World War II was never this soapy. World on Fire captures the essence of WWII in seven episodes with characters scattered in five countries as the Nazis begin their relentless movement to conquer Poland. Helen Hunt plays an American war correspondent who witnesses the German invasion of Warsaw and reports it in her radio commentary in Berlin. Sean Bean plays a pacifist in London whose daughter and son get involved in the War.

In Paris, a gay American doctor (Brian Jacob Smith) resists pleas to leave the city as the Germans move in…with dire consequences. Jonah Hauer-King as Harry Chase, creates most of the love interest in this series. Chase starts out as an interpreter for the British Government, but gets involved with a Polish girl named Kasia (played by Zofia Wichłacz). In a soap opera moment, Harry marries Kasia in hopes he can get her out of Poland before the Germans invade. But, of course, Something Else happens.

Harry Chase also has another girl friend, Lois (played by Julia Brown), who is a factory worker by day and a talented night club singer at night. Harry’s two love interests power much of the action in these episodes.

My favorite character is Robina Chase (played by Leslie Manville), Harry’s wealthy and imperious mother. But, World War II forces her to evolve as events upend her world.

Normally, I wouldn’t be watching something like World on Fire but the coronavirus, like WWII, changed everything. This ensemble series is mildly enlightening if you’re not allergic to soap. GRADE: B

Earlier this week, I featured Play It Again, Sam. Some of the commentators brought up Annie Hall so I dug out my copy and watched it for maybe the dozenth time. It’s still funny to me. Woody Allen plays Alvy Singer, a comedian whose approach to dating women is a little off. Alvy’s best friend, Rob (Tony Roberts), introduces Alvy to nightclub singer, Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). Of course, Alvy falls in love with the ditzy Annie in a heartbeat.

True love never runs smooth and soon Alvy’s quirks drive Annie Hall into the arms of Tony Lacy (Paul Simon). It’s the old Boy-Gets-Girl, Boy-Loses-Girl, Boy-Gets-Girl back again formula. But, this formula worked for Annie Hall: it won four Oscars including Best Picture.

Yes, the world of Annie Hall back in 1977 was much different from today. But, think of this movie as comfort food for your mind. GRADE: A

I’ve reviewed a number of Hank Davis anthologies and enjoyed them all. This latest book features Science Fiction stories that have a legal aspect to them. (Of course, my favorite legal SF novel is Pohl & Kornbluth’s Gladator-at-Law). But these short stories present an entertaining way to spend your time during the Stay-At-Home order.

My favorite story in this anthology is Clifford Simak’s “How-2” which is a twist on The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Things get out of hand quickly in this clever tale. “Skulking Permit” is one of my favorite Robert Sheckley comic SF stories. Arthur C. Clarke’s “Moving Spirit” is another comic romp from his Tales from the White Hart. I read Robert Silverberg’s “To See the Invisible Man” decades ago but the impact has stayed with me.

Overruled provides a variety of law stories–some serious, some funny–but you will have to be the judge of that! GRADE: B+

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

INTRODUCTION: COURT IS NOW IN SESSION… ALL OXYGEN-REDUCING BIPEDS PLEASE RISE! by Hank Davis 1
THE SKETCHER by Tom Kidd 5
JERRY WAS A MAN by Robert A. Heinlein 39
PARADOX & GREENBLATT: ATTORNEYS AT LAW by Kevin J. Anderson 65
THE JIGSAW MAN by Larry Niven 81
SKULKING PERMIT by Robert Sheckley 95
CHECKSUM, CHECKMATE by Tony Daniel 123
THE EXECUTIONER by Algis Budrys 149
LICENSE TO LIVE by Sarah A. Hoyt & Laura Montgomery 189
THE RIOT THAT WASN’T IN PORT NEEKS by Susan R. Matthews 205
LAWYER FIGHT by Larry Correia 225
THE PEOPLE V. CRAIG MORRISON by Alex Shvartsman & Alvaro Zinos-Amaro 237
HOW-2 by Clifford D. Simak 255
MOVING SPIRIT by Arthur C. Clarke 293
VICTIM OF CHANGES by Christopher Ruocchio 307
THE CYBER AND JUSTICE HOLMES by Frank Riley 323
TO SEE THE INVISIBLE MAN by Robert Silverberg 339
LICENSE TO STEAL by Louis Newman 353
WITH THE KNIGHT MALE by Charles Sheffield 363

Back to the 1980s with this 2-CD set of “hits” from that decade. Unlike some of the 1980s compilations I’ve shared with you in the past, these two discs actually include songs most of us have heard by groups we recognize. Once again, I’m guessing the choices are guided by record sales from those years. Do you see any songs you like here? GRADE: B+

