Debbie Reynolds Is Still Unsinkable

I had the pleasure of talking with Debbie Reynolds last week prior to her keynote speech at the YWCA Tribute to Women event in Pueblo, Colorado. Clad in a fashionable red suit and wearing beige high heels to showcase those glamorous gams, she looked absolutely fabulous.

Because I knew Debbie had worked with the late great Gene Kelly, my favorite dancer, I asked her about him. She graciously admitted that Kelly taught her everything she knows about dancing. And she certainly has put that knowledge to good use. At the age of 74, Debbie performs in her musical show 42 weeks out of the year. She simply loves to entertain people and make them laugh. More power to her, I say!

To read my complete article about the Debbie Reynolds appearance in Pueblo, go to http://www.reeltalkreviews.com/.

Muse Online Writing Conference

I feel honored to be included as a presenter at the upcoming Muse Online Conference for Writers. This FREE virtual conference, scheduled for October 9 - 13, may be the first of its kind. My workshop will focus on the art of writing film reviews.

Because all art forms converge in the movies, a film review should celebrate that fact by being an art form of its own. I plan to offer participants information and suggestions concerning how to write entertaining, insightful movie reviews with an artistic flair. And I will be available to answer questions pertaining to the workshop topic via e-mail during the conference.

For information about other presenters, topics, deadlines and the easy registration process, please go to:
http://www.freewebs.com/themuseonlinewritersconference/

Ian McKellen Steals Two Big Movies

One of my favorite actors, Sir Ian McKellen, managed to steal two recent blockbuster movies, The Da Vinci Code and X-Men: The Last Stand. He delivered wonderful performances in both films, adding a touch of class to each production.

I had the good fortune to interview McKellen a few years ago during his PR tour for Richard III, a film version of the Shakespeare play. Instead of the elitist Shakespearean actor I expected, McKellen was very easy to talk with. He described growing up in an area of England where he attended live theater productions three times a week, which probably explains his great love for the theater over film. However, by serving not only as the lead actor but also as executive producer for Richard III, McKellen claimed he gained a new respect for making movies. Recognizing the need to include American film stars to make his movie a more bankable production, he talked about casting Annette Bening and Robert Downey Jr. in the roles of Queen Elizabeth and her brother. Although Richard III was not a big box office success, it won considerable critical acclaim.

I am pleased to see Sir Ian McKellen now achieve the financial as well as professional success he so richly deserves.