Writer/producer Rudy Cecera films the story of the scandal-plagued “Queen of Comedy” in New Rochelle.
http://bit.ly/gcKByB
Excerpt from interview:
The catchphrase for your movie is 'Hollywood’s first party girl.' Was Mabel Normand the Lindsay Lohan of her day?
Yes. That was in my film’s trailer. I reference Lindsay Lohan. Mabel drank, did drugs, danced. But back then drugs were more acceptable than they are now. They’d have cocaine in snuff boxes. It was very available. Very accepted. It was like, 'Would you like snuff?' She was also addicted to cough medicine. She’d drink it like you’d drink coffee…But in fairness, she had TB, so she coughed a lot.
I understand that you based your script in part on Mabel Normand’s unpublished writings. How did you get access to them?
Through a very amazing woman out in Los Angeles, Marilyn Slater. Marilyn was raised by Mabel’s nurse, Julia Benson, who is also depicted in my film. Mabel died in Julia’s arms.
In doing your research about Mabel, what surprised you to learn about her?
She liked to gamble—she loved the dog races and the horse races. She had the trifecta: She drank, she smoked, she gambled. I don’t know how true it is, but they say she liked to shoot craps.
If you would like a copy of the film, please contact: Rudy Cecera
Contact: [email protected] (note: price is $20 + $3 for shipping)
Rudy Cecera’s Film onSilent Film Star “Madcap Mabel” Normand
Rudy Cecera’s Film onSilent Film Star “Madcap Mabel” Normand
Last edited by kndy on Thu Dec 09, 2010 3:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Looks interesting.... I'm a Mabel fan.
While I was surfing around to find more info (I read the linked article, which unfortunately is from January, so the link it contains to Cecera's site is dead.) I found this note in Amazon's comments section for the one book I know of that's focused on Mabel Normand. As with the book itself, I don't know what's true and what's not, but it is entertaining:
DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!! Fussell Doesn't Pay my Royalties
This review is from: Mabel: Hollywood's First Don't-Care Girl, the Life of Mabel Normand (Paperback)
This book should never have been written as it turned out.I am Stephen Normand victim of the writer Betty Harper Fussell. I have documents to show how she swindled me and I will write a book based on the experience when a publisher offers me the opportunity. This book(Fussell's fiasco) is a disgrace and sham... [remainder omitted for brevity]
While I was surfing around to find more info (I read the linked article, which unfortunately is from January, so the link it contains to Cecera's site is dead.) I found this note in Amazon's comments section for the one book I know of that's focused on Mabel Normand. As with the book itself, I don't know what's true and what's not, but it is entertaining:
DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!! Fussell Doesn't Pay my Royalties
This review is from: Mabel: Hollywood's First Don't-Care Girl, the Life of Mabel Normand (Paperback)
This book should never have been written as it turned out.I am Stephen Normand victim of the writer Betty Harper Fussell. I have documents to show how she swindled me and I will write a book based on the experience when a publisher offers me the opportunity. This book(Fussell's fiasco) is a disgrace and sham... [remainder omitted for brevity]
Scott Cameron
I think if you read the book, you get some kind of idea of the strangeness that's going on around her legacy and those who want to claim it (and who think it's worth more than it is). It's not clear to me why Stephen should have gotten any royalties -- Betty Fussell wrote the book, after all -- but obviously there was a big misunderstanding, perhaps developing after the fact. I've dealt with people like this, and irrationality is never fun. Especially those who feel they're owed a big piece of an imaginary pie.sc1957 wrote:Looks interesting.... I'm a Mabel fan.
While I was surfing around to find more info (I read the linked article, which unfortunately is from January, so the link it contains to Cecera's site is dead.) I found this note in Amazon's comments section for the one book I know of that's focused on Mabel Normand. As with the book itself, I don't know what's true and what's not, but it is entertaining:
DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!! Fussell Doesn't Pay my Royalties
This review is from: Mabel: Hollywood's First Don't-Care Girl, the Life of Mabel Normand (Paperback)
This book should never have been written as it turned out.I am Stephen Normand victim of the writer Betty Harper Fussell. I have documents to show how she swindled me and I will write a book based on the experience when a publisher offers me the opportunity. This book(Fussell's fiasco) is a disgrace and sham... [remainder omitted for brevity]
My problem with the book is that in places it's more about the bizarre antics of those who survived Mabel than about her, and it contains a number of stories that are not substantiated. But in the absence of a better book on Mabel, it's at least interesting. But I'd consider getting it through your library to see whether you feel you need to own a copy.
Rodney Sauer
The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
www.mont-alto.com
"Let the Music do the Talking!"
The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
www.mont-alto.com
"Let the Music do the Talking!"
