Jeannette MacDonald, The Merry Widow, 1934-----------------
Monday, July 21, 2008
Puzzle by Gilbert H. Ludwig, edited by Will Shortz
As light as a feather, this Monday crossword could almost make one forget it’s a back-to-work day, but then so many of us may be on vacation we’ll not even come across this delightful puzzle, a no-nonsense, exotic little paean to the fair sex.
THEGAYDIVORCEE (20A. 1934 title role for Ginger Rogers), THEMERRYWIDOW (35A. 1934 title role for Jeanette MacDonald) and THEHAPPYHOOKER (51A. 1975 Title role for Lynn Redgrave) constitute a teasing triumvirate of interrelated entries. The ladies also flourish in this crossword with the inclusion of ESTHER (2D. Purim heroine), EVA (25A. With 56-Across, Saint of Hollywood) MARIE (56A. See 25-Across), ODAY (5D. Jazzy Anita), 63A. Writer Zora NEALE Hurston, 15A. Journalist ADELA Rogers St. Johns, all joining in on the metaphorical PEALS (9A. Sounds of bells or laughter) of the divorcee, the widow and the hooker.
A few more links -- CAESAR (39A. Emperor killed on the Ides of March), EDGAR (16A. Whodunit award), LORRE (50D. Peter of “M”), HORTON (47D. Dr. Seuss elephant), OSCAR (60A. “Sesame Street” grouch), AMERICA (28D. Song that begins “My country, ‘tis of thee”), SEWER (62A. Stinky stream), SIPHON (43D. Drain furtively, maybe) when paired with GAS (21A. Phase hotter than liquid).
Sure God created man before woman. But then you always make a rough draft before the final masterpiece. ~ Author Unknown
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For today’s cartoon, go to The Crossword Puzzle Illustrated.
For the complete post, go HERE.
