/ Stars that died in 2023

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Aldo Clementi, Italian composer died he was , 85.

Aldo Clementi  was an Italian composer died he was , 85.

 (25 May 1925 – 3 March 2011)

Life

Aldo Clementi was born in Catania, Italy. He studied the piano, graduating in 1946. His studies in composition began in 1941, and his teachers included Alfredo Sangiorgi and Goffredo Petrassi. After receiving his diploma in 1954, he attended the Darmstadt summer courses from 1955 to 1962. Important influences during this period included meeting Bruno Maderna in 1956, and working at the electronic music studio of the Italian radio broadcaster RAI in Milan.[1]
Poesia de Rilke (1946) was the first work of his to be performed (Vienna, 1947). Of more significance was the premiere of Cantata (1954), which was broadcast by North German Radio (Hamburg) in 1956. In 1959 he won second prize in the ISCM competition with Episodi (1958), and in 1963 he took first prize in the same competition, with Sette scene da "Collage" (1961).[1]
He taught music theory at the University of Bologna from 1971 to 1992.[1]
Clementi died on 3 March 2011.[2]

Style

In 1983 David Fanning described Clementi's style of decelerating canons as "sharing in the widespread post-serial depression of the 1970s",[3] while in 1988 Paul Griffiths referred to the "Alexandrian simplicity of his solution to the current confusion in music.[4] Clementi himself described his works as "an extremely dense counterpoint, relegating the parts to the shameful role of inaudible, cadaverous micro-organisms".[4]
His music has been featured at Ultima, the Oslo Contemporary Music Festival (2009),[5] performed and recorded by ensembles including the Quatuor Bozzini,[1] the Ives Ensemble[6] and the Contemporary Music Ensemble of Wales[7] and broadcast by BBC Radio 3.[7][8]

Selected works

  • Episodi (1958) for orchestra
  • Ideogrammi n. 1 (1959) for 16 instruments
  • Triplum (1960) for flute, oboe and clarinet
  • Collage (1961) - stage work
  • Informel 2 (1962) for 15 performers
  • Collage 2 (1962) for electronics
  • Informel 3 (1961–63) for orchestra
  • Intavolatura (1963) for harpsichord
  • Variante A (1964) for mixed chorus and orchestra
  • Concerto (1970) for piano and 7 instruments
  • Concerto (1975) for piano, 24 instruments and carillons
  • Clessidra (1976) for chamber orchestra
  • L'orologio di Arcevla (1979) for 13 performers
  • Variazioni (1979) for viola solo
  • Capriccio (1979–1980) for viola and 24 instruments
  • Dodici variazioni (1980) for solo guitar
  • Fantasia su roBErto FABbriCiAni (1980–81) for flute and tape
  • Es (1981) - stage work
  • Parafrasi (1981) 18 voice canon realized with processor
  • Adagio (1983) for quintet with prepared piano
  • Ouverture (1984) for 12 flutes
  • Concerto (1986) for piano and 14 instruments
  • Fantasia (1987) for 4 guitars
  • Tribute (1988) for string quartet
  • Berceuse (1989) for orchestra
  • Romanza (1991) for piano and orchestra
  • The Plaint (1992) for female voice and 13 instruments
  • Sonate Y. (2002) for solo violin

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Betty May Cutler, Canadian author and publisher, founder of Tundra Books, first female Mayor of Westmount, Quebec (1987–1991) died she was , 87.

Betty May Cutler  was a Canadian author, journalist and publisher died she was , 87.. Cutler founded Tundra Books in her basement in 1967, becoming Canada's first female publisher of children’s books.[2] Cutler also served a four-year term as the first female mayor of Westmount, Quebec from 1987 to 1991.[2]

(September 4, 1923 - March 3, 2011)

Life and career

Early life

Cutler was born May Ebbitt in the east end of Montreal in 1923.[1][2] Her parents, Francis (née Farrell) and William Ebbitt, a police officer, were Irish immigrants.[2] She married Phil Cutler, a Canadian labor lawyer, who died in 1987.[2] The couple had four sons - Keir, Adam and Michael, who are twins, and Roger.[2]
Cutler earned both her bachelor of arts and her master of arts degrees from McGill University in Montreal.[2] She next obtained a second master of arts in journalism from Columbia University in New York City.[2]

