Karl Malden’s legacy

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Film, Television | Leave a Comment 

There haven’t been many character actors in the history of American cinema or theater better than Karl Malden, who died Wednesday at 97.

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Oscar change

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Film, Television | Leave a Comment 

People unfamiliar with cultural politics think awards shows are truly about merit and were created to showcase and reward excellence. 

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Genuine giant

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Books, Film, Music, Television | Leave a Comment 

Michael Jackson didn’t need artificial titles or unpredecented record sales to validate his greatness, though his remarkable achievements certainly merited that type of recognition.

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Soundtrack changes

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Film, Music | Leave a Comment 

The world of film music, like many other things, has greatly changed. The days when masters like Ennio Morricone, Elmer Bernstein or Henry Mancini would craft musical documents so mighty they could either stand apart, or  support  cinematic presentations, have been supplanted by singles-laden releases aimed at generating radio airplay and cross-media promotion.

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Jazzy blues #1

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Music | Leave a Comment 

This is the first of weekly regular installments covering  jazz, blues and related genres. Besides providing exposure for numerous wonderful musicians whose styles and sounds lock them out of the commercial arena, these surveys  will ease  the backlog that has developed over the past few weeks.

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McMahon’s legacy

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Books, Film, Television | Leave a Comment 

Being either a good sidekick or straight man ranks among the toughest jobs in show business. Ed McMahon, who died Tuesday at 86 in Los Angeles at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, was great in both roles.

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Russell’s emergence

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Books, Television, sports | Leave a Comment 

It’s been 40 years since the great Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics back from a 2-0 deficit to shock the Los Angeles Lakers, winning game seven in Los Angeles for their 11th title in a 13-year period.  Russell promptly retired, making the announcement on national television while being interviewed.

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Blackwell’s anniversary

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Music | Leave a Comment 

If Chris Blackwell’s cousin hadn’t mismanaged the family’s liquor business, Bob Marley might never have become reggae’s first international superstar,  and one of the 20th century’s great record labels may never have emerged. Read more

Blockbuster shortage

By Ron Wynn | Filed Under Film | Leave a Comment 

The bottom-line types are worried because suddenly box office proceeds seem to be slowing down at the multiplexes.  Sales have slipped for three straight weeks, although Hollywood’s still enjoying a six percent increase in profits from last season, an impressive feat in the midst of a severe recession.

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Despite their claims to the contrary, the producers of Joe Buck’s new HBO show probably couldn’t be happier about the furor generated by guest comedian Artie Lange’s tasteless and homophobic remarks on Buck’s first show.

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