The War on Humor
Laughter is an expression of our pleasure in the revelation that others, too, are flawed. That may explain why those who believe they can perfect human nature have a severe aversion to humor.
Books & Culture
An Uneasy Victory Over Human Folly Along the ‘Santa Fe Trail’
Even a film that elevates the American story must leave a sense of uneasy victory.
Emily Brontë: This Year’s Coolest Superhero?
The media is filled with endless content about how bad today’s films are and the glut of superhero nonsense. “Emily” is a ravishing and real alternative.
Prigs Might Fly
On the perpetually haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.
The Oppressive Capture of the Past in ‘Key Largo’
The oppressive and inevitable nature of time presses on, making one understand that freedom is possible but only through the acceptance of the present.
And the Oscar for Hypocrisy Goes to . . .
It is intellectually dishonest to oppose fascism but not to equally oppose communism.
‘Jesus Revolution’ Tells a Revolutionary Tale
The big screen is still available for stories long forgotten, or that people never knew in the first place.
Finding Friendship and Fortitude, Even in a Flop
“Cattle Queen of Montana” was a project that brought joy to Ronald Reagan and Barbara Stanwyck, expanded their already formed friendship, and continued the mutual warmth
and kind regard.
and kind regard.
Riding the Storm Out with “Cocaine Bear”
My faith in Hollywood is literally shaking right now.
Are We a Population or a People?
A population is easy to control so long as they are fed but a people must have a culture.
Conquering the Chisholm Trail or the Men Who Conquered It?
Erotic power and harsh reality renders Howard Hawks’ “Red River” brilliant in every way.
Refighting the Vietnam War
Triumph Retaken shows that America’s war in Vietnam could have been won earlier at far less cost, and in fact almost was, even belatedly by 1968.
Auschwitz Studies
The difference between knowledge and ignorance, between truth and lies, is the difference between life and death.
Remembering P.J. O’Rourke
O’Rourke had a unique ability to blend humor and intellect without deliberately trying to seek laughs or cheapen what he was trying to articulate.
A Great American Music Lesson
In our current jihad of junkthought and racist hatred, forces outside of politics provide grounds for hope and change.
James and the Giant Preach
On the desperate little censorship of Roald Dahl.
Fakers, Frauds, and Fools
It’s important to know the difference between a person who is trying to live authentically and a person who is a fully willing fraud, peddling in lies that masquerade as truth.
Support International Mother Language Day. Use A Simile
Would more frequent use of similes, not just on International Mother Language Day, summon smiles and scatter scowls as gratuitously as unsolicited alliteration?
As sure as death and taxes, yes.
As sure as death and taxes, yes.
What’s Happening on Campus?
There’s much to see . . . you just won’t see it here.
What Difference Your Ephemera Makes
In a world full of AI and ChatGPT, save your Playbill.