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Jack Larson on director James Bridges
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Jul 29, 2011
Listen 16:55
Jack Larson on director James Bridges
James Bridges was a reclusive and respected film director best known for such seminal films as The Paper Chase, The China Syndrome and Urban Cowboy. Bridges rarely gave interviews over his lengthy career, but he did share a productive artistic relationship with his life partner of 35 years, Jack Larson. Larson is a revered writer in his own right, having turned to writing for the stage and screen after getting his start in show business playing the youthful photographer and reporter Jimmy Olsen on the TV series The Adventures of Superman. A new book on Bridges’ life, The Films of James Bridges, serves as a touchstone for Larson’s recollections of his partner’s life and work. What are your favorite James Bridges films? How does film provide an artistic voice for reclusive directors and performers?
Actor Jack Larson arrives at the Warner Bros. premiere of 'Superman Returns' held at the Mann Village Theater on June 21, 2006 in Westwood, California.
Actor Jack Larson arrives at the Warner Bros. premiere of 'Superman Returns' held at the Mann Village Theater on June 21, 2006 in Westwood, California.
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Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
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James Bridges was a reclusive and respected film director best known for such seminal films as The Paper Chase, The China Syndrome and Urban Cowboy. Bridges rarely gave interviews over his lengthy career, but he did share a productive artistic relationship with his life partner of 35 years, Jack Larson. Larson is a revered writer in his own right, having turned to writing for the stage and screen after getting his start in show business playing the youthful photographer and reporter Jimmy Olsen on the TV series The Adventures of Superman. A new book on Bridges’ life, The Films of James Bridges, serves as a touchstone for Larson’s recollections of his partner’s life and work. What are your favorite James Bridges films? How does film provide an artistic voice for reclusive directors and performers?

James Bridges was a reclusive and respected film director best known for such seminal films as The Paper Chase, The China Syndrome and Urban Cowboy. Bridges rarely gave interviews over his lengthy career, but he did share a productive artistic relationship with his life partner of 35 years, Jack Larson. Larson is a revered writer in his own right, having turned to writing for the stage and screen after getting his start in show business playing the youthful photographer and reporter Jimmy Olsen on the TV series The Adventures of Superman. A new book on Bridges’ life, The Films of James Bridges, serves as a touchstone for Larson’s recollections of his partner’s life and work. What are your favorite James Bridges films? How does film provide an artistic voice for reclusive directors and performers?

Guest:

Jack Larson, actor, screenwriter and producer; best known for his portrayal of photographer/reporter Jimmy Olsen in the TV series Adventures of Superman

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, All Things Considered, AirTalk Friday
Senior Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek