Cool News
Bob Magnusson passed away
Hey folks, Harry here and if you clicked on this, I'm betting you're wondering why. Bob Magnusson never made a movie, never wrote a movie... but he loved film. He loved film the way people love the fondest things in life. More than that, to a large degree - he's responsible for the direction that I took in life.
I met "Uncle Bob" when I was in diapers. For many of you - you weren't even born yet. You see, in the seventies, Bob was one of those film geeks that started collecting film in 16mm. He was obsessive about it. His favorite movie star was Errol Flynn. He's the man that introduced me to Flynn, several of the Universal Monsters, Busby Berkeley and so much more.
That said, I can't imagine that there's a single one of you that knew who he was. He corresponded with Bernard Herrmann, he wrote to many of the directors of the 30's, 40's and 50's. He was primarily known as a teacher of the arts in Houston, Texas... though I never sat in a single of his classes. I met Bob through my parents. I'll never forget the day Elvis died, because my parents told him of Elvis' passing... and on that day, Bob tore up his movie screen and then didn't know why.
You see, Bob was passionate about film culture. The sort of guy that felt an intimate bond with cinema. Back at the beginning of my life, he was the man that helped steer my father on the course that led to him collecting 16mm cinema prior to the advent of VHS, much less Laser Disc, DVD or the holy grail of blu-ray. Bob corresponded with directors, actors, actresses, composers, cinematographers, make up folks, Forrest Ackerman and more. I've known him my entire life.
To a large degree he taught me my sense of humor, my love and respect for cinema... the sheer passion I have for it all. When I heard of his death today... I just broke down. He helped me to appreciate musicals, Bogart, Flynn, Gable, etc. He was right there with my father in indoctronating me to the worlds of Universal, Hammer and European Horror. He taught me to love Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Eleanor Powell and others.
Bob loved film.
Not passively, but with every fibre of his being. In the seventies, he joined the Peace Corps and traveled around the world with his collection of 16mm film, and then went about showing classic films to folks in far off places like Morocco, Borneo and the deepest darkest jungles of Africa. He would show them classic serials, films like Casablanca and EL CID, not to mention films like DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN and FOOTLIGHT PARADE.
You see, BOB loved cinema. I last spoke to Bob 2 weeks ago. He really wanted Peter Jackson's autograph on something from KING KONG, and when I last wrote Peter, he was traveling and I was waiting for his return from his travels before inquiring about Bob's request. But Bob was... One of the unappreciated souls in this world.
He hadn't necessarily accomplished the sort of things that are praised in life. But goddamn it- he helped make me love film. He made me think of film as this precious medium. As a high art and not just some cheap piece of pop culture.
When I was growing up in Austin as a child... he's who turned my Dad onto collecting 16mm cinema, long before VHS and Beta hit the scene. For the first 3 years of my life, he was my roommate. And I can still remember him talking about Harlow and Bette Davis and Marlene. He cherished the films of Ray Harryhausen, George Pal - along with the works of John Ford and William Wyler. He appreciated someone like Joseph Cotton in a film like CITIZEN KANE, but also loved him in BARON BLOOD by Mario Bava.
He made me believe in the legends told in cinema and the respect I have for the cultures of the world.
I know in TALKBACK that many of you will gripe about how this isn't news... but to me... this is everthing. If you've come to BUTT-NUMB-A-THON a huge portion of the very vintage films I play... they're films that Uncle Bob played. He was one of my father's best friends in the seventies... which was the time of my youth.
He used to invite us over to his place and show me ENTER THE DRAGON and ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD in a time when nobody had films to show.
I know that sounds like absolute bullshit today... but in the seventies... prior to VHS and BETA... the concept of watching films when you wanted to... was nigh impossible. He told me about screening CASABLANCA in Casablanca - to an audience that had never seen a film. He took his collection to Borneo and in huts decorated with the heads of untold victims - he would show ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES and CAMILLE. But more than that... Bob was simply a big hearted sweet man. He had taught for years in the HOUSTON school district. Trying to reach the kids. Trying to be the good teacher that would give inner city kids a dream of the bigger world.
I never sat through one of his classes. I never had the opportunity. But for the first 3 years of my life, he shared my bedroom. He told me ghost stories... he helped make me memorize the legends of 7th Voyage Of Sinbad and THE WOLFMAN. He screened those classic films, trailers and cartoons in the upstairs of my house and made me understand what an amazing and rare treat it was to be able to experience cinema in my home.
Over the last 30 years or so... it has been amazing how accessible film is to us all. With the exception of ROLLING THUNDER - just about everything has come out on DVD.
