Susan Boyle..."The Gift" No. 1 seller on Billboard!

Susan Boyle has alot to celebrate about this Yuletide season!

Billboard has just reported that her new album - "The Gift" - has topped their charts to soar into the No. 1 spot for the fourth time in the past few weeks (243,000 units snapped up).

To date, total sales now stand at a whopping $1.43 million smackeroos!

Undoubtedly, Boyle's fans have forgiven the English canteuse for the off-color note she sourly hit, while performing a Christmas ditty on Barbara Walter's "The View" last week.

That little glitch in her vocals reminded me of an incident with went down with legendary Judy Garland many moons ago!

Ms. Garland was standing near the edge of a stairwell upstage during a live concert when she suddenly choked - then unexpectedly fell down and went boom - as fans watched on in horror below the floodlights.

Because LA JUDY was known to imbibe a tad - and able to drink the best of 'em under the table - it was speculated (at first glance) that theWizard of Oz legend had been a bit tipsy during the performance.

However, Ms. Garland was adamant - swore up-and-down, in fact - that the nasty rumors were simply not true.

According to Judy Judy Judy - when she threw her mouth open to belt out the chorus - a fly flitted inside her mouth and took her off-guard!

Uh-huh!

No word on what caused Ms. Boyle's fall from Grace, however.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz/

Liza Minnelli...concert tour in June! New album fan-pleaser...

Shelter from the storm!

I was flipping the channel earlier, when I spied Liza Minnelli - looking gorgeous darling! - having a heart-to-heart on the Joy Behar show.

Ms. Minnelli is not only intelligent, charismatic, and articulate - but downright witty!

One of her endearing qualities is her ability to poke fun at herself.

On the subject of "him" - her last husband - she reacted by rolling  her eyes as if to say:

"What was I thinking?"

When the  union failed (!) she had a few choice words for good friend Michael Jackson.

"Why didn't you stop me," Liza wailed.

"I thought you were happy."

The talkative TV twosome both agreed that while the marriage may have not worked out,  at least the wedding was spectacular and graced with a galaxy of dazzling superstars such as Elizabeth Taylor.

Liza confided in Behar that when she asked David how he paid for the extravagant trot to the altar, he replied without batting-an-eye.

"I didn't."

Uh-huh.

Guest fenagled the funds from Liza's treasure chest without her being any-the-wiser!

Liza is a busy gal, as usual.

In June, the seasoned stage trooper,  kicks-of a series of high-energy concerts around the country.

The multi-award-winning Liza also boasts an  album due out soon  which is titled:  "Confessions".

Fans may pre-order the album at the Official Liza Minnelli website:

http://www.officiallizaminnelli.com/

Everthing's coming up roses for the vivacious star with staying power.

Break a leg, Liza!

Liza's mother, Judy!

http://www.thetattler.biz

A Star is Born...Russell Crowe to star in remake with Beyonce? Intriguing casting...

Russel Crowe's name is being bandied about as a potential candidate for the lead role in a remake of the classic film "A Star is Born".

Judy Garland is probably best-remembered for her stellar performance in a musical remake of the 1937 film which was produced by Transcona Enterprises (1954) with her husband Sid Luft at the helm.

George Cukor directed the project which co-starred James Mason in the role of the husband of Garland's onscreen character.

At the premiere on September 29th - the tear-jerker with heart-pounding performances by both Garland and Mason - was hailed as a cinematic triumph.

Garland was summarily nominated for an Oscar at the 27th annual Academy Awards, but sadly, lost out to Grace Kelly who nabbed the prize for her stand-out performance in The Country Girl.

An updated version was produced in 1976 starring Barbra Streisand and musician Kris Kristofferson.

In a nutshell, the proposed remake focues on an alcoholic musician who mentors a younger female star (who he ends up falling in love with).

Russell Crowe appears to be a great casting choice in my estimation, but studio heads alsohave a keen eye on actors Sean Penn and Robert Downey Jr. to step into the juicy role.

Insiders allege that the remake was originally conceived with Beyonce in mind for the female lead.

