McDowall Memorial Scheduled

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - A memorial gathering for Roddy McDowall, who died earlier this month, will be held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on Nov. 7. The hour-long program will begin at 10 a.m in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and is open primarily to people who knew him or worked with him, said academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger. Robert Rehme, the academy's president, said his office had received numerous requests from McDowall's industry friends to host a memorial. Rehme said it is unusual for the academy to host such an event but that in this instance it was appropriate: At the time of his Oct. 3 death, McDowall was a board member of the academy -- representing the actors' branch -- and president of the Academy Foundation.

         If we're going to meet at the Library, shouldn't we introduce ourselves so we'll know us when we get there? Seriously,since there seems to be a few of us that keep showing up----and I'm new, so maybe you've already done this at some point-----shall we introduce ourselves? My bright idea, so I'll start. My name is Tammy.I'm 36,and except for a few months when I was lucky enough to live in England I have always lived in Ohio. I've been married since 1989 to Ken,(who is English,but I met him here.)We have a daughter,Emma, who is 7,and a son,Gareth(nicknamed "Fuzzy".),who is 3.I'm a stay at home mom,(It steams me when people say, "You don't work?" I say, "I have 2 kids---yeah! I work!") As I have said before,I first saw Roddy in "Bullwhip Griffin" when I was 7,and have been a Roddy fan ever since. There. Who's next?
         Since it's going to keep being brought up,(and I knew it would when he died.),let's say this; would any of us really be surprised to have it confirmed that Roddy was gay? Would any of us care? I'm sure most of us came to the realization at some point that there was almost a certainty that he was. Especially those of us who look at the index of the Elizabeth biographies and read all the pages with Roddy on them.(You know who you are! Yes, I have done it too!) But that was his business,and if he was he preferred to keep it quiet. He was of the older generation and the Old Hollywood system where that kind of thing was not discussed.He was also very private anyway. I'm sure now all the rags at the checkout counters will contain stories about it, but I'd like to think that all the friends whose secrets he so loyally kept all these years will keep their mouths shut. I think they will.
         Is anybody interested in trading videos? I'd like to get some of those Monogram movies and 1970's tv appearances,(There's a lot of sentimentality in my wanting those.The '70's were my adolescent years,and some of Roddy's most drool-worthy moments.),like the Carol Burnett show,and made for tv movies.(The Elevator, Terror in the Sky,etc.)Anyone interested let me know and I'll let you know what I've got. My email is kwsedam@aol.com

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Subject: Re: Planet of the Apes

Have you all checked out the nice tributes on the Apes sites? Have a look at the spooky picture on the Spleenworld Planet of the Apes page. It's a great picture; colour,very clear. But that's just it. It's a little too clear. It looks as if he's looking right at you, and I swear the eyes follow you around the room. Too eerie!
Tam

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Subject: Re: Obituary

Yes, there is a difference between American and British VCRs. They are totally different systems,(The British is called PAL and the American one is NTSC.),although there are such things as multisytem VCRs.The only place I have seen them is Canada and they are VERY expensive. If you try to play a British video on an American VCR You get a snowy, wiggly,black and white,triple picture, and sound that plays way too fast. I've tried it.
Tam

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Subject: Re: Newsgroup movement to secure Lifetime award for RM

That's a thought. We could all send our spare stuff to one person and they could forward it to Diane.So that the 'one person' doesn't end up with a dozen of the same thing we could let them know what we have before we send it and ask if they already have it. (Somehow I feel I'm letting myself in for something...)
Tam

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Subject: Re: Newsgroup movement to secure Lifetime award for RM

A Lifetime Achievement Award that's ,sadly, long overdue. The academy should at least give him that. After giving so much of his support to the film industry, recognition of his talent would be a wonderful way of remembering him. Is there anything we can do? Also, does anyone think that a gift of a donation to his favorite charity in Roddy's honor would be a good idea? Perhaps to the nursing home where his sister Virginia lives. I'm sorry, I don't remember the name of it, but I know it's connected with the acting industry . Help, does anyone know ? I thought it would be nice to let her know how much we all loved and admired him What do you think?
Thanks, Janet

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Subject: gather

BTW, my point in writing about the responses I got from Roddy was that it showed what a thoughtful and 'real' person he was. I expected to *maybe* receive a mass produced autographed picture - within 6 months time - if lucky. To receive personal responses in just days, floored me. It proved he truly was a sincere man. Tell me, what other person in *Hollywood* would give their time like that and be so personal toward fan letters?

