He was definitely someone of significance, a gentleman who was more a royal Reviewer than an intellectually-combative 'critic' - highly readable, always interesting and never less than genuinely appreciative of the industry and its individuals who worked both in front and behind the scenes. A case could be made he was a mite TOO close for comfort with his access but that went with being part and parcel of the El Lay Times' - like its Noo Yawk counterpart - inevitable influential weight (which he wielded with far more style than his teevee comrade then, the occasionally insufferable Cecil Smith).
His 1977 book above is a real joy to read and reflect upon; we had the opportunity to appraise it for the industry trade paper we were writing for at the time and found it not only historically insightful but consistently wise as well (that also instigated a brief but buoyant correspondence).
One can only hope someday someone endeavors to bring forth a collection of his reviews, articles and essays so his contribution can be witnessed and treasured by film lovers still unknown ...
Coincedentally, i just watched an interview with him that was included on the MANIAC dvd set. It is claimed that he resigned from reviewing after that film because he was so disgusted by it (and other slasher films of the era)
