The main character in the film “Two Family House” (and our new musical “Buddy’s Tavern”) is a kind of mid-century, outerborough everyman named Buddy Visalo. Oddly, ever since I made the film, people have asked me if I “knew the real Buddy”–as if there was something about him and his
Onward, blog-ho. Here’s how we got here, re: this musical of ours, “Buddy’s Tavern”, now playing in Norwich, Connecticut. But first, click here for Wikipedia’s unexpectedly informative page about my film “Two Family House”, on which the musical is based. “Two Family House” began life as a screenplay which I wrote
Last night I attended the official opening night of a musical we made of my film “Two Family House”, which I wrote and directed and which was released in 2000. We call our musical “Buddy’s Tavern”–really I should have titled the film that but was stupidly talked out of it
Here is the great Alan Arkin (represented both in the flesh and in portraiture prominently displayed behind him) in the role of acting teacher Michael Malakov, whose class Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) attends. In talking with Alan before filming his scenes, I suggested that Malakov might not be a complete
Yes, dear readers, I’ve heard you loud and clear. The make out session is on its way. But first… I thought, while I had your attention, I’d attempt to interest a few of the newer readers of this modest blog who joined us once production commenced on “City Island” to
Sorry for the unexpected hiatus–I returned home to LA after sixteen weeks in New York this past weekend and found myself far more exhausted than I expected to be. The past four months of filmmaking have been essentially riding a wild bull–starting with our prep period in late May/early June,
Forgive the shameless self-promotion (to say nothing of the unattractive need to point out positive things about myself), but click here to read an excellent review of my last film, a documentary soon to be released on DVD called “Tis Autumn; The Search For Jackie Paris”. The film is rolling out theatrically
Welcome to City Island. Above is a view of this magical and strange place where I am currently living, working and blogging. We wrapped our first week of shooting Friday night at eleven PM. I took off for the city in the morning and somehow a day and a half
Today I met the liquor store owners. They were relaxing, in the shady (as in dark, not dodgy) store eating mangoes. They gave me gifts and advice; below is the ‘Official’ postcard for City Island from JGL Wines & Liquors. Go there, they are lovely and sell intoxicating substances. Bonus!
This past Wednesday, I became the luckiest filmmaker in New York when the fabulous Julianna Margulies leapt aboard the runaway train known as “City Island” and agreed to play Andy Garcia’s wife, Joyce Rizzo. How the hell can a movie be one week away from shooting and still not have such an
An excerpt from 1958 of a melancholy Orson Welles bemoaning the fate of 'Touch Of Evil' will give your day a somewhat depressing start--unless something else has gotten their first which these days is more than likely. #Filmmaker #FilmTwitter #TCMParty https://raymonddefelitta.org/orson-welles-the-exhausted-years/
Saturday morning cartoons was/is a grand childhood tradition. To that end enjoy Tex Avery's 1941 'Hollywood Steps Out'. #cartoons #TCMParty #animation #FilmTwitter https://raymonddefelitta.org/saturday-morning-cartoons-hollywood-steps-out/
If you can't find anything to watch on your 5000 streaming services this weekend then blow them off and listen to my two-part interview with Mel Brooks on my Movies Til Dawn Podcast! You'll be glad you did...#comedy #Filmmaker #Filmmaking #TCM #ComedyGold https://www.moviestildawnpodcast.com/new-page-2
Dig the Cyd Charisse striptease (sort of) opening credits number from the Dean Martin/Matt Helm thingy 'The Silencers'. The lyrics may not reflect modern day standards for appropriateness so this may well be my last tweet. #FilmTwitter #TCMParty #Dance https://raymonddefelitta.org/cyd-strips/
Watch this astonishing Cyd Charisse dance number from Nicholas Ray's 'Party Girl' and enjoy the best four minutes of your day...or perhaps of your week...or month...or... #FilmTwitter #TCMParty #Dance #musicaltheatre https://raymonddefelitta.org/cyd-charisse-party-girl/
