Gene Wilder ~ In Memory ~ Life & Film

IN HEARTFELT MEMORY ~ GENE WILDER ~ June 11, 1933 – August 29, 1966

We have lost one of the masters of comedic brilliance.  With his distinctive wild hair and tender expressions to eye widening antics, the illustrious Gene Wilder brought life to his characters in numerous classic films that shall weave their way through history, never to be forgotten.  One of my personal all-time favorites was that of Dr. Frankenstein and another big fave, Willy Wonka.  I’ll showcase these films and highlight his other films below with links where you can watch them, and tidbits of his life threaded through along the way.

Jim Carry: Gene Wilder was one of the funniest and sweetest energies ever to take a human form. If there’s a heaven he has a Golden Ticket. ;^)

TWO PEAS IN A COMEDIC POD

“Love at first sight”, is how Gilda Radner described her feelings when they first set eyes on each other.  It makes sense.  They were so much alike.  Both with amazing sense of humors which they enjoyed in life and let loose on screen or stage with ease.  (Although Gene didn’t consider himself funny in life.) The fun couple wed in 1984.  They worked on three films together during their marriage.

“Ohhhhhhhhh TOOOOOOODD!!!”  My fave of Gilda’s characters on the original Saturday Night Live (in my opinion, the best of the SNL years) ‘Not Ready for Prime Time Players’, in which she played as half of a sweet, nerdy duo with another funny guy, Bill Murray.  The talented Gilda often wrote her own material.

GENE LOST HIS SWEETHEART far too soon, as she could not win her brave battle to ovarian cancer, and passed away in 1989 with him by her side.  At the end, her desire was that their tragedy would benefit others.  He fulfilled her wish and co-founded  Gilda’s Club which continues to help and inspire others.  He wanted to help”the hundreds of other Gildas out there”.

I adore this photo and happy to see they were doggie lovers!  ♥  I love this couple!

UPON RETIRING

After his final film in 1991, Gene did various work on TV.  In 2003, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a comedy series for his performance on “Will & Grace”.  His retirement from film was of his own volition as he said later that films were becoming too loud and he didn’t like the ostentatious swearing in so many.  He preferred to spend his time writing and out of Hollywood.

NEW LIFE, STRUGGLES & DEATH

Gene was married to his fourth wife , Karen Boyer (see more below under movie, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil”, from 1991 until his sad demise in 2016.  He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, went through treatments and was in remission in 2005.  He and karen enjoyed painting watercolors, writing, and dong charitable work together.  He died peacefully listening to his favorite music while holding her hand after a three year private struggle from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Gene’s memoir,  Kiss Me Like a Stranger: My Search for Love and Art, was published in 2006.  Click on his name under the title to find his author page to see his four novels.

 

***WILDER BROUGHT PIZAZZ TO THESE FILMS***                                                           Not all his films were box office successes, but he brought to each something special.

The following is a chronological accounting of Gene Wilder’s films from his latest film project to his first.

I would love you to SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT! Thank you kindly.  ♥ ~ Deborah

• ALICE IN WONDERLAND (1999)

An NBC made for TV movie  Not a feature film, but wanted to include this one.

Gene, as the Mock Turtle, singing his unique heart out.  His fellow cast members include Whoopie Goldberg, Ben Kingsley and Tina Majorino from another of my all-time fave comedies, “Napoleon Dynamite”, as Alice.

Alice in Wonderland is available on DVD     Rated PG

• ANOTHER YOU (1991)

A mental hospital patient (Gene Wilder) and con-man (Richard Pryor) mix it up in this  comedy.  It unfortunately didn’t do well at the box office.  Critics praised their performances (as well as Kevin Spacey’s), but generally didn’t like the script.

I love this photo as they share their fourth film together and final feature film for each, as well.   Pryor passed away in 2005 from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis which is sadly apparent in this film.

Directed by Maurice Philips

You can Rent or Own Another You on amazon streaming.  Rated R

• FUNNY ABOUT LOVE (1990)

Is love enough?

A New York cartoonist (Gene Wilder) meets a gourmet chef (Christine Lahti), the love of his life, but things don’t always go the way you might think.

Directed by Leonard Nimoy.  Just look at these two film giants yucking it up together off set.  How cool is that?

You can Rent or Own Funny About Love on amazon streaming.

 

• SEE NO EVIL, HEAR NO EVIL (1989)
  

Hilarious with Richard Pryor as a blind man who gets ensconced in a mystery with Gene Wilder who is deaf, making for plenty of funny while they try to escape the bad guys!

