FEBRUARY 2004 FILM WORLD OBITUARIES

O.W. FISCHER Died Feb. 1, 2004

German movie star Otto Wilhelm Fischer died of a kidney illness at age 88. Mr. Fischer was the son of a lawyer for the Austrian government. Fischer began his stage career in the 1930s. He was a student of famed theater director Max Rheinhart. He began appearing in film shortly thereafter. Mr. Fischer became one of the biggest stars in post-WWII Germany. His breakthrough role was the 1951 film "Heidelberger Romanze." During the 1950s he was able to have creative say and directed two of his own films. Fischer was frequently paired on screen with actress Maria Schell. They made seven films together including "Napolean." Fischer signed a two-picture contract with Universal but his US film career was not to be. Some say he lost his memory while others cite creative differences with director Henry Koster as the reason he was replaced by David Niven in the film "My Man Godfrey." Fischer retired from film in the 1970s. He moved to Switzerland where he took up the study of philosophy and metaphysics.

DINO VERDI Died Feb. 1, 2004

Italian screenwriter Dino Verdi died at age 81 after a long illness. Mr. Verdi wrote a number of action films during the 1960s. His work included Westerns, War films and knock-offs of the James Bond cycle.

BERNARD MCEVEETY JR. Died Feb. 2, 2004

Prolific director Bernard McEveety died at age 79. Mr. McEveety was the son of director/production manager Bernard McEveety Sr. and the brother of another prolific director Vincent McEveety. His nephew Stephen McEveety is the long time Mel Gibson collaborator and producer of such films as "Braveheart" and the upcoming "The Passion of the Christ." Bernard McEveety worked primarily in TV but he did directed a number of feature films. He directed the sharp cult horror film "The Brotherhood of Satan" which was co-written by actor L.Q. Jones. He also did second unit work on another cult horror film "The Return of Dracula." Mr. McEveety’s huge TV output included 31 episodes of the TV series "Combat." Mr. McEveety was the only director to work during all five seasons of that show’s run. He also directed Jodie Foster in her debut film Disney’s "Napoleon and Samantha." Mr. McEveety was a respected Western director. He produced the TV series "Cimmaron Strip." His Western directing credits include the TV series "Raw Hide," "Gunsmoke," "Bonanza," "The Virginian," "The Big Valley," "Laredo," "Young Maverick" and the mini series "How the West Was Won." Other credits include the TV series "In the Heat of the Night," "Air Wolf," "Blue Thunder," "Knight Rider," "The Fall Guy," "Simon and Simon," "The Dukes of Hazzard," "Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century," "Petrocelli," "The Incredible Hulk," "Eight is Enough," "Charlie’s Angels." The list goes on!

JEFF HARRIS Died Feb. 2, 2004

Writer/producer/director/actor/composer Jeff Harris died of emphysema at age 68. Mr. Harris wrote the movie "Johnny Dangerously." He also wrote for the TV series "Diff’rent Strokes," "A Touch of Grace" and "Cadets." Mr. Harris also created the series "Diff’rent Strokes." He produced the TV series "Rosanne," "The Everly Brothers Show," "Detective School" and "Cadets." He also composed the theme song for the series "Cadets." Mr. Harris’ acting roles include the soap opera "The Edge of Night," "Appointment With Adventure" and "Star Tonight."

EVE BAKER Died Feb. 2, 2004

Filmmaker/attorney Eve Baker died of cancer. Ms. Baker produced and directed the film "Massacres: A New Poetry for Remembering." Ms. Baker was a civil rights attorney and also worked for the State Department.

KEVE HJELM Died Feb. 3, 2004

Award-winning Swedish actor/director Keve Hjelm died at age 81. Mr. Hjelm won the Guldbagge (Sweden’s equivilent to the US Academy Award) Best Actor Award for his performance in Bo Widerberg’s 1963 film "Kvarteret Korpen." He also won a Jury Specialbagge Award for his direction of the TV series "Godnatt, Jord." Mr. Hjelm portrayed famed director Ingmar Bergman’s grandfather in the film "The Best Intentions." Bille August’s film was written by Ingmar Bergman and was the story of his parent’s life. It is a fascinating film, especially for fans of the enigmatic director. Mr. Hjelm was a Shakespearean actor who had a successful stage career in addition to his 70 plus films. He also directed nearly 20 films. Mr. Hjelm was known primarialy in his native land. He did however act in the American TV series "Foreign Intrigue." The 1950s TV series was based on a hit movie inspired by the same Graham Greene novel that Orson Welles used as the basis for "The Third Man." The series was unique in that it was filmed in Europe and distributed in the US at a time when most TV series were shot in Hollywood studios.

PETER LUKOYE Died Feb. 3, 2004

Nairobi actor Peter Lukoye died of complications from a heart attack and
stroke at age 71. Mr. Lukoye was known to international audiences for the role of Nuru in the films "Born Free," "Living Free" and the TV series spin off "Born Free." In his native land, Mr. Lukoye was a respected stage actor, broadcaster and comedian. Mr. Lukoye was the director and PR person for the Afro-Media Christian Film Productions.

KITTY BUHLER BRADLEY Died Feb. 3, 2004

Esther ‘Kitty’ Buhler Bradley, writer and widow of 5-Star General Omar Bradley died of pneumonia at age 81. As Kitty Buhler she wrote for the TV series "My Three Sons," "The Untouchables"and the "Threat to a Happy Ending" episode of the "The 20^th Century Fox Hour." That episode starred William Bendix and Gene Barry. She also wrote the feature film "China Doll," which starred Victor Mature and Li Li Hau. In the 1950s Ms. Buhler approached WWII General Omar Bradley about writing a film of his life. Ms. Buhler and the General were married following the death of the General’s first wife Mary Quayle in 1965. General Bradley was the technical advisor on the Oscar winning film "Patton." His wife helped him during that project. In 1981 President Reagan appointed her to the 11 member American Battle Monuments Commission. She will be buried alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery. The photo at right is of General and Mrs. Bradley at Normandy on the 25th Anniversary of D-Day. Special thanks to the Armed Forces newspaper "Stars and Stripes" for permission to use this copywritten photo. You can read the "Stars and Stripes" archived interview with General Bradley on the 25th Anniversary of D-Day if you CLICK HERE.

MICHAEL EASTON Died Feb. 4, 2004

Composer Michael Easton died of a brain hemorrhage at age 49. Mr. Easton composed the scores for the Australian TV movie series "Halifax f.p." The movies center around Jane Halifax, a forensic psychologist played by actress Rebecca Gibney. Other credits include Whoopie Goldberg’s "The Mao Game," "The Moment of Accepting Life," "Snowy" and "Economy Class." Mr. Easton was born in England but spent the last 20 years in Australia. He was the only Australian composer who was a member of the Royal Academy of Music. His most famous composition was "A Voice Not Stilled." The concerto was based on a fragment of sheet music recovered from a victim of Nazi holocaust death camp.

MICHAEL P. MORAN Died Feb. 4, 2004

Character actor Michael Moran died after a brief illness at age 59. Fans of tough-guy movies will recognize Mr. Moran as one of those guys in the background. He appeared in a number of great movies including his role as Nick the Pig in "Scarface." Mr. Moran also played Det. Fain in "A Perfect Murder" with Michael Douglas and Gwtneth Paltrow. His other credits include "Carlito’s Way," "Lean on Me," "State of Grace," "Marie" and "Knightriders." Other credits include "Fletch Lives," "City By the Sea," "9 ½ Weeks," "The Paper," "Ghostbusters II" and "Physical Evidence." Mr. Moran was an off-Broadway stage actor and playwright.

JOHN HENCH Died Feb. 5, 2004

Oscar winning artist/special effects whiz/writer John Hench died of heart failure at age 95. John Hench was a longtime Disney employee. He worked for Disney in film and in their theme park division. Mr. Hench designed the Space Mountain ride and took over the supervision of the construction of Disney World after Walt Disney’s death in 1966. Mr. Hench was part of the special effects team that won the Oscar for "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." That was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. Mr. Hench was also the official portrait painter of Mickey Mouse! His other film credits include "Fantasia," "Peter Pan," "Make Mine Music," "Destino" which he wrote, "Donald in Mathmagic Land," "Cinderella," "Alice in Wonderland," "Dumbo" and "The Three Caballeros." Mr. Hench was scheduled to receive the Winsor McCay Award on February 7^th at the "Annie Awards." The Annie Awards are guild awards given in the field of animation. Winsor McCay was the first great animator. He directed the first successful cartoon "Gertie the Dinosaur" in 1913. Born in 1871, Winsor McCay died in 1934 five years before Mr. Hench went to work for Walt Disney.

WILLIAM MACQUITTY Died Feb. 5, 2004

Producer William MacQuitty died at age 98. Mr. MacQuitty lead an adventurous life that included years spent in India. He was a noted writer and photographer. Mr. MacQuitty is best know for producing one of the best versions of the Titanic tragedy. He produced the film version of Sir. Walter Lord’s book "A Night to Remember." Other producer credits include "Above Us the Waves," "The Informers," "The Black Tent" and "The Beachcomber." Mr. MacQuitty appeared in several documentaries concerning the Titanic. He also wrote the book "The Making of A Night to Remember."

JASON RAIZE Died Feb. 6, 2004

Actor/singer Jason Raize died in Australia of an apparent suicide at age 28. Mr. Raize was the original Simba in the Broadway version of "The Lion King." In addition to his many stage roles and recording work, Mr. Raize worked in film and TV. His credits include voice work in Disney’s "Brother Bear." Other credits include the TV series "Keeping it Wild with Jason Raize," the TV movie "The Kitchen" and "Jessica Simpson and Jason Raize in Concert." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

PAT DEROSA Died Feb. 6, 2004

Film editor Pat DeRosa died at age 74 following spinal surgery. Mr. DeRosa edited a number of films including the Oscar winning "A Double Life," "The Naked Road" and "City Across the River." Mr. DeRosa later began to produce and direct TV commercials. He won three CLIO awards for his commercial work.

JULES SCHWERIN Died Feb. 8, 2004

Writer/producer/director Jules Schwerin died at age 85. Mr. Schwerin was also a record producer and was responsible for Mahalia Jackson’s 1976 Grammy-winning album. Mr. Schwerin was the original director of the prison drama "Fortune and Men’s Eyes." He was replaced on the shoot by Harvey Hart. Mr. Schwerin wrote, produced and directed the 1960 short film "Indian Summer." Mr. Schwerin was the assistant director on the excellent propaganda film "Salt of the Earth."

JON VINCENT RHINEHART Died Feb. 9, 2004

TV producer Jon Rhinehart died at age 70. Mr. Rhinehart was a producer for a number of TV series and game shows including "Wheel of Fortune," "Jeopardy," "The People’s Court" and "Name That Tune."

ROBERT COLESBERRY Died Feb. 9, 2004

Oscar nominated producer Robert Colesberry died of complications following heart surgery at age 57. Mr. Colesberry was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar for "Mississippi Burning." The controversial film told the tale of the hunt for the killers of three slain civil rights workers. The movie drew heat for the liberties it took with the FBI’s role in the case. Mr. Colesberry won an Emmy for the mini series "The Corner." He was nominated for two other Emmy Awards for the HBO movie "*61" and "Death of a Salesman" with Dustin Hoffman. Among Mr. Colesberry’s other credits are "The King of Comedy," "The Natural," "After Hours," "Billy Bathgate," "The Road to Wellville," "K-Pax" and the TV series "The Wire."