Early career

Cutler worked for the United Nations following her graduation from Columbia University.[2] Cutler returned to Canada, where she became a columnist and reporter for the former Montreal Herald. She also wrote magazine articles for the now defunct Montreal Standard.[2] Cutler was only the second woman to be hired by the Canadian Press.[1]
She would later join the faculty of McGill University, where she founded a three-year curriculum program for journalism.[2]

Tundra Books

In 1967, Cutler founded Tundra Books in the basement of her home. In doing so, Cutler became the first Canadian woman to become a publisher of children's books in history.[2] Cutler owned and operated Tundra Books for more than 28 years.[2] She openly sought out writers and artists to author children's books for her publishing house. Cutler was the first publisher to release works by Stéphane Poulin, a French-language illustrator and author, and William Kurelek, who released A Prairie Boy’s Winter and They Sought a New World through Tundra Books.[2] In addition to children's publishing business, Cutler also published books by architect Moshe Safdie and novelist Roch Carrier, including his work The Hockey Sweater.[3]
Cutler successfully guided Tundra Books through financial difficulties, as well as the death of her husband in 1987, which coincided with her political campaign for mayor of Westmount.[2] Tundra Books was sold to the McClelland & Stewart publishing firm in 1998.[2]
Cutler also wrote and published her own works during her career. She published her novel, The Last Noble Savage, in 1967.[2] She also penned a musical, two theatrical plays and a biography of Kurelek entitled Breaking Free: The Story of William Kurelek.[2]

Mayor of Westmount

Cutler decided to enter politics in 1987 following several personal and professional disagreements with the local government. The city council of Westmount, Quebec, had refused her request for a zoning change which would have allowed Tundra Books' headquarters to move to the street-level floor of Sherbrooke Street which she had purchased.[2] Cutler announced her candidacy for mayor of Westmount in 1987, which was her first political campaign.[2] She defeated incumbent Westmount Mayor Brian Gallery in the 1987 mayoral election, becoming the first female mayor of the city.[2] Gallery later praised Cutler's handling of the transition of power saying, "She was listening, she asked good questions...I walked away from our chat thinking she’ll be a good friend. The keys to the city will be in very good hands."[2] Montreal city councilman Marvin Rotrand also noted that Cutler's election, "marked a sea change from the clannish, traditional way that Westmount had always been run." Cutler served one four-year term as Mayor of Westmount. Cutler declined to run for re-election in 1991 and asked then Westmount city coucilman Peter Trent to run to succeed her as Mayor.[2] Trent was successfully elected in 1991 when Cutler stepped down from office.[2]

Later life

May Cutler travelled to Antarctica in 2010 for a six week trip.[2] She died in her home in Montreal on March 3, 2011, at the age of 87, after being hospitalized in February.[2] She had suffered from several illnesses. Cutler was survived by her four sons and six grandchildren.[2]

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Paquito Diaz, Filipino actor, died from complications from a stroke he was , 73.

Francisco Bustillos Diaz, better known by his screen name Paquito Diaz, was a veteran Filipino actor and movie director. He specialized in action and comedy died from complications from a stroke he was , 73.

(May 28, 1937 – March 3, 2011)

Biography

Early life and career

Diaz was born in Pampanga, Philippines. He was famous for his villain roles, either as the main, supporting or comic relief and he was one of the most popular actors in film industry, although he also had the ability to portray protagonist roles, mostly supporting, or comic relief (with his longtime friend, the late Fernando Poe Jr.. In fact, he had also portrayed a non-villain role in "Walang Matigas Na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape".It was his late younger brother, Romy who played as the main villain of the film. Other non-villain appearances include Eagle Squad, where he plays as a dedicated and good police officer as opposed to his other corrupt police roles alongside Robin Padilla, Current Senator Jinggoy Estrada, Edu Manzano, and Jaime Fabregas as the main antagonist, Bayadra (a parody of Viagra) Brothers alongside Jimmy Santos and the late Berting Labra, Estudyante Blues as the father of the character of his son Joko, and Pera O Bayong as Don Juanito Starring Willie Revillame, John Estrada and Randy Santiago with Mark Gil as the right hand man of his character and the main antagonist of that film.
He also appeared in villain roles in comedy films as the main antagonist and also in supporting/non-villain roles that stars mostly Dolphy, Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, Jimmy Santos, and the late actors Babalu, Panchito and Rene Requiestas.
He suffered from hemorrhagic stroke in 2002 and resided in his wife's hometown in Daraga, Albay, with his relatives.

