greetings!

Folks, since Tommy Udo waltzed into my life it was only a matter of time until I would proclaim that I would be pursuing a life as a ventriloquist. I’m sure for those that I am close with, this comes as zero surprise.

I’m not one to shy away from new hobbies… I am a dabbler after all, and I enjoy to keep my brain limber and spry. I enjoy the feeling of it bouncing in the juices, if you will, and believe that this new venture will be quite satisfying for the pink bean. My research began at the public library with a book entitled Magic With Your Voice, penned by George Schindler.

Despite my ventriloquism journey only just beginning, I have already learned two very important things:

1. Many who have come before me began their quest after becoming acquainted with their very own Charlie McCarthy doll. My doll pal was originally known as Charlie McCarthy, but upon our fateful meeting, he introduced himself as Tommy Udo. This makes me believe there is something special (or possessed) about him. Regardless, the two of us now find ourselves part of some secret ventriloquism society (aka a cult).
   
   2. Anyone who is able to speak can learn the art of ventriloquism.

Stayed tuned pals!

what’s the latest scoop?

Adventures in cinema land

It has been a wild couple of weeks in cinema land.

Between wrangling Tommy Udo at 35mm Film Festival to hosting a Q&A at a recent screening of Johnny Guitar, your favorite Old Sport has been keeping busy. Let’s recap!

_{Ambler Theater’s 35mm Film Festival}

I had an absolute blast at Ambler Theater’s annual 35mm Film Festival. This was my third time attending the festival, and I truly believe each year it gets better. The line-up is curated so well, and the theater staff does such a wonderful job to ensure the entire weekend goes off without a hitch. I feel so fortunate to have a festival like this right in my backyard. If you are a cinephile, I highly recommend you add this event to your calendar for next year.

Here are some of my favorite movie moments at this year’s fest:

1. Seeing Daises for the first time: This is the epitome of werewolf cinema: completely unabashed, with zero concern for societal norms, an uncontrollable force that wreaks havoc on the screen. 

   I loved it. 

2. Witnessing Dames on the silver screen: Another first time watch for me that ended as a new instant favorite. All it took was an inanimate object to come to life, and I was swooning. The visuals and the production design absolutely shined on the big screen, and the 35mm print (compliments of the Library of Congress) was stunning.

3. Revisiting Sabrina, Where the Sidewalk Ends, and Merrily We Go to Hell: There was not a dud in the entire 35mm film fest line-up. I easily could list a reason why I enjoyed watching each and every film. Why I selected these three, though, is that lately, I have been pining to spend time with old celluloid acquaintances. Having the opportunity to revisit this trio of films was a reminder of the magic of a rewatch. For me, seeing a movie on the big screen (even if it is a rewatch) is often like witnessing that motion picture for the first time. I would also be remiss if I did not mention that my viewing experience was additionally heightened by the fantastic introductions from Turner Classic Movies’ (TCM) host, Alicia Malone (Sabrina, Merrily We Go To Hell) and TCM writer, Hannah Jack (Where The Sidewalk Ends).

4. Spending time with friends and making new ones: It was absolutely lovely to have one of my favorite film pals, Liz Locke, attend the festival with us, and I really adored spending time with Alicia Malone. Tommy was thrilled to finally make her acquaintance and we were both excited to get to know Hannah Jack more. We look forward to many future cinematic experiments that shall be conducted with Hannah.

5. Pope Tommy Udo: During the festival, MovieJawn provided the opportunity for attendees to share their Cinematic Sins with Pope Tommy Udo. We set up a confessional booth and recorded the blasphemy! My film pal, MovieJawn’s Media Maven, Shayna Davis is cutting the video together, and we plan to share it in the next few weeks. Stay tuned by following MovieJawn’s instagram here.

