Reel Reflection: Looking Back on Some Forgotten 2017 Movie Anniversaries

By Michael Lyons

Ah, the end of the year, a time to reflect.  For many, this means looking back over life’s accomplishments, challenges, joys and tears.

For film buffs, reflection may not delve this deep, but instead is focused on: “What were my favorite films of the year? My top 10!”  Additionally, Film Buffs also love Anniversaries and will also think back on some of their film favorites that reached major milestones.

And so, as the year closes, here’s a look back at some movies that celebrated anniversaries in 2017.  

While the list of movies commemorating an anniversary could probably initiate a series of blogs and many that have been celebrated are award winners or box office blockbusters, the list below focuses on some forgotten films, that celebrated this past year and are worth celebrating themselves:

The 10th anniversary of “Meet the Robinsons” (released March 30, 2007)

The word “Underrated” seems to have been created for this film.  An earnest, heartfelt gem from Walt Disney Feature Animation, the film is based on the book “A Day with Wilbur Robinson” and tells the tale of young orphan named Lewis, who finds himself caught up in a dizzying, time travel search for his parents.  

In world of familiar (particularly in animation) “Meet the Robinsons” is a true original that keeps the audience guessing and engaged through a breakneck plot that ends on such an emotional note, you can’t help but keep the film with you long after it ends.

The 15th anniversary of “Treasure Planet” (released November 27, 2002)

If one isn’t using the word “Underrated” for “Meet the Robinsons,” they may want to apply it to another Disney animated feature, “Treasure Planet.”  Directors Ron Clements and Jon Musker, who have navigated Disney animation through many changes with films such as “Aladdin” to “Moana,” worked long and hard on this labor of love; a sci-fi adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island.”

Feeling both comfortable and innovative, “Treasure Planet” works as a sci-fi, action adventure yarn (with some creative creatures and settings) and as an impressive character piece (the relationship between Jim Hawkins and Long John Silver is animation movie magic).

“Treasure Planet” didn’t fare well at the box-office when released over Thanksgiving weekend of 2002, but deserves the ever growing audience of admirers its gained since then.

The 30th anniversary of “Innerspace” (released July 1st, 1987)

Released over July 4th weekend of 1987, summer movies don’t get more popcorn-fun than “Innerspace.”  Produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Joe (“Gremlins”) Dante, “Innerspace” tells the tale of a test pilot (Dennis Quaid) who is shrunken and accidentally injected into an unsuspecting simpleton (Martin Short).

A frenetic and funny take on “Fantastic Voyage,” “Innerspace” has some hysterical moments (most courtesy of Short) and amazing special effects (for which the film won an Oscar).  Best of all, Quaid and Short have great chemistry... and are in almost no scenes together.  “Innerspace” is, literally, a small wonder!

The 35th anniversary of “Night Shift” (released July 30, 1982)

Two guys operating a prostitution ring out of the city morgue may sound like fodder for a Martin Scorcese drama, but “Night Shift” is a comedy and a really funny one at that.

Director Ron Howard’s first major studio film, “Night Shift” stars Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton (absolutely hysterical) as the mis-matched co-workers who become the unlikeliest of pimps.  Smart writing and sharp timing, “Night Shift” may be low-class subject matter, but it’s a high-class comedy.

The 40th anniversary of “Rollercoaster” (released June 10, 1977)

George Segal delivers a solid performance as a safety inspector on the hells of a terrorist (Timothy Bottoms) who is making his way through the country’s theme parks planting bombs on roller coasters.

Released using the ‘70’s fad of “Sensurround,” a sound system that amped up the bass and replicated the sensation of being on a rollercoaster for theater audiences, “Rollercoaster” is more than a movie gimmick, it’s a tense, well-crafted thriller.

