Thank you for being a loyal reader of the Thorne Smith Newsletter!!!

Today, March 27, marks a very special anniversary for fans of Thorne Smith. Plus a surprise bit of news about TCM's (Turner Classic Movies) airing of TOPPER last month and some special dates to remember.

So, let's get to it!

Issue 005 March 2013

THORNE SMITH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

121 years ago today, on March 27, 1892, James Thorne Smith Junior was born in Annapolis, Maryland. Although his time with us here was all too brief he was quite a prolific talent, writing nine fantasy novels, one mystery, a serious novel, two military themed comedies, a volume of poetry, a children’s book, two short stories, two screenplays and two film treatments: 21 literary works in a span of 17 years.

Plus, shortly before his untimely death in 1934 his notebooks held story ideas & outlines for another dozen books he hoped to write.

I hope you'll join me in raising a glass of your favorite beverage to toast the incomparable THORNE SMITH on the 121st anniversary of his birth!

ON THE TUBE

If you happened to be one of the folks who recorded TOPPER when it aired on TCM last month, you're in for an delightful surprise. You may not know this, but it appears to have been the first time TCM has aired the completely restored print of TOPPER.

It's the best I've ever seen TOPPER look. It was crisp and clear and quite simply gorgeous.

If you taped it and haven't gotten around to watching it yet, you're in for an exquisite treat.

TCM doesn't have much of anything Thorne Smith related on their schedule for April, so this might be a good time to sit down and send an email of thanks to TCM for airing the restored version of TOPPER.

I believe the email address where you can reach them is

tmgroup@turner.com

I still keep hoping one day we can get them to release nice new DVDs of all the Thorne Smith based films. I've even written them offering to do the bonus materials, liner notes and documentaries. One continues to hope...

DATES TO REMEMBER

March 29, 1908 Edward Flanagan, better known as Dennis O'Keefe, was born in Fort Madison, Iowa. O'Keefe was best known for his role as Bob in TOPPER RETURNS.

March 30, 1986 Jimmy Cagney died in Stanfordville, New York at the age of 86. Cagney was not only a friend to Thorne Smith but also was a neighbor of his in Free Acres, New Jersey.

Cagney at one time optioned the film rights to Thorne's novel THE STRAY LAMB but numerous problems plagued the project and the film was never finished despite some initial filming being done.

So, that wraps up the this issue of the Thorne Smith Newsletter for March 2013.

Oh, in case you missed it last issue: I've created a blog for Thorne Smith fans to complement this newsletter and the Thorne Smith website.

Feel free to visit and leave your comments and questions. Hopefully it'll be a good way for us Thorne Smith fans to interact.

Go visit the Thorne Smith Blog at:

http://www.ThorneSmithBlog.com

Cheers!

Michael

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Thorne Smith Newsletter copyright 2007-2013 by Michael D. Walker