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Another year has passed. So to have many talented people in the industry. Take the time to look back and remember those who have moved on. Rejoice in their lives and contributions. We are the fortunate ones in that we can still enjoy their work that lives on. Prayers of comfort for those family members and friends who are dealing with the loss of those listed below in a more personal way.

JERRY SUMMERS Died Jan. 1, 2006

If you are an action fan, chances are you have seen Jerry Summers’ work. Mr. Summers has added his expertise as a stuntman, stunt driver and actor to over 400 films and TV shows. He has done so much work that it would take IMDB a year to get his page corrected. The versatile Jerry Summers died at age 74. What a full and frenzied life the man had! I could go on and on about how many of my favorite films her worked on. Hey, that sounds like an idea! Jerry Summers added the punch and zip and zest to a whole heaping helping of my favorite films. Just what movies am I talking about? Well… there’s "Dillinger," "What’s Up Doc?," "Hickey & Boggs," "Coogan’s Bluff," "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry," "Spartacus," "The French Connection," "Diamonds Are Forever," "The Poseidon Adventure," "Charley Varrick," "The Seven-Ups," "Magnum Force," "Blazing Saddles," "Marathon Man," "The Gumball Rally," the original version of "The In-Laws," "Midnight Run," "Throw Mamma From the Train" and "Alien Nation." Not a bad list of credits. The thing is, Mr. Summers’ list of credits goes way beyond what I’ve pointed out. He appeared in every major Western TV series ever produced. Mr. Summers worked on the first episode of "Bonanza." Mr. Summers was there 21-years-later to work on the last episode of "Bonanza." Mr. Summers, thanks for grabbing life by the balls and living it. Thanks for sharing your ride with the rest of us!

OSA MASSEN Died Jan. 2, 2006

Danish actress Osa Massen died at age 91. Ms. Massen had a busy film career in the late 1930s and 40s. She worked more in TV during the 1950s and early 60s. Ms. Massen retired in the 1960s. After two films in her native Denmark, Ms. Massen was brought to Hollywood. Ms. Massen’s feature film credits include George Cukor’s "A Woman’s Face," "You’ll Never Get Rich" with Fred Astaire, the Oscar-nominated "Jack London," the lame "Cry of the Werewolf," "Tokyo Rose" and the early sci-fi film "Rocketship X-M." She also appeared in the pro-America WWII propaganda film "The Master Race." Ironically the film was directed by Howard (Salt of the Earth) Biberman who would be Blacklisted during the McCarthy era!

BARRY COWSILL Death Announced Jan. 3, 2006

Barry Cowsill’s death was announced on January 3^rd. Mr. Cowsill’s remains had been discovered on Dec. 28, 2005 on a wharf in New Orleans. Mr. Cowsill was reported missing after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Big Easy. He was last heard from in September when he made a phone call to his sister. Mr. Cowsill was a member of the band The Cowsills. The family band rose to prominence during the 1960s. The band consisted of five brothers their sister and mother. Bill, Bob, Barry, John, Susan, Paul and their mother Barbara scored a string of hits including "Hair," "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" and "Indian Lake." The band was also the inspiration for the TV series "The Partridge Family." They performed on a number of TV shows including "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "Get It Together" and "The Ice Palace." Their hit song "The Rain, The Park and Other Things" was featured on the soundtrack of the movie "Dumb and Dumber."

LOU RAWLS Died Jan. 5, 2006

Multi-Grammy winning singer/actor Lou Rawls died of brain and lung cancer at age 72. Mr. Rawls was blessed with a rich baritone voice and a four-octave singing range. He scored hits in various genres including soul, gospel, disco and jazz. His biggest hit was the 1976 song "You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine." In addition to Mr. Rawls’ long singing career, he also enjoyed an acting career. Mr. Rawls appeared in nearly 100 films, TV shows documentaries and variety programs. A number of Mr. Rawls’ appearances were as a voice actor. In his later years, Mr. Rawls leant his vocal talents to a number of cartoons. He provided the singing voice for "Garfield" in several of the TV specials featuring the cat with an attitude. Mr. Rawls other voice work included such animated shows as "The Proud Family," "The Rugrats Movie," "Hey Arnold!," "The New Adventures of Captain Planet," "Happily Ever After," "This is America, Charlie Brown" and "Snowden on Ice." Lou Rawls appeared in a few of feature films including "Leaving Las Vegas" and "The Blues Brothers 2000." He appeared in far more TV shows than films. His many TV credits include "77 Sunset Strip," "The Fall Guy," "Fantasy Island," "Baywatch," "Roc" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Lou Rawls served his country in the US Army as a member of the Screaming Eagle Paratroopers. That was the same outfit that Jimi Hendrix served in a few years later.

LEONARD J. SOUTH Died Jan. 6, 2006

Cinematographer Leonard J. South died of pneumonia at age 92. Mr. South was also suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Leonard South was one of Alfred Hitchcock’s regular collaborators. He began working for Hitchcock as a camera operator in the days when cinematographer Robert Burks oversaw the photography of Hitchcock’s films. Mr. South was hired as the cinematographer on Hitchcock’s final film "Family Plot." Mr. South was the camera operator on the best films made by Alfred Hitchcock. He personally shot two of Hitch’s most famous scenes: the crop-duster attack in "North By Northwest" and the final attack on Tippi Hedron by "The Birds." Mr. Souths Hitchcock credits include "Strangers on a Train," "Dial M for Murder," "Rear Window," "To Catch a Thief," "The Trouble With Harry," "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "Vertigo," "North by Northwest," "Psycho," "The Birds," "Marnie," "Torn Curtain," "Frenzy" and "Family Plot." Mr. South appears as himself in some of the Making Of documentaries found on the new 15 DVD "Alfred Hitchcock Masterpiece Collection."

Mr. South worked as a camera operator for other directors also. He worked on such films as "Hondo," "Houseboat" and "The Cincinnati Kid." In 1968, Mr. South moved up and began his career as a cinematographer. He shot "Hang ‘Em High," Clint Eastwood’s first post-Sergio Leone Western. Rod Serling called on Mr. South to lens nearly 20 "Night Gallery" episodes. Most of Mr. South’s work from 1970 on was in TV. He shot a number of Made for TV movies as well as such TV series like "Designing Women" and "The Rockford Files." Mr. Smith did work on the occasional feature film such as Disney’s "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" and "The North Avenue Irregulars." Mr. South served his country in the US Army Air Force during WWII.

SHELLEY WINTERS Died Jan. 14, 2006

One of the last true Movie Stars is gone. Multi-Oscar-winning actress Shelley Winters died of heart failure at age 85. Shelley Winters was nominated for three Best Supporting Actress Oscars and a one Best Actress Oscar (A Place in the Sun) during her lengthy career. She won two Best Supporting Actress Oscars for her performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" and "A Patch of Blue." Ms. Winters’ third Supporting Actress nomination was for the disaster flick "The Poseidon Adventure." In addition to her Oscars, Ms. Winters’ work has been honored by the BAFTA (2 nominations), Emmy (3 nominations with 1 win), Golden Globe (6 nominations with 1 win), Laurel (3 wins) and David di Donatelo (1 win) Awards.

Shelley Winters was what was once known as great broad. Sure, she had great talent as an actress. She also had a lust for life…and she didn’t mind talking about it either! Her gift of gab made Shelley Winters on of the most popular guest on Johnny Carson’s "Tonight Show." Ms. Winters was also the author of two best-selling tell-all autobiographies "Shelley, Also Known as Shirley" and "Shelley II: The Middle of My Century."

Shelley Winters appeared in over 200 films and TV shows during her lifetime. She started out in bit parts during the 1940s. She appeared in such films as "Red River," "Winchester ’73," "A Double Life," "The Great Gatsby" and "Larceny." Things changed for Ms. Winters in 1951. She co-starred with Montgomery Clift and Elizabeth Taylor in George Steven’s classic "A Place in the Sun." Ms. Winters received a Best Actress Oscar nomination as the woman Montgomery Clift murders so he can be with Elizabeth Taylor.

Her Oscar nomination opened up a number of doors for Ms. Winters. The well-deserved nomination proved that Shelley Winters was more than just a sexpot. Most of her previous film roles had played up her curves. In "A Place in the Sun" Shelley Winters shed her makeup and sexy image and became a frump. This one film showed that she could also play character roles. The roles kept coming. In the 1950s, Shelley Winters turned in memorable roles in several great movies. Two of my personal favorites are from this era. She played the doomed mother in the Charles Laughton directed gothic horror film "Night of the Hunter." I can’t tell you how many nightmares I had as a child trying to shake the image of Shelley Winters tied to the front seat of her car, with her throat slit, setting at the bottom of the river. Much was made of the opening scene of David Lynch’s "Blue Velvet," in that it exposed the hidden under-belly of suburbia. Shelley Winter’s death scene in "Night of the Hunter" accomplished the same thing when David Lynch was still in grade school. Ms. Winters also co-starred in Robert Wise’s gritty crime thriller "Odds Against Tomorrow." The taut little film is so much more than just a bank robbery film. I highly recommend it. While Shelley Winters started off the 1950s with an Oscar nomination, she ended the decade with an Oscar win as Best Supporting Actress in "The Diary of Anne Frank."

Her artistic success continued in the 1960s. Shelley Winters was able to portray people we didn’t really like in such a way that we never transferred our dislike to the actress herself. She brought out the subtleties of such characters. Director Stanley Kubrick used this talent to great effect in his dark 1962 comedy "Lolita." Ms. Winters was able to use both her great talent as an actress and her natural sexiness to play the sex-starved mother of Sue Lyons’ title character. That same year, Ms. Winters played another sex-starved wife in George Cukor’s cheesy "The Chapman Report." She won her second Oscar in the 1965 film "A Patch of Blue." Other notable films from the 1960s include "Harper," "Alfie," "Wild in the Streets" and "The Young Savages."

My favorite period for Ms. Winters’ films was the 1970s. This should be no surprise to folks who know what a B-Movie and horror film fan I am. A few years back, I had the pleasure of interviewing director Curtis Harrington. Shelley Winters starred in two of his best films: "Who Slew Auntie Roo?" and "What’s the Matter With Helen?" In fact, you can get both movies on one of the MGM Midnight Double Feature DVDs! A great investment of $14.00! Ms. Winters started the decade with Roger Corman’s gangster biopic "Bloody Mama." Ms. Winters chewed up the scenery as Ma Barker. A Young Robert DeNiro played her drug addict son. The movie is great white-trash fun. In 1972, Ms. Winters earned her fourth and final Oscar nomination as Jack Albertson’s wife in "The Poseidon Adventure." The rest of the decade was a lot like Ms. Winters entire career. She worked in A-list films ("Blume in Love" "King of the Gypsies"), B-movie exploitation ("Cleopatra Jones" "The Visitor"), Art and Indie films (Roman Polanski’s "The Tenant" "Next Stop, Greenwich Village") and Family films (Pete’s Dragon). Shelley Winters could do it all. She also wasn’t afraid to work. She brought a sense of professionalism to many projects that some would deem as beneath her. To me, that is the definition of class. Being from Memphis, I have to say that I really enjoyed Ms. Winters as Gladys Presley in John Carpenter’s excellent Made for TV biopic "Elvis."

For my money, the last film she appeared in that was worthy of her talent was Blake Edward’s "S.O.B." That was 1981. Shelley Winters continued to work steady after that. She was great as Rosanne’s grandmother on the TV series "Rosanne." Her ex-husbands include Italian director Vittorio Gassman and actor Tony Franciosa.

WILSON PICKETT Died Jan. 18, 2006

Soul and Rock singer Wilson Pickett died of a heart attack at age 64. Mr. Pickett had a string of hits that included "Mustang Sally," "In the Midnight Hour," "Funky Broadway" and the best version of "The Land of 1000 Dances" ever recorded. Pickett’s version of "The Land of 1000 Dances" appears on the soundtracks of such films as "Forest Gump" and "The Full Monty." Mr. Pickett appeared in the films "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Blues Brothers 2000," "Save the Children," "Soul to Soul" and "Immaculate Funk."

ANTHONY FRANCIOSA Died Jan. 19, 2006

Oscar-nominated actor Anthony Franciosa died of a stroke at age 77. Mr. Franciosa died five days after his Oscar-winning ex-wife Shelley Winters. Tony Franciosa burst onto the entertainment scene with a Tony-nominated performance as Polo Pope, the brother of a heroin addict in Michael Gazzo’s powerful play "A Hatful of Rain." In 1957, Mr. Franciosa recreated the role in the film version. He received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance, but lost to Sir Alec Guiness for "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

As a kid, I always enjoyed watching Tony Franciosa. I thought he was cool. My first memory of his work was as the mastermind behind the hijacking of a luxury liner in "Assault on a Queen." Granted, I haven’t seen the film since 1968, and couldn’t tell you how it stands up. What I can say is that I thought it was a cool movie when I was a kid. I remember rooting for Franciosa’s character to get away with the crime and how upset I was that he didn’t make it. In fact, when I heard that Tony Franciosa had died, that memory was the first thing that flashed across my memory. A minor film in a career that included some great films. Maybe the reason that Mr. Franciosa stood out in "Assault on a Queen" was that he had a dangerous screen persona. He was intense. That intensity eventually hamstrung his career. In later years, Mr. Franciosa was able to reflect on earlier mistakes and put things in perspective. I guess that’s what you call wisdom.

Mr. Franciosa starred in one of Italian horror master Dario Argento’s best films. "Tenebre" is a twisted, kinky tale of a serial murderer who is killing anyone involved with an American writer played by Franciosa. The film contains some of Argento’s best set pieces. It also includes what I think is his greatest plot twist. The following year Mr. Franciosa followed "Tenebre" with the truly disturbing and little seen "Julie Darling."

Tony Franciosa’s film career got off to an impressive start. He made his debut in the Robert Wise comedy "This Could Be the Night" opposite Jean Simmons. He delivered a great performance as a sleaze-bag agent in the classic "A Face in the Crowd." Of course, his sleaze-bag performance was overshadowed by the star Andy Griffith’s performance as the ultimate sleazebag Lonesome Rhodes. Mr. Franciosa’s third film was the film version of "A Hatful of Rain." That performance resulted in Oscar and Golden Globe nominations and a win for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. Mr. Franciosa would later receive two more Golden Globe nominations as Best Actor in a Movie Drama, winning in 1959 for his work in "Career."

Mr. Franciosa continued to receive star-grooming roles. He co-starred in George Cukor’s "Wild is the Wind." He held his own opposite Paul Newman, Orson Welles, Joanne Woodward, Lee Remick and Angela Lansbury in Martin Ritt’s "The Long, Hot Summer." Mr. Franciosa’s character was easy to hate, but also easy to pity. In the mid 1960s, Tony Franciosa branched out and began to work on TV. His 1966 TV pilot "Fame is the Name of the Game" was picked up two years later as the TV series "The Name of the Game." He co-starred with Robert Stack and Gene Barry. In 1971, Mr. Franciosa was fired from the series. They say he butted heads with folks. He said as much himself later on in his life. Plato said the unexamined life isn’t worth living. I guess to really examine all that life has to offer, you have to butt heads now and then. I think that trait made for more interesting performances. If I had ever had the chance to speak with Tony Franciosa, I would have wanted to thank him for trying to bring something extra to each part he played. Intense man, intense.

ROBERT KNUDSON Died Jan. 21, 2006

Multi-Oscar-winning sound re-recordist Robert Knudson died died at age 80. Mr. Knudson began working in film in 1952. He had played professional baseball for seven years prior to moving into the movie business. Mr. Knudson worked for Todd A-O and then a number of hit TV shows such as "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Petticoat Junction." His first feature film as a supervisor was one of my personal favorites: "Electra Glide in Blue." His second film lead to his first Oscar nomination and first of three Oscar wins. Mr. Knudsen shared the Best Sound Oscar for "Cabaret" with David Hildyard. The following year, Mr. Knudson was nominated for and won his second Oscar for "The Exorcist." All in all, Robert Knudson was nominated for ten Oscars during his career. His third and final Oscar win was for "E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial." He was nominated for seven BAFTAs, winning twice for "Cabaret" and "Empire of the Sun." In 2000, Mr. Knudson was honored by his peers at the Cinema Audio Society with a Career Achievement Award. Among Mr. Knudson’s many credits are such films as including "Save the Tiger," the original "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "Shampoo," the secong remake of "A Star Is Born ," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Coming Home," "Thief," "Scarface," "Ghost," "Manhunter" and "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

CHRISTOPHER PENN Died Jan. 24, 2006

I never enjoy writing these obituaries. Yes, I like to pay tribute to those in the industry who have passed away, but I don’t enjoy this. I don’t enjoy this because it means that someone has died. It means that their loved ones are grieving. I especially dislike writing these tributes when the person died before they reached the fullness of life. I really hate writing the words actor Chris Penn died of a drug overdose at age 43. My first memory of Chris Penn was in the movie "Footloose." He and my old 7^th-grade-classmate John Laughlin played Kevin Bacon’s new country friends in the hit film. I thought to myself that Chris Penn had a future as a sidekick. Little did I know at the time that he had a future as an excellent character actor and villain. His first few films were ‘good guy’ roles. It was a nice surprise when Clint Eastwood cast him as the heavy in the supernatural retake on "Shane" called "Pale Rider."

Chris and his older brother Sean Penn played real life brothers in the true crime film "At Close Range." Christopher Walken played their evil father. Chris Penn’s death scene in "At Close Range" is as good a piece of work as his older brother has ever done. The combination of fear, acceptance and the feeling of being totally betrayed that Chris Penn brought to that scene moves me every time I see it. I think that scene will be damn near impossible to watch for the foreseeable future. Like most folks, I guess my favorite Chris Penn performance was as Nice Guy Eddie in Tarantino’s break-out debut "Reservoir Dogs." Penn was perfect as the spoiled wiseguy son of Lawrence Tierney’s Joe Cabot. He held his own in a film full of meaty performances. Other film credits include "Rumble Fish," "All the Right Moves," "True Romance," "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar," "Mulholland Falls," "Rush Hour" and "Starsky and Hutch."

Chris Penn’s talent was recognized by a number of organizations. He was nominated for a Best Actor Genie in 1996 for "The Boys Club." The Genie Award is Canada’s equivalent of the US Oscar. The next year, Mr. Penn’s talent was recognized with a Best Male Lead nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards for his work in Abel Ferrara’s gangster period piece "The Funeral." In "The Funeral," Chris Penn was reunited with actor Christopher Walken. This time they played brothers instead of father and son. Mr. Penn won the Best Supporting Actor award at the Venice Film Festival for that same film. Director Robert Altman added Chris Penn to his great ensemble cast for the film "Short Cuts." The entire cast won awards for Best Ensemble Cast at the Venice Film Festival and the Golden Globes.

Chris Penn came from a show business family. His father was the prolific TV director Leo Penn. Leo Penn died of cancer in 1998. Chris Penn’s mother is the actress Eileen Ryan. Chris Penn’s two brothers are actor Sean Penn and composer Michael Penn. 43-years-old is so young. Younger than me. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

FAYARD NICHOLAS Died Jan. 24, 2006

Dancer/choreographer Fayard Nicholas died at age 91. There are few things on earth as exciting as a Nicholas Brothers dance routine. Fayard and his younger brother Harold Nicholas were two of the most amazing dancers to ever wow an audience. I first saw them in the excellent compilation film "That’s Entertainment!" Words really can’t describe The Nicholas Brothers style of dancing. The athletic brothers would leap into the air and land hard on the ground in full splits that would make any man on earth cringe. If you have never had the pleasure of watching a Nicholas Brothers routine there are many movies which immortalize their talents. The Nicholas Brothers can be seen in such films as "The Pirate," "Tin Pan Alley," "Down Argentina Way," "Sun Valley Serenade," "Orchestra Wives" and "Stormy Weather." Fayard Nicholas shared his memories of working on "Orchestra Wives" as part of the commentary track for the recently released FOX Studio Classics Collection DVD of the film. Fayard Nicholas won a Tony Award for Best Choreography for the play "Black and Blue."

PAUL VALENTINE Died Jan. 26, 2006

Actor Paul Valentine died at age 87. Though he had a short film and TV career, Mr. Valentine did appear in one certifiable classic. He played Kirk Douglas’ henchman Joe Stefanos in the Film Noir classic "Out of the Past." He also appeared in the minor Film Noir movie "House of Strangers" as one of Edward G. Robinson’s sons. Other credits include the TV series "Naked City" as well as the films "Yes, Gorgio" and "Pennies From Heaven."

CORETTA SCOTT KING Died Jan. 31, 2006

Coretta Scott King, widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. died of complications from a stroke and heart attack at age 78. Mrs. King carried on the work left her when her husband was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968. She stood strong and worked hard for equality in the United States. Many people of all races looked to her as an inspiration and example. Yes, it is sad to have such a person leave us, but what a joyous reunion as husband and wife are reunited for eternity in the presence of the God they served so faithfully!

Coretta Scott King appeared in a number of documentaries. Her film and TV credits include Spike Lee’s "Four Little Girls," "I Am Somebody," "Eyes on the Prize," "Eyes on the Prize II," "In Remembrance of Martin," "The N-Word," "The Ten Thousand Day War" and many others.

Actors Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson portrayed Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in the 1978 TV mini series "King." Oprah Winfrey voiced the character of Coretta Scott King in the Emmy-nominated animated film "Our Friend Martin." Carmen Ejogo delivered a great performance in HBO’s powerful, award-winning telefilm "Boycott." Probably the most outrageous portrayal of Mrs. King was by the drag queen Sylvester in the bizarre comedy "Tricia’s Wedding." The plot has something to do with Eartha Kitt putting LSD into the punch bowl at President Nixon’s daughter’s wedding.

MOIRA SHEARER Died Jan. 31, 2006

Famed ballet dancer Moira Shearer died two weeks after her 80^th birthday. Ms. Shearer was the star of the Rank Films classic "The Red Shoes." Ms. Shearer played the doomed dancer who could not stop dancing once she put on the title footwear. The classic film received five Oscar nominations and won two. Ms. Shearer’s second film was "The Tales of Hoffman." When I was 9-years-old, my mother dragged my younger sister and I to see the movie. Don’t inflict such a film on young children. My personal favorite of her films is the Michael Powell horror classic "Peeping Tom." She also appeared in the 1997 documentary about Powell’s misunderstood and much-maligned masterpiece called "A Very British Psycho." The documentary is an extra on the Criterion Collection’s DVD version of "Peeping Tom."

AL LEWIS Died Feb. 3, 2006

Grandpa Munster died at age 82. Character actor Al Lewis co-starred with Fred Gwynne in back-to-back hit TV shows. The pair starred in "Car 54 Where Are You?," which ran from 1961 through 63. The nest year, the pair were reunited in the horror/comedy series "The Munsters." "The Munsters ran from 1964 through 1966. Al Lewis went on to do bit parts in numerous movies and TV shows, but he was forever known as Grandpa Munster for his hilarious role as the cranky vampire. Among his other memorable performances were as the judge in "Used Cars," as Gig Young’s sidekick in "They Shoot Horses Don’t They?," "Married to the Mob," "They Might Be Giants," "The Night Strangler" and "Night Gallery." Mr. Lewis claimed to have been born in 1910. His birth certificate and his son both say that Mr. Lewis was actually born in 1923. Al Lewis ran for governor of New York on the Green Party ticket in 1998 and received 52,000 votes!

WALERIAN BOROWCZYK Died Feb. 3, 2006

Controversial Polish director Walerian Borowczyk died of heart failure at age 82. Walerian Borowczyk began his career as a respected animator. He produced animated short films for nearly 20 years before turning to live action features. Mr. Borowczyk directed five films in the late 60s and early 70s that challenged the sensibilities of moviegoers worldwide. Borowczyk explored the new freedom and pushed the borders of cinematic sexuality. His films "Goto, Island of Love," "Blanche," "Immoral Tales," "The Story of a Sin" and especially "The Beast" brought, if for just a short time, Walerian Borowczyk to the forefront of world directors. As the 70s wore on, Mr. Borowczyk’s work lost its spark and he turned out sub-par erotica. "Immoral Tales" involved four individual stories. The third tale starred Pablo Picasso’s daughter as a character based on Elisabeth of Bathory, a noble woman who believe she would remain young forever if she bathed in the blood of virgins. Ingrid Pitt starred in the Hammer version of the story: "Countess Dracula." Mr. Borowczyk’s most controversial film was "The Beast." Based in part on "Beauty and the Beast," the film was originally supposed to be part of "Immoral Tales." Borowczyk expanded the story to a feature length film. It was banned in some countries for the visuals of a beast having sex with the female characters in the movie. Sometimes it was rape and at other times, it was consensual. No matter, Borowczyk crossed a boundary that many viewers and censors thought went too far. His film "The Story of a Sin" was nominated for the Golden Palm at Cannes in 1975. "Blanche" won the Gran Prix at the 1972 Berlin International Film Festival. Mr. Borowczyk was nominated for a BAFTA for his short animated film "Dom."

FRANKLIN COVER Died Feb. 5, 2006

Character actor Franklin Cover died of pneumonia at age 77. Mr. Cover may have been best known for his role as Tom Wilis on the hit TV series "The Jeffersons." Mr. Cover and the late actress Roxy Roker played Tom and Helen Willis, one of the first interracial couples on TV. The liberal viewpoint of the Willises became the springboard for character George Jefferson’s comical but skewed rants. Tom Willis became George Jefferson’s Meathead so to speak. Franklin Cover appeared in numerous films and TV shows during his career. He played Tina Louise’s husband in the original film version of "The Stepford Wives." Mr. Cover had a nice supporting role in Oliver Stone’s "Wall Street." Mr. Cover played both a US President and a US Vice President on TV. He played LBJ’s VP Hubert Humphrey in the biopic "A Woman Called Golda." Mr. Cover played president Herbert Hoover in "The Day the Bubble Burst," which dealt with the stock market crash of 1929. Other credits include "Naked City," "ER," "The Honeymooners," "All in the Family," "The Love Boat" and "Will & Grace."

