Movie Madness

Well, how good was the Mel Brooks tribute at the Academy on Friday? It was fantastic. It was just so nice to see the best excerpts of his greatest films (from The Critic to The Producers to Blazing Saddles to Life Stinks) on a big screen. Many of his long-time collaborators were on hand, including the hilarious Carl Reiner (know to most as the old guy in Ocean's 11). Mel Brooks was also there in person, so it turned into an emotional night, as we watched footage of his departed wife, Anne Bancroft, dancing and seducing her audience. Of course, it was plain funny too as Brooks has funny bones, but the evening provided a nice balance for a tribute to such a mensch.

Saturday, we drove out to Santa Paula, Ventura and Camarillo. And, Sunday we went to the farmer's market in Hollywood, which has grown tremendously since we were last there. A weekend of errands, and then back to the Academy last night for the penultimate film in the 1939 series: Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, with Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr. Great film. Next week is the last in the series, The Wizard of Oz.