Author: Francine Brokaw

‘The Trouble with Angels’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Hayley Mills and Rosalind Russell star in the adorable 1966 film The Trouble with Angels. Set in the St. Francis Academy for Girls and Convent, the movie was directed by legendary actress/director Ida Lupino.

Mills is Mary Clancy who arrives as a new student at the school along with Rachel Devery (June Harding). Having just met on the train, the two discover they are soul mates. They are both fun-loving, unconventional, rule-breaking girls with no respect for authority. They are about to see how far they can get with their antics during their three years at the school.

Russell is Mother Superior whose patience is tried over and over again by the spirited duo. She is a kind-hearted woman that ultimately comes to the conclusion that keeping the two girls at the school is in their best interests, having seen their parents and what they would be exposed to if she expelled them, however that thought often crosses her mind. She is a God-loving woman whose goal is to make decent women out of the students.

Mary is always coming up with “scathingly brilliant” ideas, involving smoking and breaking many of the rules of St. Francis. And Rachel feels the two are definitely “sympatico,” so she goes along with everything Mary suggests, even if it means she is delegated to scrubbing pots as her punishment when they are caught.

With these two high-spirited girls on her hands, Mother Superior has her hands full, but her heart is also full with love and devotion to the sisters, the students, and God. Russell is definitely well-suited in this part as she is fun to watch while catching the duo whenever they misbehave, which is most of the time, but she is also carrying the burden of being their guidance when they are in trouble.

Russell reprised her role of Mother Superior in 1968 in the sequel Where Angels Go Trouble Follows!, however this film was without Mills.

Mills first caught the attention of the public in 1960 when she played the title role in Pollyanna, and cemented her fan base in the 1961 film The Parent Trap.

The Trouble with Angels is filled with heartfelt scenes as well as comedic ones. And the ending will surprise viewers who have not seen the movie before.

This is an entertaining family film filled with ups, downs, and plenty of spirit and love. It is now available on Blu-ray and is rated PG for mild thematic elements.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Hampstead’ stars Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Based on a true story, Hampstead stars Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleason as a pair of two very different people who find themselves drawn to each other. In the London neighborhood of Hampstead, they have very different lives but their lives intersect in what will be a fortuitous coupling for them both.

Emily is a widow who, after a year, is still upset about discovering her supposedly loving but now deceased husband Charles was having an affair. She lives in an apartment building with snooty residents. But Emily is not like them. She is a caring human being with ideas of her own and although they expect her to go along with their ideas and ideals, she follows her own drummer.

Not far from her apartment building is a run-down shack inhabited by Donald (Gleeson), a man who also follows the beat of his own drummer. He grows his own food, makes his own electricity, and does not bother anyone – except the snooty residents of the building who want him off the property.

Emily meets Donald and they form a bond, which soon turns into a romance. Donald is a loner but has a heart of gold, especially when it comes to Emily. He is a little crotchety but Emily sees something different than all the others do. She sees him as a sweet man while the rest of the community sees him as a tramp.

Emily has her own troubles though. Her husband left her deep in debt. So while she is doing her best to get through her life, she finds her soul mate in Donald, to the ultimate chagrin of her friends.

To keep his home, Donald and Emily embark on a mission to fight city hall. They must prove Donald has the rights to his home. While Emily is on Donald’s side in this court case, all her friends are on the other side. That doesn’t deter her. She feels a connection to Donald that is stronger than the so-called friendships she has in the apartment building.

Hampstead is a sweet story of two misplaced people who find each other in this great big world that isn’t so big after all. Keaton and Gleeson are wonderful and enchanting as the indomitable couple that bonds together to take on the system and each other.

Hampstead opens in theaters June 14, 2019. It is rated PG-13 for some suggestive material and language.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Plus One’ is a fun romantic comedy

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid star in the new romantic comedy Plus One. This story might be somewhat reminiscent of the 1989 romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally, which starred Billy Crystal and Quaid’s real life mother Meg Ryan.

Alice (Erskine) and Ben (Quaid) are long-time friends. They relate to each other in a way only someone really close to you can relate. When they enter a year of weddings to attend, they each feel anxiety about going as singles. Who wants to be relegated to the singles table all the time? So they decide to be each other’s ‘plus one.’ Ben will accompany Alice to the weddings she is attending and she will accompany him to his social obligations. That’s what best friends are for.

Being in their late 20s, getting married is what is expected of them and their peers. Their friends are finding partners, and even Alice’s younger sister is getting married. So why can’t these two find someone to marry?

Alice is open to love, but Ben puts up barriers whenever he gets close to a woman. He is looking for perfection, and all Alice is looking for is someone to love her and whom she can love in return.

