It's already been an unusual winter, and it's only early January. We are currently locked into a freeze-thaw cycle, each one lasting around two days. We just came out of a two-day cold spell, with temps failing to rise above freezing. It went above today, and will stay above tonight. Then tomorrow, something called an Alberta Clipper will descend upon us. It will bring wind, snow, and temperatures that will fall throughout the day. It will remain below freezing again until sometime Saturday, when the process will repeat itself. So far at least, the cold has not been mind numbing. No doubt that will come soon. The shipping lanes are still open, though there are now far fewer ships passing by. No ice floating on the river yet, either. Soon.
In Co-vid news, Ontario is keeping all children home from school for two weeks. It has closed restaurants and bars to sit down customers. Entertainment venues are once again closed, as are gyms and casinos. Indoor groups limited to 5; outdoors 10. Another round, like our freeze/thaw cycle. As usual, we are happy to stay home.
Deb's two recent film choices both stared Deborah Kerr, an actress I like and enjoy watching. She has been popping up a lot lately in our viewing. The first film stars her and Robert Mitchum stranded on a south seas island during WW2. He is a beached marine, and she a stranded nun. Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison is from 1957, directed by John Huston (another name that has been popping up a lot here of late). It is in Cinemascope and colour, and is very well acted by both principals. There is actually a good ending to this one, too.
Sometimes a film appears and disappears the same month. Such is the case with The Chalk Garden, a melodrama starring Deborah Kerr, Hayley Mills, and John Mills. Hayley, 16, is being raised by her grandmother, and taught to hate her absent mother. Kerr is the new governess who recognizes her earlier self in Hayley, and tries to help her. John Mills, the consummate civilized actor, plays the faithful servant. He gets one dramatic scene to play with his daughter, and it's a pretty good one. Kerr's low key performance is a good foil to Hayley's overwrought one, as the child who hates everything and everyone, or so she claims. Worth catching to see Hayley trying to stretch herself and spread her wings as an actress.
If you have another moment or two, here is another work of art from Detroit's collection. I got a mailing from them today. There are two big exhibits coming up this year: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500-1800; and Van Gogh in America, with 60 of his paintings. Hopefully we will be able to attend both exhibits. The first one runs from Fe. 6th to May 29th, and the 2nd from October 2nd to January 22nd of next year. Meanwhile, here's another sample...
This is one of Schubert's more interesting works, as he models his Michael after Donatello's David sculpture. Attention has been lavished on the wings and the armour, and even the laces on the boots. The Da Vinci-like landscape background recalls that master as well. The work also seems to presage the Pre-Raphaelite painters in England, getting organized 8 years after this work. It's never been on display to my knowledge.
Mapman Mike
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