ADRIENNE LURASCHI Died Feb. 9, 2004

Award-winning associate producer/associate director Adrienne Luraschi died at age 80. Ms. Luraschi was a long time assistant to director George Schaefer. Ms. Luraschi’s film credits include "The People vs. Jean Harris," "First You Cry," "An Enemy of the People" which starred Steve McQueen, the TV versions of "MacBeth," "Pygmalion" and "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." Ms. Lurashi shared three Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television Awards with Mr. Schaffer from the Director’s Guild for "MacBeth," "Pygmalion" and "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night." Ms. Luraschi directed the 1956 TV version of "The Taming of the Shrew."

J.C. QUINN Died Feb. 10, 2004

Actor J.C. Quiin was killed in a car crash in Mexico at age 63. Mr. Quinn had a lengthy stage career before moving into the world of film and TV. Among his many credits are James Cameron’s "The Abyss," John Cassavettes’ original version of "Gloria," Stuart Rosenberg’s excellent prison drama "Brubaker," Mike Nichols’ "Silkwood," James Foley’s underrated "At Close Range," Barbet Schroder’s "Barfly," Clint Eastwood’s "Heartbreak Ridge" and "Places in the Heart." Other credits include "C.H.U.D.," "Vision Quest," "Maximum Overdrive," "Turner & Hooch," "Days of Thunder," "The Preppy Murder" and "Primary Colors." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

LARRY ELIKANN Died Feb. 11, 2004

Veteran TV director Larry Elikann died at age 80. Mr. Elikann was nominated for an Emmy Award for his direction of the TV movie "I Know My Name is Steven." The movie told the true story is a victim of sexual abuse as a child. My favorite of Mr. Elikann's films was the true crime drama "Menendez: A Killing in Beverly Hills." Mr. Elikann worked on over 60 TV films and series during his career. Among his many credits are the TV series "Barnaby Jones, " "Falcon Crest," "The Paper Chase," "Knot’s Landing," "The Fall Guy," "T. J. Hooker," "Remington Steele" and "Matlock." Mr. Elikann served his country during WWII.

TONY POPE Died Feb. 11, 2004

Voice actor Tony Pope died from complications following leg surgery. Mr. Pope was 56. If you ever owned a Furby, you’ve heard Mr. Pope’s voice. That probably hasn’t been your only exposure to Mr. Pope. He was one of the most prolific voice actors working for the last 40 years. Among his hundreds of credits are "The Jetsons," "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," "Transformers," Teddy Ruxpin," "Spider Man," "Tail Spin," "Zorro," "Shrek," "Animaniacs," "Antz," "House of Mouse," "Scooby Doo," "Tom and Jerry" and the Christian series "Adventures in Oddesey."

PETER DRAPER Death announced Feb. 11, 2004

British writer Peter Draper died at age 78. Mr. Draper wrote one of my favorite films of the 1960s. "The System" is a funny comedy about the eternal quest for women. Oliver Reed shines in one of his best roles. The film still holds up 40 years later. Mr. Draper’s other credits include "I’ll Never Forget What’s’isname," "The Buttercup Chain" and the TV series "Poldark."

HUGH CECIL Died Feb. 11, 2004

Actor Hugh Cecil died at age 90. Mr. Cecil was one of the Transylvanians in the cult classic "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Other credits include a small part in "Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell," the hilarious BBC TV series "The Young Ones" and a number of music videos. He was the lucky bald guy who got to kiss Baby Spice in a Spice Girls video. Other credits include the TV series "Dad’s Army," "The Last Days of Pompeii" and the TV mini series "Anna Karenina." Mr. Cecil was also a puppeteer and children’s entertainer.

ROBERT E. THOMPSON Died Feb. 11, 2004

"They Shoot Horses Don’t They?" is one of the most powerful ‘microcosm’ movies ever made. Unlike countless other films that cram disparate parts of society in a small place to examine the human experience "They Shoot Horses Don’t They?" leaves the viewer stunned. It is a powerful movie that I highly recommend. Writer Robert E. Thompson was nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA and Writer’s Guild Award for his great adaptation of Horace McCoy’s book. Mr. Thompson died of pneumonia at age 79. Mr. Thompson wrote about tough subjects. His scripts became the basis for some of the most insightful films and TV movies of the 1970s. Other credits include "A Case of Rape," which starred Elisabeth Montgomery. That film had social ramifications in that it caused a reexamination of the way rape victims were treated throughout the system. Other credits include the true life Hollywood crime drama "White Hot: The Mysterious Murder of Thelma Todd." Mr. Thompson examined the cold war in the Lee Majors TV film "Francis Gary Powers: The True Story of the U2 Spy Incident." He also wrote the great what-fi movie "The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald." I hated the ending of that movie, but there was no other ending available. Mr. Thompson was also a TV and film producer. He produced the TV series "Rawhide" and Sondra Locke’s bizarre "Ratboy." Mr. Thompson served his country during WWII.

MARTIN JUROW Died Feb. 12, 2004

Producer Martin Jurow died of Parkinson’s Disease at age 92. Mr. Jurow wrote about his years as an agent and producer in the excellent book "Martin Jurow: Seeing Stars: A Showbiz Oddysey." Mr. Jurow producer or co-produced a number of great films during his career. Among his credits are "Breakfast at Tiffany’s," "Terms of Endearment" and "The Pink Panther." Mr. Jurow’s other credits include Blake Edwards’ "The Great Race," "Soldier in the Rain," "Love in a Goldfish Bowl" and "Waltz Across Texas." Mr. Jurow was a longtime actor’s agent. In real life it was Martin Jurow, not Don Corleone who got Frank Sinatra the role of Maggio in "From Here to Eternity." Mr. Jurow was a Harvard Law grad, Class of 35. He became an assistant prosecutor in 1976. A man of many interests! Mr. Jurow was also a very successful Broadway producer.

SARAH JACOBSON Died Feb. 13, 2004

Independent filmmaker Sarah Jacobson died of cancer at age 32. Ms. Jacobson personified all of the spunk and tenacity needed to make it in the film world. She was the leader of a "DIY" (Do It Yourself) movement in New York in the 1990s. I met some adherents of the DYI movement at the 4^th Annual Memphis International Film Festival. Like Ms. Jacobson, they wrote, directed, edited, produced, distributed and hyped their own work. Their stamina and confidence was refreshing. Ms. Jacobson did this and also helped promote the works of other filmmakers. Ms. Jacobson wrote/directed/produced/edited and did almost everything else on her two films: the short "I Was a Teenage Serial Killer" and the feature "Mary Jane’s Not a Virgin Anymore." Prayers of comfort for her family and friends.

CAROLE EASTMAN Died Feb. 13, 2004

Oscar nominated screenwriter Carole Eastman died one week shy of her 70^th birthday. Ms. Eastman and director Bob Rafelson were nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar for the film "Five Easy Pieces." The script included the famous scene in which Jack Nicholson has trouble ordering toast at a diner. Jack Nicholson starred in most of Ms. Eastman’s films. She the scripts for Monte Hellman’s Western "The Shooting," Mike Nichols’ "The Fortune" and Bob Rafelson’s "Man Trouble." All starred Mr. Nicholson. Ms. Eastman also wrote "Puzzle of a Downfall Child." Faye Dunaway was nominated for a Best Actress Golden Globe in that film. Ms. Eastman wrote Michael Lindsey-Hogg’s Made for TV movie "Running Mates" using a pseudonym.

JIM RUGG Died Feb. 13, 2004

Emmy nominated special effects whiz Jim Rugg died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 85. Mr. Rugg was nominated for an Emmy Award for his work on the original "Star Trek" TV series. Mr. Rugg was with the series for its entire run. Mr. Rugg also worked on such films as "Mary Poppins," "Silent Running" and "Dragonslayer." His other TV credits include "Mannix," "Mission Impossible," "Perry Mason" and "Hawaii 5-0." Mr. Rugg served his country in Europe during WWII.

FRANK SWANN Death Announced Feb. 14, 2004

Actor turned lawyer Frank Swann died at age 91. Mr. Swann graduated law school and then turned to acting. He appeared on Broadway before signing with 20^th Century Fox. His acting teacher was famed "The Wolf Man" gypsy Maria Ouspenskaya. Mr. Swann appeared in "Seven Sinners" and the Shirley Temple film "Young People." Mr. Swann was a Navy officer in the pacific during WWII. He returned to the practice of law following the war.

ELOIS JENSSEN Died Feb. 14, 2004

Oscar winning costume designer Elois Jenssen died at age 81. Ms. Jenssen suffering a stroke a decade ago. Ms. Jenssen was part of Edith Head’s team of designers who won the Oscar for "Samson and Delilah." She received a second Oscar nomination for Disney’s "Tron." She was the costume designer on the classic TV series "I Love Lucy." Ms. Jenssen’s also designed costumes for the films "Lured" and "Forever, Darling" both of which starred Lucille Ball. Other film credits include "Hit Parade of 1937," "Let’s Live a Little," "So This is New York," "Cry Danger," "We’re Not Married" and "Deadline – USA."

JAN MINER Died Feb. 15, 2004

There’s not a baby-boomer alive who doesn’t know Jan Miner’s face. Ms. Miner was Madge, the beautician who had her clients soak their hands in Palmolive dishwashing liquid. The commercials made Ms. Miner’s character a household name. Like Folger Coffee’s Mrs. Olsen, Madge seemed like a real person. Ms. Miner was happy with the TV gig because it allowed her to follow her first love, the theater. While Ms. Miner acted more on stage than screen, she did turn in some memorable film performances. She played Sally Marr, the mother of Lenny Bruce in Bob Fosse’s Oscar nominated film "Lenny." Ms. Miner also had a small but powerful scene in the Burt Lancaster vehicle "The Swimmer." Other film credits include "Mermaids" and "Endless Love." Ms. Miner had a lengthy TV career, appearing in a number of live TV dramas during the 1950s.

ANN SIENA SCHWARTZ Died Feb. 16, 2004

Actress Ann Siena Schwartz died just short of her 79^th birthday. Ms. Schwartz was very active in the California theater scene for over 50 years. She entertained US Soldiers in the Pacific as part of the USO Camp Shows. Ms. Schwartz appeared in Andrew Stevens’ thriller "Scorned."

GANT GAITHER Died Feb. 16, 2004

Producer Gant Gaither died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Gaither was a film and stage producer. He assisted Moss Hart on the WWII film "Winged Victory." He produced "My Six Loves," which starred Debbie Reynolds, James Garner and David Janssen. A friend of Grace Kelly, Mr. Gaither wrote the biography "Princess of Monaco: The Story of Grace Kelly." In 1971, Mr. Gaither and his lover Bradley Little, the editor of "Architectural Digest" were attacked by two men. Mr. Little was shot and died at the scene. Mr. Giather served his country during WWII.

DORIS TROY Died Feb. 16, 2004

Singer Doris Troy died of emphysema at age 64. Ms. Troy was known as "Mama Soul." Her most famous song was the 1963 hit "Just One Look." Ms. Troy appeared in the Harvey Keitel film "Shining Star." The musical play "Mama, I Want to Sing" was inspired by Ms. Troy’s life.

LEONTINE KLEM Died Feb. 17, 2004

Leontine Klem, the one of the first woman producer/director at a TV network died at age 76. Ms. Klem’s credits include "Your Show of Shows" and "Mrs. USA." She was also responsible for bringing Bob Keeshan to NBC for "The Howdy Doody Show."

SAMUEL MATLOVSKY Died Feb. 17, 2004

Composer Samuel Matlovsky died of natural causes at age 82. Mr. Matlovsky composed the score of director Curtis Harrington’s excellent thriller "Games." He is also known among "Star Trek" fans as the man who composed the score for the "I, Mudd" episode of the original TV series. Mr. Matlovsky’s other credits include "Namu, The Killer Whale," "The Fighting Men" and "Gentle Giant." Mr. Matlovsky served his country in the Pacific during WWII.

