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The Stars of Grey Gardens:
Barrymore & Lange ‘Channel’ The Beales
Susan Boyle in ‘84, Adieu to Ghost Hunter Hans Holzer
[From my 'Shimmering Stars' column in The Westchester Guardian, © 2009]
SHELLEY ACKERMAN
Photo: Rich Press
There’s a bit of Edie Beale in all of us I guess.
Thirty three years after the February 1976 debut of Grey Gardens, the documentary by Albert and David Maysles, “Big Edie” and “Little Edie” are back and more enthralling than ever in the HBO movie starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange.
This dazzling and exquisite film by Michael Sucsy (b. Feb 14, 1973), a work of art if ever there was one, with enchanting music by Rachel Portman doesn’t hit a false note as it takes us time traveling (to and fro) through the 1930’s, 1970’s, 1940’s 1950’s, and 1960’s and back with empathy, respect, and a sensitivity that borders on the mystical.
Sucsy is the kind of director that actors long to work with and Grey Gardens is a must see for many reasons: First, it pays homage to the original documentary cult-classic that depicted the eccentric and oft disturbing life of Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale and her daughter “Little Edie” Beale of East Hampton, who were close relatives of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her sister Lee Radziwill and uses it to weave in and out of two cinematic realms and many time periods. Second, the acting by Barrymore and Lange is transcendent. These two geniuses drop all self-consciousness, put vanity aside and miraculously inhabit their characters to the fullest. Neither misses a nuance or a trick. And last, the film gives us an opportunity to stretch our understanding of how and why we get into the circumstances that we do, and to appreciate the complexity between mothers and daughters, particularly before Women were liberated. Grey Gardens was filmed in 1975, when the Women’s Movement was still young. It would be easy to dismiss the Beales as a tragic, enmeshed, and mentally ill Mother and Daughter duo who lived in filth, but that would be a cop out. There’s much more to the story: Back then there were few choices for society women who were divorced and/or unmarried and cut off financially by their husbands and fathers. The Beales refused to forfeit their freedom to be who they were and they paid the price.
“They ran into hard times and they tried to handle it in their way” said Lois Wright, author of “My Life at Grey Gardens”. The book is an uncensored diary of her time at Grey Gardens that was copyrighted in 1978 (but released in 2007). Wright, now nearly 81, who lived in East Hampton since 1940, was lifelong friend of both Big and Little Edie Beale. She lived with them at Grey Gardens from May 1975 till June 1976 and appeared in the documentary.
I know Lois from the time that we both worked at Gurney’s Inn in Montauk in the 1990’s Lois is a superb palmist and tarot reader and she was a treasure to hang with while I began working as an astrologer there. I caught up with Lois this week at her opening at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park. And she is adamant that there was” absolutely nothing wrong with the Beales”: “It costs a lot of money to remove trash in East Hampton” she said. I asked if Big Edie was broken because of her divorce from Phelan Beale. “No” said Lois, “If she had money it wouldn’t have bothered her at all.”
Like Lois, the Beales were quite spiritual, and Cousin Jackie knew it. In late 1971/early 1972, Cousin Jacqueline gave Little Edie a beautiful Tarot deck, with a snake design on the cards (both Edie -b.1917 and Jackie -b.1929 were born in the ‘year of the snake'). Little Edie gave the cards to her lifelong friend Lois as a gift. Unfortunately the deck was stolen from Lois’ car in East Hampton.
Lois’s art work of the Beales, the ghosts of Grey Gardens, Ocean Angels and many other fascinating artifacts are on display through May 13th at the National Arts Club in New York. Tracie Egan of Jezebel.com was at the event too, and her photos are priceless.
