The Kee-Takes Pecking Order.

Now that this Oscar business is finally over, I can finally get around to discussing something really important.
Pancakes.
Pancakes is one of the great joys of my life. When they are done right.
Too often, they are not.
As I've mentioned many times in the past, my sister had, and has, a very limited menu of things she would put in her mouth.
And I couldn't remember whether or not pancakes was one of them.
After thoroughly humiliating me, she reminded me that even before she was able to form words correctly, she loved pancakes so much that she had a way of describing them.
She referred ecstatically to them as "Kee-Takes".
So in her honor, from now on in this article, I will be referring to them as "Kee-Takes".

We will be going from worst to first as we proceed up the Kee-Takes pecking order.

Starting at the bottom was my hospital experience.
Everything was institutional food.
Including the Kee-Takes.
I don't know how they managed it, but they tasted like dust.
If you put syrup on them, they tasted like dust with syrup on them.
Of course, it was not real maple syrup, but some sort of ersatz made out of corn syrup..
And there were no better options.
I was their prisoner.
And by the way, the most popular syrups, Log Cabin, Aunt Jemima's and Vermont Maid, are all ersatz.
The easiest way to find the real thing is at Costco.
Their Kirkland brand is the real deal.
Whenever we go out for Kee-Takes, I bring a little vial of it along with me.

Taking it one level up, where you were actually paying for them, was some sort of exotic restaurant, usually Greek, or Lebanese that for some
reason that I still can't figure, was also open for breakfast.
The Kee-Takes there were invariably splotchy and had the vague taste of whatever hadn't been cleaned off of last night's grill.
I guess I deserved what I got.

Then, there's IHOP.
Never had a pleasant experience there.
It's never about the Kee-Takes themselves but rather the gooey, sugary things you can put on top of them.
All that does is cover up the blandness of the basic Kee-Take underneath.
It's not for the Kee-Take connoisseur.

Then, there's Denny's.
At Denny's on a good day, the Kee-Takes are downright passable.
Nothing to write home about, but nothing to sneer at either.

Finally, moving up to Kee-Takes of quality, I highly recommend Eggo Frozen Kee-Takes.
I'm as surprised as you are.
My four year old niece recently turned me on to them, and my life hasn't been the same since.
They're pretty cheap, you just pop'em in the toaster and voila, first rate Kee-Takes.
Who knew?
And don't stint and get the store brand. Way too much sugar.
Spend the extra dollar and get the Eggo's.

Then in the stratosphere, there's DuPars in Los Angeles.
There may be other places like DuPars around the country that take as much justified pride in their Kee-Takes, but I'm not aware of them.
If you know of any, you can provide a public service to our other readers by mentioning them.
In the meantime, you can't go wrong with the Eggo's.


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My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Oscar Aftermath.

We had guests over last night to watch the Oscars.
As a result, we had to watch it live.
It started out great.
On the red carpet, I've never seen so many great low-cut gowns in one place.
But when you watch the whole show live, there's no fast-forwarding.
That made it tougher.
Chris Rock was hilarious.
A great choice, certainly under the circumstances.
None of the nominees did not necessarily not deserve to win.
I guess all those technical awards for "Mad Max" were warranted.
The actors were all worthy choices, {there was no stopping DiCaprio) and I take particular pride in singling out Mark Rylance.
The "In Memoriam" reel seemed particularly light on actors, but there were no significant omissions.
Except for Abe Vigoda, and my personal favorite since I was nine, Joan Leslie.
It was overloaded with cinematographers and publicists.
And Zsa Zsa Gabor is still alive.
Go figure.
I loved that there was a crawl underneath each winner declaring who they wished to thank, and then, the winners proceeded to thank them out loud anyway.
My wife made great food and that certainly helped.
That's all I got.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars---Best Picture.

The Big Short (Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers)

Bridge of Spies (Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers)

Brooklyn (Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers)

Mad Max: Fury Road (Doug Mitchell and George Miller, Producers)

The Martian (Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer and Mark Huffam, Producers)

The Revenant (Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon, Producers)

Room (Ed Guiney, Producer)

Spotlight (Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This is the category that really gets my goat.
Eight nominees.
Maybe four of which are deserved.
Strike "Brooklyn", "Mad Max: Fury Road", "The Martian", and "The Revenant"
Replace them with "Carol", "The Hateful Eight", "Trumbo" and "99 Homes".
Now there's a list that anybody's mother could love.
With that list, I would vote for "Carol".
Easily the most impressive film I've seen in quite a few years.
And it has Cate Blanchette. Or maybe you knew that.
Any other year, I could have easily voted for "The Hateful Eight" or "Trumbo"
But there is no write-in opportunity.
"99 Homes" was a much better, more dramatic version of "The Big Short".

Getting back to reality, there's only one nominee left that is worth my vote---"Room".
That was also quite excellent.
The key word there is "also".
So I am now going to stop my bellyaching and vote for "Room".

