CLUB DEAD: Ricardo Montalban

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, The bell tolls for Ricardo Montalban dying at 88 of complications related to old age. He could sing, dance, grant wishes, even fantasies. He could convince us of the decadent luxury of "soft Corinthian leather," even though there is no such thing, but he still couldn't kill Captain Kirk.

Ricardo Montalban described "the five stages of an actor's career", which are...

1. Who is Ricardo Montalban?
   
2. Get me Ricardo Montalban.
   
3. Get me a Ricardo Montalban type.
   
4. Get me a young Ricardo Montalban
   
5. Who is Ricardo Montalban?
   

He would know. He saw Hollywood like few ever have.

Ricardo Montalban was a suave latin lover in the movies, at a time when that was exactly what audiences wanted. The youngest of four children of Castailian immgrants, he was raised in Mexico. He had followed his older brother to California and into the movies, but returned home to live when his mother grew increasingly ill. He continued to act in Mexican movies until the chance came to star in a Hollywod musical, "Fiesta" which led to a contract with M-G-M.

He eventually was nominated for a Tony award for his work on Broadway in "Jamacia." Later on , he would win an Emmy for his portrayal of an Indian chief in "How The West Was Won." His occassional TV appearances had included a role in the first Gene Roddenberry-written science fiction teleplay, "The Secret Defense of 117." He also had a shot on "Bonanza" with the actress Madlyn Rhue. Years later, they would re-unite on screen in the Star Trek TOS episode "Space Seed." Rhue, his wife from "Bonanza," played the Starfleet historian who elects to and join him in exile, only to die soon after.

He made dozens of movies in the 40's and 50's but would not remain silent when his conscience told him to speak. According to the Los Angeles Times, "Although Montalban expressed appreciation for his success, he complained that Hollywood lacked respect for Mexican American actors. He said that while under contract at MGM, he portrayed Cubans, Brazilians and Argentines, but almost never Mexicans."

He fought for better treatment of Latinos in Hollywoood, was branded a troublemaker, and his career greatly suffered due to his efforts. But in one of the great second acts ever, he bounced back with a tripleheader performance.

As spokesman for Chrysler, he extolled the virtues of "soft Corinthian leather," which was actually an invention of the advertising people. Then Aaron Spelling cast him as the mysterious benefactor of "Fantasy Island" where guests were treated to the ulltimate in creature comforts, and dreams came true. This later led to parts in Spelling's "Dynasty" and "The Colbys."

And in 1982, he also reunited with Roddenberry. Montalban registered a turn as one of the best ever Star Trek villians, first in "Space Seed," then in the film "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." Montalban reprised his TV role as Khan Noonien Singh, the leader of a group of genetically engineered super humans. Khan had returned to seek revenge on Captain James Kirk for stranding his crew on a desert planet. In "Space Seed" Rhue, his wife from "Bonanza," had played the Starfleet historian who elects to become his wife and join him in exile, only to die soon after.

Montalban played the character with delightful terror, vengeful even in death, and was the best of the movie villians which sprang from TOS.

Then again, screw him, he's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.

StevenK

Eartha Kitt

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, The bell tolls for Eartha Kitt, she of "Santa Baby" and Batman, she who faced down the First Lady, dying December 25 of colon cancer which was discovered two years ago.

If ever a lady had balls, it was Eartha Kitt. Her beauty and charm lifted her above the crowd. Her grace was special. She was a lady,a lady like no other, but she was no shrinking violet.

One of her most recent appeances in the national media was at the White House Christmas tree lighting two years ago. On the eve of that visit, The New York Times recalled her Vietnam-era confrontation with Lady Bird Johnson, wife of the President:

Her most famous visit to the White House was nearly 40 years ago during another unpopular war (Vietnam); her unexpectedly pointed comments about American involvement reportedly made Lady Bird Johnson cry and nearly derailed her stage, film and singing career.

“When I was against Vietnam I was asked in the White House itself, by Mrs. Johnson, what the problem was among our young people,” Ms. Kitt explained, saying that she responded based on what she was told by youths. She had no regrets about speaking honestly, she added, even after being forced to work abroad for a number of years afterward.

