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As 2005 comes to an end I’d like to take time to remember some of the famous and not so famous people in the industry who passed on. All of these obits appear in the monthly columns. Some choices for the review are obvious while others are just folks whose work I enjoyed. To all of the family and friends I ask for prayers of comfort. This year, I have learned first hand the power of prayer. My daughter has continued on her road of recovery. To all of you who have bent a knee on her behalf I thank you.

FRANK KELLY FREAS Died Jan. 2, 2005

Illustrator Frank Kelly Freas died of natural causes at age 82. Kelly Freas was the man behind Mad Magazine’s mascot Alfred E, Newman. Though he didn’t invent the character, Mr. Freas refined him and him his own. Mr. Freas’s death brought back a flood of memories from my childhood. I thought of my long ago friend Dale Berryhill and his big brother Wayne. Wayne was the guy that introduced me to Mad Magazine. He also introduced me to the fact that all you needed was a camera to make movies. We spent hours filming army me and hot wheels car as we blew them up with firecrackers. Once Wayne tied a lawnmower body to the back of his bicycle and gave all the kids a thrill ride down a steep hill near our house. Being the klutz that I am, I was the kid that fell off and was skinned up from head to toe. Wayne came over to my house later with his camera. He wanted to film my cuts. The way he explained it to my mom was, that when I healed, he would film me being shot with a toy machine gun. My current wounds would fill in for the bullet holes later on. Needless to say, my Mom wasn’t to happy about his influence on me. Wayne was a lot like Alfred E. Newman. He didn’t worry about a thing. It’s funny how memories come back like that. I wanted to include Mr. Freas in this column when I first heard of his passing. His artwork has entertained me for most of my life. The problem was, I couldn’t find a single movie credit for Mr. Freas. Einsiders.com reader Tim Grover contacted me about Mr. Freas. Like me, he was a big fan. I explained my dilemma. This is the Hollywood Obituary column. I needed a movie connection. Mr. Grover and I decided to step up our research. I then remembered a terrible movie I saw back in 1980. "Up the Academy" was a comedy directed by Robert Downey Sr. The film was produced by Mad Magazine. Once they saw the final product, the disavowed the result and removed their name from the project. I went to see the film on the strength of a teaser trailer that included the image of Mr. Freas’s masterpiece: Alfred E. Newman. There were also movie posters that carried the "What, Me Worry" kid’s face. Of course those were all pulled. Menawhile, Mr. Grover responded with some research of his own. A picture of a werewolf drawn by Mr. Freas was featured in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Mr. Grover also pointed out a fact he found in a reference book which stated that Mr. Freas had drawn pre-production illustrations for the project that became "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." Next to Alfred E. Newman, Mr. Freas most widely circulated illustration is probably the cover of Queen’s album "News of the World." The illustration was a reprise of a cover Mr. Freas did for "Astounding Science Fiction" magazine in 1953. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Mr. Freas and thanks for adding color to our lives.

WILL EISNER Died Jan. 3, 2005

Comic book pioneer Will Eisner died of complications following heart by-pass surgery at age 87. Mr. Eisner’s career spanned seven decades. In the 1940s he created "The Spirit." In the 1970s he pioneered the graphic novel. His character "The Spirit" was translated to film in the 1963 film "Adventures of the Spirit" and the 1987 TV movie "The Spirit." Mr. Eisner appeared as himself in the documentaries "Comic Book Heroes Unmasked," "Comic Book Confidential" and "The Masters of Comic Book Art."

ERWIN HILLIER Died Jan. 10, 2005

Austrian cinematographer Erwin Hillier died at age 93. Mr. Hillier was one of the most influential cinematographers in the history of British film. He was one of a group of artists working on the early films of Powell and Pressburger productions who invigorated British film. Along with Alfred Hitchcock’s early work, the Powell/Pressburger team produced films that showed that the British film industry could consistently produce films that rivaled or even surpassed those made by their American cousins. Erwin Hillier’s first job was an assistant camera operator of Fritz Lang’s macabre 1931 masterpiece "M." The chilling story of a child murderer played by Peter Lorre is as powerful today as when first released. "M" is a complete film in every respect. The cinematography, direction and acting fuse to terrify and rivet the audience. Mr. Hillier moved to England and worked on the Powell and Pressburger films "The Silver Fleet," "I Know Where I’m Going" and "A Canterbury Tale." Mr. Hillier’s early Black and White photography is among the best in motion picture history. He was also quite good when working in Color. Among his more memorable film credits are "The Dam Busters," "The Long and the Short and the Tall," "Operation Crossbow," "The Quiller Memorandum," Ray Harryhausen’s cowboy and dinosaurs fantasy "The Valley of Gwangi," "The Shoes of the Fisherman" and "A Boy Ten Feet Tall." Mr. Hillier was nominated for a BAFTA for his work on "A Boy Ten Feet Tall."

VIRGINIA MAYO Died Jan.17, 2005

Screen star Virginia Mayo died of heart failure and pneumonia at age 84. Ms. Mayo was one of the biggest stars in the Warner Brother’s stable of actors during the 1940s and 50s. She appeared in over 70 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. Ms. Mayo starred opposite James Cagney in my all-time favorite film: Raoul Walsh’s "White Heat." The blond bombshell had much more than looks. She was also an accomplished actress who got better over time. In "White Heat," she played the wife of Cagney’s psychopathic Oedipus-conflicted gangster Cody Jarrett. Ms. Mayo turned in a great performance as a no-good moll. Of course, Cagney's performance overshadowed everyone else in the film, so you have to watch close to appreciate Ms. Mayo’s work. She rivialed Jane Greer as one of Film Noir’s all-time bad girls. Ms. Mayo also did a good turn as a bad girl in William Wyler’s 1946 classic "The Best Years of Our Lives." She played the two-timing wife of returning Army/Air Corp officer Dana Andrews. It is a small but vital role in Wyler’s three-hour ensemble piece. Ms. Mayo held her own against such stars as Fredric March, Myrna Loy, Teresa Wright, Hoagy Carmichael and Dana Andrews. The following year, Ms. Mayo made a big impression as Danny Kaye’s co-star in "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." She co-stared with Danny Kaye in five films including "A Song is Born." Ms. Mayo married actor Emmy-nominated Micheal O’Shea in 1947. The couple met on Ms. Mayo’s second film, the bio-pic "Jack London." Her future husband played the title role. The couple was married until Mr. O’Shea’s death in 1973. She never remarried. Virginia Mayo’s other credits include "The Girl From Jones Beach" opposite Ronald Reagan, "The Princess and the Pirate" opposite Bob Hope, "The West Point Story" also with James Cagney, "Captain Horatio Hornblower" opposite Gregory Peck and "Along the Great Divide" opposite Kirk Douglas. Ms. Mayo slowed her career down in the early 1960s. She appeared more on TV than in the movies, although she continued to appear in films until 1997. Ms. Mayo was adept at song, dance and drama. She appeared in a number of Western films. In 1988, she was awarded the Golden Boot Award for her lengthy career. Ms. Mayo had a successful life both on and off screen. To quote her "White Heat" co-star, I guess you could say she "Made it Ma! Top of the World!"

JOHNNY CARSON Died Jan. 23, 2005

TV legend Johnny Carson died of emphysema at age 79. Next to Lucille Ball, Johnny Carson was the most influential performer in the history of entertainment TV. Hey folks, this is my column and that’s my opinion! Johnny Carson ruled the world of late night TV for 30 years as host of NBC’s "The Tonight Show." Johnny Carson was an everyman. He came into our homes, made us laugh and exposed us to more entertainers than ever before. He was a star maker. Johnny Carson had a quality that made you welcome him into your home. Though he was a very private man, he appeared on TV as someone who would be glad to have a beer with you. Maybe it was his self-deprecating humor. The secret to Johnny’s success is that he made his guests look good. Though David Letterman comes close to capturing Carson’s secret quality, those who followed Carson vie for the spotlight with their guests. He knew what made entertaining TV. Johnny spared no expense with The Tonight Show Band. Carson’s third band leader, Doc Severinsen was an amazing jazz and pop musician. I always envied the studio audience who got to hear the band play during commercial breaks. Then there was Johnny’s sidekick Ed McMahon. Say what you will about the man, he was a perfect foil for Johnny Carson’s subtle humor. Ed’s intro "Heeeeere’s Johnny" entered the vernacular. Stanley Kubrick’s "The Shining" is proof. Johnny Carson exposed America to the big stars, the oddities, the wonders of nature (that includes Carol Wayne as well as the animals from the San Diego Zoo) and common folks with uncommon stories. Johnny Carson’s comedic timing was impeccable. He was also a pro at recovering from a joke that bombed. Mr. Carson’s death brings back memories of my father. I knew that I was growing up in the eyes of my dad when he began to let me stay up and watch Johnny Carson with him. Some of my earliest "Tonight Show" memories were of a young Joan Rivers joking about a padded bra that was so thick that she once fell over and bounced right back up, of Jimi Hendrix experiencing an equipment malfunction halfway through his song (Flip Wilson was the guest host that night), of the numerous and hilarious conversations with actors Burt Reynolds and Robert Blake. I remember being the class clown in fifth grade by doing my Art Fern imitation. We all have our memories. I grateful to him for mine.

PAUL PARTAIN Died Jan. 27, 2005

Actor Paul Partain died of cancer at age 58. Mr. Partain played one of the most annoying, yet memorable characters in film history. The character Franklin Hardesty may not grate on movie-goers nerves the way Jar Jar Binks does, but he sure came close. Paul Partain played the doomed, wheelchair bound Franklin Hardesty in Tobe Hooper’s classic 1974 horror film "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." Despite the character’s whining, you still hate it when he finally meets the chainsaw-toting monster Leatherface in the woods. Mr. Partain was able to take this pathetic character and make him sympathetic. The claustrophobic film grows to a crescendo of terror that really gets going at the point that Partain’s character is killed. His death scene is terrifying as his character is the most vulnerable of all the victims. Tobe Hooper’s film traps the viewer in an unrelenting journey of terror. The movie builds slowly. Mr. Partain’s character is trapped in his chair from the outset. As things go wrong for Franklin, his sister and her friends, the movie-goer develops a kinship with Franklin. Suddenly our theater seat is as confining as Franklin’s wheelchair. We are trapped under Mr. Hooper’s masterful cinematic manipulation. Suddenly, we are thinking the thoughts Mr. Partain’s character has been voicing. We are not happy and wish we could leave. Too bad, too late. Paul Partain served his country in Vietnam. He made his film debut in Sidney Lumet’s "Loving Molly?" He worked with Peter Fonda twice. First in "Outlaw Blues" and then in the cult classic "Race With the Devil." Mr. Partain also had a supporting role in the William Devane/Tommie Lee Jones revenge thriller "Rolling Thunder." He returned in one of the "Chainsaw" sequels. Mr. Partain joined original "Chainsaw" actors Marilyn Burns and John Dugan in a cameo for "The Return of the Chainsaw Massacre." In numerous interviews, Paul Partain was revealed to be an intelligent, thoughtful and talented man. The world of horror films is sadder today for his passing.

KAREN BACH Died Jan. 28, 2005

French adult film actress Karen Bach committed suicide at age 31. Ms. Bach took an overdose of pills after writing a suicide note for her parents. I used the word "actress" for a reason. Ms. Bach was the co-star of the controversial 2000 film "Baise Moi." The tale of two women who go on a murder spree is one of the most challenging films ever made. I wrote an extensive examination of the film for the Video Risks column. CLICK HERE to read it. "Baise Moi" was either hailed as a masterpiece or condemned as an indulgent exercise of excess. The two lead actresses both came from the world of adult film. Ms. Bach delivered a stunning performance as Nadine, a woman whose soul had been eroded by degradation. Her character only felt alive when killing or screwing strangers. "Baise Moi" was Ms. Bach’s final film. I don’t know why she took her own life. Ms. Bach chose a tough profession. In one film, she showed that she had the potential to rise above the work she usually did. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

JIM CAPALDI Died Jan. 28, 2005

Rock drummer Jim Capaldi died of stomach cancer at age 60. What a month for the world of rock. Mr. Capaldi makes the third major rock star from the 1960s to die so far this year. Mr. Capaldi was one of the founders of the great British band "Traffic." Traffic was created by Capaldi, Steve Winwood, Dave Mason and Chris Wood! The band was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of Fame. Traffic appeared in the 60s teen comedy "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush." They were also the subject of the 1972 concert documentary "Traffic Live at Santa Monica." Though the band broke up in the early 70s, the reunited in 1994 to appear at "Woodstock 94." The band also reunited to appear at the tribute concert for George Harrison one year after the former Beatle’s death. The concert was filmed as the TV documentary "Concert for George."

JOHN VERNON Died Feb. 1, 2005

Classically trained Canadian actor John Vernon died at age 72. Mr. Vernon underwent heart surgery last month and complications arose. Mr. Vernon appeared in or did voice work on over 200 films, TV shows and Video Games. He is probably best known for his performance as Dean Wormer in "National Lampoon’s Animal House." In that role, he delivered the immortal line "Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son." Mr. Vernon reprised the role in the short lived TV spin-off "Delta House."

Though Mr. Vernon may be best remembered for his work in a comedy, he was first and foremost a dramatic actor. He spent five years with The Stratford Festival in Canada. In Canada, Mr. Vernon is best remembered for his lead role in the TV series "Wojeck." Long before "CSI" of "Quincy," John Vernon played a forensic pathologist who solved crimes. Mr. Vernon was nominated for a Best Actor Gemini for his work in the Canadian TV mini-series "Two Men." The Gemini is Canada’s version of the Emmy Award in the US.

My first memory of John Vernon was as the Mayor in Don Siegel’s classic "Dirty Harry." Clint Eastwood’s character Harry Callahan was first introduced in a tart conversation with Vernon’s Mayor. Mr. Vernon fed Clint Eastwood a straight line that led to one of the funniest, albeit dark lines in any film.

Mayor: Callahan, I don’t want any more trouble like you had last year in the Filmore district. Understand. That’s my policy.

Callahan: Yeah, well when an adult male is chasing a female with the intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That’s My policy.

Mayor: Intent? How did you establish thtat?

Callahan: When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn’t out collecting for the Red Cross.

Mayor: (After Callahan leaves his office) I think he’s got a point.

John Vernon would work with Clint Eastwood five years later in the outstanding Western "The Outlaw Josey Wales." Vernon played one of his many villains in the post-Civil War epic. Vernon would also reteam with "Dirty Harry" director Don Siegel in the over-looked Walter Mathau crime caper "Charley Varrick" and "The Black Windmill."

John Vernon was blessed with a deep baritone voice. His vocal talents were used behind the scenes in several films and TV series. John Vernon received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. While in school, he was given the voice role of Big Brother in the original film version of "1984." During the 1960s he provided the voices of such cartoon superheros as "Iron Man," "Dr. Strange," "Dr. Doom," "Sub-Mariner" and "The Hulk." He also did voice work on the adult cartoon "Heavy Metal." Most of his work during the last ten years was voice work for cartoons and video games.

In addition to Don Siegel, John Vernon worked with some of the best directors of his day. He appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s flawed thriller "Topaz." John Borman directed him in the superior original version of "Point Blank" opposite Lee Marvin. He also worked with George Cuckor (Justine), Abraham Polonsky (Tell Them Willie Boy is Here) and Andrew V. McLaglen (One More Train to Rob) among others.

Other notable film and TV credits include "Killer Klownes From Outer Space," "I’m Gonna Get You Sucka," "Airplane II," "The Blue and the Gray," "The Sacketts," "Brannigan," "Quincy," "Kung Fu," "ChiPs," "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza."

MAX SCHMELING Died Feb. 2, 2005

Famed German boxer Max Schmeling died at age 99. Mr. Schmeling was best known as the man who knocked out Joe Louis. Schmeling knocked out Louis in a 1936 fight. Two years later, Louis returned the favor during the first round of their rematch. Though Hitler tried to use Schmeling as a propaganda toll, Schmeling disavowed the Nazis. He actually risked his life hiding Jews from capture. Mr. Schmeling appeared in several films usually playing himself. He was married to actress Anny Ondra from 1933 until her death in 1987. Mr. Schmeling used his fight money to buy a Coca-Cola franchise in Germany. He remained a lifelong friend with Joe Louis and even paid for Mr. Louis’s funeral.

OSSIE DAVIS Died Feb. 4, 2005

"The Client" was filmed in my home town. Actor Ossie Davis played a judge in the film. His courtroom scenes were filmed in Division 1 of Shelby County General Sessions Court. That was the courtroom my late father Jim White, presided over for 18 years. My father was touched by the generosity of spirit that Mr. Davis showed him. He also earned my father’s admiration for his valiant acts in the war for Civil Rights. Dad cherished the photo at right, taken during filming of "The Client." When my dad introduced me to Mr. Davis, I was struck by how tall he was. Mr. Davis towered over my dad and me and I’m not a short person. That’s the way Ossie Davis was on screen. He usually towered over the material and the other performers he worked with. Award-winning actor/writer/director Ossie Davis was found dead in his hotel room in Miami at age 87.

Ossie Davis appeared in nearly 200 films, TV shows and documentaries. He was a long-time activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Davis and his wife actress Ruby Dee also proved that a Hollywood marriage can last. The couple wed in 1948! They worked together countless times in film, on stage and the small screen.

Mr. Davis’s career started in the late 1930s. After a time out during which her served as a medical technician in WWII, Mr. Davis returned to the stage. He was one of the pioneers who paved the way for hundreds of Black actors and actresses to break free from the Hollywood half-wit stereotype of Black people.

Not only was Ossie Davis one of the most accomplished actors of his time, he also wrote and directed. Mr. Davis wrote the play "Purlie Victorious." He adapted his play to Broadway as the musical "Purlie." He received a Best Musical Tony nomination for his writing. Mr. Davis was also nominated for a Tony for his acting in the Musical "Jamaica." Mr. Davis was nominated for three regular Emmy Awards for his work in "King," "Teacher, Teacher" and "Miss Ever’s Boys." He won a Daytime Emmy for the children’s special "Finding Buck McHenry."

Among Mr. Davis’s credits as a film director are two of the best films to come out of the Blaxploitation era. Davis wrote and directed the groundbreaking "Cotton Comes to Harlem." The film introduced Godfrey Cambridge and Raymond St. Jacques as police detectives Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson. The movie spawned one sequel. Mr. Davis also directed Paul Winfield in "Gordon’s War," a tale of a Vietnam vet who takes on drug dealers and pimps in his neighborhood. Both films were unjustly lumped under the Blackploitation umbrella. In fact, they were excellent movies that still hold up today.

One of Mr. Davis’s first films is a personal favorite of mine: "Fourteen Hours." He played a cab driver watching the drama unfold as Richard Basehart’s character threatens to jump to his death off of the ledge of a New York hotel. That movie was also Grace Kelly’s film debut. Mr. Davis worked with director Spike Lee on seven films including "Do the Right Thing," "Get on the Bus," "Jungle Fever" and "Malcolm X." Mr. Daivs also did fine work in several TV mini series including "Roots: The Next Generation" and "Stephen King’s The Stand."

Other film credits include "Bubba-Ho-Tep," "Grumpy Old Men," "Joe Versus the Volcano," "Harry and Son," "Let’s Do It Again," "The Hill" and "The Cardinal."

ARTHUR MILLER Died Feb. 10, 2005

"I’m not a dime a dozen! I am Willy Loman!" Playwright Arthur Miller captured the frustration of American life, the slow grind to the grave like no other American author. The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright died of heart failure at age 89. Arthur Miller’s "Death of a Salesman" is probably the greatest American play of the past century. Elia Kazan directed the original Broadway production in 1949. That play, along with Miller’s "The Crucible" won the Tony Award for Best Play. Mr. Miller won the very first Best Author Tony in 1947 for his play "All My Sons." He won his second writng Tony for "Death of a Salesman." In 1999, Mr. Miller was given a Special Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. On the personal side, Mr. Miller was the envy of every hot-blooded man in America during the 1950s when he had the pleasure of Marilyn Monroe in his matrimonial bed.

Miller’s play "All My Sons" was the first screen adaptation of his works. Edward G. Robinson starred as the industrialist with a deadly secret that is coming back to haunt him. Burt Lancaster starred as Robinson’s son who discovers his father’s tragic flaw. "All My Sons" was remade as a 1986 TV movie starring James Whitmore and Aiden Quinn as the father and son. There was also a Made for TV version of the play in Sweden in 1965. Swedish TV also remade the play in 1979.

"Death of a Salesman" has been translated to the big screen and TV thirteen times! The first film version in 1951 starred Fredrick March and Kevin McCarthy as Willy Lomen and his son Biff. The movie was nominated for five Oscars. There was an Argentine TV version in 1957. 1961 saw TV productions of the play in Swedish and Finland. Lee J. Cobb was nominated for an Emmy for his performance as Willy Loman in the 1966 US TV version of Miller’s play. Miller Won an Emmy for this version. Actor Rod Steiger played the part in the UK’s 1966 TV version. Miller’s play was produced on West German TV three times: in 1963, 1968 and 2001. West Germany co-produced with the US the 1985 TV version starring Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich as Willy Loman and his son Biff. That version won three Emmy Awards and was nominated for a total of ten. A 1996 British TV version followed. In 2000, Brian Dennehy starred in yet another TV version. The year before, Mr. Dennehy won a Tony Award in the 50^th anniversary Broadway revival of "Death of a Salesman."

Miller’s other famous work was "The Crucible." The play was written at the height of the HUAC hearings. Miller’s tale of the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600s also dealt with the witch hunts lead by Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy. The play was filmed four times. The first version was a German/French co-production starring Simone Signoret and Yves Montand. Ms. Signoret won a BAFTA for her work in the 1957 film. An American film version was not produced until 1967. George C.Scott and Colleen Dewhurst were both nominated for Emmy Award for their work. The TV movie also starred a bewitching Tuesday Weld. The Brits produced a TV version in 1980. The Oscar-nominated 1996 film version starred Winona Ryder, Daniel Day-Lewis and Joan Allen. Mr. Miller was nominated for both an Oscar and a BAFTA for his adaptation of his own play.

Mr. Miller’s most infamous film was "The Misfits." Written for wife Marilyn Monroe, the movie had a troubled production history. It was the final film of the King of Hollywood: Clark Gable. Gable died of a heart attack just a few weeks after shooting wrapped. Many contend that his death was brought on by the grueling stunts he performed as well as dealing with Ms. Monroe’s less than professional behavior on the set. Gossip and legend aside, "The Misfits" is still a good movie. Not a classic, but a very good movie. John Huston directed. The film also co-starred Montgomery Cliff, Thelma Ritter and Eli Wallach. Mr. Miller also did some uncredited work on his wife’s 1960 comedy "Let’s Make Love."

Miller and Monroe divorced in January 1961. In 1962, Mr. Miller wed photographer Inge Morath. They remained married until her death in 2002. The couple met on the set of "The Misfits." They had two children. One son was born with Down’s Syndrome. Miller put his son in an institution and never visited. His wife visited Daniel on a weekly basis. Their other child is actress Rebecca Miller, wife of actor Daniel Day-Lewis.

Mr. Miller adapted Kenrik Ibsen’s "An Enemy of the People" to the screen. It was turned into a Made for TV movie and later, a little-seen theatrical version starring Steve McQueen. I actually saw the Steve McQueen version in a fleabag motel in Barstow California when my car broke down for several days on the way to Disneyland.

Miller won his second Emmy for writing the excellent TV movie "Playing for Time." Vanessa Redgrave starred in the 1980 movie which told the true story of Fania Fenelon, a Jewish woman who survived Auschwitz by playing music for the Nazis.

BRIAN KELLY Died Feb. 12, 2004

Actor Brian Kelly died of pneumonia two days shy of his 74^th birthday. Baby Boomers fondly remember Brian Kelly as Porter Ricks, the caring and strong dad on the hit TV series "Flipper." For four years Mr. Kelly raised his sons Bud and Sandy and led them on numerous adventures with the lovable dolphin Flipper. Mr. Kelly also appeared in the feature film "Flipper’s New Adventures." Mr. Kelly appeared in a number of other films and TV series before his acting career was cut short by a motorcycle accident that left him partially paralyzed. Mr. Kelly was set to star in the film "The Love Machine" but was replaced by John Phillip Law following the motorcycle accident. Mr. Kelly turned to real estate but kept his fingers in Hollywood. He was one of the executive producers of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi classic "Blade Runner." Mr. Kelly was once married to 60s actress Laura Devon. His nephew is the Tony nominated actor Brian d’Arcy James. Mr. Kelly served his country in the Marines during the Korean War.

