Whitney Houston...to star in "Sparkle" remake! Star vehicle?

Word out of Whitney Houston's camp is that the Pop Diva has signed on to star in a remake of "Sparkle" in a sly effort to salvage a floundering image in the music biz in recent years.

The plot revolves around a singing trio - and a whirlwind of trials and tribulations they face - on their meteoric rise to pop stardom in the heady days of the 60's in Motown.

The well-mined territory sounds a little familiar, doesn't it?

Stay posted for drug overdoses - er - career updates as the details unfold in coming weeks!

Break a leg, Whitney.

Ryan Seacrest...perky jock to transform HDNet into Music Hub! AXS TV!

Rumors persist about perky Ryan Seacrest - in the mouths of many? - once again.

Up until late last week, gossip mongers were speculating that the effervescent disc jockey - and stylish man-about-town - would be slipping to the hosting seat currently being kept warm by Matt Lauer (getting the boot).

Now, the buzz has reared its ugly head, once again.

Handlers are whispering that Seacrest intends to breathe new life into HDNet - the floundering cable entity - and resurrect the rich media outlet into - voila! - a newly-formed entertainment outlet to be known as AXS TV.

The hyper high-profile kid is expected to focus on live! concerts and pop culture bill-of-fare, according to my sources.

Stay posted for updates, eh?

Dr. Robert M. Walley...D.D.S. rip-off dentist! Consumers beware of fraud & Deceptive Business Practices!

Well, it's obvious that dentists did not acquire their bad reputations - and mercenary images - for no good reason.

In fact - when it comes to Dr. Robert M. Walley D.D.S. - the word out of the San Francisco Bay area is that poential patients should not only take heed of the old-familiar saying - consumer beware - but run the other way!

After all, Dr. Walley - and his staff in particular - are basically disreputable low-lifes with a license to rip folks off!

You'd think that in these troubling economic times, professionals like Walley - who have the gumption to call themselves "care givers" -  would have some compassion on the needy instead of trying to take advantage of their misfortune with the ultimate aim of fleecing 'em in the underhanded process.

According to my sources, Dr. Walley doesn't give a damn about providing professional quality service, one bit.

He and his staff are simply out to line their pockets with their ill-gotten gains at the expense of their unwitting clients.

Notwithstanding, Walley and his gang of merry thieves also routinely engage in fraud and deceptive business practices - and that, too - is shocking in-of-itself.

For example, although patients appear on time for their appointments in good faith, Dr. Wally's staff proceed to treat them dishonestly and unprofessional with an eye on the bottom line only.

In fact, patients have complained that once they set up an appointment for emergency dental work - and settle in to the dentist's chair - Dr. Walley and his disreputable staff move in for the kill.

When a patient notes reveals that a tooth has been broken "up front", for instance, the individual is smooth-talked into proceeding with treatment right away to prevent further complications, infection, and so-forth-and-so-on.

But, when they balk at the prices (one Wally technician pressured a patient to cough up $540 for a partial cleaning in one side of the mouth), Walley proceeds to use a little psychology - and insults the patient - in a deceitful effort to pressure them into springing for the outrageous overpriced dental work.

"You can't go walking around looking like a derelict," he flippantly laments in a nasty tone of voice.

Under the false pretense that the dental staff are actually concerned about the well-being and overall health of the individual, they try to pressure the potential "victim" into writing a check for the full sum in spite of the fact the individual may have insurance.

Uh-huh!

The greedy bastards can't wait to get paid by the Insurance carrier. They want their money upfront right away, no matter what the hardship, for the client.

It was all just a clever ploy to get the injured - who are understandably emotionally-charged and upset under the circumstances - in the door right away so they can start bilking them out of their hard-earned cash without any guilt.

Patients are ushered into an examination room with the understanding that the surgery will commence right away once the X-rays are taken.

Wrong!

Walley and his staff proceed to demand $203.00 (and upwards) for an examination fee and practically boot the sorry soul out of their office on their sorry if they refuse to pay up.

Their actions constitute fraud, after all, since failure to disclose is illegal conduct in the U.S.

And, the list of grievances goes on and on, you betcha!

I say, you can probably get a set of pearly whites elsewhere for half the price.

Amen!

"Gilda"...Rita Hayworth a knock-out in flawed Film Noir classic!

