could do work on the computers. She loved the use of technology in the classroom. She wanted her teachers to grow professionally and beyond the textbooks. After all, we are in the 21st century!

One more thing. She accepted a distant relative, who is in my class now. Apparently another school did not like her test scores, and Sister Louise said that we did not operate like that. We give a child the chance to do his or her best; that's why we're here- to help children who are struggling, not like other schools who want the creme de la creme. The day she accepted her, I saw the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac in person.

I will miss her somewhat sarcastic jokes; her knowledge of science fiction movies and her lesson plan checks. I only worked with her for a year, but I made a friend, among many in her community. She is at peace now, and I am sure a new guardian angel for my school.

If you've ever seen The Trouble With Angels towards the end, when Sister Ligouri passes away and Rev. Mother reacts- well, that's how I feel at this moment.

Rest In Peace, Sister Louise!

Hooray for Hollywood

Just a short entry. Thanks to FaceBook I reconnected with a friend who worked at my school about 9 years ago. Well, he moved to LA and received his MSW at UCLA. Well, it's good to know he remembers me, my insanity and our mutual admiration of cinema. As of right now I am contemplating a quick trip to visit for a weekend and to chat up movies. I suggested Universal Studios- he's never been. A movie or two was suggested and visiting the eternal celluloid shrine, Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Here's hoping my boss will give me a personal day! As Roger Rabbit would say, "Ppppppplease!"

Veterans Day 2009

In the 60s, whilst in elementary school, it was called Armistice Day. A day to remember- the treaty signed to end World War One- the war to end all wars. Today in our nation it is Veterans Day, a day to remember the veterans, dead and alive, who have served this nation with honor. Many of us are against wars, even a militia- but, I suppose, it is a necessary thing to have men and women at the ready to defend one's nation. I fly my flag today in honor of these heroic beings. My brothers Sergio and Roger served in Vietnam, as well as my good friend Jim Ellison. Jim Ravenell served in Desert Storm, back in the early 1990s. My nephew Cesar served in Iraq, twice. I have students I taught that have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and luckily they have come back; as well as parents of students I've taught. God bless you men and women and know you are thanked and remembered.

Haul Out the Holly

It's amazing! Halloween just ended and now it's time to break out the traditional holiday cheer. My friend in Spain mentioned that the stores are already selling the turron which is a popular Spanish treat during the holidays. I am sure it is popular in all the Americas where Spanish is spoken. Then there is the Italian panetone which is so delish. And what about our good old cookies and holiday confections made in the good ol' U.S. of A? Going through the large warehouse stores it is already a child's dream to see all the goodies that will prevail at holiday parties...chocolates, nuts, dried fruit, fruitcake, ciders, egg nogs...the list is endless. No matter what problems we face, the holidays are times where fun is to be had, relationships reconcile, and a super good reason to chow down and forget the calories...until the new year resolutions creep up. Enjoy with moderation. Have a cup of cheer. Read A Christmas Carol. Donate toys to those who won't have them. Be nice to everyone!!

Haul out the holly;

Put up the tree before my spirit falls again.

Fill up the stocking,

I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.

For we need a little Christmas

Right this very minute,

Candles in the window,

Carols at the spinet...

"We Need A Little Christmas"

from the musical Mame

Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman

Oh when the Saints go marchin' in

All Hallowed's Evening is over. Today is the feast of All Hallows...all Saints. In Christendom, a day to remember all the holy, blessed and saintly beings who lived, or tried to live, a good life.

We're all capable of reaching saintliness, sainthood, etc. If you've done wonderful things in your life and people, friends, loved ones all thank you...you are a saint. Hey, just for reading the rantings in this blog, you have achieved sainthood. God bless you; the universe bless you.