The Writer's Life 5/7 - Caged

Movie buff that I am, I’m always surprised at old films that have eluded me. Last night Movies!, 113 on Cablevision in NYC, ran Lady in a Cage (1964), a lurid thriller starring Hollywood legend Olivia de Havilland. Although it was ahead of its time in its depiction of depravity and dim view of humanity, it trends more toward exploitation than a serious examination of society. The plot is simple: a woman recovering from a hip injury gets stuck in an elevator built into her big L.A. house. When she rings an alarm it attracts a wino, played by Jeff Corey, who frequently assayed such roles in his 233 credits. He does not help the woman. Instead, he reports the goldmine to Ann Sothern. The two, in turn, are followed by a despicable young trio. Mayhem ensues. The opening credits announce: “Introducing James Caan and Jennifer Billingsley.” It was first big part for each on the silver screen, although both had appeared in many TV guest shots prior to the production. All the performances, even de Havilland’s, are over the top. The third cog in the evil wheel of youngsters is played by Rafael Campos, who looked as if he hadn’t aged a bit since his role nine years earlier as one of Glenn Ford’s students in Blackboard Jungle (1955). Tragically, he succumbed to cancer at 49 in 1985 after a successful career in which he amassed 89 credits. Interestingly, he married and divorced songbird Dinah Washington, who also died very young, at 39 in 1963. Although their union lasted only two years, it produced two daughters. Lady in a Cage was directed by Walter Graumann, who worked mostly in TV, doing many episodes of The Untouchables, The Fugitive, Murder, She Wrote, and The Streets of San Francisco. The screenplay was written by a Brooklynite, Luther Davis. It was shot by Hollywood vet Lee Garmes (137 credits) in black and white, which works well for a such downbeat subject matter, as does Paul Glass‘ jazzy score. Scatman Crothers has a small part. Movies! has proved a valuable addition to my channel options. Its prints are beautiful. Unfortunately, it runs many ads. Well, you can’t have everything.


Here’s the leading contender for most ridiculous story of the year: Deflategate. If it didn’t merit attention and punishment months ago, why now? The number of pages and ink devoted to it is ludicrous.


I guess I should weigh in on Pam Geller, who recently hosted the Draw Muhammed fest in Texas. I admire her guts. By exposing the intent of fundamentalists, she is putting her life in jeopardy. Unfortunately, in sponsoring public protests she is also putting the lives of others at risk. I hope she limits the scope of her crusade. The public got lucky in Texas. Terrorists don't need more than the flimsiest of excuses to kill. In the eyes of sympathizers, she may be providing a legitimate one.


Today marked one of the most surprising sessions ever of the floating book shop -- on the negative side. As I hit the lobby this morning, our Super, Luis, called out to me. He gave me a bag full of books, at least 20 Danielle Steel novels -- ten in Russian! Not one sold. My thanks to the young woman who purchased Nicholas Sparks' Message in a Bottle, and to the Lady Eve, who downloaded Close to the Edge to her Kindle.

Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/