Film buffs tossed the chilling winter doldrums aside the other night and hot-footed it down to the Castro Theater to catch a Noir City screening of "Gilda" starring effervescent Rita Hayworth.

The atmosphere in the Art Deco movie house was electrically-charged as fans of the B-list genre poured over delightful memorabilia from the 40's era from whence the Noir films were originally coined, sipped on potent cocktails (demon Bourbon, for starters), and strutted their stand-out period threads (sparked up with wide boldly-patterned festive cravats, eye-catching suspenders, and rakish Fedoras).

The two classic films -"Gilda" and "The Money Trap" (both starring gorgeous actress Rita Hayworth and handsome Glenn Ford) - were a big draw.

Obviously, it was the charms of the charismatic twosome, that lured in die-hard fans (who proceeded to pack the exquisitely-decorated revival house no problem).

For the legendary "Rita Hayworth", "Gilda" was a break-out role that cemented her fame in film archives around the globe as one of the great "Love Goddesses" of that (or any other) glittering Hollywood era.

In one mesmerizing show-stopping scene (in which the breathtaking bombshell warbles about the 1906 San Francisco "quake") when "Gilda" breaks out into song - and a spectacular sizzling-hot dance routine - the sultry siren literally brought the house down.

In fact, it was no doubt the dazzling allure of Ms. Hayworth's ravishing beauty - and remarkable acting gifts - that turned her precious-little screen time into a handful of the most memorable moments on celluloid in film history.

Glenn Ford was outstanding, too, but - at times - the awkward-looking lead actor was unable to truly hold his own against Ms. Hayworth's luminous screen persona.

In spite of the fact the movie is often considered a work of perfection by critics and fans alike, "Gilda" is flawed in many respects, though.

Indeed, the direction by Charles Vidor - who was usually a master at the helm - was often downright sloppy.

For example, in one scene Gilda dashes up a grand staircase, then, half-turns to hurl a couple of quips back at her co-star.

Unfortunately, Vidor neglected to advise Ms. Hayworth to take a baby step-or-two up, where the light would have bathed her beautiful face in a more flattering light.

Instead, Gilda was in the shadows, struggling to be acknowledged in a pivotal scene.

In another annoying moment, Ms. Hayworth rolls over on a king-size bed - but, once again - was not given appropriate direction.

Had Ms. Hayworth fallen back a couple of feet - instead of forward - the lighting would have framed her stunning features face - and, subsequently resonated - to capture a lasting screen impression.

At one point, the snafus were so glaring, I had to seriously wonder if the director was "pissed off" with Ms. Hayworth that day - and thus - elected to punish her by rustling up some unflattering shots to steal a moment or two of her glorious day in the sun.

But, upon reflection, I opted to chalk up the slip-shod set-ups, to a lack of skill (and shortcomings) on the part of Mr. Vidor (arising from an amateurish approach at the offset).

After all, it was difficult to block out other celluloid moments where it appeared that Vidor was toying with the effects of light and shadow, with disastrous results in other segments of the flick.

For moi, those stilted scenes literally jarred my artistic sensibilities.

In spite of the aforementioned, Ms. Hayworth managed to upstage everyone in the tight, talented, ensemble cast of stellar actors.

Rita in a nutshell?

Ravishing! Vivacious! Sensational!

When she passed over to spirit, God broke the mold.

Bless that great dame, eh?

Tony Bennett...I Left my Heart in San Francisco! Fundraiser Valentine's Day!

 




Tony Bennett is jetting into San Francisco next month to croon at a fundraising gig at the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel on tony Nob Hill to benefit heart research for UCSF.


Though the high-profile event - which includes cocktails, a gourmet dinner, and live stage show - sold out within hours on the heels of the exciting news - fans are hopeful that the engaging performer will sing earlier in the day in the Rotunda at City Hall when Mayor Lee will declare February 14th "Tony Bennett Day".


The remarkable acoustics - which recently elevated a San Francisco Boys Choir concert (at the Mayor's inaugural ceremony) to haunting Angelic heights - may prove to be too tempting a lure (musically and theatrically) for the seasoned pro to pass by.


Of course, the charismatic Bennett is expected to perform his signature tune - drum roll, please - "I left my heart in San Francisco" (which earned him a Grammy award in 1962.


Tony Bennett Duet II is up for consideration this year at the prestigious awards show, too.


