as part of my punishment for ignoring the needs of my body's musculature for years, especially my back/stomach, I've been confined to bed for several days now. There are worse things in life, I suppose. I've been able to watch a dozen or more movies while popping pain pills, so all isn't strum and drang.
One of the highlights has been 
Night and the City,
even though I haven't yet watched the movie itself. Released as part of the Criterion Collection (when I make my first million, I'm buying the whole lot!), the movie includes an extremely interesting interview on French Television (1972) with the director, Jules Dassin. Discusses the Hollywood Star system, including working with Joan Crawford (which really meant working for Joan Crawford - Dassin was fired on the first day of shooting because he dared to yell, “Cut”. Rehired after having dinner with Ms. Crawford at her mansion, and agreeing to avoid using such 'harsh' words in the future.), dealing with Louis B. Mayer, and how his friend Elia Kazan betrayed him to the HUAC. Kazan apparently called all his friends the night before he testified, and reassured everyone. Once he got up on the stand however, Kazan ratted out all his friends. Most subsequently were blackballed, and couldn't get work for decades. I still am confused as to how the Academy could give a life-time achievement award to Kazan. I suppose money trumps all, and always will.
Tags: Film