Enjoy the show!
If I've got any commentary about it, you'll hear about it afterwards.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars---Best Director.

The Big Short, Adam McKay

Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller

The Revenant, Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Room, Lenny Abrahamson

Tom McCarthy, Spotlight

----------------------------------

First of all, where on earth is Quentin Tarantino for "The Hateful Eight"?
His work was so far superior to anyone else's and he wasn't even nominated?
Incredible.
Or Spielberg, for that matter for "Bridge of Spies"
His usual great attention to detail was all over the place.

"Mad Max: Fury Road"?--Are we kidding with this?

Where's Tarantino?

"The Revenant"?---Please.

Where's Tarantino?

"Room"?---A great film, but the director didn't write it, so God knows what his contribution is.

Where's Tarantino?

Adam McKay and Tom McCarthy at least had the good taste to contribute to the screenplay.

I liked "Spotlight" and "The Big Short" just about the same.
With no enthusiasm, we'll toss a coin.
It came up Tarantino.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars---Best Actress.

Cate Blanchett, Carol

Brie Larson, Room

Jennifer Lawrence, Joy

Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years

Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

----------------------------------

Three great performances here.

Cate Blanchette----"Carol" would get my vote if it was nominated. It's a travesty that it wasn't.
She was sensational in it.

Brie Larson was awesome in "Room".

Jennifer Lawrence was a hoot in "Joy"

Didn't see Charlotte Rampling.

Saoirse Ronan was charming as a young Irish lass in "Brooklyn".
I've seen her interviewed on TV.
Guess what. That's exactly what she is.
A very low bar of difficulty.
And she couldn't overcome the problems with the script.

No one was as good as Cate Blanchette. I seem to say that whenever she makes a movie.
I'm saying it again.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars----Best Actor.

Bryan Cranston, Trumbo

Matt Damon, The Martian

Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant

Micheal Fassbender, Steve Jobs

Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

----------------------------------

Cranston---Showy, and very accurate as Trumbo.
I love showy and accurate.

Damon----Funny and charming on Mars. That's all.

DiCaprio---Almost three hours of grunting. I don't think so.

Fassbender---I guess pretty accurate, but didn't bowl me over.

Redmayne---Good casting for a trans-sexual. I didn't care.

The one sympathy I had with the boycott is that Samuel L. Jackson wasn't nominated for "The Hateful Eight"
Talk about showy. Talk about great.

And where was Redford's nomination for "Truth"?
He was a great Dan Rather.

That being said, Cranston would still get my vote.
Jackson would finish second.
Redford third, because Rather isn't as interesting a character as Trumbo.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back To Rothman's Oscar Picks---Best Supporting Actress.

Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight

Rooney Mara, Carol

Rachel McAdams, Spotlight

Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl

Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
-------------------------------

A no-brainer.
I'm a sucker for showy.
There was only one showy performance here, and it was great.
Jennifer Jason Leigh in "The Hateful Eight", an otherwise shamefully ignored film in the Oscar hunt.

Rooney Mara was also outstanding, but not nearly as showy.
The others all just blended together.

Jennifer Jason Leigh for me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A New Level Of Stupidity.

So I bet on the NBA All-Star Game last night.
It took me a while to find out who was carrying it.
Finally, I see that it's TNT.
I start watching the game.
It's the NBA D-League.
The minor leagues.
And that's what it says in the Comcast guide.
So where is the regular game?
All I can find is that it's being re-run at 1:30 in the morning.
The real game.
Not the D-League game.
So, I figure I'll set the Tivo for the replay and watch it in the morning.
I wake up 10AM, check the Tivo, and voila, there's the game.
I'm watching it for about five minutes, and there's a streamer running across the bottom of the screen, showing the final score of the game.
And, of course, I lost.
And of course, there was no reason to watch any further.
Everyone knows that nobody watches a basketball game when they know the result.
And TNT specializes in showing basketball games.
So who did they think their audience would be for this replay?
So how stupid are they?
I think they set a record.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Pick For The Supreme Court.

Justice Scalia's biggest impact on the country was that he foisted, quite illegitimately, George W. Bush on the country as our President by handing him the election in 2000.
When questioned about it, he chose to only say "Get over it".
What kind of answer is that?
Now, there is only resistance by Republicans to even consider any nominee that President Obama might offer up.
If I were Obama, the first thing I would do is offer the vacancy to Elizabeth Warren.
She'd probably be reluctant to accept, and put herself through the ringer, but I'd say "Hold on Elizabeth".
Then, I'd sit down with Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, and offer my support to whoever agrees to appoint Elizabeth Warren once elected.
If they both do, so much the better.
The likelihood of a Democratic victory and a Democratic-controlled Senate is much more likely if the voters know that a Warren confirmation is likely.
The Republicans might cave when Obama nominates Warren, if only to hold on to the Senate.
Warren might just be up for the fight anyway,
Who knows?
Where is it written that Obama's pick has to be a Conservative?
Isn't this the point of having elected a Democrat in the first place?
Warren's credentials are impeccable.
So that's the way I'd handle it.
Just one American's opinion.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The Oscars---Supporting Actor

Christian Bale, The Big Short

Tom Hardy, The Revenant

Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight

Mark Rylance, Bridge Of Spies

Sylvester Stallone, Creed


Bale--Very good as always.