-
Mabelshere
Briefly. Betty Fussel quite simply did not honour a legal contract agreement. There was definately a pie but I wasn't getting my slice..the book was supposedly out of print ..I discovered to my chagrin it was in reprint and on sale through Amazon..wouldn't you do the same? In short this is the story.
I apologize if I got it wrong. I of course have no knowledge of the contracts involved.Mabelshere wrote:Briefly. Betty Fussel quite simply did not honour a legal contract agreement. There was definately a pie but I wasn't getting my slice..the book was supposedly out of print ..I discovered to my chagrin it was in reprint and on sale through Amazon..wouldn't you do the same? In short this is the story.
Rodney Sauer
The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
www.mont-alto.com
"Let the Music do the Talking!"
The Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra
www.mont-alto.com
"Let the Music do the Talking!"
-
Mabelshere
The Cereca production is an inaccurate and distasteful documentary about the life of my great-aunt Mabel Normand. He initially sent me his script and I suggested corrections and suggested he might get in touch with Ms. Slator to whom I communicated my concern..her emails to me agreed with my stance..recently I have discovered the vehicle he is promoting now is not what I initially gave some encouragement on..I see Ms. Slator is involved with the piece.
Please be advised Julia Benson was a nurse and occasional companion to my great aunt. Miss Benson was a paid employee to nurse and run errands and other work as my aunt directed her.Miss Benson was at the bedside of my aunt as nurse. It is an exaggeration that Mabel "died in her arms"..on the contrary my aunt was surrounded by the nuns who visited her and prayed for her from a nearby Convent and the priest who ministered to Mabel for over a year administered the Last Rites of the Roman Catholic Church and was with her as Benson watched from the side...these are the words of Mabel's mother, my great grandmother Mary Normand. I met Miss Benson finally in 1974 after a year of correspondence and phone calls and we continued our friendship until she was too ill to communicate. My late mother,my late grandmother and Mabel's sister all communicated and met Julia Benson and knew her as an employee of Mabel Normand. I have a very interesting collection of correspondence with her. How an employee received any personal papers as indicated in this interview and suggested by Ms. Slator to Mr. Cereca is dubious and one only boggles at the thought of how much was illegally confiscated from the estate of Mabel Normand through others between the time of Mabel's death and her mother's arrival in Los Angeles. My aunt Gladis (Mabel's younger sister)often felt angry about this and wrote quite straight forward in her diaries and journals about this. For me I can only find solace in the fact that Mabel would never approve such things and would be fascinated by the fact that people still like to lie about her and own her as their own..Mabel wasn't for turning in life and she sure ain't in death either....mean while her family continues to endure but knows all these things pass..after all we've had since February 23, 1930 to experience the saga of interest in our family..finally NORMAND is spelt with a D on the end..wouldn't you think such interested folk would know that!
Please be advised Julia Benson was a nurse and occasional companion to my great aunt. Miss Benson was a paid employee to nurse and run errands and other work as my aunt directed her.Miss Benson was at the bedside of my aunt as nurse. It is an exaggeration that Mabel "died in her arms"..on the contrary my aunt was surrounded by the nuns who visited her and prayed for her from a nearby Convent and the priest who ministered to Mabel for over a year administered the Last Rites of the Roman Catholic Church and was with her as Benson watched from the side...these are the words of Mabel's mother, my great grandmother Mary Normand. I met Miss Benson finally in 1974 after a year of correspondence and phone calls and we continued our friendship until she was too ill to communicate. My late mother,my late grandmother and Mabel's sister all communicated and met Julia Benson and knew her as an employee of Mabel Normand. I have a very interesting collection of correspondence with her. How an employee received any personal papers as indicated in this interview and suggested by Ms. Slator to Mr. Cereca is dubious and one only boggles at the thought of how much was illegally confiscated from the estate of Mabel Normand through others between the time of Mabel's death and her mother's arrival in Los Angeles. My aunt Gladis (Mabel's younger sister)often felt angry about this and wrote quite straight forward in her diaries and journals about this. For me I can only find solace in the fact that Mabel would never approve such things and would be fascinated by the fact that people still like to lie about her and own her as their own..Mabel wasn't for turning in life and she sure ain't in death either....mean while her family continues to endure but knows all these things pass..after all we've had since February 23, 1930 to experience the saga of interest in our family..finally NORMAND is spelt with a D on the end..wouldn't you think such interested folk would know that!
Greetings,Mabelshere wrote:The Cereca production is an inaccurate and distasteful documentary about the life of my great-aunt Mabel Normand. He initially sent me his script and I suggested corrections and suggested he might get in touch with Ms. Slator to whom I communicated my concern..her emails to me agreed with my stance..recently I have discovered the vehicle he is promoting now is not what I initially gave some encouragement on..I see Ms. Slator is involved with the piece.
I haven't watched this documentary, but what is exactly inaccurate about it? The drug use or the relationship with Sennett? Also, it would be great if Mr. Cecera would respond. His e-mail is there, so it would be interesting to see how he defends his film.
As for the lack of the "D", my apologies...actually the subject header wouldn't allow me more words right after the n, which I didn't catch when I posted the original message. But I did now add the "D" (while making two words without a space to allow for it).
Response (& Defense) of Madcap Mabel criticism.
Hello,
I represent Mr. Cecera, the Writer/Producer of Madcap Mabel. He has expressed his thoughts to me on this matter. For starters, Mr. Stephen Normand HAS NEVER EVEN SEEN HIS FILM! So how he can criticize what he hasn't seen seems ridiculous. As proof he hasn't seen it, he referred to it as a documentary and it it a FILM...not a documentary. Anyone in the arts will tell you there is a difference. A documentary must stay true to the facts, a film is a fictionalized piece. Of course in the case of Madcap Mabel, it is based on facts but to get the story out in a way that will draw in an audience YES, some liberties must be taken, any filmmaker will tell you that. I may add Madcap Mabel doesn't take any unrealistic or distasteful liberties. In fact, some of the scenarios seem pretty thought, plausible and researched and considering these events happened almost 100 years ago, who is to say whether or not they did or didn't take place. Being related to Mabel by some distant obscure branch on the Normand family tree doesn't mean Mr. Normand was alive back then so how he could say what really happened is also ridiculous. The research done for this film was based on books, internet research, film watching and good old common sense of human behavior. There were also conversations with the woman who not only knew Julia Benson, but has many of her personal items, some of which were Mabel's. Among these items are personal writings from Mabel.
What's even more amazing (or ridiculous...take your pick) is not less then a month ago on the "Wished on Mabel" Facebook page, Mr. Stephen Normand praised Mr. Cecera's film. Those on Facebook may see his comments (if he hasn't deleted them for fear of looking like a hypocrite) at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/grou ... 6201072227.
My guess is Mr. Normand is bothered that he was not consulted while the film was being made so is either looking for a little attention or bashing something out of spite.
At present the film has made three festivals, (The Yperia International Film Festival, The Clearwater Florida Festival and the NJ International Festival) had two public screenings (one in Venice Beach and one at HBO) and is set for more exposure. How bad can it be? I may add I attended the HBO screening in NY and found the packed theater filled with people who loved the film. Cecera and his cast were also available for a Q & A and gave out door prizes and souvenirs from the evening.
If you'd like a copy, contact Mr. Cecera and give your own review instead of listening to one that is based on nothing but spite.
NYMABEL
I represent Mr. Cecera, the Writer/Producer of Madcap Mabel. He has expressed his thoughts to me on this matter. For starters, Mr. Stephen Normand HAS NEVER EVEN SEEN HIS FILM! So how he can criticize what he hasn't seen seems ridiculous. As proof he hasn't seen it, he referred to it as a documentary and it it a FILM...not a documentary. Anyone in the arts will tell you there is a difference. A documentary must stay true to the facts, a film is a fictionalized piece. Of course in the case of Madcap Mabel, it is based on facts but to get the story out in a way that will draw in an audience YES, some liberties must be taken, any filmmaker will tell you that. I may add Madcap Mabel doesn't take any unrealistic or distasteful liberties. In fact, some of the scenarios seem pretty thought, plausible and researched and considering these events happened almost 100 years ago, who is to say whether or not they did or didn't take place. Being related to Mabel by some distant obscure branch on the Normand family tree doesn't mean Mr. Normand was alive back then so how he could say what really happened is also ridiculous. The research done for this film was based on books, internet research, film watching and good old common sense of human behavior. There were also conversations with the woman who not only knew Julia Benson, but has many of her personal items, some of which were Mabel's. Among these items are personal writings from Mabel.
What's even more amazing (or ridiculous...take your pick) is not less then a month ago on the "Wished on Mabel" Facebook page, Mr. Stephen Normand praised Mr. Cecera's film. Those on Facebook may see his comments (if he hasn't deleted them for fear of looking like a hypocrite) at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/grou ... 6201072227.
My guess is Mr. Normand is bothered that he was not consulted while the film was being made so is either looking for a little attention or bashing something out of spite.
At present the film has made three festivals, (The Yperia International Film Festival, The Clearwater Florida Festival and the NJ International Festival) had two public screenings (one in Venice Beach and one at HBO) and is set for more exposure. How bad can it be? I may add I attended the HBO screening in NY and found the packed theater filled with people who loved the film. Cecera and his cast were also available for a Q & A and gave out door prizes and souvenirs from the evening.
If you'd like a copy, contact Mr. Cecera and give your own review instead of listening to one that is based on nothing but spite.
NYMABEL
-
Mabelshere
Looking out for your Own isn't Bashing or Spite It's Duty..
I stand by my comments as made on this page concerning the Cereca film.
My comment on the facebook page which indeed was positive as I based it on the trailer DVD which I was sent by Mr. Cereca. I retracted the comment due to a friend forwarding me a copy of the final copy, of which I have given my opinion.
As I have said I was consulted and sent a script and the trailer by Mr. Cereca made my comments and stepped away from it graciously.I did consult with Ms. Slator who indicated in an email her opinion which wasn't encouraging.
I refer to the work to be polite... as a documentary, which are as you say normally based on documentary fact, which I assumed this "film" was supposed to be..and you yourself have written.
Being the grandson of Mabel Normand's only brother Claude is not really an "obscure branch of the Normand family".
Having lived amongst the family and having met and known many of Mabel's colleagues and friends including Mack Sennett ,as well as knowing and consulting with scholars of the silent era like Kevin Brownlow and writing for Films In Review Sept '74 a biographical piece for Robert Giroux of Farar Straus & Giroux the eminent publishers, I find your bluster just that.
As far as discussions with the "woman" who knew Julia Benson, I find the very idea that any personal writings in her possession could only be addressed to Julia from Mabel otherwise they are obviously forgeries as any personal papers and possessions of Mabel's would be within her estate manifests of the time. An employee, (which Benson was) as she was paid for her services, never had access to private papers. Miss Benson was employed as Nurse and occasional campanion.Of course there was a period of time... before my greatmother,mother of Mabel arrived in Beverly Hills..2+ days... at her daughter's home.
As you may not realise I am privy to family journals,etc. and to many hours of conversation with my great-aunt Gladis Mabel's sister over many years as well as to other family who knew her and Mabel's friend's Mary Pickford, Minta Arbuckle, Blance Sweet.
I also knew Julia Benson personally from 1972 until her health gave way and knew her companion Lee Westerlund and visited with her & Lee in her home in 1974 where we had many hours of conversation (I stayed in her home) and spent a night in the same bed with her in the Ambassador Hotel in LA. I have a collection of correspondence of over 3 years with her as well as recorded conversation between Julia and I. I knew Julia Benson well enough..
I don't know what this "woman" showed or told Mr. Cereca but it just doesn't add up....
Mr. Cereca and I last communicated in November at the time of Mabel's 118th birthday and he kindly offered to drop by my home to bring a copy of the film, which I was to pay for and to meet the actress who portrayed Mabel in his work..sadly we were unable to meet..we left it..then a friend sent me a copy of the work (for free) and yes I changed my mind once I viewed it...No Prize or Laurel sorry ..but not for "spite or bashing"...my reason is because Mabel Normand wouldn't like it and I don't either.
I still have a copy of the script Mr. Cereca sent to me fortunately, and the trailer which was or is on YOUTUBE.
As you say to write something to sell you have to sensationalise the "facts" and even offer door prizes..it's nothing new that people flock to see unpleasant things for a price or even for free..roadside accidents,suicides,gladiators,plays,sports and even some films...
Many films/documentaries are made...however "success" is judged on distribution and tickets sold...
I have no ill feeling or spite I have concern for a loved member of my family and just like the Chaplin and Bogart families I'm looking out for my own and in this case it's Mabel Normand, Madcap Mabel a title she earned for her art as an actress/comedienne pioneer of motion pictures.
I encourage folk to do as they wish but if you know anything about the life and career of Mabel Normand you may be disappointed..I was.
Stephen Normand - Great Nephew Of Mabel Normand
My comment on the facebook page which indeed was positive as I based it on the trailer DVD which I was sent by Mr. Cereca. I retracted the comment due to a friend forwarding me a copy of the final copy, of which I have given my opinion.
As I have said I was consulted and sent a script and the trailer by Mr. Cereca made my comments and stepped away from it graciously.I did consult with Ms. Slator who indicated in an email her opinion which wasn't encouraging.
I refer to the work to be polite... as a documentary, which are as you say normally based on documentary fact, which I assumed this "film" was supposed to be..and you yourself have written.
Being the grandson of Mabel Normand's only brother Claude is not really an "obscure branch of the Normand family".
Having lived amongst the family and having met and known many of Mabel's colleagues and friends including Mack Sennett ,as well as knowing and consulting with scholars of the silent era like Kevin Brownlow and writing for Films In Review Sept '74 a biographical piece for Robert Giroux of Farar Straus & Giroux the eminent publishers, I find your bluster just that.
As far as discussions with the "woman" who knew Julia Benson, I find the very idea that any personal writings in her possession could only be addressed to Julia from Mabel otherwise they are obviously forgeries as any personal papers and possessions of Mabel's would be within her estate manifests of the time. An employee, (which Benson was) as she was paid for her services, never had access to private papers. Miss Benson was employed as Nurse and occasional campanion.Of course there was a period of time... before my greatmother,mother of Mabel arrived in Beverly Hills..2+ days... at her daughter's home.
As you may not realise I am privy to family journals,etc. and to many hours of conversation with my great-aunt Gladis Mabel's sister over many years as well as to other family who knew her and Mabel's friend's Mary Pickford, Minta Arbuckle, Blance Sweet.
I also knew Julia Benson personally from 1972 until her health gave way and knew her companion Lee Westerlund and visited with her & Lee in her home in 1974 where we had many hours of conversation (I stayed in her home) and spent a night in the same bed with her in the Ambassador Hotel in LA. I have a collection of correspondence of over 3 years with her as well as recorded conversation between Julia and I. I knew Julia Benson well enough..
I don't know what this "woman" showed or told Mr. Cereca but it just doesn't add up....
Mr. Cereca and I last communicated in November at the time of Mabel's 118th birthday and he kindly offered to drop by my home to bring a copy of the film, which I was to pay for and to meet the actress who portrayed Mabel in his work..sadly we were unable to meet..we left it..then a friend sent me a copy of the work (for free) and yes I changed my mind once I viewed it...No Prize or Laurel sorry ..but not for "spite or bashing"...my reason is because Mabel Normand wouldn't like it and I don't either.
I still have a copy of the script Mr. Cereca sent to me fortunately, and the trailer which was or is on YOUTUBE.
As you say to write something to sell you have to sensationalise the "facts" and even offer door prizes..it's nothing new that people flock to see unpleasant things for a price or even for free..roadside accidents,suicides,gladiators,plays,sports and even some films...
Many films/documentaries are made...however "success" is judged on distribution and tickets sold...
I have no ill feeling or spite I have concern for a loved member of my family and just like the Chaplin and Bogart families I'm looking out for my own and in this case it's Mabel Normand, Madcap Mabel a title she earned for her art as an actress/comedienne pioneer of motion pictures.
I encourage folk to do as they wish but if you know anything about the life and career of Mabel Normand you may be disappointed..I was.
Stephen Normand - Great Nephew Of Mabel Normand
Response (& Defense) of Madcap Mabel
Mr. Cecera does not wish to dignify some of these comments and turn this into a major debate. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and being a filmmaker he is aware that you will never get everybody to like everything. However, when opinion is jaded for personal reasons. In this case there definitely seems to be an issue with the use of Ms. Slater (whose name Mr. Normand spelled wrong) as his Technical Advisor so a defense must be put forward. The one thing Mr. Normand says that is true is that Mr. Cecera offered him a copy of the film, which to me shows he had every confidence that he would like it. The only money he requested was for shipping as he believed Mr. Normand was in England at the time. As soon as Cecera found out he wasn't he offered to hand deliver the film to him for free at a supposed function and Mr. Normand abruptly told him "It was by invitation only". Is this the way to treat the only person who had the courage and desire to put up his own money to make the only existing film on his great aunt? Sounds pretty unappreciative to me and it's anybody's guess if that function did indeed take place). In the meantime, Mr. Cecera sent a copy FOR FREE to the gentleman who runs the "Wished on Mabel" facebook page and he lives in England. He of course LOVED it and here is his review...
Hello Rudy, a thousand kind thanks for the wonderful parcel of DVD and Mabel booklet. I've just this minute watched the film for a second time, and love it. The quality and style that you've achieved for such a modest budget is amazing (and must admit to being quite smitten by Penelope Lagos.. what a beautiful actress). I especially liked the smooth edit cuts, and the flashback sequences tied the whole thing together beautifully. Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken a few shots from the DVD to add to my FB Mabel group & also my Cinema blog, over at http://www.facebook.com/l/c1449LNaedxW9 ... press.com/ ..
Sounds pretty good to me. To Mr. Cecera's knowledge he only sent a copy of his film to certain people and none of them (perhaps for personal reasons) have forwarded Mr. Normand a copy. It is true Mr. Cecera, being respectful, did send Mr. Normand a trailer of the film which he admitted liking and did send him a rough draft of short script. Of course since then the script was changed several times (as any screenwriter will tell you an original script in never the one actually shot) so whatever Mr. Normand is basing his criticism on has very little to do with the actual film which he never even saw.
I must say I take issue with comparing of watching of a short, personally funded independent film with people trying their best to entertain viewers and other misfortunate things that draw crowds. Admission to the HBO screening of the film was free and I only mentioned the door prizes to show what a lovely and professional evening it was. I will leave the filmmaking process to Mr. Cecera but as I understand the entertainment business, every story (especially bio-pics about people that lived almost 100 years ago) needs some dramatic license (just ask Stephen Speilberg who was made famous by an alien phoning home). From my view of the Cecera's film there is nothing untruthful or distasteful. If anything I learned more about Mabel from it as it both shows her accomplishments and how she was treated unfairly by the press. How Mr. Normand can twist this into something bad suggests to me that he has another agenda, again perhaps that of the use of Marilyn Slater as TA instead of him. From what I've read and heard about Ms. Slater her reputation for facts and passion for Mabel is second to none in this area. Just check out her web site http://www.freewebs.com/looking-for-mab ... #115308471.
Bottom line, instead of criticizing others who are helping to get Mabel's story told to the many people who may not be aware of her greatness, Mr. Normand should thank Mr. Cecera, Ms. Slater and all those who strive to pay homage to his great aunt who he never met. If he has so much knowledge of his aunt and feels others do not...why hasn't he after all these years put his money where his mouth is a produce his own work instead of bashing others. Had he not taken this attitude he could be sharing and enjoying all the praise that Mr. Cecera's film is getting instead of being the one wet blanket at the party who seems bitter about not being the life of it.
I will leave you with one more review of Cecera's film that was posted on the IMDB page for the obviously accepted professional work it is...the gentleman who posted it saw the film at one of the three festivals it made.
While attending the Clearwater Film Festival in Florida I saw sun, beautiful woman on the beach and Madcap Mabel and I'm happy to say ALL three pleased me. Let me first say that I am a huge fan of silent cinema and classic comedy so am very familiar with the people and era portrayed in this film. To my knowledge, it is the first ever movie about the underrated talents of the original Queen of Comedy…Mabel Normand…so the fact that someone finally attempted to tell her story at all is worth the price of admission.
The clever plot, (which I'm copying from the film's program) shows the life and career of silent screen star Mabel Normand (Penelope Lagos) through the eyes of Reporter Charlie Craig (Rudy Cecera, who is also the film's writer/producer), whose scandalous stories of Mabel's private life helped contribute to her career's downfall. Thanks to his articles, Mabel…once considered the "Queen of Comedy" who made history by being Hollywood's first female Producer, Director and Stunt Woman…is now considered Hollywood's First Party Girl. Her health soon takes a similar downward spiral and as she nears death, Charlie finally gets a conscious and embarks on a quest to report all the positive aspects of her life. Through the stories of her friends and associates, including Mack Sennett (Ron Nummi), Edna Purviance (Katie Maguire) and Julia Benson (Elizabeth C. Taylor), Charlie's journey not only enlightens him as to Mabel's accomplishments, but gives him hope that he'll vindicate her to the public and earn her forgiveness before it's too late.
The hardest part of any film, especially a period piece is re-creating the era and as this one is the roaring twenties, the stakes were high (just ask the producers of "Boardwalk Empire"). Thankfully Madcap Mabel delivers as its costumes, props, vintage cars and even such minor detail as jewelry and cigarettes helped bring across a decade and location far from 2010 Florida (and I may add on a budget probably 1/10th that of the craft service table on the aforementioned HBO drama).
The screenplay has the right balance of facts and fiction to help bring across a story that could have actually happened. Despite being short, Normand's life was very full and complex including larger than life characters and several Hollywood scandals that even by today's standards would make Lindsey Lohan and Charlie Sheen's lives seem tame. However Cecera's script is quite respectfully and through the use of flashbacks and foreshadowing we see three hours of entertainment in just over thirty minutes. Special credit should be given to director Dena Schumacher for creating a unique style without falling into the clichés used in similar genres and eras. One wonders if she was influenced and inspired by the subject of the film who helped open doors to all female directors.
On par with the film's production design and script is its casting. For starters, credit should be given to all the actors for not only looking their parts, but learning and delivering the slang dialogue from the time without it sounding fake or forced. What's particularly interesting about the performances is despite the fact that most of them are based on actual people, which limits the possibilities of any thespian, the players really make them their own. Cecera's reporter seems like a reporter, complete with determination and somewhat slimy behavior which of course helps his repentance seem genuine. Nummi's Sennett is fueled with the right amount of show business ego and remorse and Brian Linden's performance as the ill fated William Desmond Taylor combines an equal blend of British aristocracy and mystery.
Finally, the role of Mabel Normand, which considering all its twists, turns and emotions is portrayed beautifully, naturally and flawlessly by Penelope Lagos. Her large, brown eyes (similar to Normand's) speak volumes and I have no doubt that had she lived ninety years ago she herself would have been a star of the silent screen. Having seen many of Mabel Normand's actual films I almost felt an eeriness in seeing Lagos' internalization of the character. Whether she's showing the silly playfulness of a goofy actress or the last breaths of a dying women, Lagos comes off as charming, believable and sympathetic. Her versatility in showing Mabel's comedic accomplishments and dramatic life makes her one of the most well rounded actresses I've seen in recent times. The fact that many of Normand's actual films do not exist and that she died before the advent of sound makes Lagos' portrayal even more amazing as she obviously had very little to base her characterization. The best and final compliment I could give her is that I came away from the theater thinking I met the real Mabel and if she could see Lagos…I'm sure she'd say "Thank You".
Bottom line, this short film made on a small budget is a pleasant surprise and of course a keeper. Its only flaw is that it's not long enough but I understand from the press given at the festival that the producer is looking to turn it into a feature. If that ever happens…I'll be first in line (but word to Cecera, sign Lagos now before Hollywood grabs her).
Hello Rudy, a thousand kind thanks for the wonderful parcel of DVD and Mabel booklet. I've just this minute watched the film for a second time, and love it. The quality and style that you've achieved for such a modest budget is amazing (and must admit to being quite smitten by Penelope Lagos.. what a beautiful actress). I especially liked the smooth edit cuts, and the flashback sequences tied the whole thing together beautifully. Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I've taken a few shots from the DVD to add to my FB Mabel group & also my Cinema blog, over at http://www.facebook.com/l/c1449LNaedxW9 ... press.com/ ..
Sounds pretty good to me. To Mr. Cecera's knowledge he only sent a copy of his film to certain people and none of them (perhaps for personal reasons) have forwarded Mr. Normand a copy. It is true Mr. Cecera, being respectful, did send Mr. Normand a trailer of the film which he admitted liking and did send him a rough draft of short script. Of course since then the script was changed several times (as any screenwriter will tell you an original script in never the one actually shot) so whatever Mr. Normand is basing his criticism on has very little to do with the actual film which he never even saw.
I must say I take issue with comparing of watching of a short, personally funded independent film with people trying their best to entertain viewers and other misfortunate things that draw crowds. Admission to the HBO screening of the film was free and I only mentioned the door prizes to show what a lovely and professional evening it was. I will leave the filmmaking process to Mr. Cecera but as I understand the entertainment business, every story (especially bio-pics about people that lived almost 100 years ago) needs some dramatic license (just ask Stephen Speilberg who was made famous by an alien phoning home). From my view of the Cecera's film there is nothing untruthful or distasteful. If anything I learned more about Mabel from it as it both shows her accomplishments and how she was treated unfairly by the press. How Mr. Normand can twist this into something bad suggests to me that he has another agenda, again perhaps that of the use of Marilyn Slater as TA instead of him. From what I've read and heard about Ms. Slater her reputation for facts and passion for Mabel is second to none in this area. Just check out her web site http://www.freewebs.com/looking-for-mab ... #115308471.
Bottom line, instead of criticizing others who are helping to get Mabel's story told to the many people who may not be aware of her greatness, Mr. Normand should thank Mr. Cecera, Ms. Slater and all those who strive to pay homage to his great aunt who he never met. If he has so much knowledge of his aunt and feels others do not...why hasn't he after all these years put his money where his mouth is a produce his own work instead of bashing others. Had he not taken this attitude he could be sharing and enjoying all the praise that Mr. Cecera's film is getting instead of being the one wet blanket at the party who seems bitter about not being the life of it.
I will leave you with one more review of Cecera's film that was posted on the IMDB page for the obviously accepted professional work it is...the gentleman who posted it saw the film at one of the three festivals it made.
While attending the Clearwater Film Festival in Florida I saw sun, beautiful woman on the beach and Madcap Mabel and I'm happy to say ALL three pleased me. Let me first say that I am a huge fan of silent cinema and classic comedy so am very familiar with the people and era portrayed in this film. To my knowledge, it is the first ever movie about the underrated talents of the original Queen of Comedy…Mabel Normand…so the fact that someone finally attempted to tell her story at all is worth the price of admission.
The clever plot, (which I'm copying from the film's program) shows the life and career of silent screen star Mabel Normand (Penelope Lagos) through the eyes of Reporter Charlie Craig (Rudy Cecera, who is also the film's writer/producer), whose scandalous stories of Mabel's private life helped contribute to her career's downfall. Thanks to his articles, Mabel…once considered the "Queen of Comedy" who made history by being Hollywood's first female Producer, Director and Stunt Woman…is now considered Hollywood's First Party Girl. Her health soon takes a similar downward spiral and as she nears death, Charlie finally gets a conscious and embarks on a quest to report all the positive aspects of her life. Through the stories of her friends and associates, including Mack Sennett (Ron Nummi), Edna Purviance (Katie Maguire) and Julia Benson (Elizabeth C. Taylor), Charlie's journey not only enlightens him as to Mabel's accomplishments, but gives him hope that he'll vindicate her to the public and earn her forgiveness before it's too late.