Die-hard fans will have the opportunity to catch music collaborations with Lady Gaga, John Mayer, Aretha Franklin, and (the late great) Amy Winehouse on a PBS special to broadcast on Friday.


Viewers at home will probably marvel at the 85-year-old's versatility, musical vision, and depth of range by the time the curtain falls on - what is expected to be - a vastly entertainment live concert!


Stay posted!

Golden Globe Awards...Jodie Foster's "Beaver" gets thumbs up! Naughty Ricky at it again!

The red carpet was rolled out, celebrities alighted from sleek limos purring at the curb, and Sir Elton John and the material-girl Madonna traded nasty barbs.


Uh-huh!


There was much to celebrate at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards last weekend in tony Beverly Hills.


In spite of the fact the naughty stand-up comic Ricky Gervais was slapped on the wrist last year for uttering up a smattering of vulgar blue material which triggered an uproar around the face of the globe, the smug "King of Smut" was welcomed back into the fold with open arms to play host for the Foreign Press association again.

The stuffy overdressed Emcee did not disappoint, no Sir!

"The Golden Globes are like the Oscars, but without the esteem," he chortled wickedly, as the elite A-list crowd below the footlights roared (some groaned) their approval.

Talk about biting the hand that feeds 'ya, eh?

One quip must have had Lenny Bruce cackling in his grave.

"I was told not to mention Jody Foster's "Beaver" either," he quipped, after fessing up that he was barred from mentioning Mel Gibson on this year's broadcast after last year's debacle got him into hot water.

Not surprisingly, few of the tabloid news shows were inclined to mention that joke in follow-up news coverage on the heady Golden Globe celebrations, that raged around the country the next day non-stop.

Just maybe, the brass at the Networks were afraid of being hauled up on obscenity charges, or alienating TV viewers?

But, Gervais wasn't alone, when it came to foul language.

When Morgan Freeman trotted up to the podium to accept the Cecil B. DeMille Award, I nearly pooped my pants when he uttered up a salty phrase ("pissed off") when his moment in the sun arrived.

In retrospect, I always thought Mr. Freeman was an educated classy man. 

Golly, I guess I got him mixed up with a handful of the characters he has played over the years.

God, for example?

In another "earthy" moment, Kelsie Grammar praised a key player involved with his TV sitcom for "having the balls" to order up several episodes of the series without requiring a prerequisite pilot to test the waters first.

Obviously, the lines between cable, reality TV, and the majors have become blurred!

Personally, I was appalled by all the filthy language throughout.

The Golden Globes should endeavour to entertain in a classy sophisticated way, especially in view of the fact the much-anticipated soiree is broadcast  to over 160 countries around the planet.

Instead, it has become the scourge of award show offerings - a dirty joke - in fact.

In the final analysis, the Foreign Press Association came off as a posse of industry hacks, out to sully the image of the industry in the rich broadcast media.

If anything, they represent the seamy underbelly of Hollywood, that undermines the integrity of the business.

Meanwhile, a handful of performers, treated the dazzling event with a lot of deserving dignity and respect.

Angelina Jolie, for instance.

The celebrated beauty turned out in a shimmering designer gown (with a flourish of red framing her graceful neck)  - in true red carpet style - worth emulating.

A movie star to the max!

Laura Linney was a breath of fresh air, too - oh, so chic and elegant in a flawless designer gown and swept-up "do" - in spite of the fact she left her "girl next door" persona at home.

The male animal was well represented, too.

Ashton Kutcher (he left his comfie jammies in the laundry basket for a change) and Leonardo DiCaprio both stood out - amidst a scruffy crowd of cheap suits - in fancy threads (top-of-the-line tuxes with elegant accessories to spark up the look) that smacked of Matinee Idol images of yesteryear.

Admittedly, Kutcher's box tie could have benefited from a bit of artful tweaking, though.

In contrast, Johnny Depp came off as an unmade bed in a tux jacket he swam in, which was paired with a sparkly (!) green vest, and open dress shirt with too-wide and too-high floppy collar that flapped in the breeze.

No wonder his marriage is rumored to be on the rocks, eh?

And, isn't it time that Martin Scorcese trimmed those bushy eyebrows which appeared to be roaming around the room full tilt?

You don't suppose he's a long-lost relative of Grouch Marx, do 'ya?

Some impromptu - spontaneous moments off-stage - were quite a giggle for viewers at home, too.