Bob was one of those cinema lovers in the cinema that spent every dime he had in the praise of cinema. At that time, it was 16mm. He had hundreds of films in his collection and every single weekend of my youth, he'd hook up with my parents and screen films on the second floor of my house.
People sometimes wonder how I can digest the amount of film that I take in... to a large degree it's because Bob helped to teach not just me, but my parents a passionate love for that which could be projected. He helped teach me the joy of presenting film to others.
In the 70s he tried to convince my father into going in with him to purchase the South Congress Theater in Austin. Taking every other row out and make it a theater that'd serve fine food, wines and bear... like some theaters he fell in love with in Amsterdam back in the day. So when the Alamo Drafthouse came along with Tim League... I instantly loved it. Not just because of Bob, but because the Alamo Drafthouse represented the culmination of every Dream that Bob had. It was a place where not only could you enjoy good food, beer and wine, but that opened its arms to embrace the greatness and the joy of cinema from every land that would produce it.
It turns out that Bob passed away... ironically enough... around the time that my projector fritzed out on me on Valentine's Day whilst showing AVATAR. 2 weeks ago, I talked with Bob for about 2 hours. He was someone that saw me as the son he never had, who loved my father and mother as though they were his very own. He would often tell stories about me as a child and how I talked about the films he showed. And honestly... every story of my youth he would tell me and my mind could see as clearly as any day I've ever lived.
Bob was not famous. He wasn't a part of the larger world. For most he was an unappreciated school teacher in Houston, Texas. To me... he was my "Uncle Bob". He taught me to love Errol Flynn and Ruby Keeler. To find a woman in my life like Olivia De Havilland's Maid Marion. I found myself loving German Expressionism, Peter Lorre and the mysteries of Basil Rathbone, Sidney Toler and Mr Moto. He helped introduce me to the artistry of classic trailers, cartoons and cinema.
In otherwords. Without Bob Magnusson... I wouldn't have ever created AICN.
For the past 14-15 years, I tried to get him to come up to an event I threw. But his gout and other ailments prevented it. But I'll have you know... that the reason I throw events. The reason I love cinema with everything I have. Next to my father, it was "Uncle Bob" that helped drive me.
I don't expect many of you to understand. Hell, my wife never had an opportunity to meet him. He was too ill to attend my wedding. But on this day... I find it hard to remain composed. He's someone that affected so much of who I am that I can't help but feel crippled to an nth degree for his passing. There are few people that I would write like this about. But he made me dream of film. He made me imagine of what it could be. He told me what people thought of film, that had never seen film before. And he taught me that great film can cross all barriers... be they language, religion or cultural.
When I received this news earlier today... I literally had a mental breakdown for about an hour or two. But then I resolved that Bob would want me to see a movie this day. Actually... I saw two. Breck Eisner's incredibly sharp telling of THE CRAZIES and Steve Pink's rather awesomely funny and entertaining HOT TUB TIME MACHINE.
I share this story with you, not because it is of universal significance... but because to me... it is the most important thing. He was a regular guy that just loved film more than any other thing in life - and he tried to share that with everyone he met in his life. Bob had a hard life. He wasn't a man of riches and fame. He was a man of passion. And his passion was film, and it was an infectious passion that I'll continue to take with me for the rest of my life. He might have threatened to drive a steak through my heart at the age of 8... but he taught me what it was like to be persecuted as a vampire. Yeah. It could have been seen as child abuse. Instead, I simply never believed in persecuting the undead. Silly? Yeah. But for quite a bit of my youth, "Uncle Bob" made me believe in werewolves, vampires, zombies and Baron Blood. He made me think that there was nothing more wonderful than DR ZHIVAGO, CASABLANCA and THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD. He introduced me to GORGO and GODZILLA. Most of all, he helped make me appreciate the wonder of cinema.
I don't expect you to mourn his passing. But if I've ever helped make you look at film in even the slightest bit of reverence. You should know the name of Bob Magnusson. He ruled.
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I love film too ya know
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Nothing hurts more than the death of a loved one. Hope his family are well.
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But he lived a life that was inspirational and sent ripples through the world. From what you describe, he seemed to be a George Bailey of film. Thanks for reminding us that it's not just about the film makers, it's a medium of the audience too.
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I am in a grad program in Cinema so I can have just the life you described. It's one thing to appreciate art, but another entirely to pass that love onto others. He sounds like a great man.
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i am at a loss for words
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Feb 16, 2010 2:47:09 AM CST
It may not be news to some, but paying respect is paying respect
by foreverguardian
Always sad to hear that 'one of us' has gone. He sounds fantastic, man.