The 75th Anniversary of “The Man Who Came to Dinner” (released January 1, 1942)

If you missed watching this gem over the holiday season, put it on your list for next December.  Based on a popular stage play of the time, the film tells the story of cultured radio personality, Sheridan Whiteside (Monty Woolley from “The Bishop’s Wife,” so good here), who slips on a family’s icy front stoop while visiting a small Ohio town during a lecture tour, just before the holidays. Sheridan then winds up having to recuperate with the family during Christmas.

What follows is a witty clash of cultures that’s as funny and endearing as vintage, Hollywood black and white gets.  With solid supporting performances from Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante and Billie Burke (Glinda the Good Witch from “The Wizard of Oz”), “The Man who Came to Dinner” is a glowing Christmas movie classic.

So, as 2017 closes out and the winter days ahead are filled with movie marathons, consider visiting or re-visiting these often forgotten films, that deserve to not just be remembered, but celebrated as well.

Wishing you and yours a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Sources: Wikipedia

IMDb

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Happy Cruise Year: “The Poseidon Adventure.”

By Michael Lyons

During the era of ‘70’s-all-star-disaster-movies, there were few movies more ‘70’s, more all-star and more disaster-y than 1972’s “The Poseidon Adventure.”

Considered by many to be the movie that ushered in films like “Earthquake” and “The Towering Inferno” (both 1974), “The Poseidon Adventure” centered on a cruise ship, on which passengers are reveling in a New Year’s Eve celebration when an enormous tidal wave capsizes the ship, forcing a small group of survivors to make their way through the sinking vessel to the bottom of the ship...now the top.

“The Poseidon Adventure” checks all of the boxes that would become standards of the disaster movie genre: scenes of chaos and mayhem in the face of nature’s fury (with special effects that won an Oscar), characters meeting their demise one-by-one,  a love ballad theme song (“The Morning After,” also an Oscar winner) and, of course, a Cast of who’s-who actors of the time.

Gene Hackman is the minister who serves as the leader of the survivors, Ernest Borgnine is the tough cop on vacation, Shelly Winters and Jack Albertson are lovable grandparents, Red Buttons is the earnest, mysterious stranger, Roddy McDowall is a ship’s waiter and Leslie Nielsen (when he was serious) is the captain.

In a standard marketing tactic of the time, all of the actors faces were splashed across the bottom of “The Poseidon Adventure’s” movie poster, with dynamic artwork of the disastrous havoc along with splashy text: “Hell, Upside Down.  At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the S.S. Poseidon was struck by a 90 foot tidal wave and capsized.”

Released on December 9, 1972, “The Poseidon Adventure” was anything but a disaster, ranking as the second highest grossing film of the year (behind “The Godfather”).  Producer Irwin Allen, who would become synonymous with the disaster genre, knew how to build a tense, audience pleasing movie.  To this day, even though its fashions have gone out of style, “The Poseidon Adventure” still works as a great movie thrill ride and the perfect product of a seemingly-innocent time gone by.

With its New Year’s Eve setting, along with its 45th anniversary this month, “The Poseidon Adventure” would make the perfectly-themed viewing experience for this New Year’s Weekend.  Pop in the DVD and pop in the Dramamine, because “There’s got to be a Morning After!”

Sources: Wikipedia

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Touched by An Angel: Celebrating the Christmas Classic “The Bishop’s Wife.”

By Michael Lyons

When the term “classic Christmas movies” is used, titles ranging from 1946’s “It’s a Wonderful Life” to 1996’s “Jingle all the Way’ (yikes!) are often mentioned.  Seldom does the title “The Bishop’s Wife” ever make it into that conversation, which is a shame.

Starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven, “The Bishop’s Wife” is well known to film enthusiasts and Christmas movie purists, but beyond that, this undeappreciated classic has fallen off of the holiday radar, usually only discussed when the film’s remake, 1996’s “The Preacher’s Wife” is the topic.

Released December 9, 1947, this month marks the 70th anniversary of “The Bishop’s Wife.”   It seems the perfect time to make sure that the film returns to everyone’s Christmas watchlist.

