Michael's Musings

November 25 2012

Limbo is the name of a chapter in my forthcoming second memoir, LIFE, LIBERTY & THE PURSUIT OF HOLLYWOOD, which will not be out until the second half of next year.  I mention it here because that's how I've been feeling the last few days.

This past week, I sent the manuscript of that memoir off to my publisher, and now, as I do whenever I finish a writing project, I feel somewhat lost...in limbo.

But, that will pass.

Sandy and I had a nice, quiet Thanksgiving holiday.  We avoided Black Friday, then on Saturday, we went to the movies and saw LINCOLN.

I have mixed feelings about the film.  Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field, Tommy Lee Jones and the rest of the cast are terrific, as are the picture's production values.  Expect to see Oscar nominations, if not awards, for that movie this year.

My problem with the film is that, although I found this historical account of the battle to pass the 13th Amendment compelling, I thought that the individual scenes were more impressive than the screenplay as a whole, which was, to be kind, talky.  This film would have been much better if it were 20-30 minutes shorter.

But, that's just my opinion.

I was saddened to hear about the passing of Larry Hagman, who I encountered often when I was working with Steve Kanaly during his time on the original DALLAS television series.  He was an interesting man.

Not much happening this week.  If I'm in the mood, I may start working again on my Basil  Rathbone play...or not.  We shall see.

I've uploaded a review of The Criterion Collection's new release of HEAVEN'S GATE onto the Best Bets on DVD site, so take a look.  You can access it via the link in the Introduction section of this page.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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November 19, 2012

This is Thanksgiving Week, climaxing with "Black Friday".  Let the games begin!

Question: How many of you will be shopping at Wal-Mart this weekend?

Sandy and I are planning a quiet Thanksgiving dinner; just the two of us.  We'd go out, but since I am on a gluten-free diet, she's making me special stuffing and rolls at home.  Also, pumpkin pie. 

Don't I have a wonderful wife?

Last Monday, I gave a talk to Austin's Sherlock Holmes Society.  It went quite well, and I did sell several copies of my Basil Rathbone book.

On Tuesday of this week, I have a late afternoon meeting that may/may not lead to my doing some theatre here in Austin.  We shall see what happens.

Currently, I am reviewing the first draft of my 2nd memoir, prior to sending it off to the publisher.  However, I don't expect to see it in print before the 2nd half of next year.

The audio version of SHADOW WATCHER is now available for downloading at audible.com, amazon and iTunes, but we're still waiting for audible to upload the new cover image before we start promoting it.  That will probably happen sometime later this week.

However, if you are in a hurry to hear Alan Douglas' superb rendition of my novel, just click on this link, or if that doesn't work, copy the address into your browser and you'll be taken right there.

http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=sr_1_3?asin=B00A6TEHJ0&qid=1353255170&sr=1-3

Finally, I've uploaded a review of LAWLESS to the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page, so please take a look.  It's an interesting film, based on a true story.

You have a creative week...and don't eat too much.

Michael

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November 12, 2012

Last week, was one of the worst weeks in my life.

On Monday, we had to put down Missy, the border collie who was my best friend for close to 17 years.  Like when we put my cat, Annie (also a 17 year friend), to sleep a few months back, it ripped me apart.

Then, on Tuesday, Obama won the election, and that made me feel even worse.  His re-election, as I see it, is the end of the United States...certainly as we know it.

Wednesday, Sandy and I decided to get out for awhile, so we went to a movie; the first we've seen in a theater in almost a year.  It was ARGO, directed by Ben Afflect, who also stars in it with John Goodman and Alan Arkin.  An excellent movie.  I highly recommend it.

Tonight, Sandy and I will be attending a dinner meeting of the Sherlock Holmes Society in Austin where I will be giving a talk about Basil Rathbone...and, hopefully, sell a few books.

I've also posted a review of COPPER, Season One, on the Best Bets on DVD site, accessible via the link in the Introduction section of this page.  It's a very good series, so please take a look.

You have a creative week.

Michael

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