eddie bracken

November 20, 2002 9:40 AM

eddie bracken, 1940s slapstick comedian, passed on over the weekend. the star of hail the conquering hero and the controversial miracle of morgan's creek, bracken was often regarded as the onscreen alter ego of pioneering writer/director preston sturges. unfortunately, he correctly predicted that his appearance at film forum would be his last.
posted by pxe2000 (6 comments total)

He lived in my hometown, when I was growing up, and I remember trick or treating at his house on one occasion. He was, of course, referred to as "Roy Wally" -- a reference to his small part in Vacation. Later, I met him at a career day in my high school. He seemed a very warm and modest person and I'm sorry to see him go.
posted by condour75 at 9:50 AM on November 20, 2002

i found disappointing the fact that there was no appreciation in the new jersey patriot ledger. i know he was probably considered a has-been to most of our generation and that his death was overshadowed by james coburn -- who had arguably worked on more vital and "important" films prior to his passing -- but he had taken on major roles in two influential films, and had worked with the first ever writer/director, and was a prominent princeton (?) resident. because he had no appreciation, i took it upon myself to show some love
posted by pxe2000 at 9:54 AM on November 20, 2002

Wow, not a single proper noun in the entire post.

Amazing.
posted by botono9 at 11:18 AM on November 20, 2002

do you have anything constructive to say about the post, aaron, or are you just going to sit around being snide?
posted by pxe2000 at 12:32 PM on November 20, 2002

Ignore the User Comments at the IMDB page for Morgan's Creek: it's a wicked funny movie. Still controversial today, but for political incorrectness. There's a good swing dancing scene as well.
posted by todd at 3:29 PM on November 20, 2002

My mother, wife and I appeared with Eddie in The Wizard of Oz at Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, NJ in 1992. He was a very down-to-earth friendly person, who really cared about the people he worked with. I'm glad I got to spend time with him. Rest in Peace, Eddie....
posted by garypratt at 1:34 PM on November 22, 2002