When Barry Kemp Changed My Life: Confessions of an 11-Year-Old "Coach" Screenwriter

'90s Sitcom Coach Set to Return to NBC

In light of today's exciting news that Coach creator Barry Kemp and series star Craig T. Nelson are re-teaming on a scheduled thirteen episode continuation of their '90s hit Coach, I wanted to share a personal story of my connection to the series.

A precocious budding scribe, I taught myself how to write screenplays at the age of eleven after a teacher told me that she could see me working as a staff writer for Saturday Night Live someday.

Armed with Syd Field's Screenplay and most of the nonfiction section at the local library in my oversized Esprit bag, I rushed home from school eager to turn someday into next month.

By the time I turned twelve, I'd begun submitting scripts to my favorite television series including Seinfeld and — as a Minnesotan in particular — Coach.

Flooded with submissions, most of the shows didn't bother replying aside from a very polite "thanks but no thanks" form letter (such as in the case of Seinfeld co-producer Peter Mehlman).

But imagine my surprise when a few months after submitting a script to Coach, I received an unbelievably kind, personally written letter of encouragement from series creator Barry Kemp who took the time to tell me that he not only thought I had "a lot of potential as a writer" but also that he expected "to hear from... [me] someday."

An amazingly generous gesture — Kemp's letter helped inspire me to continue writing, which led me to receive two of three national awards in the screenwriting category before I segued into film analysis.

In a funny twist of fate, over the past few months I'd started streaming Coach again on Netflix while taking care of a relative before and after surgery.

And indeed, recalling not only subplots but actual lines that had inspired me as a young Minnesotan screenwriter, I realized once again that laughter really is the best medicine.

So with this recollection, I'm thrilled to pay tribute to Coach, say "thank you" to Barry Kemp and wish him and the cast the best on the upcoming series.

Text ©2014, Film Intuition, LLC; All Rights Reserved. http://www.filmintuition.com Unauthorized Reproduction or Publication Elsewhere is Strictly Prohibited and in violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.  FTC Disclosure: Per standard professional practice, I may have received a review copy of this title in order to evaluate it for my readers, which had no impact whatsoever on whether or not it received a favorable or unfavorable critique.

Music DVD Review: Christmas with the King Family (2009)

Now Available to Own

Photo Slideshow



Listen to The First Family of Song

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With the holidays upon us, it's a given that we will soon be inundated with photo cards of loved ones near and far, usually dressed up in some variation of either Christmas versions of vivid Cosby Show style sweaters or matching color schemes to rival that of a sports team. And these annual mementos arriving in our mailbox each and every year have become a favored tradition that allows us to witness the passage of time as appearances change, new faces enter the picture as the years go by.

Yet, instead of leaving us with simply a thin stack of seasonal snapshots, for two decades (the '60s and '70s respectively) America's First Family of Song provided us with seventeen television specials including twelve holiday specific programs that brought those photographs musically to life. Long before video cameras became a staple of family celebrations from the '80s onward and we embraced the idea of family sing-alongs (or sync-alongs) complete with matching apparel or their infamous sweaters as witnessed on The Cosby Show, the King Family gave us the real thing.

Although they also starred in specials which focused on other holidays and/or seasons, it was their distinctly authentic family themed Christmas creations filmed in October but aired closer to the date during those two decades that really set them apart. And garnering an audience in the '60s and '70s was no small feat, when you consider that it was essentially an era of variety shows ranging from Carol Burnett to Laugh In to extraordinarily lavish musical specials featuring stars like Mitzi Gaynor, Elvis Presley, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, and others.

However, the four original Grammy nominated beloved King Sisters transferred their background performing in the recording studio as a Big Band sensation and in their appearances in Hollywood films to the silver screen with a very unique twist on TV's new variety special craze. Rather than fill their hour long programs with celebrity guest stars singing their latest chart toppers or tying in appearances with an upcoming feature film, the King Sisters chose a more natural approach.

