TV series...& more cats n' dogs

In a radio interview during the week Dave Fanning spoke to the actor James Drury .For those who do not know , James Drury was the fellow who played the part of''' The Virginian '' in the TV series .The series ran for 10 years apparently and finished about 30 years ago . Drury , now 72 years of age , was in Ireland visiting his relatives , and was delighted to find that TG4 was running the programme 5 days a week .A great western show I remember it well I even forgave them giving old John Mc Intyre that dreadful wig . I also , by the way forgive , the owners of the Carlton Cinema ,for showing one episode of the TV show as a FIRST RUN film a few years before we in Ireland saw it on TV.In case there is no one else alive who knows about (or for that matter ..cares about )this con the episode was entitled 'The Brazen Bell' and the Carlton gave Lee J.Cobb the starring role....
What struck me about this , well- conducted , interview , was how much the actor seemed to have enjoyed making the show and his obvious pleasure in getting the opportunity to work with some of the great stars of the 'big screen ' , such as Bette Davis and Joan Crawford , who 'guested ' on the show over the years . He spoke about how much fun they had making it and how he missed his fellow actors , including of course Doug Mc Clure , who played the part of his pal ' Trampas ', who sadly passed away a few years ago.
I must now confess that I am a fan of the 'movies ' for over 60 years . I even remember the original 'black and white 'film of 'The Virginian ',starring Joel McCrea in the title role and Brian Donlevy as 'Trampas'.We have come through a time when we (filmgoers ) have become very cynical about the excesses of all those connected with Hollywood and the entertainment business generally , so it was great to hear an actor , who had given so much entertainment over many years , himself , acknowledging , his peers , his job , and his ongoing fame .

This interview was broadcast about a week after a similar one , this time with Myles Dungan asking the questions , with the actor John Mahoney (prounonced MaHONEy) . He played the 'Dad ' in 'Frasier'.He also said how much he enjoyed making the show , looking forward to going to work each day , of course the money that he made , which gave him freedom to act parts that he enjoyed doing , without money being a big priority ,which in turn , enabled Irish theatre goers to see him on stage in Galway .
Some years ago Larry Hagman (JR from 'Dallas') , talked in similar vein about how the cast of that show became almost an extended family and that helped them to present with straight faces such ridiculous and repetitive plots including 'Miz Ellie's' double head-transplant (Barbara Bel Geddes...Donna Reed....Barbara Bel Geddes ) and 'Bobbie's' resurrection for the 'dead' not just after 3 days but after 3 YEARS .And finally there was Jonathan Ross' interview with David Schwimmer visiting the UK after 'Friends 'finished its run very similar comments about teamwork and bonding which seemed very genuine.
So maybe instead of criticizing them or being envious of them we should give them a huge round of applause , thanks for all the fun ......
Before we leave Hollywood and bearing in mind the recent comments about cats n' dogs.Who remembers all the doggie stars...Rin Tin Tin...Lassie....Bullet (sorry ..Roy Roger's dog ) and how all of these animals were sooo brave and loyal...I honestly cannot imagine a CAT...limping back to the farmhouse , using its body-language to inform the 'folks' , that the hero/heroine is in dire peril in the old-abandoned-silver-mine........No . A cat , becoming aware of the plight of her meal-ticket ,would simply , yawn , stretch ,turn over ,go back to sleep , sending up a 'thought-bubble'''I wonder who's going to feed me tonight....Good-night