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…
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. …
Movies And TV Shows Set In The 1940s,50s,60s
Can't get enough of the bygone eras of the 40's, 50's and 60's? Here is a list of some movies and TV shows that will take you back in time and leave you with a RETRO vibe. MOVIES -Blast From The Past -Down With Love -That Thing You Do -My Dog Skip -The Sandlot 1 & 2 -The Help -The Artist -Stand By Me -The Outsiders -Inventing The Abbotts -My Week With Marilyn -The Notebook -Pleaseantville The Audrey Hepburn Story -Driving Miss Daisy -Steel Magnolias -A Beautiful …
Asbestos White Christmas
Were you dreaming of a white Christmas? Thankfully, in this day and age it is safe. Although, during the 1940's and 1950's fake snow was made from asbestos. Remember flocked Christmas trees? This popular craze helped make white asbestos commonly available in homes across the country. Frightening to know, not only were everyday people exposed to this dangerous element, but some of our most beloved movie stars were as well. White asbestos chrysotile snow was used in some of our favorite movies. In 1942, an iconic song was featur…
Marilyn Monroe Impersonates Her Favorites
Marilyn Monroe is an icon. However, many are not aware that she impersonated a few of her favorite legends. It was during a photo shoot done by Richard Avedon. Their work was featured in LIFE magazine in 1958. The first photo shows Marilyn as Lillian Russell. Lillian was a famous singer, dancer and actress in the 1880's until her retirement in 1919. The next photo shows Marilyn Monroe as Theda Bara. Theda was an silent film actress known for her role as Cleopatra. She was one of the most earliest film sex symbols. She made more t…
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