Shirley MacLaine isolating out West, dispensing wisdom

Marooned, blockaded at home, I watched the 1960 film “The Apartment” on Turner Broadcasting. It stars Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon. I then called Shirley. “Couldn’t be happier,” she said. “I’m out west. I’ve had this ranch for years. I love nature. I’m here with my animals and housekeeper. And watching what’s happening to show …

Marooned, blockaded at home, I watched the 1960 film “The Apartment” on Turner Broadcasting. It stars Shirley MacLaine and Jack Lemmon. I then called Shirley.

“Couldn’t be happier,” she said. “I’m out west. I’ve had this ranch for years. I love nature. I’m here with my animals and housekeeper. And watching what’s happening to show business. And wondering what’s happening to the world.”

So, she remember the film?

“I remember every single day. We never shot in sequence. No rehearsals. It was only a 29-page script, and I was new, maybe eight years, in the business.

“Now, today, I’m interested in the beginning of mankind. I’m here at this time reading books and learning how all this started and going into my own interior. It’s my metaphysical language. Totally isolated here, you find your survival, your spiritual meaning.

“Isolation accentuates how to be without other people. Without materialism, power or influence. I find my inner spiritual self a lot more populated. There are new things inside.

“I’m watching mountains. Animals. Trees. Nature. I’m a survivor. I hear from friends. See, as much as possible you must try to be without fear. But I believe you also must be careful
social distancing doesn’t affect your love life afterward.

“I grocery shop. Go to the pharmacy. Market. You’re allowed one at a time into the market.

“One thing that I miss is visiting New York. I love New York. Last July, I was there and saw 18 shows. It was fantastic. I also love to work.”

Cleansed spiritually — even by phone, I then went back and watched Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell in 1955’s “The Seven Year Itch.”

I am clearly disintegrating. I have got to get out of these four walls.

Jailed perv has lost his nerve

Harvey. Real jail time, now a convicted felon, possibility behind bars forever, maybe dying in prison, the shock of prominence to incarcerated, has hit him hard. Blood pressure’s spiked. It’s limited access even to cigarette money, which possibility buys some favors. He reads occasional newspapers in disarray. No use of computer nor phone. No bare bone space for visitors who, now, in his upstate facility, are behind a thick plastic partition. His appeal continues, but he first must fight the LA lawsuits. He once wanted to be his own lawyer. New York people say he’s still paying his legal team but bankruptcy risk is real. Hollywood people say he still gets residuals.

Separation causing anxiety

Besides battling homebound partners, whose impending divorces will climb, there’s additional separation issues mounting. Exes have stopped child support and alimony. They’re violating their legal obligations, but cannot be found in contempt nor jailed because courts are closed. The ex-wife lacks resources. She requires food. Doesn’t work. Can’t file new claims. Her child has needs. She awaits some emergency judge. Lawsuits remain on pause. A pile of litigation awaits.

New Yorker Rick Freiberg ordered masks, $50 each, from the Israeli company Argaman Tech. He says: “If they’re good enough for the Israelis, they’re good enough for me.” …

From Jonathan Farkas: “Still undecided where to go for Easter — the kitchen or the living room.”

Only in New York, kids, only in New York.