Movies

Facing Nolan (10/10): 102 minutes. Who is the best pitcher of all time? I never saw Walter Johnson or Cy Young or Christy Mathewson or Grover Cleveland Alexander, so won’t opine on them. But I have seen those from the ’40s on. The best I ever saw was Sandy Koufax, but Sandy only had six good years (1961-66). Before catcher Norm Sherry gave him the tip during a spring training game in 1960 that changed his life, he was a wild man. Warren Spahn is #2. Maybe Bob Gibson is #3 of those I’ve seen. Bob Feller is up there, but I didn’t really see him pitch. Today’s pitchers who can’t even complete a game aren’t in the picture.

Now this documentary about Nolan Ryan has me recalculating. One of the best docs I’ve seen about anything, it tells the story mostly through interviews with people who should know: batters who have faced him. Included are George Brett, Rod Carew, Cal Ripken, Jr., Craig Biggio and many more, along with, of course, Ryan himself and his movie-star-gorgeous wife and their children and lots of clips of him in action. As an aside, he has a beautiful family. He blew away lots of records, seven no-hitters and a fastball timed at 107 mph, pitching effectively until he was 47. Maybe he should be near the top of my list?

Downton Abbey: A New Era (9/10): 124 minutes. PG-13. Apparently struggling to find a plot device, director Simon Curtis and writer Julian Fellowes stole one from the iconic 1952 MGM musical “Singin’ in the Rain.” The minute I heard the voice of actress Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock) it was clear that she was mimicking Jean Hagen, who played Lina Lamont in “Rain.” Hagen won an Oscar nomination for her performance as the voice-challenged silent star beauty.

There’s a lot more to this than the takeoff from the classic film, of course. As has become emblematic from the TV series and the first movie, the production values are outstanding. The locations (including the French Riviera) are gorgeous, the color mesmerizing and the recreation of the post-Edwardian era of the 1920s superb.

The movie-filming plot is a good setup for the gang to resolve what becomes a big family mystery. Spoiler alert: Everything about this film is Colombo (Giovanni Ribisi), boss of the Colombo crime family. Paramount boss Bob Evans (Matthew Goode in a splendid performance), who post production claimed credit for severely editing writer/ director Francis Ford Coppola’s “Godfather,” is shown as a crazed, drug-addled over-thetop studio exec who greenlighted the film but fought Ruddy on just about every decision, from picking Coppola (Dan Fogler) to casting Marlon Brando (Justin Chambers, who does a fine job) and Al Pacino (Anthony Ippolito, who captures Pacino’s insecurities). Gulf and Western CEO Charles Bludhorn (Burn Gorman) is the boss of everyone. In real life, he was a unique person. Whether he was as bizarre as Gorman plays him would be difficult to believe, although anything is possible. As to casting, Fogler captures Coppola’s challenged height (5 feet 4 inches) and Goode shows Evans to be probably the way he was and is. The series shows how Ruddy bent over backwards to kiss up to the Mob and he continues that posture with this movie, just a bunch of regular guys who happen to kill people for a living. Unjustly minimized is

At the Movies

with Tony Medley

top notch…until the ending. I don’t know what Curtis and Fellowes were thinking but it was a bad idea to end this uplifting, happy film on such a downer. Had it ended 10 minutes earlier, I would have rated it 10/10. As a footnote, the movie stands on its own and does not rely on having seen the TV series as a required prelude.

Diamond Hands: The Legend of WallStreetBets (9/10): 89 minutes. How a group of irreverent youngsters took on the Wall Street pros and ran a short squeeze on the stock of Gamestop is told by the whippersnappers themselves and it’s a fascinating tale of risk and reward, ups and downs, gains and losses … and Chutzpah! Bravo.tv and MSNBC.

The Offer (8/10): 10-Episode series. TV-MA. This series is told from the POV of 42-year-old Al Ruddy (Miles Teller). It shows deep mob involvement, especially Joe Peter Bart (Josh Zuckerman), who first optioned Puzo’s book for Paramount, and is a far stronger personality than shown here. Notwithstanding, this series is entertaining and enjoyable. Paramount+

The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C. S. Lewis (8/10) 73 minutes. Max McLean stars in a play he wrote as C. S. Lewis, the creator of “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Lewis is probably equally well-known as a convert from strict atheism to devout Christianity. Lewis (Please turn to page 21)

American soprano sings at All Saints’ in Beverly Hills

Melissa Givens, an American soprano, will be performing at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills on Sun., June 12 at 5 p.m. She has been described as “a pleasure to hear” with a rich and powerful tone.

Givens will be accompanied on piano during the hour-long concert.

No reservations are needed. Donations requested at the door are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

Celebrate Grads & Dads with our June Dinners!

Grilled Salmon Tapenade

Grilled Atlantic Salmon served on creamed spinach with creamy mashed potatoes.

