Remembering Robert Osborne: A Collection of Tributes

Film historian and Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne died on March 6 2017 at the age of 84. He was survived by his partner, stage director and producer David Staller; his family; his friends; and a legion of adoring fans. Robert Osborne was something special, both to those who knew him personally and the many who only knew him as the host of Turner Classic Movies. His importance to the classic film community cannot be overestimated. With the perfect combination of charm, class, and an encyclopaedic knowledge of film history, Robert Osborne not only ensured that Turner Classic Movies would be a success, but he introduced an entire new generation to classic film. Those who knew him personally always had the same thing to say of Robert Osborne, that he was a consummate gentleman. No one ever heard a bad word said of Robert Osborne. He was known not only for his class and charm, but for his kindness, his warmth, his respect for others, and his integrity.

In honour of Robert Osborne I thought I would put together a small collection of tributes to him from my fellow classic film buffs, as well as links to the many tributes to him that have been published since his death.

K.C. of A Classic Movie Blog:

When Robert Osborne interviewed classic film stars, he served as a sort of surrogate for his audience. Our love for these legends flowed through him. He was so courtly and kind, especially with the ladies, who are always held up to so much more scrutiny in their later years. With the added difficulties of age, from frailty to fading memories or hearing, he always managed to read the emotions of his subjects, calibrating his tone and approach perfectly. He seemed incapable of being offensive or inappropriate. I think he had inherent charm.

Osborne had a taste of the acting life, and devoted his career to entertainment and the history of cinema. It gave him more compassion. He understood when a much-desired interview subject, having already given so much to the public, no longer saw the benefit in traveling to a film festival or a television studio to give more. For that reason he was adored and trusted.

Paula Guthat of Paula's Cinema Club, Founder of TCM Party and Co-Founder of Cinema Detroit:
 
My memory has been pretty sketchy lately, and I have not much to fall back on since my MacBookPro failed last week. But I do remember most vividly some of the few times I saw Robert Osborne in person at the 2013 TCMFF, and his extraordinary grace and unflappability.

The first time occurred at the media call. It was my first time going to the festival and I was so in awe of him. I was actually nervous to be in the same room with him. He strolled out and spoke for a little while and then took questions. He didn't shy away from opinions. I remember specifically that he defended the studio system, and said the Production Code actually produced some really creative filmmaking, and that explicitness doesn't guarantee sexiness or humor -- in fact it sometimes destroyed both. "Having a cap on some of that stuff so that people had to sneak around it made it a little more clever.”

He alluded the darker side of Old Hollywood with a reference to the "5 o'clock girls," one of whom he said Marilyn Monroe had been. He was a bridge to the studio era, he knew everyone, or someone who had known them. He was a total authority, but he carried it lightly; he had this way of disagreeing with or correcting people that was so smooth you barely noticed it.

He absolutely knew what I was just starting to understand: he and TCM were important, and that he, as the channel's standard bearer and most important face, was helping viewers through unemployment, illness, grief, divorce, family issues...whatever was going on. He and TCM were also bringing people together on- and off-line, and he got that too. He knew about TCM Party, the live tweet of TCM I started, and I was just shocked and delighted to hear him mention it.

Later I saw him in the lobby of the hotel, and I feared for his safety. No, seriously. To say he was mobbed would be an understatement. I always thought the first thing I'd ask him was whether he needed security on the TCM Cruise. There's not much place to hide on a ship in the middle of the ocean.

One of 2013's hot tickets was The General at Grauman's. Robert introduced it and mentioned that that particular screening was one of the last before they remodeled it. It turned out that the remodel was fairly respectful, but at the time no one truly knew what was going to happen with it. People booed, actually booed, him! He didn't even flinch. "Don’t throw anything," he said. "Well, if you do, throw a Porsche.”

Next year, I said. Next year I'll talk to him. I was too afraid this year, but next year, I'll definitely go right up to him and talk to him.

But it didn't happen. By the time the TCMFF 2014 rolled around, my husband and I had a movie theatre of our own, and I had this idea that if I programmed some classics, people would show up. This idea was wrong, as it turned out, but to my eternal regret, I stuck to the multiplex, checking out possible bookings, during what is now the de facto farewell to Mr. Osborne, the surprise tribute at the Montalban Theatre. In my defense, it was listed as a Q & A in the schedule, and it was a total surprise, even to him apparently.