The film tells the simple tale of an angel named Dudley (Grant), a Bishop named Henry (Niven) and his wife, Julia (Young).  Dudley has been sent to Earth just prior to Christmas, to assist the bishop, who is experiencing a crisis of faith while struggling to fund and build a new cathedral.

While assisting Bishop Henry, Dudley finds himself becoming attached to Julia and suffering somewhat of a crisis of faith himself.

Directed by Henry Koster (who would go on to helm the famous biblical epic “The Robe” in 1953), “The Bishop’s Wife” is as charming as movies get.  In the role of Dudley, Grant exudes his trademark suave style, as never before.  It’s no wonder that he seems to have so many in the film under an angelic spell.  It makes one hope and wish that all guardian angels could be Cary Grant.

Grant plays perfectly off of the frustrated Niven, as the Bishop, who is the only one allowed to know the truth about Dudley being an angel.  They have some great, quiet comedic moments together.

And, as the title character, Young, in what could have been a thankless role, plays Julia as sympathetic and vulnerable.  As the audience, we root for all to work our for her and her family.

Adding to this are two wonderful supporting roles from then-veteran character actors Monty Woolley and James Gleason.

With scenes in which Dudley “magically” decorates a Christmas tree and also conducts a choir as they practice for Christmas services, “The Bishop’s Wife” runneth over with the joys of the season.

Best of all, the movie also connects with the message of Christmas, summed up perfectly in the sermon that Dudley writes for the Bishop, which is used at the film’s conclusion:

“Tonight I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking. Once upon a midnight clear, there was a child's cry. A blazing star hung over a stable and wise men came with birthday gifts. We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries; we celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees, the sound of bells and with gifts. But especially with gifts. You give me a book; I give you a tie. Aunt Martha has always wanted an orange squeezer and Uncle Henry could do with a new pipe. We forget nobody, adult or child. All the stockings are filled... all that is, except one. And we have even forgotten to hang it up. The stocking for the child born in a manger. It's his birthday we are celebrating. Don't ever let us forget that. Let us ask ourselves what he would wish for most... and then let each put in his share. Loving kindness, warm hearts and the stretched out hand of tolerance. All the shining gifts that make peace on earth.”

Few films, classic or otherwise, make such a strong faith-based connection, along with a message of holding strong to those who mean the most to us, which is why “The Bishop’s Wife” deserves a solid place in everyone’s Christmas viewing rotation.

Here is wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas!

Sources: IMDb

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A “Special” Place in TV History: “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol”

By Michael Lyons

Before Rudolph took flight, Before Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang put on a Christmas pageant; even before the Grinch stole Christmas, there was...Mr. Magoo...?

Not a typo.   The seldom seen Christmas Special, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol,” debuted on December 18, 1962 on NBC, making it the very first animated television Christmas special.  It aired a full two years before “Rudolph,”  three years before “Charlie Brown” and four years before “The Grinch.”

And yet, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” has become, at best, a footnote in the ever growing history of television Christmas specials.

As this year marks the 55th anniversary of this special that led the way for so many others, it seems only appropriate to give Magoo his due.

At the time of the special’s debut, Mr. Magoo was a well known star of theatrical cartoon shorts from United Productions of America (UPA Animation Studio).  The character, an older, near sighted wealthy man, whose challenges with his vision result in comical situations, was a perfect choice for Scrooge.

UPA put a few spins on the classic story for “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol.”  First, there is a “story within a story” as the film takes place in contemporary times with Magoo starring on Broadway in a musical version of “Christmas Carol.”  Second, the story changes up the order of the Ghosts.  The Ghost of Christmas present comes first, then Past and Future.

The remainder of the special, like many versions of Dickens classic, pulls scenes and dialogue right from the text, adding songs, some of the most beautiful in fact, ever written for a TV Christmas special.

