Film, TV, Stage, Media

Ognir Rrats: They’re Gonna Put Me in the Movies

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When Ringo sang the words of Buck Owens’ hit “Act Naturally” on the B side of the 1965 Beatles’ single “Yesterday,” little did he know that acting would become a second career of sorts. “Well, I’ll bet you I’m gonna be a big star. Might win an Oscar, you can never tell,” he wailed in his no-frills voice. Well, the plucky drummer may not have lasted a day in the acting workshops of Lee Strasberg or Stella Adler, but he managed to put his kooky stamp on a number of independently-made films through the years, sharing credits with acting giants like Peter Sellers and Richard Burton. And then there was that TV movie of his. Hmmm, does anybody out there remember Ognir Rrats (Ringo Starr spelled backwards)? Allow me to refresh your memory.

Eat Barilla Pasta…Be More Macho

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Guido Barilla, president of the world’s largest manufacturer of boxed pasta, has vowed his company would never feature homosexuals in its ads. Well, when I heard this news, my thoughts immediately turned to Woody Allen’s kooky 1973 film “Sleeper,” which offered some insights into the virility-enhancing effects of pasta.

Shall We Kill Him For You? Werner Herzog and His Best Fiend, Klaus Kinski

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German filmmaker Werner Herzog, who turns 71 today, directed actor Klaus Kinski in his two most acclaimed motion pictures – “Fitzcarraldo” and “Aguirre, The Wrath of God.” Kinski is regarded as one of the most temperamental – some would say insane – actors of the past 50 years. Here’s a look at the strange relationship between the director and his l’enfant terrible.

When The Greatest Tea Room Orchestra in the World Played for David Frost

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“The Greatest Tea Room Orchestra in the World” is how British journalist and talk show host David Frost described The Beatles when they played “By George, It’s The David Frost Theme” on his September 8, 1968, talk show. The tune was written by Beatles’ producer George Martin. The boys appeared on the show to promote their new single, “Hey Jude,” but couldn’t resist hamming it up a bit. David Frost died this past Saturday at age 74. While I found his persona a bit annoying, I applaud him for snaring some great interviews. Beatle fans will be interested to know that Frost interviewed the Fab Four on various occasions throughout the years.

‘Lady Sings the Blues’ Biopic: The True Spirit of Billie Holiday?

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Legendary jazz singer/songwriter Billie Holiday was born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915. You might remember the 1972 biopic, “Lady Sings the Blues,” which was based on Billie’s 1956 autobiography.The book was ghostwritten by William Dufty from a series of conversations with the singer in her New York apartment. According to a 2006 article by San Francisco Chronicle writer Jesse Hamlin, people well-acquainted with Billie disliked the movie, feeling it didn’t reflect her true spirit.