By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

With the Oscar winners announced, Green Book enjoyed a noticeable bump at the box office and the positive word of mouth is likely to fill theater seats for people who cannot get seats for Captain Marvel, A Medea Family Funeral or How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World. While the mainstream awards season is taking a break until the Tony Awards in June, people who are not members of the Academy, American Film Institute and actor or trade guilds/unions, can vote in the 17th Annual Rondo Hatton Award. Vote at www.rondoaward.com.

Established in 2002 by David Colton and Kerry Gammill, The Rondo Hatton Awards was one of the earliest collections of World Wide Web fan sites and the growth of the convention circuit. Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro has been quoted that he would rather win a Rondo than an Oscar. Fortunately for Del Toro, the writer/director/producer has both.

With no surprise, Halloween and The Nun (both now on DVD) are two films that are nominated for the coveted “Best Film of 2018” in a crowded field of 15 nominations. 

Halloween was the most hyped horror movie of 2018. Jamie Lee Curtis returned to the role of Laurie Strode, in a role that made Curtis famous 40 years ago. With John Carpenter returning as a producer/creative consultant, this Halloween exorcised seven Halloween sequels and the two Rob Zombie reboots. Instead, this film focuses on a showdown between a grandmother and the boogeyman who harassed her in 1978.

Young Director David Gordon Green does a great job setting up the conflict with creepy cinematography and a good performance by Curtis. However, the film falters during the much-awaited climax that features poor survival decisions by our heroine. Without meaning to, this Halloween becomes a version of Home Alone, minus the sense of humor.

The Nun is part of the horror universe created by James Wan and has been represented by the The Conjuring and Annabelle movies. Set in war torn Romania, circa 1952, The Nun does a fine job setting up the atmosphere recreating the Gothic world of  Vladimir Dracula the Impaler. Alas, like Halloween, the climax does not live up to the build-up that went before. For Monster Mavens, there are 13 other “Best Film” choices to choose from by the April 20 due date.

So who is Rondo Hatton? The Hollywood publicity machine described Rondo as a man so ugly that he needed no make-up [to be in monster movies]. Rondo did appear in many mainstream motion pictures, mostly as a bit player in classics like The Ox Bow Incident or The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Rondo became a certified movie star as “The Hoxton Creeper” in the Sherlock Holmes film The Pearl of Death, which led to his featured films House of Horrors and The Brute Man.  

At the height of his career, Rondo died of a broken heart on Groundhog Day, 1946.

Like Richard Kiel, Andre the Giant and Irwin Keyes, Rondo really died from the complications from acromegaly, a disorder from one’s growth hormone. It is the acromegaly that distorted Rondo’s jawbone and gave him such gaunt features.

Like any monster legend, there are many folk tales that grew from Rondo’s malady. Having served in World War I, the Hollywood publicity machine claimed that Rondo was a victim of a German mustard gas attack. It is a fact that Rondo Hatton did serve (possibly with my Grandfather Dave Glen Watson) in World War I and aided the Pancho Villa Expedition under General Pershing. A Christian all of his life, Rondo is interred in the American Legion Cemetery in Tampa, his adopted hometown where he served as a sports writer for the The Tampa Tribune.

RE: Pioneer Days

Dear Editor:

What an awesome and exciting weekend it was in celebration of Deerfield Beach Pioneer Days (Feb. 15-17)! The entire team of planners and workers are to be congratulated for the success of the event and for a job well done. Multitudes of visitors brought forth so many compliments and good-feeling praises as Deerfield Beach took center stage in celebration of its heritage.

We, at the DFB Historical Society, want to say “thanks” to all city staff who spent countless hours planning and organizing in preparation of the weekend, for all you did to generate a good feeling for participants and attendees alike. Thanks, also to Mayor Ganz, Vice Mayor Battle, Commissioners Drosky, Parness and Miller, along with City Manager Hanson, for the roles you played in supporting the event and for your commitment and dedication towards showcasing the city of Deerfield Beach in such a positive way to the thousands upon thousands who witnessed the event.

