Cowboy Church #208

 Hello my friends and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with In the Sweet By and By. This song came about because of a friendship between composer, Joseph Webster and poet, Dr. Sanford Fillmore Bennett. One day Webster was depressed, and Dr. Bennett recognized this. Dr. Bennett asked his friend what was wrong. Webster replied, "Oh nothing. Everything will be alright by and by." These words brought up an idea in Bennett and he wrote down three verses and a chorus to this song as soon as he could. He handed it to his friend saying, “Here is your prescription, Joe.” Webster loved the lyrics and wrote music for them in practically no time at all. Dr. Bennett later said, “It was not over thirty minutes from the time I took my pen to write the words before two friends with Webster and myself were singing the hymn.” The hymn was first published in 1868 and went on to great fame since. 

Afterwards is Henry Burr with his 1904 recording of Holy City. Though rather forgotten today, Burr was one of the most popular singers during the turn of the century. 

Next is Hank and Audery Williams with their 1949 recording of Something Got a Hold of Me. This is definitely one of the more obscure hymns that Hank recorded and one that was fairly recent at the time he recorded it. It was written by Warren Caplinger and Andy Paterson, who were two thirds of the musical group Cap, Andy and Flip, a group that was very popular on radio in the 1930's. The writers never made an actual recording of this song, but country music fans might know that the Carter Family had recorded it in 1941. Hank and Audery most likely based the sound of this and other gospel recordings they made together off of husband-and-wife evangelists that they grew up hearing.

Then comes Chris Tomlin and Chris Lane with Gifts From God. This recording comes from Chris Tomlin's 2020 album, Chris Tomlin and Friends. With this album, this Christian singer performed songs with various popular country singers.  

Afterwards is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1947 recording of The Sea Walker. This song was written by Tim Spencer, one of the group's founding members. Music was a major part of Tim's life from very early on. In fact, when he was only 3 years old, he was already singing at the church he grew up in. His love of things cowboy and western related also began very early as he had grown in awe of western movies and screen cowboys like Tom Mix, Hoot Gibson, William S. Hart and others were his boyhood heroes. With this it is no surprise that in 1931, he went to California to see how his talents could be used in Hollywood. Yet music always remained a major passion for him. As he worked in a warehouse, he would spend his weekends and time after working going around to all the country music radio shows, getting to know all the people he could. This is how he met fellow founding members of the Sons of the Pioneers, Bob Nolan and Leonard Slye (later Roy Rogers). The Sea Walker as well as being written by Tim also features him as the lead singer. The great Bass vocals in this song are courtesy of Hugh Farr.

Next is Rex Allen with his 1959 recording of The Little Old Church in the Valley. 

Afterwards is Kris Kristofferson with Good Christian Solider. This recording comes from Kris's 1971 album, The Silver Tongue Devil and I.

Today's musical selection ends with Joey and Rory with The Old Rugged Cross. The song itself dates back to 1913 and was written by evangelist, George Bennard. Actually, the first verse was written in 1912. It was written while Bennard was a part of a series of revival meetings in Albion, Michigan. He was worried about the complete disregard for the gospel around him and wrote this verse as a repose. Of writing it Bennard said, "I seemed to have a vision ... I saw the Christ and the cross inseparable." The song wouldn't be completed for several months, when he was leading meetings at a local church in Pokagan, Michigan. He played it for Rev. Leroy (the sponsoring pastor) and his wife, Ruby Bostwick, both of whom found themselves moved to tears. It was then incorporated into a service at that church on June 7, 1913. The song has the same effect today as it must have back then.

Now for a 1991 interview with Gene Autry. 

Now for a sermon from the Rev. Billy Graham. 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another service of Cowboy Church. Happy trails to you until we meet again.

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #220

 Hello my friends and happy Saturday morning, once again it is time for some classic cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection begins with a wonderful Daffy Duck film, The Daffy Duckaroo (1942). This cartoon was directed by Norman McCabe, who I always feel was underrated as a Looney Tunes director. Some of his Looney Tunes shorts are truly excellent, but because most of his cartoons were in black and white and feature a lot of topical gags about World War 2, his cartoons rarely get the exposure that other Looney Tunes directors do. He would return to the Looney Tunes universe well after the golden age as a timing director on such TV shows as Tiny Tunes Adventures, Taz-Mania and The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries. I personally love McCabe's version of Daffy. He is as wild and crazy and energetic as Bob Clampett and Tex Avery's version of the character is, but he also has a few traits of the later Daffy that Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng would use. 

