Thursday, December 31, 2009

2009 - 2010 New Year's Eve, TV Style

Although it seems as though New Year's Eve television programming isn't as creative as it used to be -- i.e., when I was programming it -- there still are enough interesting offerings to guide us couch potatoes smoothly into 2010.

First on the list is AMC's classic Three Stooges Marathon, with newly remastered episodes playing starting from early this morning until 6am on New Year's Day (or whenever in your particular time zone -- I'm using Eastern). There's been a dearth of Stooges on television as of late -- I used to watch them on a Boston station but no sign of them recently -- and I'm thrilled to see that AMC seems to have picked up the torch. There is nothing better than one of the best Stooges shorts (I'm thinking for instance of something like "Pardon My Scotch" playing at about 2:30pm today), or lots of other good ones particularly after midnight tonight.

SyFy features a two day-long Twilight Zone Marathon, of course, again borrowing a leaf from the various independent stations who pioneered the TZ Marathon concept back in the 1980s.

USA Network features a marathon of their successful and immensely entertaining Burn Notice (left) series all day today and tonight until 6am Friday, at which time they switch over to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Ick -- from charming rogues to serial rapists, murdered hookers and sexually abused children...don't like that transition much! Nothing like celebrating the New Year with tales of the most unpleasant criminality out there, is there? Creepy.

Comedy Central has South Park all day, culiminating with the SP movie, all ending at 5am tomorrow morning. Logo has a marathon of The Sarah Silverman Show until 3am tonight, TV Guide Network features a day and night of specials about celebrities who died during 2009, including of course several hours on Michael Jackson. History has a string of their Strange Rituals series lined up, with a look at weird rites of passage and other incredible ordeals, if that's your thing.

HBO has a marathon of their Thomas Jane-starring series Hung beginning at midnight tonight. This is probably the most appealing line-up next to the Three Stooges, as Hung is a very watchable show with not only a heavy dose of ribald comedy but with a melancholy wry tone that really captures the mood of the world today. Worth watching if for nothing else than the wonderful performance of Jane Adams as the main character's friend and lady pimp.

If you like your New Year Eve celebration classy and classic, tune into Turner Classic Movies for an all-night marathon of The Thin Man movies. If newer science fiction is more your taste, join BBC America for a marathon of Doctor Who episodes and movies starting at midnight tonight, and culminating on Saturday evening with the final episode of the series starring the wonderful David Tennant (below) as the Doctor. Highly recommended!


Whatever you choose, have a very Happy New Year and here's to a great 2010 from everyone here at The Flaming Nose!

Monday, December 28, 2009

See "The Gates" Documentary on HBO

During the December TV doldrums, try to catch the wonderful documentary, THE GATES, now running on HBO. The Gates chronicles the long and winding road that artists Christo and his wife Jeanne Claude endured to erect their gorgeous public art project in Central Park. It starts in 1979, when they first approached NYC officials to get permission for their progressive effort. If you ever want to see the utter banality, futility and folly of bureaucracy in action, watch the first 30 minutes of The Gates. Even though Christo and Jeanne Claude always intended to use their own money (ultimately $20 million) to produce this art spectacle, they were accused of being everything from racists to environmental terrorists.

Fast forward to 2005, and Mayor Bloomberg, an art lover, finally gave the famous artists the thumbs up. The documentary shows the flowing orange curtains being erected, unfurled and, most gloriously, enjoyed thoroughly by an appreciative populace. As children run through the Gates, and lovers stroll hand in hand, and musicians play symphonies and Buddhist monks worship, The Gates are vindicated and public art triumphs.

I had the extreme good fortune of seeing The Gates in person, when they briefly turned the grey winter sidewalks of Central Park into a trail of golden glory. Beautiful Jean Claude, who's flame colored hair matched the color of the nylon panels in the artwork, just passed away this November 2009 at the age of 74. This documentary, which can be found on HBO on Demand, is a fitting tribute to her tenacity and talent.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

ELF: A Christmas Classic for the 21st Century



While we are waiting for original TV episodes to start again in January, I thought I would give a long overdue shout out to the fantastic movie "Elf", which happens to be playing everywhere on television during this holiday season. I caught my version this year on Comcast HD on Demand. Alas it was PPV, but I love this movie so much it was worth the $$ to see it in high def without interruption.