The hardest part of any film, especially a period piece is re-creating the era and as this one is the roaring twenties, the stakes were high (just ask the producers of "Boardwalk Empire"). Thankfully Madcap Mabel delivers as its costumes, props, vintage cars and even such minor detail as jewelry and cigarettes helped bring across a decade and location far from 2010 Florida (and I may add on a budget probably 1/10th that of the craft service table on the aforementioned HBO drama).
The screenplay has the right balance of facts and fiction to help bring across a story that could have actually happened. Despite being short, Normand's life was very full and complex including larger than life characters and several Hollywood scandals that even by today's standards would make Lindsey Lohan and Charlie Sheen's lives seem tame. However Cecera's script is quite respectfully and through the use of flashbacks and foreshadowing we see three hours of entertainment in just over thirty minutes. Special credit should be given to director Dena Schumacher for creating a unique style without falling into the clichés used in similar genres and eras. One wonders if she was influenced and inspired by the subject of the film who helped open doors to all female directors.
On par with the film's production design and script is its casting. For starters, credit should be given to all the actors for not only looking their parts, but learning and delivering the slang dialogue from the time without it sounding fake or forced. What's particularly interesting about the performances is despite the fact that most of them are based on actual people, which limits the possibilities of any thespian, the players really make them their own. Cecera's reporter seems like a reporter, complete with determination and somewhat slimy behavior which of course helps his repentance seem genuine. Nummi's Sennett is fueled with the right amount of show business ego and remorse and Brian Linden's performance as the ill fated William Desmond Taylor combines an equal blend of British aristocracy and mystery.
Finally, the role of Mabel Normand, which considering all its twists, turns and emotions is portrayed beautifully, naturally and flawlessly by Penelope Lagos. Her large, brown eyes (similar to Normand's) speak volumes and I have no doubt that had she lived ninety years ago she herself would have been a star of the silent screen. Having seen many of Mabel Normand's actual films I almost felt an eeriness in seeing Lagos' internalization of the character. Whether she's showing the silly playfulness of a goofy actress or the last breaths of a dying women, Lagos comes off as charming, believable and sympathetic. Her versatility in showing Mabel's comedic accomplishments and dramatic life makes her one of the most well rounded actresses I've seen in recent times. The fact that many of Normand's actual films do not exist and that she died before the advent of sound makes Lagos' portrayal even more amazing as she obviously had very little to base her characterization. The best and final compliment I could give her is that I came away from the theater thinking I met the real Mabel and if she could see Lagos…I'm sure she'd say "Thank You".
Bottom line, this short film made on a small budget is a pleasant surprise and of course a keeper. Its only flaw is that it's not long enough but I understand from the press given at the festival that the producer is looking to turn it into a feature. If that ever happens…I'll be first in line (but word to Cecera, sign Lagos now before Hollywood grabs her).
Response (& Defense) of Madcap Mabel
One further comment...in showing his further lack of knowledge of the entertainment industry Mr. Normand said "A film is judged by how mcuh money it makes". Well a short, personally funded independent film is not meant to make 60 million at the box office. In fact, short films are never even theatrically released. They just go to festivals. This proves Mr. Cecera's motives in making it were not financial. Of course after paying for it's production out of his own pocket I see nothing wrong with selling a copy or two or at the very least expecting money for shipping it to England from someone who never helped with the making of it.
Response (& Defense) of Madcap Mabel
Hmmm...I find in interesting that after exposing Mr. Normand's contradictory comments of not liking the film and getting a copy on facebook to not liking the film & not getting copy on Nitrateville...all his facebook comments were deleted. Coincidence...or just trying to prevent people from exposing his bluster.
As far as his comments of if Mabel would have liked the film...how does he know...She was dead before he was born. Personally I think she would have and would be rolling in her grave to find out that a distance relative of hers was bashing a film that pays homage to her life.
NYMABEL
As far as his comments of if Mabel would have liked the film...how does he know...She was dead before he was born. Personally I think she would have and would be rolling in her grave to find out that a distance relative of hers was bashing a film that pays homage to her life.
NYMABEL
-
Mike Gebert
- Site Admin
- Posts: 9369
- Joined: Sat Dec 15, 2007 3:23 pm
- Location: Chicago
- Contact:
Mr. Normand, for whatever reason, appears to have thought better of his participation in this conflict, and has asked to have his account turned off.
I think everyone has had their fair shot at making their points, and suggest that we let the matter drop. I am leaving the thread open for other Nitratevillains to comment on the film at some future point, but reserve the right to lock it if needed.
I think everyone has had their fair shot at making their points, and suggest that we let the matter drop. I am leaving the thread open for other Nitratevillains to comment on the film at some future point, but reserve the right to lock it if needed.
Cinema has no voice, but it speaks to us with eyes that mirror the soul. ―Ivan Mosjoukine