In Memorium: Dixie Carter

Time moves on, things change...when you're a young individual, these things don't resonate in your head but as I find myself progressing in years I've finally come to understand that nothing lasts forever. As of late, the entertainment industry has seen the passing of some great cherished performers and Dixie Carter is certainly among the best. Dixie was that down to earth, independent southern matriarch, Julia Sugarbaker, that I welcomed into my home every week.

Aside from her "Designing Women" days, Dixie was an accomplished stage actress. Dixie made her professional debut in "Carousel" and then onto Shakespeare's "A Winter's Tale". Divorced twice, I believe she found true love with her surviving spouse, actor Hal Holbrook. The two worked together professionally many times on "Designing Women" and in 2009's "That Evening Sun" for which they were both nominated and won a Special Jury Award. Dixie Carter's television success continued past her Sugarbaker days, with stints on "Family Law" and most recently "Desperate Housewives" for which she garnered and Emmy nomination for 'Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series'.

I will always remember Mrs. Carter first as a lady of class and distinction, but I will cherish her as that warm and sharp-witted Julia Sugarbaker, a beloved character that audiences can enjoy for years to come. Thank you for the memories Mrs. Carter.

After Dark Horrorfest 4

It's that time of year again, where we're treated to the latest
offerings from the 'After Dark Horrorfest' festival participants.
In their fourth year of release 'After Dark' still releases the
standard eight, unlike 'Ghost House Underground' who have
scaled back their releases to only include four. However,
'Ghosthouse' has taken the step into the high definition arena
and releasing their last titles on Blu-ray. With a better caliber
of film, I can only hope that 'After Dark' takes the cue from
'Ghost House' so we can see every gory detail in high definition.

In Memorium: John Forsythe

"Hello Angels" I waited in anticipation to hear that uttered from a little speakerphone on television every week. It is truly a sad day in the entertainment industry as the passing of another beloved celebrity, John Forsythe. Classic, dignified and debonair are words that best describe Mr. Forsythe. Personally, he was a familiar presence on my households television set, if not as the voice of Charles Townsend, in one of my all-time favorite shows, "Charlie's Angels", then as the Colorado oil tycoon Blake Carrington in "Dynasty".

Mr. Forsythe enjoyed a six decade long career starting in 1943's "Northern Pursuit" to his last appearance, and most memorable and cherished character Charles Townsend in 2003's "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle". Varied in his acting roles, he rarely played the villain, he opted for the down to earth hero type. Personally, of all his films I have two favorites: the 1955 Alfred Hitchcock comedy/thriller "The Trouble With Harry" and 1966's murder drama "Madame X".

Aside from his acting Mr. Forsythe was active in sports and an avid environmentalist, he lent his voice to narrating the long running outdoor series "The World of Survival". He will be missed, but will live on in his films and television series for future generations to enjoy.