‘Iron Man 2’ delivers heavy metal, superhero thrills
By Steve Crum
Once you get past accepting comedian Garry Shandling as U.S. Senator Stern (hey, he’s a comic in a comic book movie), Iron Man 2 kicks in, turbos upward and fuses on into one spectacular action tale. What a dazzling way to launch the summer movie season. With all its pyrotechnics, maybe IM2 should be opening July 4.
Typical of most superhero franchises, the first Iron Man movie introduced the central hero by spending half the story on the character’s origin, before evolving toward the hero vs villain, clobberin’ time climax. IM2 cuts to the chase in quick time. A foreboding Russian villain is introduced, played by the foreboding looking actor Mickey Rourke. (Is extra makeup really necessary?) His Ivan Vanko character is hell bent on perfecting his own robotic suit with attached metal slicing, spark zapping, bullwhip strands.
Conversely, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is reveling in his fame as world protector Iron Man. Remember, he willingly shouted out his secret identity in IM1. Now the earth, thanks to him, is safer, virtually crime free. (One would think this is also the case in the worlds of Spider-Man, Superman, Batman, etc.) This leaves Stark down time to exploit himself and his alter Iron ego on TV spectaculars. He eats up the attention. At the same time, in private, he frets about his declining health. Without divulging too much, this becomes a major plot element.
It is no secret that there are newly introduced (super)heroes in IM2. (Actually, they are long time, Marvel Comics characters.) Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury was briefly shown in IM1, but occupies major screen time here. However, his scenes are of the static, non-action, confer-with-Tony Stark variety. This begs the question: What is the tough looking, eye-patched, man in black’s function in IM2? His protege, Black Widow/Natalie Rushman (Scarlett Johansson), certainly pays her entertainment dues via her sexy, kick booty action takes. Fury is a man of talk, not action. The surprise of IM2 is Don Cheadle’s Lt. Col. “Rhodey” Rhodes. Cheadle, who replaces IM1’s Terrence Howard, gets to suit up and play an Iron Man sidekick to THE Iron Man. Together, in one of the film’s highlights, the two Iron Men battle a circling army of Iron Man-like robots. It is an ironic moment.
Gwyneth Paltrow is back as Stark’s chief exec and confidant, Pepper Potts. Sam Rockwell’s backstabbing, superficial Justin Hammer is the Stark Corporation’s chief rival for weapons contracts with the feds. Hammer becomes even more formidable and threatening to Stark when he enlists Ivan Vanko as his chief robot designer.
The expected mix of good and evil robots eventually leads to the King Kong inspired finale involving monster robots, Vanko, and Iron Man. Within those 15 finale minutes lie some of the most thrilling action footage this side of Lucas and Spielberg. Factoring in the Nascar-like race sequence toward the beginning with Vanko’s awesome debut–electrical whips and all, multiplies the reasons to experience IM2. Forgive my gush, there must be more comic book geek in me than I thought.
I’ve saved my comments about director Jon Favreau and his writer Justin Theroux until now. Theroux has perfectly captured Tony Stark’s egocentricity as well as his drive to live life over the top out of fear of impending death. It is never clear whether Stark is driven by fame and hero worship alone. He talks patriotism and peace for mankind, but delivers the message like a carnival pitchman. Theroux makes this complexity believable. Favreau continues to do Marvelous things with the Iron Man franchise. The look and feel of the action sequences and use of restrained humor (again thanking Theroux) make this superhero one of the best of them all. Favreau also plays the continuing, non-super hero Happy Hogan, who is a comedy relief sidekick to Tony Stark. (During one choice sequence, Hogan spends six minutes in fisticuffs with one bad guy, while the nimble Black Widow takes down a dozen.) Including the Hogan character is a welcome touch, nicely realized by Favreau’s acting.
IM2 is as solidly super as the first Iron Man movie, and in spectacle alone surpasses IM1.
A hint: Stick around after the credits. There is a three minute teaser regarding the next installment…or perhaps a hint of another franchise in the wings.