As for scanning them for you Paul, I have a non-functioning scanner at the moment (and I'm an idiot with computers). Could wait til it's fixed, or......

I would certainly be willing to bring them to a 'gathering' if there really is going to be one organised?

I liked whoever's idea it was of meeting eachother and bringing the wonderful 'stuff' we received from Roddy over the years. I would certainly be interested in meeting people who admire him as much as I do. And it would be very thrilling to see all the stuff each of us has collected. Sounds like lots of us have received cards, letters, autographs, and collected Roddy scrap-books that we could share.

Being new to the list - where does everyone live? Assume we're all over the place. Where would we gather?

Also, just read about someone in Australia doing genetic research, saying he's expecting the life-span to reach 120 years. So maybe we *can* make it....... Hee hee. ;)

bye,
Frankie

> > I wrote to him a couple of times in the 80's and he wrote back
> > friendly, warm, personal letters - immediately. The first time I
> > wrote to him I enclosed drawings I had done of him from scenes of his
> > movies. He took the time to write cute little comments on each of
> > them, autographed them, and sent them back to me. (I was hoping he'd
> > keep the drawings, but I ended up more tickled to get all the little
> > notes scribbled on them!)
>          Still got them? Got a scanner? I'd LOVE to see them!!!
>
>          BTW, Welcome to the group Frankie!
>
> Paul Worley

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Subject: No Time for Sergeants

While I think this movie is hilarious, can any of our film experts tell me WHY Roddy wasn't cast in the movie? Andy Griffith & Myron McCormick were from the stage production were cast, so why wasn't Roddy? I always thought the guy who played Ben in the movie was the weak spot (& that was even BEFORE I knew that Roddy played Ben on stage).

The A&E tribute was lovely. Has anyone seen the montage from TCM? I was waiting for "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" to start & they ran a tribute to him. It's about 1-2 minutes in length & shows many of his clips. It ends with a clip of him in one of his later movies saying, "Well, that's that then " (anyone know what movie that is?), then ends with a still of him as a child with "Roddy McDowall, 1928-1998." Just lovely. Hopefully, they'll run it in between his movies on TCM.

- Maureen

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Subject: Re:Liftetime Achievement Award...

I agree with Janet that it would be a nice idea to make some sort of memorial contribution in Roddy's name. I had also been considering the Motion Picture and Television Fund's retirement home, since he had a very personal connection with it and Virginia McDowall lives there. I don't think that Roddy would have objected to this, since it will first and foremost help others. Does anyone know of an address to which we could direct such contributions?

BTW, Janet, I'm in Northern PA.

Cheryl

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Subject: Re: Obituary

> Yes, there is a difference between American and British VCRs. They
> are totally different systems,(The British is called PAL and the
> American one is NTSC.),although there are such things as
> multisytem > VCRs.The only place I have seen them is Canada and
> they are VERY expensive. If you try to play a British video on an
> American VCR You get a snowy, wiggly,black and white,triple
> picture, and sound that plays way too fast. I've tried it.
> Tam
>

Actually, I've never seen them for sale here, but I know they're quite widely available everywhere outside North America.