PURE 80’s TRACK LIST:
1. Video Killed The Radio Star – The Buggles
2. Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) – Eurythmics
3. Everybody Have Fun Tonight – Wang Chung
4. One Thing Leads To Another – The Fixx
5. Hungry Like The Wolf – Duran Duran
6. Karma Chameleon – Culture Club
7. Something About You – Level 42
8. Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
9. Tainted Love – Soft Cell
10. Obsession – Animotion
11. Higher Love – Steve Winwood
12. Addicted To Love – Robert Palmer
13. Relax – Frankie Goes To Hollywood
14. Come On Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners
15. Rock This Town – Stray Cats
16. Centerfold – J. Geils Band
17. Jessie’s Girl – Rick Springfield
18. Our House – Madness
19. Hold Me Now – Thompson Twins
20. Tempted – Squeeze

MORE PURE 80’s TRACK LIST:

 1. Would I Lie To You? – Eurythmics
  2. Walk Like An Egyptian – Bangles
  3. Walking On Sunshine – Katrina And The Waves
  4. Maneater – Hall & Oates
  5. The Power of Love – Huey Lewis And The News
  6. Jeopardy – Greg Kihn Band
  7. I’ve Done Everything For You – Rick Springfield
  8. I Know There’s Something Going On – Frida
  9. Love Is A Battlefield – Pat Benatar
  10. Heaven is A Place On Earth – Belinda Carlisle
  11. Rio – Duran Duran
  12. In A Big Country – Big Country
  13. The Look Of Love (Part One) – ABC
  14. Rock Me Amadeus – Falco
  15. The Safety Dance – Men Without Hats
  16. Shout – Tears For Fears
  17. Do You Really Want To Hurt Me – Culture Club
  18. Hands To Heaven – Breathe

Liz Williams is one of my favorite writers. Her first novel, a faux-Jack Vance pastiche called The Poison Master, thrilled me. Williams’ latest book, Comet Weather, features four sisters from Somerset, England who have “powers” to talk to trees and stars.

Each sister has her own talents and they come into play when their mother, Alys, disappears and the police claim she’s dead (although no body has been found). The sisters think their mother is still alive and they follow clues to see if they can locate her.

Along the way shapeshifters, ghosts, parallel worlds, and time travel come into play. If you’re looking for an involving novel with strong women characters and plenty of plot surprises, I recommend Comet Weather. A sequel, Blackthorne Winter, is planned. I love the cover by Ian Whates! GRADE: A-

After watching Casablanca last week, I thought it might be fun to watch Woody Allen’s homage to that classic film, Play It Again, Sam. The 1969 play version of Play It Again, Sam lasted over a year on Broadway. In 1972, the movie version hit the theaters. The movie was directed by Herbert Ross.

Play It Again, Sam was the first movie with Woody Allan and Diane Keaton acting together. Woody plays Allan Felix, a neurotic film critic, who’s been dumped by his wife. Felix is inept at dating and his best friend, Dick (Tony Roberts, and his wife, Linda (Diane Keaton), attempt to help Felix navigate the dating scene.

The reason I’m fond of Play It Again, Sam is Felix’s reoccurring hallucination of Humphrey Bogart (Jerry Lacy) who gives Felix advice.

Sure, it’s a silly movie, but Play It Again, Sam does honor Casablanca in its treatment of romance and love. Have you seen Play It Again, Sam? Are you a Wood Allen fan? GRADE: B+

I’ve been listening to a lot of music during this Stay-At-Home phase. And some of the music comes directly or indirectly from Canadian musical prodigy, David Foster.

HITMAN is the memoir of David Foster who had a hand in producing dozens of hit songs. Foster has worked with many of the top singers. I enjoyed the story of a young kid from Canada who took risks and found himself in Los Angeles as a session player. But, a successful career as a musician wasn’t enough for Foster. He took the leap to producing records and after a shaky start, began to evolve into a hit song machine.

If you’re interested in the music industry and how hit songs are made, HITMAN will fascinate you. Check out the soundtrack to the book below. Do you see any songs you like?

TRACK LIST:

Disc: 1

  1. Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire (feat. Kenny G) [Live] – By David Foster
  2. Home (Live) – By Michael Bublé And Blake Shelton
  3. I Have Nothing / I Will Always Love You (Live) – By Charice
  4. Bridge over Troubled Water (Live) – By Josh Groban And Brian McKnight
  5. Because You Loved Me (Live) – By Celine Dion
  6. Wildflower (Live) – By Blake Shelton
  7. Somewhere (Live) – By Katharine McPhee
  8. Hard to Say I’m Sorry / You’re the Inspiration / Glory of Love (Live) – By Peter Cetera
  9. The Prayer (Live) – By Andrea Bocelli And Katharine McPhee

Disc: 2

 1. Andre Agassi Intro (Live)
  2. Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire (feat. Kenny G) [Live] – By David Foster
  3. Can’t Help Falling in Love (Live) – By David Foster
  4. She’s a Beauty / Man in Motion (Live) – By Michael Johns
  5. Mornin’ / After the Love Has Gone (Live) – By Brian McKnight
  6. Video – By Barbra Streisand
  7. Somewhere (Live) – By Katharine McPhee
  8. Through the Fire (Live) – By Renee Olstead
  9. Got to Be Real (Live) – By Cheryl Lynn
  10. Wildflower (Live) – By Blake Shelton
  11. Video – By Urban Cowboy
  12. Look What You’ve Done to Me (Live) – By Boz Scaggs
  13. Jo Jo (Live) – By Boz Scaggs
  14. Chocolate Legs (Live) – By Eric Benét
  15. Hard to Say I’m Sorry / You’re the Inspiration / Glory of Love (Live) – By Peter Cetera
  16. Amapola (Live) – By Andrea Bocelli
  17. Because We Believe (Live) – By Andrea Bocelli
  18. The Prayer (Live) – By Andrea Bocelli And Katharine McPhee
  19. Asturias (Live) – By William Joseph
  20. Video – “Because You Loved Me” – By Celine Dion & David Foster
  21. I Swear (Live) – By Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds And Kevon Edmonds
  22. Feeling Good (Live) – By Michael Bublé
  23. Home (Live) – By Michael Bublé And Blake Shelton
  24. Save the Last Dance for Me (Live) – By Michael Bublé
  25. Video – By Bodyguard w/ Kevin Costner
  26. I Have Nothing / I Will Always Love You (Live from David Foster & Friends) – By Charice
  27. Alla Luce del Sole (Live) – By Josh Groban
  28. Bridge over Troubled Water (Live) – By Josh Groban And Brian McKnight
  29. You Raise Me Up (Live) – By Josh Groban
  30. Got to Be Real (Live)

Rick Robinson correctly characterized the 2020 NFL Draft coverage on ESPN as “lame.” Social distancing and lack of crowds of fans clearly sapped most of the excitement from this annual event. And, who knows if the NFL season will even happen this year!

The Buffalo Bills traded away their First Round Pick for Viking’s wide receiver Stefon Diggs. So the Bills Second Round Pick loomed large. And, large is what Iowa Defensive End A. J. Epenesa is: 6’5″ 275 pounds.

In the Third Round, the Bills went for offense: Utah running back Zack Moss.

In the Fourth Round, the Bills added a 6′ 3″ wide receiver, Gabriel Davis, from UCF.

The most surprising pick for the Bills the was Fifth Round selection of QB Jake Fromm, Georgia. Hard to believe a player this good would still be available in the Fifth Round!

The Bills had two Sixth Round Picks and chose a kicker, Tyler Bass, from Georgia Southern and wide receiver, Isaiah Dodgins, from Oregon State.

The Bills closed out their 2020 Draft with a Seventh Round selection of cornerback, Dane Jackson, from Pittsburgh. All in all, I think the Buffalo Bills 2020 Draft was a success. How did your favorite NFL team do in the Draft?

Noah Isenberg’s We’ll Aways Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie (2017) traces how the movie came to be, how the cast was selected, how the movie was shot, and how Casablanca became an iconic film.

Surprisingly, Diane had never seen Casablanca in toto, only some of the famous scenes. So, in preparation for reading We’ll Always Have Casablanca, we sat down and watched it–the first time for Diane, about the dozenth for me. Diane, of course, loved it.

I learned a lot about Casablanca that I didn’t know. I didn’t know that the role of the character of “Sam” (the piano player) was almost given Lena Horne. Instead, it went to Dooley Wilson–who didn’t know how to play the piano! Wilson sings “As Time Goes By” but a staff musician called Elliot Carpenter was the “ghost pianist.”

I didn’t know Humphrey Bogart sulked during the production because “he didn’t get the girl.” I didn’t know Ingrid Bergman was chosen to play Ilsa Lund (Bogart’s love interest) but only after an exhaustive battle. Decision makers at Warner Brothers thought Bergman was “too young” for Bogart.

What do you think of Casablanca? GRADE: A (for the movie and the book)

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Introduction xiii

Chapter 1 Everybody Comes To Rick’s 1

Chapter 2 Usual Suspects 43

Chapter 3 Stick My Neck Out For Nobody 85

Chapter 4 Such Much? 123

Chapter 5 We’ll Always Have Paris 163

Chapter 6 Play It Again 201

Chapter 7 A Beautiful Friendship 241

Acknowledgments 277

Notes 281

Illustration Credits 311

Index 313

Between Planets, The Rolling Stones, Starman Jones, The Star Beast by Robert A. Heinlein was a Science Fiction Book Club omnibus published in 2004. I had read all four Science Fiction juveniles in the late 1950s when I binged on every Heinlein book I could get my hands on.

These four novels illustrate the range of Heinlein’s interests. Between Planets is a political novel. The Rolling Stones (aka, Space Family Stone) features an unusual family touring the Solar System and getting involved in adventures that teenagers (the target audience for these books) would love.

Starman Jones is frequently considered the best of Heinlein’s juvenile novels (I mildly disagree because I love Citizen of the Galaxy). Heinlein’s themes of personal characteristics overcoming problems and motivation come to the fore in this novel. The Star Beast features a high school senior who discovers his extraterrestrial pet is way more than he thought it would be.

Some people mock Science Fiction Book Club editions as cheap knockoffs, but I find the SFBC omnibus editions well worth collecting and reading. Are you a Heinlein fan? GRADE: A