Next comes a delightfully surreal cartoon from the Van Bueren Studio, The Phantom Rocket (1933). This short film stars a human duo named Tom and Jerry, that predate the more famous cat and mouse duo. While not as famous as the later duo that would share their name, the human Tom and Jerry starred in some really fun, fast-paced cartoons that are a pure delight for animation lovers. 

Now for Honey Halfwitch in Potions and Notions (1966). This short film was directed by Shamus Culhane. Culhane is one of the most underrated classic cartoon directors (his Woody Woodpecker shorts are some of the woodpecker's best films). His book Talking Animals and Other People is essential reading for any true cartoon fan. 

Now comes an all-time classic, The Dover Boys at Pimento University (1942). This is one of Chuck Jones' most daring (and arguably one of his best) films. The stylized design and animation were unlike most anything being done at this time and look forward to what UPA would become known for in the 1950's. Many have cited Chuck Jones as a very strong influence on UPA and with a cartoon like this who could argue? It is worth noting that the credited animator on this film is Robert Cannon, who would become an important director for UPA (he directed Gerald McBoing-Boing (1950) there). Much of this film's charm came from background artist, Gene Fleury and layout artist John McGrew. These were two very experimental artists, and Chuck gave them plenty of room to experiment. They are a huge part of why Chuck's cartoons for this era really stand out. If you are a fan of Disney's Goofy cartoons, you will probably recognize the narrator, John McLeisch (who narrated most of the Goofy "how to..." shorts). The film's writer Ted Pierce does the voice of Tom. However, the scene stealer of the voice actors is Mel Blanc as he seems to be having a blast voicing the villainous Dan Backslide (coward, bully, cad and thief). Visually Dan Backslide is a caricature of Warner's animator, Ken Harris. This film appropriately appears in Jerry Beck's book, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes. 

 

The Dover Boys themselves would later make a cameo appearance on TV's Animaniacs.

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now for the Terry Toon cartoon, One Note Tony (1947). This short film was directed by Connie Rasinski, who had a long career working at the Terry Toons studio, first as an animator then a director. He began working at the studio in 1929 and kept working there until his death in 1965. 

Next comes one of Walt Disney's classic Alice Comedies, Alice Plays Cupid (1925). This short film features Margie Gay as Alice. She was the second young actress to play the role. For us Disney fans one of the greatest thrills of the earliest Disney films is that Walt himself directed them. Because of this we get a better look at the film legend's comedic mind. The gag of night falling, always makes me smile.

As many of you know when Fleischer Studios was shut down, it was succeeded by Famous Studios who not only created new series, but continued the series started by the former studio. Many cartoon fans feel that this series went downhill after this, but the falling of quality was hardly something immediate. I especially am a fan of the early Famous Studios Popeye films. These cartoons may be different from the Fleischer output, but they are fast paced, energetic and a lot of fun. There were also a wide variety of storylines used during this time that were not the simple one of Popeye and Bluto fighting over Olive. One great example of how good these films are is Me Musical Nephews (1942). The following is a review from The Film Daily, "One of the best Popeye shorts to hit the screen in years. Popeye's young nephews keep their uncle awake by practicing on their musical instruments and the grief they cause him is the central theme for some hilarious fun. This one deserves prominent billing."

Now to end with a great clip and song number from one of my favorite Simpsons episodes, Homer Badman (1994). 

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for more animated treasures. Until then may all your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

 The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes edited by Jerry Beck

Walt in Wonderland: The Silent Films of Walt Disney by J. B. Kaufman and Russell Merritt.

https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/moonlighting-animators-in-comics-connie-rasinski/

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

  

 

Silent Film of the Month: Aladdin and his Wonder Lamp (1906)

 

Run Time: 12 minutes. Studio: Pathé Frères. Director: Albert Capellani. Writers: Albert Capellani, André Heuzé. Main Cast: Georges Vinter. Cinematographer: Segundo de Chomón. Production Design: Hugues Laurent. 

