#Mrs. Astor

[awkward-sultana]

(Almost) Every Costume Per Episode + Caroline Astor’s embellished white gown with gold print in 1x01

[lesbiangummybearmafia]

The Gilded Age, 02x07, Wonders never Cease. My thoughts

This episode was a fucking roller-coaster of a ride! One moment I'm crying then next I'm happy for someone, next I'm completely suspicious of one certain rich mrs. pain in ass.

First to everyone that was on to Muade Beaten right off the bat y'all get million brilliant points and I completely apologize for ever doubting any of you. Omg y'all were so right!! I truly didn't believe she was part of the scam. She freakin good! Give her award for that shit. At the same time I'm sad because I wanted her to be on the up and up. I really liked her, especially with Oscar. They made a cute couple. Omg poor Oscar, I just wanted to hug him when he started crying at John's place and I started crying for Oscar. Then when he tells Aunt Agnes how much money he lose, I started crying for all of them. Because I thought he had just used his individual money for the investment not his mother's money also. That's when I was oh no no no Oscar!! This has to be ok somehow, it just has too.

Then if that wasn't hard enough they have Luke pass away. I was just sobbing when Aunt Ada woke up he was gone. It's just awful that they were together for such a short time. Aunt Ada deserves so much more than just a taste of happily married bliss. My heart just brakes for her. At the same time I am glad she got to be loved like that and love someone in that way.

I did love what Aunt Agnes said to Luke when they were alone. It was also wonderful getting to see that side of her, Aunt Agnes truly loves and cares for her family. Even though she has this tough outer exterior, once you get pass that she's quite loving and she a softness about her. I like how she take her role as head of her family, all her family seriously. Aunt Agnes will always be the strength, the backbone, the true North for them. No matter if it takes kicking their ass or loving them like mad but most likely both she will be there doing it. Aunt Agnes over this season especially has become another of my favorite characters.

Ok once again not enough Bertha in the episode! I think we got spoiled last season because the show kinda revolved around Bertha and the Russell's. But this season their expending the other characters story lines more so we're getting less of what I want the most Bertha. Maybe they could made TGA two hours long episodes. I totally watch them!!

But onto what we did get. First fucking Mrs. Astor, suddenly all oh I got you box at the Academy of music. Yea like Bertha wasn't gonna be what this bitch up to. Mrs. Astor overly nice, her voice dripping with enough sugar put Bertha into glucose shock. Mrs. Astor should work on her fake nice act it's really transparent to anyone that can smell bullshit at 1000 feet. Then the stunt she pulled at Aurora's just made her look stupid not Bertha. But I so did love Bertha's crystal clear No, than she's all look bitch I never told you for sure I was doing that. Why are bringing up now, don't look so smug you haven't won anything. I'm not about to be your lackey. Mrs. Astor getting all huffy and leaveing she's just so pathetic omg. Mrs. Astor really thought she got the better hand of Bertha Russell with her stealing the Duke not with standing. But she simply can't Bertha far more intelligent, cunning, calculated and purely ruthless then Mrs. Astor. On flip side of that Bertha is also friendly, sweet, fun, kind and sincere. Where Mrs. Astor full of crap there's nothing sincere about her, she's all fake nice and attitude. I think she far to use to people kissing her ass and getting her way. We all know Bertha isn't going to do that. I'm so ready to see what happens at the opening night at both opera houses!!

I'm so happy for Jake! Mr. Bannister all casual oh I write my friend in German clock makers group for you. I really do like how there like a little family at the Van Rhijn house (with the exception of Armstrong). I really hope Jake gets his pattern, then goes on to be a clock maker if that's what he wants.

I don't have any idea why Marian is trying to convince herself to marry Dashiell. She's not in love with him, what she going to do wait until she's actually married to the man than be like I made mistake here. I wish she could be as brave for herself as she for everyone else. It's like this all she think she deserves is a loveless marriage at least on her side so she'll doom herself to it. Instead of being brave and looking for what deserves a love like Aunt Ada found. Which might be with one Larry Russell.

I adored the scene with Bertha and George. It's always a treat getting to see Bertha with her hair down all related in her night clothes. I really love that show has a in love married couple at core of it. It's not too much or too little, it's just right as Goldie Locks would say. They have reached the ideal balance for a loving marriage couple in a series, now all other series take note please. They are very endearing. When Bertha sat on George's lap such a romantic thing to do. I really do enjoy their scene together. Ever if their just talking. 😍

I was hoping George would end up being a good guy with his workers, treat them as human beings but so far he's still being ruthless ass. It's so hard with him, when he's with Bertha and his children I really like him, but as soon as he's all business I can't stand him. It drives me nuts.

