TexAggie

I was concerned that "City Confidential" would suffer after the untimely death of Paul Winfield, its magnificent narrator. Having seen all but one of the new season's episodes, though, I can safely say that Keith David has stepped in and carried on Winfield's standard of excellence. Much credit, of course, must go to the writers, but as a fan I'd come to consider Winfield's voice the "star" of the show. While I may still miss Winfield as an actor, I no longer have any fears that one of my favorite A&E programs will decline in quality with his passing. Keith David's mellow voice, precise diction and expressive delivery set just the right tone. Kudos to whoever recognized him as the right match of talent to task.

Alan Arkin and Graham Greene are terrific in this poignant, funny look at friendship, regret and unrealized dreams played out against a background of baseball as it was before multimillion-dollar contracts and prima donna stars. Baseball scout and retired pitcher Harry Willette may not seem too lovable at first (cantankerous might be a better description), but it's a measure of Arkin's talent that the better we come to know him, the more we care about him and where he is in life. Greene offers a deadpan and laconic portrayal of Harry's deceased best friend and former catcher, Raymond Maracle, and delivers some of the best laughs. The other supporting roles -- from Josh Charles as Harry's nephew to Ann Wedgeworth as a faded baseball groupie and director Charles Haid in a small, explosive cameo as an old nemesis -- are perfectly cast and beautifully played. All in all, a baseball road trip well worth taking.

This movie defines the word "serendipity" for me. I saw it during my senior year in college when I wandered into a sneak preview at a small theater off campus one Friday night, and was carried away. Never having heard of Richard Bradford or the book on which the film is based, everything about it was fresh and compelling. Like the others who've commented before me, I am both astonished and saddened that it isn't available on videotape or DVD. I believe the director died last year, but apart from Harry Guardino (and perhaps Strother Martin) all the main actors are still alive and active and would be available for any DVD "extras." I keep an eye out in the TV listings for "Red Sky" and watch it every chance I get -- despite some abrupt (and senseless) cuts. For those not aware of it, Bradford also wrote what I'm told is an excellent second novel, "So Far From Heaven." Unfortunately, it's out of print, but I'm haunting the used-book stores in search of it. I envy any of you who haven't been introduced to Bradford's characters on film or printed page.