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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.

A.I. BEZZERIDES Died Jan. 1, 2007

Novelist and screenwriter A.I. Bezzerides died at age 98. Film Noir fans are very familiar with Mr. Bezzerides work. He wrote the novel "The Long Haul." It was turned into the hit film "They Drive By Night," which starred George Raft and Humphrey Bogart. Mr. Bezzerides wrote the screenplay for and made a sleazy cameo appearance (see photo) in Nicholas Ray's excellent Noir film "On Dangerous Ground." This was the only film in which the writer made a cameo appearance. Mr. Bezzerides also adapted Mickey Spilane's Mike Hammer story "Kiss Me Deadly" to the screen. That version was directed by Robert Aldrich and starred Ralph Meeker. Humphrey Bogart also starred in the Bezzerides scripted films "Sirocco" and "Action in the North Atlantic." Other Film Noir credits include Burt Lancaster's "Desert Fury," "Thieves Highway" with L.J. Cobb and "A Bullet For Joey," which starred Edward G. Robinson and George Raft. Mr. Bezzerides other credits include "Beneath the 12-Mile Reef," "Juke Girl" with president Reagan, the Robert Mitchum Western "Track of the Cat" and "Holiday for Sinners." Mr. Bezzerides' life was the subject of two documentary films: "Buzz" and "The Long Haul of A.I. Bezzerides."

DEL REEVES Died Jan. 1, 2007

Country music star Del Reeves died of emphysema at age 73. Mr. Reeves became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1966. Mr. Reeves music has appeared on the soundtracks of such films as Karel Reisz's brutal "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Trackdown," "Drive-In" and "The Las Vegas Hillbillys." Mr. Reeves appeared in several films including Burt Reynold's "Sam Whickey." Mr. Reeves also appeared in several drive-in films aimed at Country Music fans during the 1960s. Those titles include "The Gold Guitar," "Forty Acre Feud," "Cottinpickin' Chickenpickers" and "Second Fiddle to a Steel Guitar."

STEVE KRANTZ Died Jan. 4, 2007

Writer/producer Steve Krantz died of complications from pneumonia at age 83. Mr. Krantz was the husband of author Judith Krantz and the father of producer Tony Krantz. Mr. Krantz produced Ralph Bakshi's landmark X-Rated cartoon "Fritz the Cat." The movie was based on Robert Crumb's underground Comic books. "Fritz the Cat" became the first animated film to rake in over $100,000,000.00 at the box-office. The success of the film lead to two more collaborations with Ralph Bakshi: the X-rated cartoon "Heavy Traffic" and the R-rated sequel "The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat." Steve Krantz also brought a number of his wife's books to the small screen. He produced "Mistrial's Daughter," "Princess Daisy," "Dazzle," "Torch Song" and "Till We Meet Again." Steve Krantz wrote and produced the Curtis Harrington directed horror film "Ruby." The movie was butchered upon release and much of the footage was lost. VCI Entertainment restored the movie and released it on DVD several years ago. It is a creepy film directed by one of the unsung heroes of the horror genre. Steve Krantz produced a number of popular films during the 1970. "Cooley High" was a huge hit at the box-office and inspired the TV series "What's Happening." Mr. Krantz also produced the Richard Pryor film "Which Way Is Up?"

VINCENT SARDI JR. Died Jan. 4, 2007

Famed restaurateur Vincent Sardi Jr. died at age 91. He was the owner of the famous Broadway celebrity restaurant Sardi's. The restaurant was started by his father. Mr. Sardi Jr. took over the business in the mid 1940s. Sardi's was very popular with the Broadway theater crowd. The walls of the club are lined with celebrity sketches of the famous patrons from years gone by. Mr. Sardi appeared as himself in several films and TV shows including "The Muppets Take Manhattan" from which the screen capture to the right was taken.

PETE KLEINOW Died Jan. 6, 2007

Country/Rock peddle-steel guitarist Sneaky Pete Kleinow died of Alzheimer's Disease at age 72. Mr. Kleinow was also a noted Emmy-winning stop-motion animator! Sneaky Pete Kleinow was a guitarist for "The Flying Burrito Brothers." Mr. Kleinow appeared in the excellent documentary "Gimmie Shelter" with other members of "The Flying Burrito Brothers" as they performed at the ill-fated Altamont Concert. Mr. Kleinow has millions of devoted music fans. While I did enjoy his music, it is Mr. Kleinow's prowess as a stop-motion animator that always impressed me.

I'm not sure which Pete Kleinow animation I first saw. Maybe it was the Pillsbury DoBoy, but I really believe it was the Purina Chow Chuck Wagon. As a young child, I always wondered how they did that. Later, when my interest in stop-motion animation peeked with the works of Ray Harryhausen, I researched the art and found out just how that tiny horse-drawn wagon could tear through a kitchen with the family dog trailing behind. It happened because Pete Kleinow made it happen…one frame at a time. Now that I think back, I realize that my first exposure to the work of Pete Kleinow was through the animated clay TV shows "Davey and Goliath" and "The Gumby Show." Like millions of other Baby Boomers in my age range, both shows were a regular staple of my TV watching diet.

Another moment ingrained in my memory was my first viewing of "The Terminator." The film jumped from just being a good sci-fi film, to becoming a classic, when the filmmakers went the extra mile at the end of the film. I remember the goose-bumps that rose on my skin and saying to myself "Fucking A!" when, after becoming engulfed in flames, the Terminator walked out of the fire with all of his Schwarzenegger skin burned off. Nothing left by the robotics hidden inside. The film's ending was heavily dependent of stop-motion animation. Pete Kleinow's animation!

Sometimes a really bad movie becomes a fan favorite. Ringo Starr's take-off on "1,000,000 BC" is one such movie. "Caveman" has been a guilty pleasure of mine since my first viewing. Who can forget the look on Pete Kleinow's T-Rex's face as the blind caveman played by Jack Gilford unknowing rubs the huge beast's testicles!

Pete Kleinow was responsible for the spectacular re-entry scenes in "The Right Stuff." He worked with Jim Danforth on the Oscar nominated "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao" and "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm." Remember the scene in "Gremlins" when the army of bad gremlins emerge from the darkness to walk up the street toward the camera? That was Pete Kleinow's work. How about the giant killer robot in "RoboCop II"? That too was Pete Kleinow's work. Mr. Kleinow was there during the Disaster Film craze. He added his magic touch to "Meteor" and "Avalanche." He also worked on a little film called "The Empire Strikes Back."

It was Pete Kleinow who gave us the realistic destruction of troop carriers in outer space during the planet invasion scene in "Starship Troopers." Other film and TV credits include "The Outer Limits," "Land of the Lost," David Lynch's version of "Dune," "Terminator 2," "Nemesis," "Holes," "Under Seige," "Fearless," "Return of the Living Dead" and "Army of Darkness." Mr. Kleinow shared in an Outstanding Individual Achievement: Special Visual Effects Emmy award for his work on the TV miniseries "The Winds of War."

IWAO TAKAMOTO Died Jan. 8, 2007

Master animator Iwao Takamoto died at age 82. A chance encounter with two filmmakers and Mr. Takamoto in a Japanese internment camp during WWII lead to an interview with Walt Disney Studios. Mr. Takamoto was hired on the spot and began his apprenticeship with some of the best animators in history. During his tenure with Disney, Mr. Takamoto worked directly with many of the Nine Old Men. He was an assistant to Milt Kahl. Mr. Takamote worked on short films before moving up to features. He contributed his talents to such classic Disney films as "Lady and the Tramp," "Cinderella," "Peter Pan," "Sleeping Beauty" and "101 Dalmatians."

Mr. Takamote left Disney and went to work for Hanna Barbera in 1961. He was responsible for designing many of that studio's most memorable characters, most notably "Scooby Doo," "Penelope Pitstop" and "Astro" from "The Jetsons." Mr. Takamoto co-directed the 1973 animated feature film version of "Charlotte's Web." In 1996 Mr. Takamote received the Winsor McCay Award at that year's Annie Awards. It is one of the highest awards given to animators. The award is named after Winsor McCay, the creator of "Little Nemo." In 2005, Mr. Takamoto received the Golden Award from the Animation Guild for his 50 years of service to the industry. The website Cartoon Brew has a wonderful interview with Mr. Takamoto conducted by Amid Amidi in 1999. Very informative and entertaining. Some of the biographical information in this tribute comes from that interview. CLICK HERE to read Mr. Amidi's interview with Iwao Takamoto.

BONG SOO HAN Died Jan. 8, 2007

Mr. Posner: You really think those Green Beret karate tricks are going to help you against all these boys?
Billy Jack: Well, it doesn't look to me like I really have any choice now, does it?
Mr. Posner: That's right, you don't.
Billy Jack: You know what I think I'm gonna do then? Just for the hell of it?
Mr. Posner: Tell me.
Billy Jack: I'm gonna take this right foot, and I'm gonna whop you on that side of your face, and you wanna know something? There's not a damn thing you're gonna be able to do about it.
Mr. Posner: Really?
Billy Jack: Really!

At this point in the 1971 blockbuster hit film "Billy Jack" Hapkido grand master Bong Soo Han, doubling for star Tom Laughlin delivers a vicious kick to the right side of actor Bert Freed's face. Thus begins one of the best martial arts fight scenes in any American movie. Though Tom Laughlin performed many of the fight stunts himself, the more difficult moves were performed by Mr. Laughlin's stunt double and Hapkido teacher Grand Master Bong Soo Han. I've lost track of how many times I've seen "Billy Jack." I saw it the first time with my little brother Sean. I was 12 and I guess Sean was 7. We tried out the kicks we saw in the film on mailboxes that lines the road home from the theater.

Grand Master Bong Soo Han died at age 75. Bong Soo Han was born is South Korea. He studied martial arts as he grew. Master Han opened his first school in the US in 1967. Grand Master Han was hired by the US Government to train the special forces in Vietnam the art of Hapkido. On July 4th, 1969 Grand Master Han was giving a demonstration of his talents at the bequest of the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. Actor Tom Laughlin was in the audience. The two men met, talked and the rest is history.

Bong Soo Han came out of the 'stunt double' shadows to play a major role in Tom Laughlin's follow-up film "The Trial of Billy Jack." The fight scenes were not as expertly filmed as in the 1971 film, but it did feature a great shot of Grand Master Han kicking two men simultaneously with an impressive jump kick. Master Han did a hilarious spoof of himself in John Landis's comedy film "Kentucky Fried Movie." He served as a technical advisor on "The Presidio." Master Han appeared as himself in two documentaries: "Modern Warriors" and "Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes."

YVONNE DE CARLO Died Jan. 8, 2007

Actress Yvonne De Carlo died of natural causes at age 84. Though she appeared in over 120 films and TV shows, Ms. De Carlo will be best remembered for her Iconic role as Lily Munster in the hit 1960s TV series "The Munsters." Ms. De Carlo played the monsterous matriarch of the comical family of ghouls. The great ensemble cast included Fred Gwynne as her husband Herman Munster and Al Lewis as Grandpa. The TV series ran for two years and spawned one theatrical spin-off as well as two Made for TV movies.

Yvonne De Carlo's career encompassed so much more than her role as Lily. She began her career as a sex symbol as a contract player at Paramount and Universal. Ms. De Carlo appeared in bit parts in such well known Paramount films as "Lucky Jordon," "This Gun For Hire," "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "Road to Morocco," "The Deerslayer" and "Kismet." Paramount dropped her contract and Ms. De Carlo obtaining star billing in her first film at Universal: the Western "Salome Where She Danced."

At Universal, Ms. De Carlo found herself being case for her beauty more than acting talent. Her many credits include "Criss Cross," "Song of Scheherazade," "The Desert Hawk" and "Hurricane Smith." Famed director Cecile B. DeMille finally saw in Ms. De Carlo the ability to act as he cast her in the classic "The Ten Commandments." She played opposite Charlton Heston as the wife of Moses.

Ms. De Carlo also enjoyed success on Broadway in Stephen Sondheim's Tony-Award winning play "Follies." Ms. De Carlo's other film and TV credits include "Band of Angels," "McClintock!," "The Power," Russ Meyers "The Seven Minutes," "Satan's Cheerleaders," "Silent Scream," "The Man With Bogart's Face," "Liar's Moon," "National Lampoon's Class Reunion," "Oscar" and "Seasons of the Heart."

IRMA ST. PAULE Died Jan. 9, 2007

One of my greatest pleasures in working for EInsiders has been getting to know certain filmmakers. Dante Tomaselli is one of those filmmakers whose work I admire and look forward to. I guess that vicarious connection to actress Irma St. Paule makes the news of her passing that much sadder. I never met, or spoke with Ms. Paule, but I talked to Dante about what it was like for him to work with the great actress. I enjoyed her creepy performances in Dante's films "Desecration" and "Satan's Playground." Director Tomaselli shared his feeling with me on the loss of his friend and collaborator: "We all miss Irma. I was lucky enough to be with her the day before she passed. She was a brilliant actress and a beloved friend."

Ms. St. Paule had a long an distinguished career on TV, stage and film. She appeared on Broadway and on Soap Operas. Feature films and hit TV series. Her many credits include "The Guiding Light," "The Oracle," "The Cemetery Club," "Party Girl," "Twelve Monkeys," "Thinner," "Sex and the City," "OZ," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "Law & Order" and "Chappelle's Show." Thanks for chilling performance as Mrs. Leeds. It still makes me want to stay clear of the Jersey Pine Barrens. Special thanks to autograph collector Danny Rentz for hsaring this picture of Ms. St. Paule with me and my readers!

CARLO PONTI Died Jan. 10, 2007

Oscar-nominated producer Carlo Ponti died of pulmonary complications at age 94. Though he produced some of the greatest films in screen history, though he mentored some of the brightest directors to emerge in the last half century, Carlo Ponti will be best know for his love affair with actress and wife Sophia Loren. Carlo Ponti did battle with the powers of nations and churches to be with the woman he loved. He was threatened with jail and damnation in hell because of his desire to be with Ms. Loren. Their first marriage, performed by proxy in Mexico in 1957 was annulled in 1962. The lovers would eventually marry each other by leaving Italy and becoming French citizens. They were successfully married in 1966. They would have celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary in April of this year.

Carlo Ponti's list of credits is varied and astute. He produced epic masterpieces, art-house films, popular horror films, Spaghetti Westerns, films with a political message. Mr. Ponti was responsible in large part for helping give birth to the New Wave. He mentored such directors as Michelangelo Antonionio, Roman Polanski, Jean Luc Godard and Frederico Fellini. Mr. Ponti served as mentor to up-and-coming producer Dino De Laurentiis.

Mr. Ponti's film credits during the 1950s include "Europa '51" and "Dov'e La Liberta?" both directed by Roberto Rosellini, Felinni's "La Strada," Robert Rossen's "Mambo," Vittorio Di Sica's "The Gold of Naples," "Attlia" starring Anthony Quinn, "Ullysses" starring Kirk Douglas, King Vidor's "War and Peace," Martin Ritt's "The Black Orchid" and Sidney Lumet's "That Kind of Women."

The 1960s were a period of great professional success, even though it was a period of personal turmoil. Of the 37 film's Mr. Ponti would produce for the love of his life, Vittorio Di Sica's "Two Women" would prove the most special. The film earned Sophia Loren the Best Actress Oscar in 1961. Mr. Ponti's film credits from the 1960s include "Heller in Pink Tights," Michael Curtiz's "A Breath of Scandal," "Two Women," "Lola," Jean Luc Godard's "Le Meppris" and "A Woman is a Woman," "Cleo From 5 to 7," the Fellini/Di Sica/Visconti/Monicelli directed comedy "Boccaccio '70," Claude Chabrol's "The Third Lover," Vittorio Di Sica's Oscar winner "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," Di Sica's Oscar nominated "Marriage, Italian Style," "Operation Crossbow," "The 10th Victim," "Lady L" with Paul Newman, David Lean's masterpiece "Dr. Zhivago," The Oscar winning "Closely Watched Trains," Michelangelo Antonionio Oscar-nominated "Blow-Up" and Milos Forman's Oscar-nominated "The Fireman's Ball."

Carlo Ponti's output during the 1970s had a more populists taste to it. Youth films, horror movies and the occasional message movie thrown in for good measure. Of couse, he also continued to produce handsome films for his wife to star in. Michelangelo Antonionio's "Zabriskie Point" is a mishmash of 1960s pyschobabble filtered through Andy Warhol and a whole bunch of drugs. It has to be seen to be believed. This was the first film produced by Mr. Ponti in the 1970s. Other credits include "La Mortadella," Roman Polanski's "What?," "Massacre in Rome," "Andy Warhol's Frankenstein," "Torso," "High School Girl," "The Babysitter," Antonionio's misfire "The Passenger," "The Sensuous Nurse," "The Cassandra Crossing" and "The Squeeze."

Carlo Ponti was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar for "Dr. Zhivago." He won three David Di Donatello Awards for "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," "Marriage: Italian Style" and "Dr. Zhivago." He shared a Best Producer Award with Dino De Laurentiis for Fellini's "La Strada."

WALTER CHO TAT-WAH Died Jan. 13, 2007

Legendary Hong Kong actor Walter Cho Tat-Wah died of a stomach hemorrhage at age 91. Mr. Tat-Wah was admitted to a London hospital and died a few days later. Walter Cho Tat-Wah began his lengthy career during the 1930s as an assistant director. He was AD on a handful of films and directed another. His biggest influence on Hong Kong Cinema was as an actor. Walter Cho Tat-Wah appeared in over 350 films! As a teenager, Mr. Tat-Wah ran away to Shanghai work in the movies. By 1948 he had returned to Hong Kong and launched his own studio. Walter Cho Tat-Wah continued to act until the late 1990s. Among his many, many credits are the "Aces Goes Places" film series, the "White Bone Sword" film series, the "Huang Feihong" film series, "The Duel of the Century," "The Godfather From Canton," the "Lucky Stars" film series, "Mr. Vampire 2" and "A Gamble's Story." The last title is a bit ironic as Mr. Tat-Wah had a reputation for winning and losing multiple fortunes as a gambler. Mr. Tat-Wah directed the 1970 film "Secret Agent No. 1." He received the Professional Spirit Award in 2003 for his lifetime contribution to the Chinese and Hong Kong cinemas.

HARVEY COHEN Died Jan. 14, 2007

Award-winning composer Harvey Cohen died of a heart attack at age 55. Mr. Cohen was nominated for six Emmy Awards for his music. Mr. Cohen won twice for the animated TV series "The Adventures of Batman and Robin" and "Disney's Aladdin." Mr. Cohen's work was also recognized with two Annie nominations. Though he was not nominated for his participation, Mr. Cohen was John William's arranger on the Oscar nominated score for the remake of "Sabrina." Mr. Cohen's credits as composer were mainly in the field of animated TV. He contributed as arranger and orchestrator on a number of feature films including "Naked Gun: 33 1/3," "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut," "The Patriot," "Little Nicky," "Babe Ruth," "Citizen Cohn," "Eight Crazy Nights," the remake of "King Kong" and "Mission Impossible 3."

PETER RONSON Died Jan. 16, 2007

Icelandic Olympian, businessman and former actor Peter Ronson died of natural causes at age 72. Mr. Ronson was a USC student and athlete in the 1950s. He represented his native country in the 110-Meter Hurdles at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Like millions of other sci-fi fans my age, Peter Ronson will always be remembered for his one film role. Mr. Ronson played Hans Belker in the 1959 classic "Journey to the Center of the Earth." The screen capture at right also shows Mr. Ronson's character's pet duck Gertrude. Mr. Ronson also received a technical advisor credit on the film. All of his lines were spoken in his native tongue.

RON CAREY Died Jan. 16, 2007

Actor Ron Carey died of complications following a stroke at age 71. The comedic actor was a frequent collaborator with director Mel Brooks. He appeared in three Mel Brooks films: "Silent Movie," "The History of the World: Part 1" and most notably "High Anxiety." Mr. Carey may be best remembered as part of the wonderful ensemble cast of the classic TV series "Barney Miller." Mr. Carey held his own against a great cast as the hapless Officer Levitt. Mr. Carey's other film credits include the original (and superior) version of "The Out of Towners," "Who Killed Mary What's 'Er Name?," Dom DeLuise's "Fatso" and "Johnny Dangerously." Mr. Carey began working as a stand-up comedian. He performed his routines on many TV shows "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show With Johnny Carson." Thanks for the laughs!

ART BUCHWALD Died Jan. 17, 2007

He was one of the good guys. Real, open, smart and funny as they come. Art Buchwald's newspaper columns cut to the chase. His insight into politics and common sense was as astute as anyone since, and probably including Will Rogers. Art Buchwald died at age 81. He and his doctors expected Mr. Buchwald to pass away last February when he stopped his kidney dialysis treatments. He defied the odds for nearly a year. We are the more fortunate for this because Mr. Buchwald was able to publish yet another book. This one about the experience of dying.

Art Buchwald was involved in one of the most famous court cases in Hollywood history. He sold a two-page treatment to Paramount Pictures entitled "King for a Day." Buchwald claimed that the Eddie Murphy hit "Coming to America" was based on his treatment. The courts agreed and Paramount was ordered to pay Mr. Buchwald nearly a million dollars. Despite grossing nearly $300,000,000.00 worldwide, Paramount then claimed that they movie did not make a profit. I guess some lawyers and accountants don't fear Hell. Buchwald and Paramount finally settled the dispute out of court. Art Buchwald received writing credits on a couple of movies: Stanley Donen's "Surprise Package" and "Play Time." Mr. Buchwald's children's book "The Bolo Caper" was turned into an animated weekend TV special. Thanks for the light, wisdom and humor you provided us with your life.

DENNY DOHERTY Died Jan. 19, 2007

This has been a week to deal with one's own mortality. Unhealthy smoking habits landed me on my back and in a hospital with the possibility of an incurable disease. While resting up this week I write one obit of a man who died of what I might have. I then write an obit for a young French actress (my age) who passed away from heart failure. Today, one of the Icons from you youth passed away. Those illusions that I am still young at heart and mind, despite residing a body that revolts and becomes move revolting by the hour quickly fall away like to scaly skin on my aging legs and arms. I think back to my childhood. TO a special song that has been with me since 1966. The "Mamas and Papas" song that had the biggest influence on me at the time was "Go Where You Wanna Go." As a 9-year-old growing up in an abusive household, I latched on to the song. I sang it long past its time on the charts. I would go where I want to go, do what I want to do. I would get away from the horror of a psychotic father and drunk mother. Those memories remain strong in my soul. Would that I had the strength as a small child to follow the lyrics to another world. That would come later. The "Mamas and the Papas" biggest hit accented my favorite song by them. Yes, I wanted to go somewhere. Like most kids growing up in middle America in the 60s I wanted to head to California. "California Dreaming." I didn't make it until the 70s. Post Vietnam, post-Watergate, post Haight Ashbury. Still, those songs by the "Mamas and the Papas" served as spiritual guides during the hitchhiking trip across country to get there. The songs had been joined by a more ominous anthem: The Eagles "Hotel California." That journey lead me to California and eventually into the military. Running and searching. At the end of my unhappy tour of duty, the "Mamas and Papas" ironically reared their voices again. During my last night on base, my last night in the service, I sat up watching the late movie. It was the great documentary "Monterey Pop." Music and message from a time gone by. Once more the music brought my heart to an idealistic place. Shortly after leaving the military, I began to work in the Grand Canyon National Park. The song "Go Where You Wanna Go" rang in my head as I road the Greyhound bus cross country. I remember arriving at the magnificent gorge in the earth and sitting for an hour admiring the majesty. This was the place that my youthful longing, inspired by a song by four people I would never meet, brought me. A place where I began to grow and become a human being in my own right. It was here that I would meet the woman who would give birth to my precious Christy. Some folks say that music is just wall paper for our life. Sometimes, music can mean so much more. One song continually urged me to move forward. I wish I could have thanked those four singers for the impact the song had on my life. Denny Doherty, died today, so it is impossible to thank him. I would probably sound like a crazed stalker if I did try to explain such an intangible thing to him. Michele Philips is the last remaining member of the influential 60 folk/rock band. So, here I sit, facing an uncertain medical future while my childhood icons pass before me. And my own children begin their own journeys to go where they wanna go. Though Denny Dorherty has passed away, the music he wrote and sang still remains. Still inspires. In the back of my mind I can here the song start up. "You've Got to go where you wanna go, Do what you wanna do, with whoever…" Time to go to sleep and dream of the future, both mine and my children's.

BRIAN EATWELL Died Jan. 20, 2007

BAFTA nominated Production Designer Brian Eatwell died at age 67. Brian Eatwell was involved in so many of my favorite films, that I am amazed I never heard of him before discovering he had died. Mr. Eatwell's lone BAFTA nomination was for his work in one of the best films of the 1970s: Richard Lester's "The Three Musketeers." Like everyone else involved in the project, Mr. Eatwell was also credited in the sequel "The Four Musketeers." Both films were shot at the same time, but released theatrically a year apart from each other. Brian Eatwell worked with director Nicholas Roeg on his breakthrough film "Walkabout" as well as Roeg's sci-fi cult classic "The Man Who Fell to Earth." The photo at right is from Mr. Eatwell's appearance in the Anchor Bay featurette "Watching the Alien" from their great DVD of "The Man Who Fell to Earth." Mr. Eatwell designed the sets for the great Vincent Price camp-horror films "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" and "Dr. Phibes Rises Again." He was the art director on the creepy 1967 horror film "The Shuttered Room." Among Mr. Eatwell's many production design credits are the excellent Made for TV film "The Missiles of October," the Christian rock opera "Godspell," the horrible "Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band," Joseph Wambaugh's "The Onion Field," Samuel Fuller's controversial "White Dog," "Tales of Erotica," "The Watcher," "Joshua" and the upcoming ToM Savini horror film "The Forest." Mr. Eatwell was married to Emmy-nominated costume designer Mary Routh.

