10 May 2022 - STATUE OF DETECTIVE COLUMBO IN BUDAPEST

 

STATUE OF DETECTIVE COLUMBO

 IN BUDAPEST

G'day folks,

Thanks to a tenuous familial connection, Budapest’s Falk Miksa Street is now home to a life-size bronze reproduction of Peter Falk as America’s favorite soft-spoken detective in the rumpled coat, Columbo.

Installed in 2014 at an estimated cost of $63,000, the bronze lieutenant was part of an overall rejuvenation project in the area, although exactly why the figure was chosen is a bit of a mystery. According to organizers, actor Peter Falk may have been related to the 19th-century Hungarian political figure, Miksa Falk, after whom the street is named, although they also admit that this connection has yet to be proven. The American Falk is known to have had Hungarian roots on one side of his family, although it has never been linked to Miksa Falk’s family. Some have also questioned the timing of the statue’s installation given that Peter Falk passed away in 2011, meaning that it is unlikely to commemorate his passing either. Many believe that it was unveiled in time to garner votes in an upcoming election, although this seems to be a strange way to go about it. 

 

Just one more thing… At the foot of the metal lieutenant’s feet is a bronze basset hound modeled after a local dog named Franzi, who even showed up for the unveiling. This is of course supposed to be Columbo’s droopy-faced pet, “Dog.” Unfortunately, the dog does not seem to provide any further clues to the decision-making process behind the statue’s bizarre existence. Maybe if Columbo were still alive, he’d be able to solve the case.

There is also a little bronze squirrel with a gun right behind Colombo. Why is it there and what it means is a bit of a mystery. 

Clancy's comment: 'Uh, pardon me, ma'am, but I couldn't help noticing that there's a Columbo statue in the middle of Budapest. Oh ... there's one more thing ... '

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14 September 2021 - MURDER AT LONDON'S WEST END THEATRE

 

 

MURDER AT LONDON'S

 WEST END THEATRE

 

G'day folks,

London’s famous West End was haunted for years – and still might be – by the ghost of a leading actor savagely murdered at the stage door of a theatre on this day.

Suave William Terriss was one of the biggest stars of the late Victorian era and had it all – talent, charisma, good looks and an ability to turn in fine performances playing anything from a swashbuckling hero such as Robin Hood to comedy roles and melodrama. He was equally adept at classic drama and was a noted Shakespearean actor.

On this day he arrived at the stage door of the Adelphi Theatre to prepare for an evening performance of a melodrama called Secret Service when, according to a witness, “somebody rushed from across the road and struck him two blows most rapidly on the back.”

When the stunned Terriss turned around, the assailant “raised his arm a third time and plunged a large knife deep into the actor’s chest.”

Terriss cried out: “My God, I am stabbed! Arrest him!” A number of theatre staff rushed to his aid and, according to one newspaper report, “formed all too late a bodyguard.” Terriss was carried into a passage behind the stage door and propped up on pillows but he could not be saved. As he died, his lover, actress Jessie Millward, heard him whisper: "I will come back."

The killer was a deranged actor named Richard Prince who, because of his drinking and mental instability, had become unemployable. Although Terriss had helped him in the past, Prince blamed his plight on the West End star and had lain in wait to carry out revenge.

He was put on trial for murder and found guilty but insane. He was sent to Broadmoor Criminal Lunatic Asylum, where he spent the rest of his life.

Terriss’s promise that “I will come back” apparently came true in 1928. According to reports, a young actress was resting in her dressing room before a performance at the Adelphi Theatre when her couch began to shake. When it happened again she saw a green mist. Then something grabbed her arms and held her down. Her ordeal continued until there were two knocks on the door.

She learned later that the room had belonged to William Terriss who, through superstition, would always knock twice on the door with his cane before entering. In the 1950s Terriss was reported to have been seen emerging from a green mist at the theatre.

At nearby Covent Garden Tube Station, ticket collector Jack Hayden said in 1955 that he saw Terriss walking along the platform. “He was wearing an opera cloak and gloves, holding a cane, and had a very, very sad face and sunken cheeks,” he said.

The actor is even said to have been seen walking through a closed cafeteria door. The last reported sighting was in 1972.

Why Terriss should haunt the theatre and surrounding area is anybody’s guess. But as everyone knows, thespians just love making an appearance . . .

Clancy's comment: Ah,  love the West End of London. 

