Frank Gorshin, 1934-2005, R.I.P.

[David47Jens]

Frank Gorshin, best known as the "Riddler" on the live-action "Batman" TV show of the 1960s, died yesterday.

Gorshin also acted in numerous films, was a featured act in Las Vegas (and elsewhere), and played George Burns in Frank's one-man show, "Say Goodnight, Gracie"... hence his inclusion on this Forum.

For a picture of Frank as George: http://davidzrantz.diaryland.com/images/gorshinasgeorgeburns.jpg

[David47Jens]

I should also add that Frank Gorshin was due to appear as George Burns in "Angels with Angles," a film listed on IMDb as still in production. No telling yet how far along in production this film was, nor if we'll ever get to see it now, although I hope and expect that we will. I say "expect" because "Angels with Angles" also features Rodney Dangerfield as God, in his last film appearance, so I'm sure they'll salvage this if at all possible. Additional cast members include Soupy Sales, Adam West, Jerry Mathers, Branscombe Richmond, Frank Stallone (as Elvis!), Richard Moll, and Amy Wieczorek as Gracie Allen.

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0179803/

[shimp scrampi]

Sorry to hear about Frank Gorshin, I always enjoyed him ("Invasion of the Saucer-Men" = ), he certainly had a presence that was hard to ignore. Got great reviews for the "Say Goodnight Gracie" show, too.

Now, that "Angels with Angles" movie... I will be keeping my eye out for that. I hope I don't have to poke a sharp stick into it after seeing it though! Sounds like it could be really fun or insanely painful.

[David47Jens]

Now, that "Angels with Angles" movie... I will be keeping my eye out for that. I hope I don't have to poke a sharp stick into it after seeing it though! Sounds like it could be really fun or insanely painful.

Oh, I'm sure it'll rise far above such efforts as "The Jet Benny Show!"

[shimp scrampi]

Yeah, but it won't be any "Horn Blows at Midnight". By the way, rewatching "Horn Blows at Midnight" recently, I was reminded that the recently-acquitted Robert Blake is in that movie (He plays the lead kid who temporarily has Athanael's horn in the park). Now, that has to be the current strangest of "Jack Benny's Associates".

[LLeff]

http://www.videoalive.com/isma/video/angleswithangles.mov

Nuff said. I think it's Will Jordan, but will check. That will make sense when you see the clip.

[Andy Klein]

Looks like Will Jordan to me as well, but I'm not sure.

Frank Gorshin was pretty much always money in the bank; my favorite of his performances was as Brando wannabe Blake Barton in Bell Are Ringing, which I think was his first film.

And now for the big question (which must have been dealt with somewhere here before):

On the subject of Rodney Dangerfield...

Can we assume that Rodney took his name from the fictional cowboy star who occasionally shows up as a character on Jack's radio show? He certainly would have been aware of the character, and it sure can't be a coincidence. The only reason I even bother to ask is that I've NEVER seen this mentioned anywhere, in any article about, or interview with, Rodney. But the only conceivable way that's not the direct source of his name would be if both the Benny Show and the former Jake Cohen took the name from some earlier common source, like some running gag in vaudeville.

[LLeff]

http://www.videoalive.com/isma/video/angleswithangles.mov

Nuff said. I think it's Will Jordan, but will check. That will make sense when you see the clip.

The director, Scott Lane, has confirmed to me that it's Whitney Rydbeck who plays Jack in this movie.

I am very pleased to say that it is having its premiere in Hollywood on December 16, and yours truly will be among the glittering crowd of invitees (I'll have to go buy some glitter). So watch for it...it's coming soon!

[Andy Klein]

For what it's worth, I just saw Angels with Angles, and I'd rather I hadn't.