E. HOWARD HUNT Died Jan. 23, 2007

Hero or traitor, patriot or usurper of the public trust. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Maybe not a tailor. E. Howard Hunt served as a soldier and sailor and OSS officer during WWII and later became a shadow warrior in the CIA. From the Guatemala to the Bay of Pigs to Watergate and countless other covert ops in between, E. Howard Hunt stood in the darkness working for what he believed was his nation's best interest. If you believe Victor Marchetti's articles and Oliver Stone's highly speculative film, E. Howard Hunt was involved in JFK's assassination. Mr. Hunt sued the magazine that published Mr. Marchetti's article.

E. Howard Hunt's involvement in setting up the Watergate break in pulled him out from his shadowy, covert world, ending his CIA career. The act also earned him a 35-year prison sentence. Mr. Hunt served less than three years of the sentence. He then began a low profile private life. Mr. Hunt also continued his prolific career as a writer of both novels and non-fiction books. E. Howard Hunt was the author over nearly 90 books!

An interesting trivia note is the fact that the creator's of the TV series "Mission Impossible" based the main character of Jim Phelps on Mr. Hunt. The fact wasn't acknowledged until director Brian DePalma made the film version. The main character was now named 'Ethan Hunt' in tribute to the real-life spy. Mr. Hunt appeared in the 11994 miniseries documentary "Watergate." Mr. Hunt was portrayed by actor Ed Harris in Oliver Stone's surprisingly forgiving "Nixon." He was also portrayed by James Greene in the TV mini series "Blind Ambition" based on John Dean's account of the Watergate scandal. Actor Bill Zuckert played Mr. Hunt in the Charles Colson biopic "Born Again."

DAVID RONNE Died Jan. 23, 2007

Multi Oscar and Emmy nominated sound mixer David Ronne died at age 63. Mr. Ronne worked on over 100 films and TV shows. He shared three Oscar nominations for his work on the films "On Golden Pond," "The River" and "Silverado." Mr. Ronne was nominated four times for the Emmy Award. His Emmy-nominated credits are "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman," "Eleanor and Franklin: The Early years," "Brooklyn Bridge" and "Gypsy." Mr. Ronne's many feature film credits include "Miami Vice," "Hart's War," "I Still Know What You Did Last Summer," "Face/Off," "Stargate," "Beetle Juice," "Star 80," "Thief," "Melvin and Howard," "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days," "Marathon Man," "Burnt Offerings," "Obsession" and "Conrack."

TIGE ANDREWS Died Jan 27, 2007

Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actor Tige Andrews died at age 86. Mr. Andrews was best known to TV audiences of the 1960s for his role as Captain Greer on "The Mod Squad." Mr. Andrews received both an Emmy and Golden Globe award nomination for his work on the series which ran five seasons. He reprised his role in the 1979 TV movie "Return of the Mod Squad." Mr. Andrews also received an Emmy nomination for a guest appearance on the TV series "The Big Valley." "Star Trek" fans remember Tige Andrews for his role as the Klingon Kras in the original TV series.

Tige Andrews appeared in over 60 films and TV series during his career. His career actually began on the stage. His Broadway credits include "The Threepenny Opera" and "Mister Roberts." Director John Ford cast Mr. Andrews in the film version of "Mister Roberts." That was Tige Andrews' film debut. John Ford also cast him in his film "The Wings of Eagles" and the TV show "Alcoa Presents: Flashing Spikes." Mr. Andrews's film credits include Robert Wise's "Until They Sail," "China Doll," "Onionhead," Raoul Walsh's "A Private's Affair," "In Enemy Country," in the title role of "The Werewolf of Woodstock," Elia Kazan's "The Last Tycoon" and the Allen Smithee directed Vanna White stripper movie "Gypsy Angels." Tige Andrews played Shimon Peres in the excellent Made for TV movie "Raid on Entebbe."

SIDNEY SHELDON Died Jan. 30, 2007

Oscar, Tony and Emmy award-winning writer/producer and best selling novelist Sidney Sheldon died of pneumonia at age 89. Sidney Sheldon wrote the kind of books that women loved to read at the beach. Summer fluff that took them away to far-off and exotic places. The books were populated by the kind of women that other women fantasized about being: smart, sexy, tough and feminine all at the same time. It was writing novels that gave Sidney Sheldon his greatest professional satisfaction. His books sold millions of copies. Not bad for a man who began writing novels halfway through his life. Not bad for a man who had already attained the pinnacle of success on stage, in feature films and on TV.

Sidney Sheldon won the Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the Cary Grant/Shirley Temple comedy "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer." Among his original and adapted screenplays are "Annie Get Your Gun," "Easter Parade," "Three Guys Named Mike" and "You're Never Too Young."

During the 1960s, Mr. Sheldon turned his pen to TV. During this same time period he became a producer and series creator. Mr. Sheldon created the hit TV series "I Dream of Jeannie," "The Patty Duke Show" and "Hart to Hart." Mr. Sheldon won an Emmy Award as executive producer of "I Dream of Jeannie."

When Mr. Sheldon's novels became blockbusters, many of them were adapted for the screen or TV. Those works include "The Other Side of Midnight," "Rage of Angels," "Master of the Game," "Windmills of the Gods," "The Sands of Time" and "A Stranger in the Mirror."

Mr. Sheldon also enjoyed success on Broadway. He wrote six plays for the Great White Way. The 1959 play "Redhead" won Mr. Sheldon the Best Musical Tony award. Bob Fosse choreographed the play and Fosse's wife Gwen Verdon starred.

Mr. Sheldon served his country as a pilot in the US Army/Air Corp during WWII.

DONFELD Died Feb. 3, 2007

Multi-Oscar and Emmy nominated costume designer Donfeld died at age 72. Donfeld was nominated four times for the Best Costume Design Oscar. His Oscar nominations came for his work in the films "Days of Wine and Roses," "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," "Tom Sawyer" and "Prizzi's Honor." Donfeld received an Emmy nomination for the TV series "Wonder Woman." Donfeld's many credits include "Wild in the Country," the 1962 version of "State Fair," "Viva Las Vegas," "Robin and the 7 Hoods," "The Great Race," "The Cincinnati Kid," "Hombre," "The Chase," "The April Fools," "Diamonds Are Forever," "Lipstick," the original "Fun With Dick and Jane," "Who'll Stop the Rain," "The China Syndrome," "Inchon," "Space Balls" and "Brainstorm."

BARBARA MCNAIR Died Feb. 4, 2007

Singer/actress Barbara McNair died of throat cancer at age 72. Ms. McNair began her singing career in cabarets, night clubs and on stage. She appeared on Broadway in 1958. Ms. McNair was one of the first Black women to host her own TV show in the US. As the shame that was segregation began to crumble in America, the entertainment industry began to present Black Americans as real human beings. "The Barbara McNair Show" premiered in 1969 and ran until 1971. Ms. McNair also enjoyed a successful film career. She played Sidney Poitier's wife in "They Call Me. Mr. TIBBS!" and "The Organization." The two films were sequels to the Oscar-winning "In the Heat of the Night." Her other film and TV credits include "A Change of Habit" with Elvis, "I Spy," "Hogan's Heroes," "The Mod Squad," "Mission Impossible," "Vega$," "The Jeffersons" and "The Redd Foxx Show." Ms. McNair performed as a singer on many, many variety TV shows including "Laugh In," "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson."

FRANKIE LAINE Died Feb. 6, 2007

Emmy-nominated singer Frankie Laine died of complications following hip replacement surgery. The 93-year-old singer sold over 100 million records during a career that began in the 1930s. Frankie Laine sang many memorable themes songs for films and TV shows including "Rawhide," Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles," "3:10 to Yuma" and "The Gunfight at the O.K. Corral." Mr. Laine's songs can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "Raging Bull," "Jennifer 8," "Men Don't Leave," "House Calls," "The Last Picture Show" and "Man Without a Star." Mr. Laine performed in person on many TV shows including "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Steve Allen Show" and "The Colgate Comedy Hour."

ANNA NICOLE SMITH Died Feb. 8, 2007

Celebrity sex-goddess Anna Nicole Smith died of undisclosed causes at age 39. Ms. Smith was found unconscious at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida. Attempts to resuscitate Ms. Smith were futile. Although Ms. Smith's passing is sad, it is not really a shock. The tragic end of her life if excess seemed preordained in many ways. Ms. Smith rose from poverty to a position of great wealth. She progressed from stripper, to Playboy Playmate, to Guess Jeans Icon and to the wife of a near-dead billionaire. Her court battle over her inheritance with the son of her late husband ended up in the United States Supreme Court. A few movies and TV appearances followed. Ms. Smith's weight ballooned up, and she gained some notoriety when she won her battle against obesity. Her life became another TV sideshow as she allowed the cameras to move into her strange world. "The Anna Nicole Show" was just one more example of how far TV and TV audiences would sink for entertainment. It was like watching a slow car crash. Ms. Smith's life was marked by joy and sorrow in recent months. She gave birth to a baby daughter. Within days, her firstborn child Daniel Smith died of a drug overdose while visiting his mother in the hospital. Her time of grief was complicated by the suspicious circumstances of her son's death, his long-delayed funeral and wrangling over DNA tests to prove just who fathered her new daughter. Her trials on earth are over. I never knew Ms. Smith. My thoughts are based on observing her weird dance through the world of celebrity. Ms. Smith isn't the first person to be overwhelmed by fame and wealth. Nor will she be the last. If her tragic fate can warn some other young person who is also dancing near the brink, then maybe some good will come from these events. Prayers of comfort for her young daughter.

ALEX PHILLIPS JR. Died Feb. 12, 2007

Mexican cinematographer Alex Phillips Sr. died of complications from stomach ulcers at age 72. Mr. Phillips lensed over 100 films during his career. Mr. Phillips was in demand both in his native land and in the US. He was the son of cinematographer Alex Phillips Sr. His father photographed over 200 films! Alex Phillips Jr. shot Sam Peckinpah's most personal film "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia." His many film credits include "Romancing the Stone," "Born in East L.A.," "Firewalker," "Murphy's Law," the B-movie classic "High Risk," Robert Ludlum's "The Rhinemann Exchange," "Canoa," "The Great Scout and Cathouse Thursday," "The Devil's Rain," "The Savage is Loose," Robert Mitchum's "The Wrath of God," "Buck and the Preacher" and "The Fool Killer."

PETER ELLENSHAW Died Feb. 12, 2007

Oscar-winning matte painter Peter Ellenshaw died at age 93. The multi-Oscar-nominated visual effects whiz worked his magic in over 30 Disney films. Mr. Ellenshaw's work wasn't just limited to Disney films. However it was that body of work that Oscar recognized. He won an Oscar for his work on "Mary Poppins." Mr. Ellenshaw's other three Oscar nominations were for his work on Disney's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Black Hole" and "Island at the Top of the World." Peter Ellenshaw worked his magic as a matte painter. Matte paintings are background paintings done on glass. In the days before CGI, optical printers would combine film elements such as live action scenes, matte paintings and in many cases animation to form the wondrous cinematic images we all love. Mr. Ellenshaw worked on such classics as "The Thief of Bagdad," "Black Narcissus," "Major Barbara," "The Red Shoes," "Quo Vadis" and "Spartacus." Mr. Ellenshaw's prolific work at Disney included such classics as "Treasure Island," "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "Old Yeller," "Swiss Family Robinson," "The Gnome-Mobile" and the original version of "The Love Bug." The British born Mr. Ellenshaw served his country in the Royal Air Force during WWII.

LEE PATERSON Died Feb. 14, 2007

Actor Lee Paterson died of cancer at age 77. Though he began his career in British films, Lee Paterson was best known for his co-starring role on the TV series "Surfside 6." He co-starred with Troy Donahue and Van Williams in the series about three private eyes in Miami. Mr. Patterson appeared in over 75 films and TV shows during his career. Soap Opera fans remember him for his work on "One Life To Live." Mr. Patterson's credits include "Jack the Ripper," "36 Hours," "Man With a Gun," "Chato's Land," "Death Wish 3," "The Last Days of Patton" and "War and Remembrance."

RAY EVANS Died Feb. 15, 2007

Multi-Oscar-winning songwriter Ray Evans died of a heart attack at age 92. Mr. Evans was half of an extremely successful songwriting team. His partner Jay Livingston died in October 2001. Mr. Livingston's obituary was one of the first ones I wrote for this column. Ray Evans wrote the lyrics and Livingston the music. The pair was nominated for seven Oscars. They won three Best Song Oscars. Their Oscar winning song "Que Sera, Sera" became a plot device for the Master of Suspense Alfred Hitchcock in his remake of "The Man Who Knew Too Much." Doris Day sang the song in hopes that her kidnapped son would hear her and reveal his location. Their song "Mona Lisa" from "Captain Carey, U.S.A." won another Best Song Oscar. Their third Oscar was for the song "Buttons and Bows" from the Bob Hope comedy "The Paleface." Ray Evan's songs have been used on the soundtracks of over 150 films and TV shows. Mr. Evans and Livingston were nominated four more times for the Best Song Oscar. They shared one nomination with Henry Mancini for the movie "Dear Heart." Their other three nominations were for the films "Houseboat," "Tammy and the Bachelor" and "Why Girls Leave Home."

HERMAN BRIX aka BRUCE BENNETT Died Feb. 24, 2006

Actor and Olympic athlete Herman Brix died at age 100. Mr. Brix won the silver medal for the shot-put at the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam. Mr. Brix took the stage name of Bruce Bennett and appeared in over 140 films and TV shows. Mr. Bennett played the character of Lord Greystoke aka Tarzan, King of the Apes in the 1930s movie serial "The New Adventures of Tarzan." The 12-part serial was produced by "Tarzan" author Edgar Rice Burroughs. While millions of movie fans world wide loved Johnny Weissmuller's "Tarzan" films, the character's creator hated them. Bruce Bennett was the only actor to play the character as it was written until Christopher Lambert did so in the 1984 film "Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan: Lord of the Apes." Bruce Bennett had an important cameo role in my favorite film: "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." Mr. Bennett plays a prospector who comes into the camp of the main characters(Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt and Walter Huston) and demands to be cut into their operation. He does so knowing that if they say no, he will be killed. Though the main characters decide to kill him, they are interrupted by bandits (We don't need no stinking badges!) before they can do the deed. Mr. Bennett's other film appearances include W.C. Fields' "Million Dollar Legs," "Mildred Pierce," "Sahara," "Nora Prentiss," "Dark Passage," "The Great Missouri Raid," "Strategic Air Command," "Love Me Tender," "The Alligator People" and "Deadhead Miles."

ANDY SIDARIS Died Mar. 7, 2007

Emmy-winning director Andy Sidaris died of throat cancer at age 76. Andy Sidaris succeeded in two genres. He was a pioneering TV sports director. He directed episodes of "ABCs Wide World of Sports" for a quarter century. His direction of the controversial 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City won him an Emmy award. I imagine that most people remember Andy Sidaris for his boob-filled action films. Mr. Sidaris developed a loyal following for the dozen films he directed aimed a young male audience. With a stable of actresses that include Julie Strain, Dona Speir, Roberta Vasquez and others, Andy Sidaris turned out thrillers with T&A. "Charlie's Angels" with a healthy libido and Russ Meyer's eye for cleavage. Tell the truth, a few of his films were actually worthwhile for more than the eye-candy. "Picasso Trigger" was my favorite Andy Sidaris film. Cool plot, hot women in the lead roles and some pretty cool action scenes. The photo at right is the cover shot from Andy Sidaris's book "Bullets, Bombs and Babes: The Films of Andy Sidaris."

JOHN INMAN Died Mar. 8, 2007

British comedic actor John Inman died at age 71 after a lengthy battle with Hepatitis A. John Inman played Mr. Humphries on the long-running hit TV series "Are You Being Served?" The BBC series ran for 12 seasons and still plays around the world in syndication. John Inman appeared in a number of other TV shows, but he will forever be remembered for his character on "Are You Being Served?" He never failed to make me laugh. I always wondered how he would have fared along side the great ensemble cast on "The Carol Burnet Show."

BETTY HUTTON Died Mar. 11, 2007

Actress Betty Hutton died of colon cancer at age 86. Ms. Hutton soared to the top of the Hollywood pecking order in the late 1940s only to walk away from stardom in 1952. Ms. Hutton walked out on her Paramount contract at the zenith of her stardom. Though she acted off-and-on on TV, Ms. Hutton never recaptured the popularity she experienced during the late 1940s. Ms. Hutton starred in Preston Sturges' classic screwball comedy "The Miracle of Morgan's Creek." Ms. Hutton played a young woman who enjoyed a night or revelry with several soldiers set to ship out for WWII. She wakes up married to one of the soldiers (can't remember which one!) and pregnant. It is one of the best American films of the era. Far ahead of its time and still very funny. This was the one film in which Ms. Hutton was actually allowed to step outside the persona the public expected. Betty Hutton appeared in over 50 films, documentaries and TV shows during her career. She starred in 19 feature films during the decade of 1942 through 1952. She made one feature film after walking away from her contract in 1952. Ms. Hutton's film credits include "The Greatest Show on Earth," "Annie Get Your Gun," "The Perils of Pauline," "Incendiary Blonde," "Red, Hot and Blue" and "Somebody Loves Me." Ms. Hutton battled prescription drug addiction for nearly two decades. With the help of a Catholic priest the Rev. Peter Maguire, Ms. Hutton beat her addiction and enjoyed an active senior life.

STUART ROSENBERG Died Mar. 15, 2007

He was one of the greats. Like Robert Altman, he began directing TV and went on to direct some of the most memorable films of the 1960s and 70s. His credits include one of the greatest films in history as well as a number of other very good films. Stuart Rosenberg died of a heart attack at age 79. His masterpiece was "Cool Hand Luke." Mr. Rosenberg earned a DGA nomination for the 1967 film. "What we've got here is failure to communicate…" Though Stuart Rosenberg was never nominated for an Oscar, his films garnered 11 nominations. Mr. Rosenberg's actors were often the recipients of Oscar's nod. George Kennedy won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work under Rosenberg in "Cool Hand Luke." Mr. Rosenberg directed Peter Falk (Murder Inc.), Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke), Lee Grant (Voyage of the Damned) and Geraldine Page (The Pope of Greenwich Village) to Oscar nominated performances.

Stuart Rosenberg learned his trade working on the small screen. He won an Emmy Award for directing an episode of "The Defenders." He directed 19 episodes of that series. Mr. Rosenberg was also a regular director on the gritty crime series "The Untouchables." He directed 15 episodes. His work on "The Untouchables" lead to his first feature film, the true-life crime film "Murder Inc." The movie has a great Film Noir look to it. Filmed on location in the Bronx, Rosenberg delivered a brutal crime movie that still holds up 47 years later. Mr. Rosenberg's other TV credits include "The Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "Rawhide."

After the 1967 film "Cool Hand Luke" Stuart Rosenberg left TV for good. He directed such memorable films as "Brubaker" with Robert Redford, "The Pope of Greenwich Village," "Voyage of the Damned," "The Amityville Horror," Paul Newman's sequel to "Harper" called "The Drowning Pool," "The April Fools" with Jack Lemmon and Catherine Deneuve and "The Laughing Policeman." Mr. Rosenberg worked with Paul Newman four times. The photos at right are from the location shoot of "The Drowning Pool." Mr. Rosenberg also directed Paul Newman in "WUSA" and "Pocket Money." Other film credits include "Move" with Elliot Gould, "Love and Bullets" with Charles Bronson," "My Heroes Have All Been Cowboys" and his 'Allen Smithee' film "Let's Get Harry."

FREDDIE FRANCIS Died Mar. 17, 2007

Oscar-winning cinematographer Freddie Francis died of complications following a stroke. Mr. Francis was 89 years old. In addition to his illustrious career as a cinematographer, Freddie Francis enjoyed success as a horror movie director. Mr. Francis, along with Terence Fisher, Roy Ward Baker and Jimmy Sangster was one of Hammer Films workhorse directors. He also directed some great films in the Amicus omnibus series. I knew of Mr. Francis's work as a horror movie director long before I knew what a cinematographer even was.

Though his greatest acclaim came as an in demand cinematographer, Freddie Francis inspired me and millions of other young horror movie fans with his many horror films. Freddie Francis's sequel "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave" is second only to Terence Fisher's original "Horror of Dracula" in the Christopher Lee film series. Actress Veronica Carlson co-starred with Christopher Lee in "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave." She remembered working with Freddie Francis during an interview with me in 2001: "He was a brilliant cinematographer. He has won Oscars for his camera work. His movies had great pictures and lighting. As a director he was very gentle with me. He realized I was a new comer." Mr. Francis shot eight films with British horror legend Peter Cushing and four with Christopher Lee. Freddie Francis' other horror films include directing addition scenes for "The Day of the Triffids," "Dr. Terror's House of Horrors," "The Evil of Frankenstein," "The Skull," "The Psychopath," "Torture Garden," "The Deadly Bees," "They Came From Beyond Space," "Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly," "Trog," the feature film version of "Tales From the Crypt," "The Creeping Flesh," "Tales That Witness Madness," "Legend of the Werewolf," "The Ghoul," "Craze" and "Dark Tower." Freddie Francis also directed the Harry Nilsson/Ringo Starr rock and roll horror film "Son of Dracula."

Freddie Francis is best remembered for his work as a cinematographer. He helped numerous top directors capture their vision. Freddie Francis work as a cinematographer was honored with two Oscars, was nominated for four BAFTAs, won four British Society of Cinematographers awards as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Society of Cinematographer's International Award and many, many more.

Freddie Francis began his career as a focus puller and camera loader in the 1930s. During WWII, Mr. Francis served his country in the British Army Film Unit. Following the was he returned to work as an assistant cameraman and camera operator. Mr. Francis's credits as an assistant include "The Macomber Affair," "The Elusive Pimpernel," "The Tales of Hoffman," John Huston's "Moulin Rouge," "Beat the Devil" and "Moby Dick."

Freddie Francis became a Cinematographer on the 1956 war film "A Hill in Korea." He lensed 12 films between 1956 and 1964 when he turned to directing. He returned to Cinematography in 1980. Mr. Francis won his first Oscar for "Sons and Lovers." Other films from his early period include "Room at the Top," "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning," "The Innocents" and "Night Must Fall."

Mr. Francis returned to cinematography with David Lynch's "The Elephant Man." He followed this up with "The French Lieutenant's Woman." Mr. Francis came to America and shot the great TV miniseries "The Execution's Song." He teamed up with David Lynch once more for "Dune." Mr. Francis did some uncredited work on the live-action "Return to Oz." Mr. Francis ended the 1980s with a second Oscar win for "Glory." His credits from the 1990s include Martin Scorsese's remake of "Cape Fear" and "School Ties." Mr. Francis' final film as a cinematographer was yet another colaboration with David Lynch: "The Straight Story."

WILLIAM PANZER Died Mar. 18, 2007

Producer/writer Bill Panzer died from head injuries sustained in a fall at age 64. Mr. Panzer was best known for producing the Film "Highlander," its sequels and the TV series spin-off. Mr. Panzer was nominated for Canada's Gemini Award for Best Dramatic Series for "Highlander." Mr. Panzer wrote several films and produced a number movies besides "Highlander." His 1977 film "Stunts" starring Robert Forster is a B-movie gem. Overlooked and well worth seeing. Mr. Panzer also produced Sam Peckinpah's troubled final film "The Osterman Weekend." He appeared as himself in the documentary "Alpha to Omega: Exposing The Osterman Weekend." Other credits include "St. Helens" and Abel Ferrara's "Cat Chaser." His film 1976 "The Death Collector" was Joe Pesci's first film in a starring role. Mr. Panzer also produced "Cutting Class" which featured future star Brad Pitt.

CALVERT DEFOREST aka LARRY 'BUD' MELMAN Died Mar. 19, 2007

Comedian Calver DeForest died at age 85 after a lengthy illness. Mr. DeForest was best known for portraying the bizarre character Larry 'Bud' Melman on "Late Night with David Letterman." He always struck me as someone out of the world of director John Waters. I could see Larry 'Bud' Melman attending a family reunion with Edie the Egg Lady and Divine. Mr. DeForest appeared as Larry 'Bud' Melman on "Saturday Night Live," the video "The Couch Potato Workout" and the movie "Freaked."

JOHN P. RYAN Died Mar. 20, 2007

Prolific character actor/teacher John P. Ryan died at age 70. Mr. Ryan appeared in many memorable films from the 1970s and beyond. He was one of the great screen villains of all time. Though the actor specialized in brutal characters, in real life he was a spiritual seeker, counselor and healer. There are so many films that he added to. John P. Ryan brought an intensity to his work that jumped from the screen and grabbed the viewer. Not all of his performances were as intense as his work in such films as "Runaway Train," "The Cotton Club" or his relatively small role in his final film "Bound," but all of his performances were memorable.

John P. Ryan was a member of The Actor's Studio. He made his TV debut in the 1968 production of "A Hatful of Rain." Actor Jack Nicholson would see that performance and remember John P. Ryan. This lead to Mr. Ryan working with Jack Nicholson in "Five Easy Pieces," "The King of Marvin Gardens," "The Missouri Breaks," the remake of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" and "Hoffa."

My earliest memories of John P Ryan's work are from John Milius's classic, brutal gangster biopic "Dillinger" and the cult classic horror film "It's Alive." Ryan played Dillinger gang member Charlie Mackey in the Milius film. John P. Ryan had a number of memorable death scenes. "Dillinger" featured one such scene. Marlon Brando shot him in the back while he was having sex with a farmer's wife against the side of a barn in Arthur Penn's "The Missouri Breaks." James Remar took a butcher knife to Mr. Ryan in Francis Ford Copolla's "The Cotton Club." It is hard to play the bad guy and not meet a sticky end now and again. Mr. Ryan played the lead in Larry Cohen campy "It's Alive." The movie featured one of the greatest taglines in film history: "There's only one thing wrong with the Davies' baby…It's Alive!" Mr. Ryan played the father of the killer mutant baby.