Lynne Ackerman
Toronto

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Subject: intros all around

Well, I may be just a brain in a jar by the time 2100 rolls around, Tammy, but right now, I'm a 22 year old, 4th year English student (at the U of Lethbridge, anybody heard of it? Anybody? Yeah, well, it's still a great school..) I've lived all my life in Southern Alberta (Canadian, eh!), and I work in a video store. I think the first thing I really remember seeing Roddy in is Fright Night, when I was a teen, and strangely, I was watching him more intently on the screen than his teenage costars (although I still get a kick out of Evil, "you're so coooool Brewster!") I think what attracted me most to Roddy was his eyes. I am a semi-artist and I love large, expressive eyes (Al Pacino's are awesome too!), and Roddy's were the best. After watching him struggle through the Poseidon adventure, I was hooked. So now you know who is sending this loooonnnnng E-mail, and I'll shutup now. And yes, Sue, I'm set. I called that number and sent off my order. Any one else interested might want to know that A&E sold out of his bio really quickly, and it's on back order. (a whole 4-6 weeks. Eek.) O.K., now I'll shut up.(:)
Kari

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Subject: Re: 138 year olds attack Boston University!

Welcome Tammy and all of the new members!

I'm Pamela, since there was already another Pam on the list when I joined. I have lived in Phoenix for 1 year now. I grew up around the Pittsburgh area and went to college and graduate school at the University of Pittsburgh. I am (still!) in the process of looking for permanent work. I live with my fiancée and our two little dogs, Niles and Frazier.

I can't really pinpoint my first RM movie or TV appearance. Might have been IT, Night Gallery, Legend of Hell House or his numerous TV appearances. I already knew who he was when I saw POTA for the first time in the seventies (I was born in '71). Even under the extensive apes makeup, I knew his eyes and voice. I absolutely loved him in Tales of the Gold Monkey. I, too, was convinced I'd grow up to marry him when I was a little girl. I wish that I had the opportunity to have seen him perform live or met him.

As to Tammy's comments--I agree whole heartedly. His sexual preferences in no way affects my admiration of him as a person and an actor. I am a private person too, so I understand his position. My natural curiosity makes me want to know more about his private life, I guess I have to wait 100 years or by a Liz Taylor biography! I was wondering who was this Dennis Osborne who cared for Roddy in his last days and who was quoted in all the articles re: RM's death? I've pretty much figured it out by now. My heart goes out to him. As broken up as I am about his death (& I never met the man), I can't even imagine the grief of those who were closest to him. I wonder if Roddy was angry at Army Archerd for breaking his illness in the Daily Variety?

Pamela

-----Original Message-----
Date: Sunday, October 11, 1998 10:06 PM
Subject: Re: 138 year olds attack Boston University!

Tammy wrote:
         "Since it's going to keep being brought up,(and I knew it would when he died.),let's say this; would any of us really be surprised to have it confirmed that Roddy was gay? Would any of us care? I'm sure most of us came to the realization at some point that there was almost a certainty that he was. Especially those of us who look at the index of the Elizabeth biographies and read all the pages with Roddy on them.(You know who you are! Yes, I have done it too!) But that was his business,and if he was he preferred to keep it quiet. He was of the older generation and the Old Hollywood system where that kind of thing was not discussed.He was also very private anyway. I'm sure now all the rags at the checkout counters will contain stories about it, but I'd like to think that all the friends whose secrets he so loyally kept all these years will keep their mouths shut. I think they will. "

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Subject: puzzled

O.K., the black and white is from Lord Love a Duck, I have no idea where the other one came from, and the one of him with grey hair and a sweater I suspect is from Dead of Winter, but I'm not sure.
Kari

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Subject: Photos of Roddy

I would be very grateful for any photos , or copies , of Roddy that anyone would be willing to share with me. I would be happy to pay for the expense of making the copies. You see, when I got married 3 years ago, I left my collection in "storage" at my mother's house. Well, one day mom decided to clean out the attic and you can probably guess the rest of the story. I am pictureless! Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am new to the list and see that there is aniother Janet listed also, So to keep confusion to a minimum, I'm Janet C. Thanks so much!
P,S. A get- together of RM fans would be great. I'm from Pennsylvania.

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Subject: Keeper of the Secrets

Roddy McDowall, who was known in Hollywood as the "Keeper of the Secrets," made sure none of his famous friends would get hurt by his private papers. Before his death on Oct. 3, the actor stipulated that his diaries and correspondence should be sent to Boston University and marked "Not to be opened until 2100 A.D." All his pals will have joined him by then . . .

