The Only Dick Cheney Post I'll Ever Write

It's drizzly and grey and foggy this morning... perfect weather considering that Noir City #7 started last night at the Castro Theatre. (Bill and Iasa, it's really making me sad that you're not here for this film festival.)


I'm just lounging in my La-Z-Boy, wishing so much that Richard Widmark's greatest villain, Tommy Udo from Kiss of Death, had been the one pushing Dick Cheney's wheelchair to the Inauguration.

(Just pretend that Cheney is the old lady in the wheelchair and enjoy.)



And now to ponder breakfast and what Noir Festivities I'll be enjoying today (there is also Roller Derby at Kezar Stadium tonight). I feel a bagel is in my future, which has nothing to do with anything.

Enjoy your day. Watch Kiss of Death.

***

ps.: I lied. I would write more posts about Dick Cheney if the Hague saw fit to put him on trial for war crimes. Is there some sort of write-in campaign we can start? Does anyone know anyone that works at the Hague who could get that ball rolling?

Remembering Richard Widmark

I wanted to take a moment to pay tribute to and recognize a wonderful actor who just passed away: Richard Widmark. What I notice more and more today with contemporary movies is that there just aren't actors of this his caliber anymore. Which is probably why I don't see many new movies at the cinemaplex these days.

Richard Widmark had a long and varied career, but he first became a star by playing baddies. Except for Jimmy Cagney, I can't think of an actor who made a bad guy more nefarious and strangely charming than Widmark.

I had a really hard time just choosing three movies that I would recommend if you have never seen him before. But I think I would have to start with Pickup on South Street, Kiss of Death, and the amazing Night and the City. Once you see these films, you'll be hooked on Richard Widmark just like I am.

Here's a super terrific scene from Pickup on South Street. It's the first movie I ever saw Widmark in, and it's a fantastic noir that will have you wrapped up in the plot from beginning to end.