Still Going:2005

Director Richard Cuhna died on Sept. 18th at the age of 83. Although his film directing career was short (only 6 movies from 1958-64) his first 4 are Z-movie "classics" : SHE DEMONS, GIANT FROM THE UNKNOWN, MISSLE TO THE MOON (actually a re-make of CATWOMEN OF THE MOON) and FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER. Though he competed with Roger Corman during the late '50's drive-in craze his movies were just a little more sleazy and violent than AIP's. He made only two other movies GIRL IN ROOM 13 and DOG EAT DOG (with Jayne Mansfield & Cameron Mitchell) in which he received co-directing credit. He was also the director of photography on BLOODLUST!, THE SILENT WITNESS and the TV show BRANDED. Originally from Honolulu, Cunha retired in 1980 after years of making commercials and industrial films for Columbia Pictures.

TOMMY BOND-Sept. 24-(79)-was “Butch”, the bully who was always picking on Alfalfa in OUR GANG and LITTLE RASCALS comedy shorts. He was Jimmy Olsen in the serials THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN and ATOM MAN VS. SUPERMAN. Other movies appearances include: LIBELED LADY, the FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS series, TOKYO JOE, ANY NUMBER CAN PLAY, BEDTIME FOR BONZO and CALL ME MISTER. He was also a member of the later and less successful kid group “The Gas House Kids”. He retired from acting in 1951 and worked behind the scenes in various production and direction capacities. He retired for good in 1991. He may have been in a 2004 movie called BOB’S NIGHT OUT, the first movie made for 80 year olds (??).

ROGER BRIERLEY-Sept. 23-(70)-was an English stage, film and TV actor. Some films include PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (mini-series), SUPERMAN 2, THE WICKED LADY, A VERY BRITISH COUP, YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES, EAST OF IPSWICH, JINNAH and many TV roles. He died of a heart attack.

JOHN McCABE-Sept. 30-(84)-was a Shakespeare scholar and biographer who wrote “Mr. Laurel & Mr. Hardy”, considered by many to be the definitive bio of the great comedy team. He also ghost wrote James Cagney’s “autobiography” “Cagney on Cagney”. In addition to three more books aboyt Stan & Ollie he also penned bios of Charlie Chaplin and George M. Cohan.

NIPSEY RUSSELL-Oct. 2-(in his 80’s)-Night club stand up comedian known for his rhyming jokes. Very popular in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s through his appearances on variety, talk and game shows. He was a regular on several TV shows including CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? and repeated his role in the 1994 theatrical re-make. His few movie appearances included THE WIZ, NEMO, WILDCATS and POSSE. Originally from Atlanta, he died of cancer.

RONNIE BARKER-Oct. 4-(76)-was one half of the British comedy team “The Two Ronnies” and starred in the long running BBC comedy OPEN ALL HOURS.

MIKE GIBBONS-Oct. 4-(56)-was the drummer for BADFINGER (and The Iveys) and played on all their hit records and albums. Hr follows fellow band members Pete Ham (who hanged himself in 1975) and Tom Evans (who hanged himself in 1983). He died in his sleep.

SERGIO CITTI-Oct. 11-(72)-Italian director and writer who also worked as second unit director on several Pier Paolo Pasolini films. Some of his films include BEACH HOUSE, BAWDY TALES and WE FREE KINGS. He died of a heart attack.

DENNIS MURPHY-Oct. 11-(73)-was a movie screenwriter and author. His most famous novel "The Sergeant" was made into a 1971 movie (which he scripted) with Rod Steiger. He also wrote the screenplays for EYE OF THE DEVIL and THE TODD KILLINGS. He died of cancer.

BRUCE jOHNSON-Sept. 27-(66)-wrote and/or produced several TV shows including GOMER PYLE, MORK & MINDY, ALICE and some I never heard of!

TOM GILL-Oct. 17-(92)-drew "The Lone Ranger" comic book from 1950-1970. He also drew a BONANZA comic book. He later taught at The School of Visual Arts in NYC.

BAKER KNIGHT-Oct. 15(72)-wrote over "1,000" songs including the Elvis Presley hit "The Wonder of You". His songs were also recorded by Ricky Nelson, Paul McCartney, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Jerry Lee Lewis and others. HIs daughter is actress Tuesday Knight.

JOHN LARCH-Oct. 16-(91)-Familiar TV and movie actor, he was Billy Mumy's dad in the classic TWILIGHT ZONE episode "It's A Good Life". He was many other TV shows including a regular character on DYNASTY. Some movie appearances include ILLEGAL, WRITTEN ON THE WIND, THE WRECKING CREW, PLAY MISTY FOR ME and DIRTY HARRY.

REGGIE "THE CRUSHER" LISOWSKI-Oct.23-(79)-was a pro wrestler in the AWA & WWA promotions for many many years often teamed with "his cousin" Dick The Bruiser. He was featured in the seldon seen wrestling movie cleverly titled THE WRESTLER. He died of a brain tumor.