If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey — and really, who isn’t — you’ve no doubt seen this a few times:
“Funding for Masterpiece is provided by the Masterpiece Trust, created to ensure the series future, with support from Donald and Darlene Shiley and the following…”
“The following” change episode to episode, but the Shileys remain at the top of the list. You’ll even see their names as supporters of Masterpiece Mystery.
Which got me thinking — who are Donald and Darlene Shiley? Should I know their names already? And can I personally thank them for ‘ensuring the future’ and very existence of Downton Abbey?
Sadly, Donald died in August of last year, but not before he made tremendous contributions as a doctor and philanthropist. Shiley collaborated with Swedish cardiologist Dr. Viking Bjork to develop the Bjork-Shiley heart valve, which is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
He also contributed millions to research centers in San Diego which bear his name. The Shiley Eye Center at UC San Diego. The Shiley Center for Science and Technology at the University of San Diego. The Donald P. Shiley Cardiovascular Research Center at San Diego State University.
He and his wife Darlene have given millions to Alzheimers research, the Scripps Clinic, The Old Globe Theater and KPBS. (She worked as a TV public service director and promotions manager before their marriage.)
So now, each time I sit down to enjoy another addictive episode of Downton Abbey, I’ll smile knowing an even greater love story made the whole darn thing possible.
I know it was great. Perhaps one day I will.
Harry scary
Thinking about seeing The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe, this weekend?
The Sticky Egg was at the theatre first thing this morning to bring you this review.
Plus, I don’t see scary movies close to bedtime. I’ve learned that lesson the hard way. (Remind me to tell you about my Blair Witch Project fiasco sometime.)
The Woman in Black is my favorite kind of horror film. The ghosts are scary, but they pretty much stay in one place — in this instance, an old haunted house in Yorkshire at the turn of the century. There’s also no gore.
I hate gore.
Daniel Radcliffe, who has joked about being cast as Harry Potter because of his ‘orphan eyes,’ uses them to full effect here as a still grieving widowed lawyer sent to the haunted manse on business for the former owner.
Once there, he sees the legendary Woman in Black and soon children in the village begin to die in horrific ways.
I love the look of the film — so gray and cold. I kept burrowing under my coat to get warm in the theatre. Radcliffe disappears into the role as well; you won’t confuse him with Harry here. The film is well paced, building slowly and eerily towards it climax.
Or what you think is the climax.
Bwha ha ha.
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Posted in Celebrities, Commentary, Entertainment, Humor, Movies
Tagged celebrities, commentary, Daniel Radcliffe, entertainment, ghosts, gore, Harry Potter, haunted house, haunted manse, horror movies, Humor, movie climax, movie pacing, movie review, movie theatre, Movies, orphan eyes, scary movies, The Woman in Black, widower, Woman in Black, Yorkshire