One on-the-ball cameraman caught Dustin Hoffman looking bored whenever an actor was uttering up an acceptance speech on stage.

Was he a spoil sport?

From my perch the ego-maniac appeared to be saying to himself:

"Heh, that should be me up there, dudes!"

Well, you'd think so, with that expression on his face looming large for all to see.

Reese Witherspoon looked positively naked in her ambitious frock sans jewelry.

Was she unable to borrow a pricey eye-catching necklace because the owners at local retailers mistook her for Lindsay Lohan?

And, it was easy to fathom why George Clooney has become "Mr. Popularity" in elite social circles around Tinseltown.

During breaks, he was spied table-hopping, and pressing the flesh of fellow thespians.

He even offered up compliments about Brad Pitt's smooching!

"Pitt's a great kisser," he grinned from ear-to-ear.

In a bold-faced effort to prevent any rumors from taking roost, Brad was quick on the uptake.

"How would George know?"

Meow!

But, the bitch award of the night, went to Sir (Queen?) Elton John.

When the pop crooner was asked about his rival's chances to nab top prize for Best Song (he was competing for) his knee-jerk reaction said it all.

"Madonna doesn't have a f**king chance!"

Ouch!

And, how was your night?

See 'ya next year at the Beverly Hilton, eh?

Eyes the window of the soul...quote by Julian Ayrs!

If the eyes

are

the windows of the soul

then,

an individual must be wary

about

who gazes into

them!

Julian Ayrs

Divine Grace

A Collection of Poems

Year of the Dragon...auspicious lunar year ahead! San Franciscans celebrate joyously!

Colorful dynamic firework displays have been erupting over the city and in the bustling streets the past couple of days - particularly in Chinatown and the financial district in the tony climbs of San Francisco - now that the "Dragon" has roared in to influence the lunar cycle in 2012.


The "Year of the Dragon" is associated with the earthly branch symbol and considered to be the luckiest.


The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration that follows is chock-full of tradition.


For instance, red envelopes with even-numbered amounts of money -  the Chinese avoid the number four because it sounds like the word for “death’’ - are gifted to the young and to the elderly alike.


Each day, there is some superstition that requires a ritual, to ward off potentially "evil" spirits.


So far, the ongoing festivities in the picturesque city by the bay have been practical, fanciful, and downright mystical in scope.


For example, the U.S. Postal Service unveiled a "Dragon" stamp on Monday - with a lot of pomp and circumstance (in spite of glaring financial woes which have forced planned shut-downs of a handful of branch outlets around the country) -  to commemorate the occasion.


Mayor Ed Lee also attended an awakening of the "Dragon" just yesterday.


Who wants to tempt fate?


On the heels of those high-spirited events, the Management at the Hilton Hotel on Kearny Street was quick to adorn their sumptuous lodgings - a favorite of visitors from the far east - with symbols of the Dragon to attract good fortune their way.


Locals may recall that Mayor Ed Lee also noted in his inaugural speech last week that he intended to draw on the power of the mighty "Dragon" to meet many of the challenges San Franciscans may face this year as the city and its residents pull together and attempt to rise up out of a recession that was hard-hit on the West Coast (and elsewhere).


Unlike the zodiac - where an individual's horoscope sign is determined by the month of their birth - the Chinese fathom up their sign according to the year they were born.


I happen to be a Dragon, so I am looking forward to a successful year ahead, for sure.


Dragons symbolize dominance and ambition and are often strong individuals who are driven to achieve, unafraid of challenges, and willing to take risks.


They’re passionate in the pursuit all their endeavours - and inclined to carry out their plans to the max - in grand style if possible.

Other signs are attracted to Dragons and their colorful (often unique) personalities.


Deep down? 

They are loners for obvious reasons.


Individuals are often more successful when they are focused and working fervently alone, than when they are burning the midnight oil at wild soiress at the witching hour, after all.


Understandably, those born under the Dragon may appear to be arrogant or conceited, at least on a surface level.


Be careful not to anger a Dragon, though, because they have tempers that may flare up out-of-the-blue nowhere fast-and-furious without warning.

Dragons are basically robust (and boast good health overall) but - often get stressed out - and may suffer from periodic tension-related headaches as a result.


Risk-takers beware!


Dragons would be wise to pursue Yoga, power-walking, and other exercises that stimulate their minds and their physical bodies.

