In 1961, The United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba; John F Kennedy became the 35th President of the United States of America; Barbie’s boyfriend, Ken, debuted; Adolf Eichmann’s trial took place in Jerusalem; Sierra Leone, South Africa, and Kuwait declared independence from the UK; Alan Shephard became the first American in space; Newton Minnow… Continue reading Camelot was just beginning: A look back at 1961
Tag: Westerns
It’s Logan!
It (2017) I watched the 1990 miniseries as a preteen and read the massive novel shortly after. I have a fond attachment for the performances of Annette O’Toole, John Ritter, Harry Anderson, Richard Thomas, and especially Tim Curry as Pennywise. But, sadly, I watched it again a few years back and it doesn’t hold up. It’s… Continue reading It’s Logan!
Before Elvis and his gyrating hips ruined everything: A look back at 1955
In 1955: Jim Henson built the first version of Kermit the Frog; The first US advisors arrived in South Vietnam; Winston Churchill resigned as Prime Minister of the UK; The Salk polio vaccine received FDA approval; Ray Kroc opened his first McDonald’s in Illinois; Disneyland opened to the public; Gunsmoke, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The… Continue reading Before Elvis and his gyrating hips ruined everything: A look back at 1955
A royal resume
Despite her retirement from Hollywood at age 26 to become the Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was ranked the 13th greatest female film star by the American Film Institute. Because she retired so young, her public image was frozen as a young, beautiful woman and her marriage into royalty created a unique mystique among American celebrities. Add… Continue reading A royal resume
After the shooting
After Tiller (2013) In 2009, pro-life activist Scott Roeder assassinated abortionist George Tiller, one of the only doctors in the United States who performed late-term abortions. This documentary follows the four doctors who continue to perform these controversial procedures following his murder, providing insight into the mindset of people willing to do something almost everyone in… Continue reading After the shooting
Stalking a serial killer in the wild west
Stalker (1979) The eponymous stalker guides The Writer and The Professor to The Room, a magical place in the middle of a heavily restricted area known as The Zone, where your innermost desire becomes reality. The Writer is afraid he’s lost his inspiration and wants to use The Room as a muse. Initially reluctant to… Continue reading Stalking a serial killer in the wild west
Hi-yo Silver!
The Lone Ranger (1956) The first feature film starring Clayton Moore as the Lone Ranger feels like an extended TV episode. It doesn’t hold up well. It’s nearly 60 years old and feels older. Unless you’re interested in wasting time, don’t bother. The Lone Ranger (2013) One reason I think this film failed to… Continue reading Hi-yo Silver!