Links to the Past
By Leonard Maltin

--Mel

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Subject: McDowall memorial Nov. 7

McDowall memorial Nov. 7
3:33 p.m. ET (1933 GMT) October 11, 1998

By Nick Madigan

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - A memorial gathering for Roddy McDowall, who died Oct. 3, will be held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on Nov. 7.

The hour-long program will begin at 10 a.m in the Samuel Goldwyn Theater and is open primarily to people who knew him or worked with him, said Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger.

Robert Rehme, the Academy's president, said his office had received numerous requests from McDowall's industry friends to host a memorial. Rehme said it is unusual for the Academy to host such an event but that in this instance it was appropriate: At the time of his passing, McDowall was a board member of the Academy - representing the actors' branch - and president of the Academy Foundation.

"There has been an extraordinary outpouring of grief from Roddy's friends around the world, and it is clear that all of us who knew him would appreciate some formal way to say goodbye," Rehme said. "We want this to be an opportunity for those who knew Roddy personally to share memories and bid their final farewells."

Reservations aren't necessary, Unger said.

McDowall's output not forgotten
BY RON MILLER
Mercury News Television Editor

--Mel

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Subject: Welcome, Lorraine!

Let's all give a warm welcome to our newest member, Lorraine of Benecia, California.

--Mel

------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
From: Zira918@aol.com
Date sent: Sun, 11 Oct 1998 23:18:27 EDT
To: isantos@mail.win.org
Subject: Zira918

Hi.
         I just discovered today that you have an unofficial fan club for Roddy. Well, I have loved Roddy since I was eight years old and that was three decades ago!
         I was unaware of this website and just learned about it this week. I would like to be a part of your group. I hate the fact that I learned only this week about you since my poor family has had to hear about him for a lifetime!
         The biggest thrill of my life was receiving an unauthorized biography of Roddy when I was a teen. The Innovative Artist sent it to me. I still have that book in my possession today. I have kept it all these years.
         I was telling Sally how I had searched his website to get some information for a letter I was writing to him when I found out that he had passed on. My timing could not have been worse.
         Needless to say I was quite devastated. I'm afraid people don't understand my sheading of tears for a person I've never met. But Roddy was a very big part of my childhood.
         I would like very much to be apart of your group. I realize that he has gone to be with the Lord but part of me will never let go. I did not know about your group until Sally informed me of it. If I had only known earlier I would have been part of your group a long time ago. Unfortunately I'm the generation just learning about computers ... from my children!
         Please E-Me at (Zira918@aol.com) I would like more information about your group.
         Thanx, Zira918

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Subject: Re: 138 year olds attack Boston University

Well, Tam, since I'll be the other 138 year old pounding on the door of the library, let me tell you a little about myself. I am also 36. I've always lived in Pennsylvania - but I've lived all over the state. I've been married to David since 1986 and we have a 9 month old son. I'm a librarian by training, and have spent the last several years abstracting. It's tedious work, so I jumped at the chance to stay home with the baby for awhile. Eventually, I hope to go back to school part-time.

I really envy your chance to live in England. I love it there but have only visited as a tourist.

I really became a fan during the days of the POTA TV show. I was totally enchanted by that voice. Roddy was my first major crush. You made some good points concerning all the speculation over Roddy's private life. Personally, I don't care. I figure that if he had wanted us to know the intimate details of his life, he would have told us. What makes me mad is that it will probably be written up in the tabloids by people who really don't know anymore than we do.

I really don't seem to have much in the way of Roddy memoribilia. I guess that I'm just not much of a collector. I would be willing to help coordinate the mailing of clippings, magazines, etc. to our English friend.

Cheryl

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Subject: Re: gather

> As for scanning them for you Paul, I have a non-functioning
> scanner at the moment (and I'm an idiot with computers). Could
> wait til it's fixed, or I would certainly be willing to bring them
> to a 'gathering' if there really is going to be one organised?
         I'll wait for the scanner to get fixed. I doubt there'll be a get together soon. We all talked about a gathering last year, but with everyone being from everywhere, it'd be almost impossible. Still, I'm voting for Cleveland or Pittsburgh...i'm about equal distance to both. :)

> Being new to the list - where does everyone live? Assume we're
> all over the place. Where would we gather?
        I'm right on the Ohio/Pa border, right by I80. (Got your atlas handy? ) Where are you from?