Crafted by songwriting legends Jules Styne and Bob Merrill, who would go on to compose songs for the Barbara Streisand classic “Funny Girl,” the songs for “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” rival the brightest Broadway production or latest Disney animated feature.

From the haunting “All Alone in the World” to the lovely “Winter was Warm” and the bouncy “Lord’s Bright Blessing,” these are the kind of songs that stay with you long after the show ends.

Bringing the songs to life is a roster of who’s who comedians and character actors from the sixties.  Jim Backus, best known as Mr. Howell on “Gilligan’s Island,” does his standard great cackles and asides as the title character, which he had been performing since 1949.  There’s also the wonderful deep tones of Jack Cassidy as Bob Cratchit and Royal Dano with a haunting performance as Jacob Marley.  Additionally, Paul Frees, a Mel Blanc-like vocal chameleon, voices several characters.

All of this comes together with unique, stylized animation that was a hallmark of UPA (and many say that they created). The “very ‘60’s” character design and sparse backgrounds give the special a charm unlike any other.

In all, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” is the best holiday TV Special you’ve never seen. Now available on DVD and Blu-Ray, its definitely a worthy addition to any Christmas Viewing rotation.

As author Darrell Van Citters sums up in his excellent book, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol: The Making of the First Animated Christmas Special”:

“A lot of factors have to line up to create a classic and fortunately, in 1962, a lot of them did.”

Sources:

Wikipedia

IMDb

Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol: The Making of the First Animated Christmas Special”:

By Darrell Van Citters

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“There Goes Mr. Humbug!”: The 25th Anniversary of “The Muppet Christmas Carol”

By Michael Lyons

Who would have thought that the most faithful version of Charles Dickens immortal, holiday classic “A Christmas Carol” would star a cast who were made mostly of felt and fur?

“The Muppet Christmas Carol,” celebrating its 25th anniversary this month is not only faithful to Jim Henson’s Muppet Universe, but to Dickens’ original source material, as well!

In fact, the movie even stars Charles Dickens (played by Gonzo - who else?) as the narrator.  Familiar Muppet faces play key roles: Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cracthit and Robin as Tiny Tim, with some very Muppety touches, such as Statler and Worldorf as “The Marley Brothers” and Fozzie Bear as “Fozziwig.”

Originally, there was a thought that other well known Muppets would play the Ghosts (Animal was originally cast as Christmas Future), but this was changed to newly created (and amazing) Muppets in these roles, which adds a somber and moody element to these scenes.

In the lead as Ebineezer Scrooge, it was decided that a well known actor should play off of the Muppet canon and none other than Michael Caine was cast, who brings his usual “he makes every role look so easy” talent to the role.  What’s especially convincing is that Caine plays Scrooge completely serious, never once joking or mugging for the camera, while treating the managerie of Muppets around him as fellow thespians

Caine even sings one of a number of songs written for the film by Paul Will;aims, who had also penned the songs for the original “Muppet Movie” in 1979.  For “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” Williams brought his knack for easy to take musical numbers and, among the most memorable are the anthem-like “It Feels Like Christmas” and the heart-tugging ballad, “When Love is Gone.”

As in all good musicals, the songs help support the story, which here was adapted by longtime Muppet writer Jerry Juhl, who was very familiar with the characters and how to be true to their personalities, but was also extremely faithful to the source material, pulling entire lines of text from Dickens and also never straying too far from the story, as other versions of “Carol” have.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol” was a very important film for this familiar and beloved franchise.  Coming just two years after the death of Jim Henson and as one of the first major projects for the Muppets since joining the “Disney fold,” there were a lot of eyes on “Muppet Christmas Carol.”  Many wanted to make sure that there was still the same magic.

Luckily with Jim’s son Brian Henson at the helm directing and the familiar “Muppet Performers” returning (such as Frank Oz and Dave Goelz), the humor, heart and, yes, lunacy, so familiar is very apparent.  “The Muppet Christmas Carol” feels like a visit from old friends.