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Eartha Kitt in a live 1962 performance of I Want To Be Evil"




Vox Populi centers on her as replacement Catwoman on the Batman TV series, when Julie Newmar became unavailable due to a movie committment. She said in a 1996 AP interview there was nothing to the part, or as she put it, ``there was nothing to think about. You just walk on the set and...DO it.'' And every Christmas season, she sings "Santa Baby." She recants her wish list of rewards for being good ("just fill my stocking with a duplex... and checks") and begs him to hurry.

Eartha Kitt passed away on Christmas Day. Seems somewhat appropriate. Eartha probably just caught a lift with Santa. He certainly could oblige her that, at least considering all the other thiongs he provided for her. At least I'm assuming he got her everything she asked for in "Santa Baby," because she never recorded a sequel taking him to task.

Well, it's hard to be a good girl.

Then again, screw her; she's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.



StevenK

Majel Barrett Roddenberry

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, the bell tolls for MAJEL BARRETT, wind beneath the wings of the Great Bird of the Galaxy, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. Stand by your man? Damn right she did.

Gene Roddenberry, soon to be divorced, and Majel Barrett met and began dating when she appeared on his television show, "The Lieutenant." Her resume was impressive, with appearances on popular shows like "Bonanza" and "Leave It To Beaver." He was a former police officer who had produced a few westerns and a police series when he pitched his new science fiction show to NBC in 1964.

"It's Wagon Train to the stars", he said, invoking the name of the sucessful western series which told a different story every week, all happening within a company of covered wagons making their way westward. Science fiction, serious science fiction that is, had never really worked on network TV.

Gene Rodenberry made it work, thanks in no small part to Majel Barrett. Not that the network wanted her.

Star Trek was produced by Desilu, which was responsible for The Untouchables and The Lucy Show, and she had appeared in both shows, and worked on the Desilu Playhouse series. In the first Star Trek pilot, she played a character called "Number Two," the second in command on the ship. NBC requested a second pilot, but told him to not use her. He made no secret of the fact that he thought NBC was unfairly restricting his vision of the future by claiming that a woman could not be second in command. In ensuing years, various NBC execs have scrambled to deny those comments. According to them, NBC didn't object to a woman as first officer, they objected to THAT woman, meaning Barrett.

When the first pilot was rejected, they took the hint. When the inaugural cast finally set sail on NBC in the fall of 1966, Majel was nowhere to be seen. She was there, however, as the unseen voice of the ship's computer. Later on she was written into the cast as nurse Christine Chappel, assistant to Dr. McCoy, with an unrequited longing for Mr. Spock.

Behind the scenes, she was social secretary and den mother to the cast. It was Majel who remembered birthdays, or who had kids graduating from high school, or whose sister was expecting a baby. Majel was unquestioningly supportive, and tolerant beyond understanding of her boyfriend's frequent and open dalliances. She helped organize the letter-writing capaigns which are wideley credited with exteding the life of Star Trek's original network run.

They were married about the time of the cancellation of Star Trek. A marginal series during its initial run, the show developed a cult following in reruns. Gene and Majel were fixtures at sci-fi conventions and Star Trek fan events. She contibuted voices to the Saturday morning cartoon Star Trek series, and appeared in the 1979 big budget Star Trek movie. When the Next Generation came along, she had a banner turn as Counselor Troi's mother. Folowing Gene's death in 1991, she acted as guardian of the tradition.

All along, Majel continued to voice the computer on thhe various incarnations of the U.S.S. Enterprise. She recent completed the voice over work for the newest Star Trek film, set to debut in 2009. It'll be a bittersweet moment when her voice cuts onto the screen.

Then again, screw her; she's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.

StevenK

Bettie Page

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, The bell tolls for pin-up queen
Bettie Page, felled by a heart attack at age 85. She struck a blow for femininity, teaching Fifties America that women could be sexy and strong, as well as demure. But it wasn't about sex. It was never about sex.

Whip me, beat me, kick me, love me...

Off 21st Avenue in Nashville, in one of the "we must be cool because we're across the street from Vanderbilt" neighborhoods, sits a trendy, touristy-college retro store. You know the kind, vinyl albums, posters, comic books, t-shirts, tourist memorabilia. Naturally, you'll find displays of the popular artists. Whose likeness do you suppose is featured most prominently of all? Not Garth. Not Reba. Not Toby. Not Kenny C. or Kenny R. or Kenny G or Elvis nor any other music star.

