It Starts With An Idea

"It's the good girls who keep the diaries...the bad girls never have the time."
--Tallulah Bankhead

Last night I laughed when I came across the above quote inscription on a Fantesca Cabernet Sauvignon wine cork. It made me think of the wild and zany ways of Tallulah Bankhead. She was quite the attention getter in here heyday with her 'off the wall' remarks that would make anyone raise an eyebrow.

Coincidentally, I recently read a delightful screenplay by two writer/friends (Christopher Bram and Draper Shreeve) called TALLULAH. Christopher Bram is one of my favorite authors. He wrote the book 'Father of Frankenstein' which was turned into the film starring Ian McKellan and Brandon Fraser called 'Gods and Monsters'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFhK0ia7oG0
His book 'The Nortorious Dr. August' is one of my all-time favorites. I will soon be reading 'Exiles In America: a novel' in which Chris inscribed "11-28-08, To Michael, From one artist to another. It's an honor and a pleasure knowing you. All good things, Christopher Bram".

The TALLULAH screenplay is an excerpt of her life that tells of the events that led to an actual trial brought upon by her maid. The screenplay depicted her true colors. I would love to see it made into a film. The screenplay was sold to producer, Jayne Baron Sherman. Jayne made her Broadway debut with A RAISIN IN THE SUN.

The feature film about Tallulah Bankhead was in development with Philip Kaufman as director (for a time) but seems to have fallen out of the loop. These economic downturn times do not make it easier to have a film made. I am crossing my fingers that it won't be one of those projects that will take ten years to make. I believe Jayne is in search of another producer to help get the project rolling, so if you have a suggestion for me--let me know. You could be on a red carpet, accepting an Oscar if all goes well.

If you take a few minutes to read the biography of Tallulah at wikipedia.org you'll be quite amazed at the substantial stories surrounding her:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallulah_Bankhead

I already have my sights set on specific actors giggling at the Algonquin Hotel with Tallulah. The landmark hotel in midtown New York City opened in 1902. It was destined to be at the center of New York 's literary and theatrical life. In addition to Tallulah there were illustrious clients who lunched daily at the The Algonquin's Rose Room.

I really think I need to arrange a Tallulah Bankhead "marathon film screening" of three or four of her films. I am eager to see her in action.

Then I think I want to find myself a 'Rose Room' to meet a group of several friends daily to exchange ideas (just like the Cafe de Flore in Paris, France where my dear friend, Marie-Paule, now hangs out whenever she can).

"Do you believe people can enter our lives...for a purpose?"
--Ian McKellan as James Whale
in the film GODS & MONSTERS