Personal life

His father was an American citizen of Mexican descent. His brother, Romy Diaz, his wife Nena Diaz with children Joko and Cheska are also actors. Before he became an actor, he was a basketball player with his brother Romy Diaz suited up with the FEU Tamaraws in the early 1960s.

Death

After suffering from hypertension and stroke, which at one time left him comatose, he had to sell the family house and lot including his car. His vision was impaired for the same health reasons. He died in Legazpi, Albay on March 3, 2011.[1]

Filmography

Movies

Title Year Role
Tatlong Unan Isang Kumot 1986
Son of Fung Ku 1957
San Basilio 1960 Diablo
Ang Pagbabalik ni Leon Guerrero 1961 Darmo
Lost Command 1962
Kumader Kris 1963
Kosa 1963
Doble Kara 1964
D' Godson 1964
Ang Mananandata 1965
Crackdown 1967
Zaragoza 1968
Tigre Gitano 1968
Tatlong Hari 1968
Tatak: Sacramentados 1968
Tatak: Double Cross 1968
Suntok o Karate 1968
Sorrento 1968
Quintin Salazar 1968
Ang Pagbabalik ni Daniel Barrion 1968
Ang Mangliligpit 1968
Magpakailanman 1968
Kid Brother 1968
Kardong Pusa 1968
Karate Fighters 1968
Jingy 1968
Jakiri Valiente 1968
Huling Baraha 1968
Dos Por Dos 1968
Ang Dayuhan 1968
Brasong Bakal 1968
Barbaro Cristobal 1968
Alyas 1 2 3 1968
Abdul Tapang 1968 Pakitong Bapon
Asedillo 1971
Women in Cages 1971 Jorge
Bandolera 1972
Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Pedro Penduko 1973
My Funny Valentine 1974
Big J 1975
Relaks Lang Mama, Sagot Kita 1976
Sapin-Sapin, Patung-Patong 1977
Jack and Poy 1977
Totoy Bato 1977
Kumander Ulupong 1978
Born Fighter 1978
Bugoy 1979
Jack N Jill of the Third Kind 1979
Sino si Boy Urbina? 1979
Durugin si Totoy Bato 1979
The Quick Brown Fox 1980
Superhand 1980
Tanikala 1980
Dolphy's Angels 1980
Diego Sta. Cruz 1980 Pague
Kamaong Asero 1981
Bandido sa Sapang Bato 1981
In Dis Korner 1982
Get My Son Dead or Alive 1982
My Juan en Only 1982 Luigi
Pedro Tunasan 1983
Lumaban Ka 1983
The Killing of Satan 1983 Pito
Estong Tutong, Ikalawang Yugto 1983 Kits
Zigomar 1984
Sigaw ng Katarungan 1984
Pieta, Ikalawang Aklat 1984 Paquito
Public Enemy No. 2 1984 Eddie Garcia
Partida 1985
Bukas, Uulan ng Bala 1985 Don Ezekiel Agravante
Isang Kumot, Tatlong Unan 1985
Alyas: Boy Life 1985
Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim 1985 Hugo
Turuang Apoy 1985
Sa Bawat Hahakbangan, Babaha ng Dugo 1985
Ninja Kids 1986
Oras ng Kagitingan 1986
Musim Magnum 357 1986
Humanda Ka, Ikaw ang Susunod 1986
Menudo't Pandesal 1987
Magtago Ka Na Sa Pinanggalingan Mo 1987
Balandra Crossing 1987
Jack and Jill 1987
Feliciano Luces: Alyas Kumander Toothpick 1987
Kapag Lumaban Ang Api 1987
Target: Maganto 1988 Ka Archie
Lost Command 1988
Lorenzo Ruiz the Saint 1988
Akyat Bahay Gang 1988
Buy One, Take One 1988
Alega Gang: Public Enemy No. 1 of Cebu 1988 Pablo Cabrera
Iyo ang Batas Akin Ang Katarungan 1988
One Day, Isang Araw 1988
Sheman: Mistress of the Universe 1988 Berto
Kumander Dante 1988
Dugo ng Pusakal 1988
Gawa na Ang Balang Papatay Sa Iyo 1988 Alex
Target: Maganto 1989
Sa Kuko ng Agila 1989
My Pretty Baby 1989 Baldo
Killer vs. Ninjas 1989
Agila ng Maynila 1989
Bondying: The Little Big Boy 1989
Balbakwa: The Invisible Man 1989