In retrospect, he seemed in very good health in 2014, but he missed the 2015 fest, and was seen so infrequently on the channel itself, that by the time the 2016 fest rolled around, I wasn't really expecting him to be there, and he wasn't.

So I missed out meeting and chatting with him on this plane of existence. I hope there is a classic movie section of Heaven, maybe I can finally meet him there.

I can't help but think it's a shame that he never wrote a tell-all. Robert Osborne had forgotten more about Hollywood and its denizens than most anyone else ever knew. The changes in society and the industry he witnessed in his lifetime were massive and so was the institutional knowledge of Old Hollywood that went with him. But that wasn't his style. He epitomized elegance and discretion, and we'll never see his like again.

Will McKinley of Cinematically Insane, Freelance Social Media & Copywriting at getTV, Video Producer/Director at Red Thread, and Freelance Writer/Producer:

Over the years I often saw interviews with Robert Osborne where he talked about comforting fans during times of illness. He didn’t visit them in person, of course, but he did come into their homes (or hospital rooms) three or four times every night, thanks to his job as host of Turner Classic Movies.

It makes sense. For those of us who grew up loving them, old movies are comfort food. They’re the best pick-me-up, tranquilizer, insomnia treatment, companion, family heirloom. Whatever you need it to be tonight, that’s what a classic film is. And Robert was like that friend who can always be counted on to bring flowers when you’re under the weather. Except his bouquet was filled with movies.

I always figured, “How nice it is for the older folks, that they have Robert when they’re ill.” And then I got sick. It wasn’t planned, of course; these things never are. But it happened, and there I was in the hospital for weeks on end. It was December, cold and dark, and I was scared. But there was Robert Osborne on TCM every night, excited to show me a film I had never seen, or seen a million times.

Years later, I met him. I shook his hand. He smiled warmly, like he had waited his whole life to meet me.
“Thank you,” I said. “For all you do for classic film fans. We appreciate it more than you know.”  

Links to Various Tributes:

"Farewell, Our Silver Fox" by Brandie Ashe at True Classics

"Farewell Robert O" by Andy Ross at The Loafer

"Farewell to Robert Osborne" by Laura at Laura's Miscellaneous Musings

"How Turner Classic Movies Is Helping One of Its Hosts Grieve Robert Osborne’s Death" by Tiffany Vazquez from Slate

"The Late Great Robert Osborne" by Terence Towles Canote at A Shroud of Thoughts

"My Memories of Robert Osborne" by Raquel Stecher at Out of the Past: A Classic Film Blog

"Remembering Robert Osborne" by  Lara Gabrielle Fowler at Backlots

"Remembering Robert Osborne, a Friend to All Classic Film Fans" by Jessica Pickens at Comet Over Hollywood

"Remembering Robert Osborne" by Beth Ann Gallagher at Spellbound

"Remembering Robert Osborne" by Jill Blake at Streamline, the Filmstruck Blog

"Robert Osborne - Requiescat in Pace" by Jacqueline T. Lynch at Another Old Movie Blog

"TCM's Ben Mankiewicz Remembers Robert Osborne: 'The Signature Face of a Network Unlike Any Other'" by Ben Makiewicz at The Hollywood Reporter

"You're Welcome Here Anytime--Remembering Robert Osborne" by Jill Blake from The Retro Set

"No Particular Place to Go" by Chuck Berry

If you have not heard yet, the legendary Chuck Berry has died. It would be difficult to find an artist who had more influence on rock 'n' roll. He endowed rock 'n' roll with a purer electric guitar sound than those few rock 'n' roll stars who preceded him, and he elevated the importance of the guitar solo. Without Chuck Berry we would not have The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, or many other rock bands. In fact, it might well be impossible to find a rock artist who was not influenced by Chuck Berry.

I am busy preparing a very important post for tomorrow, so I don't have time to eulogise Mr. Berry yet. I will then leave you with my all time favourite Chuck Berry song, "No Particular Place to Go".