DAN O’HERLIHY Died Feb. 18, 2005

Oscar-nominated, Irish-born actor Dan O’Herlihy died of an undisclosed illness at age 85. Mr. O’Herlihy was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for playing the title role in Luis Bunuel’s "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." Last December I took the wife and lids with me to Atlanta to visit my daughter in the hospital. Thanks to modern technology we can watch DVDs in the care. The first movie we watched during the drive was the VCI release of "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." I never saw this version growing up. It is a spectacular film with a wonderful performance by Mr. O’Herlihy. This was also director Bunuel’s first English language film. Mr. O’Herlihy had some tough competition for the Oscar that year. He lost to Marlon Brando in "On the Water Front." Horror fans may remember Mr. O’Herliky as the demonic CEO in the flawed but worthwhile "Halloween 3: Season of the Witch." The film has nothing to do with Michael Myers. That may be why it is an object of scorn to others. Had the film been titled something else, it might have developed a greater fan base. In the film Mr. O’Herlihy plays a Halloween mask manufacturer with plans to destroy our children. It is a dark movie worth seeing.

Among Mr. O’Herlihy’s over 150 film and TV credits are a number of true classics. He played McDuff in Orson Welles 1948 version of "MacBeth." He worked with Bette Davis in "The Virgin Queen." Mr. OP’Herlihy gave a fine supporting performance in the 50s melodrama "Imitation of Life." In 1964 he appeared in one of the best thrillers ever made. "Fail-Safe" tells basically the same story as Kubrick’s "Dr. Strangelove." "Fail-Safe" is however a very serious film. It still packs a wallop today.

Among Mr. O’Herlihy’s other notable credits are "Robo Cop" and "Robo Cop 2," the excellent TV mini series "QBVII," "100 Rifles," "Twin Peaks," as FDR in "MacArthur," "The Last Starfighter" and as Joe Kennedy in "The Rat Pack."

ULI DERICKSON Died Feb. 18, 2005

Flight attendant/heroine Uli Derickson died of cancer at age 60. Ms. Derickson was on board T.W.A. Flight 847 on June 14, 1985 when two gunmen hijacked the plane. The terrorist shot US Navy diver Robert Stetham and dumped his body on the tarmac in Beruit. During the remainder of the ordeal, Ms. Derickson risked her life to prevent further bloodshed. Her heroic intervention led to the release of the remaining hostages unharmed. Ms. Derickson’s heroics became the subject of a made for TV movie starring Lindsay Wagner. "The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story" received five Emmy nominations including one for director Paul Wendkos.

SANDRA DEE Died Feb. 20, 2005

Golden Globe winning actress Sandra Dee died of kidney disease. Some sources state that Ms. Dee was born in 1942 while others claim it was 1944. Ms. Dee was either 60 or 62 years old. Sandra Dee enjoyed a meteoric rise as a teen idol during the late 1950s. She was one of the top ten box-office draws during her heyday. Girls wanted to look like her and boys wanted to date her. Sandra Dee personified the wholesome girl-next-door in such films as "Gidget," "Tammy and the Doctor," "A Summer Place," "The Reluctant Debutante" and "Tammy Tell Me True." Occasionally she received roles that showed her range. She held her own opposite Lana Turner and Dan O’Herlihy in the Oscar nominated melodrama "Imitation of Life." Peter Ustinov cast her as Juliet in his Cold-War/comedy update of the Shakespeare play, which Ustinov called "Romanoff and Juliet." Despite her virginal screen image, Sandra Dee was a normal woman. She married actor/singer Bobby Darin. The couple appeared together in three films: "Come September," "If a Man Answers" and "That Funny Feeling." The marriage lasted a little over six years. Following her divorce, Universal Studios dropped her from her contract. Good girls don’t get divorces! What a hypocritical double standard. Especially in Hollywood! Sandra Dee continued to work sporadically, but her time on the top ended with her divorce. In 1970 she starred with Dean Stockwell in a so-so adaptation of H.P. Lovecraft’s "The Dunwich Horror." During the 1970s Ms. Dee appeared in a couple of entertaining Made for TV movies. In "The Daughters of Joshua Cabe" Buddy Ebsen plays a mountain man who hires a hooker and two thieves to pose as his daughters in order to get around some homestead law. It was nice to see Ms. Dee play against type. Karen Valentine and Lesley Ann Warren played the other so-called daughters. The following year Ms. Dee appeared in the first film about the Apollo 13 disaster: "Houston We’ve Got a Problem." She also appeared in the pilot film for the TV series "Fantasy Island." Ms. Dee won a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer in 1958. She gained exposure to a new generation through the Broadway play and film "Grease" because of the song "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee."

We all have a movie that touches us, or which draws us back to a special time in our life. A reader in San Francisco named Janet shared her memories of watching Ms. Dee act in the film "Portrait in Black." I thank her for letting me share it with you:

Anyway, no one mentions it, but Sandra Dee was in a movie called "Portrait in Black" which was filmed here in San Francisco in 1960. I am especially fond of this movie because I was a 12-year old Sandra Dee fan when I saw it being filmed near my elementary school in Pacific Heights. Miss Dee was of course wonderful and my friends and I got a kick out of watching take after take of her trying to park a little sports car in front of the mansion where the movie was being filmed.

The film also stars Lana Turner, Anthony Quinn, Anna May Won, Lloyd Nolan, and John Saxon. It has some fine San Francisco scenery from the period, which brings back many memories of my fair city when I was growing up, much as "Vertigo" does for me.

HUNTER S. THOMPSON Died Feb. 20, 2005

Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson pulled his latest and last act as a wildman by shooting himself in the head. He was 67 years old. Dr. Thompson was the father of "Gonzo Journalism." His work focused on him as much as whatever subject he was observing. His best know work was the classic "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." He also wrote the excellent look at the famed California biker organization "Hells Angels." Actor Bill Murray played Dr. Thompson in the 1980 misfire "Where the Buffalo Roam." Thompson was an executive consultant on that film. His best known book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" was filmed in 1998 and starred Johnny Depp. Dr. Thompson co-wrote the pilot film for the TV series "Nash Bridges" with his neighbor Don Johnson. He was the inspiration of Garry Trudeau’s "Doonsebury" character Duke. Dr. Thompson’s antics were too numerous and detailed to try and summarize in this small space. Read "Fear and Loathing." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

SIMONE SIMON Died Feb. 23, 2005

French actress Simone Simon died at age 94. The sexy actress was best known for her starring role in producer Val Lewton’s original "Cat People." Ms. Simon played the sexually frigid woman who feared she was turning into a panther. "Cat People" is among the best films of producer Lewton. Though great directors like Robert Wise and Jacques Tourneur actually directed Lewton’s films, the producer got top billing. His moody atmospheric films proved that true terror could be achieved through suggestion. Simone Simon was the most provocative leading lady Lewton ever featured. Ms. Simon made a cameo in the not quit as good sequel "The Curse of the Cat People."

Simone Simon was discovered at a sidewalk café in France. A chance meeting with director Viktor Tourjansky led to her being cast in his 1931 film "The Unknown Singer." Ms. Simon appeared in 15 films in Europe before coming to America. For two years she worked in American films, but did not achieve any real success. She played opposite Jimmy Stewart in "Seventh Heaven" and in five other films. Ms. Simon returned to France and starred in Jean Renoir’s "The Human Beast." She quickly reestablished her place as an European star. That success was short lived as German tanks overran Paris.

Back in the US, Ms. Simon appeared in her two best films. Ms. Simon garnered critical praise as the Devil’s seductress in "The Devil and Daniel Webster." Ms. Simon turns in an amazingly erotic performance, made all the more remarkable considering the constraints of the Production Code. Ms. Simon followed "The Devil and Daniel Webster" with "Cat People." Unfortunately Ms. Simon was never given another role in US films that utilized her talents. After appearing in several b-movies, Ms. Simon returned once more to France. She appeared in Max Ophuls’ Oscar-nominated and BAFTA winning "La Ronde." She retired in 1956 except for a cameo in the 1973 film "The Woman in Blue."

TERESA WRIGHT Died Mar. 6, 2005

Oscar-winning actress Teresa Wright died of a heart attack at age 86. Teresa Wright was the only actor to be nominated for Oscars for their first three films. She is also only one of nine actors to be nominated in both the Best Acting and Supporting Acting Oscar categories in the same year. Though she appeared in less than 50 films, many of them were classics. Teresa Wright’s screen persona epitomized the girl you wanted to take home to meet you mom. That may sound corny, but she was what the girl-next-door was before Hugh Hefner redefined them. Ms. Wright’s first husband was Oscar-nominated screenwriter Niven Busch (Duel in the Sun). Her second husband was the multi Oscar-nominated playwright Robert Anderson (I Never Sang for My Father).

After being discovered on Broadway by Samuel Goldwyn, she was brought to Hollywood amid much hoopla. Goldwyn saw Ms. Wright in the Broadway production of Thorton Wilder’s "Our Town." Ms. Wright held her own against such talents as Bette Davis and Herbert Marshall in William Wyler’s "The Little Foxes." She was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar in her 1941 film debut. The following year she played Lou Gehrig’s wife in "Pride of the Yankees." That film earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination. That same year she co-starred in the ultimate tearjerker "Mrs. Miniver." She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work.

My personal favorites came later. Alfred Hitchcock cast her perfectly in his masterpiece "Shadow of a Doubt." Ms. Wright played the small-town girl who begins to suspect that her favorite uncle Charlie is a notorious serial killer. Ms. Wright once again shone among a stellar ensemble cast that included Joseph Cotton, Hume Cronyn, Macdonald Carey and Wallace Ford. Her best work came in William Wyler’s American classic "The Best Years of Our Lives." If there is any doubt that Ms. Wright was an actress of limited range, this is the film to watch. Ms. Wright played the daughter of a rich banker who finds herself falling in love with a married man. Again, she was part of a great ensemble cast that included Fredric March, Myna Loy, Dana Andrews, Harold Russell, Virginia Mayo and Hoagy Carmichael.

After ten years in Hollywood, Teresa Wright ran afoul of the Studio System. She was bad-mouthed for not being a toadie to the moguls. She suffered financially, but continued to work. In later years she spent more time on stage than in front of the cameras. She starred opposite Marlon Brando in his film debut "The Men." Brando played a man wheelchair bound due to a wound suffered in the Korean War. I always remember his line in which he says that Ms. Wright’s character "makes me feel like a bug." She appeared in a number of feature films during the 1950s before retreating to the stage. Her film appearances after 1960 were limited mostly to a number of Made for TV films.

I remember Teresa Wright in the creepy ABC TV movie "Crawlspace." She co-starred with Arthur Kennedy as an elderly couple who discover a strange young man living in the crawlspace of their home. They adopt the kid to try and help him. It was one of the great little films put out by ABC in the early 1970s as part of their "ABC Tuesday and Wednesday Movie of the Week." "The Elevator" was another TV movie in this series that was a standout. It involved an all-star cast trapped in an elevator with an armed robber. I know an obituary is not the place to say this, but I wish someone would put out those old ABC movies in a boxed set of DVDs! Another great TV movie featuring Ms. Wright was CBS's "Bill: On His Own." The film was a sequel to "Bill." Mickey Rooney played Bill Sackter, a mentally retarded adult learning to live on his own. Soap Opera fans enjoyed Ms. Wright’s brief stint as Grace Cummings during the 1986 season of "The Guiding Light."

Ms. Wright was also a prolific guest star on various TV shows. She appeared in over 60 shows during her career. She was nominated for two Emmy Awards. The first was for her performance as Annie Sullivan in the "Playhouse 90" version of "The Miracle Worker." Patricia McCormack of "The Bad Seed" fame played Helen Keller opposite Ms. Wright. Ms. Wright was also nominated for an Emmy Award for her guest appearance on the TV series "Dolphin Cove." Other guest starring credits include "The Ford Television Theater," Sid Caesar’s "Your Show of Shows," "Climax!," "Studio 57," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Bonanza," "Picket Fences" and "Murder She Wrote."

Ms. Wright did come back to features occasionally. In 1969 Ms. Wright played Michael Douglas’s mother in his debut film "Hail, Hero!" Like Marlon Brando’s debut, Michael Douglas’s debut dealt with a man returning home from war: this time the Vietnam War. In 1980 Ms. Wright appeared in the romantic cult-classic "Somewhere in Time." Leonard Nimoy cast Ms. Wright in his 1988 film "The Good Mother." Ms. Wright’s final film was shot in my hometown. She played Matt Damon’s landlord in Francis Ford Coppola’s film version of John Grisham’s "The Rainmaker."

DEBRA HILL Died Mar. 7, 2005

Horror movie fans will most probably think of Michael Myers whenever the town of Haddonfield is mentioned. The psychopathic monster is as much a part of the fictional movie geography as Jason is of the fictional Camp Crystal Lake. The movie town of Haddonfield was the name of "Halloween" co-writer and producer Debra Hill’s hometown. Debra Hill rose from her roots in Haddonfield New Jersey to become on of the most successful female producers in Hollywood. Today Debra Hill lost her 13-month battle with cancer. She was 54 years old. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

Horror movie fans are loyal. They invariably look for a new talent, a name that guarantee’s quality thrills and chills. I’m one such fan. "Halloween" was a movie phenomenon. Like millions of other genre fans in the 1970s, I was wowed by John Carpenter’s work. I made a point of going to see whatever he did. I also noticed that there was someone else involved with John Carpenter, a co-writer and a producer, someone who shared his vision and believed in his work. That person was Debra Hill. Carpenter and Hill wrote "Halloween" in two weeks. Ms. Hill provided the insight into small-town America and into teenage girls. Carpenter provided the scares.

I guess Debra Hill’s career reminds me of that old TV commercial for Smith-Barney in which John Houseman said "Smith-Barney: They make money the old-fashioned way. They EARN it!" Debra Hill’s rise was like that. She earned her way to the top with hard work that started as a script supervisor on B-movie director Larry Buchanan’s 1976 sexploitation bio-pic "Goodbye, Norma Jean." Ms. Hill worked on two films during that bicentennial year. The other film was a first time effort by John Carpenter. "Assault on Precinct 13" showed what a talented director could do with a very low budget. The film still packs a punch today. Ms. Hill was both the script supervisor and assistant editor in the indie classic. That film marked the beginning of the collaboration with Mr. Carpenter that continued to this day. That is not to say that Ms. Hill was strictly the woman who co-wrote and produced the films of John Carpenter. While that in itself guarantees Ms. Hill a respected spot in Hollywood history, Debra Hill achieved much more in her short life.

In addition to her association with John Carpenter, Debra Hill produced a number of successful films. Her first non-Carpenter production was David Cronenberg’s wonderful adaptation of Stephen king’s "The Dead Zone." Other production credits include Terry Gilliam’s "The Fisher King," Chris Columbus’s "Adventures in Babysitting" and "Heartbreak Hotel," "Big Top Pee Wee" and "Crazy in Alabama." Ms. Hill also produced a string of Made for TV and cable TV films.

As I said before, I’m a horror movie fan. I will always be indebted to Ms. Hill for her partnership with John Carpenter. Ms. Hill wrote and produced "Halloween," "Halloween II," "The Fog" and one I’ll forgive her for "Escape from L.A." The characters she created in "Halloween" were used in five sequels including the upcoming "Halloween 9." Her script for "The Fog" is being remade with director Rupert Wainwright at the helm. Ms. Hill also produced Carpenter’s "Escape from New York." She and Mr. Carpenter co-produced the in name only sequel "Halloween 3: Season of the Witch." This overlooked little gem suffers from having the "Halloween" title. Michael Myers was nowhere to be found. Instead, the movie was an occult thriller involving a demonic toy manufacturer played by the late Dan O’Herlihy who is bent on destroying our children with some very creepy Halloween masks. The film was one of Ms. Hill’s less successful films, but it is worthy of rediscovery.

JOHN BOX Died Mar. 7, 2005

Multi Oscar and BAFTA winning production designer/art director John Box died of vascular disease at age 85. John Box helped some of the greatest directors of all time achieve their vision. In some cases, Mr. Box’s vision exceeded the talent of the directors he worked with. Mr. Box was nominated for six Oscars, winning four and was nominated for six BAFTAs, winning three. Just looking over Mr. Box’s will conjure up memorable and monumental scenes from some of the best films ever made.

Mr. Box won Oscars for David Lean’s films "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago." Those two films alone would make one worthy of a place in film history. I could go on and on about the memorable images and sets. However, Mr. Box’s career didn’t end there. He also won Oscars for Carol Reed’s 1968 Best Picture Oscar winner "Oliver" and Franklin J. Schaffner’s "Nicholas and Alexandra." Mr. Box was also nominated for Oscars for Lean’s "A Passage to India" and George Cukor’s "Travels With My Aunt." His three BAFTA wins were for "A Man for All Seasons," Norman Jewison’s original version of "Rollerball" and the Robert Redford/Mia Farrow version of "The Great Gatsby." He was also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 1999 London Critic’s Circle Film Awards.

Last year I reviewed the Fox Studio Classic DVD release of "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." The true story of a missionary to china who saved over a hundred children during WWII was a visually stunning film. I was stunned to discover that the movie was filmed in Wales! Mr. Box’s art direction on that film was amazing. I intend to watch it again and see if I can tell that it was not filmed in the orient.

Among Mr. Box’s other credits are William Friedkin’s remake of "The Wages of Fear": "Sorcerer." While the remake doesn’t come close to the original film’s power, Mr. Box’s jungle design work is excellent. He also created the great sets in Michael Mann’s excellent and dark horror film "The Keep." Other credits include "The Cockleshell Heroes," "Our Man in Havana," "The World of Suzi Wong," the 1994 version of "Black Beauty" and "First Knight."

Mr. Box served his country in the Royal Armored Corp during WWII, rising to the rank of Colonel at age 25!

JOHN DELOREAN Died Mar. 19, 2005

Auto designer John DeLorean died of complications following a stroke at age 80. Mr. DeLorean developed the gull-winged sports car that bore his name. The venture was a failure due to a complicated series of events. Documentary filmmaker D.A. Pennebaker co-directed the 1981 documentary "DeLorean," which chronicled the rise and fall of the maverick carmaker. "Car Crash: The DeLorean Story" was a TV documentary on the same subject. Mr. DeLorean’s greatest gift to the movies was his famed car. The DeLorean was the car used as a time machine in the "Back to the Future" films.

PAUL HENNING Died Mar. 25, 2005

Oscar and Emmy nominated writer/producer Paul Henning died of natural causes at age 93. Paul Henning created the classic TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies." During the early 60s my father enforced a 7 PM bedtime for my older brother, sister and myself. The only exception was on Tuesday night when we could stay up to 7:30 in order to watch "The Beverly Hillbillies." Mr. Henning also wrote the memorable theme song. "Come and listen to my story about a man named Jed…" Tonight I’ve watched the news as Terri Schiavo is slowly starved to death while an abundance of evidence is shown that cast doubt on the motives of her guardian. I wonder how this nation has come to this point. I guess one could argue that the beginning of the end of a United States and the division of the country into the Red and the Blue states could be tracked back to 1971. That year the president of CBS made a decision. Despite the fact that Paul Henning’s TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Green Acres" were still Top 10 shows, the network canceled them both. CBS decided that the home-spun humor and family friendly entertainment that was the hallmark of Paul Henning’s TV series was a thing of the past. It was time for "All in the Family," "M*A*S*H" and other more politically charged shows to break into the airwaves. That was also the year that "Mayberry" was wiped off the TV map. Maybe I’m making a stretch here, but I don’t think that Ms. Schiavo would be judicially executed in those days.

Paul Henning went to law school on the advice of Harry S. Truman, but turned to the entertainment industry instead of the practice of law. Paul Henning began his career as a writer for the radio show "Fibber McGee and Molly." He went from radio to film and TV. He was nominated for an Oscar for his script of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson film "Lover Come Back." Mr. Henning always seemed to put rural and urban America in comedic conflict and the rural world won out. He wrote for such shows as "The Real McCoys," "The Andy Griffith Show" and others. In addition to creating "The Beverly Hillbillies" he also created "Petticoat Junction," "Green Acres," "The Bob Cummings Show," "Bearcats" and "The Dennis Day Show." Mr. Cummings also co-wrote the Steve Martin/Michael Caine comedy "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." Mr. Henning was nominated for Emmy Awards for his TV series "The Bob Cummings Show" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." The Writer’s Guild gave Mr. Henning an honorary Silver Laurel Award for his contribution to TV.

JOHNNIE COCHRAN Died Mar. 29, 2005

Renowned attorney Johnnie Cochran died of a brain tumor at age 67. Mr. Cochran gained worldwide fame for his successful defense of ex-NFL running back O.J. Simpson for the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman. Though critics can point to a poor prosecution by the State of California and a lack of courtroom control by Judge Ito, there is no denying that Mr. Cochran’s work on the lengthy trial was nothing less than brilliant. He prevented the State of California from giving The Juice the juice. He led the legal dream team during the yearlong trial. His phrase "If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit" became the stuff of legend. If he didn’t know before, it’s safe to assume that Mr. Cochran now knows whether or not his golf-playing client was really guilty. He appeared in the documentary "The Trial of O.J. Simpson." Johnnie Cochran built his reputation in California long before the Simpson trial. He was a fierce litigator and champion for the rights of those brutalized by rouge elements of the LAPD. Mr. Cochran had recently opened an office in my hometown of Memphis, though that office specialized in medical malpractice suits. I was a bit disappointed, as I practice solely in criminal court and would have loved to watch him work. Mr. Cochran appeared as himself in a number of films and TV shows including Spike Lee’s "Bamboozled," "Showtime," "Arli$$," "Pete Rose on Trial," "The Hughleys," "Saturday Night Live" and "JAG." Of course, his most famous TV appearance was on that ultimate reality TV show "The State of California vs. Orenthal James Simpson."

HIDEAKI SEKIGUCHI Died Mar. 31, 2005

Japanese punk rocker Hideaki Sekiguchi died of a heart attack at age 38. Mr. Sekiguchi was better known as Billy Wolf, or Bass Wolf of the Japanese punk rock band "Guitar Wolf." I first became aware of Guitar Wolf through Memphis filmmaker J. Michael McCarthy. The gonzo director put them in his B-movie classic "The Sore Losers." McCarthy’s film deals with hot-rod Mayans from outer space you come to earth to kill hippies. Guitar Wolf is one of the reasons the movie is so cool. Of course, the petite, blond naked angel helps too! Guitar Wolf released nine albums during their 12-year career. The Tokyo band adopted my hometown as their spiritual Mecca. They played numerous gigs in Memphis including one just nine days before Mr. Sekiguchi died. Maybe the Memphis connection had something to do with Billy Wolf sharing a birthday with Elvis. The band’s first release on vinyl was recorded on Memphis label Goner Records. Mr. Sekiguchi starred with the rest of Guitar Wolf in the Japanese Rock Zombie film "Wild Zero."

POPE JOHN PAUL II Died Apr. 2, 2005

Pope John Paul II died at age 84 after a lengthy illness. Born Karol Wojyla, he became the first non-Italian Pope in over 400 years. During his 27 years as pontiff Pope John Paul II became one of the most respected spiritual leaders in history. His strength in speaking out for the poor and oppressed, the fact he asked the Jewish people for forgiveness for the sins of the Catholic Church against them and his part in breaking down the iron curtain brought him the admiration and respect of peoples of all faiths and political ideologies. Pope John Paul II also stood fast to the tenets of the Christian faith, choosing to serve and honor God no matter whether it upset those who would rewrite the Bible. When he was shot three times by an assassin in 1981, Pope John Paul II visited him in jail and forgave him.

Prior to becoming a priest in 1946, having studied at a clandestine seminary in Nazi occupied Poland, Karol Wojyla was a stage actor and playwright. He was also an accomplished athlete. Two of Pope John Paul II’s plays were turned into films. Burt Lancaster starred in the 1988 film version of "The Jeweler’s Shop." His play "Our God’s Brother" was filmed in Poland in 1997. The Pope’s life was the subject of two Made for TV movies: "Pope John Paul II" with Albert Finney in the title role and "From a Far Country." The Pope was also the subject of a number of documentaries including "The Millenial Pope: John Paul II."

Though I am not a Catholic, I have always admired Pope John Paul II’s defense of the Christian faith against those who would try and dilute Christ’s teachings. He was a man of principle and compassion. I pray that his successor is cut from the same cloth.

SAUL BELLOW Died Apr. 5, 2005

Nobel prize-winning writer Saul Bellow died at age 89 after a lengthy illness. In 1976 Mr. Bellow won both the Nobel Prize and the Pulitzer Prize. He was the first writer to win the National Book Award three times. His Novel "Seize the Day" was turned into a feature film starring Robin Williams. He wrote the script for the 1967 Yugoslavian TV drama "Izvlacenje." He appeared as himself in the Woody Allen film "Zelig" and in the Israeli documentary "In Search of Identity."

DEBRALEE SCOTT Died Apr. 5, 2005

Actress Debralee Scott died three days after her 52^nd birthday. Ms. Scott had lapsed into a coma for three days last week. When the doctors could not uncover the reason for her collapse, Ms. Scott was sent home. Though Ms. Scott was best known for her role as "Hotzi Totzi" in the hit TV series "Welcome Back Kotter," she had memorable roles in a several films. My first memory of her was as the naked corpse in "Dirty Harry." I first saw the movie when I was young enough to be awed by a glimpse of flesh. Ms. Scott played the young woman who was kidnapped by the film’s serial killer badguy. It was Ms. Scott’s character that led Clint Eastwood’s Harry Callahan to torture the killer in order to find her whereabouts. Ms. Scott is glimpsed as she is pulled dead from a culvert. It’s funny what sticks in your mind when you are 13 years old. Other memorable cameos include her role as one of Harrison Ford’s girlfriends in "American Graffiti." She was the girl who exclaimed to Paul LeMat’s John Milner "Ain’t he neat!" as the hod-rod racers faced off early in the film. Other credits the disaster movie "Earthquake," "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud," the TV series "Angie" and two of the "Police Academy" films. Perhaps her most memorable role was as Cathy Schumway on the TV series "Mary Harman, Mary Hartman" and its spin-off "Forever Fernwood." In the spin-off series her character found herself in lust with her own father, played by Tab Hunter. Tab Hunter replaced Phil Burns in the role. Plastic surgery was the explanation for the drastic change in her father’s appearance. This storyline was just one of many that caused both series to be show late at night in many markets. Ms. Scott was engaged to New York port authority officer J.D. Levi. Officer Levi was killed in the collapse of the World Trade Center on 9/11.

PRINCE RAINIER GRIMALDI III Died Apr. 6, 2005

Prince Rainier III of Monaco, Europe’s longest reigning monarch died of heart, lung and kidney illness at age 81. Rainier had ruled the tiny nation of Monaco for nearly 56 years. His family has ruled Monaco since 1297. Prince Rainier was the widower of American movie star Grace Kelly. The Pennsylvania beauty who won the heart of Rainier. Who could blame him! In 1956, after appearing in eleven films, the blonde beauty retired from the movies and married the prince. Princess Grace was killed in a tragic automobile accident in 1982. She was killed on the same winding road made famous during her car chase with Cary Grant in Alfred Hitchcock’s "To Catch a Thief." Prince Rainier appeared as himself in a number of documentaries and was the subject of an "A&E Biography."

JAIME FERNANDEZ Died Apr. 16, 2005

Award-winning Mexican actor Jaime Fernandez died of a heart attack at age 67. Jaime Fernandez was the younger brother of actor/director Emilio Fernandez: General Mapache in Sam Peckinpah’s "The Wild Bunch." The two brothers worked together in eight films. Jaime Fernandez appeared in nearly 200 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. In addition to his work in front of the camera, Mr. Fernandez was the General Secretary of Mexico’s actor’s union for 11 years. International audiences may know Mr. Fernandez best for the role of Friday in Luis Bunuel’s "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." While his co-star Daniel O’Herlihy was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his work in the film, Mr. Fernandez won the Best Supporting Actor Silver Ariel, Mexico’s equivilent of the Oscar. He won three Silver Ariel Awards during his career. He appeared with Charles Bronson and Anthony Quinn in "The Guns of San Sebastian." He had a small part in the Glenn Ford Western "The Day of the Evil Gun."

RUTH HUSSEY Died Apr. 19, 2005

Oscar nominated actress Ruth Hussey died at age 93. She had been in the hospital for a short time following an attack of apendicitis. Ms. Hussey was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performances as the spunky photographer in George Cuckor’s classic screwball comedy "The Philadelphia Story." Ms. Hussey acted in support of Katherine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant. She held her own among these movie giants. Ms Hussey appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows. Ms. Hussey was also a prolific actress on stage and radio. She appeared on numerous episodes of the "Family Theater" radio show which emphasized family prayer. The radio show featured many of the best known actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Ms. Hussey appeared in such classic films as George Cuckor’s "The Women," "Madame X," "Northwest Passage" and "The Great Gatsby." She appeared in three of my old movie favorites. She co-starred with Ray Milland in the creepy romantic ghost story "The Uninvited." Ms. Hussey also appeared in "Judge Hardy’s Children" and "Another Thin Man." Ms. Hussey holds a dear place in the hearts on any fan of Andy Hardy and Nick & Nora Charles. Other film credits include "Blackmail," "Tennessee Johnson," "Maise," "Susan and God," "The Lady Wants Mink" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Ms. Hussey was the mother of Oscar winning filmmaker John Longenecker. She did voice over work on his 1971 Oscar winning Live Action Short Subject "The Resurrection of Bronco Billy."

GEORGE P. COSMATOS Died Apr. 19, 2005

Action film director George P. Cosmatos died of lung cancer at age 64. Mr. Cosmatos was best known "Rambo: First Blood Part II." Mr. Cosmatos also put A-list actor Kevin Costner to shame when his film "Tombstone" outshone and outgrossed Costner’s high-brow film on the same subject "Wyatt Earp." The Italian born director was assistant director on Otto Preminger’s "Exodus" and well as on the Oscar-winning "Zorba the Greek." He wrote and directed the all-star thriller "The Cassandra Crossing." During the production of that film, the director was almost killed in a helicopter crash. Comantos and "Rambo" star Sylvester Stallone reteamed for the brutal and forgettable "Cobra." He then directed "Leviathan," an underwater variation of "Alien." His final film was the 1997 Charlie Sheen vehicle "Shadow Conspiracy."

SIR JOHN MILLS Died Apr. 23, 2005

One of the greats of the British stage and screen has died. Sir, John Mills, patriarch of the famed acting family died at age 97 after a short illness. John Mills won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for David Lean’s 1970 romantic epic "Ryan’s Daughter." John Mills is the father of actors Juliet Mills, Hayley Mills and writer/producer Jonathan Mills. Mr. Mills appeared in nearly 150 films and TV shows during a film career that began in 1932 and continued until his death!

Mr. Mills body of work included something for all ages. John Mills starred in great family films, sophisticated adult dramas, rousing war films and a number of epics. My first exposure to his work was Disney’s "The Parent Trap," which starred his daughter Hayley. Like most men my age, I grew up with a childhood crush on his daughter Hayley Mills. He appeared seven films with his daughter including "Africa-Texas Style!," "The Truth About Spring" and "The Family Way." Other great family films starring John Mills include "Swiss Family Robinson" and "Around the World in 80 Days."

Next to the horror film genre, War movies are among my favorites. John Mills appeared in many great war films. They include "Zulu Dawn," "King Rat," "Operation Crossbow," "The Valiant," "Dunkirk," "I Was Monty’s Double," "Above Us the Waves," "We Dive at Dawn," "The Colditz Story" and "In Which We Serve." He also appeared in the anti-war musical comedy "Oh! What a Lovely War." "Oh! What a Lovely War" was directed by Sir. Richard Attenborough. John Mills also appeared . Richard Attenborough’s directorial biopics "Young Winston" and "Gandhi."

It is hard to do service to a career like that of John Mills in such limited space. His credits speak for themselves. Other memorable films include "Goodbye, Mr. Chips," "Great Expectations," "Scott of the Antarctic," "War and Peace," "The Wrong Box," "Oklahoma Crude," "Lady Caroline Lamb" and "Hamlet."

Two years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing John Mills daughter Juliet Mills. She spoke of her father fondly. Despite losing most of his vision in the 1990s, she said that he was still very sharp. "He’s remarkable. He’s 95 now and he’s still going strong. He has all his faculties. He still regales you with stories and jokes. He’s wonderful." It is nice to know that he was able to enjoy his life until the very end.

MARIA SCHELL Died Apr. 26, 2005

Award-winning Austrian actress maria Schell died of pneumonia at age 79. Ms. Schell had been admitted to a hospital for her illness two weeks ago. She remained in critical condition. Maria Schell was the first major German star to emerge during the post WWII era. Ms. Schell enjoyed popularity on an international level. She was the sister of Oscar-winning actor Maximilian Schell. Ms. Schell appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. Ms. Schell won eight Bambi Awards (including seven consecutive wins!) for her acting and also received a Lifetime Achievement Bambi in 2002. Her work was also recognized with two BAFTA nominations and awards at numerous film festivals including Cannes. Ms. Schell played a strong supporting role in "The Mark." Her co-star Stuart Whitman was nominated for an Oscar that year. His competition was Ms. Schell’s brother Maximilian. Her brother won for his role as the defense attorney in "Judgment at Nuremberg." Ms. Schell’s other film credits include "Superman," "The Odessa File," "Voyage of the Damned," Jesus Franco’s "Night of the Blood Monster" and "99 Women," the remake of "Cimarron" with Glenn Ford and "The Magic Box."

MASON ADAMS Died Apr. 26, 2005

Emmy-nominated character actor Mason Adams died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Adams worked in radio, TV, film and on the stage. How you know him may depend on what generation you come from. Mr. Adams was on the popular radio serial "Pepper Young’s Family," in which he played the title role. He continued working in radio during the 1970s when "The CBS Radio Mystery Theater" thrived with stories of the macabre. That was my first exposure to Mr. Adams. When he appeared in the popular 1977 TV series "Lou Grant," I was able to put a face with the voice. Mr. Adams was nominated for three Emmy awards for playing the editor of the Los Angeles Tribune in Ed Asner’s spin-off from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Mr. Adams character in "Lou Grant" was typical of the kind he usually played: wise, kind and gentle. That is why it was such a delight to see him play the evil Col. Mason in the thriller "F/X." Like most badguys, Mason Adams’ character in "F/X" got a deliciously clever comeupance reminiscent to Peter Graves death in Billy Wilder’s "Stalag 17." Others may remember Mason Adams as the voice on the ubiquitous Smuckers TV commercials. "With a name like Smuckers, it has to be good." Mason Adams other credits include "Omen III: The Final Conflict," "Toy Soldiers," the remake of "Not of This Earth," "Houseguest," "Murder, She Wrote" and "Oz."

ROBERT J. SCHIFFER Died Apr. 26, 2005

Legendary make-up man Bob Schiffer died of a massive stroke at age 88. Mr. Schiffer worked on nearly 200 hundred film and TV shows during his 70-year career. He worked at RKP, MGM and for over 30 years was the makeup supervisor for Disney Studios. He was a personal favorite of a number of movie stars including Rita Hayworth, Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire and Burt Lancaster. Mr. Schiffer is credited with creating the 1940’s look of deep red lips and thin eyebrows. Just take another look at Rita Hayworth in "Gilda" to see what I mean. During WWII, Mr. Schiffer was recruited by the government to do makeup for covert operations. He also was involved on the Bay of Pigs to make certain people look Cuban. At the Second Annual Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards in 2001, Mr. Schiffer received the Guild's George Westmore Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Schiffer’s credits speak for themselves. "Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend," "Splash," "Something Wicked This Way Comes," "Tron," "Pete's Dragon," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Gypsy Moths," "The Professionals," "Cat Ballou," "Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte," "My Fair Lady," "Cleopatra," "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?," "Birdman of Alcatraz," "The Music Man," "Judgment at Nuremberg," the original "Ocean's Eleven," "Elmer Gantry," "Gigi," "Run Silent Run Deep," "The Amazing Colossal Man," "Pal Joey," "3:10 to Yuma," "Sweet Smell of Success," "Around the World in Eighty Days," "Picnic," "Mister Roberts," "Marty," "The Caine Mutiny," "From Here to Eternity," "Death of a Salesman," "An American in Paris," "All the King's Men," "Knock on Any Door," "The Lady from Shanghai," "Gilda," "The Magnificent Ambersons," "Here Comes Mr. Jordan," "Boom Town," "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Wizard of Oz," "Boys Town," "Captains Courageous," "The Good Earth," "After the Thin Man," "The Charge of the Light Brigade," "The Great Ziegfeld," "A Night at the Opera," "Mutiny on the Bounty," "The Last Days of Pompeii," "She," "The Informer" and "Horse Feathers." Wow! What a list. There are plenty more where those came from!

HERB SARGENT Died May 6, 2005

Multi Emmy and WGA winning writer Herb Sargent died at age 81. For twenty years, Herb Sargent wrote for the hit TV series "Saturday Night Live." He was nominated for 16 Emmy Awards, winning six. He also won six WGAs! Mr. Sargent lead the Writer’s Guild as president for 14 years. Other credits include "The Steve Allen Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "Bye Bye Braveman," "The Dennis Miller Show" among others. Mr. Sargent served his country in the Pacific in the US Army Air Corp during WWII. He was the brother of screenwriter Alvin Sargent.

JOE GRANT Died May 6, 2005

Disney writer/animator/character designer/producer/director Joe Grant died 11 days before his 97^th birthday. Mr. Grant was one cornerstones of the success of Walt Disney Studio in the 1930s and 40s. He was the story supervisor on the classics "Fantasia" and "Dumbo." Mr. Grant designed characters for such classics as "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," "Pinocchio," "Mr. Toad," "Peter Pan," "Lady and the Tramp," and the list goes on. Mr. Grant left Disney to start his own company. After a successful second career, he returned to Disney in the 80s and worked on "Pocahontas," "Alladin," "The Lion King," "Mulan," "Lorenzo" and "Fantasia 2000." In 1985 Mr. Grant received the Winsor McCay Award. It is one of the highest awards given to animators. The award is named after Winsor McCay, the creator of "Little Nemo." In 2001, the Los Angeles Film Critic’s Association bestowed a lifetime achievement award to Mr. Grant for his lasting contributions to the art of animation from the 1930s to infinity and beyond.

MARTHA MONTGOMERY Died May 9, 2005

Former actress and matriarch of one of Hollywood’s most musical families Martha Montgomery died of natural causes at age 84. Ms. Montgomery was the widow of Oscar-winning composer Alfred Newman. Newman died in 1970 and she remarried in 1998. She was also the mother of Oscar-nominated composers David and Thomas Newman, noted musician Maria Newman and the aunt of Oscar-winning composer Randy Newman. Ms. Montgomery was one of the Goldwyn Girls. She appeared in a dozen films during the late 30s and 1940s. Her film appearances include "Words and Music," "A Song is Born" and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." Ms. Montgomery retired from acting after marrying composer Newman.

PHIL KELLISON Died May 13, 2005

Visual effects whiz and stop-motion animator Phil Kellison has passed away. Mr. Kellison was one of the work-horses in the field of stop-motion animation. While many people know the names of Willis O’Brien, Ray Harryhausen and Jim Danforth, there have been many others who did not receive screen credit, but who none-the-less made a large contribution to many well-known stop-motion animation films and TV shows. Phil Kellison is one of those unsung giants. He worked in Hollywood for 35 years. While animation fans will recognize the many films he worked on, Mr. Kellison may be best known for his TV commercial creations. The Pillsbury Doughboy, The Jolly Green Giant, Speedy Alka Seltzer and Mrs. Butterworth to name a few. Mr. Kellison ran the animation department at Cascade. The company developed and created numerous memorable visual effects for TV commercials. Mr. Kellison was a mentor and guru to a number of other animators including Jim Danforth and Denis Muren. He was also the supervisor of Coast Productions visual effects department. Mr. Kellison built some of the miniatures for Willis O’Brien’s "The Giant Behemoth." He supervised the process photography for Howard Anderson on Jim Danforth’s "Jack the Giant Killer." Mr. Kellison was one of the original animators on George Pal’s "Puppetoons" along with Ray Harryhausen, Wah Ming Chang, Willis O'Brien and others. At one time, Mr. Kellison owned the original armature of "King Kong." He presented it as a present to Disney animator Bob Burns of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" fame. Other films on which Mr. Kellison worked include "Dinosaurus," "Airplane II," "Deal of the Century" and "Discovery Bay."

JUNE LANG Died May 16, 2005

Actress June Lang died a little more than a week past her 90^th birthday. Ms. Lang had a successful career in the late 1930s and early 40s. Ms. Lang worked her way up from ingenue to leading lady. However, her personal life got in the way of her film career. Ms. Lang married her second husband in 1939. His name was Johnny Roselli. I knew of Johnny Roselli long before I ever knew who June Lang was. In August of 1976 a 55-gallon drum was found floating in the ocean of Miami. In the drum was the dismembered and decomposing body of mobster Johnny Roselli. Rumors continued for years after the Roselli murder that he was killed because he was one of the guys who hit JFK. Anyway, I mention all of this because June Lang’s marriage to Johnny Roselli caused studio execs at 20^th Century Fox to cancel her contract. Ms. Lang continued to make movies for folks like Republic and Hal Roach until 1947 when she retired. Ms. Lang’s many film credits include "Chandu the Magician" with Bela Lugosi, "Bonnie Scotland" with Laurel and Hardy, "Captain January" with Shirley Temple and Buddy Ebsen, "Wee Willie Winkie" also with Shirley Temple and as herself in the morale building WWII film "Stage Door Canteen."

FRANK GORSHIN Died May 17, 2005

Frank Gorshin never failed to make me laugh. For me, Frank Gorshin was the real reason to watch the campy TV series "Batman." His Riddler is one the most memorable characters in TV history. Jim Carrey’s manic take on the frenzied badguy paled in comparison to Frank Gorshin’s Emmy nominated take on Batman’s arch foe. I remember sitting in a motel room in Nashville with my five younger brothers and sisters watching the original "Where the Boys Are" on the CBS late movie. The scene in which Frank Gorshin falls into a large aquarium and mugs for the camera as he swims drunkenly around had all of us busting a gut in laughter. I remember seeing him do stand up and song and dance on a variety of TV talk shows during the 1960s. The man was a natural funnyman. It is with great regret that I was unable to see Mr. Gorshin last month in Memphis where he performed his one-man tribute to George Burns: "Say Goodnight, Gracie." Frank Gorshin died of pneumonia at age 71. In addition to his Emmy nomination for "Batman," Mr. Gorshin received a second nomination for a guest appearance during the last season of the original "Star Trek." Frank Gorshin appeared in over 150 films and TV shows during a career that began when he was 17 years old. Another one of my fond childhood memories is of the cheesy 1950s sci-fi film "Invasion of the Saucer Men." Frank Gorshin provided the comic relief. Thanks for the laughs and memories.

STEPHEN ELLIOT Died May 20, 2005

Tony Award nominated actor Stephen Elliot died of congestive heart failure at age 86. Mr. Elliot had successful careers on Broadway, in film and TV. He was nominated for a Tony for his work in the 1967 production of "Marat/Sade." I remember Mr. Elliot beast as the amoral murderer J.J. Cord in the 1981 cult classic "Cutter and Bone." Mr. Elliot was the epitome of evil arrogance in the final scene with John Heard and Jeff Bridges. Mr. Elliot was also memorable in another 1981 film "Arthur." He appeared in nearly 120 films and TV shows. Newer audience may remember him best for his recurring role as a judge on "Chicago Hope." Among Mr. Elliot’s many credits are "Beverly Hills Cop," "Young Joe, The Forgotten Kennedy," "Death Wish," "Pueblo," "The Hospital," "As the World Turns," "Hotel," "St. Elsewhere," "Falcon Crest" and Shelly Duvall’s "Faerie Tale Theater."

JD CANNON Died May 20, 2005

I know it is an exaggeration but I think character actor JD Cannon appeared in every movie and TV show made during the 60s and 70s. In truth, his list of credits is not quite that extensive, but he was one of the more memorable character actors working during that era. Actor JD Cannon died at home at age 83. Among his 120 film and TV credits were several memorable roles. He played Chief of Detectives Peter Clifford on the long-running hit TV series "McCloud" opposite Dennis Weaver. In the classic TV series "The Fugitive," Mr. Cannon played the cowardly neighbor of Dr. Richard Kimball who finally cleared Kimball of his wife’s murder in the high rated final two episodes of the series. He was also part of the fine ensemble of actors playing supporting roles as prisoners in the classic film "Cool Hand Luke." Other credits include "Beyond Witch Mountain," "Death Wish II," "Scorpio," "Law & Order," "Murder, She Wrote," "Alias Smith and Jones," "The F.B.I.," "Gunsmoke," "The Invaders," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "12 O’clock High," "Rawhide," "The Wild, Wild West," "Combat!," "The Untouchables" and "Wagon Train." Mt. Cannon served his country as a member of the US Army during WWII.

HOWARD MORRIS Died May 21, 2005

"It’s me! It’s Me! It’s Ernest T!" Though he appeared in over 150 films and TV shows and also directed a number of films and TV episodes, Howard Morris was best known for appearing a hand-full of episodes of "The Andy Griffith Show." I was shocked to discover that Morris’s rock-throwing town crazy Ernest T. Bass appeared in so few episodes during the show’s eight year run. Howard Morris died at age 85. Mr. Morris did it all. He wrote, directed, produced and acted. He started his career working with Sid Caesar in the classic TV series "Your Show of Shows." He later performed and wrote for Caesar’s follow-up series "Caesar’s Hour."

Howard Morris appeared in several Mel Brooks films: "High Anxiety," "Life Sucks" and "History of the World: Part I." He also had a funny bit part in "Splash." Other live action acting credits include "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Twilight Zone," "The Bob Newhart Show," "Trapper John," "Baywatch," "The Nutty Professor" and "The Munster’s Revenge." Howard Morris was a gifted voice actor. He played Gopher in several "Winnie the Pooh" cartoons. Likewise, he was the voice of Jughead in "Archie," the voice of "Atom Ant," the voice of "Beetle Bailey" and many, many others.

Mr. Morris was also a gifted director of comedies. His directing credits include the feature films "Who’s Minding the Mint?," "With Six You Get Eggroll" and Jackie Gleason’s "Don’t Drink the Water." Mr. Howard did most of his directorial work on TV. He directed the pilot episode of "Get Smart," 14 episodes of "Hogan’s Heroes," "Gomer Pyle," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Andy Griffith Show," "Love American Style" and "One Day at a Time."

THURL RAVENSCROFT Died May 22, 2005

Renowned voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft died of prostate cancer at age 91. He was the voice of Tony the Tiger in the long running series of Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes commercials. Tony the Tiger was just one of many animated characters voiced to life by Mr. Ravenscroft. He sang "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," in the TV classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." He had a long assoociation with Walt Disney. Both his singing and talking voices were used in "Dumbo," "Alice in Wonderland," "Peter Pan," "Sleeping Beauty," "One Hundred and One Dalmations," "Mary Poppins," "Cinderella," "Lady and the Tramp," "The Sword in the Stone," "The Aristocats" and "The Jungle Book." He also was the Master of Ceremonies at a number of Disneyland events including the 1955 opening day. Other credits include "The Brave Little Toaster" and its two sequels, "The Music Man," "It Happened at the World’s Fair," "The Cat in the Hat," "Horton Hears a Who," "Snoopy Come Home," "The Hobbit" and "Superior Duck." Mr. Ravenscroft served his country during WWII.

ISMAIL MERCHANT Died May 25, 2005

Oscar-nominated producer/director Ismail Merchant died at age 68 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Merchant and business partner James Ivory were the core of one of the most successful film companies in history. Merchant Ivory Productions. Although Mr. Merchant occasionally directed, he was usually the man who produced while James Ivory directed. Ismail Merchant produced films garnered a multitude of awards and nominations. His films received an impressive ten Oscars and another twenty Oscar nominations and eight BAFTAs with another thirtysix BAFTA nominations! Mr. Merchant was personally nominated for four Best Picture Oscars and four Best Picture BAFTAs, winning two BAFTAs. Whether making a period piece or contemporary drama, an Ismail Merchant film could be counted on for great acting, impeccable production design and costumes, stunning cinematography and of course, great direction by James Ivory. My first exposure to their work was the Fatty Arbuckle inspired "The Wild Party" with Raquel Welch and James Coco. It is one of their lesser films, but the seeds of things to come where already apparent in the 1975 film. Among Mr. Merchant’s many films are "The Europeans," "Jane Austen in Manhattan," "Quartet," "The Bostonians," "A Room with a View," "Maurice," "Mr. & Mrs. Bridge," "The Ballad of the Sad Café," "Howards End," "The Remains of the Day," "Jefferson in Paris" and "Le Divorce."

EDDIE ALBERT Died May 26, 2005

Oscar nominated actor Eddie Albert died of pneumonia at age 99. It didn’t matter if he was cast as the leading man, as a comedic foil, a dislikable coward or the badguy, Eddie Albert could do it all. He received two nominations as Best Supporting Actor for his work in "Roman Holiday" and "The Heartbreak Kid." Mr. Albert was also nominated for two Golden Globes and a BAFTA. He appeared in over 250 films and TV shows during a career that spanned seven decades. Mr. Albert actually appeared on the very first US TV broadcast. He appeared in an experimental TV broadcast in 1936 in which NBC and RCA applied for broadcasts licenses in New York.

Eddie Albert is probably best known for his role as Oliver Wendell Douglas in the hit TV show "Green Acres." Albert played a New York lawyer with a yen for the rural life. He drags his high maintenance wife played by Eva Gabor to Hooterville. The show ran for six years. Albert was the perfect foil for the antics of Ms. Gabor and the various country bumpkins who populated the series. My favorite of Mr. Albert’s TV series was "Switch," which costarred Robert Wagner.

He turned in three of his most memorable badguy roles under the eye of director Robert Aldrich. In the 1956 WWII film "Attack," you loved to hate Albert as the cowardly CO of a platoon that is killed in action due to his marred leadership. In Aldrich’s hit film "The Longest Yard" Albert played sadistic prison warden Hazen, a man bent on capturing a football championship for his team of prison guards. The next year he reteamed with Aldrich and "The Longest Yard" co-star Burt Reynolds in the misfire police drama "Hustle." Albert’s performance as the villain is one of the few interesting things in the film. He also showed his talent at playing insufferable people in the John Wayne cop drama "McQ."

Eddie Albert made his film debut in the 1938 film "Brother Rat." Two years later he appeared in the sequel "Brother Rat and a Baby." Among Mr. Albert’s notable film credits are "Oklahoma!," "The Teahouse of the August Moon," "The Sun Also Rises," "The Longest Day" and "Captain Newman M.D."

Though Mr. Albert occasionally played coward, he was in fact a real-life war hero. Mr. Albert served his country in the US Navy during WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star for a series of 26 rescue missions during the bloody Battle of Tarawa. Mr. Albert risked his own life and rescued 70 US Marines. Mr. Albert was the widower of actress Margo, who died in 1985. He was also the father of actor Edward Albert and the father-in-law of actress Katherine Woodville. Mr. Albert was also an active environmentalist.

LUCY RICHARDSON Died Jun. 1, 2005

Emmy-winning art director Lucy Richardson died at age 47 after a two-year battle with breast cancer. Though Ms. Richardson was a talented art director whose work was nominated for numerous awards, her childhood friendship with Julian Lennon led to more unusual fame. Julian drew a picture of his friend in crayons. He put stars above her. When his father asked him what the picture was he responded "It’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds." While most of the world speculated that John Lennon’s song "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" was code for LSD, the truth was that the oldest Beatle was writing a song for his son, based on a picture the boy drew. That footnote aside, Ms. Richarson was a very innovative art director. Don’t believe me, go see the innovative film "Spider"…or John Sayles "The Secret of Roan Inish"…or "Restoration." Ms. Richardson won an Emmy Award for her work on "The Young Indian Jones Chronicles." She shared in the Art Director Guild’s the Excellence in Production Design Award for "Chocolat." Two years earlier, the Guild nominated her for the same award for her work on "Elizabeth." Ms. Richardson worked as a draftsperson on a number of films including "Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace."

CHLOE JONES Died Jun. 4, 2005

Adult film star Chloe Jones died of liver failure while awaiting a transplant at age 29. Born Melinda Dee Jones, she appeared in both Playboy and Penthouse Magazines as well as a number of adult films. Ms. Jones had a history of medical problems including epilepsy, kidney and liver illness. It is not known for sure if the massive amounts of prescription medicines she had to take played a part in her rapid decline in health. In addition to her work in the adult film industry, Ms. Jones appeared on such mainstream TV shows as "Baywatch," "Edenquest," "Diagnosis Murder" and "Full Frontal Comedy."

LORNA THAYER Died June 4, 2005

I guess an actor is lucky if they appear in a classic movie scene. We all have our favorites; a scene that is quoted endlessly or shown as a highlight during tributes to a particular actor. I remember watching Ms. Thayer’s most famous scene being shown on the 1971 Oscar telecast. Bob Rafelson’s "Five Easy Pieces" was up for four Oscars that year including Best Picture. The clip shown during the Oscar telecast involved Jack Nicholson’s character Bobby trying to order some plain wheat toast. The thing is, toast isn’t on the menu and the waitress, played by Thayer could care less whether Bobby gets what he wants.

Bobby: I'd like a plain omellette, no potatoes, tomatoes instead, a cup of coffee, and wheat toast.

Waitress: (She points to the menu) No substitutions.

Bobby: What do you mean? You don't have any tomatoes?

Waitress: Only what's on the menu. You can have a number two - a plain omelette. It comes with cottage fries and rolls.

Bobby: Yeah, I know what it comes with. But it's not what I want.

Waitress: Well, I'll come back when you make up your mind.

Bobby: Wait a minute. I have made up my mind. I'd like a plain omelet, no potatoes on the plate, a cup of coffee, and a side order of wheat toast.

Waitress: I'm sorry, we don't have any side orders of toast...an English muffin or a coffee roll.

Bobby: What do you mean you don't make side orders of toast? You make sandwiches, don't you?

Waitress: Would you like to talk to the manager?

Bobby: ...You've got bread and a toaster of some kind?

Waitress: I don't make the rules.

Bobby: OK, I'll make it as easy for you as I can. I'd like an omelet, plain, and a chicken salad sandwich on wheat toast, no mayonnaise, no butter, no lettuce. And a cup of coffee.

Waitress: A number two, chicken sal san, hold the butter, the lettuce and the mayonnaise. And a cup of coffee. Anything else?

Bobby: Yeah. Now all you have to do is hold the chicken, bring me the toast, give me a check for the chicken salad sandwich, and you haven't broken any rules.

Waitress (spitefully): You want me to hold the chicken, huh?

Bobby: I want you to hold it between your knees.

Waitress (turning and telling him to look at the sign that says, "No Substitutions"): Do you see that sign, sir? Yes, you'll all have to leave. I'm not taking any more of your smartness and sarcasm.

Bobby: You see this sign? (He sweeps all the water glasses and menus off the table)

Actress Lorna Thayer died at age 86. She appeared in over 60 films and TV shows during her career, as well as acting on stage. Her film credits also include "The Lusty Men," "The Beast With a Million Eyes," "I Want to Live!," "The Traveling Executioner," "The Andromeda Strain," "Cisco Pike," "Skyjacked," "Revenge of the Cheerleaders" and the Al Pacino/Michele Pfeiffer version of "Frankie and Johnny."

DANA ELCAR Died Jun. 6, 2005

You know the face, if not the name. Dana Elcar died of complications from pneumonia at age 77. Veteran character actor Dana Elcar appeared in over 200 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. Older Baby Boomers remember him for appearing in almost every TV series produced in the 1960s and 70s. Younger audiences probably remember Mr. Elcar best for his role on the hit TV series "MacGyver." A testament to Mr. Elcar’s talent and dedication to his craft was the fact that he went blind from glaucoma in 1989, four years into the series seven-year run. Mr. Elcar continued to act. He was part of the cast until the series ended. He also continued to act on stage. In addition to his work on "MacGyver," Mr. Elcar was a regular cast member on the TV series "Baretta," "Baa Baa Black Sheep," "Dark Shadows," "The Edge of Night" and "The Guiding Light." Dana Elcar was often cast in roles of authority such as policemen or military officers. He also proved himself adept at villainy in rare badguy roles. His list of feature film credits includes "Fail Safe," "The Boston Strangler," "Soldier Blue," Michael Douglas’s debut film "Adam at 6 A.M.," "Zigzag," "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid," "The Sting," "Report to the Commissioner," "Baby Blue Marine," "W.C. Fields and Me," "2010" and "All of Me." His TV guest roles are too numerous to list. Look at the face. Chances are you will remember seeing him in several shows.

ANNE BANCROFT Died Jun. 7, 2005

Multi-award-winning actress Anne Bancroft died of cancer at age 73. Ms. Bancroft had been married to director Mel Brooks for forty years. The striking actress had the range to play any genre. Anne Brancroft was adept at drama or comedy. She could be sexy or cold, demanding or gentle. She was one of the finest actresses of her generation. Ms. Bancrofts work was honored by numerous organizations. For her acting she was nominated for 5 Oscars (1 win), 7 BAFTAs (3 wins), 7 Emmys (2 wins), back-to-back Tony wins, 8 Golden Globes (2 wins), a win at Cannes, 2 National Board of Review Awards and 2 SAG awards among others!

Anne Bancroft appeared in over 100 films and TV shows. She began her Hollywood career as a supporting player during the 1950s. It wasn’t until the 1960s that she moved from the ranks of supporting actress to leading lady. She made her debut in the Marilyn Monroe thriller "Don’t Bother to Knock." For the rest of the 1950s, she did supporting work in B-movies and the occasional epic like "Demetrius and the Gladiators." She focused on Broadway during the later part of the 1950s. Her efforts resulted in back-to-back Best Actress Tony Awards for the plays "Two For the Seesaw" and "The Miracle Worker." She reprised her role as Anne Sullivan in the film version of "The Miracle Worker." She added an Oscar to her trophy cabinet for the 1962 film.

The 1960s were Ms. Bancroft’s most productive years from a professional viewpoint. Her next film: "The Pumpkin Eater" garnered her a second Oscar nomination as well as wins at Cannes, the BAFTAs and the Golden Globes! A personal favorite of mine was her next film: Sidney Pollack’s debut feature film "The Slender Thread." She starred opposite Sidney Portier as a suicidal woman who calls a crisis hotline. Though the stars don’t appear on screen together, they still generate tension as the caller and the man trying to help. She went from the feature film directorial debut of one great director to the final feature film of an American legend. John Ford’s "7 Women" cast Ms. Bancroft a doctor working at a Christian mission in China. EI’s Jon Ted Wynne’s insightful review of "7 Women" can found in our Video Risk archive. It was Ms. Bancroft’s next film for which she is best remembered.

Mike Nichols’ "The Graduate" stands along side "Bonnie and Clyde" and "The Wild Bunch" as one of the most groundbreaking films in Hollywood history. Those three films were the final nails in the coffin of the old production code. "The Graduate" dealt with seduction and adultery in ways that no film outside of Europe dared to do before. Anne Bancroft’s name became synonymous with that of her character Mrs. Robinson. She received her third Oscar nomination and a permanent place in American pop culture.

Anne Bancroft acted in over 40 films following "The Graduate." She received two more Oscar nominations. Even though she always turned in a fine performance, the quality of the roles offered her was not as consistently fine as those she was given during the 1960s. Her final Oscar nominations came for her work in "The Turning Point" and "Agnes of God." Among her other memorable credits are "Young Winston," "Jesus of Nazareth," "Garbo Talks," "’Night Mother," "84 Charing Cross Road," "Point of No Return" and "Antz." Ms. Bancroft’s lone directorial turn was the Dom Deluise comedy "Fatso."

Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks proved that Hollywood marriages can last. The couple was married in 1964. Though I never had the pleasure of meeting either one of them, it is clear from all the empirical evidence that they were madly in love from the first day of the marriage to the last. Ms. Bancroft worked with her husband in several films he either produced, directed or acted in. Her most memorable role was as the loving actress in the Brook’s produced "The Elephant Man." She also worked with her husband on "Dracula: Dead and Loving It," "To Be or Not to Be," "Silent Movie" and "Blazing Saddles." Is it just me, or did you fall in love with Ms. Bancroft during the funny dance scene in "Silent Movie"? I always laugh when she does the little gag with her eyes. She will be missed.

LON MCCALLISTER Died Jun. 11, 2005

Actor Lon McCallister died of heart failure at age 82. The first time I heard Lon McCallister’s name was back in the 1970s in Martin Scorsese’s wonderful "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore." I remember Ellen Burstyn in the title role talking about having a crush on Lon McCallister. I had no idea who he was at the time so I looked him up. He had appeared in a number of films that I enjoyed as a child. Mr. McCallister began acting as a child. He appeared in over 40 films. He had bit parts in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "Stella Dallas," "Judge Hardy’s Children," "Angels Wash Their Faces," "Susan and God," "Henry Aldrich for President" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy." During WWII, Mr. McCallister broke into leading roles. He made his mark in "Stage Door Canteen." From there he had leading roles in "Winged Victory," "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" and as the jockey in the highly fictionalized "The Story of Seabiscuit" opposite Shirley Temple. Mr. McCallister’s second film was the 1936 version of "Romeo and Juliet." Ironically, the film brought him into the ranks of lead players, "Stage Door Canteen" has McCallister and Katherine Cornell perform Shakespeare’s famous balcony scene! Because of his boyish good looks and small stature, Mr. McCallister found it hard to get more adult roles and he retired from film after the 1953 movie "Combat Squad."

LANE SMITH Died Jun. 13, 2005

Actor Lane Smith died of ALS at age 69. I’m proud to call Mr. Smith a fellow Memphian. The versatile character actor turned in memorable performances in many of his nearly 100 film and TV credits. Mr. Smith was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of a trouble President Richard Nixon in the TV mini-series "The Final Days." He was also a successful stage actor having studied at the Actor’s Studio in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Mr. Smith won a Drama Desk Award for his Broadway performance as James Lingk in "Glengarry Glen Ross" Jonathan Pryce played the role in the film version. New audiences probably know Mr. Smith best as Daily Planet editor Perry White in the hit TV series "Lois and Clark." Mr. Smith was adept at both comedy and drama. He could play a character good or evil. He was part of the wonderful ensemble cast in Sidney Lumet’s Oscar winning "Network." Mr. Lumet called on Smith once more as the FBI Bodyguard assigned to protect Treat Williams’ family in "Prince of the City." Paul Schrader cast Mr. Smith as a corrupt union steward in his underrated "Blue Collar." He appeared with P.J Soles and Don Johnson in the overlooked comedy "Soggy Bottom USA." My personal favorite Lane Smith performance was as the prosecutor in the Oscar-winning comedy "My Cousin Vinny." In one way, Lane Smith was like Charles Bronson: both men had a great work ethic and delivered fine performances even in lesser films. He was always a professional. Among Lane Smith’s numerous credits are "The Last American Hero," "Rooster Cogburn," "Over the Edge," "Gideon’s Trumpet," "Honeysuckle Rose," "Resurrection," "Francis," "Places in the Heart," "Red Dawn," "’V’," "Weeds," "Challenger," "Air America," "The Mighty Ducks" and the great HBO mini series "From the Earth to the Moon."

SUSANNA JAVICOLI Died Jun. 17, 2005

Italian actress Susanna Javicoli died at age 50 after a long battle with kidney disease. Ms. Javicoli had a memorable supporting role in one of my favorite horror films: Dario Argento’s masterpiece of the macabre "Suspiria." Ms. Javicoli played Sonia, one of many doomed characters in "Suspiria." Her death scene is part of one of Mr. Argento’s best set pieces. Susanna Javicoli had a successful career on stage and screen. She was also one of the most prolific voice actresses in Italy, dubbing the voices of many actresses for the Italian release of American and British films and TV shows in her native land. Some of the voices she dubbed were Michelle Pfeiffer in "Dangerous Liaisons" and "The Fabulous Baker Boys," Holly Hunter in "Raising Arizona," Barbara Stanwyck in "Meet John Doe" and Elizabeth Perkins in "Big." She also dubbed "The Simpsons." Ms. Javicoli appeared in more than 30 films and TV series during her career.

TATSUO MATSUMURA Died Jun. 18, 2005

Veteran Japanese character actor Tatsuo Matsumura died of heart failure at age 90. Mr. Matsumuro appeared in nearly 50 films and TV shows during his 40-year-career. He was best known in his native land for appearing "Tora-san" film series. He played the uncle of the film series’ hero: actor Kiyoshi Atsumi’s character Tora-san. Mr. Matsumura worked with master director Akira Kurosawa on two projects. He had a supporting role in the 1970 film "Dodes’ka-den" and he played the lead in Kurosawa’s swan song "Madadayo." Mr. Matsumura played Professor Uchida, a college professor who is honored by his former students following WWII. Professor Uchida teaches German to his students at the university. The year is 1943. The professor announces to his class that he wishes to retire from teaching and devote himself to writing. His students are filled with sorrow that the beloved professor will be leaving. They assist him in his move, and visit quite frequently. Two students in particular remain in constant contact. So loved was Professor Uchida that his students honor and respect him for the next 20 years. Each year on the professor's birthday, the students throw him a Mahda-kai party. The students throw a drunken party which culminates in the students asking the professor in unison "Mahda-kai?" which means "are you ready (for death)?" The professor shouts his reply "Madadayo!" meaning "not yet!" The film chronicles many of these celebrations in addition to several other vignettes. Other credits include my pre-school favorite "King Kong vs. Godzilla," "Zatoichi Challenged" and the excellent Made for TV movie "Hiroshima."

SHANA ALEXANDER Died Jun. 23, 2005

Today’s news commentary shows have devolved into a world of arguing heads. Used to be there were talking heads, but today it is just nag, nag, nag. Liberals versus Conservatives. There was a time though, when rival ideas were put forth with humor, panache and respect. Sure, things could get heated, but there was no fatal thrust for the opponent’s jugular. The cool thing about that time, is that you could actually hear both sides of the debate without having to TIVO the show to go back and listen for what you missed. I remember looking forward to Sunday night and the CBS news magazine "60 Minutes." This was in the 1970s. One of the highlights of the show was "Point/Counterpoint" with Shana Alexander (liberal) and James Kilpatrick (conservative). The pair became Icons of that tumultuous decade. Their on-air style also became the butt of comic jabs in such films and TV shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Groove Tube." Ms. Alexander was also a prolific author. An article she wrote about a suicide hotline incident became the basis for Sidney Pollack’s debut feature film "The Slender Thread." Anne Bancroft and Sidney Poitier co-starred. Ms. Alexander’s great non-fiction crime book "Nutcracker: Money, Madness & Murder" was turned into a multi-Emmy nominated TV mini series starring Lee Remick. Shana Alexander died of cancer at age 79.

PAUL WINCHELL Died Jun. 24, 2005

Voice actor and ventriloquist Paul Winchell died at age 82. Though he had a long and successful career as a ventriloquist voicing his dummy Jerry Mahoney, he is best know for doing the voice of Tigger of "Winnie the Pooh" fame. Mr. Winchell and his wooden sidekick Jerry Mahoney had their own TV show during the 1950s. The pair appeared as guests on such shows as Ed Sullivan’s "Toast of the Town," "What’s My Line?" and "Rowen and Martin’s Laugh In." Mr. Winchell had a long relationship with Disney Studios. He voiced Tigger in twenty "Winnie the Pooh" shows and movies. He also worked for Disney in "The Fox and the Hound" and "The Aristocats." While I loved Tigger as a child, my favorite Saturday morning cartoon character was Disk Dastardly and his dog Muttley from "The Wacky Racers." Mr. Winchell did the voice of Dick Dastardly. My children enjoyed his voice work as another cartoon villain: Gargamel in "The Smurfs." Among his numerous voice credits are "The Jetsons," "Hong Kong Phooey," "The Banana Splits," "The Hair Bear Bunch," "Spiderman" and "Heathcliff." His daughter is April Winchell, LA radio personality and noted voice actress in her own right.

JOHN FIEDLER Died Jun. 25, 2005

Character actor John Fiedler died at age 80. Though he had a successful career on stage, in film and on TV, Mr. Fiedler was best known for providing the voice of the "Winnie the Pooh" character Piglet. He died one day after Paul Winchell, the voice of the "Pooh" character Tigger. Mr. Fiedler voiced Piglet’s character in every film and TV show featuring the tiny character. Mr. Fiedler was one of the jurors in Sidney Lumet’s classic drama "Twelve Angry Men." He played Juror #2, a mild-mannered grocer who was easily swayed by the other jurors. Now that Mr. Fiedler has passed on, only Jack Warden and Jack Klugman remain from the all-star cast. Mr. Fiedler appeared in nearly 200 films and TV shows. Among his many credits are "A Raisin in the Sun," "That Touch of Mink," "The World of Henry Orient," "Fitzwilly," "True Grit," "Deathmaster," "Skyjacked," "The Shaggy D.A.," "The Cannonball Run," "Sharky’s Machine," "Police Story," "Bewitched," "Star Trek," "I Spy" and "The Twilight Zone." He was a regular on the TV series "The Night Stalker." Mr. Fiedler served in the US Navy during WWII.

SHELBY FOOTE Died Jun. 27, 2005

My late stepfather, Paul Renshaw, died the summer before my 18-year-old daughter was born. He was a gentleman from the old Southern tradition. He and I shared an avid love of history. He taught me a lot about the joy of giving. Paul would call in July and say, "I know something you don’t know," and then hang up the phone. That was his way of saying he had bought me a Christmas present. I returned the favor one summer a few years before he passed on. The Christmas gift I had purchased him was a hardback set of Shelby Foote’s "The Civil War: A Narrative." He put it in a place of honor on his bookcase. The Christmas of 1986 was a happy time because it was my daughter Christy’s first Christmas. It was also sad because Paul had died that June. There were gifts from him that year though. His habit of spreading his holiday cheer throughout the year insured that he had already bought and wrapped his gifts. My mother had to wrap one gift for him. He returned the Shelby Foote trilogy to me. I also put them in a place of honor on my bookshelf. I didn’t read the books until my youngest daughter Lauren was born. Once I started, I could not stop until all three volumes were finished. My wife complained that I spent more time with the books than the rest of the family. I couldn’t help myself. Mr. Foote’s attention to detail, humanity and voice compelled me to turn page after page. It took Mr. Foote 20 years to write his massive history of the War Between the States.

Author and historian Shelby Foote died at age 88 following a lengthy illness. I always intended to pick up the phone and call my fellow Memphian. He was that accessible. I never did. Those who only knew Mr. Foote through his written words were treated to his soothing manner in person during Ken Burn’s award-winning documentary series "The Civil War." Mr. Foote presented facts, anecdotes and ironies about the war. He also appeared as himself in Burn’s other great documentary "Baseball." Mr. Foote also wrote six novels. His book "September September" was turned into a Made for TV movie "Memphis" starring Cybill Shepherd and my 7^th-grade classmate John Laughlin. Mr. Foote worked as a journalist for a number of years. He served his country as a member of both the US Army and the Marines during WWII.

