Category: S1Ep6: Rory’s Birthday Parties

The Pope

Lorelai jokes that the pope already has plans, but he’s trying to get out of them so he can attend Rory’s birthday party.

The pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the Catholic Church, also the head of state in Vatican City. One of the most enduring institutions in the world, the papacy has played a prominent role in world history. By tradition, the popes trace their line of succession back to St. Peter, and the title is from the Latin for “father”.

In 2000, the pope was John Paul II (1920-2005), who was elected in 1978. Born Karol Wojtyla in Poland, he was the first non-Italian pope since the 16th century, and one of the longest-serving popes in modern history. He greatly improved the Catholic Church’s relationship with other religions, and is credited with helping to end Communism in Europe. He was canonised a saint in 2014.

Barbra Streisand

RORY: So, is this party Grandma’s having going to be a big deal?
LORELAI: Not really. The government will close that day. Flags will fly at half-mast. Barbra Streisand will give her final concert … again.

Barbra Streisand (born Barbara Streisand in 1942) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and film-maker who is one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, and is the best-selling female artist. She is the only recording artist to have a #1 album in each of the last six decades. She has won ten Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achivement Award and the Legend Award, two Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and numerous other awards.

In 1999-2000, Barbra Streisand undertook her Timeless tour, which she said would be her last one, and might signal her retirement from the concert stage. Her final concert on the tour was given September 28 2000 at Madison Square Garden, about a month before Rory’s birthday (so if she appeared at Rory’s party she would be giving her final concert again).

However Streisand has toured twice more since then, and given eight other concerts.

During the show, it became apparent that Barbra Streisand was one of Lorelai’s favourite entertainers, and her movies in particular got several mentions.

Like a Virgin

RORY: You couldn’t get her to cave.
LORELAI: No, but she did agree to make the string quartet learn Like A Virgin.

This 1984 dance song by Madonna is from her album of the same name, written by Tom Kelly and Billy Steinberg. A world-wide success, it was her first single to go to #1, and helped make her a pop icon. It has often been covered, and is now regarded as a classic pop song.

Worship pudding

EMILY: Yes, but you like pudding.
LORELAI: Oh, I love pudding. I worship it. I have a bowl up on the mantel at home with the Virgin Mary, a glass of wine, and a dollar bill next to it.

Another reference to the Virgin Mary – interesting as the saint is the inspiration for the Gilmore surname. Lorelai’s statement brings to mind those primitive shrines where worshippers place votive offerings in front of saint’s statues, such as flowers or coins. Note the implication from Lorelai that she worships alcohol and money.

Georgian desk

RICHARD: Take a look at that desk in my office. It’s a really fine Georgian piece.

The Georgian era was a period in British history lasting from 1714 to 1830, named so because all the kings on the British throne were named George during these years – from George I to George IV. However, when people say Georgian in regard to antiques, they often mean it’s from 1714-1800, the regencies of the first three Georges, with 1800-1830 identified as late Georgian.

Georgian furniture tends to be solid and practical, made from quality wood, and with a fine attention to detail. A genuine Georgian desk of the sort Richard has in his office might be worth more than ten thousand dollars. (Of course it’s just part of the set, and not really Georgian at all – it doesn’t even look Georgian).

Henny Youngman

EMILY: Everything’s a joke. Everyone’s a punch line … My daughter – Henny Youngman.

Henry “Henny” Youngman (1906-1998) was a British-born American comedian and violinist famous for his one-liners – his most well known being the classic, “Take my wife … please”. He was known as The King of the One Liners. His routine consisted of simple one-liner jokes, broken up with interludes of violin playing. The hyper-successful Youngman performed on stage until the end of his life, and made many appearances on television.