Gene met his fourth wife in preparation for this film, Speech Pathologist, Karen Boyer, who was helping him with lip reading.  She also worked on a variety of films in Wardrobe as a costume Designer.  Two years after Gilda’s passing, they reunited, marrying in 1989.

Rated R  Available on DVD  with BONUS!  Includes “Stir Crazy”, where these two teamed up earlier, plus another of Pryor’s films, “The Toy”.

 

• HAUNTED HONEYMOON (1986)

A little magic.

Film mirrors life as Gene stands at the alter with this beloved Gilda.

Haunted Honeymoon is available to Rent or Own on amazon streaming.  DVD – UK version  Rated PG

 

• THE WOMAN IN RED (1984)

Gene and Gilda joined together again on screen and had a blast on this film where he plays a man obsessed with a beautiful woman and she, the sometimes less than attractive (who’s to judge?), yet quirky woman.  (My favorite type of character to play!)

Deborah Reed (me) being Gilda-ish in a screenshot of commercial, “How to Dump Your Dishwasher”, written and directed by yours truly for Duerden’s Appliance.  (2009)

Screenshot of Gene in “The Woman in Red”.  Trying to purty himself up for ‘the woman’.

Written and Directed by Gene Wilder and again, the critics weren’t in love with it.

It’s been a long while since I watched on Network TV, but I remember this film being a whole lotta fun and laughing al0tta.  Perhaps it’s the actors I loved.

You can Rent or Own The Woman in Red on amazon streaming.  Rated PG 13

 

• HANKY PANKY (1982)

Gene & Gilda together in this fun flick!  Government espionage is the center of this rollicking murderous schpeel.   The director, Sidney Poitier, and Gene became friends after “Stir Crazy” which Poiter also directed, then worked together writing this project.

Falling in Love on Reel & For Real

It was on the set of Hanky Panky that Gene and Gilda first met.  Remember?  “It was love at first sight, ” said Gilda.  Fun to think about while watching this movie, don’t you think?.  Just see how she looks at him… I don’t think she’s just acting!  😉  The two became fast and inseparable friends, marrying several years later.

Gene said in an interview that she was always funny and loved what she was doing.  “She laughed because I hadn’t seen Rosanna Danna (SNL character).  I hadn’t seen any and she made me see them.”

I like pondering that whole scenario.  😀

You can Rent or Buy Hanky Panky on amazon streaming!  Rated PG

 

• STIR CRAZY  (1980)

Framed as bank robbers as they scamper to make a getaway!

Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor with those great comedic expressions they both did so well.

You can Rent or Buy Stir Crazy on amazon streaming.  Also available on DVD.  Rated R.

 

• THE FRISCO KID  (1979

In a 2013 interview, Gene said of Frisco Kid, “I liked that one a lot.  I could be very serious and I could be funny.”

I really love this movie.  It was fun, humorous and also had a lot of heart.

Avram, a Polish Rabbi wanders through the desert on his way to San Fransisco, when he meets an interesting character.

In this film, Gene saddled up with Harrison Ford.

Gene said in an interview, “Harrison Ford was wonderful.  I liked him.  We worked and we had fun at night playing darts and having a beer.”

The Frisco Kid is available on DVD.   Rated PG

 

• THE WORLD’S GREATEST LOVER (1977)

Gene plays a crazed banker who strives to be ‘The Great Valentino’ in a talent contest.

Would be interesting to see with these other two crack-ups, Carol Kane and Dom DeLuise.

Written and Directed by Gene Wilder

Available on DVD. Rated PG

 

• SILVER STREAK (1976)

Gene’s first of four films with Richard Pryor.

Director:  Arthur Hiller

In 1976, Gene Wilder was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his roll as George Caldwell.

Available on DVD.   Rated PG

• THE ADVENTURE OF SHERLOCK HOLMES’ SMARTER BROTHER (1975)

Gene, the younger brother of Sherlock, wants what he’s got!

Once again, we get to see Gene paired up with Young Frankenstein’s Marty Feldman.

And Young Frankenstein’s  lovely & hilarious Madeline Kahn

This film was Gene’s directorial début, but the critics didn’t love it.

Available on DVD Blu Ray.   Rated PG

 

• YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN  (1974)

FIVE GOBLIN HEARTS  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

Well, here it is… One of my alllllll time FAVORITE movies!

