Two Words, One Answer.
Royal Family
 World Royal Families $24.99 Presented in exhaustive detail, this book presents the history of various monarchies around the world since 1900. Through extensive research and hundreds of famous and rare photographs, the reader can see an astonishing timeline of the lives of these families and their impact on their countries and the world at large.  Behind the Palace Walls: The Rise and Fall of Britain's Royal Family $6.99 For some American readers like me, the tragedy of Princess Diana's death may have pointed up how little we know about the British royal family and sent us looking for sources. After starting and discarding several tendentious "histories" of the House of Windsor, I found this one to be a breath of fresh air. Peter Fearon has written an objective, concisely-written, exhaustive account of the royal family (beginning with the death of Queen Victoria), and yet has done so in a highly readable way. Unlike every other author I've seen so far, Fearon doesn't seem to have an axe to grind about the Windsors. I'm in my 40s and hadn't been exposed to much of the history here and found it fascinating. I was sorry to finish the book.  The Royal Family (Broadway Theatre Archive) $24.99 It was privilege to watch this outstanding production of George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber's play "The Royal Family." I marveled as the actors sank their artistic teeth into a superb script. They seemed to relish working together to bring to life the wacky, wonderful, and totally endearing, Cavendish family. A beautifully constructed play, the audience is irresistibly drawn into the story by the warmth, wit, and humanity of its vibrant characters. I have to say it: Today's plays don't hold a candle to a work of this quality. Everyone should see "The Royal Family" so they can know what great theater is and should be. I purchased this DVD after reading reviews extolling Rosemary Harris' performance in the play. I now understand why she is held in such high regard. Every aspect of her performance was a tour de force lesson in acting: pace, energy, inner monologue, movement, timing, character development, ensemble work - all perfection. It was a truly stunning performance. I can only compare her work to that of Geraldine Page, and that is high praise indeed. I wanted to learn more about Ms. Harris and was pleased to discover she is still doing fine work. She recently played the role of May Parker, Peter's aunt, in the Spiderman movies. I also discovered her first movie was "Beau Brummell" with Stuart Granger and Elizabeth Taylor. The movie is now only available as a used VHS. I remember it as a fine production although I didn't remember Ms. Harris in it. I bought a used copy just to see Ms. Harris' first film performance. I hope "Beau Brummell" will be released on DVD. It deserves to be saved as does this marvelous play. I can only imagine the quality she brought to the many stage productions she performed in. I wish there were film versions of her performances in such works as "The Lion in Winter" and her Shakespearean plays. That would have been a golden gift to theater. I don't want, in lauding Ms. Harris' remarkable work, in any way to dminish the fine performaces of the other cast members. Everyone in the play deserves accolades for their superior work. Director Ellis Rabb, who also played the role of Tony in the play, was marvelous. His superb character development brought to life every subtle aspect of his rich role. His performance showes us an outstanding actor who has absolute mastery of his art. Mr. Rabb's directorial work was also a joy to watch. I don't know of anyone who could have done a better job in bringing this wonderful play to life. I was glad to learn Mr. Rabb also directed my favorite version of "You Can't Take It With You." The 1984 production starring Jason Robards and Colleen Dewhurst has the same grace, beauty, and clarity of purpose as "The Royal Family." This production was also filmed, and there are some VHS copies floating around. If you find one, buy it, so you can see another sterling theatrical production by Mr. Rabb. I hope someone will also save this fine play and release it on DVD. Of course, one cannot comment on this play without paying tribute to Eva Le Gallienne's portrayal of Fanny Cavendish. One of the great actresses of American theater, she presented her character with depth, beauty, and honesty. It was an honor to see her perform. Lastly, I want to pay homage to Sam Levene, who played Oscar Wolfe, the theatrical agent for the Cavendishes. It was such a pleasure to see him on stage and doing the fine work he brought to so many movies. There is a lovely French scene between Ms. Harris and Mr. Levene where they are discussing how to handle telling Fanny Cavendish she can't go on the road again - what poignant moment of acting. The Broadway Theatre Archive is to be commended for its excellent restoration work. Thank you for the care and attention you gave to a true work of art. I hope you will consider restoring and releasing Rabb's "You Can't Take It With You." It so deserves to be part of our theater heritage. Don't miss this fine play. It is all that good theater and entertainment should be. As a former theater teacher, it holds a special place in my heart, and, I'm sure, it will find a special place in your heart too. |
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