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It sounds like a lot of people got to have a great time watching movies because of him. Your bank account and your resume will be quickly forgotten, however impressive, but how you affect others is how you will be really remembered. RIP Bob.
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I had to stop reading after "That Said".
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I'm sorry for the loss of such an incredible sounding man. But what an amazing life that you just described. This man brought film to a number of people. In a way, even though his name may not be of the recognizable sort that gets mentioned in Oscar memoriams every March, he has had an amazing impact on film. Like you said, you probably would not have had the gall to create AICN if it weren't for his influence. For that, he deserves a moment on silence from all us film geeks. This site is a Mecca for people like me, and in that same religious vein, anyone who is a part of this fervor for the love of cinema that we all share together is a person worth his moment of silence. Thanks, Harry for allowing a brief introduction to the man.
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it was probably a good decision for your dad to not get involved in a theater that served fine wine and "bear." I can't imagine that sort of meat would come cheaply and I've heard the taste is nothing to brag about. Still, very touching send off for a dear friend, Harry.
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Thank you. Bob helped influence my Father to throw the first 3 Film Fests in Austin. He ran 72 hour film rooms - playing almost exclusively prints from his collection, along with a few rented jewels. During those 3 seminal conventions in my life - the line up that Bob played was driven into my soul
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Feb 16, 2010 3:27:03 AM CST
People never die if there are people alive who remember them
by isleptwithkathybatesandallthatigotwasthi
RIP Bob
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Feb 16, 2010 3:32:45 AM CST
A film Fan has passed Sad for all of us but Very Sad for Harry :
by roborob
Harry I am sorry your friend has Passed away, as a film fan I know how we all feel but please remember as long as you and others remember him he will never totally die.
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What films did he show at those fests to the best of your memory? BTW, was he the type of man that held tight to the classics, wringing them of every ounce of their rich treasures, and thinking that art had been lost in this modern age. Or was he the type that always marveled at the things that could be shown to him?
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BTW, as nice as the Alamo is for films, you haven't lived until you've watched an old movie in the Stanford Theater. I live a few blocks away...so I go there often. Ironically, my wife and I are probably the only customers under the age of 30. Your description of Bob reminded me of this place -- and the joy that film brings to so many people. There is nothing like experiencing the nostalga on the faces of others while watching a film at the Standford Theater in Palo Alto!
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Sorry Harry.
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The Flick in Anderson, MO. It's an old style movie house with a screen that seemed to get smaller the older I got. but it had an awesome deco ceiling and they only show second run movies, but it was my life-blood growing up. It even had a seperate room for babies with a small, illuminated sign above it WHEN BABIES CRY. That room has become a bit of a make out spot for horny teenagers, but the sentiment is palpable. As I grew up, watching everything from "The Secret of NIMH" to "Titanic", that screened seemed to burn from within with a Byzantine fire that seered into my very soul. Truly one of the greatest movie theaters I've ever attended.
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And congratulations to Abe Vigoda.
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People sometimes forget about the importance of those who influence us. You wrote a very heartfelt tribute to what sounds like a great man. Thanks so much for sharing this, and for honoring the memory of someone we can all relate to.
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Hang in there Harry.
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My best friend as a child was my uncle, who is actually named Bob. He is very sick right now. He's in and out of the hospital every other week. When I'm lucky enough to reach him when he's back at home with this wife and 3 year old son. I tell him how much he means to me and how I saw him as some sort of super-hero in my youth. It sucks so bad that we are all so finite. I hate losing my friends and family. I hate it so much. They call them Muses. The ones who inspire the people who become talents, and you are right Harry, they may never get that break to do something with that love and knowledge, but that love is so strong that it infects those around them and sometimes the ones it infects takes it somewhere. I'm crying now, even though I don't know this man. I can relate to the impact his role in your life had, as well as your love for him.
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It's moments like that Harry , that make us actually realize how passionate about film we ALL are - or else we wouldn't be here reading this....
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I can only hope that I will have touched someone's life the way 'Uncle Bob' touched yours. I found my love of film and television, not to mention music, through my parents; and when my mother passed away in 2006 I was in film school. It made me seriously contemplate what she had given, and given up, to allow me to pursue my dream. I have never created anything worth writing about since then; heck, even before then my first student film "Hot Pink Martini"(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klEV-wej6vs) wasn't that amazing. But looking back on it, it was a time in my life I was having fun and enjoying everything about film. I was watching so much film and TV I could barely study, but when I saw my mom I knew she was happy for me. I really miss that, and Harry, I hope you continue to do great things. I know your Uncle Bob is watching you, proud as all hell that you are working in the industry you both love so much; just like I hope my mom is too.
