The Art Film House

It's not all about the cute here in the Lucky Penny household. In some ways, I consider this to be a lifestyle blog. That is, the lifestyle of the middle aged, urban, working class, dog sweater enthusiast. Here's a look into the darker side of Lucky Penny.
Many years ago, I lived near the Music Box Theatre, an art film house, like the Parkway and the Varsity, only nicer. With clouds painted on the ceiling, and real buttered popcorn. I saw many classic films that are still favorites of mine today. The Women (my number one favorite!), Dr. Strangelove, All About Eve, and some of the more cult variety. Like the works of John Waters and the Andy Warhol factory. Flesh for Frankenstein, also known as Andy Warhol's Frankenstein, left a huge impression. The photo is of two of the stars, the German cult actor Udo Kier (whose over the top campy performance really makes the film), and Joe Dalessandro. I told the Man about this movie, and described one scene where a head is severed using what looks like giant hedge clippers. Good taste prevents me from posting the movie poster here, which is Udo Kier holding the freshly clipped head. Much to my surprise and amusement, this movie was on cable last night, along with it's sister film, Blood for Dracula. It was so much fun for me to share these trashy movie moments with the Man, who had never seen them, and heard of them only through me.

I was thinking that my love of the movie The Women is why I get such a kick out of Bravo's newest reality show, The Real Housewives of New York City. The Women, made in 1936, stars Joan Crawford, my all time favorite actress, and Norma Shearer, who was having an affair with teen aged Mickey Rooney at the time. Joan and Norma were enemies, and Joan, using her metal needles, knit furiously off camera to irritate everyone. It's a gossipy movie about divorce. The Real Housewives is like a modern day version. It's got the Hamptons, having a snit when you're not seated front row at a fashion show, metrosexual spouses (one in particular is really over the top), and social climbing. Lots of fun. Keep your Tuesday nights open for it.