Though the HBO film stands beautifully on it’s own, to fully appreciate the fullness and depth of this work of art, it helps to be acquainted with the original documentary and to have seen the extraordinary Jessica Lange (as Frances Farmer) in the 1982 movie “Frances”. Lange won an Oscar for her portrayal of the tortured life of 1930’s and early ‘40’s film star Frances Farmer who also had a very rough go of it with her manipulative and undermining mother. Farmer was tossed from Hollywood, and in and out of mental institutions in the mid to late 1940’s. Whether she was given a lobotomy or not is still in question. But Jessica Lange comes full circle as an actress portraying ‘mom’ this time as “Big Edie” Beale. Lange was born on April 20, 1949. Her Sun in Taurus is within a degree of Venus. She has Leo rising and the Moon in Aquarius.
And those Barrymore genes are in full bloom with Drew’s triumphant portrayal of Little Edie. Drew was born on Feb 22, 1975, the year that the documentary was made. Saddled with plenty of “Mother Karma” herself, Barrymore has the Sun in Pisces, Moon in Cancer (separating from Saturn), and Gemini rising. Lange’s Saturn at 29 Leo is exactly on Barrymore’s IC. I speculate that Little Edie’s Moon is at 29 Leo too.
Big Edie Beale, sister of “Black Jack Bouvier” (Jacqueline’s father) was born on October 5th 1895 in Nutley, NJ (birthplace of Martha Stewart). She has Venus in Virgo square Neptune in Gemini. Little Edie, was born on November 7, 1917 in New York City. She has the Sun in Scorpio conjunct Ceres and Mercury which square the Saturn-Uranus opposition (in Leo and Aquarius). It’s interesting that this film comes when Saturn and Uranus are in opposition again. Also of interest, is that the 1976 documentary was released at Little Edie’s second Saturn Return. No birth times are available for either Beale. After selling Grey Gardens to Ben Bradlee and Sally Quinn in 1979 on the condition that it not be demolished, Little Edie proved to be a trouper, and quite capable of surviving and enjoying life without her mother. She lived nearly 25 years on her own in NYC, Montreal, California and Bal Harbour, Florida and died in January 2002.
Susan Boyle:
Can it be that we were so much slimmer then, or has time rewritten every line?
Here she is boys, click here for a svelt younger Susan Boyle singing “the Way We Were” in a pub in 1984.
Earlier this week, reports with photos surfaced in the UK (Mirror, Record) about Susan Boyle auditioning for a TV show 14 years ago, adding fodder to those who question the authenticity of the Boyle phenomenon and whether her April 11th appearance was as spontaneous as the producers of “Britain’s Got Talent” would have us believe.. But my friend Elayne Boosler reminds us that it doesn’t matter one bit:
“(It) Doesn't change anything for me. She has lived her real life, they probably took a look at her backstage and didn't even offer anything. I 'm fat and people at makeup counters in dept. stores turn away hoping I won't come over to them. And if she auditioned, so what: She's not a secret nightclub star in Argentina, she is still who she really is, and if they helped her along a little, and then that voice came out, I say bravo. Bravo for showing all the judgmental people in the audience, and at home, how wrong they are about how they perceive value in the world. If it was a hoax, I'd say it deserves an award for public service. What a great instant mirror to hold up to a shallow world to show value. Bravo. Now I'm surprised no fantastic singer who couldn't break through didn't think of this years ago, come out with a wooden leg and a moustache and then let the angels out, instead of all of them coming with their boobies out. What a brilliant idea”.
Farewell to Ghost Hunter Hans Holzer:
I had the privilege of spending time with Hans Holzer, who died this week at the age of 89. Dr. Holzer was perhaps the most famous Ghost Hunter the world has ever known, and an amazingly entertaining character to boot: He published over 120 books on the paranormal and was the inspiration behind the Amityville Horror. His daughter, Alexandra continues in her father’s footsteps: here is a link to her book, Growing Up Haunted. (I can relate). And here is a link to Hans Holzer’s astrological chart. There was a solar eclipse in his last birthday.
Hank Reininger: Accountant, Folk Hero, Our Neighbor Since 1964.
Okay, Im ‘kvelling”. The NY Times has a wonderful video-portrait series that shares the lives of special new Yorkers. To my delight and surprise, Henry Reininger, husband of beautiful Benay is this week’s subject. “Hank” lives in the same building that my family does downtown and often prays in my father’s synagogue. It’s so gratifying to see a simple hardworking and honorable family man get the recognition he deserves.