Dragons are born leaders, too.


Careers that allow them to express their creativity - without limitation - are best.


Dragons may be successful in the role of inventor, manager, computer analyst, lawyer, engineer, architect, broker, or even a sales person.

Dragons are quite independent, so - in love relationships - they fair well in love nests where their mate allows them the space to be themselves.


Dragons are often attracted to lovers who are intriguing and romantically inclined, by the way.

Chocolates and flowers will go a long way to win over their selective hearts!


Once they have found their soul mate, they remain hitched for life, for the most part.


Dragons born in the Years 1940 and 2000


The "Metal" element strengthens their constitution.


Dragons born under this influence are determined and fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel confident enough to challenge their beliefs. The firey ones are true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.


Water Dragons born in the Years 1952 and 2012


Water has a calming effect.


The Dragon’s fire is balanced by the element of water, after all.


Water Dragons are able to see things from myriad points of view.

Although they are set in their beliefs, they don't feel threatened when challenged by the insightful ideas of others, not so situated.

Happy New Year, fellow Dragons!

Oscar Nominations...snubs & surprises! Billy Crystal to host gala event!

Once again the Oscar nominations have been rolled out by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences bright and early at the crack of dawn.

As usual, some of the selections have raised a few eyebrows in show-biz circles.


But, for the most part, the candidates for the coveted prize were pretty much predictable.


George Clooney and Brad Pitt were both a shoe-in for best actor ("Descendants" and "Moneyball" respectively).


Meanwhile, some thought it a crying shame that Kristen Dunst was "shut-out" in view of a captivating performance in "Melancholia".


Critics were a little taken aback that Rooney Mara was given the nod - on the other hand - for best actress in "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo".


I raved about her performance in my own movie review posted a couple of weeks ago.


It was no surprise to moi!

Will Meryl Streep (or Viola Davis) win in the race for best actress?


Although Michael Fassbender gave it his "all" in "Shame", he was snubbed, too.

I guess "big swinging dicks" in Hollywood are a dime-a-dozen these days, eh?

By the way, I am rooting for fellow Canuck - Christopher Plummer - who turned in a marvelous performance in "Beginners" (pictured below).

Some are betting that Michelle Williams will snatch up the Oscar for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe.

Tune in for yourself and see who nabs top prize in the female category!

The Oscar celebration kicks-off on Feb. 26th (with Billy Crystal hosting) at the Kodak Theatre.

Here is a run-down of the nominees for the year 2011:

Best Picture:

"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"
"The Help"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"Moneyball"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

Best Actor:

Demian Bichir
"A Better Life"
George Clooney
"The Descendants"
Jean Dujarin
"The Artist"
Gary Oldman
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Brad Pitt
"Moneyball"

Best Actress:

Glenn Close
"Albert Nobbs"
Viola Davis
"The Help"
Rooney Mara
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
Meryl Streep
"The Iron Lady"
Michelle Williams
"My Week with Marilyn"

Best Supporting Actor:

Kenneth Branagh
"My Week with Marilyn"
Jonah Hill,
"Moneyball"
Nick Nolte
"Warrior"
Christopher Plummer
"Beginners"
Max von Sydow
"Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close"

Best Supporting Actress:

Berenice Bejo
"The Artist"
Jessica Chastain
"The Help"
Melissa McCarthy
"Bridesmaids"
Janet McTeer
"Albert Nobbs"
Octavia Spencer
"The Help"

Best Directing:

Michel Hazanavicius
"The Artist"
Alexander Payne
"The Descendants"
Martin Scorsese
"Hugo"
Woody Allen
"Midnight in Paris"
Terrence Malick
"The Tree of Life"

Best Foreign Language Film:

"Bullhead" (Belgium)
"Footnote" (Israel)
"In Darkness" (Poland)
"Monsieur Lazhar" (Canada)
"A Separation" (Iran)

Best Adapted Screenplay:

Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash
 "The Descendants"
John Logan
"Hugo"
George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon
"The Ides of March"
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin and Stan Chervin
"Moneyball"
Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"

Best Original Screenplay:

Michel Hazanavicius
"The Artist"
Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig
"Bridesmaids"
J.C. Chandor
"Margin Call"
Woody Allen
"Midnight in Paris"
Asghar Farhadi
"A Separation"

Best Animated Feature Film:

