"That Guy" Hall of Fame Presents: Philip Baker Hall

You see him everywhere playing judges and politicians, however Philip Baker Hall might be best remembered for playing the hardboiled library cop Lt. Bookman in Seinfeld's 3rd season episode: "The Library."

BOOKMAN: Yeah, '71. That was my first year on the job. Bad year for libraries. Bad year for America. Hippies burning library cards, Abby Hoffman telling everybody to steal books. I don't judge a man by the length of his hair or the kind of music he listens to. Rock was never my bag. But you put on a pair of shoes when you walk into the New York Public Library, fella.

Hall has 136 acting credits to his name, but his greatest visibility came in the late 90s. In 1997, Hall appeared in both Air Force One as the U.S. Attorney General and in P.T. Anderson's Boogie Nights as porn producer Floyd Gondoli. Hall has also shown up in The Insider, Magnolia (playing a sleazy game show host), The Sum of All Fears, and has made numerous TV guest spots. His worn, wrinkled face conveys a certain authority,which is probably why he plays so many authority figures. With several movies in development and some already on the way, Hall does not seem to be in want of acting roles. Nevertheless, Lt. Bookman will always be how I remember him.

BOOKMAN: Let me tell you something, funny boy... You know that little stamp? The one that says New York Public Library? Well, that may not mean anything to you, but that means a lot to me. One whole helluva lot. Sure, go ahead, laugh if you want to. I've seen your type before -- flashy, making the scene, flaunting convention. Yeah, I know what you're thinking... Why's this guy making such a big stink about old library books? Let me give you a hint, junior. Maybe we can live without libraries, people like you and me.... Maybe. Sure, we're too old to change the world. What about that kid, sitting down, opening a book right now in a branch of the local library and finding pictures of pee-pees and wee-wees in The Cat in the Hat and The Five Chinese Brothers. Doesn't he deserve better? Look, if you think this is about overdue fines and missing books, you'd better think again. This is about that kid's right to read a book without getting his mind warped. Or maybe that turns you on, Seinfeld... Maybe that's how you get your kicks... You and your goodtime buddies... I've got a flash for you, joy boy. Partytime is over.


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