Mr. Ryan's memorable film credits include "The King of Marvin Gardens," Burt Reynolds' cool "Shamus," "The Legend of Nigger Charley," "The Missouri Breaks," "Kill Me If You Can: The Caryl Chessman Story," "Futureworld," "It Lives Again," "The Last Flight of Noah's Ark," the remake of "Breathless," "The Right Stuff," "The Cotton Club," "Fatal Beauty," "Class of 1999," "Rent-a-Cop," "Death Wish 4," "Delta Force 2," "White Sands" and as a voice actor on the animated movie "Batman: Mask of the Phantasm."

Mr. Ryan's TV credits include "Kojak," "The F.B.I.," "Police Woman," "Archer," "The Rockford Files," "Starsky and Hutch," "Hawaii 5-0," "M*A*S*H," "Matt Houston," "Cagney and Lacey," "Faerie Tale Theater" and "Miami Vice."

CALVIN LOCKHART Died Mar. 29, 2007

Actor Calvin Lockhart died of complications following a stroke at age 72. One of my favorite jobs in high school was working at the Memphian Theater in Memphis. The one-screen theater was often rented by Elvis for late-night movie parties. The only drawback to working at a one-screen theater was seeing the same movie over and over. In the mid-70s it was not unusual for a film to play a theater for several months if the box-office was good. The box-office for the Sidney Poitier/Bill Cosby comedy "Let's Do It Again" was very good. If push came to shove, I could probably quote most of the movie to this day. Among the film's many memorable performances was a dark, villainous turn by Calvin Lockhart as gangland boss Biggie Smalls. While actor John Amos played fellow badguy Kansas City Mack in a clownish manner, Calvin Lockhart was pure menace. Menace that brewed below the surface and eventually rose to the top. The same kind of menace he brought to his bizarre performance in David Lynch's "Wild at Heart." Calvin Lockhart appeared in nearly 40 films and TV shows during his career. He was always interesting. When Calvin Lockhart was on screen, your eyes were automatically drawn to him. As a movie fan, I hate the fact he didn't appear in more films. "Let's Do It Again" was his second appearance in a Poitier/Cosby comedy. He played Silky Slim in the pair's first hit comedy "Uptown Saturday Night."

Calvin Lockhart had a recurring role on the TV series "Dynasty." Mr. Lockhart starred in the 1970 drama "Halls of Anger," which dealt with the then hot-button topic of busing. Lockhart starred as a big-game hunter tracking a werewolf in "The Beast Must Die." The movie has many detractors. It is so over the top that I happen to like it. Other memorable credits include "Myra Breckenridge," "Cotton Comes to Harlem," "Get Christie Love," "Predator 2" and "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me."

BOB and ARIEL CLARK Died Apr. 4, 2007

Award-winning writer/director/producer Bob Clark was killed along with his 22-year-old son, former actor and budding composer Ariel in a head-on collision with a drunk driver. Mr. Clark was 67 years old. Bob Clark won two Genie Awards for Best Direction and Best Screenplay for his modern classic "A Christmas Story." The Genie Award is Canada's equivalent of the US Oscar. Mr. Clark was also nominated for a Best Picture Genie for "A Christmas Story." His screenplay also received a WGA nomination. Mr. Clark directed Jack Lemmon to an Oscar-nominated performance in the tear-jerker "Tribute." Mr. Clark was also recognized for his lesser works, garnering two Razzie nominations as Worst Director for "Rhinestone" and "SuperBabies: Baby Geniuses 2."

Though I love "A Christmas Story" my appreciation for Mr. Clark's work stems from his darker side. Bob Clark's 1974 horror film "Black Christmas" was one of the best horror films of all time. The film relied more on suspense than gore to achieve such a high level of tension. Actress Margot Kidder shored up her position as one of the 70s top scream queens as a foul-mouthed sorority girl. Mr. Clark also provided the creepy phone voice for the film's killer. I still get goose bumps thinking about that voice. Mr. Clark also directed the horror films "Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things" and "Dead of Night." Both films were written by his early collaborator Alan Ormsby. Mr. Clark produced the Ed Gein based horror film "Deranged." The film was do-directed by Ormsby.

Next to "Black Christmas," my favorite film by Bob Clark was the excellent "Murder By Decree." The film set Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on the trail of Jack the Ripper. Christopher Plummer and James Mason played the famous pair. For all of its suspense, "Murder By Decree" had a healthy dose of good-natured humor. One of my favorite scenes had James Mason as Dr. Watson gripping about how to politely pick up the last green pea from his plate with just a fork. Christopher Plummer's Holmes watches perplexed, takes the fork from Watson's hand and squashes the pea, then eats it. James Mason's look is priceless as Holmes walks away. "You squashed my pea. It's not nice to squash a man's pea."

Bob Clark reaches millions of teenage boys in the 1980s with his raunchy comedy "Porky's." The hit film spawned two sequels: "Porky's 2: The Next Day" and "Porky's Revenge." Mr. Clark directed the first sequel. Mr. Clark directed the under-rated "Turk 182!," which starred Timothy Hutton and Robert Urich.

As a child, Ariel Clark appeared in three of his father's films. He played the Marble Kid in "It Runs in the Family." "It Runs in the Family" was the not-so-successful sequel to "A Christmas Story." Ariel Clark also appeared in his father's films "I'll Remember April" and "Baby Geniuses." The younger Mr. Clark was studying music composition at Santa Monica College. Prayers of comfort for their family and friends.

JOHN FLYNN Died Apr. 4, 2007

Director John Flynn died in his sleep at age 75. Mr. Flynn was one of those workhorse directors who never really got the recognition for his films that he deserved. Mr. Flynn began his career working with director Robert Wise as a script supervisor. Mr. Flynn was an apprentice on Mr. Wise's Film Noir classic "Odds Against Tomorrow." He worked with Mr. Wise as script supervisor on "West Side Story." Mr. Flynn then worked as a second assistant director on Elvis Presley's "Kid Galahad," "Kings of the Sun," "Two For the Seesaw" and "What a Way to Go!." He was an assistant director on John Sturges' classic POW film "The Great Escape" and Lee J. Thompson's "John Goldfarb, Please Come Home." Mr. Flynn's debut film as a director was the, then cutting edge drama "The Sergeant," which starred Rod Steiger. Steiger played an Army sergeant who has to come to terms with his latent homosexuality once he discovers he is attracted to a private played by John Phillip Law. Mr. Flynn's forte was the action film. Mr. Flynn is best remembered for the brutal revenge film "Rolling Thunder." William Devane starred as a Vietnam vet who returns home, only to be robbed, have his hand shoved into a garbage disposal and then witness the death of his wife and daughter. He gets pissed off to say the least. Devane enlists the help of a former Nam buddy played by Tommy Lee Jones to drive down to Mexico to kill the perps. "Rolling Thunder" is one of the best B-movies produced during the 1970s. Mr. Flynn is also recognized by fans for his film "The Outfit." Robert Duvall starred in this sequel to John Boorman's "Point Blank." Again, it is a compact and badass piece of filmmaking. John Flynn's other credits include the cool Steven Seagal actioner "Out For Vengeance," Stallone's "Lock Up," "Best Seller" with James Woods, "Defiance" with Jan Michael Vincent and the horror film "Brainscan."

GEORGE JENKINS Died Apr. 6, 2007

Oscar-winning production designer George Jenkins died of natural causes at age 98. Mr. Jenkins shared a Best Art Direction-Set Decoration Oscar with George Gaines for their work on Alan J. Pakula's "All the President's Men." Their meticulous recreation of the Washington Post newsroom is still impressive. Mr. Jenkins was nominated for a second Oscar for his art direction on "The China Syndrome." Mr. Jenkins began his career working in the theater in 1938 for Jo Mielziner. His first film job was as art director on William Wyler's classic "The Best Years of Our Lives." Mr. Jenkins also worked on eleven films with Alan J. Pakula including excellent thriller "The Parallax View" and "Klute." Arthur Penn called on his talents three times. Arthur Penn wanted Mr. Jenkins to work on a fourth film called "Bonnie and Clyde." Mr. Jenkins was already committed to "Wait Until Dark" and had to turn the project down. Other notable film credits include "The Miracle Worker," "Up the Down Staircase," "Wait Until Dark," "No Way to Treat a Lady," "The Subject Was Roses," "Mickey One," "The Paper Chase," "Night Moves," "Comes a Horseman," the remake of "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Sophie's Choice" and "Presumed Innocent." Mr. Jenkins continued to work in the theater throughout his career. He received three Tony nominations for his work on the plays "The Happiest Millionaire," "The Miracle Worker" and "13 Daughters." He was the widower of TV pioneer Phyllis Adams.

JOHNNY HART Died Apr. 7, 2007

Comic strip artist Johnny Hart died at age 76. Mr. Hart created the comic strip "B.C." and "The Wizard of ID." "B.C." was created in 1958. "The Wizard of ID" was a co-creation of Mr. Hart and cartoonist Brant Parker. Mr. Hart's prehistoric comic strip was adapted to the small screen in "B.C.: The First Thanksgiving" and "B.C.: A Special Christmas." Mr. Hart drew the ire of unbelievers for sharing his faith in Christ in his comic strips. Mr. Hart was not ashamed of his Lord and his Lord will not be ashamed of Mr. Hart. Thanks for the years of laughs and inspiration.

BARRY NELSON Died Apr. 7, 2007

Tony Award nominated actor Barry Nelson died at age 89. The cause of death has not been determined. Barry Nelson had the distinction of being the first actor to play Ian Fleming's super secret agent James Bond. "Casino Royale" aired on October 21, 1954. The first James Bond was nothing like his cinematic brothers. He drinks scotch! That's down right sacrilegious. He's an American! I guess TV audiences in the 1950s wouldn't go for a suave British agent. Mr. Nelson's Bond was pit against millionaire, megalomaniac Peter Lorre. The Brits were represented by MI6's 'Maurice Leiter' played by Michael Pate.

Barry Nelson began his career in the early 1940s. He appeared in over 80 films and TV shows during his career. Mr. Nelson switched from screen to stage in the 1960s and earned a Best Actor in a Musical for his work in the 1978 production of "The Act."

My first memory of Mr. Nelson was of his appearance in the ironic "Crime Does Not Pay" episode "The Luckiest Guy in the World." The short subject was nominated for an Oscar. Check it out if you get a chance. It is available as one of the extras on Warner Brothers' Film Noir Vol. 3 DVD collection. Mr. Nelson plays a man who accidentally commits the perfect crime and almost gets away with it. Macabre and fun. I also remember him as Enola Gay B-29 pilot Paul Tibbets in "The Beginning of the End." And, of course, like all devout horror movie fans, I fondly remember Barry Nelson for being miscast in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining." I guest he wasn't miscast as Mr. Kubrick's film was more of an original work that a true adaptation of the Stephen King book. I'm still not sure what I think about that movie. Barry Nelson played the hotel manager who hired Jack Nicholson as the winter care-taker of the Overlook.

Barry Nelson's many film credits include "Shadow of the Thing Man," "Rio Rita," "Bataan," "Winged Victory," "A Guy Named Joe," "Time To Kill." Mr. Nelson began to focus more on TV than film during the 1950s and 60s. He did guest shots on many of the top TV series of that era, with the occasional film role thrown in for good measure. Other credits include "Airport," "Pete and Tillie," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Twilight Zone," "Ben Casey," "Dr. Kildare," "The Name of the Game," "The F.B.I.," "The Love Boat," "Dallas," "Fantasy Island," "Magnum P.I." and "Murder She Wrote."

Barry Nelson served his country in the US Army during WWII.

ROSCOE LEE BROWNE Died Apr. 11, 2007

Emmy-winning and Tony-nominated actor Roscoe Lee Browne died of cancer at age 81. Mr. Browne appeared in over 125 films, TV shows and documentaries during his lengthy career. Mr. Brown won an Emmy Award for a guest appearance on "The Cosby Show." He was nominated for another Emmy for a guest shot on the comedy series "Barney Miller." Mr. Browne was nominated for a Tony as Best Actor for the 1992 production of August Wilson's "Two Trains Running." Roscoe Lee Browne and fellow actor Anthony Zerbe spent a number of years touring in the two-man show "Behind the Broken Words." The pair created and first performed the play in the late 1970s. They began touring with the play annually beginning in 1996. The play was filmed as a movie in 2003.

Mr. Browne and Mr. Zerbe co-starred with Lee J. Cobb in William Wyler's final film "The Liberation of L. B. Jones." Mr. Browne played the title character in the 1970 film. He played a successful southern businessman seeking a divorce from his adulterous wife (Lola Falana). The rub is the fact that his wife is having an affair with a white policeman played by Anthony Zerbe. The shame of this taboo leads the characters to violence. Made at the height of the civil rights battle in America, Wyler's swansong was a powerful indictment of organized racism. Mr. Browne was universally praised for his performance of a man insisting he be treated like a Man.

Other memorable film roles include the cook in John Wayne's "The Cowboys" and as a spy in Hitchcock's "Topaz." Roscoe Lee Browne's many credits include "Black Like Me," "Terror in the Sky," "The Comedians," "Cisco Pike," "Superfly TNT," Disney's "The World's Greatest Athlete," "Uptown Saturday Night," "King," "Twilights Last Gleaming," "Logan's Run," voice work in "Oliver and Company," "Legal Eagles," "Naked in New York," "The Mambo Kings" and "The Beast." Mr. Browne was prolific voice artist. He leant his vocal talents to such films and TV shows as "Babe," "Babe: Pig in the City," "Batman," "Epic Movie," "Spiderman" and "Treasure Planet."

Roscoe Lee Browne was a frequent guest star on many TV shows over the past 40 years. He was a regular on the controversial TV series "Soap." Mr. Browne's TV credits include "Mannix," "The Invaders," "The Name of the Game," "Sanford and Son," "Bonanza," "All in the Family," "Good Times," "Starsky and Hutch," "Bensen," "Hart to Hart," "Falcon Crest" and "E.R."

KURT VONNEGUT Died Apr. 11, 2007

Back in my 'high' school days I saw the movie "Slaughterhouse-Five" while tripping on acid. All of the universe's deepest secrets were revealed to me that night. Unfortunately, once I came down, the only thing I could remember from this great revelation was that Valerie Perrine sure had pretty breasts. So it goes. Kurt Vonnegut's "Slaughterhouse-Five" was one of my favorite films of the era. George Roy Hill's wonderful adaptation of the book is still a powerful experience. Even more powerful is the wonderful experience of reading Vonnegut's words for yourself. Though he had his detractors, Kurt Vonnegut struck a chord with generations of readers from the 1960s onward. I could never write anything as profound or meaningful as he did. I can enjoy his work though. Kurt Vonnegut wrote 14 novels and a number of plays during his lifetime. The 84-year-old writer sustained brain injuries in a fall a few weeks ago. He died of complications from those injuries.

Kurt Vonnegut served his country in the US Army during WWII. He saw combat in the Battle of the Bulge. He was captured by the Germans and sent to a work camp in Dresden. On February 13 and 14, 1945 four air raids were carried out by the RAF and US Army-Air Corp. Over 3,900 tons of bombs were dropped on Dresden, incinerating the city and killing thousands. Vonnegut survived the air raid and witnessed the carnage as he was forced to clear the dead bodies. This experience marked the rest of his life. The book and film "Slaughterhouse-Five" deal with this event.

A number of Mr. Vonnegut's works have been turned into films. They include "Mother Night," "Breakfast of Champions" and "Happy birthday, Wanda June." It's been a while since I've picked up my dog-eared copy of "Slaughterhouse-Five." Might be a good time to revisit that old friend.

DON HO Died Apr. 14, 2007

Hawaiian singer Don Ho died of heart failure at age 76. He was best known for his hit song "Tiny Bubbles." Don Ho began singing in a family owned bar in Hawaii. He spent most of his career performing on the islands he loved. He was popular worldwide and played Vegas and other venues. Don Ho hosted the ABC TV series "The Don Ho Show" during the 1970s. Like many other baby boomers, I remember his guest appearance on "The Brady Bunch." Other film and TV credits include "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "First Daughter," "Joe's Apartment," "Hawaiian Eye," "Fantasy Island," "Charlie's Angels" and "Sanford and Son." I just wonder how he missed appearing on "Hawaii 5-0" or "Magnum P.I."

KITTY CARLISLE Died Apr. 18, 2007

Actress/singer Kitty Carlisle died of heart failure at age 96. April 13th was the 10th anniversary of my father's death. It was a tough weekend. The passing of Kitty Carlisle brought back a forgotten, happy memory. In the early 1970s, a local Memphis TV station shows reruns of the panel show "To Tell the Truth." It was a nightly ritual for our family to sit down in the den and watch it together. Gave Dad time to unwind after work with the kids on the floor in front of the TV at his feet. Like the panelists on the show, we would all argue over who was the 'real' contestant and who were the phonies. Kitty Carlisle was a panelist on every incarnation of the TV game show. Her most famous film role was as Rose Castaldi in The Marx Brothers "A Night at the Opera." Other film roles include an appearance as herself in "Hollywood Canteen." Kitty Carlisle's Broadway career spanned six decades. She was an aggressive patron of the arts. President George Herbert Walker Bush awarded Kitty Carlisle with the National Medal of the Arts in 1991. Ms. Carlisle was the widow of two-time Oscar-nominated writer Moss Hart.

JEAN-PIERRE CASSEL Died Apr. 19, 2007

French actor Jean-Pierre Cassel died at age 74 following a lengthy illness. Mr. Cassel was a familiar face to audiences around the world. He appeared in a number of international hits. Mr. Cassel appeared in nearly 200 films during his career. Many of his films were romantic comedies in his native country. Mr. Cassel worked in minor roles and as an extra before Gene Kelly cast him in the 1956 film "The Happy Road." I loved his bumbling performance as King Louis XIII in Richard Lester's excellent films "The Three Musketeers" and "The Four Musketeers." Mr. Cassel also stood out among an incredible cast of actors as the conductor on "The Murder on the Orient Express." He also appeared in the excellent Jeff Goldblum horror film "Mr. Frost." Jean-Pierre Cassel was the father of actors Vincent and Cecile Cassel as well as rap singer Matthias Cassel. Mr. Cassel's many film credits include "Those Magnificent Men and Their Flying Machines," "Is Paris Burning?," "Oh! What a Lovely War," "La Rupture," Luis Bunuel's Oscar-winning "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie," "The Three Musketeers," "Murder on the Orient Express," "The Four Musketeers," "Superman II," "The Return of the Musketeers," "Vincent & Theo," "The Maid," "The Favor, The Watch and the Very Big Fish," "L' Enfer" and "Prêt-à-Porter." Mr. Cassel worked with his son Vincent in four films and TV movies. The actor was currently working with his son on two films about French master criminal Jacques Meserne.

ROY JENSON Died Apr. 24, 2007

Prolific character actor, stuntman and heavy Roy Jenson died of cancer at age 80. Mr. Jenson appeared in over 170 films and TV shows during his career. He was one of the most familiar films on TV during the last half century. He appeared in six films with actor Clint Eastwood. He was usually the foil to Eastwood's hero. He worked with Clint Eastwood on "Paint Your Wagon," "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot," "The Gauntlet," "Every Which Way But Loose," "Any Which Way You Can" and "Honkytonk Man." Sam Peckinpah cast the veteran tough guy as one of the baddies in "The Getaway."

In "Chinatown," Mr. Jenson played Claude Mulvihil, a police detective despised by Jack Nicholson's Jake Gittes. Jenson endured one the screens greatest insults in the film.

Roy Jenson was beloved by Western fans as the kind of badguy you loved to hate. His many Western credits include "Tom Horn" with Steve McQueen, "Breakheart Pass" with Charles Bronson, John Huston's quirky "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean," "Big Jake," "5 Card Stud," "Will Penny," "The Bandits," "Waterhole #3," "How the West Was Won," "Warlock" and "Westward the Women." Mr. Jenson also appeared on most of the famous TV Westerns during the 1960s.

Roy Jenson's many credits include "The Caine Mutiny," "Somebody Up There Likes Me," "Al Capone," "The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond," the original version of "13 Ghosts," "North to Alaska," "Flaming Star" with Elvis, "The George Raft Story," "Baby the Rain Must Fall," "The Great Race," "Our Man Flint," "Harper," "The Ambushers," "Halls of Anger," "Dillinger" with Warren Oates, "The Way We Were," "Soylent Green," "The Wind and The Lion," "Helter Skelter," "Telefon" and "Red Dawn."

Roy Jenson also did stunt work. He added excitement to such films as "The Great Escape," "McClintock!," "The Rounders," "4 for Texas," the original "The Thomas Crown Affair," "Sometimes a Great Notion" and "Cherry 2000."

BOBBY 'BORIS' PICKETT Died Apr. 25, 2007

Bobby Picket was one of the best known novelty song artist in history. His hit song "The Monster Mash" became a perennial favorite and charted three times since its release in 1962. Mr. Pickett sand the song with a dead-on impersonation of famed actor Boris Karloff. Mr. Pickett died of leukemia at age 69. The song became the basis for 1995's "Monster Mash: The Movie" starring Mr. Pickett. Mr. Pickett appeared in a number of films and TV shows. The picture at right shows Mr. Pickett with director Ray Danton on the set of the Robert Quarry vampire film "The Deathmaster." Other credits include "Chrome and Hot Leather," "Sister, Sister," "The Baby Maker," "Bonanza" and "The Beverly Hillbillies."

JACK VALENTI Died Apr. 26, 2007

Jack Valenti died of complications from a stroke at age 85. Jack Valenti was the most influential single person in the US film industry during the past 50 years. Jack Valenti oversaw the death knell of the studio system and the production code. He created the Motion Picture Association of America and created the film rating system. Jack Valenti ushered in an era of more realistic filmmaking in America. Under his leadership films such as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?," "The Graduate" and "Bonnie and Clyde" wiped away the self-imposed era of censorship which began in the early 1930s as the Hayes Office and the Production Code. Mr. Valenti had his detractors, but there is not an American filmmaker working today who does not owe him a debt of gratitude for the freedom they enjoy to express themselves in this medium we all love. Jack Valenti lived a life of service. He was a B-25 bomber pilot during WWII. He worked as a special assistant to vice-president and later president Johnson. Mr. Valenti was present when JFK was assassinated and can be seen in the famous photograph of LBJ being sworn in on Air Force One. Thank you for your service to your country.

(Earlier this year my obit column was being partially published in a Los Angeles entertainment newspaper. That relationship ended in part because the newspapers editor would often rewrite my obits. I was angered greatly when the LA writer who would change my words took a swipe at Jack Valenti in an obit of another filmmaker. That writer basically implied that Mr. Valenti was a Nazi. This was done using my byline. I insisted on a retraction, which I did not get. I mention that episode here in case any Internet readers in LA saw that particular obit and felt that I was being a hypocrite in my praise of Mr. Valenti. The article published in that unnamed LA weekly under my byline was not my writing and did not reflect my sentiments. I had nothing but the greatest respect for Mr. Valenti's work to free US films from an era of censorship.)

GORDON SCOTT Died Apr. 30, 2007

Actor Gordon Scott died of complications following heart surgery performed several months ago. Mr. Scott was 79 years old. Gordon Scott was best known for his performances in several top-notch, shot-on-location Tarzan movies from the late 1950s and early 60s. Gordon Scott donned the loincloth six times in "Tarzan's Hidden Jungle," "Tarzan and the Lost Safari," "Tarzan and the Trappers," "Tarzan's Fight for Life," "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure" and "Tarzan the Magnificent." Several of the productions were British films and the others were US backed films. The British productions were far superior to the US films.

Gordon Scott was my second favorite Tarzan following Johnny Weissmuller. I have great childhood memories surrounding "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure." During the late 1960s and early 1970s on New Years Eve the local CBS station in Memphis would always play "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure." My parents always went out leaving us kids. It was a yearly ritual to stay up with my little sister and watch "Tarzan's Greatest Adventure." Years passed before I saw the movie again. It still holds up. The movie also features a young Sean Connery as a badguy.

Gordon Scott was also a movie Icon for his many Sword and Sandal movies. After making his debut in the "Tarzan" series, Gordon Scott moved to Italy and made another 19 films. He and friend Steve Reeves starred in a series of Italian muscleman epics set in ancient Rome. Scott enjoyed international success with these films. He and Steve Reeves played Romulus and Remus in "Duel of the Titans." Gordon Scott is the second ex-husband of Vera Miles to die in the past five months!

TOM POSTON Died Apr. 30, 2007

Emmy-winning actor Tom Poston died at age 85. Tom Poston won an Emmy in 1959 for his work on "The Steve Allen Show." Mr. Poston was nominated in the 1986 for his work on "Newhart," "Mork and Mindy" and "Coach." My first memories of Tom Poston were for his starring roles in the William Castle horror/comedy films "Zotz" and the remake of "The Old Dark House." Tom Poston appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows. He was a master of comedy. Whether playing deadpan ALA Buster Keaton or over the top, Tom Poston delivered the goods. Next to Tim Conway, he was the most consistently funny man working during the 60s and 70s. Of course, Tom Poston enjoyed a busy career up until his death. Several generations of TV viewers have all enjoyed Tom Poston's work. My father loved his work in the 50 on, while I became a fan in the mid 60s. Now my youngest daughter is a fan for his recent work in such films as "The Princess Diaries 2" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

Tom Poston may be best remembered for his work with Bob Newhart in the TV series "Bob," "The Bob Newhart Show" and "Newhart." The pair also worked together in the comedy film "Cold Turkey."

Tom Poston's feature film credits include "City That Never Sleeps," "Soldier in the Rain" with Steve McQueen, "The Happy Hooker," Joan Rivers' lone directorial effort "Rabbit Test," "Up the Academy," "Carbon Copy," "Krippendorf's Tribe," "Beethoven's 5th" and "Christmas With the Cranks." He also had a successful Broadway career. In fact Mr. Poston began his acting career on BRaodway in the 1947 production of "Cyrano de Bergerac."