I'm so happy to see Peggy stand her ground. But I do wonder how long that's going to go on for? Her boss doesn't even seem to give a second thought about his wife or family, just going to listen to his dick. Because let's be honest that's what he's doing. I just don't like him there's something about him the rubs me the wrong way, beyond the I'm so easily willing to cheat on my wife. I definitely feel he's done this before. Peggy might want to find out how many other babies he has around! I just get this feeling off him it's more like he wants to own Peggy untilhe gets bored then he moves on to the the next woman. I hope a really good guy comes into Peggy's life that's not married and sweeps her off her feet.

I really like what Larry did with his speech making sure that at least people in that room which did include the President know that Mrs. Roebling did the work on Brooklyn Bridge. I hope she knew that she wasn't forgotten in history. I learned about her college in my women in America history course. Now thanks to The Gilded Age so many more know her incredible story and she's come back to life in a way that makes the history even more exciting.

Oh I almost... I love when Mr. Baudin ask Mrs. Bruce if she going to watch the fireworks. I was omg the roof of the house! Because that house has to tall enough. I was happy I was correct. I thought I was so sweet he took up there so she could see them. I really like them together. I hope they become a couple. Makes me think of Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson in a way.

[cinematic-phosphenes]

Scenes in Newport THE GILDED AGE (2022-)

[julyzaa]

Seeing an article online about how 'Gilded Age's shadiest villlain gets his comeuppance'

[hellomadamebutterfly]

Bertha: My place is at the Metropolitan

Carrie: You'll regret it

Aurora, Mrs Fish etc:

[no-oscar-dicaprio]

the gilded age season three renewal! this is how we stay winning! can't wait for a whole new eight episodes of tightly scripted drama including but not limited to: being sold to a duke by your mother like he's a member of one direction, putting your sister in her place by paying the salaries of all her servants thus rendering her powerless, some bullshit about a clock again for some reason, and peggy living her best life and becoming a new york times best selling author.

[gemstone-ruby]

Season Finale Ramblings

Oh I feel so vindicated after watching to finale of The Gilded Age! Please note I do NOT have the extra context that comes with the show's extras yet (podcasts, interview, etc.) and I have only watched season two once but I am still filled with (a little too much) giddy energy about the ending so this is going to be a wall of text be prepared...

Thoughts and spoilers after the break

Lets start with Peggy: when I tell you I let out a sigh of relief when she left that man standing in the park! Mr. Fortune is MARRIED with -insert number of kids here- one of which is a newborn. You're telling me your wife just gave birth and you're making googly eyes at the new journalist who works for you???? TRASH. Now don't get me wrong, I could write off the kiss in the barn as a heat of the moment thing for the plot or whatever, but I think KNOW I would have been really pissed off and disappointed in how they took Peggy's character if they let that storyline continue into an affair. I wish Peggy the best of luck with her author dreams now that she has her start.

Ms. Marian: Girl, I am so happy you found your voice, dusted off your spine and got out of that engagement. For season one, in my opinion, she was pining so much for her old life that it made her lie to herself. She lost everything and everyone she knew in the blink of an eye and had to immediately put on a brave face and table her grief because Agnes hated her brother. I do think she loved Mr. Raikes but I think that love was rooted in her using him as a way back to "real life" once they got married. So much so that she ignored the signs that Raikes was being seduced by high society life in New York. She really grew as a person this season but when she accepted Dashiell's proposal, I thought she was sliding back downhill into the quiet housewife everyone expects her to be. I'm glad she's finally taking life into her own hands and I'm glad Larry Russell might be getting a happy ending with her as well. We shall see...

Speaking of the Russells: A big beautiful congratulations to Mrs. Russell for winning the opera war...however...I think it might come back to bite her in the ass when Gladys, and most importantly, Mr. Russell find out she basically sold her daughter off to the duke to do so. I love Mr. and Mrs. Russell as a unit, THE power couple, but George made it clear that he doesn't give two shits about playing the grand game of society. He only plays for his wife because his family's happiness is all he wants; if Gladys is falling for another man and Bertha tries to force her into the duke's arms, the power couple is going to clash. HARD. You already saw a brief look at that potential conflict when Mr. Russell was facing charges for the train crash and all Mrs. Russell could think about was a ball. He didn't even tell her when he was going ON TRIAL ffs! Yes they were at odds when Bertha found out about Turner coming onto him but in that instance George was working for forgiveness from his wife; the train derailment had him ready to bare teeth over his wife's lack of empathy. Mr. Russell already promised his daughter he would have her back when it comes to her marriage; this is not going to resolved without at least one relationship dynamic in the Russell household changing forever...

