Tap-dancing great Donald O'Connor talks to Kevin Lewis. If living well is the best revenge, life must be sweet for dancer Donald O'Connor. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, O'Connor ranked only behind Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire because, with the exception of Singin' in the Rain (1952), he was not showcased in a dazzling series of prestigious musicals. Rather, at a critical … [Read more...] about Steppin’ Out with Donald O’Connor
In This Issue 1997
The First Word: The Madness Of It All
"IRA, Killing 2 Policemen Cripples the Irish Peace Talks," says the front page headline in the New York Times story by Sarah Lyall, writing from London. Indeed, the recent shootings of the two RUC officers was front page news around the world, and brought outrage from all corners. But, heinous as the IRA killings are, the IRA alone is not responsible for crippling the peace … [Read more...] about The First Word: The Madness Of It All
The Scottish Irish
The recent worldwide commercial and critical success of Celtic arts would lead the casual observer or consumer in the US to innocently assume that the Irish and the Scots have always been amicable, if not kissing, Celtic cousins. The theory is, as one Scots Gaelic historian said to me in Glasgow recently, "aren't we all the same people?" To a large extent that's true and … [Read more...] about The Scottish Irish
The Year of Living Famously
Frank McCourt has gone from retired New York City high school teacher to 66-year-old international celebrity in a matter of months. Almost a year after the publication of Angela's Ashes, McCourt tells Brian Rohan "it's been lovely, thank you, but I wouldn't mind a bit of peace and quiet, either...." Frank McCourt sits in the back room of the Old Town tavern, acting not at all … [Read more...] about The Year of Living Famously
Sláinte! Many a Shabby Foal Makes a Fine Horse
It is Spring. The foals are being born. In their gawky long-legged honor, I give you the saga of the Irish and their horses. It is a history that stretches across centuries. It is a tale of friendships and working partners. It is a romance born of the land, nurtured by necessity and fastened by ancient bonds. It is one of the oldest love stories on earth. Horses arrived in … [Read more...] about Sláinte! Many a Shabby Foal Makes a Fine Horse