ETHEL KENYON Died Feb. 17, 2004

Actress Ethel Kenyon died at age 99. Ms. Kenyon had a brief brush with stardom in the early 1930s. The actress appeared in several short films directed by Fatty Arbuckle. She married "International House" director A. Edward Sutherland. Sutherland helped her land a contract at United Artists. One messy divorce later, Ms. Kenyon was on her own. She retired from film and left Los Angeles. Ms. Kenyon’s credits include the Buck Jones Western film "Branded," "June Moon" and Howard Hughes’ "Cock of the Air."

JEAN ROUCH Died Feb. 18, 2004

Award-winning documentary filmmaker Jean Rouch was killed in a car crash in Niger at age 86. Mr. Rouch was attending a film festival at the time. The French director was a pioneer of the "cinema verite" style of documentary filmmaking. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Documentary Association in 2001. Several of his films won awards in festivals around the world. His 1976 film "Babutu" was nominated for the Golden Palm at Cannes.

DAVE STONE Died Feb. 18, 2004

Radio station owner and DeeJay Dave Stone died at age 90. Mr. Stone founded the radio statio KDAV in San Angelo, Texas. He gave a young Lubbock musician by the name of Buddy Holly his first radio job. Mr. Stone also helped Holly get his first record contract with Decca records. Mr. Stone was the inspiration for William Jordon’s character Riley Randolph in Steve Rash’s outstanding biopic "The Buddy Holly Story."

GERALD WALKER Died Feb. 19, 2004

Novelist Gerald Walker died of complications from a stroke at age 75. The former New York Times Magazine articles editor wrote the 1970 novel "Cruising." The book looked at the homosexual cruising in New York. William Friedkin directed the film version, which starred Al Pacino as a cop going undercover to catch the killer of homosexuals. The film stirred great controversy upon release. The film version focused more on the S/M subculture than just plain cruising. Activists argued that the movie painted a sordid and stereotypical vision of homosexuals. (NOTE: IMDB has much erroneous information under Mr. Walker’s listing. They have two separate people confused with each other.)

RENATA VANNI Died Feb. 19, 2004

Italian singer/actress Renata Vanni died of natural causes at age 94. Ms. Vanni was a singer in her native land. She came to America in the late 1940s. Ms. Vanni had a long and successful career as a character actress in both film and TV. Ms. Vanni’s movie debut occurred in "Westward the Women." Ms. Vanni appeared in some of the best films of the 1950s and 60s. Her credits include "The Seven Little Foys," "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit," "Three Coins in a Fountain," "The Greatest Story Ever Told," "Hell on Frisco Bay" and "A Patch of Blue." Ms. Vanni was a familiar face on TV during the 1960s and 70s. She had a recu8rring role as the landlady on Marlo Thomas’ series "That Girl." Other TV credits include "The Mod Squad," "The Rookies," "The Love Boat," "Harry O," "Barnaby Jones," "Cannon," "MacMillan and Wife," "My Three Sons," "Gunsmoke," "Wagon Train," "Perry Mason" and "The Flying Nun." Ms. Vanni donated much of her musical memorabilia from Italy to UCLA.

BART HOWARD Died Feb. 21, 2004

Composer Bart Howard died at age 89. Mr. Howard’s song "Fly Me to the Moon" became one of Frank Sinatra’s most popular songs. There have been over 300 versions of the song recorded. Howard wrote both the words and music. The song was originally written for the movie "Once Around" under a different title. The song became the theme song for NASA during the race to the moon. It was also the first song played on the moon by the astronauts of Apollo 11. The song has appeared on a number of movie soundtracks including "The Dish" and "The Out of Towners."

CARL ANDERSON Died Feb. 23, 2004

Actor/singer Carl Anderson died of leukemia at age 58. Anderson delivered a riveting performance in his film debut as Judas in Norman Jewison’s film version of "Jesus Christ Superstar." Mr. Anderson played Judas on Broadway prior to being cast in the film. Anderson’s powerful voice and emotional acting style overshadowed all of his co-stars including lead actor Ted Neeley who played Jesus. Mr. Anderson was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for "Jesus Christ Superstar" as Best Actor in a Musical and Most Promising Newcomer. He won the NAACP Theater Image Award for his performance in the Broadway version of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical. Other credits include Steven Spielberg’s "The Color Purple," "The Black Pearl," "Mind Over Murder" and "Mello’s Kaleidoscope." Mr. Anderson also did guest spots on a number of TV series including "Starsky and Hutch," "Cop Rock," "Hotel," "Magnum P.I.," "The Rockford Files" and "The Incredible Hulk." He was a regular on the soap opera "Another World" during the 1997-98 season.

JOHN RANDOLPH Died Feb. 24, 2004

Tony-Award-winning actor John Randolph died at age 88. I first remember
seeing Mr. Randolph’s work in John Frankenheimer’s eerie
"Seconds." Randolph played the frustrated, middle aged man who gives up everything for another shot at youth. He is transformed through surgery into Rock Hudson. The psychological thriller is still powerful today. I didn’t know at the time, but that was John Randolph’s first role in many years. He was a victim of the McCarthy blacklist for his political activism. Randolph fought against the execution of Julius and Ethal Rosenberg. Ironically, Mr. Randolph appeared in the excellent Made for TV movie about his old nemesis "Tail Gunner Joe." Peter Boyle played Senator McCarthy in the film. John Randolph appeared in nearly 200 films and TV shows. He was one of the most widely recognized character actors working. Among Mr. Randolph’s many credits were "Prizzi’s Honor," "Pretty Poison," "Escape From the Planet of the Apes," "Pueblo," "Serpico," "Earthquake," "All the President’s Men," the remake of "King Kong," "Heaven Can Wait," "Christmas Vacation" and "Francis." Mr. Randolph won a Tony Award for his work in Neil Simon’s "Broadway Bound." Mr. Randolph served his country in WWII.

PAUL BERVAL Died Feb. 25, 2004

Beloved French-Canadian actor/singer/comedian Paul Berval died at age 80. Mr. Berval was well known in Quebec for his 60 year career as an entertainer. In addition to his stage and recording work, Mr. Berval was a well know TV performer. In addition to his many film and TV live performances, he also provided the voice of Fred Flintstone for French speaking viewers of "The Flintstones" in Canada. He also provided the voice of Alakazoo (pictured) in the popular children’s TV series "Passe-Partout."

RUSSELL HUNTER Died Feb. 26, 2004

British actor Russell Hunter died of cancer at age 78. Mr. Hunter was best known as the character Lonely in the TV series "Callan" and it’s movie spinoff. "Callan" starred Edward Woodward as a British spy/assassin. Other credits include the TV seties "Dr. Who," "Lovejoy" and "Sweeny Todd." Mr. Hunter had a long stage career. He was a performer at the first Fringe Festival in Edinburgh in 1947. His final film was "American Cousins," a gangster comedy about a Mafia member hiding out in Scotland.

RALPH E. WINTERS Died Feb. 26, 2004

Multi-Oscar winning film editor Ralph E. Winters died at age 94. Mr. Winters won two Best Editing Oscars and was nominated four other times. He won for his work on "Ben-Hur" and "King Solomon’s Mines." I watched "Ben-Hur" last week. The chariot race is an amazing piece of work. Many filmmakers today would do well to study that sequence before shooting or cutting their own work. Mr. Winters worked on over 80 features films and a number of shorts during a career that started in 1928. He wanted to be a cameraman, but due to a Union stranglehold, he began working in the cutting department of MGM. Mr. Winters learned his craft cutting two-reelers. His first feature was the 1939 film "They All Came Out." Mr. Winters’ credits include 12 movies with this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Oscar Blake Edwards. He films with Blake Edwards include "The Pink Panther," "A Shot in the Dark," "Victor/Victoria" and "10." Among Mr. Winters’s film credits are such classics as "Gaslight," "Our Vines Have Tender Grapes," "Little Women," "On the Town," "Quo Vadis?," "Kiss Me Kate," "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers," "High Society," "Jailhouse Rock" and the original "The Thomas Crown Affair." Other credits include "Orca," the remake of "King Kong," "Butterfield 8" and "Soldier in the Rain." His final film was "Cutthroat Island."

ROGER MIRAMS Died Feb. 26, 2004

New Zealander TV producer Roger Mirams died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Mirams’ TV series "Escape of the Artful Dodger" was nominated for Best Children’s TV Drama at the 2002 Australian Film Awards. Mr. Mirams created four TV series in Australian and produced fifteen! He also produced a number of TV and theatrical movies and a few feature films in his native land. Mr. Mirams co-founded the Pacific Film Unit to promote independent filmmaking in New Zealand in 1948. Mr. Mirams left Pacific Film in the 1950s to set up a similar company in Australia. There he became a TV pioneer and one of that country’s most prolific producers. His landmark 1952 film "Broken Barrier" dealt with the subject of interracial love. He was a documentary filmmaker during WWI covering Japanese war crimes. Mr. Mirams died three days short of seeing his fellow New Zealanders win every award they were nominated for at the 76^th Annual Academy Awards.

HARRY BARTELL Died Feb. 26, 2004

Radio, TV and film actor Harry Bartell died at age 90. Mr. Bartell was a prolific radio actor before moving to TV and film. Mr. Bartell appeared in nearly 100 TV shows including "Dragnet," "Gunsmoke," "Get Smart," "I Love Lucy," "M Squad," "Perry Mason" and "The Wild, Wild West." Mr. Bartell was a semi regular on "Dragnet" in the 1950s and 60s. His film credits include "Jack the Ripper," "Monkey Business," the film version of "Dragnet" and "Dragnet 1967."

SHELIA DARCY Died Feb. 27, 2001

Actress Shelia Darcy died of heart failure at age 89. Ms. Darcy was the widow of tough-guy actor Preston Foster. Ms. Darcy appeared in nearly 50 films and movie serials during the 1930s, 40s and 50s. She was best known for her role as the Dragon Lady in the "Terry and the Pirates" serial. Ms. Darcy also appeared in the serial "Zorro’s Fighting Legion." Ms. Darcy’s other credits include Frank Lloyd’s "Wells Fargo," "The Big Broadcast of 1938," "Artists and Models Abroad," Cecile B. Demille’s "Union Pacific" and James Whale’s "The Man in the Iron Mask."

JEROME LAWRENCE Died Feb. 29, 2004

Award-winning playwright Jerome Lawrence died at age 88. With writing partner Robert E. Lee, Mr. Lawrence wrote two of the most popular Broadway plays of the last century. The pair wrote the plays "Auntie Mame" and "Inherit the Wind." Both had lengthy runs on Broadway and have been staples off Broadway ever since. "Auntie Mame" was filmed in 1958 with Rosaland Russell in the title role. Ms. Russell was nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for the movie. It was remade in 1974 as "Mame." Lucille Ball played the title role in that less successful version. Cher is slated to play the part in the upcoming Made for TV version. "Inherit the Wind" dealt with the Scopes Monkey Trial. Stanley Kramer directed Spencer Tracey and Frederick March in the courtroom drama dealing with the origin on man. Spencer Tracy played Henry Drummond, the character based on Clarence Darrow while Mr. March played Matthew Harrison Brady, the William Jennings Bryant character. "Inherit the Wind" was also adapted for TV twice. Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards starred in the 1988 TV version. Robards delivered a great performance as Drummond. The 1998 TV version starred George C. Scott as Brady and Jack Lemmon as Drummond. Mr. Lawrence also wrote a biography of actor Paul Muni. The book "Actor: The Life and Times of Paul Muni" was adapted for TV as the musical drama "Actor." His play "The First Monday in October" dealt with the appointment of the first woman to the US Supreme Court. Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh starred in the film version. Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Lee received numerous awards for their work including two Peabody Awards, the Variety Critics Award in New York and London, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Theater Association, the Valentine Davies Award for the Writer’s Guild and an Emmy Nomination for the TV movie "Actor."

