dual personalities

So Kirk Douglas died–at age 103. He had quite a life. Rising from humble beginnings as “the ragman’s son,” he went to St. Lawrence University (where my DP’s DH teaches) where he was a division III wrestler, and became a movie star.

Fun fact: in 2014, St. Lawrence University named its newest building and residential facility Kirk Douglas Hall. The residence hall also includes the popular Spartacus Café. What more could you want?

Well, I think Kirk Douglas wanted an Academy Award–one for acting, not for having a long career. He could have won for Lust for Life (1956)…

…but that was the year of Yul Brynner in The King and I. It happens, although I don’t think Kirk was robbed. He just didn’t win. There’s a difference.

Anyway, this weekend we should all watch our favorite Kirk Douglas movies. And you know you have them. My favorite would be The War Wagon (1967) because John Wayne is in it.

(Or you could watch Blazing Saddles where Gene Wilder parodies  Douglas’s western persona so well.)

I just watched The War Wagon recently, however, so it will have to be something else. I am thinking of watching Cast a Giant Shadow (1966) because I have never seen it (and John Wayne is in it and coincidentally, also Yul Brynner).

So many decisions.

Speaking of the Academy Awards, I think they are on Sunday night. But who cares? I suggest watching one of the really great movies that did not win the Oscar for Best Picture–such as The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) or The Searchers (1956). I would even suggest watching a Kirk Douglas potboiler where he is giving 110% and chewing the scenery in a not-very-good movie, such as Gunfight at the OK Corral (1957) or The Vikings (1958). You’d get your money’s worth.

Have a good weekend!

*Kirk Douglas as Doc Holliday in Gunfight at the OK Corral.