RED BUTTONS?

RED BUTTONS (1919-2006), born Aaron Chwatt, was a stand-up comic, author, a songwriter of several popular songs, an accomplished singer, a voice actor for animated features and an actor on screen, stage and television. His successful television show called "The Red Buttons Show" ran three years in the early fifties. He was amazingly talented.



Haven't you seen SAYONARA (1957)? This story was written by James Michener, known for his multi-generational historical fiction sagas. The film also stars two time Oscar winner Marlon Brando. It is an amazing story where Red Buttons' performance is truly worth the Oscar that he was awarded for his supporting role. He plays Airman Joe Kelly who during the Korean War falls in love in Kobe Japan with a lovely Japanese girl named Katsumi, played by Miyoshi Umeki, who won best actress for this supporting role. Sadly in this story, the U.S. military will not allow Joe Kelly to marry the love of his life or bring her to America.


Watch this and then see these other four films.


Gay Purr-ee (1962) Red Buttons is the voice of Robespierre, sidekick to the hero Jaune-Tom voiced by Robert Goulet. Judy Garland voices the love interest of Jaune-Tom. It's a wonderful animated romantic adventure about cats in Paris, full of spies and intrigue. As a child, I watched it every time that it aired on television. To my delight, it finally came to DVD.
The Poseidon Adventure (1972) Red Buttons plays James Martin in this Paul Gallico story of a cruise ship disaster. It's an excellent movie. Red Buttons' performance is superb. I first saw this film when I was twelve. It was the first film that I repeated seeing at the cinema several times to show it to each of my friends.
Gable and Lombard (1976) This made for television movie is a very good look at the romance of Clark Gable and Carole Lombard. Red Buttons does a very good performance as Ivan Cooper, called Coop by Gable.
Five Weeks in a Balloon (1962) In this Jules Verne story, Red plays Donald O'Shay. There are many recognizable faces in this cast. Look for pop singer Fabian, Barbara Eden of "I Dream of Jeannie" TV series; Reginald Owen, one of my favorite Ebenezer Scrooges; and Peter Lorre, known for his distinct contribution to thrillers and horror films.


*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve Randolph" Date: Fri, Jun 23 2006 / 08:00:02 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1957 Best Actor in a Supporting Role: SAYONARA