Charlie Kieskalt died Saturday while doing what he loved: watching a movie. He was at a theater with his granddaughter when he had a stroke. He was 59.

Charlie, also known as Mr. Movie, was the projectionist at the Skyview Drive-in in Belleville and was a treasure trove of information about local theaters. He once presented me with a priceless scrapbook he compiled on the history of drive-ins in St. Louis, complete with ads from the Post-Dispatch going back to the ’40s.

Charlie was an expert on the life and career of John Wayne. He wrote a book titled “The Official John Wayne Reference Book” and had been working on a project called “The John Wayne Encyclopedia” at the time of his death.

But Charlie was also up-to-date on the latest releases, which he often discussed on TV and radio appearances. The last time I saw him, he was shaking the hand of Will Smith before the local preview of “Seven Pounds.”

Every time I saw Charlie, he would reassure me that the Skyview would be open for another season of cinema under the stars. Maybe, but it won’t be the same without him.

Visitation for Charlie will start at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 at Renner Funeral Home, 120 North Illinois Street in Belleville. The funeral service will be that evening at 7.