Based on characters in the novel “Frankenstein” by 20 year old Mary Shelley, a stunning literary piece.  Young Frankenstein, this brilliant masterpiece, took it to a whole new mesmerizing and  hilarious level!  My opinion! 😀

With Gene Wilder playing the part of the illusive Dr. Frederick Frankenstein.

Dr. Frankenstein:”What knockers!”  ~   Inga: “Oh, sank you Doctor.”

Gene dated the adorable, talented Teri Garr for a short while after the film.

With the marvelous Madeline Khan.

It’s Aliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiive!

Plenty of big eye dramatics going on here!

I can relate, as I get teased about my eyeball action in “Troll 2″…a lot.

Screenshot – Deborah Reed in “Troll 2” (1990)    *see my IMDB for more pics

 

Can’t compete with Marty Feldman!  Love this scene.  Igor trying to fool Dr. Frankenstein.

One scene I’m particularly fond of that I have often quoted through the years, always referring to myself as, “Abby Normal.”

 

Gotta love this with Mel Brooks.   Gene originally took the idea to Mel Brooks upon the encouragement of his agent, who had just signed on Marty Feldman and Madeline Khan.  He wasn’t sure about it at first, but am I ever grateful he did!  What a collaboration!

Mel said of his friend after Gene’s passing.  “Gene Wilder-One of the truly great talents of our time. He blessed every film we did with his magic & he blessed me with his friendship.”

The cast included the awesome Cloris Leachman.

Puttin’ On The Ritz! Watch our for flying tomatoes!  No worries,  Rotten Tomatoes gave you a 93!

The doctor and his beloved Monster.

No one could have played our monster like Peter Boyle!

Screen story and Screenplay by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder

In 1979 nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.  Gene wrote the Transylvania Station scene.

You can watch Young Frankenstein FREE on TCM – Turner Classic Movies.  Check your Listings.

Next airing Friday, Sept 09, at 10 PM.  After you watch, come on back here and leave new Comments!  Yay! 😀

You can get in on DVD. (amazon says it’s temporarily out of stock, but you can get on a list and will get it when available or as of today, there are new & used buying choices from other sellers.)

It’s not on amazon streaming, Xfinity On Demand nor on Netflix, at this time.

*This could be fun!  Mel Brooks has written a memoir about his experience and musings about Young Frankenstein.  You can pre-order for digital or hardback.

Let me know your fave scene in Young Frankenstein in the comments below!  😀

• BLAZING SADDLES  (1974)

The sheriff (Cleavon Little) in a small Western town, proves to be more than a corrupt political boss that hired him can handle!

Screenplay Written & Directed by Mel Brooks.  Richard Pryor was one of the screenplay writers of four on this film.  It was intended that he was to play the sheriff, but dropped out and Cleavon Little was hired. Gene said that he was wonderful to work with.  Other castmates who Mel hired in future films with Gene were Madeline Kahn and Dom DeLouise.

You can Rent or Own Blazing Saddles on amazon streaming .  Also available on Netflix DVD.  Rated R

If you have Cinemax on Comcast, you watch it FREE on Xfinity!

• EVERYTHING YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT SEX * BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK  (1972)

I’ve never seen this film.  Anybody?

Gene played Dr. Ross in this film with Woody Allen, Louise Lasser, Burt Reynolds and  Tony Reynolds.

Directed and Written (screenplay) by Woody Allen

You can Rent or Own Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Sex * But were Afraid to Ask on amazon streaming .  Rated R

 

• WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY  (1971)

FIVE HEARTS!  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥   

A film for families and everyone who would love to escape for a time to (sing along!) “A World of Wild Imagination.”

A film adaptation of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of my long time favorite children’s books!  It is quite different from but each have merits definitely reading and watching. Dahl didn’t care for the choice of Gene as Wonka.  One he wanted was Peter Sellers. But I can’t see Willy Wonka as any other way for film.  Now when I read the book I see Wonka through Dahl’s original vision as I did long ago using my own imagination with Queitin Blake’s incredible, whimsical illustrations.

A young impoverished boy gets a Golden Ticket in a chocolate bar and gets the adventure of a lifetime!

Gene Wilder as the fascinating and illusive Willy Wonka.