"Elf" is a side splitting but surprisingly warm comedy starring Will Ferrell (before his lost boy persona wore thin) as Buddy, the over sized human adopted by elves and raised at the north pole. In the video above, he has traveled to NYC to search for his real father (James Caan in a lovely nuanced performance) and landed a job at Gimbels department store as...what else....a Christmas elf. In classic "fish out of water" fashion, Buddy navigates the mean streets of New York, spreading holiday cheer and maple syrup everywhere and even falling in love. There are wonderful performances from Bob Newhart (Buddy's adopted elf dad), Ed Asner (Santa) and Zooey Deschanel as the co-worker girl friend with the voice of an angel.

My favorite scene is Buddy's first glimpse of the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Plaza, which brings tears to my eyes with childhood memories of NYC in the snow. But for quirky hilarity, nothing beats Buddy in the doctor's office popping cotton balls into his mouth like it's grandma's divine divinity candy.

A lot of people are saying that they enjoy watching this 2003 issued movie over and over each holiday season, so it's on the way to becoming a classic treat. "Elf" doesn't have the gravitas of "It's a Wonderful Life", but it's about 50 times more funny. And the messages are timeless too.... sing loud, have spirit and be nice to your family at Christmas. And everything tastes better with maple syrup on top.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Our Current Masthead Photo -- "The Twilight Zone" Lives On!


Hope you're enjoying our latest Nose photo header, this time of course instantly recognizable as the great William Shatner from the classic Twilight Zone episode "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet." Shatner is the epitome of the nervous flyer in this iconic half-hour, updated (but not bettered) for the big screen in the infamous 1983 Twilight Zone: The Movie with the talented John Lithgow -- who's now getting on so many award nomination lists for his just-completed role as The Trinity Killer on Dexter -- (right) taking Shatner's role. (Infamous for the scandal and trial surrounding the death of actor Vic Morrow and two young children in a gruesome on location helicopter accident.)

In case you haven't seen the episode lately, you can take a look at it here now! (The terrific photo montage at the top of this post is by Mike Peters, from TVCrazy.net, a neat site with lots of stuff for TV fans.) Enjoy!





Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Fascinating Classic "Star Trek" Website!


I just stumbled upon this terrific Star Trek website -- Star Trek History.com! If you are a Trek fan, you will love this treasure trove of rare behind-the-scenes images from the series, as well as interviews and other delights!

As you know, we're all into Star Trek -- all Star Trek -- at The Flaming Nose!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

AFI Names Its Top Ten TV Shows for 2009 -- and We Like Them!

We're always up for a well-informed Top Ten list around here, and today's announcement from the AFI of their Top Ten Movies and TV Shows from 2009 fits the bill. Because we're mostly about television here at the Nose we won't talk about the cinema choices, but we like what we see on the TV side. Their list, in alphabetical order, consists of many Flaming Nose favorites and others that's we've watched and liked, and one that we've never covered and can't imagine why not! So, the AFI Awards 2009, AFI TV Programs of the Year, Official Selections are:


The Big Bang Theory -- you know how much we like this CBS Monday night comedy, a geeky delight featuring a talented and hilarious cast and clever writing (which I must say with some dismay has started to rely a little too much on sexual innuendo -- actually way more than innuendo -- making some scenes play like creator Chuck Lorre's other hitcom Two and Half Men, which isn't necessarily a good thing.) But we still love it and we're happy to see it on this list!

Big Love -- star and producer Bill Paxton keeps this HBO saga about a polygamist Mormon family man on the right path, just absurd enough to be extremely entertaining but with a serious vein that never goes in for easy ridicule or cheap melodrama. With a gaggle of female co-stars who are some of the best actresses around -- Jeanne Tripplehorn, Chloe Sevigny and Grace Zabriskie among them -- Big Love is compelling and doesn't always get the credit it deserves. So good to see it on the AFI list!

Friday Night Lights -- I know this is a great NBC show, but I've never watched an entire episode. It's the high school football millieu that has turned me off -- wrongly, of course -- and I vow to make this acclaimed show part of my viewing retinue. Good on AFI for calling out this terrific show that has managed to survive for three seasons so far and has earned the loyalty of many devoted viewers.


