“I’m a very fortunate lady to have been chosen to be a part of something that brings smiles to so many faces”, the child actress told PEOPLE. The two had been friends and collaborators for almost 50 years before Wilder’s death earlier this week.
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The films – with “Young Frankenstein” being shown first – will play beginning at dusk September 2 and 3 at the theater, 1510 N. Chapel Hill Road, McHenry.
Wilder’s reaction to Brooks’ promising to cast him as Leo Bloom once he gets the money to make The Producers is also a gem of a tale.
“I met him when my late wife Anne Bancroft was doing Mother Courage”, the director told Fallon. “So he said, ‘Why are they always laughing at me?’ I said, ‘Look in the mirror – blame it on God, ‘” the story continued.
Actor Peter Ostrum, who played Charlie opposite Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka, has paid tribute to his late co-star, insisting his death is like “losing a parent”. Dergarabedian says a personalized experience isn’t what audiences are looking for in times of grief. “I expected it – I expected he would go, but I dunno, when it happens, it’s still tremendous”. “The Chaplain was a great part”, said Brooks, adding that the role is serious but gets laughs.
“He was eighty-three and passed holding our hands with the same tenderness and love he exhibited as long as I can remember”, he said. But if you’re among the generations of fans who’ve never had the opportunity to see it in a movie theater, you’ll get your chance this weekend.
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But funding came through and Gene burst into tears when Mel broke the happy news they would be making the comedy, which was released in 1968.