NAT TAYLOR Died Feb. 29, 2004

Producer and theater owner Nat Taylor died at age 98. The Canadian theater owner invented the multiplex theater. He built the first on in 1948! While Mr. Taylor was best known as one of Canada’s largest theater chain owners, he did have a hand in producing a few films. Among his credits was the bizarre 3-D film "The Mask." The 1961 movie was Canada’s first horror film. Other credits include "Explosion" and "The Reincarnate." Mr. Taylor appeared as himself in the documentary "Dreamland: A History of Early Canadian Movies." In 1984 Mr. Taylor received a special Genie Award for his Outstanding Contribution to the Canadian Film Industry.

DANA BROCCOLI Died Feb. 29, 2004

Dana Broccoli, widow of "James Bond" producer Albert "Cubby" Broccoli died at age 82. Ms. Broccoli was a screenwriter and actress when she met and married movie producer Cubby Broccoli. Ms. Broccoli was instrumental in casting Sean Connery in the role of James Bond. Mr. Broccoli acted in several films including "Wild Woman" and "Moonraker." She appeared as herself in many "James Bond" documentaries. She wrote two novels: "Florinda" and "Scenario for Murder." She is the mother of producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael Wilson, director Tony Broccoli and the step-mother of PR person Tina Banta.

JANUARY 2004 FILM WORLD OBITUARIES

FERNANDO TORRE LAPHAME Died Jan. 1, 2004

Award-winning Mexican actor and teacher Fernando Torre-Laphame died of respiratory failure just short of his 87^th birthday. Mr. Laphame won a Silver Ariel (the Mexican equivalent of the Academy Award) as Best Actor in Carlos Carrera’s 1995 film "Sin Remitente." He won a Best Supporting Actor Silver Ariel for his performance in the multi-award-winning 1998 film "Under California: The Limit of Time." Mr. Laphame played the wedding priest in "Original Sin" with Antonio Banderas and Angelina Jolie. Mr. Laphame was also a respected director and actor on the Mexican stage. He began his acting career in 1940. Mr. Laphame was also a respected acting teacher at several Mexican universities.

KEMAL EL-SHEIK Died Jan. 2, 2004

Accalimed Egyptian director Kemal el-Sheik died at age 85. Mr. el-Sheik was nominated for a Golden Palm at Cannes for his 1971 short film "Langage du Geste." His 1962 film "The Thief and the Dogs" was nominated for the Golden Bear Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. He also wrote both of those films. Mr. el-Sheik directed nearly 35 films. Egypt awarded him its highest decoration for the arts.

ETTA MOTEN Died Jan. 2, 2004

Singer/actress Etta Moten died at age 102. Ms. Moten was a pioneer and role model for Black actresses during the 1930s. She appeared in several films, breaking the custom Hollywood stereotype of a Black woman as anything more than a maid. One newspaper of the time said that Ms. Moten "was the first Negro woman to play a dignified role in the pictures." Ms. Moten appeared in "Flying Down to Rio" with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. She performed the Oscar winning song "The Carioca" in her scene with the dancing pair. Other film credits include Busby Berkley's"Gold Diggers of 1933" and "Professional Sweetheart." Ms. Moten played Bess in "Porgy and Bess" on Broadway in the 1940s. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a fan and invited her to sing at his birthday party in the White House in 1933. The University of Kansas graduate appeared in a number of other Broadway plays including "Lysistrata" and "Sugar Hill." She represented the United States during the independence ceremonies of the African nations of Nigeria, Zambia and Lusaka. She also traveled to Ghana on behalf of the US. She was married to Claude Barnett, the founder of the Black Press Association.

LYNN CARTWRIGHT Died Jan. 2, 2004

Actress Lynn Cartwright died of dementia- related illnesses following a hip fracture at age 76. Ms. Cartwright was a genre and exploitation actress who is best known to mainstream audiences as the older Dottie in "A League of Their Own." When I first saw "A League of Their Own," I thought the Older Dottie was played by Geena Davis in makeup. I was surprised when I read the credits and discovered that it was another actress. Lynn Cartwright was the widow of tough-guy actor Leo Gordon. They were married for 40 years. She appeared in several genre films in the 1950s. She appeared in "Cry Baby Killer," which was Jack Nicholson’s film debut. When I was very small, a film titled "The Wasp Woman" both aroused me and scared the crap out of me. Ms. Cartwright appeared in that. She also appeared in the Zsa Zsa Gabor cult classic "Queen of Outer Space." In the late 1960s Ms. Cartwright appeared in two X-Rated films: the wife swapping saga "All the Loving Couples" and "The Ribald Tales of Robin Hood." She appeared in Steven Speilberg’s Made for TV movie "Something Evil" in 1972. She finished the 1970s with more R-rated sex films like "Gabriella" and "The Seniors." Ms. Cartwright’s last film was her biggest: "A League of Their Own."

PAUL KEYES Died Jan. 2, 2004

Writer/producer Paul Keyes died at age 79. Mr. Keyes wrote for several notable TV series including "Laugh In" and "The Tonight Show." Mr. Keyes produced The AFI "Salute to William Wyler" and "Sinatra: The Man and His Music."

BEATRICE WINDE Died Jan. 3, 2004

Respected stage and screen actress Beatrice Winde died of cancer at age 79. Ms. Winde was nominated for a Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in the1972 play "Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death." Ms. Winde appeared in a number of memorable films dating back to the 1970s. She appeared in the landmark Made for TV movie "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." She followed that with a role in the excellent thriller "The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three." Other credits include Karel Reisz’s "The Gambler" with James Caan, "Hide in Plain Site" also with James Caan, "Mandingo," "Oliver’s Story" the lame sequel to "Love Story," "Malcolm X," "A Rage in Harlem," "Jefferson in Paris," John Sayles’ "Lone Star," "Mickey Blue Eyes" and "The Hurricane." Ms. Winde won numerous awards for her stage acting and directing.

THOMAS HOLLAND Died Jan. 3, 2004

Sculptor Thomas Holland died at age 87. Mr. Holland was famous for his equestrian sculptures. He sculpted props for the 1960 version of "The Time Machine." He also acted on radio and TV.

BRIAN GIBSON Died Jan. 4, 2004

British director Brian Gibson died of a rare form of bone cancer at age 59. Mr. Gibson won a BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Play for his telefilm "Best Remembered Hills." Mr. Gibson was nominated for a DGA Award and won an Emmy as Best Director of a TV Movie or Mini series for his HBO biopic "The Josephene Baker Story." Mr. Gibson enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic. He directed "What’s Love Got to Do With It?" The biopic of singer Tina Turner starred Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne as Tina and Ike Turner. Mr. Gibson also directed "Poltergeist 2: The Other Side." Gibson directed "Drug Wars: The Camarena Story" for Michael Mann. Actor Ben Kingsley was nominated for a Golden Globe for his work in Gibson’s TV movie "Murderers Among Us: The Simon Wiesenthal Story." Other credits include "The Juror," which starred Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin and "Still Crazy" with Stephen Rea. Mr. Gibson was an executive producer of Salma Hayek’s "Frida." Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

JEFF NUTTALL Died Jan. 4, 2004

British actor/artist/teacher/poet Jeff Nuttall died at age 71. Mr. Nuttall
was a Renaissance man in the true sense of the word. He wrote such books as "Art and the Degradation of Awareness" and "Bomb Culture." He also taught and lectured at art schools. He was one of the founders of the performance art troupe The People Show. Mr. Nuttall’s film appearances include roles in the James Bond film "The World is Not Enough" and playing Friar Tuck in the 1991 Made for TV version of "Robin Hood." Mr. Nuttall appeared in "Scandal," which dealt with the Profumo affair and starred John Hurt, Joanne Whalley and Bridget Fonda. Other film credits include "The Browning Version" with Albert Finney, the mini-series "The 10^th Kingdom" and the BBC comedy TV series "Chef!"

JOAN AIKEN Died Jan. 4, 2004

Award-winning British writer Joan Aiken died at age 79. Ms. Aiken wrote 92
novels during her life. She was primarily a children’s author, but she did write 27 novels for adults. Ms. Aiken’s short story "Marmalade Wine" became an episode of "Rod Serling’s Night Gallery." Her most famous children’s book "The Wolves of Willoughby Chase" was turned into a disappointing film in 1988. It starred Emily Hudson and Aleks Darowska as protagonists Bonnie and Sylvia. Stephanie Beacham played Miss Slighcarp. A better film adaptation of Ms. Aiken’s work was the French thriller "Death on a Rainy Day." Ms. Aiken wrote for the children’s TV series "Blackhearts in Battersea." Her children’s stories were adapted by the BBC for both radio (in the 1940s) and TV series. She was the daughter of Pulitzer Prize winning poet Conrad Aiken.

ALLEN MINER Died Jan. 4, 2004

Director Allen Miner died at age 86. Mr. Miner was a combat photographed in the Navy during WWII. He photographer General MacArthur’s landing in the Philippines! Mr. Miner’s love of sailing was put to use in his work. According to his family, Mr. Miner was one of the many directors of "The Old Man and the Sea," which starred Spencer Tracey. Mr Miner directed such feature films as "The Black Pirates," the documentary feature "The Naked Sea," "Ghost Town," "The Ride Back" and "Black Patch," which he also produced. Mr. Miner also wrote, produced, photographed and edited the documentary "The Naked Sea." Mr. Miner also directed numerous TV shows including "The Untouchables," "Route 66," "Wagon Train" and "Then Came Bronson." After ten years of TV work, Mr. Miner wrote and directed one last feature "Chubasco," which starred Christopher Jones in one of his few films before chucking stardom and disappearing.

KEN MCELDOWNEY Died Jan. 5, 2004

Have you ever walked out of a movie theater and said to yourself, "I could make a better movie than that"? Florist Ken McEldowney did just that in 1947. His wife, an MGM publicist dared him to do so. He did. Ken McEldowney produced the 1951 hit "The River." French director Jean Renoir helmed the project. "The River" was filmed on location in India and was the first film shot on location to use magnetic sound recording. The film was nominated for Best British Film and Best Film from Any Source at the 1953 BAFTAs. The film won the International Award for director Jean Renoir and was nominated for the Golden Bear at the 1951 Venice Film Festival. Ken McEldowney took his wife up on a dare and proved he could make a better movie. It was his only film. Ken McEldowney died of natural causes at age 97.

TUG MCGRAW Died Jan. 5, 2004

Baseball superstar Tug McGraw lost his battle to brain cancer at age 59. Famous for his screwball pitch, McGraw led the 1973 Mets from the bottom of the cellar to the World Series. They lost, but it was one of baseball’s grand stories. McGraw coined the phrase "You Gotta Believe" that year. A lot of Mets fans did believe. McGraw pitched the final out in the 1980 World Series giving the Philadelphia Phillies their one World Series title. Mr. McGraw is also the father of country singer Tim McGraw. I’m conflicted here because I couldn’t find a single movie credit for Mr. McGraw. I’m sure he must have appeared through archived footage in some documentary about baseball. It’s my column so I can include Mr. McGraw if I want to. I admired his tenacity. It was great to be a baseball fan in the 1970s. Tug McGraw was one of the reasons for that. Prayers of comfort for his family, fans and friends.

UPDATE: Thanks to Dan, a regular at Voy Forum Celebrity Obits Board for pointing out that Mr. McGraw appeared, along with some of his 1969 Miracle Mets team mates on an episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond." I knew he had to have at least one film or TV credit to his name! Thanks Dan!

PATRICIA FALKENHAIN Died Jan. 5, 2004

Actress Patricia Falkenhain died of a heart attack at age 77. Ms. Falkenhain was a respected stage actress. Ms. Falkenhain won three Obie Awards and one Drama Critic’s Award for her Off-Broadway performances. Ms. Falkenhain’s film credits include Mike Nichol’s "Heartburn," Jonathan Demme’s "Something Wild," "The House on Carroll Street" and the TV version of the Tony Award winning play "The House of Blue Leaves." The stage version of "The House of Blue Leaves" marked Ms. Falkenhain’s last Broadway appearance.

FRANCESCO SCAVULLO Died Jan. 6, 2004

Famed photographer Francesco Scavullo died of heart failure at age 82. Mr. Scavullo photographed just about every celebrity of the modern era. He was in high demand by the rich and famous as a portrait photographer. Mr. Scavullo published six books featuring collections of his work. He work also graced many well-known magazine covers. He appeared as himself in several episodes of the "Intimate Portrait" series of TV documentaries. He also directed "The Crystal Gale Special," which aired in December 1979. He also appeared in the 1985 documentary "The Look."

INGRID THULIN Died Jan. 7, 2004

Award-winning Swedish actress Ingrid Thulin died at age 77. Ms. Thulin gained fame and is best known for her association with director Ingmar Bergman. Ms. Thulin acted in 10 films with the award winning director. Ms. Thulin was a versatile actress with great emotional range. She was able to make the viewer overlook her outer beauty and focus on what was inside the character. Ms. Thulin appeared in several of Mr. Bergman’s bleakest and profound films. I first noticed her in Bergman’s brilliant essay on the loss of faith: "Winter Light." She played the doomed Ester in Berman’s desolate classic "The Silence." Ms. Thulin also starred in two Bergman films that are certifiable masterpieces: "Wild Strawberries" and "Cries and Whispers." The two films couldn’t be more opposite from one another. One is heartwarming while the other is simply harrowing. In "Wild Strawberries," Ms. Thulin plays the niece of Victor Sjöström’s character. The film chronicles the journey of an elderly professor making a trip to receive an award for his lifetime of service. Along the way, the professor remembers his long life. A wonderful and sentimental film experience. "Cries and Whispers" deals with death. Ms. Thulin plays one of two sisters who are watching their third sister die. Incredible acting. Bergman’s approach to the subject matter is unflinching. If you can stomach the film, you are in for a rewarding experience. Ms. Thulin also appeared in Bergman’s only foray in the horror film genre. "Hour of the Wolf" is almost experimental in nature. An overlooked film that should be seen by all.

Ingmar Bergman wasn’t the only noted director to work with Ms. Thulin. She starred with Yves Montand in Alain Resnais’ excellent "La Guerre est Finie." She co-starred with Dirk Bogarde in "The Damned," Luchino Visconti’s decadent trip through the hell of Hitler’s pre-WWII Germany. A movie that is hard to forget. Aldo Lado’s "Malestrano" (Short Night of the Glass Dolls) is one of the best films of the Giallo genre. Ms. Thulin plays an older woman of mystery in this film where the hero is a corpse! Ms. Thulin wasn’t as successful in her American films. She appeared in "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" with Glenn Ford, the disaster film "The Cassandra Crossing" and the Made for TV movie "Moses the Lawgiver." Ingrid Thulin directed several films including "Broken Sky" and "One and One."

Ms. Thulin was nominated for Best Actress for "Cries and Whispers" at the 1974 BAFTA’s. She won as Best Actress at Cannes in 1958 for Bergman’s "Nara Livet." She also won Best Actress for "The Silence" at the Swedish Guldbagge Awards.

CHARLES BROWN Died Jan. 8, 2004

Actor Charles Brown died of cancer at age 57. Mr. Brown was nominated for two Tony Awards in 1980 and 2001. Mr. Brown appeared in a number of TV shows and films. He portrayed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the TV mini series "Kennedy." Mr. Brown was known to soap opera fans for his work on "All My Children." Other film credits include "Trading Places," "Legal Eagles" and "Without a Trace." Mr. Brown served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

PAUL CADEAC Died Jan. 8, 2004

French producer/director Paul Cadeac died of heart failure at age 86. Mr. Cadeac produced the popular "Fantomas" film series. Actor Paul Marais, the Beast in Jean Cocteau’s "Beauty and the Beast," appeared in six films by Cadeac including three of the "Fantomas" series. Mr. Cadeac directed the 1954 film "Quai des Blondes." Other credits include the 1958 version of "Les Meserables," "The Gold Robbers," "Captain Blood" and Claude Berri’s "The Two of Us."

ED ZWANEVELD Died Jan. 8, 2004

Academy and Emmy Award winning inventor Ed Zwaneveld died of a heart attack at age 64. Mr. Zwaneveld was part of a group, which received a technical Academy Award in 1998 for the invention of DigiSync. DigiSync helped simplify the film editing process. He also received an Emmy Creative Arts Engineering Award in 1994. Mr. Zwaneveld was a former lab manager for MGM and also worked for Consolidated Film Industries at one time.

AARON WEAVER Died Jan. 8, 2004

Chief Warrant Officer Aaron Weaver was killed in the crash of a Blackhawk helicopter in Iraq. Eight other soldiers also died in the crash. Officer Weaver was an Army Ranger. He survived the fierce Battle of Mogadishu in 1993. During the Battle of Mogadishu, Weaver was in a vehicle that took a direct hit from an RPG. He wasn’t hurt in that incident. That battle was the subject of the book and film "Blackhawk Down." Officer Weaver appeared in the documentary film "The True Story of Blackhawk Down." Weaver had cancer. He sought and received a waiver so that he could serve his country in Iraq. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends. What joy that we have such men willing to serve our country. What sorrow that this one is gone.

ROGERIO SGANZERLA Died Jan. 9, 2004

Award-winning Brazilian filmmaker Rogerio Sganzerla died of brain cancer at age 57. Mr. Sganzerla directed features, documentaries and shorts. Mr. Sganzerla was a fan of the late Orson Welles. His 1990 documentary "A Linguagem de Orson Welles" dealt with Orson Welles love for the art and culture of Brazil. John Huston was one of the interviewees for that film. The documentary also shed light on Mr. Welles attempt to film a movie in Brazil during the 1940s. Mr. Sganzerla revisited this subject in his last film "O Signo do Caos." "O Signo do Caos" was a dramatization of Welles battles to make his unfinished film "It’s All True." Mr. Sganzerla’s 1986 feature "It’s Not All True" also dealt with Welles’ unfinished film! Mr. Sganzerla’s documentary "HQ" was a 9-minute short covering the history of comic books from the early 1900s through 1969. Mr. Sganzerla’s best known film was "The Red Light Bandit," which dealt with a Brazilian criminal similar to the executed California rapist Caryl Chessman.

LYNDON BROOK Died Jan. 9, 2004

Actor/writer Lyndon Brook died at age 77. Mr. Brook had a successful career on both stage and screen. He also wrote several plays, most notably the comedy "Mixed Doubles." Mr. Brook’s father was the actor Clive Brook who played Sherlock Holmes in two films. Mr. Brook’s film and TV credits include "The Avengers," "Plenty," "Defense of the Realm," "I, Claudius," "The Longest Day," "Song Without End," "Reach for the Sky" and "Above Us the Waves."

SIDNEY MILLER Died Jan. 10, 2004

Actor/director/composer Sidney Miller died of Parkinson’s Disease at age 87. Mr. Miller appeared in over 100 films and directed a number of television shows. He is the father of actor Barry Miller who played Bobby C in "Saturday Night Fever" and Ralph Garcey in the movie "Fame." Mr. Miller was a contract player for MGM during the 1930s and 40s. Mr. Miller was the comedy partner of the late Donald O’Conner. Mr. Miller turned to directing TV shows in the 1950s and 60s. His director credits include "The Monkees," "The Mickey Mouse Club," "Get Smart" and "Bewitched." Late in his career, Mr. Miller provided voice work for animated shows such as "The Smurffs" and "Challenge of the Go-Bots." Mr. Miller’s film credits include Bob Fosse’s "Star 80," Woody Allan’s "Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* But Were Afraid to Ask," "Experiment in Terror," "Wing and a Prayer," "Alias Boston Blackie," "Boy’s Town" and "Life Begins for Andy Hardy." Mr. Miller also composed songs for a number of films from the 1940s.

ALEXANDRA RIPLEY Died Jan. 10, 2004

Writer Alexandra Ripley died of natural causes at age 71. Ms. Ripley was chosen by the estate of Margaret Mitchell to write "Scarlett," a sequel to "Gone With the Wind." Ms. Ripley specialized in writing historical novels. Though many folks wondered "what were they thinking?" when it came to "Scarlett" the book became a best seller. The book was turned into a TV mini-series with Joanne Whalley playing the title role and Timothy Dalton playing Rhett Butler.

ERLE JOLSON KRASNA Died Jan. 11, 2004

The widow of producer Norm Krasna and fourth wife of actor Al Jolson and died of cancer at age 81. Ms. Krasna was the first wife of "The Jazz Singer" actor Al Jolson. After Al Jolson’s death in 1950, Ms. Krasna married Oscar winning screenwriter Norman Krasna. "Perry Mason" actress Barbara Hale portrayed Ms. Lrasna in the 1949 film "Jolson Sings Again."

CINDY TURTLE WALDEN Died Jan. 11, 2004

Producer/Showtime Cable TV/talent agent Cindy Tuttle died of cancer at age 60. Ms. Walden owned The Turtle Agency and represented a number of industry figures.

MOLLY CRAIG KELLY Died Jan. 13, 2004

87 year old Molly Craig Kelly died in her sleep. Ms. Kelly was the subject of Philip Noyce’s outstanding film "Rabbit Proof Fence." Ms. Kelly was one of the half Aborigine half White children taken away from their parents and raised to be slaves by the Australian government during the earlier part of this century. Ms. Kelly her sister and cousin escaped from the camp and trekked almost all the way across Australian to freedom. Ms. Kelly was portrayed in the film by Everlyn Sampi.

UTA HAGEN Died Jan. 13, 2004

Award-winning actress/teacher Uta Hagen died at age 84. The German born actress moved to the US as a child. He childhood dream was to be an actress. She fulfilled her dream in spades. Ms. Hagen won a Tony Award for her performance as Martha in the original Broadway production of "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe?" Elizabeth Taylor played the role in the film version. In some respects, Ms. Hagen was a lot like the late Kim Stanley. She was a great stage actress who only made a handful of films. Those fortunate enough to have seen Ms. Hagen on stage can count their blessings. The rest of us can only see glimpses of her great talent from the few films she left behind. My first memory of Ms. Hagen was in the eerie occult film "The Other." Ms. Hagen played the grandmother of twin boys, one good, one evil. I have never been able to shake the crazed fast motion image of Ms. Hagen playing the piano in one scene. Ms. Hagen played an important cameo role in the film version of Ira Levin’s "The Boys From Brazil." Ms. Hagen played the woman who placed all of the little Hitler clones with their adoptive families. Ms. Hagen also played Glenn Close’s personal maid in Barbet Schroeder’s "Reversal of Fortune." Ms. Hagen was a world-renowned acting teacher. Her book "Respect for Acting" is among the most highly regarded in the genre.

PHILIP CROSBY Died Jan. 13, 2004

Philip Crosby, the last surviving child of Bing Crosby’s first marriage died at age 69. Mr. Crosby appeared in "None But the Brave" and "Robin and the Seven Hoods." He also was part of a singing act with his brothers. Philip’s brothers Dennis and Lindsay committed suicide. Brother Gary died of cancer. Brother Gary wrote a tell all book painting father Bing Crosby as a cruel tyrant. Philip denied many of Gary’s allegations. Either way, Philip and his brothers had a hard life. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends.

