American history books rarely mention alcoholism as a significant historical issue. From the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock to the presidency of Richard Nixon, liquor influenced and continues to influence American society and politics. Susan Cheever has excellent credentials, having written extensively about her own battle with alcoholism and that of her father, the writer John … [Read more...]
Remembering Bacall: An interview with one tough cookie
I once worked for a newspaper in Washington, D.C. that spent extravagantly to say the least. It preferred to fly me to interview celebrities that I could talk to almost as productively, and certainly more cost-effectively, on the telephone. The thought is prompted by the death this week of the legendary Lauren Bacall, at 89, of stroke complications. Thirty years ago, I flew … [Read more...]
Appreciation: Elaine Stritch (1925-2014)
Outspoken and ascerbic, with a singing voice that was commanding yet gravelly, Elaine Stritch, 89, had a show business career that spanned seven decades. Alcoholic and diabetic, a lethal combination, she came close to death on several occasions, but died on Thursday out of the spotlight in her home state of Michigan, where she went for a retirement that few who knew her … [Read more...]
‘ParaNorman’ creators say it’s a zombie film with a message
Co-directors Sam Fell and Chris Butler dedicate their new stop-action animated feature, ParaNorman, to the misfits of the world. If they only attract moviegoers who felt they were different when they were growing up, their film will be a huge success. As they put it during a recent promotional stop in Miami, they created this tale of a outcast kid with a talent for seeing … [Read more...]