Monday, January 26, 2009

tcm alert: new episode of private screenings

We were very fortunate to receive an advance screening of the new episode of Private Screenings- the wonderful original Turner Classic Movies program where erstwhile host Robert Osborne sits down and chats with a film professional. This episode's interviewee is Ernest Borgnine.

After having served in WW II, Borgnine pursued acting - first on sets, then as an actor in ensemble works. The gruff looking, big guy started out playing a henchman or the heavy in several roles, it was his titular role in the television production of the Broadway hit, Marty, that propelled Borgnine to better things. In a few short years, Borgnine had won an Oscar for the big screen version of Marty and was on his way; sometimes still playing the heavy, but also starring in Westerns and action flicks - and even as the title role of that lovable Naval rascal in McHale's Navy on television. Today, even my kid's recognize Borgnine's voice, as in addition to regular work in other shows, he is the voice of Mermaid Man on Nick's Spongebob Squarepants!


This episode of Private Screenings is well worth your while, as are all of the episodes. As always Robert Osborne makes a knowledgeable and charming host, and Borgnine has some great stories and memories. You can read more about him here.
TCM's Private Screenings premieres tonight at 8pm eastern followed by several of Ernest Borgnine's films: Marty, The Last Command and From Here to Eternity. Be sure to not miss it.

Oh, I know it's a penny here and a penny there, but look at me. I worked myself up from nothing to a state of extreme poverty.

All my brothers and brothers-in-laws tell me what a good-hearted guy I am. You don't get to be good-hearted by accident. You get kicked around long enough, you become a professor of pain.

2 comments:

Ned Merrill said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ned Merrill said...

This was a great Private Screenings episode. Borgnine is a joy to listen to. Wonderful that he is still going at 92.

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