WILLIAM ALLEN CASTLEMAN Death Announced Feb. 5, 2006

Exploitation filmmaker Willaim Castleman died at age 83. Mr. Castleman produced, directed and scored a number of well-known exploitation films. Looking back on myself when I was a 12-year-old, I must admit that my imagination was sparked by the lurid newspaper ads for the type of films made by William Castleman. He directed three films. "The Erotic Adventures of Zorro" is a perfect example of the exploitation genre. A sexy title and poster that promises to deliver much more than it actually does. The movie was co-directed by Robert Freeman and produced by the illustrious schlockmaster David F. Friedman. Mr. Castleman worked closely with Mr. Friedman. Mr. Friedman produced Mr. Castleman’s other two films as a director: "Bummer" and "Johnny Firecloud." "Johnny Firecloud" was a "Billy Jack" take off with the native American hero raging war on redneck town boss played by Ralph Meeker. Mr. Castleman also produced several films. He produced the sex comedy "Trader Hornee," "Starlet" as well as the three films he directed. Mr. Castleman stepped out of the exploitation field and into hardcore as the producer of "Seven Into Snowy." "Seven Into Snowy" was a send-up of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," the difference being, in this film the seven aren’t dwarves. William A. Castleman was also a composer. He scored such great exploitation films as "The Swinging Cheerleaders" and "The Big Bird Cage."

AKIRA IFUKUBE Died Feb. 8, 2006

Prolific composer Akira Ifukube died of multiple organ failure at age 91. Mr. Ifukube composed the scores to nearly 300 films. He was best known for his work for Toho Studios and particularly on over two dozen "Godzilla" movies. Mr. Ifukube also created the fire breathing monsters famous roar. The truth is, Mr. Ifukube scored nearly all of Toho’s classic monster movies: "Rodan," "Mothra," "Varan," "Ghidrah" and the rest were scored by Ifukube. He also composed the score for eleven films in the "Zatoichi" series. Mr. Ifukube scored Akira Kurosawa’s early film "The Quiet Duel." He also scored three films which were written by Kurosawa but directed by Senkichi Taniguchi. Mr. Ifukube was twice nominated for Best Music Score by the Awards of the Japanese Academy.

PEDRO GONZALEZ-GONZALEZ Died Feb. 8, 2006

Actor Pedro Gonzalez-Gonzalez died of cancer at age 80. Mr. Gonzalez was discovered on the Groucho Marx TV show "You Bet Your Life." After his humorous banter with Groucho, Mr. Gonzalez found himself in demand as an actor. One of his first film roles was in John Wayne’s "The High and the Mighty." I recently saw "The High and the Mighty" for the first time, as the movie has been tied up in litigation for years. Mr. Gonzalez’s performance in the film was one of the standouts. It was nice to see a minority in an American film from the 1950s being portrayed without a negative stereotype. Mr. Gonzalez’s films with John Wayne include "Rio Bravo," McClintock!," "Chisum" and "Hellfighters." IMDB reported that Mr. Gonzalez died in Willcox Arizona. I spoke with Ainslee Wittig, Associate Editor of The Arizona Range News. Ms. Wittig stated that Mr. Gonzalez actually died in Culver City, California. Mr. Gonzalez’s connection to Willcox, Arizona comes from his longtime working relationship with Willcox’s favorite son Rex Allen. Mr. Conzalez’s worked as Rex Allen’s sidekick for many, many years. Ms. Wittig told me that Mr. Gonzalez had attended 53 of the 54 Rex Allen Days celebrations held in Willcox. More than Rex Allen himself attended! Mr. Gonzalez’s film and TV credits also include "I Died a Thousand Times," "Wanted: Dead or Alive," "Gunsmoke," "Big Country" with Gregory Peck, "Perry Mason," "Branded," "The Monkees," "The Love Bug" and "The Wonderful World of Disney." Mr. Gonzalez’s grandson Clifton Collins Jr. delivered a chilling performance as the real-life killer Perry Smith in the Oscar nominated "Capote." Mr. Gonzalez’s brother Jose Gonzalez-Gonzalez was also a prolific character actor who passed away in December of 2000.

PETER BENCHLEY Died Feb. 11, 2006

Author Peter Benchley died of the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis at age 65. Mr. Benchley wrote the popular novel "Jaws." Steven Speilberg turned his book into on of the highest grossing films of all time. Peter Benchley co-wrote the screenplay for "Jaws" with Carl Gotlieb. They were nominated for BAFTA, Golden Globe and WGA Awards for their screenplay. Mr. Benchley is pictured in the center of the photo. He is flanked by actor Roy Schieder and his "Jaws" co-writer Carl Gotlieb. Peter Benchley made a cameo appearance in the film as a TV reporter covering the opening day of the tourist season on Amity Island. The success of "Jaws" sounded the death knell of smaller personal studio films and began the era of the Mega-Blockbuster. Mr. Benchley wrote several other novels, which were made into either feature films or TV movies. His novel "The Deep" came the closest to matching the success he enjoyed with "Jaws." The film version of "The Deep" was directed by Peter Yates. The film’s cast included "Jaws" star Robert Shaw as well as Nick Nolte, Jacqueline Bisset and Lou Gossett Jr. The otherwise excellent director Michael Ritchie had a tough time turning Mr. benchley’s novel "The Island" into a film worth watching. Michael Caine and David Warner starred in Benchley’s modern tale of pirates in the Caribbean. The TV mini-series "The Beast" and "Creature" were also based on Peter Benchley novels. Peter Benchley also wrote directly for the screen on occasion. He wrote the script for the TV biopic "The Great Houdini," which starred Paul Michael Glaser as the famed escape artist.

PAUL CARR Died Feb. 17, 2006

Prolific character actor Paul Carr died of lung cancer at age 72. Mr. Carr appeared in over 150 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. Trekkies remember Mr. Carr for his role as Lt. Kelso in the pilot episode of the original "Star Trek." Mr. Carr appeared in just about every TV series during the 1950s, 60s and 70s. His many credits include "77 Sunset Strip," "The Rockford Files," "Felony Squad," "The F.B.I.," "The Mod Squad," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Gunsmoke," "The Time Tunnel," "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea," "The Invaders," "Twelve O’Clock High," "Combat!," "Land of the Giants," "The Green Hornet," "Police Story," "Perry Mason," "Mission Impossible," "Get Smart," "Adam-12" and "Hawaii 5-0." Paul Carr made his feature film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Wrong Man." Among his film credits are "Raise the Titanic," "Ben," "Truck Stop Women," "Executive Action," "The Bat People" and "Captain Newman M.D." Mr. Carr also appeared in the great Made for TV movie "The Deadly Tower," which starred Kurt Russell as the Texas sniper Charles Whitman.

RICHARD BRIGHT Died Feb. 18, 2006

Character actor Richard Bright was killed in New York City when a tour bus ran over him. The 68-year-old actor was walking in the crosswalk at 86^th and Columbus when the rear wheels of a tour bus ran over him. Mr. Bright was dead on arrival at Roosevelt Hospital.

Richard Bright was best known to movie audiences as Al Neri, Michael Corleone’s bodyguard and top assassin. Mr. Bright played the role in all three of "The Godfather" films. He was the guy who killed Michael’s brother Fredo. He was the guy who killed rival mobster Emilio Barzini. He was the guy who helped Michael through his medical emergencies in "Part III" as well as killing the evil Vatican official who helped kill Pope John Paul I. As memorable as his work as Al Neri was, Richard Bright contributed so much more to many great films.

Richard Bright made his feature film debut in Robert Wise’s late entry into the Film Noir genre "Odds Against Tomorrow." Richard Bright has a small role as a New York hepcat criminal. If you get a chance, discover this great movie from 1959. You will be surprised by the freshness and power of the film. Mr. Bright’s contribution is just one of many wonderful things about this tale of crime and prejudice.

Mr. Bright’s film career didn’t take off until the early 1970s. He first gained audience and critical attention playing Al Pacino’s brother in the 1971 drug abuse cautionary tale "Panic in Needle Park." This was the first time I remember seeing Mr. Bright’s work. The owner of the local theater which was showing "Panic in Needle Park" felt the movie was too important to enforce the MPAA’s R-Rating. He took an ad out in the paper letting the public know that he was going to let kids into his theater to see the movie. Richard Bright played a burglar who paid for his heroin habit by crime. The following year, Mr. Bright reteamed with Al Pacino in the role he is best remembered for.

In 1972, Richard Bright also worked for Sam Peckinpah for the first time in "The Getaway." He had a memorable cameo as the train station con man who steals the bank robbery money from Ali McGraw. Steve McQueen kicks his ass and retrieves the cash. Bloody Sam called on Mr. Bright again for his 1973 Western "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid." His death scene is one of the best set pieces that Peckinpah ever created. James Coburn corners Richard Bright, Bob Dylan and Donnie Fritts in a bar. Coburn as Pat Garrett intends to send Billy the Kid a strong message. He has Bob Dylan knock out Donny Fritts and then go stand in the corner. The purpose of the scene is to show Pat Garrett murder Richard Bright’s character Holly. Pat wants Billy the Kid to leave the country. This murder is supposed to send the message. Richard Bright is excellent in this suspenseful scene. His character is forced to get drunk. He knows that his is going to be killed. The question is when will it happen. Peckinpah would call on Richard Bright again in1974 for a cameo in "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia."

Other memorable performances include his work in Sergio Leone’s "Once Upon a Time in America," Milos Forman’s "Hair," "Marathon Man," the over-looked "Rancho Deluxe" and "Looking for Mr. Goodbar." Speaking of his work in "Hair," how great is the scene in which he and Beverly DeAngelo blow smoke rings together! One of the all-time great red-neck seduction scenes. Later in life, Mr. Bright worked almost exclusively on TV. His was a frequent guest star on "Law & Order."

Among Mr. Bright's other nearly 80 film and TV credits are "The Sopranos," "The Ref," "Night Falls on Manhattan," "OZ," "The Ambulance," "Red Heat," "Brighton Beach Memoirs," "The Verne Miller Story," "Hill Street Blues," "The Idolmaker" and the TV mini-series version of "From Here to Eternity."

Truth be told, like many actors before him, Richard Bright will always be associated with one specific role. Richard Bright's strong, loyal and murderous performance as Michael Corleone’s bodyguard Al Neri was one of the strengths of all three "Godfather" films. There was a menace just below the surface. Whether he was killing a rival or shutting the door on Michael’s wife at the end of the first film, Richard Bright made the viewer believe he was a cold-blooded killer. He didn’t need to be flashy. He let his actions speak for him.

DON KNOTTS Died Feb. 24, 2006

During my early teen years, I discovered the comedic greats Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and The Marx Brothers. A neighborhood art-house movie theater held weekly film festivals featuring the works of these great comedians. Now that I have many more years of experience and maturity under my belt, I have realized that I had already been exposed to many classic comedians through TV long before I discovered Chaplin and Keaton and Groucho. One stood head and shoulders above most of his contemporaries. Don Knotts was a genius performer of comedy. He may not have written his material as did Chaplin, but Don Knotts was able to reach down and choose just the right phrase, or shudder or twitch and deliver a gag that made you laugh long and loud. Don Knotts’greatest gift was that he could show us how it felt to be the odd man out. Don Knotts made us laugh, but he also touched our heart. Pathos. Didn’t matter if Don Knotts was playing Barney Fife, Henry Limpet, Mr. Morrison, Luther Heggs, Dr. Jessie Heywood, Roy Fleming or an one of a dozen other characters, he made the audience care about his creations. Sure his characters could be silly. So what. You laughed with him. You cared for him. You were happy to have Don Knotts’ merry menagerie enter your house each week.

Actor Don Knotts died of lung cancer at age 81. Don Knotts was best known for his portrayal of Deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show." Don Knots was a regular on the TV series for the first five-years of its eight year run. Although Mr. Knotts left the show in 1965, he returned to do guest spots during the final three years of the show. Don Knotts won five Emmy Awards for his work on "The Andy Griffith Show." His second most famous TV role was as the landlord on "Three’s Company." I never thought much of his work on the popular T&A TV series.

Don Knotts and Andy Griffith first worked together on stage in the play "No Time for Sergeants." The pair reprised their roles in the film version. The scene in which Andy Griffith as the country bumpkin Pvt. Will Stockdale frustrates Don Knotts as Cpl. John Brown by figuring out his own solutions to the US Army’s dexterity tests is still hilarious. That one scene shows Knotts brilliance at playing characters on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Don Knotts and Andy Griffith would continue to work together after Knotts left the TV series in 1965. In addition to making guest appearances during the final three years of "The Andy Griffith Show," Don Knotts reprised his role as Barney Fife in the long awaited TV reunion film "Return to Mayberry." He made an uncredited guest appearance on the pilot episode of the short-lived 1971 TV series "The New Andy Griffith Show." Don Knotts would later show up on Andy Griffith’s more successful TV series "Matlock."

Don Knotts role as Mr. Morrison on "The Steve Allen Show" was better known as Mr. Nervous. That role brought him his first widespread notice. However, it was Don Knotts popularity on "The Andy Griffith Show" that led to film roles. Several films were tailored as Don Knotts vehicles. "The Incredible Mr. Limpet" was the first "Don Knotts Movie." Shot during the height of his popularity on "The Andy Griffith Show," "Mr. Limpet" was a combination of live action and animation. It was kind of a take-off on the "Walter Mitty" story. Mr. Limpet wishes he was a fish and the wish is granted. After leaving "The Andy Griffith Show," Don Knotts tried to build a film career. He quickly put out several films that made money, but did not lead to film stardom. "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" was the best of the bunch. This was followed by "The Reluctant Astronaut," "The Shakiest Gun in the West," "The Love God?" and "How to Frame a Figg." Following these films, Don Knotts would go back to guest spots on TV shows and co-starring roles in several Disney films.

Don Knotts and fellow comic genius Tim Conway paired up for a number of films and TV shows for Disney as well as other studios. Their credits include "The Apple Dumpling Gang," "The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again," "The Private Eyes," "Gus," "The Prize Fighter" and "Cannonball Run II." Mr. Knotts other numerous film credits include last year’s "Chicken Little," "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo," "Hot Lead and Cold Feet," "Pleasantville," "Move Over Darling," "It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad Mad World," "The Last Time I Saw Archie" and "Wake My Up When Its Over."

Don Knotts served his country in the US Army in the Pacific Theater of operations during WWII. Thanks for the laughter and for your service to your country.

DENNIS WEAVER Died Feb. 24, 2006

Emmy-winning actor Dennis Weaver died of cancer at age 81. Depending on your age, you might remember Dennis Weaver best as the gimp-legged Chester from "Gunsmoke" or as the fish-out-of-water Western Marshall in New York "McCloud." Dennis Weaver was nominated for Emmy Awards two times for each character! He won once in 1959 for Best Supporting Actor in a Dramatic Series. Both of his "Gunsmoke" nominations came in the 1950s while his "McCloud" nominations came in the 1970s. In 1984 Mr. Weaver was awarded the Golden Boot Award for his work in the Western genre. He received a Humanitarian Award in 1987 at the Women in Film Crystal Awards. His TV movie "The Virginian" was honored with a Bronze Wrangler Award at the 2001 Western Heritage Awards.

My first memory of Dennis Weaver was as the terrorized motorist in Steven Speilberg’s highway horror film "Duel." You will never drive an old car on the highway again after seeing this great movie. I remember losing a bet with my mother later on. I swore that Burt Reynolds played the part, but she said I was wrong. Lost a dollar. Also learned to start checking facts before opening my mouth. I should have listened to my Mom as her favorite TV show at the time was "McCloud." The show began as part of the revolving stories presented each Sunday on "The NBC Mystery Movie." "McCloud" took turns with "Columbo" and "MacMillian and Wife." Other series such as "The Snoop Sisters" joined in later. "McCloud" was inspired by the Clint Eastwood film "Coogan’s Bluff." The series ran for seven seasons. He reprised his role in the Made for TV movie "The Return of Sam McCloud." Mr. Weaver also produced the 1989 film which reunited him with series co-star J.D. Canon.

Dennis Weaver was a regular on the long-running series "Gunsmoke" for nine years. He played Chester Goode for the series first nine seasons (1955-64). When Dennis Weaver left the show, Ken Curtis came aboard as Festus to take his place. His other TV series include "Kentucky Jones" (1964-65), "Gentle Ben" (1967-69), "Stone" (1980) and "Emerald Point N.A.S." (1983-84).

Though primarily a TV actor, Dennis Weaver also worked on stage and the big screen. He appeared on Broadway in "Come Back, Little Sheba" with Shelly Winters in 1950. Shelly Winters was credited with giving Dennis Weaver his big break in the 1950 play. Dennis Weaver would reteam with Ms. Winters 21 years later in one of my personal favorites: "What’s the Matter With Helen?" Curtis Harrington directed the classic gothic horror film. Debbie Reynolds co-starred.

Dennis Weaver played supporting roles in a number of notable films during the 1950s. He was the manager of the motel where Janet Leigh was held captive in Orson Welles’ Film Noir classic "Touch of Evil." He played a Navel Officer in the great anti-war film "The Bridges of Toko-Ri." He also appeared in the original film "Dragnet," "The Man From the Alamo" and "Seven Angry Men." Beginning in the 1960s, Mr. Weaver worked more and more on TV and in fewer films. His other film credits include the Jerry Lewis comedy "Way…Way Out," "A Man Called Sledge" and "Duel at Diablo."

Dennis Weaver appeared in a number of memorable Made for TV movies. The most famous was "Duel." In "Intimate Strangers," Dennis Weaver created a chilling portrait of a wife beater. I remember fondly his starring role as the Professor Fuller in "Ishi: The Last of His Tribe." Mr. Weaver played the man who set John Wilkes Booth’s leg in the Emmy-winning "The Ordeal of Dr. Mudd." That film was directed by Paul Wendkos. The actor/drector team made several other memorable films together including "Cocaine: One Man’s Seduction," "The Ordeal of Patty Hearst" and "Terror on the Beach."

Dennis Weaver made guest appearances on many, many great TV series. His TV credits include "The Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Dr. Kildare," "Combat!," "Judd For the Defense," "Name of the Game," "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries," "Magnum PI," "The Simpsons" and "Touched By an Angel."

Who says Hollywood marriages can’t last. Dennis Weaver was married to Gerry Stowell back in 1945! He was the father of actor Robby Weaver and actor/producer/director Rick Weaver. Dennis Weaver was a committed environmentalist who donated time and money to various causes.

DARREN MCGAVIN Died Feb. 25, 2006

Emmy-nominated actor Darren McGavin died at age 83. The prolific stage and screen actor appeared in over 200 films and TV shows in a career that began in the 1940s. Mr. McGavin also enjoyed a successful stage career including numerous Broadway productions. He originated the role of "The Rainmaker" on Broadway. Burt Lancaster played the role in the film version. Most of us will remember Darren McGavin as the rumpled, ruffled newspaper reporter Carl Kolchak for "The Night Stalker" TV movie and TV series. His second wife, Kathie Browne co-starred with him as a police detective in the TV series "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." Ms. Browne died in April of 2003. Younger audiences will remember Mr. McGavin as the grumpy father in the modern holiday classic "A Christmas Story."

I always enjoy the surprise of discovering something new. I remember the first time I saw Otto Preminger’s tale of drug addiction "The Man With the Golden Arm." Frank Sinatra was hooked on heroin. He got his stuff from the hulking neighborhood Mafia pusher. The pusher was menacing and seductive at the same time. You knew after seeing him in action for just a few seconds that Sinatra’s character would lose his fight to stay clean and be feeding his veins with poison before the second reel was over. The menacing pusher was played by Darren McGavin. I saw the 1955 film for the first time in the mid-1970s. My impression of Darren McGavin was that he was adept at playing comedy and light drama. Characters with a worldly and cynical persona. His work in "The Man With the Golden Arm" was a revelation. Darren McGavin had depth. He was a formidable heavy. There are hints of this darker side in Robert Redford’s wonderful "The Natural." 1955 was an important year in Mr. McGavin’s filmography. In addition to "The Man With the Golden Arm," he co-starred in David Lean’s "Summertime" and Otto Preminger’s "The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell."

I’m a horror movie fan. Grew up watching monster movies. Can’t help but love them. Like many other horror buffs, I love producer Dan Curtis’ 1972 Made for TV movie "The Night Stalker." The smart script was written by Richard Matheson. Curtis hired British director John Moxey to direct the modern tale of a vampire terrorizing Las Vegas. Darren McGavin played Carl Kolchak, the third rate newspaper reporter who uncovers the story. Barry Atwater was excellent as the feral vampire. Audiences loved the movie, so the powers that be decided to test the waters again. The 1973 TV movie "The Night Strangler" followed Kolchak to Seattle. Here he uncovers a very old scientist who uses the blood of young women to make an elixar of youth. This time producer Dan Curtis directed himself. Richard Matheson once again adapted Jeff Rice’s source material to the screen. Once again, the audiences loved it. The success of the two films spawned the short-lived TV series: "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." Mr. McGavin made a cameo appearance via an archived video insert from the original series in the pilot episode of ABC’s 2005 bone-headed remake of "The Night Stalker."

Even though Darren McGavin had the range to play darker characters, we loved him for what he did best, and most often. He was finally recognized by his peers with an Emmy nomination for "Murphy Brown." He played Candice Bergan’s father in several episodes. Mr. McGavin was a prolific TV actor. In the late 1950s he had the distinction of starring in two different TV series at the same time! He starred in both "Mike Hammer" and "Riverboat."

Another personal favorite of mine was the 1970 Made for TV movie "Tribes." Mr. McGavin played the tough Marine boot-camp drill sergeant who is faced with a hippie draftee who won’t play by the rules. Jan-Michael Vincent co-starred as the thorn in McGavin’s side. The movie may be gaining new relevance these days. Steven Speilberg directed three Made for TV movies before turning to feature films. "Duel" came first. Next was the 1972 film "Something Evil" starring Darren McGavin and Sandy Dennis as the owners of a possessed farmhouse. That same year Darren McGavin starred in the TM movie pilot for the hit series "The Rookies." Also from 1972 was the TV film "Say Goodbye Maggie Cole." Susan Hayward co-starred with Darren McGavin in what would be her final film. Darren McGavin directed the 1973 feature film "Happy Mother’s Day, Love George." The all-star murder mystery was the final film of singer actor Bobby Darin.

I really could go on and on. Did I mention that Darren McGavin co-starred in the pilot for "The Six Million Dollar Man"? How about the fact that he co-starred with Jerry Lewis in "The Delicate Delinquent," Mr. Lewis's first film after breaking up with Dean Martin? Thanks for the many years spent entertaining us.

JACK WILD Died Mar. 1, 2006

Oscar and BAFTA nominated actor/ singer and teen idol Jack Wild died of mouth cancer at age 53. Mr. Wild lost a hard fought five-year battle against the disease. Mr. Wild was up front about the fact that his smoking caused his illness. Makes me glad I’ve gone two months without a smoke! Prayers of comfort for his family and friends. Here’s hoping that Mr. Wild’s story inspires someone else to put out their cigarettes. Jack Wild was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his performance as the Artful Dodger in Carol Reed’s 1968 musical "Oliver!" Though the film’s win as Best Picture over such contemporaries as "2001," "A Lion in Winter," "Rosemary’s Baby" and "Planet of the Apes" is considered to be one of Oscar’s biggest blunders, there is no denying that Jack Wild deserved his Oscar nod as the teen pick-pocket. His song "Consider Yourself" was a show-stopper and proved the young man’s talent. Jack Wild became a teen idol and released three albums in quick succession. He also landed the lead in Sid and Marty Croft’s TV series "H.R Pufnstuf." This cemented his status as the object of pre-teen girls desire the world over. He went on to star in the feature film version of the TV series in 1970. He was reunited with his "Oliver!" co-star Mark Lester in the 1971 teen-love story "Melody." As is often the case with child and teen actors, success doesn’t always follow into adulthood. Jack Wild’s star burned bright in the early 70s and quickly faded. He appeared in only a handful of films during the 1980s and beyond. He appeared in a small role in "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves." His final screen appearance was in the 2005 film "Moussaka & Chips." The crime comedy reunited Wild onscreen with actor Ron Moody. Ron Moody played Fagin to Wild’s Artful Dodger in "Oliver!"

DANA REEVE Died Mar. 6, 2006

Dana Reeve, actress, activist and the widow of "Superman" actor Christopher Reeve died of lung cancer at age 44. Ms. Reeve, who was not a smoker, discovered the cancer last August. Though she is now reunited with her husband, she leaves behind a 13-year-old son and two stepchildren. Prayers of comfort and support for those children. Dana and Christopher Reeve were married in 1992. After her husband’s horseback riding accident, Mrs. Reeve became an advocate for the rights of the disabled. Mrs. Reeve appeared in the Made for TV movie "The Brooke Ellison Story." The film was directed by her husband and aired two weeks after his death in October of 2004. She also worked with her husband in the feature film "Above Suspicion." Mrs. Reeve’s TV credits include "Law & Order," "Feds" and "Oz." I never knew Mrs. Reeve or her husband. The news of her death has struck an emotional chord with me. Christopher Reeve died while my daughter Christy was still in a coma fighting for her life. The reality of his death put my daughter’s own ordeal in very grim focus. While Christy was going through rehab at the Shepherd center, her physician, Dr. Leslie spoke highly of the Reeves. I felt a bond with them, for their work, because it now touched my family. Dana Reeve carried on the work after her husband died. The Christopher & Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center will continue to carry on their great work.

GORDON PARKS Died Mar. 7, 2006

What a shame it is that the passing of Gordon Parks should be used to celebrate more than just his talent, contributions and success as a photojournalist, film director, writer, playwright and composer. What a shame that we must also point out that Gordon Parks achieved everything he did in spite of the fact that he was a Black man. Thanks to the pioneering work of Gordon Parks and many others like him, Mr. Parks great-grandchildren will live in a country where their contributions will be accepted and appreciated based on their merit alone. Why? Because Gordon Parks did make a difference in helping America face the ugly fact of racism. Why? Because Gordon Parks did step out and pursue his God given talents without believing those who said a Black man in America can not rise up and succeed. Gordon Parks was a man who stood up with many, many other men and women of his generation to live and pursue the American Dream. He believed in the preamble of the Constitution when it said all men were created equal. Truth be told, Mr. Parks wasn’t really equal…Gordon Parks was ahead of most of us. Gordon Parks was special. Mr. Parks died today after 93 years of a wonderful life.

Gordon Parks was one of America’s premiere photojournalists in the post WWII era. He worked for Life Magazine from 1948 through 1968. A tumultuous era in US history. His images stand among the best from a magazine known for its wonderful photography. During his time with Life, Gordon Parks directed two short documentaries. His first short film "Flavio" came about from a Life Magazine assignment in Brazil. Mr. Parks chronicled the story of a poor Brazilian boy who was very ill. His photo essay resulted in worldwide monetary donations, which saved the child and his family. Gordon Park’s photography of poverty were not only taken in third world countries. He aimed his camera at the ugly underbelly of poverty and racism in the US. His pictures did much in the effort to eradicate both.

