VIDEO: Marian Seldes Shares Performance Memories on Rick McKay's THE GOLDEN AGE FILM TRILOGY

By: Aug. 23, 2015
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Rick McKay has shared another video from his trilogy, BROADWAY: THE GOLDEN AGE. In his words, "Here is a tribute to my pal Marian Seldes, one of the great actresses of the stage of the last century and well into this one. Marian passed away yesterday, leaving many of us devastated. However, she lived a long, full life and touched many, many people with her work. In her later career she was known variously as "Broadway's Quiet Lioness," "The First Lady of Broadway," or as theater critic Clive Barnes called her, "America's theatrical diva for our time."" Check out the tribute video!

McKay continues, "I have included footage from Marian in the first film of our Broadway trilogy, "Broadway: The Golden Age." Sadly, I didn't realize until I edited this today that every single star seen on screen in that chapter has passed away since I filmed them. I have also included footage from after a few of our shoots when we were talking candidly before and after posing for press photos. Marian was completely at ease and it is very moving for me to hear the lovely things she says about my work and our trilogy. Later there is also a clip of the great actor Ben Gazzara talking after our last shoot together. While always in sync, it is amazing for me to see, for the first time, Ben and I doing simultaneous, loving homages/imitations of our mutual pal Marian. Ben, the ultimate tough guy movie star and stage actor, was never funnier than here doing a spot-on Marian. Tragically, Ben was gone within the year as well.

"The later interview you see with Marian is from our new film, debuting in 2015 and probably Marian's last time on camera as she was declining quickly. But, she is incredibly moving, especially as she reads the Tennessee Williams that she brought me that day.

"One of my favorite things that Marian said to me - and there were many - was when I ran into her at Carnegie Hall when Rufus Wainwright was doing his "Judy at Carnegie Hall" - by the way, Marian saw everything. It was intermission and Marian dismissed Rufus and the show summarily, but then said, or rather whispered as only she could, "Darling, it was on again last night." "What," I asked? "Our movie darling. I was dressing for drinks with friends and it came on television. I sat down at the edge of my bed for ONE MINUTE to watch the beginning. Well darling, what do you think happened," she asked. "I NEVER got up. I simply couldn't. I was glued to that edge of the bed for 2 HOURS! It is such a wonderful, wonderful movie. I have seen it at least a dozen times."

"Marian never failed to call me every time she saw me on television flogging the film or DVD to tell me enthusiastically what she thought of every word I uttered. She listened to everything. And paid attention. She told me till her last play she would stand in the wings when she wasn't on stage and study every actor - never going to her dressing room to rest or to talk on the phone. I used to adore her phone messages. She was not of this century - and maybe not of THE LAST ONE either. She is the only person I ever knew who would "sign" her voice mail messages as if she was dictating to her secretary. "Good night darling," she would whisper. "Love, Marian."

"You are missed my dear friend. I hope what you said at the end of this video about my films bringing people back to LIFE AFTER they are gone is true. But, then again, as far as I am concerned, you are still here - and always will be if I have any say in things."

For more info, to see the trailer for Rick McKay's upcoming new Broadway film, and to support this invaluable film trilogy, click this link:http://www.broadwaythemovie.com/trail...

For more info: www.broadwaythemovie.com

Rick McKay's new film Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age will be out next year -- support his Broadway Trilogy by making a tax-deductible donation here, and be sure to watch the trailer for the upcoming installment!



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