Mr. Poston's first wife was actress Jean Sullivan. Their daughter Francesca is also an actress. Mr. Poston married his "The Bob Newhart Show" co-star Suzanne Pleschet in 2001. Tom Poston was a decorated pilot in the US Army-Air Corps during WWII. He flew missions during D-Day. Thanks for your service to the country and thanks for the millions of laughs.

WALTER M. SCHIRRA Died May 3, 2007

Astronaut and Navy Captain Walter Mr. Schirra died of a heart attack at age 84. Wally Schirra was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts. Schirra was the only member of the original seven to fly missions in all three of NASA's first space programs. Schirra's Mercury flight, Sigma 7 was called a "Textbook Flight" by mission control members. It was generally considered the most successful, from a technical point of view, of the six Mercury flights. Schirra and fellow astronaut Tom Stafford were scheduled to fly a two week Gemini mission, but technical glitches cancelled their flight. They were to set an endurance record and then, 8 or 9 days into the flight, be joined by astronauts Jim Lovell and James Borman in Gemini 7 for rendezvous. As it turned out, the two crews swapped missions. Gemini 7 was launched first while the problems with the Gemini 6 spacecraft were fixed. Schirra and Stafford later launched in Gemini 6 and met Gemini 7 for the first rendezvous of two manned space crafts. Wally Schirra was called on once more to help NASA regain the public's trust after the Apollo 1 fire which killed astronauts Grissom, White and Chaffee. Wally Schirra commanded Apollo 7, the first successfully launched manned mission of the Apollo program. During the 11 day mission, astronauts Schirra, Walter Cunningham and Don Eisle all came down with colds. Wally Schirra would later recount this incident in a series of TV commercials for a popular cold remedy.

Walter Schirra was portrayed by actor Mark Harmon in an episode of the excellent mini-series "From the Earth to the Moon." Actor Lance Henriksen portrayed him in the classic film "The Right Stuff." Schirra's character was given very little to do in the film "The Right Stuff." That is one of the reasons I really enjoyed Mark Harmon's performance in the Tom Hanks produced mini-series. Schirra was the star of the episode and Mark Harmon honored him with his excellent performance. Wally Schirra made a cameo appearance as himself in the Made for TV movie "The Astronaut." He appeared as himself and through archived footage in several films and documentaries including "Houston, We've Got a Problem," "For All Mankind," "Space Flight," "Korean War Stories" and "Failure is Not an Option." Wally Schirra served his country as a fighter pilot during the Korean War. He flew 90 missions and was credited with shooting down a MIG fighter. God's speed Wally Schirra. Thanks for your service to your country.

CURTIS HARRINGTON Died May 6, 2007

Horror director Curtis Harrington died of natural causes at age 80. Mr. Harrington suffered a stroke in 2005 and had been in ill health since then. I conducted one of my first filmmaker interviews with Curtis Harrington in 2001 after watching six of his movies. I found him to be a very smart and funny man. Mr. Harrington made me wish I had a couple of weeks to spend talking to him. His memory was sharp and he had some very strong opinions. A refreshing trait in a world of thought out press releases and political correctness. His love of film began while still a teen making Avante-Garde short films and working with others such as Kenneth Anger, Anais Nin and Maya Derin. His early 16mm shorts are only available from the Filmakers Cooperative in New York.

Horror films were my first love. That is what drew me to Curtis Harrington's work. If you have not had the pleasure to discover what I called Mr. Harrington's 'elegant madness' then you are in for a treat. I do recommend having a marathon weekend of his films in order to truly appreciate his diverse talents.

Curtis Harrington's many credits include "Games" with James Caan and Katherine Ross, "The Killing Kind" with John Savage, "Who Slew Auntie Roo?" with Shelly Winters, "Ruby" with Piper Laurie and the director's personal favorite "What's the Matter With Helen?" with Shelly Winters and Debbie Reynolds. In addition to the films he directed, Mr. Harrington was the man who rediscovered the long-lost Universal horror film "The Old Dark House," which starred Boris Karloff.

Between 1968 and 1973 Curtis Harrington made some very remarkable horror films. He ran into studio interference on a couple of projects. His career took a nosedive in the late 70s and early 80s and Mr. Harrington ended up working in episodic TV. His final project was the 2002 short film "Usher" based on the Poe classic. The picture at right is of Mr. Harrington in the title role.

Below is the link to my interview with Mr. Harrington. We spent several hours talking about his entire film output. Mr. Harrington also said he was working on his autobiography. I hope that some trusted friend will have it published. In addition Mr. Harrington shared memories about knowing James Whale, Boris Karloff, Orson Welles, Gary Graver and many other screen legends. Curtis Harrington acted in Orson Welles's famous unreleased film "The Other Side of the Wind." He spoke about the attempts by the late Gary Graver to have the film released in very frank terms during our interview. Mr. Harrington was not one to pull punches. Thanks for the thrills and chills.

CURTIS HARRINGTON INTERVIEW LINK

TEDDY INFUHR Died May 12, 2007

Former child actor Teddy Infuhr died at age 70. Mr. Infuhr appeared in 127 films and TV shows during his career. He usually played brats and bullies. Mr. Infuhr appeared in a number of the "Ma & Pa Kettle" films as well as several of the "Rusty" dog film series. Mr. Infuhr's appeared in such films as "Ghost of Frankenstein," "What We Are Fighting For," "The Best Years of Our Lives," "The Clock," "The Virginian," "Til the End of Time," "The Killer That Stalked New York," "The Blackboard Jungle," "And Baby Makes Three," "Madam Bovary," "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," "The Boy With Green Hair," "David and Bathsheba," "Conquest of Space," "The Cisco Kid," "The Gene Autry Show" and "The Bishop's Wife." Mr. Infuhr appeared in one of Alfred Hitchcock's most famous scenes. He played the younger brother of Gregory Peck's character as a child in "Spellbound." The death of Teddy Infuhr's character in that film turned out to be the cause of Mr. Peck's character's mental troubles. In the scene Teddy Infuhr sits at the bottom of the stairs outside his home. His older brother, played by Joel Davis slides down the slope beside the stairs, hitting Infuhr and hurling him onto the spiked fence in front of the home.

REV. JERRY FALWELL Died May 15, 2007

The Rev. Jerry Falwell died of heart disease at age 73. Rev. Falwell will be best remembered as the founder of the Moral Majority. The conservative Christian group helped motivate and organize Christian voters into a powerful group. The Moral Majority had a large impact on the national elections of 1980 which elected Ronald Reagan as president and a republican majority in the congress. Rev. Falwell accepted Jesus Christ as his savior at age 19. Rev. Falwell was the founder of Liberty University and the Thomas Road Baptist Church. During his life, Rev. Falwell became the target of wrath for a number of groups. Like all Christians, Rev. Falwell was a human being who made mistakes and sinned. He sometimes said things that caused controversy and caused other Christians to cringe. He was also the type of man who would apologize and ask forgiveness when he say that he had erred. One thing that Rev. Falwell was always consistent about was in spreading the good news about his savior Jesus Christ. Jerry Falwell was a 'hate the sin, love the sinner' type of preacher. He followed Christ's Great Commission and reached out to all. He also spoke in a no nonsense way about what the Bible had to say about many of the moral ills facing our world.

Jerry Falwell sued porn publisher Larry Flynt for libel over a fake ad in Hustler Magazine which portrayed Rev. Falwell in a disgraceful manner. The case went all the way to the US Supreme Court where Hustler Magazine won the 1st Amendment battle. The court case was the subject of Milos Forman's movie "The People vs. Larry Flynt." Rev. Falwell was portrayed in the film by actor Richard Paul. Actor Richard Paul also portrayed Rev. Falwell in the TV movie "Fall From Grace" about Jim and Tammy Faye Baker. Rev. Falwell and Larry Flynt went from being opponents in the courts to friends in real life. Rev. Falwell and Larry Flynt would often appear together in college debates. Rev. Falwell prayed for Mr. Flynt's conversion and never wavered in his opposition to pornography.

CHARLES NELSON REILLY Died May 25, 2007

Tony-winning actor Charles Nelson Reilly died of complications of pneumonia at age 76. Mr. Reilly was one of the first television actors to not hide the fact they were gay. He may be best remembered by TV audiences for his work on the game show "Match Game." He was also a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," appearing nearly 100 times. Mr. Reilly had a regular recurring role in the Hope Lange TV series "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir." Charles Nelson Reilly was nominated four times for Tony Awards. He won a Best Featured Actor Tony award for the 1962 production of "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." He was nominated for a second Best Featured Actor award for the 1964 production of "Hello, Dolly!" Mr. Reilly was also nominated a Best Direction Tony for "The Gin Game." His final nomination was for the Drama Desk Award for Best Solo Performance in "Save It for the Stage: The Life of Reilly."

MARK HARRIS Died May 30, 2007

Author and teacher Mark Harris died of Alzheimer's Disease at age 84. The Guy Rules say that it is OK for guys to cry in certain types of movies. If a movie deals with a sports figure who is sick, guys may cry. No over the top blubbering, but manly tears that can be easily absorbed in the cuff of your sleeve are OK. Writer Mark Harris wrote four novels about the fictional baseball team the New York Mammoths. His second book in the series became one of the all-time greatest Guy Films. "Bang the Drum Slowly" starred Robert Di Niro as Bruce Pearson, a hick catcher from Texas who learns he is dying. Michael Moriarty co-stars as Henry Wiggen (the main character in all four novels), the Mammoths' star pitcher, and Pearson's only friend. Lots of valuable lessons to be learned from this movie. One of those lessons is never play TEGWAR. The book was also the subject of a live TV production in 1956 with Albert Salmi and Paul Newman in the roles later played by Di Niro and Moriarty. Mr. Harris also wrote scripts for the TV productions "Boswell for the Defense" and "The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg." Mr. Harris taught English at ASU before his retirement.

JEAN-CLAUDE BRIALY Died May 30, 2007

Award-winning French actor Jean-Claude Brialy died of cancer at age 74. Mr. Brialy appeared in over 170 films during his career. He was part of the New Wave movement during the late 1950s and early 1960s. His breakthrough performance came in Claude Charbrol's 1958 film "Handsome Serge." Among his many film credits are some of the most important films of the era. Mr. Brialy's many credits include Eric Rohmer's "Claire's Knee," Philippe de Broca's "The King of Hearts," Roger Vadim's "La Ronde," Agnes Varda's "Cleo From 5 to 7," Francois Truffaut's "The 400 Blows," Claude Charbrol's "Les Cousins," "Catherine & Co.," Roberto Benigni's "The Monster" and Jean-Luc Godard's "A Woman is a Woman." Mr. Brialy was nominated for two Cesar Awards as Best Supporting Actor for "The Judge and the Assassin" and "The Innocents." He won for "The Innocents."

ALEX THOMSON Died Jun. 14, 2007

Oscar-nominated cinematographer Alex Thomson died at age 78. Mr. Thomson was nominated for a Best Cinematography Oscar for his lush work on John Boorman's "Excalibur." Mr. Thomson was honored by his peers in the British Society of Cinematographers with four Best Cinematography nominations. He won twice for Kenneth Branagh's spectacular 70mm "Hamlet" and Ridley Scott's "Legend." The other two nominations were for "Eureka" and "Excalibur." Mr. Thomson won a Daytime Emmy Award for lensing the "ABC Weekend Special" titled "The Gold Bug." Mr. Thomson was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Society of Cinematographers in 2002.

Alex Thomson worked his way up through the system beginning in the 1940s. First as a clapper loader on a number of films including Laurence Olivier's "Richard III" and John Huston's "Moulin Rouge." He was a camera operator and/or focus puller on such notable films as David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Dr. Zhivago," Roger Corman's "The Masque of Red Death," Truffaut's "Fahrenheit 451," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," the original version of "Casino Royale," "Far From the Madding Crowd," "The Man Who Would Be King," "Superman" and "The Seven Percent Solution." Future director Nicholas Roeg was cinematographer on many of these films. Mr. Thomson was his assistant and camera operator on nearly 20 films during this period of his career.

Mr. Thomson was cinematographer on 53 films. Fans of all genres have enjoyed Mr. Thomson's keen eye throughout the years. Horror movie fans appreciate his work in such films as "The Night Digger," "Raw Meat," "Dr. Phibes Rises Again," "The Cat and the Canary," "The Keep," "Leviathan" and "Alien 3." Director Michael Cimino used Mr. Thomson on his epics "The Year of the Dragon" and "The Sicilian." Other notable credits include "The Krays," "Labyrinth," "Cliffhanger" and "Demolition Man." Mr. Thomson was seriously injured on location filming "Jesus Christ Superstar." He was replaced by Douglas Slocombe. Mr. Thomson was unable to work for several years, returning to work on the 1978 film "The Class of Miss MacMichael." Mr. Thomson was working with director David Lean on pre-production of the film "Nostromo" when the director died of cancer in 1991.

WILLY HOLT Died Jun. 22, 2007

Oscar-nominated Art Director Willy Holt died at age 85. Though born in the US, Mr. Holt was a French citizen. He fought with the French Resistance during WWII and was sent to Auschwitz. Mr. Holt shared an Oscar nomination with Pierre Guffroy for his work on "Is Paris Burning?" Mr. Holt won the Cesar (France's highest film award) for his work on Louis Malle's "Au Revoir, Les Enfants." The UK honored Mr. Holt's work with a BAFTA nomination for the 1977 film "Julia." Mr. Holt's worked in various capacities in such films as "The Train," "The Day of the Jackal," "An Almost Perfect Affair," "The Lady in the Car With the Glasses and the Gun," "The Sergeant," "Rosebud" and "Love and Death." Mr. Holt occasionally acted. He appeared in a few films including "The Ninth Gate."

NANCY BENOIT Died Jun. 23, 2007

Wrestling manager and WCW personality Nancy Benoit was murdered along with her seven year-old-son Daniel. Ms. Benoit was 43 years old. Ms. Benoit was murdered by her husband, wrestler Chris Benoit who later committed suicide. Nancy Benoit managed a number of wrestling acts including Ric Flair, Shane Douglas, The Sandman and the Steiner Brothers. Ms. Benoit appeared in a number of WCW and ECW productions under the name of Woman. She appeared in the documentary "Hard Knocks: The Chris Benoit Story. Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

CHRIS BENOIT Died Jun. 24, 2007

How can you murder your own child? Doing what I do for a living, I understand how adults can kill other adults. The murder of one's spouse is a horrific act in itself, but to take the life of your own small child still confuses and upsets me. I actually hope I do not live long enough to understand how such an act can take place. Wrestling champion Chris Benoit murdered his wife Nancy and son Daniel before committing suicide. I won't begin to ponder why. I know folks are pointing to steroids as the culprit. My buddy, filmmaker Jeremy Benson is a wrestling fan. He too was disturbed by those looking for an easy answer in Roid Rage. Jeremy said that he thinks people don't want to accept the fact that Chris Benoit had it in him to do such a savage and terrible act. I guess the point is, if he could do this then we too are capable of such an act. Prayers of comfort and healing for those shattered by this selfish and senseless act.

LEO BURMESTER Died Jun. 28, 2007

Actor Leo Burmester died of leukemia at age 63. Mr. Burmester was a renowned Broadway actor. He originated the role of the innkeeper Thenardier in the original production of "Les Miserables." Mr. Burmester appeared in a number of notable films. Fans of director John Sayles will remember Mr. Burmester's memorable performances in "Lone Star" and "Passion Fish." I've always liked his turn as Catfish De Vries in James Cameron's sci-fi film "The Abyss." He played Holly Hunter's father in "Broadcast News." Other credits include "The Devil's Advocate," "Honky Tonk Freeway," "The Last Temptation of Christ," "Sweet Liberty," "Innocent Blood" and "A Perfect World."

JOEL SIEGEL Died Jun. 29, 2007

Film critic Joel Siegal died of colon cancer at age 63. Mr. Siegel was the film critic for the ABC television network. Mr. Siegel had a warm and humorous demeanor. His style didn't prevent him from reaming a subpar film. Mr. Siegel attracted the ire of Kevin Smith fans when he walked out of a screening of "Clerks 2" saying "This is the first time I've walked out on a movie in 30 f**king years!" Mr. Siegel worked for RFK and Martin Luther King Jr. during the 1960s. Mr. Siegel sat in as a co-host of "Siskel and Ebert & the Movies" during the time of Gene Siskel's illness and death. Mr. Siegel appeared as himself in such films and TV shows as "Hotel," "Deathtrap" and "The Tony Danza Show."

BEVERLY SILLS Died Jul. 2, 2007

Renowned opera singer Beverly Sills died of lung cancer at age 78. Ms. Sills brought the fine art of Opera to the common man. The Brooklyn born diva appeared on such TV variety shows as "Ed Sullivan" and "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson." Her down-to-earth personality brought her legions of fans. Always upbeat and filled with laughter, Beverly Sills appealed to the masses. Quite an accomplishment considering that her rarified talent was of the type that only comes around every other generation. Whether you liked opera or not, you couldn't help liking Beverly Sills. Ms. Sills was nominated four times for Emmy Awards. She won for the 1975 show "Profile in Music: Beverly Sills Festival." Ms. Sill's many TV and film credits include "Sills and Burnett at the Met," "The Muppet Show" and "Live From Lincoln Center."

HY ZARET Died Jul. 2, 2007

Oscar-nominated lyricist Hy Zaret died at age 99. Mr. Zaret and his writing partner Alex North shared a Best Original Song Oscar nomination for the oft-recorded song "Unchained Melody." The song was for the 1955 prison film "Unchained." The memorable song has been recorded over 300 times most notably by The Righteous Brothers. The song has been heard on the soundtracks of such films as "Ghost," "Goodfellas," "Happy Feet" and the remake of "Alfie."

BOOTS RANDOLPH Died Jul. 3, 2007

Saxaphone legend Boots Randolph died of a brain hemorrhage at age 80. Mr. Randolph was one of the most requested studio musicians during the 1950s. He hit the big time in 1963 with his hit "Yakety Sax." Mr. Randolph was a headline for faithful fans from the 1960s on. Mr. Randolph's trademark song was used on numerous TV shows and movies. "The Benny Hill Show" springs to mind everytime I hear "Yakety Sax." The slapstick comedy of Benny Hill was a perfect visual match to Randolph's jumpy tune. Mr. Randolph's music can also be heard on the soundtracks of "Bad Santa," "V for Vendetta," "Click" and "Shark Tale."

KERWIN MATHEWS Died Jul. 5, 2007

Actor Kerwin Mathews died in his sleep at age 81. This is a sad day. Like millions of others, I was just one person entertained and amazed by Kerwin Mathews' films with Ray Harryhausen. He played the title roles in "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" and "The Three Worlds of Gulliver." Mr. Mathews most famous scene was the sword fight with a skeleton toward the end of "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad." He fought with and reacted to something that was not there. Mr. Harryhausen animated the miniature skeleton later and brought the images together through his Dynamation process. Some folks will say that there was nothing special about Mr. Mathews' performances, but fans of the films know better. Kerwin Mathews' performances personified everything good in a film hero. For kids growing up in the late 50s and early 60s, Kerwin Mathews characters were larger than life. After the success of "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" Kerwin Mathews was cast in the lead role of "Jack the Giant Killer." That movie reunited Matthews with "Sinbad" director Nathan Juran and villain Torin Thatcher. Animator Jim Danforth provided the stop-motion animation for this one. "Jack the Giant Killer" proves my point concerning Mr. Mathews' heroic persona. He was not overshadowed by Harryhausen's incredible effects. The inferior special effects left the viewer with Mathews sincere hero to move the film along. Other genre credits include "Battle Beneath the Earth," "The Warrior Empress," "The Pirates of Blood River," "Octaman," "The Maniac," "The Boy Who Cried Werewolf" and "Nightmare in Blood." Kerwin Mathews appeared in non-fantasy/horror films. He played composer Johann Strauss in Disney's "The Waltz King." Other credits include "The Devil at 4 O'clock," "Five Against the House," "Man on a String," "The Last Blitzkreig" and the Spaghetti Western "Barquero."

Film historian, Omaha Film Event producer and award-winning radio documentarian Bruce Crawford had the pleasure of speaking with Kerwin Mathews several times. He shared his memories of the man with me: I had the great pleasure of speaking with Kerwin several times over the years. As anyone who ever spoke with or met him will tell you, he was a true gentleman and a gentle man. He truly personified the legendary hero, not only with his handsome looks but his sincerity and integrity as not only an actor but as a human being. It all came through in his performances. He is the ultimate Sinbad, with which all the others have to compare. He was perhaps the best Gulliver on film as well. He gave his performances his very best, and it shows. A real warmth and genuine decency that still captivates us today. Mr. Mathews served his country in the US Army-Air Corps during WWII.

JACK SOWARDS Died Jul. 8, 2007

WGA-nominated writer Jack Sowards died of Lou Gehrig's Disease at age 78. Between 1970 and 1975 the ABC TV network produced over 400 films in their "ABC Movie of the Week" series. Every Tuesday and Wednesday night viewers were treated to a new movie. Many of these films have come to be considered classics. "Duel," "That Certain Summer" and "The Night Stalker" spring to mind. Jack Sowards' "Deliver Us From Evil" is another one of these films that I remember fondly. It was a tale of five friends out camping who accidentally kill a fellow hiker. The victim turns out to be a D.B. Cooper type hijacker who parachuted to safety with the ransom cash. George Kennedy, Jan Michael Vincent, Jack Weston and Bradford Dillman starred. It is a neat thriller with some great rugged mountain scenes. Mr. Sowards also wrote two more films for ABC: "Cry Panic" and "Death Cruise." Mr. Sowards is best known for his sole feature film credits "Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn." Mr. Sowards delivered several drafts of the story. Director Nicholas Meyer tightened things up and added to the story to make the final script. Mr. Sowards received sole writing credit on the film. Mr. Sowards received a WGA nomination for his work on the 1960s TV series "The Bold Ones." It is arguably the best film in the series. Mr. Sowards served his country in the US Air Force in the post-WWII era. He took part in the Berlin Airlift.

CHARLES LANE Jul. 9, 2007

Character actor Charles Lane died at age 102. Mr. Lane was the oldest living film actor in the US. His familiar face has been immortalized in celluloid in hundreds of films and TV shows. Mr. Lane began acting on stage at the Pasadena Playhouse in the late 1920s. He began his film career in 1931. Charles Lane appeared in over 300 films and TV series. The individual TV episodes among those many series number in the hundreds. He appeared in 36 films which were nominated Oscars. Mr. Lane was one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild. If you don't know Mr. Lane's name, you surely know his face. Generations of movie and TV fans have watched Mr. Lane grow old on film. It is conceivable that Charles Lane was the last living cast member of many of the movies in which he appeared. Mr. Lane was given a special 100th birthday party in 2005. He stated that he was still available for work! He was adept at comedy and very serious drama. Mr. Lane was an everyman or sorts. He was honored with a special Emmy award in 2005.

So many memorable scenes. One of the most highly watched TV episodes in history was the "I Love Lucy" episode in which Little Ricky was born. Charles Lane and Desi Arnez worked magic. Mr. Lane played a man with six daughters expecting (he hopes) his first son. As Desi Arnez worked himself into a panic over his first child, Mr. Lane sat calmly. Mr. Lane stole the show when it turned out instead of giving him a son, his wife had girls triplets! Great comedy.

Mr. Lane was a master of great tragedy also. He had a five-minute cameo scene in the landmark TV series "Sybil." Mr. Lane played the small time doctor who had looked the other way at the abuse Sybil underwent. He shared the scene with Joanne Woodward. He stole the scene from her. Mr. Lane plays an old man who is finally admitting he did nothing as a small child was tortured by her mother. "Where do I go for absolution" he asks Ms. Woodward's character. Mr. Lane's body language in this scene is proof positive that he was the master of his craft. There is a long pause in his conversation where he stands with his back to the camera, looking out the window. The weight of his guilt seems to press down on his body. Watch for this scene the next time "Sybil" plays on TV.

Charles Lane appeared in ten films by American master Frank Capra. Small, but memorable roles. From his tussle with Jimmy Stewart in "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" to his insubordinate compliment of Jimmy Stewart to Lionell Barrymore's Mr. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life," Charles Lane made you remember his characters. Mr. Lane's other films for Frank Capra include "State of the Union," "Broadway Bill," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Arsenic and Old Lace."

During the 1930s Mr. Lane appeared in 93 films. They included "The Cat and the Canary," "Golden Boy," "You Can't Take it With You," "In Old Chicago," "Golddiggers of 1933" and "42nd Street."

During the 1940s Mr. Lane picked up the pace and appeared in 94 films! Those include the original "Mighty Joe Young," "Call Northside 777," "The Farmer's Daughter," "Flying Tigers," "Tarzan's New York Adventure," "The Big Store" and "Edison, the Man."

With the advent of TV in the 1950s, Mr. Lane picked up his schedule. He continued to work in feature films (23 in all), but also began his prolific TV career. On TV, Mr. Lane had a regular recurring role on the Peter Lawford series "Dear Phoebe." He made guest appearances on such series as "I Love Lucy," "Perry Mason," "Whirlybirds," "The Real McCoys," "The Ann Southern Show," "The Millionaire" and "The Thin Man." His film credits during the 1950s include "The Mating Game," "Teacher's Pet," "The Birds and the Bees" and "The Sniper."

Charles Lane's focus during the 1960s was TV. He did appear in 16 films, but the bulk of his work was in TV. One of his most memorable TV roles was as Homer Bedloe on Petticoat Junction. He played the shifty railroad man in over 20 episodes of the series. Mr. Lane's TV credits during the 1960s include "The Twilight Zone," "The Lucy Show," "Maverick," "F Troop," "Mr. Ed," "Dobie Gillis," "77 Sunset Strip," "The Andy Griffith Show," "Get Smart," "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Bewitched," "Honey West," "The Wild, Wild West," "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.," "Green Acres" and "The Flying Nun." Charles Lane's feature film credits during the 60s include "The Music Man," "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World," "Papa's Delicate Condition," "The Carpetbaggers," "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken," "The Gnome Mobile" and "The Ugly Dachshund."

