Mame Dennis (played by Rosalind Russell) is a free spirited woman living a bohemian lifestyle, whose mantra is "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death!" Her best friend and sidekick, Vera Charles (portrayed by Coral Browne), is (apparently) a well known actress on Broadway... so she likes to inform all who will listen. We often see her recovering in Mame's guest room, from a very good party. Vera is currently starring in a real 'yawn' entitled, MIDSUMMER MADNESS. At the same time, Mame is having difficulties finding suitable work due to the 1929 stock market crash. Vera reveals that she may have a 'walk on' part that would be perfect for Mame. The two friends are thrilled at the prospect of revisiting their stage alliance.   Unfortunately for Vera and her cast, it turns out that some Divas are not adaptable to simple 'walk on roles.' Mame, being the confidant, free thinking woman that she is, decided to fill the two lines

Singer/Songwriter Ruth Brown played record promoter and R&B record store owner "Motormouth Maybelle Stubbs" in the John Water's film HAIRSPRAY.  Ruth Brown was a prominent figure in R&B during the 1950's. Her first major hit " Teardrops From My Eyes, " displayed her distinct style of pop infusion to rhythm and blues. Ruth was hailed as the "girl with the tear in her voice" referencing the "squeak" that she made on her high notes, as if her voice was breaking with emotion.  Teardrops From My Eyes  remained on the top of the Billboard chart for eleven weeks, earning her the nickname, Miss Rhythm.   [npr]                                                                     "Teardrops From My Eyes"                                                              Ruth's captivating stage presence, with her big eyes, and infectious smile, easily sold  many records.  Among her most popular recordings was  Mama, He Treats Your Da

Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop The tale behind the concept for OCEANS ELEVEN (1960) is recounted as: *Peter Lawford was first told of the basic story of the film by Director Gilbert Kay [not associated with this film] who heard the story from a gas attendant. Lawford eventually bought the rights in 1958, imagining William Holden in the lead. Sinatra became interested in the idea and a variety of writers worked on the project. When Lawford first told Sinatra of the story, Sinatra joked, " Forget the movie, let's pull the job!" *pp. 117-121 Levy, Shawn Rat Pack Confidential 1998 Fourth Estate Ltd . Ocean's Eleven featured a nearly all male cast. Out of the main characters, three of them - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr., were singers. Oddly enough, the singer you would have expected to be featured - Frank - was not. The music 'spotlight' was cast on Dean and Sammy - which was not a disappointment in the leas

It is not usual for families to bring forth more than one gifted writer. It's highly unusual for an entire family to become prolific, albeit award winning, in the writing field. When I think of a family of writers, the most obvious [to me] would be the Brontë Sisters from England - Charlotte (1816-1855), Emily (1818-1848) and Anne (1820-1849). The women continue to be regarded, to this day, as great fiction story writers. Sadly, only Charlotte experienced 'fame' during her own short lifetime. The Brontë's work was originally published under male pseudonyms - Currer, Acton , and Ellis Bell . (If that seems to be a curiosity, research women's rights and the morality of publishing prior to the 19th century.) While researching Episode 110 - THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (including IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME and YOU'VE GOT MAIL), I came across a present day family of successful writers! Nora Ephron, together with sister Delia were the co-writers for YOU'VE GOT MAI