In 1969, Gordon Parks turned to feature film directing. He became the first Black American to directed a studio feature. Gordon Park’s "The Learning Tree" was based on his own autobiographical novel. He wrote the script, composed the score and directed the film. Though the film itself has many shortcomings, it was important for the fact that Gordon Parks directed it. Because he did, people like John Singleton, Spike Lee and others would be able to also pursue their dream of directing films, of finding an outlet for their artistic visions. "The Learning Tree" was one of the first films placed in the National Film Registry.

In 1971 Gordon Parks directed his second film. "Shaft" was a success, grossing 12 times its production budget. Richard Roundtree starred as the tough, sexy private detective. An urban hero who appealed to all races. More importantly though, John Shaft was a hero for Black Americans. He was a tough guy who wouldn’t hesitate to hit back when pushed by a corrupt police officer. The film gave voice to a collective frustration in the soul of Black America. The film was one of the first films in the Blaxploitation genre. I’ve always thought the term Blaxploitation was misleading. I only use it because you know exactly what films I’m talking about. I’ve always thought the term misleading because most of the films were entertaining. Some did have exploitation elements, but many did not. The novelty was the fact that Black characters were being portrayed as real human beings and not the screen caricature of the Stepin Fetchit days. "Shaft" spawned several excellent sequels and a TV series. Mr. Parks directed the first sequel "Shaft’s Big Score." He only directed a few films after "Shaft." Mr. Parks directed the lame cop comedy "The Super Cops." Saw it, didn’t care for it. Hey, Black directors can strike out too! At least now they have the chance thanks to folks like Gordon Parks! Mr. Parks was the subject of the TV documentary "Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks."

Gordon Parks’ film legacy also lived through his blood. His son Gordon Parks Jr. directed the films as "Superfly," "Thomasina and Bushrod," "Three the Hard Way" and "Aaron Loves Angela." The younger Mr. Parks was tragically killed in a 1979 plane crash in Kenya while scouting locations for a film.

PETER TOMARKEN Died Mar. 13, 2006

Actor and former TV game show host Peter Tomarken and his wife were killed in a small plane crash off the coast of Santa Monica. Mr. Tomarken was 63 years old. Mr. Tomarkin was piloting the airplane. He was involved in Angel Flight West as a volunteer pilot. Angel Flight West is a non-profit organization that would ferry needy people by air for medical treatment. I guess Mr. Tomarken earned his real angel wings today. He was born on the 1^st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Peter Tomarken hosted several TV game shows including "Wipe Out," "Bargain Hunters" and "Hit Man." He was best known for hosting the popular TV game show "Press Your Luck." Anyone alive during the 1980s has to remember the show. You had to press your luck and avoid the Whammy. Mr. Tomarken was also an actor. His film and TV credits include Warren Beatty’s "Heaven Can Wait" and the hit TV series "Ally McBeal." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

MAUREEN STAPLETON Died Mar. 13, 2006

Oscar-winning actress Maureen Stapleton died of natural causes at age 80. Maureen Stapleton won multiple awards for her craft including the Oscar, BAFTA, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony the Los Angeles, New York and National Film Critics Awards! Ms. Stapleton was nominated four times as Best Supporting Actress. She won in 1981 for portraying communist writer and anarchist Emma Goldman in Warren Beatty’s "Reds." Her other three Oscar nominations were for Woody Allen’s "Interiors," "Airport" and her big screen debut "Lonelyhearts."

Ms. Stapleton’s performance in "Reds" was also resulted in her BAFTA, Los Angeles and National Film Critic Awards. She won the Golden Globe for her supporting performance as the wife of the suicidal bomber in "Airport." She was nominated for five Golden Globes. Those nominations mirrored her Oscar nominations but also included her work in Neil Simon’s "Plaza Suite." The New York and Los Angeles Critics both awarded her the Best Supporting Actress Award for her colorful performance as the other woman in "Interiors." "Interiors" is my personal favorite of her performances. She brings sympathy top a character who all of the other characters hate. She is a loud, boisterous broad. A great juxtaposition to her opposite in the film played by Geraldine Page.

Maureen Stapleton enjoyed success on the small screen also. She was nominated for seven Emmy Awards. She won in 1968 for the TV movie of Truman Capote’s "Among the Paths to Eden." Her other Emmy nominations were for "All the King’s Men," "The Queen of the Stardust Ballroom," "The Gathering," "Road to Avonlea," "Miss Rose White" and "B.L. Stryker."

Maureen Stapleton began her acting career on the stage. She appeared in numerous Broadway productions. She won two Tony Awards for her work in Tennessee William’s "The Rose Tattoo" and Neil Simon’s "The Gingerbread Lady." She was nominated four other times for the plays "The Little Foxes," "Plaza Suite," "Toys in the Attic" and "The Cold Wind and the Warm."

Ms. Stapleton appeared in nearly 90 films and TV shows. Her film career featured many memorable movies. She costarred with Marlon Brando and Joanne Woodward in Sidney Lumet’s "The Fugitive Kind." Though she was only six months older than him, she played Dick Van Dyke’s mother in "Bye, Bye Birdie." Ms. Stapleton did voice work in "Summer of 42" and "Voyage to Next." Her other film credits include "The Runner Stumbles," "The Fan," "Johnny Dangerously," "Cocoon," "Cocoon: The Return," "Heartburn" and Barbra Streisand’s "Nuts." TRIVIA NOTE: Despite some physical resemblance, she was not related to actress Jean Stapleton.

ARMAND JONES Died Mar. 17, 2006

As a public defender, I deal with murder on a daily basis. The thing about murder is that you never become jaded when dealing with it or hearing about it. The loss of life for such petty reasons not only extinguishes the person killed, it also destroys two families and pushes our society a little bit closer to oblivion. Having nearly lost my own child to an accident I know the fear a parent has when facing their worst nightmare. Unlike the parents of Armand Jones, I still don't fully understand that nightmare completely. Armand Jones parents do know how bad life can feel because their 18-year-old son was murdered after being robbed at an Anaheim, California Denny's. Armand Jones had recently finished filming scenes for his first, and now, only feature film "Freedom Writers." The 2007 Hilary Swank film is based on the true story of Erin Gruwell, a teacher who pushes her at-risk students to rise above their situation and succeed. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

OLEG CASSINI Died Mar. 17, 2006

Famed fashion designer Oleg Cassini died at age 92. Mr. Cassini was the personal designer for first lady Jackie Kennedy during the days of Camelot. Mr. Cassini was once married to actress Gene Tierney (pictured at right). He designed her costumes in a number of films including "Whirlpool," "The Razor’s Edge," "Night and the City," "Close to My Heart," "The Mating Season" and "On the Riviera." Mr. Cassini designed the costumes and also appeared in Otto Preminger’s gritty Film Noir classic "Where the Sidewalk Ends." He left Hollywood after his divorce from Gene Tierney in 1952. After JFK’s assasination, Mr. Cassini returned to work on a few films including the animated Rankin-Bass biopic "The Daydreamer" and the Matt Helm spy flick "The Ambushers." Mr. Cassini’s brother was Igor Cassini, a famous gossip columnist during the 1940s and 50s.

RICHARD FLEISCHER Died Mar. 24, 2006

Oscar-winning producer/director Richard Fleischer died in his sleep at age 89. Mr. Fleischer was best known for directing an impressive list of hit feature films. He won an Oscar in 1947 for producing the documentary feature "Design for Death" AKA "Our Job in Japan." If you ask me, Richard Fleischer deserved an Oscar as Best Director for a number of his great films.

Dick Fleischer directed the first film I ever saw in a theater: Disney’s 1955 classic "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." The classic still enthralls audiences. My friend, noted film historian and radio documentarian Bruce Crawford paid tribute to Mr. Fleischer’s film in his December, 2004 Omaha Film Event. Mr. Fleischer was unable to attend the Omaha Event due to poor health. Mr. Crawford remembered Richard Fleischer as "a gracious man and most thoughtful and a fine director of many great films."

Dick Fleischer was, in many ways, like the workhorse director Robert Aldrich. Both men turned out consistently entertaining, profitable and critically acclaimed films. However, their names are not the first to pop into your mind when you think of great directors. Of course, their output does testify to the fact of their greatness.

Mr. Fleischer’s film output from the 1950s includes the forgotten classic crime drama "Violent Saturday." The movie dealt with the effects of a bank robbery on a small town. It is a precursor of the tough cop movies of Don Siegel and others during the 60s and 70s. A transitional film from Film Noir to the urban realism of the 70s. Lee Marvin, Victor Mature and Earnest Borgnine are just a few of the many great actors who make this film worth seeing. Mr. Fleischer ended the 1950s with the psychological crime drama "Compulsion." The movie was based on the Leopold-Loeb thrill killing of the 1920s. Orson Welles starred as the attorney based on Clarence Darrow who pleads for the young killer’s lives. This is one of Mr. Fleischer’s most respected works. He was nominated for a BAFTA and DGA Award for his direction. This was Mr. Fleischer’s second DGA nomination. The year before, his work on the Kirk Douglas action/adventure film "The Vikings" was also recognized by his peers with a DGA nod.

Mr. Fleischer directed two of the biggest hits of the 1960s. He also directed two of the biggest bombs of the 60s! On the plus side, Mr. Fleischer directed the 1966 Oscar-winning sci-fi classic "Fantastic Voyage." Two years later, he directed the chilling true-life crime drama "The Boston Strangler." Mr. Fleischer directed actor Tony Curtis in one of his last great film performances. On the negative side, Mr. Fleischer helmed the notorious bomb "Dr. Dolittle." The film was the subject of John Gregory Dunne’s classic look at studio politics and practices: "The Studio." Despite being an overblown and bloated film, the movie was nominated for nine Oscars! To find out how this happened, you must read Mr. Dunne’s book. Mr. Fleischer’s other bomb from the 1960s was the misguided biopic "Che!" Omar Sharif played Che opposite Jack Palance as Castro!

1970 saw the release of the WWII film "Tora! Tora! Tora!" Mr. Fleischer directed the US sequences on the definitive film about Pearl Harbor. The following year, Mr. Fleischer returned to the true-crime genre. "10 Rillington Place" starred Richard Attenborough as British killer John Reginald Christie. This is an excellent and very true to the facts film. The Christie/Evans killings lead to the abolishment of the death penalty in England. John Hurt starred as the mentally retarded Timothy Evans. Mr. Evans was executed for murdering his wife. When it was discovered several years later, that Evans’ landlord, serial killer John Christie was in fact the real killer the public backlash put an end to the death penalty. Mr. Fleischer’s direction is taut. This was no surprise as Mr. Fleischer was an old hand at directing crime films. What was surprising was the British feel the film had. This considering Mr. Fleischer was a Yank.

Mr. Fleischer directed three very different films in 1971. His follow-up to "10 Rillington Place" was the "The Last Run." This is a difficult movie to find. It is however, well worth the effort to track down. The movie starred George C. Scott and his then wife Colleen Dewhurst, future wife Trish Van Devere along with Tony Musante. "The Last Run" is a crime film with a much deeper edge than one might expect. I’ve always thought it would make a great double feature with Walter Hill’s Zen crime film "The Driver." Dick Fleischer’s third film from 1971 was the hit psycho horror film "See No Evil." Mia Farrow starred as a blind woman stalked by a cowboy-boot wearing psycho killer. Fleischer chose not to show the killer, other than his boots. The choice enhanced the suspense level of the film. Not unlike what Steven Spielberg achieved in his film "Duel," which aired two months after the release of "See No Evil."

The following year, Mr. Fleischer reteamed with George C. Scott to bring Joseph Wambaugh’s best seller "The New Centurions" to the big screen. For the most part, the movie was a faithful adaptation of Mr. Wambaugh’s police drama. Budget constrains prevented recreating the Watts riots for the film’s climax. With the exception of "The Onion Field" and the William Holden version of "The Blue Knight," Mr. Fleischer’s film was the best adaptation of a Wambaugh novel.

My high school buddy Bruce Ingram and I were the first two people to buy tickets for the Sci-fi classic "Soylent Green" when it opened in Memphis at the Crosstown Theater. Charlton Heston and Edward G. Robinson starred in the futuristic mystery. And remember… Soylent Green is…! Sorry, no spoilers, even in the obits. Mr. Fleischer finished out the 70s with several notable and notorious films. "Mr. Majestyk" was a Charles Bronson thriller with an evil Al Lettieri in support. "Mandingo" stirred up much controversy. The all-star exploitation film dealt with slavery and interracial sex. Susan George and boxer Ken Norton steamed up the screen and also fired up the box office. Fleischer’s "The Incredible Sarah" was an Oscar nominated biopic of actress Sarah Bernhardt. His 1977 film "Crossed Swords" was designed to recapture the magic of Richard Lester’s "Three Musketeers." Mr. Fleischer’s film reunited much of the cast from Lester’s film, with mixed results. This film also marked his third and final teaming with actor George C. Scott.

Mr. Fleischer’s other film credits include the Neil Diamond version of "The Jazz Singer," "Conan the Destroyer," "The Spikes Gang," "The Don is Dead," "Red Sonja" and "Amityville 3-D." Mr. Fleischer was the son of pioneering animator Max Fleischer.

Last year, I had the pleasure of interviewing Oscar winning film editor Elmo Williams. At 93, Mr. Williams is still sharp as a tack. He spoke about first working with Dick Fleischer and then becoming his friend. Here is a short excerpt from that interview:

EI: I noticed that you worked on a lot of Richard Fleischer’s films. Would a director ask for you or was it because you both worked at the same studio?

EW: Dick Fleischer was in New York and he was a stage director. When sound first came in, that’s when I started, directors in Hollywood had no experience with directing dialogue. They were ‘picture’ directors. The studios started saying "We’re making talkies now, so we’d better get some guys out here from New York who know how to direct actors to read their lines. So Fleischer was one of those directors who came out from New York, who was a stage director. He was related to Sid Rogel, who was the studio manager…the head of production at RKO. Since Dick knew nothing about the mechanics of making films, I was assigned to him to help teach him. I made all of his set-ups for him on his first three films.

EI: Almost a co-director on those.

EW: Yeah, well, sort of. Dick and I became good friends. After he started making his mainstream films, whenever possible, he would ask me to edit his films. He got me onto "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and "The Vikings." I always carried a big load. I edited some of Dick’s most successful films. Without bragging, I made lots of contributions to his films.

BUCK OWENS Died Mar. 25, 2006

Country music legend Buck Owens died of undisclosed causes at age 76. Buck Owens had 20 #1 records during his lengthy career. Some of his best known songs are "Act Naturally," "I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail" and "Together Again." Like most Americans, I remember Buck Owens as the co-host, along with Roy Clark of the hit TV series "Hee Haw." Mr. Owens was the host of the show from 1969 through 1986. Even though I wasn’t a country music fan, I enjoyed the simple entertainment and pretty women on "Hee Haw." Every Saturday evening during the early 1970s, our family would sit in the den and watch "Hee Haw." I gained a deep respect for the musical abilities of both Buck Owens and Roy Clark. Both men also had a talent for comedy. The show would not have lasted as long as it did were that not true. Buck Owens recorded with his band The Buckaroos as well as doing solo work. "Hee Haw" wasn’t his first TV series. In 1966, Mr. Owens hosted "Buck Owens’ Ranch Show." Mr. Owens voice appeared on the soundtrack of the Oscar nominated documentary about the Apollo moon landings: "For All Mankind." Apparently one of the astronauts took Mr. Owens music into space. Mr. Owens produced the Dwight Yokum directed Western "South of Heaven, West of Hell." If I had even had the opportunity to meet Mr. Owens, I would have thanked him for bring me together with my dad and brothers and sisters every Saturday night. Bringing family’s together. Not a bad legacy.

DAN CURTIS Died Mar. 27, 2006

Emmy and DGA-winning director/producer Dan Curtis died of complications from a brain tumor at age 78. Dan Curtis was one of the first film people I was aware of. In 1967, I would rush home from school (3^rd grade) in hopes of catching the last 10 minutes of "Dark Shadows." If I was lucky, I got to see Jonathan Frid as Barnabas Collins, the only ‘real’ vampire on daytime TV. Dan Curtis created, produced and directed an occasional episode of the hit gothic-horror-soap opera "Dark Shadows." The TV series ran from 1966 through 1971. The TV series also spawned two feature films and a 1991 primetime revival series. The feature films (House of Dark Shadows and Night of Dark Shadows) were released in 1970 and 71. "Dark Shadows" built a strong cult following which lives today. There are "Dark Shadows" conventions and the series has enjoyed renewed life on DVD.

While Dan Curtis may be best remembered for "Dark Shadows" he was by no means a one hit wonder. Nor were his talents limited to the horror genre. I admit that I am more than fond of his horror output, however, as a war movie fan, I also appreciate Mr. Curtis’ achievements with the TV mini series adaptations of Herman Wouk’s epic "The Winds of War" and "War and Remembrance." Mr. Curtis was nominated for four Emmy Awards for producing and directing both mini series. He won the Emmy award for producing "War and Remembrance." "The Winds of War" featured an impressive recreation of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Mr. Curtis’ peers at the Director’s Guild awarded him the DGA for directing "War and Remembrance."

Dan Curtis produced some great Made for TV movies during the 1970s. This was during the era of excellent TV movies. He directed two of my favorite old-time gangster films. "Melvin Purvis G-Man" was a larger than life biopic with a robust Dale Robertson playing the F.B.I. chief gangster hunter. John Milius, who later wrote and directed the excellent "Dillinger" wrote the script for Mr. Curtis. The film told of the FBI’s hunt for Machine Gun Kelly. Curtis followed this with a sequel "The Kansas City Massacre." Once again Dale Robertson returned as Melvin Purvis. This time around he was after Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson and John Dillinger. While it played fast and loose with the facts "The Kansas City Massacre" was exciting and entertaining.

Horror movies are my first cinematic love. Dan Curtis was beloved by millions of horror fans like myself. A quick review of his credits show why. In addition to "Dark Shadows" Dan Curtis produced the 1972 landmark TV movie "The Night Stalker." In addition to being one of the best vampire films of all time, the movie spawned a sequel, and two TV series. The following year Curtis produced and directed the sequel "The Night Strangler." He did not have anything to do with the production of spin-off TV series "Kolchak: The Night Stalker." In 1968, Curtis produced the excellent Made for TV version of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Jack Palance starred in the title role. One of my most vivid childhood memories was watching Jack Palance as Mr. Hyde slitting the nose of one of his pursuers by using a knife concealed in his cane. It was a mixture of the blood (unusual at that time) and Jack Palance’s maniacal laugh that made the scene stick with me all these years. Curtis and Palance would reunite in 1973 with Palance in the title role of "Dracula." Dan Curtis liked the classics. He adapted Oscar Wilde’s "The Picture of Dorian Gray" to the small screen, as well as Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein." In 1974 he produced a TV version of Henry Miller "The Turn of the Screw."

Other times, Mr. Curtis used newer sources for his films. "The Norliss Tapes" starred Roy Thinnes as a modern journalist turned vampire hunter. "Scream of the Wolf" dealt with werewolves. "The Invasion of Carol Ender" dealt with ghosts. Speaking of ghosts, Dan Curtis wrote, produced and directed the all-star shocker "Burnt Offerings." The following year, Mr. Curtis collaborated once again with his "Night Stalker" writer Richard Matheson on the horror feature "Dead of Night."

There is one single image that will forever guarantee Dan Curtis a shivery welcomed place in the heart of horror movie fans worldwide. On Tuesday, March 4, 1975 I sat down in my living room to watch the "ABC Tuesday Night Movie." Every Tuesday and Wednesday night, ABC offered original films that started at 7:30 PM and ended at 9 PM. The timing was just right as my strict parents would have me in bed by 9. As long as the homework was done, I could watch TV until then. That particular evening, ABC ran a movie titled "Trilogy of Terror." Dan Curtis cast his "Burnt Offerings" star Karen Black to play four different roles in three different stories. The film was once again written by master of horror Richard Matheson. I really don’t remember anything about the first two stories. Like every other person on the face of the planet who saw the third story: "The Doll," I can never forget it. Karen Black finds herself being chased around her apartment by a knife wielding Zuni fetish doll. It is a horrific piece of work that that leaves you short of breath and drained. The thing is, for all the excitement and scares that came before, the final shot of Karen Black from "The Doll" is the stuff of nightmares. I slept with a light on that night. Didn’t matter that I was a teenager. I slept with a light on. The final segment of "Trilogy of Terror" is a masterpiece of terror. The final shot is an unforgettable image that has stayed with me for over 30 years. Mr. Curtis, thanks for scaring the ever loving bejezus out of me.

CANDICE RIALSON Died Mar. 31, 2006 (reported Aug. 14, 2006)

Candice Rialson, like Rainbeau Smith, was one of the premiere B-movie queens of the 1970s. Like Ms. Smith she appeared in both B-movies and A-list films. She also died out of the limelight. From a physical standpoint, Candice Rialson had more sex appeal than Rainbeau Smith, though she never achieved the status as sex-goddess cum fantasy figure that Ms. Smith did. Just look at her pictures and you will know what I mean. While the circumstances of Ms. Rialson’s passing were not as tragic or dramatic as Ms. Smith’s, her passing did go unnoticed for over four months. By all reports, when Ms. Rialson died of liver disease at age 54 while she was surrounded by a loving family. She was, it seems unaware that she had a still avid fanbase. Ms. Rialson’s passing was discovered by the folks at Code Red DVD who tried to track her down to take part in a commentary track for the 1974 sexploitiation film "Pets."

My first memory of Candice Rialson came from the Clint Eastwood film "The Eiger Sanction." She appears in an early scene opposite Clint. Mr. Eastwood plays the college art professor/professional assassin Dr. Jonathan Hemlock. Ms. Rialson played a very sexy student who stays after class to see if there is anything she can do to get a better grade. While the movie would have been so much more enjoyable if Clint had taken her up on her offer, he tells her to go home and "study that pretty little ass off!" While Ms. Rialson appeared in A-list movies like "The Eiger Sanction," "Logan’s Run," Mel Brook’s "Silent Movie" and William Richert’s "Winter Kills," she was best remembered for her exploitation and B-movies.

Mark L. Lester’s "Stunts" is one of the best B-movies of the 1970s. Ms. Rialson added a sexy charge to the action-packed murder mystery. She poured on the backwoods sex appeal in "Moonshine Country Express" opposite Maureen McCormick and the late Claudia Jennings. Candice Rialson’s most memorable roles were in several drive-in sexploitation films. She starred in such skin classics as "Candy Stripe Nurses," "Summer School Teachers" and Joe Dante’s "Hollywood Boulevard." Ms. Rialson appeared in "Mama’s Dirty Girls" with Film Noir actress Gloria Graham! Her most notorious film was the sex comedy "Chatterbox." Taking a cue from "Deep Throat," this R-rated film told the tale of a woman with a talking vagina!

GARY GRAY Died Apr. 4, 2006

I got to know Gary Gray at the Memphis Film Festival in 2001. Over the four-day festival Mr. Gray spent several hours talking with me, not just about his career in the movies, but about his family and his faith. Gary Gray impressed me as a decent man by his actions and his words. I saw and heard him defend people who were not present to speak for themselves. He even had nice things to say about Joan Crawford! I saw the joy in his eyes as he spoke about his children and grandchildren. I especially saw the joy in his eye when his wife came up and hugged him. I was strengthened in my own faith when Mr. Gray spoke so openly and freely about his own walk with Christ. There are many tales of former child actors who came to tragic ends when their careers didn’t continue into adulthood. This was not the case with Gary Gray. In fact, Mr. Gray retired voluntarily at a time when he was working steadily. Mr. Gray retired to get married and go into business. Both his marriage and his business thrived, as had his film career. Gary Gray appeared in 100 films and TV shows in his 20-year career. Mr. Gray died of cancer at age 69.

Gary Gray starred in many notable films. His best know work may be "Rachel and the Stranger." Mr. Gray played Loretta Young’s son. William Holden and Robert Mitchum were the rival leading men. He also starred in the Lassie film "The Painted Hills." Gary Gray appeared in films with former President Ronald Reagan and former first lady Nancy Reagan! He appeared with President Reagan and Virginia May in "The Girl From Jones Beach." The former first lady played Gary Gray’s mother in William Wellman’s thought-provoking "The Next Voice You Hear."

Gary Gray’s many film and TV credits include "Sun Valley Serenade," "Heaven Can Wait," "Gaslight," "Meet Me In St. Louis," "Whispering Smith," "The Great Lover," "Studio 57" and "I Love Lucy." Gary Gray came from a showbiz family. His father was an agent. CLICK HERE to read my in depth interview with Mr. Gray from the 2001 Memphis Film Festival.

GENE PITNEY Died Apr. 5, 2006

Rock and roll singer/songwriter Gene Pitney died of natural causes at age 65. Mr. Pitney had performed a concert in Cardiff, Wales the night before. He was found dead in his hotel room the next morning. The coroner stated that the autopsy revealed Mr. Pitney died of natural causes. Gene Pitney may be best known for the Oscar-nominated song "Town Without Pity." He sang the Dimitri Tiomkin/Ned Washington composition in the 1961 Kirk Douglas film. He also performed the song on TV at the "34^th Annual Academy Awards" telecast. Though he didn’t compose "Town Without Pity," Gene Pitney did write a number of classic of the early Rock and Roll era. Among his biggest songs are "Hello, Mary Lou (Goodbye Heart)" and "She’s a Rebel." Gene Pitney appeared on such TV shows as "Tops of the Pops," "Shindig," "Hullabaloo" and "Beat Club."

