The Wizard of Oz [1939]
1. In her room Dorothy has a little kennel for Toto with his name on it. Never noticed that before.
2. That cutaway shot of Glenda bobbing her head and smiling at the munchkins. As if to say, “Oh goodness, aren’t they just adorable!”
3. Wicked Witch makeup: she has black circles under her eyes. Insomnia?
I made this for our New Year’s Eve party last night. No hangover! Highly recommended for a frosty night.
YULE WASSAIL
To a large stockpot, add 4 bottles (48 oz.) of ale, the grated peel of one lemon, 1 tsp. of ground nutmeg, and 5 tablespoons of brown sugar. Put on lowest heat. While it’s heating, in a small bowl beat three eggs. To the eggs add 4 oz. of white sugar and 3 oz. falernum (you can substitute spiced rum for the falernum if it’s easier). Rebeat egg mixture until smooth.
When the ale is nearing the boiling point, whisk in the egg mixture. Then add 36 oz. brandy and 16 oz. apple cider. Whisk until smooth.
Simmer the wassail on lowest heat; do not allow to boil. Serve hot in mugs.
(20ish servings)
Just for fun, I went through my diary and compiled some stats for 2007.
Number of movies I saw (theatrical and DVD): 179
Number of times Andy & I ordered out for pizza: 31
Number of times Andy & I ordered out, non-pizza: 29
Draw your own conclusions.
I Am Legend [2007]
1. The Gollum-like creatures. Com’on, couldn’t you do any better than that?
2. The crashed car rusting in front of the Times Square ticket booth.
3. Dr. Krippen. Reference to the famous Dr. Crippen murder case? Hitchcock was obsessed with the case.
Manhattan Melodrama [1934]
1. The tiny souvenir gavel given out as a party favor at the Cotton Club on Election Night.
2. William Powell leaning against the padded fireplace rail in the governor’s mansion.
3. Myrna Loy: “I’m fully equipped.”
Summer of Sam [1999]
1. Spike Lee’s afro.
2. Mira Sorvino chucking the record albums out the window.
3. Ben Gazzara in robe, t-shirt and slippers watching TV in the evening.
You Only Live Twice [1967]
1. More girdles per capita than any 007 flick. By far.
2. Sean Connery’s ludicrous “Japanese” wig.
3. The cat squirming to get out of Blofeld’s arms when the control room starts blowing up.
Casino Royale [2006]
1. Sand on Bond’s shoulderblades at the beach.
2. When he’s won the big game, Bond tips the dealer $1 million. The dealer doesn’t bat an eye.
3. “Mr. White, we need to talk.”
It’s a Wonderful Life [1946]
3 new things I noticed this year:
1. When Mr. Gower hits little George his ear is actually bleeding. It makes the scene that much more disturbing. This is the moment in the film where I cried this year.
2. The same “playboy” character who says, “We’ll wait for ya, baby” to Violet is later shown in Potter’s office when Potter bails out the bank … so he must be the president of the bank or something.
3. George tips his hat and rain pours from the brim onto Ernie’s hand. Ernie shakes his hand dry.