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Good piece Harry. That's the kind of piece that make AICN what it is. This place should always be, at it's core, about a fat geek from Texas and why he loves film.
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Harry, I've been reading this site for nearly 10 years, and this is the first time I've felt the need to join in the talkbacks, or go through the trouble of signing up for that matter. Many of us I'm sure have had people just like Bob in our lives, I know I have. Thank you Harry for this eulogy and thank you Bob, may you rest in peace.
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Friends are so rare; It's tough when one passes away. Hope your feel better soon, Harry.
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RIP.
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Feb 16, 2010 6:05:47 AM CST
Hope I can have that kind of effect on my son. Condolences, Har
by mr nicholas
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RIP Mr Magnusson
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Feb 16, 2010 6:32:20 AM CST
ANOTHER FILM OBSESSED NERD BITES IT AND, YET, THE WORLD GOES ON.
by tehcreepythinman
Christ, I can't imagine the shit you'll write when the guy from the Alamo Drafthouse's concession stand croaks it. Surely that will put you in a suicidal depression as he clearly had a HUGE involvement in your first love.....FOOD!!! Knowles, you should have it in your Will that your stinking carcass shall be rolled in KFC's secret 11 herbs and spices before being air dropped into Haiti, thus solving that country's food shortages for a few decades. In case you didn't notice my meaning due to the devastating subtlety of my sarcasm, let me spell it out, you're fat. FYI, your wife will more then likely get from some stud, before your body is even cold, and then go ass to mouth. I imagine your punishment in Hell will consist of being filled with the white cream they put in Twinkies as Satan (aka William Shatner) crows down on you over and over for eternity. Did that make a tear roll down your cheek or is that just grease pouring from your eyeball?
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I’m sorry to hear a member of your family has passed. [maybe not by blood but blood is not the only family]
The gift he helped give you , the love of film, has been pass on though you and his legacy grows with each person it touches.
He sounds like a heck of a guy.
Perhaps you can work with the draft house or rolling road show for a memorial showing of some of his favorite classics.
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But I knew it wouldn't be before I starting reading it. More fool me.
Harry, Bob sounded like a cool guy. Condolences. -
I am sad both for Harry (RIP Bob) and for the rest of us for having to share the planet with asses like TehCreepyThinMan who write just to read their own snark. I am not a violent person but would love to take a 2x4 to your face. Your "devastating" sarcasm does NOT equal wit, you eff'n douchebag.
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What the fuck is wrong with you?! You know what, if you want to go around insulting people, even if they're in the midst of grief, then feel free to do it in person like any other Kansas bible-thumping Baptist. But for pity's sake, CALM DOWN. I don't know why you felt the need to comment as you did, and I'm not sure I want to know. Back off and find your own outlet for your lack of humanity. If that was meant to be funny, congratulations on being the Sarah Silverman of geeks, you worthless tard.
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I don't post here often, but like many have been lurking for years. But I'm moved by this for a man I didn't know. Thank you for that Harry. And thank you to Bob too.
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Sorry, Harry. Bob sounds like a great guy.
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It sucks when you lose someone who means as much to you as Bob did. Don't be angry at the heartless talkbackers, just pity them like Mr T would.
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...but you were the lucky one Harry. Take care.
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That's been annoying me for a while. BTW, I don't give a pig-fucking shit if you have some imaginary quota or random internet hate to meet or not. If you clikced on a thread and started blasting any geek property (Aliens, e.g.) then I would just ignore you. But you purposely clicked on a memorial posting simply to disparage the writer without thought or interest in the subject. You're a douchebag, sir. Now, feel free to start blasting something that you know will cause argument on valid pages, but for the life of me have some respect and stay off of memoriams.
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... and to Bob's family.
It's especially hard when those that help shape our lives pass on. Thoughts and prayers ... -
....nice sentiments Harry, and sorry for your loss.
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"Oh, I'm soo sorry for your loss blah blah blah....". No. You. Are. Not. You just want to delude yourselves that you actually feel emotion by pretending that you have an ounce of sympathy for someone you've never met who's obit was written by someone that you have also never met. People die, why is that soo shocking when it happens ALL THE TIME and why are you sad that they no longer have to put up with lifes bullshit? Be happy that they don't have to wipe their ass anymore or suffer the Horrors of aging, besides, it's pure selfishness to mourn the death of someone because you will miss the way they made you feel which is really what this is all about, self-centered emotional stimuli.
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Know that anyone who has been to the Butt-Numb-A-Thon would have a special place in their hearts for Bob after reading this beautiful eulogy. I hope that during this difficult time you can take some solace in knowing that by influencing you, he has made a lot of people happy.