Hardy--Really good, but better in "Legend"---higher degree of difficulty.

Ruffalo---Quite good, but no better than anyone else. Where was Michael Keaton's nomination?

Rylance---Spectacularly effective, with extraordinary range not on display here.

Stallone---Already won as Rocky. Didn't see him in Creed. I'm guessing older and slurrier.

A very tough field. Not much to choose from.
Nobody walked away with their films.

I guess I'd give it to Rylance.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rothman's Picks For The 2016 Oscars.

We do this every year, and as this is a year, we're doing it again.
We'll be dealing with six categories over the next few posts:

Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Director
Best Picture

As usual, this reflects my personal opinions.
Not who I think will win, but who I think SHOULD win.
I have no idea who will win.

I have seen all the nominees in these categories, except Stallone in "Creed", and Charlotte Rampling in whatever she was nominated in.
They never sent me those DVDs.
But I've seen everything else, which is far more than most of the Academy voters have seen.

We'll start next time.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card---"Legend"

"Legend" is a very entertaining movie about identical twin London gangsters in the 60's.
They are both played by Tom Hardy, who is absolutely incredible as both twins.
That's mostly what I remember about it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Very
A.

Compelling even?

Only Hardy's performance.
A.

Is it controversial?

Not really.
C.

Is it a story worth telling?

Yes.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

Fine.
B+.

Is it well written?

Well enough.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

It's all Hardy.
A.

Well shot?

Yes.
B+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

No.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

A little long.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes.
B.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

No, and yes.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

No.
C.

Is it funny?

On occasion.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

No.
F.

Is it impressive?

Only Hardy.
B.

Overall grade: B.

THIS is the one he should have been nominated for. Not "The Revenant" or "Mad Max", as good as he was in those.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card: "The Danish Girl"

"The Danish Girl" is not about a girl who sells Danish.
It's about the stone-age Caitlin Jenner.
It takes place in the 1920's, with Eddie Redmayne coming to terms with his sexuality.
And how he resolves it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Not to me.
C.

Compelling even?

Perhaps to some, not me.
B-.

Is it controversial?

It was, and still is.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

I suppose.
A.

Is it good storytelling?

It was told so grimly
C.

Is it well written?

It was totally devoid of humor.
C-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Eddie Redmayne was quite convincing as someone who might have this problem. He seems quite feminine.
It's not like it was Ernest Borgnine or anything.
Or Jeffrey Tambor. Wait, maybe that was a bad example.
Hmm, not really. What Tambor does on "Transparent" is primarily for comedic effect.
A.

Well shot?

Rather drearily.
C.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not in a positive way.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Too long to suit me.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Sort of.
C+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I didn't know where it was going, nor did I care.
B-.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

I don't care about Caitlin Jenner either.
C-.

Is it funny?

Asked and answered.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

On no level.
F.

Is it impressive?

Redmayne was kind of impressive.
B.

Overall grade: C.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Mad Max: Fury Road"

This is the kind of movie that I would never consider sitting through, except for the fact that they sent me the DVD, and it was nominated for
Best Picture.
It is post-apocalyptic Cowboys and Indians.
Not my favorite thing.
The first hour-and-a-half is a complete, extremely loud shoot-'em-up, with incredibly sophisticated weaponry.
And I gave less than a crap about it.
The story was buried somewhere in there.
I sort of cared about the last half-hour, but not enough to justify what preceded it.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Mostly not.
C.

Compelling even?

Never.
D.

Is it controversial?

No.
D.

Is it a story worth telling?

No.
D.

Is it good storytelling?

Mostly not.
C-.

Is it well written?

I barely detected any writing.
C-.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Tom Hardy is probably the best actor I never heard of until this year.
Charlize Theron was quite effective.
A.

Well shot?

Extremely.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not that I'm aware of.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Way long.
C.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Somewhat.
B.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It's Good Guys vs. Bad Guys. So what do you think?
C-.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Not at all. I was still trying to get the ringing out of my ears.
F.

Is it funny?

Rarely.
C-.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Knowing what I know now, I would have skipped it altogether.
F.

Is it impressive?

Only on a special-effects level.
C-

Overall grade: C-.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Bridge Of Spies"

I was pleasantly surprised by "Bridge of Spies".
I was about thirteen when this story actually happened.
And I was just that much more than a fetus that I actually remembered much of what was reported about it at the time.
But there was far more to it than that, and far more at stake.
I didn't even know that the Tom Hanks character existed, and how pivotal he was to its success.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Far more than I expected it to be.
A.

Compelling even?

On occasion.
A.

Is it controversial?

Not so much any more. It was then.
B.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Hanks is his usual great. I've seen Mark Rylance on Broadway, in a play called La Bete, and he gave one of the funniest performances I have ever seen.
He is one of those Alec Guinness actors who gets totally immersed in his characters and can do anything.
A+.

Well shot?

Extremely.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Spielberg always does.
A+.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

Immediately.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Never a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Both. Tremendously.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Unless you're quite young, you know exactly where it's going. But it's all in the getting there.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Mainly about how much I didn't know.
A.

Is it funny?

When it wants to be.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

I could have waited until HBO.
C.

Is it impressive?

Extremely.
A+.

Overall grade: A.

The less you know about this story going in, the more you get out of it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books, "Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not e-books.
But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one.
If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, So Who's Worse, Governor Snyder Or Cosby?

It's a no-brainer.
At worst, Cosby raped around eighty women.
They all survived.
Certainly not without trauma, but with their health.
He's admitted to at least drugging some women, albeit ostensibly by their own consent.
But we all know better.
Even so, we're talking eighty relatively healthy women.
Governor Snyder was a total scumbag when he replaced legitimately elected officials in Michigan with his own appointed "city managers".
In predominantly poor, black areas.
And there is no doubt in my mind that he knew well in advance of the magnitude of the water problem in Flint, Michigan.
And was willing to tell their citizens that there was nothing wrong with the drinking water.
"Drink all you want! It won't hurt you!"
Major health damage will be done in Flint.
We can't even fathom the extent of it.
Ten people have already been killed because of this.
It might end up killing many, many children.
And adults.
There is most-likely irreversible brain damage on it's way.
Snyder is totally responsible for this.
The buck stops with him.
Nobody else.
He doesn't even seem to understand why he's being blamed.
Sure, he doesn't.
This was not his "Katrina" as Snyder put it.
Katrina was a natural disaster.
Flint is a disaster created by Snyder.
Just to save money.
Not even a lot of money.
So he could further justify the tax breaks he gave to the rich guys who elected him.
He was told there were problems from the beginning, and just turned a blind eye to it.
And, as of this writing, nothing of substance has been done to fix the problem.
This is of course, inexcusable.
And don't give me "lack of intent".
Yes, Cosby had darker intentions, and no, Snyder didn't deliberately want to inflict damage on an entire city.
He was merely disinterested about it.
How much better is that?
At best, you can say he is a bottom-feeder, a political hack.
At worst he should be regarded as a mass murderer as the death toll mounts.
Along the lines of Adolf Eichmann, the difference being that if believed, Eichmann was only carrying out orders.
Snyder essentially gave the orders.
He must resign, be prosecuted, and throw himself on the mercy of the court, who should show him none.
Why isn't this THE biggest story of our time?
Of ANY time?

Give me Cosby any day.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Abe Vigoda

Two things about Abe Vigoda:

I lost an actor who I wanted for the lead in a pilot we were going to shoot in the seventies.
He gave a great audition and we wanted him badly.
But the series "Fish" had sold and the actor in question was offered the third lead in "Fish".
The actor was torn.
He knew that our pilot script was better than what they were doing and what he would be doing with "Fish".
But "Fish was a guaranteed thirteen on the air.
We were just a pilot that might or might not sell.
For him, it was a virtual no-brainer.
You don't turn down a guaranteed thirteen on the air.
And he didn't. And we lost him.
They ended up shooting thirty-five episodes.
Our series also sold, and we ended up shooting twenty-seven.
In retrospect, I'm sure he felt he made the wrong choice.
I know we thought so.
And the ghost of this other actor lingered over our set during the entire run.

I always thought that Abe Vigoda worked much better in small doses, like on "Barney Miller".
I don't think they ever gave him more than one line to say at a time.
And he always scored.
Same thing with Jack Soo.
I watched 'Fish" once.
They gave him a far bigger load to carry.
He really couldn't.

My other memory of Abe Vigoda, which for the life of me, I can't fathom why I remember it, was that at around 1969, when I was making the rounds in
New York, trying to get work as an actor, I would get the trade papers every week.
Show Business and Backstage.
And in both of them, during one week, there was an ad taken out announcing that actor Abe Vigoda had changed his name to "Gabe Vigoda".
I'm not kidding.
I had heard of Abe Vigoda at the time.
He was a working, or at least semi-working actor.
This was before "The Godfather" and "Barney Miller".
This flirtation with "Gabe" couldn't have lasted more than a few months.
Did he really think it was going to change his life?
Who the hell knows?

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

.

"Report Card----"Room"

"Room" is a totally compelling movie about a woman who has been imprisoned by her husband in a 10x10 room, along with her very young son.
When the boy is five they successfully escape, the boy encounters the real world for the first time. It is a wondrous experience for him, as you would expect it would be.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Fascinating.
A+.

Compelling even?

Totally.
A+.

Is it controversial?

On all levels.
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is great storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

Extremely
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Brie Larson, as the mother, is tremendous.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not that I could see.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

It doesn't clearly, but it really doesn't matter.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Just right.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Both. A lot.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Never predictable.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

It is quite haunting.
A.