Gene didn’t readily accept the roll offer.    He said, “I thought the script was very good, but something was missing. I wanted to come out with a cane, come down slowly, have it stick into one of the bricks, get up, fall over, roll around, and they all laugh and applaud.  The director asked, ‘What do you want to do that for?’ I said because from that time on, no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.”   It was agreed upon and I am so glad!  😀

Willy’s Magical World

In Song & Dance Mode 

Veruca Salt (Julie Dawn Cole) was an excellent compliment to Gene.  In an emotional tribute upon his death, she said, “I’m immensely sad.  It’s like a family member for me, it’s a little part of my childhood gone.” and “He was such a lovely man.”

Grandpa Joe with young Charlie.  I loved Jack Albertson in his wonderful depiction of Grandpa.

I thoroughly enjoyed Peter Ostrum as Charlie, who chose not to continue acting, but think he was perfect in his unassuming innocence.

Peter has said of him, “He was a gentle man, but he was also a gentleman,” Peter continued. “He treated people with respect and dignity.”

Willy Wonka was not a commercial success for the first two years, but the film and Gene eventually gained a cult following, which to this day is huge.  In an interview I watched from 2013, he seemed genuinely humble and delighted when speaking of the fan letters he would receive, especially from youth.

In 1971 Gene was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor -Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.  Willey Wonka earned an Oscar nomination for Best Score.  I say, how could it not with Gene singing those tunes in that soft melodious, if not beguiling voice ? 🙂

You can Buy or Rent Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on amazon streaming.

The DVD version is temporarily sold out on amazon.  I’ll give you an update when it becomes available.

 

A FUN BOOK

I Want it Now! A Memoir of Life on the Set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

I read this book several months ago and enjoyed it very much.  A fascinating look into the world of making of Willy Wonka through a child’s eyes now grown, who played the demanding Veruca Salt.  In it, she spoke very highly of Gene Wilder and his demeanor. By Julie Dawn Cole   Reading her book, I think she is a lovely woman.

• START THE REVOLUTION WITHOUT ME  (1970)

A tale of the French Revolution where twins get mixed up, the aristocrat for the peasant.  This tale reminds me of the 1939 black & white “The Prince and the Pauper” starring Errol Flynn, that I loved as a kid when it would come on TV occasionally.

Gene  and Donald Sutherland played the twins Claude and Philippe.

In a switching places mix-up!  Wanna see this one and if at all like my old time fave.

Directed by Bud Yorkin

You can find this film on TCM.  (Turner Classic Movies.)  Rated PG

 

• THE PRODUCERS  (1968)

Two producers, Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel strive to make money by producing a flop.

Gene’s First Big Break

Notice Gene’s beautiful artistic hands in this shot (below).

“The Producers” Gene Wilder, Zero Mostel, Kenneth Mars 1968 MGM

Gene was nominated for an Academy Award in 1968 for Best Supporting Actor.

Written and Directed by Mel Brooks.

Gene considered himself more of a dramatic actor than a comedic actor before Mel Brooks, who was a fan already, recruited him for Blazing Saddles after another actor dropped out.   I’m so glad they hooked up, which resulted in such fabulous films to come for us to forever enjoy, such as Young Frankenstein.  ♥

You can Rent or Own The Producers on amazon streaming.  Rated PG

 

• BONNIE AND CLYDE  (1967)

Gene’s first roll in a major motion picture – Short But Sweet

Starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, Gene played a small part as the undertaker, Eugene Grizzard.  He delivered a memorable line to Bonnie , “Step on it, Velma. Step on it, Velma. Step on it, Velma!”  In 2013, Gene told TMC Robert Osborne in an interview that the director told him afterwards, “I didn’t know you were going to play it that way.” (Funny.)  Well, aren’t we glad that he did!  It was so fun for me watching Gene in this, knowing where his career was headed.

I thought this to be a fascinating film  that was rather gripping yet very entertaining to watch, which is based on the disturbing true lives of Bonnie and Clyde.  It is taken from accounts and photos and made me cringe to really consider it.

You can Rent or Own Bonnie and Clyde on amazon streaming.  Rated R

I couldn’t find any of Gene’s movies on Hulu, but there are quite a few tributes available to watch, one with Mel Brooks.

(A TRIBUTE to Gene Wilder will  air on TCM on Thursday, September 29.  Check your listings.)

I hope you enjoyed!  Please Subscribe & Let me know your thoughts on Gene Wilder and your favorite movie below.    Thank you so kindly.  ♥ ~ Deborah

I took my information from many, many sources, including watching Gene Wilder speaking about his life.  I know I’m less formal than most reviewers.  If I stated anything incorrectly, please let me know.

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