VILGOT SJOMAN Died Apr. 10, 2006

Director Vilgot Sjoman died of a brain hemorrhage at age 81. In the days before Al Gore invented the Internet, erotica was hard to come by for a teenaged boy with a healthy curiosity about the mysteries of the female form. My older brother’s Playboy magazines gave me my introductory courses in female anatomy 101. Every October, Playboy magazine would feature the "Sex in the Cinema" issue. I believe this is where I first heard of the film "I Am Curious (Yellow)." I was a bit advanced for a preteen. Once I mastered what the female form looked like, I became curious as to deeper mysteries. The 1967 film "I Am Curious (Yellow)" promised to answer these questions. Of course, I’ve long since grown up, but I remember vividly how I felt when I heard of this infamous film. I remember how much I wanted to see it. I am also amazed to realize that I never have seen the movie. Swedish director Vilgot Sjoman broke international taboos by directing the explicit film. Two years later he filmed the sequel "I Am Curious (Blue)." In the days prior to "Deep Throat," "I Am Curious (Yellow)" was probably the best known adult film in the world. Vilgot Sjoman’s output was not limited to his infamous erotica. In 1963 Mr. Sjoman directed a wonderful TV documentary "Ingmar Bergman Gor en Film," about Ingmar Bergman. Mr. Sjoman chronicled the Swedish master’s making of the film "Winter’s Light." The five-part TV documentary series focused on different areas of the development of Mr. Bergman’s movie. Mr. Sjoman made several films which drew critical comparisons with Ingmar Bergman’s work. Most notable among these was the BAFTA winner "My Sister, My Love." Mr. Sjoman’s final film was the 1995 biopic "Alfred," which dealt with the life of Alfred Nobel.

ALIDA VALLI Died Apr. 22, 2006

What a life! Italian actress Alida Valli appeared in well over 100 films. She enjoyed success in Europe and also the US. She made contributions to many different types of films from A-list productions to horror classics. Many different types of film fans will remember Ms. Valli for a variety of different reasons. She also had beauty. She was at the center of one of Italy’s biggest scandals during the 1950s. Ms. Valli was adored by dictators and common men alike. Alida Valli died at age 84.

Being a horror movie fan first and foremost, it isn’t a shock that I remember Ms. Valli primarily for her horror movie contributions. He most famous horror film role was in the 1959 French classic "Eyes Without a Face." The haunting and extremely disturbing film was given the grand treatment as a Criterion Collection DVD release last year. Ms. Valli plays the murderous assistant of the film’s villain: a doctor who murders young women in order to give his own daughter a new face. The movie has been release with a number of titles and a variety of truncated forms. Now it can be seen as originally intended thanks to the Criterion collection. Once seen, this film is hard to forget. Italian horror master Mario Bava cast her in his lost masterpiece "Lisa and the Devil." This film was also released in a number of versions. New footage was shot to cash in on the success of "The Exorcist." Much of the original version was lost in the process. Mario Bava’s disciple Dario Argento gave Ms. Valli a starring role in his best film "Suspiria." He would also cast her in his 1980 film "Inferno." Her other horror film credits include "Tender Dracula," "The Antichrist" and "The Killer Nun."

Ms. Valli also starred in many international A-list films. She is probably best know as Orson Welles much abused girlfriend in Carol Reed’s Film Noir masterpiece "The Third Man." Bernardo Bertolucci cast Ms. Valli in three of his films including his epic "1900" and disturbing tale of incest "Luna." Ms. Valli co-starred in Pasolini’s version of "Oedipus Rex." Unfortunately her one film with master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock was his lessor effort "The Paradine Case." She had a memorable role in the otherwise bland all-star disaster film "The Cassandra Crossing."

Alida Valli had an exciting and eventful personal life. She was one of Italian strongman Benito Mussolini’s favorite actresses. Scandal touched her life during the 1950s. In 1953, the body of a young girl named Wilma Montesi was found washed up on a beach. The girl had drown. It wasn’t quite clear if Ms. Montesi had accidentally drown, committed suicide or was murdered. Ms. Valli ended up providing an alibi for the public’s chief suspect. This event harmed her career for a few years. Several news sources have erroneously reported that Ms. Valli’s husband Oscar De Mejo was the author of the children’s Christmas novelty song "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth." In fact, the song was written by New York music teacher Donald Gardner who died in 2004.

JAY PRESSON ALLEN Died May 1, 2006

Oscar-nominated writer Jay Presson Allen died of a stroke at age 84. Jay Presson Allen was one of the best writers in Hollywood when it came to adapting stories from other mediums. Ms. Allen was nominated twice for her adaptations to the screen of the movies "Cabaret" and the true crime drama "Prince of the City." She adapted Muriel Spark’s novel "The Prime of Miss Jean Brody" to the stage and later the screen. Alfred Hitchcock called on her to adapt the novel "Marnie" to the screen. Other credits include George Cukor’s "Travels With My Aunt," "40 Carats," "Funny Lady," the Streisand version of "A Star is Born" and "Deathtrap." She also wrote the one-man play "Tru" based on the life of Truman Capote.

VAL GUEST Died May 10, 2006

Prolific director/writer Val Guest died at age 94. Val Guest moved up the film ladder from movie journalist to actor to writer to director. His film career began in the early 1930s and he directed his final TV show in 1986. During his 50-year career, Val Guest created some of the best or at least best remembered sci-fi and horror films in history. Mr. Guest was not solely a genre director or writer. Val Guest had nearly 80 writing credits. He directed over 50 films. Val Guest directed the classic sci-fi films "The Quatermass Experiment" and its first sequel "Quatermass 2." For many people my age, these Hammer productions were the first adult sci-fi films they were exposed to. Brian Donlevy starred in the title role as Professor Bernard Quatermass. Val Guest had a long association with Hammer Films. Among the movies her directed for the famed British house of horror were "The Abominable Snowman," "The Camp on Blood Island" "The Day the Earth Caught Fire" and "When Dinosaur’s Ruled the Earth." "When Dinosaur’s Ruled the Earth" was a sequel to Ray Harryhausen’s "1,000,000 Years B.C." This time around the animation was done by Jim Danforth. Blonde beauty Victoria Vetri replaced Raquel Welsh as the eye-candy to keep the dads in the theaters while their children watched the dinosaurs. Val Guest was one of the many co-directors and co-writers of the original James Bond spoof "Casino Royale." Another noted film was the 1960 Cliff Richard movie "Expresso Bongo." "Expresso Bongo" starts out to be one of the best rock and roll films from that era. Unfortunately it fizzled before the running time ended. Still it is worth a look.

PAUL MARCO Died May 14, 2006

Actor Paul Marco died at age 80. Mr. Marco was best known for his role as Kelton the Cop in Ed Wood Jr.’s infamous "Plan Nine From Outer Space." He worked with Ed Wood in three films including "The Bride of the Monster" and "Night of the Ghouls." He reprised his role as Kelton the Cop in the horror movie spoof "The Naked Monster." Mr. Marco was portrayed by actor Max Casella in Tim Burton’s wonderful biopic "Ed Wood." It was just bad. Mr. Marco was a frequent guest at numerous fan conventions. Mr. Marco served his country in the US Navy during WWII.

JORGE PORCEL Died May 16, 2006

Even though I understand very little spoken Spanish, I used to watch Jorge Porcel’s show "To Bed With Porcel" whenever it was on. Like British comedian Benny Hill, Jorge Porcel stocked his TV show with beautiful, scantily clad women. The actor/comedian died of complications from gall bladder surgery at age 69. Mr. Porcel was best known for his various TV shows, but he also enjoyed a lengthy film career. His final film appearance was in a cameo role in Brian DePalma’s excellent "Carlito’s Way." Mr. Porcel became a Christian in 1995 and retired from his risque comedy routines.

FREDDIE GARRITY Died May 19, 2006

Even though I was just a small child at the time, I realized there was something very different about Freddie Garrity. The leader of the British band Freddie and the Dreamers was a bit odd when compared with The Beatles or the Animals. He was goofy. That was my opinion when I was five years old and it never really changed. Freddie Garrity was goofy and funny on stage. That was his show biz gimmick. He resembled Jeff Goldblum doing a Jerry Lewis impression. Freddie and the Dreamers enjoyed a number of hit records including their theme song "Do the Freddie." My favorite was the song "I’m Telling You Now." That song showed a deeper talent than the gimmicky stage persona. The band appeared on many TV shows of the time including "Shindig." The Dreamers starred in the movie "Every Day’s a Holiday." Freddie Garrity died of circulatory problems at age 69.

HENRY BUMSTEAD Died May 24, 2006

Two-time Oscar-winning production designer/art director Henry Bumstead died of prostate cancer at age 91. Mr. Bumstead was nominated four times for the Best Art Direction Oscar. He won twice for "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Sting." His other two nominations were for Hitchcock’s classic "Vertigo" and Clint Eastwood’s brutal Western "Unforgiven." Mr. Bunstead was a long-time collaborator with Clint Eastwood. The Art Director’s Guild honored Mr. Bumstead with a Excellence in Production Design Award for his work on Eastwood’s "Mystic River." He was also nominated for his work on Eastwood’s "Million Dollar Baby." In 1998, the Guild also bestowed a Lifetime Achievement Award on Mr. Bumstead.

Henry Bumstead worked on a number of great films. I addition to "Vertigo," he worked on Hitchcock’s "The Man Who Knew Too Much," "Topaz" and "Family Plot." Mr. Bumstead’s films for Clint Eastwood include "Joe Kidd," "High Plains Drifter," "A Perfect World," "Absolute Power," "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," "True Crime," "Space Cowboys" and "Blood Work." His final two films, also for Clint Eastwood are currently in post-production: "Flags of Our Fathers" and "Red Sun, Black Sand." Not bad for a man in his 90s! Who says the elderly don’t have anything to contribute to society!

Among Mr. Bumstead’s many, many credits are the remake of "Cape Fear," "The Little Drummer Girl," "The World According to Garp," "A Little Romance," "House Calls," "Slaughterhouse Five," "Slap Shot," "The Great Waldo Pepper," "Tell Them Willie Boy is Here," "Cinderfella," "I Married a Monster From Outer Space," "Come Back Little Sheba" and "My Friend Irma."

Mr. Bumstead served his country in the US Navy during WWII.

PAUL GLEASON Died May 27, 2006

Prolific character actor Paul Gleason died of mesothelioma at age 67. The illness which killed him is a rare lung cancer connected to asbestos exposure. Paul Gleason appeared in over 130 films and TV shows during his career. He was adept and both comedy and at playing the heavy. Though Mr. Gleason delivered a number of memorable performances, he was best know for his role as the principle in John Hughes’ teen classic "The Breakfast Club." Paul Gleason’s hard-line disciplinarian personified everything that kids saw as wrong and unjust with adults. His scenes with actor Judd Nelson were the most devastating as far as the way they portrayed an authority figure gone bad. Paul Gleason was also remembered as the full of crap FBI agent in the original "Die Hard." He also was memorable as the henchman who got a big surprise from an amorous ape in "Trading Places." Paul Gleason began his film and TV career in the 1960. The student of Lee Strasberg appeared in several TV series and films in the 60s and 70s, but his career didn’t really take off until the 1980. Mr. Gleason’s many feature film roles include "Doc Savage: Man of Iron," "The Great Santini," "Fort Apache the Bronx," "Arthur," "Tender Mercies," "Miami Blues," "Not Another Teen Movie" and "National Lampoon’s Van Wilder." I recently had the pleasure of reviewing "Abominable," a new horror film by director Ryan Schifrin: son of composer Lalo Schifrin. "Abominable's" cool ending features Mr. Gleason as a loudmouth sheriff.

BILLY PRESTON Died June 5, 2006

Musician Billy Preston died of kidney failure. While George Martin and Brian Epstein are more deserving of the title, Billy Preston was often called the "Fifth Beatle." This was due to the fact he played on the last three Beatle albums and was the only non-Beatle to get a label credit on a Beatle record. He appeared in the film "Let It Be" where he played with the Fab Four in the studio and during the famous Rooftop Concert. Mr. Preston first met the Beatles in Germany during the early 1960s. Billy Preston was playing in Little Richard’s backup band at the time. The Beatles opened up for Little Richard for part of the tour. Beatle George Harrison struck up a friendship with Billy Preston that lasted until the youngest Beatle’s death in November of 2001. Billy Preston was among the many stars who joined George Harrison on stage in Madison Square Garden for the famous benefit "The Concert For Bangladesh." Billy Preston enjoyed success away from the Beatles also. His hits include the very funky instrumental "Outta Space." "Outta Space" was featured in the landmark anti-drugs TV movie "Go Ask Alice." The song played during the scene in which Alice first used LSD. Other songs by Billy Preston include "You Are So Beautiful," "Will It Go Round In Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing." These songs were featured on the soundtracks for "Mother, Jugs and Speed," "Muppets in Space," "Wired," "Carlito’s Way" and "Modern Romance." Mr. Preston’s acting credits include "Blues Brothers 2000," "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "St. Louis Blues."

INGO PREMINGER Died June 7, 2006

Oscar-nominated producer Ingo Preminger died at age 95. He was the brother of Oscar-nominated director Otto Preminger. Ingo Preminger was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar for the Robert Altman film "M*A*S*H." The screenplay was written by Ring Lardner Jr. Ingo Preminger had been an agent for Hollywood writers during the McCarthy era. He represented Mr. Lardner and also Dalton Trumbo. The two blacklisted writers were able to work with ‘fronts’ due to Mr. Preminger’s help. When the blacklist was lifted, Mr. Lardner brought the novel "M*A*S*H." to Mr. Preminger who then took it to FOX. Mr. Preminger was the head of Ingo Preminger productions. His company produced "M*A*S*H." as well as "The Last of the Cowboys." Mr. Preminger also produced the spy thriller "The Salzberg Connection," which starred Barry Newman of "Vanishing Point" fame. Mr. Preminger appeared as himself in the 1999 documentary about his brother "Otto Preminger." His brother was nominated for three Best Director Oscars for "Laura," "Anatomy of a Murder" and "The Cardinal." Otto Preminger died in 1986.

ROBERT DONNER Died June 8, 2006

Veteran character actor Robert Donner died of a heart attack at age 75. Mr. Donner appeared in over 120 films and TV shows. He had one of the most familiar faces in TV and film Westerns. He appeared in six John Wayne films: "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," "El Dorado," "Chisum," "The Undefeated," "Rio Lobo" and "Rio Bravo." He worked with his friend Clint Eastwood in "Rawhide" and "High Plains Drifter." Mr. Donner played Boss Shorty in the classic "Cool Hand Luke." He played a cop who puts the bulldozers in place in the cult classic "Vanishing Point." Other feature film credits include "Fool’s Parade," "One More Train to Rob," "Zigzag," "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing," "Bite the Bullet," "The Last Hard Men," "Under the Rainbow" and the upcoming "Hoot." It would be easier to list the TV shows from the 1960s through today that Mr. Donner DID NOT appear in! He had the recurring role of Exidor on the Robin Williams TV series "Mork and Mindy." Mr. Donner played Yancy Tucker on "The Waltons."

BILL F. BLAIR Died June 14, 2006

It is with personal sadness that I write this tribute. Bill F. Blair died at age 75. Bill Blair was an independent film producer. He was also the founder of VCI Entertainment. Way back when Entertainment Insiders was nothing more than a fanboy website, we were thinking of ways to turn what we had into a professional entertainment magazine. I started the DVD page by contacting every DVD distributor listed in the Leonard Maltin TV guide with the offer of a permanent link on our website in exchange for DVD screeners. At first only a few smaller DVD houses responded. After several months in which we built up a review archive of 100 reviews, did we begin to get responses from the major studios. Bill Blair's VCI Entertainment was the very first DVD company to respond to my offer. Today, Einsiders.com has several thousand DVD reviews in our archives and our various critics have had review quotes posted on the occasional DVD box or movie poster. Bill Blair and the folks at VCI played a big part in the evolution of EInsiders.com. I will always be thankful. A number of their special edition DVDs were on par or better than those put out by the majors. "City of the Dead" "The Mark" and "The Fighting Sullivans" come to mind. There were others. Bill Blair’s executive producer credits include "The Ripper," "Blood Cult," "Revenge," "Forever Evil" and "The Last Slumber Party." Thanks for everything Bill. You were a class act. Prayers of comfort for his family, friends and the many, many members of his extended VCI family.

VINCENT SHERMAN Died June 18, 2006

Director Vincent Sherman died one month shy of his 100^th birthday. Mr. Sherman went from acting to directing in the late 1930s. His first film was "The Return of Dr. X," which was Humphrey Bogart’s only horror film. Mr. Sherman remained lucid and alert during his long life. He did a wonderful director’s commentary track on the recently released Warner Brothers DVD "Old Acquaintance," which is part of Volume 2 of "The Bette Davis Collection." Mr. Sherman directed Bette Davis in three films, the other two being "Mrs. Skeffinton" and "The Present With a Future." In his autobiography, Mr. Sherman admitted to having an affair with his frequent leading lady. Mr. Sherman also directed Davis rival Joan Crawford in three films: "Harriet Craig," "The Damned Don’t Cry" and "Goodbye, My Fancy." Other film credits include "Nora Prentiss," "Adventures of Don Juan," "The Young Philadelphians" and "A Fever in the Blood." He worked almost exclusively in TV from the mid 1960s to the end of his career. Mr. Sherman was the father of Eric Sherman. Eric Sherman was a co-producer and actor in the film "Pep Squad," which was directed by frequent Einsiders.com contributor Steve Balderson.

RICHARD STAHL Died June 18, 2006

Like millions of people my age, I swept up as a young teen by the film "Billy Jack." Tom Laughlin’s cult classic was my indoctrination into the world of political movies. If you weren’t alive at the time, you wouldn’t understand the phenomena caused by Tom Laughlin’s film during the early 1970s. While Laughlin was the star, the film succeeded in large part to the contributions of many supporting players such as Howard Hessman and the members of the improv group The Committee. Another member of The Committee who added depth and credibility to "Billy Jack" was actor Richard Stahl. He played the head of the city council. His two major scenes are among the most memorable in the film. He is at the center of the heated city council meeting between the town and the teens they fear so deeply. Mr. Stahl’s other great scene takes place at the Freedom School as he leads a contingent from town to see how the other side lives. The film highlights his dramatic and comedic talents. Though my politics have changed since those heady days, my love of the film "Billy Jack" hasn’t wavered. So I was a bit sad to discover that Richard Stahl had been suffering from Parkinson’s Disease for a decade. His suffering ended Sunday. Richard Stahl was 74.

Richard Stahl enjoyed success on stage, screen and TV. He appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. Richard Stahl appeared in several of the best films of the 1970s. Richard Stahl appeared in such films as "Five Easy Pieces," "Slaughterhouse-Five," "The Student Nurses," "Fuzz," "Hearts of the West," "High Anxiety," "Summertree," "Dirty Little Billy," "The Daring Dobermans," "Nine to Five," "All Night Long," "Under the Rainbow," "The Flamingo Kid," "Overboard," "L.A. Story," "The American President" and "Ghosts of Mississippi." Likewise, Mr. Stahl’s TV credits are numerous. Name just about any comedy TV series from the 1970s or 80s and Richard Stahl made a guest appearance. He is survived by his wife, actress Katherine Ish. They worked together as members of The Committee and on several TV and film projects. The pair had nice supporting roles in the TV movie "The Death of Ritchie."

AARON SPELLING Died June 23, 2006

Emmy-winning TV producer Aaron Spelling died of a stroke at age 83. Mr. Spelling suffered a stroke and died five days later. You could not watch TV during the 1970s and miss seeing Aaron Spelling’s name on an almost daily basis. The prolific producer changed the face of TV in the 70s and single-handedly made ABC the top network. Mr. Spelling was nominated for a multitude of Emmy Awards, winning for producing the outstanding HBO movie "And the Band Played On" as well as for the comedy special "Day One."

In many circles Aaron Spelling was known as the father of jiggle TV for creating the TV series "Charlie’s Angels." Others say that Aaron Spelling was the master of fluff for bringing the Soap Opera to prime time. Harsh criticisms for a man who produced many of the most powerful Made for TV films of the 1970s and beyond. Arron Spelling’s list of credits are impressive by anyone’s standards. Yes, he brought us lots of escapist fluff. Anyone familiar with the Preston Sturges classic "Sullivan’s Travels" knows that audiences need that kind of entertainment. Life is hard enough as it is without having the reality of the daily grind waiting for us on the TV at the end of the day. We needed to laugh and Aaron Spelling gave it to us. We needed to dream and Aaron Spelling gave that to us also. On the other hand, Aaron Spelling did not ignore the importance of education and informing an audience about socially relevant subjects. He also provided us with that.

Aaron Spelling began his showbiz career as an actor. He appeared in a handful of films as well as on numerous TV shows. His acting credits include "I Love Lucy," "Kismet," "Dragnet," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Gunsmoke" and "The Spirit of St. Louis." Mr. Spelling switched from acting to writing in the late 1950s. He wrote for a number of TV shows including "Wagon Train" and "Playhouse 90."

Mr. Spelling’s biggest mark on TV came from his long association with the ABC network. He worked exclusively for ABC during the 1970s producing, writing and creating TV series and TV movies. During the early 1970s, ABC’s lineup inlcudes the "The ABC Tuesday Night Movie" and "The ABC Wednesday Night Movie." Each week the network presented two Made for TV films that were usually of excellent quality. They pushed the competition to follow suit and produce their own TV films. It was a rich time for TV viewers. Much of the credit belongs to Aaron Spelling.

Aaron Spelling’s impressive TV Movie credits include "How Awful About Allan," "Crowhaven Farm," "The Last Child," "The Rookies," "Say Goodbye, Maggie Cole," "Rolling Man," "Letters From Three Lovers," "The Affair," "Savages," "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," "Little Ladies of the Night," "The Best Little Girl in the World" and the powerful AIDS docudrama "And the Band Played On."

As impressive as Aaron Spelling’s contribution to the world of TV movies was, his biggest impact came from creating and producing TV series. Love them or hate them, there is no denying the success of Arron Spelling’s TV series. Many producers would be happy to have just one of the following on their list of accomplishments. Mr. Spelling’s credits as a TV series producer include "Burke’s Law," "Daniel Boone," "The Guns of Will Sonnet," "The Mod Squad," "S.W.A.T.," "Starsky and Hutch," "The Rookies," "Charlie’s Angels," "Family," "Fantasy Island," "Vega$," "Hart to Hart," "Dynasty," "Hotel," "The Colbys," "Melrose Place," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "7^th Heaven" and "Charmed."

Aaron Spelling did not work exclusively in TV. He also produced a number of feature films, some of which received Oscar nominations for cast and crew. They were also popular with the public in many cases. Mr. Spellin’s film credits as a producer include Robert Altman’s "California Split," "Mr. Mom," "Surrender," "Satisfaction," "Loose Cannons," "Soapdish" and "Night Mother."

Aaron Spelling served his country in the US Army Air Corp during WWI. His first wife was actress Carolyn Jones. Mr. Spelling was married to his second wife and widow Candy in 1968. The couple are the parents of actress Tori Spelling and actor Randy Spelling. Prayers of comfort for Mr. Spelling’s family and friends. Thanks for adding so much to the lives of millions of people around the world including me.

JAN MURRAY Died July 2, 2006

Comic actor Jan Murray died at age 89. The stand-up comic became a popular host of several TV series during the 1950s. He hosted six TV shows during the 50s. The most popular one was "Treasure Hunt," which ran from 1956 through 1959. Like many folks my age, I remember Mr. Murray best from his many appearances on "Hollywood Squares" and "The Tonight Show." He was a frequent guest host of "The Tonight Show" for Johnny Carson. He also acted in a number of films. Mr. Murray’s film credits include "Tarzan and the Great River," "The Busy Body," "Thunder Alley" and "Which Way To the Front?"

KASEY ROGERS (aka) LAURA ELLIOT Died July 6, 2006

Actress Kasey Rogers died at age 79. Ms. Rogers had battled cancer for a number of years and had suffered a stroke. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Rogers last year at the Memphis Film Festival along with her business partner Mark Wood. At the time, Ms. Rogers had difficulty speaking due to a recent throat surgery. She was a bit reluctant to talk at length with me because she wanted to use her limited speaking resources for the fans who had come to see her. Mark Wood was nice enough to talk for her as she nodded her approval at what he said or stopped to correct him the one time he had a fact a little but off. I admired he spunk and tenacity that day as I watched her speak to the fans in as loud a voice as she could muster. She spoke of working with Hitchcock on his classic "Strangers on a Train" as well as her recurring role as Louise Tate on the hit TV series "Bewitched." She and Mr. Wood were promoting a "Bewitched" cookbook they had written. Ms. Rogers also spoke of her hopes of launching a cooking show on TV. She looked great despite her illness. I found Ms. Roger's example comforting and inspiring on a personal level in light of my daughter's battle to walk following her accident.

Kasey Rogers also acted under the name of Laura Elliot. She changer her name from Casey Rogers to Laura Elliot while under contract to Paramount. When she left Paramount and began working in TV, she switched back to Casey Rogers except she switched the first letter of Casey to a "K." As Laura Elliot she played Farley Granger’s conniving ex-wife in Hitchcock’s masterpiece "Strangers On a Train." She had one of the most memorable death scenes in any Hitchcock film. Her character wore thick glasses. She met her fate at a fairgrounds at night . Robert Walker lights a cigarette lighter, which illuminates his reflection in her glasses. The glasses fall to the ground as Walker then strangles her. Hitchcock filmed the murder reflected from the thick glasses as they lay on the ground. It was one of his great set pieces and a brilliant example of the type of process shots Hitchcock was capable of producing. Ms. Rogers talked with me about shooting that scene. She stated that she was on a soundstage. Hitchcock had a concave mirror several feet in diameter set up. She had to fall a number of times before the master was satisfied. Apparently he wanted her to defy gravity and float to the floor. She eventually floated to the floor and into film history. Ms. Rogers appeared in over 70 films and TV series during her career. She appeared in such feature films as "Samson and Delilah," "Two Lost Worlds," "Union Station" and "When Worlds Collide." He biggest success came in TV. She appeared in nearly every major TV show during the 1950s and 60s before retiring from acting. She was a regular on the soap opera "Peyton Place" for two years during the 1960s. In addition to her acting, Ms. Rogers became a pioneer in woman’s motocross racing while in her 40s!

SYD BARRETT Died July 7, 2006

Pink Floyd co-founder Syd Barrett died of undisclosed causes at age 60. Mr. Barrett co-founded the band and wrote most of the songs for their 1967 debut albuim "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn." Mr. Barrett’s life was marked by personal tragedy. After several years of extensive drug use, Mr. Barrett began to suffer from mental illness. He left the band in 1968 and spent most of the rest of his life in seclusion. The song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" from the "Wish You Were Here" album was dedicated to Syd Barrett. Mr. Barrett appeared with other band members in the 1967 film "Pink Floyd London ’66 ’67." He also appeared in the documentary "The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story." He composed music that was used on the soundtracks of the TV series "The X-Files," "San Francisco" and "Tonight Let’s All Make Love in London."