Is it funny?

When it wants to be.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Very much.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Stunningly.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

You get the feeling I liked this picture.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card---"The Revenant'

"The Revenant" is a large movie.
Everything about it is large.
It has a huge canvas.
It takes place in the freezing cold wilderness near Yellowstone Park, somewhere in the distant past.
We're never quite told when.
It involves Leonardo DiCaprio as a fur trapper.
Under the circumstances, this is not a safe job.
Bears are attacking him, Indians are attacking him, his own men are attacking him.
The whole movie cries out "Stay in your house. Get a desk job."
He isn't having any.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

On occasion. Not nearly enough.
C.

Compelling even?

Almost never.
D.

Is it controversial?

Some interesting moral issues are brought up.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

I suppose.
B.

Is it good storytelling?

There is about a half hour's worth of storytelling stretched over two-and-a-half hours. The last half hour picks up a little, but it's still by the numbers.
F.

Is it well written?

There doesn't seem to be a lot of writing.
C.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Thomas Hardy, whom I will write about when I talk about "Legend" was terrific. DiCaprio, except for maybe five lines, grunted his way through the movie.
B-.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not that I could see.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale and time period?

It took way too long.
D.

Is it too long? Too short?

It is way, way, way too long.
F.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Yes but I really think these characters get what they deserve from making poor career choices.
C+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I knew exactly where it was going after about forty minutes into it.
D.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Only about how it cost me about three hours of my life.
F.

Is it funny?

Not to me.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Oh, God, no!
F.

Is it impressive?

Only visually.
B+.

Overall grade: C-.

You shouldn't get a nomination for grunting, or for being this movie.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card---"The Big Short"

"The Big Short" has a great premise.
A few guys have figured out that the housing bubble was about to happen in the mid 2000s and the economy is about to collapse.
Nobody takes them seriously.
So they decide to bet against the economy.
If it tanks, they win.
If it doesn't, everybody else wins, and they lose.
We like these guys, and as an audience find ourselves in the strange position of rooting for them, against our own interests.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Totally.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often
A+.

Is it controversial?

Very.
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Excellent. It got a little technical. I think I would have enjoyed it a little more if I had more of a business background. My wife does, and she enjoyed it even more.
I was a little confused, but I think it was my bad.
A.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is excellent.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Great cast. Great performances.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not that I could see.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

It was a lot of places, and it never mattered
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Length is not a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I was not ahead of it.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

It certainly is thought-provoking.
A+.

Is it funny?

Quite often.
A+.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Yes.
A+.

Is it impressive?

On all levels.
A+.

Overall grade: A.

Certainly deserves its nomination.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Spotlight"

"Spotlight" is essentially "All The President's Men" with the villain being the Catholic Church and the priests who have molested little boys.
As opposed to Nixon, who molested the country.
It's a little more complicated, as we suspect that one of the reporters is complicit in the cover-up.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Pretty consistently.
A.

Compelling even?

Occasionally.
A.

Is it controversial?

By nature.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

I think it tipped it's hand a little early, but it was still very good storytelling.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is excellent.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Uniformly.
A+.

Well shot?

Fine.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not at all.
C-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Instantly. Boston.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Length is not a problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I think I figured it out before they wanted me to.
C.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Not a lot.
C.

Is it funny?

Here and there.
B.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Not really.
F.

Is it impressive?

Quite.
A.

Overall grade: A.

This is a very good movie. The whole is better than it's parts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Pat Harrington Jr. Story.