Glee -- Fox's new hit comedy/drama/musical is a favorite of Flaming Nose correspondent Jane, and we salute her foresight in calling this one a success right out of the box. This is one dare we say "quirky" show that has managed to wriggle its way into mainstream coverage, and its choice by the AFI is proof of its far-reaching appeal and unique qualities.


Mad Men -- Of course AMC's Mad Men has to be on any list like this. The TV show that's more a piece of art than a simple television series, MM entices the viewer to travel back to a time when men and women were still learning many things about each other, at home and in the workplace, and work itself -- especially in a cushy Madison Avenue ad agency -- was both a privileged and a cutthroat endeavour. Would have loved to see AMC's other excellent drama Breaking Bad on this list also, but maybe another time.

Modern Family -- ABC's new situation comedy about a collection of unconventional families who personify some of the diverse family groups out in the world today is a critical and audience favorite already. Though the people in the show may be nothing like you or your particular family, the universality of their problems and ultimate devotion to each other are certainly something everyone can understand and enjoy. Good choice for the list.


The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency -- HBO's charming Botswana, Africa-set light mystery series, is a wonderful addition to the list. Our Jane also called this one, loving its attitude and its seductive charismatic performances. More gentle than most of the breakout cable dramas getting so much publicity these days, this is a darling series with much to delight us all.




Nurse Jackie -- Showtime's brittle, brutal, heartbreaking, sexy dramedy starring the exquisite Edie Falco definitely belongs here. Is it more a comedy than a drama? Probably if you count the minutes, but Falco's performance is pure dramatic gold. Unusual, delving into the skilled Jackie's convoluted personal and professional life, Nurse Jackie is a show where good people don't always get the chance to do all the good things they'd like, but also get the chance to do the bad things that sometimes need to be done, too. Terrific choice by the AFI.

Party Down -- Where oh where was The Flaming Nose when this little gem ran on Starz? We were obviously asleep at the wheel, because we completely missed this one. (I never even saw ONE episode of this and have to confess I didn't recognize the title when I read it on AFI's list. My bad.) Party Down is a comedy about moonlighting aspiring actors, with a wonderful cast and the kind of comic sensibility that would have made it a hit if it had run on HBO, let's say, or even NBC. Don't miss this one if Starz repeats it, or seek it out online. Good for AFI to find this series and bestow some deserved limelight on this hidden delight.

TrueBlood -- HBO's vampilicious melodrama boasts not only one of the most attractive casts in recent memory, but they're giving some genuinely outstanding performances and bringing alive the kind of outlandish exploits that could sink a less skilled troupe. No worries here, though; TrueBlood is sexy and savage enough to make anyone a believer in the children of the night. It's one of the most fun shows out there, too, combining thrills and whimsy in a delicious Louisianna gumbo of gorey greatness. We love TrueBlood, can you tell?


Congrats to all the honorees!

Friday, December 11, 2009

"Flight of the Conchords" Have Flown the Coop


Check out this article from the NY Times about the recent announcement about our beloved TV show Flight of the Conchords on HBO. Despite increased critical kudos and several Emmy nominations, the duo has decided to call it quits on their series.

Bad news for all of us who loved the boys' wonderful crazy adventures, and their great cast of characters -- stars Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, Murray their hapless manager played with such earnest and hilarious devotion by Rhys Darby, their uberfan Mel (Kristin Schaal), and Arj Barker as their shopkeeper pal Dave.

In case you've forgotten just how wonderful the series was, refresh your memory with this terrific article from UK's The Guardian on the best songs from the second season, written back in July, with accompanying videos. (Glad to see they included "The Tough Brets" which was one of my faves.)

Waaah! is all we can say. We're collectively in love with the Flight of the Conchords around here, and hope that perhaps there could be a change of heart in the future. We miss you already, Bret and Jemaine!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

The Comcast Yule Log!

After three weeks of endless packing and relocating to the San Francisco Bay area of California...I'm back! One thousand apologies for being away from the Flaming Nose for so long. I'm returning to the fold with this brief post about the weirdness of getting used to a new cable-TV provider...in this case Comcast. I'm not going to go down the hater route, although the path to this new system from my decades with Time Warner has been a very rocky road. It's all getting ironed out and tonight after a long day at work I came home to discover the joy of "Yule Log on Demand".