And FINALLY SOME KARMIC JUSTICE FOR ADA!!!! Omfg this woman could not catch a break for the life of her. This wise, kind soul had to live years as a spinster and (as I'm sure she probably thinks) a leech on the fortune her sister had to marry an awful man to get. When she at last finds a good man to love and live out her golden years with he fucking gets cancer and dies almost as soon as they get married. This woman could not get more than a second of peace. But when Bannister turned to her and crowned her head of the household with one question it's like the stars aligned! You could see it in her face when she realized she was finally, not her sister's equal, but her superior by Agnes's own old world standards. And I know that Agnes loves her sister in her outdated way, but in my opinion, it was also extremely patronizing. Agnes ruled her household with an iron fist, so much so that literally every one living under her roof, from the servants to her family members, have secrets they're keeping in fear of losing their way of life by angering her. Now, dear Aunt Ada, gets to take the rinds and I can't wait. Ada is kind but not naïve, wise but not authoritarian, and she realizes that the world is changing and society along with it. Everyone in the Van Rhijn house may now have a chance at happiness their own way now that they have a mistress who has no interest in changing who they are for the sake of other people's opinions.

I want to stress that I am not bashing Agnes. At least I'm not trying to. I know her way of thinking is a product of her time mixed with the horrors and injustices she had to face to get to where she is in life. But her being stuck in survival mode has sank her ship and nearly alienated her from her own family. She should take this changing of the guard as her sign to give it a rest, to TAKE a rest. Do I think she's going to: NO. I think she's going to be a bitter pain in the ass now that she has virtually no power.

I'm going to end this by saying to look forward to seeing if and how Mrs. Astor will move forward. She does not seem to be the type of woman to fade off into the night silently in defeat. I would say she may team up with Ms. Turner/Mrs. Winterton but not only does Astor know her secret now but I think she's about two seconds from spiraling in a BAD way and losing that rich husband of hers. I mean look at the temper tantrums she threw every time she lost something to Mrs. Russell.

If they do not renew this show for another season, I will haul myself from the Brooklyn Bridge (I'm joking.....mostly )

[newyorkthegoldenage]

The first Mrs. Vincent Astor, Helen Dinsmore Huntington, a leader of New York society, ca. 1926. Her friend Glenway Wescott, the novelist, described her in his unpublished diaries as "a grand, old-fashioned lesbian." After her divorce from Astor in 1940, she married Lytle Hull, a friend and business associate of Astor's.

Photo: Everett Collection via Elle Serbia

[haticesultanas]

THE GILDED AGE: costumes from episode 1.09

[regardstosoulandromance]

Taissa Farmiga and Donna Murphy behind the scene of The Gilded Age

[droughtofapathy]

The Gilded Age's Broadway Divas MASTERPOST

Welcome to my passion project. It has come to my attention that some viewers of HBO's The Gilded Age are unfamiliar with the extensive theatre credits, alcoates, and vocal talents many of the actors possess. As the resident Broadway Diva expert, it is my responsibility to fix that.

Pictured: 20 Tony Awards and 52 nominations. Audra McDonald...well, she kind of inflates the numbers a little. Edit: Justice for Tony winner Debra Monk. She's main cast.

Introducing my new series of blog posts where I will be highlighting two theatre veterans per day in the lead-up to our much-anticipated season two finale episode.

This series will heavily focus on a select few musical performances that are widely available for viewing, in addition to a brief career rundown. I will be limiting myself to no more than five videos per Diva, otherwise we'd be here for a lifetime. These performances will include popular songs and hidden gems alike, all curated to specifically show off the actress's considerable range in the theatre, especially juxtaposed against their roles in the show.

With respect to Michael Cerveris, Nathan Lane, and the other theatre gentlemen, I will be focusing this series on the women because I am a lesbian and this show is about the women, dammit. But fear not, they will most certainly be making appearances throughout because everyone has worked with everyone on stage.