Right now, it's all blowing in the wind.

Stay tuned for updates!

Las vegas...memorable night with Bogie, Marilyn Monroe & Judy at the Plaza Hotel.

Every since I began rating Hotels - the practise started as a consumer alert for travellers - I have made it a point to Hotel-hop as much as possible so that I'll have the opportunity to "sample" the amenities at as many establishments as possible here in the Desert Oasis.

With that goal in mind, yesterday afternoon - last minute - I booked a room at the Plaza Hotel for one night.

What a charmed experience the lodging experinece turned out to be!

The front desk clerk was pleasant and professional and promptly installed me in a suite in a tower that was preferable, in my estimation, since guests only have to walk a few paces to catch an elevator up to their room (in contrast to the second tower at the other end of the complex that requires a long jaunt through the casino).

When the door to my room swung open, I literally let out a whoop, which caused the elderly maid (finishing up her duties down the hall) to stare at me in wonder.

"What a pretty room," I exclaimed.

Indeed, it was.

Quite honestly, I wasn't expecting more than standard bill-of-fare, in view of the low-ball rate I scooped up online in a last-minute sale of rooms on the Internet.

The suite - a swank one - was decorated with an understated elegance that was quite appealing to my artistic sensibilities.

The commmode, headboard for the bed, and elegant desk were beautifully crafted in two eye-catching distinctive wood grains.

Portraits of three legendary film stars (tastefully installed in gold leaf  frames) spoke volumes to me.

For a moment, it appeared I stepped backwards in time to the golden heyday  of Hollywood.

Indeed!

The  personas of Humphrey Bogart, Marilyn Monroe, and Judy Garland appeared to be reaching out from the grave and  welcoming me.

Curiously, when I switched on the TV, an old film starring Spencer Tracy and a young Elizabeth Taylor sprang to life on the screen.

Oh, something magical and mystical was going on.

There was a message for me, here.

Outside my window snow-capped mountains touched the sky gracefully.

A sight for the eyes to behold.

God's country, alright.

Sadly, I'll be checking out later this morning and moving on to a new Hotel.

Don't Bogart that suite, Julian!

I'm hopeful that there will be surprises at the new lodgings, but a niggling voice inside me whispers it may not be so.

Can't beat the heart-warming experience at the Plaza in the Hollywood luminaries suite!

Judy! Judy! Judy!

http://www.julianayrss.com

Wizard of Oz...screenings tonight around country! Judy Garland classic enchanced...

During the depression, the "Wizard of Oz" was the "great escape" for theatre-goers in search of a magic place to hide "away above the chimney tops"  where troubles were inclined to melt "like lemon drops".

In the Warner Brothers fantasy feature - "Wizard of Oz" - they found that refuge.

In fact,  ticket-holders were totally captivated by the pretty young songbird - Judy Garland - and her spell-binding portrayal of a Kansas farm girl who gets swept up in a wild tornado - and ultimately - makes an awkward crash-landing  into a never-never-land poulated by talking scarecrows, wicked witches, and elusive wizards with ominous powers.

Now, seventy years later, the "Wizard of Oz" returns to theatres!

Tonight (September 23) Warner Brothers unveils an updated (and itechnologically-mproved) print to heralld the upcoming Blu-ray Hi-Def version due out in the near future.

According to insiders, the new "OZ" has been digitally sharpened and brightened - so much so, in fact - that  textures and details invisible in past prints scream out in all their former glory.

Tickets and details:  http://www.fathomevents.com/

For many, the much-anticipated screenings, will afford film buffs their first whirl at screening the celebrated classic since its first National release (1955).

Ray Bolger and Judy Garland star!

Click 3 times!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Judy Garland...fans invite me to website dedicated to the loving memory of the legendary star!

A few weeks ago, I posted a ragged old video of Judy Garland's appearance on the popular game show - "What's my Line?" - which I wrestled up from the elusive near-forgotten musty confines of old showbiz archives.