Some of you may remember Yule Logs from independent television years ago. It was always a stationary picture with holiday music in the background. When I was growing up in the NYC area, Channel 9 was the go-to station for Yule Loggy moments, and it only existed on Christmas Eve.

Here in Silicon Valley, the Comcast Yule log goes a few steps further, especially in HD. It crackles, it hisses, the logs shift. There are wide angles and close ups and side views of the burning logs. It does everything but send the smell of smoke into your living room, and I'm sure they are working on that. And if you get tired of the quintessential log, they have a few other lovely Winter screen saver scenes to switch too (I liked Glacier lake) with sound effects and 3-D.

As soon as I figure out how to use my new remote control, I hope to be back in action with reviews of all our favorite TV shows. Until then...I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season and...I missed you all!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Star Trek DVD Release Party


-
I had the fortune (figuratively speaking - this was actually a pro bono job) of attending and working the Paramount "Star Trek" DVD release party last night at LA's fabulous Griffith Observatory. Paramount's "restart" Star Trek movie from earlier this year is out on DVD today. Even With all the glitz, glamor and splendor of the event, the highlight for me was the 5 minutes I spent interviewing Mr. Spock himself, Leonard Nimoy.

My partner Harry was signed on to help with the broadcast media relations work (Paramount Pictures is one of his clients). I assisted by conducting red carpet interviews. How thrilling to ask questions of director JJ Abrams (it was all I could do NOT to ask questions about "Lost"), John Cho (young Sulu), Zoe Saldana (young Uhura), Zachary Quinto (young Spock), Bruce Greenwood (Capt. Pike), and the two teenagers who played childhood versions of Capt. Kirk & Spock. Unfortunately, Chris Pine was on location back east and could not attend. Leonard Nimoy walked the carpet with the grace and dignity of an A-lister, and when he stopped at my position his handshake was warm and his smile inviting. What a gentleman. I asked him about getting back into the role of Spock, and how Quinto did following in his shoes. His answers were gracious and thoughtful. His voice as booming as ever. I got all "fan boy" but kept it inside as best as I could. This is MR. SPOCK, for crying out loud! I was also asking humorous questions on behalf of Canada's Space TV, pitting Star Trek characters against Star Wars characters. I asked Nimoy who would be most likely to talk a cop out of a traffic violation, Mr. Spock or Obi Wan Kenobi? Nimoy laughted a hearty laugh (thank God he saw the humor, because that could have gone down like a lead balloon!)... and said, of course, "I don't believe Mr. Spock would ever get himself into that position in the first place! So not a problem for him!" Love him.

The event was spectacular. I arrived in the afternoon while the crews were setting everything up. AV crews, satellite truck, florists, caterers, party planners, party suppliers, media personnel, etc. It was one of those perfect days: 70s and not a cloud in the sky. You could see the ocean with the sun shining off of it, with Catalina in the distance. Panoramic view with just a little smog inland. The event began at 6:30 just after twilight & a gorgeous sunset. Two outside areas on the terrace overlooking the LA Basin were set up with ultramodern couches, tables, vases and accessories worthy of Star Trek and Hollywood. An impressive, 30 foot tall sculpture of the Starfleet emblem was created and placed on the grass mall in front of the observatory (see pictures). The observatory was lit with all sorts of groovy lighting, and there were glowing "runner" lights along the walkways and the roofline of the observatory. Paramount spared no expense on this one!




Access Hollywood Video Clips:

JJ Abrams (also talks about "Lost")

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Antiques Roadshow



Hello Flaming Nose readers everywhere. I must apologize for being absent for so long. I'm just starting a new job and moving to Silicon Valley at the same time. It's been rather hectic. There is nothing more dreadful than the endless packing of boxes, particularly if one has collected a lot of "stuff" over the years. There are times that I'd like to chuck the whole lot of it into an over-sized dumpster and just walk away. That's when I know it's time for a break, and I turn to the glory of the legendary PBS series, "Antiques Roadshow". Originally a BBC Series that first aired in 1977, the US version has been going strong for years as well. It reminds us all, that the chipped vase in the attic or the old blanket draped over the armchair might be worth thousands of dollars.

