RIP, Movie Master
I wrote the basis of this in May, 2010. It has stood the test of time, with a few additions as I mourn the passing of an icon. Rest in peace, Ebert. You were a giant. ***** Decades ago, TBG and I took a film class taught by Roger Ebert. We sat on uncomfortable folding chairs in a charmless auditorium and watched in wonder as our study of the westerns of John Ford and Howard Hawks became an examination of the career of John Wayne. Even Ebert was amazed. But since he was a fabulous teacher, as the conversations and questions focused more and more on the star's commanding, somehow huge but still understated presence, he was able to go with the flow. It was like being in Baskin Robbins at the end of the night as the server gives you an extra scoop to finish off the barrel. A bonus post, if you will. Not only were we watching as bad guys galloped from right to left and good guys from left to right (watch an old oater an...