The New York Times Crossword in Gothic: 02.22.15 — A View from A Broad

Sunday, February 22, 2015

ACROSTIC, Puzzle by Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon

Edited by Will Shortz

This Sunday’s acrostic draws an amusing quotation from “A View from A Broad” by Bette Midler.

In A View from a Broad, originally published in 1980, Bette relives her career through memories of endless rehearsals, her fear of flying, crazy schedules and wisdom she learned from Thai Gondoliers, with the trademark razor-blade wit that her fans have grown to know, love and expect.

Filled with photographs, a new introduction and heartwarming stories that highlight only a portion of a brilliant career, A View from a Broad is the perfect gift for anyone who loves music, theater or just plain fun ;and will be cherished by the fans of Divine Miss M for years to come. ~ goodreads

The quotation: THERE WERE SOME INITIAL DIFFICULTIES WHEN THE DIRECTOR FIRST TOLD ME… THAT IF THE FILM WAS TO HAVE ANY SEMBLANCE OF REALITY AT ALL THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE MOMENTS WHEN OTHER PEOPLE WERE ON-SCREEN AT THE SAME TIME I WAS.

The author’s name and the title of the work: BETTE MIDLER, “A VIEW FROM A BROAD”

The defined words:

A. Part of life that was of interest to Scouting founder Lord Baden Powell, BOYHOOD
B. Billy Crystal or Whoopi Goldberg, e.g., several times each, EMCEE
C. Work alluded to in this puzzle’s quote (2 wds.), ‘THE ROSE”
D. Poster of a brief message, TWEETER
E. Noted 1940s-50s first lady, familiarly, EVITA
F. Book relating the parable of the talents, MATTHEW
G. Copy, mimic, parrot, IMITATE
H. Jennifer Garner or Brad Pitt feature, DIMPLES
I. Machine much used in the suburbs (2 wds.), LAWN MOWER
J. Wax excited, ENTHUSE
K. Mark of 2012’s “The Avengers”, RUFFALO
L. Count portrayed by John Malkovich, ATHOS
M. Dressing room furniture piece, VANITY
N. Last of six 1964 Beatles chart toppers (3 wds.), "I FEEL FINE”
O. One of the Barrymores, ETHEL
P. Hazard of bungee jumping or head banging, WHIPLASH
Q. 1985 Chevy Chase comedy, FLETCH
R. Herding dog named after a German town, ROTTWEILER
S. Identity of a person, ONESELF
T. Ticket stub, signed photo or such, MEMENTO
U. Attention-getting behavior, ANTICS
V. Aviator, informally, BIRDMAN
W. Device used n casting, REEL
X. N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer Robertson, OSCAR
Y. Party invitation specification, ATTIRE
Z. What an extreme daredevil may seem to have (2 wds.), DEATH WISH

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