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GRADE on an A to F Scale: A-
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Worth 1,000 Words: JIMMY DURANTE & DANNY THOMAS, nose to nose
By Steve Crum
Obviously enjoying their photo op at a 1958 Christmas benefit in Los Angeles, JIMMY DURANTE (Feb. 10, 1893-Jan. 29, 1966) and DANNY THOMAS (Jan. 6, 1912-Feb. 6, 1991) rub proboscises amongst what appears to be Navy officers…or ushers. Could that be a laughing LENNY BRUCE (Oct. 13, 1925-Aug. 3, 1966) to the right? [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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Worth 1,000 Words: MARTHA RAYE entertains the troops
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MARTHA RAYE entertains troops (at an unknown location) during WWII to their delight. This was a mutual admiration relationship she continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Martha’s autograph, in blue ink, reads: “I’m praying for your good health. All my love, Martha Raye.” [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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By Steve Crum
MARTHA RAYE (Aug. 27, 1916-Oct. 19, 1994) was one of the great entertainers of the 20th Century. Born Margy Reed in Butte, Montana, Martha’s show business career, sounding like Judy Garland’s “Born in a Trunk” song, began as a three year-old in her vaudevillian parents’ act.
MARTHA RAYE (Aug. 27, 1916-Oct. 19, 1994) was one of the great entertainers of the 20th Century. Born Margy Reed in Butte, Montana, Martha’s show business career, sounding like Judy Garland’s “Born in a Trunk” song, began as a three year-old in her vaudevillian parents’ act.
As an adult, Martha Raye began her solo career as a big band vocalist, during the early 1930’s. In 1936, Paramount signed her as singer and comedienne in Bing Crosby’s Rhythm on the Range, in which Martha sang what became her signature song, “Mr. Paganini.” Support roles with Bob Hope, Abbott & Costello, W.C. Fields, and Jimmy Durante followed. Her best work is in the 1940 Charlie Chaplin dark comedy, Monsieur Verdoux, in which Raye portrays a daffy heiress constantly thwarting Chaplin’s attempts to murder her.
When WWII began, Raye was among the first entertainers to sign with the USO to help build morale for the troops. Despite an extreme fear of flying, she traveled the world in doing so. This is something Martha Raye continued to do during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. She distinguished herself for her relentless trips to Vietnam. During one trip, Raye even assisted in nursing wounded soldiers within a battle zone. Her support and courage earned her an Honorary Green Beret commission and the nickname, “Col. Maggie.” On NBC TV, her Martha Raye Show ran from 1954-56. She made numerous guest appearances on TV following its cancellation. After appearing on Carol Burnett’s popular variety show several times, the two made a now collectible album of singing duets. Toward the end of her career, Martha was commercial spokesperson for Polident, introducing herself as “The Big Mouth” in each endorsement.
Martha Raye’s private life was yet another thing. Seven marriages, health problems involving drugs, alcohol, Alzheimer’s Disease, and the loss of both legs due to circulatory problems, permeated her quality of living. A biography, Take It From the Big Mouth: The Story of Martha Raye, details her illustrious career and grim private life. Martha was buried at the military cemetery in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
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Fans of Martha Raye must check out recently released CD’s of many of her regular appearances on radio’s The Lifebuoy Show, starring Al Jolson. She was featured on the 1936-39 program as both singer and comedienne, including duets with Jolson. (By the way, she co-starred with Jolson in his 1940 Broadway musical comedy, Hold On to Your Hats.) The newly found Lifebuoy recordings are available only through The International Al Jolson Society, and can be purchased only by members. So…PLEASE JOIN! Details are at the impressive Jolson Society website: http://www.jolson.org/——————–
A tribute to MARTHA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJJDTpdgTxk
Before Kevin & Jay, there were Skitch & Johnny
SKITCH HENDERSON conducts the Emporia State University Orchestra in April, 1967, just a couple of months after quitting as band leader on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Moments before this unpublished photo was taken, he had displayed his discourteous side. Notice he is without suit coat. The sad story is explained below. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
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By Steve Crum
KEVIN EUBANKS’ April 12 on-air announcement that he is soon leaving The Tonight Show with Jay Leno after 18 years (15 of them as band leader) recalls a similar event 43 years ago. That was when SKITCH HENDERSON left The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson after his tenure as bandleader from 1961-67. Not long after he left, DOC SEVERINSEN took over as band director. (For the record, MILTON DELUGG was bandmaster briefly in between. Also for history’s sake, Eubanks succeeded BRANFORD MARSALIS.)