It's lovely to watch the fascinating pieces of furniture, art, old toys and vintage clothing that parade through the episodes of the Antiques Roadshow. And some of the appraisers on the Roadshow have become celebrities in their own right. I'm quite fond of the Keno brothers (Leslie and Leigh) who are experts in antique furniture. But the best part for me is the always astonished reaction of the owners, when they learn that the old pot they've been stuffing umbrellas into by the front door is actually worth $10,000. One of the most moving segments of all time is posted in the video above. An older gentleman of modest means, finds out the the Navajo rug passed down from his Grandmother is worth half a million dollars.


So before you do your next household purge you might want to watch a few episodes of the Roadshow. One man's junk truly is another man's treasure. I say this as I wait for the Salvation Army to come pick up a giant stack of...hmmmm. Maybe I should go through that pile one more time!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Charla Nash, Chimpanzee Attack Victim, on "Oprah"


There's a lot of discussion over the decision of Charla Nash, the woman who was the victim of the horrific chimpanzee attack last February, to come forward on Oprah Winfrey's show a couple of days ago to tell her story and reveal herself. We think Charla is a remarkable woman and salute her fortitude in getting out there and giving people the opportunity to try to come to terms with their own prejudices and fears.

Was she exploited? I don't think so. I think people need to see. They don't have a right to see, but they need to. It will change the viewer. There is no way that you cannot experience empathy with this human being if you see and listen to her. If you're someone who doesn't...well, we know there are people like that out there without humanity and I hope I never meet up with one.

I have always felt that most folks have no idea how lucky they are; they don't realize that anything could befall them at any moment and change their life forever. Charla Nash didn't ask to undergo the terrible ordeal she's faced for the past nine months, but she's dealing with it, straight on.

In a television world which routinely celebrates the superficial, the impossibly beautiful, the very thin and overly trim, we need to remember that what makes a person isn't what's on the outside, it's the character within. This is something we probably all learned as children, but so many seem to have forgotten it. People like Charla remind of us of that.

I am posting the Oprah interview (it's in three parts) and I recommend that you watch and send your most heartfelt good thoughts to Charla. This could happen to any of us -- and I don't mean the specific circumstances of her attack, but something catastrophic -- and we can learn much from the determination of Charla Nash.

(The audio seems to be a little low so you might have to turn up your speakers.)

Note: Unfortunately the entire interview seems not to be available anymore, and only short reports about the show are still up. (Read this article about the disappearing clip issue.) This does a disservice to Charla and her story. It turns the show into nothing but the reveal of Charla's face, exactly the opposite of what the interview did -- taking the time to put everything into context and build compassion. However, in the absence of the complete interview, take a look at this:













We salute Charla Nash.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

"Germans in the Woods" -- A WWII Story Told in Animation by The Rauch Brothers

It may be the day after Veterans Day, but this the message of this short film is always relevant.




From The Rauch Brothers

Saturday, October 31, 2009

"MonsterQuest" Marathon All Day Today on History Channel!


Don't miss the terrific MonsterQuest marathon on History Channel today! In primetime they throw in an episode of Modern Marvels about Halloween, but mostly it's some great MonsterQuest episodes!


Monday, October 26, 2009

U2, YouTube and Millions of Fans Join for a Global Video Event

Nearly 100,000 fans gathered to watch Bono and the legendary rock band U2 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California last night. The concert made history in two regards; largest attendance ever at a Rose Bowl concert gathering and the first time that YouTube streamed an entire concert live. The latter is what I really want to highlight here, because it was utterly magnificent. Sound and visual was stunning from this (Time Warner Roadrunner high speed) customer's perspective. The option for either full screen or partial screen with a YouTube and Twitter comment section was available. This YouTube live stream was available in 16 countries including the US, UK, Canada, Japan and various South American venues. Watching the concert live with continuous comments from joyous fans around the world was truly an uplifting moment. If you missed the "live" version, YouTube will re-stream the entire concert on their page sometime today.Combined with the jaw dropping 360 degree set (pictured) which was patterned after the "Spider" theme building at the Los Angeles airport, the entire event felt like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. I also spent most of the concert texting friends and family, who were either at the Rose Bowl or watching it on YouTube, as well as adding my status updates about the whole thing to Facebook continuously. It was one big virtual concert blast for me.

