I've been a fan of Poitier since I was a little kid, but I'd never heard about the smear the NYT tried to destroy him with. I'm not surprised by Poitier's response, but I'm reassured that his actions kept the bastards from taking him down. Maybe even today, someone of his ability and character can stand tall against the growing mob of mindless and envious second-handers to succeed and flourish.
The New York Times smear has been the best kept secret for decades. I’m happy to try and enlighten readers about an early ‘cancel culture’ crusade that’s very unjust and ultimately countered.
Huzzah! Huzzah! I have loved Sidney Poirier since 'To Sir, With Love', and second your praise for his work and more importantly for his character. Having just read about Oprah Winfrey - the contrast of her vacuous life with a real person with real integrity playing heroic characters in life-affirming movies is quite startling. Thank you!
It’s truly my pleasure—thank you for noticing the contrast!
My dream is that Mr. Poitier reads this birthday tribute or has it read to him. That would be a real privilege for me. Meanwhile, I really appreciate the feedback.
Two of my favorite Poitier movies are heads and tails of the same coin. "Lillies of the Field" is a study in a community's shared faith and optimism while "Brother John" shows humanity clawing for peace and happiness and failing to find them.
I strive to embrace the ending of "Lillies of the Field" but most days life seems more like "Brother John" to me.
Fell in love with Poitier after "In the Heat of the Night", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "To Sir with Love". He portrayed the kind of hero I would like to think exists in the world. What a marvelous actor to be able to show the kind of world I want to live in. I sincerely miss such films as they don't exist today in a world that has completely turned off it's mind and removed nuance from each and every situation that comes along. Sidney Poirier was heroic in a world that was getting rid of all its heroes. That is probably why I liked him so much.
I agree, Russ. It’s coming to that, though there are exceptions. I try to find and write about them. Poitier’s films get more attention next month—to honor his birthday—including one I’m confident you’ll find refreshing. Please stand by. Cheers.
I've been a fan of Poitier since I was a little kid, but I'd never heard about the smear the NYT tried to destroy him with. I'm not surprised by Poitier's response, but I'm reassured that his actions kept the bastards from taking him down. Maybe even today, someone of his ability and character can stand tall against the growing mob of mindless and envious second-handers to succeed and flourish.
Thank you, Marc.
The New York Times smear has been the best kept secret for decades. I’m happy to try and enlighten readers about an early ‘cancel culture’ crusade that’s very unjust and ultimately countered.
Let’s hope this becomes more widely known.
Huzzah! Huzzah! I have loved Sidney Poirier since 'To Sir, With Love', and second your praise for his work and more importantly for his character. Having just read about Oprah Winfrey - the contrast of her vacuous life with a real person with real integrity playing heroic characters in life-affirming movies is quite startling. Thank you!
It’s truly my pleasure—thank you for noticing the contrast!
My dream is that Mr. Poitier reads this birthday tribute or has it read to him. That would be a real privilege for me. Meanwhile, I really appreciate the feedback.
Excellent tribute to a fine guy.
Two of my favorite Poitier movies are heads and tails of the same coin. "Lillies of the Field" is a study in a community's shared faith and optimism while "Brother John" shows humanity clawing for peace and happiness and failing to find them.
I strive to embrace the ending of "Lillies of the Field" but most days life seems more like "Brother John" to me.
Thank you, Mr. Hanlon. I’ve not yet seen Brother John. But it’s my goal to watch all of Mr. Poitier’s films.
Fell in love with Poitier after "In the Heat of the Night", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "To Sir with Love". He portrayed the kind of hero I would like to think exists in the world. What a marvelous actor to be able to show the kind of world I want to live in. I sincerely miss such films as they don't exist today in a world that has completely turned off it's mind and removed nuance from each and every situation that comes along. Sidney Poirier was heroic in a world that was getting rid of all its heroes. That is probably why I liked him so much.
I agree, Russ. It’s coming to that, though there are exceptions. I try to find and write about them. Poitier’s films get more attention next month—to honor his birthday—including one I’m confident you’ll find refreshing. Please stand by. Cheers.