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Posted by Linda J Bottjer Mar 16, 2007 |
Is it just me or would anyone else like to have dinner with Robert Osborne? Forget the food, the wine or dessert (yes, even a triple layer chocolate cake) for I would be satisfied with Mr. Osborne just talking Hollywood.
For those of you unaware of Osborne, he is the urbane host of Turner Classic Movies, a columnist for The Hollywood Reporter and the author of 75 Years of the Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards.
He might not have been born with a silver sprocket in his mouth, but he rapidly gained respect from Hollywood for his knowledge and appreciation of film. In all he is just a fan like the rest of us, except that he counted icons like Lucille Ball, Audrey Hepburn and Bette Davis as friends or acquaintances.
Lucky for us his enthusiasm for film is shared on an annual basis at Robert Osborne's Classic Film Festival held at the Grady School of Journalism in Athens GA.
From March 22 - 25 the city's Classic Center becomes a movie palace of bygone days with an added bonus...no, not free popcorn....a special guest. Most are names, not easily recognized ,but vital to the magic of movie making
Marnie Nixon is a familar voice. Ever watched My Fair Lady, West Side Story or The King and I? Then you've heard her vocals for the likes of Audrey Hepburn, Natalie Woods and Deborah Kerr. She is featured twice during the screening for An Affair to Remember (again providing Kerr's singing voice) and The Sound of Music (where she appeared on screen as a nun)
Best in Show, This Is Spinal Tap, Everyone Loves Raymond and The Wedding Planner are just some of comedian Fred Willard's film and television work. Always humourous he will be appearing with his film Waiting for Guffman.
Other guests set to enhance the film with their knowledge and experieces are actress Colleen Camp, director/producer Marilyn Agrelo, attorney;agent, Norm Aladjem and Angela Allen.
Passes to the festival's screenings start at $60.00 or can be bought for the individual film starting at $10.00 each.
The town might be Athens - but for next weekend it becomes Mecca for film buffs.
For more information see: www.grady.uga.edu/osbornefest