Released on December 11, 1992, the film didn’t initially fare well at the box office.  With “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and Disney’s own “Aladdin”  already vying for the family audience, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” debuted well behind at #6 opening weekend and quickly faded fast as the holiday season passed.

Thanks for home video, TV Showings, a loyal Muppet fan base and an annual Christmas Season, the film has found it’s audience in the 25 years since its release.

Another major part of the appeal of “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” is its connection to the themes and messages that Dickens wrote of in 1843.  Or, as one of the songs in the film states: “Wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas.”  

Sources: Wikipedia 

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“It’s Sheer AniMagic!:” The Rankin-Bass Christmas Specials

By Michael Lyons

There’s a word...actually two words...that are as Synonymous with the Christmas season as Gifts, Fruitcake, Carols and Credit Card Debt:

Rankin/Bass.  

The humble animation studio started by two gentlemen by the names of Arthur Rankin, Jr and Jules Bass, with its unique style of animation, has become so associated with Christmas thanks to its specials, such as “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”

These specials, and countless others, have not only become TV classics, they have become legendary standards, shown without fail each and every holiday season, some for over fifty years and several generations of children.

Many of the Rankin/Bass specials are so unique, because many were made using their 3-D, stop motion animation style deemed “AniMagic.”  With incredibly detailed worlds, the style is perfect for the Christmas holidays, as each character looks like an ornament and each background looks like a miniature Christmas village that would be at home under a family Christmas Tree.

The majority of the specials were written by Romeo Muller, a TV staff writer who imbued the specials with not only compelling adventure stories, but touches of mythology that still resonate today.

Arthur Rankin was a graphic designer with the ABC Network, who worked his way up through the creative ranks and eventually transitioned to the advertising industry, where he met his eventual business partner, Jules Bass.

Together, they segued into TV animation production.  And, although their many projects include Saturday morning cartoons, feature films and even specials created for other Holidays, it’s with Christmas that the name Rankin/Bass is so connected (even hearing their brief jingle played over the Studio logo at the conclusion of each special conjures up the Christmas season),

For the completist, here is a full list of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials:

“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

“Cricket on the Hearth” (1967)

“The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)

“Frosty the Snowman (1969)

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” (1974)

“The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

“The First Christmas” (1974)

“Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” (1976)

“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (1976)

“The Little Dummer Boy Book II” (1976)

“Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)

“The Stingiest Man in Town” (1978)

“Jack Frost” (1979)

“Pinocchio’s Christmas” (1980)

“The Leprechaun’s Christmas Gold” (1981)

“The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus” (1985)

“Santa Baby!” (2001)

And there was also the feature length film, “Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July” (1979)

For a comprehensive and fascinating look at these and more Rankin/Bass animated work, check out Rick Goldschmidt’s book, “The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass: A Portfolio.”

The book illustrates why the Rankin/Bass specials are more than TV standards.  They’re family memories and traditions passed down, Christmas after Christmas.

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“Maine” Event: The 40th Anniversary of Disney’s Original “Pete’s Dragon”

By Michael Lyons

For the generation who only knows “Pete”s Dragon” as the somber, ET-esque 2016 film...boy are you missing out.

There are multiple generations who have a much different perspective of Elliot the Dragon- one that includes songs, big dance numbers, traditional, 2D animation combined with live-action and for many kids who grew up with the film, a bit of “Brazzle Dazzle” magic!

In an effort to grab some of the “Mary Poppins” gusto of a decade gone by, the original “Pete’s Dragon” was the Disney Studio’s hopes for an event film, at a time when they were struggling to keep their foothold in the movie industry.

Released Forty years ago this month on November 3, 1977, “Pete’s Dragon” tells the story of young, orphaned Pete (Sean Marshall) whose best friend is a dragon named Elliot, Elliot helps Pete escape from his abusive adoptive family of the Gogans and make his way to the town of Passamaquoddy, Maine...and the town will never be the same.