Five Movies for St. Patrick's Day

I don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day myself. It's not that I have anything against the day. It's a simple case that I am not Irish, Nigerian, Montserratian, Catholic, an engineer, or a paralegal, and growing up my English/German household ( with some Scottish and Cherokee thrown in for good measure) never observed the day. That having been said, I do enjoy watching other people celebrate St. Patrick's Day, and I am happy when any day brings others joy. I also have to say that while I don't have a drop of Irish blood in me, I do have an appreciation for Irish history and culture. Here then for those who do celebrate St. Patrick's Day are five movies more than suitable for the day.

Hungry Hill (1947):   Hungry Hill is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. It centres on two feuding families. Some of the film was actually shot in Ireland (County Wickow, to be exact), although most of it was shot at Denham Studios in Buckinghamshire, England. Admittedly the leads are about as Irish as I am, but both Margaret Lockwood and Dennis Price give sterling performances, as does the rest of the cast. And while Hungry Hill runs only 92 minutes, it has the epic feel of a longer film. Indeed, the film's composition is beautiful, with several impressive shots throughout. The ballroom sequence is not to be missed.

The Quiet Man  (1952): The Quiet Man is about as Irish as a Hollywood film can get. It was directed by a man of Irish descent (John Ford) and stars perhaps the most famous Irish actress of all time (Maureen O'Hara). Much of the film was also shot in Ireland (County Mayo and County Galway). It is beautifully photographed and benefits from a solid script as well. There really isn't much more I can say about The Quiet Man that hasn't been said before. It's considered one of John Ford's best films.

Darby O'Gill and the Little People (1959):  For better or worse, I suspect this is what comes to the minds of most people of my generation when they think of movies about Ireland. Except for the noticeably Scottish Sean Connery and the noticeably English Janet Munro, the cast is filled out by some fine Irish actors, including Albert Sharpe (as the title character), Jimmy O'Dea, and Kieron Moore. Darby O'Gill and the Little People is also a whole lot of fun and draws a bit upon Irish folklore, from leprechauns to banshees. I'm not sure what people from Ireland actually think of the film, but for this Sasanach it is one of the most enjoyable live-action Disney films of its era.

The Secret of Roan Inish (1994):  The Secret of Roan Inish is based on the novel The Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry by Rosalie K. Fry, which is actually set in Scotland, but the location was moved to Ireland with appropriate changes made for the movie. Most of the film was shot in County Donegal, Ireland, with some scenes shot on  the Isle of Mull in Argyll, Scotland. The film draws heavily upon Irish folklore, particularly myths about the selkies common to Ireland, Scotland, and the Faroe Islands. It has a great script and it is also beautifully shot. In fact, I think it would be apt to call it a poem on film. While fans of The Quiet Man might disagree with me, it is possibly the best film on this list.

Song of the Sea (2014): Song of the Sea is a cel animated film from the same people who made the earlier animated fantasy The Secret of Kells (2009). It is an absolutely beautiful film that draws heavily upon Irish mythology, not only including selkies, but such figures as Manannán mac Lir and Macha. It also boasts well-developed characters and a very good story. For fans of animation it is a welcome break from many of the animated films emerging from Hollywood these days.

3rd Annual Favourite TV Show Episode Blogathon Reminder

This is just a reminder that my 3rd Annual Favourite TV Show Episode Blogathon begins next Friday, March 24, and runs though (and including) Sunday, March 26. There's still time to sign up to write an entry. You can do so here at the original announcement post. On March 24 I will will set up a post that will include all of the posts in the blogathon.

Here's to another successful blogathon!

My 39th Birthday...Again

Many of you might know today is my birthday. Since I really don't want to write a full-fledged blog post today, I thought instead I would do what I often do on holidays: post pin-ups. In this case I have 10 lovely Pisceans. They aren't in any particular order, although I saved my very favourite for last (if you know me well, you probably already know who it is).

Nancy Kovack (born March 11)

Sue Ane Langdon (born March 8)

Arline Judge (born February 21)

Dorothy Mackaill  (born March 8)

Ann Sheridan (born February 21)

Leslie Parrish (born March 18)

Paula Prentiss (born March 4)

Barbara Luna (born March 2)

Jessie Matthews (born March 11)

Cyd Charisse (born March 8)

These Great Ladies by Lyndsy Spence

Author Lyndsy Spence has a talent for shedding light on remarkable women in British history. She has written biographies of such diverse subjects as the controversial Diana Mosley and beloved actress Margaret Lockwood. Her latest book, These Great Ladies: Peeresses and Pariahs, came out just last month.