JUNE ALLYSON Died July 8, 2006

Actress June Allyson died of pulmonary respiratory failure at age 88. Ms. Allyson rose from a contract player at MGM to one the studio’s top movie stars. She was typecast as the perfect wife. She played James Stewart’s wife in "Strategic Air Command," "The Stratton Story" and "The Glenn Miller Story." Later in her career, she turned her perfect wife image on its head by playing Hal Holbrook’s lesbian wife in "They Only Kill Their Masters." Ms. Allyson was also a frequent co-star of Van Johnson. They appeared in such films as "Two Girls and a Sailor," "Till the Clouds Roll By," "The Bride Goes Wild" and an episode of "The Love Boat" among others. June Allyson appeared in over 100 films, TV shows and documentaries. She was adept in comedies, musicals and straight drama. She and friend Judy Garland appeared in four films together including "Girl Crazy" and "Words and Music." June Allyson received top-billing in the 1949 version of "Little Women." Elizabeth Taylor, Janet Leigh and Margaret O’Brien played her sisters.

June Allyson was married to actor Dick Powell for nearly 20 years. They were married until his death by cancer in 1963. She and her husband appeared together in three films and several episodes of his TV series. The couple’s son, Dick Powell Jr. portrayed his own father in the 1977 film "Day of the Locust." Following the death of first husband Dick Powell, June Allyson appeared in fewer films and concentrated on TV work. Other film credits include the 1948 version "The Three Musketeers," "Executive Suite," "The McConnell Story," "Best Foot Forward" and "The Shrike." Ms. Allyson was known to later generations for her TV commercials for Depends undergarments.

CHRISTIAN DRAKE Died July 9, 2006

Former actor turned businessman Christian Drake died at age 82. Mr. Drake appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during a career that stretched from just after WWII to the early 1960s. Sci-fi and horror fans remember him as the doomed state trooper killed by the giant ants at the beginning of the classic "Them!" Mr. Drake played James Whitmore’s partner in the movie. He is left behind to guard a murder scene when the oversized murderous bugs return. His off-screen death is still chilling as the sounds of his guns shots and screams are lost in the creepy "voice" of the giant ants. Mr. Drake co-starred with the late Irish McCalla in the 1955 TV series "Sheena: Queen of the Jungle." Among Mr. Drake’s many credits are "A Walk in the Sun," "Tokyo Rose," "Battleground," "Halls of Montezuma," "Operation Pacific," "Gobs and Gals" and "The Anapolis Story." Mr. Drake brought more than a touch of realism to the many war films he appeared in. He served his country in the US Marine during WWII. He saw combat in the Pacific and was wounded at Guadalcanal.

BARNARD HUGHES Died July 11, 2006

Tony and Emmy-winning actor Barnard Hughes died after a short illness five days before his 91^st birthday. Mr. Hughes won the Tony for Best Actor for the play "Da." The play was turned into a feature film co-starring Martin Sheen. Mr. Hughes won an Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series Emmy for a 1977 guest appearance on "Lou Grant." Barnard Hughes was a prolific actor whose career stretched back to the 1930s. He appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows. Horror and Sci-Fi movie fans like myself remember Mr. Hughes fondly for his performances in such films and TV shows as Brian DePalma’s "Sisters," "Tron," "The Lost Boys" and "Dark Shadows." Of course, Mr. Hughes had many fans who appreciated his deft comedic touch. He livened up many comedy films and TV shows such as "Sister Act 2," "Doc Hollywood," "Oh God!," the twisted "Where’s Poppa?," the truly quirky "Deadhead Miles," Paddy Chayefsky’s darkly hilarious "The Hospital," "Cold Turkey" and "All in the Family." One of the things that Made Barnard Hughes so successful as an actor was his range. Good guy, bad guy, comedy, horror, sniveling coward or heroic Everyman, Bernard Hughes could do it all with equal perfection. The trait made him one of the most in demand character actors for several decades. Mr. Hughes appeared in many, many Broadway plays dating back to 1935. He also appeared in a number of serious films. Among his other notable theatrical and TV film credits are "Midnight Cowboy," "Rage," "Pueblo," "Guilty or Innocent: The Sam Sheppard Murder Case," "Kill Me If You Can," "First Monday in October" and "Little Gloria…Happy At Last." Mr. Hughes served his country in the US Army during WWII.

KURT KREUGER Died July 12, 2006

German born actor Kurt Kreugar died of a stroke at age 89. Mr. Kreugar became a naturalized US citizen in 1944. Kurt Kreugar appeared in over 50 films and TV shows during his career. He played a number of Nazi characters during the WWII era. He appeared in such films as "Action in the North Atlantic," "Christmas in Connecticut," the original version of "Unfaithfully Yours," "The Hitler Gang" and "Sahara." Mr. Kreugar tired of being typecast and moved to Germany in the late 40s. He received the leads in a few films. After being seriously injured in a car crash, Mr. Kreugar moved back to the US and continued his career. He had a nice supporting role in the WWII film "The Enemy Below." During the 1960s Mr. Kreugar worked primarily in TV though he did make a few films. He played one of the seven doomed members of the Bugs Moran gang in Roger Corman’s gangster film "The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre."

RED BUTTONS Died July 13, 2006

Oscar winning actor Red Buttons died of vascular disease at age 87. Red Buttons won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar, a Golden Globe Award and was nominated for a BAFTA for his performance in the 1957 film "Sayonara." Red Buttons won an Emmy Award as Best Comedian for his 1950s TV show "The Red Buttons Show." He would later receive two more Golden Globe nominations as well as an Emmy nomination for his dramatic performances in "Harlow," "They Shoot Horses Don’t They?" and the TV series "ER." Not bad for a man best known for his work as a comedian. Red Buttons appeared in nearly 150 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. He began as a comedian in clubs while still a teenager in the 1930s. He served his country in the US Marines during WWII.

One of my favorite films as a child was Howard Hawks’ "Hatari!" I remember sitting on my doghouse (yes, the same doghouse that was a helicopter when I played "Whirlybirds") in the backard pretending to be John Wayne sitting on the front of his truck chasing rhinos like he did in the exciting safari adventure film. Red Buttons was memorable as Pockets in the same film. I loved the scene in which a leopard walked into Elsa Martinelli’s room. Red Buttons came in to save her from the beast. John Wayne screwed things up for Red when he came in and revealed that the leopard was a tame pet. Couldn’t blame Red for trying. One of the joys of raising my kids was introducing them to the movies. My daughter Christy loved the Disney film "Pete’s Dragon" when she was little. Red Buttons had a great supporting role as a travelling salesman in the movie.

For my money, the best performance of his career came as the doomed sailor in Sidney Pollack’s powerful drama "They Shoot Horses Don’t They?" Red played a sailor with a bum heart who enters the depression era dance marathon. It was an unforgettable performance in a film loaded with great performances. He also contributed a nice supporting performance in the WWII epic "The Longest Day." Mr. Buttons played the paratrooper who got caught up on a church steeple and watched as his buddies were slaughtered by the German soldiers as they landed. My foot aches just thinking about the scene in which he was wounded by a sniper from below.

Red Buttons is the second cast member of Irwin Allen’s all-star disaster film "The Poseidon Adventure" to pass away this year. His costar Shirley Winters died in January. Among his other feature films are "13 Rue Madeleine," "One, Two, Three," "Your Cheatin’ Heart," the remake of "Stagecoach," "Who Killed Mary What’s ‘Er Name?," "Gable and Lombard," "Movie, Movie," "Power" and "The Story of Us."

MICKEY SPILLANE Died July 17, 2006

Mickey Spillane, the last of the great tough guys died of undisclosed causes at age 88. Mickey Spillane was the real deal. A tough guy who wrote about tough guys. He defined the macho man before the Village People redefined the term. The prolific mystery writer created Mike Hammer, one of the greatest fictional detectives of all time. Mike Hammer has been portrayed by such actors as Stacy Keach, Armand Assanti, Darren McGavin, Ralph Meeker and Mickey Spillane himself. Mickey Spillane gave his no-nonsense detective the sexiest secretary imaginable. Velda was erotic on the page and has been portrayed by some very beautiful actresses including Shannon Whirry and Pamela Anderson.

I remember the lurid covers of Mickey Spillane’s paperback classics from my childhood. Tough brutes fighting and beautiful broads bursting the buttons on their tight, white cotton shirts. Or the even more provocative cover of his later novel "The Erection Set" featuring one of his ex-wives Sherri Malinou! I wasn’t sure what I would find when I picked up one of the books and actually read it. I found so much more than my 11-year-old prurient interest satisfied. I fell in love with the detective novel which lead to my love for Film Noir. Mickey Spillane wrote more than two dozen books.

Spillane’s Mike Hammer novels have, for the most part, translated well to the big screen and TV. For my money, Stacy Keach was the best Mike Hammer. He starred in the title role in the 1980s CBS TV series "Mike Hammer." He reprised the role in several Made for TV movies as well as the 1997 TV series "Mike Hammer, Private Eye." Darren McGavin played the title role in the 1950s TV series "Mike Hammer."

The Mike Hammer films run the gamut from classic to poor. Ralph Meeker’s "Kiss Me Deadly" is one of the best Film Noir entries. It is ironic that the film is so good because director Robert Aldrich turned Mike Hammer from an American Icon into a brutal sadist. Mr. Spillane was a conservative who hated communism. (Gotta love a guy like that!) Robert Aldrich was more left of center politically. While "Kiss Me Deadly" is a great, is somewhat strange film, it is not indicative of Mickey Spillane’s work. "I, the Jury" was the first Mickey Spillane novel to be turned into a film. The results were fair. The 1982 remake with Armand Assanti giving a brutal performance as Hammer is one of the better films in the series. Mickey Spillane played his own creation in the 1963 film "The Girl Hunters." Even though Mickey Spillane wasn’t a great actor, or even a good actor, this movie remains a guilty pleasure. It features great widescreen Black and White photography, Shirley Eaton in a bikini and a badass Mike Hammer as his creator saw him.

Mickey Spillane began writing for comic books before WWII. He enlisted in the military and served his country during WWII. His first novel sold several million copies and he never looked back. Thanks Mickey for hours of reading pleasure. Hope Velda is waiting for you on the other side.

JACK WARDEN Died July 19, 2006

Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor Jack Warden died after a lengthy illness at age 85. Mr. Warden was nominated for two Best Supporting Actor Oscars. Both nominations came in films starring Warren Beatty. Mr. Warden was nominated for his role as Lee Grant’s husband and Carrie Fischer’s father in the Hal Ashby film "Shampoo." He was also nominated for a BAFTA for "Shampoo." Warden was the business tycoon the Warren Beatty approached for a loan to start a hair salon. Mr. Warden had one of the best lines in the movie. He is at a Hollywood party which takes place at night. He stands outside the pool house and watches as a couple is making love. Warden turns to the character played by Tony Bill and says "That’s what I call f**king!" Suddenly a refrigerator door opens and the light reveals that the couple is Warren Beatty and Mr. Warden’s mistress played by Julie Christie. Needless to say, his attitude changed after that! In a more likeable role, Jack Warden played a football coach in the Beatty directed "Heaven Can Wait." The remake of "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" was a huge hit and retains its magic through repeated viewings. Warden lost that year to Christopher Walken in "The Deer Hunter." Jack Warden also costarred with Warren Beatty in the political comedy "Bulworth."

Jack Warden was known to TV fans for his hit comedy/detective series "Crazy Like a Fox." The show ran from 1984 through 1986. Warden was nominated for two Emmy Awards for the show. Mr. Warden won an Emmy for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Drama for his portrayal of Chicago Bear’s head coach George Halas in the 1971 TV movie "Brian’s Song."

Jack Warden appeared in over 150 films and TV shows. Jack Warden became a professional boxer during the 1930s. He later joined the US Navy in China, then the Merchant Marines and finally the US Army as part of the 101^st Airborne. After service to his country in the US Army during WWII, Jack Warden pursued an acting career. Mr. Warden learned his craft and began acting on stage in the late 40s. He made his Broadway debut in the early 1950s.

Jack Warden and Lee Marvin both made their film debut in the comedy "You’re In the Navy Now." After a supporting role "From Here To Eternity" and work on TV, Mr. Warden gained notice as one of the jurors in the classic film "12 Angry Men." With the death of Jack Warden, Jack Klugman remains as the last actor on that famous jury. Bigger roles on TV and in film followed. His biggest period of success came in the 1970s. Mr. Warden’s credits in the 50s and 60s include "Run Silent, Run Deep," "The Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables," "Bonanza," "Donovan’s Reef," the original version of "The Thin Red Line" and "Wagon Train."

During the 1970s, Jack Warden emerged as an in demand character actor. The decade saw him win an Emmy and receive two Oscar nominations. In addition to those films already mentioned, Mr. Warden contributed to such films as "Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me?," "The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing," "The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz," "All the President’s Men," "Raid on Entebbe," "Death on the Nile," "…And Justice For All" and "Being There." These last two credits showed Mr. Warden’s lighter side. I loved his suicidal/homicidal judge in "...And Justice For All." Jack Warden continued to receive great roles during the early 80s. He played twin brothers in the hilarious Kurt Russell comedy "Used Cars." He returned to serious drama as Paul Newman’s friend and fellow attorney in Sidney Lumet’s "The Verdict."

The later part of Jack Warden’s career included good TV and hit-or-miss films. His later credits include "Problem Child," "Bulworth," "Ed," "The Presidio," "Night and the City," "Bullets Over Broadway," "Mighty Aphrodite" and "The Replacements."

MAKO Died July 21, 2006

There are some movies in which even the most stout-hearted guys are allowed to cry. In "The Dirty Dozen" guys cry when Jim Brown gets killed. In "Old Yeller" guys can cry at the end no matter how tough they are. When Brandon DeWilde yells "Shane, come back!" Guys can cry. Robert Wise’s epic film "The Sand Pebbles" is another film in which even Peckinpah fans can let loose. The scene comes about 2/3rds of the way through the movie. The character of Po-Han played by Mako is captured by Chinese revolutionaries and is hung from a pillory by his hands. He is then cut with a sword repeatedly by the Communists. Po-Han cries out for the soldiers aboard the US Gunship on which he serves to shoot him. Afraid of an international incident, the commander played by Richard Crenna tells his soldiers to stand down. Po-Han worked in the engine room with a sailor named Jake Holman played by Steve McQueen. Holeman is a the free-spirited sailor who earlier in the film takes Po-Han under his wing and teaches him how a steam engine really works. He is the only American sailor on board who looks at the Chinese workers as human beings. He and Po-Han have become more than friends. They are brothers. As Po-Han screams in agony, Steve McQueen’s character takes aim and shoots his student, his friend, his brother. It is a powerful scene that remains potent even after many, many viewings. Steve McQueen and Mako both earned Oscar nominations for the wonderful film. Neither won, but their performances and the relationship between the characters shows just what can be achieved when two excellent actors work together. "The Sand Pebbles" was Mako’s feature film debut. His Best Supporting Oscar nomination was well deserved and gave him the clout to push for better roles for Asian-American actors.

I’m not the kind of guy who likes the term Asian-American or African-American or European-American unless the person in question was actually born overseas. Mako was born and raised in Japan. During WWII, his parents lived in the US and worked for the Office of War Information. Mako spent the war as a child in Japan with his grandparents. Following the war, his parents were granted US citizenship and they sent for their son. He later served his adopted country in the US Army in the 1950s.

Oscar and Tony nominated actor Mako died of esophageal cancer at age 72. He was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Actor in a Musical for the 1975 Broadway production of "Pacific Overtures." Mako appeared in over 130 films and TV shows. He was also the co-founder of the East West Theater, this nation’s first Asian American theater company. Though he rarely was given film work that rose to the level of "The Sand Pebbles," that performance alone is proof that he was a great actor.

Mako’s many feature film roles include a nice role as a hunted politician in Sam Peckinpah’s under-rated "The Killer Elite." He co-starred with Hal Holbrook in the excellent Made for TV biopic "When Hell Was In Session." About Vietnam POW Jeremiah Denton. He co-starred with the future governor of California in "Conan the Barbarian" and "Conan the Destroyer." In 2001 Mako provided the only reason whatsoever to watch the overblown "Pearl Harbor." He played Admiral Yamamoto. Other film credits include "The Private Navy of Sgt. O’Farrell," "The Hawaiians," "The Island at the Top of the World," "The Big Brawl," "Under the Rainbow," "An Eye For an Eye," "Testament," "Pacific Heights," "Sidekicks," "RoboCop 3," "Red Sun Rising," "Tucker: The Man and His Dream," "Seven Years in Tibet" and "Bulletproof Monk." His final film appearance is in the upcoming Lucy Liu horror film "Rise."

Mako began working on stage and TV before his film career. He gained notice for his stage performances in "Rashomon" and "Teahouse of the August Moon" early in his career. His early TV credits include appearing with Bruce Lee on "The Green Hornet." Other TV credits include a number of guest shots on "McHale’s Navy," "The Big Valley," "The Time Tunnel," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Kung Fu," "Hawaii 5-O," several appearances on "M*A*S*H," "Magnum P.I.," "Tour of Duty," "Walker: Texas Ranger," "The Equalizer," "Frasier" and "JAG." Mako also did voice work on the animated shows "Rugrats II: Rugrats in Paris" and as the evil Aku in "Samurai Jack."

CHARLES KNOX ROBINSON Died Jul. 22, 2006

Actor Charles Knox Robinson died of Parkinson's Disease at age 74. Mr. Robinson came from a theater family. He began his stage career at age 10. Mr. Robinson appeared in nearly 50 films and TV shows during his career. He was part of the great ensemble cast in Robert Wise's "The Sand Pebbles." Mr. Robinson played Richard Crenna's second in command aboard the Navy Warship stationed in China. Mr. Robinson had a standout scene in which he had to lead his troops under a communist guard back to the ship. As the sailors march, they are pummeled by vegetables thrown by the throngs of Chinese citizens. Mr. Robinson died one day after his "The Sand Pebbles" co-star Mako. Mr. Robinson's other film appearances include "Splendor in the Grass," "Take Hers, She's Mine," "Dear Bridgette," "Shenandoah," "The Singing Nun," L.Q. Jones' horror film "The Brotherhood of Satan," "Death Wish 4" and "The Cable Guy." Mr. Robinson's many TV credits include "77 Sunset Strip," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Wagon Train," "Ben Casey," "The Munsters," "Mannix," "The F.B.I.," "Emergency," "Cannon," "Airwolf," "Switch!" and "Simon & Simon."

LOIS JANUARY Died Aug. 7, 2006

Actress Lois January died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 93. Ms. January appeared in nearly 50 films and TV shows during her career. The bulk of her work was in the 1930s. Ms. January appeared in "The Wizard of Oz" playing a manicurist who worked on Judy Garland in the Emerald City. She was best known for her work in a number of B-Westerns. Ms. January was a contract player at Universal. She appeared in a bit part in the classic horror film "The Black Cat." Ms. January starred in the cautionary tale "The Pace That Kills." During the 1960s the film was re-released for comic value as "The Cocaine Fiends." She later worked extensively in radio. Ms. January made several guest appearances on TV shows during the 1960s and 70s.

MIKE DOUGLAS Died Aug. 11, 2006

Singer/TV personality Mike Douglas died on his 81^st birthday. No cause of death has been released. Mike Douglas was known to millions through his daytime TV talk show "The Mike Douglas Show." His TV show ran from 1961 through 1982. Mr. Douglas was a Big Band singer with the Kay Kyser Orchestra. His vocal talents were used by Walt Disney to provide the singing voice of Prince Charming in the 1950 classic animated feature "Cinderella." Mr. Douglas’ variety TV show was a combination of his musical performances and talk with celebrity guests. Over two decades he hosted the famous from all walks of life, from presidents to war protestors. Mr. Douglas had an affable way about him, which resulted in comfortable guests and good entertainment. One of the most famous weeks on his show occurred when he invited John Lennon and wife Yoko Ono to guest host. The success of "The Mike Douglas Show" paved the way for other TV talk shows, though few of the hosts that followed in his path had his personable approach. I remember on episode in which Mr. Douglas has about a half dozen portrayers (including Johnny Weismuller) of "Tarzan" on his show. Mr. Douglas acted in a handful of films including Burt Reynold’s sequel to "White Lightning" entitled "Gator." Mike Douglas served his country in the US Navy during WWII. As for those who say that Hollywwod marriages can’t last, Mike Douglas is survived by Genevieve, his wife of 62 years!

BRUNO KIRBY Died Aug. 14, 2006

Actor Bruno Kirby died of Leukemia at age 57. I read the rumors today on the Internet that Mr. Kirby had passed away. Like many others, I hoped this rumor was false. Unfortunately it is not. Bruno Kirby’s screen persona was of the kind of guy you’d love to hang out with and shoot the breeze. Sure, he could play jerks as well as goodguys. Even when he played a jerk, Bruno Kirby came across as a good guy. It wasn’t bad acting, it was just some inner quality he had which shone through.

Though I had seen Mr. Kirby in such films as "Superdad" and "Cinderella Liberty" when they first came out, I first noticed him as the young Clemenza in the greatest American film ever made "The Godfather: Part II." Mr. Kirby brought both humor and menace to the role. He also appeared in one for the film’s best composed shots. As Mr. Kirby and Robert DeNiro as the young Vito Corleone are stealing a rug, they are interupted by a policeman knocking on the door of the residence. Mr. Kirby stands just inside the door, gun drawn, waiting to kill the policeman if he enters the house. It is a beautiful shot.

My second favorite Bruno Kirby film is the hilarious and very warm-hearted "Godfather" tribute "The Freshman." Mr. Kirby held his own against the legendary actor Marlon Brando and the very talented Mathew Broderick. Bruno Kirby appeared in nearly 70 films and TV shows during his career. Among his more memorable films are "When Harry Met Sally," "City Slickers," "Birdy," "Good Morning, Vietnam," "Donnie Brasco," "The Basketball Diaries," "This Is Spinal Tap," "Tin Men" and "Hoffa."

Mr. Kirby also worked on stage and TV. He appeared in the pilot episode of the series "M*A*S*H." Mr. Kirby played Los Angeles district attorney Vincent Bugliosi in the remake of "Helter Skelter." Other TV credits include appearances on HBO’s "Entourage," "Frasier," "It’s Garry Shandling’s Show," "Kojak" and "Emergency." Mr. Kirby appeared on Broadway in the early 90s in Neil Simon’s "Lost in Yonkers." He also acted in numerous regional theaters across the country.

Bruno Kirby was the son of character actor Bruce Kirby. Bruce Kirby recently played Matt Dillon’s ill father in the Oscar winner "Crash." Bruno Kirby was married to actress Lynn Sellers. Thanks for the joy and passion you brought to each of you films. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

ALAN VINT Died Aug. 16, 2006

Character actor Alan Vint died from multiple organ failures stemming from various infections and illnesses. Alan Vint appeared in a number of memorable films during his career. He and brothers Bill and Jessie Vint were familiar faces on the big screen during the 1970s. Alan Vint was able to play goodguys as well as the heavy. Alan Vint had a cool, laid back persona. While his brother Jessie oozed menace on screen, Alan Vint seemed to be one of the guys. That’s not to say he couldn’t play crazy when need be. He was just cool under pressure. Actor and friend Jim Beaver (Deadwood) shared this memory of Alan Vint with his fellow posters at the Google.alt.obits Message board: "I wish you all could have know Alan Vint. He was a hell of a guy."

Alan Vint played one of the deputies that captured Martin Sheen in Terrence Malick’s Charles Starkweather inspired masterpiece "Badlands." In his short scene, Mr. Vint perfectly captures the bewilderment and confusion of a sane man trying to understand a mass murderer. A guilty pleasure of mine is Max Baer Jr.’s redneck classic "Macon County Line." Alan Vint costarred with brother Jessie and hottie Cheryl Waters in a tale of three young people terrorized by an insane small town sheriff. Another memorable role was in the classic anti-drug film "Panic in Needle Park." Mr. Vint played a narc. He held his own against such dramatic heavyweights as Al Pacino, Raul Julia and Richard Bright. He also had a nice cameo in Monte Hellman’s "Two Lane Blacktop." Mr. Vint costarred as part of a gang of psychotic Vietnam Vets in the violent drive-in film "Welcome Home, Soldier Boys." Mr. Vint played one of the Texas lawmen who stormed the tower to put an end to sniper Charles Whitman’s rampage in the great (if less than factual) TV movie "The Deadly Tower." He and his brother Jesse played Marjoe Gortner’s roommates in the disaster blockbuster "Earthquake." Other movie credits include Charles Bronson’s "Breakout," "Checkered Flag or Crash," "Unholy Rollers," "The Glass House" and "The McMasters."

Mr. Vint also made guest appearances on numerous TV shows including "Police Story," "The Rookies," "Petrocelli," "Nichols," "Cade’s County," "Then Came Bronson" and "Adam-12." Alan Vint also directed one film. "Reversal" was an excellent film dealing the relationship between a father and son. Check out our review archive for Jonathan Hickman's insightful review. Too bad Mr. Vint didn't direct more films!

Alan Vint was the ex-husband of producer/actress Susan Mullen. They are the parents of actress Kelly Vint. Kelly Vint was directed by her father in "Reversal."

JOE ROSENTHAL Died Aug. 20, 2006

Pulitzer prize winning photographer Joe Rosenthal died of natural causes at age 94. Mr. Rosenthal took one of the most famous photographs of WWII. He captured the image of the US Marines raising the flag on Mt. Suribachi during the February 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima. The picture was also immortalized on a US postage stamp. Mr. Rosenthal’s photo was the basis for the Marine Corps War Memorial in Washington D.C. Mr. Rosenthal appeared in a number of documentaries about the famous photo including "The Heroes of Iwo Jima."

JOSEPH STEFANO Died Aug. 25, 2006

Writer/producer Joseph Stefano died of a heart attack at age 84. Mr. Stefano wrote the screenplay of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror film "Psycho." Mr. Stefano adapted the Robert Bloch novel to the screen. He convinced Hitchcock to lengthen the book’s beginning. Instead of having the Marion Crane character check into the motel and get killed right away as happened in the book, Mr. Stefano added the great beginning and a classic film was born. For the first time, the film’s biggest star was unexpectedly killed after 20 minutes. The rest is history. Mr./ Stefano was also a producer on many episodes of the original sci-fi TV series "The Outer Limits." Other credits include the 1969 horror film "The Eye of the Cat," "Snowbeast" and "Psycho IV: The Beginning."

