Another mediocrity programming note: On Saturday morning, 5/26, Turner Classic Movies is running a film that always fascinated me — Ensign Pulver. This is not to say that this sequel to Mister Roberts is a good movie. It isn't. In fact, evaluated as a successor-in-interest, it's kind of a train wreck. But as a standalone effort, it's fun in a silly sort of way, if only for the rather amazing number of actors in it who later became very well known. Their ranks include Walter Matthau, Jack Nicholson (who has about three lines), James Coco, Larry Hagman, George Lindsey in his pre-Goober days, and Peter "Hollywood Squares" Marshall. Matter of fact, almost everyone in this predictable romp became famous except the guy playing the title role. A gent named Robert Walker became Pulver when Jack Lemmon, showing a wisdom few actors ever possess, declined to re-enlist. Still, you might enjoy it, if only for Burl Ives and his scenery-devouring performance.
Received a nice e-mail from Roger Simon (see this news item here) assuring me that he has only one new book and it's entitled Divided We Stand: How Al Gore Beat George Bush and Lost The Presidency. Actually, I'd already received and read my copy from Amazon-dot-com. Since we're all under oath when we post on the Internet, I must admit that I did not enjoy it as much as his previous books. He is still a perceptive, witty writer but in this case, he's largely covering events that have been covered by other reporters…and often in greater detail and/or with a greater sense of overview and context. He covers a bit about the Clinton scandals, a lot about the election and a fair amount on the recount, but doesn't delve enough into any of these areas to suit me. I still like his work though, and enthusiastically endorse his previous books, Road Show and Show Time.