Post: 12/04/2008



http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2008/12/judy-garlandwhat-my-line.html



'Ya know, every time I screen the spontaneous on-camera guest spot, a smile breaks across my face.



Ah, Judy Judy Judy!

A priceless gem who still shines brightly in our hearts and memories!



I was pleasantly surprised when an unexpected invite arrived out-of-the-blue this afternoon to join - thejudygarlandexperience - the "world’s most exciting Judy Garland group" (Yahoo!).

Apparently, the best way to discover and share information and advice with others on the legendary Wizard of Oz star, is to mix and mingle at the dedication site - where privileged members wax nostalgic about the multi-talented mega-star - with fans, friends, family members, and a precious few blessed with the opportunity to toil alongside her at the studios in the Golden hey-day of Hollywood.



All for free.



The Judy Garland Experience not only features ongoing real-time discussions about the contract-player, but also has the web's most extensive library of rare Garland photo’s - many of which - have never been eyed before.



The entertaining site also features an ever-changing plethora of rare and unreleased recordings by Judy and other artist’s.

This week, fans are being treated to two separate broadcasts of Ms. Garland appearing on the once-popular "Chesterfield Show", a recording of Judy bravely telling off HUAC, a 1954 radio salute, a 1957 appearance at L.A. Greek Theater, and much more! to titter about.







Next week Judy’s complete 1967 Christmas concert form Madison Square Garden will be posted (as well as some other rare unreleased gems from Judy) along with Ethel Merman’s entire closing night performance in Gypsy.



There's no business, like show business, after all.



Stop by the site - affectionately known as "Judyville" - and check out the exciting offerings.



Her dedicated fans tease: you may never want to leave!



Or, to quote Judy from one of her last great sell-out performances that night at Carnegie Hall:



"I know, we'll sing 'em all, and we'll stay all night."



You betcha, Judy!



http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience

Shopping & Gift Ideas

http://www.julianayrs.com

Sam Harris...life is a Cabaret after Star Search!

He took the Nation by storm in a more innocent era when "Star Search" was the top precursor to today's hit show, "American Idol".

Mr. Harris not only captured the subtle nuances of the Wizard of Oz hit "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" (a standard sung by Ms. Garland) - but in the process - managed to make the song-styling an unforgettable moment in show business history.

And, each week, millions tuned in to see how far the little charmer could go!

Those were heady days for the pint-sized bundle of talent.

So, where is Sam today?

Shucks, just missed a performance in Orange County recently; but, that doesn't stop me from raving about this young man's remarkable gift and charismatic style!

He noted in a throw-away local paper that he's working with Liza Minnelli on a show she's developing about the legendary Kay Thompson (a Judy Garland friend who had a big impact on Minnelli's life).

Mr. Harris noted that he is penning (!) the show for Liza.

Originally from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, he started his career at 15.

Although he started on the boards at a young age, he managed to finish his education by correspondence courses. The boy obviously recognized the need for an education even if it was through the U.S. Mail.

Looking back, he fondly recalled his eagerness to take any job in any dump or dive; after all, he just wanted to hone his talent and sing out!

In a show - "OUT OF CONTROL" - he invented his "look".

You know, the oversize tuxedo jacket paired with humble sneakers which became his trademark on "Star Search".

Go figure, first time out for "Star Search", he did not even make the cut; but, a couple of people in his corner pushed for him until he finally scored.

Almost overnight, the diminutive songster was a sensation; although, like many in the business, it was ten years in the making.

A recording contract with Motown followed which produced two hit albums.

Clearly, being ready for the spotlight, was the key.

Broadway followed, and two Tony nominations, and a handful of TV roles,

Today?

Mr. Harris is in a relationship; happy, and thankful for his sobriety.

Who knew?

In a parting comment, he hit a poignant note,

"I realize that what I do is not who I am. The illusion of my identity isn't wrapped up in whether or not I'm liked. My survival no longer depends on it."

Undoubtedly, any fears he once entertained are far behind him.

In my estimation, Sam's star will continue to shine brightly for quite some time.