The elder generation of celebrities are dropping off like flies. Today we lost another great actor, Senor Ricardo Montalban. I grew up with this man. From Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island, to Armando in Escape from the Planet of the Apes, and most especially, Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek The Wrath of Khan. What can I say? He didn’t belong to the younger generation. My fiancee’s children won’t know who he is and they won’t miss him the way I will. They won’t know what you mean when you say, “Fine Corinthian leather“. They won’t want to immediately watch Wrath of Khan or think back lovingly to all the countless hours watching Fantasy Island and wondering which semi-celebrity would be on this week? I used to watch that show and think, Dang, Mr. Roake is one suave dude. And he was. He was one suave dude.
The thing about yesterday’s movie stars is that…well, they really don’t make them like they used to. I mean, let’s talk about your Judy Garlands and your Gene Kellys. Maybe I’m old, but today’s celebrities all kind of look alike, dress alike, none of them can act, and none of them are making anything important. In 70 years has anything come close to topping The Wizard of Oz? I was watching a documentary about MGM Studios today and it occurred to me, the grand era of movies is really gone. What are they making today? Remakes upon remakes. Nothing new. They take an old story, dress it up with today’s hottest star, and repackage it. I say, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? Of course, this makes me sound like your typical “get off my lawn” old person, but it’s true. Why remake the classics? Why can’t the younger generation enjoy the old stuff? It’s about money, isn’t it? Yes, I know. Granted, Poseidon was pretty good, but it’ll never compare to The Poseidon Adventure. Then again, anything with Kurt Russell is A+ in my book. Occasionally, an independent film will come along and rock my world; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and anything from Wes Anderson, but on the whole, movies hardly carry the same impact. Do they?
Recently, my fiancee’s twin boy had a brief aversion to black and white television. He actually said he wouldn’t watch a movie if it was in black and white. He changed his tune after a full day of Twilight Zone episodes. He was spouting, “It’s a cook book!” for several days after. He quickly realized that color doesn’t necessarily make things better. Good for him. I knew he’d come around. He even applauded after It’s a Wonderful Life. He came around because classic films are a part of history that kids today aren’t easily granted access to. There are good stories there, plenty of action, damn fine acting, and cinematography to beat all cinematography. It’s good. Damn good. Kids are so berated with high-octane, edge of your seat, CGI remakes, old films hardly stand a chance. Thank goodness for Turner Classic Movies. When given the chance, kids will appreciate the old films.
When fine actors like Ricardo Montalban pass away, I can’t help but think the list is growing shorter and shorter. Because it is. Soon they’ll all be gone. Like the last remaining survivor of the Titanic. Gone. Not forgotten, but the stories they told, the lives they lead…now all a part of history and life goes on. The good news is, whenever I want to see Ricardo, there he is, for all eternity making Captain Kirk’s life a living hell, spouting Shakespeare, and dying a fine death with all kinds of awesome explosions. Revenge is a dish best served cold. It is very cold…in space. Yes Ricardo, it certainly is. And it always will be.
So long old friend. You were awesome.