I'd never met Pat Harrington Jr. until maybe three years ago.
But in the late eighties I had a couple of very ugly phone conversations with him.
I was living in Columbus Ohio at the time, and I had recently written a play.
A friend of mine there, the local mover and shaker in Columbus, read the play, loved it, and wanted to produce it, either there, or use Columbus as a launching pad to get it to New York.
He apparently knew everybody with money in Columbus and tried to put together a reading with celebrities, and a party for potential investors that these celebrities would attend and glad-hand with the potential investors.
He asked if I could get Penny Marshall. They'd give her a first class plane ticket, put her up in a first class hotel, and feed her.
I said I'd ask.
She was in New York.
I flew to New York, script in hand.
She was staying in Lorne Michaels' Central Park West Apartment by herself.
Pretty impressive digs.
During our meeting, the phone continued to ring.
Part of her deal was that she'd have to answer Lorne Michael's phone.
At one point, she actually had to put Neil Simon on hold to talk to Paul Simon.
Then put Paul on hold to talk to Neil.
I was sitting there hoping that Carly Simon would call for the Trifecta.
No such luck.
She liked the play well enough to agree to get on the plane to Columbus, implying that this would be doing me a major favor.
I expected nothing less, and reported back my success at landing Penny.
Now, it was a matter of nailing down a male lead.
I don't remember who first came up with the name, but someone mentioned Pat Harrington Jr.
I thought it was a good idea.
I called his agent who gave me his number.
I called Pat, explained the situation to him and his first question was "How much am I getting paid?"
I was given no budget to pay anyone and told him that.
He said "Then why should I do it?"
I said that "well, Penny Marshall is doing it"
He said "Can you guarantee me that if I do it that if there is a production I will be given the part?"
I started doing my version of "homina-homina-homina".
"Are you guaranteeing this to Penny?"
It never occurred to me that Penny would even consider actually doing a production of the play.
So I say "It hasn't even come up".
He says "Well it's come up with me."
I wasn't going to lie to him.
If it was totally up to me I'd guarantee it. I knew he'd be right for it, and respected his talent that much.
But what if he came and did the reading, and stunk out the joint?
And the potential investors vetoed him?
So I said "I would like to, but I can't guarantee anything. But it's just one night out of your life, and you'll be treated well, but it is an audition.
You should want to do it because the play and the part is that good."
He was willing to look at the script, and was not impressed enough to get on the plane.
He wanted to get paid.
Ever since, I wasn't able to look at Pat Harrington Jr. on TV without getting a bellyache.
I couldn't watch "One Day at a Time" again, so it did have its upside.
We didn't attempt to replace him because shortly after, of course, as is her wont, Penny bailed on us and the event never happened.
Cut to: three years ago.
I was in L.A.
My friend Mark Evanier invited me to attend a meeting of Yarmy's Army, a social club made up of older comedians, many of whom I had hired at some point.
Pat Harrington Jr. was there. He was a founding member of Yarmy's Army. I knew he'd probably be there, and it made me anxious.
Mark Evanier introduced me to everyone.
One of the most effusive greetings I got was from Pat Harrington Jr.
Of course, I thought he had held a grudge against me all those years.
Of course, he never even remembered my name. And I hadn't met him until that night.
What on earth was I thinking?

-----------------------
My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams by her , Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally signed by me, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Review of This Year's Kennedy Center Honors.

There was a request for this in the comment section.
So, okay, here goes.
First, they were all good choices.
And it would have been unfortunate if any of them were to die before they were awarded this.
Show wise, I think the batting order was right on.
Open lively with Rita Moreno, with dancers performing "America".
She should have gotten this award years ago.
Certainly before Chita Rivera, her closest comp.
Chita won it nine years ago.
I'm sure Rita has been stewing ever since.
She is far more famous, at least outside of New York City.
What took so long?

Same thing with George Lucas.
He invented everything that Spielberg "appropriated" in his films.
As they showed the montage of Lucas's films, I was surprised how many of them I thought were directed by Spielberg.
Maybe the nominating committee thought so too.

Seiji Ozawa---They needed someone classical. He was as good an idea as anyone.

Cicely Tyson---Great body of work, still working at 90. Great idea.

Carole King---The highlight of the evening. They showed highlights from "Beautiful", her Broadway show.
Just the kind of show I had no desire to see, until I saw those highlights.
I think it's playing in Chicago at the moment, and I think I want to see it, although I'm pretty sure this version doesn't have
James Taylor singing "Up On The Roof".
And this gave the audience the best opportunity to do a sing-along since they honored Neil Diamond and he was serenaded by the audience with
"Sweet Caroline", ending with Caroline Kennedy leading the serenading.
They then did the most anti-climactic thing I've ever seen by closing the show with a very subdued tribute to Yo-Yo Ma.
Somebody was asleep at the switch.

That's what I've got.

-----------------------
My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally signed by me, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My new e-mail address

macchus999@comcast.net

-----------------------
My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally signed by me, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"The Hateful Eight"

Of Quentin Tarantino movies, I hated "Kill Bill" 1 and 2.
I've loved all the others.
Including "The Hateful Eight".
It's got everything there is to love about Tarantino movies.
Great storytelling, great dialogue, great violence, great directorial flourishes, great casting and performances.
He doesn't miss a trick in this one.
It's a western starring Samuel L. Jackson.
Pretty tough to miss with that start.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Relentlessly.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often.
A+.

Is it controversial?

It's a ripping yarn. That's all it needs to be.
No grade.

Is it a story worth telling?

Any yarn that's ripping is worth telling.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

It is uniquely Tarantino in it's approach to storytelling. Reminiscent of "Pulp Fiction" in its non-linearity.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is great.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

All wonderful.
A+.

Well shot?

Incredibly.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Does he ever.
A+.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Early enough.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

It's almost three hours and just zips by.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Lots of surprises.
A+.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Just about how fun it all was.
A+.

Is it funny?

Extremely.
A+.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Sure.
A+.

Is it impressive?

In every way.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

I think I've run out of compliments.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@comcast.net

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"The Martian"

"The Martian" is a first cousin once removed to the movie "Gravity".
You know. The one with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in outer space.
This one has Matt Damon in the Sandra Bullock part.
And it's just as unbelievable.
I mean, how can you do a movie about major space exploration without some major movie star's life being in jeopardy?
I ask you.
Because, after all, all astronauts are major movie stars.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Occasionally.
B-.

