FRANK's  GREAT PRAGUE ADVENTURE

Originally Written on 23 July-00

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"Marlene Arrives"

Hello again from Prague. We have been shooting nights since the beginning of July and will do so until the beginning of August.  When combined with a six-day week, it's  no wonder that the whole crew is tired!

The Lovely Marlene, Lobsterlady herself, arrived for a weeklong visit.  She landed late on Sunday afternoon, after travelling back to New York City from Monhegan Island, ME.  She had just enough time to do a wash, pet the cat, repack and head out to JFK for her overnight flight.

MARLENE VIEWS PRAGUE CASTLE AT NIGHT

After a rapid introduction to the joys of Czech cuisine and a quick view of a few sights, Frank and Marlene retired to the Hilton to, err, ah, oh yes, uhhh, they went back to the Hilton to rest from his working at night and her jet lag!

Frank and Marlene spent the next 2 days viewing the sights of Prague (two Czech holidays gave the film crew a three day weekend).

 MARLENE INTUITIVELY TRANSLATES HER FIRST WORD IN CZECH, ”SLEVA” (SALE)

MARLENE REJOICES AT THE SYMBOL OF THE ICE CREAM CONE

They took the funicular up to the top of Petrin Hill where they found some lovely gardens in a park.  In the middle of the park there is a structure that looks like the Eiffel Tower in Paris.  Frank convinced Marlene it would be a good idea to climb the staircase to the top of the tower (“It only cost 30 Crowns!” “It‘ll only take 5 minutes and the views will be spectacular!”  “We can have chocolate when we get down!”).

 THE TOWER ON PETRIN HILL

VIEW OF PRAGUE CASTLE, ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL AND THE MALA STRANA NEIGHBORHOOD FROM THE TOWER

 VIEW OF VLTAVA RIVER, BRIDGES AND PRAGUE CITY      

        MARLENE TAKES TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES

 Frank Likes The Flowers Too

Marlene and Frank spent the afternoon meandering through the Castle and Cathedral complex and wandering down the smaller adjoining streets. In medieval times, crafts persons and artisans lived in small cottages that line the winding lanes and alleys. These artisans provided the Castle with fine custom-made goods. Today, their ancestors sell crafts and souvenirs to visitors.

The Museum of Toys is located in one old building behind the Castle.  It houses a collection of childrens’ toys, the oldest dating back to the Middle Ages.  It also currently houses a display of 350 Barbie Dolls.  This exhibit is to honor Barbie’s 40^th birthday.  Art lovers from all over Europe are flocking to see this show.  We will not attempt to criticize Barbie with words.  Let the photos speak for themselves:

 A COLLECTION OF HIGH FASHION BARBIES FROM THE 1980’S DESIGNED BY BOB MACKIE (NEVER PRODUCED)

 A COLLECTION OF EUROPEAN RELEASE BARBIES FROM 1980-1994

 DETAIL OF ABOVE PHOTO SHOWING IMPREGNATED BARBIE AND DOCTOR KEN

We have many more pictures, but alas we are out of time.  The next page will show the Whitechapel set of “From Hell” lit for night as well as photos of the cast and crew filming the long opening shot of the movie.

 We will leave you with one last photo. Here are the three loveliest smiles in Prague:

 ELIZABETH, MARLENE, AND SUSAN

 mailto:frankielob@frankielob.iwarp.com