Daily Archives: February 12, 2012

7 posts

DreamWorks and Working Title Films to Remake Hitchcock’s Rebecca


Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. When I got there, DreamWorks and Working Title Films were preparing to defile the memory of Hitchcock’s masterpiece, Rebecca. Yes, it’s true. Movieline reports that producers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, A Serious Man) are on board, while Steven Knight (Eastern Promises) will be writing the script based on Daphne du Maurier’s novel. No word on a director yet. Is it fair to call it a remake if they’re adapting from the novel? Maybe not, but this adaptation will inevitably be compared to Hitchock’s Best Picture-winning film. Continue reading →

It’s a Shame About Whitney

I was very sad to hear about Whitney Houston’s death. It was touching to see the outpouring of grief from the public, media and other performers.  Or was it?

The majority of her hits and film success were ’85 through ’95. For the last twenty years we (the general population, media included) have pruriently waited to see the Whitney train come off the rails, and it did – several times.  A disastrous marriage, a drug bust, public misbehavior, and misfired comebacks were all gossip page features. The tabloids and the main stream outlets jumped on every opportunity to show photos of her wasted and videos of her of her attempted comebacks.  We laughed at her incoherent interviews and quotes about drugs.  Comedians specialized in portraying her at her worst. I don’t remember other “A” list performers being particularly vocal defending her or working to give her another chance. Continue reading →

Recipe Sunday: Zigeunerschnitzel

Last Friday night I had the pleasure of attending Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Café in Sanford, FL. This restaurant is an authentic Bavarian spot, with shared tables, giant soft pretzels, 3-liter boots of beer, and lots of schnitzel.

While reading the menu, a dish caught my eye: zigeunerschnitzel. This schnitzel is prepared with a paprika and red pepper sauce. The reason I was drawn to the dish is that, when I was a wee one taking cooking lessons, one of the things we learned to make was zigeunerschnitzel. I have made the dish over the years, and I still have the recipe. I don’t know how authentic it is; all the zigeunerschnitzel recipes I found online had significant variations. This recipe doesn’t have tomatoes or tomato paste, but you could add a can of crushed tomatoes or a small can of tomato paste if you want to experiment. Regardless, it’s a yummy dish that will wow your friends and family. Continue reading →