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Feb 16, 2010 7:27:14 AM CST
THERE HASN'T BEEN A GOOD FLAMEWAR THREAD FOR A WHILE.....
by tehcreepythinman
Last one I enjoyed was the Cowboys and Alien's one where Boborci made an appearence. Even the ones for Avatar weren't all that good. Hopefully Alice in Wonderland will bring the lulz.
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TehCreepyThinMan wants to discuss some fuckin' serious theology here, apparently. To you, sir, I truly do feel for Harry and my condolensces are tangible for his lost adopted uncle. I feel this because I know what it is to know someone from a certain age and to be introduced to something I love, using that person as a medium. It is not shocking that people die all the time, but you think more about the people you know than the people you don't. The whole purpose of a eulogy is to introduce people to someone as only you have experienced it. The intersting subject here is how all of our lives affect those arround us. We are talking about a man who has live a life that allowed him to show "Casablanca" to Moroccans for the first time. A man who introduced the wonders of "The Adventures of Robin Hood" to a young man who would eventually grow to make a place that would be a sort of home to those of us that find the world outside our crackled walls a sturgid darkness where there should be light. Nobody on here is saying that this man is more important to the world than any of the people of Haiti, but you seem to think that is the case. I am sorry for you not having the empathy to deal with both your own problems and to stay out of other's endless waves of genuine sorrow, crashing upon the shores of their melancholy that your seem to happy to crawl upon like a spider crab eating the beauty that stands in your way.
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Sorry to hear about that, Harry. My condolences.
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Feb 16, 2010 8:03:30 AM CST
lotharius3rd1118, MAN, THAT WAS DEEP!!! WHERE'D YOU GET THAT FR
by tehcreepythinman
Your last fortune cookie? No, seriously, you have penetrated the layers of my shattered psyche and reached the cold black core of my being to reveal my true self…..*makes wrist jerking motion in air*…..Also, I only used Haiti as a part of my joke at Harry's expense, otherwise I couldn't care about that country or it's people.
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He sounds like someone I really would have enjoyed sitting next to at BNAT, excitedly discussing between films what we had just seen.
I think Amy and I will go to the theater tonight and raise some popcorn in his honor. -
And that rediculous purple prose from my earlier posts was a reflection of trying to force myself to read "The Stones of Summer" by Dow Mossman earlier. TehCreepyThinMan, I don't want to get in a fight with you, I'm just saying that you shouldn't start spewing insults at someone because they said they were sad. It's not kosher, man.
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Very touching and moving. Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss of such a friend.
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..wish I had met someone like that in my youth. I grew up in th 60 and 70s and had to discover film on my own. I found Famous Monsters at the newstand so my uncle was Forry. None of my friends were into FM and while I would go to movies with friends, they were into baseball, football, etc. Sort of a flip, while I played sports, I wasn't obssessive about them like my friends. It's kinda funny, you talk about how everything is on dvd but Rolling Thunder and I started thinking of films not on dvd, then you named one (Gorgo) that isn't. There are a heck of a lot not on dvd. I saw where No Time For Sargeants is finally coming to dvd, gut a lot of films that I've loved over the years either haven't come out yet or are available on warner Archive(countdown, soldier in the rain, carny0. It's weird how Stanley is on dvd, but the original Willard and Ben aren't.
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a fitting tribute for your friend. My condolences for your loss.
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I'm pretty sure I've seen "No Time For Sergeants" of DVD from Amazon. At leat if you're talking about the Andy Griffith version. I have heard of a few other iterations that will probably never be available. Either way, I watched the Griffith version in high school and thought it was amazingly funny. I even had to act it out, as I seemed like the most retarded person in class, and found it funny. That is a piece, though, that is better seen live. Like Neil Simon, only portions can really translate to the screen which is a whole other animal.
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Anyone who loves film should understand the power of this obit. I aspire to be that kind of person.
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how do you do that, harry? how do you do it?
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His name was Bob Magnussen. His name was Bob Magnussen. His name was Bob Magnussen! His name was Bob Magnussen! His name was Bob Magnussen!!! HIS NAME WAS BOB MAGNUSSEN!! HIS NAME WAS BOB MAGNUSSEN!!
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I really like this guy and I didn't know about him until today.
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Well Done...rest in peace "Uncle Bob"
may you enter the heaven where they screen the good print of "Episode One" -
No! Stop it! Shut up! Where is Tyler when you need him!
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Now how about that GODDAMN DVD COLUMN!!!!!!!
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Your friend was not only a film geek, his heart was in the right place.
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...what they've had on Amazon is the original tv version. The movie version hasn't been available, but is coming out in march or april. And yes it is hilarious, especially Myron McCormick as the sgt. He was great.
