Word: apish
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...such accuser, Elizabeth Knapp, had lengthy fits, barked like a dog, made apish gestures and said that she would be unhealthy until the witch, her tormenter, was apprehended. Her minister, who observed her closely, was almost certain that the fits were real and that the devil was indeed speaking through her. Later, however--after the trials were over--Knapp admitted that the "apparitions she had spoken of were but fancies." Her mind, apparently, had deceived...
Baldwin, a fine actor in emotionally reserved roles, cannot summon enough of Stanley's musky sexual appeal or his apish brutality. His voice is too light, his features are too aristocratic. Above all, he cannot uncork the character's volcanic ego. The violent fits and howls are all there, yet feel calculated. Lange gives Blanche an initial strength that makes her breakdown all the more overpowering, and provides the few moments of real magic, describing the breakup of her family home and her hopeless marriage to a closeted homosexual. These scenes, however, are with Amy Madigan, able if stolid...