prussianblue

Nadine Dorries, is that you?

Another letter submitted, from Aaron Bell. That makes 12 according to this handy tally: https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/full-list-the-tories-calling-for-boris-to-go

One of them is a disgraced lech with substance abuse issues, the other is Robin Thicke.

As I mentioned it on the Monica Vitti thread, thought I might as well add here that Daniela Bianchi, Tatiana Romanova in From Russia with Love, turned 80 on January 31st.

Have seen her in L'Avventura and Modesty Blaise. Not that that has stopped me from constantly mixing her up with Daniela Bianchi from From Russia with Love (who incidentally turned 80 on Monday).

Well yes, I get that you'd use party supporters, but it suggests they might have been struggling for volunteers if they were including relative nobodies to somehow persuade the public of the merits of Gordon Brown. Why should anyone give a toss about who Gina Gold from The Bill votes for?

The Bonhams auction is now live, if anyone is curious to browse the lots: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/27705/ Interesting selection of film and travel posters, art, books, jewellery, furniture, etc.. Lots of affordable three-figure estimates, but I dare say these might be exceeded. Who wouldn't want this Muppet Christmas Carol bomber jacket?

What a strange selection of people, from household names to the obscure. I've never heard of Peter Guinness, and his filmography doesn't suggest that I should have. I see he's married to Roberta Taylor though, so maybe there was a two for one deal on talking heads?

Damn, beaten to it. Seems like it's more about him not being able to muster the necessary number of votes, despite the charm offensive. Article in Italian: https://www.lastampa.it/politica/2022/01/22/news/quirinale_e_il_giorno_di_silvio_berlusconi_il_vertice_di_centrodestra_slitta_di_due_ore-2838188/

Sad to see that the BBC obituary omitted his greatest acting role, Dennis the bus driver in Spice World.

Through more convoluted bloodlines, the current (5th) Earl of Wharncliffe is a construction worker from Maine.

Hardy Krüger counts for this category as he was conscripted as a 16 year old in 1944, first into the Wehrmacht and then, in March 1945, the SS! Narrowly avoided being sentenced to death for cowardice when he refused orders. The sorry last days of the Reich when they were reduced to putting children on the front lines.

Not sure if that sentence was accidentally included, but Edward VIII was never Duke of York. He did start off as Prince Edward of York, as he was the son of the then-Duke of York, later George V. Edward was also known to the family as David (his last middle name), not Bertie.

I see that Louis Garrel was also in the Saint Laurent film as a previous lover, which definitely increases my interest!

A fun summary of the publicity and campaign blitz to get him elected: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/18/silvio-berlusconi-courts-parliamentarians-in-italy-presidential-bid I know he's a deeply corrupt sleazeball, but as a long-term fan of Silvio (in a semi-ironic way), I'd love to see him get the job.

He's made it to the front page of the BBC News website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60054237 The headline does however say 'Moon Knight actor', which was a mental shrug for me, but I was shocked to see who that actually was when I clicked on it. I recognise him mainly from the Chanel adverts. He was gorgeous.

People may recognise Les Espaces d'Abraxas in Noisy-le-Grand from its use as a location in Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985): https://youtu.be/0gVnQ_KnKVg Also used more recently for one of the Hunger Games films.

I think I'd rank Edward Fox as being a bit above 'character actor'. He was starring in major films for a couple of decades, not bit parts in episodes of Crossroads. On the other point, would definitely agree on a Keeping Up Appearances thread. Have been rewatching it on iPlayer and really enjoying it. Main cast is pretty much 50/50 dead, and quite a few actual noted character actors popped up in the odd episode.

Bofill was one of the big names of Postmodernism. As well as his work in France he was responsible for major projects in his native Barcelona, including most of El Prat airport, the National Theatre of Catalonia, and the huge sail-shaped W Hotel on the waterfront.

A list I meant to create after Jessica Walter died last year but never got around to, here is the cast of Arrested Development (2003-2006, 2013, 2018-2019): George (and Oscar) Bluth – Jeffrey Tambor (1944- ) Lucille Bluth – Jessica Walter (1941-2021) Michael Bluth – Jason Bateman (1969- ) George Oscar 'Gob' Bluth – Will Arnett (1970- ) Lindsay Bluth-Fünke – Portia de Rossi (1973- ) Tobias Fünke – David Cross (1964- ) Byron 'Buster' Bluth – Tony Hale (1970- ) George Michael Bluth – Michael Cera (1988- ) Mae 'Maeby' Fünke – Alia Shawkat (1989- ) Most of them are probably safe for a few more decades at least. Jeffrey Tambor is the obvious standout age-wise, but in the lifestyle category Will Arnett has a history of alcoholism and David Cross has been open about drug use. Apart from the core family, the show featured a vast ensemble of recurring and guest stars, many of whom are highly obitable. The following played various friends, associates, lawyers, acting coaches etc. of the Bluth family and are now aged 60+: Stefan Gentles – James Lipton (1926-2020) Argyle Austero – Tommy Tune (1939- ) Larry Middleman - Bob Einstein (1942-2019) Gene Parmesan - Martin Mull (1943- ) Barry Zuckerkorn – Henry Winkler (1945- ) Lucille 'Lucille Two' Austero – Liza Minelli (1946- ) Carl Weathers – Himself (1948- ) John Beard – Himself (1948- ) Stan Sitwell - Ed Begley Jr. (1949- ) 'Uncle Trevor' Leeds - Dave Thomas (1949- ) 'Uncle Jack' Dorso – Martin Short (1950- ) Lottie Dottie DA - Frances Conroy (1953- ) Ron Howard – Narrator/Himself (1954- ) Cindi Lightballoon – Jane Lynch (1960- ) Maggie Lizer – Julia Louis-Dreyfus (1961- )

He's certainly being active in pursuing the keys to the Quirinale, apparently now threatening to pull out of the coalition government if Draghi gets the job instead: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jan/11/silvio-berlusconi-steps-up-presidential-campaign-threat-italy-coalition

Auctioning off some of his stuff at Bonhams in March: https://www.bonhams.com/press_release/33728/ 'as Sir Michael starts taking life at a more leisurely pace, he and his wife, Lady Caine, are downsizing and putting some of their treasured possessions up for auction' The start of getting his affairs in order, or just a high-end clear-out?

Stepping down as president of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. He's been in the post since 1969. Making way for new blood, or getting his affairs in order? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-57784464

I watched 1964's Southern Gothic classic Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte yesterday, which Olivia stars in opposite Bette Davis. It was weird to think that the woman on screen was pushing 50 yet is still with us.

House of Fraser have just sold their Edinburgh flagship store for over £13 million. Not a good sign when they start liquidating assets!