It's Nashville's own Bettie Page, brunette pin-up star and icon of feminine empowerment. "I think that she was a remarkable lady, an iconic figure in pop culture who influenced sexuality, taste in fashion, someone who had a tremendous impact on our society," Hugh Hefner told The Associated Press. "She was a very dear person." Hefner described her appeal as "a combination of wholesome innocence and fetish-oriented poses that is at once retro and very modern."

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It wasn't about sex, even though it was surrounded by sex. It was never about sex. It was about freedom, and expression, and release of inhibitions. It was a generation of American women daring to say "I enjoy the life I've chosen, but I'm not afraid to see what's behind door number two."

Bettie Page was a 27-year-old typist when she was first spotted by a Coney Island photographer in the fall of 1950. She had been taking acting classes after work in the hope of losing her Tennessee accent. Bettie was anxious to get exposure in the entertainment world, so she was delighted when he asked to photograph her.

A few months later, after making the acquantaince of a professional photographer with a taste for S&M., she changed her hairstyle and began to pose in bondage gear. With her black bangs and no-holds-barred demeanor, she came to personify the leather-clad dominatrix in pinups that covered countless GI's walls.

She appeared in all the major Men's magazines. Hefner personally selected her as Playmate of the Month for January 1955. And on film, her exuberant performances helped open the frontiers of sexual expression. She so personfied the "lifestyle" as they called it then, that she was supoenaed to give testimony to a Congressional invesigation into sexual perversity.

Entertainment reporter Tim Estiloz chatted face-to-face with the REAL Bettie Page in this exclusive "one on one" 1997 TV Interview. Bettie's current business rep... who meets and talks with Bettie Page regularly - confirms this 1997 TV interview is most likely the FIRST and ONLY lengthy "in depth" TV interview she ever gave.

In 1957, at the pinnacle of her fame, fatigued by a failed marriage and subsequent nervous breakdown, she dropped from view. Bettie Page avoided the public spotlight for decades, but saw a revival of her career in the 1990's. She was grateful for the attention, but repeatedly declined to be photographed, prefering than fans remember her as she appeared in her prime.

Make sure to catch "Betty Page: Pinup Queen, a 1998 documentary made with her blessing and participation. Also look for "The Notorious Bettie Page," a 2005 HBO movie starring Gretchen Mol. Reportedly she liked the film, but not the use of the word "Notorious".

Then again, screw her, she's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.

StevenK

"Deep Throat" (Mark Felt)

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Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops

Levi Stubbs

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, The bell tolls for
Levi Stubbs of The Four Tops, soul singer and voice of the carnivorous Audrey II in "Little Shop of Horrors" Stubbs died at home following a long string of illnesses, cancer and a stroke. He was 72.

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Some cities evoke certain reactions. Dodge City? The wild west. Dallas? Oil. Nashville? Twanging guitars. Philadelphia? High Society

Detroit? Motown (yeah, cars, but with gas prices....)

The unpretentious building bears the designation "Hitsville USA." It's a museum now; hey, truth be told, it was a museum then.

Motown...Marvin, Aretha, Smokey, and the Four Tops. They lasted over forty years with all the original members who broke as the Four Aims in 1953. After a name change to avoid confusion with the Ames Brothers, they soared to the pinnacle of stardom. More to the point, they stayed there. At the forefront of the band was Levi Stubbs, a Detroit native and posessor of a singing voice that could stop you in your tracks.

“Levi was the greatest interpreter of songs I've ever heard,” said Motown guru Berry Gordy. “Levi's voice exploded in the room and went straight for our hearts." The band churned out hit after hit through the sixties and seventies..."Baby, I Need Your Loving," "Bernadette," "Standing in the Shadows of Love," "Are You Man Enough?," "Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got." 45 hit singles in all, the last in 1988 ("Indestructible.")

Along the way, there were side trips into acting, most notably in the 1986 movie adaptation of the musical "Little Shop of Horrors." Stubbs lent his voice to Audrey II, the alien blood-sucking plant that brought fame to Rick Moranis and the other residents of Skid Row (the place, not the band) I confess to sometimes wanting to slip "Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" into the 80s at 8:00. (Of course I also want to judge the biggest gazangos contest at South Beach, so pay that no mind). CAUTION: Adult language

The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1997, original member Lawrence Payton died of liver cancer. Obie Benson passed away from lung cancer in 2005. Levi Stubbs' death leaves Abdul “Duke” Fakir as the only surviving member of the band.