Da Best In Da West 1989 Diablo
Eagle Squad 1989
Ako Ang Huhusga (Kapag Puno na Ang Salop Part II) 1989 Paquito
Moises Platon 1989
Gapos Gang 1989
Estudyante Blues 1989
Handa Na Ang Hukay Mo, Calida 1989
Super Mouse and the Roborats 1989
Wanted Pamilya Banal 1989
Gawa Na Ang Balang Para Sa Akin 1989 Ramon
Galit sa Mundo 1989
Joe Pring: Homicide Manila Police 1989
Hotdog 1989
Ganda Babae, Gandang Lalake 1990
Patigasan... Ang Laban 1990
Mula Paa Hanggang Ulo 1990
Og Must Be Crazy 1990 Benjie
David Balondo ng Tondo 1990
Michael and Madonna 1990 Stevie
Karapatan Ko Ang Pumatay...Kapitan Guti 1990
Angel Molave 1990
Prinsipe Abante At Ang Lihim ng Ibong Adarna 1990
Tapos na Ang Lahi Mo: Belaro 1990
Mula Paa Hanggang Ulo 1990
Daddy Goon 1990 Sgt. Garisma
May Isang Tsuper ng Taxi 1990
Bad Boy 1990
Kahit Konting Pagtingin 1990
Rocky Plus V 1990
Pretty Boy Hoodlum 1991
Sagad Hanggang Buto 1991 Bulik
Pido Dida 2: Kasal Na! 1991
Manong Gang 1991 Amang
Mahal Ko Ang Mister Ko 1991
Mabuting Kaibigan... Masamang Kaaway 1991
Kung Papatawarin Ka ng Bala Ko! 1991 Steve
Cheeta-eh: Gandang Lalake 1991 Nardong Toothpick
Boyong Mañalac: Hoodlum Terminator 1991 Paeng Pusher
Batas ng .45 1991
Takas sa Impiyerno 1991
Blue Jeans Gang 1992
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly 1992
Shotgun Banjo 1992
Kamay ni Cain 1992
Estribo Gang: The Jinggoy Sese Story 1992
Lucio Margallo 1992
Pretty Boy Hoodlum 1992
Dito sa Pitong Gatang 1992
Daddy Goon 1992 Sgt. Santisima
Mga Syanong Parak 1993
Hulihin: Probinsiyanong Mandurukot 1993 Mael
Enteng Manok: Tari ng Quiapo 1992
Doring Borobo 1993
Manila Boy 1993 Gonzalo
Deo Dador Berdugo ng Munti 1994
Walang Matigas na Tinapay, Sa Mainit na Kape 1994
Sobra Talaga...Over! 1994
Hindi Pa Tapos Ang Laban 1994
Greggy en' Boogie: Sakyan Mo na Lang, Anna 1994
Hataw Tatay Hataw 1994 Roland
Cuadro de Jack 1994
Cobra 1994
Baby Paterno (Dugong Pulis) 1994
Hataw Tatay Hataw 1994 Roland
Marami Ka Pang Kakaining Bigas 1994
O-ha! Ako Pa? 1995 General
Kahit Harangan ng Bala 1995
Sa Iyo Ang Langit, Akin Ang Lupa 1996
Kristo 1996 Herod
Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko 1996
Ang Pinakamagandang Hayop Sa Balat ng Lupa 1996 Bobo
Ang Misis Kong Hoodlum 1996
Hangga't May Hininga 1996
Ang Syota Kong Balikbayan 1996
Wala Nang Iibigin Pang Iba 1997
Pipti-Piti: 1 Por U, 2 Por Me 1997 Zaragosa
Pag-ibig Ko Sa Iyo'y Totoo 1997
Lihim ni Madonna 1997
Tapusin Natin Ang Paglaban 1997 General
Kung Marunong Kang Magdasal, Umpisahan Mo Na 1997 Amador
Kokey 1997
Kapag Nasukol Ang Asong Ulol 1997 Gaton
Enteng & Mokong: Kaming Mga Mababaw Ang Kaligayahan 1997 Frankie
Ang Pinakamahabang Baba Sa Balat ng Lupa 1997
Wow... Multo! 1997 James Buwang
Ang Pagbabalik ng Probinsiyano 1998
Squala 1998
Walang Katumbas na Dugo 1998
Leon ng Maynila, Lt. Col. Romeo Maganto 1999
Bayadra Brothers 1999
Isusumbong Kita Sa Tatay Ko 1999 Sarge
Kahit Demonyo Itutumba Ko 2000
Ang Dalubhasa 2000
Pera o Bayong (Not Da TV)! 2000 Don Juanito
Ayos na Ang Kasunod 2000 Frankie
Mahal Kita, Kahit Sino Ka Pa 2001
Mga Batang Lansangan Ngayon 2002 Fr. Norbert
Batas ng Lansangan 2002 Chairman Lucero
Sabayan sa Laban 2002
Pakners 2003