As the wedding mount up, the two find being together is fun. While they look for potential partners for each other, the time they spend together is special. Alice is a good wingman when it comes to finding dates for Ben. And just like When Harry Met Sally, the two can tell each other anything. They commiserate about their love lives and lack thereof, their friends, families, and the weddings.

Erskine is adorable to watch as a woman who has suffered heartbreak and her sardonic comments and over-drinking make her a sympathetic character for viewers. She is a fun-loving woman who wants to find love.

Quaid is equally appealing as a man who was scarred by his parent’s divorce when he was young and is afraid he will not be able to find the perfect woman with whom he can spend his life. Does anyone ever find his/her perfect match? His father (Ed Begley Jr.) is about to be married for the third time. Ben does not want to follow in his father’s footsteps and get married and divorced multiple times.

Plus One is a story of friendship, life, love, and happiness. The bottom line is this is a cute and enjoyable film. It opens in theaters June 14, 2019.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Wonder Park’ is now on Blu-ray and DVD

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Wonder Park is all about imagination. It features the voices of Brianna Denski as June, the little girl with a big imagination, Jennifer Garner as her mom, Matthew Broderick as her dad, Ken Hudson Campbell, Kenan Thompson, Mila Kunis, John Oliver, Ken Jeong, and Norbert Leo Butz as the characters contrived by June and he mom.

Ever since she was a tiny child, June and her mom have been creating an imaginative amusement park in their home. They call is Wonderland. Not only do they draw the blueprint for the “splendiferous” place, thanks to June’s intellect she and her friend Banky (Oev Michael Urbas) actually put together their own amusement park in her backyard. These kids are math geniuses and very good at building things.

Then June’s mom gets sick and has to leave for treatment. This sets June on a downward spiral of depression. She stops everything having to do with Wonderland, as that was something she and her mom did together.

But one day June discovers in the woods that Wonderland has come to life, and due to her dismantling of everything at her home and her refusal to think about her imaginary friends and the park, this place is in deep trouble. It is being overrun with little “chimpanzombies” and it is up to June and her friends Boomer, Gus, Greta, Steve, Cooper, and Peanut, to save the place.

It is heartening to watch as June learns not to give up on her dreams. After this amazing adventure she decides to continue with what she and her mom began. And even if she cannot create a giant amusement park, she can create her own personal amusement park in her back yard. All it takes is imagination, determination, some good know-how, great friends, and the spark of love that comes with a dream.

This is a fun family adventure. It might even inspire families to build their own Wonderland. The one part that might cause some uneasiness in kids is the fact that June’s mom gets sick and has to leave. But unlike many other animated films – SPOILER ALERT – she gets better and returns to her family.

The Blu-ray combo pack includes some fun bonus features. Besides a deleted scene and a fun sing-along, there is a cool featurette with June describing all the different lands in the park and how they came to be. There is also a cute featurette with the voice talent so viewers can see how they created the audio part and brought the animated characters to life. And with the three drawing lessons, viewers can learn to create their own Boomer, Wonder Chimp Pirate, and Wonder Chimp Princess.

Do not be surprised when your kids ask for the Wonder Park toys. There are plenty of fun toys that they will enjoy while viewing the film and then after everyone can recreate their favorite scenes. With plush animals, coloring books, character figures, and even plush June dolls, the assortment of toys will definitely add to the fun of the story.

Wonder Park is rated PG for some mild thematic elements and action. It is available on Blu-ray combo pack with all the bonus features and a DVD, as well as a single DVD. Buckle your seat belts – this is a riotous, rocky, and fun entertaining film.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home’

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

This documentary, Sinatra in Palm Springs: The Place He Called Home, is not only about Frank Sinatra’s life in the desert community, but the history of Palm Springs itself. With interviews with his friends and business associates in the city, the film is a well-rounded look at the time Sinatra called Palm Springs his home, how it changed over the years, and why he loved it so much.

While most people think Beverly Hills was Sinatra’s home, he considered Palm Springs his true home. This was where he felt the most comfortable. It was where he had a lot of friends (many of whom followed him out to the desert town), where he enjoyed his food and libations, and was able to let down his hair, so to speak, and just be Frank. When he was in Palm Springs, looky-loos, autograph hounds, or photographers didn’t bother him. He was a regular part of the community. Well, as regular as Frank Sinatra could be.

What is interesting about watching this film is seeing how sparse the town was back in the day. Today it is a jam-packed town that connects to the other cities in the area. It’s difficult to know where one city ends and another begins. But back then the area was quiet, peaceful, and sparse. It would have been a haven for anyone in the public eye, and it was. But it was Sinatra who made it as important a location as it became. While Bob Hope held his golf tournament there, it was Sinatra who really brought notoriety to the town.

Sinatra’s homes were what we now call “mid-century modern” but back then they were simply called “modern.” He moved from his initial modern home to his “compound” with several outlying bungalows, each named after a movie or a Sinatra song. With swimming pools, tennis courts, and plenty of booze, this was the location people wanted to be invited to spend their time.

The restaurants Sinatra frequented are looked at in the film. And there is not one person who has anything bad to say about Sinatra. Although he did have a temper and he even joked he was bipolar. But Sinatra was a unique man. He was nocturnal and loved to go riding along in the desert at night.

This could be a travelogue about Palm Springs in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. But it has, at its heart, the influence and life of Frank Sinatra.

Bonus features include a look at his terrible driving, his sense of style, his compound, his generosity, and many other incidental aspects of his life.

Palm Springs and his compound, which he called his “heaven”, were definitely a comfortable place for celebrities back then. And the mafia had a policy of “hands off” when it came to Palm Springs. This was where even they enjoyed their vacations.

Palm Springs was a haven for celebrities, sports people, presidents, and yes, the mafia. Today it is much different, but back then, well, it looked like some place I would have enjoyed to be part of the community. Unfortunately times change, but this documentary takes viewers back in time to the “good-old-days” of the mid 1900s and the time when Frank Sinatra stood guard over the town called Palm Springs.

Sinatra in Palm Springs is not rated. It is available on DVD and Blu-ray.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is now open in Disneyland!

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


Guests to Disneyland can now walk into a galaxy far, far away. The new land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, is open for everyone to visit the world of Star Wars.

There are three entrances to this new land. Once you step into the 14-acre land, you are taking a step into a galaxy far away that existed a long time ago. The attention to detail is amazing. Even the 100-foot-long Millennium Falcon is to scale.

And speaking of the Millennium Falcon, guests can pilot that iconic spaceship. The Smuggler’s Run attraction is as close to a voyage in the ship as is possible. Actually, it’s more realistic for guests to the land than the experience Harrison Ford had while filming the movies.

The second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will open later this year and is the most ambitious ride ever created by the magical folks at Disneyland. Look for that to open in the fall.

Within the land, everywhere you look – up, down, sideways – are little details that genuine Star Wars fans will recognize and understand, like the tread marks from R2D2.

There are five places in which to get food or drinks: Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters, Milk Stand, and Kat Saka’s Kettle. Whatever you do, please try the refreshing blue or green milk. This isn’t actually milk. It is an ice-blended style – or smoothie style – of refreshing juices with either almond milk or another ingredient. The blue milk is known as Bantha milk and the green is Tatooine milk. Whichever one you get, you are in for a delicious treat.

And the chefs at the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu have gone to great lengths to create some delicious treats for everyone. There is even a wonderful vegan/vegetarian option in Docking Bay 7, which I highly recommend. The Felucian Garden Spread is perfect for a snack any time of the day. It contains hummus, plant based Kefta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and some pits. Talk about delicious. And, for those that enjoy chocolaty treats, by all means get the Batuu-bon, which is a ball of chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard. Wow. This is truly a mouth-watering treat. Meat lovers will enjoy the options at the Ronto Roasters.

Before you leave, get the kettle corn at Kat Saka’s Kettle. Every colored piece is a different flavor. There are sweet pieces and spicy pieces. Together they make a delectable treat.

No visit to Batuu would be complete without a souvenir. And there are plenty of fun things to bring back to earth. Treat yourself to some out-of-this-world clothing. Once you put on a vest or other item, you’ll fit right in with the folks at Black Spire Outpost.

Stuffed toys and wooden and metal toys are available. And if you remember that Hans Solo won the Millennium Falcon playing the game of Sabacc. You can buy that game and bring it home to learn how the Falcon was won and perhaps you will become an expert playing Sabacc.

And the Creature Stall offers a wide variety of interactive creatures and critters. They have Porgs and other pets to bring back to earth. Every one of the pets up for adoption has made appearances in the various Star Wars films.

There is a wonderful Droid Depot where everyone can build his or her own droid. Customize your droid by selecting pieces from a conveyer belt. There are two styles from which to choose: the BB or the R style. Then your pieces are assembled and next you turn them on. From there via a remote control you can make your droid turn, move, and make noises. And, to make things even more interesting, the droids can talk to each other, so as you walk through the park with your droid, it will recognize other droids as you pass them and they will converse. Plus they do so much more.

And for true fans that simply must have their own lightsaber, Savi’s Workshop is the place to build your own.


Before you go, download the Disney Play app. This app will reveal Easter eggs around the park and
 translate the signs as well as let you interact with various locations throughout the land.

To say the magic of Disney is at its peak with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an understatement. It instantly transports guests into another world. You will not feel like you are in Disneyland any more. You have made that giant leap to the planet of Batuu.

In case you are worried that the 14-acre land has displaced one of your old favorite attractions, don’t be. No attraction was removed. This location previously consisted of storage and a corral for horses. So no attraction was disturbed to make room for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Enjoy your trip to Batuu. And may the force be with you.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes travel and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

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‘The Art of Toy Story 4’ – Book Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

It’s all about the toys. As we anxiously await the premier of the new Toy Story movie, Toy Story 4, this wonderful book will get you in the spirit to experience all the fun toys that will appear on the big screen. The Art of Toy Story 4 takes readers into the story and the characters with images and narrative.  And once you have seen the movie, this is a great way to relive the fun of the film and all the toys – old and new.

The book opens with a forward by Annie Potts, who voices Bo Peep in the film. She can currently be seen in the hit sitcom Young Sheldon. Potts was over the moon to get to voice Bo Peep. In the forward she states, “I can tell you there is almost nothing more fun than being in a recording session with these masters of storytelling…” To say she is a fan of the Disney/Pixar films is an understatement.

Next is an introduction by director Josh Cooley. He was proud to work on this fourth installment of the wonderful franchise. “Thank you for Toy Story,” he writes. “I never thought toys could teach me what it means to be human.”

It is almost impossible these days to go out to a mall or a theater and not see someone with a Woody or Buzz T-shirt. These characters are beloved around the world. So, what will their next chapter entail? There are still fun antics with Buzz and Woody, and the other toys we have become friends with over the years are also here. But there are some new ones, and they are really fun.

While Andy was the original owner of the toys, Bonnie has picked up the mantle. Her mind is amazing and her powers of imagination are unmatched. She is a delightful little girl with a fun outlook and love of everything and everyone. So, Bonnie created Forky, who brings some fun to the story.

The book is filled with illustrations from the movie and there is a special bonus. A pullout Gabby Gabby booklet comes in the book. Once you see the movie, you will understand a lot more about these characters. Imagination is on overload in Toy Story 4, and this book is a great accompaniment to the fun of the film.  If you have the other “art of” books, this is a must-have for your collection. Adults will be amazed at all the art and hard work that went into the characters, and kids will delight in seeing them on the page where they can relive the scenes from the film.

And, when you look through the book with your kids, perhaps you will also have a plush or figurine to enjoy together. Check out this shopDisney page for all the new Toy Story 4 merchandise.

Everyone can go “To infinity and beyond” with The Art of Toy Story 4.

ISBN-13: 9781452163826
Publisher: Chronicle Books
List price: $40

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

Julianne Moore is ‘Gloria Bell’ on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw

Gloria Bell is an America remake of the 2013 film Gloria. Both films are from writer/director Sebastian Lelio and basically follow the same storyline about a woman in her 50s who loves to dance and meet new people, and simply, to enjoy life.

Gloria Bell (Julianne Moore) is divorced (Brad Garrett) and has two grown children as well as one infant grandson. She is a bit lonely and enjoys spending her time drinking and dancing at the clubs in Los Angeles.

One night Gloria meets Arnold (John Turturro) at a club. He has been divorced for one year, a newbie compared to Gloria’s twelve years. They hit it off and are enchanted by each other. One thing leads to another and soon they are a couple. But there is something about Arnold that Gloria cannot understand. He is still attached to his ex-wife and two grown daughters in a way that is un-healthy for all of them.

Gloria’s mother (Holland Taylor) encourages her to take chances because death could come tomorrow. That’s a sobering thought. But we all know life is short and we do not know how long we have so Gloria takes full charge of her life. She is not afraid to put herself out into the world and enjoy herself, even if that means dancing by herself. She is a strong woman and by the end of the film viewers will see just how strong she really is.

As a woman who loves to laugh and experience new things, Moore captures the persona of the character completely. She dives right into her role and viewers will be enamored by her willingness to embrace life.

Rita Wilson co-stars as Gloria’s best friend Vicky, and Jeanne Tripplehorn is Gloria’s ex-husband’s wife. Michael Cera and Alanna Ubach are Gloria’s son and daughter, who both have some strange circumstances going on in their lives.

While Gloria is not afraid to let go and take charge of her own life, Arnold is not that brave. These people have two different philosophies about relationships – Gloria’s is healthy and Arnold’s is not.

The bonus feature is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with the actors and filmmakers. Everyone talks about how refreshing to see a more-than-middle-aged woman out in the workplace and nightclubs taking control of her life.

Gloria Bell is available on DVD and a Blu-ray + Digital pack. The entire movie was filmed on location in and around Los Angeles and Las Vegas. It is rated R for sexuality, nudity, language and some drug use.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘The Prisoner of Second Avenue’ now on Blu-ray

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


The Prisoner of Second Avenue was written by and taken from the play by Neil Simon. This 1975 film stars Jack Lemmon and Anne Bancroft as a married middle-aged couple living in New York City.

It’s a tough world and the economy is taking a beating. Mel Edison (Lemmon) has been a loyal employee for 22 years but even that couldn’t stay off his dismissal from his job. Edna (Bancroft) goes back to work but her job doesn’t last too long so they find themselves in a financial bind. Not only are they dealing with unemployment, they also must deal with their noisy neighbors and the stench and noise emanating from the ground when they open up their balcony door. Even though they live in a high rise, they still smell the garbage from the street.

When their apartment gets burgled, that’s the last straw.

Mel has a nervous breakdown and must be sedated. This also puts a crimp in their marriage, however Edna remains a loyal and loving wife.

Look for a very young Sylvester Stallone as a young man in Central Park whom Mel thinks stole his wallet. John Ritter also has a small part.

To say that everything goes wrong for this couple is an understatement. The world is closing in on them. But they refuse to give in or give up. Mel insists they will not let the city win!

While there are some humorous scenes, this is not one of Simon’s best stories. It’s a stark look at the realities of life. While it is described as a dark comedy, it is more drama than comedy. But Simon still fills it with great dialogue. And Lemmon was an actor that could play both comedy and drama with equal perfection. It’s a joy to watch him doing either and in this film it is fun to watch him slowly lose his sanity while dealing with the trials and tribulations of life in the big city.

The bonus is a “making of” featurette.

The Prisoner of Second Avenue is rated PG and is now available on Blu-ray from the Warner Archive Collection. It can purchase at their website or online retailers where DVDs and Blu-rays are sold.

About the Author

Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 25 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter

‘Halston’ – Movie Review

Posted on by Francine Brokaw


If you were alive in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, you definitely know the name Halston. Halston is a documentary about the iconic fashion designer who created an empire.

Roy Halston Frowick was born in Iowa in 1932. He became the legendary Halston, dropping his first and last name. His mother still called him “Hal-ston” but he changed the pronunciation to “Hawl-ston.” He was responsible for Jacqueline Kennedy’s pillbox hats and in the 1970s for hot pants. He dressed Liza and other celebrities. And he became a celebrity in his own right.

Halston began as a milliner in Bergdorf Goodman’s in NYC. He branched out to create his own line of fashion that reflected the times. His designs were bias cut, free flowing, easy to wear, simple, and beautiful. From dressing women he branched out to perfume. I don’t know anyone at the time that didn’t own a Halston perfume bottle. I did. The bottle in itself was art, and the fragrance was heavenly. These days designers lend their name to fragrances all the time, but Halston was the first. Then he added other areas to his empire and eventually he brought his haute couture to the everyday American woman via JC Penney. That infuriated many of his supporters, especially the folks at Bergdorf because it meant anyone could now own a Halston outfit. But the designer wanted to “dress America,” so he had to go where the average American shopped.

There are some interesting facts brought out in this film. We all know about Jackie Kennedy’s inaugural pillbox hat, but did you know the perfectly round dent in the top was not supposed to be there? She dented it while holding on so it wouldn’t fall off in the wind. Soon that look was what everyone was after.

And the iconic hot pants were a creation by Halston. This designer was responsible for the model Iman, and many others. His influence on our culture is still viable.

Viewers will learn about this iconic man who, in many ways, changed the shape of the fashion world. They will also learn about his quirks. He was a hands-on designer and orchestrated everything having to do with his name. But in the end he could not orchestrate his empire, even though it was his name. He was locked out of his business and went to live in San Francisco where he died of AIDS in 1990. His name is still on items in many areas, but his special touch is long gone.

His genius made him a legend, and his name will live on. I never owned a Halston original, but I sure wanted one…or two…or three…

This is a fascinating look at the man who influenced our wardrobes, scents, lifestyles, and the history of American fashion. Halston opens in select theaters May 24, 2019.

About the Reviewer

Francine Brokaw writes about books, products, travel, and entertainment. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County.

Follow her on Twitter