The Irreplaceable Mr. Fuest-- R.I.P. Robert Fuest

Only minutes ago, I received the incredibly saddening news that British director Robert Fuest has died. Bob was a good friend, and one of the most engaging, funny, upbeat, and imaginative people that I've ever known. On the cover of the French DVD of Bob's film THE FINAL PROGRAMME, the movie is listed as part of a series called "Les Films Inclassables"-- "Unclassifiable Films." Bob's movies WERE that, and much, much more. But Bob himself was very classifiable: pure gold.

Bob's films were wildly stylish, unbelievably inventive, and backed up with a solid grounding in art and design. He never had to resort to aping other people's work-- like the other maverick English directors of his time, Bob created his own visual language. There never has been and never will be another Bob Fuest.

Shortly after my father died, Bob sent me his personal shooting script to THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES as a gift, and inscribed it "This is my script to Dr. Phibes which I think you should have (and I'm sure that Dr. Phibes would, too)." I nearly wept when it arrived-- it was the gesture of loving gentleman and true friend. He is irreplaceable.

Random Groucho story

While I was doing research about George Pal, I got to be friendly with one of his screenwriters, the late Joe Morhaim. Before he did any screenwriting, Joe worked in PR, wrote for TV Guide, and worked in early TV with, among others, Groucho Marx. Like so many others, Joe said that Groucho wasn't easy to work with (hence "Groucho"), but he really loosened up while they were out on the town. At one point, Groucho lit Joe's cigarette with a gorgeous silver lighter. Joe complimented Groucho on it, and Groucho replied, "You like it? Keep it." Joe was taken aback. "Groucho, can I be frank with you?" he asked. "Sure," Groucho said. "You know, when we're out like this, you're such a good-natured, pleasant guy. But you're really hard to work with." "Then gimme the lighter back!" Groucho said. "Fuck you!" Joe told him. And after that, Groucho treated him beautifully. Joe said that they traveled to Arizona together and Groucho used to call him and sing. I envy Joe.