Charles Lane slowed down a bit during the 1970s. He only appeared in two feature films: Brian De Palma's "Get to Know Your Rabbit" and "Movie, Movie." His best known TV series work from that decade was as the presiding judge during Jessica Tate's murder trial on the hilarious series "Soap." The aforementioned TV movie "Sybil" was also from the 1970s.

Not that you can blame him, but Mr. Lane only worked on a little over 22 films and TV shows from 1980 until his final work last year as the narrator of the children's short "The Night Before Christmas." Mr. Lane's credits from the last 20 years include "Murphy's Romance," "Strange Invaders," "The Winds of War," "War and Remembrance," "Date With an Angel," "L.A. Law" and "St. Elsewhere."

Charles Lane was blessed with longevity and a sharp mind until the end. We are blessed to have so many great films and TV shows to remember him by. Charles Lane served his country in the US Coast Guard during WWII.

RICHARD FRANKLIN Died Jul. 11, 2007

Award-winning Australian director Richard Franklin died of prostate cancer at age 58. Though best known for his early thrillers "Patrick," "Road Games" and "Psycho 2," Mr. Franklin's later films are more complex and compelling. Maybe his passing will bring his films "Hotel Sorrento" and "Brilliant Lies" more international acclaim. Richard Franklin attended USC's film school with George Lucas, Randal Kleiser and John Carpenter. While at USC, Mr. Franklin contacted Alfred Hitchcock to speak to the students. Hitchcock invited Mr. Franklin to the sets of "Topaz" and "Family Plot." While Richard Franklin was a student of Hitchcock's work, he was more than a mere imitator. After USC, Richard Franklin returned to Australia where he enjoyed success with the horror film "Patrick." That led to "Roadgames" with US actors Stacy Keach and Jamie Leigh Curtis. Richard Franklin then took on the risky job of developing and directing the sequel to Hitchcock's masterpiece "Psycho." "Psycho 2" was a deftly handled film. More subtle that Hitchcock, in that Mr. Franklin saved the shocks for the last third of the movie. The build up was a nicely handled look into the mind of a man with a tenuous grip on reality. This was followed by "Cloak and Dagger," "Link," the pilot for the TV series "Beauty & the Beast" and "F/X 2." Mr. Franklin returned to Australia where he returned to making the more personal thrillers "Hotel Sorrento" and "Brilliant Lies." Mr. Franklin won the Australian Film Institute Best Screenplay awards for "Hotel Sorrento" and "Patrick." Other credits include "Visitors" and the pilot for the TV series "The Lost World."

JIM MITCHELL Died Jul. 12, 2007

Porn trailblazer Jim Mitchell died of an apparent heart attack at age 63. Jim and his brother Artie Mitchell built a porn empire in San Francisco during the late 60s and early 70s. Jim Mitchell produced and directed such films as "Behind the Green Door," "The Resurrection of Eve" and "Sodom and Gomorrah." They discovered and turned into a star, Marilyn Chambers, the Ivory Snow girl. The pair turned the O'Farrell Theater into and adult entertainment goldmine. Both eventually got lost in the world of drugs and alcohol. While Jim Mitchell kicked his drug habit, brother Artie did not. In 1991 Jim Mitchell shot and killed his brother. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and spent three years in prison. The Mitchell brother's story was the subject of the book "X-Rated: The Mitchell Brothers-A True Story of Sex, Money and Death." Brothers Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen turned the book into a very good film entitled "X-Rated." Jim Mitchell was portrayed by Emilio Estevez.

WARREN CLYMER Died Jul. 16, 2007

Emmy-winning art director/production designer Warren Clymer died at age 84. Mr. Clymer was the art director on Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece "The Godfather." Mr. Clymer was nominated for seven Emmy Awards during his career. He won two Emmy awards in the 1960s for "Hallmark Hall of Fame" and the TV movie "The Holy Terror." Mr. Clymer was also honored with the National Educational Theater Design Award and at the National Better Rooms Competition. Mr. Clymer was also art director on the twisted Ruth Gordon comedy "Where's Poppa?" He was production designer on over 500 TV productions as well as the movies "Alice's Restaurant" and "A New Leaf."

Warren Clymer served his country as a B-17 tail gunner in the US Army-Air Corp during WWII. Mr. Clymer created the artwork for the 9/11 memorial. THe design he worked on is shown at Right next to the picture of Mr. Clymer with one of his Emmy Awards. Mitch Mendler, president of the WORLD MEMORIAL charity told me about Mr. Clymer's important contribution to the project: "I met Warren about 2 years ago in NYC. I am the President of a 9/11 Memorial - charity. The organization is WORLD MEMORIAL and Warren created artwork for us that we use for our mission which is getting out the message, 'NEVER FORGET!' " You can check out this worthy cause's website at http://www.world-memorial.org.

IVOR EMMANUEL Died Jul. 19, 2007

Welsh singer/actor Ivor Emmanuel died at age 80. Mr. Emmanuel was part of the excellent ensemble cast of the classic war film "Zulu." Mr. Emmanuel played Private Owen, the man who rallies his troops during the final climactic battle by leading them in the song "Men of Harlech." The song builds the soldiers morale as they are surrounded by thousands of Zulu warriors chanting battle cries before the attack. A great scene in a great movie. Ivor Emmanuel was a noted stage actor. He appeared on Broadway as well as London's West End. Mr. Emmanuel also appeared on the British TV shows "Morcombe and Wise" and "The Benny Hill Show."

LASZLO KOVACS Died Jul. 21, 2007

Award-winning cinematographer Lazlo Kovacs died in his sleep at age 74. Mr. Kovacs lensed some of the most memorable movies of the 1970s. He was honored by his peers at the American Society of Cinematographers with their Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. Mr. Kovacs discussed his art and craft in the wonderful documentary "Visions of Light." What an eye he had! The Hungarian born cinematographer was classmates in his native land with Oscar-winning cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. During their last year of film school the pair surreptitiously film the Hungarian uprising against the Soviet Union. They then fled their country with the film and came to America as political refugees. The Iron Curtain's loss was our gain.

Laszlo Kovacs honed his talents during the early 1960s working on sexploitation, biker and horror films. His early credits include Ray Dennis Steckler's "The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed Up Zombies," "Kiss Me Quick!," "Psych-Out" and "Hells Angels on Wheels." In 1968 he teamed with Peter Bogdanovich on his breakthrough film "Targets." Mr. Kovacs' value as a cinematographer became plain for all to see the following year with the landmark film "Easy Rider." The drug-era road picture remains a visually stunning treat today. Except for two horror exploitation films by Al Adamson and a biker film, Laszlo Kovacs would only work on top productions after "Easy Rider."

Laszlo Kovacs filmed many of the best films of the 1970s and 80s. Director Peter Bogdanovich would call on Mr. Kovacs to lens his films "Paper Moon," "What's Up Doc?," "Nickelodeon," "At Long Last Love" and "Mask." He shot Bob Rafelson's "Five Easy Pieces" and "The King of Marvin Gardens." Martin Scorsese called on Mr. Kovacs to shoot his interesting misfire "New York, New York." Laszlo Kovacs was also one of the several directors of photography on Mr. Scorsese's concert masterpiece "The Last Waltz." Steven Spielberg called on Mr. Kovacs as an additional director of photography on his sci-fi film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Brian De Palma would use Mr. Kovacs for additional photography on the political thriller "Blow Out." Other credits include Paul Mazursky's "Alex in Wonderland," Denis Hopper's "The Last Movie," "Steelyard Blues," "Slither," Hal Ashby's "Shampoo," the politically incorrect cop-comedy "Freebie and the Bean," "F.I.S.T.," "Inside Moves," "Frances," "Ghost Busters," "Say Anything," "Little Nikita," "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Copycat."

TAMMY FAYE MESSNER Died Jul. 21, 2007

Televangelist Tammy Faye Messner died of cancer at age 65. Ms. Messner and former husband Jim Baker founded the "PTL Club" in the 1970s. Their ministry eventually failed due to greed, corruption, adultery (on the part of Mr. Baker) and extravagant living. Jim Baker went to prison for his part in bilking their TV parishioners out of millions. Who says there aren't any second acts in life. Ms. Messner divorced her husband and remarried. She continued her ministry on a much smaller scale. Ms. Messner did something that many in her calling were unable or refused to do: she reached out to the gay community in a loving way. Ms. Messner did what she could to comfort those dying of AIDS. The true nature of her compassion was accepted and appreciated by those she showed His love to. It may have been Ms. Messner's 'drag-queen' looks and outlandish make-up that endeared her to the gay community, but it was her inner spirit that made them love her. In a parody of herself, Ms. Messner played a make-up lady on the "Rosanne" show. Ms. Messner appeared as herself on a number of TV shows and in several documentary films. Her long, painful battle with cancer is over. I hope she is at peace now.

KIERON MOORE Died Jul. 22, 2007

Irish actor Kieron Moore died at age 82. Mr. Moore was best known to sci-fi/horror fans for his role in the creepy "The Day of the Triffids." Mr. Moore began his film and stage career in the 1940s. One of his earliest starring roles was opposite Vivian Leigh in the 1948 version of "Anna Karenina." He appeared in over 50 films before retiring in the 1960s. Other credits include "David and Bathsheba" with Gregory Peck, "The Tall Men" with Burt Lancaster, Disney's "Darby O'Gill and the Little People," "The Angry Hills" with Robert Mitchum, "The Day They Robbed the Bank of England," the title role in "Dr. Blood's Coffin," the original version of "The Thin Red Line," "The 300 Spartans" and "Crack in the World." Mr. Moore joined the Catholic charity group Cafod and retired from film. He did make documentaries about conditions in third world countries in hopes of bringing aid and attention to their plight. He devoted the latter part of his life to his faith.

WILLIAM TUTTLE Died Jul. 27, 2007

Oscar-honored makeup artist William Tuttle died at age 95. Lon Chaney Sr. was called the Man of a Thousand Faces. William Tuttle could very well be called the Man of Thousands of Faces. During his 46-year career, 20 of those years as head of the MGM Makeup department, William Tuttle was responsible for some of the most memorable makeup effects in movie history. William Tuttle was given an Honorary Oscar for his work on the fantasy film "The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao," which starred Tony Randall. In that film Mr. Tuttle gave Tony Randall the appearance of several beings including an ancient Chinese wizard, Medusa and the god Pan. William Tuttle was nominated for an Emmy award for his work on the biopic "Babe."

William Tuttle worked on hundreds of films from the mid-1930s through his retirement in 1981. IMDB lists Mr. Tuttle's first film work on Tod Browning's 1935 film "The Mark of the Vampire." The Bela Lugosi movie was a remake of Lon Chaney Sr.'s lost film "London After Midnight." During the 1930s Mr. Tuttle was also an assistant makeup artist on the classic "The Wizard of Oz."

William Tuttle did the makeup on almost every one of Elvis Presley's movies. Horror and science fiction films provided Mr. Tuttle with some of his most shining moments. He worked his magic on such films as George Pal's "The Time Machine," "Atlantis, the Lost Continent," "The Wonderful World of the Brother's Grimm," "Forbidden Planet," "Logan's Run," Brian DePalma's "The Fury," Curtis Harrington's "What's the Matter With Helen?," "Young Frankenstein," "Love at First Bite" and the TV movies "Moon of the Wolf" and "The Night Strangler." The Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films" honored Mr. Tuttle four times for his work on "The Fury," "Logan's Run," "Young Frankenstein" and "Love at First Bite." William Tuttle worked on a dozen episodes of "The Twilight Zone." His work includes the classic episodes "The Masks," "Eye of the Beholder" and "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet."

Not all of William Tuttle's work was aimed at creating the impossible or the magical. Many times, he was there to make the stars look good. William Tuttle's many credits include such classic films as the original "Father of the Bride," "An American in Paris," "Singin' in the Rain," "Pat and Mike," "Julius Caesar," "Kiss Me Kate," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "The Blackboard Jungle," "Somebody Up There Likes Me," "Tea and Sympathy," "Jailhouse Rock," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," Hitchcock's "North by Northwest," "The Wreck of the Mary Deare," "Home From the Hills," Sam Peckinpah's first masterpiece "Ride the High Country," Norman Jewison's "The Cincinnati Kid," "A Patch of Blue" and John Huston's quirky Western "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean."

MICHEL SERRAULT Died Jul. 29, 2007

Award-winning French actor Michel Serrault died at age 79 after a long illness. Mr. Serrault was nominated for seven Best Actor and one Best Supporting Actor Cesar awards. The Cesar is France's equivalent of the US Oscar. Mr. Serrault won three Best Actor Cesars including one for his work in the comedy hit "La Cage aux Folles." Though Mr. Serrault appeared in over 150 films and TV shows in France, he was best known to international audiences for his performance as the flamboyant drag-queen in the 1978 hit film. Mr. Serrault reprised his role in two sequels to "La Cage aux Folles." Fans of the cult-classic "The King of Hearts" also remember Mr. Serrault as the insane Bishop Marcel. Horror movie fans may remember Michel Serrault for his work in the original version of "Diabolique." The 1955 classic marked Mr. Serrault's film debut. Mr. Serrault delivered a chilling performance in the title role true-crime serial-killer biopic "Doctor Petiot." The film told the tale of the infamous French doctor who killed Jews for their money during WWII while supposedly helping them escape the Nazis. Other credits include the Oscar winning "Get Out Your Handkerchiefs" and Claude Charbrol's "The Swindle."

TOM SNYDER Died Jul. 29, 2007

TV journalist and talk show host Tom Snyder died of leukemia at age 71. Mr. Snyder hosted NBC's "The Tomorrow Show." Mr. Snyder's late night interview program came on after Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show." His smoky interviews and distinctive laugh endeared him to fans. Mr. Snyder interviewed many of the great artists, musicians and newsmakers of his generation. He was parodied by Dan Ackroyd on "Saturday night Live." "The Tomorrow Show" ran 1973 through 1982. I was a big fan. I remember resenting that upstart comedian David Letterman when NBC cancelled "The Tomorrow Show" and replaced it with "Late Night With David Letterman." Tom Snyder returned to late night talk TV with "The Late Late Show" in the 1990s. Tom Snyder was nominated for two Emmy Awards.

INGMAR BERGMAN Died Jul. 30, 2007

My film education, the realization that the cinema had more to offer than the 1950s monster movies I fell in love with as a child began in the early 1970s at the old Memphis public library at Peabody and McLean. I sought refuge there to escape the horrors of an abusive father and step-mother. Hours spent on the second floor reading film books that I was considered too young to check out. Within a few years I would be old enough to sneak into R-Rated movies by using a fake ID and false sideburns made from recently cut hair. My years of perusing the written volumes of Pauline Kael left me with a wish list of movies I had to see before I died. Directors with names like Kurosawa, Bergman, Cocteau and Truffaut called to me from the pages of books.

It was fitting that I would see my first Bergman film at another library. It was the early 1980s. The library was in Las Vegas. The film was "Wild Strawberries." The magical descriptions that I had read of what Mr. Bergman had achieved with this film did not exaggerate. The film remains one of my personal favorites. It is somewhat on the cherry side for Bergman. In the next couple of years I was able to see several dozen of the master's films. I don't say that lightly…calling Ingmar Bergman a Master. He was one of the few geniuses of the art. Bergman made Art. He, along with Kurosawa, Alfred Hitchcock and John Ford rules in the Pantheon of Director Gods. He sits on a throne of work that others only aspire to. Woody Allen may be inspired by Ingmar Bergman, but he is a neophyte in comparison.

Award-winning Swedish director Ingmar Bergman died at home at age 89. Mr. Bergman was nominated for three Best Director Oscars, five Best Screenplay Oscars and one Best Picture Oscar. He was awarded the Irving Thalberg Award by the Academy in 1971. Mr. Bergman's films "The Virgin Spring," "Through a Glass Darkly" and "Fanny and Alexander" all won the Best Foreign Film Oscar. "Cries and Whispers" was nominated for the 1972 Best Picture Oscar. His work has been honored with countless awards and nominations around the world. He directed over 60 films and TV movies during his career. Among them are at least five masterpieces and many, many more films which tower over the best work of lesser directors.

When I began writing the Hollywood Obituary column I decided to use a classic film still at the top of each months column. The first still I used was of actors Max Von Sydow and Bengt Ekerot in Ingmar Bergman's 1957 film "The Seventh Seal." The picture of Von Sydow's crusade knight playing chess with Death seemed appropriate for the column. "The Seventh Seal" was released in the US on the day I was born. The film has aged much better than I have. Bergman's classic is an amazing examination of one man's quest for eternal answers. The movie put Bergman on the international map. Bergman was nominated for the Golden Palm and won a Special Jury prize at Cannes for the film.

Bergman's melancholy "Wild Strawberries" was also filmed in 1957. It tells the tale of an elderly professor traveling to his alma mater in order to receive honors for his life's work. Through dreams and flashbacks the old professor reflects on his past life. It is a warm and poignant film. Ingmar Bergman received his first Oscar nomination for the screenplay.

Bergman's 1960 film "The Virgin Spring" won the Best Foreign Film Oscar. The film is one of Bergman's grimmer tales. The parents of a young girl brutally raped and murdered by a gang of thugs exact revenge when the guilty parties unknowingly seek food and shelter from the parents. Wes Craven and Seasn S. Cunningham based their horror film "Last House on the Left" on Bergman's classic.

So many great films. So much cinematic magic to discover for the beginning film student. So much to learn for the veteran filmmaker. Ingmar Bergman's many credits include "Winter Light," "The Silence," "Persona," "Hour Of the Wolf," "Shame," "Scenes From a Marriage," "Face to Face," "The Serpent's Egg," "Autumn Sonata," "From the Life of the Marionettes" and "Saraband."

MICHELANGELO ANTONIONI Died Jul. 30, 2007

What a tragic day for the world of film. I wake up one day to hear of the death of Ingmar Bergman and the next with news of the passing of Michelangelo Antonioni! As was the case with Ingmar Bergman, I read extensively about Michelangelo Antonioni's landmark film "Blow Up" long before I was able to see it. It remains on of the best films of the 1960s. Oscar-nominated Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni died at age 94. Mr. Antonioni was nominated for Best Director and Best Screenplay Oscars for "Blow Up." "Blow Up" was an event film during the swinging 60s. The world-wide reception of the film made Antonioni a household name. His last name became a lyric in one of the songs from "Hair." Mr. Antonioni was honored with a special Oscar in 1995 for his life's work. Like his contemporary, Mr. Bergman, Antonioni's work received countless honors, nominations and awards throughout the world.

Antonioni's 1970 film "Zabriskie Point" became a minor cult film. The director took a look at American culture during the tumultuous late 1960s and created visually stunning movie that is more than a bit confused in what it wants to say. For the patient viewer, Mr. Antonioni's 1975 film "The Passenger" yields a number of rewards. Jack Nicholson starred with Marlon Brando's "Last Tango in Paris" co-star Maria Schneider. The final tracking shot of the film is quite impressive. Mr. Antonioni's work from the early 1960s is also worth discovering. "The Adventure" and "The Night" being highlights from his pre "Blow Up" days.

LEE HAZELWOOD Died Aug. 4, 2007

Singer/songwriter/record producer Lee Hazelwood died of kidney cancer at age 78. Mr. Hazelwood wrote hits for such people as Dean Martin and Frank and Nancy Sinatra. He and Nancy Sinatra were frequent collaborators, recording several albums together and appearing in such TV shows and "Movin' With Nancy" and "Nancy and Lee in Las Vegas." He also recorded many of his own hit records. Nancy Sinatra's 1966 number #1 hit record "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" may be his best known song. Mr. Hazelwood's music has been used on the soundtracks of many films. Sinatra's "Boots" was used to great effect to open the second half of Stanley Kubrick's Vietnam War classic "Full Metal Jacket." Mr. Hazelwood's music can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "Forest Gump," "Tony Rome," "The Sweet Ride," "Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" and "Ocean's Thirteen."

RICHARD COMPTON Died Aug. 11, 2007

Actor turned director Richard Compton died at age 69. Mr. Compton was the husband of "Alien" actress Veronica Cartwright. Fans of 1970s B-Movies have a dear place in their heart for Richard Compton. He co-wrote with Max Baer, and directed the drive-in classic "Macon County Line." The surprise hit spawned the so-so sequel "Return to Macon County" which was also written and directed by Richard Compton. Mr. Compton also directed the notorious "Welcome Home, Soldier Boys." While the film did a disservice to returning Vietnam vets by portraying all combat vets as psychopathic killers, the movie works on a purely visceral level. It foreshadows the message delivered in "Rambo" by 10 years. Mr. Compton also directed the biker film "Angels Die Hard," "The Ransom" and "Ravagers." In the 1980s and 90s Mr. Compton turned to directing episodic TV helming such shows as "Babylon 5," "Miami Vice," "The Equalizer," "The X-Files," "Sliders" and "Charmed." Mr. Compton directed the Jan & Dean rock and roll TV biopic "Dead Man's Curve." Mr. Compton's acting credits include guest shots on the original "Star Trek" Series."

MERV GRIFFIN Died Aug. 12, 2007

Entertainer turned TV mogul turned real-estate tycoon Merv Griffin died of prostate cancer at age 82. Merv Griffin won ten Daytime Emmy Awards and was nominated for another 22! He received a Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2005 Daytime Emmy Awards. Merv Griffin began his career as a singer. As the singer for The Freddy Martin Band, Mr. Griffin scored a huge hit with the 1949 novelty song "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts." This success lead to a few movie roles. It was in television that Merv Griffin left his mark on the industry. His talk show "The Merv Griffin Show" ran in several incarnations between 1962 and 1986. While the bulk of the series was a daytime talk show, he was moved to nights in 1969 to take on late night king Johnny Carson. The failed experiment last a few years and Mr. Griffin's show returned to daytime TV. Millions of TV fans are endebted to Merv Griffin for creating the hit game shows "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune." The shows brought Mr. Griffin a real fortune when Coca-Cola and Sony bought him out for $250,000,000.00 in 1986. Mr. Griffin then expanded his business interests into hotels and resorts. Merv Griffin appeared in a few films including "By the Light of the Silvery Moon" and "Phantom of the Rue Morgue." He did voice work in several films as a radio announcer including Ray Harryhausen's "The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms."

AIDA YOUNG Died Aug. 12, 2007

British producer Aida Young died at age 87. Ms. Young was a producer for Hammer films. She produced several of Christopher Lee's "Dracula" films. Her credits include "Dracula Has Risen From the Grave," "Taste the Blood of Dracula," "Scars of Dracula," "She," "One Million Years B.C.," "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth," "The Vengeance of She," "Hands of the Ripper," "Steptoe and Son" and "Steptoe and Son Ride Again." Ms. Young also produced episodes of the TV series "Danger Man." She began her career as an assistant director working on such films as "The Quatermass Experiment" and "Vengeance is Mine." She worked as a production manager on the TV series "Danger Man," "The Invisible Man," "William Tell" and "The New Adventures of Charlie Chan."

PHIL RIZZUTO Died Aug. 14, 2007

Baseball Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto died at age 89. The former New York Yankee shortstop's career spanned the 1940s and 50s. He appeared in five All Star Games and was part of seven World Series winning Yankee teams. Younger baseball fans remember Phil Rizzuto as the voice of the Yankees. His radio career as an announcer lasted 40 years. Mr. Rizzuto was inducted into Cooperstown in 1994. Phil Rizzuto was known for his enthusiastic radio style and the phrase "Holy Cow!" whenever he saw a spectacular play. Rocker Meatloaf called on Phil Rizzuto to provide play-by-play commentary for his hit song "Paradise By the Dashboard Light." Mr. Rizzuto was unaware that his contribution to the song was actually a double-entendre for the singer's attempt to lose his virginity. Phil Rizutto appeared as himself in a number of TV shows and documentaries. He was the very first mystery guest on the TV show "What's My Line?" Other credits include "Arli$$," "ESPN SportsCentury" and "Summer of Sam." Mr. Rizzuto served his country in the US Navy during WWII.

ANTHONY CARRAS Died Aug. 15, 2007

Producer/director/editor Anthony Carras died at age 86. Mr. Carras was a Roger Corman alumni working as an editor and sound editor on a number of Corman quickies before becoming a producer on the Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello Beach movies. Mr. Carras edited a number of Roger Corman's films including "A Bucket of Blood," "Beast From Haunted Cave," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "Master of the World," "The Pit and the Pendulum," "Tales of Terror" and "X: The Man With the X-Ray Eyes." Mr. Carras co-produced such films as "Master of the World," "The Comedy of Terrors," "Beach Blanket Bingo," "Pajama Party," "Bikini Beach," "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini," "Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine" and "The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini." Anthony Carras wrote and directed "The Fearmaker." The Mexican horror film starred Katie Jurado. Anthony Carras served his country as a B-24 Liberator pilot in the US Army-Air Corp. Mr. Carras flew 35 combat missions during WWII.

Mr. Carras's grand-daughter Katrina shared the joy her grandfather brought into her life: My grandpa had a tremendous love for his family, and he proved that in the last few weeks of his life in what I consider to be a miracle. Although I'm sad he's passed onto the other world, he gave me a gift that has changed the way I see the world, and I can't ever thank him enough for it.

JIM CARLSON Death Announced Aug. 27, 2007

I'll never forget my 5th grade teacher Mrs. Upchurch. The 1967-68 school year at Scenic Hills Elementary school was a very special time. Ms. Upchurch took a Montessori style approach to teaching. One day a week the class was allowed to put on skits, give presentations or just talk about what was going on. Being some what of a Ham, I enjoyed this creative freedom. "Laugh-In" was the most popular TV show at the time, at least with our class. Many of the skits we would do in class were just reenactments of gags we had seen on "Laugh-In" that week. The gags that got the best responses from the class were those based on Artie Johnson's dirty-old-man hitting on Ruth Buzzie's little-old-lady character. Probably the best gag performed by this duo went like this:

Artie Johnson: Do you believe in the hereafter?
Ruth Buzzi: Yes.
Artie Johnson: Then you know what I'm here after!