DEAN MILLER Died Jan. 13, 2004

Actor turned newsman Dean Miller died of cancer at age 79. Mr. Miller was a contract player for MGM during the late 1940s. He may be best remembered for his role on the long-running TV series "December Bride." That show ran from 1954 through 1961. In the 1970s Mr. Miller worked as a news anchorman in Detroit. His film credits include "Skirts Ahoy," "Dream Wife" and "Small Town Girl."

DONALD ALAN SIEGAL Died Jan. 13, 2004

Composer Donald Siegal died of leukemia at age 53. Mr. Siegal composed songs for childrens shows such as "Captain Kangaroo" and "Sesame Street." He wrote the stage musical "Lewis and Clark" about the famed explorers. Other song credits include "Frosty the Snowman," "Loony Tunes," "The Tangerine Bear" and "Alex and the Wonderful Doo-Wah Lamp." Mr. Siegal was working on songs for Mel Brook’s "Shakespeare’s Itch" and Disney’s "The Corsair."

HERMAN CLEBANOFF Died Jan. 13, 2004

Violinist Herman Clebanoff died of natural causes at age 86. Mr. Clebanoff began playing the violin as a child. His professional career spanned seven decades. He was the conductor for the NBC Orchestra in Chicago. Mr. Clebanoff was the founder and conductor of the Clebanoff Strings. The group recorded numerous albums with worldwide sales. He recorded music for both film and television. Mr. Clebanoff was the concertmaster for the Chicago Civic Orchestra.

RON O’NEAL Died Jan. 14, 2004

Boy I feel old. Another cultural icon from my youth has passed on. Actor Ron O’Neal died of pancreatic cancer at age 66. Prayers of comfort for his family and friends. "Superfly" wasn’t that good a movie. The movie may seem better in memory because of Curtis Mayfield’s outstanding score. Blaxploitation films stormed the pop culture scene during the early 70s as if it was a beachhead on Normandy. The early civil rights battles paved the way for the visions of Black artists and filmmakers to be heard. The label Blaxploitation was at once derogatory and at the same time a badge of honor. Those who pointed to these films as an insult to the dignity of Black Americans just didn’t get it. These films were no different from the action films aimed at White folks. Ron O’Neal’s "Superfly" was every bit as much an anti-hero as any number of Paul Newman’s early characters. "Superfly" was "Cool Hand Luke" for the ghetto. Some folks got it right away. For others, it took people like Quentin Tarantino to point out what gems these films really were.

Ron O’Neal broke into acting on the stage. He won a number of Awards for his theatrical work. It was "Superfly" that brought the handsome actor stardom overnight. O’Neal was cast as a Harlem drug dealer fighting to make enough money to retire rich. The film was directed by Gordon Parks. Some viewers, critics and moral naysayers condemned "Superfly" for allowing the criminal hero to walk away without paying any consequences. Of course there was no such uproar when Steve McQueen and Ali McGraw got away with their crimes in "The Getaway." O’Neal’s character threatened those in America who weren’t used to hearing a Black man speak his mind. O’Neal’s Youngblood Priest was a good-looking badass with a brilliant mind. The film spawned a less than successful sequel "Superfly T.N.T." O’Neal wrote and directed the second film. As quickly as Ron O’Neal’s star rose, it seemed to fade.

O’Neal continued to act, but his most famous role seemed to hold him back. Mr. O’Neal played the Tom Laughlin’s rival in the abysmal Western "The Master Gunfighter." That film’s failure had more to do with Mr. Laughlin’s hubris than anything Ron O’Neal did. Either way, it hurt O’Neal to be in such a high profile box-office bomb. During the 1980s Ron O’Neal appeared in a recurring role on my favorite TV series of that decade: "The Equalizer." O’Neal played police Lieutenant Smalls opposite Edward Woodward’s urban avenging angel Robert McCall. The 1980s also saw O’Neal playing the Cuban badguy in John Milius’ WWIII film "Red Dawn." In the end, O’Neal joined up with other actors to pay homage to the genre that brought him fame and also left him typecast. "Original Gangstas" starred O’Neal, Jim Brown, Pam Grier, Richard Roundtree, Paul Winfield, Isabelle Sanford, Robert Forster and Charles Napier. More a curiosity and a tribute than an attempt to revive the genre. Rest in Peace, Youngblood Priest.

SEXCILIA Died Jan 14, 2004

Drag performer Sexcilia died of complications from AIDS at age 33. Reynaldo Pagan Rivera was one of the top drag performers in South Beach. One of Sexcilia’s most notorious stage acts was his performance of Sharon Stone’s interrogation scene from "Basic Instinct," which included a full-Monty crotch shot. Sexcilia appeared in Troy Beyer’s "Let’s Talk About Sex."

OLIVIA GOLDSMITH Died Jan. 15, 2004

Writer Olivia Goldsmith died at age 54. Ms. Goldsmith lapsed into a coma due to complications from the anesthesia administered while undergoing plastic surgery. Ms. Goldsmith wrote the novel "The First Wives Club." That book was made into a film starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler. Ms. Goldsmith’s book "Fashionable Late" was the basis for the Brazilian TV series "Desejos de Muhler." She also wrote the screenplay for "Clink, Inc.," which is in production with Rod Lurie as director.

RAY STARK Died Jan. 17, 2004

Oscar nominated producer Ray Stark died at age 88. Mr. Stark was given the Irving Thalberg Memorial Award by the Academy in 1980. Ray Stark produced a number of films starring Barbra Streisand and a number of films written by Neil Simon. He was nominated for Best Picture Oscars for films made with both collaborators. Mr. Stark’s films "Funny Girl" and "The Goodbye Girl" were both nominated for Best Picture Oscars. Ray Stark was the son-in-law of vaudevillian Fanny Brice. Stark produced "Funny Girl" (on stage and screen) and "Funny Lady" in tribute to Ms. Brice. Both films starred Barbra Streisand. Stark also produced Streisand’s chick-flick classic "The Way We Were" and "The Owl and the Pussycat." Mr. Stark produced 11 film adaptations of Neil Simon’s work. Among those films are "The Sunshine Boys," "Murder by Death," "Lost in Yonkers," "Chapter Two," "California Suite," "Brighton Beach Memories" and "Biloxi Blues." Mr. Stark was also a patron of John Huston’s work. He produced four films by the famed director: "Night of the Iguana," "Fat City," "Annie" and "Reflections in a Golden Eye." Other memorable films include Richard Lester’s tale of an aging Robin Hood: "Robin and Marian." Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn starred in this wonderful film about Robin Hood and Maid Marian. Other credits include "The Electric Horseman," "Steel Magnolias," "Somewhere in Time," "This Property Condemned," "The World of Suzie Wong," the HBO telefilm "Barbarians at the Gates" and "The Black Bird" with George Segal as Sam Spade Jr.

NOBLE WILLINGHAM Died Jan. 17, 2004

Character actor Noble Willingham died of natural causes at age 72. Willingham was discovered by Peter Bogdanovich when he was casting "The Last Picture Show." Mr. Willingham has over 120 film and TV credits. He played bar owner C.D. Parker on the Chuck Norris TV series "Walker Texas Ranger." Among Mr. Willingham’s many notable film credits are Peter Bogdanovich’s "Paper Moon," Roman Polanski’s "Chinatown," Sidney Furie’s "The Boys in Company C," Martin Ritt’s "Norma Rae," Richard Lester’s "Butch and Sundance: The Early Days," Stuart Rosenberg’s "Brubaker" the Coen Brother’s "The Hudsucker Proxy," "Good Morning Vietnam," "City Slickers" and Joe Dante’s "The Howling." Mr. Willingham appeared in a number of great B-movies during the 1970s. Among those credits are "Aloha Bobby and Rose" with Paul LeMat and Dianne Hull, "Big Bad Mama" with Angie Dickinson, "Fighting Mad" with Peter Fonda, "Hit!" with Billy Dee Williams and "Greased Lightning" with Richard Pryor. Mr. Willingham was a teacher before his acting career. Mr. Willingham ran for local politcal office and Texas. He returned to acting having failed to get elected.

ELSA BUCHANAN Died Jan. 17, 2004

British actress Elsa Buchanan died at age 95. The stage actress came to Hollywood in the 1930s. She appeared in over 20 films but never really achieved Hollywood stardom. She may be best known as the sexy, comic maid in "Charlie Chan in London." Other film credits include "Little Lord Fauntleroy," "Becky Sharpe," "Lloyd’s of London," "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and "Riptide." She retired from film in the late 1930s having married a British merchant marine.

HARRY BLUM Died Jan. 18, 2004

Producer/distributor Harry Blum died of congestive heart failure at age 71.
Mr. Blum produced one of my favorite Brian DePalma films. DePalma’s "Obsession" did little to change the mind of critics that he was a copycat of Alfred Hitchcock. Nonetheless, "Obsession" is a great little film. Cliff Robertson, John Lithgow and Genevieve Bujold starred in DePalma’s tale of murder, guilt and redemption. The film borrowed themes and plot points from Hitchcock’s "Vertigo." "Obsession" still plays well today. The film hints of better things to come from DePalma. Thanks to Mr. Blum for helping make that happen. Mr. Blum’s other credits include the action flick "Diamonds," which starred Robert Shaw and Richard Roundtree. He also produced one of the Victorian dinosaur films starring Doug McClure. "At the Earth’s Core" was on of the better films in that series of B-Movies from the 70s. Peter Cushing co-starred.

REBECCA STEELE Died Jan. 19, 2004

Adult film performer Rebecca Steele died of a drug overdose while in the final stages of full blown AIDS. She took her life two days after her 42^nd birthday. Ms. Steele performed in a large number of adult films during the 1990s. Her story is long and sad. She was born into a tough situation and learned to live to survive. It is easy to judge the mistakes made by Ms. Steele. It would be better to let her story serve as a warning to others. Whatever your profession, be it porn star or pastor, drugs will kill your soul. Prayers of comfort for her family.

CHIEN YING-CHANG Death Announced Jan. 19, 2004

Chinese artist Chien Ying-Chang has died at age 90. Ms. Ying-Chang studied art in Great Britain. She spent the last 50 years of her life in England. Ms. Ying-Chang was world renowned for her artwork. Her connection to the film industry was limited. She worked on sets and costumes for the Ingrid Bergman film "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness." She also did work on "The World of Suzie Wong" and the Hope/Crosby film "The Road to Hong Kong."

JERRY NACHMAN Died Jan. 20, 2004

Journalist/producer/writer Jerry Nachman died of gall bladder cancer at age 57. Mr. Nachman produced and wrote for the TV series "Politically Incorrect." He was editor in chief and vice-president of MSNBC. He hosted his own TV show "Nachman." Mr. Nachman announced his illness on that show. Mr. Nachman co-wrote the award-winning short film "John." He also wrote an episode of the TV series "UC: Undercover."

DR. BERNARD PUNSLY Died Jan. 20, 2004

There are some movies in which it is okay for a guy to cry while watching and
not have to question their sexuality. "Angels With Dirty Faces" is one such
film. James Cagney starred with Pat O’Brien and the Dead End Kids in a tale of a gangster’s redemption. Cagney play Rocky, a John Dillinger type gangster that the Dead End Kids idolize. Rocky goes to the electric chair. The Kids know that he won’t turn yellow at the last minute. Priest O’Brien pleads with Rocky on his way to the chair to give up his façade so the kids won’t continue their hero worship. Cagney goes to the chair squealing like a coward so the Kids won’t end up like him. It may seem sappy today, but the film’s powerful ending gets me every time. It remains my favorite gangster film from the 1930s. Dr. Bernard Punsly was one of the original Dead End Kids. Punsly along with Leo Gorcey, Huntz Hall, Bobby Jordon, Billy Halop and Gabriel Dell first appeared in the gritty crime drama "Dead End" with Humphrey Bogart. The Kids appeared in a number of such serious films portraying the hardscrabble life of life during the Great Depression. The Kids eventually evolved into the Bowery Boys and the films became slapstick comedies. Punsly appeared in 19 films between 1937 and 43. Punsly served his country during WWII. He then became a doctor, practicing medicine for 50 years. Bernard Punsly, the last surviving member of the original Dead End Kids died at age 80.