Almond Chicken

Breast of chicken dusted with flour and almonds served with steamed broccoli and creamy mashed potatoes.

Gourmet Meatloaf

Choice chuck and pork ground together to create this old-time favorite! Topped with mushrooms and gravy. Served with creamy mashed potatoes.

Hotcakes for Dinner

One Buttermilk Hotcake, one egg, choice of one turkey link or bacon. Served with maple syrup and butter.

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GEORGE SARAH ENSEMBLE perform “Min and Elsa” from 29:36 to 34:51 on the 55-minute Tarfest Festival Video.

Music and art festival Tarfest returns virtually

By Caroline Tracy Tarfest 2022 is live. The annual music and art festival, usually held on the grounds surrounding the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, moved this year to a virtual presentation due to COVID-19. The festival, featuring musical and dance performances, can be viewed entirely online via the Tarfest website. “In its 19th year, and — everyone hopes — in the fi nal stages of this pandemic, Tarfest provides meaningful opportunities for artists to perform and viewers to enjoy those performances,” said James Panazzo of Launch LA and Tarfest co-founder and director. “This celebration of culture and music was made possible by the years of experience in producing this event and the amazing collaborators who helped to make it possible.” Tarfest is a presentation of Launch LA, a nonprofi t arts organization. This year’s program showcases dance routines by two contemporary dance companies and seven musical performances featuring more than 40 musicians. It can be viewed online at tarfest.com. The late Betty White will be honored at the 2022 Beastly Ball, Los Angeles’ wildest fundraiser, on Sat., June 4. A white-carpet reception and tribute with announcement of the recipient of the Betty White Conservation Hero Award will be featured, and comedian Joel McHale will host the event, which will be in person for the first time in two years. The event also includes food, libations entertainment and after-hours access to the Zoo. Animal feeding and keeper talks as well as a silent auction also will be featured. The impact that the Zoo has on conservation will be showcased by honoring Dr. B. Natterson-Horowitz and animal behaviorist and science writer Kathryn Bowers. “This event is critical to … ongoing support of the Zoo’s work in wildlife conservation … public education programs and the latest advancements in animal care and veterinary medicine,” said Tom Jacobson, president of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. The 2022 recipient of the Hero Award is Stephen Badger, former chairman of Mars, Incorporated and great-grandson of Mars’ founder; he was central to driving the company’s corporate social and environmental responsibility initiatives to combat climate change. Tickets are $1,500 per person and support the Los Angeles Zoo’s mission to save wildlife and serve the community. The Zoo is at 5333 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park. Visit lazoo.org/ beastlyball, or call 323-486-4253.

ZOO SUPPORTER, the late Betty White (with one of her friends at the Zoo) will be honored.

Photo by Jamie Pham

Enjoy delicious eats, dynamic beats andat The Original Farmers MarketTHURSDAY NIGHT MUSICWest Patio • • 6-8pm June 2 - August 25 cool evening breezes as we present live music every Thursday all summer long!

6/2 Louie Cruz Beltran

Latin Jazz/Salsa 6/9 Pretty

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Movies

(Continued from page 20) narrates his story himself and it’s a special journey, indeed. It starts with him as a boy and shows how he lost his beloved mother when he was nine and was brought up by his relatively cold father. It takes us through his experiences in the World War I trenches, to his time at Oxford with friends like J.R.R. Tolkien, who greatly influenced his religious beliefs. It’s based on Lewis’ memoir, “Surprised by Joy.” Prime

Top Gun Maverick (7/10): 124 minutes. PG-13. This is not your grandfather’s “Top Gun” (1986; yes, it’s been 36 years since the first one!), which was apparently good enough to become seminal. The first hour setup is clichéd; a weak imitation of Robert Conrad’s wisecracking “Black Sheep Squadron” (1976-78). But after all that folderol, it gets entertaining when the flying and dogfights start. The special effects are spectacular and probably worth the more- than-two-hour sit.

Lil Mo & The Dynaflos: June 30

Orquesta Charangoa: July 28

Guilty Pleasure Makers: August 25

AND, ROCK & ROLL TRIBUTE BANDS EVERY FRIDAY.

6/16 Hukilau Hotshots

Hawaiian 30s/40s Radio Sound 6/23 Larry O. Williams and Friends

Jazz/R&B/Funk 6/30 Lil Mo & The Dynaflos

50/60s Doo Wop/R&B 7/7 Carbe and Durand from Incendio

Modern World Guitar 7/14 The Jazz Cartel

60s Jazz/Pop/Swing 7/21 Big Sandy &

His Fly-Rite Boys

Rockabilly/Western Swing 7/28 Orquesta Charangoa

Cuban Charanga 8/4 Ernie Watts Quartet

Straight Ahead Jazz & Bebop 8/11 Jumpin’ Joz

Swing 8/18 Paul Val

Texas Blues Rock 8/25 Guilty Pleasure Makers

Top Covers

A 1960 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL will be at the Gilmore Heritage Auto Show.

