President Kennedy, I presume... The assassination of John F. Kennedy is one of those events that made such an impact, everyone who was alive and aware during that time remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing when they first heard about it. While there's no way to recreate that time exactly, the … Continue reading As It Happened
During World War Two: Thirteen Wartime Shorts
Hollywood's involvement in the war effort went beyond movies, canteens, and bond tours. There were also quite a few shorts produced by Hollywood stars and studios because, to paraphrase something Frank Capra once said, films are excellent teaching tools. Americans were told all the time to buy war bonds, to be careful of what they … Continue reading During World War Two: Thirteen Wartime Shorts
Shamedown #5: The Wrecking Crew
Another Shamedown, and it's the last day of May. Whoodathunk it, right? If anyone would like to know what this Shamedown business is all about, CinemaShame's Announcement post can be found here. Past 2023 Shamedowns can be found here. Now, off we go... Not to be confused with the 1968 film of the same name … Continue reading Shamedown #5: The Wrecking Crew
Earth In A Bottle
Today is the thirtieth anniversary of the first Biosphere 2 crew entering their enclosure. It's also the twenty-eighth anniversary of the crew's exit from their enclosure. It's not often talked about today, but it's a fascinating story, and while I don't agree with all the motivations for the project, lately I've been reading and rereading … Continue reading Earth In A Bottle
Reading Rarities: What We Saw
Those who remember 9-11 will no doubt recall the huge demand for merch that immediately followed. The Longs Drugs I worked at during that time couldn't keep American flags, or anything flag-related, in the store. What we did get would sell out by the end of the day. Naturally, 9-11 books, magazines, and T-shirts were … Continue reading Reading Rarities: What We Saw
You Will Not Forget This Date
It's hard to believe 9-11 happened twenty years ago today. How much has America changed since then? How much has the world changed since then? Look at us now. https://twitter.com/ian_mckelvey/status/1427608214024212485?s=20 Of course, on that bright Tuesday morning we had no way of predicting what was about to unfold. People went to work and school, got … Continue reading You Will Not Forget This Date
We Are Mishpokhe
Eh, what's up, Doc? Few studios are as influential as Warner Bros. Over its long history it's pioneered sound film, refused to tiptoe around the Nazis or any other pressing social issue, and has never shied away from presenting a grittier, more realistic view of life. What's amazing is that its history is largely unknown. … Continue reading We Are Mishpokhe
The Not-So-Simple Life
Some say that before there were influencers, there was Paris Hilton. I don't know if I agree with that, because influencer culture has always existed in some form, but it can't be denied that Hilton possesses a unique kind of celebrity. Actually, that's an understatement. Those of us who were around in the nineties and … Continue reading The Not-So-Simple Life
Out of the Vault (At Last)
You guys. I'm going to see TobyMac tomorrow. My brother, sister-in-law, my nieces, my son, and my dad are going to be there too, because though a funny "Gift of the Magi"-ish coincidence, we all bought tickets. Oh. My. Word. Can we say, "LIT," or is that too last-decade? I've been a fan of TobyMac's … Continue reading Out of the Vault (At Last)
Shamedown #7: Thunderbolt
It's time for another Shamedown, and another invitation to pay the Cinema Shame folks a visit if anyone's curious about this whole Shame thing. And now, onward... Last year's Shamedown #7 was my review of the William Wyler documentary, The Memphis Belle, in which he flew several missions with a bomber crew, documenting their reactions and the … Continue reading Shamedown #7: Thunderbolt
Have Ye the Body?
Today's subject matter is a bit on the macabre side, and may not be for everyone. On the other hand, it's compelling, so if anyone is into unusual history, well, you've come to the right place... On this day in 1865, at 7:22 AM, President Abraham Lincoln died of a gunshot wound in a house … Continue reading Have Ye the Body?
Beneath the Beauty
And here's Miss Hedy... When it comes to Hedy Lamarr, it's easy to zero in on her beauty and go no further. However, this woman had plenty more going for her than just a gorgeous face, and we in the twenty-first century wouldn't be where we are today without her. 2017's Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story ably … Continue reading Beneath the Beauty
U2 Loves America
Last year was the thirtieth anniversary of U2's sublime album, The Joshua Tree, and now it's thirty years since the follow-up album and tour it spawned, Rattle and Hum. Admittedly, some people are still mad at U2 for the Songs of Innocence faux pas, not to mention the seeming shift in beliefs they've taken lately, … Continue reading U2 Loves America
After the Bomb
Usually, the 1950s conjure up images of poodle skirts and James Dean, drive-ins and sock-hops. And probably Elvis. However, it was also the decade in which the Cold War went into deep freeze. Some people were affected by it more than others, and by far the biggest fear was of nuclear annihilation. The period was … Continue reading After the Bomb
Shamedown #7: The Memphis Belle
Another month, another Shamedown. If anyone would like to know what a Shamedown is, please visit Cinema Shame here. Previous Shamedown posts can be found here. The 1990 film, Memphis Belle, is fairly widely known. An ensemble piece starring Matthew Modine, Sean Astin, Harry Connick, Jr., D.B. Sweeney, Tate Donovan, and John Lithgow, among others, the film was produced … Continue reading Shamedown #7: The Memphis Belle
To Spencer, With Love
The relationship between Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy is the stuff of legend. They were together for twenty-six years, and while morally their relationship may raise some red flags, it was always good to see their love for each other every time they locked eyes. Almost twenty years after Tracy's death, Hepburn, along with many … Continue reading To Spencer, With Love
Moana Becomes A Man
Have you seen Disney's Moana? I watched it on Netflix a few months ago, and thought it was all kinds of cute and fun. Plus, Moana hasn't worn out its welcome like some films that shall remain nameless (Hint: "Let it go, let it go..."). Also on Netflix is another version of Moana from 1926. Uh huh. Silent. It's always … Continue reading Moana Becomes A Man
Taking Up Room 