"MY AMC EPINION"

I have been an enormous fan of AMC for nearly twenty years, 
and I am troubled by the recent trend of "cutting" and editing 
scenes and language from Classic films.
 
The most brutal slashing in recent months, was of Rob Reiner's 
wonderful homage to growing up in the 1960's "STAND BY ME".  
This particular film based on the Stephen King novella "THE 
BODY", specifically chronicles the adventure of four adolescent 
boys and their "coming of age", in a widely, wildly changing 
decade.
 
The entire point of the film centered around their curiosity 
about life as experienced by adults.  Their profanity was 
excessive because that's the way young boys talked at that 
time.  Censoring the language seriously reduced the impact and 
sincerity of this award winning film.
 
I am currently watching one of the best loved films of my 
generation.  "COOL HAND LUKE", and once again your editors seem 
loose with the cutting room shears.  I am sure that Strother 
Martin never said "...son of a boots..." in the entire film.
 
Last week I was bludgeoned by your chopping tactics on "CABARET", 
and later the destruction of Peckinpah's "THE WILD BUNCH".  
 
I wonder what possesses your station to literally destroy Classic 
Cinema, while pleading for us to contribute to the restoration of 
"Lost Films".  I personally doubt your veracity, and integrity, if 
you can so wantonly destroy the work of geniuses.
 
If you find these films objectionable, I suggest you either don't 
air them at all, or air them in the late evening.  
 
Incidently, regular broadcast channels such as NBC, CBS, & ABC 
have of late, found no conflict in airing profanity, eroticism & 
such during the 7-11pm block, prime-time.  They still have 
virtually nothing of interest to me. 
 
Of course, none of you (all broadcasters), have ever had a problem 
with showing extreme violence.  Apparently, it is more appropriate to show 
our children bloodshed, than it is to show two people making love.  
 
Before you call me a hypocrite, I am not calling for the censoring 
of violence.  I merely find the irony humorous.
 
Anyway, I won't leave you totally wounded.  I am still a great fan 
of the cinema, and I appreciate your airing of thousands of 
wonderful films.  I know you have had some competition from TMC, 
and they own the rights to the largest film vaults in the world, 
but I still admire your mission.  
 
I have no problem with your airing of commercials between films.  
I have always felt this to be an agreeable compromise for any 
television venue.  
 
I also enjoy your original series, and Bob Dorian was my favorite 
host for many years.  
 
You have my undivided attention during your annual Halloween Fright 
Fest, each and every year, and of the 30 favorite channels I have 
programmed into my remote (I have over 200 channels to choose from!), 
AMC gets one hell of a lot of action!
 
One last note...I wouldn't be upset if you simply didn't run films 
that you find offensive.  I have other options to view from.  AMC 
and TMC are my ONLY options for great classic films that are out of 
the public spotlight.  
 
Perhaps returning to your roots would satisfy myself, and thousands 
of other fans.
 
Thank you,
 
Wayne "The Wizard of Odd" Brown
WZARDOFODD@nycap.rr.com
27E Adirondack Circle    
Gansevoort, NY 12831
USA
(518)580-1358
http://www.angelfire.com/ny2/wzardofodd/index.html
 
PS:  I contribute online Television and Cinematic reviews...Please 
visit my website to follow the links to my multitudinous commentaries.