It will be very interesting to see what kind of an impact this web event had in terms of grabbing eyeballs from Sunday night television. Video content continues to migrate from one medium to the next, (or occupy both spaces simultaneously). The YouTube U2 concert was thrilling and its execution was smooth and seamless. I would expect to see more splashy live video events on the web soon, since this one was such an amazing success.

Oh...yeah. Bono and The Edge were phenomenal too. Here's a taste of the boys from Ireland performing "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", while 100,000 adoring folks from Los Angeles sing along. Transcendent. Gorgeous.

Saturday, October 24, 2009

I'm in Love with Ted Danson on HBO's "Bored to Death"!

Ted Danson racks up another of his impeccable performances in HBO's Bored to Death. If you aren't watching this show, start as soon as possible! It's delightful. Here's a little compilation clip, featuring Danson and his co-stars Jason Schwartzman and Zack Galifianakis.



(Danson also tends to show up as himself in Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, new episodes also now on HBO. Don't miss either of these terrific shows!)

The Snazziest Soupy Sales Song Clip Ever!

I posted this on Facebook a couple of days ago, but it needs to be here on The Flaming Nose, too. This is undoubtedly the grooviest rendition of the late great Soupy Sales' wonderful novelty rock and roll song "Do The Mouse", seen here from a 1967 episode of Hullaballoo.

Soupy and the dancers are swingin'! It's adorable!



Is that not the greatest?

Friday, October 23, 2009

Saying Goodbye to Soupy Sales



Baby boomers are saddened to learn of the death of childhood comedy icon Soupy Sales, who passed away yesterday in New York. He was 83 years old, and certainly was a bright and beloved figure in the annals of television comedy and kid shows particularly, although as you can see from the clips below, his were the hippiest supposedly children's programs around (except maybe for Paul Winchell's.)

I'd like to think that there were kids who preferred the gentler kiddy shows, and then there were the rest of us who grooved to the craziness of Soupy and his ilk. How a talented little Jewish kid from North Carolina became the legendary Soupy Sales is a wild ride, and you'll enjoy reading about his accomplished career in several great articles, including a wonderful series of several pieces from TV Party, an affectionate tribute from Mark Evanier on POV Online, another from Craig on his Flexitoon blog, a really good obituary from the L.A. Times, one from USA Today, and on Soupy Sales' MySpace page.

You'll enjoy watching this selection of clips, including an appearance by Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. in one of them. There are lots of Soupy clips on YouTube and elsewhere, and there's at least one collection available for sale. Hip, handsome and hilarious, Soupy Sales was a boomer favorite who will be affectionately remembered as a television pioneer.







The Soupy Sales Show - Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis jr

So long, Soupy! We loved you!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Are You Pythoning This Week?


We're a tad late with this, but we hope that you are enjoying IFC's six part, six night event this week, saluting the greatest comedy influence of the late 20th century, Britain's Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Please visit IFC's website for all the schedule particulars, but don't expect to be able to watch any of the clips if you are anywhere but in the U.S. of A. There's some powerful and tremendously rude IP geoblocking going on there. Horrible and so uninviting, IFC!!!

The new documentary and the ensuing Python reunion event earlier this month in New York are good news for Python fans everywhere! I fondly remember going to see them live at the Hollywood Bowl, and if you also hold them in high esteem, you will love the doc!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Nose Salutes the Macy's Commercial


From time to time The Flaming Nose likes to showcase great TV commercials. If you like big, emotional feel good spots (who doesn't?) this one's for you. Historical references and wonderful clips of old movies and television. Enjoy!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Gavin MacLeod - The Interview Tribute to Gavin MacLeod

Gavin MacLeod is a true television legend. Obviously, he's had a long and successful career in the medium of television, but before his road to enduring icon status he enjoyed a career in both theater and film. I am honored that Mr. MacLeod has agreed to be interviewed by "The Flaming Nose." We here at "The Flaming Nose" have all enjoyed careers in television and it is a privilege to share this interview with our readers. 

 J: Gavin, thanks for taking the time to be interviewed here at The Flaming Nose. You and I discussed some time ago my own deep interest in Native American history and culture. You’re the son of a Chippewa descendant. As an actor, did you ever have an opportunity to play a Native American? 
 
