Remembering The Great Alan Arkin

One need only watch, in my opinion, what are two seminal films made in consecutive years (’67 and ’68) first, “Wait Until Dark,” starring the magnificent Audrey Hepburn and author Carson McCullers’ “The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter” to see not only the brilliance, but also the hand in hand versatility, that made Alan Arkin such a great actor.

Mr. Arkin died days back, at the age of 89.

Recently, I, who now rarely get the chance or have the paid service to do so, watched two films, in which Arkin contributed mightily.

One was the truly funny “The In-Laws,” co-starring another great, Peter Falk, the other being David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross,” adapted for the screen.

Alas, as you go Mr. Arkin, perhaps with Eastern religion, Jewish roots a boost, I opine it is your class and great work, that will get you more than “in!”

Remember “Serpentine/Serpentine” from “The In-Laws,” and as you weave in and out (serpentine), I add “living,” now calling, to “Stone,” it is not “Why are doing this to me (not Dave, but Alan as in “GGGR” to Ed Harris), but thank you Alan Arkin, for moving me with laughter and pathos, in your superb career

My late friend Brad Weiner and I, each jumped —as did many others, during a great scene with Mr. Arkin and Ms. Audrey Hepburn, each pictured from “Wait Until Dark,”