Reasoning that it's how they would be spending the holidays anyway since the Kings always emphasized the importance of learning an instrument from childhood up through adulthood and music was a very real part of their conversation with one another, the King Sisters opted to build a show around their entire family.

While the family freely admits in this fascinating documentary that some have labeled the specials “corny,” there was nothing phony about the Kings themselves. Instead of annual televised family reunions nor the type of insensitive reality show gimmicks we see employed on television today, within just a few notes contained in this informative documentary you intuitively sense their true enjoyment and love for one another.

This being said, when you discover that the Kings young enough to be in school had to work eight additional hours every day for rehearsal after their classes finished, the succinct but revealing comment that the teen members in the special have come to appreciate their involvement more with age seems very understandable.

Just as in the classic programs, which found the extended family children broken up into two distinct age groups of the adorable, unaffected King Kids and the tight-knit King Cousins who reveal that they were together so much they feel closer to siblings, in the documentary they're largely interviewed in groups by age.

And throughout this extremely well-edited documentary accompanied by a wonderful full length special that recently aired on PBS from the producers of last year's similarly themed classic TV celebration of Mitzi Gaynor: Razzle Dazzle, the Kings are introduced to another generation to celebrate the 45th anniversary of their original TV appearance.

Bound by their love of one another as well as the groundbreaking musical experimentation they created in the spirit of the original King Sisters who were pioneers of four-part harmony, singing in rounds, and their Uncle Alvino Rey's magical sounding guitar, it's fascinating to see the footage of twenty-five to roughly forty relatives in the vintage footage through their eyes today.

Although I realized that I'd been mildly acquainted with the Kings as the Sisters appeared in a recent Esther Williams film I reviewed for a Turner Classic Movies/Warner Brothers set as well as being unknowingly familiar with the King musical legacy via their relatives who have formed the successful, critically acclaimed indie rock band Arcade Fire, I welcomed the opportunity to learn more.

Additionally I appreciated their gorgeous harmonies which hearkened to a Pet Sounds era Beach Boys and the fact that like the Boys or a modern day example or Rufus and Martha Wainwright, when relatives sing together, the result is harmonious magic. Yet more than that, I was also incredibly moved by what has easily become the family's most cherished memory of the 1967 special.

A standout in the documentary that's sure to drive you to tissues, luckily the “reunion” moment is again repeated to powerful emotional effect without the narrative interruption in the extra feature on the DVD. In this unforgettable segment, we witness the heartrending surprise of their Aunt Alyce who was unexpectedly greeted with the return of her Vietnam veteran son Ric during her tearful rendition of “I'll Be Home for Christmas” that she'd been singing to his framed photograph.

Similar to the family's adherence to the idea that not only did they avoid egos and the fears of upstaging one another with their gorgeous harmonies, it's immediately evident that not only did their sound benefit by singing together but that their relationship did as well. Moreover, it grew stronger with each successive note, song, or special with their unique legacy of a very rare version of a Christmas card shared by the Kings with audiences who kept tuning in year after year.

Text ©2009, Film Intuition, LLC; All Rights Reserved. http://www.filmintuition.com
Unauthorized Reproduction or Publication Elsewhere is Strictly Prohibited.

Music DVD Review: Elvis Presley: The Ed Sullivan Shows: The Classic Performances

Now Available to Own on DVD

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Although originally he'd vowed never to invite the man he would eventually describe as a "decent and fine boy" on his popular television show-- when rival host Steve Allen beat Ed Sullivan's ratings with the debut appearance of Elvis Presley on Allen's variety series-- eventually Ed Sullivan caved.

And sure enough the paperwork was completed in the summer of 1956 as Sullivan signed Presley to the tune of fifty thousand dollars to appear for three exclusive performances on The Ed Sullivan Show.

However, tragically a horrific head-on collision found Sullivan ordered to miss five weeks of hosting duties as friends filled in guest-hosting the show while he was convalescing following the car crash. Sadly, much to his disappointment-- (and regardless of the fact that he'd be there for the subsequent two appearances)-- ultimately the host ended up making television history as one of more than 72 million viewers who tuned in when Charles Laughton introduced the the young and relatively new singer to the world.

Seeing the shy, polite Southern country boy in his record-breaking premiere on September 9, 1956 make this newly released DVD that much more compelling since it offers us a chance to look back at the icon before he went into the army and met the teenager who later became his wife, before he went Hollywood and long before the pressures of being "The King" began to affect him.

Likewise, it's a fascinating opportunity to witness the way that Elvis Presley began working on his stage persona. Since, even when delivering a hit like "Love Me" where he appears to forget the words twice and/or gets lost in the crowd we can hear him experiment with different vocal approaches including some that would become his signature and others that as a fan of the music, I had never heard before.

Additionally you must bear in mind that this was during the controversial era of religious outcry over Elvis and the music he sang. For on the DVD, it's quickly visible that every so often he becomes overwhelmed by the magnitude of the experience given what sounds like a few slurred words, melodic mix-ups (wherein he puts a finger to his ear to adjust his tone) and a strange stab at a humorous ironic lead in to "Hound Dog" as a sad song that baffles even his band.

However, the little quirks make him that much more endearing as viewers simply couldn't care less. Moreover, even now in 2009, it's easy to be utterly drawn in by what is arguably the greatest entertainer of all time performing for millions in his prime. Beautiful, nervous, and consciously provocative with the abundance of hip gyrations-- even though Sullivan's studio gave him a dull music note background, your eyes only focus directly on the man himself.

And fortunately, Presley's confidence in front of a live television audience would increase with not just their ecstatic screams but each successive appearance-- whether he was actively helping to support the Hungarian relief effort for which he performs a moving rendition of "Peace in the Valley" or celebrating his [then] biggest record with rocking performance of "Don't Be Cruel."

Indeed, by the time the third appearance of Presley's occurred, he was so relaxed that the hip thrusts had gotten him in trouble to the point wherein the undeniably soulful, sexy singer was filmed from the waist up to avoid public outcry.

While a majority of entertainers today would've taken that as their cue to try and shock even more as the mainstream media seems to prefer behavior that can be considered salacious over actual substance, Presley was unflappable under what must have been the most appalling scrutiny and judgment. Instead, filled with kindness-- after of course, letting it rip in his usual level of rock 'n roll-- when Presley took Sullivan's stage during the holiday season, he addressed his viewers as "friends," politely thanking them in a way that seemed both genuine and truly humble.

Given the age of the footage, it's not the cleanest presentation imaginable with visible dirt and grain but it's a true find to see the Sullivan appearances back to back to back. And while on paper in the press release or on the back of the box, the bonus features seem as though they're going to offer some truly mind-blowing footage for devotees of the King to accompany the forty-seven minute disc, unfortunately the promos for the appearances are extremely dull, the remembrance interview footage is dated and the special moments and home movies feel very familiar.

However, the one very brief treasure included on the disc is the very first recorded video footage of Presley. Captured near Houston, Texas by a young couple testing out their brand new 8mm video camera-- the historical artifact presents us with the man before he'd been discovered let alone signed by Colonel Tom Parker. Featuring an upbeat and impossibly young, casual looking Elvis Presley performing at a local, disorganized outdoor gig-- it's the one extra that you should jump to before the rest in this slight yet otherwise fan-friendly DVD.

Text ©2009, Film Intuition, LLC; All Rights Reserved. http://www.filmintuition.com
Unauthorized Reproduction or Publication Elsewhere is Strictly Prohibited.

Music from UK's "Life On Mars"-- BBC's Official Playlist for the Songs Used in the Series

Now Available From Acorn DVD
[Jen's Pick of the Week]

Read the Review of Series 1

Read the Review of Series 2

Music from UK's

Life On Mars:

BBC's Official Playlist for the
Songs Used in the Series
(Seasons 1 & 2)

• Life On Mars by David Bowie


• Stairway To The Stars by Blue Oyster Cult


• I'm So Free by Lou Reed


• Baba O'Riley by The Who


• Rat Rat Blue by Deep Purple


• Fireball by Deep Purple


• White Room by Cream


• Changes by David Bowie


• Live And Let Die by Wings


• No One Came by Deep Purple


• Drum Song by Willie Lindo & The Charmers Band

• Saga Of The Aging Orphan by Thin Lizzy

• Lazy by Deep Purple




• One Of These Days by Pink Floyd


• Dream Land by The Upsetters

• Ballroom Blitz by The Sweet


• Gypsy by Uriah Heep


• Wishing Well by Free




• Head In The Sky by Atomic Rooster


• Brainstorm by Hawkwind


• The Jean Genie by David Bowie


• Cross Eyed Mary by Jethro Tull


• Silver Machine by Hawkwind


• Gudbuy T'Jane by Slade




• Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones


• Call The Police by Thin Lizzy


• Good Thinking by Status Quo


• The Rocker by Thin Lizzy


• Jeepster by T. Rex


• Would You Believe by Roxy Music


• Urban Guerilla by Hawkwind




• Ejection by Hawkwind




• I Can't Live Without You by Colosseum


• Mother Of Pearl by Roxy Music




• I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free by Nina Simone


• Blockbuster by The Sweet


• What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong


• I Can't Tell The Bottom From The Top by The Hollies




• Toxic by Britney Spears


• Welcome Home by Peters and Lee


• Disco 2000 by Pulp


• Sinnerman by Nina Simone


• Friday 13th by Atomic Rooster


• The Rock by Atomic Rooster


• Tokolshe Man by John Kongos




• In The Snow by Atomic Rooster

• Devil's Answer by Atomic Rooster


• See My Baby Jive by Wizzard


• Meet Me On The Corner by Lindisfarne


• Little Bit Of Love by Free


• Head In The Sky by Atomic Rooster


• Street Life by Roxy Music


• Breakthrough by Atomic Rooster


• Son Of My Father by Chicory Tip


• Everybody Gets to Go to the Moon by The Three Degrees


• Spooky by Dusty Springfield


• Year of Decision by The Three Degrees


• Starman by David Bowie


• Sweet Jane by Mott the Hoople




• In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry


• Ain't Got No performed by Derek Wadsworth from Hair


• Love Machine by Uriah Heep


• Bird Of Prey by Uriah Heep


• Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress) by The Hollies


• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John


• Lay Down by The Strawbs


• I’m Ready by Frankie Miller


• Court In The Act by Lindisfarne


• Samba Pa Ti by Santana


• Coz I Luv You by Slade




• A-Lad-In-Sane by David Bowie


• Rock On by T. Rex


• When The City Sleeps by Barclay James Harvest


• Alone Again Naturally by Gilbert O’Sullivan


• You Shouldn't Do That by Hawkwind


• Just Like You by Roxy Music



• 10538 Overture by ELO


• Dance With The Devil by Cozy Powell


• Breathless by Atomic Rooster


• Snow Flower by Ananda Shankar


• Rocket Man by Elton John


• I Had A Dream by The Audience

• Hot Sand by Shocking Blue


• Traveller In Time by Uriah Heep


• Whiskey In The Jar by Thin Lizzy


• Many A Mile To Freedom by Traffic


• Evening Blue by Traffic


• Virginia Plain by Roxy Music




• Cindy Incidentally by The Faces


• Done Me Wrong All Right by The Sweet


• Crossroads by Cream


• Rock ‘n’ Roll Disgrace by The Sweet


• One Of The Boys by Mott The Hoople


• My Coo Ca Choo by Alvin Stardust


• Funeral For A Friend by Elton John


• Decision-Indecision by Atomic Rooster


• I Hope I Don't Fall In Love With You by Tom Waits


• Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole


• Changes by David Bowie

The Music of Mars

View Footage from the BBC Series

Series Trailer: My Name is Sam Tyler...

Video: Sam's Search for Answers

Video: "Is There Life on Mars?" Where Am I?

Text ©2009, Film Intuition, LLC; All Rights Reserved. http://www.filmintuition.com
Unauthorized Reproduction or Publication Elsewhere is Strictly Prohibited.