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22 August 2019 - JOHN J. QUINLAN - GUEST ACTOR AND MODEL

JOHN J. QUINLAN

 - GUEST ACTOR AND MODEL -

G'day folks,

Today, I ask some fairly direct questions to a man I've interviewed before, but he's come a long way since then.

Welcome John J. ....

1.   Tell us about you and what you do.

I am an actor and model. Over the years I earned the nickname, Stoneface, from all the people who say I never smile.

2.   What was the happiest moment of your life?

The birth(s) of my 3 children.

3.   What was the saddest moment?

The death of my maternal grandfather.

4.   What surprised you most?

How many people over the years I have inspired.

5.   What was your greatest disappointment?

The feeling of failing, I’ve been there many times.

6.   Who did you misjudge? Why?

Many guys in the gyms over the years who I later became great friends with.

7.   What or who was your biggest challenge?

Learning to see good things in myself that others tell me they see in me.

8.   What has been your biggest regret?

Not being there for my paternal grandmother more before she died because I was so consumed with my projects.

9.   What would be your dying comment? Why?

Never give up on anything you truly believe in.

10.               Who or what stunned you the most?

How fast my 3 children are growing up.

11.               What would you like written on your tombstone? Why?

It is a quote that is completely my own and truly defines my life, “I don’t ever recall being the best at anything in my life, I’m just one of the hardest workers”

12.               Who would you rather have not met? Why?

All those people when I was a kid who promised me great things only to be disappointed every time they never worked out. 

13.               Who were you most envious of? Why?

Anyone I saw as a kid who seemed to never have to work hard and things “just came naturally” to them.

14.               Who did you forgive – for doing something you never thought you’d forgive?

A guy who I got into a fight with while I was working as a doorman in one of the Boston nightclubs. 

15.               What was your greatest moment in your life?

  The first time my first born son said, “I love you.” 

16.               What is your greatest achievement?

There is no 1 greatest achievement, my greatest achievements are the ones that bring me that great feeling of “I did it.” That moment of realizing I just achieved something I've been working at for so very long. 

17.               What personal traits would you like to have in your next life?

Perseverance, humility, kindness 

18.               What advice would you give to world leaders?

Practice what you preach.

19.               What advice would you give to parents today?

Communicate with your kids, keep that line of communication open 24-7.

20.               Who would you choose to be stuck on a desert island with?

Tom Hanks, look how well he survived on his desert island in the movie Cast Away!

21.               Have any heroes? Why? Who?

I have 2 heroes, my maternal grandfather Bill Hafner because he was the perfect gentleman and Jerry Rice because he was one of the hardest workers.

22.               What is the greatest legacy you will leave behind?

I never quit anything, I always finished strong.

23.               What’s lacking in the world today?

Acceptance of all people equally regardless of race, color, creed, gender and sexual orientation. 

24.               Any pearls of wisdom for the rest of us?

Treat people the way you want to be treated.

25.               What would be the last sentence you ever write?

God Bless The Masses.

26.               What inspired you most?

Stories involving the underdog who overcame extreme adversity to beat the odds and become victorious. 

27.               Who or what made you laugh the most?

Growing up I loved Eddie Murphy, priceless!

28.               What would be your top three chosen careers in your next life?

Professional athlete, the boss of my own company, private investigator

29.               What is your prime focus in life today?

To be the very best person I can be so my kids proudly say, “that was my dad.”

30.               Do you have any fear of doing something wrong?

Having the feeling of being afraid to fail just a bit is a good thing because it will force you to properly prepare so it won’t happen. 

31.               If or when you reflect on your past, can you identify any world events that you believe had a significant impact on you?

September 11th, the evil that took place that day enforced my belief that one's life can be over in a blink at any moment so live life the best you can.

32.               Do you think one can live a purposeful life without knowing the meaning of life?

 I think if one is a good person and is happy in his / her life no matter what will be a purposeful one.

33.                From your perspective - what is the way forward for the world? 

A world free of judgement, jealousy and hate.

34.               Imagine that you were given a chance to live again, what will you do first and what will you do differently?

Stand on a beach and take in the ocean air and thank God at that moment for the gift of life. I would make sure I spent some time quality time with loved ones so when they pass I no longer will live with the feeling of regret.

35.                Do you have a bucket list? Tell us more.

At the top of my bucket list is to visit Ireland, heard it’s really a great place.

36.               Any great claims to fame?

I let my peers do that.

37.               Anything you’d like to add?

Thank you Clancy Tucker for interviewing me, it was my pleasure.

 WEBSITE

Clancy's comment: Go, John, J! It's been a pleasure, and thanks for the frank answers. 

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