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...the jazz bassist from SoCal. Whew.
And yes, once again CTM displays his sad, bitter, joyless soul by trying to shit all over Harry's story. Too cool for school I guess. I do find it fascinating to witness such worthless, human debris in action though and take joy in his fear and despair. -
can make a difference in someone's life. We all had that person, the one who opened the door into world we never knew existed -- and one we would play in for the rest of our lives. For Harry, it was his Uncle Bob a man who sounded like he truly enjoyed what he did for others. RIP, Mr. Magnusson. The world is quite less amazing without you. Sorry for your loss Harry.
And as for the CTM, there's always the Serenity prayer. -
I'd have to kick my own ass. Follow accordingly.
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Very sad to hear of this guy's passing Harry. To think of somebody having that much of an influence on the course of one's life is a rare and beautiful thing. I don't think I've read something so heartfelt from Harry in a long time. Sorry for the loss Harry.
It seems like there's a movie in this, especially the Peace Corps part. How cool is it to hear about some guy that took it upon himself to bring movies to corners of the world where they hadn't been seen? That's the type of mission work I can get behind.
Thanks for sharing with us Harry.
P.S. Just a side note here but believe it or not your DVD columns used to open my eyes to films I'd never heard about. That's why I gripe about its absence. Here's wishing you the best in your time of mourning and also hopes that you'll get back in the game to tell us about crazy films we've never heard of. -
Feb 16, 2010 10:55:02 AM CST
There's nothing more satisfying than turning somebody...
by soylentmean
onto a film previously unseen and having that person respond with the same amount of or even more enthusiasm than you.
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he's the reason I love the old movies that have become such classics. And not just the Casablancas and Citizen Kanes and Seven Samurais. He showed me that Errol Flynn was the greatest swashbuckler of all time, but that Burt Lancaster managed to make a few great swashbucklers, too. And because of him my wife and I argue about Kevin Costner's Robin Hood movie; while she loved it, I felt sorry for her for not knowing what a true Robin Hood movie was. Uncle Bob was a magician to you. And a mentor. And a friend. Well, so damn what if he wasn't Forry Ackerman! I send my condolences to you and yours and mourn the loss of such a true afficianado of film right along with you. RIP, Mr. Magnusson. You touched the lives of more than you would ever know.
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Feb 16, 2010 11:29:35 AM CST
My condolences, Harry. I raise my glass to Bob!
by the reluctant austinite
Bob Magnusson was certainly one of us, and through Harry's words I feel like I knew him a little bit. The world needs more like Bob Magnusson (and less like teh creepy thin man). At my very best I can only hope to emulate someone like that. I try. Thanks to him we have people like Harry and Tim League to carry the torch. I'm watching "Baron Blood" tonight.
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Harry, you made me think back to when the only ways we had to enjoy movies "on demand" were those Super 8 reels. I had various Abbott & Costello "features", the tie fighter scene from Star Wars, and others. I even filmed scenes of favorite movies (even Armstrongs lunar footsteps) with my trusty Super 8 camera. So to have an adult friend to embrace and expand your love of movies..well, that person would indeed be a major influence. May your friend rest in peace, Harry.
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Thanks for all the passion you managed to pass on.
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Was it a T-Bone?
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I know what it feels like to be inspired by someone who touches our lives and our passions. You were lucky to have that person know that his passion became yours, he probably even got a good smile about it. Our thoughts are with you and your lost inspiration. Thanks for sharing this with us.
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Feb 16, 2010 1:05:32 PM CST
"I can't imagine that there's a single one of you that knew who
by trazadone
Then why waste our time?
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Creepy douche has been banned, probably, more than any other AICN talkbacker. Don't sweat his nonsense - nobody else does. Although I think quite a few of us would LOVE to meet him face to face. : )
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Ummm, because it's his site, and it's about movies. Duh! How can this not make sense to people. Harry created a site about movies because he loves them, passionately. This guy is clearly part of the reason that passion exists. Damn humanity just never fails to amaze me with it's heartless stupidity.
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I'm sure it's hard for someone as "hard" as you to understand, but some people actually are sympathetic for the loss of somebody elses friend. Even if they didn't know them. Even if they've never heard there name before. We care about this site, Harry created it, so we care about Harry. Is it logical? Probably not. But it's the way life works. In case you haven't notices, it's why movies work. Because you certainly don't know the characters in movies before you see them, but they clearly have the power to affect you in many different ways. It's OK, I know you don't understand. And I don't expect anything but an insult in return. So take your best shot buddy. Here's a hug for you in advance (((((( TehCreepyThinMan ))))) because you clearly haven't had enough of them in your real world "life".
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Peace and solace to your family and friends during this difficult time.
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Everyone needs a mentor in their life, be it a parent or relative or just a family friend. It sounds like you had a true friend there...and you gave him a tribute that he would have appreciated.
Watch a couple of classics in his memory. -
Just take comfort in the thought that if there is a afterlife I am sure 'uncle bob' is down there looking up at us right now >:)
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I wish I had known him. That was a beautiful obituary.
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That was beautiful. I'm not ashamed to admit it I just let out some tears for a guy I never knew, and never knew of. RIP bob, and my prayers for you both harry.
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R.I.P. Thank you for the wonderful read Harry.
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some one will say "meh", but no one will write his eulogy because he matters not at all and no one will give a fuck.
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He made a difference in you and you make a difference in the lives of all of us who visit your site regularly! We may not have known him, or ever heard of him before today. But we are benefiting from him through you. In that way YOU are making him immortal! Maybe not in name but in his legacy. Don't ever forget that Harry! I had a teacher in High school who for the first time made me take an interest in history. His name was Mr. Leon Krause, and even now at 52 years old I remember him fondly for that. I think it's important to remember those who made a difference in are lives, so don't apologize to anyone for remembering him here.
RIP Bob! -
being the mentor of the biggest film geek of the internet is no small thing
sad news indeed harry, my sympathies go to you -
Who actually types shit like that?
What a fucking maroon. -
My now deceased Uncle Seth is the reason I went to school for film and TV and now have a career in television to this day.
RIP to the all the inspirational Uncle Bobs and Uncle Seths of the world. -
This news is a heart-breaker.
Something to recall that 16mm world which Harry so passionately remembers...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4tHIyvs82Y -
It's articles like this that remind us that we are in your casa, my friend. I like reading about people like Bob Magnusson, people who change the world around them not in huge ways, not in ways that the eyes of the world can see, but in quiet ways, with a love and devotion to their chosen cause that eclipses almost all else. Bob sounded like a great, great man, and now you got me thinking about my old man, who got me into movies by waking me up at night while the rest of the family were asleep to go downstairs with me and watch Hammer Horror movies on TV. My love of genre stuff particularly, but movies in general, all came from my Dad. He went on to glory 16 years ago; and reading about your uncle Bob, I wept all over again for losing him too. Bob seemed to be the inspiration for everything you've achieved so far, Harry - the man will now always be remembered, as long as there is an AICN or a Harry Knowles.
Thanks for the article. I wish you peace, love, and that all your memories of Bob bring a smile to your face and a glow to your heart. And I'm raising one to Bob tonight. I just know the theaters in Heaven are fuckin' amazing. Rest in peace, Bob. -
...but a loss of a fellow film buff, especially one so well-versed always is sad. This is probably the best thing you've ever written.
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Good to see people are remembering their roots .. i had a BOB that played movies on a screen inside his garage ..
I was 3 and all I remember was watching "cliffhangers" .. and some old sci-fi .. until I was 6 or so he did it every saturday in his garage for the kids in the area.
RIP BOB - never knew ya, but I miss ya -
Keep your head up Harry…
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Feb 16, 2010 6:18:04 PM CST
Harry, a lot of us have people who have initiated the spark that
by otter
God Bless you had your Uncle Bob. Thanks for sharing.
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I can't believe that I am siding with Teh Creepy Thin Man. While his approach is bad, the sentiment is sound. This site is SUPPOSED to be dedicated to news that is of interest to TV, Movie and Comic Geeks. But, it consistently ignores the passing of icons of those genres. And when someone who is close to the owner, but no one else knows dies,we get one of the longest articles I have ever seen on this site. This is inexcusable. That said, rant over, I am sorry for your loss, Harry. It is never easy to lose someone close to you. Our thoughts are with you.
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Are bizarre - really bizarre.
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The site is Harry's and it's always been about whatever he wanted it to be about. If you think otherwise you're sadly confused.
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Bet he is showing God some kick ass movies right now and explaining to him the value of a good story.
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Dude, you're a dick. Harry's posts are nothing if not personal, bitch if you will. to say this one is "inexcusable" is ignorant, especially when you immediately excuse it. It's Harry's site, and his personal vision. Accept it or move on.
Harry, keep the faith. I often disagree with you, but you're a film geek through and through. Anyone who takes the time to visit this site but questions that fact is just a dipshit. Sorry for the loss of your friend. -
Question: How did Roy Disney do anything that affected Harry (or anybody else) on the same level as Uncle Bob? Answer: He didn't.
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longtime fan of this site, so thanks to you both.
