This is how I resolved it. Not ideal but not too bad either.
Hold down Alt while opening iPhoto and choose "Create Library". It'll call it iPhoto Library-1. Save. iPhoto will then open with a blank window. Go to File menu and down to "Add to Library". Navigate to and click on (the original) iPhoto Library (user/Pictures/iPhoto Library. Import. Chill. Ended up with a reasonably organized library of photos ready to be organized into Albums.
The blanks and other detritus were not imported. All is zippy again.
Hope this helps.
Hold down Alt while opening iPhoto and choose "Create Library". It'll call it iPhoto Library-1. Save. iPhoto will then open with a blank window. Go to File menu and down to "Add to Library". Navigate to and click on (the original) iPhoto Library (user/Pictures/iPhoto Library. Import. Chill. Ended up with a reasonably organized library of photos ready to be organized into Albums.
The blanks and other detritus were not imported. All is zippy again.
Hope this helps.