April 30: Moon in Cancer V/C @ 12: 45 pm, enters Leo @ 8:56 pm
Mercury enters Gemini @ 6:30 pm
May 2: Venus Square Pluto @ 1:07 pm, Moon V/C @ 6:09 pm
May 3: Moon in Virgo @ 12:37 pm
May 4: Moon V/C @ 9:31 pm
May 5: Moon in Libra @ 5:51 am, Sun trine Saturn @ 5:34 am
*Moon v/c = ‘void of course’, Best for spiritual not earthly pursuits
Bonus: 2009 Astro Crib Sheet
Mercury begins 09 @ 0˚Aquarius07’ & ends 2009 @ 19˚Capricorn29’ Rx
Mercury Retrogrades 2009:
Jan 11-Feb 1, May 6-30, Sept 6-29, & Dec 26-Jan 15, 2010
Venus begins 2009 @ 27˚Aquarius48’ and ends 2009 @ 7˚Capricorn13’
Venus Retrograde: March 6-April 17, 2009
Mars begins 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn57’ and ends 2009 @ 18˚Leo54’ (Retro)
Mars turns retrograde on December 20th (thru March 10, 2010)
Jupiter begins 2009 @ 29˚Capricorn02’ and ends 2009 @ 26˚Aquarius15’
Jupiter enters Aquarius on January 5, 2009
Jupiter Retrograde: June 15-Oct 13, 2009
Saturn begins 2009 @ 21˚Virgo46’ Retrograde and ends 2009 @ 4˚Libra30’
Saturn Retrograde: Dec 31, 2008-May 16, 2009
Saturn enters Libra on Oct 29, 2009 (will retrograde back into Virgo in 2010)
Uranus begins 2009 @ 19˚Pisces15’ and ends @ 23˚Pisces05’
Uranus Retrograde: July 1-December 1, 2009
Neptune begins 2009 @ 22˚Aquarius27’ and ends 2009 @ 24˚Aquarius34’
Neptune Retrograde: May 28-November 4, 2009
Pluto begins 2009 @ 1˚Capricorn16’ and ends 2009 @ 3˚Capricorn17’
Pluto Retrograde: April 4-September 11, 2009
ARIES: If three’s a charm, this could be your lucky week if you’ve learned to cooperate with the big guns upstairs who make those nasty rules: Since February 2nd, Venus, the planet of love and desire, has been in ‘I-want-it-now’ Aries and has come up against the unconquerable power of Pluto twice (in Feb and in early April). This has probably played out as an authority figure who’s kept your career on ice. Now, you’ve one more chance to win the powers that be over without compromising your integrity. The good news is that on May 4th, the planets align favorably in your money and career houses making a solid gain likely.
TAURUS: Though the week begins with one last frustrating ‘didn’t we do this already?’ showdown between your ruling planet, Venus (your desire) and Pluto in your 9th house of legal affairs, all is not necessarily lost: It’s either time to a) get clear on what’s held you back from within and allow it to be transformed, b) release and replace a non-functioning member of your team, or c) put one battle to bed and focus on one that you can definitely win. And winning is a distinct possibility: On May 4th, the alignment between the Sun, Moon, and Saturn in practical earth, sets the stage for a very fertile and fruitful endeavor. Mercury will go to and fro in the next weeks in your money house and some false starts should be expected.
GEMINI: Financial guru, Gemini Suze Orman has shocked her followers by changing her tune of late, encouraging all to pay the bare minimums on their credit cards and keep extra cash in reserve for a rainy day. You too need to sing a new song and tap into your special ability to roll with the punches and adapt as needed: And as you adapt to the demanding and ever-shifting requirements of these times, be sure you’re hanging with a crowd that supports your healthier goals, not one that encourages you to fritter away your time, talent and precious energy. Intuitive hunches lead the way to solving financial dilemmas.
