Category Archives: Recalling …

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 →

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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.

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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When Mackenzie Phillips was fired from ‘One Day at a Time’

Posted on September 26, 2009 by admin

By Ray Bennett LONDON – Mackenzie Phillips has written a memoir titled “High On Arrival” in which she says that she had an incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips of the Mamas and the Papas. Family members have fallen … Continue reading →

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Recalling Renee on her birthday

Posted on November 21, 2008 by admin

‘Your sweet and shiny eyes are like the stars above Laredo, like meat and potatoes to me. In my sweet dreams we are in a bar and it’s your birthday, drinking salty margaritas … ‘  

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Recalling … lunch with Richard Jaeckel in Detroit

Posted on September 19, 2007 by admin

By Ray Bennett The London Chop House in Detroit, Michigan, was a favorite spot for celebrity interviews on the publicity circuit, which was how I came to share a table one day in 1973 with Jo Don Baker and Richard … Continue reading →

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