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I am grateful for the truly bona fide contribution he made to you as a film historian and legit geek.
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Pouring your heart out like that can never be easy, especially when tools like fartwalker and that other pindick are trolling like pirahnas waiting to take bites out of you. You are appreciated man and I hope you find solace.
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Keep your head up bro.
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My wife passed away 2 weeks ago and she has been my movie buddy for 23 years. While she was in the hospital AMC showed T-2 and ALIENS (2 of our sci-fi favs) and as we watched those on TV I could remember back to the first times we saw those while dating. We were both movie collector's and even have titles on 16mm too. She helped me out with scripts and even worked on productions when needed. It is not often you can find someone with the same love of cinema to hang out with. If we liked a TV show we would watch the whole season in bed together on DVD. She was too sick to see AVATAR so she missed that film. STAR TREK was the last film we saw together at the IMAX last August. 3 weeks ago the thought that she would be gone was not even on my mind even though she has had a long fight with Sarcoidosis. She went the same way as poor Bernie Mack after getting a lung infection while in the hospital. 2 weeks later I'm still having a hard time watching a movie or enjoying a TV show. She has the DVR recording her shows still so each night it reminds me she is gone. We had good times but the loss is still sinking in... hang in there dude, I do feel for your loss Harry.
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Very nice piece...thx for sharing your memories.
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Sounds like he was a great man. We all need an 'Uncle Bob' in our life.
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Mrs Spud-To-Be recovered from sarcoidosis a couple of years back, and neither of us knew until she was diagnosed how serious that condition can be. But losing a wife and fellow movie lover of 23 years... man, that's harsh. I'm sorry for your loss.
Best wishes, our condolences are with you too. -
Take a year off or something, dude. This is getting heartbreaking.
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...very nice post. I feel for you brother. My fiancee of eleven years passed away 12 years ago. It was tough for quite awhile, but time moves on. She wasn't a movie buff, actually she got jealous of my love of film. But occassionaly she'd surprise me and enjoy something I never would have expected. One was the Crying Game. Another,I don't remember the title, but it was a bad movie, very inept and we laughed and laughed. It had Heather Thomas and Jan Michael Vincent and starred a Celozzi and was produced by Celozzis(which if you live in the Chicago area, you see their car commercials all the time) so evidently one of them wanted to be in a movie so they made one. Very funny in a Plan 9 from Outer Space vibe. So that's one of my memories when I think of her.
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Harry, sorry for your loss...but..hold on a second. He threatened to drive a steak through your heart at age eight? Was A-1 Sauce included in that threat? And if you meant stake..holy crap..he threatened to impale and 8-year old in the chest! Wow. Intense.
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As I am pointing out a mistake..I make one myself. Karma, baby. Just kidding Harry...losing people is tough.
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Hey Harry, I was very sorry to hear about Bob's passing away. Like yourself, I feel very fortunate to have known him. Bob and several of the other guys like Earl Blair and Roy Bonario had a great influence on my film background- but none more than your dad. Say hi to him for me and my condolensences to you both.
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What Bob was to you Harry, you are to many of your regular readers. That is Bob's legacy.
Sorry for your loss.
Martin -
get them done first.
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Now THAT I can say I noticed--I fully remember watching him pitch for the Indians and Pirates. Haven't heard of Harold's friend before. Sorry pal that ya lost a good one though. CreepySinnMann-this is you, rolling in a pile of shit of your own making while watching your sister being rear-ended by your Dad non-stop on a DVD--FAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAPFAP. You and AssHole lives should go into rear-ending Cheviots for a living. Moron.
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Jaka and cuttr, apparently I didn't make my point clear. I was, in no way, disparaging Harry or his friend. This site is definately Harry's baby, but it has grown into something more. It is now a forum for everyone, as these talkbacks show. Once he starts making money off of people coming here for news, we are owed something. I was just pointing out how the passing of someone of import in the industry should be acknowledged as well. This was the "inexcusable" event that I was talking about, not the obit of his friend.
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I didn't get a chance to meet your friend, so I'm grateful you shared your memories of him with us. I wish I had that kind of passion and enthusiasm for something. Anything. I'm so sorry he is gone. Hang tough Harry.
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Thank you for this wonderful remembrance of Bob Mahnusson.
I had the pleasure of knowing Bob. In the 80's and early 90's he was one of the customers at a book store I owned in Houston. He was a junior high school teacher at the time.
One day he showed a 16mm print of his to any students who cared to come watch after school. The film he picked was House of Frankenstein. Bob invited me to come attend and I did. It was a wonderful experience.
As you noted, Bob shared his love of film with anyone who was interested.
He shall be missed but it is nice to see him properly honored here.
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