Rules of Civility

I hate to admit this, but sometimes I buy a book based on its cover art alone. I know, I know, don’t judge a book… But, could you resist this cover either?

Rules of Civility

In the wake of the newest Gatsby movie and my continuing Gatsby love, I was intrigued by the 1930s aesthetic, the totally-in-control-while-lounging lady, and the faceless man at rapt attention. Plus, the color combination and gold font screams enjoyable read to me. I can’t explain why, it just does. Also, the cover was finished in this great way. It’s all at once glossy yet has a texture that feels warm. I’m sure there’s an incredibly technical term for this, but I certainly don’t know what that is.

I’m happy to report that my rash, totally cover-judgmental purchase turned out to be worthwhile. It got me through a cold, meaning that the book made my couch surfing even more enjoyable. (Side note: I think reading while I’m sick is my favorite kind of reading. It probably has a lot to do with the inability to take care of more pressing responsibilities, annihilating all guilt that tends to accompany my pleasure reading.)

Rules of Civility is set in 1938 and follows two boardinghouse roommates, Katey and Eve. On New Year’s Eve, the two end up at a dive, but before the clock strikes midnight, they meet Tinker Grey, an impossibly handsome banker who happens to be exceedingly charming. The three begin a friendship that has shocking consequences. (Seriously, shocking. It’s not what you think it’s going to be.)

Now, I can’t say much more about the plot because everything hinges on that shocking event. So instead, I’ll tell you about some of the things that came to my mind while reading this novel. There is little rhyme or reason to this list, but I’m hoping you’ll get a feel for the storyline without me having to actually give you the storyline: a young Katharine Hepburn, Cole Porter music, Ella Fitzgerald’s voice, Princeton crew, martinis, “a modern woman.” Take that as you will. Draw your own mental picture. (Another side note: wouldn’t that be a great, new book report format? Word association for the plot? Maybe I should start that.)

The Harvey Girls

The Harvey Girls (1946, IMDB)

Hello, friends. After a long writing drought, I’m back. I thank you for your patience!

I return with a post about “The Harvey Girls” (1946), a cute musical starring Judy. (Do I even have to mention the “Garland” anymore? Doesn’t Judy deserve to be a one-name woman?) If you haven’t seen it, it’s pretty great. Judy plays Susan Bradley, a woman brought to the Wild West after she answered a personal ad. On her train ride to the frontier, she happens to be traveling with the Harvey Girls who are determined to establish a Harvey House to bring some class and fine dining to those backwards cowboys. Judy arrives, sings “On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe,” then comes to find that the writer of her personal ad is ugly, old, and has a thing for Marjorie Main (who, by the way, is her spectacular self in this film). Judy decides to become a Harvey Girl rather than a wife. Shenanigans ensue, which include a cat fight with the scarlet women of the saloon across the way. Angela Lansbury is fantastically malicious as the leader of these worldly wise women, playing off Judy’s doe-eyed innocence. As it always seems to happen, Angela and Judy are interested in the same man (John Hodiak). I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I bet you can guess who wins.

Let me stop here to call out Ray Bolger, one of Hollywood’s most underrated dancers. He does a number in this movie that knocks me out every time. He’s in true Scarecrow form, doing dance moves that make you swear his legs don’t have any bones. He’s an actor who goes all in, using his whole body and face, contorting himself for the laugh – and I love it.

But, to the meat of this post: you know how you can have a great movie that is spoiled by one miscast role? (Ashley Wilkes in “Gone with the Wind” anyone?) Well, John Hodiak does that in this musical. Someone needs to explain to me why anyone would cast him in anything, especially as a leading man. He’s dull, expressionless, and definitely not handsome enough to warrant this casting mistake. I’ll never understand it, and it’s definitely a pet peeve of mine. What about you? Do you have any movies that are kept from greatness because of one miscast actor or actress?

P.S. I think Judy is at her most beautiful in this film. Carry on.