G: Check out my beautiful baby blues! Unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to play a Native American. That would have been intriguing casting! 

 J: Yes, I get the baby blues, but I thought with contacts and all… What was the driving decision that led you into acting? 
 
G: My first play was when I was 4 years old. That was the start which became my passion, not the applause, but the acting. I won several awards in high school and then I received a drama scholarship to Ithaca College. I got a Bachelor of Fine Arts, an Honorary Doctorate of fine arts and a Lifetime Achievement Award ~ all from Ithaca. 

J: Your first big break came in the Broadway show of “A Hatful of Rain.” After your first night on Broadway did you experience fear in thinking this might be it or were you energized and confident? 

G: My first night on Broadway was a momentous time in my life - a goal realized! I was very confident and humbled to be included on stage with some of the best actors in the business. 

J: You carved out a serious reputation for playing the “heavy” prior to making your mark in episodic television. How did that come about and how did you get out of it? Actors always say it’s fun to play bad. I assume you would agree. 

G: I played "heavy" because I was a young man with a bald head, so what else could casting agents do with someone like that? I finally played leading men when I bought my first hairpiece. Eventually with age, I grew into my look without hair. Some of the "heavies" I played like the ones on The Untouchables, Big Chicken in Hawaii Five-O were delicious roles. They were great fun and I enjoyed every minute of those roles. 

J: “McHale’s Navy” then came along. A regular paycheck with a well known cast! Did you feel you were on the proverbial cloud nine? Any funny moments you can share? Tim Conway had to be good for plenty of laughs. Ernest Borgnine played light in the show, but he was known for serious drama – his great Oscar-winning performance in “Marty” and his robust bad guy from “From Here to Eternity” wouldn’t lead one to believe he would have comedy chops. 
 
G: Working with Ernie, Tim and Joe Flynn on McHale's Navy was a good two year gig with lots of laughs. I enjoyed the experience and they were terrific people and wonderful actors. I left the show to go to China to shoot “The Sand Pebbles” with Steve McQueen. Steve and I had previously played brothers on the New York stage and working on this Oscar nominated film was a wonderful ten month job. I continue to pinch myself when I realize how many of the show business icons I have had the pleasure and honor to work with. It still amazes me. I've worked with Bob Hope, Barbara Stanywyck, Orson Welles, Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Charles Bronson, Bing Crosby, Clint Eastwood. It's been an amazing ride! 

J: Did your own time in the military play any consequential part in your roles in the films “Pork Chop Hill,” “War Hunt,” “The Sand Pebbles” or “Kelly’s Heroes?’  

G: Kelly's Heroes was a terrific experience! Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas and especially Donald Sutherland made this location and shoot an unforgettable career experience. Brian Hutton, our director, one of my all-time favorites had acted with me on the stage and in 1960 he directed Robert Blake and myself in a play about drugs called “The Connection.” Great memories. 

J: You had the opportunity to work with Ronald Reagan twenty years before he became President? Did you ever give that a thought at that time? I wonder if he ever gave that a thought at that time? What were your impressions of the President? Did you have an encounter with President Reagan once he entered office? Were you ever able to reminisce? 

G: Ronald Reagan was the president of the Screen Actors Guild and the producer of General Electric Theatre in 1960. When I worked with the future President and Peggy Lee (who appeared in the same program), he was very charming and he took me to lunch on my first day of rehearsal and we had a good shoot. Years later, I spent an evening with Nancy and him at the Beverly Hills Hotel when we presented Nancy Kissinger with an award. My wife Patti and I were guests of his at the White House when he was President. We met the number one chef at the White House who had previously worked on cruise ships. He requested a meeting with Captain Stubing and gave us cookies to take home. Cookies from the White House, what a memory! During President Reagan's two terms, I even traveled the nation for Mrs. Reagan's "Hugs, not Drugs" program. 

J: Blake Edwards was one of the most gifted directors of the last 50 years. You worked with him. Tell me about that relationship.

G: Blake Edwards was instrumental in getting my career cooking. From the first Ivy League heavy in the “Peter Gunn” pilot to the naive Yeomen in “Operation Petticoat,” and then on the films “High Time,” “The Party” and TV's “Mr. Lucky.” A fun and brilliant director to work with! 

