In the year 2040 - 2070

[Epidemic]

Will we see the equivelent mourning of lost entertainers from present day Hollywood?


Actors from the 40's and 30's with names like:

Bob Hope
Lauren Bacall
Judy Garland
Ingrid Bergman
Katharine Hepburn
Humphrey Bogart
Bob Hope
James Cagney
Vivien Leigh
Gary Cooper
Fred MacMurray
Joan Crawford
Mickey Rooney
Bette Davis
Barbara Stanwyck
Oliva De Havilland
Spencer Tracy

Fred Astaire
Charlie Chaplin
Myrna Loy
W.C. Fields
The Marx Brothers
Errol Flynn
William Powell
Clark Gable
Ginger Rogers
Greta Garbo
Shirley Temple
Laurel & Hardy
Mae West

Will there be a nostalgia akin to that associated with the above characters associated with Arnold, Tom Cruise, Demi Moore... when people look back at their likes in the years 2040 - 2070?

If not why?

[tmx468]

No offence to the actors and actresses out there, but I would not even think of comparing Mr. Astaire to any modern day actor. Far too often in movies it is the effects that count, rather than a decent plot or storyline. While there are good films around (Matrix), will I miss Keano when he goes beacuse of the association. He was simply Neo, he didn't make the role his, and it would not be difficult for a different actor to pick up the mantle...

Different generation, different world.

Same occurs in music - Elvis has a legacy, Britney has..... [a body?] Yet both were huge in their prime. Britney, if she fails with her new album, will be forgotten (save for publicity stunts/playboy spread/drug addiction). Difference - the talent, and ability to leave a mark.

Of course, there is a lot of talent out there. Actors like Jim Carrey are clearly talented, as are musicians (IE write their own material, and play live (no lip syncing)), but in a business of money driven recording, they get drowned out. Hopefully, things will improve by the next generation's lifetime!

[tmx468]

Thats a damned good thought provoker there Epidemic... but you've got me going now!! Well, my mind at least... which isn't often... Congrats?!

[Knothead]

Hmmm! Interesting notion.

My guess would be No. For the reason that movies (or movie stars, anyway) aren't as important in our society as they were in the 30's and 40's. Back then, going to the movies was a major "E-Ticket" type of thing, and the stars of the era were regarded almost like gods.

Nowadays, we bump into one, and it's just barely worth mentioning later. Movies aren't the compelling cultural force as they used to be.

[Bill in SD, CA]

I don't believe so Ep and I'll tell you why.

The stars of yesterday were in the hearts of Americans. Maybe it was the time of the media culture of the day. During those times you had the escape from life and the ability to lose yourself in the Hollywood fame of stardom.

Today I personally don't have more than a fleeting interest in the actors who have emerged in the past 20 years. Blame it on 24/7 cable or what, but in 20 or 30 years from now if I see the names of Tom, Demi, Arnold, Meg, or whoever in the obits I'll say: "That's ashame, what's on cable?

Bill

[Knothead]

Also, the stars of yesterday were pretty circumspect about their lives...or their press, anyway. They maintained a very clean image, so what if it was just fantasy (in some cases), these were people you could aspire to emulating.

Now? If you say So-and-so is a pervert or drug addict, or boozehound, or adulterer, etc. you're not slandering 'em, it only means you've read their autobiography!

[Epidemic]

I think it has alot to do with the less than 13 theory.

Basically every human in america was stuck with at best 13 channels, the theater, and the movies. As such everyone had virtually the same cultural experience. Now there is not a 2 channels kids watch after school or when sick. Chiller theater and the 4:30 movie are gone. We do not all see the mark of zoro 3 times a year, and watch vincent price after school. People focus on their targeted stations (the all racing channel, the dog channel, the cat channel, the antique pewter pigs feet channel...

[CERuppel]

I personally won't have the same involvement with any of those (Demi...) as I do with Bob Hope and the rest of the list.

About the only original "actor" of this generation (that has been allowed/willing to act) has been Jackie Chan. Now, thanks to his school, the origianllity that his stunts have brought to the movies won't be lost to the future.

(Hey, what about Abbott and Costello?)

[Knothead]

Originally posted by Epidemic
People focus on their targeted stations (the all racing channel, the dog channel, the cat channel, the antique pewter pigs feet channel...

[Epidemic]

A little older but Laurel & Hardy

The little Rascals (just a piece of Americana) I don't really know what happened to them after but they were a part of my youth.

Will my kids look on pokimon and Dragon ball Z the same as: (god I hope not)

Popeye.
Road runner.
Bugs.
Yosemiti Sam.
Wiley Cyotee