Category Archives: Recalling …

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

20 Gene Hackman films you must see

Posted on January 30, 2015 by admin

By Ray Bennett With most movie stars it’s not very difficult to sort out a Top 10 of your favourite films but Gene Hackman’s exceptional 40-year career has included so many terrific performances in such a wide range of films … Continue reading →

Posted in Comment, Film, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , | 2 Comments

How Linwood G. Dunn blew up the Eiffel Tower

Posted on December 27, 2014 by admin

By Ray Bennett Linwood G. Dunn blew up the Eiffel Tower for $64, bombed Moscow and shot up ships and planes in both world wars, and got away with it. Dunn, whose birthday was 110 years ago today, was one … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Interviews, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , , | Comments Off on How Linwood G. Dunn blew up the Eiffel Tower

How I helped keep Bill Murray subversive

Posted on December 5, 2014 by admin

By Ray Bennett I had a bone to pick with Bill Murray. It was 1990, and all the rebellious early comedians on “Saturday Night Live” appeared to have lost their way. From radical satire they’d moved to mainstream comedy and … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Interviews, Memory Lane, Recalling ... | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on How I helped keep Bill Murray subversive

When Ricardo Montalbán killed off Frito Bandito

Posted on December 4, 2014 by admin

By Ray Bennett Chris Rock’s question “Is Hollywood Mexican enough?” in his essay about race in the current edition of The Hollywood Reporter reminded me of what the late Ricardo Montalbán told me a long time ago about the image … Continue reading →

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

Recalling … Jim Morrison and The Doors live in Detroit

Posted on July 14, 2012 by admin

This review was written right after the concert that was recorded for “Live In Detroit” on the night of May 8, 1970. By Ray Bennett | The Windsor Star | May 9 1970 DETROIT: The Doors exploded in Cobo Hall … Continue reading →

Posted in Memory Lane, Music, Recalling ..., Reviews | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Recalling … Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes in Detroit

Posted on July 8, 2012 by admin

By Ray Bennett British comedian Jimmy Edwards sauntered into the lobby of the Pontchartain Hotel in Detroit an inch or two behind a magnificent white moustache, cane in hand and a Moss. Bros. light brown bowler atop his portly frame. January … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Interviews, Memory Lane, Recalling ..., Theatre | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Recalling … Jimmy Edwards and Eric Sykes in Detroit