The Misanthrope’s Corner

I HAVE figured out a painless way to follow Campaign ’96. Instead of suffering through CNN and C-SPAN, I watch old movies. The current politicos turn up in them like figures from Greek mythology who assumed different forms.

Anything starring Miriam Hopkins also stars Hillary Rodham Clinton, especially Becky Sharp. The symbol-rich love scenes between Garbo and Gilbert in Queen Christina feature a cameo appearance by George Stephanopoulos as the grape. Al Gore plays the title in Raintree County, as well as the romantic lead in post-war flicks starring the Great Stone Stone of the late Forties, Guy Madison.

About the Author

Florence King

Florence King was a contributing editor of National Review.

I HAVE figured out a painless way to follow Campaign ’96. Instead of suffering through CNN and C-SPAN, I watch old movies. The current politicos turn up in them like figures from Greek mythology who assumed different forms.

Anything starring Miriam Hopkins also stars Hillary Rodham Clinton, especially Becky Sharp. The symbol-rich love scenes between Garbo and Gilbert in Queen Christina feature a cameo appearance by George Stephanopoulos as the grape. Al Gore plays the title in Raintree County, as well as the romantic lead in post-war flicks starring the Great Stone Stone of the late Forties, Guy Madison.