That classic joke was written by Jim Carlson. I never heard of the man before today, but his work has added much joy to my life. My memories of Mrs. Upchurch's class flooded back as I read a report of Mr. Carlson's passing. Mr. Carlson died one week shy of his 75th birthday. His many credits include "The Love Boat," "Battlestar Gallactica" and "Magnum P.I." Thanks for the memories. Also, Mrs. Upchurch, if you are still out there, thanks for making a difference in your student's lives!

RICHARD HEFFRON Died Aug. 27, 2007

Director Richard Heffron died at age 76. Mr. Heffron directed a number of Made for TV movies as well as several feature films. He directed the excellent 1972 concert film "Filmore." Sci-fi fans will remember his "Westworld" sequel "Futureworld." That film starred Peter Fonda. Mr. Heffron also directed Peter Fonda in "Outlaw Blues." Mr. Heffron directed a number of memorable Made for TV movies during the 1970s and 80s. I especially liked the Martin Sheen/Vic Morrow thriller "The California Kid." Robert Culp starred in "Outrage" as a man fighting back against gang violence in his neighborhood. Mr. Heffron directed Dick Van Dyke to an Emmy-nominated performance as an alcoholic in "The Morning After." Other memorable TV movies include the Emmy nominated "I Will Fight No More Forever," "Death Scream" which was based on the Kitty Genovese murder, "Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy," "A Whale for the Killing," "V: The Final Battle," "North and South" and "Pancho Barnes." Mr. Heffron's feature film credits also include "Newman's Law," "Trackdown" and the 1982 version of "I, The Jury." The photographs at right were shared with me by Mr. Heffron's former niece by marriage, Natalie Mabbitt. Ms. Mabbitt shared many fun memories of spending time with her Uncle in Malibu. The top photo is of Mr. Heffron. The bottom picutre is of actor Peter Strauss, a young Natalie and her Uncle Richard on the set of "A Whale For the Killing."

MIYOSHI UMEKI Died Aug. 28, 2007

Oscar-winning actress Miyoshi Umeki died at age 78. Ms. Umeki was the first Asian actress to win an Oscar. She won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her work in the 1957 film "Sayonara." She played a Japanese woman who falls in love with an American soldier. Red Buttons played her lover and won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work. Miyoshi Umeki was a popular singer in Japan before she came to the US. She was nominated for a Tony Award for the play "Flower Drum Song." She reprised her role in the 1961 film version. Ms. Umeki received her second Golden Globe nomination for that film. TV audiences remember Ms. Umeki for her role as Mrs. Livingston in the series "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." She received her third and final Golden Globe nomination for her work on that show. Her other film credits include "The Horizontal Lieutenant," "Cry For Happy" and "A Girl Named Tamiko." In addition to her regular role on "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," Ms. Umeki made guest appearances on such TV series as "Burke's Law," "Mr. Ed," "The Donna Reed Show" and "Dr. Kildare." Ms. Umeki was the widow of TV director Randall Hood.

D. JAMES KENNEDY Died Sept. 5, 2007

Pastor D. James Kennedy died of heart illness at age 76. Dr. Kennedy had been in the prayers of millions following his heart attack in December of last year. Though I never watched his TV service "The Coral Ridge Hour," Dr. Kennedy's radio sermons will be missed by myself and many others. His no-nonsense style and authoritative grasp of the Bible made Dr. Kennedy one of the best Bible teachers around. Dr. Kennedy has been labeled as a bigot and divisive by some due to his preaching of the gospel. That is a shame. Those with ears to hear and eyes to see recognize the truth spoken by Dr. Kennedy. Dr. Kennedy produced and appeared in the Christmas TV special "Scrooge and Marley."

LUCIANO PAVAROTTI Died Sept. 6, 2007

The greatest. Sports fans can debate who was the greatest home run hitter: Babe Ruth, Hank Aaron or Barry Bonds. Same goes for the greatest film director: Kurosawa, Ford, Spielberg, Hitchcock or Bergman. One thing there can be no debate about is who is the greatest operatic tenor the world has ever seen. Luciano Pavarotti died of pancreatic cancer at age 71. Pavarotti was nominated for ten Emmy Awards for his many televised operatic performances. He won for "Rigoletto." Pavarotti's biggest cinematic mistake was the 1982 vehicle "Yes, Georgio!" Though his winning personality comes through in the movie, the romantic comedy is a notorious misfire. Why dwell on the bad, since Pavarotti left us with so many wonderful performances.

Luciano Pavarotti's many film and TV performances include "Tosca," "Aida," "La Boheme" and "Pagliacci." His music can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "Man on Fire," "The Witches of Eastwick," "Fatal Attraction" and "The Mirror Has Two Faces." Mr. Pavarotti appeared as himself in over 50 TV specials. Among his many best selling albums was "The Three Tenors in Concert" with Placido Domingo and Joseph Carreras.

PERCY RODRIGUES Died Sept. 6, 2007

Prolific character and voice actor Percy Rodrigues died of kidney disease at age 89. Mr. Rodriguez was one of the most recognizable character actors for film and TV from the 1960s forward. His voice is also highly recognizable as he narrated numerous movie trailers including the original "Jaws" trailer. Percy Rodrigues played Dr. Harry Miles for two seasons on the soap opera "Peyton Place." Mr. Rodrigues many film and TV credits include "Star Trek," "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," "Come Back, Charleston Blue," "Genesis II," "Rhinoceros," "Galaxina," "Heavy Metal," "Deadly Blessings," "Brain Waves" and "The Atlanta Child Murders."

JANE WYMAN Died Sept. 10, 2007

Oscar-winning actress Jane Wyman has died. Ms. Wyman's age was in dispute and has been reported to be either 90 or 93. She was the first wife of former President Ronald Reagan. The couple were the parents of Maureen and Michael Reagan. Ms. Wyman was nominated four times for the Best Actress Oscar. She won for her performance as the deaf/mute rape victim in the 1947 film "Johnny Belinda." Ms. Wyman was also nominated for Oscars for her work in the films "The Yearling," "The Blue Veil" and "Magnificent Obsession." Jane Wyman appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. In addition to her Oscar nominations, Ms. Wyman was honored with two Emmy nominations, four Golden Globe Awards and another Golden Globe nomination.

Ms. Wyman began her film career in the early 1930s with bit parts in nearly 20 films including "My Man Godfrey" and "The Gold Diggers of 1937." Beginning with the 1937 film "Smart Blonde" Ms. Wyman began to get bigger roles. The following year she appeared in "Brother Rat" with future husband Ronald Reagan. The pair would make two more feature films together: "Brother Rat and a Baby" and "An Angel From Texas." The Reagans married in 1940. They were divorced in 1949.

Ms. Wyman became a leading lady during the 1940s. Her notable film roles include "Larceny, Inc." with Edward G. Robinson, the Oscar-winning "The Lost Weekend" with Ray Milland, "Night and Day" with Cary Grant," "The Yearling" with Gregory Peck and "Johnny Belinda."

Jane Wyman began the 1950s co-starring with Marlene Dietrich in Alfred Hitchcock's "Stage Fright." Though she appeared in a number of great films, Ms. Wyman became one of the first major stars to make the jump to TV. She received two Emmy nominations for her TV series "Jane Wyman Presents the Fireside Theater." Ms. Wyman's film career continues full steam during the 50s and she earned two more Oscar nominations. He feature film credits from the 1950s include "The Glass Menagerie," Frank Capra's "Here Comes the Groom," "The Blue Veil," "The Story of Will Rogers," "So Big," "Magnificent Obsession," "All That Heaven Allows" and the classic tear-jerker "Miracle in the Rain."

Careerwise, Jane Wyman slowed things down in the 1960s. She only appeared in three feature films: "Pollyana" with Hayley Mills, "Bon Voyage!" with Fred MacMurray and "How To Commit Marriage" opposite Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason. Her TV work during the 1960s consisted of guest appearances on six TV series. Jane Wyman continued to make sporadic TV appearances during the 1970s and 80s. In 1981 she was cast in the lead of the prime time soap "Falcon Crest." She starred in the series during the entire nine seasons. She won a Golden Globe and was nominated for several Soap Opera Digest Awards for her work on "Falcon Crest." Jane Wyman's final work on film was a guest appearance on "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" in 1993.

BRETT SOMERS Died Sept. 15, 2007

Actress and comedian Brett Somers died of stomach and colon cancer at age 83. Ms. Somers was the wife of actor Jack Klugman. Though they were separated for 33 years they did not divorce. Ms. Somers was a regular panelist on the popular game show "Match Game." Fans of the TV series "The Odd Couple" remember Ms. Somers for her recurring role as Blanche Madison, the ex-wife of Jack Klugman's character Oscar Madison. Brett Somer's many TV credits include "Barney Miller," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "The Fugitive," "Have Gun Will Travel," "Ben Casey," "Love, American Style" and "Naked City." Among her few film credits is Larry Cohen's underrated directorial debut "Bone."

ALICE GHOSTLEY Died Sept. 21, 2007

Tony Award winning actress Alive Ghostly died of cancer at age 84. Ms. Ghostly was also nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on the TV series "Designing Women." The prolific character actress appeared in over 100 films and TV shows during her lengthy career. She was the widow of actor Felice Orlandi who died in 2003. Ms. Ghostly was nominated for two Tony Awards, winning in 1965 for her performance in Lorraine Hansberry's "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window." Ms. Ghostley appeared in nine Broadway productions.

Alice Ghostley was best known for her comedic TV performances. She had recurring roles in several TV series including "Bewitched," "Evening Shade" and "Designing Women." Ms. Ghostley played Dill's Aunt Stephanie in the classic "To Kill a Mockingbird." She played one of the evil stepsisters in the 1957 CBS TV musical "Cinderella," which starred Julie Andrews. Ms. Ghostley's many film credits include "The Graduate," "The Flim-Flam Man," "With Six You Get Eggroll," "Viva Max!," "Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies," "Gator," "Grease" and "Rabbit Test."

KARL HARDMAN Died Sept. 22, 2007

Actor/producer Karl Hardman died at age 80. Mr. Hardman produced and acted in George Romero's 1968 classic horror film "Night of the Living Dead." Mr. Hardman portrayed Kevin Cooper, the protective father who insisted on staying in the basement during the zombie attack. His real life daughter Kyra Schon played his on screen daughter in the film. Mr. Hardman's wife Marilyn Eastman played his wife in the film as well as one of the zombies in that film. Miss Schon's character in the film ended up killing and eating her parents! The photo at right is of Mr. Hardman, his wife and daughter from "Night of the Living Dead." Mr. Hardman contributed electronic sound effects to the film. He and his wife also did makeup for the zombies. Mr. Hardman also acted in the 1996 horror film "Santa Claws." He appeared as himself in the "Night of the Living Dead: 25th Anniversary Documentary" and the upcoming "One For the Fire: Night of the Living Dead: 40th Anniversary Documentary."

MARCEL MARCEAU Died Sept. 23, 2007

Marcel Marceau, the world's greatest mime, has died at age 84. The French artist acted out the human condition on stages around the world for close to 60 years. He began performing at the end of WWII. Marcel Marceau served his country and humanity in the French Resistance during WWII. His father died in Auschwitz in 1944. He continued to serve humanity through his art. Without speaking words through his character Bip, Marcel Marceau was able to show all of us what we had in common. Not that everyone listens as the current state of the world will attest to.

Marcel Marceau performed around the world on TV shows. In the US alone he shared his art on "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Dinah Show Show," "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson," "The Hollywood Palace," "Mr. Roger's Neighborhood," "Laugh In" and "Good Morning America." Marcel Marceau's film appearances include Rager Vadim's "Barbarella" and Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie." In the Mel Brooks film, Marcel Marceau was one of a number of actors being approached by Mel Brooks to appear in his silent film. Mr. Marceau performed his famous 'walking against the wind' routine as he fought his way to the door of his home. When Marceau reached the door and is confronted by Mel Brooks he speaks the only word in the Brooks film: "Non." The joke was funnier in concept than in execution, but the movie does capture the brilliance of Marceau's work.

ERIK ROELFZEMA Died Sept. 26, 2007

Dutch war hero Erik Roelfzema died of undisclosed causes at age 90. Mr. Roelfzema was a hero of the Dutch resistance fighting the Nazies during WWII. He became a fighter pilot for the RAF and later adjutant to Queen Wilhelmina. Mr. Roelfzema wrote about his experience in the book "Soldaat van Oranje" which translates "Soldier of Orange." The book was adapted to the screen by Paul Verhoven. Actor Rutger Hauer portrayed the war hero in Verhoven's outstanding film. The photograph at right is of Mr. Roelfzema with actor Rutger Hauer. CLICK HERE to read my Video Risk review of the 1979 classic. A must see if you have never had the pleasure. Thanks for you service to mankind in fighting the Nazi evil.

CHARLES B. GRIFFITH Died Set. 28, 2007

Writer/director Charles B. Griffith died at age 77. Mr. Griffith is best known for his work with Roger Corman. He penned the low-budget horror classics "A Bucket of Blood" and "Little Shop of Horrors." Mr. Griffith also provided the voice of the carnivorous plant Audry Junior and played several bit parts including the guy who tries to rob the flower shop in Corman's "Little Shop of Horrors." Mr. Griffith collaborated with Roger Corman on many films including "The Wild Angels," "It Conquered the World," "Not of This Earth," "Attack of the Crab Monsters," "Beast From Haunted Cave," "Death Race 2000" and "Eat My Dust." In addition to his many screenwriting credits, Charles Griffith directed a few films for Roger Corman including the Ron Howard car chase film "Eat My Dust." Thanks for the hours of enjoyment you provided millions of schlock fans all over the world.

LOIS MAXWELL Died Sept. 29, 2007

Canadian actress Lois Maxwell died of cancer at age 80. Ms. Maxwell was best known for playing Miss Moneypenny in the James Bond film series. Ms. Maxwell outlasted three Bonds by appearing in every Cubby Broccoli produced James Bond film from 1963's "Dr. No" through the 1985 Roger Moore Swansong "A View to a Kill." She appeared in more James Bond films (14) than any other actor except Demond Llewelyn who played 'Q' in 17 films in the series. Ms. Maxwell was perfect as the lovelorn secretary to Bonds' boss M. She pined and lusted after Sean Connery, George Lazenby and Roger Moore as they played the suave super agent James Bond. Miss Moneypenny seems to be the only female that James Bond never took to bed. Though Lois Maxwell will always be identified with the role of Miss Moneypenny, she had a career outside the world of James Bond. My first memory of Lois Maxwell was in the classic horror film "The Haunting." Ms. Maxwell's sudden appearance at the top of the spiral staircase scared actor Russ Tamblyn and everyone who ever saw the movie. Ms. Maxwell had a supporting role in Stanley Kubrick's version of "Lolita." The Canadian born actress studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London while still a teenager. She came to the US and appeared in several films including "That Hagen Girl" with Ronald Reagan and Shirley Temple. Ms. Maxwell then worked in Italy for a few years before moving to the UK. She appeared in a number of TV shows and films before landing the role of Moneypenny in "Dr. No." The rest is history.

GEORGE GRIZZARD Died Oct. 2, 2007

Tony and Emmy-winning stage and screen actor George Grizzard died of lung cancer at age 79. Mr. Grizzard was nominated for three Tony Awards, winning once. He appeared in 21 Broadway productions during his lengthy career including the original production of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" He was nominated for two Emmy Awards, winning once for the TV movie "The Oldest Living Graduate."

George Grizzard appeared in over 90 films and TV shows during his career. His final film role was in Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers." He made his film debut in the melodrama "From the Terrace." The movie starred Paul Newman. Mr. Grizzard made his Broadway debut playing Paul Newman's little brother in the crime thriller "The Desperate Hours." Other feature film credits include "Advise & Consent," "Warning Shot," "Happy Birthday, Wanda June," "Comes a Horseman," "Seems Like Old Times," "Wrong is Right," "Bachelor Party" and "Wonder Boys."

George Grizzard was a very familiar face on TV for nearly 50 years. In addition to guest shots on many TV series, Mr. Grizzard appeared in the TV movies "The Deliberate Stranger," "Pueblo," "Scarlett," "The Adams Chronicles" and "The Front Page." He played journalist and author Tom Wicker in the taut, true-crime film "Attica."

ELFI VON DASSANOWSKY Died Oct. 2, 2007

The press has called her a "role model for women in the arts," "a film pioneer" and a " leading figure in postwar European culture." Elfi von Dassanowsky died in Los Angeles at age 83 from heart failure. Born in Vienna, Austria, Elfi (Elfriede) von Dassanowsky was at age 15, the youngest woman admitted to Vienna's Academy of Music and Performing Arts to that date, as the protégé of famous German concert pianist, Emil von Sauer. While still a student, she was chosen by Austrian film director Karl Hartl to instruct his rising new star, Curd Jurgens in piano, so that he could play the instrument on screen. Her studies and her budding operatic career were abruptly halted for extended labor service when she openly rejected membership in Nazi organizations. But her talent and beauty allowed her a second chance, and UFA Studios in Berlin offered her a star film contract in 1944, which she also declined.

In 1946, Dassanowsky made her opera debut in Mozart's "Marriage of Figaro" and her wide soprano to mezzo range gained her rapid fame in leading roles in throughout Central Europe. That year she also initiated and performed in concerts for the Allied High Command at the behest of General Emil Béthouart of France and the American Lt. General Geoffrey Keyes. She remains one of the few women in history, and one of the youngest (at age 23), to co-found a major film studio--Belvedere Film Vienna. As creative producer she helped revitalize Austrian cinema and discover such major European film talent as Nadja Tiller and Gunther Philipp in such German language classics as "Die Glücksmühle," "Doktor Rosin," and "Märchen vom Glück." Additionally, Dassanowsky starred in theatrical dramas, comedies, and on the concert stage. She initiated musical theater groups, was announcer for Allied Forces Broadcasting and the BBC, toured Central Europe in a one-woman-show and gave master classes in voice and piano, often to refugees who could not gain entry into music academies. An expert in the rare Paderewski piano technique, her musical pedagogy continued in the U.S. In Hollywood in the early 1960s, she resisted becoming a starlet and preferred to remain behind the camera in an industry that did not yet accept women in the leading production role she had in Europe. She subsequently worked as a noted vocal coach for director Otto Preminger on such films as "In Harm's Way" and "The Cardinal."

In 1999, she re-established Belvedere Film with her son as a Los Angeles-based production company and served as Executive Producer of the award-winning dramatic short film, "Semmelweis," the spy-comedy "Wilson Chance," and the documentary "The Archduke and Herbert Hinkel." Dassanowsky was honored for her pioneering work by Austria, by the cities of Los Angeles and Vienna, as well as by the State of California which declared February 2, 1996, "Elfi von Dassanowsky Day." She was named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Letters of France, and she received the Austrian Film Archive's Lifetime Achievement Medal and the UNESCO Mozart Medal, among many other awards. At her death, she was one of the few senior female producers active internationally.

BUD EKINS Died Oct. 6, 2007

Motocross champion turned stuntman and stunt coordinator Bud Ekins died of natural causes at age 77. His most famous screen moment was as Steve McQueen's stunt double in "The Great Escape." Even though Steve McQueen was a world class motorcycle rider himself, producers didn't want to risk their star and McQueen's pal Bud Ekins did the famous motorcycle jump over the barbed wire fence in the classic film. Bud Ekins was a renowned motocross champion in the 1950s. He befriended Steve McQueen in the early 1960s. "The Great Escape" was his first film job. He worked as a stunt rider on over 30 films. Mr. Ekins was the stunt coordinator on one of my personal favorite films: "Electra Glide in Blue." The movie includes an incredible motorcycle chase between two cops played by Robert Blake and Billy Green Bush and a gang of drug dealers on dirt-bikes. Not all of Bud Ekins' work was on two-wheeled vehicles. The term 'yumping' was coined to describe the car jump that Bud Ekins made in the Steve McQueen cop-thriller "Bullitt." Mr. Ekins drove the souped-up Mustang during the famous car-chase scene. As the car jumped the crest of a hilly San Francisco street, all four wheels left the ground. That type of stunt became known as 'yumping.' Other stunt credits include "The Cincinnati Kid," "Then Came Bronson," "Diamonds are Forever," "Chrome and Hot Leather," "Earthquake," "The Towering Inferno," "Race With the Devil," "Animal House," "1941" and "City Heat." Mr. Ekins also acted in several films including the original version of "The Love Bug" and "Pacific Heights." Mr. Ekins was the father of producer Susan Ekins and production designer Donna Ekins-Kapner.

LONNY CHAPMAN Died Oct. 12, 2007

Prolific character actor Lonny Chapman died of heart disease at age 87. Mr. Chapman appeared in eight Broadway productions. He appeared in nearly 150 films and TV shows during his career. Horror movie fans will remember Mr. Chapman as the bartender in the diner in Alfred Hitchcock's classic "The Birds." Mr. Chapman shared in the Western Heritage Award's Bronze Wrangler Award for his part in the John Wayne film "The Cowboys." Lonny Chapman's feature film credits include "Baby Doll," "Hour of the Gun," "The Stalking Moon," "Take the Money and Run," "The Reivers," "I Walk the Line," "Where the Red Fern Grows," "Earthquake," "Moving Violation," "The Bad News Bears Go to Japan," "When Time Ran Out" and "52 Pick-Up." Mr. Chapman's TV credits are numerous and include many of the top shows from the 1950s on.

SIGRID VALDIS Died Oct. 14, 2007

Actress Sigrid Valdis, the widow of actor Bob Crane died of lung cancer at age 72. Ms. Valdis played Helga, the voluptuous secretary to Col. Klink on the hit TV series "Hogan's Heroes." She and star Bob Crane fell in love and married on the set of the series in 1970. She appeared in a number of films and TV shows including "Our Man Flint." Ms. Valdis retired from acting following the birth of Scott Crane, her son with Bob Crane. Mr. Crane was murdered in Scottsdale Arizona in 1978. Mr. Crane's battle with sex addiction was the subject of the film "Auto Focus." Maria Bello portrayed Ms. Valdis in that film.

DEBORAH KERR Died Oct. 16, 2007

Multi Oscar-nominated actress Deborah Kerr died of Parkinson's Disease at age 86. Ms. Kerr was nominated for six Best Actress Oscars during her lengthy career. In 1994 she was given an Honorary Oscar for her contributions to the art of filmmaking. Ms. Kerr was best known roles in two Hollywood classics: "From Here to Eternity" and "The King and I." She received Oscar nominations for both films and won the Golden Globe for "The King and I." Ms. Kerr's other Oscar nominations were for her work in the films "Edward, My Son," "Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison," "Separate Tables" and "The Sundowners." The British actress was honored in her homeland with four BAFTA nominations.

Deborah Kerr began her film career in 1940. After a bit part in "Contraband," Ms. Kerr had a supporting role in "Major Barbara." She appeared in 10 British films before coming to Hollywood. The films from her British period include Alexander Korda's "Perfect Strangers" opposite Robert Donet and the Michael Powell/Emeric Pressberger classics "The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp" and "Black Narcissus." Ms. Kerr came to Hollywood in 1947 and immediately was put in starring roles.

Deborah Kerr appeared in many of the best films of the 1950s. Deborah Kerr's performance as the adulteress wife in "From Here to Eternity" broke US cinematic taboos. She and Burt Lancaster shared an on-screen kiss in the surf that shocked puritanical audiences of the 1950s. In addition to those films already mentioned, Ms. Kerr's credits from the 1950s include "Quo Vadis?," "Julius Caesar," the classic romancer "An Affair to Remember," "Tea and Sympathy" and "King Solomon's Mines."

Ms. Kerr only made a dozen films during the 1960s. She began the decade in a memorable and earthy role opposite Robert Mitchum in "The Sundowners." The actress who played the most noble of women proved she could portray a gritty, nomads wife in this great adventure film. The following year Deborah Kerr starred in the horror classic "The Innocents." She starred as the troubled nanny of two even more troubled children. In 1964 John Huston cast her opposite Richard Burton and Ava Gardner in "The Night of the Iguana." She reteamed with Burt Lancaster for the over-looked and under-rated "The Gypsy Moths" in which she appeared nude in a love scene with Burt Lancaster. After playing Kirk Douglas's wife in Elia Kazan's dreary "The Arrangement," Ms. Kerr retired from the big screen and concentrated on stage acting. She returned to screen acting in a few British TV shows during the 1980s. Her final film role was in the indie film "The Assam Garden."

JOEY BISHOP Died Oct. 17, 2007

Comedian and actor Joey Bishop died of multiple causes at age 89. Joey Bishop was the last surviving member of the Rat Pack. Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and their leader Frank Sinatra formed the core of the fun-loving swingers of the 1950s and 60s. Joey Bishop appeared in the Rat Pack movies "Ocean's Eleven" and "Sergeants 3." He was the Master of Ceremonies at the Inaugural Gala for President Kennedy. Mr. Bishop starred in two TV shows, both titled "The Joey Bishop Show." The first TV show was a sitcom while his second show was a late-night variety show ALA "The Tonight Show." Joey Bishop began his career as a stand-up comedian. He performed in night clubs world wide, both alone and with his Rat Pack pals. Joey Bishop served his country in the US Army during WWII.

Mr. Bishop appeared in over 70 films and TV shows during his career. Joey Bishop made guest appearances on numerous TV shows including "The Tonight Show," "The Frank Sinatra Show," "The Ed Sullivan Show," "What's My Line?," "Playboy After Dark," "The Dean Martin Show," "Rowen and Martin's Laugh-In," "Hollywood Squares" and "Match Game." Joey Bishop's film credits include "The Naked and the Dead," "Onion Head," "Valley of the Dolls," "Texas Across the River," "A Guide for the Married Man," "Who's Minding the Mint?," "Delta Force," "Betsy's Wedding" and "Mad Dog Time."