“Pete’s Dragon” stars a “who’s who” of ‘70’S and pre-‘70’s all-stars, including Mickey Rooney as Lampie the lighthouse keeper, Helen Reddy, as his daughter, Shelly Winters as Lena Gogan, Jim Dale as the villainous Doc Terminus and Red Buttons as his sidekick Hoagie.

The star of the show is Elliot, the animated dragon.  Created by the incredibly talented Disney Legend, artist Ken Anderson, Elliot, with his pot belly, lump jaw, tiny wings and pink hair is imbued with tremendous personality.  He was brought to the screen by a then young animator named Don Bluth, who would go on to leave Disney and form his own studio, creating such non-Disney hits as “An American Tail.”

With vocal effects provided by comedian Charlie Callis (another ‘70’s flashback), Elliot was part of some, still impressive, special effects that combined animation and live-action in some very inventive ways (the scene in which Lampie and Hoagie visit Elliot’s cave still feature some impressive moments).

Disney put quite a bit of promotion behind “Pete’s Dragon.”  A full-size float of Elliot was included in The Main Street Electrical Parade in Disney Theme Parks.  This float was also actually rolled down the streets of Manhattan to help premiere the film at Radio City Music Hall (the film’s stars as well as Disney characters also came out for the debut).  The film then went on to play at Radio City with that year’s Christmas stage show.

Additionally, there were books, record albums, lunch boxes and a segment of “Pete’s Dragon” was included on that year’s Wonderful World of Disney “From All of Us to All of You” Christmas Special.

While not the “Mary Poppins” sized hit that the Studio was hoping for, “Pete’s Dragon” is very near and dear to many and the charm of this family film, the likes of which just aren’t made any more, has only grown in the four decades since its release.

This is most likely why the Studio looked to this film as a candidate for a “re-boot” last year.  But if Robert Redford and a CG furry dragon is your idea of “Pete’s Dragon,” take some time to return to an era of traditional animation and on-going musical production numbers and check out the original, as well.

After all, “There’s room for everyone in this world.”

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Squirreled Away: “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t”

By Michael Lyons

If the vast realm of Holiday TV specials was a house, down the stairs, in the corner of the basement, in a dusty box in the back corner, hidden under boxes that hadn’t been open in years, one would find “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t.”

Never heard of it?  You’re not alone.  Even among the secret circle of TV animation geeks, this special, produced by none other than the Hanna-Barbera Studio during its Golden Age as the reigning TV animation studio, resides in the “Yeah...i think...I’ve heard of it” category.

Originally airing in syndication in 1972, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” was less than a footnote for years, until Cartoon Network began airing it in the late ‘90’s (complete with some very tongue-in-cheek promotions), where it was discovered with wide-eyed amazement by many Gen-Xers who had vague recollections of it.

With a dearth of Thanksgiving specials available, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” found itself discussed in a number of circles, thanks to the rise of the internet and ongoing nostalgia.  Today, a cult favorite has emerged.

This November marks the 45th anniversary of “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” (the date on the credits of special itself is 1971, although all TV and movie sites such as IMDb state the first broadcast date as 1972). While a special edition, remastered Blu-Ray for this occasion isn’t likely anywhere on the horizon, the special can still get its due here.

The plot of the special is very simple: opening on a contemporary (albeit ‘70’s) Thanksgiving, we see a family about to begin Thanksgiving dinner and then pan to a nearby tree, where a family of squirrels is about to do the same.

The father squirrel then regales his family with the tale of their relative Jeremy Squirrel.  We are then taken back in time, as we learn that Jeremy once helped two young boys, one a Pilgrim, Johnny and one a Native American, Little Bear, when the two boys find themselves lost in the woods during the very first Thanksgiving.

Do they make it back?  No spoilers here.  But, that is the entire plot, which may be why “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” hasn’t had the staying power of other holiday specials.

