Who Is the Exotic Black Orchid?

Be sure and check out Andi Brooks' rockin' Louise Brooks inspired song "Who Is the Exotic Black Orchid" at http://www.myspace.com/564763002/music/playlists/andi-brooks-s-playlist-202705

Might a couple of the other songs on this playlist also be inspire by our Miss Brooks? Listen and you be the judge.

Documentary filmmaker Richard Leacock dead at age 89

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Richard Leacock has died. He was 89 years old. Leacock, along with fellow directors D.A. Pennebaker, Robert Drew and the Maysles Brothers, helped pioneer the nonfiction format known as “direct cinema,” or Cinéma Vérité. His film-making carer spanned the years 1935 to 1996.

In 1984, he released Lulu in Berlin, a 50 minute filmed interview with Louise Brooks (intercut with film clips)  shot in the 1970's. It is remarkable and rare document, and has often been incorporated into other documentaries and television programs. I had a chance to meet and speak with Leacock a few years back, when Lulu in Berlin and another of his documentaries was shown here in San Francisco. You can read more about the man and his work at www.richardleacock.com

The entirety of Lulu in Berlin can be found on YouTube. Part one is embeded below.

Diary of a Lost Girl now at Southern Utah University

I am pleased to report that Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah now has The Diary of a Lost Girl (Louise Brooks edition) on their shelves. Southern Utah University is the 16 WorldCat reporting library to acquire the book.

Don't forget to ask your local or university library to get a copy. More info about the book at http://www.pandorasbox.com/diary.html

A portrait of Louise Brooks, by M.I. Boris

A portrait of Louise Brooks, by M.I. Boris

Another Louise Brooks postcard

I think this is one of the loveliest images of Louise Brooks....it stands apart from so many other portraits of the actress in that she is not wearing her trademark bob.

Louise Brooks postcard