Category Archives: Movies

The Casting Couch

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Ellen Ross

I was watching The Forsyte Saga on Netflix the other night. Not the original with Eric Porter and Kenneth More. The newer one with Damian Lewis as Soames and Gina McKee as Irene. I was struck by the fact that … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Movies, pop culture, Television | 14 Comments

Hollywood Hunger

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Ellen Ross

It’s Oscar Night. And in honor of the Academy Awards, I thought I’d pay tribute to two things I love. Movies, natch. And food. To be specific, fab foodie moments in cinematic history. Is there anything more mouth-watering than watching … Continue reading →

Posted in food, Movies | 26 Comments

Unreal Estate

Posted on January 18, 2015 by Ellen Ross

ICYMI, the Academy Award nominations came out this past Thursday. So first of all, I have to make some predictions. As I had forecasted, my ex boyfriend Benedict Cumberbatch was nominated for Best Actor in The Imitation Game. However it … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Interior Design, Memoir, Movies, pop culture | 12 Comments

Wanna Bet?

Posted on January 15, 2015 by Ellen Ross

I seldom make bets. In fact, the last big one I made was in 1988. It involved my son Nick- then aged eight- and the World Series. In the spring of that year, I had flown out to Oakland, California. … Continue reading →

Posted in baseball, Comedians, Memoir, Movies | 8 Comments

Enigma

Posted on December 14, 2014 by Ellen Ross

As long-time readers of this blog may know, I am crazy about two things. Puzzles and Benedict Cumberbatch. (But not necessarily in that order.) And the new movie, The Imitation Game, showcases both of them. It’s the true story of codebreaker and … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir, Movies, Music, pop culture | 14 Comments

Annie

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Ellen Ross

Author’s Note: This post is dedicated to Melissa Smith Ross. Another beautiful dancer. Can a little girl from a small town in Sweden find fame and fortune in Hollywood and end up going toe to toe dancing and singing with … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, Music, New Trier High School, pop culture, Theater, Tributes | 13 Comments

Trashy

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Ellen Ross

With the New York Film Festival in full swing, the Telluride and Toronto Film Festivals just behind us, and Chicago’s very own version set to debut in October, we’re drawing nigh to the wide release of some very highly-praised movies. … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies, pop culture | 16 Comments

Player

Posted on July 27, 2014 by Ellen Ross

In the New York Times Travel section recently, I came upon an article in “Heads Up/London.” The writer, Christine Ajudua, reported on the latest and largest project from Secret Cinema. This group puts on all-immersive audience participation experiences and their … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir, Movies, pop culture, Theater | 43 Comments

Hall Pass

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Ellen Ross

CAUTION: This blog post is rated “S” for Steamy. I’m well aware of the fact that many of you read me in bed on your phones and tablets early in the morning. And I’m very grateful that you have made … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir, Movies, pop culture | 30 Comments

Nyuck Nyuck Nyuck

Posted on July 3, 2014 by Ellen Ross

Okay, ladies. That’s your cue. It’s time to bounce. Take five to book a mani/pedi, or text your daughter, or wash your lingerie. Any girlie thing you want to do right now, because I guarantee you’re not going to give … Continue reading →

Posted in Memoir, Movies, pop culture, Television | 35 Comments