   

   Anatomy of a TCM intro presentation at Ambler’s 35mm Film Festival,
   photo by Sergio Valentino

6. The Anatomy of a TCM Intro presentation: I am really happy that I was able to catch this talk conducted by Alicia Malone and Hannah Jack, as I not only found it to be incredibly helpful but it was also inspiring. The biggest takeaways for me were that all of TCM’s research is done with the use of books and printed materials. The internet is not seen as trustworthy and, therefore, is not a tool they utilize. This definitely got me thinking about my own research and the importance of being able to cite your sources. There is also the fact that books are just way more fun! Secondly, when writing an intro, don’t attempt to tell the entire history of the film. Instead, find something interesting that you are excited to share with the audience and focus on that. This little piece of advice is going to not only help me with my own intros that I have been recently taking a stab at doing, but in my future work on my podcast, Cinematic Crypt.

_{MovieJawn x Free Library present Johnny Guitar}

Last week I had the opportunity to once again conduct a Q&A with Joan Crawford’s grandson, Casey LaLonde, after the screening of Johnny Guitar. As someone who suffers from stage fright, I have to admit that each time I put myself out there, it does not exactly get any easier, but it does get more tolerable. I love movies. Having the chance to chat about them and share my quirky knowledge is thrilling, even if it does end with me as a puddle.

I have come to find that gloves are the perfect tool to combat my swampy creature hands and help put me at ease. They are also quite fashionable. Another trick is having Tommy at my side - always and forever. I have come to find that, when he is around, I am filled with this wonderful energy that leaves me feeling like I can do anything (especially if I put my mind to it). What can I say… he truly is magic. Catch MovieJawn’s next library screening on May 12. We will be screening Throw Momma From The Train - FREE tickets here

Now off to the next adventure… Salem Horror Fest

While you are read this Sundae Matinee dispatch, my latest cinematic travels will be winding down. This past Thursday, I headed to Witch City with my MovieJawn (MJ) pals, Kate Beach, Kevin Murphy, and official MJ correspondent Tommy Udo, to cover the 9th annual Salem Horror Fest. You can check out the preview I wrote for the fest here.

This trip is special to me, as it marks the one year anniversary in which my friendship with Kate Beach began. I have really enjoyed getting to know this film pal more and am excited to share with all of you the rad films we watch at the fest, as well as the zany escapades we get up to. This year we add Kevin to the mix! I look forward to spending time and getting to know him better. Follow me on letterboxd here to see what I watch

what’s the latest scoop?

Two Things

1. Cinematic Crypt will return September 13: I am very proud of myself for taking the first step and setting a date for the return of my podcast, Cinematic Crypt. I have been brainstorming with my bestest film pal, Dr. Ashley Jane Carruthers, and finally feel not only motivated, but extremely excited for what’s in store. Our return episode will feature a dissection of the 1947 noir Kiss of Death, and reveal not only Tommy Udo’s backstory, but share insight into Charlie McCarthy as well. Every idea starts with a small step, and I am happy to find myself back to this familiar path that will lead me to the cinematic graveyard once again. Stay tuned! 

2. The latest installment of IN THE BOOTH: The video series that I have been working on with Esra Erol, Shayna Davis, and Sergio Valentino makes me extremely proud. If you missed our latest installment, you can watch it here on MovieJawn’s YouTube channel.

In the next few weeks… I am hopeful to be able to share something that I am extremely proud of concerning MovieJawn. I seriously almost can’t even contain the excitement, which is the reason for this teaser. In the meantime, stay tuned old sport!

this week i recommend…

Candice Bergen’s memoir, Knock Wood

In starting my research for the return of Cinematic Crypt, I have begun reading Candice Bergen’s memoir, Knock Wood.

For those unaware, Candice Bergen’s father, Edgar Bergen, was a ventriloquist and was the creator behind Charlie McCarthy. I have really enjoyed reading about Candice’s experience growing up with Charlie and learning more about her in general. For those of you interested in the Cinematic Crypt or an entertaining read, I highly recommend you check out her memoir.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy you are here. xx.
goodbye.