The Real Life Hollywood Canteen
The Hollywood Canteen was not just a movie. It was based on a real club created by actor John Garfield, Jules Stein and actress Bette Davis in the 1940s. During the war, serviceman flooded the Hollywood area. John Garfield and Bette Davis saw a need for free entertainment and refreshments for the soldiers. With the help of the newly formed financial committee, work got started to find a location. A former horse stable and cabaret nightclub called The Red Barn was chosen, located just off Sunset Boulevard. Painters paint the exterior j…
The History of Saddle Shoes
The saddle shoe originated in 1906 by Spalding company. The classic style was soft white leather with a black mid saddle (panel). The original design was used as a gym shoe and for sports. The black saddle feature was engineered to support the arch and instep. The red rubber sole was added on later for better traction. It was a staple gym, tennis and golf shoe. I myself remember wearing my saddle shoes as part of my cheer leading uniform back in the day. During the Lindy Hop/Jitterbug dance craze, the shoe became the …
Drive In Movies In Danger Of Closing
A beloved drive in near you, may soon be closing. The movie industry's switch to digital projection may find your local drive in' or community theater struggling to come up with the funds necessary to cover the conversion. Costs can run anywhere from $60,000 and up per screen. And time is running out. Hollywood is set to send out the last of 35mm prints this year. Soon to be just a faded memory, are the days of film burn and horn honking as the projectionist slices and dices the film. The whole switch to digital is really a sad…
This Is Cinerama
During my childhood in Western New York I remember visiting a "movie attraction" at a local amusement park. It boasted a "realistic experience" of riding a roller coaster and flying. Curious, we decided to check it out. I recall a circular theater that was standing room only. In front of each row were bars that you could hold onto in case you lost your balance. As the movie started, I was amazed at just how real it felt. So realistic in fact, that I succumbed to motion sickness and left rather pale and queasy. …
Photobooth Favorites
Buddy Holly The photobooth brings a smile to all of us. Who can forget squeezing inside one with a bunch of friends, sliding the curtain close and making silly faces? Believe it or not, photobooths have been around since 1925. The first one was featured by inventor Anatol Josepho, in New York City . It was an immediate success. People lined up around the block to have their photos taken for 25 cents. As many as 7,500 people a day sat inside. Even the Governor and Senator. Before long, the Photomaton, as it was called, could be fo…
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