VIC RAMOS Died Oct. 21, 2007

Casting director Vic Ramos died of pulmonary failure at age 77. Mr. Ramos cast or helped cast some of the best films of the 1970s and 80s. He later turned to managing talent including actor Matt Dillon. Mr. Ramos' impressive list of credits include "The Godfather Part II," "Star Wars," "Apocalypse Now!," "Hardcore," "Thief," "The Friends of Eddie Coyle," "Blue Collar," "Over the Edge," "Dressed to Kill," "My Bodyguard," "The Black Stallion," "Where's Poppa?," "Little Murders," "The Anderson Tapes," "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" and "Shamus." Mr. Ramos also produced the Matt Dillon films "Kansas" and "Liar's Moon." He was the son of MGM key grip Victor Ramos Sr. Mr. Ramos was married to Virginia Loew, the granddaughter of Marcus Loew. Marcus Loew was the founder of Metro which merged with Samuel Goldwyn's and Louis B. Mayer's companies to form Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Mr. Ramos' wife Virginia passed away in 1964.

BERNARD KOWALSKI Died Oct. 26, 2007

Emmy-nominated producer and director Bernard Kowalski died at age 78. Mr. Kowalski shared two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Drama Series for his work on "Baretta." Mr. Kowalski produced and or directed many of the top TV series of the 1960s and 70s. He produced the first two episodes of the WWII series "The Rat Patrol." I thank him for that alone as it was a childhood favorite of mine. One of the first movies to warp my psyche was the kinky horror movie "Attack of the Giant Leeches." I saw it when I was six years old. I came away from the horror opus with very strange feelings for Yvette Vickers, the movie's poor-white-trash femme fatale. Bernard Kowalski was the man who directed that cult classic. I thank him (and Yvette Vickers) for that too! Another childhood favorite was the sci-fi/horror film "Night of the Blood Beast." Mr. Kowalski also helmmed that Roger and Gene Corman production. Mr. Kowalski directed four films for the Corman brothers. Mr. Kowalski returned to horror films in the 1970s directing "Sssssss."

Though I remember Mr. Kowalski fondly for his horror films, his biggest impact on the industry was as a TV producer and director. His impressive list of TV credits include "Perry Mason," "The Untouchables," "Rawhide," "The Virginian," "Mission Impossible," "Gunsmoke," "Columbo," "The Wild, Wild West," "The Streets of San Francisco," "The Rockford Files," "Magnum PI," "Airwolf," "Knight Rider," "Jake and the Fatman" and "Diagnosis Murder." A trivia point from Mr. Kowalski's career was the title of his 1969 disaster movie "Krakatoa: East of Java." The film dealt with the worst volcanic eruption in recorded history: the 1883 eruption felt all around the world. Someone at the studio was asleep when the film was named as Krakatoa is actually west of Java.

PORTER WAGONER Died Oct. 28, 2007

Country music legend Porter Wagoner died of lung cancer at age 80. The old-school country music star was a staple of the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years. He launched the career of singer/actress Dolly Parton when she became his duet partner in 1967. Porter Wagoner hosted the long-running TV series "The Porter Wagoner Show" from 1960 to 1979. His film credits include "Country Music on Broadway," "The Nashville Rebel" and Clint Eastwood's "Honkytonk Man." Mr. Wagoner's many hit songs include "Satisfied Mind" and "Green Green Grass of Home." His music can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "The Nashville Sound" and "The People vs. Larry Flynt."

ROBERT GOULET Died Oct. 30, 2007

Tony-award-winning actor/singer Robert Goulet died of pulmonary fibrosis at age 73. Mr. Goulet was awaiting a lung transplant at the time of his death. Mr. Goulet's best known role was as Sir. Lancelot in the Broadway play "Camelot." Robert Goulet won the Best Actor in a Musical Tony Award for the 1968 production of "Happy Time." Robert Goulet appeared in over 100 films and TV shows. He had a cameo scene with Susan Sarandon in Louis Malle's outstanding "Atlantic City." Other feature film credits include "Naked Gun 2 and ½," "Scrooged," "Beetle Juice," "I'd Rather Be Rich" and "I Deal in Danger."

Robert Goulet's musical skills graced the small screen in the adaptations of the plays "Brigadoon," "Kiss Me Kate" and "Carousel." He made guest appearances on numerous TV shows including "The Ed Sullivan Show," "The Dean Martin Show," "The Andy Williams Show," "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour," "Police Squad!," "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" and "The Simpsons."

COL. PAUL TIBBETS Died Nov. 1, 2007

American hero Col. Paul Tibbets died at age 92 after a period of declining health. Col. Tibbets piloted the US Superfortress Enola Gay on the first nuclear mission over Hiroshima, Japan on August 6, 1945. The bomb blast killed over 80,000 people, but in turn saved millions of lives by bringing an end to the Pacific Theater of operation during WWII. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki three days later caused the unconditional surrender of Japan and ended the need for a bloody invasion of Japan. Col. Tibbets flew B-17 missions in Europe. He lead the first B-17 mission into Europe as a member of the famed 8th Air Force. He returned to the US and became a test pilot for the B-29 Superfortress. Considered by many in the military to be the best bomber pilot of the war, Col. Tibbets was given the mission that would end the war. His plane, the Enola Gay was named after his mother. Paul Tibbets appeared in several documentaries including "The World at War" and "Price for Peace." Col. Tibbets has been portrayed by a number of actors in feature films and TV shows. Barry Nelson played him in the 1947 film "The Beginning or the End." In 1952 Robert Taylor played him in "Above and Beyond." Patrick Duffy had the honors in the TV movie "Enola Gay: The Men, the Mission and the Atomic Bomb." Thanks you for your unwavering service to your country in the face of an enemy bent on world domination and destruction.

SONNY BUPP Died Nov. 1, 2007

Former child actor Sonny Bupp died at age 79. Mr. Bupp appeared in over 60 films during his career. He played Orson Welles son in the classic "Citizen Kane." Mr. Bupp was one of the last surviving cast member of that film. He also appeared in Ronald Reagan's first film "Love is in the Air." The photo at right is of Mr. Bupp with William 'Hopalong Cassidy' Boyd in the 1939 film "The Renegade Trail." Among Mr. Bupp's other credits "Annie Oakley" with Barbara Stanwyck, "Kid Millions," the classic Ronald Coleman version of "Lost Horizon," "Angels With Dirty Faces," "Tennessee Johnson" and "The Devil and Daniel Webster." I spoke with his widow Theresa Bupp. She stated that she appreciated the outpouring from his fans, but she was a bit overwhelmed at the moment and wasn't sure when she would be able to respond to all the cards and letters. She would appreciate your patience in her time of transition. Mr. Bupp served his country in the US Army during WWII. As an adult, Mr. Bupp worked as an auto industry exec. Thanks for the service to your country.

HENRY CELE Died Nov. 2, 2007

South African actor Henry Cele died of a chest infection at age 58. Mr. Cele was best known for playing the title role in the TV mini-series "Shaka Zulu." Mr. Cele portrayed the 19th century Zulu chief who waged war on the British Empire. Henry Cele was a professional soccer goalie before turning to acting. The epic-miniseries "Shaka Zulu" was his film debut. Anyone who has seen the show can not deny the power of Mr. Cele's performance. Mr. Cele reprised his role as the warrior chief in the 2001 TV movie "Shaka Zulu: The Citadel." Other film credits include Michael Douglas' "The Ghost and the Darkness" and the biopic "Schweitzer" with Malcolm McDowell.

PETER VIERTEL Died Nov. 4, 2007

Novelist and screenwriter Peter Viertel died of lymphoma just shy of his 87th birthday. Mr. Viertel died 20 days after the death of his wife, actress Deborah Kerr. Mr. Viertel collaborated with director John Huston on three films: "We Were Strangers," "Beat the Devil" and "The African Queen." Mr. Viertel's novel "Black Hunter, White Heart" was a veiled account of his experiences with John Huston working on "The African Queen." Mr. Viertel adapted his own novel for the screen. Actor Jeff Fahey played the character based on Mr. Viertel. Mr. Viertel's impressive list of credits include Alfred Hitchcock's "Saboteur," "Decision Before Dawn," "The Sun Also Rises," "The Night Heaven Fell" and "The Old Man and the Sea."

PETER HANDFORD Died Nov. 6, 2007

Oscar and BAFTA winning sound recordist Peter Handford died at age 88. Mr. Handford won the Oscar and BAFTA for his work on Sidney Pollack's "Out of Africa." He was also nominated for a second Oscar for his work on "Gorillas in the Mist." Mr. Handford received two more BAFTA nominations for "Hope and Glory" and "The Go-Between." He worked with Alfred Hitchcock on "Frenzy" and "Under Capricorn." Mr. Handford's craft helped capture Bernard Herrmann's classic score on Ray Harryhausen's "Mysterious Island." Mr. Handford's impressive list of credits also include "Havana," "White Hunter Black Heart," "Dangerous Liaisons," the 1979 remake of "The Lady Vanishes," "Julia," "Murder on the Orient Express," "Hitler: The Last Ten Days," "Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment," "Darling," "Tom Jones," "Billy Liar," "Saturday Night and Sunday Morning," "The Entertainer," "Sons and Lovers," "Room at the Top" and "Night and the City."

WAYNE ARTMAN Died Nov. 6, 2007

Oscar and Emmy nominated sound re-recording mixer Wayne Artman died just shy of his 71st birthday. Mr. Artman shared an Oscar nomination for his work on "The Witches of Eastwick." He received two Emmy nominations for his work on "The Tuskegee Airmen" and "Sinatra." Mr. Artman was honored by his peers with a CAS Award for "Into Thin Air: Death Everest." Wayne Artman worked on over 110 films and TV shows during his career. His many credits include "Wes Craven Presents Don't Look Down," the TV remake of "Pretty Poison," "Night of the Running Man," "Point of No Return," "Falling Down," "Passenger 57," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Lethal Weapon 3," "The Last Boy Scout," "Child's Play 2," "Blind Faith," "Hard to Kill," "Tango & Cash," "Lean on Me," "Stakeout," "Armed and Dangerous," "Short Circuit," "Jagged Edge," "European Vacation," "Conan the Destroyer," "The Toy," "Things Are Tough All Over," "Conan the Barbarian," "Stripes," "Stir Crazy," "The Blue Lagoon," "Oh, God!," "The Front" and "Jonathan Livingston Seagull."

NORMAN MAILER Died Nov. 10, 2007

Writer Norman Mailer died of renal failure at age 84. Norman Mailer was one of most colorful and controversial writers of the past century. He won two Pulitzer prizes for his books "The Executioner's Song" and "Armies of the Night." Norman Mailer was a left-wing man's man. Norman Mailer served his country in the US Army during WWII. His experiences became the basis for his debut novel "The Naked and the Dead." Director Raoul Walsh helmmed the film version in 1958. His novel "An American Dream" was filmed in 1966 starring Janet Leigh and Stuart Whitman. Norman Mailer wrote, produced and directed the 1968 comedy "Beyond the Law." He directed a total of four films. Norman Mailer was not a very good filmmaker. His strengths were in his writing and the lust for experience in his daily life. His best film as a director was the adaptation of his novel "Tough Guys Don't Dance." Still, that wasn't saying much about his skills as a filmmaker as Mr. Mailer earned two Razzie Nominations as Worst Director and Worst Screenplay for the movie! The two best film adaptations of his work were Made for TV movies. "Marilyn: The Untold Story" starred Catherine Hicks as the doomed sex goddess Marilyn Monroe. Mr. Mailer caught flack from some quarters when he released the Monroe biography as he was accused of plagiarism. Mailer's excellent true-crime novel "The Executioner's Song" was based on tons of research by Lawrence Schiller. The book ranks just below Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" as the best true-crime non-fiction novel. Tommy Lee Jones and Rosanna Arquette starred in the excellent film of condemned killer Gary Gilmore. Norman Mailer was nominated for an Emmy Award for adapting his book to the screen. Lawrence Schiller directed the movie. Mr. Mailer occasionally acted in film. He starred in his own film "Wild 90." His best remembered screen appearance was as architect and murder victim Stanford White in Milos Forman's "Ragtime." Mr. Mailer also appeared in the short film "The Obit Writer."

LARAINE DAY Died Nov. 10, 2007

Actress Laraine Day died of natural causes at age 87. Ms. Day appeared in over 80 films and TV shows during her career. She co-starred with Joel McCrea in Alfred Hitchcock's classic "Foreign Correspondent." The 1940 film was nominated for six Oscars. Tarzan fans may remember Ms. Day as the doomed biological mother of 'Boy' in "Tarzan Finds a Son." She and actor Morton Lowry played the parents of 'Boy' and were killed in a plane crash at the beginning of the film. Ms. Day stuck around mch longer in the "Dr. Kildare" movie series. She starred as Dr. Kildare's love interest in seven films in the series. Ms. Day made her film debut in the Barbara Stanwyck vehicle "Stella Dallas." Other credits include "I Take This Woman" with Spencer Tracy, "Unholy Partners" with Edward G. Robinson, "Mr. Lucky" with Cary Grant and John Wayne's "The High and the Mighty." Ms. Day was once married to baseball legend Leo Durocher. She was the widow of producer Michel Grilikhes.

DELBERT MANN Died Nov. 11, 2007

Oscar-winning director Delbert Mann died of pneumonia at age 87. Mr. Mann won the 1955 Best Director Oscar, the Golden Palm at Cannes and the DGA award for "Marty." Delbert Mann received three other DGA nominations for "Jane Eyre," "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs" and "The Member of the Wedding." The DGA also honored Mr. Mann with the Robert Aldrich Achievement Award in 1997 and the Honorary Life Member Award in 2002." His other accolades include three Emmy nominations and three additional Golden Palm nominations at Cannes.

Delbert Mann began directing during the era of live TV. He directed numerous episodes of such TV shows as "Goodyear Television Playhouse," "Playhouse 90," "Sunday Showcase," "Philco Television Playhouse" and "Omnibus."

During the 1950s, Delbert Mann directed five feature films. "Marty" was his feature debut. The film received eight Oscar nominations and scored four wins including Best Picture, Best Actor (Ernest Borgnine) and Best Writer (Paddy Chayefsky). Delbert Mann reteamed with writer Paddy Chayefsky for his second feature film "The Bachelor Party." That film earned Carolyn Jones a Best Suppoting Actress Oscar nomination. His next feature was "Desire Under the Elms" with Sophia Loren and Tony Perkins. It received a Best Cinematography Oscar nomination. His fourth film was the classic "Separate Tables." Again Oscar smiles on Mr. Mann's film with seven nominations and two wins: Best Actor (David Niven) and Best Supporting Actress (Wendy Hiller). Delbert Mann's final film of the 1950s was "Middle of the Night" for which he received a Golden Palm nomination at Cannes.

Delbert Mann began the 1960s with one of my personal favorites "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs." Robert Preston starred as Rubin Flood in one of the most memorable films of the decade. Do not miss the chance to catch this gem on the late show. Shirley Knight received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination for her work in the film. Delbert Mann next helmmed the Rock Hudson/Doris Day romantic comedy "Lover Come Back." Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay. Mr. Mann next directed the biopic "The Outsider." Long before Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers," Delbert Mann focued in on the story of Ira Hayes, the native American Marine who helped raise the flag on Iwo Jima. Tony Curtis starred. Delbert Mann returned to the world of romantic comedy with the Cary Grant/Doris Day vehicle "That Touch of Mink." The film received three Oscar nominations. (Do you see a pattern yet!) Next Delbert Mann mixed romance and war. "A Gathering of Eagles" starred Rock Hudson and (guess what) received an Oscar nomination. The Glenn Ford/Geraldine Page comedy also received an Oscar nomination. James Garner starred in Mann's amnesia drama "Mr. Buddwing." That film received two Oscar nominations. While "Fitzwilly" did not receive any awards, the Dick Van Dyke comedy was a huge hit.

During the late 1960s Delbert Mann returned to his first love, directing TV. His 1968 TV movie "Heidi" became a footnote in history when the networks cut in on the final moment of the New York Jets/Oakland Raiders football game. The Jets led 32 to 29 when "Heidi" began. The final score after the last minute of play was 43 to 32 Oakland. The game became known as the "Heidi Bowl." The movie won John Williams an Emmy for his outstanding score.

For the rest of his career, Delbert Mann worked mainly in his beloved medium of television. His version of "All Quiet on the Western Front" reteamed him with "Marty" star Ernest Borgnine. Richard Thomas played the lead role in the excellent film. Mr. Mann received one of his three Emmy nominations for the 1979 movie. Other TV film credits include "A Girl Named Sooner," "Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U-2 Spy Incident" and "The Last Days of Patton" with George C. Scott.

Delbert Mann served his country in the US Army Air Corp during WWII. He was a B-24 pilot with the Eighth Air Force and flew 35 combat missions over Europe. Thanks for the great movies and thanks for your service to our country.

AL MANCINI Died Nov. 12, 2007

Actor Al Mancini died of Alzheimer's Disease at age 74. Mr. Mancini played condemned soldier Tassos Bravos in Robert Aldrich's classic "The Dirty Dozen." In the film, Mr. Mancini's character was befriended by fellow soldier Clint Walker. Their characters died guarding the cross-roads from a platoon of German soldiers during the film's climactic battle sequence. Al Mancini was the sixth actor of those who portrayed the Dozen to die. Al Mancini was also a beloved drama teacher. He shared his craft with others for over 30 years as a teacher at the Beverly Hills Playhouse. Mr. Mancini appeared in over 50 films and TV shows during his career. He was a regular on the British political satire series "That Was the Week That Was" for a dozen years. Other credits include "Falling Down," "Miller's Crossing," "Loose Canons," "Turk 182!," and "All in the Family."

IRA LEVIN Died Nov. 12, 2007

Novelist and Tony-Award-nominated playwright Ira Levin died of a heart attack at age 78. Three of Ira Levin's novels were turned into excellent films. Roman Polanski adapted and directed the film version Levin's occult novel "Rosemary's Baby." The horror masterpiece earned Polanski a Best Screenplay Adapted Oscar nomination. Actress Ruth Gordon won a Best Supporting Actress nomination for the film. Ira Levin's satirical sci-fi novel "The Stepford Wives" was filmed twice. The original version starring Katherine Ross is a classic of the genre. The remake with Nicole Kidman was a dismal failure and did not resemble Mr. Levin's book at all. The 1978 film "The Boys From Brazil" was a brilliant mix of horror, sci-fi and political thriller. Gregory Peck and Laurence Olivier starred in the tale of an attempt to stop the cloning of Adolph Hitler. The film received three Oscar nominations including a Best Actor nod for Laurence Olivier. Mr. Levin's excellent debut novel "A Kiss Before Dying" was filmed twice with so-so results. His novel "Sliver" was turned into a sub-par Sharon Stone vehicle.

Ira Levin wrote nine Broadway plays. "Deathtrap" earned him a Best Play nomination. The play was adapted to the screen and starred Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve and Dyan Canon. Mr. Levin's first Broadway play was the comedy "No Time For Sergeants." Andy Griffith starred. Don Knotts made his Broadway debut in the play. Both actors reprised their roles for the 1958 film version. His Broadway play "Dr. Cook's Garden" was adapted to the small screen. Bing Crosby delivered a chilling performance as a small town doctor with a god complex who begins to kill his patients. The movie was part of the excellent ABC Movie of the Week series. Juna Allyson co-starred. Thanks for the goosebumps!!!

Entertainment Insiders' DVD critic Frank Cifaldi remembers meeting Ira Levin: In 1978, my school drama department made a trip to New York to see some of the plays that were the toast of Broadway. One evening, after having seen "Bubbling Brown Sugar", our group headed off for dinner at a deli with the pictures of famous stars all over the wall (Sardi's?). I was 15 and sat down for whatever sandwich I had ordered when I overheard a woman at the table next to ours saying that the gentleman with the beard sitting a few tables down from ours was Ira Levin, the author. Having read "Rosemary's Baby" and in my juvenile mind thinking that "The Stepford Wives" was the most amazing movie I had ever see up to that point, I knew exactly who Ira Levin was. But I had been told by my parents that you never broke into a meal while someone was eating and you NEVER interrupted an adult while they were talking. I kept looking over until finally I could contain myself no longer. On our way out of the deli, I stopped by the table and with all the courage I could muster, I excused myself for being rude but I wanted to tell Mr. Levin that we were going to see "Deathtrap" on the following night and how thrilled I was to meet him. Mr. Levin looked at me and I could feel myself turn to ice thinking I was going to get in trouble. He put his arm around me, asked my name and introduced me to his agent. He was very gracious and I somehow managed to ask for his autograph albeit somewhat breathlessly. The only paper I had was the paper menu I had taken off the table and he signed his name to it without hesitation. Mr. Levin then asked why I was in New York and I told him I was with my drama group and he asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. Starry eyed, I told him I wanted to be an actor or a writer. He laughed and said "Both are fine careers. I cannot tell you the joy I have gotten from writing because I get to meet people like you". I had never felt so important in my entire life and I almost cried on the spot because IRA LEVIN was happy to meet ME! We left the deli in the November chill and it started to rain. We walked everywhere because we couldn't afford to take taxi's and even though I tried to hide the signature under my shirt, the ink ran and for days I had the backwards signature of Ira Levin tattooed on my stomach. I kept the faded, rumpled piece of paper for a number of years until one day I threw it away thinking that I could always write to Mr. Levin and tell him of that night and, of course, HE would remember ME because, afterall, he had been happy to meet me. I never wrote the letter and I am sure that Mr. Levin wouldn't have remember me all those years later but I will never forget that on one November night, in 1978, I felt like the most important person on the face of the earth.

FERDINANDO BALDI Died Nov. 12, 2007

Italian writer/director/producer Ferdinando Baldi died at age 80. Mr. Baldi directed nearly 40 films during his career. He began his career directing films in the Sword and Sandal genre. He co-directed "David and Goliath" which starred Orson Welles. Mr. Welles also appeared in Mr. Baldi's film "The Tartars." Mr. Baldi's other credits in the genre include "Son of Cleopatra" and "The Sword of El Cid." During this same time period Mr. Baldi was an associate producer on Mario Bava's masterpiece "The Whip and the Body." Ferdinando Baldi is best remembered for his many Spaghetti Westerns. While he was no Sergio Leone, Mr. Baldi did direct several westerns fondly remembered by fans. His 1967 film "Little Rita of the West" was the first Spaghetti Western film credit of star Terrence Hill. Franco Nero gave a memorable performance in the otherwise forgettable "Texas, Addio." Mr. Baldi's "Blindman" was his take on the Japanese "Zatoichi" film series. Frequent collaborator, writer/actor Tony Anthony starred in the title role and Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr co-starred. Mr. Anthony also co-wrote and starred in Mr. Baldi's 3-D Spaghetti Western "Comin' At Ya!" The film's plot was so-so but the special effects were pretty good. Mr. Baldi appeared as himself in the excellent documentary "The Spaghetti West."

MONTY WESTMORE Died Nov. 13, 2007

Oscar and Emmy nominated makeup artist Monty Westmore died of natural causes at age 84. Mr. Westmore was part of the legendary makeup artist family. He was in the third of four (so far) generations of movie make up artists! Mr. Westmore was nominated for an Oscar for his work on Steven Speilberg's "Hook." He's the guy who turned Glen Close into a male pirate in "Hook." He received two Emmy nominations for his work on "The Late Shift" and "Who Will Love My Children." Mr. Westmore worked on over 75 films during his impressive career. He worked with director Robert Altman on five films including "A Wedding" and "Quintet." "Quintet" star Paul Newman called on Mr. Westmore to make him look good (or bad) in 17 films. Mr. Westmore worked his magic on Mr. Newman in such films as "The Verdict," "The Color of Money," "The Drowning Pool," "Fat Man and Little Boy," "The Towering Inferno" and the hilarious John Huston western "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean." Mr. Westmore's many credits include "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?," "Straight Jacket," "Rio Lobo," "Uptown Saturday Night," "Let's Do It Again," "Lipstick," "Endangered Species," "Airplane 2," "Stand By Me," "Garden's of Stone," "The Shawshank Redemption" and "se7en." Mr. Westmore's father was "Gone With the Wind" makeup artist Monte Westmore.

GEORGIANA YOUNG Died Nov. 13, 2007

Once again, I happily defer to and thank British filmmaker Austin Mutti-Mewse for his tribute to Georgiana Young, the sister of actress Loretta Young and wife of actor Ricardo Montaban.

Georgiana Young, who has died in Beverly Hills at the age of 84, was the youngest and least well-know of the Young sisters, Loretta Young being the most famous of the siblings followed by Sally Blane and Polly Ann Young. Despite actually being a half-sister, Loretta insisted Georgiana be treated as 'one of their own.' Despite her exquisite beauty and much hype and promise, the sisters made only one film together 'The Story of Alexander Graham Bell' (1939). "I was never comfortable in front of the movie cameras," she said. "I never had the same drive as Loretta nor the looks of Sally or Polly gusto. In truth movies and the life of a movie star scared me to death."

Born Georgiana Belzer on September 30, 1923, she acted during the 1930s as Anne Royal. Her 'stage mother' Gladys Royal pushed baby Georgiana into the movie business at a tender age often appearing as an un-billed extra in films starring her sisters. Georgiana's father George Belzer also worked within the movie industry. Her parents divorced when Georgiana was still an infant.

It wasn't until the tale end of the 1930s that Georgiana began to find her own way. She spent three years under contract to David O. Selznick and was screen tested for the role of Scarlet O'Hara and then as Scarlet's younger sister Suellen in 'Gone with the Wind' (1939). She lost out to both Vivien Leigh and Evelyn Keyes. Georgiana blamed her lack of success on her height, "I was taller than Vivien Leigh, taller than Evelyn Keyes and Clark Gable - heck, I was taller than Tara!"

Georgiana Young's most important role off-screen was guarding the true identity of Loretta Young's love child Judy. Born Judy Young on November 6, 1935. Her father was Clark Gable. Because of the morality clause in both Gable and Loretta's contracts and the fact that Clark Gable was married, Loretta Young brought Judy up as her adopted daughter. "It was obvious just by looking at Judy who her father was," said Georgiana, "but I never told. I lost out on movie roles because producers said they would give me wonderful roles if I told, but I didn't, I wouldn't tell, so that was that." The secret remained so until the late 1950s.

Georgiana also lost out on the role of Whitey to Marian Martin in 'Boom Town' (1940) starring Clark Gable and to Luana Walters in the Buck Jones western 'Arizona Bound' (1941). When she did eventually succeed and take the lead in Herbert Wilcox movie 'No, No Nanette' (1940), it was all too short lived. Three days into shooting Wilcox decided he was in love with Anna Neagle and re-cast Georgiana as a show girl instead.

It was whilst Georgiana was modeling between movies that she caught the eye of 'Latin lover' Ricardo Montalban. He was a friend of Sally Blane's husband Norman Foster and whilst working on a Mexican film directed by Foster noticed Georgiana on set one day, "He said later on that after one glance he knew we'd marry," said Georgiana, "And I believed him." They married on October 26, 1944.

During the 1940s, Georgiana curtailed her modeling work (she modeled for Lux Soap, Coke Cola, Ford and was an early Levis model), and concentrated on her husbands career, accompanying him the work whilst he splashed around with Esther Williams in the aquatic melodrama "Neptune's Daughter" (1949), and the Film Noir classic "Border incident" (1949), in which she had a small un-billed cameo. Throughout the 1950s, Georgiana appeared on Loretta's highly successful TV chat show. Asked why their marriage succeeded where so many fail in Hollywood, Georgiana said, "because we have a sense of humour and best friends and trust one another."

Georgiana Young admitted being in awe of her sister Loretta. "I simply felt I'd never achieve what she achieved so never tried," she said. Loretta Young who affectionately nicknamed her sister 'Georgie' died in August, 2000 from ovarian cancer at Georgiana and Ricardo Montalban's home. Sally Blane and Polly Ann Young also succumbed to cancer.

Georgiana Young who died on November 13, has been interred in the Young's family plot in the Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, close to the former site of MGM studios, is survived by Ricardo Montalban and their four children; Laura Montalban is a successful clothing designer.

PETER ZINER Died Nov. 13, 2007

Oscar and BAFTA-winning film editor Peter Ziner died at age 88. Mr. Zinner was nominated for three Oscars for his work on "The Godfather," "The Deer Hunter" and "An Officer and a Gentleman." He won and Oscar and a BAFTA for "The Deer Hunter." Mr. Zinner's work on "The Godfather: Part II" earned him a second BAFTA nomination. Mr. Ziner was nominated four times for Emmy Awards and won twice. He won for miniseries "War and Remembrance" and the excellent HBO film "Citizen Cohn." His other two nominations were for "The Winds of War" and "Conspiracy." Mr. Ziner's peers in the American Cinema Editor's Guild honored him with six Eddie nominations of which he won four. His first Eddie came for Richard Brooks classic Western "The Professionals." His second was for "The Godfather." Mr. Ziner won four Eddies for "The Deer Hunter," "War and Remembrance," "Citizen Cohn" and "Dirty Pictures."

Mr. Ziner came up through the studio system in various capacities for Fox and Universal. He also worked as a music editor on such films as "Lord Jim," "X-15," and the US version of "King Kong vs. Godzilla." Peter Ziner's many other film editor credits include Blake Edwards' "Gunn," Richard Brooks' "In Cold Blood," "Darling Lili," "Crazy Joe," "Mahogany," the 1976 version of "A Star is Born" and "Somebody Has to Shoot the Picture."

MICHAEL BLODGETT Died Nov. 14, 2007

Actor and writer Michael Blodgett died at age 67. He is best remembered for his role as pretty boy actor Lance Rocke in Russ Meyer and Roger Ebert's cult classic "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls." Horror movie fans remember Mr. Blodgett for his starring role in "The Velvet Vampire." Mr. Blodgett had a memorable cameo in the Henry Fonda/Kirk Douglas Western "There Was a Crooked Man." He takes one of the most sever whipping ever captured on film in that movie. Mr. Blodgett turned to screenwriting when he failed to get better roles or roles tat didn't accent his good looks. Mr. Blodgett wrote the hit film "Turner and Hooch," Chuck Norris' "The Hero and the Terror" and Burt Reynolds' "Rent-A-Cop." Mr. Blodgett was married to actress Meredith Baxter from 1995 through 2000.

HOLLIS ALPERT Died Nov. 18, 2007

Writer and film critic Hollis Alpert died at age 91. Mr. Alpert was Editor-in-Chief of "American Film" magazine as well as film critic for the "Saturday Review." He and film critic Pauline Kael founded the National Society of Film Critics in 1966. Like many guys my age, my first exposure to the writings of Hollis Alpert came through his work in "Playboy" magazine where he wrote the "History of Sex in the Cinema." Mr. Alpert wrote numerous biographies including works on Fellini, the Barrymores, Charlton Heston and Richard Burton.

DICK WILSON Died Nov. 19, 2007

Actor Dick Wilson died of natural causes at age 91. Though Mr. Wilson appeared in nearly 100 films and TV shows he was best known for portraying the character Mr. Whipple in over 500 TV commercials for Charmin toilet paper. For decades Mr. Whipple implored female shoppers to "Please, don't squeeze the Charmin!" only to have the female shopper then bust him for squeezing the same tissue. It was one of the most effective ad campaigns in TV history. Dick Wilson began working as a DJ in Canada while still a teen. Next to his stint as Mr. Whipple, Dick Wilson was also well known for playing 'drunk' characters in a number of TV shows including "Bewitched." He played Captain Gruber on the hit series "Hogan's Heroes." Mr. Wilson's feature film appearances include "What a Way To Go," "Our Man Flint," "Caprice," "Stay Away Joe," "The Shakiest Gun in the West" and "The Incredible Shrinking Woman."

MARTHA KOSTYRA Died Nov. 24, 2007

Hug your mother today. She might not be here tomorrow. Think a nice thought about her if she is gone. My mother is still with me. I'm lucky that way. My mother encouraged my imagination and instilled in me a sense of justice and caring that I use everyday in my work as a public defender. These thoughts came to me as I read about Martha Kosyra, the mother of Martha Stewart. What an impact that mother has had on our society. She raised her children and taught them many, many things. Many of the things she taught her daughter Martha, Ms. Stewart has passed on to the public. Simple pleasures about making a house a home. Knowledge from one generation to another. I'm sure that Ms. Kostyra was overjoyed that her daughter was able to build on what she taught her and turn it into an incredible business empire. From what I've read of Ms. Kostyra I'm sure she would have been just as pleased in her daughter had just continued to pass on the family heritage to a new generation of Stewarts. Martha Kostyra died at age 93. She appeared on several episodes of her daughter's TV series "The Martha Stewart Show." She also appeared with her daughter on "Larry King Live." Go hug your mother. Thank her for what she has passed on to you.

KEVIN DUBROW Died Nov. 25, 2007

Rocker Kevin DuBrow died of a cocaine overdose at age 52. Mr. DuBrow was found dead in his home in Las Vegas. Kevin DuBrow was the lead singer and co-founder of the band "Quiet Riot." The band was the first heavy metal band to have a #1 album on the Billboard charts. I saw Quiet Riot open for ZZ Top at the Aladdin Theater when I lived in Las Vegas. They were without a doubt the loudest band I've ever heard in all my years of concert-going. I actually developed a severe headache which didn't subside until they left the stage. That aside, I did enjoy their music when I was able to control the volume. Mr. DuBrow's songs can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "The Sure Thing," "Switch" and "Crank." He appeared in several music documentaries including an episode of VH1's "Behind the Music." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

EVEL KNIEVEL Died Nov. 30, 2007

He was a lone wolf hero who defied death for a living. Next to the NASA astronauts, there were few in the 1960s and 70s who held the attention of all generations the way Robert 'Evel' Knievel did. The motorcycle daredevil risked his health to try and achieve the impossible. Many of his goals he achieved. Other left him broken in body but not spirit. You couldn't help but be amazed that a man who suffer injuries like Evel Knievel did, would then get back on the back of his motorcycle and try again. He personified the pioneer American spirit. Get 'er done. Didn't hit the mark the first time. Try again. No bellyaching, just get 'er done. Everytime I watch the "ABC Wide World of Sports" film of Evel Knievel's horrific crash at Caesar's Palace, I stand in awe of the man. How can you break 40 bones and ever try again. This is what made him a hero to so many during a time when Vietnam, corrupt politicians, racist national policies and the disintergration of the family seemed to overwhelm society. Evel Knievel's actions said "sure things are tough, but I won't quit till I'm dead." Actor George Hamilton played the daredevil in the biopic "Evel Knievel." At the end of that film, Knievel is shown riding a motorcycle to the edge of the Grand Canyon. Jumping the Grand Canyon was one of the dreams he didn't achieve. His attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon failed when the parachute on his two wheeled rocket deployed during launch. He kept on trying. He kept his fans dreaming of what was possible. Thanks for that. Evel Knievel played himself in the 1977 feature film "Viva Knievel." He was James Caan's motorcycle stunt double in the politically incorrect cop comedy "Freebie and the Bean." Evel Knievel was the father of daredevil Robbie Knievel. Actor George Eads played him in the 2004 Made for TV movie "Evel Knievel." Sam Elliot played him in an unsold 1974 TV pilot. Evel Knievel died of pulmonary fibrosis at age 69. Thanks for the thrills and never-say-die spirit.

JILLIAN KESNER Died Dec. 5, 2007

Actress Jillian Kesner died of a staph infection at age 57. Ms. Kesner had been battling leukemia. Jillian Kesner was the widow of director Gary Graver. Ms. Kesner was a former martial artist and B-movie actress. She met her future husband when she appeared in the movie "The Student Body." Mr. Graver was the cinematographer. The film had a footnote in history as the movie that Randall Adams was watching the night of the murder of a Dallas policeman. Mr. Adams was falsely accused of the murder. The case was the subject of the excellent documentary "The Thin Blue Line" in which scenes from Ms. Kenser's film were shown. Jillian Kesner's husband died last year. She worked with him on the documentary "Working With Orson Welles." Ms. Kesner's many acting credits include "Inferno," "Beverly Hills Vamp," "T.J. Hooker," "Mork & Mindy," "The Rockford Files," "Happy Days" and "S.W.A.T."

TONY TENSER Died Dec. 5, 2007

Tigon British Film Productions founder and beloved horror movie producer Tony Tenser died at age 87. Mr. Tenser once said that only two things are guaranteed to sell a movie: Sex and Horror. Mr. Tenser began his career with Sex and had his biggest impact with the Horror genre. Mr. Tenser's first film was a producer was the Pamela Green nudie "Naked as Nature Intended." Today's film audience is indebted to Mr. Tenser for his support of directors Roman Polanski and Michael Reeves. Mr. Tenser produced Roman Polanski's first two English language films, the horror classic "Repulsion" and the black comedy "Cul-De-Sac." Mr. Tenser produced the last two films of British director Michael Reeves including his 1968 masterpiece "The Witchfinder General." Unfortunately Michael Reeves died at age 25 of a drug overdose. Mr. Tenser's other genre credits include "The Crimson Cult," "Doomwatch" and "The Beast in the Celler." He also produced the Raquel Welch/Jim Brown Western "Hannie Caulder." The film was redeemed by a memorable cameo by Christopher Lee as a master gunsmith.

PETER ORTON Death announced Dec. 7, 2007

HIT Entertainment founder Peter Orton died after an 11-year battle with throat cancer at age 64. Mr. Orton's company was one of the world leaders in children's entertainment. HIT shows such as "Bob the Builder," "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Barney" have entertained and educated children for years. Mr. Orton retired from HIT after it was sold in 2005. He then dedicated his time to charitable work and raising awareness for cancer research. I will always have fond memories of fixing my daughter Lauren breakfast and watching "Bob the Builder" before taking her to first grade classes. Thanks for the together time your shows provided for millions of parents and their children.

FREDDIE FIELDS Died Dec. 11, 2007

CMA co-founder and film producer Freddie Fields died at age 84. Freddie Fields and David Begelman created the super agency in 1959 and sold it in 1974. They represented some of the biggest A-List stars and directors in Hollywood. Mr. Fields created the production company First Artists with Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Sidney Portier, Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman. Mr. Fields produced such films as "Lipstick," "American Gigolo," "Looking for Mr. Goodbar" and "Glory." His first wife was actress Polly Bergan and his second wife was actress and former Miss Universe Corinna Tsopei.

IKE TURNER Died Dec. 12, 2007

Grammy-winning musician/composer and Rock and Roll pioneer Ike Turner died of undisclosed causes at age 76. Ike Turner recorded the song "Rocket 88" at Sam Phillip's Sun Studios. "Rocket 88" is considered by many historians to be the very first Rock and Roll song. Mr. Tuner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991. Ike Turner and his ex-wife Tina Turner were one of the hottest musical acts of the 1960s and 70s. Turner's musical contributions were overshadowed by ex-wife Tina Turner's revelation that he was an extremely abusive husband and a drug addict during their stormy marriage. Actor Laurence Fishburne received a Best Actor Oscar nomination for his dark portrayal of Ike Turner in "What's Love Got to Do With It." Ike Turner steadfastly denied the accusations of abuse. The Ike and Tina Turner Revue put on one of the most energetic stage shows in Rock history. The band appeared on numerous TV shows and in the films "The Big TNT Show," "It's Your Thing" and "Gimme Shelter." Mr. Turner's songs can be heard on the soundtracks of such songs as "Kill Bill Vol. 1," "Blue Collar," the original "Hairspray," "The Sopranos" and "Bull Durham."

JOHN CLARK Died Dec. 12, 2007

Art director and architect John Clark died of heart failure at age 73. Mr. Clark helped define the look of several notable films. Mr. Clark worked on 10 films during his film career. His film work was sandwiched between his career as a successful architect. Mr. Clark's film credits include such visually dazzling films as "Performance," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Tommy." Other credits include the underrated "Inserts" with Richard Dreyfuss, "The Offense" with Sean Connery and "Secret Ceremony" with Elizabeth Taylor.

FLOYD RED CROW WESERMAN Died Dec. 13, 2007

Singer turned actor Floyd Red Crow Westerman died of complications from leukemia at age 71. Mr. Westerman was best known for his portrayal of Ten Bears in Kevin Kosner's classic "Dances With Wolves." Oliver Stone cast him as the Shaman in his mystic rock bio "The Doors." Mr. Westerman had recurring roles on "Walker, Texas Ranger," "D'harma & Greg," "Northern Exposure" and "The X-Files." Mr. Westerman appeared in nearly 50 films, TV shows and documentaries. Other credits include "Powwow Highway," "L.A. Law," "Millennium," "Judging Amy" and "Hildago." Mr. Westerman was a well known musician who performed with many top acts including Sting, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt.

DAN FOGELBERG Died Dec. 16, 2007

Singer Dan Fogelberg died of prostate cancer at age 56. I can't help but tear up everytime I hear his beautiful song "Leader of the Band." It always makes me want to call my dad, even though he had been dead for 10 years. Dan Fogelberg's "Longer: The Power of Gold" is one of the greatest soft-rock love songs of all time. Mr. Fogelberg's music can be heard on the soundtracks of such films as "FM," "About Scmidt" and "Urban Cowboy."

JACK LINKLETTER Died Dec. 18, 2007

Actor and TV host Jack Linkletter died of lymphoma at age 70. He was the son of TV legend Art Linkletter. Jack Linkletter worked in TV for a number of years before turning to business as the head of Linkletter Enterprises. He hosted the Rock and Roll TV variety show "Hootenanny." Mr. Linkletter also co-hosted his father's TV show "House Party" on a recurring basis. Other credits include "Here's Hollywood," "The Bob Cummings Show" and "The Plot Thickens."

FRANK CAPRA JR. Died Dec. 19, 2007

Emmy-nominated producer Frank Capra Jr. died at age 73. He was the son of famed director Frank Capra. Though the junior Capra didn't equal his father's success, he was responsible for producing a number of popular films. Mr. Capra was also an influential force in turning North Carolina into a major film production center. Mr. Capra was an associate producer on one of my favorite B-Movies: "Vice Squad." The film featured Wings Hauser as one of the screen's baddest badguys. It also featured the line "Go ahead, make my day!" before Clint Eastwood said it in "Sudden Impact." During the 1970s and 80s Mr. Capra produced a number of popular films including "Marooned" with Gregory Peck, "Escape From the Planet of the Apes," "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes," "Battle for the Planet of the Apes," Joseph Wambaugh's "The Black Marble," Stephen King's "Firestarter," "The Seduction" and Chuck Norris' "An Eye for an Eye." Presidential candidate Fred Thompson made his screen debut playing himself in the Capra produced film "Marie." Mr. Capra also produced the least successful of the "Billy Jack" films: "Billy Jack Goes to Washington." The movie was based on his father's classic film "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." Frank Capra Jr. was nominated for an Emmy for producing the TV special "High Hopes: The Capra Years." In 2004, Mr. Capra was honored with the North Carolina Distinguished Filmmaker Award.

Documentarian Bruce Crawford's latest Omaha Film Event featured Mr. Capra's father's classic "It's a Wonderful Life." Mr. Crawford informed the crowd in attendance at the charity event that Frank Capra Jr. had just passed away. Mr. Crawford shared his memories of Frank Capra Jr. with me: Frank Capra Jr. was a class act all the way. He was a most unassuming man. Not only did he carry one of the most famous names in film history, but he also made a name for himself as a most successful producer. Many of the most successful Planet of the Apes films were produced by Frank. I spoke with him last, just in September and he sounded like he was still working on more projects. He will be missed.

JAMES COSTIGAN Death discovered Dec. 19, 2007

Emmy-winning writer James Costigan died of heart failure at age 81. Mr. Costigan, who lived alone, was found by concerned neighbors. He may have been dead for as long as a week. Mr. Costigan wrote some of the best TV movies of the 1970s. He was nominated five times for Emmy Awards and won three. The Writers Guild honored him with the Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement in 1979. Mr. Costigan won Emmy Awards for the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" production of "Little Moon of Alben," as well as the TV movies "Love Among the Ruins" and "Eleanor and Franklin." His other two nominations were for "Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years" and the 1959 production of "The Turn of the Screw." Other notable TV credits include the IRA drama "A War of Children," "F. Scott Fitzgerald in Hollywood" and "In the House of Brede." His feature film credits include the sexy vampire film "The Hunger," Bruce Beresford's "King David" and "Mr. North."

JEANNE CARMEN Died Dec. 20, 2007

Actress and pin-up queen Jeanne Carmen died of lymphoma at age 77. Ms. Carmen died peacefully at home holding the hand of her son Brandon James. Ms. Carmen was one of the most recognized pin-up models of the 1950s. Her pictures graced the covers and pages of dozens of magazines. Ms. Carmen's break into show biz came when Bert Lahr hired her for his Broadway play "Burlesque" in 1948. Ms. Carmen was 17-years-old at the time. Monster movie fans remember Ms. Carmen for her role in "The Monster of Piedras Blancas." Ms. Carmen also appeared in the Diana Barrymoore biopic "Too Much, Too Soon." She appeared in the short subject "The Merry Mix Up" with the Three Stooges. She played Stooge Joe Besser's girlfriend in the movie. One of my first memories of Ms. Carmen was in the old "Gang Busters" TV show from the 1950s. She played Pretty Boy Floyd's girlfriend on the show. The episode was combined with two other episodes and turned into the feature film "Guns Don't Argue." Ms. Carmen also had a supporting role in the cult-classic juvenile delinquent movie "Untamed Youth" which starred Mamie Van Doren.

Ms. Carmen was an excellent golfer. She was taken under the wing of trick shot artist Jack Redmond and PGA champ Jimmy Demaret and became an expert trick-shot artist. Ms. Carmen may be best known for her claimed friendship with Marilyn Monroe. Ms. Carmen appeared in a number of documentaries based on her stories of her friendship with the late star. Ms. Carmen caught flack from some quarters because of this part of her life. These attacks include an insulting online obituary by a Marilyn Monroe biographer. I would rather remember the pleasure Ms. Carmen's work and exploits added to my life than indulge in posthumous trashing. Thanks for living large Ms. Carmen!

Ms. Carmen's son Brandon James shared some of his thoughts about the passing of his mother with me. Mr. James penned his mother's memoir "Jeanne Carmen: My Wild, Wild Life as a NY Pin-Up Queen."

"My Mom was the most beautiful, funniest, warmest, kindest girl I ever met in my life. Most importantly, she was my best friend. My Mom was born in Paragould, Arkansas on August 4, 1930. She ran away at age 13 with a girlfriend and hitched a ride to Saint Louis for a few years and then on to NYC. She always considered herself a Southern Girl at heart or as she said on her E! True Hollywood Story "a hillbilly cottonpicker with attitude."

I've written a screenplay about her and the script is currently with Scarlett Johansson's agent and Kate Bosworth's agent. Christina Aguilera was approached earlier in the year and she was excited about doing it but her pregnancy made her drop out. My Mom really thought Christina had the look and the attitude of a born pin up girl. It's quite a rare thing. It's a look and an attitude. So we were willing to give Christina a shot at acting in a role that wouldn't be your traditional "singer playing a singer" in their first movie.

But now with the Writers strike, Hollywood is shut down and no one will commit to anything until the strike is over so maybe Christina will have her baby and the role will come back to her?

One thing to clear up...the media has been talking about this movie and somehow, many websites have misinterpreted it as Scarlett, Kate and Christina being up for the role of Marilyn Monroe and that's wrong. They are up for the role of Jeanne Carmen. The movie is about a girl from the South who goes to NY and becomes a famous Pin Up Girl and becomes a Trick Shot Golfer who gets hooked up with Mobster Johnny Rosselli and becomes a golf hustler for the Mob in Las Vegas. It's a wild road movie comedy. It has nothing to do with Marilyn Monroe.

MICHAEL KIDD Died Dec. 23, 2007

Multi-Tony-award winning choreographer Michael Kidd died at age 92. Michael Kidd won five Best Choreography Tony Awards and was nominated for another six Tony awards. His other nominations included three Best Direction nods. Mr. Kidd received an honorary Oscar in 1997 for his contribution to the art of dance on the screen. He was nominated for an Emmy award for the TV special "Baryshnikov in Hollywood." Mr. Kidd won Tony awards for his work on "Finian's Rainbow," "Guys and Dolls," "Can-Can," "Li'l Abner" and "Destry Rides Again." Michael Kidd's film work includes staging the dance and musical numbers for "The Band Wagon," "Guys and Dolls" and "Li'l Abner." He choreographed the classic film musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." The dance numbers remain some of the vigorous in the genre. Michael Kidd directed the Danny Kaye comedy "Merry Andrew." My fondest memory of Michael Kidd's work was his excellent supporting role in Michael Ritchie's over-looked "Smile." The satirical film exposed the world of small town beauty pageants. Mr. Kidd stole the show as Tommy French, the pageant's choreographer. The movie is a classic gem that you should seek out at all costs.

OSCAR PETERSON Died Dec. 23, 2007

Jazz legend Oscar Peterson died of kidney failure ate age 82. Pianist Oscar Peterson played with such musicians as Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald. The Canadian musician played on over 100 recordings during his lengthy career. His fil work includes creating or performing music for such films as the excellent thriller "The Silent Partner," "Play It Again Sam," "Bright Lights, Big City" and the HBO series "Six Feet Under."

GP SIPPY Died Dec. 25, 2007

Producer GP Sippy died at age 93. Mr. Sippy's 1975 crime thriller "Sholay" remains the biggest box office success in India. The brutal tale of revenge was directed by the producers son Ramesh Sippy. The film's style was inspired by the works of Akira Kurosawa and Sergio Leone. The movie was referred to as the first 'Curry Western' by some film critics. Mr. Sippy was the grandfather of producer Rohan Sippy. GP Sippy produced nearly 20 films and directed several more.

STU NAHAN Died Dec. 26, 2007

Famed sportscaster Stu Nahan died of lymphoma at age 81. Mr. Nahan worked as a sportscaster in the LA market for 31 years. He appeared nearly 30 films and TV shows, usually playing sports announcers. He played himself opposite Sean Penn in the character Jeff Spicolli's dream sequence in "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." Mr. Nahan appeared in all six of the "Rocky" films. Other credits include the original version of "Brian's Song," the TV biopic "Babe," "Gus," "Private Benjamin," "Meteor," "Baywatch" and "The Great White Hype."

BENAZIR BHUTTO Died Dec. 27, 2007

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated at a campaign rally near Islamabad, Pakistan. Ms. Bhutto returned to Pakistan from exile in London this past October. Assassins attempted to kill her the day she returned. 134 died in the October attempt. News reports state that Ms. Bhutto was attacked by a suicide gunman/bomber who shot her in the neck and chest before detonating a bomb. Ms. Bhutto returned to Pakistan to try and restore democracy to the troubled land. She pledged, if elected to rid Pakistan of the Taliban and Al Quaeda. I imagine that the rat Osama Bin Laden is smiling from the depths of some dank cave this day. Like Mahatma Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Benazir Bhutto put herself in harm's way for the principles of freedom in which she believed. As was the case with Ghandi and King, the principles by which Ms. Bhutto lived will not be silenced by the cowardly act of a fanatical extremist. Benazir Bhutto appeared in the documentary "Our Own Private Bin Laden."

BILL IDELSON Died Dec. 31, 2007

Writer, producer and actor Bill Idelson died at age 87. Mr. Idelson was nominated for an Emmy award for the TV series "Love American Style." He began his career as a child actor on the radio. Mr. Idelson played Rush Gook on the radio show "Vic & Sade." Military service during WWII put an end to his gig on the long-running radio show. Mr. Idelson wrote the book "The Story of Vic & Sade" which was a history of the show. Though he was a prolific writer for TV during the 1960s and 70s, many will remember him for playing Rose Marie's boyfriend Herman Glimsher on "The Dick Van Dyke Show." Mr. Idelson's writing credits include "The Twilight Zone," "The Andy Griffith Show," "M*A*S*H" and "Happy Days." His daughter Ellen Idelson was a successful TV writer herself. In 2003 she tragically died of cancer at age 42.