One of the magicians I follow on YouTube is doing a giveaway. In order to qualify in the comment section you had to post a comment that included a reference to an Alfred Hitchcock film title. Here’s what I wrote.
I had a SUSPICION the theme would be Hitchcock. You are NOTORIOUS for these giveaways. The Hitch theme could ROPE in anyone. The thought of winning makes me dizzy with VERTIGO. Let there be no SHADOW OF A DOUBT I want to win. You have to be PSYCHO to give this much away. Let me just say, your magic reviews are SPELLBINDING. I CONFESS, when a new video of yours appears I'm in a FRENZY to watch it. When it comes to magic I certainly don't consider myself THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH. I can always learn more. If you're looking to me to be a master magician you've got THE WRONG MAN. If I have to put in the extra effort to learn a new trick I'm always willing to take THE 39 STEPS. None of these giveaway items is for THE BIRDS. Until the winner is announced I will sit at my REAR WINDOW, practicing my latest trick, THE LADY VANISHES. It's a great trick with a nice FAMILY PLOT.
An excellent documentary about one of my favorite conservatives. (And there aren’t many of them)
Great song and a great yet all but forgotten trumpet player.
In Memory of Barbara Rush (1927-2024)
Barbara Rush, the radiant star of classic cinema, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, 2024, at the age of 97. A Golden Globe winner renowned for her role in 'It Came From Outer Space,' Rush's career spanned over six decades, gracing both the silver screen and television with her talent and elegance.
Born on January 4, 1927, in Denver, Rush began her acting journey on stage before captivating audiences worldwide with her film debut in 'The Goldbergs.' Her performances in 'Magnificent Obsession,' 'The Young Lions,' and alongside Frank Sinatra in 'Come Blow Your Horn' and 'Robin and the 7 Hoods' are etched in the annals of Hollywood history.
Rush's versatility shone through in her later years with memorable television roles, including the 1960s soap opera 'Peyton Place' and appearances on 'Batman' and '7th Heaven.' Her Broadway debut in 'A Woman of Independent Means' showcased her profound depth as an actress.
Off-screen, Barbara was a devoted mother to Claudia Cowan and Christopher Hunter, and a cherished friend to many. Her legacy is not only in the characters she brought to life but also in the inspiration she provided to aspiring actors and the joy she brought to her countless fans.
As we bid farewell to Barbara Rush, we celebrate a life lived with passion, a career marked with distinction, and a spirit that will continue to shine in the memories of those she touched.
Unaccustomed As We Are: A Pioneering Moment for Laurel and Hardy
In the annals of comedic cinema, few duos are as beloved as Laurel and Hardy. Their 1929 short film, "Unaccustomed As We Are," not only brought laughter to audiences but also marked a significant milestone in their career—it was their first foray into sound film.
The title itself is a humorous take on the phrase often used in public speaking, "Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking..." which wittily acknowledges the duo's transition from silent film to talkies. The plot revolves around Oliver Hardy bringing his friend Stan Laurel home for dinner, only to find that Mrs. Hardy has had enough of her husband's antics. Her departure sets off a chain of events involving their neighbor, Mrs. Kennedy, and her jealous husband, leading to a series of classic slapstick mishaps.
"Unaccustomed As We Are" is a testament to the duo's comedic genius, showcasing their ability to adapt to the new medium of sound while maintaining the physical comedy that made them stars. The film also served as a learning experience for the Hal Roach studio, which had to navigate the technical challenges of producing a sound film for the first time.
Despite being an experiment in sound, the film ensured that silent-film audiences could still enjoy the action without hearing the dialogue, thanks to its careful inclusion of pantomime and visual gags. This approach demonstrated the duo's commitment to their craft and their audience, making "Unaccustomed As We Are" a beloved classic that still resonates with fans today.
Elmer Raguse was a significant figure in the transition of Laurel and Hardy's films from silent to sound. As a sound engineer at Hal Roach Studios, Raguse played a crucial role in the technical aspects of sound recording and editing for the studio's productions, including the films of the iconic comedic duo.
His work involved managing the challenges that came with the new sound technology, ensuring that the audio quality complemented the visual humor of Laurel and Hardy's films. Raguse's contributions helped maintain the comedic timing and pacing that were essential to the duo's style, even as they adapted to the new medium of sound cinema.
While specific details of his contributions to each film might not be widely documented, it's clear that Elmer Raguse's expertise in sound engineering was vital to the success of Laurel and Hardy's early sound films, helping to preserve the essence of their comedy for audiences to enjoy.
