Mel Brooks Tribute

If anyone in showbiz today deserves a tribute, it’s Mel Brooks. That’s why I’m delighted to hear about plans by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences to honor this comic legend. On July 24, Brooks will be feted in “a hilarious and delightful evening with film clips and personal stories from Mel’s artistic collaborators and friends.” The Academy promises to present many of Brooks’ outrageous moments on film during this special program. How I wish I could be there!

As an avid Mel Brooks fan, I would love to thank him for all the pleasure he’s given me through his movies, especially Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles, High Anxiety, To Be or Not To Be, and The Producers (both the original and the musical re-make).

I am in awe of Brooks’ talent as a comedian, writer, producer, director and composer. He’s received three Oscar® nominations -– for the adapted screenplay of Young Frankenstein, for the Blazing Saddles lyrics, for The Producers (1968) screenplay -– and won the golden statuette for the latter. He also earned an Oscar® for The Critic, a very funny short film in which he did the hilarious narration.

My favorite Mel Brooks movie scene? There are so many, it’s hard to choose. But the one I love the most is his Frank Sinatra-like singing of “High Anxiety” in the film of the same name, which is a brilliant send-up of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo.

Congratulations to a showbiz legend!

Gigi Iam Radio Show

Thanks to the wonderful Gigi Iam for interviewing me on her internet radio show last night and for calling me a Cinema Diva!

During the first part of the program, we talked about our sadness over the passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. The last 30 minutes of the show was devoted to a lively discussion of movies as well as my books, celebrity interviews and radio show.

Here's a link to the archived segment:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gigiiam/2009/06/26/Betty-Jo-Tucker-Author-Cinema-Diva-Interviews-with-Gigi-Iam

Wowed by Josh Groban Again

When my husband and I first saw Josh Groban in TV's Ally McBeal, we could hardly believe our ears. We were stunned by his terrific voice! So, of course, we watched for his other appearances and bought his albums.

Still, we were surprised by the power of Groban's vocals and acting ability in the recent PBS presentation of Chess -- in Concert. He has grown into a performer of great depth and sensitivity. And his voice just gets better and better.

Like Oliver Twist, we want "More, please."

New OFCS Blog

As a member of the Online Film Critics Society (OFCS), I’m pleased to see our new Blog up now.

Movie fans should visit frequently for links to reviews of new theatrical releases, news about members, interesting articles concerning film criticism – and more.

The OFCS is the largest, most respected organization for critics whose work appears primarily on the Internet. Find out more by going to http://ofcsnews.blogspot.com/.

Saluting Independent Films

“Movie Addict Headquarters” will salute independent films during the month of June. Each Tuesday at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on BlogTalkRadio, guests will be interviewed about their indie films or books concerning this important art form. Below is the exciting schedule for Independent Film Month.

Tuesday, June 2 – Co-writers/co-stars Nicole Stuart and Jack Sundmacher visit MAHQ to give listeners a preview of CAPTAIN, their dark comedy gem about inspiration and writer’s block.

Tuesday, June 9 – Author and film critic Phil Hall drops by to discuss his new book, The History of Independent Cinema, and director Tom Seymour tells listeners about London Betty, his amusing indie crime romp.

Tuesday, June 16 – The astonishing Tanna Frederick talks about starring in Henry Jaglom’s Irene in Time, an independent film emphasizing the impact fathers have on the lives of their grown-up daughters.

Tuesday, June 23 – Director/writer Andrew Lawton reveals why he created Wake, an emotionally powerful short film that’s more touching than most full-length, big budget mainstream movies.

Tuesday, June 30 – Filmmaker Misha Zubarev talks about 18 and Out, an independent movie with a strong social message.

During the live shows, listeners are invited to call in or to participate in a chat. An archived segment will also be available.

CALL-IN NUMBER: 646-478-5668
HOST: Betty Jo Tucker
CO-HOST: Jazz Shaw
PRODUCER: Nikki Starr
LINK: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters

Johnny Depp Named Screen Legend

Johnny Depp, along with eleven other terrific actors, was inducted into the MAHQ Screen Legends Hall of Fame during yesterday's "Movie Addict Headquarters" radio show.

That's good news for Depp fans like me! We admire the way he takes the most bizarre roles and always makes them appealing to audiences. Long before Hugh Jackman sported Wolverine's deadly claws, Depp's Edward Scissorhands captivated viewers. And he didn't stop there. Whether playing a very squeamish Ichabod Crane, a Don Juan wannabe, a reclusive author, a roguishly eccentric pirate, or a demon barber, Depp never missed a step. In Pirates of the Caribbean, he proved how an actor's awesome talent can make even incredible special effects and funny action sequences pale in comparison.

Yes indeed. Legendary is the word for this extraordinary actor.

To find out about the other honorees, click on the link below:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2009/05/12/Legendary-Film-Actors

Managing Mom

Imagine my surprise when Cloris Leachman’s son, George England Jr., also got on the phone during my recent interview with his mom on "Movie Addict Headquarters.” George has been his mother’s manager for over a year now, and they make a great team. “Like mother, like son,” I thought as George teased us about not being able to get a word in edgewise. “I’m going on another talk show where they will let me talk,” he joked.

Getting serious, George mentioned how much he enjoyed working with his talented, unpredictable mom. And Cloris returned the compliment as she slurped and crunched her way through a bowl of soup -- making all the appropriate sound effects, of course.

To hear the archived segment of this fun BlogTalkRadio show, just click on the link below.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/movieaddictheadquarters/2009/04/28/Cloris-Leachman-The-One-Only .