JON DOUGH Died Aug. 27, 2006

Adult film superstar Jon Dough committed suicide at age 43. His birth name was Chet Anuszek. Jon Dough came into the adult film industry during the early 1980s. He appeared in over 1000 adult films. Jon Dough was the first male performer to sign an exclusive performance contract with a production company. This was a big deal considering that many women were signed to such contracts. Jon Dough was the first guy to be accorded such a deal. In part it was because of his appeal to women viewers. The home video revolution opened up porn to women viewers. Gone was the stigma of sitting in a theater with the raincoat crowd. Jon Dough had the looks, the body and the stamina that women viewers liked. His deal with Vivid Video paved the way for other male performers to sign under contract. His first wife was adult actress Deidre Holland. Their poolside scene in the Paul Thomas’s movie "Beat the Heat" got me through my first divorce. The couple divorced in 1994. Mr. Dough was married to adult actress Monique Demoan at the time of his death. Jon Dough won several Adult Video News Awards during his career. He was also a prolific director with over 50 films to his credit. His most famous film as a performer was "The Luckiest Guy in the World." In that film he had sex with 101 women in a three day period. The film’s title takes on a sad irony considering his final days. According to Dan Miller’s article in the Adult Video News, Mr. Dough had been battling with a substance abuse problem lately. It is a shame that he could not win this battle. Mr. Dough was respected and well liked in the industry. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends, especially his young daughter.

GLENN FORD Died Aug. 30, 2006

My first memory of Glenn Ford was in the 1971 TV series "Cades County." I’m sure I had seen his work before that, but that was the first time I became aware of who Glenn Ford was. The short-lived series was a favorite of mine, in large part because of the screen presence of Glenn Ford. Glenn Ford was one of the last of the great movie stars from the golden age of the studio system. I gained a new respect for Mr. Ford’s work in the past few years because of EI’s contributing writer Jon Ted Wynne. Ted wrote an article in 2002 lambasting the Academy and AFI for overlooking such veteran actors as Glenn Ford, Richard Widmark and Tony Curtis for the lifetime achievement award while giving the award to Tom Hanks. Members of the Academy should hang their heads in shame that an actor of Glenn Ford’s caliber (not to mention a certifiable Movie Star!) was never given an Honorary Oscar.

Mr. Wynne also wrote two parts of a three-part retrospective of Mr. Ford’s film career. Regular readers know that Jon Ted Wynne is a film and TV actor in Canada. His retrospective on Mr. Ford was from the POV of a working actor. His work at EI led to Mr. Wynne being invited to visit Mr. Ford at his home a few years back. I have included the links to Mr. Wynne’s articles below as I believe they pay greater tribute to Mr. Ford than anything I could say.

Award-winning actor Glenn Ford died in bed at age 90. Mr. Ford suffered a series of illnesses for the past few years. The Golden Globe winning and BAFTA nominated actor appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during his career. Though he was born in Canada, Glenn Ford became a US citizen in 1936. The following year he made his screen debut. Mr. Ford served his country in the US Marines during WWII. He interrupted his film career to do so. (Don’t see that happening today!)

Glenn Ford’s greatest screen success came after his wartime service. He co-starred with his longtime friend and one time love Rita Hayworth in the Film Noir classic "Gilda." His pre-war goodguy image was shaken in "Gilda." To quote Jon Ted Wynne’s article: "Glenn Ford showed us in "Gilda" that he was not to be confined to good guy roles…He was an actor with range. He’s a rat. But we still love him. Only a real star could pull that off!" "Gilda" was not the only Noir classic in which Mr. Ford starred. Fritz Lang’s "The Big Heat" is second only to "Out of the Past" in the pantheon of classic Noir films. In 1955 Glenn Ford starred in what is probably his best know film. In "The Blackboard Jungle" Glenn Ford played an inner city high school teacher who fights to try and teach thugs. Vic Morrow and Sidney Poitier played two of the toughs Mr. Ford tries to reach.

Superhero fans will fondly remember Glenn Ford as Pa Kent in Richard Donner’s classic "Superman." His death scene is abrupt and powerful. I must admit that my eyes misted over this summer when I saw Glenn Ford’s picture on the mantle in the Kent home in the movie "Superman Returns." It was a fitting homage to the actor and the character he played in the original film.

Western fans will argue about which Glenn Ford Western is the best. My money is on "3:10 to Yuma." He plays a good man with bad motives. His transformation as he battles his conscience during the film gives grit to the drama and action on screen. "The Violent Men" would surely garner some votes as his best Western film.

Other memorable credits include the original version of "Ransom!" Mel Gibson played Glenn Ford’s part in the Ron Howard remake. Mr. Ford was nominated for the Best Actor in a Foreign Film BAFTA for his work in "The Sheepman." He won a Best Actor in a Motion Picture: Musical/Comedy Golden Globe for the warm and funny "Pocketful of Miracles." He was Eddie’s father in the original film "The Courtship of Eddie’s Father." Other credits include "Midway," "Experiment in Terror," "Fate is the Hunter," "Is Paris Burning?," "The Teahouse of the August Moon," "The Man From the Alamo" and "Heaven With a Gun."

Glenn Ford had a colorful and tumultuous personal life. Like all of us, he had his good and bad days. For the past few years, he has been very ill. May his passing bring him peace. Glenn Ford was once asked how he wanted to be remembered. He said that "He did his best and he believed in God." May he find peace in the presence of the God he loved and served.

LINKS:

Glenn Ford Retrospective Part One

Glenn Ford Retrospective Part Two

WILLIAM ALDRICH Died Aug. 31, 2006

Producer William Aldrich died of cancer at age 62. Mr. Aldrich was the son of "The Dirty Dozen" director Robert aldrich. Mr. Aldrich worked on and appeared in a number of his father’s films as well as those of other filmmakers. His producer credits include the remakes of his father’s films "What Ever happened to Baby Jane?" and "The Flight of the Phoenix." Mr. Aldrich also produced the films "What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?," "The Grissom Gang," "Hustle," "The Choirboys," "The Sheltering Sky," "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?" and a personal favorite of mine "…All the Marbles." William Aldrich appeared in several of his father’s films. His character in and "The Flight of the Phoenix" was killed in the plane crash that starts the film. Mr. Aldrich appeared in and was an assistant director on "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" He was a production assistant on "The Killing of Sister George" and "Too Late the Hero." His sister Adell is a script supervisor with many film credits to her name.

STEVE IRWIN Died Sept. 4, 2006

Some times the news makes you want to cry. Steve Irwin, the conservationist and TV star known as the Crocodile Hunter was killed when a stingray pierced his heart while filming an episode of the TV series "Ocean’s Deadliest." The attack took place Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Reports state that Mr. Irwin swam too close to a stingray and the animal struck him with its tail. The tail of a stingray holds a 10-inch-long toxic barb. While it is rare for a stingray barb to kill, the barb pierced Mr. Irwin’s heart. Steve Irwin was 44 years old. Mr. Irwin and his wife Terri were known worldwide for the show "The Crocodile Hunter." The overly enthusiastic Irwin risked death while teaching millions of children and adults worldwide about the wonders of the animal kingdom. Steve Irwin became the most recognizable conservationist in the world. His popularity on TV lead to a feature film based on his work. The comedy/adventure "The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course" was a fun family film. I’m having a hard time putting my feelings into words. My family enjoyed watching the Irwins TV shows. I can’t tell you how many times my kids would jump into my lap in fear that the crocodile, or snake or spider was going to get Mr. Irwin. Maybe the fact that Steve Irwin played himself on TV makes this hurt. Though I never met him, I have a deep sadness at this news. He was the kind of person that everyone felt they knew. Maybe his enthusiasm was off-putting to some, but I saw it as passion for his work. I admired he and his wife for it. Prayers of comfort for his wife Terri, daughter Bindi Sue and son Bob.

REMY BELVAUX Died Sept. 4, 2006

Belgian director Remy Belvaux died at age 38. No cause of death was disclosed. Remy Belvaux only directed one film, but that film brought him worldwide attention. "Man Bites Dog" was a mockumentary about a serial killer. A film crew followed the film’s hero around as he killed and raped and then discussed the process afterwards. In the film’s most controversial scene, the killer rapes a woman and invites the film crew to join in. They do. Mr. Belvaux’s message was one of anti-violence. Some critics lambasted him for engaging in the very thing he was condemning. "Man Bites Dog" earned Remy Belvaux awards at Cannes, Toronto, Sitges and several other prestigious film festivals.

ROBERT EARL JONES Died Sept. 7, 2006

Actor Robert Earl Jones died at age 96. Mr. Jones was the father of actor James Earl Jones. Mr. Jones’ acting career began in the 1930s. My first memory of Mr. Jones was as Robert Redford’s ill-fated partner Luther during the beginning scenes of "The Sting." Among his many credits are the excellent Film Noir "Odds Against Tomorrow," Elia Kazan’s "Wild River," "The Cotton Club," "Trading Places," "Sleepaway Camp," "The Sophisticated Gents," "Witness" and "Maniac Cop 2."

S. JOHN LAUNER Died Sept. 8, 2006

Prolific character actor S. John Launer died. Mr. Launer was born in 1919. "Perry Mason" fans will instantly recognize Mr. Launer from his 32 appearances as a judge on the popular TV series. I enjoyed his cameo as the chairman of Pepsi who learns just how determined Joan Crawford could be in "Mommie Dearest." 1950s horror and sci-fi films hold a dear place in my heart. I remember Mr. Launer’s contributions to such films as "I Was a Teenage Werewolf," "Creature With the Atom Brain" and "The Werewolf." "Perry Mason" wasn’t the only show in which Mr. Launer played a judge. He was the guy who sentenced Elvis Presley to prison in "Jailhouse Rock." He also played judges in "Pendulum," "Gable and Lombard," "A Question of Love," "M.A.D.D.: Mothers Against Drunk Driving" and "Billionaire Boys Club." Mr. Launer also appeared in such feature films as "I Want to Live!," "Zero Hour!," Alfred Hitchcock’s "Marnie," "Speedway" and the TV movie "The Amazing Howard Hughes." Mr. launer’s many TV credits include "Have Gun-Will Travel," "Bonanza," "Dr. Kildare," four episodes of "The Twilight Zone," "Gunsmoke," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "The Wild, Wild West," "Batman," "Marcus Welby M.D.," "The Rookies," "The FBI," "Cade’s County," "The Mod Squad," "Harry O" and "Petrocelli." Mr. Launer’s son Dale wrote and produced the hilarious "My Cousin Vinny" among other films.

PAT CORLEY Died Sept. 11, 2006

Actor Pat Corley died of congestive heart failure at age 76. Mr. Corley played Phil the bartender on the hit TV series "Murphy Brown." The prolific character actor appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows. Mr. Corley’s feature film credits include "The Super Cops," "The Bad News Bears in Breaking Training," "Coming Home," "Nightwing," "The Onion Field," "The Rose," "The Black Marble," "The Hand," "True Confessions," "Hanky Panky," "Night Shift" and "Against All Odds." Mr. Corley also appeared in several memorable TV movies including "The Executioners Song." Mr. Corley also enjoyed a successful stage career that include work on Broadway.

MICKEY HARGITAY Died Sept. 14, 2006

Former Mr. Universe and actor Mickey Hargitay died at age 80. Mickey Hargitay was the father of Emmy-winning actress Mariska Hargitay. She is the daughter of Mr. Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield. Ms. Mansfield was killed in a 1967 car crash in Mississippi. Mickey Hargitay was a world-class bodybuilder in the 1950. In 1957 he appeared in bit parts in "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" and "Slaughter on 10^th Avenue." Mr. Hargitay moved his film career to Europe and appeared in numerous horror films, Westerns and Sword and Sandal epics. His credits included starring roles in the demented horror film "Delirium," "The Reincarnation of Isabel," "Lady Frankenstein," "Hercules vs. the Hydra."

SVEN NYKVIST Died Sept. 20, 2006

He was one of the true masters in the world of cinematography. The right-hand-man of Ingmar Bergman on over 20 of the grand director’s films. His work was elegant and simple. Simple but not easy. If it were easy, then anyone with a camera could be Sven Nykvist. He was a "one and only." Multi-Oscar winning cinematographer Sven Nykvist died after a lengthy illness at age 83. He had suffered from a rare form of dementia for some time.

Sven Nykvist collaborated with Swedish master Ingmar Bergman on over 20 films. Though the two worked together once in the early 1950s, it was the 1960 film "The Virgin Spring" which marked the beginning of their steady collaboration. Bergman’s work in the 1960s is one of the most powerful bodies of work by any director in the history of cinema. There is no doubt that much of the power of those films was in large part due to the camera work of Sven Nykvist. His technique was the opposite of Film Noir, yet no less exciting and influential. Mr. Nykvist achieved beauty through simplistic lighting. He perfected the use of natural lighting, which enhanced the introspective subject matter of the director’s work and the actor’s performances. He was a master of Black and White and also Color cinematography. Sven Nykvist’s credits with Ingmar Bergman include "Through a Glass Darkly," "Winter Light," "Hour of the Wolf," "The Silence," "Shame," "The Serpent’s Egg," "Persona," "Scenes From a Marriage" and "The Passion of Anna."

Sven Nykvist was nominated for three Oscars. He won twice for Bergman’s "Cries and Whispers" and "Fanny and Alexander." His third nomination was for Philip Kaufman’s "The Unbearable Lightness of Being." Other awards include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Cinematographers, two BAFTA nominations, three nominations including one win from the British Society of Cinematographers, a win at Cannes, a Cesar Award, an Independent Spirit Award, a Guldbagge Award and a myriad of other such accolades from film festivals and critic societies around the world.

Sven Nykvist was sought out by other great directors. Bergman fan Woody Allen worked with him on four projects including "Crimes and Misdemeanors." Mr. Nykvist helped Roman Polanski achieve a twisted madness in "The Tenant." Fellow Swede Lasse Halstrom called on Sven Nykvist twice, most notably in "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?" Mr. Nykvist’s cinematography was one of the few things that did work in Bob Raphelson’s remake of "The Postman Always Rings Twice." He helped achieve the feeling of the hopeless doom of Stalin’s political prisons in "One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich." He captured the beauty of ancient in the 1972 adaptation of Herman Hesse’s novel "Sidhartha." He worked with Louis Malle on "Pretty Baby" and "Black Moon."

Other notable cinematography credits include Richard Fleischer’s "The Last Run," "The Dove," "King of the Gypsies," "Cannery Row," "Star 80," "Agnes of God," "Chaplin" and "Sleepless in Seattle."

Sven Nykvist also directed a handful of films. Those include "The Ox," "One on One" and "Gorilla." He was the father of director Carl-Gustaf Nykvist. Carl-Gustaf documented his father’s career in "Light Keeps Me Company." More valuable to students of film is the amazing documentary "Visions of Light." Mr. Nykvist is just one of many great cinematographers who explain their art and share their passion for those wonderful images we call the movies.

EDWARD ALBERT Died Sept. 22, 2006

Actor Edward Albert died of lung cancer at age 55. Mr. Albert was the son of multi-Oscar nominated actor Eddie Albert. His mother was actress Margo (Lost Horizon). Eddie Albert died last May. Edward Albert won a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer for the 1972 film "Butterflies Are Free." Edward Albert appeared in over 120 films and TV shows during his career. Mr. Albert made his film debut as a child starring opposite Anthony Perkins in "The Fool Killer." Mr. Albert’s many film credits include "40 Carats," "Midway," Stanley Kramer’s "The Domino Principle," "The Greek Tycoon," the Irwin Allen disaster of a disaster film "When Time Ran Out," "Galaxy of Terror," "The House Where Evil Dwells" and "Guarding Tess." Mr. Albert appeared in a host of TV series and TV movies.

WILLAIM MAUCH Died Sept. 29, 2006

Emmy nominated Sound Editor and actor William Mauch died of respiratory failure at age 85. Mr. Mauch began his career as a singer with his twin brother Robert Mauch. He worked as an actor before becoming a sound effects and dialogue editor. He received Emmy nominations for his editing work on "Murder She Wrote" and "Knight Rider." I still have nightmares because of Mr. Mauch's creepy audio creation for the sci-fi classic "Them!" As a sound editor for Warner brothers in the 1950s, he created the memorable sound of the giant ants in the Oscar winning sci-fi film. Mr. Mauch was also the man who brought you all the sounds of burning rubber and crashing metal in the granddaddy of all chase scenes from "Bullitt." He later worked as a dialogue editor at both Warner brothers and Universal. Mr. Mauch worked on over 300 films and TV shows during his lengthy career as an editor. As a child and young adult actor he appeared in "Anthony Adverse," several of the "Penrod and Sam" films, "The Prince and the Pauper" and the Ronald Reagan films "That Hagen Girl" and "Bedtime for Bonzo." Mr. Mauch served his country in the US Army/Air Corps in the Pacific during WWII. Mr. Mauch was a longtime member of the Editor's Guild Local #776.

RENATO POLSELLI Died Oct. 1, 2006

Italian horror master Renato Polselli died at age 84. Mr. Polsetti was a contemporary of Mario Bava. He directed s number of memorable Italian horror films during the early 1960s. During the 1970s and 80s, he adopted the nom de plume Ralph Brown and directed a group of sex-laced gore films more on par with the work of Jesus Franco. His Ralph Brown work has quite a cult following. Mr. Polsetti’s early work includes the first Italian horror film to begin production during the worldwide horror film revival begun in the late 1950s. "The Vampire and the Ballerina" was released in 1960. His 1963 follow-up "The Vampire of the Opera" did not enjoy the success of the earlier film and has been rarely seen. Mr. Roselli also directed several dramas and the Spaghetti Western "Sheriff Won’t Shoot." The Western starred Mickey Hargitay. The late actor worked with the director on two of his Ralph Brown horror films: "Delirium" and "The Reincarnation of Isabel." Other films from his Ralph Brown period include "The Truth According to Satan," the XXX-rated "Revelations of a Psychiatrist in a World of Perverse Sex," "Mania" and "Oscenita."

FRANCES BERGEN Died Oct. 2, 2006

Actress Frances Bergen died at age 84 after a lengthy illness. She was the mother of actress Candice Bergen and the widow of actor/ventriloquist Edgar Bergen. Ms. Bergen appeared with her daughter in the films "Rich and Famous" and "Hollywood Wives" as well as her daughter’s TV series "Murphy Brown." Mrs. Bergen appeared with her husband in the TV shows "The Jack Benny Program," "The Edgar Bergen Show," "The Dick Powell Show" and "Dinah!" Mrs. Bergen’s film credits include the original version of "Titanic," "Her Twelve Men," "Interlude," "American Gigolo," "The Sting II," "The Star Chamber," "The Muppets Take Manhattan," "The Morning After" and "Made in America."

TAMARA DOBSON Died Oct. 2, 2006

Actress Tamara Dobson died of complications of pneumonia and multiple sclerosis at age 59. Tamara Dobson was the FIRST female heroine of the Blaxploitation film craze. Before "Foxy Brown" and the rest was "Cleopatra Jones." The 6 foot 2 beauty played a karate kicking badass Federal Drug Agent. Her groundbreaking film set the stage for many imitators to follow. While Pam Grier’s film career may have eclipsed Ms. Dobson’s, Tamara Dobson was the first. The 1973 film spawned one sequel: "Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold." Ms. Dobson was a successful fashion model when she turned to acting in the early 1970s. Her film debut was in the Burt Reynolds police/comedy "Fuzz." Other credits include "Come Back, Charleston Blue," "Norman…Is That You?" and the women in prison exploiter "Chained Heat." Ms. Dobson also made a few TV appearances in such shows as "Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century" and "Amazons."

JERRY BELSON Died Oct. 10, 2006

Emmy-winning writer Jerry Belson died of cancer at age 68. Mr. Belson was nominated sixteen times for Emmy Awards. He won twice for "The Tracey Ullman Show" and "Tracey Takes On." One of my favorite comedy films is the Made for TV Western "Evil Roy Slade." Jerry Belson wrote it. Michael Ritchie’s beauty pageant film "Smile" is a serious comedy that stays with you despite the fluff subject matter. Jerry Belson wrote it. The original version of "Fun With Dick and Jane" was a crowd-pleaser that still hold up today. Jerry Belson wrote that too. Steven Spielberg called on Mr. Belson for help with "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Mr. Belson later wrote the script for Spielbergs excellent romance film "Always." Mr. Belson was the early writing partner of Garry Marshall. Mr. Belson’s many credits include "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.," "I Spy!," "Love American Style," "The Odd Couple," the Burt Reynolds directed comedy "The End" and "Smokey and the Bandit 2."

GILLO PONTECORVO Died Oct. 12, 2006

Oscar nominated director Gillo Pontecorvo died at age 86. Mr. Pontecorvo was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay Oscars for the 1966 film "The Battle of Algiers." The controversial film dealt with the Algerian revolution to gain independence from France. The first time I saw "The Battle of Algiers" I thought it was a documentary. The film is an even-handed examination of the bloody revolt. It is an amazing film. Mr. Pontecorvo also wrote and directed excellent "Burn!" "Burn!" also dealt with colonial imperialism. Marlon Brando gave one of his best performances as the amoral and evil Sir. William Walker. Lots of back-stabbing for profit. Gillo Pontecorvo’s work garnered him a number of awards including two David di DonDonatello’s.

FREDDY FENDER Died Oct. 14, 2005

Multi-Grammy award winning singer Freddy Fender died of lung cancer at age 69. I was never much of a country music fan. Strange for a guy from the South. Freddy Fender is on my short list with Johnny Cash and David Allen Coe of Country performers I enjoy. I was dragged to a Freddy Fender show when I lived in Las Vegas during the 1980s. Expecting to be bored, I found that I was hooked on the Tex-Mex flavor. I dodn’t know much about Freddy Fender’s life until he died. It would make a great movie. Maybe something Clint Eastwood could sink his directorial teeth into. A great second act success story. Freddy Fender scored two Number 1 songs in 1975: "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights." His music was used on the soundtracks of such films as "Fire in the Sky," "The King" and "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada." Freddy Fender sang Ry Cooder’s theme song in the Jack Nicholson/Harvey Kietel thriller "The Border." He acted in several films including "The Milagro Beanfield War," "Short Eyes" and "Mi Amigo."

CHRISTOPHER GLENN Died Oct. 17, 2005

My children have a hard time getting their mind around the concept that there was a time when cartoons only appeared on Saturday morning. As one of those who suffered a childhood with only four TV stations and hours of playing outdoors, my kids look on me with pity. I think my kids would pity me even more if they knew that CBS actually snuck news breaks into my Saturday morning cartoon viewing. I guess my kids will never know how wonderful those times really were. The news that CBS snuck into their Saturday morning line up was the long-running series "In The News." The 2 and ½ minute clips informed young ones about the world in which they were growing up. The authoritarian and soothing voice of "In the News" belonged to Christopher Glenn. "In the News" began in 1971 and ran for 13 years. Mr. Glenn also appeared on the CBS new series "30 Minutes." Christopher Glenn died of liver cancer at age 68. On November 4, 2005 he is to be inducted in the Radio Hall of Fame.

PHYLLIS KIRK Died Oct. 19, 2006

Actress Phyllis Kirk died of a post cerebral aneurysm at age 79. Ms. Kirk was best known for her role as the heroine in the 3-D classic "House of Wax." Ms. Kirk was the object of obsession of Vincent Price’s character in the 1953 horror-film. Her "unmasking" of Vincent Price in "House of Wax" rivaled Mary Philbin’s unmasking of Lon Chaney Sr. in "Phantom of the Opera" for shear shock value. Ms. Kirk also starred opposite Peter Lawford as Nora Charles in the TV series version of "The Thin Man." Ms. Kirk’s other film and TV credits include "Our Very Own," "Three Guys Named Mike," "About Face," "Crime Wave," "Your Show of Shows," "Studio One," "Climax!," "The Red Buttons Show," "The Twilight Zone," "Playhouse 90" and "The F.B.I."

SANDY WEST Died Oct. 21, 2006

Sandy West the cofounder of and drummer for the all-girl rock band "The Runaways" died of lung cancer at age 47. Ms. West and friend Joan Jett started the band in the mid 1970s. I must have played their first album constantly. I was in tech school in the Air Force in 1978. I didn’t get a chance to play the album until the grooves were gone because my roommate had more esoteric musical tastes. I guess hearing "Cherry Bomb" over 100 times in one week caused him to snap. I came back to the dorm after class one day and found the album in 100 pieces. He had even torn up the album cover. Taking my cue from my musical influences at the time (mainly punk) I destroyed my roommate’s stereo. It was a cheap one. He laughed at the pile of splinters neatly piled up on his side of the room. He no longer had to listen to "The Runaways" and I didn’t have to listen to his artsy-fartsy stuff anymore either. Sandy West appeared as herself in the so-so 2004 documentary about "The Runaways" called "Edgeplay." The film was directed by Vickie Blue. Ms. Blue replaced Jackie Fox as the band’s bass player in 1978. Prayers of comfort for Ms. West’s family and friends.

JANE WYATT Died Oct. 22, 2006

Emmy-winning actress Jane Wyatt died of natural causes at age 96. Ms. Wyatt worked in film and TV for over 60 years. She was known to millions of TV fans for her role in the 1950s and 60s TV series "Father Knows Best." Ms. Wyatt won three Emmy Awards for playing Robert Young’s wife in the long-running TV series. She also played another mother in another famous TV series. Ms. Wyatt played Leonard Nimoy’s mother in the TV series "Star Trek." She reprised her role as Spock’s mom in the feature film "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home." Jane Wyuatt’s fi,m career began in the 1930s. She starred in such high profile films as "Great Expectations," Frank Capra’s classic "Lost Horizon" and Elia Kazan’s "Gentleman’s Agreement." Jane Wyatt never became a major film star ALA Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, but she worked steady for over 60 years. During the 1950s, Ms. Wyatt began to work almost exclusively on TV. Her many TV credits include "Robert Montgomery Presents," "Studio One," "Wagon Train," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Love, American Style," "Owen Marshall: Counselor at Law," with former co-star Robert Young in "Marcus Welby M.D.," "Alias Smith and Jones," "ER" and "St. Elsewhere."

ARTHUR HILL Oct. 22, 2006

Tony Award winning actor Arthur Hill died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 84. The urbane actor could play both ethical and amoral characters with convincing realism. The classically trained stage actor won a Tony Award for originating the role of George in Edward Albee’s "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Mr. Hill worked steady in film and on TV from the late 1940s through 1990. He achieved TV stardom in the title role of the legal drama TV series "Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law." Arthur Hill also contributed solid performances to many excellent films. My first exposure to Mr. Hill was in the sci-fi classic "The Andromeda Strain." Sam Peckinpah fans remember his his turn as a disloyal CIA exec in "The Killer Elite." He worked with James Caan in the Peckinpah film. The two actors made a cameo appearance together in the all-star WWII film "A Bridge Too Far." The fact is, the James Caan/Arthur Hill scene is the only redeeming scene is an otherwise overly bloated mess. Arthur Hill played a battlefield surgeon who is confronted at gun point by James Caan. Caan has brought his apparently dead sergeant to the field hospital. Turns out that the sergeant is not as dead as Arthur Hill thought he was. The 4-minute scene is quite powerful. Mr. Hill played a particularly sleezy lawyer in the first of Paul Newman’s two "Harper" films. Another personal favorite of mine is the Made for TV movie "Judge Horton and the Scottsboro Boys." Mr. Hill played the Alabama Judge who bucked the racist feelings of his small town and freed a groupr of nine black teenagers accused of raping two white women. The film was based on a true story. Hill’s performance makes me wonder why he was never nominated for an Emmy award. Arthur Hill’s many memorable credits include such films as "The Ugly American" opposite Marlon Brando, Richard Lester’s classic "Petulia," "Rabbit, Run," "Futureworld," "A Little Romance" and "Butch and Sundance: The Early Years." The Canadian born actor served his native country in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII.

TINA AUMONT Died Oct. 28, 2006

Actress Tina Aumont died of a pulmonary embolism at age 60. Ms. Aumont was the daughter of French actor Jean Pierre Aumont and actress Maria Montez. She appeared in over 50 films during her career. Ms. Aumont appeared in a number of notable films including "Modesty Blaise," "Texas Across the River," "Torso," "Salon Kitty," "The Divine Nymph" and "Fellini’s Casanova." She was the widow of actor Christian Marquand. The pari was married when she was 16 and he was 36! Their marriage lasted 37 years, ending when he died in November 2000.

NIGEL KNEALE Died Oct. 29, 2006

BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Nigel Kneale died at age 84. Though Mr. Kneale’s BAFTA nominations were for the excellent dramas "The Entertainer" and "Look Back in Anger," he is best remembered for his intelligent science fiction films in the "Quatermass Experiment" series. He wrote the 1953 TV series "The Quatermass Experiment." Reginald Tate played Professor Quatermass in the first TV series. That was followed in 1955 by "The Creeping Unknown" with Brian Donlevy as the professor. John Robinson took on the role in the 1955 TV series "Quatermass II." Brian Donlevy returned to the role in the ValGuest directed film "Quatermass 2: Enemies From Space." 1958 saw yet another TV series "Quatermass and the Pit." Roy Ward Baker directed the 1967 film version of "Quatermass and the Pit." Sir John Mills starred as the professor in the 1979 film and TV series entitled "The Quatermass Conclusion."

Nigel Kneale’s contributions to the sci-fi and horror genres are not limited to his "Quatermass" films. He wrote the script for Ray Harryhausen’s "The First Men IN the Moon." Other genre credits include "The Abominable Snowman," the TV version of "1984," "The Witches" with Joan Crawford and "Halloween III: Season of the Witch." Mr. Kneale also wrote the script for "H.M.S. Defiant."

ADRIENNE SHELLY Died Nov. 1, 2006

Actress/writer/director Adrienne Shelly was murdered in her office. The 40-year-old actress was found hanging in her shower. A construction worker was later arrested and reportedly admitted that he killed the actress and then tried to make it look like a suicide. Ms. Shelly was known for her work in the Hal Hartley films "The Unbelievable Truth" and "Trust." Other acting credits include "Hexed," "Sleeping With Strangers," "Law & Order" and "Factorum." Ms. Shelly directed several films including "I’ll Take You There" and the upcoming "Waitress." Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

WILLIAM STYRON Died Nov. 1, 2006

Author William Styron died of pneumonia at age 81. Mr. Styron wrote the novel "Sophie’s Choice." The novel was turned into an Oscar winning film. Director Alan J. Pakula was nominated for his script adaptation of Mr. Styron’s novel. Mr. Styron’s daughter Susanna adapted her father’s short story "Shadrach" to the screen. She also directed the film. Mr. Styron appeared as himself in the film "Naked in New York" as well as in several documentaries.

LEONARD SCHRADER Died Nov. 2, 2006

Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Leonard Schrader died of heart failure at age 62. Mr. Schrader received and Oscar nomination for "The Kiss of the Spider Woman." He was the brother of writer/director Paul Schrader. The brothers co-wrote the screenplay for the excellent crime drama "Blue Collar." His brother Paul directed. One of my favorite gangster films is Sydney Pollack’s "The Yakuza." Mr. Schrader provided the story, which brother Paul and Robert Towne turned into a screenplay. Mr. Schrader’s other writing credits include "Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters," "Tora-San 24," "Old Boyfriends" and "Naked Tango." Mr. Schrader directed the films "The Killing of America" and "Naked Tango." Mr. Schrader taught English literature in Japan during the 1960s and 70s.

BASIL POLEDOURIS Died Nov. 9, 2006

Emmy-winning composer Basil Poledouris died of cancer at age 61. Mr. Poledouris won an Emmy Award for his score of "Lonesome Dove." He composed the scores for nearly 100 films. Mr. Poledouris scored such films as "Conan the Barbarian," "Big Wednesday," "The Blue Lagoon," "Summer Lovers," "Red Dawn," "Flesh & Blood," "Iron Eagle," "RoboCop," "Cherry 2000," "Farewell To the King," "The Hunt for Red October," "Free Willy," "Serial Mom," "Starship Troopers" and "Mickey Blue Eyes."

ED BRADLEY Died Nov. 9, 2006

Emmy-winning TV news journalist Ed Bradley died of leukemia at age 65. Ed Bradley won 19 Emmy Awards for his work. He was a 25-year-veteran of the CBS news magazine "60 Minutes." The only way I can describe the man is that he was a class act. Mr. Bradley’s style and demeanor on TV never sank below the highest levels of professionalism. During his decades of reporting, Ed Bradley tried to make the world a better place by exposing injustice and highlighting those things that are good in the world. In addition to his many years with "60 Minutes," Mr. Bradley also hosted the 1992 CBS documentary news series "Street Stories." Ed Bradley also made appearances as himself on such TV shows as "Murphy Brown" and "The Chris Rock Show." Mr. Bradley covered the Vietnam War for CBS news. Ed Bradley was wounded in the back and arm by shrapnel from a mortar round while working in Cambodia during the spring of 1973. He recovered and volunteered to return to Vietnam. Such was his dedication to news reporting.

JACK PALANCE Died Nov. 10, 2006

With one performance, Jack Palance became a screen icon. He personified evil, the perfect badguy. Jack Palance’s performance as the gunslinger Wilson in George Steven’s classic Western "Shane" cemented his reputation as one of the screen’s great heavies. Oscar-winning actor Jack Palance died of natural causes at age 87. Though Jack Palance made a career of playing the badguy, he won his Oscar for the 1991 comedy "City Slickers." In a refreshing moment of madness, the then 72-year-old actor accepted his Best Supporting Actor Oscar by doing a set of one-armed pushups. Jack Palance proved that ‘3^rd times the charm’ with "City Slickers." He was previously nominated twice for Best Supporting Oscars for his work in "Shane" and the Joan Crawford film "Sudden Fear." Other awards include an Emmy for the "Playhouse 90" production of "Requiem for a Heavyweight" and a Golden Globe for "City Slickers."

George Steven’s "Shane" is what I call a gateway Guy flick. The classic tale of good vs. evil appeals to guys from the ages 8 to 80. Central to the tale is the menacingly memorable gunslinger Jack Wilson. In just a few scenes, the character portrayed by Jack Palance embues the movie with a sense of dread. His duel with the drunken Elisha Cook Jr. taught me at an early age that not everyone fights fair. Palance’s low-key approach to the role was perfect. His Jack Wilson was the type of killer who didn’t have to act brashly; his talent with the gun spoke loudly enough when the moment came.

Jack Palance made his film debut starring opposite Richard Widmark in Elia Kazan’s 1950 Film Noir "Panic in the Streets." Mr. Palance came to Elia Kazan’s attention when he was Marlon Brando’s understudy in the play "Streetcar Named Desire." His second film was the ensemble cast WWII film "Halls of Montezuma" also starring Richard Widmark. Mr. Palance’s third film garnered him his first Oscar nomination. In "Sudden Fear" he played Joan Crawford’s homicidal husband. Jack Palance became of the few in Hollywood to receive back-to-back Oscar nods when he followed "Sudden Fear" with "Shane." The 1950s was a busy time for Jack Palance. He worked steady in both film and on TV. His film and TV credits during the 1950s include "Studio One," "Playhouse 90," "The Motorola Hour," "The Silver Chalice" and "I Died a Thousand Times." "I Died a Thousand Times" was a so-so remake of the Humphrey Bogart gangster classic "High Sierra."

Jack Palance began the 1960s working on one of French director Able Gance’s final films: "Austerlitz." Mr. Palance appeared in more European films during the 1960s than American ones. He worked with cult director Jesus Franco in the sexploitation film "Justine." One of my first memories of Jack Palance was in Dan Curtis’ excellent Made for TV movie "Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde." I was haunted by Mr. Palance’s maniacal laugh as he slit open the nose of someone who crossed him in that film. Maybe that was where Roman Polanski came up for that gag in "Chinatown." He played the Mexican revolutionary who had kidnapped Claudia Cardinal in Richard Brooks outstanding Western "The Professional." In "Che!" Mr. Palance portrayed Fidel Castro. Mr. Palance starred in the Amicus horror film "Torture Garden." Other credits from the 1960s include "Barabbas," "The Barbarians" and "A Bullet for Rommel."

Jack Palance began the 1970s with a pair of fine Westerns: "The McMasters" and "Monte Walsh." He starred in the TV police series "Bronk" in 1975 and 76. He continued to work both in the USA and overseas. Stanley Kramer cast him opposite George C. Scott and Faye Dunaway in "Oklahoma Crude." Dan Curtis called upon him once more to play the title role in the excellent TV version of "Dracula." Mr. Palance played the John Wayne role in "The Godchild," a TV remake of John Ford’s classic "Three Godfathers." Other memorable credits include the Charles Bronson Western "Chato’s Land," "The Hatfields and the McCoys," "The Sensuous Nurse" with Ursula Andress, "Mr. Scarface," "Portrait of a Hitman" and "The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang."

Jack Palance appeared in fewer films during the 1980s. Among his more memorable credits are "Young Guns," "Batman," "Without Warning" and "Tango & Cash." During the 1980s Mr. Palance had the pleasure of working with his daughter Holly as co-hosts of the TV series "Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!"

Of course, 1991 saw Jack Palance finally win his Oscar for playing the crusty old cowhand Curly Washburn. His push-up acceptance speech became a classic Hollywood moment. Mr. Palance appeared in the sequel "City Slickers 2: The Legend of Curly’s Gold" playing the twin brother of his character in the first film. His final film and TV credits include "The Swan Princess," as Long John Silver in "Treasure Island" and "Sarah, Plain and Tall: Winter’s End."

Jack Palance served his country in the US Army-Air Corp during WWII.

ANICEE ALVINA Died Nov. 10, 2006

French actress Anicee Alvina died of cancer at age 53. Ms. Alvina was best to to American audiences for her starring role in the 1971 teen romance film "Friends." Ms. Alvina and actor Sean Bury played the young lovers. The film also featured a Grammy nominated theme song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The hit film spawned a mediocre sequel called "Paul and Michelle." Ms. Alvina appeared in nearly 30 films and TV shows. Except for "Friends," most of her work has been seen only in Europe. She was typecast in sexy roles during the 1970s and often appeared nude on screen. Ms. Alvina also attempted to start a singing career.

GARY GRAVER Died Nov. 16, 2006

Cinematographer Gary Graver died of cancer at age 68. I first heard of Gary Graver during an interview with director Curtis Harrington. Mr. Harrington was a long-time friend of Mr. Graver. Mr. Graver came up in the conversation when I asked Mr. Harrington about working with Orson Welles on the famous unreleased film "The Other Side of the Wind." Mr. Graver and Eric Sherman (Pep Squad) were the two cinematographers on Orson Welles unseen 1972 film. According to Mr. Harrington, one of Orson Welles’ daughters has successfully blocked the completion of the movie. Gary Graver devoted a number of years trying to get the movie released. Unfortunately it was not to happen during his lifetime. Mr. Graver filmed Curtis Harrington’s short film "Usher," which was based on the Edgar Allan Poe story "The Fall of the House of Usher." Gary Graver served his country in the US Navy during the Vietnam War. He went on to have a prolific career as a cinematographer and director on hundreds of films. Mr. Graver worked in the adult film industry as well as main stream Hollywood. His legit credits include Orson Welles’ short film "Moby Dick," Ron Howard’s directorial debut "Grand Theft Auto," "Moonshine County Express," "Bugs Bunny Superstar," Al Adamson’s "I Spit on Your Corpse" and "Dracula vs. Frankenstein." Mr. Graver shot the sexploitation film "The Student Body." The movie starred Jillian Kessner. Mr. Graver and Ms. Kessner were married for 25 years! She survives her longtime husband. Mr. Graver directed many porn films under the name Robert McCallum.

JEREMY SLATE Died Nov. 19, 2006

Actor Jeremy Slate died of complications following surgery for esophageal cancer at age 80. Die-hard "Billy Jack" fans will forever remember actor Jeremy Slate as the villain of the first "Billy Jack" movie: "The Born Losers." Writer/director Tom Laughlin knew that to make his heroic character Billy Jack all the more memorable, he had to have Billy jack face a memorable badguy. Jeremy Slate fit the bill perfectly as the biker Danny Carmody. The charismatic biker held your attention whenever he was on screen. Slate’s badguy was not above rape and murder. Director Laughlin gave him one of the most memorable death scenes in film history. Slate’s character calls Billy Jack’s bluff and gets shot right between the eyes for his trouble. Slate’s sunglasses split open from the impact of the bullet. He flies backwards against the wall slams into a James Dean poster. The blood from his wound stains the poster in the corner of James Dean’s mouth. It is very cool filmmaking. Jeremy Slate was a prolific TV actor. Soap Opera fans remember him for his 8-year run as Chuck Wilson on the TV series "One Life to Live." Mr. Slate appeared in nearly 100 TV shows and films. His movie credits include "North By Northwest," "GI Blues," "Girls! Girls! Girls!," "The Sons of Katie Elder," "True Grit," "The Mini Skirt Mob" and "The Lawnmower Man." Mr. Slate co-wrote the story for the biker movie "Hell’s Angels 69." Jeremy Slate was also a songwriter. He served his country during WWII and took part in the D-Day invasion.

ROBERT ALTMAN Died Nov. 20, 2006

He was one of the grand masters of cinema. Robert Altman was the greatest talent to emerge from the Hollywood renaissance of the 1970s. He work stands the test of time. He was a director of few equals. Robert Altman is enshrined in the pantheon of great directors that includes Kurosawa, Bergman, Ford and Hitchcock. Robert Altman did what no other director has been able to achieve. In films such as "Nashville" and "Short Cuts" Robert Altman presented twenty or so characters and almost as many plot lines, all fully developed, all meaningful and all so very memorable. "Nashville" remains one of the greatest American films ever made. Its complexity of construction is almost overlooked because of the simplicity of its accessibility. Robert Altman was able to fully develop a character with a minimum of scenes. We knew these people because of their humanity. He presented people from all walks of life, with many different philosophies. It didn’t matter that the characters may believe or behave differently from the viewer, we still got IT. Robert Altman presented the entire gamut of the human experience better than any other film director in history. Our strengths, our weaknesses, our dark side and idiosyncrasies were all within his grasp as a storyteller. Robert Altman didn’t always succeed. Neither did the other directors mentioned above. However, when Robert Altman hit the mark, his aim was as true as anything ever captured on celluloid.

Oscar winning director Robert Altman died of undisclosed causes at age 81. Robert Altman was given a Lifetime Achievement Oscar earlier this year. Actresses Lily Tomlin and Meryl Streep presented the award to Mr. Altman. Their incredible introduction, in which they spoke over each other was a fitting tribute to the director. His films require multiple viewings as he often has his characters talk over each other, or have more than one conversation take place at the same time. One of the great oversights of the Academy voters was to overlook Robert Altman with an actual Best Director Oscar. He was nominated five times for Best Director and twice for Best Picture. Those Best Director nominations came for "M*A*S*H," "Nashville," "The Player," "Short Cuts" and "Gosford Park." "Nashville" and "Gosford Park" also earned Mr. Altman Best Picture nominations. Other awards and nominations include four DGA nominations and Lifetime Achievement Award, two Emmy nominations (1 Win), five Golden Globe nominations (1 Win), four Independent Spirit nominations (2 Wins), three Writer’s Guild nominations, three New York Film Critic’s Circle Awards, seven BAFTA nominations (2 Wins), seven Berlin International Film Festival nominations (2 Wins), Four Bodil Award nominations (3 Wins), eight Cannes nominations (2 Wins) and many, many others.

Robert Altman began his film career in the early 1950s. After directing a number of short films and documentaries, Robert Altman made his feature film debut with "The Delinquents." The movie starred future "Billy Jack" star and director Tom Laughlin. Mr. Altman followed that with the documentary tribute "The James Dean Story." Mr. Altman then went on to hone his craft working in TV. He directed countless episodes of various TV series during the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s. During this time he also directed an excellent TV movie "Nightmare in Chicago." The film told the tale of a serial killer terrorizing the Windy City. He finished out the 1960 with the sci-fi film "Countdown" and the drama "That Cold Day in the Park."

In 1970 Robert Altman rose to the ranks of A-List directors with the critical and popular success of "M*A*S*H." The searing comedy was Robert Altman’s poke at the US involvement in Vietnam. Though Robert Altman served his country in WWII as a bomber pilot in the US Army Air-Corps, his view of Vietnam was different altogether. The movie earned five Oscar nominations. Robert Altman continued to directed hit after hit during the 1970s. He worked with ensemble casts who begged for parts. Many top stars worked for low salaries just to work with the master. His films grew in scope and complexity. In 1970 he also released "Brewster McCloud" was a quirky character study of a boy who wanted to fly. Bud Cort starred. Mr. Altman’s most poetic film was released in 1971. Warren Beatty and Julie Christie starred in the bittersweet "McCabe and Mrs. Miller." The film was set in a Washington state lumber town during the late 1800s. Altman’s love story was also a jibe at corporate greed. Beatty played a gamble named McCabe. Beatty's performance as McCabe is one of his mose human and warm performances. Julie Christie (in an Oscar nominated performance) played a cynical prostitute named Mrs. Miller. The part join forces to build the best house of ill-repute in town. Many of Altman’s regular cast members were on hand for the film. Keith Carradine gives one of his best performances as a good-natured cowboy in love with prostitute Shelly Duval. There is a memorable score by Leonard Cohen.

In 1972 Altman directed the chilling and little seen "Images." John Williams received one of his many Oscar nominations for the score. Next, Robert Altman updated Raymond Chandler’s private eye Philip Marlowe to the decadent Hollywood of the 1970s in "Play It As It Lays." Elliot Gould starred as the jaded PI. Actor Sterling Hayden delivered one of the best performances of his career as an alcoholic writer on the verge of suicide. It is brilliant in a low-key kind of way. Altman’s next film is one of my personal favorites. The 1974 film "Thieves Like Us" starred Keith Carradine and Shelly Duval as Mississippi rednecks living and loving in the depths of the Great Depression. The movie paints a more accurate and moving portrait of desperate characters than the flashy "Bonnie and Clyde." Altman also released "California Split" in 1974. George Segal and Elliot Gould play a pair of gambling addicts. The ‘one-eyed piccolo player’ scene is hilarious.

1975 was my Junior year in high school. That was the first year I truly recognized Robert Altman’s genius. "Nashville" earned five Oscar nominations include Best Picture. The film follows 20 different characters over a four-day period. The movie comments on everything from politics, love, fame, loyalty and the war in Vietnam. If you have never seen "Nashville" you owe it to yourself to do so quickly. This was the apex of Robert Altman’s career.

His next two films are interesting in a quirky kind of way. This was the beginning of Altman’s trend toward smaller, more personal films. While I like both "Buffalo Bill and the Indians, or Sitting Bull’s History Lesson" and "3 Women," they are acquired tastes. His 1978 follow-up "A Wedding" is one of his best comedies. Again, Altman relies on a large ensemble cast. He comments on so many aspects of our life, that you can’t help but smile throughout. Though the film reaped numerous honors abroad, the film was overlooked by the Academy. I saw his last two films of the 1970s as a sneak preview double feature. The studio was behind the Paul Newman sci-fi film "Quintet," but the movie had no heart. The second feature on the double bill was "A Perfect Couple." Paul Dooley and Marta Heflin starred in the older man/younger woman romantic comedy. It is a real sleeper. The music also rocks!

The 1980s were hit and miss for Robert Altman. His greatest failure occurred in 1980. Altman directed Robin Williams in a live action version of "Popeye." I swat through it once. Never again. That same year, he tried to recapture the glory of "Nashville" with "H.E.A.L.T.H." The movie has its moments, but it is rough going for most of the way. "Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean" and "Streamers" were probably his best feature films of the decade. Mr. Altman’s biggest critical success of the 1980s came on the small screen. His mini series "Tanner ‘88" was a return to form for Altman.

1992’s "The Player" let the world know that Robert Alman had lost none of his punch. The dark look at the movie business was a hit with critics and audiences alike. His 1993 film "Short Cuts" returned to the ground explored with "Nashville." IT is a powerful film that is among his best. The self-indulgent "Pret-a-Porter" left me cold despite the amazing ending with just about every super model in the world parading down the runway stark naked. Altman’s later films aimed for commercial success. "The Gingerbread Man" and "Dr. T and the Women" were so-so films. Though his 2001 film "Gosford Park" earned his accolades around the world, I wasn’t a fan of the movie. So what. You can’t hit a homerun every time. Robert Altman not only hit a whole bunch of homeruns, he revolutionized how stories were told on film. He set the mark high and few directors since have come close to meeting it.

KEVIN MCCLORY Died Nov. 20, 2006

Producer/writer director Kevin McClory died at age 80. Ms. McClory holds an important and infamous role in the history of James Bond films. In 1958 Mr. McClory collaborated with Ian Fleming and Jack Whittingham on a script for a James Bond film. The script was never made. Ian Fleming later used the story as the basis of his novel "Thunderball" without giving Mr. McClory credit for his contributions. A lawsuit settlement resulted in Mr. McClory getting credit on the novel and retaining the film rights to "Thunderball." As a result Mr. McClory got a producer credit on "Thunderball." He was the executive producer on the 1983 remake "Never Say Never Again." The 1983 film was famous for Sean Connery’s return to the role of James Bond. "Never Say Never Again" was not produced by the Broccoli/Saltzman team.

Kevin McClory worked with John Huston in the 1950s. He was Mr. Huston’s assistant on "Moulin Rouge" and "The African Queen." Mr. Huston used him as an assistant director on "Moby Dick." Mr. McClory was an associate producer and second unit director on Michael Anderson’s original version of "Around the World in 80 Days." Mr. McClory directed the 1959 film "The Boy and the Bridge." He was nominated for the Golden Lion award at the Venice Film Festival for his direction of "The Boy and the Bridge."

PHILIPPE NOIRET Died Nov. 23, 2006

Award-winning actor Philippe Noiret died of cancer at age 76. Philippe Noiret appeared in over 150 films and TV shows during his lengthy career. His work earned him numerous Best Actor awards around the world. Mr. Noiret received a BAFTA for his work in "Cinema Paradiso." He also received two Cesar Awards for his work in "The Old Gun" and "Life and Nothing But." He also received three other Cesar nominations as Best Actor. Mr. Noiret also won the Italian David Di Donatelo Awards for the same two films. Mr. Noiret was best known to American audiences for his work in "Cinema Paradiso" and "The Postman."

Philippe Noiret achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic. He made his film debut in a small part in the 1949 French version of "Gigi." Among Mr. Noiret’s many credits are "Lady L" with Paul Newman, "Night of the Generals" with Peter O’Toole, "Woman Times Seven" with Shirley MacLaine, "The Assassination Bureau," George Cukor’s "Justine," Alfred Hitchcock’s "Topaz," "Murphy’s War," "The French Conspiracy," "The Serpent," the hilarious dark comedy "The Grand Bouffe," "Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?," "Cinema Paradiso," "The Postman" and "Soliel."

ANITA O’DAY Died Nov. 23, 2006

Jazz great Anita O’Day died of cardiac arrest age 87. Ms. O’Day was a popular Big Band era singer. She sang with the bands of Gene Krupa and Stan Kenton. She appeared as herself in the films "The Gene Krupa Story," "Artistry in Rhythm" and "The Outfit." Ms. O’Day performed in the outstanding documentary "Jazz On a Summer’s Day." The film was shot at the 1958 Newpoert Jazz Festival. The movie was added to the National Film Registry in 199. Ms. O’Day is the subject of the up-coming documentary "Anita O’Day: The Life of a Jazz Singer."

BETTY COMDEN Died Nov. 23, 2006

Oscar nominated lyricist Betty Comden died of heart failure at age 89. Betty Comden and creative partner Adolph Green (pictured with Ms. Comden at right) were responsible for some of the greatest musicals in the history of stage and film. The pair received two Best Screenplay Oscar nominations for the films "The Band Wagon" and "It’s Always Fair Weather." The pair was also nominated for six Writer’s Guild Awards, winning three times for "Singin’ in the Rain," "On the Town" and "Bells Are Ringing." They were also nominated for a Grammy for the soundtrack album from "Bells Are Ringing." Ms. Comden and Mr. Green won a total of seven Tony Awards during their lengthy career. In 2001 Ms. Comden and Mr. Green received the Laurel Award for Screen Writing Achievement from the Writer’s Guild. Mr. Green died in 2002.

