Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by AuPh (A) on February 13, 2002 at 15:52:25

In Reply to: Re: Two-part film trivia question for all my fellow film bufs: posted by Ted in NJ on February 13, 2002 at 11:10:33:

As I recall, in the X-Files episode Boyle allowed himself to be shot or stabbed by the killer; in essence it was a suicide since he forsaw the outcome and did nothing to stop it. The other similarity between the Bruckman of fiction and the real Clyde Bruckman is that neither found solace or prosperity in their gift.

The real Clyde Bruckman was a top gag writer in the 20's who received a co-directing credit from Keaton and was immediately hired by Harold Lloyd to direct one of his pictures. However, marital problems combined with the new responsibilities unnerved him and he turned to alcohol; he continued to work, but his fortunes declined over the years. As you're probably aware, in Hollywood appearances are everything. So, in 1953 when Clyde Bruckman had lunch at an expensive restaurant and was handed a bill that he couldn't pay he calmly walked into the men's restroom and shot himself with the gun Buster Keaton had loaned him.

Audiophilander