ITALIA COPPOLA Died Jan. 20, 2004

Italia Coppola, the matriarch of the famed filmmaking family died at age 91. Ms. Coppola was the widow of composer Carmine Coppola. She was the mother of director Francis Ford Coppola and actress Talia Shire. Nicolas Cage, Sophia, Roman, Marc, Christopher and the late Gian-Carlo Coppola, Jason and Robert Schwartzman are her grandchildren. Son Francis gave his mother cameos in his films "The Godfather Part II" and "One From the Heart." Prayers of comfort to her family and friends.

LUIS CUENCA Died Jan. 21, 2004

Award-winning Spanish actor Luis Cuenca died of a pulmonary disorder at age 82. Mr. Cuenca won the Goya Award as Best Actor for his work in David Trueba’s "The Good Life." Though Mr. Cuenca appeared in over 20 films dating back to the 1950s, his greatest acting success came late in life. Mr. Cuenca was also nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Goya for his work in director Trueba’s "The Masterpiece."

YORDAN RADICHKOV Died Jan. 21, 2004

Bulgarian novelist/playwright Yordon Radichkov died from complications following a stroke at the age of 75. Mr. Radichkov’s works dealt with themes of freedom in a world of communist oppression. A number of his plays and novels were turned into feature films in his native land.

JERRY STOLL Died Jan. 21, 2004

Famed photographer and documentary filmmaker Jerry Stoll died of natural causes at age 80. Mr. Stoll was best known for his photographic chronicles of the San Francisco jazz and bebop scene. He was the official photographer of the Monterey Jazz Festival. Mr. Stoll was also a documentary filmmaker. His film "Sons and Daughters" dealt with a group of Berkeley anti-war protestors marching from Berkeley to the Oakland Army Terminal. It featured music by the Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix. Mr. Stoll also made films about Pentagon Papers thief Dr. Daniel Ellsberg and the Black Panthers. Mr. Stoll produced and distributed films for American Documentary Films. Mr. Stoll served his country during WWII with the 7^th Armored Division.

BOB KEESHAN Died Jan. 22, 2004

I had to call my Mom tonight. Captain Kangaroo had died. I grew up in a time when a Mom could stay home with the kids if she wanted to. I was lucky enough to have a parent home with me before I started first grade. I have vivid memories of my morning routine. Breakfast at the kitchen table, Captain Kangaroo, Mr. Green Jeans and Mr. Moose on the 12-inch black and white TV. Same thing every morning before going out side to play cowboys and Indians with my buds. I guess I’m showing my age. I told my 17-year-old daughter that Captain Kangaroos had died. "Captain Who?" she asked. Oh well. Bob Keeshan will always be remembered as Captain Kangaroo to millions of baby boomers. The older boomers even remember Mr. Keeshan as Clarabelle the Clown from "The Howdy Doody Show." I’m not that old! "Captain Kangaroo" ran from 1955 through 1984.

ANN MILLER Died Jan 22, 2004

Tap-dancing dynamo Ann Miller lost her long battle with lung cancer at age 81. Ms. Miller began her career as a child dancer. She rose to the top ranks of the MGM stable acting and dancing with Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bob Fosse and others. During the 1980s, Ms. Miller made an incredible comeback in the Broadway play "Sugar Babies." The play had 1700 performances on Broadway. Miller and co-star Mickey Rooney took the show on the road and enjoyed several years of success. Ms. Miller’s film career included a number of great films from the Golden Era of Hollywood. Her film credits include Frank Capra’s "You Can’t Take it With You," "Room Service" with The Marx Brothers, "Easter Parade" with Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, "The Kissing Bandit" with Frank Sinatra, "On the Town" with Gene Kelly and Sinatra, "Kiss Me Kate" with Howard Keel and Bob Fosse and "The Opposite Sex" with June Allyson. Ms. Miller retired from film in 1956. She made a cameo appearance in the lame 1976 comedy "Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood." In 1996 she appeared in David Lynch’s "Mulholland Drive." This was an ironic choice for Ms. Miller as she often said she left film because of the increase in the amounts of sex and violence being shown on film.

TICKY HOLGADO Died Jan. 22, 2004

French comedic actor Ticky Holgado died at age 68. Mr. Holgado appeared in nearly 80 films during the last 20 years. He may be best known to American audiences for his work in the films of Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Those include the delightful "Amelie," the disturbing "The City of Lost Children" and the bizarrely hilarious "Delicatessen." Among Mr. Holgado’s other credits are "Les Miserables," Claude Berri’s "Manon of the Spring," Claude LeLouch’s "And Now...Ladies and Gentlemen" and "Let There Be Light." Mr. Holgado was nominated for two Cesar’s as Best Supporting Actor for the films "French Twist" and "Wonderful Times."

ROBERT DONLEY Died Jan. 22, 2004

Character actor Robert Donley died at age 92. Mr. Donely played James Garner’s father in the pilot episode of the TV series "The Rockford Files." Noah Berry took over the role for the series itself. Mr. Donley was a prolific radio actor working on nearly 50,000 shows. Mr. Donley’s film credits include "Cocktail," "Bloodhounds of Broadway," "Bushwhacked" and "Tenderfoots." He also appeared in the TV series "Kojak," "Kung-Fu," "Matlock," "Seinfeld" and "Mad About You."

BILLY MAY Died Jan. 22, 2004

Composer Billy May died at the age of 87. Mr. May was a world-renowned composer, bandleader and arranger. Mr. May worked on over 50 films and TV series as a composer, orchestrator or arranger. Among his many credits are "Daddy Long Legs," "Tony Rome," "The Front Page," "Racing With the Moon," "Cocoon," "Field of Dreams" and "The Rocketeer." Mr. May appeared in several films during his days with The Glenn Miller Orchestra and as the leader of The Billy May Orchestra. Those films include "Sun Valley Serenade" "Orchestra Wives, "Free and Easy" and "Nightmare."

CHARLOTTE ZWERIN Died Jan. 22, 2004

Documentary filmmaker Charlotte Zwerin died of lung cancer at age 72. Ms. Zwerin edited and co-directed the harrowing Rolling Stones film "Gimmie Shelter." "Gimmie Shelter" chronicled the fall from Eden of the hippie generation. The film follows Mick Jagger and the Stones during their doomed 1970 US Tour. "Gimmie Shelter" climaxes at the Stones free concert at the Altamont Motor Speedway. The killing of a gun-wielding fan by a Hell’s Angel is captured on film. Ms. Zwerin created this great film with long time collaborators Albert and David Maysles. "Gimmie Shelter" alone would be enough to guarantee a filmmaker a lifetime of respect and admiration. Thing is, Ms. Zwerin made a number of outstanding films. Her documentary "Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser" is the best documentary on the subject of jazz ever made. In fact the two films make a great double feature. Fellow Jazz fan Clint Eastwood produced the film. Ms. Zwerin directed "Thelonious Monk" by herself. She collaborated with the Maysles brothers on several other films including "Salesmen," "The Fence" and the Sundance nominated documentary "Islands."

HELMUT NEWTON Died Jan. 23, 2004

Photographer Helmut Newton died in an automobile accident at age 83. Mr. Newton was leaving the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles when he lost control of his car and crashed into a wall. Mr. Newton photographer most of the rich and famous during his career. He was most famous for his artistic/erotic nude photography. Mr. Newton provided the photographs shot by Faye Dunaway’s character in "The Eyes of Laura Mars." He was the subject of Adrian Maben’s documentary feature "Frames From the Edge." Mr. Newton also appeared Julian Benedikt’s documentary "Jazz Seen: The Life and Times of William Claxton." Thanks for the beautiful images!

ALBERT HENDERSON Death Announced Jan. 23, 2004

Actor Albert Henderson died at age 88. Mr. Henderson played in a number of notable films during his career. He often played cops. Mr. Henderson appeared in two films by action director Don Siegel: "Madigan" and "Coogan’s Bluff." Other film credits include "Serpico," "Cops and Robbers," "The Super Cops" and the TV movie "Serpico: The Deadly Rage." He also played a police officer in the erotic supernatural thriller "The Reincarnation of Peter Proud." Other credits include Bob Rafelson’s version of "The Postman Always Rings Twice," "Barfly," "Big Top Peewee" and "Trancers 2." Mr. Henderson may be best known for the role Seaweedhead Greaser in Robert Downey Sr.’s over the top religious parody "Greaser’s Palace."

TOMIO AOKI Died Jan. 24, 2004

Japanese actor Tomio Aoki died of lung cancer at age 80. Mr. Aoki was a child actor in the 1930s. He took the name Tokkan Kozo as a screen name from the character he played in the 1929 film "A Straightforward Boy." His character was a evil brat kidnapped by some thugs. He turns the tables on his kidnappers. This was 60 years before "Home Alone." There’s nothing new under the sun. Mr. Aoki appeared in 15 films during the 1930s. He returned to film in the late 1950s, making two films: "The Brute" and "Washi To Taka." After another 30 years he returned to film again in the late 1990s.

ANITA ADDISON Died Jan. 24, 2004

Producer/director Anita Addison died of undisclosed causes at age 51. Ms. Addison was one of the first Black women TV executives. Ms. Addison began her career as a director. She directed episodes of "Knot’s Landing," "Quantum Leap," "Freddy’s Nightmares," "ER," "Sirens" and "Judging Amy." Ms. Addison also directed the Made for TV movies "There Are No Children Here" starring Oprah Winfrey and David Keith and "Deep in My Heart" starring Ann Bancroft. She held executive positions at CBS, Lorimar and Warner Brothers Television. Ms. Addison was the executive producer or producer of the TV series "Sisters," "It Had to Be You," "That’s Life" and "St. Michael’s Crossing."

MARK CURTIS Died Jan. 24, 2004

Writer Mark Curtis died of cancer at age 52. Mr. Curtiss and his writing partner Rod Ash co-wrote the TV movie "Get Smart, Again!" They also collaborated on the TV series "Sledge Hammer," "Fridays" and "Faerie Tail Theater." Curtis and Ash wrote the Tim Burton directed episode of "Faerie Tale Theater": "Alladin and His Magic Lamp." They also wrote the "Cinderella" episode. Mr. Curtis was the subject of the upcoming documentary film "50 Things to Do Before I Die." Mr. Curtis started as a stand-up comic. He was hired to write material for such people as Jimmy Walker and Jay Leno.

TANNY MCDONALD Died Jan 25, 2004

Stage and film actress Tanny McDonald died of melanoma at age 67. While Ms. McDonald was primarily a stage actress, she did appear in several TV shows and films. Her credits include the TV mini series "Kennedy" where she played Lady Bird Johnson. Other credits include Arnold Schwartzenegger's debut film "Hercules in New York," "General Hospital," "Kate and Allie" and "Revolution #9." Ms. Tanny appeared in a number of Broadway productions including "Medea," "Macbeth" and "Man of La Mancha." She made her Broadway debut in "Fiddler on the Roof" with Zero Mostel. Ms. McDonald playe Margarethe Bohr in the touring company of "Copenhagen."

JERRY GREENWOOD Died Jan. 25, 2004

Special effects whiz Jerry Greenwood died of a heart attack at age 65. In 1975 Mr. Greenwood went to work as a construction coordinator for a new special effects studio called Industrial Light and Magic. Mr. Greenwood both contributed special effects and played the alien bear creature in ILM's first film "Star Wars." Mr. Greenwood's credits include such films and TV shows as "Battlestar Galactica," "Star Trek: the Motion Picture," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Alien," "Hook," Amazing Stories," "Air Wolf," "Knight Rider," "The A-Team" and "Max Headroom."

WOLF DIETRRICH BERG Died Jan. 26, 2004

German TV actor Wold Dietrich Berg died of cancer at age 59. Mr. Berg studied drama and music at the Westfaeli school in Bonn. He appeared in over 80 films and TV shows during his career including the excellent sci-fi mini series "Trillennium: The Future Has Begun."

CAMERON MCCULLOCH Died Jan. 26, 2004

Sound engineer Cameron McCulloch died at age 94. Mr. McCulloch was the first sound mixer hired by DesiLu Studios. He was a sound engineer on a number of TV series. His credits include the TV series "The Untouchables," "Star Trek," "The Adventures of Jim Bowie," "Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.," "Rhoda" and "The Dick Van Dyke Show."

JACK PAAR Died Jan. 27, 2004

Pioneering talk show host Jack Paar died at age 85 after a long illness. Mr. Paar was the second host of "The Tonight Show." Paar followed Steve Allan and preceded Johnny Carson as the King of Late Night TV. Paar took over "The Tonight Show" in 1957. Johnny Carson started in 1962. Mr. Paar followed his "Tonight Show" stint with a three-year-run hosting "The Jack Paar Show." Paar left the show in 1960 after censors edited out one of his jokes (tame by today’s standards). He returned after a couple of months. At the height of his career, Jack Paar retired from TV.

BONNIE BOGARD Died Jan. 27, 2004

Emmy Award winning TV producer Bonnie Bogard died of cancer at age 47. Ms. Bogard was hired by producer Mary-Ellis Bunim (see Jan. 29, 2004) as a production assistant. She worked for Bunim-Murray Productions for several years. Ms. Bogard won a Daytime Emmy as a producer on the soap opera "As the World Turns." Her credits include the TV series "Search for Tomorrow," "Starting Over," "The People’s Court," "Full House," "The Simple Life," "Road Rules" and the feature film "The Real Cancun."

RIKKI FULTON Died Jan. 27, 2004

Scottish actor/comedian/author Rikki Fulton died of Alzheimer’s Disease at age 79. Mr. Fulton was honored with a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. While he was best known in his native land for his role on the TV series "Scotch and Wry," American audiences may now him best from his film roles. Mr. Fulton had a large supporting role in Bill Forsyth’s classic quirky comedy "Local Hero." I highly recommend this warm deliberate movie to those who’ve never seen it. Mr. Fulton also appeared in Michael Apted’s political thriller "Gorky Park" with William Hurt. Mr. Fulton worked with director Forsyth once more on the film "Comfort and Joy." Fulton wrote scripts for a number of his own TV specials. He also co-authored the book "For God’s Sake Ask." Mr. Fulton announced last year that he had Alzheimer’s Disease.

DON HAGGERTY Died Jan. 27, 2004

Wrestler/actor Don "Hard Boiled" Haggerty died at age 78 after a series of small strokes. Mr. Haggerty was an NFL football player turned wrestler turned actor. He played for Detroit and Green Bay while in the NFL. Mr. Haggerty’s film credits include "Dirty Harry," Josh Logan’s "Paint Your Wagon," "Earthquake," "Foxy Brown," Mark Lester’s excellent B-movie "Stunts," "Final Chapter: Walking Tall," "Buck Rogers in the 25^th Century," "Micki + Maude" and "The Muppet Movie." He also had numerous TV credits.

LYNN AUERBACH Died Jan. 27, 2004

Lynn Auerbach died of cancer at age 51. Ms. Auerbach assisted a number of indie filmmakers over the years as an associate director of the Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program. Her passing was announced at the close of the festival. Ms. Auerbach worked for Sundance for the past 15 years. Ms. Auerbach began her career in advertising for HBO and Embassy films.

BILL CAREY Died Jan. 27, 2004

Composer/actor Bill Carey died at age 87. Mr. Carey was a songwriter for many of the greatest singers of the 20^th century. His songs were recorded by Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole to name a few. He acted in the films "Roberta," "Old Man Rhythm," "Freshman Love," "Yank at Oxford," "Something to Sing About" and "Campus Confessions." Mr. Carey’s songs appeared on the soundtracks of "Summer Love" and "Rock, Pretty Baby."

JANET FRAME Died Jan. 28, 2004

New Zealand writer Janet Frame died at age 79. Ms. Frame had leukemia. Three of Ms. Frame’s books were autobiographical accounts of her youth. She had been misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and spent eight years in mental institutions. Ms. Frame underwent electroshock therapy a multitude of times and was almost lobotomized. Jane Campion’s film "An Angel at My Table" was based on Ms. Frame’s trilogy. Actresses Kerry Fox, Alexia Keogh and Karen Furgusson portrayed Janet Frame in the movie, playing the writer during different stages of her life. Janet Frame had been considered for the Nobel Prize in literature, but was not nominated.

MEATBALL Died Jan. 28, 2004

Adam Sandler’s beloved English Bulldog Meatball died unexpectedly at the young age of 4. Meatball was well known to Adam Sandler fans for the many short films he starred in. You can view Meatball in such comic classics as "Meat’s Drooling Around," "Stunt Meat," "Matzo Alone in the Office," "Meat’s Drinking Problem" and "Meat Works Out" by visiting Adam Sandler’s Website. Having lost my share of pets (Fred, Midnight, No Name, Black Dog and Zit) I can imagine the pain and loss Mr. Sandler must feel. Prayers of comfort for all of Meatball’s family and friends.

CMDR. LLOYD M. BUCHER Died Jan. 28, 2004

Commander Lloyd M. Bucher died at age 76. I remember riding in the car with my father to pick up my sister Lou from piano practice when the announcement came over the radio that the crew of the spy ship U.S.S. Pueblo had been freed by the North Koreans. It was December 23, 1968. 11 months earlier, Bucher’s ship was captured by North Korean torpedo boats. Bucher and his crew were tortured during their lengthy captivity. His crew credited him for keeping them alive during the harsh interment. Uncle Sam didn’t look upon Bucher so highly. He was almost court martialed for surrendering his ship. The spy ship remained behind after the crew was released. I salute him as a hero who endured unimaginable brutality for the sake of his men. Anchors away. Hal Holbrook won an Emmy as Best Lead Actor in a Drama for his portrayal of Bucher in the 1973 Made for TV movie "Pueblo."

JOE VITERELLI Died Jan. 28, 2004

Tough-guy actor Joe Viterelli died of a stomach hemorrhage at age 62. Mr. Viterelli is recognizable to any fan of action and crime movies. Among his credits are "Analyze This," "Analyze That," "Shallow Hal," "Mickey Blue Eyes," "Jane Austin’s Mafia," "The Crossing Guard," "Bullets Over Broadway," "The Firm," "Ruby," "Mobsters" and the excellent "State of Grace."

MIDGE MACKENZIE Died Jan. 28, 2004

British documentary filmmaker Midge Mackenzie died of cancer at age 65. Ms. Mackenzie was also an author. She wrote the book "Shoulder to Shoulder: A Documentary" about the woman’s suffrage movement. The book was a companion piece to the BBC TV mini series of the same name. She also produced and directed the documentary "John Huston’s War Stories." "War Stories" looked at the films John Huston made for the department of defense during WWII. Other films include "Prisoners of Childhood" and "I Stand Here Ironing." Ms. Mackenzie taught film at Harvard during the 1980s.

GUUSJE NEDERHORST Died Jan. 29, 2004

Dutch TV actress Guusje Nederhorst died of cancer at age 36. Ms. Nederhorst appeared in the Dutch TV series "GTST" and "Onderweg." She appeared as herself in the movie "All Stars" which dealt with an amateur soccer team. Ms. Nederhorst was married to Dutch rock star Dinad Woesthoff. She also wrote children’s books and songs for children.

MARY-ELLIS BUNIM Died Jan. 29, 2004

Emmy Award winning producer Mary-Ellis Bunim died of breast cancer at age 57. Ms. Bunim created the hit MTV series "The Real World." She also co-created "Road Rules," "The Love Cruise," "Making the Band," "The Real World/Road Rules Challenge," "The Simple Life" and "Starting Over." Ms. Bunim died two days after long time associate Bonnie Bogard. She won a Daytime Emmy for the soap opera "As the World Turns."

M.M. KAYE Died Jan. 29, 2004

Writer M.M. Kaye died at age 95. She wrote the epic love story "The Far Pavilions." Set in colonial India, "The Far Pavilions" told the story of a love affair between a British officer and an India girl. The HBO mini-series was one of the most expensive Made for TV movies up to that time. Ben Cross and Amy Irving starred as the ill-fated lovers. Ms. Kaye was raised in India. She spent 15 years writing "The Far Pavilions."

ANDREW KUEHN Died Jan. 29, 2004

Director/producer Andrew Kuehn died of lung cancer at age 66. Though Mr. Kuehn only directed a few films you are probably very familiar with his most famous work. Mr. Kuehn was one of the best trailer men in the business. Kuehn wrote, produced, scored and edited many of the most famous trailers from the last 30 years. He’s the guy who came up with the famous "Jaws 2" tagline: "Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water." He did the trailers for "Aliens," "The French Connection," "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial," "Top Gun," and the list goes on. As a film director, Mr. Kuehn directed, produced and edited the horror movie compilation "Terror in the Aisles." Other directing credits include "Get Bruce," "Flush" and "The Great American Songbook." He also produced the remake of "DOA" starring Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan. Mr. Kuehn was honored at Cannes for his lifetime contribution to movie marketing.

A.A. ENGLANDER Died Jan. 29, 2004

British cinematographer A.A. Englander died at age 88. Mr. Englander was important in the history of British TV. He was the first cameraman hired to work in the medium of film following WWII. Englander lead the way in the changeover from video to film use in BBC TV series. He was a mentor to a large number of other British cinematographers. Mr. Englander’s credits include the TV series "Quartermass and the Pit," "The Count of Monte Cristo," "Paul Temple," the 1961 TV version of "Anna Karenina," "Alistar Cooke’s America," "Maigret," "Claude Monet" and "Kenneth Clark’s Civilization." Mr. Englander also shot the documentaries "Take Thou," "24 Square Miles," "La Famille Martin," "Liver Fluke in England," "Act of Faith" and "Her People Rejoiced."

REGINALD HENDRIX Died Jan. 30, 2004

Storyboard artist Reginald Hendrix died at age 51. Mr. Hendrix designed and drew storyboards for the films "Freaked," "Look Who’s Talking Now," "Peter Pan," "*61," "Reach the Rock" and "Miracle" among others.

SURAIYA Died Jan. 31, 2004

India actress Suraiya died at age 75. Suraiya was a well known singer and actress in India during the 1940s and 50s. She appeared in over 60 films during her short career. She retired from film at age 39. Suraiya’s film credits include "Taj Mahal," "Omar Kayyam," "Sharda" and "Parwana."

ELEANOR HOLM Died Jan. 31, 2004

Olympic Swimming Gold Medalist Eleanor Holm died. There is some dispute as to her age (90 or 91). Ms. Holm won the Gold Medal in the 100-Meter Backstroke at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. She is pictured at right with fellow Gold Medalist Johnny Weismuller. Ms. Holm was set to repeat in the Berlin Games of 1936, but she ran afoul of officials because of her behavior on the boat trip to Germany. Apparently, women athletes weren’t allowed to drink, shoot craps or sing in cabarets. Ms. Holm paid for the double standard and was kicked off the team. Ms. Holm starred in the 1938 movie "Tarzan’s Revenge," opposite Glenn Morris as Tarzan. She made a few other film appearances but none as high profile. Ms. Holm’s first husband was actor Arthur Jarrett. Holm’s second husband. was Billy Rose, ex-husband of "Funny Girl" Fanny Brice.