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Lasse Eriksson, Swedish comedian died he was , 61.

Lars Gunnar "Lasse" Eriksson was a Swedish comedian, actor and writer died he was , 61..


(1 April 1949 – 3 March 2011)

Eriksson was born in Piteå, Sweden. He took a bachelor of arts in economic history before he initiated a theatrical career in the 1970s, when he played at the Panic Theatre in Uppsala.[3] With a brass band in 1983, he did the show Vad varje kvinna bör veta om män (What every woman should know about men). In 1984 he became known to TV-audiences with his personal contemplations in Dagsedlar (Daily pages), which were brief five minutes episodes accompanied by the dog Hillman. In 1985–86 he was the presenter of Café Luleå and in 2002 he was the team commander in Snacka om nyheter (News talk). Eriksson was also part of the original 1999 panel of Parlamentet, where he teamed with Annika Lantz in the red party.[4]
It was mainly as a stand-up comedian that Eriksson rose to fame. He also composed and wrote several songs, amongst the most reknown is Stället, a stylish reflection on rural people's everyday thoughts. In 1992, Eriksson participated in the stand-up revue Spik at the Vasa Theatre, and worked with Iwa Boman on the shows Jägare och jungfrur, typ (Hunters and maidens, sort of) (1995) and Är du för eller emot EMU (Are you for or against EMU) (2000). For many years one could hear Eriksson at the radio program Telespånarna at Sveriges Radio P4 on Sunday mornings.
Eriksson died 3 March 2011 on stage during the show Fyra lyckliga män 2 (Four happy men 2) at the Regina Theatre in Uppsala.[5]

[edit] Bibliography

Lasse Eriksson was quite productive and released a number of own works, besides his cooperations on numerous anthologies:[6]
  • Kalla fakta om Piteå, in cooperation with Ronny Eriksson (1990)
  • Slipsen från vildmarken (1994)
  • Underbara tilldragelser i råttans år (1995)
  • I våra kvarter – Piteå på 60-talet (1996)
  • Fortsverige: Antologi kring en allt snabbare tid (1999)
  • Boken om Gerda (2001)
  • Jag har kokat tvåhundratusen potatisar – men kan inte erinra mig en enda av dessa (2003)
  • Boken om Sofi (2003)
  • Djur – inom och utom oss (2004)
  • Gode Gud, ge mig tålamod, men gör det fort (2005)
  • De norrbottniska satansverserna (2006)
  • I huvudet på en orolig komiker (2007)

[edit] Discography

Lasse Eriksson produced many of his albums and appeared on other artists' productions:[6]
  • Fyra lyckliga män
  • Palt fiction
  • Breda vägen
  • Vad varje kvinna bör veta om män
  • 100 svenska visor
  • Ståupp

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Goga Kapoor, Indian actor died he was , 70.