As for Skitch Henderson, born Lyle Russell Cedric Henderson on Jan. 27, 1918, his reason for leaving Johnny Carson was far from just wanting to explore new vistas, as Kevin Eubanks seemed to express to Jay Leno the night of his departure announcement. After an illustrious career that began on radio, conducting for Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby on their respective programs, Skitch led the band and did comedy bits on The Tonight Show with Steve Allen until Jack Paar took the reigns, bringing his own bandleader, Jose Melis. Then Skitch returned to The Tonight Show when Carson headlined. Months after leaving Carson, Skitch Henderson was conducting the Emporia State University (then Kansas State Teacher’s College) orchestra in a one night performance at the Civic Auditorium in Emporia. It was standing room only. At rehearsal, he was all business, demanding, and frequently rude. An impeccable dresser, wearing a suit and tie with vest, Skitch, at one point while before the orchestra, yelled at the school’s orchestra director, Melbern Nixon, to take his coat. Evidently he was too warm. Henderson removed his coat, and purposely let it fall to the ground as the harried Emporia State director literally ran to comply. Henderson did not express any regret or apology. He rudely turned to the musicians and continued his rehearsal. The students observed their revered teacher bending over to pick up Henderson’s coat and carry it off stage like an underling. Skitch Henderson put on his familiar happy face and was full of chuckles during the actual performance the next evening. There’s no business like show business?
During an interview I had with Skitch (for the college newspaper) following rehearsal, he spoke of many things, musical and otherwise. He talked of why he left The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. “‘The Good Ship Lollipop,’ as we have always called the show, has been leaking at the seams for the past year,” Henderson said. Essentially, Henderson revealed he was leaving a sinking ship, ratting out, per se. Funny thing, The SS Tonight Show with Johnny Carson continued its nautical run as more of a super cruiser than a Titanic. Johnny Carson helmed it for another 25 years, followed by Jay Leno’s 18 years at present. Incidentally, following Skitch’s concert held at the Civic Auditorium in downtown Emporia, I chatted with him over cocktails at a private party on campus.What happened to Skitch Henderson? He guest conducted in personal appearances around the world, recorded albums, composed music, and eventually was leader of the New York Pops before dying on Nov. 1, 2005. In 1975, Skitch spent four months in federal prison for tax evasion, which was probably the second time he experienced that sinking feeling.
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And now…Herrrrrreeee’s Johnny with Skitch Henderson from New Year’s Eve, 1965: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rn5NvC2-zQY
Worth 1,000 Words: EDDIE CANTOR & Family
By Steve Crum
EDDIE CANTOR (Jan. 31, 1892- Oct. 10, 1964) is a true icon in American show business. This multi-talented entertainer excelled as a comedian, singer, dancer, actor and songwriter for over 50 years. Cantor, nicknamed “Banjo Eyes” because of the prominent eyes which he frequently rolled to the delight of audiences, was a showbiz trailblazer, starring in vaudeville and Broadway shows (the latter mostly produced by the great Flo Ziegfeld); via his records and sheet music; starring in enormously popular movies; and headlining his own highly rated TV shows, notably The Colgate Comedy Hour. Though not billed “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” as was his close friend and fellow artist, Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor (aka “The Apostle of Pep”) was nonetheless a superstar in his own right and one extraordinary entertainer and human being.
Cantor’s humanitarian deeds are legendary, and include his establishment (with President Franklin Roosevelt) and naming of “The March of Dimes,” created to help fund the campaign to defeat polio.
The Eddie Cantor Story (1953), though not nearly an accurate and worthy enough biography to do Cantor justice, does include Cantor’s actual singing on its soundtrack. His vibrant and often soulful singing voice is the film’s huge plus factor. Among the dozens of Cantor signature songs are: “If You Knew Susie,” “Ida, Sweet as Apple Cider,” “Margie,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “How Ya’ Gonna Keep ‘Em Down on the Farm?”
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The rarely seen press photo above is dated Nov. 28, 1945, and titled “A Night at the Waldorf.” Its text tells the story: NEW YORK–While the other guests are dancing in the Wedgwood Room of the Waldorf-Astoria here, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Cantor and two of their five daughters, Marilyn (left) and Janet (right) are interested spectators. The eyes of Cantor are popping as usual. [from Steve Crum’s showbiz memorabilia collection]
For the record, Eddie and his famous wife Ida’s other daughters, not shown, are Marjorie, Natalie and Edna.
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Eddie Cantor sings “Makin’ Whoopee” from 1930’s “Whoopee!”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANRPmTZRqkg