Silly Cinema: Lady of Burlesque

When one is faced with a particularly-problematic dilemma, it is wise for one to remain calm, think about the situation objectively and make a prudent decision based on  the facts and a proper evaluation of the associated pros and cons.  I am anything but wise or prudent - especially when it comes to old movies.  That is why, when standing in the check-out line of the local grocery store, I bought Lady of Burlesque, starring Barbara Stanwyck.  As a rule, aside from the occasional pack of gum or mints, I generally refrain from impulse purchases at the register.  Since when are DVD's an impulse buy at Stater Bros. Supermarket?  Even though the DVD cover art appeared to be a child's crude, first attempt at Photoshop, I couldn't help myself.  As an rabid avid fan of old Hollywood, I have amassed a collection of close to 800 films.  Just when I thought I had seen everything, I hadn't.  In fact, there are so many movies that I haven't seen that my love affair with movies is sure to continue for a long time to come.

Barbara Stanwyck has never been one of my favorite stars - a little too pointy or something.  I enjoy some of her films - Ball of Fire, Double Indemnity, The Lady Eve - but I have never developed a connection to her as I have with other stars of Hollywood's Golden Era.  Maybe that is why I get some sort of subversive pleasure at the end of Sorry, Wrong Number.  Really, she kind of had it coming.  Am I right?  My favorite actresses tend to be wholesome stars like Deanna Durbin and Doris Day.  As I write, I realize that maybe my affinity for those particular female leads may have something to do with chubby cheeks and alliterative, "D" names.

Lady of Burlesque is based on The G-String Murders: 

The Story of a Burlesque Girl by Gypsy Rose Lee.

(I just bought a used copy on etsy!!!)

Lady of Burlesque is part murder mystery and part girly show.  Don't worry prudes, all the other good parts remain covered throughout the duration of the film!  Stanwyck plays Dixie Daisy, the most popular performer at The Old Opera House run by S.B. Foss.  She is the peace keeper with the Chinese restaurant next door, a rival of a couple of the "peelers" and mother hen to the rest, and the love interest of Michael O'Shea, a baggy-pants, burlesque comic.  "Everything's coming up roses" in Gypsy's ode to backstage burlesque until someone starts murdering the performers.  Everyone is a suspect and Dixie must play novice sleuth in order to save her own neck!  The proceedings are enjoyable and my admiration for Stanwyck actually grew as it is apparent that she sings all of her own songs and dances like a wiz!  That is why I love old Hollywood; the actors had to do more than look good.  Even straight, dramatic stars kept singing and hoofing in their proverbial "back pockets."

This clip shows the reprise of "Take it off the E-String."  Stanwyck, engaged in a "scene," and her fellow performers break into song to cover the backstage screams of another girl getting smacked around by her street-tough boyfriend.

Stanwyck as Dixie Daisy

Overall, Lady of Burlesque (1943) is the perfect movie for a rainy afternoon.  It incorporates wacky tacky elements like slapstick, great clothing (Dixie's costumes were designed by Edith Head) and strippin'.  It is a great, broad comedy and is a great comedy with broads!!!  It is reminiscent of Lady on a Train, another (and superior) movie from the same era that includes murder, mystery, comedy, amazing costumes and music.  Lady on a Train, stars who else, Deanna Durbin, and is one of my favorite movies of all time.  Both films employ some of Hollywood's finest character actors too.  If you like Lady of Burlesque, you are sure to like Lady on a Train, but don't take my word for it! 

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

All Aboard: Tiny Train Takeover!

From picnics, to musical events, to stargazing at the observatory, we have spent our fair share of time in Griffith Park.  Our intention has always been to visit the park's miniature trains.  After hearing from a friend who gave the train a review of the most glowing sort, we decided that the time had come and we set out on the first leg of our miniature railway journey.  We made our way up to Griffith Park and after many diversions and forks in the road we found just what we were looking for - the Los Feliz Passenger Station.  We bought our tickets, waited in line, took pictures, talked to the engineer and left parents in line wondering why were there (and why we were more excited than most of the kids).  In short, we thoroughly enjoyed our excursion.

Los Feliz Passenger Station, est. 1947

Our Engineer prepping for the round trip

The water tower and woodland birdbath

Snow White & The SIX Dwarves??
Sneezy called in sick.

Comin' round the bend

One of the many model buildings we passed on our excursion.
This one appears to be on the wrong side of the tracks.

Taking the curve nice and easy.

The Trestle Bridge

Wooo Woooo!

Entering the Tunnel

Trains & Tunnels!!

Griffith Gulch - gimme a break, the train was moving!

The natives were friendly

Boot Hill
There's always room for one more!

Mr. Tiny and The Engineer
Sounds like a great idea for a series - like a modern take on
Jake and the Fat Man with me, of course, playing Jake.

Somehow,  while still basking in the thrill of our railway ride, we discovered that this miniature train was the "wrong" miniature train.  Who knew that Griffith Park was home to more than one miniature train ride?  Our train was made up of individual cars similar to the ones used in Disneyland rides.  Apparently, the correct, and more interesting miniature train, is steam-operated, has cars that one must straddle and only operates on Sunday.  While somewhat disappointed that we didn't ride the trains that inspired Walt Disney and his gang, I am looking forward a follow up train trip.  Choo choo!!

