MUSIC BREAK: BUDDY CLARK & THE ANDREWS SISTERS - BABY FACE

RECENTLY VIEWED: JUDY

I was off today so I went to see the new film biography of Judy Garland called simply Judy. It starred Renée Zellweger. I have to admit I am not a Zellweger fan, and the last movie I saw her in was 2002's Chicago, which was also a musical. Renee Zellweger did not just do well as Judy Garland in the film, she became Judy Garland! I am so glad I took the time to go see the movie, all be it by myself. It was a great movie experience that I have not had in a long time.

The film uses flashbacks to tell the story of how young Judy Garland became worn out Judy Garland. The head of MGM, Louis B. Mayer tortured the young Garland, and the studio was first responsible for getting Judy hooked on drugs and afraid to eat. They called her ugly and fat, and Mayer made it out like Judy was his favorite, but all she was to the studio was a money maker. Mayer has been dead over sixty years, but I hope he is rotting in hell for what he did to Judy Garland and many other young stars at MGM.

Most of Judy takes place in late 1968/early 1969. By this time, even though Judy Garland was only 47, she had burnt most of her bridges. No record company or big name venue wanted to use her. She had gone through four husbands, and all she wanted to do was be with her children. To do that she needed to make some money, so she embarked on a strenuous stint in London, England. The English revered Garland much like the French did for Jerry Lewis. Judy by this time could not function without her pills and booze. The first few performances turned out well for Garland, but soon her old demons got the best of her. The movie ended like Judy's own life did, on a sad note.

Judy Garland and fifth husband Mickey Deans

There is not much wrong with this film. I was nervous to hear Renée Zellweger do her own singing. I mean who can compare to the singing of Judy Garland, but she does a great job. She did not imitate Garland which was wise, but she did her own version. There were a couple mistakes in the movie. In a flashback scene with a young Judy and Mickey Rooney in the late 1930s a song from 1953 is heard in the background. There is some changes to the story about the marriage of Judy to piano player Mickey Deans (her fifth and final husband). The film had that they got married during her performances in London, but they got married after. Also, the film depicted Mickey Deans leaving Judy, when in reality he stayed with her, and it was he who discovered Garland died on the morning of June 22, 1969.

Still, this film is one of the best movies I have seen in years. I went during an early matinee showing, and the theater was nearly sold out. It was filled with mostly older women, but I was happy to see some couples, and some people younger than I. If you love Judy Garland go see this movie. If Renée Zellweger does not win the Oscar for Judy, then it is the biggest rip off since Judy Garland herself did not win the Oscar for 1954's A Star Is Born. The movie Judy is a film biography that should not be missed...

MY RATING: 10 OUT OF 10

COOKING WITH THE STARS: DEAN MARTIN

I am a huge fan of Dean Martin as everyone knows. I found this recipe online from Dino, and even someone like me could make this dish in the kitchen!

Dean Martin’s Burgers and Bourbon

1 pound ground beef
1/4 teaspoon of salt
8 ounces bourbon chilled

Preheat a heavy frying pan and sprinkle bottom lightly with table salt. Mix meat, handling lightly, just enough to form into four patties. Grill over medium-high heat about 4 minutes on each side. Pour chilled bourbon in chilled shot glass and serve meat and bourbon on a TV tray.

HEALTHWATCH: STEVE LAWRENCE

Nightclub and television singing legend Steve Lawrence has revealed doctors have diagnosed him with Alzheimer’s Disease.

“It’s in the early stages,” Lawrence, 83, said in a statement. “I am being treated with medications under the supervision of some of the finest doctors in the field. Fortunately, they have managed to slow down this horrific process.”

“I’m living my life, going out in public and trying to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while I am still able to engage and enjoy,” he continued of what he called “this bittersweet moment.”

“What I don’t want is pity or sympathy — I have lived and am living a wonderful, joyous life filled with love, support and amazing moments,” he insisted.

Lawrence shot to fame alongside his late wife, Eydie Gormé, who died days before her 85th birthday in August 2013.

“With my beloved Eydie, I had one of the great loves of all time; my career has always been there for me as a source of joy and fulfillment; and you, my fans, have shown immeasurable love and support in ways I only could have imagined,” said Lawrence.

“Steve has gone downhill quickly since Eydie died in 2013,” an insider said. “It was like cutting his heart out.”

MISSED OBITS: RONALD COMO

I am sad to report that I missed an obituary for the son of Perry Como. Ronald Como died in Janaury of this year. He was involved in some controversy back when Perry Como was in failing health. His sister and himself were fighting over who should take care of the elder Como...

