Marilyn Monroe...film "My Week With Marilyn" to premiere at New York Film Fest!

When an actor suddenly transforms into a superstar (usually by meteoric rise because of a high-profile role) after years of struggling to attain success in the acting profession, every minute detail of their sweet short lives is seemingly subjected to the glare of the searing spotlight.

Likewise, when a historian or biographer stumbles on heretofore unknown facts and information about an unknown chapter of a performer's life, there is a frenzy by the media and the tabloid press - even filmmakers - to bring the often sensational secrets to light.

Years ago, there was a rumor floating around Hollywood - nudged along by one inquisitive entertainment reporter - that Tom Cruise once dropped from view for a year or two in the early days of his career when he was first starting out as an actor.

The gossips tittered that Mr. Cruise had taken a - OMG - regular day job to pay the bills as he continued to audition and try to hit pay dirt in filmdom.

Imagine what a scoop that one might turn out to be?

Personally, I struck up a friendship with a theatrical producer in my youth, who alleged that when he spent a vacation in Hollywood with his parents many moons ago, he casually met James Dean in front of a bar one day - at which point - they became lovers.

Strange bedfellows, indeed!

Allegedly, the actor was into S & M, by the way!

Now, a screenwriter of a feature film - to be premiered at the New York Film Festival this fall - has reported that his flick focuses on a young Marilyn Monroe when the celebrated movie star was on location in England in 1956.

"My Week With Marilyn" focuses on the actresses relationship with a set assistant while shooting the classic "The Prince and the Showgirl".

Film enthusiasts will recall that Laurence Olivier starred.

The much-anticipated flick features Michelle Williams as Marilyn and Kenneth Branagh (excellent casting!) as Sir Laurence Olivier.

Fans will have to wait patiently, though, since the premiere isn't slated to premiere at the festival until October.

Directed by Britain's Simon Curtis, the film is loosely-based on a week British writer Colin Clark spent with Monroe while she was filming the romantic comedy (while on honeymoon with her playwright husband Arthur Miller).

During that time, Curtis kept a diary documenting the interactions between the two lead actors.

"After seeing Marilyn Monroe so often portrayed in films as a caricature, it is a pleasure to see this complex personality and unique on-screen presence portrayed so well," said Richard Pena, programme director for The Film Society of Lincoln Center, which backs the festival.

The intriguing film will be released on wide screens in UK cinemas on 14 November.

News at 11!
 
http://www.thetattler.biz


 

Hollywood Legends...Marilyn Monroe & Lady Diana items sold at auction! Free public exhibition! Live & Online Auction!



If you're a film buff hankering to snatch up a rare publicity still of a Hollywood screen legend - then a dazzling exhibition on display this week at Julien's Auctions (no relation to moi except I admit he does follow me on Twitter!) - may be your cup of tea!

On the heels of the unveiling - May 7th thru May 8th - collectors will have the opportunity to bid for the precious treasures either in person or online at the auctioneer's web site.

The collection includes one-of-kind photographs of Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Lucille Ball, Gloria Swanson, and Marion Davies.

The exhibit is timely, too, when you consider that Lady Diana memorabilia will be up for grabs in the wake of the much-ballyhooed Royal Wedding of son Willis.

Yes, the Duke of Cambridge, silly!

Select offerings include private correspondence Marlene Dietrich dispatched to her husband - and a collection of  letters, scripts, and clothing - owned by Lucille Ball (the Queen of Comedy).

The auctioneers will bring down the gavel on a stunning necklace worn by Angelina Jolie to the premiere of one of her many  memorable films ("Salt").

Proceeds from the exquisite piece of jewellery will be donated to one of Ms. Jolie's charities known as:

"The Educational Partnership for Children in Conflict"

Gosh, sounds like my crumby childhood!

When do I ge the check, Angelina?

Of course, what would a Hollywood Legends auction be, without a poignant souvenir or two from the estate of Marilyn Monroe?

Two of Lady Diana's chic elegant gowns are also being offered up for sale by a business concern known as the "Wedding Channel".

At press time, it was announced the proceeds will be donated to a charitable organization also.
In addition to the aforementoned glam items, there will also be a smattering of science fiction props from the NBC hit series Heroes and the Cape.

In addition to the Sci-Fi collection, there will be momentos from the blockbuster Hollywood feature -  "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" - costumes worn by the cast of Serenity, and rarely-sold odds-and-ends from the Indiana Jones franchise.

Heh, I want that hat, Harrison!

Norman Rockwell staging photographs are also being sold replete with copyright.

The original vintage stills feature legendary performers Frank Sinatra, Ann-Margret, and Bing Crosby.

Julien's Auctions
9665 Wilshire Boulevard
Suite No. 150
Beverly Hills, CA

Info:

http://www.juliensauctions.com

310.836.1818

When you trot down to BH (90210) why not stop into the cafe on the top floor of Nordstrom's.

It is a very chic "in" watering hole to frequent!

The retailer's exquisite selection of Menswear is within buying distance a few steps away.

Why not make a day of it?

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Lady Diana souvenirs to be auctioned!

Marilyn Monroe...rare photo surfaces! John F. Kennedy intrigues...

Rare publicity still of Marilyn & JFK intriguing!

Marilyn Monroe is still making waves long after her mysterious death a few decades ago.

For example, a rare photograph has just been released on what would have been the “Some like it Hot” star’s 84th birthday.

Is the legendary siren crying out from the grave?

The curious publicity still was taken at a historic political event on a novel occasion when Marilyn was invited to perform her rendition of  “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy and a rapt audience.

A raft of photographs were confiscated by the secret service that festive night, but the rare one in question, slipped through the cracks for some inexplicable reason.

Is it possible that an unknown person (or persons) manipulated events behind-the-scenes because of the revealing subliminal message being transmitted?

In the faded still, Marilyn is facing camera essentially, but for some intriquing reason, the President’s back is turned toward camera.

Was Jack in the throes of arranging a clandestine meeting with Marilyn?

Did he turn away when he saw the cameraman approach to prevent an incriminating still from harming his relationship with Jackie Kennedy or hurting his reputation in social and political circles?

Inquiring minds want to know.

Marilyn cries out from the grave!

 
http://www.thetattler.biz/

Dirty Pretty Things...Russell Young art exhibition in San Francisco! Stardust portraits of Marilyn & Marlon...

On Gallery row a splashy show of paintings titled Dirty Pretty Things screams out at tourists as they hustle to the theatre just down the strip to catch a production of Phedre.

The Russeck Gallery is featuring about a dozen-or-so unique portraits of - Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Marlon Brando - with a clever twist to them.

The fairly well-known images (some coined from Warhol's well of creativity) are sprinkled with a handful of glittering stardust.

On the promotional blurb, a particularly eye-catching shot of the "Some Like it Hot" star is labelled:

"Double Marilyn"

The whimsical portrait is 62 inches by 96 inches and was crafted on linen (a screen print) in acrylic paint, enamel, and diamond dust.

The artist - Russell Young - resides in Los Angeles and is well-known for his video adventures.

Twenty years ago the British photographer first lent his searing lens to celebrity culture.

The assignment was to capture pop idol George Michael in a publicity still for the album “Faith”.

Soon Russell became renowned for his stylish photographic studies of stand-out musicians such as  Morrissey, Springsteen, and Dylan.

In its heyday, Russell directed a hundred music videos for pop culure phenomenon,  MTV.

Russell started painting about ten years ago, but was shy about exhibiting his musings.

When Young unveiled - PIG PORTRAITS - the pieces  were immediately snapped up by collectors, friends, and business associates.

Today, the talented man is touted as an internationally acclaimed pop artist, who creates larger-than-life silkscreen paintings of images from history and pop culture (such as the ones currently on exhibit at the Russeck Gallery in San Francisco).

“My work is sort of soundtrack to my life, loves, experiences and influences. My method of working is to search, destroy and create. The images of this series have been collected from newspaper cuttings, e-bay, long correspondence with police departments throughout the world or even given by celebrities themselves. The idea to create "anti-celebrity" portraits was probably a reaction to my former career. However, they turned out to be even more beautiful and iconic. There is undeniably this attitude that is very real, in your face, a beauty that is hard to ignore. My art is a sort of soundtrack to my life, loves, experiences and influences. These would be my heroes that are missing from Art History.”

Die-hard fans are undoubtedly aware that Russell is married to actress Finola Hughes.

The loving couple have three children - Dylan, Cash and Sadie - who trot back and forth with their celebrated parents between homes situated  in New York and Los Angeles.

The dazzling paintings at the Russeck currently - which would heighten the mood in any tony dining-room in a NYC penthouse suite or Bel Air manse - don't come cheap.

Prices start @ $19,000.00 a pop!

Russeck Gallery
373 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA
415.981.9141

Info:  RUSSECKGALLERYSF@YAHOO.COM

James Dean

Russell Young

http://www.julianayrs.com

Las vegas...memorable night with Bogie, Marilyn Monroe & Judy at the Plaza Hotel.

Every since I began rating Hotels - the practise started as a consumer alert for travellers - I have made it a point to Hotel-hop as much as possible so that I'll have the opportunity to "sample" the amenities at as many establishments as possible here in the Desert Oasis.

With that goal in mind, yesterday afternoon - last minute - I booked a room at the Plaza Hotel for one night.

What a charmed experience the lodging experinece turned out to be!

The front desk clerk was pleasant and professional and promptly installed me in a suite in a tower that was preferable, in my estimation, since guests only have to walk a few paces to catch an elevator up to their room (in contrast to the second tower at the other end of the complex that requires a long jaunt through the casino).

When the door to my room swung open, I literally let out a whoop, which caused the elderly maid (finishing up her duties down the hall) to stare at me in wonder.

"What a pretty room," I exclaimed.

Indeed, it was.

Quite honestly, I wasn't expecting more than standard bill-of-fare, in view of the low-ball rate I scooped up online in a last-minute sale of rooms on the Internet.

The suite - a swank one - was decorated with an understated elegance that was quite appealing to my artistic sensibilities.

The commmode, headboard for the bed, and elegant desk were beautifully crafted in two eye-catching distinctive wood grains.

Portraits of three legendary film stars (tastefully installed in gold leaf  frames) spoke volumes to me.

For a moment, it appeared I stepped backwards in time to the golden heyday  of Hollywood.

Indeed!

The  personas of Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland appeared to be reaching out from the grave and  welcoming me.

Curiously, when I switched on the TV, an old film starring Spencer Tracy and a young Elizabeth Taylor sprang to life on the screen.

Oh, something magical and mystical was going on.

There was a message for me, here.

Outside my window snow-capped mountains touched the sky gracefully.

A sight for the eyes to behold.

God's country, alright.

Sadly, I'll be checking out later this morning and moving on to a new Hotel.

Don't Bogart that suite, Julian!

I'm hopeful that there will be surprises at the new lodgings, but a niggling voice inside me whispers it may not be so.

Can't beat the heart-warming experience at the Plaza in the Hollywood luminaries suite!

Judy! Judy! Judy!

http://www.julianayrss.com

Marilyn Monroe...crypt in Westwood tourist attraction!

After a delightful afternoon in Westwood at an art exhibition, I slipped into the Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery to take a gander at the crypt of screen siren, Marilyn Monroe.

Just as I expected, fresh cut flowers adorned her resting place.

Although the Westwood Cemetery stands in the shadow of the Oppenheimer Building on Wilshire - and is postage-sized - there are a number of heavyweights interned there.

Just a few steps away from Marilyn, for instance, tourists can take a peak at Producer Ross Hunter's plaque.

And, some of the headstones are etched with hilarious epitaphs.

For instance, on Merv Griffin's understated stone the script reads,

"I will not be right back after this message."

What would you expect from the loud-mouthed comedian, Rodney Dangerfield?

"There goes the neighborhood," he chuckles from the great beyond.

Dean Martin's last words are taken from one of his hit tunes.

"Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime."

I found it ironic that a couple of plots over from Jack Lemmon, Billy Wilder hails. If you recall, the dynamic duo teamed up on the hit comedy, "Some Like it Hot".

Other luminaries such as - Walter Matthau, Louise Jordan, and Mel Torme - attract a host of fans from all parts of the country each year - pining to pay their respects.

Across town, at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, fans of the great and not-so-great can whisper in awe at the tombs of - heart-throb Rudolph Valentino (we share the same birthday, May 6th), screen idol Tyrone Power, actress Fay Wray, dashing Douglas Fairbanks Jr., sex goddess Jayne Mansfield, screen tough guy Edward G. Robinson - and a multitude of others.

In fact - the grave sites have become such a ghoulish attraction in this regard - that it was only inevitable that sight-seers would be hungry to hover over the fated spot where they met their final demise, too.

So, enter - "Graveline Tours" - a company that takes you on a tour of the locations where celebrities gasped their last breath.

Along the way, you may stop outside of - "The Viper Room - to take a respectful glance at the spot where River Phoenix collapsed, for instance. Or, check out the mysterious garage on Holloway Drive, actor Sal Mineo stepped out of to meet his appointment with death.

For the longest time, I thought pilgrimages to grave sites were foolish, a waste of time. After all, weren't the precious memorials just a way to "mark" a sentient being's "time" on this mortal coil?

But, a couple of years ago, I was inclined to reconsider that notion when an eerie experience jolted me into reality.

One day, I embarked on a trip to Forest Lawn in Toronto, to pay respects at my own father's tomb.

Because "Victor's" stone had been a bit neglected over the years - what with my mother gone and myself residing in the U.S. - it had unfortunately slipped into the ground a bit out of plain view.

So, after the grounds-keeper assisted me in locating the plot, I proceeded to tidy up the vicinity of his marker and planted a flowering bush to brighten up the site a bit.

As I turned to stride off, I couldn't help but notice the stone adjacent to my Dad's was a bit neglected, too.

I felt a little pang in the deep recesses of my heart; it was as if someone was crying out to me, but who?

"Aw, what the heck," I said to myself. "Why not tidy up that stone, too?"

Shortly after I began to sweep dust and debris off the stone, I was suddenly taken aback when I spied the name etched on the marble placer for the first time.

Oh my God! It was my Aunt Louise's burial site!

A chill ran up and down my spine. Gosh, was she the one urging me from the eternal ether to take some compassion on her neglected stone, too?

Although the grave site may not be a soul's final resting place - undoubtedly - a grave site on this earthly plane is a place where a loved one may connect to a spirit that has passed.

Like humans, souls get nostalgic, too.

Walter Scott once said,

Death, the last sleep? No, the final awakening.