Orson Welles at 100

May 6th would have been Orson Welles's 100th birthday.  The great actor, director, writer, producer, magician, and world-class raconteur died 30 years ago but is still a vivid presence to those of us who cherish his films.  The Wall Street Journal has published my tribute to him a day early, so we'll all have more time to celebrate, just as Orson would have wanted us to.  My piece is a rather unusual take on the kid from Kenosha, and I'm sure it will inspire as many brickbats as hosannas, if not more.  Join the argument:  "On His 100th Birthday, Rethinking Orson Welles."

Elegy for "Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide"

Last Friday, The Wall Street Journal published my piece about the discontinuation of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide after a run of 45 years. The book has been a part of my life since its first edition, so I thought it would be fitting to reflect on how the guide, the movies, and America have changed during those years. You can read the article by clicking here.