The summer is magical. It is a season that brings forth a vibrant energy and a sense of wonder. The warm sunrays glisten upon the earth, enveloping everything in a golden glow. The air is filled with the melodious chirping of birds, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the laughter of children chasing after ice cream trucks. As the sun climbs higher in the sky, the days stretch longer, allowing for countless adventures and new experiences. Beaches come alive with the sound of crashing waves, the sensation of warm sand between toes, and the joy of building sandcastles.
They have always been my favorite comedy team. Their films are hit and miss, from the sublime Way Out West, Sons of the Desert and The Music Box to the awful Utopia (their last). In the end, however, it is their personal magic that transcends all the imperfections. One of the highlights of their films are the (unfortunately) infrequent musical interludes featuring Hardy's beautiful voice and Laurel's eccentric dancing.
One of the highlights of their films are the unfortunately infrequent musical interludes featuring Hardy s beautiful voice and Laurel s eccentric dancing. Robb Wilton, Tommy Handley, Arthur Askey, Frank Randle, Ted Ray, Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd, Bernard Manning, Les Dawson, Tommy Cannon, Bobby Ball, Syd Little, Robin Askwith, Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne born in London but moved to Manchester aged 2 , Fiona Allen, Steve Coogan, Lee Mack, Peter Kay and Diane Morgan are all from Stan Laurel s county, Lancashire, to name but a few.
Beaches come alive with the sound of crashing waves, the sensation of warm sand between toes, and the joy of building sandcastles. The crystal-clear waters beckon swimmers and surfers to dive in and ride the waves, feeling the rush of adrenaline and the exhilaration of being one with the ocean. But it is not just the outdoors that hold the magic of summer.
'Laurel & Hardy : Their Lives And Magic' (2011, Documentary)
I found this documentary very interesting for a number of reasons. There are rare contributions from Lois Laurel (Stan Laurel's daughter) and Cassidy Cook (Stan's great grand-daughter). It's interesting hearing about a trip Oliver Hardy made with Stan Laurel later in life to see his family home in Ulverston, Lancashire, in the north-west of England. I was also left curious by the theatre marquee advertising a film starring Lois Lane.
'Double Whoopee' (1929)
I didn't realise the ways in which Stan Laurel and Babe Hardy crossed paths on their way to becoming a comedy team under producer Hal Roach, first appearing together in 'The Lucky Dog' (1921). I like the way the running narrative traces the gradual erosion of community spirit and creative freedom that drove the ideas behind their masterpieces of the 1930s. The documentary contends this completely gave way when they were strait-jacketed in the 1940s by major studios who simply didn't know what to do with them.
'The Boy Friend' (1928)
'Laurel & Hardy : Their Lives And Magic' is currently screening on the channel Sky Documentaries here in the U K. I think 'Harold Lloyd : Hollywood's Timeless Comedy Genius' can probably still be seen through the channel Sky Arts.
Stan Laurel and Dana Andrews
Interview with Jerry Lewis
Last Edit: Dec 28, 2020 23:14:37 GMT by petrolino
"Movies are the enemy of the novel because they are replacing novels. Novelists shouldn’t write for the movies, unless, of course, they discover they’re no good at writing novels." - John Irving
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Post by phantomparticle on Dec 27, 2020 3:18:11 GMT
I've seen a number of documentaries on the duo. Stan and Ollie, a fictionalized account of their stage act in England in the fifties, is a beautiful valentine to their memory.
They have always been my favorite comedy team. Their films are hit and miss, from the sublime Way Out West, Sons of the Desert and The Music Box to the awful Utopia (their last). In the end, however, it is their personal magic that transcends all the imperfections. One of the highlights of their films are the (unfortunately) infrequent musical interludes featuring Hardy's beautiful voice and Laurel's eccentric dancing.
Hopefully, the Baum documentary will be available in the U.S., if not already.
And This, Too, Shall Pass Away"People aren't supposed to look back. I'm certainly not going to do it anymore.” - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
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Post by petrolino on Dec 27, 2020 5:55:25 GMT
Years before Billy Wilder shot Marilyn Monroe's iconic sequences with an air stream from a vent, Stan Laurel was pulling the same gag wearing a kilt. I did not know that till watching this documentary.