GRANGER –Ronald “Ron” Perry Como of Granger, IN born on January 15th, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Roselle Bellino Como and Perino Ronald “Perry” Como, had gone to meet his maker at the age of 78 on January 2nd, 2019. He “Went Home” surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ron attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1961 and earned his Master’s in Business Administration in 1963.Ron served his Country in the JROTC while attending Xavier High School in NY. During his time at Notre Dame, Ron was awarded a Purple Heart while serving active duty with the Marines in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Ron worked most of his career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries for Bendix/Allied Signal. Ron was easily identified as the guy who drove the old VW Beetle to work with the boat tied on top, even in the winter! In 1992, after more than 25 years of dedicated service, Ron retired as the Director of Labor Relations for Allied Signal in South Bend.

Ron leaves behind his wife of over 57 years, Melanie L. Como. Together they were blessed with six children: sons: Ronald Como Jr. (LeAnn), and Paul Como, and daughters: Melanie Como-Dits (David), Wendy Como, Paige Como-Howard (Jon), and Mary Como. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Ronald Como, Christopher Como, Abigail Como, Alexis Bishop, Amelia Bishop, Gabriella Bishop, Tyler Dits and great-grandson, Bastian Richardson.

Ron was foremost a Husband, Father and Grandfather but also had a passion for the outdoors. Ron was an avid hunter, fisherman and photographer. Ron and his son, Ron Jr., spent countless days out on their property enjoying the wildlife and looking for that “perfect buck!” During the summer, Ron loved sitting peacefully on the deck of his home on Birch Lake surrounded by his wife Melanie and their children and grandchildren. The beauty and magic of the water and sunsets always brought a smile to his face and never got old!

Ron was a long-time member and supporter of the Izaak Walton League of South Bend, IN. and the Edwardsburg conservation Club of Edwardsburg, MI.The family would like to extend our thanks to the caregivers who tirelessly spent hours taking care of “Mr. C” for the past 10 years. We are truly grateful for all your kindnesses. We could not have done this without you. God Bless all of you. Special thanks also go to the wonderful doctors especially Dr. Paula Toth – Russell, Dr. Brian Jacobs and the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic...

COMING SOON: BUDDY CLARK WEEK

On October 1, 1949 the music industry lost one of the greatest vocalists since Bing Crosby when Buddy Clark was killed in an airplane crash. To commemorate the 70 years since his untimely passing we are going to have a week of remembering Buddy Clark from October 1 through October 9.

We will spotlight some of the music of Buddy Clark since most people are not familiar with his wonderful voice and talent. Join us in remembering a forgotten legend...

45 YEARS AGO - THE LAST APPEARANCE OF JOAN CRAWFORD

September 23rd, 1974, is a very important date on Joan’s chronology of events. Today marks the 39th anniversary since Joan made her last public appearance, at the Rainbow Room in New York.

During the first half of 1974, Joan kept herself out of the public eye. She was reluctant to make public appearances, and Joan started to see herself as an “ex movie star”. While she was inactive from the cameras, she was tied down with many appointments and illnesses. Joan was suffering from Periodontal Disease and Bacterial Infections in the jaw, which caused her to undergo several painful operations.

In May, Joan was complaining of sore gums and didn’t know what was wrong until she was diagnosed with periodontal disease on May 24th. This caused Joan to rest up at home with the occasional company of a few close friends.

On July 17th, Joan was hospitalized to undergo serious dental surgery. After a few days in hospital, Joan was discharged. Recovering at home, Joan preferred to be left alone for awhile. She had a few visitors check in on her to see how she was. She complained about the painful dental work and would rather avoid the subject. When the Writer, Adele Whitely Fletcher, whom Joan had known for fifty years called & wanted to see her, Joan explained that she was having painful dental work done, “Which I would rather you not mention. I don’t want everybody clucking that I’m really having a facelift. When I do, I’ll say so myself.”

By September, Joan was fully recovered & ready to welcome friends for dinner. On September 16th, Joan found out that she is to serve as hostess at a party honoring her good friend Rosalind Russell, to be held at the Rainbow Room, on September 23rd. Joan agreed, and was looking forward to seeing Rosalind again.

At the time, Rosalind was very ill and suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis and the side effects from her daily Cortisone injections. She was also worried after receiving the news that she had been diagnosed with Cancer, which she kept discreet. Though she remained strong that night and put on a brave front.

The whole night, Joan and Rosalind Russell were swarmed by photographers and press taking photos, which were to appear in the newspapers the next day. When Joan read the newspaper the next morning, she was horrified to see unflattering photos of herself and Russell. Joan put down the paper and said, ” If that’s the way I look, they’ve seen the last of me.”

True to her word, Joan cancelled all upcoming engagements, including a charity fashion show, in which Joan was to appear in November. That was the last the public ever saw of Joan. She spent the rest of her life a recluse, hardly venturing out of her New York Apartment and only seeing close friends and family...

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