But with the release last year of "A Flash of Green," whichSun-Times film critic Roger Ebert awarded three stars during itsall-too-brief run at the Fine Arts Theaters, at last a MacDonald workwas treated with respect.
If you missed this fascinating character study of a corruptreporter's effort to reclaim his self-respect, you're in luck tonightwhen the film is presented from 8 to 10 on WTTW-Channel 11 as partof the "American Playhouse" series.
Like MacDonald's fiction, "A Flash of Green" is rife with rich,complex characters, including Ed Harris' Jimmy Wing, a small-townreporter on the take; Blair Brown as Kat Hubbel, the woman he lovesbut must betray, and Richard Jordan as Elmo Bliss, the corrupt countycommissioner trying to manipulate a lucrative land deal.
"A Flash of Green" is a terrific suspense yarn as well, asHarris is bribed by Jordan to keep him abreast of communityopposition to his land-development scheme.
This is one of those quiet, little movies that dart quicklyacross the movie theater screen before being forgotten. Thanks toPBS, "A Flash of Green" gets a second chance at life.
Tonight the Television Academy Hall of Fame will honor some ofthe medium's pioneers during an NBC special from 8 to 10 onWMAQ-Channel 5. Among those being honored are Steve Allen, WaltDisney, Jackie Gleason, Mary Tyler Moore, Frank Stanton and BurrTillstrom.
Tillstrom, who died in December at age 68, also willbe thesubject of a half-hour special from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Channel 5."Kukla, Fran and Ollie: A Reminiscence" will be hosted by Tillstrom'slongtime partner, Fran Allison.
While in Chicago to tape the special at WMAQ, Allison said"Kukla, Fran and Ollie" was successful during its 1948-57 run was"because it wasn't aimed at any specific age group."
Allison said she found it difficult to return to the old "Kukla"set without Tillstrom.
"I didn't want to even look at it," she said, her eyes welling.
As for Kukla and Ollie and the rest of Tillstrom'sKuklapolitans, the reunion was bittersweet.
"I felt the same way about them the very first time I workedwith them - they were so real to me," Allison said, beginning tolaugh at herself as just a little (but delightfully) crazy to havesuch an emotional attachment to puppets.
"They were my friends, we grew up together," Allison said,adding that Tillstrom frequently would call her at her home inCalifornia and conduct the entire conversation as Kukla or Ollie."Kukla was Burr and Ollie was the one Burr always wanted to be," shesaid.
Allison smiled at the idea that she was one of television'spioneers. "I was certainly in the covered wagon. I do think weplayed an important part."
It is a wagon that continues to roll along. Allison, whopledged this writer to secrecy regarding her age, remains active intelevision as the hostess of a morning show for senior citizens.
And she will be on hand to accept the award this evening whenTillstrom is honored on NBC.
`Flash of Green' crackles // `American Playhouse' gives film thriller second chance One of fiction's most prolific writers, John D. MacDonald always hassuffered the indignity of having his superb thrillers trashed byHollywood.But with the release last year of "A Flash of Green," whichSun-Times film critic Roger Ebert awarded three stars during itsall-too-brief run at the Fine Arts Theaters, at last a MacDonald workwas treated with respect.
If you missed this fascinating character study of a corruptreporter's effort to reclaim his self-respect, you're in luck tonightwhen the film is presented from 8 to 10 on WTTW-Channel 11 as partof the "American Playhouse" series.
Like MacDonald's fiction, "A Flash of Green" is rife with rich,complex …
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