William Congreve (1670-1729) was a Restoration era playwright, said to be second only to Shakespeare (only because it's a pain to write in iambic pentameter). A master of dialogue, character, and intricate plots. The Way of the World, Act II, Scenes I - III are pictured on the left. Why? I heard Crowe mention his name in an interview. I was surprised he knew who Congreve was. Crowe never went to college, which was where I learned about the playwright. But then again he DID work the theater circuit for a while, and he DOES read! Up to Congreve Background

The Tacoma Narrows bridge swayed and then collapsed in 40 mph winds in 1940, just months after it was completed. Killed one cocker spaniel and put on a hell of a show. Why? The bridge, in Bremerton, Washington (US), is located near Seattle. Crowe won a few International Film Awards there; I thought it'd be neat to do a King Kong/Godzilla type spoof showing how Seattle must have reacted to Mr. Crowe. He left a mess (see pic on left)! Up to Tacoma Narrows Background

Spanish Surrealist painter and sculptor. 1904-1989. Very prolific. Paintings pictured are Figure at a Window (left, © 1925), Untitled (top center, © 1983), The Dream (bottom center, © 1931), Surrealist Composition (right, © 1928). Why? I like Salvador Dali. Up to Dali Background