Paul Worley

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Subject: Re: Tribute from Leonard Maltin

What a wonderful tribute to Roddy. What a treasure it must have been to have him for a friend. I really feel the loss personally, even though I never met him. I have loved him for over 30 years now. Sleep in peace Roddy.
Nancy M

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Subject: Re: Gift Donation

It's a great idea to send a donation to the Motion Picture and T.V. Fund's Actors Home.
Getting an address should be easy enough.

Paige-Marie

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Subject: Re: No Time for Sergeants

I might be wrong, but I had heard somewhere that Roddy didn't want to be in the movie because he wanted to avoid being typecast (???) If I'm wrong, set me straight, folks.
I think he should have done it though!
Nancy M

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Subject: Welcome, Ann!

Forwarded by R.L. Smith-Graham <roc@smithway.org>
---------------- Original message follows ----------------
From: "Cherny" <rozmaryn@salisbury.net>
To: <roc@smithway.org>
Date: Mon, 12 Oct 1998 16:06:21 -0400
Subject: Join RMGROUP mailing list
--

Just another Roddy McDowell fan, and just would see if there are very many more fans out there. Was thrilled when I found this site, and thanks for all your work. Hope to hear from anyone.

My name is Ann by e-mail address is the following:
rozmaryn@salisbury.net

Thanks again, and will be checking.

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Subject: Welcome, Frank!

Forwarded by R.L. Smith-Graham <roc@smithway.org>
---------------- Original message follows ----------------
From: WZJB75A@prodigy.com (MR FRANK E LOOMIS)
To: roc@smithway.org
Date: Sat, 10 Oct 1998 11:24:21, -0500
Subject: join the mailing list
--

Thanks for a great site!! Been a fan of RM since the Apes films. Love Master Roddy best. Lassie and How Green was My Valley are great. They don't make them like that anymore Would like talk to other who feel the same. He Will Be missed!

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Subject: Welcome, Phillip & Rasin-L

Warm welcome to Phillip Sisson and to Rasin-L!

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Subject: Welcome anew, Janell

Just wanted to let you know, that in my haste and, of course, grief, I failed to put down my actual name when I signed. I am Janell Billy and I am very pleased to have found your website. I only wished that I had found it sooner. How ironic that I started thinking of Roddy again just around the time of his death. Hope that all of you keep on carrying the torch!
Take care, Janell

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Subject: PAL/multi-system VCR

I've purchased a multi-system VCR from: www.wholesaleproducts.com/ The company is here in the States.

It will play (convert) PAL tapes to your American TV. It costs around $600. I love mine - can view British and Australian films which I order through their shops, such as The Video Shop: www.videoshop.co.uk/ The VCR I purchased is the Aiwa MX-1. He only had a couple left when I got mine, but it may be something he restocks regularly.

Bye, Frankie

> > Yes, there is a difference between American and British VCRs. They
> > are totally different systems,(The British is called PAL and the
> > American one is NTSC.),although there are such things as
> > multisytem VCRs.The only place I have seen them is Canada and
> > they are VERY expensive. If you try to play a British video on an
> > American VCR You get a snowy, wiggly,black and white,triple
> > picture, and sound that plays way too fast. I've tried it.
> > Tam
>
> Actually, I've never seen them for sale here, but I know they're
> quite widely available everywhere outside North America.
>
> Lynne Ackerman

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Subject: Re: Welcome anew, Janell

Hey Janell,
         It's amazing how a tragic event can bring people together. I had no idea that there were so many others that felt as strongly as I did about Roddy. The *torch* has been lit for 32 years for me. It's here to stay. Glad to have you as one of us. Welcome! I'm new to the group as well but definitely here to stay.
Lorraine (Zira918)

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Subject: Re: No Time for Sergeants

Nancy,

Roddy was so extraordinarily good at his roles as the sweet child. It was easy for him to be typecast in the same role. However Roddy, being the true artist that he was, wanted to branch off and take on other challenges to show his versatility. He had to lose his British accent for that one and I believe it amazed Hollywood of his skill. I'm really glad he went on to do the movie because it was the catapult to his career. Audiences everywhere wanted more of him!
Lorraine

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Subject: Re: gather

I am in Maryland, so Ohio or Penn. would work for me, but I think I would be willing to travel further for a RM gathering.

