Category Archives: Memory Lane

How I introduced Martin Short to Steve Martin

Posted on March 26, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – The memory of how I introduced Martin Short, who is 65 today, to Steve Martin still cracks me up but I’ve discovered that I’m the only one who thinks it’s funny. It was backstage at … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Theatre | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Canadian actress Alberta Watson dies

Posted on March 23, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Canadian actress Alberta Watson has died aged 60. I knew her long ago as Susan. To meet Susan Watson in 1977 was to fall in love. She was 21, beautiful and a force of nature. … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, News, Television | Tagged | Comments Off on Canadian actress Alberta Watson dies

Dashing into action to the aid of Rachel Weisz

Posted on March 5, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz, who turns 45 on March 7, is Mrs. Daniel Craig now but there was a moment, a single moment, when she only had eyes for me.

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Theatre | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Dashing into action to the aid of Rachel Weisz

20 David Niven movies you should see

Posted on March 1, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett David Niven, who was born 105 years ago today and died aged 73 in 1983, gave Ron Base and me the best quote of all time. The Oscar-winning British actor was on a book tour to promote … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Comment, Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on 20 David Niven movies you should see

When Mr. Spock invited me on a day out

Posted on February 27, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett It was the familiar voice of Mr. Spock on the phone although Leonard Nimoy, who died today aged 83, at the time was soon to publish his defiant memoire, “I Am Not Spock”.

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Television, Theatre | Tagged , , | Comments Off on When Mr. Spock invited me on a day out

Why vet and author James Herriot never got rich

Posted on February 24, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett The stories of veterinarean James Herriot, who wrote “All Creatures Great and Small” and died 20 years ago today aged 79, remain immensely popular and they attract many tourists to Yorkshire but they did not make him … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Film, Interviews, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Television | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Director Robert Altman on building sandcastles

Posted on February 20, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett I love the movies of Robert Altman, who was born 90 years ago today and died on Nov. 20, 2006, because some are masterpieces and the ones that are not invariably have moments of wonderment and magic … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Director Robert Altman on building sandcastles

The time Jack Palance winked at me

Posted on February 18, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett Jack Palance, who was born on this day in 1919 and died on Nov. 10 2006, had one of the scariest physiognomies in movies but my favourite memory of him is of a wink.

Posted in Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

My interview with rock star Gene Vincent did not go well

Posted on February 11, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett Rockabilly star Gene Vincent, who was born on this day 80 years ago and died on Oct. 12, 1971, had a huge influence on my musical tastes with ’50s tracks such as “Be-Bob-a-Lula” and “Right Here on … Continue reading →

Posted in Comment, Memory Lane, Music, Recalling ... | Tagged , , | Comments Off on My interview with rock star Gene Vincent did not go well

The time I asked Robert Wagner about mortality

Posted on February 10, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett “What the hell kind of question is that?” It’s 1985 and I’m sitting with Robert Wagner, who turns 85 today, in his luxury trailer on the Warner Bros. lot where he was making the shortlived TV series … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Interviews, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Television | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on The time I asked Robert Wagner about mortality