The Divas:

Christine Baranski (Agnes van Rhijn) Donna Murphy (Caroline "Lina" Astor) Kelli O'Hara (Aurora Fane) Katie Finneran (Anne Morris) Debra Monk (Armstrong) Celia Keenan-Bolger (Mrs. Bruce) Laura Benanti (Susan Blane) Linda Emond (Clara Barton) Amber Gray (Bea) Denee Benton (Peggy Scott) Audra McDonald (Dorothy Scott) Jeanne Tripplehorn (Sylvia Chamberlain) Bonus: Duets, Trios, and Other Crossovers

[servants-hall]

The Gilded Age Season 2

[lesbiangummybearmafia]

The gilded age 02x08, In Terms of Winning and Losing, my thoughts...

Please excuse any spelling errors. My brain is sleepy so its not working too well. 😰

I'm still having feelings over last night season 2 finale. We can't say they didn't pack the episode until it nearly burst that's for sure.

I'm going start at the end because it still tickles me that Aunt Ada is now head of the Van Rhijn household. (They went omg free fall everything ending, to oh wait we're fine. One oh the fastest turn around ever). Which will now be known as Fronte household. Thank you, Mr. Bannister for pointing it out. Because truthfully I was clueless as every body else until he asked Aunt Ada if it ok. Than it all clicked... Omg Aunt Ada is now the big cheese! The look on her face was brilliant! In that moment we seen her take her power, completely imbody it. We clearly see her mind calculating on all the changes she's going to make. It one exceptional piece of acting from Cynthia Nixon. She doesn't utter a word during it, it's all in facial expressions and her body movements. It's just as powerful. She's so very talented!

Look on Aunt Agnes face made giggle as she realizes the role in her own house have reversed on her. That her little sister is now in charge. I don't mean in unkind way whatsoever. The relationship and dynamics between these two sisters have been certain ways for most likely all their lives up to this point, but now Aunt Agnes is going to have to listen to Aunt Ada in way is never did before. I personally think it's going to good for the whole household. Aunt Ada is kind and compassionate that will benefit everyone in that household especially Aunt Agnes.

I did love When Aunt Ada ask Marian if finally broke off her engagement with Dashiell, because she know he wasn't right for her. Lol it was too brilliant. I love Aunt Ada so much!!

So yes finally Marian broke off her engagement to Dashiell!! I cheered when that happened!! It's like damn woman took you long enough. But after he called her by his dead wife's name, creepy that was the last straw. No one can blame the man for still being in love with his dead wife. We all know that heart doesn't work that way, just because their no longer here doesn't make our love just stop. It's ultimately more to what Marian said, that their not well matched, they don't want the same things and their not in love with each other. I'm just glad she found her back bone and got out before it was too late.

I'm personally so happy about that kiss bewteen Marian and Larry, I was yelling kiss, kiss, kiss the whole time! I think their well matched in every way. Larry definitely be ok with Marian teaching or anything else she wants to do. Now thanks to Aunt Ada she won't come penniless to the whole thing because we know Aunt Ada won't allow that!! I'll put odds on it! Only issue as we all know may be Bertha. Perhaps not though so much with Larry, she does like Marian. We'll see... I did like the little scene bewteen Marian and Frances. I felt quite a bit of empathy for Frances, she was just a little girl looking for a mom. I'm glad Marian was able to reassure for her that she will still be very much in her life just not as her step-mother.

I'm so happy for Jack that he got his patent approved. It was such a brilliant idea of Peggy's that he go talk to Larry about it. That Larry wants to go into business with Jack on his alarm clock. Love it. It was so amazing what happen then.

Peggy deciding to leave her job at The Globe was probably the only way to deal with her feelings for her boss

I'm sad for her because she was doing something she loved. But he was just too casual about the whole cheating on my wife no doubt done more times then Peggy would of ever found out about. She deserves so much better. This also showed that she as alot of self respect, self worth, and self confidence. To not only not fall for his bs, but to walk away when she clearly had feelings but knew it was a bad situation for her. Women now a days can learn alot from her. I was also nice to see perhaps the rift bewteen Peggy and her father may be softening. That her mother and father are getting back to loving terms with each other.

I was very sad to see Mr. Watson go but to know that he'll be part of his daughter and grand children lives makes it a happy going. I'm glad his daughter let her wishes known and kinda defy he husband by going to talk to her dad.

