Waldina

Eighty years ago today, the film Citizen Kane was released. It was a box office flop and openly booed at the Academy Awards that year, but it received Best Picture at the New York Film Critics Circle Award and Best Film from the National Board of Review. Not until RKO sold it’s library to television in 1956 and it started appearing in people’s homes and the rerelease in theaters did the recognition of the film start to change. It is continually on the top, if not the top of every best film of all time list for it’s subject matter, it’s cinematography, writing, and acting. I first saw it in high school in a film appreciation class, but then sought it out in a theater showing. You should do the same if you ever see it listed. It’s dark and cold, lonely, and beautiful.

Sixty-four years ago today, the film Desk Set premiered. This a very perfect mid-century film (even with it’s 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating), the sets, the clothing, the actors. It is just one of the most wonderful experiences to view. I also think it is a great holiday film. You must see it.

Today is the 116th birthday of the silent film actress, model, and vaudevillian Leila Hyams. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

This episode is also available as a blog post.

Thirty-three years ago today, the film Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story premiered. Often bootlegged, this film is a cult classic for several reasons. A toy company, a record label, and a family all sued to have the film pulled. It worked in halting the formal showings, but failed in halting the cult status. The entire film is posted below.

Today is the 121st birthday of the actor David Manners. He had ten exceptionally productive years in Hollywood and then walked away. Great story. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 95th birthday of the actress Cloris Leachman. She has had a life and is still grinding. You have to love and appreciate longevity. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 88th birthday of the poet Rod McKuen. Anna Cottage requested we celebrate his life and I am more than happy to oblige. He was prolific. His words are part of the American cultural collective. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 122nd birthday of the musician Duke Ellington. His music is the soundtrack to the American experience. You know more Duke Ellington songs than you know. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 113th birthday of of a rebel, a saint and a Righteous Gentile:  Oskar Schindler. How do you calculate the number of lives that exist today because he was brave enough to save the lives of 1,100 Jewish people from World War II. How many lives have been changed by his example of standing up for what is right? The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 93rd birthday of the French artist Yves Klein.  His influence in the minimalist discipline is undeniable.  His vision has pushed the art world forward.  The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.