The Mailer Meister & Motown

If I was in Manhattan, I would avoid the asbestos by hanging out at "The Mistress and The Muse: The Films of Norman Mailer." Events commence this Sunday, 4:30 p.m. at the Walter Reade Theater in Lincoln Center. His television appearances on the Dick Cavett Show will run Tuesday through Aug. 5 at the Paley Center. Since I (heart) Dick Cavett and Norman Mailer, I would give the left tip of my pinkie-finger to be there.

The rest of us will have to be content with reading Mailer's interview with Michael Chaiken. The Village Voice offers more thoughts on Mailer's film career.

By the way, ever read Adele Mailer's memoir of her marriage to Norman? The Last Party is a harrowing account of her union with the meister/master during his early years of fame. He also stabbed her with a penknife, putting her in ICU.

Some people claim that Adele's book was all about revenge, but I disagree. While I'm a big fan of the Mailer Meister, stories from the Silent Generation - women from the 50s and early 60s - need to be told. Adele was a talent in her own right. The Last Party provides wonderful insight into mid-century sexism among the cultured classes.

From what I understand, she's been active in the NY theater and art world. Anyone know anything about that?

While on my imaginary trip to NYC, I'd also pick up a copy of today's Wall Street Journal. An article by Julia Vitullo-Martin titled The Day the Music Died on page W11 (National Edition) features a very good story about the effects that the 1967 Detriot riots had on Motown. Did you know that Martha Reeves is a Detriot City Council member? Neither did I. Now I'll be singing "Jimmy Mack" for the rest of the day.

No free link to the WSJ story, so buy the copy or subscribe online.

Comments

[Cormac]

Norman Mailer's daughter, Maggie, was in my class in college. One day, my friend Eric happened upon Mr. Mailer in a dorm elevator after some sort of visit.

Friend Eric: Mr. Mailer, I'm a writer, and I just wanted to say I really respect your work.

Mailer snaps into a crouch, fists up.

NM: WANNA BOX?

I assume the story is true, as Friend Eric never seemed like one to make things up. I hope it is. It makes me love Norman Mailer all the more.