Film and Books

The NYPL doesn't have much in the way of Clara Bow, the famous "flapper" actress, films. But, did have this interesting film where she is not the main attraction. She plays "Kittens," the selfish daughter, who takes after her father, a philandering businessman. 

Left out is her mother, who left the stage to marry, but she decides to "live" some herself. Alice Joyce (about 35 here) according to Wikipedia was in films at least as far back as 1910. Both actresses made a few talkies, Bow retiring under the age of 30. 

This silent, based on a play, has feminist aspects. The ending has her refusing to go back to her husband and daughter. The instrumental soundtrack gets a bit one-note after a while. Still, at about an hour, the film was quite watchable. I overall enjoyed it. 

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The Gaza Strip/Israel conflict makes the timing of a book about the history of The Jewish Deli feel a bit off. 

Still, we can't require it to carry that burden. The graphic book is an enjoyable and informative volume. There is even a reference (if not among the full profiles) of a vegan deli. There seem to be a lot of eggs in Jewish foods, putting aside all the meat, fish, and dairy meals. I did have a bagel for breakfast to be in the groove. 

I heard the author of The Tango War give an interview about her recent book on the Catholic Church (Freedom From Religion interview). This one covers the various aspects of Latin America's role in World War II. I am familiar with some of this ground but not all of it. Well done. I will likely provide a more extensive book summary in a few weeks.