6 reviews
Greetings again from the darkness. The title may limit interest in this documentary as it might be mistaken for an "on the set, behind the scenes" tell-all appealing only to the most ardent film history buffs. However, this plays best as a tender tale of an elderly man who lived an exciting life, but finds things pretty empty as he nears the end.
Filmmaker Joe Forte was cautioned by his deeply Catholic family to stay away from the movie business, lest he "end up like Cousin Johnny". Just a few years ago, Joe decided to track down Cousin Johnny, and he discovered they were separated by only a few city blocks. Johnny Alarimo was one of the most successful Assistant Directors from the 1950's, 60's and 70's, and on the day he invited Joe and his camera into his home, the apartment was filled with boxes of memories.
A treasure trove of photographs – many featuring Johnny posing with the Hollywood elite – were organized in files, sleeves and boxes. And the best part was that, despite being in his late 80's, Johnny could recall the stories corresponding with most every snapshot.
Being a relative, Mr. Forte treads lightly on the topics Johnny wishes to avoid. We learn of his close friend from WWII, Henry "Pet" Petrich. It's clear the two shared a bond, though Johnny remains pretty tight-lipped on details just like on his stories regarding time with Rock Hudson and Gore Vidal. The likely secret life would remain secret forever, but we find ourselves liking this charming man more and more as the film continues.
We do get the Ben-Hur story as it's disclosed that Johnny was director William Wyler's Assistant Director, and was an integral part of getting the movie made as he acted as on set translator between the English and Italian speaking folks. Wyler's personal letter to Alarimo is every bit as valued as the autographed portrait sketch of Johnny by "Chuck H" between takes. Though he was the last surviving crew member of Ben-Hur, it's also a reminder that only department heads received on screen credit until the 1970's – robbing many contributors of their rightful place in Hollywood lore.
As Joe and Johnny grow closer as friends, we as viewers find ourselves connected to Johnny. We are saddened when he admits that his doctor's appointments for medical issues are the highlight of his social life these days. Joe provides Johnny with exactly what he wants, needs and deserves a chance to be the star and tell his stories. More importantly, he prevents an elderly man from living out his final days in loneliness and solitude. No matter how many celebrities one has met, nothing compares to the warmth of a friend.
Filmmaker Joe Forte was cautioned by his deeply Catholic family to stay away from the movie business, lest he "end up like Cousin Johnny". Just a few years ago, Joe decided to track down Cousin Johnny, and he discovered they were separated by only a few city blocks. Johnny Alarimo was one of the most successful Assistant Directors from the 1950's, 60's and 70's, and on the day he invited Joe and his camera into his home, the apartment was filled with boxes of memories.
A treasure trove of photographs – many featuring Johnny posing with the Hollywood elite – were organized in files, sleeves and boxes. And the best part was that, despite being in his late 80's, Johnny could recall the stories corresponding with most every snapshot.
Being a relative, Mr. Forte treads lightly on the topics Johnny wishes to avoid. We learn of his close friend from WWII, Henry "Pet" Petrich. It's clear the two shared a bond, though Johnny remains pretty tight-lipped on details just like on his stories regarding time with Rock Hudson and Gore Vidal. The likely secret life would remain secret forever, but we find ourselves liking this charming man more and more as the film continues.
We do get the Ben-Hur story as it's disclosed that Johnny was director William Wyler's Assistant Director, and was an integral part of getting the movie made as he acted as on set translator between the English and Italian speaking folks. Wyler's personal letter to Alarimo is every bit as valued as the autographed portrait sketch of Johnny by "Chuck H" between takes. Though he was the last surviving crew member of Ben-Hur, it's also a reminder that only department heads received on screen credit until the 1970's – robbing many contributors of their rightful place in Hollywood lore.
As Joe and Johnny grow closer as friends, we as viewers find ourselves connected to Johnny. We are saddened when he admits that his doctor's appointments for medical issues are the highlight of his social life these days. Joe provides Johnny with exactly what he wants, needs and deserves a chance to be the star and tell his stories. More importantly, he prevents an elderly man from living out his final days in loneliness and solitude. No matter how many celebrities one has met, nothing compares to the warmth of a friend.
- ferguson-6
- Jul 24, 2016
- Permalink
It's hard to criticize director Joe Forte's labor of love in wanting to honor cousin Johnny Alarimo. When this film was made Alarimo was in his 80s and by Forte's account the last man who labored on the William Wyler's version of Ben-Hur.