As we look back on this piece of cinematic history, we can't help but appreciate the blend of innovation and humor that Laurel and Hardy brought to the screen. Their legacy continues to influence comedians and filmmakers, proving that true talent can transcend the boundaries of time and technology.
If you're a fan of classic cinema or just in need of a good laugh, this short film is a must-watch. You can find it on various video platforms to experience the magic of Laurel and Hardy's first sound film.
Leap Year: A Lost Comedy Classic
RELEASED JAN 11, 1924
Leap Year is a silent comedy film directed by and starring Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, one of the most popular and influential comedians of the early cinema era. The film was produced in 1921, but it was never released in the United States due to Arbuckle's involvement in the Virginia Rappe death scandal, which tarnished his reputation and career. The film received its first release in Finland in 1924, and it finally saw an American release of sorts in 1981.
The film follows the misadventures of Stanley Piper (Arbuckle), a wealthy heir who is in love with his nurse, Phyllis Brown (Mary Thurman). His uncle, Jeremiah Piper (Lucien Littlefield), is a misogynist who wants to keep Stanley away from women, as he believes that Stanley falls in love with every woman he meets. He sends Stanley on a fishing trip, but Stanley ends up getting engaged to three different women: Loris Keene (Harriet Hammond), a movie star; Molly Morris (Gertrude Short), a waitress; and Irene Rutherford (Maude Wayne), a socialite. Stanley tries to get out of his predicaments by faking illnesses and fits, but his plans backfire hilariously. Meanwhile, Phyllis and the other characters find their own romantic interests, leading to a happy ending for everyone.
Leap Year was Arbuckle's first feature film, and it was different from his two-reel shorts in several ways.
- Leap Year had a more complex and coherent plot than his shorts, which were mostly based on gags and situations. The film had multiple subplots and characters, and it followed a clear narrative arc. Arbuckle's shorts were more episodic and improvised, and they often ended with a chase or a fight.
- Leap Year had more dialogue and intertitles than his shorts, which relied more on visual humor and physical comedy. The film had many witty and sarcastic lines, and it also used some sound effects, such as a phonograph and a telephone. Arbuckle's shorts had fewer and simpler intertitles, and they used music and sound effects sparingly.
- Leap Year had more satire and parody than his shorts, which were more slapstick and absurd. The film mocked the Hollywood lifestyle, the celebrity culture, and the social norms of the 1920s. Arbuckle's shorts were more playful and whimsical, and they often spoofed other genres, such as westerns, melodramas, and thrillers.
- Leap Year had more romance and sentimentality than his shorts, which were more cynical and anarchic. The film had a happy ending for all the couples, and it showed Arbuckle's softer and sweeter side. Arbuckle's shorts were more edgy and irreverent, and they often showed him as a troublemaker, a womanizer, or a victim of fate.
Leap Year is a showcase of Arbuckle's comedic talents, as he displays his physical agility, facial expressions, and timing. He also co-directed the film with James Cruze, and co-wrote the script with Sarah Y. Mason and Walter Woods. The film features many gags and situations that are typical of the slapstick genre, such as chases, falls, pies, and mistaken identities. The film also parodies the Hollywood lifestyle, as Arbuckle interacts with various celebrities and filmmakers, such as Sidney Bracey, who plays Loris Keene's press agent. The film also has some risqué humor, such as Arbuckle swimming in a full suit and hat, and pretending to be a woman to escape from his fiancées.
VLeap Year is a rare gem that deserves more recognition and appreciation from film fans and historians. It is a testament to Arbuckle's genius and resilience, as he made the film during a difficult time in his life. It is also a reminder of the potential that he had, and the legacy that he left behind. Leap Year is a film that will make you laugh, and also make you wonder what could have been.
Celebrating world puppetry day!
Steve Lawrence, a cherished icon of American music and television, passed away on March 7, 2024, at the age of 88. A master of big band and traditional pop, Lawrence's career spanned over six decades, filled with memorable tunes and laughter. He was one half of the beloved vocal duo "Steve and Eydie" with his wife, Eydie Gormé, and his solo hits like "Go Away Little Girl" resonated with fans across generations.
Lawrence's talents extended beyond the music stage to the screen, where he graced numerous television shows. Among his many appearances, he was a frequent and favored guest on "The Carol Burnett Show," bringing his comedic flair and musical prowess to the delight of audiences nationwide. His performances on the show are fondly remembered and stand as a testament to his versatility and charm as an entertainer.
He leaves behind a legacy of joy, music, and a touch of comedy that will continue to inspire and entertain. Steve Lawrence will be deeply missed, but his contributions to the world of entertainment will live on forever.
Some amazing use of AI
When I was a kid I won a bike in an Esso gas station contest. This was it. Put a tiger in your tank.