However, watching it today, with its trademark Hanna Barbera limited animation and threadbare plot, in the face of so much slick computer generated entertainment, the special has a quaint, comforting charm.

Additionally, while nowhere near fully realized, animation from the Hanna-Barbera studio immediately conjures up warm, childhood memories.  This is especially true here, where familiar background music and voice talent (Don Messick, Janet Waldo and June Foray) found in a number of Hanna-Barbera cartoons, can be heard here.

For any child of the ‘70’s or ‘80’s, as well anyone one just plain ol’ curious, “The Thanksgiving That Almost Wasn’t” (found as a bonus feature on the DVD “Casper’s Halloween Special” and in certain areas of internet-land) is worth seeking out.

It can stand one watching...then, beyond that, it becomes what my good friends Andy and Scott refer to as a “Thanksgiving Screen Saver’ (nice to have playing in the background with certain moments of attention).

If you want to see it, you better be quick though, it’s probably only a matter of time before it’s placed back in the box, at the corner of the basement.

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It’s Neat!: Happy “Felix Unger Day!”

“On November 13th, Felix Unger was asked to remove himself from his place of residence...that request came from his wife.  Deep down, he knew she was right, but he also knew that someday he would return to her.  With nowhere else to go, he appeared at the home of his childhood friend, Oscar Madison.  Sometime earlier, Madison’s wife had thrown him out, requesting that he never return.  Can two divorced men share an apartment without driving each other crazy.”

And so, with that opening narration, the classic TV series “The Odd Couple” would begin.  With a random date thrown in and a devoted fan base for the show, November 13th (today!). Has become known in many “Odd Circles” as “Felix Unger Day” and a way to celebrate the series.

Debuting on September 7, 1970 and running through March of 1975, “The Odd Couple” was adapted from playwright Neil Simon’s hit Broadway Play and subsequent movie by the brilliant Gary Marshall (who would go on to reign supreme in the realm of ‘70’s sitcoms with shows like “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley”).

The ongoing misadventures of a slob and a neat freak living together was perfect material for the realm of sitcoms and “The Odd Couple” is probably one of the most consistently funny of them all.

With sharp dialogue and strong writing, the shows not only have watchability, but ongoing re-watchability.

Additionally, although there have been many actors who have portrayed Felix and Oscar, Tony Randall and Jack Klugman’s amazing chemistry and comic timing have left their indelible mark on these characters.

It’s hard not to mention the obsessive compulsive Felix without thinking of Randall’s ability to make hypochondria funny and Klugman in a Mets baseball cap, holding a beer can is the true picture of Oscar.

The concept of “The Odd Couple” has been one that has endured (so much so that CBS re-booted the show several years ago).  But, the magic of Randall and Klugman together, against a “true New York” backdrop, makes this series the best of them all.

If you’re already a fan, then, today, “Felix Unger Day” is the perfect day to break out the DVD’s and celebrate.  If you’ve never seen this classic version of “The Odd Couple” before, well, what better day than today for an introduction?

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Holiday Road: The 30th Anniversary of “Planes, Trains & Automobiles”

by Michael Lyons

In 2000, the late, great film critic Roger Ebert revisited the film Planes, Trains and Automobiles and wrote:

“Some movies are obviously great.  Others thrust their greatness upon us.  When Planes, Trains and Automobiles was released in 1987, I enjoyed it immensely, gave it a favorable review and moved on.  But, the movie continued to live in my memory.  Like certain other popular entertainments (It’s a Wonderful Life, ET: The Extra Terrestrial, Casablanca). It not only contained a universal theme, but matched it with the right actors and story, so that it shrugged off the other movies of its kind and stood above them in a kind of perfection.  This is the only movie our family watches as a custom, mostly at Thanksgiving.”