Proud and grateful,

Emily M. Lilly,

Board President,
Deerfield Beach Historical Society

Festival of the Arts Boca

Through March 10

Mizner Park Amphitheater

590 Plaza Real

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Presenting a diverse range of quality musical performances and literary events. For schedule, visit https://festivalboca.org/events.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Through March 24, weekends

Quiet Waters Park

401 S. Powerline Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Featuring Renaissance-theme performances, artisans and activities, the festival includes theme weekends, including:

• Swashbucklers & Sirens: March 9 & March 10

• Kilts & Colleens: March 16 & March 17

• Magic, Witches and Wizards: March 23 & March 24

Call 954-776-1642 for more information.

Historic Butler House Tour

Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

380 E Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, visit www.deerfieldbeachhistoricalsociety.com.

Tour Hillsboro Lighthouse

Saturday, March 9, Sail times – hourly 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

125 North Riverside Dr.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

Enjoy a fun day at the lighthouse. A current HLPS membership or a $35 transportation fee is required. For more information, visit www.hillsborolighthouse.org/tours.

Dollhouse Miniature Show & Sale

Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Boca Raton Community Center

150 NW Crawford Blvd.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Minitature dollhouses, furniture and more are available for sale and are on display. The members of Les Petits Collecteurs of South Florida work hard to create these items and proceeds from the event benefit children’s charities. There are also several informative workshops. Adults $5, children under 12, $2. For information, visit https://sites.google.com/site/lespetitsclub/home/show-and-sale or e-mail risko@bellsouth.net.

The Soroptimists Nash Bash

Saturday, March 9, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Pavilion Grille

301 Yamato Rd.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Enjoy country music for dancing, a buffet dinner and desserts, and an open bar all evening. Proceeds support girls and women in the community. Dress in your best casual or country attire and have a ball. Tickets are $100 and can be obtained from any member of the Pompano Beach Soroptimist or contact Becky Walzak at 561-459-7070 for details.

Heart, Soul & Service Award Brunch

Sunday, March 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Boca West Country Club

20583 Boca W. Dr.

Boca Raton, FL 33434

Support the Zonta Club of Deerfield Beach by attending the fundraising event. This year’s honorees are Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. and Isabelle Gain. Event includes food, silent auction, raffle prizes and music by Just Us Orchestras. Proceeds benefit Zonta’s scholarship programs and community service projects. Tickets are $80, children 12 and younger $35. For more information, e-mail queenrmv1@bellsouth.net or visit www.zontadeerfieldbeach.org.

Bloodmobile

Sunday, March 10, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

St. Nicholas Church

111 E. Sample Rd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33064

The Bloodmobile will be open for donations. One pint of blood can save three lives. For additional information, call the church office 954-942-5887.

The Pap Corps Presents Footloose & Cancer Free

Sunday, March 10, 6 p.m.

Seminole Casino

Coconut Creek

5550 NW 40 St

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

The evening will feature a delicious assortment of hors d’oeuvres, carving station, signature drink and an exciting dance-off to crown both the best dance couple and the biggest fundraisers. Register for the event ($75) at www.thepapcorps.org .

Lenten Meditation & Lunch

Wednesday, March 13, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Community Presbyterian Church

1920 SE 4 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Save the Date:

Family Fun Day

Saturday, March 16, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sullivan Park

1633 Riverview Rd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Join Kiwanis of Deerfield Beach for face painting, music, games, crafts and a great time. For more information, call 954-980-1833.

St. Patrick’s Day Car Show

Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pioneer Park

217 NE 5 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

First annual fundraiser of its type for the Kiwanis Club. Open to all makes and models. The top 40 vehicles will be awarded. Register your vehicle for $20. Hosted by DJ Rockin Rich. Raffle prizes. Food trucks. Donatons accepted. Free admission. Proceeds benefit children’s charities and other community organizations. For more information, visit www.deerfieldbeachkiwanis.org.

Jeans, Jackets & Jewels

Saturday March 30, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. reception)

Sample-McDougald House

450 NE 10 St.

Pompano Beach, FL 33060

It is time for a Roast! Join in for a fun evening of good-natured jabs at this year’s guest of honor, Pompano Beach’s “cowboy” city manager of Pompano Beach, Greg Harrison, a native of Oklahoma. Rain or shine (the event is tented). Wear your favorite upscale western attire and enjoy a gourmet BBQ feast, musical entertainment and live auction items. For more information, visit www.samplemcdougald.org.

Florida Wing Battle

Saturday, March 30, 6 to 10 p.m.

Sanborn Square Park

72 N. Federal Hwy.

Boca Raton, FL 33432

Wing lovers will delight in this new event, put on by the same people who brought you the Boca Raton Wine & Food Festival, the Boca Burger Battle and more. Imagine if you will… strolling through the park and smelling the sweet aroma of barbecued chicken wings, which you get to sample! Judges will make their selections and guests can pick their favorite too. There will be 20 grill master chefs and also a dessert competition with 20 pastry chefs. Can you say yum? In addition, there will be beer, wine, spirits and live entertainment. This is a 21 + event. No Pets! Event is Rain or Shine. So, NO Refunds, Battle Fans… You can purchase tickets at www.floridawingbattle.com or call 561-338-7594.

In the Purim story, read on Purim in the Book of Esther, the Persian Prime Minister, Haman, persuades the Persian king Achashverosh, to consent to a genocidal plan to annihilate the entire Jewish people. Haman offered the king a huge sum of money.

Reish Lakish said: It is revealed and known in advance to G-d that in the future Haman was going to weigh out shekels against the Jewish people; therefore, He arranged that the Jewish people’s shekels preceded Haman’s shekels.

What does this mean?

This Shabbos, Jews the world over read, in addition to the weekly Torah portion, an extra Torah, the “portion of the coins.” This section of the Torah records the mitzvah incumbent upon the people of Israel, to make a yearly contribution of a half shekel to cover the cost of all communal Temple offerings.

This mitzvah given to the Jewish people in the desert applied to all following generations as well. In every generation, every Jew was required to make an annual contribution of half his country’s standard coin, to cover the cost of the communal offering brought in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

So Reish Lakish is telling us that since G-d knew that in the future Haman was going to weigh out a hefty number of shekels—15,000,000 shekalim against the Jewish people, He arranged that the Jewish people’s shekels precede Haman’s shekels, to cancel out the power of the money which Haman gave to the Persian monarch.

Although this mitzvah is not applicable today, since we have no Temple, it is still a custom in Jewish communities to read this Torah portion at this time of the year. In the U.S., we contribute a silver 50-cent piece, since the dollar coin is our country’s standard coinage, just as the shekel was during the time of Moses.

This seems quite bizarre, to insist on Jews giving an imperfect gift!

The Torah wants each of us to contribute a whole complete shekel. But if I were instructed to contribute a complete shekel on my own, I could begin to think that I am a complete being in and of myself, since I have contributed a complete coin.

The Torah is attempting to teach us that you and I are really one. For me, the real me, the G-dly me, to contribute a complete shekel, I must contribute just a half shekel, allowing the other half to be contributed by my fellow Jew. When you and I contribute each a half shekel, each of us has, indeed, contributed a complete shekel.

By Emily Rosen

ERosen424@aol.com

www.emilyrosen424.com

I am a proud member of the Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem fan club and my feminist “creds” stack up high against any of today’s raging “fems.” I have quietly endured the silence of the pre #metoo movement when it was just as accepted for men to demean women in all sorts of subtle and not so subtle ways, as it was in the early 1900s to accept sending people of color to the back of the bus. We have traveled many miles since those days, but we have not yet reached an acceptable destination.

In the 1950s, when I was ecstatic to have landed a job as creative director in an ad agency (when all my friends were teachers), I discovered, after having achieved several proud moments on the job, and after having been literally chased around the huge important desk belonging to the boss, that I was facing two choices: “fool around with” (translated: “have sex” with) the boss or find another job. I found other jobs, some of which placed me in that same exact predicament. I have no lasting painful affects from those experiences. They seemed as natural to me as asking the grocer for three pickles. I learned how to quit jobs.

Fast forward to #metoo and today. It is very different, thanks to some kind of human evolution, as well as some very brave women willing to take risks.

Many of them now speak up about the unspeakable. As a result, many men are punished and all men are cautioned and educated about what is and what is not appropriate. They are learning – but some of them the hard way. Some of them are now subjected to the extremes of change.

I personally know of two instances where male behavior was totally misinterpreted, reported as sexual harassment, only to be justifiably dismissed after many months of investigation, as frivolous and unsubstantiated complaints — and the reason for the many months seems to be the avalanche of complaints that require investigation. With reputations tarnished, in some cases, economic stability ruined and emotional trauma gone unacknowledged, these men have experienced major suffering. I am not blind to the difficulty of proving such complaints, nor am I unaware of the many years when women’s complaints were dismissed unquestioningly. I am merely pointing out the ways in which extremists can destroy an important movement.

And there is another potential down side to frivolous accusations. It is not that women don’t like to be “touched.” We just don’t like to be touched inappropriately by inappropriate people. But let us not devalue the importance of touch in our lives. It is enough that we have come to accept as a value expressions of love and affection through texts and emails and www.flowers.com — no physical touch there. In recent years, we have seen an abundance of scientific studies that handily confirm emotional and physical benefits from touch, suggesting that the act of touch is fundamental to human communication, health and bonding, as it is a primary means of spreading compassion.

We don’t want men to stop touching us. We just don’t want the wrong men to touch in the wrong places. And we don’t want #metoo to scare away or inhibit the wonderful touchy-feely expressions of good friends who give good hugs. I, for one, attribute my longevity, in part, to some really good hugs.

By Rachel Galvin

Famed interior designer, jewelry designer and author Hutton Wilkinson left California to pay a visit to South Florida. First, on Jan. 31, he went to the newly opened Jay Feder Jewelers (at 6859 SW 18 St. in Boca Raton) (www.jayfeder.com/bocaraton), where a party was held as he launched his Tony Duquette Jewelry Collection in style. The following day, he went to the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum to present his newest book, “Tony Duquette Dawnridge.”

Guests were delighted to hear stories about how his once-partner designer Tony Duquette got his start and about his famous home. The home was built in 1949 by Tony and his wife Elizabeth. It was a simple structure — 30 x 30. But the home he created would become the go-to place for many of the Hollywood set, including Fred Astaire, Marion Davies, Loretta Young, Arthur Freed and Mary Pickford, among others. Tony had some luxurious parties in his home, complete with everything from Indian dancers to Chinese acrobats, bringing an exotic flair. When not living in the home, they rented it out to famous tenants like Marlon Brando and Eva Gabor. They soon bought the home next to Dawnridge, which they also rented out, but it burnt down in 1974. When the home was torn down, they used the land to create beautiful garden terraces. The expansion of Dawnridge would continue. The home — its interior and exterior — looked like a faraway land, like Japan, Austria or South Asia rather than Beverly Hills and it was used for many fashion shoots as well. The couple also bought other properties.

Hutton worked with Tony and, after Tony and his wife’s passing, he and his wife Ruth decided to purchase the home and to remodel it. Today, Hutton maintains the home and continues to run the jewelry company that he had with Tony.

People can now purchase his “Dawnridge” book, with its 256 pages and 300 color illustrations, and see the transformation of the home through the years and read more about its history.

For more information on the book, visit https://tonyduquette.com/tony-duquettes-dawnridge.

For more information on the Boca Raton Historical Society, visit www.bocahistory.org.