DOMINO HARVEY Died Jun. 27, 2005

Model turned bounty hunter Domino Harvey was found dead in her bathtub at age 37. The cause of death has not been announced pending an autopsy. Ms. Harvey was the daughter of "The Manchurian Candidate" star Laurence Harvey. She was a successful Ford model who hated the industry and turned to something she really loved: bounty hunting. Ms. Harvey ended up with a bad heroin habit. She was busted in a drug sting in Mississippi and was facing life in prison. Director Tony Scott bought her life story and is post production on "Domino." Keira Knightley is playing Ms. Harvey in the film. Ms. Harvey had disowned the film. An open lesbian, Ms. Harvey was upset that she is being portrayed as a straight woman in the film. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

CHRISTOPHER FRY Died Jun. 30, 2005

British playwright Christopher Fry died at age 97. Mr. Fry enjoyed a period of success during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. He was among a group of Christian playwrights, which included T.S. Eliot who dealt with life, war, death and love from a religious point of view. His most famous play was "The Lady’s Not for Burning." The play was filmed twice for British TV, once starring Richard Chamberlain and once with Kenneth Branagh. Mr. Fry began to write for TV and film during the 1950s. He was one of several screenwriters hired to fine-tune the script for William Wyler’s "Ben Hur." Mr. Fry also wrote the screenplays for John Huston’s "The Bible" and Richard Fleischer’s "Barrabas."

LUTHER VANDROSS Died Jul. 1, 2005

When it came to getting romantic with the ladies in the eighties, you either put on Barry White or Luther Vandross. Luther Vandross had one of the smoothest voices ever possessed by an R&B singer. Even after he suffered a crippling stroke in 2003, he continued to make great music. The four-time Grammy winning singer died of undisclosed causes at age 54. Mr. Vandross performed live on numerous TV shows including "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson," "Soul Train" and "Saturday Night Live." He contributed songs to a number of film soundtracks including "The Wiz," "Ruthless People," "Mo’ Money" and "Hero." Mr. Vandross appeared in Robert Townsend’s super-hero comedy "The Meteor Man."

ERNEST LEHMAN Died July. 2, 2005

Multi-Oscar nominated writer/producer Ernest Lehman died at age 89 following a lengthy illness. Ernest Lehman produced three films. Two of them, "Hello Dolly!" and "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" received Best Picture Oscar nominations. Ernest Lehman wrote screenplays for sixteen feature films. Four of them, "Sabrina," Alfred Hitchcock’s "North By Northwest," "West Side Story" and "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" were nominated for Oscars. In 2001, Mr. Lehman’s contribution to the art of motion pictures was recognized with an honorary Oscar. He was the first screenwriter to receive the honorary Oscar! His work was also revered by his peers in the Writer’s Guild. He received nine WGA nominations, winning five times. He was also give the Laurel Award for Screen Writing Achievement by the WGA in 1972.

There didn’t seem to be a genre that Ernest Lehman couldn’t master. Ernest Lehman wrote some of the most caustic dialogue ever put on screen. "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and the Burt Lancaster/Tony Curtis classic "The Sweet Smell of Success" both dealt with bitter, amoral people. The two films are filled with endless quotable dialogue. Hard-edge drama not your thing? Ernest Lehman was also the master of the suspense genre. In addition to Hitchcock’s classic "North By Northwest," Mr. Lehman adapted Thomas Harris’s thriller "Black Sunday" to the big screen. The Robert Shaw/Bruce Dern thriller had 1977 audiences on the edge of their seats. At times we like a little comic relief to go along with our thrills. Lehman’s "Family Plot" was a warm, funny and at times thrilling swan song for Alfred Hitchcock. "The Prize" also combined thrills and laughs. Maybe you are more the romantic type. One word: "Sabrina." Mr. Lehman’s script was filmed twice. The first and best version pitted an aging Humphrey Bogart against the dashing William Holden for the affections of the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. Modern audiences were treated to Lehman’s words with Harrison Ford, Greg Kinnear and Julia Ormond as the members of the love triangle. Maybe you like a little song and dance with your romance. Mr. Lehman left us with some of the best examples of this genre. "The King and I" with Yul Brynner and Deborah Carr, "West Side Story" with Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer, "The Sound of Music" with Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Some folks prefer melodrama. Consider Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward in the Lehman scripted "From the Terrace" or William Holden and June Alluson in "Executive Suite." Others like sports biographies. Lehman’s biography of boxer Rocky Graziano "Somebody Up There Likes Me" was one of the first and one of the best.

Even the best miss the mark occasionally. Mr. Lehman adapted Philip Roth’s hilarious novel "Portnoy’s Complaint" to the screen. He was the producer and it was his sole effort as director. The Richard Benjamin comedy was an interesting misfire. Along with "Hello Dolly!" the only commercial and critical failure in a grand career.

CHARLES OKUN Died Jul. 3, 2005

Oscar-nominated producer and DGA-winning assistant director Charles Okun died of cancer at age 80. Mr. Okun shared a Best Picture Oscar nomination for Lawrence Kasdan’s "The Accidental Tourist." Mr. Okun was assitant director to Michael Cimino on "The Deer Hunter." They shared the DGA award for Best Direction of the Vietnam War drama. Mr. Okun worked with both Lawrence Kasdan and Michael Cimino on other projects. He was assistant director on Mr. Cimino’s debut film, the Clint Eastwood/Jeff Bridges crime drama "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot." Mr. Okun also produced and was production manager on Mr. Cimino’s flawed, but still interesting Western "Heaven’s Gate." Mr. Okun’s business relationship with Lawrence Kasdan was much more extensive. He produced eight of the director’s films including "Grand Canyon," "Silverado," "Wyatt Earp" and "Dreamcatcher." Mr. Okun and Mr. Kasdan were slated to work together once again on Kasdan’s upcoming film "The Risk Pool" with Tom Hanks. Mr. Okun was assistant director on a number of memorable films from the 1970s including Michael Winner’s "Death Wish," Otto Preminger’s "Such Good Friends," the underrated gem "Rancho Deluxe" and the original version of "Fun With Dick and Jane."

JUNE HAVER Died July 4, 2005

Actress June Haver died of respiratory failure at age 79. Ms. Haver enjoyed a brief Hollywood career during the mid to late 1940s. She was the widow of actor Fred MacMurray. Ms. Haver appeared in a little over a dozen films before retiring from films in 1953 to become a nun. She appeared in the 1945 film "Where Do We Go From Here?" with Fred MacMurray. Nine years later, where the pair would go was down the aisle to a 37-year marriage. Ms. Haver left films following some personal tragedies and entered a convent. She left the convent due to illness and never returned, but she also did not return to the big screen either. She fell in love with widow Fred MacMurray and gave up the cloister. Ms. Haver’s film credits include "The Daughter of Rosie O’Grady," "Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!" and "Oh, You beautiful Doll." Ms. Haver was being groomed by Fox to be the ‘next Betty Grable.’ Fox cast Betty Grable and her young protégé in the 1945 musical biography "The Dolly Sisters." She made one last small screen appearance with her husband in 1958. Playing themselves, the MacMurrays were joined by two other popular, but fictional couples, the Ricardos and the Mertzes on a uranium hunt in Nevada. This was the third of thirteen episodes of "The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour," a short lived sequel series to "I Love Lucy."

VICE ADMIRAL JAMES STOCKDALE Died Jul. 5, 2005

Vietnam War hero James Stockdale died at age 81 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Adm. Stockdale was the highest ranking officer to be shot down and captured by the enemy during the Vietnam War. He suffered through countless torture sessions during his imprisonment at the Hanoi Hilton. Adm. Stockdale proved his mettle to the enemy when he refused to cooperate under with those who beat and tortured him. At one point he nearly killed himself, showing the will to die rather than betray his country. Adm. Stockdale was one of the few in our nation’s history to be awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. He spent seven and a half years as a POW. Ross Perot chose Adm. Stockdale as his running mate during his 1992 presidential campaign. Adm. Stockdale’s book "In Love and War" chronicled his experiences in Vietnam. Actor James Woods was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Stockdale. Adm. Stockdale also appeared in the PBS documentary "Return With Honor." Thank God that our country has been defended by men such as Adm. Stockdale.

EVAN HUNTER a.k.a. ED MCBAIN Died Jul. 6, 2005

Writer Evan Hunter died of cancer at age 78. Mr. Hunter wrote hundreds of novels and short stories under the names Evan Hunter and Ed McBain. Ed McBain wrote mysteries exclusively, Evan Hunter wrote everything but mysteries. As Ed McBain, Hunter had his biggest following for his series of "87^th Precinct" books. His most famous novel was "The Blackboard Jungle." Director Richard Brooks adapted the novel and directed the 1955 film starring Glenn Ford. Mr. Hunter was known to adapted other people’s work to the screen himself. He adapted a short story by Daphne Du Maurier for Alfred Hitchcock. That script, "The Birds" was Hitchcock’s scary follow-up to "Psycho." Unfortunately, Mr. Hunter’s ominous original ending wasn’t used by the studio. Japanese master director Akira Kurosawa even filmed one of Mr. Hunter’s ‘Ed McBain’ books! Kurosawa filmed Hunter’s novel "King’s Ransom" as "Heaven and Hell" starring Toshiro Mifune. Other film and TV credits include "The Pusher," "Strangers When We Meet," "The Young Savages," "Last Summer," "Fuzz," "Kofuku," "The Legend of Walks Far Woman," two episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Ironside," "Climax!" and "Columbo."

GERALDINE FITZGERALD Died Jul. 17, 2005

Oscar/Emmy/Tony-nominated actress Geraldine Fitzgerald died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 91. Ms. Fitzgerald received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her work opposite Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon in the 1939 version of "Wuthering Heights." Ms. Fitzgerald appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. She worked with Bette Davis in three films including the classics "Dark Victory" and "Watch on the Rhine." She co-starred as First Lady Edith Wilson opposite Alexander Knox in Henry King’s Oscar-winning biopic "Wilson." Ms. Fitzgerald starred opposite Gary Cooper in the underrated romantic drama "Ten North Frederick." Geraldine Fitzgerald appeared in two of the best films of the 1960s: Sidney Lumet’s powerful "The Pawnbroker" and the Paul Newman directed "Rachel, Rachel." She had a small, but memorable supporting role in Paul Mazursky’s "Harry and Tonto." Audiences in the 1980s rediscovered Ms. Fitzgerald for her role as Dudley Moore’s mother in both of the "Arthur" films. She also made a memorable guest appearance on the TV series "The Golden Girls" for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Ms. Fitzgerald also had a long and successful career on the stage. She was nominated for a Best Director Tony Award for the play "Mass Appeal." Ms. Fitzgerald was the mother of "Let It Be" director Michael Lindsay-Hoag.

GENERAL WILLIAM WESTMORELAND Died Jul. 18, 2005

Retired General William Westmoreland died of natural causes at age 91. Gen. Westmoreland was the commander of all American forces during the Vietnam War from 1964 through 1968. I liked the General’s attitude about the results in Vietnam. He stated that we didn’t lose the war, but instead: "It's more accurate to say our country did not fulfill its commitment to South Vietnam. By virtue of Vietnam, the U.S. held the line for 10 years and stopped the dominoes from falling." Though US troops won battle after battle under Westmoreland’s command, including the huge defeat of North Vietnamese forces during the Tet Offensive, dissent at home and political restrictions on striking the enemy in their own strongholds led to the withdrawal of America and the ultimate communist victory in Vietnam and the genocide of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. Gen. Westmoreland fought for his country in three wars. He was in command of an artillery battalion during WWII, going up against The Desert Fox Erwin Rommel. He was a two-star General during the Korean War. General Westmoreland was also the superintendent of West Point! Gen. Westmoreland appeared as himself in a number of documentary films and TV shows including "Hearts and Minds," "The Ten Thousand Day War," "Vietnam: A Television History" and "Vietnam: The Call of Duty." If you look close in Francis Ford Coppola’s near-masterpiece "Apocalypse Now!" you will see Gen. Westmoreland in a photograph pinning a medal on Marlon Brando’s Col. Kurtz. Thank you for you service to our country.

EDDIE BUNKER Died Jul. 19, 2005

Teenage bank robber turned author/writer Eddie Bunker died during surgery at age 71. Mr. Bunker was ill with cancer and diabetes. It is so appropriate that Eddie Bunker was born in Hollywood. It is highly unlikely that a screenwriter could have concocted Mr. Bunker’s life. Maybe E.L. Doctorow could have written the life story of Edward Bunker. He was born to working class show people. His dad was a stage hand and his mother a chorus girl. They split and Eddie was left in boarding schools and military schools. He rebelled in a big way. At 17, Eddie Bunker became the youngest man to that time to enter San Quentin for the crimes of bank robbery and car theft. He eventually paroled out and found himself rubbing elbows with the high and mighty of the Golden Age of Hollywood. The wife of producer Hal Wallis introduced Mr. Bunker to such people as Tennessee Williams and William Randolph Hearst. It was back to prison after a parole violation that landed him on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted List. Eddie Bunker turned to the written word to deal with his life and his rage. His output as a writer was prolific. He persevered through 17 years of rejection slips before he published his first book. Mr. Bunker’s second book, written in prison: "No Beast So Fierce" became the source material for the excellent Dustin Hoffman film "Straight Time." Both book and film are harrowing looks at the life of the outlaw. Bunker adapted his book to the screen with help from Michael Mann. Years later Michael Mann would call on Mr. Bunker as a technical advisor for his great urban crime film "Heat." Eddie Bunker taught the cast how to act like convincing convicts. Eddie Bunker wrote two more films after "Straight Time." He adapted an Akira Kurosawa screenplay into his own "The Runaway Train." He also adapted his novel "The Animal Factory" to the screen for a film directed by Steve Buscemi. Mr. Bunker and Mr. Buscemi met on the set of Quentin Tarantino’s debut film "Reservoir Dogs" where they played Mr. Pink and Mr. Blue. Mr. Blue wasn’t Eddie Bunker’s first film role. He made his debut in "Straight Time." Mr. Bunker’s next film was as Jesse James gang member Bill Chadwell in Walter Hill’s great Western "The Long Riders." Among his other acting credits are "Tango & Cash," "Relentless," "The Running Man," "Best of the Best" and the remake of "The Longest Yard."

JAMES DOOHAN Died Jul. 20, 2005

Canadian Actor James Doohan died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 85. James Doohan was known to legions of Trekies as Lt. Commander Montgomery ‘Scotty’ Scott, the straightforward Scottish engineer on the Starship Enterprise in Gene Roddenberry’s classic TV series "Star Trek." He was later promoted to full commander in the many "Star Trek" feature films. James Doohan appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. "Star Trek" wasn’t his first sci-fi TV series. He was a regular on the 1953 series "Space Command." He had a gift for dialects. In Roger Vadim’s sexy thriller "Pretty Maids All in a Row," Mr. Doohan plays a California cop assisting Telly Savalas in the investigation of a series of murders of nubile young high school students. Among his many TV credits are "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," "The Virginian," "Bonanza," "Gunsmoke," "The Twilight Zone," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "The Fugitive," "The F.B.I.," "The Came Bronson," "Fantasy Island" and "MacGyver." Mr. Doohan served his country in the Royal Canadian Artillery. He stormed the beaches at Normandy on D-Day, losing the middle finger of his right hand in the process. Mr. Doohan has spent the past several years suffering from a number of illnesses including the insidious Alzheimer’s Disease. Thankfully he is now free from the disease and at rest.

FORD RAINEY Died Jul. 25, 2005

Character actor Ford Rainey died at age 96 from complications following a series of strokes. Mr. Rainey appeared in nearly 250 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. He also had a successful stage career on Broadway and in region theaters. Ford Rainey made his film debut in one of my all time favorite films. He was one of Cody Jarrett’s gang members in the Jimmy Cagney classic "White Heat." Another personal favorite of mine is Robert Wise’s "The Sand Pebbles." The film contains Steve McQueen’s great Oscar nominated performance as Jake Holeman, a simple man who becomes a pariah on a US Navy boat in 1920s China. Ford Rainey plays one the fellow sailors who harass McQueen to no end. During the film’s climatic battle scene, it is Rainey’s character who stops a bullet for McQueen. Ford Rainey made a career playing men in authority. He was the no good town Marshall in Delmer Daves’ "3:10 to Yuma." He played the President of the United States in the pilot episode of Irwin Allen’s "Lost in Space." He was a member of the commission investigating assassinations in Alan J. Pakula’s chilling "The Parallax View." Speaking of playing the President of the United States, Mr. Rainey may have been best know for portraying Abraham Lincoln on stage and screen. His small screen credits playing Lincoln include "The Captains and the Kings" and "Miss Curtis Goes to Washington." On TV, Mr. Rainey’s career included guest spots on many popular shows from the 1950s right up to his last work on "The King of Queens" in 2003. He was a regular on the 1963 TV series "The Richard Boone Show." Among Mr. Rainey’s other memorable film and TV credits are "Halloween II," "The Andersonvill Trial," "The Andromeda Strain," "Friendly Fire," "Gideon’s Trumpet," "The Traveling Executioner," "Perry Mason," "The Outer Limits," "Bonanza," "The Invaders," "Studio One," "ER," "Night Gallery," "Mannix," "The F.B.I.," "The Wild Wild West," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "The Time Tunnel," "The Fugitive" and "Rawhide." Mr. Rainey served his country in the US Coast Guard during WWII.

DANNY SIMON Died Jul. 26, 2005

Emmy-nominated writer and theater director Danny Simon died of heart failure at age 86. Mr. Simon was the older brother of award-winning playwright Neil Simon. Mr. Simon was one of the writers on Sid Caesar’s classic TV comedy series "Your Show of Shows." Mr. Simon was a mentor and teacher to such writers as Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and his brother Neil. Among Mr. Simon’s many writing credits are "Make Room for Daddy," "My Three Sons," "The Carol Burnett Show," "The Facts of Life" and "Diff'rent Strokes." Danny Simon provided brother Neil with fodder for many characters in his own plays. Neil Simon wrote a number of autobiographical plays including "Brighton Beach Memories" and "Biloxi Blues." Brother Danny’s imprint is on those plays somewhat. His biggest contribution to his brother’s writing may be the inspiration for the character Felix Ungar in "The Odd Couple." Danny Simon moved in with a friend following his divorce. Mr. Simon was reported to be a neat-freak ALA Felix Ungar while Mr. Simon’s friend was more slovenly ALA Oscar Madison.

ALEXANDER GOLITZEN Died Jul. 26, 2005

Art director/production designer Alexander Golitzen was nominated for 14 Oscars during his lengthy career! He won three times. Alexander Golitzen died of congestive heart failure at age 97. Mr. Golitzen worked on over 330 films! He was the supervising art director at Universal Studios for 30 years. Mr. Golitzen shared the Best Art Direction-Set Decoration for his work on "To Kill a Mockingbird," "Spartacus" and the Claude Rains version of "The Phantom of the Opera." His first Oscar nomination was for Alfred Hitchcock’s "Foreign Correspondent." He worked with Clint Eastwood on his earliest directorial efforts: "Play Misty For Me" and "Breezy." Among Mr. Golitzen’s multitude of credits are "Earthquake," "The Beguiled," Slaughterhouse-Five," "The Great Northfield Minnesota Raid," "Colossus: The Forbin Project," "Airport," "Tell Them Willie Boy is Here," "Madigan," "Coogan’s Bluff," "Rough Night in Jericho," "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken," "Send Me No Flowers," "Captain Newman M.D.," "The List of Adrian Messenger," "Flower Drum Song," "Touch of Evil," "Man of a Thousand Faces," "The Incredible Shrinking Man," "Tarantula," "Destry" and "Call of the Wild." Oh yeah, who says Hollywood marriages can’t last? Mr. Golitzen is survived by his wife of 72 years!

PAT MCCORMICK Died Jul. 29, 2005

Comedic writer/actor Pat McCormick died of complications from a stroke at age 78. Mr. McCormick spent the last seven-years of his life imprisoned in a paralyzed body, unable to speak. What a shame to have such a creative voice silenced for so long. Pat McCormick was one of the funniest men who ever lived. He wrote jokes for many of the greats in stand-up comedy. His TV writing credits include "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "The Jack Parr Show," "Get Smart," "The Danny Kaye Show." He also wrote screenplays including "Under the Rainbow." I remember Mr. McCormick best for his many appearances with Johnny Carson on "The Tonight Show." The imposing 6-foot 7-inch McCormick was paired with diminutive composer Paul Williams as Big and Little Enos Burdette in the popular redneck "Smokey and the Bandit" comedies. Mr. McCormick worked with Mel Brooks on "History of the World: Part I." Robert Altman cast him in the little seen, but interesting "Buffalo Bill and the Indians: Or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson." Two years later, Altman cast him in one of his best films: "A Wedding." Mr. McCormick appeared as himself in such films as "Scrooged" and "The Gong Show Movie." Other memorable credits include "The Don Rickles Show," "If You Don’t Stop It…You’ll Go Blind," "The Jerk, Too" and "Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound."

DONALD BROOKS Died Aug. 1, 2005

Multi-Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning costume designer Donald Brooks died of a heart attack at age 77. Mr. Brooks’ work was nominated three times for Oscars. His costumes for Blake Edwards’s "Darling Lili," Robert Wise’s "Star!" and Otto Preminger’s "The Cardinal" were all given Oscar nods. He won an Emmy for "The Letter" and was nominated for another for "The Two Mrs. Grenvilles." Mr. Brooks was also a successful Broadway costume designer and was also nominated for one Tony Award. Other credits include the sci-fi thriller "The Terminal Man" and "The Bell Jar."

LOULIE JEAN NORMAN Died Aug. 2, 2005

Soprano singer Loulie Jean Norman died today. No cause of death or age was given. Ms. Norman was a well-known studio singer who worked with just about everyone from Frank Sinatra to Spike Jones. She was the widow of Norman Henry Price, a decorated WWII hero who died of cancer. Ms. Norman worked closly during her career with composer Gordon Jenkins. Ms. Norman provided the wordless singing on the opening credits of the hit TV series "Star Trek." Ms. Norman also provided the female soprano work on the Tolkins’ hit song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." She dubbed Diahann Carroll’s singing voice for the song "Summertime" in the film version of "Porgy and Bess." Ms. Norman did studio work with many of the greatest singers of the 20th Century Including Frank Sinatra and Elvis.

PETER JENNINGS Died Aug. 7, 2005

Former ABC anchor man Peter Jennings died of lung cancer at age 67. Mr. Jennings announced his retirement four months ago citing his lung cancer as the reason. I didn’t always agree with Mr. Jennings's politics, but he was an intelligent responsible newsman. He first anchored "The ABC Evening News" in 1965. His tenure at the desk was short-lived and Peter Jennings matured and grew as a newsman as a field reporter and foreign correspondent. Mr. Jennings returned as anchor following the death of Frank Reynolds in 1983. A high school dropout, Peter Jennings was the son of Charles Jennings, the first news anchor of the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. Peter Jennings appeared in numerous documentaries including "One Day in September" about the Munich Olympic massacre of the Israeli Olympic team.

BARBARA BEL GEDDES Died Aug. 8, 2005

Oscar and Tony-nominated actress Barbara Bel Geddes died of lung cancer at age 82. Ms. Bel Geddes was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for George Steven’s 1948 film "I Remember Mama." However, Ms. Bel Geddes was probably better known for her Emmy-winning performance as Miss Ellie Ewing on the mega-hit TV series "Dallas." She was nominated for three Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards for the role, winning an Emmy 1980 and a Golden Globe in 1982. Ms. Bel Geddes played Miss Ellie for twelve of the show’s thirteen-year run. Actress Donna Reed took over the role for the 1984-85 season because of Ms. Bel Geddes’s health problems. Her film roles were few, but memorable. She played Jimmy Stewart’s hapless girlfriend in Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece "Vertigo." She also worked with Hitchcock on his TV show, starring in one of the most famous episodes of "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." In the "Lamb to the Slaughter" episode, Ms. Bel Geddes plays a woman who kills her husband with a frozen leg of lamb, and then cooks the murder weapon and serves it to the police investigating the death! Ms. Bel Geddes also worked with director Elia Kazan, playing Richard Widmark’s wife in the thriller "Panic in the Streets." A personal favorite of mine is Henry Hathaway’s "Fourteen Hours." Ms. Bel Geddes was part of the great ensemble cast. Ms. Bel Geddes was raised in a theater family and the stage was her first love. She had a long and successful Broadway career. Ms. Bel Geddes was nominated for two Tony Awards for her work in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "Mary, Mary."

