Barry Norman has died, he was 83.
Television's best known film critic, he presented BBC's "Film ..." from 1972 to 1998 and has a regular film column in the Radio Times magazine - this week on Airplane!
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Film....
Like a comfortable pair of shoes - that laid back presentation style and the memorable theme tune - always around year after year; never quite as good or compelling once Ross gained control IMO
RIP Barry Norman
Oh my: I think it's very difficult to overstate Barry Norman's influence and importance. I remember years ago reading a list which placed him amongst the most influential figures in British Cinema - way ahead of most leading actors and directors, and significantly ahead of most of the "money men". If anything, his importance was often exaggerated by the public: I remember him often stating how much he hated Michael J. Fox, because he (Norman) would receive literally mailbags of post every week from Fox's teenage girl fans in the hope that he would pass their letters on to their idol!
For most people, Barry Norman and the BBC's "Film" show was cinema. I know I wasn't the only one who religiously watched his show even though I was rarely able to see most of the films being previewed. (It seems incredible nowadays, but back in the 70s and 80s, most films would be released first in London for 2 weeks, and if they didn't do well there, they might not get a general UK release at all.)
My own love of cinema and my movie-going habit (for good or ill) owes a lot to Barry Norman. RIP, Barry.
I liked Barry's film reviews and his laid back presenting style. RIP Barry.
I remember as a lad Film .... was required watching. I loved his style of presenting and his interviews. I was pretty miffed when he went to the evil empire.
Will be missed. RIP Barry.