Compelling even?

Never.
F.

Is it controversial?

Not at all.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

It is pure fiction.
F.

Is it good storytelling?

It is as predictable as "Gravity", which is to say "Very".
F.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is okay.
B.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Damon's pretty good. But really no great shakes.
B+.

Well shot?

If that's what Mars looks like, it's gorgeous. That's probably the edge it has over "Gravity".
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

No one else has ever attempted to film Mars, except maybe Melies, if that was Mars, and it was better than that, Still, I have no clue.
?

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately. Mars and Houston, in that order.
A+.

Is it too long? Too short?

Way too long. They could have cut about twenty minutes. Just about any twenty minutes.
F.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

I really didn't go along for the ride. Although Damon was rather engaging.
C+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

It was never not predictable. That was the main problem.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Just about how formulaic it all was.
F.

Is it funny?

Here and there.
B.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

The special effects were awesome, if that's the kind of thing that matters to you. It doesn't to me.
C-.

Is it impressive?

Visually, perhaps. That's all.
C.

Overall grade: C-.

The only positive thing I can say about it is it was not as bad as "Gravity" and Matt Damon is a lot easier to take than Sandra Bullock.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Joy"

"Joy" is a most entertaining, wonderful story. It's about Joy, the inventor of the self squeezing mop that we all now have.
And how against all odds, she was able to retain the patents for them.
Jennifer Lawrence is wonderful in it as Joy.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Extremely.
A+.

Compelling even?

Often.
A+.

Is it controversial?

It is a triumph of perseverance.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Extremely.
A+.

Is it well written?

Very.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

De Niro has a big part, and is great. Isabella Rossellini was a great idea. I'm starting to get what all the shouting is all about with Bradley Cooper. And I long ago predicted that Melissa Rivers future lie in hawking her mother's jewelry on TV and portraying her mother whenever the gig came up. Both came up in "Joy". She did not embarrass herself.
A+.

Well shot?

Very.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Yes.
A.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately. Boston. Mostly in the nineties. Mostly by the cars. They weren't as good as the cars of the fifties, but you can't have everything.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Not any problem.
A.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

It's a true story, although I understand that they only took out the boring parts. You love the characters.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I never knew where it was going and I was completely sucked in.
A+.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Just about how much I liked it.
A+.

Is it funny?

Very. Particularly De Niro, who is a complete hoot.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

Ohhh...why not.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Totally.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

The winners keep comin'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Carol"

"Carol" is an extraordinarily well-made movie that is utterly absorbing, with an incredibly nuanced performance by Cate Blanchette.
We see the beginnings of a lesbian love story between Cate and Rooney Mara in the early 1950s.
This is complicated by a child custody battle in Cate's upcoming divorce.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Fascinating.
A+.

Compelling even?

One of THE most compelling films I have seen in a long time.
A+.

Is it controversial?

Stories about lesbian relationships in the 1950s are by nature controversial.
A.

Is it a story worth telling?

Absolutely.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Extremely.
A+.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is quite excellent.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Cate may be replacing Streep as the best we have.
A+.

Well shot?

Exquisitely. And, of course, I love the cars.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

It seems so.
A.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately. Manhattan.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

You're so into it that you don't even notice.
A+

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Utterly, and utterly.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

You never feel like you're ahead of it.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Just about how good it all is.
A+.

Is it funny?

On occasion, for a pretty substantive film.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

If that was the only way to see it, absolutely.
A+.

Is it impressive?

Totally.
A+.

Overall grade: A+.

Another in a spate of truly great films.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"Brooklyn"

"Brooklyn" is a movie that you really want to fall in love with.
And for the first two thirds of it, I was in love with it.
Then, the story took a shallow, meaningless turn, and never recovered from it.
It takes place in the early 1950s.
It is about a young Irish girl who has the opportunity to move to America, specifically Brooklyn, where a better job awaits her.
She leaves behind a mother and a sister who she adores.
Will she make the adjustment?
Soon enough she has an Italian boyfriend and is head over heels in love with him.
For reasons I won't divulge she returns to Ireland for a "short visit".
Will she return?

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

It's never not interesting.
A.

Compelling even?

Not quite.
B.

Is it controversial?

No.
B-.

Is it a story worth telling?

There really isn't enough of a legitimate conflict.
Perhaps it could be fixed.
B-.

Is it good storytelling?

Until about the 1 hour and ten minute mark.
C.

Is it well written?

The dialogue is quite engaging.
A.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Extremely.
A+.

Well shot?

Extremely. I love the cars.
A+.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

It is very atmospheric. But I suppose anyone could have done it as well.
B-.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately. First Ireland, then Brooklyn.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Length was not the problem. I just thought the ending was arrived at totally artificially.
B.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Until the two-thirds mark.
C.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

That's the problem. Once you see where it's going, it's totally predictable.
D.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

I'm still trying to figure out how to fix it. And it's too late.
C-.