Joni

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Subject: (no subject)

Has everyone seen The Grass Harp? He played a very small part in it but he was absolutely adorable. His versatility was remarkable. The movie itself was true poetry.

I'd love to share Roddy's unauthorized biography. It's says unauthorized on the front cover. A question was raised of its being unauthorized because it was sent to me by Innovative Artists. I'm not sure as to why they were not given authorization except for maybe perhaps Roddy didn't liked to photographed. There's alot of pictures in it. Roddy was always good about lifting someone else up but he appeared to be too humble to exalt himself. His privacy was always sacred to him. There are certain areas of his life that should never be explored or examined. I don't believe that there is anything in this biography that would be disrespectful to our late friend. Iill try to find scanner access and get the item to either Roc or Mel. At the worse case senerio I can mail either of you a copy of it.

Thanks again for the T.V. update on Lord Love A Duck. I love this movie!

Lorraine (Zira918)

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Subject: Re: Welcome, Lorraine!

Here we go again! Can everyone add? Can you say 38 years old? What is it about our age group that drew us to him? That makes about 4 or 5 of us between 36 and 40. Has anyone else noticed we also seem to thrive in the Ohio/Pennsylvania area? Was this some strange genetic experiment?(Kind of a Boys From Brazil thing?) It does mean that those of us in the Ohio/Penn. area would have an easier time having a get together.
Tam

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Subject: Re: Obituary

I'm pretty sure it was Quebec we saw them in.I've never seen them in any other part of Canada either.
Tam

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Subject: Re: Welcome, Lorraine!

Oh, by the way Lorraine,we all understand your tears. There have been quite a few shed around here since the 3rd. If you had been here earlier you would have heard several stories strangely similiar to your own,(which is what I was talking about in my previous message): I was 7,someone else was 8,or 10, or 11,or 13.Those eyes seemed to have a profound affect on us all.
Tam

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Subject: Re[2]: No Time for Sergeants

Well, ok, if it was his decision. I thought it might be another of those "we know better in Hollywood than does Broadway". (Sort of like not casting Michael Crawford in the movie version of "Phantom." Booooo! Hissssss!)

- Maureen

______________________ Reply Separator _______________________
I might be wrong, but I had heard somewhere that Roddy didn't want to be in the movie because he wanted to avoid being typecast (???) If I'm wrong, set me straight, folks. I think he should have done it though!
Nancy M

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Subject: Re: Welcome anew, Janell

Hello all the new people! Yes, there's lots of us out there, apparently. I also found it kind of strange that Roddy's ape movies had their anniversary and his popularity suddenly soared before he died. Maybe it was planned?!! He and others might have known that he wouldn't be with us much longer. It's nice that he went out with a bang, though! I'm sort of dreading the POTA remake, though. How can there be an Ape movie without Roddy? I never did like the Return to the Planet of the Apes, 'cause there was no Cornelius! What's the point? Charleton's pecs? I think not.
Kari

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Subject: Re: 138 year olds attack Boston University!

I agree. RM's sexual pref. was pretty well known in Hollywood circles for years. It never made a difference to me. RM was truly a class act. He was loved and respected by many, yesterday, today and always. I only wish I'd gotten up the nerve to write him and now it's too late. I fell for him years ago. He was (and is) the center of many of my dreams. It's really strange to think of him in a past tense. It's going to take a lot of getting used to. I've been playing my copy of Poseidon Adventure over and over again. Up to the fall in the ventilation shaft. Somebody tell me I'm not crazy, but I am just not taking this well at all. I guess time will have to heal.
Nancy M

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Subject: Re: Welcome, Lorraine!