CANCER: Haste makes waste. Though a partner, spouse or BFF may out the proverbial ‘kabosh’ on an impetuous female upstart rarin’ to set your professional life ablaze (in a good way), give your loyal better half his or her due as this time, the hesitation is warranted: With the alignment in practical earth in your ‘idea’ houses on the 4th, a slower, more grounded, methodical approach to everything is the way to go. Don’t let moodiness get in the way of what could be a successful week.
LEO: Make the extra effort to keep your co-workers, and those you count on for support (including ‘underlings’) happy, ‘cause if you don’t, they’re in the mood to spite you. And even if you’ve done nothing to deserve such nonsense, someone around you- a friend from abroad, a cleric, or an in-law‘s behavior may have set them off, with you being the unlucky recipient of the fallout. Once the minor labor-disputes and grievances are cleared, you’ll benefit greatly from a better cooperative flow between work, vitality, higher-ups and your ability to manage your cash flow than you’ve had in ages.
VIRGO: A little discipline and self-denial will pay off in a big way: The demands of Saturn in your sign have been no picnic and while there’s no let up in the immediate future, some tangible rewards should be coming your way soon. What’s important though, is to keep your expectations and demands in check for the time being, and to not expect all that is due you to come forward at once. Spring 2009 is about making due with incremental success, and to take pleasure in and build on the smallest bits of goodness that come your way.
LIBRA: You’ve had more than your share of cruel injustices in recent weeks and for the most part, you’ve passed those tests with flying colors. But as your ruler, Venus makes one last annoying aspect to Pluto in your 4th house of family affairs, it’s clear that after cutting your losses, some belt-tightening and other financial approaches must be implemented. You’re not alone in this. And though ‘misery loves company’ is not the philosophy that you live by, take comfort in the fact that no one is absolved from cleaning up the mess that the ‘group karma of ignorance and irresponsibility’ has created. Keep the faith and have the courage to act according to your highest beliefs.
SCORPIO: Though you’re most comfortable and often do your best work in private, you get a lot more done and go faster and farther as a team player. Be prepared to deal with the idyosyncracies that come with being part of a group: Your considerations and concessions will be worth the trouble. For the next several weeks, you’ll be tempted to get involved where (and with whom) you shouldn’t. So please, don’t succumb to the lure of an office fling: too many people will notice and talk.
SAGITTARIUS: No matter how much a new toy or fun-filled vacation strikes your fancy, now is not the time to indulge or spend more than you have. The same goes for the whim of a lover or child. And while you hate to say “no” or to be a party pooper, delaying gratification is the way to go for now. On the work/professional front, solid gains are possible through the unlikely appreciation of a stodgy female higher up who knows quality work when she sees it. Cultivate this new fan into the ally that she will become and remain.
CAPRICORN: As comic-actor Paul Reiser says, “Coupledom” can be a wonderful thing. And this week, it’s a practical thing too. Make no legal or creative moves, without running it by your partner, spouse, or significant other. And if you don’t have one, designate someone close to be one. It’s not that your judgment’s off, but you need that second eye and ear to size up the situation(s) that come your way this week- accurately. A co-worker or a hiree may not turn out to be all that you had hoped for. But before canning him or her, try them out in another position.
AQUARIUS: If you’ve wanted to refinance or renovate, you’ll get the nod and/or the credit you need to do so providing what you have in mind is not too extravagant and is realistic with your income and budget. As a matter of fact, these changes are the right thing at the right time Steer clear of a neighbor or sibling that wants to ‘help. Though their intensions are marvelous, their state of mind and ability to be clear and focused is anything but. If they need your help or critical eye- make yourself available.
PISCES: Keeping to one’s own counsel is generally the better way to go, but for the moment, it’s wiser to defer to those who know more than you do and who have had more experience in specific arenas. If you need help, don’t be shy about asking for it. Now is definitely not the time to fake it till you make it. Regarding that home-office you’ve been dreaming about: It may be too soon to begin a work project or renovation at home, and though you’re chomping at the bit to get it done, it may be best to delay it till June.