Sometimes it seems like I was...

[deckardcanine]

Finally, another Arena play I could sink my teeth into: Born Yesterday by Garson Kanin, in which a journalist hired to educate a tycoon's ditzy girlfriend, Billie Dawn, shows her more than his employer wanted her to know. Having seen the 1950 movie some years ago, I knew it wouldn't be bad as a play. What I hadn't anticipated was the greater edge to it, which makes some sense considering that Hollywood then timed kissing scenes with a stopwatch. Small wonder Billie was cutely singing "Anything Goes" at times.

Aside from the innuendo, the slightly improved ending note, and the confines/freedom of the round Fichandler Stage (no trip to the Jefferson Memorial), it was very much the same as the movie. I wouldn't say the actress of Billie stole the show, but I wasn't too surprised that she got the most applause. Judy Holliday somehow seemed a little dimmer from beginning to end, but maybe that's me profiling. The actor of tycoon Harry Brock had less of a commanding presence but no trouble playing a Jersey jerk. Ed Devery, Brock's agent, actually outshone his silver-screen counterpart and may be the character I'd most like to play.

Now I feel like getting back to classic literature like David Copperfield. Try to catch up on Billie. Hey, I still use the nickname "Classic Steve" on some forums; why should I let my years of assigned reading shy me away from those books?

Comments

[billis.livejournal.com]

Why David Copperfield? Is that one you've always been interested in?

I tried to read Hard Times last year, and I couldn't finish it.

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

Only because it was mentioned in Born Yesterday. I really know next to nothing about it.

I haven't read any Dickens, but what I've seen in summaries and TV/movie productions is promising. Hard Times isn't supposed to be one of his better ones, so I'll take a chance at a more famous one.

[billis.livejournal.com]

I've read a fair sampling of Dickens, and he's so human in his portrayals of people and things, I don't find him seeming anachronistic at all. Great Expectations was the one I liked best, but I think I've only read 4 of his books.

I guess if you become a fan, it's very rewarding.

[-fairest.livejournal.com]

The actor of tycoon Harry Brock had less of a commanding presence but no trouble playing a Jersey jerk.

Have you seen the film version with John Goodman in this role? I LOVE that actor. He has made me laugh and cry and he has scared me half to death as well.

[deckardcanine.livejournal.com]

No, I haven't seen it, but I like Goodman pretty well when he has something to work with.

[-fairest.livejournal.com]

Ah. take a minute to watch this one. Melanie Griffith is pretty and fun in her role. While it is fluffy, Goodman is scary.

Another role he astounds in is that of Babe Ruth. I think the title is The Babe.

Gotta scram!