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Topic: RIP Ray Harryhausen
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Hugh Thompson Scott
Film God
Posts: 3063
From: Gt. Clifton,Cumbria,England
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted May 07, 2013 02:45 PM
A very sad piece of news that I still am trying to get used to, the King is dead, except theres no one to take his place.Ray was unique indeed,he kept fantasy film alive when fantasy films were not in vogue, long before the Star Wars series were thought of. He did well reaching 92 and had the knowledge that he and his films are still well loved the world over.Indeed I had just been watching the latest DVD release Special Effects Titan the other night and was thinking when he celebrated his 90th Birthday, he had a party and the author of his tri volume homage to Ray, Mr Mike Hankin attended, I had asked Mike if he would take a card and a DVD recording I had done of all Ray's TV appearances on UK TV being interviewed since the mid 80's which I'm sure would have tickled him.The last time I was in conversation with him was '98 at Bray 2, where I had him all to myself for a good ten minutes.Well the Great man has gone and what a loss to the world, his films will live forever as long as there's a projector to light them by.Farewell "Uncle" Ray,may you Rest in Peace. Condolences to Diana and Vanessa at this very sad time.
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David M. Ballew
Expert Film Handler
Posts: 113
From: Burbank, CA USA
Registered: Nov 2009
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posted May 10, 2013 12:20 AM
First off, Laksmi, I love your artwork. What a marvelous visual tribute to such a wonderful man. And everyone else, I second everything you've all had to say. These are very moving tributes indeed.
Here's what I posted on my Facebook page on Tuesday:
"Today a great hero of mine died, Mr. Ray Harryhausen.
"Most of you have no idea that Mr. Harryhausen was the creative mastermind behind such critic-proof fantasy films as Seventh Voyage of Sinbad, Jason and the Argonauts, Mysterious Island, and the original Clash of the Titans.
"A very few of you may remember those stop-motion animations I created in 8mm when I was a kid. (Remember? I snagged a couple of Eastman Kodak awards for my humble efforts, back in the day.) My inspiration in making those was Ray Harryhausen.
"I'll never forget the stab of joy in my young heart when I saw my first stills from his film Valley of Gwangi. Cowboys versus dinosaurs? Oh, heck yeah! Maybe only a 9-year-old boy can truly appreciate such a thing... but I'll tell you, that 9-year-old boy is still right here, and still enthralled.
"I met the great man once, at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. They put him behind a table right at the door. He greeted us fans, signed our various books and memorabilia, and somehow found a moment to chat briefly with each and every one. By all accounts a deeply gracious man, he seemed genuinely touched when all I could think to say to him was a heartfelt 'God bless you, sir.'
"If you'll permit me to say so, I believe that God has blessed all of us by giving us a man like Ray Harryhausen. Yes, there are weightier and more 'important' things than his movies, but my life has been made richer by the simple, virtuous fantasies he brought to the screen, handcrafted one frame at a time.
Yes. God bless you, sir."
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Hugh Thompson Scott
Film God
Posts: 3063
From: Gt. Clifton,Cumbria,England
Registered: Jan 2012
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posted May 28, 2013 07:49 AM
I noticed on the IMDb that there are a few queries as to why the recent demise of one of the Worlds Greatest Special Effects technicians received no coverage. In the USA, I understand not a mention,except for CBS who got it wrong by saying he worked with clay figures, doesn't anyone do research anymore? We fared no better in the UK, we had 20 seconds,count 'em, on the BBC, with a snippet from "Jason". Amazing that the myriad of "talking heads" that frequent his DVDs have no comments to make, obviously if theres no pay cheque, theres nothing to say.
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