December 1979
Table of Contents
Features
Tiny TexasThe Best Little Hotels in MexicoPicking up the Pieces |
Smokers Are People TooThe Real Mean GreenMy Life and Hard Times in the Junior League“In the League, you’ll run into a little tradition, some nobles oblige, and a lot of talk about diets, dyslexia, designer dresses, and divorce.” |
Columns
Behind the LinesIf the eighties are here, where did the seventies go. FilmThe Vampire KillerWerner Herzog reverently remade the classic 1921 version of Nosferatu. He should have left scary enough alone. ArtThe Thin ManAlbert Giacometti’s sculptured figures, now at the Dallas Museum of Fine Art, are tall, emaciated, uncomprehending—and breathtaking. BooksMemoir of the SoilA.C. Greene’s singular, exquisite vision of West Texas; a thriller that’s better than it should be; and a historical novel with too much history. Dining OutThe Ultimate CroissantWith open arms—that is, mouths—Texas welcome a new breed of bakery. TheaterThe Long Nights of Preston JonesA remembrance of the late Texas playwright who spent his days and nights pondering imponderables. |
TheaterWhy the Alley?For the sake of the audience, it’s a question that needs to be asked. College productions of A Doll’s House show why actors go to school. Fort Worth has good actors and good producers—but not, alas, in the same theater. Popular MusicTune into the EightiesNew stars in sight are big and bright—deep in the heart of Texas. Classical MusicThe Big LoserA young Russian defector blows his chance to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and goes on to find fame and fortune. ChurchGo-Getters and Holders-OnThe difference between jogging with the Lord and just walking along behind. Stepping OutZandra and the Laughing ElkAl Neiman’s Fortnight the attractions varied between eccentric Americans and somnambulant British. EnergyLooking on the Bright side |
Reporter
ReporterTexas Monthly ReporterWhose blonde, curly scalp are the farmers after how do the rich and powerful run? Why, pray tell, does Houston need parks? |
Miscellany
Roar of the CrowdThe Inside StoryWee people. |
State SecretsWill the feds hijack out power? Will Akers slip off to LSU? ToutsHeart warmers, house warmers, and nose warmers. |