Now the opera war. I never thought Bertha wouldn't pull it off. There's just something about that woman that scream WIN. I'm not surprised she got the Duke back, because she something or someone Mrs. Astor doesn't that alone I knew would enough to turn the Duke back to her side. That is Gladys of course. Now am I ok that's a good chance that Bertha sold Gladys into marriage with the Duke no I'm not! I love Bertha I truly do. However her own ambition I feel is an issue, it's a blinding thing, it's all consuming, it power over everything. I fear what that will do to her in future. Ambition can be good until it takes complete control of a person. Because the need to win, to be number one, to defeat those against you makes you forget about who truly loves you. I don't want to see that be the path for Bertha. Because at her core I don't believe she's her ambition. If she was she wouldn't of done the nice gesture for Mrs. Bruce by giving her the tickets to opening night of Met. Bertha does show incredible care and kindness to her staff. Which is something I truly love about her. Always the way she is with the people she's made friends with. Unlike Mrs. Astor who treats everyone like they should be kissing her ass. Bertha genuinely nice, kind, sweet and funny. So I want to her ambition hurt the rest of her, hurt her life, completely destroy her relationship with her daughter, her son and her husband. Because her ambition isn't worth losing her family that loves her. Alright enough said on that. To good stuff.

Seeing Mrs. Astor lose was brilliant! She at more than half empty Academy still trying to pretend everything's fine...while a death rattle could heard in the background. I wanted to tell Aunt Agnes and Oscar to get the fuck out of there, go with Mrs. Fish, save yourselves!!

Turner fuming was hilarious and her husband being completely over it just made all the better. I got feelings he just wanted to say to her could just sit down and shut it already damn for some peace and quiet. All day and night it's Mrs. Russell this and Mrs. Russell that. Should never marry you fuck!

I loved both Bertha and Gladys gowns. The colors were beautiful. Especially like how the colors deep green pattern against lighter green of Bertha's made her stand out in her box at Met, couldn't miss her if you wanted too. Marian gown was very cool I really liked ruching by shoulders and neck. But I think my favorite gown belonged to Aurora, blue and white and sparkly it was gorgeous. That's one I would've wanted to wear.

I so did love seeing Bertha get her moment, she was floating on air there. Especially when she walk through the doors of her central box after nearly crying because George got back for her. To the whole of the Metropolitan filled. Although the boxes where bigger then I thought they be. All I could recall was when I watched The Age of Innocent because that begins at the opera, it's very much in a similar time frame as The Gilded Age. But I like the ones at the Met better, they can call over and talk to each other like friends do. It seems less stuffy and more social and fun. One of my favorite moments was when Bertha caught sight of Mrs. Bruce and Mr. Baudin and gives them a little wave, it was so cute and endearing.

Mrs. Bruce was very cute through out being at an opera house for the first time.

I'm so sad it's the final episode of the season. All I know is HBO better renew for 3rd season!! Because it's official my favorite series, I don't want it going anywhere for a long long time!!

[cinematic-phosphenes]

THE GILDED AGE + ART [2/∞]

Young Caroline Webster Schermerhorn (1860) by an unknown artist Mrs William Astor (1890) by Carolus-Duran Caroline "Lina" Schermerhorn Astor played by Donna Murphy

[r-osehips]

I have two major predictions for the last two eps of s2 of The Gilded Age.

highly likely but I desperately don’t want it to happen: Bertha and George separate after Bertha finds out that George put his own money into the Met (nbd) and that he lied to her face about doing so (v big deal especially because iirc he lied about it in the SAME SCENE where she said please never conceal anything from me again)

unlikely but I would be delighted: Mrs. Astor, in a desperate bid to win the opera war, promises Bertha that if Bertha lets the Duke go to the opening at the Academy instead of the Met, then Mrs. Astor will marry her daughter off to Larry. but Larry, who has proven headstrong and reckless about love, does not want this. meanwhile Marian, who has already once before attempted to elope, desperately does not want to marry the guy who pressured her via public proposal. Marian and Larry elope.

now, if both these things happen, it could lead to the least likely yet most desired (by me) twist: Bertha and Agnes, united by outrage and loneliness and mutual contempt, have a torrid affair that goes from hatefucking to grudging co-conspirators who respect each other but pretend not to.

[fantrash]

Where are Mrs. Chamberlain and Carrie Astor? 😭 I keep telling to myself "maybe in this episode they'll be here" and they never are.