These Great Ladies: Peeresses and Pariahs is a collection of pen portraits of various women from British, 20th Century history. Some, such as Margaret, Duchess of Argyll and author Joan Wyndham, are still somewhat famous to this day. Others, such as Jean, Viscountess Massereene, have somewhat faded into obscurity. Regardless of how famous they are today, each and every one of the women profiled by Miss Spence is fascinating in her own right. What is more they are a diverse group, from those born on the wrong side of the tracks (as we would say in the Colonies) to aristocrats to one who was more royal than the British Royals themselves (Mariga Guinness).

The stories Lyndsy Spence tells of these remarkable women range from the scandalous to the tragic.  What is more, they are set across a wide swathe of Anglo-American society, from the country houses of the United Kingdom to the mansions of Hollywood. These Great Ladies: Peeresses and Pariahs presents us with women who married multiple times, women who fought drug addiction, women who lived bohemian lives, and women who went to great lengths to support various charities.

Miss Spence writes of these women with a light tone, while at the same time recognising the seriousness of much of the subject matter (such as when dealing with the politics of the eras). What is more, she treats each of these women sympathetically, recognising that they were human beings who were both products of their times and their circumstances. Using a concise but very readable style, Lyndsy Spence is able to give us insight into her various subjects that isn't often seen even in full length biographies.

These Great Ladies: Peeresses and Pariahs is highly recommended for anyone who is interested in British, 20th Century history, the British aristocracy, or who simply enjoys reading about the lives of fascinating women. In the book Miss Spence covers Margaret, Duchess of Argyll; Mariga Guinness; Sylvia Ashley; Joan Wyndham;  Enid Lindeman:;Venetia Montagu; Irene Curzon; and Jean, Viscountess Massereene.

These Great Ladies: Peeresses and Pariahs is available through Amazon and various fine book sellers.

The Late Great Robert Osborne

Among American classic movie fans, Robert Osborne was a superstar. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to find a more beloved figure in the American classic movie community. He was the original host of Turner Classic Movies and for its first nine years its only host. For twenty three years Robert not only introduced movies on the channel, but also served as the host at the TCM Classic Film Festival and the TCM Classic Cruise. Quite simply, he was the face of Turner Classic Movies, more essential to the channel than its logo or any other branding. It is difficult to think of TCM without Robert, so it should come as no surprise that today is a day of sorrow for American classic movie fans. Sadly, Robert Osborne died today, March 6 2017, at the age of 84.

Robert Osborne was born in Colfax, Washington on May 3 1932. His love of movies began in the small, farming community. He went to the cinema regularly, and eventually began working at both of the town's theatres, The Rose and The Roxy. He attended the University of Washington, where he majored in journalism. While at the University of Washington he spent a good deal of time in the library, going through twenty years' worth of The New York Times and taking notes on the movies that had been playing at theatres there. After graduating from the university he spent two years in the United States Air Force.

After leaving the Air Force, Robert Osborne pursued a career in acting. He made his television debut in a small role in an episode of the Western anthology Death Valley Days in 1954. Robert appeared opposite Jane Darwell (perhaps best known for her role in The Grapes of Wrath) in a regional production of Night Must Fall in Seattle. It was Jane Darwell who convinced Robert to pursue his acting career in Los Angeles rather than New York City. Miss Darwell let him stay in her home in San Fernando Valley, and he received a six month contract with 20th Century Fox. He guest starred on the TV show The Californians.

After meeting Lucille Ball, Robert Osborne signed with Desilu and studied acting under Miss Ball as part of the Desilu Workshop. Over the next several years he guest starred on the shows Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, Whirlybirds, and Alcoa Presents: One Step Beyond. He had small, uncredited parts in the movies Psycho (1960), Spartacus (1960), and Twenty Plus Two (1961). He appeared on the ABC soap opera The Young Marrieds. Robert had a significant role in the pilot for The Beverly Hillbillies, "The Clampetts Strike Oil". There had been talk of his part being a recurring role on the show, but Robert turned it down with the thought that The Beverly Hillbillies would not be a success. He also appeared in commercials for such diverse products as Falstaff Beer, Carling Black Label Beer, Folgers Coffee, and John Hancock insurance.