Hello Lorraine, welcome. I used to live in Antioch, Ca. but last year I moved to the East coast to (of all things) get married.

Joni

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Subject: Re: McDowall's output not forgotten (TCM tribute)

I keep reading this---that the studio people,etc.,thought little Roddy was so strange looking.I can't figure this out. They were complaining he wasn't Freddie Barthlomewish (?!) enough. He was perfectly beautiful,more so than Freddie. What was up with these guys? And they thought he was "wall eyed"? I don't get it...
Tam

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Subject: Re: McDowall memorial Nov. 7

Is anyone planning on attending this? I know that I'm not a person who worked with him or knew him personally, but I feel like I need to go.

Otherwise, are there any plans for the group to get together to meet sometime? I live in Washington state, but am willing to travel.

Brenda T.

> HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - A memorial gathering for Roddy McDowall, who
> died Oct. 3, will be held at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts &
> Sciences on Nov. 7.
>
> The hour-long program will begin at 10 a.m in the Samuel Goldwyn
> Theater and is open primarily to people who knew him or worked with
> him, said Academy spokeswoman Leslie Unger.

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Subject: Re: Re:Liftetime Achievement Award...

Thanks Cheryl and Paige-Marie. The Motion Picture Television and Funds Actors Home was the name I was looking for. I'm looking for address and phone # for it now, and will let you know as soon as I find out. Cheryl, I'm from south western Pa. not far from Pittsburgh. Thanks again!
Janet C

------------- Original Message ---------------
I agree with Janet that it would be a nice idea to make some sort of memorial contribution in Roddy's name. I had also been considering the Motion Picture and Television Fund's retirement home, since he had a very personal connection with it and Virginia McDowall lives there. I don't think that Roddy would have objected to this, since it will first and foremost help others. Does anyone know of an address to which we could direct such contributions?

BTW, Janet, I'm in Northern PA.

Cheryl

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Subject: Where to Send Donations

ELIZABETH TAYLOR is still mourning the death of her lifelong friend Roddy McDowall. (The photograph of a very young Elizabeth and Roddy running along the beach, which appeared in several newspapers and magazines, just about broke my heart. They were so beautiful and carefree.) But she wants his last wish carried out. So for those who want to honor his memory, make a donation to

The Motion Picture & Television Fund Foundation
22212 Ventura Blvd., Suite 300
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

As for her own feelings, Elizabeth told me, "It's too soon for me to go into the details of my relationship with Roddy, except to say that we loved each other with all our hearts. I'm trying to adjust to life without him, and it's very hard."

by Liz Smith 1998, Newsday Inc.
Distributed by Los Angeles Times Syndicate

I enjoyed the Planet of the Apes TV series when I was a kid, but didn't become an official fan of Roddy McDowall until I saw that he was on Fantasy Island playing the Devil, of all things. After several years of trying to contact him through the mail, I finally succeeded after his car accident, circa 1984, when I wrote to him in care of the hospital. I was so delighted when I received a postcard from him thanking me for my letter and get-well drawing. He has always impressed me as very classy. He seemed to enjoy himself thoroughly when acting because he always had a certain twinkle in his eye, and that made me relish his performances. I will regret never having met him or taken the opportunity to see him in person. I will miss him.
         Becky Carroll
         USA - Monday, October 12, 1998 at 17:34:13 (CDT)

Kari Prince ........... Alberta, Canada 
Kyoko Wright .......... WA 
Brenda Thompson ....... WA 
Janice Saari .......... Olympia, WA 
Roc Smith-Graham ...... CA 
Lorraine .............. Benecia, CA 
Pamela Coltellaro ..... Phoenix, AZ 

Dana Holland .......... Frost, TX 
Mel Santos ............ St Peters, MO 
Jennifer Rayburn ...... Webster Groves, MO 
Jena McGowan .......... Collinsville, IL 
Janet Semones ......... Bristol, TN 

Lynne Ackerman ........ Toronto, Canada 
Tammy Sedam ........... Marion, OH 
Paul Worley ........... Farrell, PA 
Cheryl Powell ......... Coudersport, PA 
Janet Comby ........... PA 
Nancy Babb ............ Buffalo, NY 
Yalita Bennett ........ Brooklyn, NY 
Joni Wassom ........... MD 
Maureen Lynch ......... Laurel, MD 
Benita Cassell ........ Taylors, SC 
Paige-Marie Hamilton .. FL 

Janeen Schouten ....... Australia 
Penny Rowe ............ Australia ? 

