Before Siskel died in 1998, Siskel & Ebert reviewed a movie in which
an old-time movie character was transplanted in a modern setting. He
spoke in cliches from the 1920s or 1940s (not sure of the exact era)
and no one around him seemed to notice. It might have been black and
white, and he may have been a reporter. What is the name of this
movie?

I am going out on a limb here, but I am certain that the movie is "Man
of the Century," also known as "Johnny Twennies." (sic)

According to movie maven Alex Fung, the Siskel & Ebert review of this
movie was aired October 30, 1999. This was after Gene Siskel's death.

Alex Fung's Film Page
http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~aw220/se.htm

Information about the film and its cast may be found here:

Internet Movie Database
http://us.imdb.com/Title?0138537

Here is a brief excerpt from a synopsis of "Man of the Century":

"...Get ready for Man of the Century, a delightful indie flick whose
central character talks and acts like he's straight out of an old time
movie. That would be Johnny Twennies (Gibson Frazier), the
fast-talkin' ace reporter for the New York Sun-Telegram.  He's a
square shooter all the way, the kind of Joe who'll tell you what's
what.  The only problem is that this guy lives in modern day New
York."

Amazing Colossal
http://www.amazing-colossal.com/manofthecentury.html

You can read a number of reviews of this charming film here:

Rotten Tomatoes
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/ManoftheCentury-1114658/reviews.php

My Google search strategy:

"man of the century" + "gene siskel"
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=%22man+of+the+century%22+%22gene+siskel

If this is not the movie you seek, please request clarification before
rating my answer, and I will gladly resume my search.

Best wishes,
pinkfreud

---

Clarification of Answer by pinkfreud-ga on 01 Nov 2002 16:45 PST

Thank you very much for the five-star rating!

I urge you to see "Man of the Century." It is absolutely delightful.
If you need help locating a tape or DVD of the movie, I'll be glad to
assist.

~Pink

Yes, this is the movie I was thinking of. I guess it wasn't Siskel
after all; sorry for the red herring.