Ravinder Kapoor , popularly known as Goga Kapoor, was an Indian film actor, who appeared mostly in Bollywood films died he was , 70. He had played supporting roles of that of villain's henchmen or that of gangster. He is mostly remembered as Kamsa in the TV serial Mahabharat, Dinkar Rao in the film Agneepath and as the Don in the film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. His other notable works include films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and Run.

(15 December 1940 – 3 March 2011)

Acting career

Kapoor worked in many English plays during early days. He became a theatre actor but soon his acting skills were recognized and he was offered a small but crucial role in Jwala which was released in 1971. No later, he started receiving many regional film offers but finally he stopped working in regional films. After two years, he came back to bollywood with the film Ek Kunwari Ek Kunwara in which he again played a negative role. After this, he mainly portrayed villanous roles. He acted in successful epic serial Mahabharat. His last film was Darwaaza Bandh Rakho.

Death

Kapoor died following a prolonged illness on 3 March 2011 in Mumbai, aged 70. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.[1]

Partial filmography


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Irena Kwiatkowska, Polish actress died she was , 98.

Irena Kwiatkowska  was a popular Polish actress, known in Poland for her many cabaret roles and monologues, as well as appearances in (mostly comedy) movies and television shows died she was , 98..

(17 September 1912 – 3 March 2011)
 
Kwiatkowska graduated from the Państwowy Instytut Sztuki Teatralnej (National Theatrical Arts Institute) in 1935. Until the outbreak of the World War II, she appeared in the Teatr Powszechny in Warsaw, Teatr Nowy in Poznań, Teatr Polski in Katowice, and in Wilno. During the War, she fought in the Armia Krajowa and participated in the Warsaw Uprising.
Kwiatkowska's first appearance after the War was in the Siedem Kotów (Seven Cats) cabaret in Kraków, where the renowned Polish poet, Konstanty Ildefons Gałczyński, authored a number of roles for her. Gałczyński allegedly created the prominent character of Hermenegilda Kociubińska with Kwiatkowska in mind. In 1948 she came back to Warsaw, appearing in the Teatr Syrena and, now-legendary, Dudek and Szpak cabarets. She was also a prominent member of the cast in the famous televised Kabaret Starszych Panów.
Kwiatkowska's other famous television roles included the cult series, Wojna Domowa (1965–66) and Czterdziestolatek (1974–77). In the theater, she portrayed the memorable "Kobieta Pracująca" ("Working Woman"), a recurring character who performs various unusual or absurd jobs. She is best remembered with this role, and the character's name has become synonymous with Kwiatkowska. She reprised the role in the series sequel, Czterdziestolatek 20 lat później (1993). She also appeared in many theatrical movies, mostly in comedies and musicals, including memorable cameos in later years. Her résumé also includes frequent voice acting on the radio.
During her lifetime Kwiatkowska received numerous awards, including the Wielki Splendor Polish Radio Theatre Award (1993) and the Superwiktor (2002), a special lifetime achievement award for outstanding television personalities. Her 90th birthday celebration in 2002 was a major cultural event which attracted a varied array of artists on stage during a special televised show. Recently, she performed with the Teatr Polski in Warsaw, where she continued to appear in an interpretation of Gałczyński's Zielona Gęś.

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Al Morgan, American novelist and television producer (The Today Show), died after a long illness he was , 91.

Al Morgan was an American producer of The Today Show during the 1960s, was a novelist best known for his trenchant look at media personalities, The Great Man (Dutton, 1955), which reviewers compared to The Hucksters and Citizen Kane died after a long illness he was , 91..

