A long-time fan of Meryl Streep, I looked forward to seeing the award-winning actress take on the role of society matron Florence Foster Jenkins. Having heard Ms. Streep sing beautifully in previous films—Postcards from the Edge, The Deer Hunter, Ricki and the Flash—I wondered if she could actually sound horrible.
I needn’t have worried.
Ms. Streep delivers the shrill trills and toneless howls with great joy and abandon, much to the chagrin of her accompanist Cosmé McMoon (Simon Helberg), who had hoped to use his new (well-paid) position to make a name in the New York music scene. While his initial reactions to Florence’s performances are comical, he gradually becomes one of her most loyal supporters.
And thanks to the persistent efforts of Florence’s second husband, St. Clair Bayfield (Hugh Grant), an ever-growing circle of admirers and supporters flock to the aging chanteuse’s concerts. Grant delivers a stellar performance as the “kept” man who manages to support and shield Florence from mockery while having an affair with his bohemian girlfriend (Rebecca Ferguson). I particularly enjoyed his dance scene.
Director Stephen Frears wisely decided to keep the historical facts to a minimum. Through a series of short dialogues, we learn that young Miss Foster had been a childhood piano prodigy who once performed at the White House. A falling out with her wealthy father led to an elopement with a philandering first husband who gave her syphilis.
In spite of her health challenges and limited musical ability, Florence maintains a cheerful demeanor and displays remarkable self-confidence. An inspiration for all of us!
1. Every year, Ty retreats to his favorite island, Key Lime Island, between his Elvis gigs in Branson and Vegas.
1. Pepper is from a tiny town in Nowhere, Arkansas, where she lives with her rogue boyfriend, Derek, in a shabby trailer. She hates her life and what her once-nice boyfriend has become.
Award-winning novelist Beth Carter pens novels and children’s picture books. Her latest release is SLEEPING WITH ELVIS, a contemporary romance, with elements of suspense and humor. Her debut novel, THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, won the 2015 RONE award for best “Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit Novel,” as well as “Best Debut Author” by BTS Books. Her novelette, SANTA BABY, appears in the 2015 Christmas anthology, SIZZLE IN THE SNOW, alongside eight romance authors’ stories.
Jambalaya. Of all the fabulous Louisiana dishes, jambalaya is by far my favorite. It’s almost impossible to get it wrong. FYI, there are two basic kinds of jambalaya, brown and red. Red, which has a tomato base, is considered Creole jambalaya and dominates in New Orleans. Brown is prevalent in Cajun Country. I heart them both.
Hotels Mazarin and Le Marais. I’ve had some great hotel experiences in New Orleans, and some dreadful ones. But the hands-down lodging winners are these two beautiful and historic hostelries. The rooms are wonderful, the service impeccable, and the full breakfasts – especially at Mazarin – are excellent. They’re part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, which rescues derelict properties and turns them into elegant lodging. Bravo, NOHC!
Tulane University. Yes, I’m biased because this happens to be my alma mater. But it’s a charming campus, so if you’ve opted for a ride on the St. Charles streetcar, why not take visit the home of the Green Wave? It’s next to Loyola University and across the street from Audubon Park, so you can wander through both of those locations. Or explore some of the turn-of-the-century mansions in the Silk Stocking Ward, which is the nickname for the Uptown area where the universities and park are located.
Nico, my nephew dog, is featured on Cheryl Cooke Harrington’s blog.
Last week, my contract for Too Many Women in the Room was finalized by editor Kinan Werdski and Publisher Rhonda Penders of The Wild Rose Press.
Bestselling author Louise Penny does not mince words. In a recent article, she offered the following advice: “If you’re writing your first work of crime fiction, place the body near the beginning of your book—preferably on the first page, perhaps the first sentence. In later books this won’t be as necessary, but agents and editors like it established early, so readers know what they’re getting.”
Putting words and stories on paper is second nature to co-authors C.D. Hersh. They’ve written separately since they were teenagers and discovered their unique, collaborative abilities in the mid-90s. As high school sweethearts and husband and wife, Catherine and Donald believe in true love and happily ever after.
Joanne Guidoccio 