It was Lucille Ball who suggested that Robert Osborne leave acting to pursue a career in writing instead. His first book, Academy Awards Illustrated, was published in 1965.  It was followed by Hollywood Legends: The Life and Films of Humphrey Bogart and Greta Garbo in 1967.  In 1971 the first Academy Awards Oscar Annual by Robert Osborne was published. A new edition would be published each year until 1976. It was in September 1977 that he went to work for The Hollywood Reporter, writing reviews. In April 1983 he began writing The Hollywood Reporter's " Rambling Reporter" column. He continued to do so until June 2009.

Even in the Seventies Robert Osborne was considered an expert on classic film, so quite naturally the  Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences asked him to write the official history of the Oscars. 50 Golden Years of Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards was published in 1978. It would be regularly updated over the years, with the latest edition being 85 Years of the Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards, published in 2013.

It was in 1982 that Robert Osborne began working as an entertainment reporter for KTTV in Los Angeles. In 1984 he started a stint as a host on The Movie Channel. In 1987 he served as a contributor on CBS's breakfast television show The Morning Program.

It was in in the Nineties that Robert Osborne received an offer from American Movie Classics (now simply AMC) to become their afternoon host once his contract with the Movie Channel expired. He turned them down to accept an offer from a brand new cable channel, Turner Classic Movies. His decision was based on the vast film library that Turner Broadcasting owned, including MGM's pre-May 1986 library. It was on April 14 1994 that Robert Osborne introduced the very first movie aired on TCM, Gone With the Wind (1939).

Robert Osborne became the face of Turner Classic Movies. He did much more than introduce movies on the channel, although that would have been enough to endear him to fans. He was the host of both The Essentials and Private Screenings. He hosted a number of special programmes on TCM.  Robert also hosted the first many Turner Classic Movie Classic Film Festivals as well as the TCM Classic Cruises. He wrote articles for TCM's Now Playing guide.

Beyond TCM, Robert Osborne also took part in the Paley Centre for Media's salutes to Lucille Ball and Cloris Leachman. In 2006 he began serving as celebrity greeter on the red carpet at the Academy Awards. He served as the host of Walt Disney World's The Great Movie Ride, also providing narration during the ride.

There can be no doubt that Turner Classic Movies owes a good deal of its success to Robert Osborne. In fact, there is perhaps no other broadcast network or cable channel that has been so identified with a single personality. Robert Osborne had an encyclopaedic knowledge of movies that was perfectly suited to a cable channel dedicated to classic films. He also had an innate charm that was easily captured on camera. Robert could relay the most obscure film arcana without sounding boring or pedantic. Perhaps most importantly, his great enthusiasm for movies was readily visible on screen. Robert Osborne seemed much less like the great film historian that he was than a fan with an incredible wealth of knowledge about cinema.

Indeed, today many Turner Classic Movies fans have expressed the feeling that they have lost a close friend or dear uncle, one who would tell them wonderful stories about the movies. To a degree that could be contributed to the illusion of familiarity that is created by seeing someone on television on a regular basis. That having been said, I do not think that explains why so many of us are grieving over Robert Osborne so much. Quite simply, we had a connection with Robert Osborne that we had with almost no other celebrities. Quite simply, we shared a love of classic movies. Indeed, at the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival and elsewhere, Robert Osborne was always open and friendly with his fans. From more than one person I have heard that he was warm and congenial, and he spoke as if he had known one his entire life. Even if it was the first time one ever met Robert Osborne, he or she could be guaranteed a warm greeting. For Robert Osborne, every fellow classic film buff was a friend.

In many ways Robert Osborne was the perfect ambassador for classic movies. It was not simply that he was enthusiastic about classic movies or even that he had an encyclopaedic knowledge of them. It was that he was quite simply a really nice guy. In his tribute to Robert Osborne in The Hollywood Reporter, Ben Mankiewicz tells how those who worked at TCM with Robert adored him. While one occasionally hears horror stories about big TV stars, one never heard any such stories about Robert Osborne. He was a true gentleman, a man without pretension who treated everyone with respect and kindness. It should be little wonder that he is being mourned so by movie stars, his co-workers, and his fans alike. Robert Osborne was one of a kind.