For those interested in more than just the goodies:
Directed By Sam Raimi, written by Billy Bob Thornton, and staring a big name cast including: Cate Blanchett, Gary Cole, Greg Kinnear, Giovanni Ribisi, Hillary Swank, and of course, none other that the master thespian himslef, Sir Keanu Reeves.

A few words from Sleuth....

A coupla procedural matters first: Jr. said in yesterday's FH that he "has no idea" who Susan Holmes is {the final link in the edition}. Well, despite her trashy look and lousy boob job, she used to be a major supermodel {I made her my #17 pick in "The 25 Sexiest Women of 1996" issue}, who was under contract to the prestigious Elite agency. But she always had an eye for rock's bad boys, and wound up marrying Guns 'N Roses bassist Duff McKagan {they're still hitched, as far as I know}. So that's why she looks "like a stripper" to Jr.

The recent pap(arazzi) shot of Liz Hurley with breast fallout, was captioned: "Oh, and she's also kissing some other girl." Actually, that other girl is Elle Macpherson...

And finally a request and challenge for your experts: I'm currently compiling my next "Women of Fantasy," which will finally include an oft-requested section on Dr. Who's "Companion Pieces" {original, huh?}. I have a number of the "assistants" nude, but could use help in getting scans of the following {I'll supply the tip, perhaps they can supply the nip}: Wendy "Zoe" Padbury had a brief topless scene {one breast bared} in the 1970 horror flick, The Blood on Satan's Claw. They should try to get either the uncut version, or the DVD, because some only show Linda Hayden's nudity.

Also, Deborah "Victoria" Watling had a nude scene in bed with David Essex {of "Rock On" fame} in the 1974 feature, That'll Be the Day {that I die, after seeing Ringo's bare "bum" in the same film}. And lastly, while I have captured Mary "Romana" Tamm's brief butt and side breast from 1973's Tales That Witness Madness, they are not as sharp as I'd like {Sleuth has standards, y'know!}. So if you expert scanners can capture any of these three nude scenes of former "Companions" in the next two weeks or so, it would add immeasurably to the tribute. And for extra credit: Preserve for posterity Daphne Ashbrook {who starred as the companion in the 1996 TV movie intended to resurrect the series}, who had a topless lovemaking scene with Michael Pare in 1991's Sunset Heat {not to mention a "love child" with Lorenzo Lamas!}. And for extra extra credit: On what late, lamented TV series did Daphne's brother star? Again, thanks in advance to all...

Best,
Sleuth

Mansfield Park (1999) is a BBC production based on the novel of the same name by Jane Austin. It was adapted for the screen and directed by Patricia Rozema who showed a great knowledge of and respect for Jane Austin in her approach. The novel was told as a series of letters, which, of course, is not especially conducive to a screen play. The job was even tougher in that the words are the real joy of Austin's work, but with a wonderful development of characters through the words.

Set at the beginning of the 19th century, it is the story of a poor young girl who is given by her mother to rich relatives, with the hope that she will live a better life, and to have one less mouth to feed at home. The girl, Fanny Price, arrives at Mansfield Hall, only to find out that she is not "just visiting," and that she is to be nearly a servant, and is looked down upon by the other members in the house, including her distant cousins, Maria and Julia, who are about her age. She is sharp by nature, with a gift for writing, and makes great use of her surroundings to grow into the brightest of the girls, and becomes a power in the household. Maria marries a dolt of a neighbor, but really wants Henry, a womanizing but dashing guest at the manor. His sister Mary sets her sites on Maria and Julia's brother Edmund, whom Fanny has loved since the moment she met him.

Henry declares his love for Fanny, but Fanny doesn't trust him, and her heart belongs to another. When he asks the head of the house for her hand, Thomas tries to force Fanny to marry Henry. When she refuses, Thomas sends her home to her mother. Eventually, she is brought back to help with a family crisis. The eldest son has fallen seriously ill, and she nurses him back to health. Meanwhile, she catches the Married Maria in bed with her devoted Henry, proving what she suspected all along about him. Henry and Maria run of together, creating a huge scandal. While the family is "old money," they are trying to maintain their status by engaging in the slave trade. I will leave the conclusion for you to discover.

In fleshing out the character of Fanny, Rozema borrowed heavily on Jane Austin's life, and even used some of her earliest writings as Fanny's work. Her Fanny is bright, quick witted, with a "tongue that cuts sharper than a guillotine." She is also beautiful, kind, and moral. The book should have been named Fanny Price, not Mansfield Park. Rozema tried to focus on characters, rather then on period dress and sets, but she did not overlook the production's artistic aspects, and created a very attractive film. I am not huge on period character driven dramas, but Fanny was so appealing, and played so well by Frances O'Conner, that I was won over. Fanny was played by three actresses at different ages, and all three did credit to the role. The exposure is from Victoria Hamilton as Maria, when she is discovered in bed with Henry by Fanny. If you liked Emma, you will love this one. The critics are enthusiastic (Berardinelli, 3 stars, and Ebert, 4), and IMDB readers have it at a very respectable 7.8/10. The theatrical release maxed at 132 screens, and the US gross was $4.74m. I hope they become profitable with the video sales.

Chasers (1994) is the grade-b comic flip side of The Last Detail. Unlike last detail, this one is pure fluff, but from our special perspective, Erika Eleniak takes over the Randy Quaid role. If you hadn't noticed, she's a bit better lookin' than Randy, and she hauled out the triple d's for this role.

Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), the usual mindless summer blockbuster filled with explosions and car chases. The only nudity was an anonymous extra.

Trois (2000). I had high hopes for this one. It was touted as the first slick erotic thriller with an all-black cast, including a former Miss USA, Kenya Moore, and it comes complete with an NC-17 rating. As it turns out, it has a decent plot, but almost no sex or nudity, although the situations and dialogue are raunchy.

Today's stuff:

Sophie Duez
(1, 2)

Clyda Mason

Moving back in time, we end with Clyda Mason, another of the classic pin-up girls, whose credentials to be pinned up are obvious.

Kate Hudson
(1, 2)