"A Cat in Paris"
"Chico & Rita"
"Kung Fu Panda 2"
"Puss in Boots"
"Rango"

Best Art Direction:

"The Artist"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Midnight in Paris"
"War Horse"

Best Cinematography:

"The Artist"
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"The Tree of Life"
"War Horse"

Best Sound Mixing:

"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Moneyball"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"War Horse"

Best Sound Editing:

"Drive"
"The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
"War Horse"

Best Original Score:

"The Adventures of Tintin"
John Williams
"The Artist"
Ludovic Bource
"Hugo"
Howard Shore
"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"
Alberto Iglesias
"War Horse"
John Williams

Best Original Song:

"Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets"
 Bret McKenzie

"Real in Rio" from "Rio"
Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown and Siedah Garrett.

Best Costume:

"Anonymous"
"The Artist"
"Hugo"
"Jane Eyre"
"W.E"

Best Documentary Feature:

"Hell and Back Again"
"If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front"
"Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory"
"Pina"
"Undefeated"

Best Documentary (short subject):

"The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement"
"God is the Bigger Elvis"
"Incident in New Baghdad"
"Saving Face"
"The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom"

Best Film Editing:

"The Artist"
"The Descendants"
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo"
"Hugo"
"Moneyball"

Best Makeup:

"Albert Nobbs"
"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"The Iron Lady"

Best Animated Short Film:

"Dimanche/Sunday"
"The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore"
"La Luna"
"A Morning Stroll"
"Wild Life"

Best Live Action Short Film:

"Pentecost"
"Raju"
"The Shore"
"Time Freak"
"Tuba Atlantic"

Best Visual Effects:

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
"Hugo"
"Real Steel"
"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"

Starbucks...beer & wine at cafes in California! European trends favored!

The Seattle-based java giant - Starbucks - announced yesterday afternoon that the chain is expected to sell beer and wine at over twenty-five new locations by the end of this year.

Locals who frequent coffee-houses in Chicago, Atlanta, and Southern California may soon be sipping on a refreshing glass of bubbly or tossing back an ale if the plans go forward as scheduled.

Starbucks first began serving up the alcoholic beverages in October at a Seattle cafe - where the trend not only flourished - but accounted for brisk sales and a boost in profits.

Uh-huh!

We're catching up to the Europeans - who, 'til now - have savored the image of the sophisticated worldly lot to be the envy of.

Can McDonalds be far behind with a McAle?

News at 11!

Neil Patrick Harris...a bottom in same-sex relationship?

Say what?

In a recent interview, celebrated triple-threat song & dance man - actor Neil Patrick Harris - raised a few eyebrows across the country after musing on his high-profile same-sex relationship.

"I'm not the biggest fan of the word 'partner': It either means that we run a business together or we're cowboys. I've been saying 'better half' ...but it would be nice to say my husband."

Usually a wife refers to her male counterpart in the relationship as 'husband'.

Which begs the question.

Is Neil Patrick Harris the bottom who takes on the feminine role?

Enquiring minds want to know!





The facial expressions say it all in my estimation!

David Letterman...utters up last bittersweet tweet!

On Friday night David Letterman fessed up.

Paltry numbers (followers) and a damning writer's block (happens to the best of us) triggered a decision to end his brief love affair with Twitter.

Just weeks ago,Tattler readers may recall, that I reported on Dave's fascination with tweeting and its potential to reach out and touch - well - just about anyone.

Not so fast, Jose!

Because of irreconcilable differences (fellow talk-show hosts ignored his tweets) and on the grounds that his creative well had run dry (Dave found it tough to dredge up witty 14-character-or-less quips) Letterman was forced to admit to his viewing audience that the popular social hub was not his cup of tea.

Uh-huh!

Dave was inclined to recognize that penning Haiku-style quips was not an easy literary task, and, that rustling up a multitude of avid followers was not going to be a quick attainable goal.

Unless you're a sexy hunk like Ashton Kutcher, of course!

So, with a bit of a whimper, Dave fired off his last tweet with little pomp or circumstance.

In a nutshell, the moment was bittersweet.

But, in spite of Dave's failure to garner much attention (or enviable popularity) on the ever-expanding social hub around the globe, there is one accomplishment that they just can't take away from Dave.

Why, it's the top ten list, you betcha!

May it long live!