‘American Royalty’ autos will be on display June 4

Cadillacs, Imperials and Lincolns will be paraded at the 26th annual Gilmore Heritage Auto Show on Sat., June 4 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. Third St.

This year’s theme is “American Royalty” in honor of American luxury vehicles of yesteryear, when their owners traveled like kings and queens.

Also featured will be Packards, Duesenbergs and dozens of other classics, hot rods and trucks. The Auto Show promises to roll out the red carpet after the show was scaled back last year and cancelled altogether in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The event is free to the public, with the regular Market parking rate of 90 minutes free with merchant purchase validation.

Sit back and enjoy summer nights under the stars at the historic Hollywood Forever Cemetery while watching some classic films hosted by Cinespia.

Not for the faint of heart, “American Psycho” screens on Sat., June 4.

Celebrate Judy Garland’s 100th birthday and benefit Project Angel Food on Sun., June 12, when “The Wizard of Oz” follows the Yellow Brick Road.

It’s a showdown between humans and the extraterrestrials in “Aliens,” screening on Sat., June 18.

A DJ and dance floor light up the night when “But I’m a Cheerleader” screens on Sat., June 25.

Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the shows start at 9 p.m.

Attendees are invited to bring a picnic or pick up something at the concession stand as the event is set up for lawn-style seating. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is at 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard. Tickets are $20 to $30, plus parking. Visit cinespia.org.

HISTORIC cemetery hosts summer films outdoors this month.

Verdi’s ‘Aida’ is performed with modern art flair through June 21

Verdi’s epic love story continues at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion through June 21 with a lavish production by L.A. Opera, featuring a chorus, orchestra, ballet and designs by local contemporary artist RETNA.

Latonia Moore makes her company debut as Aida, her signature role. Tenor Russell Thomas plays Radames, a military captain and prisoner of war in love with ancient Egypt’s most powerful woman. The secret lovers are from rival kingdoms in this production, new to Los Angeles, directed by Francesca Zambello and conducted by James Conlon.

For tickets and more information, visit laopera.org.

Larchmont values explored in Arts Weekend, play

Take a deep dive into a discussion on themes of friendship, family, fertility and the work/life conundrum during an in-person Arts Immersion Weekend, June 10 to 12 at Atwater Village Theatre, 3269 Casitas Ave.

“We know it will resonate powerfully with the women

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©LC0622 in our neighborhood who are grateful, conflicted, or inspired by how family-centric our haven has always been,” actor and local resident Sharon Lawrence told us. Lawrence is a member of the IAMA Theatre Company, which is hosting the weekend event and recently launched its world premiere of “Untitled Baby Play,” which continues through June 27.

“The reason that I was so drawn to join the IAMA Theatre Company is its origins in female leadership,” Lawrence continued.

“I’ve watched these young women who created this company, right out of college as they were building their careers and their artistic community. I’ve also watched them build their families through triumphs and struggles always relying on the community they nurtured into being. The Untitled Baby Play is born of those experiences and will speak to so many women (people) in Larchmont because we are a community devoted to families.”

Visit iamatheatre.com.

RESTAURANT & COCKTAILS

Lunch & Dinner Every Day of the Year ANCIENT EGYPT and high drama are featured in “Aida.” Soprano Latonia Moore makes her company debut in the title role.

Letters

(Continued from page 2) administration has not addressed this problem in years.

The construction project has significantly worsened the problem. Currently serving 1,471 middle school students, LAUSD is expanding John Burroughs to accommodate 1,800 despite data showing a pre-pandemic 5.4 percent drop in the total district middle school population (135,553 to 128,581 from now until 2023) and five underutilized LAUSD middle schools within three miles.

Students come from over 64 different ZIP codes traveling past numerous schools with parents sitting in carpool lanes, idling their cars often 30-45 minutes, twice daily, adversely impacting air pollution, traffic and their own family wellbeing. Tens of millions of dollars have already been spent over the past 10 years with consultants and bureaucrats being handsomely paid, yet still out of touch with the city’s or our community’s needs.

The budget has already ballooned to over $220 million, and one can only predict what the final cost will be when finally complete six years from now. A properly sized school of 1,200 would meet the needs of both LAUSD as well as the local community — saving construction time and millions of dollars — yet LAUSD always cries poverty when sitting on well over $2.5 billion in reserves.

Dr. Martinez is not being truthful when he says that he was “unfamiliar with the situation.” The neighbors on McCadden and June have been complaining for two decades. LAUSD completely ignored our community’s concerns regarding traffic and safety in their renovation plans for John Burroughs. Dr. Howard C. Mandel

President, Los Angeles City Health Commission

June Street, Hancock Park

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