(January 16, 1920 - March 3, 2011)

It was this novel which popularized the phrase "The Great Unwashed." As in Citizen Kane, a reporter sets out to gather information on a well-known deceased public figure. Some critics suggested the deceased character, national radio commentator Herb Fuller, was inspired by Arthur Godfrey.
Morgan and José Ferrer collaborated on the screenplay of The Great Man, and it was directed in 1956 by Ferrer who also portrayed the lead role. Time's review detailed the story twists:
The Great Man (Universal-International) is a corrosive, cynical comment on TV-Radio Row. It is directed with vigor and played with bounce, and though it is talky, the talk is amusingly semiliterate in the Madison Avenue manner. Adapted from the novel by Radioman Al Morgan, it focuses on the men who guide the stars of the TV-radio industry, holds them high to show how low they are, and growls: in this business, anything goes, even integrity—if it sells soap and toothpaste.
Whatever the merits of the argument, the pictorial demonstration is compelling. The Great Man pounces quickly on its subject matter and, from first image to last, never lets go. Aiming a screenful of bile at the industry in general, it releases its most acidulous contempt at a single personality, an "American idol." Is it a roman a clef? Says Author Morgan: "No one has sued me yet."
As the movie opens, the great man dies in an auto crash. A witheringly sardonic radio executive (Keenan Wynn) springs into action. The great man must be replaced. He picks Commentator Jose Ferrer, a promising gossipist on Manhattan night life who is at the halfway point to corruption, with ambition gnawing away at his remaining illusions. But before Ferrer can get the job, he must be okayed by the boss of the network (Dean Jagger). Ferrer makes his pitch at a meeting of the network's top brass, throwing them a soft sell, very sincere, about how he would conduct the full hour, coast-to-coast memorial show being planned for the dead man as "a portrait in sound of the common man magnified." As the camera plays on the alert faces of the brass, each attentive but ready to cut off the speaker's head at the first false note, it is plain that Ferrer's fate is riding on the words he is improvising. When he finishes, the boss breaks the silence with three words: "I'll buy it." That throws the entire network behind Ferrer. He sets off with his tape recorder to find out from those who knew the great man best what he was really like.
Loved by "150 million of the Great Unwashed" who knew him on the air, the great man was loathed by those who knew him in the flesh. His wife never gave him a divorce, but let him stray at the end of a long leash. Among other places, he strayed into the boudoir of one of his singers (Julie London). Making love to him, she says, "was my way of paying a premium on my job insurance." By the time the great man's portrait is filled in by his pressagent ("I was paid to work for him, not to like him"), and by a simple, slightly ridiculous man who gave him his start—winningly played by Ed Wynn ("He was not a nice person")—what emerges is "a glorified con man with his voice amplified." The dramatic question: Now that Commentator Ferrer knows what a monumental heel the great man was, will he turn the memorial show into a farce by doing a tearjerker or into a scandal by telling the truth? What he does is an improbable surprise, but well worth seeing. [3]
Bosley Crowther reviewing the film in The New York Times (January 2, 1957), described the film as:
... a smashingly brutal and generally absorbing expose of a piece of deception and hypocrisy within the radio industry... the New Year's first flash of cynicism... Maybe you have some recollection of Orson Welles' Citizen Kane. Well, this will remind you of it, especially as it begins. With a witheringly sharp-focus camera and a hard-boiled-reporter approach, cued by a personal narration that is laced with sophisticated slang, Mr. Ferrer, as a radio talker, takes out to "find the story behind" a phenomenally popular air artist, just killed in an accident. The information, gathered from "loved ones," associates and fans, is to be used to develop a mammoth, one-hour, nationwide memorial program. This, you can see, is very similar to the beginning of "Citizen Kane." And so are initial developments, as the reporter detects that the deceased was not a saint. From the dead man's press agent, business manager, employer and ex-girl friend, he discovers that this nationally worshiped "idol" of the airwaves was strictly a heel. This verbally imparted exposition leaves our man mildly amazed. But the thing that really disturbs him is the accumulating indication that his radio sponsors are cold-bloodedly determined to perpetuate the tawdry myth of the "great man." Knowing, as he does, the dark truth, they still mean to go ahead—and even fake a great deal—with a monstrously mawkish memorial program. [4]
When Morgan and Ferrer collaborated again two years later on the book for the musical comedy, Oh, Captain!, they were nominated for Broadway's 1958 Tony Award for Best Musical.
Morgan's other novels include One Star General (Rinehart & Company, 1959) and Anchor Woman (Stein & Day, 1974).

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Dickey Betts died he was 80

Early Career Forrest Richard Betts was also known as Dickey Betts Betts collaborated with  Duane Allman , introducing melodic twin guitar ha...