Noir City...was Dana Andrews gay? "Gilda" & "Maltese Falcon" to screen at Castro Theatre!

Excited film buffs - some in period costumes - dashed into the theatre to snatch up prime orchestra seats, on the mezzanine level vendors flogged Film Noir memorabilia (which sold at a face pace), and Dana Andrews' daughter uttered up some startling revelations about her father.

Noir City - a week-long festival of films of the B-list genre - kicked off over the weekend at the Castro Theatre and underscored the obvious.

Black & White classics from the 40's and 50's have become a staple for American filmgoer and quite the entertaining cinematic experience.

By the way, Noir City is the only Film Festival that donates 100% of its profits to rescue, restore, and preserve endangered films.

"If at-risk films aren't preserved in 35-millimeter in the next two years, it could be too late. Saving films in their original celluloid format is the only way to ensure their survival in any media," host Eddie Muller noted solemnly in a recent press release.

Last night, ticket holders were treated to two films (for the paltry sum of $10) - "Laura" and "Bedalia" - under the auspices of Noir City as a tribute to writer Vera Caspary.

"Laura" is an scintillating tale about a detective (Dana Andrews) who falls in love with a murder victim (Gene Tierney).

The Oscar-winning cinematography, outstanding performances by the ensemble cast of actors, and flawless direction by Otto Preminger still captivate today.

In a Q & A before the screening, Susan Andrews took to the stage and proceeded to share a few intimate thoughts about her father.

For starters, she wondered aloud if Dana Andrews was played both sides of the fence.

"He flirted with his co-star Clifton Webb. If he was gay, I don't know," she confided to the rapt audience hanging on every word.

"My father was incredibly handsome and he knew his power."

Ms. Andrews noted - with a bit of humor - that her father never starred in a film until "Laura" happened along.

"After Laura was released, he always got the girl," she laughed.

And, there was no looking back for Dana Andrews, after that.

Andrews went on to star in a handful of delicious film noir projects.

Years later, Peter Falk allegedly fessed up that he fashioned the look of the "Colombo" character (sporting a fedora and topcoat) after Andrews' detective in "Laura".

What a tribute!

"Bedalia", also on the bill, is a rarer Noir film (starring luminiscent Margaret Lockwood) which was produced in England (and often overlooked by film historians).

Ms. Lockwood's beguiling portrayal of a woman with a hypnotic power over men (and a murky past) is riveting.

Here, Lockwood gives new meaning to the term "Black Widow" in spades!

Tonight, the Castro presents "Gilda" (which is expected to sell-out).

Once this flick hit the big screen, critics - and fans alike - hailed Rita Hayworth as one of Hollywood's greatest "Love Goddesses".

Later in the week, the 1949 production of - The Great Gatsby (starring Alan Ladd) - will probably garner a lot of attention, too.

Fans will undoubtedly storm the theatre later in the week for a screening of The Maltese Falcon as well.

See 'ya there!

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy...suspenseful spy thriller! Gary Oldman @ top of game!

During the holiday season, when savvy shoppers were making a beeline for bargain basement sales at local retailers, males of a discerning age were slipping into movie houses to catch the just-released "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy".

The feature, starring Gary Oldman, is based on the best-selling novel by John Le Carre.

The "cold war" spy thriller - in this case, tackled by capable hands - still manages to intrigue despite the fact the material is well-mined territory.

Fans of the genre may recall that in a past incarnation the book was adapted for Television and broadcast in the form of a cliff-hanging popular mini-series (which starred Alec Guinness).

The current release doesn't disappoint.

In fact, there is much for a critic to crow about.

The acting is superb, for starters.

And, the tone and the "look" of the film, directed by Tomas Alfredson?

Mesmerizing!

For good reason.

The filmmakers have conjured up a murky chilling atmosphere that lends itself well to the genre.

One New York Critic labelled it a puzzle within a puzzle.

It's that - and - so much more.

In a nutshell, the plot involves a clandestine cloak-and-dagger search for a "mole" in the upper reaches of British Intelligence (M16).

Gary Oldman turns in a stellar performance as a taciturn investigator out to get his man.

Fans of gadgets will find the technological backdrop - with all its antiquated teletypes, simplistic dial phones, and clunky reel-to-reel tape recorders of the era - fascinating.

To reveal anymore to folks intending to screen it would be criminal.

3 1/2 Stars!