JUDITH ROSSNER Died Aug. 9, 2005

Writer Judith Rossner died of complications from diabetes and leukemia at age 70. Ms. Rossner authored 10 novels during her lifetime. Her best known work was a pop-culture sensation during the 1970s. "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" came out in the days before AIDS. It was pre-Herpes time. The sexual revolution was still in full swing. Ms. Rossner based her novel on a real-life story of a New York school teacher who cruised the single’s bars and ended up murdered. The book’s heroine Theresa is one of the best-developed women characters in any novel from that era. Diane Keaton delivered a great performance as the doomed and lonely teacher in the 1977 Richard Brooks film adaptation of the novel. Tuesday Weld earned an Oscar nomination as Ms. Keaton’s hot sister. Richard Gere received his first real critical praise as the dangerous lover that Theresa can’t resist. Tom Berringer has a nice against-type cameo as the one guy Theresa should have said "No" to. Ms. Rossner had a gift for cutting to the heart of her characters. I enjoyed her work and only wish she had written more.

MATTHEW MCGRORY Died Aug. 9, 2005

7 foot 6 inch actor Matthew McGrory died of natural causes at age 32. Howard Stern fans knew of Mr. McGrory long before he became known to movie goers. Billed as Bigfoot, Mr. McGrory was a regular guest on The Howard Stern Radio Show for a number of years. Mr. McGrory was just one of the many wonderful things in Tim Burton’s "Big Fish." He played Karl the Giant in Burton’s ode to fatherhood. His scenes with Ewan McGregor (pictured together at right) are warm and charming. I find it hard to watch "Big Fish" and not cry because I can’t pick up a phone to call my Dad. Mr. McGrory is also familiar to horror movie fans. Rob Zombie cast McGrory in his schlock horror films "House of a 1000 Corpses" and the sequel "The Devil’s Rejects." Other genre films include "Men in Black II" and "The Dead Hate the Living!" At the time of his death, Mr. McGrory was working with director Drew Sky on a biopic about professional wrestler Andre the Giant. The two had previously worked together on the cult comedy "Planet of the Pitts." The Pitss in the title are a number of Brad Pitts! Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

JOHN BRYSON Died Aug. 10, 2005

Respected photojournalist John Bryson died of complications from heart disease at age 81. Mr. Bryson was one of the top photographers for "Life" magazine. He captured images of the powerful and the famous. He published the book "The Private Life of Katherine Hepburn" which featured many of his great pictures. Mr. Bryson was a friend of director Sam Peckinpah. He appeared in three of his films: "The Getaway," "Convoy" and "The Osterman Weekend." In "The Getaway," Peckinpah’s biggest box-office hit, Mr. Bryson played the brother of corrupt politician Ben Johnson. Fans of the movie will remember his spectacular death scene in which Steve McQueen severs the cables of an elevator with his shotgun. The elevator carrying Bryson’s character drops him to a bumpy demise. Mr. Bryson had less prominent roles in Peckinpah’s "The Osterman Weekend" and "Convoy." Mr. Bryson appeared as himself on the racing film "Grand Prix."

JAMES BOOTH Died Aug. 11, 2005

I love the anti-hero in film. The guy who thumbs his nose at authority, but also proves himself worthy of our admiration and respect. Paul Newman’s Luke in "Cool Hand Luke" is the best example I can think of to illustrate this kind of character. Another that comes to mind is the true-life character Pvt. Henry ‘Hookie’ Hook from Cy Enfield’s classic war film "Zulu." Actor James Booth played the role of his film career in the 1964 film. Booth’s Hookie was a malingering soldier who bucked his superiors and did what he could to stay in hospital. But when push came to shove for the British soldiers defending the mission station at Rorke’s Drift against thousands of Zulu warriors in January 1878, Pvt. Hook fought of dozens of the enemy and saved the lives of several of his fellow soldiers. The real Pvt. Hook was awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroism. James Booth brought this colorful character to brilliant life in one of my personal favorite films. I especially love the scene where, after a lengthy and harrowing battle, Booth breaks the glass of a medical supply cabinet, takes out some medicinal brandy and downs a slug. The look on Booth’s face is priceless. He was cool, even under fire. Actor/screenwriter James Booth died at age 77. James Booth enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic. Auteur director David Lynch cast Booth as Jane Greer’s ex-convict husband in his groundbreaking TV series "Twin Peaks." Mr. Booth played a supporting role in the excellent 1973 Rock and Roll drama "That’ll Be the Day." He played the father of David Essex’s character in the film. Though Mr. Booth did not appear in the 1974 sequel "Stardust," both films are very much worth watching. Mr. Booth appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows. Among his credits are "The Secret of My Success," "Robbery," "Rentadick," "The Bliss of Miss Blossom," "Adam’s Woman," "Macho Callahan," "Brannigan," "Darker Than Amber" and "Airport 77." Mr. Booth was also a screenwriter. His writing credits include the Farrah Fawcett thriller "Sunburn." In addition to his celluloid career, Mr. Booth had a respected stage career. Mr. Booth served his country in the British Army, mustering out with the rank of Captain.

TONINO DELLO COLLI Died Aug. 16, 2005

Award-winning cinematographer Tonino Delli Colli died in his sleep at age 82. Mr. Colli captured some of the most beautiful images ever for many of the best directors of the last century. His work was recognized by many organizations with honors and awards. His recognition came from the Golden Globes (Lifetime Achievement Awards), the BAFTAs (1 nomination), the American Society of Cinematographers (International award), Brothers Manaki International Film Festival (Lifetime achievement awards), the Italian National Syndicate of Film Journalists (6 Silver Ribbon Awards) and Italy’s highest film award the David di Donatello Awards ( 4 David Awards).

Mr. Colli started in the film industry while still a teenager. He was hired as a camera assistant at Rome’s famous Cinecitta Studio at age 16. Mr. Colli lensed nearly 150 films during his lengthy career. Directors such as Federico Fellini, Sergio Leone, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Louis Malle trusted the astute cinematographer with their vision. Mr. Colli shot twelve films for Pasolini including "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," "The Decameron" and "Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom." He worked with Italian master Federico Fellini on four films including "Fred and Ginger" and "Spirits of the Dead." He shot the Oscar nominated "Lacombe Lucien" for Louis Malle." Mr. Colli shot the fantasy "The Wonders of Aladdin" for horror film master Mario Bava.

Sergio Leone was one of my all-time favorite directors. His visual style has never been matched by hoards of imitators. Mr. Colli photographer Leone’s best work: the masterpieces "Once Upon a Time in the West" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" as well as Leone’s swan-song film "Once Upon a Time in America." In 2003, Paramount released an amazing 2-Disk DVD of "Once Upon a Time in the West." Mr. Colli appears in the documentaries "An Opera of Violence" and "The Wages of Sin," in which he reminisces about working with Leone to capture the film’s stunning visuals.

Other credits include Oscar-winner "Life is Beautiful," "Death and the Maiden," "The Name of the Rose," Lina Wertmuller’s "Blood Feud" and "Seven Beauties" and one of my guilty pleasures "Situation Normal: All Fouled Up."

JOE RANFT Died Aug. 16, 2005

Oscar-and-Emmy-nominated writer and award-winning storyboard supervisor Jope Ranft was killed, along with another person when the driver of the car he was riding in lost control and went of the Pacific Coast Highway and plunged 130 feet to the sea. Mr. Rantf was 45 years old. He was nominated for a Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Oscar for co-writing the Pixar hit "Toy Story." Mr. Ranft shared an Emmy nomination for "The Brave Little Toaster." His peers in the Animation Guild with an Annie Award for his storyboards "Toy Story 2" as well as a nomination for co-writing "A Bug’s Life." Joe Rantf was a legend in the animation world. He worked for Disney and Pixar. Mr. Ranft was the Pixar’s story department for more than a decade. His writing credits include "Oliver & Company," "The Rescuers Down Under," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Lion King," "Toy Story," "A Bug’s Life" and "Fantasia 2000." On the animation side of the aisle, Mr. Ranft’s credits include "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "James and the Giant Peach" and "Monsters, Inc." If that were not enough, Joe Ranft was also a voice actor. He provided the voice of Heimlich in "A Bug’s Life." Other voice credits include "Finding Nemo," "The Brave Little Toaster," "Toy Story" and "The Incredibles."

MEL WELLES Died Aug. 18, 2005

Actor/writer/director/producer Mel Welles died of a heart attack. Mr. Welles played flower shop owner Gravis Mushnik in Roger Corman’s cult classic "Little Shop of Horrors." He appeared in nearly 80 films and TV shows during his career. In the 1960s, Mr. Welles moved to Europe and began directing and producing films. Mr. Welles worked with legendary horror film director Michael Reeves in the 1966 film "Sister of Satan." He played a voyeuristic inn-keeper. Reeves directed four horror classics before dying of an overdose of drugs and alcohol at age 25. Mr. Welles appeared in a number of memorable and infamous films such as "The Silver Chalice," "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy," "Attack of the Crab Monsters," "The Brothers Karamazov," "High School Confidential!," "Hemmingway’s Adventures as a Young Man," "Wolfen" and "The Last American Virgin." Mr. Welles wrote and directed such films as "Baby Dolls," "Daughter of Frankenstein" and "The Bloodsuckers."

ROBERT MOOG Died Aug. 21, 2005

Robert Moog died of brain cancer at age 71. Mr. Moog was the inventor of the Moog Synthesizer. His invention revolutionized electronic music. Mr. Moog was the subject of the 2004 documentary "Moog." He also appeared in the documentaries "Modulations" and "Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey." Mr. Moog’s instrument has been used by countless musicians on countless movie and TV soundtracks. Like many people my age, I first became aware of Mr. Moog’s instrument with the release of Wendy Carlos’s album "Switched on Bach." Carlos was one Mr. Moog’s first clients. She is probably the world’s foremost electronic synthesizer musician. Ms. Carlos used the Moog Synthesizer to compose soundtracks for Stanley Kubrick’s "A Clockwork Orange" and "The Shining" as well as the Disney sci-fi film "Tron."

Ms. Carlos was kind enough to share some of her memories of her early days with Mr. Moog with me: "Bob Moog and I met at a mid-60's audio convention in NYC. I stumbled upon his exhibit at the hotel during a quiet afternoon (he was exhausted getting here, and was taking a nap, so accidentally I woke him). Very impressive to see his novel voltage controlled modules sitting on the table in a row. Bob introduced himself and generously answered all my impertinent questions.

We soon came to be good friends, and he seemed like a bright older brother. Bob was an engineer who spoke music; I was a musician who spoke science. He was rather shy, and certainly less of a chatterbox than me; but I found him also to be open, modest, witty, and devoid of dogma or axes to grind. It was an ideal collaboration.

Don't know how I'd have been able to begin my career in electroacoustic music without Bob's fine toolmaking skills. It was an idea whose time had come -- concepts which had been in the air for several decades were now about to be brought together properly for the first time. Today it seems inevitable. But then it felt completely undefined, new paths to explore, those of us lucky enough to have been there at that moment."

BROCK PETERS Died Aug. 23, 2005

Tony-nominated actor Brock Peters died of pancreatic cancer at age 78. Brock Peters left us with many memorable performances, but he is best known for his performance as Tom Robinson in "To Kill a Mockingbird." Mr. Peters delivered a stoic and noble performance as the poor Black man falsely accused and convicted of rape in Richard Mulligan’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic novel. I watched the movie with my father when I was 10-years-old. I remember the outrage I felt when the movie jury convicted Robinson and how tears welled in my eyes when the news came that Robinson was killed while ‘escaping.’ Sure it was just a movie, but when I saw it that first time the year was 1968. Dr. King had been murdered in my city that year. The powerful film brought insight to my young mind as to just how important it was to end the hatred of racism.

Brock Peters left us with much more that "To Kill a Mockingbird" though. He played goodguys and badguys. His work encompassed many genres from musicals to dramas to Sci-Fi to Westerns. Many Black actors of today owe a debt to people like Sidney Poitier and Brock Peters for breaking the Stephen Fetchit stereotypical acting styles forced on Black actors in generations past. Mr. Peters never played a character that could not be called A Man. Mr. Peters was nominated for a Tony Award for the play "Lost Among the Stars." The play was filmed in 1974 as part of the American Film Theater series. In 1991 the Screen Actor’s Guild honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Brock Peters played a suave, sophisticated crime lord in Sidney Lumet’s powerful "The Pawnbroker." Sam Peckinpah cast him as a Union soldier in his misfire "Major Dundee." Peters reteamed with "Major Dundee" star Charlton Heston in the great sci-fi thriller "Soylent Green." He made his film debut in the musical "Carmen Jones." Mr. Peters’s second film was also a musical: "Porgy and Bess." Mr. Peters was well-known to "Star Trek" fans. He had a recurring role in the TV series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." Mr. Peters also played Admiral Cartwright in the films "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" and "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country." Other credits include "The L-Shaped Room," "The Incident," "Slaughter’s Big Rip-Off," "Two-Minute Warning" and "Ghosts of Mississippi." Mr. Peters also produced the films "Five On the Black Hand Side" and the 1963 version of Ossie Davis's "Purlie Victorious" called "Gone Are the Days!"

WYOTT ORDUNG Died Aug. 28, 2005

To the aficionado of bad films, the name Wyott Ordung holds an exalted place. Mr. Ordung wrote the infamous "Robot Monster." Though that is enough to grant Mr. Ordung an infamous place in film history, he should best be remembered for his early collaboration with Roger Corman. He directed the very first Roger Corman movie "Monster From the Ocean Floor." Mr. Ordung cast his friend Jonathan Haze in a supporting role. Mr. haze became one of Roger Corman’s regular actors and is best remembered for his lead role in "Little Shop of Horrors." Mr. Ordung also wrote the sci-fi films "Target Earth" and "First Man Into Space." Wyott Ordung served his country in the US Army during WWII. He called on his experiences to write the Korean War drama "Combat Squad."

BOB DENVER Sept. 2, 2005

Beloved actor Bob Denver died of cancer at age 70. Like millions of others, I grew up watching "Gilligan’s Island." Like "Star Trek," "Gilligan’s Island" only ran for three years. Also like "Star Trek," "Gilligan’s Island" has been showing somewhere in the world in reruns ever since. While critics lambasted the show as silly and unsophisticated, the viewing public took to the seven stranded castaways and made the show a runaway hit. Bob Denver’s Gilligan was a lovable doofus who screwed things up in just about every episode but then managed to save the day…short of getting the castaways rescued. Mr. Denver was already a TV star by the time "Gilligan’s Island" premiered in 1964. He went into "Gilligan’s Island" after a successful four-year run on "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." Mr. Denver played Dobie’s beatnik friend Maynard G. Krebs. Where the comedic focus of "Gilligan’s Island" was on slapstick, "Dobie Gillis" was sophisticated. Bob Denver appeared in over 60 films, TV shows and documentaries. He did a nice take-off on his Maynard G. Krebbs character in the Jimmy Stewart/Sandra Dee comedy "Take Her, She’s Mine." Mr. Denver made a rare dramatic appearance in the Golden Globe nominated "The Sweet Ride" opposite Jacqueline Bisset and Tony Franciosa. Bob Denver starred in three more TV series during his career, none of which caught on with the public. They were "The Good Guys," "Far Out Space Nuts" and "Dusty’s Trail." Mr. Denver’s son is special effects whiz Patrick Denver. So long Little Buddy. Thanks for making our lives more cheerful.

ROBERT WISE Died Sep. 14, 2005

Oscar-winning producer/director and Oscar nominated film editor Robert Wise died of heart failure four days after turning 91 years old. Mr. Wise was the last surviving crew member of Orson Welles’s classic film "Citizen Kane." Mr. Wise received his first Oscar nomination at age 27 for editing "Citizen Kane," the film that critics and film historians call the best movie ever made. Robert Wise was nominated for seven Oscars in various categories during his lengthy career. He also received the Academy’s Irving Thalberg Award in 1967. Robert Wise won four Oscars, a Best Picture and Best Director Oscar for both of the musicals "West Side Story" and "The Sound of Music." Mr. Wise’s other two Oscar nominations were for directing the true-life crime drama "I Want to Live!" and the epic Steve McQueen adventure/war film "The Sand Pebbles."

Robert Wise began work as a sound editor and moved up to film editing. His combined editor credits include "Of Human Bondage," "The Informer," "The Devil and Daniel Webster," "The Magnificent Ambersons" and "Bombardier."

Though Robert Wise received many accolades for his epics and musicals, he held an important place in the world of sci-fi and horror filmmaking. Robert Wise edited William Dieterle’s 1939 version of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Producer Val Lewton gave Mr. Wise his first job as a director. Mr. Wise worked on three films with Val Lewton. Two of them were the genre films "The Curse of the Cat People" and "The Body Snatcher" with Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. In 1951, Robert Wise made his contribution to the emerging sci-fi genre. "The Day the Earth Stood Still" was and remains a classic of its form. Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal starred along with a 7-foot robot named Gort who responded to the famous command "Klaatu barada nikto!" In 1963 Robert Wise made the atmospheric "The Haunting." For my money, the best haunted house movie of all time. In 1971 Mr. Wise returned to the sci-fi genre directing the taut and intelligent adaptation of Michael Crichton’s "The Andromeda Strain." He returned to the horror genre in 1977 with the reincarnation thriller "Audrey Rose." Mr. Wise’s last major film was the long-awaited "Star Trek: The Motion Picture."

There were no types of film that Robert Wise was not adept at making. One of my personal favorites is his late entry in the Film Noir genre: "Odds Against Tomorrow." The film tackled the question of racism within the confines of a heist caper. Robert Ryan and Harry Belafonte play thieves thrown together for a payroll heist. Their mutual hatred of each other causes thing to go very badly. His 1948 Western "Blood on the Moon" foreshadowed the more adult oriented Westerns to emerge in the 1950s. Both "The Desert Rats" and "Run Silent, Run Deep" proved that Robert Wise could handle both the action and psychological depth needed to life a war film above the competition.

Robert Wise was known as an actor’s director. His 1958 film "I Want to Live!" told the story of executed murderess Barbara Graham. Susan Hayward won a well-deserved Best Actress Oscar for her performance. Nine actors and actress received Oscar nominations for their work in the films of Robert Wise. Steve McQueen received his lone Best Actor Oscar nomination as the lone wolf navy engineer Jake Holman in the epic "The Sand Pebbles." Japanese actor Mako received a Best Supporting Actor nomination in the same film for playing Po-han, Steve McQueen’s protégé.

There is little doubt that Robert Wise will be best remembered for directing two classic musicals. "West Side Story" was nominated for ten Oscars and won nine. "The Sound of Music" also received ten Oscar nods, winning five. The films speak for themselves.

GUY GREEN Died Sep. 15, 2005

Oscar winning cinematographer and noted writer/director Guy Green died at age 91. Mr. Green was the cinematographer on four early films by director David Lean. He also worked with Lean as a camera operator on two others. Guy Green won an Oscar for Best Cinematography for Lean’s 1947 film "Great Expectations." Mr. Green also shot David Lean’s films "Oliver Twist," "Madeleine" and "The Passionate Friends." Mr. Green’s work is discussed by famed cinematographer Ernest Diskerson in the opening of the excellent documentary "Visions of Light." The co-founder of the British Society of Cinematographers was the first British Director of Photography to win the Oscar. Mr. Green received the President’s Award for his body of work by the American Society of Cinematographers. Guy Green shot over 20 films during the 1940s and 50s. His cinematographer credits include "Captain Horatio Hornblower R.N.," "Decameron Nights" and the first version of Christopher Isherwood’s "I Am a Camera."

Mr. Green switched gears in the early 1950s and began his career as a director. Mr. Green directed 25 films and TV shows during his career. His 1961 film "The Mark" broke ground for its taboo subject matter. Stuart Whitman received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in "The Mark" as a potential child molester seeking psychiatric help before he offends. "The Mark" was also nominated for the Golden Palm at Cannes. Four years later, Mr. Green wrote, produced and directed "A Patch of Blue." The film received five Oscar nominations and actress Shelly Winters won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Mr. Green’s screenplay was honored by a nomination from his peers in the Writer’s Guild. Mr. Green directed one of the better entries in The American Film Theater series of the early 1970s. Stacy Keach starred in the title role of Mr. Green’s "Luther," which dealt with Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. Mr. Green’s directorial credits include "Diamondhead," "The Magus," "Jacqueline Susann’s Once is Not Enough," "Walk in the Spring Rain" and "House of Secrets." In 1963, Mr. Green was called on to help finish directing "55 Days at Peking" when Nicholas Ray walked off the film.

SID LUFT Died Sep. 15, 2005

Producer Sid Luft died of a heart attack at age 89. Sid Luft was the third of Judy Garland’s five husbands and father of Lorna and Joey Luft. Mr. Luft produced the 1954 version of "A Star is Born." The film could have been called A Star is Reborn as the George Cukor directed film earned Judy Garland a Best Actress Oscar nomination and brought the troubled actress a much needed success. Sid Luft and Ms Garland were married for 13 years. His other credits include "Kilroy was Here" and "French Leave" as well as several TV specials involving his wife. Mr. Luft was the last surviving husband of Judy Garland. Ms. Garland died of a drug overdose at age 47.

JOEL HIRSCHHORN Died Sep. 18, 2005

Oscar-winning and Tony-nominated composer Joel Hirschhorn died of a heart attack at age 67. Mr. Hirschhorn and his musical collaborator Al Kasha were nominated for four Oscars: three Best Songs and one Best Score. The pair won twice for the Best Song for the compositions "The Morning After" and "We May Never Love Like This Again." Both songs were written for producer Irwin Allen’s blockbuster disaster films "The Poseidon Adventure" and "The Towering Inferno." Mr. Hirschhorn and Mr. Kasha’s other two Oscar nominations were both for the Disney film "Pete’s Dragon." Mr. Hirschhorn also enjoyed success on Broadway, receiving Tony nominations for their work on the plays "David Copperfield" (with Al Kasha) and "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (with Johnny Mercer and Gene de Paul). Mr. Hirschhorn was also a successful author and journalist. The movie "Pete’s Dragon" was a favorite of my oldest daughter when she was a little girl. The song "Candle on the Water" was very special to me as I was raising my daughter by myself. "Candle on the Water" captured the essence of a parent protecting a child. To me, the song was far superior to the two for which Mr. Hirschhorn won the Oscars, but I’m just feeling sentimental I guess. Joel Hirschhorn scored over 20 films and TV shows including the original version of "Freaky Friday," "The Cheyenne Social Club," "Hot Lead and Cold Feet" and "The North Avenue Irregulars."

SIMON WIESENTHAL Died Sep. 20, 2005

Holocaust survivor and famed Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal died in his sleep at age 96. Simon Wiesenthal was a tireless crusader against prejudice. He fought not only anti-Semitism, but prejudice in general. Mr. Wiesenthal survived the Nazi death camps. Nearly 100 of his personal relatives did not. Following the liberation of the Nazi’s Mauthausen death camp by US troops in WWII, Mr. Wiesenthal began a lifelong quest for justice. Through his work and organizational skills, nearly 1,100 Nazi war criminals to justice. Mr. Wiesenthal was a technical advisor on Ronald Neame’s thriller "The Odessa File." His book "The Sunflower" was turned into the film "The Nazi." Mr. Wiesenthal’s book "Max and Helen" became the great Made for TV film. Actor Martin Landau received a CableACE nomination for his portrayal of Mr. Wisenthal in "Max and Helen.". Ben Kingsley was nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his outstanding performance as Mr. Wiesenthal in Abby Mann’s excellent "Murderers Among Us: The Simon Wiesenthal Story." Laurence Olivier’s character in Ira Levin’s "The Boys From Brazil" was inspired in large part by Simon Wiesenthal. Mr. Wiesenthal’s life and work was the subject of several documentaries as well. They include "The Art of Remembrance-Simon Wiesenthal," "Simon Wiesenthal: Freedom is Not a Gift From Heaven" and the Danish TV documentary "Mordere Iblant os." Mr. Wiesenthal founded The Simon Wiesenthal Center. That organization performed a variety of functions. The Wiesenthal Center educated and informed was through its film production company. They produced a number of feature and documentary films including the 1997 Best Documentary Feature Oscar winner "The Long Way Home."

