Following Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, Bette Davis’ career had another surge of energy. Eager to show that she could still be somewhat glamorous, Davis accepted a quasi-morbid vehicle based on a story of twin sisters which was written twenty years earlier. The original story entitled, “Who is Buried in My Grave?” was made into a film in 1946 in Mexico, called “La Otra.” Curiously, also in 1946, Davis played twins for the first time in A Stolen Life—which she also produced.
Davis was nervous that she was too old to play the twins—one glamorous, one frumpy—and wanted to make sure that she would look her best throughout the picture. To this end, she enlisted her old friend and costar fromNow, Voyager and Deception, Paul Henreid, as director. Next, she entrusted her appearance to two men whom she trusted deeply. Her longtime cinematographer Ernest Haller would ensure that Davis was lit and filmed in such a way as to make her look her best. Secondly, her trusted makeup artist, Gene Hibbs, would pull back her slightly sagging face with a series of rubber bands and tape which she called, “straps.”
With a score by Andre Previn and shot on location in a real mansion, the film looks and feels quite glamorous and comes across as more of a late Film Noir than it does the horror picture that it was promoted to be. Davis’ performance as two vastly different sisters gives the far-fetched plot a great deal of credibility. Her performance is grounded by costars Karl Mauldin and the icky, awful Peter Lawford.
This tale of sibling rivalry, murder, deception and infidelity isn’t the crown jewel of Davis’ regal career, but it’s an awful lot of fun with memorable performances and a lot of quotable lines. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday evening. Just keep away from overly hot fireplace pokers and combs dipped in glasses of water.
The Sovereign's Scepter (Sceptre)
English, 1661
Gold, Diamonds, Rubies, Amethyst, Topaz
The Royal Collection
Crown Copyright The British Monarchy
Known as The Scepter with the Cross, St Edward's Scepter, the Sovereign's Scepter or the Royal Scepter, this beautiful object dates to 1661 and features one of the most famous gems in the world.
Originally created in 1661 for the coronation of King Charles II, the scepter sported a different central stone for over two hundred years. In 1905, upon the discovery of the Cullinan Diamond, the scepter was redesigned to include the Cullinan I (known as “The Great Star of Africa”). The stone, weighing over 530 carats, can be removed from the scepter with ease and worn as a brooch on those occasions that carrying a scepter might seem a little “too much.”
So, what does the scepter signify? This scepter is a symbol of the monarch’s temporal authority under the cross. A second scepter—The Scepter with the Dove—represents the monarch’s spiritual authority. During a coronation, the Scepter with the Cross is held in the right hand while the Scepter with the Dove is held in the left.
This gorgeous piece, along with the other crown jewels of Britain, can be viewed at the Jewel House at The Tower of London.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes with the glorious Crown Jewels of Britain? They can only be handled by the Royal Jeweler and they’re protected at every step of the way.
This clip from the documentary, “The Royal Family at Work” gives you a glimpse into the world of The Royal Jeweler and a peek at one of the most beautiful collections of jewels in the world.
Poor Mr. Punch has got his hands full. All he wants is to provide a comfortable home for his nephew and to ensure that little “Colin” is in a position to receive his rightful inheritance. But, a lot of other people don’t really want that to happen. Luckily, Mr. Punch has the support of his friends. Punch and Robert bonded further this week as Robert explained that he sticks by Punch/Julian because he feels that it’s his chance to make up for what he believes was his failure to protect his ill mother. Robert continued by thanking Mr. Punch for all that he’s done in teaching and guarding him. Meanwhile, Adrienne and Cecil also want to be helpful, but they’re relying on Marjani to keep their plan on track.
Marjani, however, has been delayed by an unexpected visitor—Mari Laveau. Marie is shwoing that she’s just as unstable of Iolanthe Evangeline. After a series of unpleasant exchanges with Marjani, Marie lunged forward to steal a lock of Marjani’s hair. Will Marie be able to exert her influence over Marjani through the use of her Voodoo?
Furthermore, a new threat is coming form an old foe. Arthur—along with his dimwitted companion, Gerard—has managed to escape from the ship on which Iolanthe imprisoned him. While making his way back to New Orleans, Arthur burglarized the home of a wealthy planter. What’s his game? He’s going to pose as a noble gentleman in an effort to make their journey comfortable. Where will Arthur go first? Will he wish to exact revenge on Iolanthe and Ulrika or will he go directly to Barbara Allen, his wife?
Barbara hasn’t been acting very wifely. Well, not with Arthur. She’s gotten quite close to her brother’s new valet, Charles. Charles has hidden Barbara in the squalid home of a friend of his. How long can Barbara stay hidden? And, will Charles involvement with the former Lady Fallbridge put his new master in further danger?
Speaking of danger, Mr. Punch and Robert were surprised by the arrival of Iolanthe Evangeline and Ulrika. They had a proposition for the gentlemen. As long as they paid them whatever the “ladies” wanted, the two witches wouldn’t expose the location of the baby. While Punch and Robert thought that all the two women wanted was money, they were taken aback when Iolanthe’s price came in a different form. She wants Robert to cure her mentally-challenged son. If he can’t, she’ll make sure they’re punished. Robert reluctantly agrees, but how will he be able to do it? Meanwhile with Marjani’s delay, will their plan to frame Iolanthe be able to go on?
There’s a lot coming with this week’s chapters of Punch’s Cousin. Chapters will be posted Monday through Thursday as we’ll be taking a brief vacation Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Though the week will be a couple of days short, the action won’t stop. Come back on Monday for morePunch’s Cousin.
Sundays are an excellent day to visit local antique shops and galleries. Take some time to really look around. You’ll be surprised what you might find. Today, make a point to go out and find an exceptional antique piece and give it a new, loving home.
Collecting antiques links us to our history and our culture. By bringing home an antique item that someone else has discarded, you’re doing your part to preserve a small portion of our past. Looking behind us is the best way to have a clear picture of what’s ahead of us. History certainly does repeat itself. And, the objects which were cherished by other people can teach us a lot when we rescue them and cherish them ourselves.
This pair of cufflinks is very special to me. A gift from my parents, they’re my favorites. With their late Victorian “turnbuckle” design defined by a pattern of intricate volutes, they’re a testament to the brilliant work of Nineteenth Century jewelers.
The gorgeous gold-work is accentuated by two rose-cut diamonds which are set into incised stars. Rose-cut diamonds were often backed by foil to maximize the stone’s brilliance in low light. And, they certainly do sparkle.
It’s Easter week and the Easter Bunny and his assistant, Mary of Teck, are bringing all sorts of pretty things. This week we’ll take a look at some of the magnificent Easter gifts given by members of the Royal Family. We’ve also got some really exceptional paintings in store which represent several centuries of the best painters in the world.
A visit to St. James Palace will lead us into the Sixteenth Century and we’ll keep our feet planted in recent history with an exploration of the life and career of the remarkable Agnes Nixon. From Elizabeth I to Erica Kane, we’ll look at the women who have influenced our world culture.
Bertie and I are going to take the Easter Triduum off. So, our regular posting schedule will pause on Thursday. But, not to worry, there will still be some surprises on Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Here’s wishing all of you a wonderful week and a joyous Easter.
