Go ahead, flame me...
I do recommend the 1935 version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream although I didn’t particularly like Rooney’s version of Puck. But then I don’t think we’re supposed to like Puke. I did love James Cagney as Bottom. And the special affects were amazing for the time. So if you are like me and a bit OCD about Shakespeare, watch it. It’s as good as anything else that comes later.
This is sad news. Another link to a saner world gone.
I have a buddy who wrote GERALD, which starred Rooney. He said that each day, at the end of the shoot, Mickey would have him go to the Wendy’s drive through for ice cream. The teen girl working got to know Rooney through his charm and down to earth demeanor. She, of course, had no idea who this little old man was but fell in love with him. After the film wrapped, my buddy went back and gave her his autograph with a thank you note to her. I know that his heart must be hurting today.
He was brilliant in “Bill.” I actually knew the real Bill in Iowa City and Rooney nailed that character.
I still remember the first movie I ever saw him in. 1957.
FRANCIS IN THE HAUNTED HOUSE.
Double feature with MA AND PA KETTLE ON OLD MCDONALD’S FARM.
Noel, MO movie house, years before it burned.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049229/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_167
RIP
Stablemates (1938)
Mickey Rooney was a big fan and friend of Ronald Reagan.
That episode of Twilight Zone where he played the disgraced jockey is a good one.
Maybe the last one of the old time Hollywood movie stars, I can’t imagine there’s many more left.
I’ll give the guy credit for his talent, but he was an arrogant prick.
Humility wasn’t part of his personality.
I met him in a hotel lobby in Philadelphia. He was sitting on a couch as I walked by on my way to the office. I did a double-take and then approached him with my hand out to shake.
Maybe he was in a bad mood or maybe I approached with a little too much enthusiasm, but he waved me away and said “I’m waiting for someone.” It seemed rude and dismissive to me, but I’m sure celebrities get tired of dunces approaching them in public and intruding on their privacy.
Still, I would have expected a bit more grace.
In any case, that was the Mickey Rooney I knew, however briefly.
The reason he gave as to why Rooney entered acting was so that he could provide for his mom.
That thinking might be why he was married 8 times.
RIP, Mr. Rooney. I remember seeing that he attended President Reagan’s funeral. I think Rooney was a supporter of his.
There’s only a handful of people that was in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World” left. RIP MR. You were great.