the essentials

I was a little more than leery when Turner Classic Movies announced last year that Alec Baldwin would co-host Saturday night's The Essentials with the astute Robert Osborne. I must admit, I don't particularly care for Baldwin. How could he, of all people, possibly have anything to say about classic film?

After the first few segments last year, I thought, "Dearest Bob, Bob, Bob, are you off your noodle?" There, in the ubiquitous matching red chairs, were the oh-so-classy Osborne, offering his wealth of film knowledge with his usual gracious elegance, and Baldwin slouched back, arrogantly hogging the conversation. It was the pairing of a tall flute of champagne with a can of beer. I cringed. How could it possibly come to this?

But, as the year progressed, Baldwin surprised me. He's actually quite articulate and knowledgeable about film. Who knew? I must say he looks pretty darn dapper these days, assuming his best "come hither" posture on the edge of his red leather chair. And do I detect the slightest adding of gray around his face? Perhaps he is being groomed to succeed the 78 year old Osborne? Ah, but I still rue the day, since Robert Osborne is quite the essential in my little book.