Stubbs stopped performing in 2000 due to his health. He would, on occassion, make cameo appearances at concerts by Motown artists. That's our loss. but when they bring the stacks and stcks of wax...he'll sing on into infinity.

Then again, screw him, he's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.

StevenK

Paul Newman

Paul Newman

What's WRONG? At CLUB DEAD, the bell tolls for Paul Newman, actor, director, race car driver, entrepeneur, and blue-eyed devil. It sure as hell took the Academy long enough to recognize his talent. After several nominations, he finally got an honorary Oscar in 1985. As if to say "up yours," he then went out the next year and got one the old-fashioned way. He earned it.

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Paul Newman's screen performances were legendary. Even the highlights will take a while.

We begin with the mandatory roll call of classic movies in which he starred: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, The Hustler, The Color of Money, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Hud, Torn Curtain, Fort Apache The Bronx, Exodus, The Verdict, Life And Times of Judge Roy Bean, The Towering Inferno, Lady L, Cool Hand Luke...okay, gotta stop somewhere. Add the 'guy' movies, Slap Shot (Hanson Brothers, eh?), Somebody Up There Likes Me (the story of boxer Rocky Graziano), Sometimes A Great Notion, and "Winning," where he indulged his passion for auto racing.

I once heard the definition of "a gentleman" was one who was at home in anyone's company. That fits Paul Newman perfectly. His co-stars were the cream of the crop Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Robert Redford, Sally Field, and wife JoAnne Woodward.

He ran with the giants, but never seemed to assimilate their personality. He and Woodward had fifty years together, though it was not the first marriage for him. By all accounts, he kept the common touch. Reportedly, his favorite movie was Slap Shot, the gritty, vulgar and hilarious story of a minor-league hockey team struggling to attract enough fans to remain solvent. Not exactly highbrow.

Much will be written of his penchant for racing cars, and his venture in merchandising, with his Newman's Own food brands, whose profits go to charity.

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The movie geek in me would recommend three lesser-known movies:

• The Young Philadelphians, with Paul as a up-and-coming Philiadelphia society lawyer who risks exposing a family scandal by defending an old friend accused of murder. Great cast, including Brian Keith, Barbara Rush, John Williams, and future TV stars Robert Vaughn (The Man from UNCLE) and Adam West (Batman). Don't miss a great turn on the witness stand by Richard Deacon. (You'd know him as Mel Cooley, the bald-headed producer from the Dick Van Dyke Show, and as the father of Wally's pal Lumpy Rutherford on Leave It To Beaver)
  
  
• Blaze, a mostly-true story of Louisiana politico Earl Long, and his relationship with stripper Blaze Starr (Lolita Davidovich) His controversial career included a term as governor and a time of commitment to the mental hospital.
  
  
• Absence of Mailce..not really obscure (one of his Oscar nominations) but somewhat overlooked now. Newman is tainted by a erronious newspaper article saying he is suspected of murder. Sally Field is the reporter, and Wilford Brimley is the Federal investigator with the all time classic line: "Come sundown...I'm going to have somebody's ass in my briefcase."
  

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It's better to laugh than cry, so to here's Paul Newman unleashing his secret weapon (The Hansen Brothers) in the rowdy comedy Slap Shot (1977) WARNING: ADULT LANGUAGE

Maybe Paul Newman's natually laid-back persona hampered him from winning the multiple Oscars he so richly deserved. In 1985, after six nominations, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences voted to present him a lifetime Oscar, a tribute usually reserved for those at the end of their career. Some of his friends though he was being insulted... sort of a "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" vibe. Newman didn't take offense, at least not openly

"You don't kick people in the butt who are trying to be nice to you," he said.
But Newman also told a reporter "It's like pursuing a beautiful woman for years, then when she finally succumbs, you have to say, I'm sorry; I'm tired." His lawyer was more blunt: "They always treated him like he was second, and now they're acting like he's old and through."

For whatever reason, Newman latched on to his current project, updating one of his most memorable characters 25 years later. Fast Eddie Felson, the pool whiz kid from "The Hustler" was now an aged, usually wise, mentor to Tom Cruise in Martin Scorcese's "The Color of Money." One again, Newman recieved a nomination. He declined to attend the ceremony, announcing he was "too busy."

Of course, he won. Sometimes the good guys finish first, even after six tries.

Then again, screw him, he's dead. Let's go look for crocodiles.

StevenK