Notable Passings

...Legendary production designer Robert Boyle, who worked on some of Alfred Hitchcock's greatest films, has passed away at the age of 100.

Boyle's work on Hitchcock films began when he served as Associate Art Director on SABOTEUR (1942) and continued through MARNIE (1964), where he served as Production Designer; he also worked on SHADOW OF A DOUBT (1943), NORTH BY NORTHWEST (1959), and THE BIRDS (1963).

Boyle, a graduate of the USC School of Architecture, received an Honorary Oscar in 2008. (Update: Here is a brief tribute from the USC School of Cinematic Arts.)

...Screenwriter-Director Tom Mankiewicz, the son of Hollywood great Joseph L. Mankiewicz, has passed away at the age of 68.

Tom Mankiewicz wrote screenplays for James Bond films including LIVE AND LET DIE (1973) and served as a "script doctor" on other films in the series. He also notably worked on the screenplays for SUPERMAN (1978) and SUPERMAN II (1980).

Mankiewicz was the nephew of screenwriter Herman L. Mankiewicz. The Mankiewicz extended family includes Turner Classic Movies weekend host Ben Mankiewicz.