I know this is wrong...to judge others, but I'd like imagine that Mr. Wiesenthal is now resting comfortably in the Bosom of Abraham, looking across the fathomless divide to the tormented in hell, to see the endless pain of Hitler and his minions in total and utter defeat. Thank you for your service to God and humanity Mr. Wiesenthal.

GORDON CARROLL Died Sep. 20, 2005

Producer Gordon Carroll died of pneumonia at age 77. I never met a film produced by Gordon Carroll that I didn’t like. Well, almost! Gordon Carroll produced the classic antihero film "Cool Hand Luke." That film credit alone is enough to hold Mr. Carroll in high esteem. Add to that the "Alien" series of films. Considering how great "Alien" and "Aliens" are, one can forgive the rest of the series. Mr. Carroll also produced, and fought for Sam Peckinpah’s nearly lost masterpiece "Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid." Gordon Carroll negotiated and lost with the heads of MGM to release the director’s cut of the James Coburn/Kris Kristofferson film. Mr. Carroll lost and the MGM execs took Peckinpah’s film, butchered it and then released a version that the director disavowed. Fortunately for Peckinpah fans, Ted Turner restored Peckinpah’s version for home video. Fans were finally able to see the movie that critic Pauline Kael raved about before lessor minds ruined it. Mr. Carroll also produced the Jack Lemmon comedy "How to Murder Your Wife," "Blue Thunder" and "The Best of Times." Mr. Carroll served his country as an officer in the US Army during the Korean War.

TOMMY BOND Died Sep. 24, 2005

Tommy Bond, one of the last surviving cast members from the "Our Gang" series died of heart disease at age 79. Though Mr. Bond started out playing a character named Tommy in the Hal Roach comedy series, he was best know for playing his second character, Butch the bully. Most of his 80+ film appearances were in the "Our Gang" AKA "The Little Rascals" serials. As he grew older, Tommy Bond was a regular in the "Five Little Peppers" comedy serial. He played Joey Pepper in the Western comedy films. He also played Jimmy Olsen to Kirk Alyn’s Superman in 30 episodes of the serials "Superman" and "Atom Man vs. Superman." He later turned down the chance to play Jimmy Olsen on the George Reeves TV series version of "Superman." Mr. Bond retired from acting in 1951 and went into the fledgling TV industry where he remained until his retirement in the 1990s. Mr. Bond’s son, Thomas R. Bond II was a child prodigy radio journalist, and is now a producer and the owner of the production company "Biograph."

DON ADAMS Died Sept. 25, 2005

Laughter unites generations. Laughter cuts across racial lines, as well as religious and political lines. Laughter has the power to heal pain, as well endure it. Those who have the gift of making us laugh are a blessing to the rest of us. Don Adams was one such man. For decades, Don Adams entertained millions through the medium of TV. Sure, he made a couple of films and also was seen by thousands in Vegas and other live performances, but Don Adams was a TV star. As the star of Mel Brook’s hilarious TV series "Get Smart," Don Adams entertained both young and old alike. The spy spoof had Adams playing agent Maxwell Smart along with sidekick Agent 99 played by Barbara Feldon. Adams’s character was more than a bit inept, but he always found a way to save the day. As a child of the 60s I enjoyed the slapstick antics of Mr. Adams. I had to watch the opening and closing credits or the episode would not be complete. You all know the gags. I was a kid. I laughed every time Mr. Adams got his nose busted by that door in the closing credits. Being somewhat of a klutz as a kid, I identified with a grown up who shared that trait with me. As a parent in the 80s and 90s I enjoyed sharing reruns of "Get Smart" with my kids. Watching their laughter as they discovered one of the joys of my childhood. I also enjoyed rediscovering the more adult humor, which I missed as a kid. Mr. Adams also entertained my children with his voice work in the cartoon series "Inspector Gadget." It was nice to have such shows that could be shared and used as bonding tools between my children and myself. I’m sure I was not alone in that regard.

On a more personal level, Mr. Adams passing hits close to home. Many of my readers also frequent The Google alt.obit board. Though there are many political battles waged on that message board, there is camaraderie among the posters when tragedy strikes. Actor and film historian Jim Beaver is a regular poster on the board. His knowledge of the movie business and the information he shares make for some of the most interesting reading on the message board. He is Don Adams son-in-law. His wife, Cecily Adams was an actress and casting director who died tragically of cancer at an early age. Mr. Beaver shared his pain and the pain of his father-in-law during that tragic time with those of us on the alt.obit board. When my own daughter Christy was near death’s door, Mr. Beaver offered his support and prayers for my family. Though I’ve never met him in person, like many others on the alt.obit board, he is cyber family. For Mr. Beaver, his young daughter Madeline Rose and the rest of Don Adams family I ask for prayers of comfort.

Don Adams served his country in combat during WWII as a US Marine. He was also a Marine Drill Instructor. Thanks for the joy your laughter brought to the world. Thanks for you service to your nation, for putting yourself in harms way when freedom was threatened and for training other young men how to be among The Few and The Proud.

NIPSEY RUSSELL Died Oct. 2, 2005

Actor/comedian/poet Nipsey Russell died of cancer. Mr. Russell’s age is not know for sure, but he was known to be in his early 80s. Nipsey Russell may have been best known for his guest appearances on numerous TV variety shows, talks shows and game shows. I remember his many appearances on "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson" as well as "The Dean Martin Show" and "Laugh In." Mr. Russell always had a funny poem about every conceivable subject known to man. That talent earned him the title "The Poet Laureate of Television." Mr. Russell was a regular on the first two seasons of the TV series "Car 54, Where Are You?" He also reprised his role in the 1994 film version. His best known film role was as the Tin Man in "The Wiz."

HAMILTON CAMP Died Oct. 3, 3005

Actor and folk singer Hamilton Camp died of a heart attack at age 71. Mr. Camp was a prolific actor, appearing in or doing voice work for nearly 200 films and TV shows during a career that started when he was just eight-years-old. In addition to his acting career, Mr. Campwas one of the legends of the folk music scene in the early 1960s. Using the mane Bob Camp, he was half of the duo "Gibson and Camp." Their album "Gibson and Camp at the Gate of Horn" is considered a classic of the genre. Mr. Camp also performed improv comedy with The Committee and Second City! A true renaissance man! Animation and video game fans know Mr. Camp for his work as a voice actor. I remember him best as the senile butler in Warren Beatty’s "Heaven Can Wait." It is a small, but memorable and very funny performance. Mr. Camp also appeared in the 1953 version of "Titanic," "The Black Shield of Falworth," Peter Bogdanovich’s wonderful homage to silent films "Nickelodeon," "American Hot Wax," Paul Bartel’s twisted comedy "Eating Raoul," Blake Edwards’s "S.O.B." and "Under Fire." Mr. Camp was also a familiar face on episodic TV. He made guest appearances on everything from "The Andy Griffith Show" to "Desperate Housewives." He had the distinction of being a regular on the TV series "Turn-On" and "Co-Ed Fever." The distinction being that both series were cancelled after just one episode. "Turn On" may have been ahead of its time as far as its content was concerned. The 1969 TV show had one skit in which a third world firing squad was about to execute a sexy young woman. The head of the firing squad told the condemned woman "This many sound strange, but the firing squad has a last request." Mr. Camp was also known to "Star Trek" fans for his appearances on "Star Trek: Voyager" and "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine."

MILDRED SHAY Died Oct. 15, 2005

Actress Mildred Shay died at age 94. Ms. Shay appeared in nearly 40 films and TV shows between 1932 and 1999. Ms. Shay lived a charmed life, movie from England to Hollywood in the 1920s. She first appeared on film in the 1932 movie "Age of Consent." The diminutive and very sexy actress was known as "The Pocket Venus." Ms. Shay was romantically linked to a number of Hollywood leading men. She was nearly raped by Tasmanian bad boy Errol Flynn. Ms. Shay’s most notable screen appearance was as Joan Crawford’s French maid in George Cuckor’s "The Women." Other early film credits include "The Philadelphia Story," "A Bill of Divorcement," "In Old Missouri," "Reap the Wild Wind" and "Forever Amber." Ms. Shay finally found true love with British Army officer Geoffrey Steele. Their marriage lasted 40-years, until his death in 1987. Ms. Shay stepped away from the silver screen to raise her family. She returned to the screen in 1968 to appear in Blake Edwards’ "Star!" Her later film credits include small roles in the Robert Redford/Mia Farrow version of "The Great Gatsby," gonzo director Ken Russell’s "Valentino," "Superman III," "Death Wish III," the remake of "Little Shop of Horrors" and voice work in "Labyrinth." British filmmakers Austin and Howard Mutti-Merse were very close with Ms. Shay. Austin shared his feeling for her with me: "My brother Howard, my wife and I adored Mildred Shay she was like a granny to us and we are so thankful that she made it to our wedding!" I too am grateful for Mildred Shay. Though I never met the lady, she took the time to call her priest and ask that my daughter Christy be added to the names of those the Church was praying for. She did this one week after my daughter's accident last year. It meant very much to me, as did the thousands of other prayers said on my family's behalf.

JOHN LARCH Died Oct. 16, 2005

Noted character actor John Larch died having recently turned 91 years old. Mr. Larch had a long and distinguished career as a character actor. He was just as competent as the heavy as he was playing the goodguy or doing comedy. Mr. Larch spent much of career playing policemen and soldiers. Mr. Larch appeared in over 200 films and TV shows during a career that spanned five decades. Some of his more memorable film roles were as the Chief of Police in the original "Dirty Harry," as Father Nuncio in "The Amityville Horror" and as the ill-fated Sgt. McCallum in Clint Eastwood’s great thriller "Play Misty for Me." Fans of "The Twilight Zone" remember Mr. Larch for his role as the father of Bill Mumy's character Anthony Fremont, the boy who wished people into the cornfield in the episode "It's a Good Life." That episode was the basis of Joe Dante's segment of "Twilight Zone: The Movie." He also appeared in two other "Twilight Zone" episodes: "Perchance to Dream" and "Dust." Mr. Larch was a regular during the 1990 season of "Dallas." He also had a recurring role on the primetime soap "Dynasty." Other credits include "War and Remembrance," "Airplane II: The Sequel," "Bad Ronald," "Santee," "The Wrecking Crew," "How the West Was Won," "Seven Men From Now," "The Phenix City Story" and just about every single TV series made in the 1950s, 60s and 70s!

GORDON LEE Died Oct. 16, 2005

Gordon Lee is the second "Our Gang" cast member to die in the last 30 days. Gordon "Porky" Lee died of brain and lung cancer at age 71. Mr. Lee played Porky in Hal Roach’s popular "Our Gang" series. The character Porky was best friends with Buckwheat (portrayed by Bill Thomas) and was also the little brother of "Our Gang" leader Spanky McFarland. Porky and Buckwheat where known for using the catch phrase "Otay." The pairing was also an early instance of on screen friendship between Black and White characters. Porky and Buckwheat were equals in the film series. Mr. Lee appeared in nearly 50 episodes of the "Our Gang" series during the mid 1930s, including the Oscar-winning short "Bored of Education." Mr. Lee’s character was replaced by Robert Blake when he left the series in 1939. As an adult, Gordon Lee was a school teacher.

JOHN HOLLIS Died Oct. 18, 2005

Actor John Hollis died at age 74 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Hollis was best known for his role as Billy Dee Williams’ silent aide Lobot in "The Empire Strikes Back." Mr. Hollis appeared in a number of memorable films. My first exposure to his work was in 1967 when I saw "The Dirty Dozen." Mr. Hollis played the porter who carried the bags for Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson as they entered the Nazi chateau. That same year, Mr. Hollis appeared in the James Bond comedy "Casino Royale." He would later appear, though only from the back, as Bond super villain Blofeld in "For Your Eyes Only." In that film, Roger Moore as James Bond drops a wheelchair bound Blofeld to his death in the movies’ opening sequence. Mr. Hollis also played one of the Elders of the planet Krypton in "Superman," "Superman II" and "Superman IV." Other film and TV credits include "Flash Gordon," "Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter," "The Avengers," "Dixon of Dock Green," "The Tomorrow People" and "Blake’s 7."

ROSA PARKS Died Oct. 24, 2005

Civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks died in her sleep at age 92. On December 1, 1955, Ms. Parks became on of he most visible symbols of the civil rights era when she refused to give up her seat on a bus to a White man. Ms. Parks sat down on the Montgomery, Alabama segregated city bus. Rather than walk to the back of the bus, Rosa Parks sat down in the front. Ms. Parks was tired of the years of humiliation that came with having to move further back whenever Whites boarded the bus. She refused to budge. Angela Bassett received an Emmy nomination for portraying Ms. Parks in the TV movie "The Rosa Parks Story." Ms. Parks herself won the Image Award’s Best Supporting Actress Award for an appearance on the TV series "Touched By an Angel." Ms. Parks appeared in a number of documentaries including "Eyes on the Prize," "In Remembrance of Martin," "Intimate Portrait: Rosa Parks" and several others.

LLOYD BOCHNER Died Oct. 29, 2005

Actor Lloyd Bochner died of cancer at age 81. Mr. Bochner appeared in over 250 films and TV shows during his career. He was known for playing suave villains, though his range of characters was much wider than just the sophisticated badguys. He was the father of "Die Hard" actor Hart Bochner. Oh! If I was the kind of person to give spoilers for movies, I’d tell you the story of the classic "Twilight Zone" episode, "To Serve Man." Mr. Bochner starred in the classic show, which is one of Rod Serling’s most twisted shows, if not one of the best shows ever produced for any TV show. Rod Serling adapted Damon Knight's short story of the same name into one of the best "Twilight Zone" episodes of all time. Lloyd Bochner was known by soap opera fans for his role as Cecil Colby on the hit series "Dynasty." He delivered one of his best badguy roles in John Boorman’s "Point Blank." Horror fans may remember Mr. Bochner for his roles in William Castle’s "The Night Walker," "The Dunwich Horror" and "Crowhaven Farm." Other notable credits include "Harlow," "Tony Rome," "The Detective," "Ulzana’s Raid," "The Man in the Glass Booth" and "The Naked Gun 2 ½: The Smell of Fear."

GEOFFREY KEEN Died Nov. 3, 2005

British character actor Geoffrey Keen died at age 89. Mr. Keen may be best known for his role as Sir Frederick Gray in six James Bond films and as a voice actor in the animated series "James Bond Jr." He first played the Minister of Defense in "The Spy Who Loved Me." His other Bond films are "Moonraker," "For Your Eyes Only," "Octopussy," "A View to a Kill" and "The Living Daylights." Mr. Keen was the son of actor Malcolm Keen. His first wife was actress Hazel Terry. Mr. Keen appeared in over 120 films and TV shows. He appeared with fellow, future James Bond actor Bernard Lee as a military policeman in Carol Reed’s Film Noir classic "The Third Man." "The Third Man" was one of four films he made with director Reed. Other notable film credits include the 1950 version of "Treasure Island," "The Man Who Never Was," "Horrors of the Black Museum," "Sink the Bismark!," "Doctor Zhivago," "Taste the Blood of Dracula," "Cromwell," "Sacco and Vanzetti," "Doomwatch" and the landmark mini-series "QBVII." Mr. Keen served his country in the Medical Corp during WWII.

SHEREE NORTH Died Nov. 4, 2005

Actress Sheree North died from complications following surgery at age 72. The sexy actress began her film career as an alternate for reigning blond bombshell Marilyn Monroe. Ms. North was considered to have a more reliable work ethic. The sexy and versatile actress appeared in over 120 films and TV shows. My fondest cinematic memories of Ms. North came from her work with tough-guy director Don Siegel. Ms. North worked with Siegel in four of his best films. Those roles were evidence of Ms. North’s ability to remake herself as an actress. Following her early years as a Monroe clone, Sheree North shook off the studio imposed image and revealed the real actress within. Sure she was good in her early roles. She proved she could sing and dance with the best of them. However, in the 1960s and 70s, Ms. North showed us much more.

Don Siegel used Ms. North’s talent and incredible sex appeal for a variety of roles. She first worked with Siegel in the somewhat mediocre detective drama "Madigan." Ms. North and star Richard Widmark delivered the best performances in the film. My favorite Sheree North performance was as the forger in Siegel’s excellent crime caper "Charley Varrick." When it comes to on-screen romantic pairings, Walter Mathau and Sheree North may seem like an odd couple, but they pulled it off in "Charley Varrick." Ms. North had a wonderful cameo in Don Siegel’s classic Western "The Shootist." In John Wayne’s final film, Ms. North plays a wild west tramp who wants to cash in on her relationship with the dying shootist played by John Wayne. Her short role is a perfect portrait of a manipulative hussy out for themselves. She plays it sweet and then lets the claws out when she doesn’t get her way. Ms. North’s final film with Don Siegel was the under-rated political thriller "Telefon," which starred Charles Bronson. Ms. North played a sleeper agent sent by the Russian to carry out a terrorist attack. "Telefon" was Ms. North’s second on-screen pairing with Charles Bronson. The pair co-starred with Robert Duval in the 1975 hit thriller "Breakout." She worked with Elvis in "The Trougle With Girls." Ms. North’s other film credits include "Lawman" and "The Gypsy Moths" both with Burt Lancaster.

As good as her film work was, Sherre North was probably seen by more people during her successful TV career. She was a freguent guest star on many of the most popular TV shows during the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. She played Ed Asner’s girlfriend on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Ms. North was Kramer’s mother on "Seinfeld." The list goes on. Thanks for the memories.

JOHN FOWLES Died Nov. 5, 2005

Acclaimed British author John Fowles died at age 79 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Fowles was best known for his novel "The French Lieutenant’s Woman." Harold Pinter adapted the novel for the screen. The film was directed by Karel Reisz and starred Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons. My favorite film adaptation of one of Mr. Fowles’ novels was William Wyler’s "The Collector." Samantha Eggar and Terence Stamp starred as the art student and her psychotically deluded kidnapper. "The Collector" was also filmed in 1986 as the Filipino movie "Prisoner of the Dark." One of Mr. Fowles most complex, and intriguing books was "The Magus." A must read. Mr. Fowles adapted his own book to the screen, but the results were less than spectacular. Anthony Quinn and Michael Caine starred. Take about a movie that needs to be made, or remade in this case! Mr. Fowles’ short story "The Last Chapter" was made into a short film starring Denholm Elliot. Sir Laurence Olivier starred in the BAFTA-nominated TV movie version of Mr. Fowles’ "The Ebony Tower." Mr. Fowles served his country in the Royal Marines.

STEVEN LARNER Died Nov. 6, 2005

Award-winning cinematographer and documentary filmmaker Steven Larner died from injuries sustained in an accident at his family’s vineyard. Mr. Larner received a number of Emmy nominations and two ASC nominations for his cinematography. He directed the 1968 Oscar-nominated documentary "A Few Notes On Our Food Problem." Mr. Larner taught film at UCLA during the 1960s and caounted "The Doors" frontman Jim Morrison among his many students. Mr. Larner lensed many notable films and TV programs including Terrence Malick’s "Badlands," "The Student Nurses," "Roots," "The Buddy Holly Story," "Caddyshack," "Kent State," "World War III," "Twilight Zone: The Movie," "Fatal Vision," "North and South" and the TV series "Beauty and the Beast." Ironiacally, Mr. Larner was involved in two films which were plagued by fatal helicopter accidents. Mr. Larner was the cinematographer on the John Landis segment of "Twilight Zone" The Movie" in which Vic Morrow and two child actors were killed. The year before, Mr. Larner was the cinematographer on the Made for TV movie "World War III." During that film’s production, director Boris Sagal, father of actors Katey, Joe, Jean and Liz Sagal, was killed when he walked into the tail rotor of the helicopter he had just exited. Mr. Larner served his country in the US Army during the Korean War.

MOUSTAPHA AKKAD Died Nov. 11, 2005

Producer Moustapha Akkad was the latest film industry victim of a terrorist attack. The executive producer of the "Halloween" horror film series was one of at least 56 people killed in an al qaeda suicide-bomb attack in Amman Jordon on November 9th. Mr. Akkad’s 34-year-old daughter Rima died Wednesday of her injuries sustained in the blast. The father and daughter were part of a group attending a wedding ceremony. Three hotels were struck by the al qeada terrorists. As happened in the 9/11 attacks, which took the lives of a cross-section of humanity, this latest attack shows that the enemy has no regard for the race, sex or religion of their victims. Mr. Akkad was killed at an Islamic wedding! Mr. Akkad first achieved international notice in 1976 when he produced and directed the religious historical epic "Mohammad: Messenger of God." Mr. Akkad wished to educate the world about the origins of Islam. In keeping with Islamic law, Mohammad himself was never seen or heard in the film! Akkad showed himself to be an excellent director in that he was able to tell the story of Mohammad without actually showing him, and also revealing his flair for the epic film genre. Anthony Quinn starred as Mohammad’s uncle Hamza. The photo at right is of director Akkad and his star Anthony Quinn on location. Mr. Akkad reteamed with Anthony Quinn for the 1981 epic "The Lion of the Desert." Though the movie was well made, it did poorly at the box office. Mr. Akkad holds a place near and dear to the hearts of horror movie fans. He was the only person connected to all eight films in the "Halloween" series. Mr. Akkad is the fourth person linked with the "Halloween" series this year. Producer Debra Hill (Halloween I, II, III) died in March, actor Dan O’Herlihy (Halloween III) died in February and producer Joseph Wolf (Halloween II, III) died in September. Prayers of comfort for the families and loved ones of those who were murdered in this cowardly attack.

EDUARDO GUERRERO Died Nov. 13, 2005

Former WWE wrestling champion Eddie Guerrero was found dead in his hotel room in Minneapolis, Minnesota. No cause of death has been determined for the 38-year-old WWE star, but the police did say that there appeared to be no foul play. Mr. Guerrero appeared in over 100 WWF, WCW and WWE productions including "Wrestlemania," "Smack Down" and "Raw is War." Mr. Guerrero was a role model in that he shared openly about his past problems with drugs and alcohol. He was the subject of the documentary "Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story." No matter what the autopsy reveals as the cause of death, Mr. Guerrero spoke out about his trials and errors and victories in the battle against substance abuse. Those lessons he passed on to his young fans will live on. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

RALPH EDWARDS Died Nov. 16, 2005

Pioneering radio and TV producer and host Ralph Edwards died of heart failure at age 92. He produced and hosted the popular TV series "This Is Your Life," which ran on NBC from 1952 to 1961. The series was from a kinder, gentler time. Mr. Edwards would lure celebrities and regular people alike to a location and then present them with a multitude of people from their past. The series was revived in 1971 (3 seasons) and again in 1983 (2 seasons) and 1987 (1 season). Mr. Edwards also produced the hit TV series "Truth or Consequences." He began that show on Radio in 1940. One year later, the show debuted as the first commercially broadcast TV show for NBC. As happened with the outbreak of WWI, WWII once again delayed the development of commercial TV broadcasting. The TV show folded, but remained popular on the radio. In 1950, Mr. Edwards brought "Truth or Consequences" back to TV for an astounding 38 year run! The show became so popular that a town in the state of New Mexico formally changed its name to "Truth or Consequences, NM. Mr. Edwards also produced "The People’s Court." He acted in a few movies including "Manhattan Merry-Go-Round" and "The Bamboo Blonde."

JOHN W. MITCHELL Died Nov. 17, 2005

Oscar and BAFTA nominated sound recordist John W. Mitchell died at age 88. Mr. Mitchell was nominated for two Oscars for his work on the films "A Passage to India" and "Diamonds are Forever." His BAFTA nomination came for the film "Gold." Mr. Mitchell began working in the industry while a teenager. He operated Boom Microphones on a number of films during the 1930s. He worked his way up the sound ladder so to speak. Mr. Mitchell’s many credits include "The African Queen," "The Bridge on the River Kwai," "Above Us the Waves," "Moby Dick," "The Prince and the Showgirl," "Our Man in Havana," "From Russia With Love," "The Spy Who Came In from the Cold," "Arabesque," "Casino Royale," "You Only Live Twice," "Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang," "On Her Majesty’s Secret Service," "Live and Let Die," "Shout at the Devil," "Death on the Nile," "Murder by Decree," "Raise the Titanic," "The Mirror Crack’d," "The Bounty" and "Manhunter." Mr. Mitchell’s career was the subject of the documentary short "A Matter of Sound." Mr. Mitchell served his country as a submariner in the Royal Navy during WWII. Mr. Mitchell was made a Member of the British Empire.