The great unspoken truth here is that Alarimo was gay, but Alarimo came from an era where this was the love that dared not speak its name. True to that code he remained even though we heard tantalizing bits about socializing with people like Rock Hudson and Gore Vidal.
No doubt that Forte came to honor and love Cousin Johnny in the making of this film. It also comes through he discovered a bit about himself in the process.
The great unspoken truth here is that Alarimo was gay, but Alarimo came from an era where this was the love that dared not speak its name. True to that code he remained even though we heard tantalizing bits about socializing with people like Rock Hudson and Gore Vidal.
No doubt that Forte came to honor and love Cousin Johnny in the making of this film. It also comes through he discovered a bit about himself in the process.
- bkoganbing
- Sep 18, 2016
- Permalink
This is an odd documentary about an odd man, but I found it engrossing and touching. I was disappointed when it was over-but only because I wanted it to continue.
This was a very intriguing piece about the last surviving crew member of the mega movie Ben Hur. As you watch and learn about his past, you begin to really appreciate all he did, especially saving from a fire, photos that documented the making of Ben Hur. The admiration Movie Stars back in those days had for him was great. So sad that the Los Angeles Times didn't feel he was important enough to do a story on him when he passed. I guess they would rather print crime and sensationalized garbage. This man was HISTORY, especially when it came to a Major Motion Picture from 1959. It really is sad he passed away alone. Amazing story and a cool human being.
- nobletraveler
- Nov 4, 2023
- Permalink
As entertainment value goes...forget it. It's a grueling climb to the middle. A man whose connections to power and fame with what amounts to a apartment of memorabilia is as enticing as going to a wake. It promises good food, but a loved one is still suffering.
The director is also a relative of a man whom everyone warns is the exact opposite of what he should do in life. This documentary proves why. A lonely elderly man's day to day isn't that interesting. Even if he did rub elbows with movie stars. Because he doesn't offer much in terms of a life. It's the one thing that constantly validates the stories he refuses to tell. Lesson one...don't dangle a story only to not get to it.
Also, what was the point of watching him go through physical therapy? Did he lives a fascinating life? Sure. Did we get any other information other than he knew famous people. Not any more salacious then you'd read in a text book about the person. If the point was to discourage anyone from entering this profession, this is a great watch. For everyone else...it won't mean much.
The director is also a relative of a man whom everyone warns is the exact opposite of what he should do in life. This documentary proves why. A lonely elderly man's day to day isn't that interesting. Even if he did rub elbows with movie stars. Because he doesn't offer much in terms of a life. It's the one thing that constantly validates the stories he refuses to tell. Lesson one...don't dangle a story only to not get to it.
Also, what was the point of watching him go through physical therapy? Did he lives a fascinating life? Sure. Did we get any other information other than he knew famous people. Not any more salacious then you'd read in a text book about the person. If the point was to discourage anyone from entering this profession, this is a great watch. For everyone else...it won't mean much.
The story of Hollywood AD who truly wanted to tell his stories. I'm sure he had many great ones. He knew many stars personally. They aren't told here.
This is not about good times. The director focuses in on his analysis of Johnny's current life. Some are told by narration.
The few stories he was allowed to tell were great. He just wasn't allowed to tell many of them.
The movie is more about the director and his strange, sappy psychoanalysis of Johnny. He wants us to feel sorry for Johnny. Why is unclear. As if he led a sad life?
It doesn't make sense. More of a hack job than a celebration or story of the man's interesting life. He seemed like a great guy.. I doubt Johnny wants his legacy to be that of him in his underwear, sad music playing and his nephew telling people how sad his life was in a movie.
Quite a shame.
This is not about good times. The director focuses in on his analysis of Johnny's current life. Some are told by narration.
The few stories he was allowed to tell were great. He just wasn't allowed to tell many of them.
The movie is more about the director and his strange, sappy psychoanalysis of Johnny. He wants us to feel sorry for Johnny. Why is unclear. As if he led a sad life?
It doesn't make sense. More of a hack job than a celebration or story of the man's interesting life. He seemed like a great guy.. I doubt Johnny wants his legacy to be that of him in his underwear, sad music playing and his nephew telling people how sad his life was in a movie.
Quite a shame.