Finally we get to see Marianne looking like the kind of Hollywood ingenue that could turn Conan into Bob Hope. I am no judge of fashion: I do think the shoulder straps seem borrowed from a Montoni’s apron, but the cutout midriff is a kind of stylish touch. A great little black dress for a party, sure, but I think what the reporter girl’s got on is much better suited for a movie premiere.
The author has gone to lengths establishing Marianne’s close relationship with her Mom. It’s all she talked about over lunch with her costar, and she even dragged Mason home to meet her (and we all know how that turned out). It’s rather puzzling, then, that as Marianne’s dreams of stardom are realized, the Mom who inspired her sits home alone watching it all on TV.
Well gang, I’ve survived my fortnight at the SoSF desk, and I’m more than delighted to turn things over to billytheskink! If you’re in New York City this afternoon (Sunday) around three, I’ll be among the 500 tuba, euphonium, sousaphone, and baritone players taking part in the 43rd Annual 
