Wright Chat

I'm not big on "Best Ten ..." lists. Usually, if asked about the 10 greatest entertainers, past or present, I just say, "All ten votes go to Ethel Waters," and have done with it. But recently I have been reminded of 2 great actors whom I haven't seen for a long time. One is little-known, because of a short life: Frank Lovejoy (1912-1962). His best known movie was "I Was a Communist for the F. B. I." (1951) which was transferred to TV as "I Led Three Lives." It is airing on TV soon. He was a great actor who deserved more than his usual second lead.

But I write today to encourage all who watch PBS to check your schedule for a 2019 ninety-minute TV film, "Elizabeth Is Missing," starring Glenda Jackson, after a 27-year break. It's about the progression of dementia. Sounds like a downer, doesn't it? It isn't. It is, to any actor with a hint of acting knowledge, a seminar in the art of Melpomene. Perfection by one of the greatest of all time.

The first film is running (as "I was a . . .) this week on Movies!, a VHF broadcast channel. Saw a minute or two during lunch today; I'll look for it again. The second I saw most of, the other night. Afterward they ran a docu quoting the younger actors, who said what a pleasure it was working with the old pro. "The years haven't half aged her !" is what one would expect a wise-cracking Brit to say; wizened doesn't do her face justice. Too many cigarettes ? But what a good story . . .

S

I saw Elizabeth is Missing and I agree with Roderick 100%.
BTW, Glenda was a MP from 1992-2015!

In case anyone's forgotten:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glenda_Jackson

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/dame ... -8wd2brbld

S