Jan Wahl

California, San Francisco

Columnist at San Francisco Bay Times

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Articles

Truly Terrific Liza - San Francisco Bay Times

1 month ago | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–Many of us feel we know Liza Minnelli, given her openness and lifetime in the spotlight. In my case, I went to at least four of her concerts in San Francisco, as well as to a tribute to her father, and a birthday party for her at the Fairmont San Francisco’s Tonga Room. My mother visited Liza in her dressing room. I also treasure the memory of being with Liza in a limo as we bonded over the joys—and challenges—of sobriety.
Get Me Production Design and Props - San Francisco Bay Times

1 month ago | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–One of the most fascinating, lovely men I ever knew was Jacques Mapes. Google his name and you will see that he is most often listed as a film producer, with glittering photos of Jacques dancing and hanging out with classic stars. But I knew him as the fifty-year partner of legendary producer Ross Hunter and set decorator for Singin’ in the Rain.
How to Brighten Up Oscar - San Francisco Bay Times

2 months ago | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–It is a most particular American phenomena. It can be a giddy social history of our times. It’s a grand, grotesque Hollywood party with a good guest list. At its best, it reminds people of films that have little promotion but deserve to be seen. Welcome to the Oscars. Sometimes we get a moment of profound beauty in an acceptance speech, before awardees begin to read from a folded piece of paper. That should not be allowed. But when the words come from the heart, they are worth remembering.
Bob Dylan Meets The Last Showgirl - San Francisco Bay Times

2 months ago | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–Just when I was beginning to wonder if this was a weak period for movies, two came into my life and they are both a relief from the depressing, mundane, or disappointing. Yes, there were some recent releases that made my top list: Emilia Pérez, The Brutalist, and especially A Real Pain. But nothing had me reliving each scene until I saw these two: A Complete Unknown and The Last Showgirl. A Complete Unknown begins in 1961 when 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York City.
A Few Good Films and Some Like It Hot! - San Francisco Bay Times

Jan 17, 2025 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–Ever play that game around a table full of friends asking, “What is your one favorite character trait of your own?” It is a good question to start us off on a positive during these challenging times. Answering the question myself, my first thought is enthusiasm, something I was glad to have after long, slow, ridiculous movies.
Bay Area Holiday Events to Lift Your Spirits - San Francisco Bay Times

Dec 5, 2024 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–The holiday spirit can be elusive these days, so I have two fabulous events that I go to in order to find the glittering, positive, candy cane world of this time of year. The Great Dickens Christmas FairThe first one takes us to a Victorian Christmas by way of the Cow Palace. It is immersive fun: a historical reenactment of all things Dickens.
Hollywood Does the Holidays - San Francisco Bay Times

Nov 20, 2024 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–The easiest, softest way to get in the holiday spirit is to watch or stream a terrific movie made just for the occasion. Hollywood has been making Christmas movies since the beginning of cinema. In 1898 there was the film Santa Claus (running 1 minute and 16 seconds!), The Christmas Dream was released in 1900, and as early as 1901 there was a film version of A Christmas Carol. Since then, some of my favorite films have a holiday theme.
My Favorite Movie Theatre and Two Must-See New Films - San Francisco Bay Times

Nov 8, 2024 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–It is time for the good movies to come out. Hollywood waits until now. Two of my favorite films of the year have been released, but the deluge of delights usually happens later in the year. The belief is that Motion Picture Academy members will remember your film best if it was something relatively recent to the Oscars. To qualify for the Oscar, a film needs to come out by the end of 2024. So, the rush is on. The two movies I loved were at my favorite theatre.
Frightening and Funny Films for Halloween Season Viewing - San Francisco Bay Times

Oct 18, 2024 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–This time of year, we think of movies that scare us. Naturally, I go in another direction. I think of films set with witches, warlocks, monsters, and mayhem that make me laugh, or at least smile. The traditionally scary ones, hatchet killers and crazed clowns, give me nightmares, so I stay clear. I love a creepy undertone or dark surprises, but no gross-outs or graphic gore. One of my favorites for October viewing is Bell, Book and Candle, which takes us to Greenwich Village in the 1950s.
Reel Delicious - San Francisco Bay Times

Oct 4, 2024 | sfbaytimes.com | Jan Wahl

By Jan Wahl–Danny Kaye serving Chinese dishes he cooked at Madame Wu’s. Mel Brooks holding court at Nate and Al’s. Teen throb Ricky Nelson chowing down burgers at Hamburger Hamlet. Zsa Zsa Gabor making sure everyone could see her in the front booth at Mario’s. Errol Flynn getting ready to pass out at the Cock ‘n Bull bar. Cary Grant always pausing at the top of the steps leading into the dining room at Lawry’s. Sinatra making The Farmers’ Market swing.