Steel Magnolias (1989) and Educating Rita (1983)

Last year I went to see the stage play of Steel Magnolias at a local repertory theater, and I loved comparing it with it's 1989 film counterpart. In the case of Magnolias, the film -- in my opinion -- is far better than the stage version. For one thing, there's no way you can top a cast like Sally Field, Shirley MacClaine and Julia Roberts. Also, I love how the movie breaks out of the beauty shop and explores the entire town and introduces the viewer to all the other people in the women's lives, including the suitor who charms Shirley.  And I loved Shirley's dog in the film; a nice touch. And this has got to be one of of Dolly Parton's best movie roles and the part suits her well.  A few years ago, another TV-film version came out starring Queen Latifah and Alfre Woodard and is on my to-see list.

Another stage play I saw recently was Educating Rita; I had seen the 1983 film version, one of the first movies I ever watched on a VHS tape. If you don't remember that movie, it's about a middle age professor (Michael Caine) who tutors a young, unschooled married hair stylist (Julie Walters) who dreams of becoming more cultured; in the process they change each other's lives (a premise reminiscent of Pygmalion or My Fair Lady). It's an inspiring tale, filled with witty dialogue and many references to great literature. The movie version is delightful - Caine and Walters are top-notch and deserved their Oscar nominations. And I like how the movie breaks out of the professor's office setting, taking you inside Rita's house and inside the saloons where the professor frequents. However, the movie feels dated, especially the synthetic music score. On stage, it's a different experience - only the two main characters; in the production I saw, the actors were outstanding, especially the actor who played Rita, a challenging part that she knocked out of the park. I hope she gets some local award recognition. Alas, this may be an example of where there play is actually better than the film.

Photos from Savannah Georgia, USA

Here are some of my favorite pics from my trip to Savannah last December.  

 

The historic area of Savannah is divided into squares, with each one forming a little community. Here's a picture of one of them. You'll see locals walk their dogs, or even a wedding party's photo shoot.

A good old fashioned brick and mortar bookstore. The E. Shaver Bookstore.

Clary's Restaurant, where 1997's Midnight In the Garden of Good & Evil was filmed.

The wall inside had lots of photos of the cast and crew of the film. Had pecan waffles here. 

I took one of the famous trolley tours around the city, and jumped on and off at various locations. Here's the riverfront. Shops & restaurants are here. 

Bar where Julia Roberts filmed Something to Talk About in 1995.

The square where Forrest Gump was filmed (the Tom Hanks bench scene)

Across the street is the historic Savannah Theater.

Here's the world famous Leopold's Ice Cream. If you are in Savannah, you must stop here. They are famous for their Tutti Fruitti -flavor ice cream. Hollywood producer Stratton Leopold owns this place, and all of his movie posters are on the wall (Wolfman, Sum of All Fears). The line was out the door and the place was packed when I was there.

Right next door is the SCAD theater; film fests and classic movie screenings are held here.

This use to be an old theater but I don't know it's history...will have to research this. 

Also nearby is the Lucas Theater, primarily a performing arts venue, they also show films.

An ad is promoting a Jimmy Stewart film fest! 

One of the coolest statues in the city (and there are MANY of them!) is this one honoring the great songwriter Johnny Mercer who was from Savannah.

The statue is by a bus terminal.

At first I thought the paper he was holding was a songbook, but it's actually a newspaper, as the statue is based on a photo of him leaning against a fire hydrant in New York. 

I had a great time here and would come back again one day. 

There is so much to see, and so much beautiful architecture, such as this lovely home: