Tonight, at 8 PM, HBO will show "Grey Gardens" and I know many of you cannot wait to see the sets, and the acting of Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. As much as I am fascinated by Big and Little Edie, I know a huge part of me wishes that there would have been some sort of rescue remedy for them, but then again, these are the things that make stories, and even movies.
Life is so precious for each and every one of us and I shudder to think that they could not have been helped. American Royals, mother and daughter, living in East Hampton, in isolation, in total squalor, with all those cats. I know of so many people with stories of neighbors living life in very much a similar fashion and being content. It seems that there is little that can provide the service to help these people. Many choose this life, but then again, many are mentally ill and truly need help yet often their own family cannot intervene or provide the strength to care.
Will you be watching? Does anyone living near you live like that? Have you tried to help them? Does social services know? Do they care? Are they utterly happy sleeping in fur?
26 comments:
This is very touching P. Many years ago, we had a husband and wife living in a beautiful home over-looking the water. He went to get groceries and as he returned died suddenly of a heart attack. The groceries stayed in the car for years and this poor woman lived alone with several cats, only seeing one person that brought groceries to her. Once in a while you may get a glimpse of her in a window as you drove by. She died alone, with her cats and her memories. People tried to help-but she preferred it this way-very sad.
What a generous gift! At the risk of sounding vain, I would say my face. I don't take a great photograph and I know that you would make me look terrific! Thanks.
Good Morning Paricia,
How you have said this is very beautiful. Hopefully, HBO will do this production in such a way that it makes us aware of your point first and foremost.
dvr ready to go
We do not have HBO but I will try to get this some time from Netflix. A haunting story.
Your blog is on my must look at all the time list.
I will be watching, I think, or recording at the least. Mr. B and I looked at a house one time that was not this far gone, but still, a gracious home in a lovely neighborhood in squalor. The woman had passed away and the children (who where in town) were selling it. I just remember walking out and saying, "Her children should be ashamed of themselves." But maybe it was her doing and they had done what they could. It hung with me for days.
During many a dinners in NYC, I will ask for half to be wrapped up before I begin to eat it. Afterwards, we'll walk and when we see a homeless person, I will give them the wrapped food. Sometimes they take it willingly, and sometimes, they won't take it. My heart breaks for the mentally ill who are out there unaware and unprotected on many levels.
We don't have HBO, so I will have to wait for the DVD. Our neighbor lives a very isolated life and we lived here for three years before I was finally able to have a conversation with her. We have tried to help, but our offers are not welcome. So we pray, and keep watch.
Yes ~ I also have my DVR set. I have been fascinated by this story since I first heard of it years ago. I always meant to watch the original and never have. The name is what first grabbed my attention - Grey Gardens. Some of these stories I am reading here are so sad :(
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
I tend to stay away from really sad movies...does it have a happy ending? Don't they sell a book? That's so awfull Debra...
I am looking forward to seeing this too, although their story has always upset me. The documentary just always made me feel for them so. It seemed to me that eccentricity had become mental illness and that made me so sad.
on a happier note, Sally Quinn did a wonderful job bringing Grey Gardens back to life!
There is an article in the Washington Post by Sally Quinn on Friday. Sally Quinn purchased the house and renovated it. I think you might find it interesting since most contractors told her to tear it down. Take a look.
I do not have HBO, however I will watch it as soons I can. I have been in a couple of homes like this.There was actually a lady professor in La Jolla, who had to go into her house through a window because it was so stacked with trash. No one knew she was living that way for years. The neighbors found out and then I learned about the sickness of "Hoarders"
Lovely post Patricia. Makes you think. There so much with them beyond the hording. So
much dysfunction in their need for one another. Yes. We must look out for each other.
Silly me, I had posted a comment and it came through on my daughters name, so here I am thanking each of you for your comments. I know about Sally Quinn and the renovation of Grey Gardens. Knowing the before still saddens me to think of them living like that.
pve
I am watching it as I write -- Drew Barrymore is AMAZING. Jessica Lang will be my favorite forever. Stunningly sad.
Purple Flowers, that is so lovely.
Oh--I've just written a snippet about this film too! I absolutely agree with you, and find it difficult to watch these women who so very much need a helping hand.
We do not have HBO but am very interested to see this movie.
there is a woman living alone in a house on our street, (not in a mansion, but a front porch colonial) hooked-up to an oxygen tank, unable to drive, too sick to walk. She collects rent from a tenant, and she orders a weeks' worth of food from the pizza joint. When she needs to go to the doctor, she calls 911 & they take her. She has a sister & atleast one daughter who are alive and not much involved, as far as I am allowed to see. Sadness :-(
Heidi-
Thanks for sharing, how sad. I wonder how many people are living the same as that. More than we know. It saddens me.
pve
Well, Grey Gardens didn't disappoint. It left me feeling so sad. No one helped them with more then a coat of fresh point. Two lives wasted. Enjoyed reading your thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.
there is a great interview with Lee Radziwell in Vanity Fair explaining it all. very interesting what Lee had to say. she adored them, but felt it was judgmental to try to change them. they liked their life. it's a good read.
It was well worth the wait! Drew and Jessica were astounding!
talk about a great movie..wow..i loved it..i watched the full doc on youtube as well..."I think this is the best costume for the day..."
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