One of the most popular types of films from the first couple decades of cinema was the trick film. Unlike today when audiences are very movie-savvy and well aware of how special effects in their favorite movies were done, at this time cinema was new to many people. Because of this trick films were in many ways the cinematic equivalent of a magic show. Audiences knew what they were seeing was a trick but it not knowing exactly how it was done, it seemed a truly impressive feat. 

Because of the short runtime, this film was a very simplified and basic retelling of the Aladdin story. The film shows Aladdin falling for the daughter of the sultan, being led by a mysterious scorer to where the magic lamp is held, getting the lamp, having his wishes come true, recovering the lamp and the princess after the scorer steals the lamp and kidnaps the princess and living happily ever after. 

This film may provide a very simplified version of this story, but it is effective. Part of the reason for this is that unlike many of the simplified versions of classic literature that populated cinema screens at this time period, this story is still very familiar to the average movie fan today. Because of this, it remains easy to follow and enjoy. However, the focus of this film is on the visuals, and they hold up very well. Even 109 years after its release, this short is still a visual treat. This film is an early example of a color film. The color is done through Pathécolor, a stencil-based film tinting process that was applied directly to the actual film. Though this process is not as realistic looking like today's audience is used to you, it works perfectly for this type of fantasy film. In fact, it gives this short a storybook-like feel that enhances the charming feel of this simple short. The special effects may be basic, but they work quite well. We may no longer wonder how they were accomplished but they still hold up and are never laughable by today's standards. 

Before even entering into movies, director Albert Capellani already had an impressive resume. He had studied at the Conservatoire de Paris under French actor (and future film director) Charles le Bargy. Some of his early-stage career was spent performing in plays directed by stage luminaire and future important movie director, André Antoine (sometimes called "the father of modern mise en scène in France"). He would graduate to direct many stage productions himself. In 1903 he was made the head of the famous Paris music hall, the Alhambra. Unlike many of those working on stage at this time, Albert Capellani was fascinated by movies seeing great possibilities in this emerging art form. Much of his early cinema work would consist of two vastly different types of films. They would include very realistic slice of life dramas and fairy-tale like fantasies, like this film. 

Who's Who on the Screen, 1920

Motion Picture News, 1919

Also important to this film is the cinematographer, Segundo de Chomón, who is said to have played a major role in this film's special effects. He would soon direct some of France's most popular trick films including Satán se divierte (1907), Hôtel électrique (1908) and a maison ensorcelée (1908). He would also go on to work on the special effects for such famous silent movie epics as Cabiria (1914) and Napoléon (1927).

For anyone interested in watching this film, it can be watched below on YouTube.

Resources Used

http://www.frenchfilms.org/biography/albert-capellani.html

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

X2 (2003)

 

After the finical and critical success of X-Men, Fox rushed a sequel into production. Not only did the cast from the first film return but so did director Bryan Singer and writer David Hayter. Hayter would this time be joined by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris. This team would go on to work on two future superhero movies with director Bryan Singer, Superman Returns (2006) and X-Men: Apocalypse (2016). Michael Doughtery would later become a successful director in his own right, directing such films as Trick ‘r Treat (2009), Krampus (2015) and Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019). 

This movie begins with a brainwashed Nightcrawler (Alan Cumming) attack the United States President. Meanwhile Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is trying to try to find some clues to his past but is unable to do such and after this search returns to Xavier's school. At same time Jean Grey is finding it harder to control her powers. However, things get even worse when Colonel William Stryker leads an attack on Xavier's school and abducts some of the students. The X-Men must team up with their former enemy Magento to stop a common enemy. 

This is a top-notch superhero movie and one of the best X-Men films. X-2 takes everything that worked about the first movie and expands on it. The characters are more complex and real here. This is especially true of Wolverine, who feels completely real and human here. As he finds out who he is, through a dark and emotional backstory, he becomes a tragic and touching figure who truly serves as the heart of the film. This also allows for Hugh Jackman to really stretch his acting chops, a feat that he does brilliantly. Meanwhile, Magento perfectly rides on the edge between hero and villain, making him a much more complex and fascinating character. With the sheer number of characters in this film, it is amazing how well it balances each and every one of them. Each main character gets their own arc which feels properly realized and complete. Though the actual villain of this film may not be very complex, he does work extremely well. He feels like a major threat to our heroes and his ties to Wolverine's past means that he also gives the film a certain emotional urgency. 