Is it funny?

It's often quite charmingly funny.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

'Fraid not.
C-.

Is it impressive?

On some levels.
B.

Overall grade: B-.

Obviously, I'm leaving out the spoiler alert.
If you want it, send me an e-mail and I'll send it to you.
My e-mail address is below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card----"By The Sea"

Well, the last five movies I saw and did Report Cards on have been so good that I was starting to think that I was never going to have to see a bad movie again.
Then, I saw "By The Sea".
So much for that theory.
This movie is so dreadfully wretched that I am astounded that anyone would give them the money to make it, even though it had Brad Pitt and Angelia Jolie.
It was "written" and "directed" by Ms. Jolie.
I use quotes because it doesn't seem to be written or directed by anyone.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

One of THE most boring movies I have ever seen.
F.

Compelling even?

The concept isn't even amusing to think about.
F.

Is it controversial?

Only in the sense that it got made.
F.

Is it a story worth telling?

There WAS no story.
F.

Is it good storytelling?

There WAS no story.
F.

Is it well written?

There was no writing. To quote Truman Capote, there was only typing.
F.

Is it well cast? Well played?

If it was anyone else, it wouldn't have been made, so no.
F.

Well shot?

It was very scenic, but so is a travelogue.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

I think you can only do that with something of quality.
F.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately. But vaguely. It's a seaside resort in the Mediterranean. But we're never told when it takes place.
There is an old television set, but it's Europe. Pitt plays a writer with writer's block. And he has a typewriter.
Not a computer. Their car is a foreign sports car of indeterminate age. After I saw it, I went to IMDB. They said it took place in the 70s.
C.

Is it too long? Too short?

It was interminable. And I sensed that it would be in the first minute. My shit detector was in overdrive.
F.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

No, and no.
F.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

Only that it would end at some point. With about fifteen minutes left, it hinted at being about something.
Too little, too late.
F.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

As soon as I'm done writing this I'm going to attempt to blot it out of my memory.
F.

Is it funny?

Maybe unintentionally, here and there.
F.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

They don't have enough money in the world to get me to sit through it again.
F.

Is it impressive?

Not ever.
F.

Overall grade: F.

A total vanity production, from top to bottom.
Avoid it like the plague.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Report Card---"Trumbo"

I think it would be almost impossible to make a bad movie about the life of the legendary screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.
"Trumbo" certainly does not disappoint.
I've seen Trumbo being interviewed many times, and Bryan Cranston nails him.
He is perfect.

On to the scoring:

Is it interesting?

Extremely. It tells you everything worth knowing about the blacklist. I thought I knew everything.
Turns out I didn't.
A+.

Compelling even?

Always.
A+.

Is it controversial?

Probably the most controversial story of the 20th century. .
A+.

Is it a story worth telling?

Of course.
A+.

Is it good storytelling?

Great storytelling on every level.
A+.

Is it well written?

First rate.
A+.

Is it well cast? Well played?

Yes on all counts. Except one. There is an actor in it who plays Edward G. Robinson, who was a "Friendly" witness, something I wasn't aware of. And there's another actor, Roger Bart, who plays a studio executive. He looks just like the actor who plays Edward G. Robinson. It's another case of "Is that him or the other one?" Those of you who know me know how much I hate that.
C+.

Well shot?

Very.
A.

Did the director put such a personal stamp on it so that no one else could have made it?

Not that I could see.
C.

How long does it take to establish the film's locale?

Immediately.
A.

Is it too long? Too short?

Perfect.
A+.

Is it believable? Do you care about the characters?

Totally, and totally.
A+.

Is it predictable? Does it surprise you?

I pretty much knew the story. It did not deter my enjoyment of the film.
A.

Do you think about it after you've seen it?

Often.
A+.

Is it funny?

Quite.
A.

Would it have been worth the thirteen bucks it would have cost to see it in the movies?

If you like to spend money on movies....
A.

Is it impressive?

Overwhelmingly.
A+

Overall grade: A+.

Yet another truly great movie.
Mainly due to Cranston.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My books ,"Show Runner" and it's sequel, "Show Runner Two", can be found at the Amazon Kindle Store.
Along with the newer ones, "The Man Is Dead", and "Report Cards".
They are all compilations of blog entries that have since been removed from the blog.
So this is the only way you can find them.
You can search by typing in my name, Cindy Williams, Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple, or Happy Days.
Check them out.
You don't need a Kindle machine to download them.
Just get the free app from Kindle, and they can be downloaded to an IPhone, IPad, or Blackberry.
The paperbacks, "Mark Rothman's Essays" and my new novel, "I'm Not Garbo" are not
e-books. But they are available for people without Kindle.
I have many readings and signings lined up for those, and the thing about Kindle is you can't sign one. If you'd like one of the paperbacks, personally autographed, contact me at macchus999@aol.com.

And now, we've got my reading of my "Laverne and Shirley Movie" screenplay on YouTube.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------