Episode 77: Jimmy McDonough

Bill speaks to author and film/music historian Jimmy McDonough about his work, including his latest biography, GARY STEWART: I AM FROM THE HONKY TONKS. Topics include: Andy Milligan and THE GHASTLY ONE, Teuvo Tulio, WHISPERS FROM SPACE, June Ormond, visiting the places where an interview subject lived, Jack Nitzsche and upcoming projects.

Post-interview Q&A with Jimmy McDonough

What kind of films did you like as a kid?

I have very few memories from my childhood so that is hazy to say the least. But the first movie I recall seeing in the theater was "The Nutty Professor." Jerry Lewis scared me so I burst into tears and we had to leave. And that begat a lifelong obsession with Mr. Lewis. I watched his telethons religiously. Usually there was an illegal substance involved.

Was watching movies together a significant part of how your family bonded?

We bonded (if that's the word) much more over television, where I was forced to endure such atrocities as Sandler & Young's variety show. I do recall seeing "The Gypsy Moths" with my parents at a local theater. My father stuck his hat in front of my face during a topless scene as he whispered to my mom, "After we take the kid home we'll come back." My dad Joe. Quite the card.

Was there a particular film or filmmaker that changed the way you looked at film?

Scorsese for the intensity of emotion. "Casino" is the film I love/hate the most. I remain obsessed by the true story it's based on, the saga of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal and Geri McGee.

"Eyes Without a Face" for the dread.

"Sweet Smell of Success" for the language.

Is there any aspect of film culture today that you find especially frustrating?

There's too much of it. The instant, throwaway nature of so many works. Here today, gone tomorrow. Nobody seems to care all that much. I see/hear/read a lot of stuff that's merely "good enough." Don't you? Nobody has time for passion.

In what way is film culture better now than it used to be?

For all its obvious faults, the internet has made what was once underground much more visible. The like-minded can find each other in the blink of an eye, and I think that has created fiendishly devoted audiences in a way that wasn't possible before. You can be obsessed with, say, the films of George Gunter and instantaneously find others like you!

Is there any type of project in film that you haven’t pursued, but would like to?

Yes, provided I could lie. My life story, directed by Anthony Mann and starring Burt Lancaster. I even have a title – "Mr. Pencil." Given the particulars it would be hard to pull off.

How do you see most films now?

On TV like the rest of you slobs. I force myself to go to independent theaters/revival houses to see things on the big screen whenever possible. I have sworn off the big theater chains as the experience is about as degrading as fast-food drive-thru. I have a great fondness for my neighborhood movie theater, the St. Johns Twin Cinemas, which was built in 1913. I do wish they'd replace the screen with a seam down the middle in the upstairs theater, though.

Music is another story. I have everything on my phone. I don't even know where my turntable's at. Sacrilegious! I need music close to me. Perversely enough I connect the phone to a vintage McIntosh amp – when I'm not feeling too lazy to turn it on, that is. One of my favorite things to do is to drive down some road in the middle of nowhere, blasting music on a little external speaker as I hunt for hash browns, my favorite dame by my side. I wish I still had my jet-black 66 Dodge Dart. Black Beauty. Now there was a car.

Finding work/life balance, as a working freelance writer, is it ever a struggle to give yourself downtime?

There is no balance, therefore there is no struggle. I am working all the time, even when I'm not. The gift/curse of this mind I inherited.