That column had me more relieved than ever that I don't watch TV any more.

On the other hand, yesterday I saw a trailer for the new Eastwick series and Paul Gross is looking mighty, mighty fine...

G.

Very sorry to hear this, Annie.  A close friend of mine was laid off where I work.  He's still looking for a job and it was four months ago.  It's quite a haul.

Best of luck and I second Lydia's thought about getting out and seeing your friends.  It will help with your morale if nothing else.

G.

For those who doubt the accuracy of Markyboo's scenario above, check out this newish BBC series (part of it aired on NBC last summer, I am told), Merlin.  It's technically yet another spin on the old King Arthur legends but EVERYONE, including Arthur, Guinevere and Merlin himself, is a teenager!  Anthony Stewart Head plays Uther, Arthur's natural father in the old legends who was supposed to have died when Arthur was still a baby and was given to loyal knight Sir Ector to foster as a brother to his own son Kai.

G.

Another possibility is the family dinner party with Laura in early 1967.

I wish they had done more scenes like that...

G.

There's a scene early in PT 1970 where Hoffman has prepared dinner for Mr. and Mrs. Collins in the Drawing Room.  I don't recall salt and pepper shakers on the little tray, but they might have been there.  I would guess that these items might have been acquired originally for use in 1897 but I'm trying to recall when anyone was shown having a meal that involved a proper table setting?

What a wonderful gift.  However, in the build-up, I was expecting something related to Mrs. Isles--perhaps an autographed photo from her?

Best wishes,

G.

I checked DVD Talk a couple of days ago to see if there was a review, but didn't see one.

I might check these out via Netflix some day just out of curiosity. 

G.

Anyone have any idea who the actor who is standing behind Chris Pennock's left shoulder (i. e. to his right from the viewer's p. o. v.)?  You can barely see him in this shot, but he has a long drooping moustache and an interesting and somehow, vaguely familiar face.

It's not James Storm on his other side, is it?

cheers, G.

There are a couple of fun mentions of Joan Bennett in this tribute written by David del Valle honoring the late, great Natalie Schafer:

http://www.filmsinreview.com/2009/07/02/camp-david-july-2009/

I do love the line:  "Joan Bennett does not have best friends."  Fun stories about Joan Crawford, too.

G.