‘How the Stritch Stole Christmas"

Courtesy of Langley Studios:

“Every one down on Broadway liked Christmas a lot.

But the Stritch who lived just north of Broadway, on Mount Carlyle, did not!

This Bats Langley Studios parody is meant in the spirit of playful caricature of the great Elaine Stritch. Miss Stritch is an inspiration. Merry Christmas, and we hope you enjoy.

Thank you to Nick Clark-Spear for lending his vocals and lyrical talents, Dr. Seuss for creating such a perfect foundation for the parody, and Ms. Stritch, Ms. Chenoweth, Ms. Cook and Mr. Grey for providing the inspiration for this venture.”

It’s a bit mean-spirited, and I don’t agree with their assessment of At Liberty at all, but I couldn’t help but laugh… (sort of like the cut Family Guy bit). Speaking of Stritch and Christmas, the promos for 30 Rock don’t seem to have our annual appearance from the sardonic legend. Anyone know if she’s going to be on this season?

Angela Lansbury, Archive of American Television Part I

The Archive of American Television has been compiling an oral history of television. The organization has spent the last decade or so filming in depth interviews with icons of the medium discussing every aspect of their life from birth to the present. You get a glimpse at actor’s childhood experiences, what made them become actors, their experiences in training and the various stepping stones of their careers. This week in a department from the norm, I’m going to be posting one clip of the Archive’s 1998 interview with Angela Lansbury each day leading up to her opening night in the Broadway revival of A Little Night Music this Sunday. Though, given all that the acclaimed actress has achieved in the last eleven years, I think the AAT should consider giving Ms. Lansbury another reel.

This first part covers the actress’ childhood and early life in England up until her family’s emigration to America in 1940:

Patricia Routledge Talks "1600 Pennsylvania Avenue"

Upon the premiere of A White House Cantata in 1997, Humphrey Burton wrote a detailed feature on the history of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue called “The House That Alan and Leonard Built,” for July 5, 1997 issue of the British newspaper “The Independent.” The piece talks about the show’s short-lived chaos from Philadelphia to New York. For the article, Burton talked with original star Patricia Routledge about her experience on the show and she offered these words:

Despite the heartache and the humiliation, the celebrated actress and comedienne Patricia Routledge says she wouldn’t have missed the opportunity to work with Bernstein for worlds. “Lenny gave you his respect if you knew your job. Wonderful to work with. Inspiring. But he was saddled with genius and genius can be monstrous. It was a heart-breaking tragedy, really. When we opened in Philly it was an impasse of the worst kind; nobody would cut a line of dialogue or a note of music. Basically you cannot write a musical about a house. A friend said it was like watching a great prehistoric animal lumbering across the stage but there were moments of dazzling light… When it really came to life was when the human element was allowed to emerge. `Take Care of This House’, for example, that’s a beautiful lyrical piece [sung by Mrs Abigail Adams, the first incumbent first lady]. And in the second act, there’s an absolutely genius number called `Duet for One’ – two first ladies, the incumbent Julia Grant and the incoming Lucy Hayes, waiting for the presidential election result, a wonderful cliff- hanger presented in Busby Berkeley fashion, surrounded by lots of ladies with parasols.”

Quote of the Day: Angela Lansbury

“I mean, there are times when you walk into that dressing room and you think, ‘I can’t do this. I cannot do this.’ And it’s a curious thing: When you sit down in front of that mirror and you pick up that first piece of makeup and you start to apply it – you see how I immediately go under the eyes? First thing! – and suddenly, you transform yourself into that person who is capable of going on stage and delivering that performance. And you do it, and yes, you can. Yes, I can! Yes, I can!”

“I’d like to do one great movie before I pass along the way,” she said. “I don’t know what it’ll be. But I think there’s one out there somewhere.”

Angela Lansbury, in her sit-down interview with Katie Couric on CBS Sunday Morning.

31 Days of Oscar: 2010 Edition


It’s an annual TV event that I take great pleasure in every winter, and I’m not even talking the Oscar ceremony. Every year to celebrate the annual Academy Awards, Turner Classic Movies has its “31 Days of Oscar.” Here’s some further info direct from TCM:

The 2010 edition of the month-long event will feature 360 Academy Award®-nominated and winning movies, all presented uncut and commercial-free. The month’s schedule is designed so that each movie is linked to the next movie in the lineup through a shared actor or actress.

“31 Days of Oscar” will begin Monday, Feb. 1, at 6 a.m. (ET) with Kevin Bacon and James Coco in Only When I Laugh (1981). Coco and Harry Andrews will then be featured in Man of La Mancha (1972) at 8:15 a.m., followed by Andrews in 55 Days at Peking (1963) at 10:30 a.m. The festivities will continue linking from movie to movie, one star at a time, throughout the month. The final movie in the festival, Diner (1982), starring Bacon, will bring the entire month full circle.

TCM host Robert Osborne, who is also the official biographer of the Academy Awards and the Academy’s red carpet greeter, will host 31 DAYS OF OSCAR, which will mark its 16th year on Turner Classic Movies. The 2010 edition will feature 22 films making their debut on TCM, including Gladiator (2000), Titanic (1997), Mrs. Brown (1997), A Room with a View (1985), Trading Places (1983), Frances (1982), Only When I Laugh (1981), Alien (1979), Julia (1977), Serpico (1973), Lady Sings the Blues (1972), Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967), An American Dream (1966), Morituri (1965), Summertime (1955), Call Me Madam (1953), The Snake Pit (1948), Moonrise (1948), Kiss of Death (1947), Kitty (1945), Alexander’s Ragtime Band (1938) and One Hour with You (1932).

The Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2009 will be presented live on Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center® and televised live by the ABC Television Network. The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

Click here for the complete schedule.