HAROLD STONE Died Nov. 18, 2005

Prolific actor Harold Stone died of natural causes at age 92. Mr. Stone appeared in nearly 200 TV shows and films. Though Mr. Stone appeared in over 30 films, his biggest success came on the small screen. Mr. Stone played a variety of tough-guys and villains, but he was also adept and comedy and kid-hearted characters. Two of his best non-heavy roles came in the TV series "Bridget Lovers Bernie" and "My World, and Welcome to It." Mr. Stone starred in "The Twilight Zone" episode "The Arrival." He played a FAA investigator trying to solve the mystery of a commercial flight that landed with no crew or passengers. Among Mr. Stone’s film credits are "The Black Dahlia," "The Harder They Fall," "Somebody Up There Likes Me," Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Wrong Man," "Spartacus," "X-The Man With X-Ray Eyes," "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and "The St. Valentine Day’s Massacre."

CONSTANCE CUMMINGS Died Nov. 23, 2005

Tony Award-winning actress Constance Cummings died at age 95. Ms. Cummings enjoyed successful stage and film careers on both sides of the Atlantic. She made her film debut in Howard Hawks’ classic "The Criminal Code" co-starring with Walter Huston and Boris Karloff. Ms. Cummings was one of Columbia Studio exec Harry Cohn’s WAMPAS Baby Stars. The WAMPAS program was designed to hype a group of actresses who the studio execs felt were destined for stardom. Some made and others didn’t. Ms. Cummings was one of those who did. Ms. Cummings was busy on screen during the early 1930s appearing in nearly 15 films between 1931 and 33. She married noted British playwright Benn Wolf Levy (Hitchcock’s Blackmail) in 1933 and moved to the UK. There, her career continued to flourish on screen and on stage. She co-starred with Rex Harrison in the David Lean version of Noel Coward’s "Blithe Spirit." Among her other notable credits were "Seven Sinners" and "Remember Last Night." Constance Cummings joined the National Theater under the direction of Laurence Olivier in 1971. She co-starred with Olivier in his production of "A Long Day’s Journey Into Night." Ms. Cummings Tony Award as Best Actress was for her 1979 performance in the play "Wings." She later reprised the role on TV. Speaking of TV, Ms. Cummings appeared in the 1937 TV version of "Cyrano de Bergerac."

PAT MORITA Died Nov. 24, 2005

Oscar and Emmy nominated actor Par Morita died of natural causes at age 73. Pat Morita was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing Mr. Miyagi in "The Karate Kid." The hit film spawned three sequels. His Emmy nomination as Best Supporting Actor in a Mini Series or Special came from the TV movie "Amos," which starred Kirk Douglas and Elizabeth Montgomery. Pat Morita appeared in nearly 200 films and TV shows. He began his career doing stand-up comedy in the early 1960s. After years of bit roles, Mr. Morita gained prominence in the hit TV series "Happy Days" as the owner of Arnold’s Drive In. Mr. Morita appeared in the 1976 TV movie "Farewell to Manzanar," which dealt with the internment of Japanese Americans in California during WWII. Mr. Morita drew on his own personal experiences for the role as he spent his early teen years in just such a camp. Among Mr. Morita’s credits are "Thoroughly Modern Millie," the hilarious "Evil Roy Slade," "Midway," "Honeymoon in Vegas," "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues," "Spy Hard," "Mulan," "Boy Meets World," "The Hughleys," "The Outer Limits," "Married…With Children," "Magnum P.I.," "Starsky and Hutch," "Kung Fu," "M*A*S*H," "Green Acres" and "Laugh-In."

MARC LAWRENCE Died Nov. 28, 2005

Prolific and controversial tough-guy actor Marc Lawrence died at age 95. Mr. Lawrence made films during eight different decades! Marc Lawrence had the perfect face for playing badguys. He delivered so many memorable performances that it is hard to pick out one favorite. He leant a sinister air to a movie just by being present. Marc Lawrence also could be very funny. At times he parodied his tough-guy image on film. His performance as Rupert Stiltskin in "Foul Play" is a perfect example. Marc Lawrence played badguys in two James Bond films. He was the thug who threw Lana Wood out the window in "Diamonds are Forever." His character professed that he didn’t know there was a "pool down there" when Wood’s character Plenty O’Toole survived the fall. He was a hitman hired to take on Roger Moore in "The Man With the Golden Gun." It didn’t matter if the film was an urban crime drama or a Western, Marc Lawrence was the man to call when you needed menace. He made his film debut in the 1932 anthology film "If I Had a Million." W.C. Fields and Gary Cooper starred. Among his over 200 film and TV credits were such classics as "This Gun for Hire," "The Ox-Bow Incident," the original version of "Dillinger," "Flame of the Barbary Coast," "Key Largo," and "The Asphalt Jungle." Marc Lawrence went through a dark period during the HUAC hearings in the late 1940s and early 50s. Mr. Lawrence admitted to attending communist meetings. He played it off with the quip "I heard it was a good place to meet girls." The senators were not amused and kept up the pressure on Lawrence. He eventually named names, but was still black-listed. Actor Lionel Stander (Once Upon a Time in the West) was named by Lawrence. Mr. Stander attempted to sue Lawrence for slander, but the case was thrown out when the judge ruled that Mr. Lawrence had congressional immunity. Mr. Stander demanded to be allowed to appear before the committee to clear his name. It took him two years to get the opportunity, but he still remained on the blacklist. Mr. Lawrence also named actor Jeff Corey to the committee. Mr. Lawrence fled the blacklist by moving to Europe. He worked in foreign films for more than a decade. Once the blacklist was ended, he moved back to the US and continued his career. Other credits include "Gotti," "From Dusk Till Dawn," "Revenge of the Pink Panther," "Marathon Man," "A Piece of the Action," "Honor Thy Father," "Krakatoa: East of Java," "Helen of Troy" and "Looney Toons: Back in Action."

WENDIE JO SPERBER Died Nov. 29, 2005

Very sad news to report friends. Actress Wendie Jo Sperber died after an eight-year battle with breast cancer. The 46-year-old actress became a cancer crusader and activist during her long war with the insidious disease. Ms. Sperber was an inspirational role model during her illness. She founded the weSpark Cancer Support Center to assist victims and their loved ones in dealing with the many problems associated with living with cancer. I’ve been a fan of her delightful comic nature since her screen debut in Robert Zemeckis’ hilarious and heart-warming "I Wanna Hold Your Hand." Ms. Sperber was part a of a great ensemble cast playing Beatle fans trying to get into their appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show." She continued to make an impression in numerous comedy films. She had a memorable comedic dance number during the USO sequence in Spielberg’s "1941." She reteamed with Zemeckis as a student driver in the low-brow comedy "Used Cars." Ms. Sperber played Lynda McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. She was best known to TV audiences as Tom Hanks’ co-star in "Bosom Buddies." Other credits include "Moving Violations," "Bachelor Party," "Home Improvement," "JAG" and "8 Simple Rules …for Dating My Teenage Daughter." Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

HERBERT STROCK Died Nov. 30, 2005

If you asked me today who my favorite directors were I would say Speilberg, Kurosawa, Scorsese and Peckinpah. If you had asked me the same question when I was 8 years old, my answer would have been Roger Corman, Bert Gordon, William Castle and Herb Strock. Like millions of kids growing up in the 60s, I was a huge fan of B-horror movies. Herb Strock was a beloved figure to those who remember the really bad monster movies of the 1950s. He directed a number of movies that still hold a warm place in my heart. His films were shown on WHBQ’s "Fantastic Features" numerous times. Change the city from Memphis to Your Town and whatever the old "Creature Feature" show you remember, chances are they too showed Herb Strock’s movies. His many credits include "I Was a Teenage Frankenstein," "How to Make a Monster," "Blood of Dracula," "The Crawling Hand," "Gog" and "The Magnetic Monster." Mr. Strock also directed a number of non-genre films as well as episodic TV. His TV credits include "Highway Patrol," "Maverick" and "77 Sunset Strip." Director Herb Strock died at age 87.

JOHN DETLIE Died Nov. 30, 2005

Oscar-nominated art director John Detlie died of lung cancer at age 96. Mr. Detlie worked on a number of films prior to WWII. After the war be turned to architecture as a profession. Mr. Detlie was nominated for a Best Art Direction Oscar for the 1940 film "Bitter Sweet." Mr. Detlie shared the Oscar nomination with MGM department head Cedric Gibbons. Oscar winning film editor Elmo Williams told me that studio department heads shared credits in all films produced whether they worked on them or not. Mr. Williams specifically pointed out Cedric Gibbons as a person who shared in a multitude of nominations and awards for movies they never worked on due to their position with the studio. John Detlie’s other credits include "Saratoga," the Reginald Owen version of "A Christmas Carol," "On Borrowed Time," "Another Thin Man," "Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary" and "Lady Be Good." Mr. Detlie was actress Veronica Lake’s first husband. John Detlie served his country in the US Army during WWII.

JEAN PARKER Died Nov. 30, 2005

Actress Jean Parker died of complications from a stroke at age 90. Ms. Parker appeared in over 70 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. She also acted on Broadway. Ms. Parker was in the original version of "Little Women," portraying Beth. She appeared in a number of notable films. Frank Capra cast her in the comedy "Lady for a Day." She co-starred with Robert Donet in Rene Clair’s romantic fantasy "The Ghost Goes West." Ms. Parker broke Oliver Hardy’s heart in the Laurel and Hardy comedy "The Flying Deuces." She played the second female lead in one of my all-time favorite Westerns: Henry King’s "The Gunfighter." Gregory Peck was the star. Ms. Parker’s film debut came in the 1932 film "Rasputin and the Empress," which starred John, Ethel and Lionel Barrymore. Her final big-screen appearance was in the 1966 low budget Western "Apache Uprising." Ms. Parker’s fourth husband was actor Robert Lowery who played the title role in the 1949 serial "Batman." Her second husband was assistant director Douglas Dawson. Ms. Parker did her part in WWII by traveling to entertain the troops.

MARY HAYLEY BELL Died Dec. 1, 2005

Writer/actress and Mills family matriarch Mary Hayley Bell died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 94. Ms. Bell was the widow of Oscar-winning actor John Mills, who passed away on April 23 of this year. She is the mother of actresses Hayley Mills, Juliet Mills and writer/producer Jonathan Mills. Ms. Bell and John Mills were married for 64 years. Her novel "Whistle Down the Wind" was turned into a memorable thriller starring Alan Bates and a young Hayley Mills. Other writing credits include "Scott of the Antarctic," "Sky West and Crooked" and "The Winged Boy." Ms. Bell was a stage and film actress before she married John Mills in 1941. She retired from acting to raise her family, but still took the occasional role. Her acting credits include "Vintage Wine" and "The Shrike." Ms. Bell’s greatest professional success came as a playwright. She had many plays produced in the UK.

GREGG HOFFMAN Died Dec. 4, 2005

"Saw" and "Saw II" producer Greg Hoffman died of undisclosed causes at age 42. Mr. Hoffman had complained of neck pain and was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital where he died. Mr. Hoffman was a partner in Evolution Entertainment and Twisted Pictures. He found the short film "Saw" and was the person most responsible turning the short film into the blockbuster feature film. Hoffman also co-produced the sequel, which has also been a blockbuster at the box-office. Mr. Hoffman began his career at the indie company PRO Filmworks where he produced Betty Thomas’s comedy "Only You." He later moved to Disney, developing a number of films and producing "George of the Jungle." Mr. Hoffman and his partners at Twisted Pictures were currently in post production on "Saw" director James Wan’s new film "Silence" and the horror film "Catacombs." The company had also announced production on "Saw III" and a feature film remake of the 1970s Made for TV movie thriller "Crawlspace." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

RICHARD PRYOR Death Announced Dec. 10, 2005

Groundbreaking comedian and actor Richard Pryor died of a heart attack at age 65. Mr. Pryor had been battling Multiple Sclerosis for a number of years. He died at home sometime late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Pryor broke through to the big time in the early 1970s. He broke convention with his hilarious and foul-mouthed comedy routines. The title of his Grammy-winning 1974 album caused a stir of controversy. I first heard "That Nigger’s Crazy" at a friends house. My father had raised me to see the innate evil of the N word. Pryor was one of the first Black comedians to embrace and eventually defuse the N word. What set Pryor apart from dozens of other ‘dirty’ comedians was his insight into the human condition. Some saw him as further proof of the decline of civilization, while in reality he was one of the first Black entertainers to express his true equality with others. He was unapologetic and in your face. His appeal crossed racial boundaries.

Richard Pryor made the jump from live stand-up to TV and film. He appeared on numerous TV shows during the early and mid 1960s. Of course his routine was much cleaner when performed on "The Ed Sullivan Show" or "The Tonight Show." During this time, the raunchy material was saved for nightclubs. After Richard Pryor emerged as the hottest act in comedy, he became the first person to appear with a time delay on "Saturday Night Live." He struck fear into the network censors who thought he would corrupt viewers with banned words or acts. In 1977, he starred in his own TV series "The Richard Pryor Show." It was cancelled after four episodes. Some people now say it was cancelled because he ran afoul of the censors. I remember watching the show and wondering when it was going to get funny. His stand-up routine was captured in two very funny concert films: "Richard Pryor: Live in Concert" and "Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip."

Richard Pryor appeared in nearly 40 films. He played bit parts on a number of films before becoming a headliner. Mr. Pryor played supporting roles in such films as "Wild in the Streets," "Lady Sings the Blues," "Uptown Saturday Night," "Car Wash" and "The Mack." His most successful films were his first two pairings with Gene Wilder. They made four films together: "Silver Streak," "Stir Crazy," "See No Evil Hear No Evil" and "Another Your." The latter two films did not achieve the success of the first two. Richard Pryor occasionally showed his dramatic side. He gave an impressive performance in Paul Schrader’s under-rated "Blue Collar." Pryor also gave an excellent dramatic performance in his autobiographical "Jo Jo Dancer, Your Life is Calling." The film dealt in part with Pryor’s suicide attempt that was first described by the press as a freebasing accident. Pryor suffered burns to more than 50% of his body. He recovered from his burns and resumed his career. Before long, Mr. Pryor was to face his greatest challenge when he was diagnosed with MS.

Richard Pryor’s other film credits include "Greased Lightning," "The Wiz," "California Suite," "The Muppet Movie," "Some Kind of Hero," "Superman III," "Harlem Nights" and David Lynch’s "Lost Highway." Richard Pryor won several Grammy Awards. He also won an Emmy for writing the TV special "Lily." He was nominated for an acting Emmy for a guest appearance on the TV series "Chicago Hope." Mr. Pryor shared a Writer’s Guild Award as well as a BAFTA nomination for the screenplay of Mel Brook’s "Blazing Saddles." He was initially set to play the lead opposite Gene Wilder, but backers feared Pryor’s ‘dirty’ image and so the role went to Clevon Little.

MARY JACKSON Died Dec. 10, 2005

Actress Mary Jackson died at age 95. Ms. Jackson had Parkinson’s Disease. She was best known for her role as Miss Emily Baldwin on the hit TV series "The Waltons." Actress Helen Kleeb, who played her sister Miss Mamie Baldwin died in December 2003 at age 96. Ms. Jackson began her career on the stage. She appeared in a number of Broadway plays during the 1940s and 50s. Ms. Jackson appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows. She had an especially creepy role as a possessed old lady in the terrifying "Exorcist III." Ms. Jackson also appeared in the Richard Pryor film "Some Kind of Hero." Her other feature film credits include the under-rated "Leap of Faith," "Big Top Pee Wee," "Coming Home," the original version of "Fun With Dick and Jane," "Audrey Rose," Dennis Hopper’s "Kid Blue," as the mother of the killer in Peter Bogdanovich’s brilliant "Targets," "Airport" and "Friendly Persuasion." Ms. Jackson was primarily a TV actress. She appeared in TV shows for four decades. Her many TV credits include "L.A. Law," "Highway to Heaven," "The Rockford Files," "The Case of the Hillside Strangler," "Mary Tyler Moore," "The F.B.I.," "The Invaders," "The Outer Limits," "The Fugitive," "Route 66" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."

TREVANIAN Died Dec. 14, 2005

Writer Rodney Whitaker was best known for his pen name Trevanian. The author used five different pen names, each one for a different genre. Under the pseudonym Trevanian, Mr. Whitaker wrote such spy thrillers as "The Loo Sanction" and "The Eiger Sanction." Clint Eastwood directed and starred in the 1975 film version of "The Eiger Sanction." Eastwood played Trevanian’s sophisticated hitman Dr. Jonathan Hemlock. His short story "Hot Night in the City" was filmed in 2004. Mr. Whitaker served in the US Navy during the Korean War.

GIUSEPPE PATRONI-GRIFFI Died Dec. 15, 2005

Award-winning writer director Giuseppe Patroni-Griffi died at age 84 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Patroni-Griffi was one of the more versatile artist to emerge from the Italian film industry in the last century. Mr. Patroni-Griffi was not a household name like such Italian directors as Fellini, Visconti, Rosselini, Bava or Argento. However, Mr. Patroni-Griffi excelled as a screenwriter, theatrical director and film director. Roberto Rosellini adapted Mr. Patroni-Griffi’s play "Anima Nera" to the screen in 1962. Luchino Visconti’s segment of "The Witches" was also written by Mr. Patroni-Griffi. Mr. Patroni-Griffi stepped behind the camera several times. His best know work as a director was "The Divine Nymph," which starred Laura Antonelli. He directed Elizabeth Taylor in the 1974 film "The Driver’s Seat." One of his most challenging films was "Tis a Pity She’s a Whore." Charlotte Rampling starred in a twisted story of incest. The film was based on a play by Shakespeare contemporary John Ford. His 1969 film "One Night at Dinner" was based on a story by horror master Dario Argento. Mr. Patroni-Griffi won two Emmy Awards for directing TV versions of the operas "Tosca" and "La Traviata."

JOHN SPENCER Died Dec. 16, 2005

Emmy and SAG Award-winning actor John Spencer died of a heart attack four days shy of his 59^th birthday. Mr. Spencer won an Emmy and SAG award for his work in the TV series "The West Wing." Mr. Spencer appeared in over 50 films and TV shows during his long career. He had a recurring role as the boyfriend of one of Patty Duke’s two characters in "The Patty Duke Show." Like most people, I was impressed by role as Harrison Ford’s investigator in "Presumed Innocent." Mr. Spencer’s character was an honorable man who was also loyal to his friend. It was a shock at the end when Spencer’s character destroyed evidence that was being used to frame his buddy. Mr. Spencer’s work elevated what could have just been a forgettable cop into a very memorable supporting role. His role in "Presumed Innocent" lead to a regular role in the hit TV series "L.A. Law." Mr. Spencer’s many credits include "The Rock," "Sea of Love," "Black Rain," "Albino Alligator," "Cop Land," "War Games" and "Green Card."

ARGENTINA BRUNETTI Dec. 20, 2005

Actress Argentina Brunetti died of natural causes at age 98. Ms. Brunetti appeared in over 130 films and TV shows during a 60 plus year career. She played Mrs. Martini in Frank Capra’s classic "It’s a Wonderful Life." Soap opera fans remember her for her recurring role on "General Hospital" during the 1980s. Ms. Brunetti appeared in many memorable films. Her film credits include "Gilda," "House of Strangers," the Western "Broken Arrow," "My Cousin Rachel," "The Caddy," "The Tall Men," "The George Raft Story," "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao," "The Appaloosa" and "The Shakiest Gun in the West." Ms. Brunetti also had a prolific TV career. She appeared on such TV shows as "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Fantasy Island," "Kojak," "The Flying Nun," "Ironside," "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Fugitive," "Ben Casey," "Rawhide," "Route 66," "Wagon Train," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Untouchables." Her first job in Hollywood was to dud the voices of Jeanette MacDonald and Norma Shearer into Itlaian for foreign releases. Ms. Brunetti maintained a website, which is filled with great info about her years in the industry as well as current film news.

VINCENT SCHIAVELLI Died Dec. 26, 2005

Veteran character actor Vincent Schiavelli died of lung cancer at age 57. Mr. Schiavelli was a familiar face to movie-goers of all ages. His range of characters included the good, the bad and the ugly. Mr. Schiavelli appeared in adult dramas, teen comedies and scores of children’s films. Mr. Schivelli’s distinctive looks along with his ability to play comedy, drama, menace or gentleness with equal ease that made him one of the most in-demand character actors of the past 30 years. In addition to his thespian skills, Mr. Schiavelli was a world class chef who published three cookbooks as well as numerous magazine and newspaper articles on food.

I first noticed Mr. Schiavelli as the mental patient Frederickson in the Oscar-winner "One Flew Over the Cookoo’s Nest." "Cookoo’s Nest" was the second film directed by Milos Forman in which Mr. Schiavelli appeared. Her worked for director Forman in six films: "Taking Off," "Amadeus," "Valmont," "The People vs. Larry Flynt" and "Man in the Moon." Mr. Schiavelli played the caffeine addicted science teacher in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Murderer actress Lana Clarkson played his wife in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." He also reprised his role as Mr. Vargas in the short-lived TV series "Fast Times." Mr. Schiavelli turned in a dark and scary performance as the subway ghost in "Ghost." In the 2000 Made for TV movie "Snow White," the 6 foot 5 inch tall actor played the tallest dwarf in film history! He played an assassin in the James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies."

He also did occasional voice work in film, TV and video games. Ralph Bakshi used his talents in the under-rated "American Pop." His vocal talents were also used in "Hey Arnold! The Movie," "Family Guy," the cartoon series "Hey Arnold," "Batman," and the video games "Blade Runner," "Corpse Killer," "Lands of Lore 2" and "Emperor: Battle for Dune."

Mr. Schiavelli appeared in a number of horror, fantasy and sci-fi films. His genre credits include "Mr. Frost," "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8^th Dimension," "The Return," "Batman Returns," "Lurking Fear" and "Lord of Illusions."

Among Mr. Schiavelli’s other notable film credits are Francis Ford Copolla’s "The Great Gatsby," Barbra Streisand’s comedy "For Pete’s Sake," Paul Mazursky’s wonderful films "Next Stop, Greenwich Village" and "An Unmarried Woman," Richard Lester’s under-rated sequel "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days," "Night Shift" and "Death to Smoochy." His many TV guest appearances include such shows as "Starsky and Hutch," "Taxi," "Charlie’s Angels," "WKRP in Cincinnati," "Night Court," "Moonlighting," "MacGyver," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "The X-Files" and "Dharma & Greg."

PATRICK CRANSHAW Died Dec. 28, 2005

Character actor Patrick Cranshaw died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Cranshaw enjoyed a lengthy career in film and TV. He is best know for playing the old frat brother ‘Blue’ in Will Ferrill’s comedy "Old School." He had a hilarious death scene in the film where he dies of a heart attack while getting ready to wrestle two topless girls. In the film, Blue dies with a smile on his face. Mr. Cranshaw appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his fifty-year career. His biggest roles came later in life. He was the demolition derby owner in Disney’s "Herbie: Fully Loaded." He also appeared in three of the "Air Bud" films. Mr. Cranshaw’s many credits include "Bonnie and Clyde," "Mars Needs Women," "Bandolero!," "Slumber Party ’57," "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," "The Gong Show Movie," "Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure," the film version of "The Beverly Hillbillies," "The Hudsucker Proxy," "Ed Wood," "Best in Show" and "My Boss’s Daughter."

RONA JAFFE Died Dec 30, 2005

Writer Rona Jaffe died of cancer at age 74. Ms. Jaffe wrote the 1958 best-seller "The Best of Everything." The book told the story of four working girls in the big city. It was turned into a film starring Hope Lange, Diane Baker, Martha Hyer and model Suzi Parker. The film received Oscar nominations for Best Song and Best Costume Design. Ms. Jaffe also wrote the novel "Mazes and Monsters" based on the popular role playing game "Dungeons and Dragons." That novel was turned into a Made for TV movie starring Tom Hanks as a college student who takes the game way to seriously. Ms. Jaffe was the author of 16 books and numerous short stories. She also created The Rona Jaffe Foundation to encourage female writers.