This sentiment perfectly captures why Planes, Trains and Automobiles has endured, holiday season after holiday season.  This month, the movie will celebrate its 30th anniversary (the occasion has been marked with a beautiful Blu-Ray).  For three decades, John Hughes’ “road comedy” has become much more than that.  It has become a Thanksgiving tradition; a reflection of a “time gone by,” with humor that still provides laughs, as well as heartfelt moments and messages that still ring true.

Taking place over the two days prior to and including Thanksgiving, Planes, Trains and Automobiles tells the tale of Marketing “Ad Man,” Neil Page (Steve Martin), who is trying to make his way back home to Chicago from a business trip in New York, to spend the holiday with his family.

A flight delay finds Neil inadvertently paired with Del Griffith (the late John Candy, missed to this day), a talkative, overbearing, but kind hearted Shower Curtain Ring Salesman.  The two strangers soon find themselves stuck with each other, on the long journey home (The poster tag line read: “What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family...what he got was three days with the Turkey”).

The efforts of Neil and Del to get home via the titular forms of transportation are filled with moments so hysterical, they’ve become iconic - the “pillows” scene and Steve Martin’s R-rated rant at a rental car counter are comedy classics.

However, writer/director John Hughes (who spoke to so many ‘teens in the ‘80’s with his non-stop string of hits like Sixteen Candles and The Breakfast Club) brings to this the same heart, emotion and depth of character that was found in so many of these teen films.

As Neil and Del travel together, they get to know more about one another and a touching, yet heartbreaking truth, is revealed, which amidst all of the film’s laughs is the message of Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Debuting on November 25, 1987 (Thanksgiving weekend, during which it was beaten at the box-office by Three Men and a Baby) the film also serves as a quaint “time capsule” of the late-80’s - a world that looks so much different than today.  Even though it takes place during the days leading up to Thanksgiving, there is nary a Christmas decoration to be seen in the film.  Try that today, when Christmas lights seem to be strung at midnight on Halloween.

Planes,Trains and Automobiles was also a rarity at the time: a holiday movie (and a Thanksgiving-themed one at that!).  Conversely today, every holiday season brings with it a new holiday-centric film vying for attention and future immortality on Netflix.

Additionally, the characters in the film are truly stranded: having to to actually rely on pay phones and check in at a front desk.  If Planes, Trains and Automobiles were made today, Neil would have booked his hotel and new flight from his smart phone within the first twenty minutes of the movie and the credits would roll. 

Even with what many could consider “dated” aspects, the film still resonates today.  Planes, Trains and Automobiles subtly comments on how in the breakneck pace of the world, we can miss those small moments, like connections with a complete, kind hearted stranger, that can not only teach us more about them, but ourselves, as well.  In our current world these messages ring truer than ever.

There is tremendous heart nestled just under the belly laughs here.  This is why so many, like the custom held by Roger Ebert’s family, will sit together this holiday season, 30 years later, to watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles all over again.

Sources: rogerebert.com

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Welcome!

Like many, as a child, my parents told me too much TV and Movies would rot my brain.  Well, as they always are, they’re right!  Before the last of my rotting brain leaks out through my ears, I thought I’d share what dusty thoughts were left with everyone.  SO...

Welcome!  As a student/scholar/geek/obsessive enthusiast of all things Retro, I will be using this forum for articles that take a look back at TV Shows and Movies.  The basis will be those Shows or Movies that may be celebrating anniversaries; or they may be tied to the current Season; or there may be something happening that makes them relevant; or...I may just feel like discussing them.

It could be one of the innumerable musings on Star Wars that are out here on the Net; a reflection on my favorite TV Show The Odd Couple; a thought about “Whatever Happened to ‘Must See TV?’” Or Premiere Magazine?

I hope you will join me on this “Retro Road Trip” journey.  The goal is a weekly post...of course that may be more or less depending on the responsibilities of being a Geek in a world of Adults!

Now, while my rotten brain will still allow me to type, I better get started on my first post.

Please send any feedback or notes!  Looking forward to this!

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