Betty Comden, Aldoph Green and Oscar winner Judy Holiday began their careers together in the 1930s as a cabaret act called The Revuers. Betty Comden’s many screenwriting credits include "Singin’ in the Rain," "The Barkleys of Broadway," "Auntie Mame" and "Applause." Ms. Comden and Mr. Green’s music has appeared in such films and TV shows as "Take Me Out To the Ballgame," "The Adams Family," "Sleepless in Seattle," "Ronin," "Mickey Blue Eyes," "Small Time Crooks" and "Six Feet Under."

CLAUDE JADE Died Dec. 1, 2006

French actress Claude Jade died of cancer at age 58. Ms. Jade worked for such acclaimed directors as Alfred Hitchcock, Francois Truffaut and Tony Richardson. Ms. Jade appeared in Hitchcocks poltical thriller "Topaz." She worked with Francois Truffaut three times: "Bed and Breakfast," "Stolen Kisses" and "Love on the Run." Ms. Jade starred opposite Rudolf Nureyev in Tony Richardson’s biopic "Nijinski." Ms. Jade appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows during her career.

MARISKA VERES Died Dec. 2, 2006

Mariska Veres, lead singer for the band "Shocking Blue," died of cancer at age 59. The sexy Dutch/German singer gained million of fans worldwide for the rock song "Venus." Ms. Veres had a husky voice that perfectly matched the sensuality of the song’s lyrics. Ms. Veres’s vocals can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "The Brady Bunch Movie," "Outside Providence," "Remember the Titans," "Grumpier Old Men" and "Alles Nur Tarnung." Ms. Veres appeared as herself on the on the German TV series "ZDF Hitparade."

JACKIE BLAISDELL Death discovered Dec. 2, 2006

Jackie Blaisdell, monster-movie creature co-designer and widow of monster-movie design legend Paul Blaisdell was found dead at her home. The 76-year-old Ms. Blaisdell was found by her neighbor Mark Nygard. Mr. Nygard's wife Becky stated that the LA County Coroner estimated that Ms. Blaisdell died on November 30th. Paul and Jackie Blaisdell put together some of the most memorable, if low-budget movie monsters from the 1950s. Paul and Jackie Blaisdell worked wonders for and lead to the success of American International Pictures with their work on such films as "The She Creature," "Attack of the Puppet People," "It Conquered the World," "The Beast with a Million Eyes," "From Hell It Came," "Earth vs. the Spider," "Invasion of the Saucer Men" and the inspiration for "Alien," "It! The Terror From Beyond Space." Though Ms. Blaisdell only received credit for the films "Attack of the Puppet People" and "Earth vs. the Spider" many in the industry who knew the couple state that Ms. Blaisdell worked closely with her husband throughout his entire career. Paul Blaisdell died of stomach cancer in 1983. Unfortunately, Mr. Blaisdell did not receive the credit he deserved during his lifetime. Hopefully his widow did come to discover that her husband and their creations are appreciated and loved by millions of 1950s monster movie fans worldwide. Thanks for the thrills and excitement!

ABIGAIL SHELTON Died Dec. 11, 2006

Actress Abby Shelton died in her sleep at age 74. Ms. Shelton was married to screenwriter John T. Kelley until his death of cancer in 1972. Ms. Shelton was a frequent guest star on such TV series as "Perry Mason," "The Millionaire," "The Fugitive," "Check Mate" and "Bonanza." Her feature film credits include "8 Million Ways to Die," "Friday the 13^th: The Final Chapter" and "Zigzag." Ms. Shelton’s late husband John Kelley wrote the script for the cool thriller "Zigzag." Ms. Shelton was also an accomplished singer. She enjoyed success of stage as well as screen. She remarried following the death of her husband. Ms. Shelton’s second husband was musician William Baker. He would accompany her on piano in her one-woman cabaret shows.

PETER BOYLE Died Dec. 12, 2006

Award-winning actor Peter Boyle died of the blood cancer Multiple Myeloma and heart disease at age 71. While modern audiences know Peter Boyle best as the grouchy father on the hit series "Everybody Loves Raymond," Mr. Boyle was an exciting part of some of the most important films of the 1970s. The most exciting time in film history was the Hollywood renaisance that occurred in the 1970s. The last vestiges of the old Hayes Office had been killed off by such films as "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" During the early 1970s new filmmakers were expanding the universe of what could be expressed in celluloid. More times than not, Peter Boyle was in the cast of many influential or counter-culture hits. Speaking of counter culture, Peter Boyle and John Lennon were close friends. Mr. Boyle was best man at the wedding of John and Yoko. Some of the films may not be well remembered today, but they were influential nonetheless.

Peter Boyle appeared in 130 films and TV shows. He was nominated for 10 Emmy awards, winning once for an episode of "The X-Files." His peers at the Screen Actor’s Guild nominated him nine times for his work. He one once as part of the ensemble cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond." Like many millions of fans, I too liked his work in the Ray Romano TV series. However, the melancholy feelings I have over Mr. Boyle’s death have more to do with my memories of his work in the 1970s.

I came of age in the 1970s. More times than not, I was sneaking into R-rated films on the weekend. Movies I read about in the reviews of Pauline Kael. Movies that a rating board or other moralists deemed I was not old enough to see. They didn’t know me. It was a great pleasure to finally see the films I had read about and anticipated. Peter Boyle starred or appeared in many of them. Filmmakers in the 1970s were searching for answers, both about their art and life in general. Peter Boyle was one of those searchers. He turned to acting after spending three years in a monastery. Always searching.

Haskel Wexler’s "Medium Cool" is still one of the most powerful indie films ever made. It is a must see movie. Peter Boyle had a small supporting role this classic. The following year, Peter Boyle broke through as a force to be reckoned with in the title role of the controversial "Joe." "Joe" told the story of a blue-collar redneck who befriends a white collar parent whose daughter has run off with a drug addicted hippie. The film examined the ever growing rift between the generations and the classes. Susan Sarandon appeared as the rich man’s daughter. Peter Boyle’s Joe was like Archie Bunker with an arsenal. The movie’s final shot is still haunting. Mr. Boyle’s gonzo performance launched his career into high gear. He followed "Joe" with "Diary of a Mad Housewife" and a co-starring role with Candice Bergan in "T.R. Baskin." It was Peter Boyle’s next film that showed his expansive range. Michael Ritchie’s excellent political satire "The Candidate" featured Mr. Boyle as the no-holds-barred campaign manager of Robert Redford’s character. The film’s final scene with Redford and Peter Boyle spoke volumes about what the country was facing at the time.

"Steelyard Blues" was a counter-culture comedy with Jane Fonda, Donald Sutherland and Peter Boyle as the stars. The plot dealt with a group of people trying to fly away to a place they could be free. I haven’t seen it in 20 years, so I can’t say if it holds up today. It was funny back then. "Slither" came next. This crime caper comedy still entertains today. James Caan and Sally Kellerman starred. Peter Boyle is very funny as a regular guy caught up in a long, convoluted chase. If you have never seen this great action/comedy do yourself a favor and do so. Many people said that Peter Boyle showed his comedic chops the first time in Mel Brooks’ "Young Frankenstein." Not so. This movie proves it beyond any argument. There were several serious films before Peter Boyle played the Monster for Mel Brooks.

Peter Yates’ "The Friends of Eddie Coyle" is one of the best gangster films of all time. The gritty film is set in modern day Boston. Robert Mitchum starred as an aging gangster who is getting into things way over his head. Peter Boyle plays an Irish bar owner who is also a mid level mob guy. This is a tough, brutal film with great performances all around. The nest year, Boyle would take the lead in another tough gangster film. "Crazy Joe" is worth seeing only for Boyle’s performance as the true-life gangster Crazy Joey Gallo. In the early 70s, anyone who watched the news, knew who Joey Gallo was. His spectacular 1972 murder harkened back to the Mafia hits of the 1930s. The movie is not very good. Boyle’s performance is better than the material.

"Young Frankenstein" cemented Peter Boyle’s reputation as an actor with dramatic range who was also quite good at comedy. His talent shone through the pounds of makeup as he played the tap-dancing monster created by Gene Wilder in Mel Brooks funniest film. After a year long break, Peter Boyle returned to the big screen in Martin Scorsese’s darl masterpiece "Taxi Driver." Mr. Boyle was but once of many great actors in supporting roles around Robert DeNiro’s Travis Bickle. Boyle played a fellow cab driver. The following year, Peter Boyle received his first Emmy nomination for playing Wisconsin senator Joe McCarthy in the TV film "Tail Gunner Joe." Norman Jewison’s veiled biopic of Jimmy Hoffa "F.I.S.T." followed.

One of my guilty pleasures in William Friedkin’s overlooked crime comedy "The Brink’s Job." Peter Boyle co-starred with Peter Falk in the tale of the greatest bank heist of the 20^th century. Another movie worth discovering. From comedy, to seedy drama. Peter Boyle’s next film cast him opposite George C. Scott. Paul Schrader’s "Hardcore" told the story of a Lutheran father searching for his runaway daughter. Peter Boyle plays the private detective hired by Scott to find his daughter. He finds her involved in the world of hardcore pornography. The great character study is interesting for the pairing of the upright Scott with Boyle’s amoral character. They have many great scenes together.

Peter Boyle’s memorable films from the 1980s and beyond include the evil mining boss in "Outland," "Hammet," "Honeymoon in Vegas," "The Santa Clause," "While You Were Sleeping" and "Monster’s Ball." His role in "Monster’s Ball" was truly terrifying. It was almost like what you expect his character in "Joe" to be as an old man.

In 1996 Peter Boyle began his nine-year-run as Ray Romano’s father-in-law on "Everybody Loves Raymond." It was nice to see Mr. Boyle as rowdy and vigorous in his old age as in the days of his youth. It is sad to know that he will not be around anymore to share his talents with us. It is nice to know that he left behind an extensive body of work that can be enjoyed for years to come.

Peter Boyle’s final film is Dennis Fallon’s upcoming "All Roads Lead Home." I met producer/director Dennis Fallon earlier this year through my buddy, filmmaker Jeremy Benson. Mr. Fallon had the pleasure of directing Peter Boyle in Mr. Boyle's final film "All Roads Lead Home" (aka "Shadows of Atticus.")

Mr. Fallon shared his feelings upon hearing the news of Mr. Boyle's passing: "Peter Boyle, was an amazing talent. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with him. Not only was he a icon of cinema, he was truly a great guy and a joy to be around. I wish I had been able to finish "All Roads Lead Home" before his death, because I believe Peter would have been proud of the movie and his character "Poovey." He loved the script and was excited about playing "Poovey" and we loved having him. Most people remember Peter Boyle from "Everybody Loves Raymond," however for me it was "Young Frankenstein," "The Candidate" and "Steelyard Blues." He truly will be missed as a great talent and a great human being. I will never forget my experience with him."

HALLIE D’AMORE Died Dec. 14, 2006

Oscar-nominated makeup artist Hallie D’Amore shot her husband, noted photographer Richard D’Amore multiple times killing him before turning the gun on herself. The LAPD reported that the 64-year-old Ms. D’Amore left a note but would not say whether it was a suicide note. Ms. D’Amore shared an Oscar nomination for her work on the movie "Forrest Gump." She also made a cameo appearance in the film. Ms. D’Amore was nominated for Emmy Awards three times, winning for the sex-change movie "Normal." Ms. D’Amore worked on nearly 50 films and TV shows. Her credits include "Steel Magnolias," "The Indian Runner," "Bugsy," "Apollo 13," "The Crossing Guard," "Runaway Bride," "The Princess Diaries," "We Were Soldiers," "xXx" and "Christmas With the Cranks." Richard D’Amore was a noted photographer. He studied his craft under photographer Walter Chappell in the 1960s. His work has been exhibited all over the world as well as published in numerous books and magazines. Mr. D’Amore’s work was also highly sought by many Hollywood celebrities such as Burt Lancaster, Sally Kellerman, Ann-Margret, Charlie Sheen," Robert Towne and Joan Cusack. Prayers of comfort for their family and friends.

MIKE EVANS Died Dec. 14, 2006

Actor/writer Mike Evans died of throat cancer at age 57. Mr. Evans was best known for playing the character Lionel Jefferson on the TV series "All in the Family" and its spin-off "The Jeffersons." Mr. Evans was also the co-creator of the hit TV series "Good Times." Mr. Evans played Lionel Jefferson on "All in the Family" from 1971 through 1975. He played the character during the first season of "The Jeffersons" but then left the show. Mr. Evans was replaced by actor Damon Evans for several seasons before returning to the show in 1979. Along with Eric Monte, Mr. Evans created the TV series "Good Times" which starred Esther Rolle, John Amos and Jimmie Walker. Mr. Evans also wrote over 20 episodes of the series.

Mike Evans other film and TV credits include "Walker: Texas Ranger," "The Voyage of the Yes," "Love, American Style," "Killer By Night," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Now You see Him, Now You Don’t," "The Practice" and the TV miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man."

DENIS PAYTON Died Dec. 17, 2006

Rocker Denis Payton died of cancer at age 63. He is the second British Invasion musician to die this month. Mr. Payton was the saxophone player for the British invasion group "The Dave Clark Five." In 1964, only "The Beatles" outsold and outdrew "The Dave Clark Five." The band sold one million copies of records a month for six months in 1964. Their many hits included "Bits and Pieces," "Glad All Over" and "Catch Us If You Can." One of the joys of having older sisters and brothers during the early 1960s is that I was exposed firsthand to the British Invasion. "The Dave Clark Five" was my favorite bands during 1964 and 65. Didn’t care that the older kids were going crazy for "The Beatles," I loved the stomp and beat of the many hits put out by "The Dave Clark Five." Of course, they were eclipsed by the Fab Four, but the music still rocks. Oscar-nominated director John Boorman made his feature film debut directing "The Dave Clark Five" in the movie "Catch Us If You Can." The band also performed on a number of TV shows including "Shindig," "Beat Club" and "Tops of the Pops." My special thanks to famed Rock photographer Chris Walter for permission to use his great photo of "The Dave Clark Five" in this tribute. Mr. Payton is on the back row, far left in the 1964 photo of the band. To see more photos of "The Dave Clark Five" and many other great legends of the Rock era, CLICK HERE to visit Chris Walter’s excellent website Photofeatures.com.

KYOKO KISHIDA Died Dec. 17, 2006

Renowned Japanese actress Kyoko Kishida died of respiratory failure due to a brain tumor at age 76. Ms. Kishida played the title role in the classic 1964 Oscar-nominated film "Woman in the Dunes." The erotic and poetic tale received Oscar nominations for Best Foreign Film and Best Director. Kyoko Kishida was honored three times in her native land with Best Supporting Actress awards. Ms. Kishida appeared in nearly 100 films during her career. She broke new ground in Japanese cinema in the 1964 film "Manji." In "Manji" Ms. Kishida played a bored housewife who begins a love affair with another woman. It was one of the earliest depictions of lesbianism in Japanese cinema. Ms. Kishida made 14 films with award-winning director Kon Ichikawa.

JOSEPH BARBERA Died Dec. 19, 2006

Oscar-nominated producer/animator Joseph Barbera died of natural causes at age 95. Mr. Barbera was creative partner with the late William Hanna. The Hanna/Barbera company was responsible for such classic cartoon characters as "Tom and Jerry," "Yogi Bear," "The Flintstones," "Scooby-Doo," "The Jetsons," "Johnny Quest," "The Smurfs" and hundreds of others. Mr. Barbera and William Hanna shared two Best Short Subject Animated Oscar nominations for "One Droopy Knight" and "Good Will to Men." Fred Quimby also shared in the nomination of "Good Will to Men." Joseph Barbera also received eight Emmy awards including one for the live action TV movie "The Gathering." The cartoon series they created for MGM: "Tom and Jerry" won the studio seven Oscars.

Joseph Barbera directed over 200 animated shorts and films during his career. He and William Hanna first teamed up in the 1930s. The two men worked in the animation department of MGM. After years with MGM, the men began their own production company. There is not a baby boomer alive whose life was not touched by Hanna/Barbera cartoons.

Joseph Barbera began his career as a magazine cartoonist. He joined MGM in 1936.He teamed up with William Hanna in 1938. Their first project together was the first "Tom and Jerry" cartoon. It earned the first of 14 Oscar nominations the animated series would receive. In 1955 the team was put in charge of the MGM animation department. Two years later MGM closed down the animation division and the pair went into business for themselves.

JAMES BROWN Died Dec. 25, 2006

Grammy-winning singer James Brown died at age 73. Though Mr. Brown had been suffering from pneumonia, no cause of death has yet been released. James Brown belongs among the top ranks of influential musicians from the last 60 years. What Chuck Berry and The Beatles were to Rock and Roll, what Bob Dylan was to Folk music, James Brown was to Soul, Funk, Disco and their offspring Rap. He was one of the original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. James Brown’s passion in performance earned him the well-deserved moniker ‘The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.’ The self-proclaimed ‘Godfather of Soul’ riveted generations with his sweaty on stage performances. In many regards you could say that Brown’s stage persona was also influential to many professional wrestlers also! I remember James Brown finishing a set…staggering as if he was totally exhausted. His aide would come and put a cape over his shoulders. Suddenly James Brown would throw off the cape as if renewed from some unseen well of energy. He would spring back onstage like a lion ready to move in for the kill. James Brown came from abject poverty and worked his way to the top of the world. He was a survivor: overcoming racism, personal tragedy and his own self-destructive habits. Through all his travails James Brown’s fan base never deserted him. He had that same quality that Robert Mitchum possessed. James Brown made it through the bad times with an inner dignity and pride that was admirable.

James Brown’s many hit records include the landmark "Say It Out Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud," "Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag," "It’s a Man’s Man’s World," "Sex Machine," "Living in America," "I Got You (I Feel Good)" and many others. James Brown’s onstage passion sometimes left you wondering just what he had sung. The words seemed to come faster than our mind could comprehend. His delivery style became the brunt of jokes by several comedians, most notably by Eddie Murphy. Of course it was done with all due respect. Maybe James Brown was in on the joke too. He certainly didn’t mind the fun.

My first visual introduction to James Brown was at a church overnight in the 7^th grade. They showed us the Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello movie "Ski Party." Typical white bread entertainment from the era. That was until some guy in a Ski Ranger parka broke into the kids party, threw off his snow gear and broke into the song "I Feel Good." Of all the cameos by musicians in any of the ‘Beach’ movies, James Brown’s performance in "Ski Party" was the best. He mesmerized in a relatively tame performance. I never missed an opportunity to see his on TV after that.

So influential and enjoyable was his music that it can be found on the soundtracks of over 100 feature films. Not just American films. His music appears on the soundtracks of many European films as well.

Many concert clips of James Brown remain to remind us of his on-stage charisma and energy. They include such films and TV shows as "The T.A.M.I Show," "James Brown Live From the House of Blues," "The Tonight Show," "Soul Train," "Beat Club" and "Shindig!" James Brown also acted in several films. His acting credits include "The Blues Brothers," "Doctor Detroit," "Rocky IV" and "The Blues Brothers 2000."

GERALD RUDOLPH FORD Died Dec. 26, 2006

Gerald R. Ford, the 38^th President of the United States died at age 93. Gerald Ford was the only person in American history to hold the offices of President and Vice-President without being elected to either. He was the longest living President in American history. Gerald Ford was chosen by President Richard Nixon as Vice-President following the resignation of Spiro Agnew during a bribery scandal in Maryland. President Ford lost to Jimmy Carter in his 1976 bid to be elected as President. Despite his short term in office, Gerald Ford accomplished the important goal of helping the nation to heal from the one-two punch of Watergate and the Vietnam War. He was ridiculed and vilified in some quarters for pardoning former President Nixon, but history has shown that by doing so, Gerald Ford hastened the healing of America’s wounds. Gerald Ford served in Congress for 25 years. He was the House Minority Leader during his final eight years in congress.

President Ford was also the last surviving member of the Warren Commission, established to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. He too would be the target of an assassin’s bullet on two occasions. Charles Manson follower Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme drew a gun on President Ford on September 5, 1975. A secret service agent stuck his hand between the firing pin and the bullet just as she pulled the trigger. On September 22, 2005 Sarah Jane Moore fired a single shot from a .38 caliber handgun as the President left the Drake Hotel in San Francisco. Ford’s life was saved by a bystander who grabbed Ms. Moore’s arm before she could fully raise the weapon.

Gerald Ford played on the University of Michigan’s national championship football teams in the early 1930s. He graduated from the Yale Law School. Gerald Ford served his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the US Navy during WWII. He served in the Pacific Theater of war. Despite Gerald Ford’s athletic prowess, his time in the White House was marked by several well-publicized missteps. He fell for the cameras on a number of occasions including a fall down the steps of Air Force One’s gangway. The press used these events to portray Ford as a klutz and slow-witted. Chevy Chase launched his career by portraying Ford the klutz on "Saturday Night Live." President Ford had to appreciate the humor because he actually announced the opening of the season one episode of "Saturday Night Live" when his press secretary Ron Nessen hosted the program. As a star on two national championship football teams and a member of Phi Beta Kappa at Michigan and a Yale Law graduate, Gerald Ford was neither clumsy nor stupid. As a true klutz myself, I empathized with President Ford and grew to like him because of these mishaps. I cast my first vote at age 18 for President Ford in his unsuccessful race against Jimmy Carter.

Gerald Ford was married to one of the most beloved First Lady’s in US History. Gerald and Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Ford were married in 1948. Betty Ford was admired for openness and honesty concerning her battles with both breast cancer and also drug and alcohol addiction. Actress Gena Rowlands won an Emmy for her portrayal of Betty Ford in "The Betty Ford Story." The Betty Ford Clinic in Rancho Mirage California is one of the leading medical facilities in the country, which deals with addiction problems. The couple had four children: Michael, Steven, Susan and John. Son Steven Ford became and actor and has appeared in nearly 40 films including "Black Hawk Down."

Gerald Ford appeared in a number of documentary films and TV shows including "The Men Who Killed Kennedy," "The Fall of Saigon" and "The American President." President Ford appeared through archived footage in a number of feature films including "All the President’s Men," "Network," "Forrest Gump" and "Nixon." President Ford has been portrayed by a number of actors in various films and TV shows including Chevy Chase, Corbin Bernsen, Josef Sommer, Joe Stokes and Drew Snyder.

Upon taking the office of the President of the United States, Gerald Ford announced that "Our long national nightmare is over." That nightmare was over. Many more face us in the future. Here’s hoping that another man with the intelligence and honesty of a Gerald Ford may rise up to help our country face current nightmares. Thank you for your service to your country.

(All photos courtesy of The Gerald R. Ford Library)

ANNA NAVARRO Died Dec. 27, 2006

Actress Anna Navarro died at age 73. Ms. Navarro's acting career began in the early 1950s and she continued working until the late 1990s. She may be best remembered for her performance as the doomed spy Carlotta Mendoza in Alfred Hitchcock's Cold-War thriller "Topaz." Her character was captured by the Cuban communists and tortured to death along with her husband. It was one of the few memorable parts of the otherwise disappointing film from the master of suspense. Anna Navarro's other film credits include Frank Sinatra's "The First Deadly Sin" and Gov. Schwarzenegger's "The Last Action Hero." Most of Ms. Navarro's work was on TV. She appeared in nearly every major TV series from the mid-1950s through the mid-1970s. "CHiPs" fans will remember Ms. Navarro for her role as Eric Estrada's mother! She was also a frequent guest star on the long-running series "Bonanza." Ms. Navarro's many other TV credits include "Perry Mason," "Wanted: Dead or Alive," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "Gunsmoke," "Family Affair," "The Mod Squad," "Ironside," "Marcus Welby M.D.," "Barnaby Jones," "Hunter" and "Walker: Texas Ranger." Special thanks to Ms. Navarro's son, noted L.A. photographer Tommy Francis and daughter Maria for the beautiful picture of thier mother. Friends of the family and fans of Ms. Navarro may contact her son Tommy and daughter Maria by CLICKING HERE to be taken to Mr. Francis's website Class A Photography.

SADDAM HUSSEIN Died Dec. 30, 2006

Former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein was executed from his crimes against humanity. The deposed dictator was hung by the authority of the new Iraqi government less than 60 days after he was convicted of killing 148 men and boys. Though he did not live long enough to be tried for other crimes, it is believed that Hussein ordered the killings of hundreds of thousands of his own people during his 25-year reign of terror. Hussein was unrepentant as he was lead to the gallows. Hopefully his execution may bring some solace to the survivors of his many victims. The folks at "South Park" often portrayed Saddam as the Devil’s love toy in Hell. Only God himself knows if that is the dictator’s fate. Saddam Hussein was the subject of numerous documentary films. He wrote a novel called "The Long Days" which was a thinly veiled autobiography. The book was turned into a 6-hour film in 1980. British director Terrence Young (Dr. No, Thunderball, From Russia With Love) was commissioned by the Iraqi government to edit the film. He is given a co-director’s credit on the film for his contributions.

FRANK CAMPENELLA Died Dec. 30, 2006

Prolific character actor Frank Campanella died at age 87. He was the brother of actor Joseph Campanella. Frank Campanella appeared in over 100 films and TV shows. He was known for playing the Heavy. Mr. Campanella's many film credits include "Somebody Up There Likes Me," "Seconds," "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight," "The Stone Killer," the Ben Gazzara version of "Capone," "Chesty Anderson USN," "High Anxiety," Warren Beatty's "Heaven Can Wait," "The North Avenue Irregulars," "Death Wish II," "Young Doctors In Love," "The Flamingo Kid," "Overboard," "Beaches," "Frankie and Johnny," "Pretty Woman," "Dick Tracy," "Exit to Eden" and "Raising Helen."

Frank Campanella appeared on TV show going back the 1949 show "Captain Video and His Video Rangers." His notable TV appearances include "Studio One," "Naked City," "Car 54, Where Are You?," "Route 66," "The Defenders," "Mission Impossible," "The Wild, Wild West," "Mannix," "Room 222," "The Virginian," "Adam-12," "Medical Center," "The F.B.I.," "Ironside," "Kolchak: The Night Stalker," "All in the Family," "Kojak," "The Love Boat" and "St. Elsewhere."

The brothers Campanella worked together on the TV shows "The Rockford Files," "Mannix" and "Death at the Stock Car Races." Frank Campanella served his country during WWII as a civilian interpreter. Mr. Campanella helped Robert DeNiro perfect his Sicilian accent to play Don Corleone in "The Godfather Part II."