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1936. "Mickey Rooney and Spencer Tracy in the film Riffraff." The former child star and Hollywood icon died yesterday at age 93, rolling credits on a career that spanned two centuries. MGM publicity photo. View full size.
Let's put on a show about the life of Mickey Rooney.
Even Mickey's contemporary child stars, like Freddie Bartholomew and Jackie Cooper were amazed by what he could do! I'm sure he is up there celebrating, with "Baby" Judy Garland, today!
I was about 10 when I first saw Rooney in “The Big Wheel.” Naturally I thought the film was representative of racing reality. Now possessing the wisdom of an ancient sage, I understand the story line was a bit of a stretch. Nevertheless, the film is still entertaining, and the vintage racing clips (JC Agajanian cars, Indy footage, etc.) are of particular interest.
“Requiem for a Heavyweight” has to qualify as a great film for anyone who pays attention to this stuff, and it’s arguably Rooney’s finest film moment.
I had the pleasure of meeting Mickey Rooney twice. A great talent and a great loss.
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