J: Ok. You worked with my all-time favorite actor. Robert Redford! You worked with him on "War Hunt" and that was Redford’s first feature film. Any consequential or not so consequential moments with the Sundance Kid? Have you ever encountered him again on the pathway of life?

G: Yes, "War Hunt" was Robert Redford's first film. Redford and his first wife Lola, were a terrific couple. Redford, Tom Skeritt (they went on to work together years later when Redford directed Skeritt in "A River Runs Through It") and myself used to hang out together. One night at his rental home, Bob had six of us over for dinner and showed us a model of a ranch he wanted to build in Utah. Eventually, that model became Sundance. Redford, in addition to being a wonderful actor and director is one of the best story tellers around. He is a gifted wordsmith. Funny, bright and charming. He would visit my home and captivate my kids. Way back then in the 1960’s. Very pleasant memories of that time in my life. 

J: My all-time favorite show is “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” Mary Richards is the single most admirable female character in television history. Strong, smart, independent and elegant. I can only imagine how many women wanted to be MTM. Plus, she had a great sense of style. She rocked every item better than any woman in show biz history outside of Audrey Hepburn. It is an honor to interview the man who brought Mar's friend, Murray Slaughter to my television screen! How did you get the role of Murray Slaughter? Have you remained close with Mary and the gang? Was there one relationship from the show that was stronger than the others?

G: M-T-M was the greatest! I had just returned from the former Yugoslavia and shooting "Kelly's Heroes" when I received a call to read a pilot. They wanted to see me for Lou Grant and I read two scripts and felt I was better suited for Murray Slaughter. It is a long story but you know the result. Seven years of pride and being a part of this incredible TV experience. Mary will always be the greatest to me. Ted, Ed and I were very close friends. Georgia is very dear and is special to me. "Love is all around!" 


J: The Love Boat! Another big wow for your career! What an amazingly successful and iconic series. Seriously, did you have any idea what you were getting yourself into? 

G: Even though I was aware that two previous pilots didn't sell I still felt The Love Boat would be a hit and that's why I selected it over three other shows I was offered. I never quite anticipated the effect it would have on the world travel industry. Now the word cruising is in everyone's vocabulary. I have been working for Princess Cruises since 1986 as their spokesperson and at that time we had two mini ships and we now have 18 mega ships. Jack Jones has always been a friend. I just spoke to him and his new bride last week so he is living our theme song, "Love, exciting and new." One of my favorite moments was during the last show when I had the opportunity to marry my dear friend, Marion Ross. Mrs. C from “Happy Days” has now become Mrs. Captain Stubing. Yes, many people address me as "Captain" - some call me "Murray" - my kids call me "Pop".

J: You have a new film out right now (it was released on September 18). The film is called “The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry.” I saw the film. What motivates you at this point in your career to accept a role? What was it about Jonathan Sperry that pushed you to say yes. 

G: Jonathan Sperry is the most satisfying and important role I have ever had the privilege to play. To have the opportunity to speak God's word and see lives changed has been the highlight of my career. I am very proud to have taken part in bringing Jonathan Sperry to the general public and to have touched the lives of so many. Judith, my entire life has been a blessing - all my mistakes have been forgiven and I have become a new person in Christ. This is my life now. 


J: You've been heavily involved in the idea of bringing admirable character traits back into vogue. You have worked with children's authors and leaders about developing character at a young age.  I’m really excited about a project you are involved with – Character Classics. The concept is needed. It’s all about teaching young kids (3-8) about character. Respect, Obedience, Kindness, Thankfulness, Truthfulness. What led you to this project? 

G: Character Classics is a product that is really needed, especially at this time in our world. We lack any sense of morality, respect and all of the rest of those traits that I find lacking in society today. Young children need to learn character! Obedience, respect, truthfulness, kindness and thankfulness are what they need to be taught. This content will change lives! That is why I wanted to be a participant in  Character Classics. Solid character traits can bless everyone and enhance the chance to bring morality back into the daily lives of our children. 

J: Gavin, thank you so much for sharing a bit of your career with me. Love is all around.

Copyright The Flaming Nose 2009