Augustus is disappointed that his Friday evening is over…even though he’ll get to do it all again tomorrow…!

The International Society for the Study of #Egyptomania is actively seeking Committee Members to join our happy band in promoting this vital branch of #Egyptological study. If you think you’d like to join us, please follow the thread below… #Cinema #TV #Games #Literature #Comics

On #NationalUnicornDay a favourite representation of Scotland’s heraldic beast. Designed by Margaret Cross Primrose Findlay and carved in blonde sandstone by Dawson & Young, it was unveiled on 24 April 1930, atop Glasgow’s new Mercat Cross, created by Edith Burnett Hughes. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

In addition to meeting dear friends over the weekend, we binged Season 2 of Ryan J Brown’s wickedly gripping LGBT+ friendly horror comedy WRECK, available on BBC iPlayer, before being charmed and moved by Greta Gerwig’s BARBIE. Very different beasts but both engagingly knowing.

According to Plutarch, on 7 April c.331 BC, Alexander the Great founded the Egyptian city of Alexandria, which ultimately became home to his own tomb, the Ptolemaic dynasty, the famed Library, and the Pharos lighthouse; a bustling metropolis of high culture and higher drama.

Watching Joseph L Mankiewicz’s 1953 screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s JULIUS CÆSAR on TV and amused to note a recognisable bust of Hadrian behind the ever delightful Deborah Kerr as Portia…only about a century and a half before his imperial reign. #Classics #Reception

It’s hard to believe that it’s a decade, tonight, since I saw the phenomenal Angela Lansbury at the Gielgud Theatre as Coward’s Madame Arcati. Afterwards, as an international star of stage and screen, she took the time to greet the multitude of adoring fans at the stage door!

Just stumbled across Daphne Guinness’s recently released video for her wittily elegant single, ‘Time,’ directed by David LaChapelle; an extraordinarily effective tribute to the classic films and eternal style of Dietrich. Beautifully done!
m.youtube.com/watch?v=TMJNrS…

Wising my friends, family, and followers a very happy Easter, with my now traditional seasonal image of Geb, ‘the Great Cackler,’ in ivory and painted wood on a nest of calcite eggs. From the tomb of Tutankhamun. However you’re celebrating the holiday, have a wonderful time! Jx

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering the life and truly extraordinary work of the brilliant Egyptologist and philologist Sir Alan H Gardiner (1879-1963) a true powerhouse of academic endeavour who, almost single-handedly, dragged our discipline into the twentieth century.

Heading to bed…and catching bits of the fabulous EVIL UNDER THE SUN and I’m always slightly amazed that no one seems to have recognised Denis Quilley as the ‘Rigoletto’ singier at this point. He had SUCH a spectacularly distinctive voice! #Sweeney #Poirot

If you could recommend one B&W film to a person who dislikes them, what would it be?

Not difficult…!

On #WorldTheatreDay2024 , wishing the ever-majestic Julian Glover a very happy eighty-ninth birthday! Famed for his film and television work, his stage work shines; I’ve seen him perform in Shakespeare and Racine, and his one-man BEOWULF is legendary! #DoctorWho #Hammer #Bond

Delighted to have contributed to this podcast discussion in a wide ranging conversation covering everything from Richard Marsh’s THE BEETLE (1897) to mummy brown paint and the ‘Karnak problem.’ #Egyptology #Reception #Egyptomania #Hammer

On the anniversary of his birth, remembering the life and work of the ever-engaging Patrick Troughton (1920-1987). A versatile and busy character actor on film and television, he was perfectly cast as the wonderfully mercurial second Doctor (1966-1969). #DoctorWho

Definitely one for ISSE members, I think! #Egyptology #Reception #Egyptomania #Hammer

It looks wonderful and Ncuti is going to be brilliant. Thrilling!

Tonight marks fifty years since the first broadcast of David Rudkin’s extraordinary TV drama, PENDA’S FEN. The demon figure’s bat wings and serrated tail strongly suggest that Bok from #DoctorWho provided its inspiration rather than Viollet-le-Duc’s famed Notre-Dame grotesque.

Finally, my #DoctorWho Season 15 BD has arrived, featuring a couple of my favourite serials. So, I dived straight into Chris Chapman’s wonderful new ‘making of’ documentary, filmed not on Fang Rock but BelleTout Lighthouse B&B; delightful camaraderie between Louise Jameson and Toby Hadoke!

Sending birthday wishes to the truly iconic Ursula Andress. #Hammer #She #Egyptomania #Bond007 #Titans #Harryhausen #ClassicalReception #1960s