Although every textbook account that mentions the witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts enumerates the punishments meted out—none of which involved burning at the stake—many Americans persist in the notion that the Salem witches were executed in that manner. Witness this indignant comment I read in a letter to the editor condemning the US public’s penchant…
Category: Popular Culture
Scruffy-looking Celebrities
For some time now, I’ve wondered about the male celebrities who seem never to shave. I don’t mean the men who wear discernible beards and/or mustaches. Well-kept facial hair is attractive on a man. I mean the ones who look as if they just forgot to shave that day. I suppose that if I’ve thought…
Earth to Echo to Ennui
When I took my eight-year-old granddaughter to see Earth to Echo, I expected that she would like it even if I didn’t. The television ads showed a cute little metallic alien that reminded me of the owl in Clash of the Titans. We settled down with our movie treats and waited to be entertained. And…
Film Guide to Six Joan of Arc Movies
A Joan for All Seasons, Joan of Arc in History and the Movies is a brief introduction to the life of Joan of Arc and and a discussion of the six of the best known feature films made about her in the twentieth century. Part One, “Historical Joan,” provides the facts about the peasant girl from…