By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @ Blogfinger. Madeleine’s review of OG is above. Reposted from 2014 on BF.
If you recall the movie “Greta,” it begins with Greta (Hillary Duff ) riding in a bus heading for Ocean Grove to visit grandma. She says that her grandmother lives in a very depressing town. Greta really doesn’t want to go.
I took exception to Greta’s review, because she was clearly misinformed. The other problem I had with her narration was that, unlike all the other movies which featured Ocean Grove (eg Stardust Memories and Boardwalk Empire,) this was the only film that actually correctly identified the town. So it wasn’t exactly great publicity.
Which brings me to Madeleine’s review (above.) She is the granddaughter of an eminent OG family–the Aanensens. Ted sent this to us and said that it was written when Madeleine was seven after she had spent a summer’s day at the Ocean Grove beach.
I like the part where she tells us how good our town tastes and smells. She is right about the smells—we have the aroma of the sea and of coconut suntan lotion. Madeleine doesn’t tell us what she has been tasting in the Grove, but maybe it’s just that Aanensen home cooking. She also likes the colors here, so she is seeing us in a totally original way, sort of how a certain English rock group described their home as a colorful place to live.
Asbury Park wall art 2015, near the Casino.
Ted says that Madeleine “does a good job of summing up Ocean Grove.” You know, he’s right. Madeleine has a mind of her own, and she likes our town, and we like her review.
THE BEATLES
OG most definitely has a unique wonderful smell to it. Fresh. Clean. Vintage. Taste wise : OG to me tastes of hotdogs & sarsaparilla .
Re : Greta. Horrible movie. And whatever became of Hillary Duff? By the way Greta’s house (15 Ocean Pathway) just was sold. Alas EH Stokes’ quote on steps were painted over.
Liz: Earthly Possessions? I Googled it. Susan Sarandon starred in this made for cable movie, filmed in Ocean Grove. I never saw it or heard of it; nor did I intend for my list of two to be comprehensive.
Ocean Grove was a location for other movies as well including City by the Sea (2002) which starred Asbury Park, but OG was a location as well.
Thanks for the input. —Paul
Out of the mouths (or pens) of babes——
Paul do not forget Earthly Possessions from 1999… My house was in it:)
At the Chamber of Commerce meetings we are always discussing best ways to market Ocean Grove. I can honestly say we have never focused on smell nor taste. I have met Madeleine and may have to ask her for more guidance next time I see her. She is adorable and smart so we know she must take after her grandmother.