I have been watching TCM since it began and have enjoyed the wonderful movies shown. I find Robert Osborne's introductions interesting and informative. I am new to the message boards so have patience with me and tolerate my ramblings.
Is it me, or is there anyone else out there that finds BEN MANKIEWICZ to be offensive, dull and oftentimes juvenile in his remarks?
He has the habit of being both offensive and childish in his comments. A few weeks back, he introduced 'International Velvet'. By no stretch of the imagination could this movie be called good or even interesting. However, he found it necessary to attack one of the players for her association with the director. He said that Natalie Newman got her role by 'sleeping with the director', and then added, in his mocking tone, that they had been married for some 20+ years. Mildly amusing, you might say. Perhaps, say I, but to me it was totally unfunny and unnecessary. Ms Newman had roles in many of her husband's movies before this - so why wouldn't she not have a role in this one, his biggest budgeted movie to date? He merrily gave the impression that Ms Newman was only in films due to her association with her director husband.
Doesn't he, Mr. Mankiewicz, have a famous father? Would he like people to say that this is why he has received certain jobs. He certainly lacks wit, charm and a good knowledge of film and does not know how to present in a way that encourages one to interest oneself in the movies that he 'presents'. So, why is he in his job on TCM???
Last week, he was offensive about 'A Night to Remember' - he babbled on about the movie 'Titanic' and said that the earlier film lacked 'stars' of the status of 'Leonardo'. He then rambled on about the lack of star quality of the players in the movie, which Robert Osborne, on TCM, has said was perhaps the best version of the disaster filmed to date. The movie 'starred' Kenneth Moore, who may not have little girls sqealing like piglets at the sight of him, but who had made a number of excellent movies before his sad and tragic death, which received good reviews and have stood the test of time.
Does anyone out there know why this person has been given such a prestitigous job on TCM? Am I the only one out there that finds this young man to be offensive, dull, and unknowledgable? I feel that I am watching a scruff that needs a good wash. TCM may wish to project him as an Oscar Madison-type but he lacks the wit, charm and knowledge of this character. He would do well to return to school and actually learn about film and then take a refresher course at Charm School before hosting on TCM.
If my posting has annoyed anyone, I apologize to you. Don't worry, I am not in the habit of making multiple postings so you won't hear from me again.
