Lilliann Gish, Buzz Kulik, and Jim Brown

LDGish.blogspot.com author James Patterson with Macho NFL Sports Legend Jim Brown, 78, at Civil Rights Summit, LBJ Presidential Library, University of Texas at Austin. This shot was after his panel on Race in Sports. Brown was an early advocate of economic empowerment for African Americans since the 1960s. He also had a film career that included westerns and a suggestive scene with Raquel Welch.. (Photo courtesy LBJ Presidential Library.)

Brown also had a film career. In 1969 he starred with Gene Hackman in Buzz Kulik's drama "Riot."

 

What is the Lillian Gish connection? Miss Gish starred as Alice Willows in Kulik's well done 1967 film "Warning Shot." The film concerned a police sergeant who kills a man while on a stakeout, then must prove it self-defense. Adapted from Whit Masterson's novel 711 - Officer Needs Help. 

"Warning Shoot" had an interesting cast of era stars, mostly TV types, and screen veterans. David Janssen, the original "Fugitive" Richard Kimbell, stars as the accused officer, with supporting performances from Ed Begley, Keenan Wynn, Joan Collins, Stefanie Powers, Sam Wanamaker, George Grizzard, Carroll O'Connor, Steve Allen, Eleanor Parker, Walter Pidgeon, George Sanders, and Lillian Gish. 

How was Texas? Pretty damn hot. I was an invited guest with access to all panels and speakers. NBA legend Bill Russell appeared on the panel with Brown. Russell, 81, was very vocal, lively and sat straight in his chair. Brown was more subdued, seldom spoke, and slumped in his chair. He is the same in the above photo. Can you tell if he is awake?

Four days non-stop action, no sleep, tons of BBQ, constant country music and gospel, and cramped quarters. face time with former California First Lady Maria Shriver, the former Mrs. Arnold, and lots of politicians. Fascinating exhibit on Sixty form the '60s. The sixty are political and cultural fights from the '60s who "molded the era" according to LBJ archivists. I filed twenty reports and some will appear in this space in coming days.