Old So What

  In the 1950s and early 1960s (in that time zone), CBS Television centered in New York City, had an extensive library of black-and-white films.  Probably the best library in the world.  I know because I’m sure that I viewed most of those movies myself. Then in the 60s, I think, the library was divided up, with parts of it sold off to other markets (meaning other television regions where the population can receive the same television/radio station offerings).   Something that I always found unfortunate because it dispersed a treasure trove of some of the greats in black-and-white.   These films played a role in the morals of my time, at least for me. Because between the opening and closing credits, we got to view film as a microcosm of civilized behavior as it should be.  In other words: good triumphed and was rewarded, and evil got its well-deserved punishment. That’s it, that was the consistent, enduring lesson. It was born in the studios of Hollywood...

  you have not been absent from the planet, or living on the very fringes of it, so, therefore you are acquainted with the actors (meaning actresses, too) that I’ve written about so far.  If this is of no interest to you, please let me know through this blog, I don’t wish to waste your time. However, if you do find this topic valuable, please let me know that, too. SO, since this may be my last entry on the subject, I feel free to add my favorite actor, and that’s saying a lot! People just adore this man. Johnny Depp One of the most gifted actors of our time. Go see the film, “Minamata,” starring and produced by Mr. Depp as the American photo-journalist, W. Eugene Smith.  Go see the film, “Minamata.”   It’s so much more than just a motion picture.

  Brian Dennehy, an American actor with a beautiful Irish name. To say he was an award winner is to put it mildly with two Tony Awards, An Olivier Award, a Golden Globe and six Emmy nominations. He also had one of the most beautiful, polished speaking voices with a friendly face and manner that made you think, “Here is a nice guy!” Mr. Dennehy died in 2020.   He made over 180 films and performances on stage and television.   And, as very rarely happens, he was a gifted character actor who fit in equally well as a leading man.  

  If you haven't viewed the movie, “Moonstruck,” it may be because you’re too young to have seen it when it arrived in 1987, because this was a BIG, BIG Movie.   If you travel back to that time, you’ll notice there are no cell phones. Time has stood still in a very good place.   But this is a movie bursting with good things!   Great things, including the director, Norman Jewison. It’s-A-Feel-Good and Leave-The-Theater with a Smile-On-Your-Face Celebration! The cast is topped off with:   Cher, Nicolas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, John Mahoney, Danny Aiello and Vincent Gardenia.   Everyone in this production is la crème de la crème. Described as a “Romance/Comedy,” it’s more like a slice of America at a poignant moment, an America very proud of its family traditions and ties to each other.   It gives us just another reason to appreciate our country. Here is a movie as they used to make movies. Alongside the main plot are other stories, and other char...

  If you don’t know the work of Michael Keaton, then Hulu is giving you the opportunity. “Dopesick” is produced by Mr. Keaton, who is also the star. He is gifted, believable and (in a time of overuse of this word): charismatic!   You always root for Michael Keaton! He captures your attention as soon as he enters the screen.   I literally cannot take my eyes off of him. I know that whatever he is doing it will be interesting and capture my thoughts, my imagination, and, probably, my heart. (Mr. Keaton has made many amazing films. You can look them all up, of course.   My favorite is one from 1994, a comedy/drama named, “THE PAPER”, which also stars Marisa Tomei, Glen Close and Jason Robards. You simply cannot go wrong with a cast like this.)

I admit that films in color ARE more enjoyable, but those old black-and-white movies were like life lessons taught within the boundaries of a few hours. We learned the meaning of right and wrong, and the consequences of each. Good was rewarded and bad was punished.   And life was simplified.   It all boiled down to a few minutes of justice.   Nothing to worry about:   It made sense; it was logical.   It was manageable. Life could be contained if you just did the right thing.   No problem.