Craig Pierce .......... UK 
Samantha Dinan ........ UK ? 
Diane Cockerham ....... Leeds, England 

> Kari Prince ........... Alberta, Canada 
> Kyoko Wright .......... WA 
> Brenda Thompson ....... WA 
> Janice Saari .......... Olympia, WA
> Roc Smith-Graham ...... CA 
> Lorraine .............. Benecia, CA 
> Pamela Coltellaro ..... Phoenix, AZ 
> 
> Dana Holland .......... Frost, TX
> Mel Santos ............ St Peters, MO 
> Jennifer Rayburn ...... Webster Groves, MO
> Jena McGowan .......... Collinsville, IL 
> Janet Semones ......... Bristol, TN 
> 
> Lynne Ackerman ........ Toronto, Canada 
> Tammy Sedam ........... Marion, OH 
> Paul Worley ........... Farrell, PA 
> Cheryl Powell ......... Coudersport, PA 
> Janet Comby ........... PA 
> Nancy Babb ............ Buffalo, NY 
> Yalita Bennett ........ Brooklyn, NY 
> Joni Wassom ........... MD 
> Maureen Lynch ......... Laurel, MD 
> Benita Cassell ........ Taylors, SC 
> Paige-Marie Hamilton .. FL
> 
> Janeen Schouten ....... Australia 
> Penny Rowe ............ Australia ? 
> 
> Craig Pierce .......... UK
> Samantha Dinan ........ UK ?
> Diane Cockerham ....... Leeds, England
> 

REVEALED: SECRETS OF HOLLYWOOD IN LATE McDOWALL'S PAPERS

(OCT. 13) WENN - SEVENTH - HOLLYWOOD, SHOWBIZ & PEOPLE NEWS - RODDY McDOWALL is to dish the dirt on his celebrity pals from beyond the grave - but not until they're all dead too.

LIZ TAYLOR, LAUREN BACALL and MICHAEL DOUGLAS are breathing huge sighs of relief after McDowell's will revealed their secrets are safe until the year 2025.

THE PLANET OF THE APES actor, who counted some of the world's biggest names as his closest friends, lost his battle with cancer earlier this month (3OCT98).

He left his huge collection of around 250,000 private papers, spanning 60 years and including diaries, letters, annotated movie scripts and photos of the stars, to an American university.

But McDowall's last testament bans scholars at BOSTON UNIVERSITY from releasing the collection - described as a history of Hollywood - until well into the next millennium, for fear of embarrassing the friends he has left behind.

DR HOWARD GOTLIEB, Director of Special Collections, says, "He knew everybody. When I would visit him at his home it was incredible the people who would walk through that door - from KIRK DOUGLAS, to VINCENT PRICE, to MYRNA LOY, to SHIRLEY MACLAINE.

"It's just a matter of courtesy." (HLB/WN/HLB/AFW)

(c) 1998, World Entertainment News Network, all rights reserved.

    K. The Screen Actors Guild of America
       Member: Roddy McDowall (September 17,1928-October 3, 1998)
            Roddy, We shall miss you!
       Alternate: Richard Masur

    This page is dedicated to the memory of Roddy McDowall.
                    Gotham City will miss you!! 

Dear Reader:

Thanks for your e-mail.

In your letter, you express your disappointment with our coverge of the death of actor Roddy McDowall. We are sorry if this upset you, for that was surely not our intent. We have received many letters similar to your own -- It's obvious that this is one performer who will not soon be forgotten.

Thanks, again, for writing to PEOPLE and for making us cognizant of your thoughts. Your comments will be considered for possible publication in our weekly Mail column.

Kimberly Beder
for the editors

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