Brazilian or Heirless

     This week- a pair of films about women defying social expectations.
     Leaving her upper-middle class adoptive parents and normative school life behind, Raquel runs away to become a sex worker in São Paulo. Soon she works her way up the ranks, begins writing a blog (with client ratings), and becomes so popular that she begins making guest appearances on mainstream talk shows. Inspired by The Scorpion's Sweet Venom, the first autobiographical book by Bruna Surfistinha, Confessions of a Brazilian Call Girl.
     Shy young Christina lives with her father, who has always been openly disappointed in her for not being as charming and social as her late mother, and her aunt. At a ball, Christina meets a charming, handsome, and very poor young man named Morris. Morris pursues Christina, encouraged by her aunt and highly suspected by her father. When her father draws a hardline against her socializing with Morris, Christina must make a choice- to be disinherited over a who might be only after due to that inheritance or remove all connection to the only person to show her any kindness and care at the demands of her cold and controlling parent. Added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1996, William Wyler's The Heiress.
     All that and we try a new recording platform. Join us, and let us know how it sounds, won't you

   Episode 402- Brazilian or Heirless

The Merriness Spectrum

     This week- a film about people who suffer from a laughing compulsion and a film about people who have never felt joy, except in stolen fleeting moments.

     Richard, the Norman King of England, is taken captive and held for ransom on his trip home from crusading. His brother, Prince John, takes the opportunity to name himself regent and make a play for the kingdom. A Saxon noble decides to stand against the regent and his tyrannical rule by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. Close to 100 years later and still one of the best tellings of... The Adventures of Robin Hood.

     In 1856, New York state at the northern end of the Catskills, there is a small isolated farm run by Dyer and Abigail. They are both devastated with the recent loss of their daughter. As the gap between them grows ever wider and more lonely in their marriage based solely on practicality, another childless couple take residence at the farm next door. Soon Abigail befriends new neighbor, Tallie, and their relationship takes a turn Abigail never expected. Beautiful production design, strong performances, and assured direction give the pair a glimpse at The World to Come.

     All that and Dave sees sequels, Tyler seeks the third Kingdom, Kevin prepares to binge, and Craig revisits old friends. Join us, won't you?

Episode 273- The Merriness Spectrum