Multi-review time! Old movies, books, etc.
- Movie: Alfred Hitchcock's "Rear Window"
Excellent. A wonderfully suspenseful and humorous look at the goings-on of a small city neighborhood, including Miss Torso, Miss Lonelyheart, The Evil Salesman, and more. Hitchcock at his best... the opening scene/credits alone is a masterpiece. Interestingly, the entire thing was filmed in one soundstage. The basements were torn out so that the fake buildings actually rested below ground. Also of interest: all of the incidental music is provided by the inhabitants of the neighborhood: a piano player, radios, etc.
- Movie: Don'tRemember's "The Music Man"
The original, although the new Matthew Broderick version is pretty good as well. Travelling huckster realizes that he cares more for his latest victims (and his own dreams) than he does about the money. You might recognize Robert Preston from "The Last Starfighter". Preston was the Tony-award winning lead in the Broadway version. High points: 76 trombones, "Ya Got Trouble", and in general Preston's salesman-fast patter. Very good film.
- Movie: Alfred Hitchcock's "I Confess"
Very dark film about a priest who hears the confession of a murderer, and then gets framed for the murder. He can't tell anyone about it because he took the confession in confidence... Excellent direction, as per Hitchcock's usual. The incidental music is a bit overbearing in parts. Otto the handyman is well-played, a very evil man. Recommended.
- Book: Joan Vinge's "The Snow Queen"
A novel based on the Snow Queen fairy tale, set in the future on a world reverted to barbarism every several hundred years as its sun orbits a black hole. The other planets of the Hegemony take advantage of this fact by refusing to teach the inhabitants technology, insuring the reversion. Well-written, and with thought-provoking themes. Recommended.
- Book: Grave's "Greek Myths" (something like that; I don't have it next to me)
Interesting collection of a series of ancient myths, many directly contradicting the others, ordered by sections (Creation Myths, etc) and accompanied by very dense notes on the origins of the various elements of each myth. I found it amazing how many ancient myths got carried forward into so-called "modern" religions like Christianity. Definitely worth reading.
More later, maybe. :-)
