quirky sense of humor
a time or two, right?
I've also mentioned
his love of the bizarre
in horror films once or twice.
Well, here he is, presenting
his "sales pitch"
for this special "mystery" screening
at the Sentient Bean, in tribute to
the whole-hearted thespian stylings
of Bill Paxton.
On a Sunday evening, not the usual Wednesday.
This is all he would tell us.
This psychotronic film featured an actor of high status who agreed to work for low pay for his role as a doctor.
(That turned out to be James Caan, as a hilariously scurrilous quack.)
The lead actor had undergone a huge physical transformation for his role.
(He spoke of a nearly unrecognizable 31-year-old Judd Nelson as an emaciated, lackluster garbageman with a greasy comeover. Yikes!)
There was a cameo actor who met Bill for the first time in that movie and, being so impressed with Bill's moxie in their one scene, would become close friends with him for the next 26 years (the rest of Bill's life).
(That was Rob Lowe, in a small one-line role as a Hollywood television rep.)
There was also an entertainer who claimed his favorite role ever was in this movie as a talent agent.
(Wayne Newton was the man who uttered the line that "accordion players were a dime a dozen". Hilarious, coming from the singer known for "Danke Schoen"!)
Amazingly, Jim did NOT mention that one of the actors had portrayed Ronald MacDonald for two decades.
(I'm speaking of Robert "King" Moody, folks.)
Jim also didn't mention that Archie Bunker's buddy, Hank Pivnik, was the seedy club owner.
(Danny Dayton was that man, fellow lodge member and bar attendee with the redneck racist, Archie.)
Then there was Doctor Scurvy's curvy nurse, formerly a sci-fi heart-throb.
(Of Babylon 5 fame, that would be Claudia Christian, folks.)
As well as a 21-year-old who was just getting noticed for her curves.
(Lara Flynn Boyle, playing Rosarita, the lead's mousy waitress girlfriend.)
The movie?
"The Dark Backward", a pet project of writer/director Adam Rifkin, featuring the omnipresent company, Blump. The tale of Marty and Gus, two grimy garbagemen (who leave streets littered with trash) who are childhood friends. Gus thinks Marty is funny and gets him to do stand-up comedy. But Marty is utterly and completely terrible. The stress of his failing life causes a dark spot to grow on his back, a spot that morphs into a small hand before becoming a full-fledged third arm. Finally, a talent agent takes notice! A bad comedian is one thing, but a three-armed bad comic? That was pure gold! Especially with Gus as true comic relief on his accordion.
But a funny thing happens.
After Marty and Gus get tapped for a guest spot of a television show, they're making big plans for Hollywood. And Gus asks poor-mouthing Marty, "Why are you afraid of being successful?"
At which Marty realizes success is upon him and he need not fear it...
and he awakens the next day, the day they are to begin their television foray, to find the limb that had been growing between his shoulder blades is gone.
Completely, totally, g-o-n-e.
And so is he career on the small screen... but Gus is still wanted!
You see, two-armed comics are a dime a dozen in Hollywood.
(smile)
The best part?
Marty discovers his lack of the third arm works well as a comic foil in his rejuvenated role as a stand-up comedian.
Talk about making lemonade...
(smile)
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