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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