"Movies are the enemy of the novel because they are replacing novels. Novelists shouldn’t write for the movies, unless, of course, they discover they’re no good at writing novels." - John Irving
It's Good to be the King
@thegoodman19
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Post by TheGoodMan19 on Dec 29, 2020 18:12:38 GMT
I have to see this. L&H are my favorite comedy duo by far. Sons of the Desert is an absolute masterpiece. They were unique in that they were great friends. Abbott and Costello had times when they wouldn't speak to each other. The Marx Brothers had feuds. When Oliver Hardy died, Stan Laurel couldn't go to the funeral for health reasons. He said "Babe would understand", Babe being Hardy's nickname. I believe I seen a huge poll asking who was the greatest British comedian. Stan Laurel won. Quite an accomplishment, seeing how he hadn't done anything since 1951. And beating Dudley Moore, Marty Feldman, the Monty Pythons.
"People aren't supposed to look back. I'm certainly not going to do it anymore.” - Kurt Vonnegut Jr.
@petrolino
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Post by petrolino on Dec 30, 2020 0:15:25 GMT
Dec 29, 2020 18:12:38 GMT TheGoodMan19 said:I have to see this. L&H are my favorite comedy duo by far. Sons of the Desert is an absolute masterpiece. They were unique in that they were great friends. Abbott and Costello had times when they wouldn't speak to each other. The Marx Brothers had feuds. When Oliver Hardy died, Stan Laurel couldn't go to the funeral for health reasons. He said "Babe would understand", Babe being Hardy's nickname. I believe I seen a huge poll asking who was the greatest British comedian. Stan Laurel won. Quite an accomplishment, seeing how he hadn't done anything since 1951. And beating Dudley Moore, Marty Feldman, the Monty Pythons.
That is an accomplishment. And he was from the north-west of England where a lot of great comics have come from. They would play all the working mens clubs which were tough crowds. Robb Wilton, Tommy Handley, Arthur Askey, Frank Randle, Ted Ray, Eric Morecambe, Ken Dodd, Bernard Manning, Les Dawson, Tommy Cannon, Bobby Ball, Syd Little, Robin Askwith, Victoria Wood, Caroline Aherne (born in London but moved to Manchester aged 2), Fiona Allen, Steve Coogan, Lee Mack, Peter Kay and Diane Morgan are all from Stan Laurel's county, Lancashire, to name but a few.
"Movies are the enemy of the novel because they are replacing novels. Novelists shouldn’t write for the movies, unless, of course, they discover they’re no good at writing novels." - John Irving
It is a time of freedom and possibility, where dreams take flight and imaginations run wild. It is a season of relentless exploration, whether through travel, reading, or simply getting lost in one's thoughts. With the world at our fingertips, there is no limit to the knowledge, experiences, and connections we can gain. And let us not forget the delights of summer cuisine. Juicy watermelons, refreshing lemonades, succulent barbecues, and vibrant salads become staples of our diets, tantalizing our taste buds with their burst of flavors. The simple act of enjoying a cold treat under the shade of a tree becomes a moment of pure bliss, a temporary escape from the pressures of everyday life. But perhaps the true magic of summer lies in the bonds we forge and the memories we create. Whether it is spending time with loved ones on a vacation, gathering around a bonfire with friends, or simply sharing laughter and stories in the backyard, the warmth of summer nurtures connections and strengthens relationships. As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change color, the magic of summer slowly fades away, leaving behind a treasure trove of memories to cherish. But fear not, for the cycle of seasons ensures that summer will come again, bringing with it its enchanting spell. So let us embrace the magic of summer while it lasts. Let us savor each moment, each adventure, and each connection, for it is these experiences that shape us and make the summer truly magical..
Reviews for "Summer Sorcery: Harnessing the Magical Energy of the Season"
- Amy - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "The Summer is Magic" because I'm a fan of the author, but I was quite disappointed with this book. The story lacked depth and the characters felt underdeveloped. The plot seemed rushed and predictable, and I never felt truly engaged with the story or the characters. Overall, it fell flat for me and didn't live up to my expectations.
- John - 1 star - I cannot believe I wasted my time reading "The Summer is Magic". The writing was subpar, with clunky dialogue and poor grammar. The plot was incredibly weak and it felt like nothing really happened throughout the entire book. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard to care about what was happening to them. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to dive into "The Summer is Magic" because the premise sounded intriguing, but unfortunately, it didn't deliver. The pacing was off, with slow and repetitive chapters that seemed to drag on forever. The romance felt forced and unrealistic, and the conflict lacked any real stakes. I found myself losing interest quickly and struggled to finish the book. It's a shame because it had potential, but it fell short in execution.