The next station stop on our scenic railway journey was Goathill Junction in Costa Mesa.  This miniature, steam train is run by the Orange County Model Engineers, model train enthusiasts who convinced the City of Costa Mesa to allow them use of public parklands in exchange for free rides to anyone who wanted a trip.  Because the tracks run through the unguarded park, there are no model towns or miniatures along the way and, in turn, the atmosphere is a little less inspired than the trains in Griffith Park.  The beauty of nature had to suffice!  Our friend Paul of Liberty Motor Wear joined on us on this trip; next time, with a little more planning, we will live Paul's dream of using cap pistols to rob the train while riding Shetland ponies.

Steam engines

The reluctant engineer

There were more adults on our train than
kids which left us terrified of imminent derailment.

Under the bridge

Over the bridge

Round the bend

The lone building along the tracks

A scenic vista of Costa Mesa

Interestingly, Costa Mesa built a trestle bridge
that connects two areas of  the park across a major thoroughfare.
Frustratingly, the train does not cross that bridge!

DEAD END!!!

The OCME sponsors a gift shop and proceeds are
used to support the continued operation of the trains.
I bought a wooden train whistle - we all have to do our part!

My interest in trains and love of miniatures was definitely inspired by this cartoon.

Griffith Park & Southern Railroad

4400 Crystal Springs Dr.

Los Angeles, CA

(323)664-6903

www.griffithparktrainrides.com

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Admission: $2.50

Goathill Junction Railroad at Fairview Park

Placentia Ave.

Costa Mesa, CA

(949)548-7246

Hours:  The third weekend of every month from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Admission: FREE!!!!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Haben Sie gehört das Deutsche Band?

We are always on the lookout for cool places to go, interesting people to meet, neat projects to undertake and good food to eat.  We keep our finger on the pulse of the public and our ear to the ground. Which, as the old saying goes, leaves us in a rather vulnerable position.  Sometimes we get so caught up in what's "out there," we forget to look in our own back yard.  Inspired by some vintage snapshots passed on to us by our friend Lauren at Wearing History, we developed a sudden craving for pretzels, schnitzel mit noodles and crisp Apfelstrudel.

They're trying to tell us something.

Deutschland's answer to Brenda Lee

Germans doing what Germans do best - sharing.

We needed a quick fix of German goodness.  We could have stayed home and just watched the footage of JFK's declaration, "Ich bin ein Berliner," but we wanted a more immersive experience.  Thus, we explored, and now feature for your enjoyment, our neighborhood treasure and well-known, if shamefully under-visited, Orange County landmark, Old World Village.

Old World was designed as a roadside attraction by German immigrant, Josef Bischof.  After settling in Huntington Beach, he began his faithful recreation of a small Bavarian town.  Opened in 1978, the village center is home to a grocery (complete with a butcher/deli counter, a bakery and a wide assortment of European delicacies), an active church (open regularly for worship services and weddings), a motel, a banquet hall, retail shops, restaurants, a salon, a bar and even apartments for rent.

Old World features a perpetually-spinning, life-size diorama of Bavarian dancers frozen in that most traditional of all German folk dances, "Ich sehe London, Ich sehe France."

An example of the available living spaces at Old World.
As soon as those plants grow long enough, the current
residents will be able to climb down and escape.

The Rathskeller is Huntington Beach's
oldest-operating, subterranean, German-themed bar.

Old World is home to an odd assemblage of retail storefronts that, nine times out of ten, are closed. Visiting on a weekday, Old World is a veritable ghost town.  Even on the weekends, seeing another human being is a rarity and, aside from the occasional German patron quickly making their way from their Mercedes to the Market, one would quickly assume that this place is deserted.  Unfortunately, it sits in the long and looming shadow cast by the overgrown, ultra-modern retail center across the street and rumors of demolition are constantly swirling.  Sometimes, the creepy desolation works in its favor, however, and we pretend to be Jeremy and Jemima from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang just waiting for the Child Catcher to prance around the corner.

Old World used to be a bustling attraction.  In fact, it was once a ground zero for Orange County's punk scene.  Shows were a regular occurrence but episodes of underage drinking and violence eliminated all activities of that nature.  Several shop owners have tried to bring about a renaissance to Old World's flagging economy.  Scuda, a vintage clothing store, made an admirable attempt at attracting a younger demographic, but the foot traffic of OW was too weak and the lure of Long Beach's famed 4th Street just too strong.  Once a year, during September and October, the sleepy little village comes alive with Oktoberfest Celebrations.  Festivities include beer drinking, folk dancing and Dachshund Races!!!

Fritz getting psyched up for the big race!

Who chosen diese hosen?

Woodland creatures abound.  Clearly, not
everyone is as interested to meet Bambi as I. 

Mary never passes up the opportunity to play Snow White.

A perpetuating myth is that Old World is headquarters for a
neo-Nazi movement.  Obviously, everyone is welcome at Old World.

Our favorite stop is the market, where fresh-baked treats are to be had a uber-reasonable prices.

Willkommen!

Haben Sie ein bienenstich?

Meat
Which wurst is worst?

The obligatory light fixture.  The illustration of the drunk rat is awesome!

If you are ever in Huntington Beach, our advice is to skip overcrowded, under-clothed Main Street and head up Beach Boulevard to Old World Village.

Old World Village

7561 Center Ave.

Huntington Beach, CA

(714)897-1470

ww.oldworld.ws

Cheers!

Mr. TIny