This movie also better delves into the themes of discrimination, hatred and the dangers and stupidity of the replacement theory. This is not just a mindless action film but one that actually leaves its audience with real food for thought. In exploring these themes, the movie is also not afraid to make its audience feel uncomfortable especially during the scenes involving Iceman's (Shawn Ashmore) parents (Jill Teed, Alf Humphreys) and brother (James Kirk). These scenes seem like such a perfect representation of discrimination as the characters don't view themselves as prejudice and actually think of themselves as being kind and compassionate people. 

This movie is also a great improvement over the first when it comes to the action scenes and special effects. The special effects look much better here than in the first film and the action scenes are much more exciting, fun and tense. 

Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry

The film was a great success upon its release. It grossed $85.6 million in its opening weekend, surpassing Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002) for the highest grossing opening for a Fox film. It also surpassed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) for the record for largest number of screenings, a record that would later be beaten by Shrek 2 (2004). It remained in the number one box office spot for two weeks before being supplanted by The Matrix Reloaded (2003). The movie ended up grossing $214.9 million in the United States and Canada becoming the sixth highest grossing movie of 2003 in those countries. It $407.7 million worldwide becoming the ninth highest grossing film of 2003 worldwide. Its DVD release would gross $107 million in only its first five days.

The movie was also a critical success. Roger Ebert gave it three out of four stars, praising how well it handled using so many characters. Kenneth Turan of the Los Angeles Times stated that it was a rare sequel that was better than the first film. Peter Travers stated, "X2 is a summer firecracker. It's also a tribute to outcasts, teens, gays, minorities, even Dixie Chicks." Not every review was so popular though. Stephen Hunter called stated, "Of the many comic book superhero movies, this is by far the lamest, the loudest, the longest."

The movie would even win the Saturn Award for Best Science Fiction Film. The Political Film Society would recognize the film in the categories for Human Rights and Peace. In 2006 Empire Magazine would call this the greatest comic book movie of all time. 

This film would receive a video game tie-in, 2003's X2: Wolverine's Revenge. This game would feature the voice of Patrick Stewart as Charles Xavier and have Wolverine's design resemble Hugh Jackman. A 2006 video game, X-Men: The Official Game would tell the story of what happened between this film and X-Men: The Last Stand (2006). That game would feature some of the voices of some of actors from the movies. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Movie Review: Superboys of Malegaon

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A delightful dramedy from India. 

This film has a storyline (that is based on a true story) that is irresistible to movie lovers. This film is about when a young man, who worked in a tiny movie theater in a small town in India (that is showing old silent movies as the can't get the hold of modern films) decides to make his own movies with his friends. However, what starts out well, eventually causes much conflict when egos become involved. The highlight of this film is when we watch them actually make the movies. These scenes are filled with a real sense of playfulness and a great sense of humor mixed with a real loving tribute to the magic of movies. It is hard to imagine any movie lover not loving these scenes. However, the rest of the film is excellent as well. Many of the characters are wonderful and feel completely real to us (I know they were based off real people but still). They are quite likable and relatable, while not being devoid of the faults that make them human. They are also the ultimate underdogs, and this makes it almost impossible to not root for them. 

This film does have its flaws though. The romantic scenes don't quite work, especially since the main character's love interests are the least interesting and least developed characters in the movie. This movie is also longer than it needs to be, and it can drag a little bit in the middle.

This is a loving and fun tribute to the movies that is a delight for any movie fan. 

-Michael J. Ruhland

Movie Review: Riff Raff

 Michael’s Movie Grade: B-

An uneven but entertaining dark comedy. 

With all the violence and dark humor in Dito Montiel‘s new gangster comedy, the focus actually remains on the characters. Yet the film actually shines pretty well when it comes to them. While these are horrible people, who have done horrible things, they are not without any good points. These good points are never intended to justify anything these characters have done. But rather they simply make them feel more human and real. With how this film revolves around the characters, it is an important factor that this film has such a great ensemble cast. This cast features Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Bill Murray, Pete Davidson, Lewis Pullman, Gabrielle Union, Miles J. Harvey and Emanuela Postacchini, all at the top of their game. 

However, this movie is a comedy. As a comedy, it can be pretty hit and miss. There are some really funny moments here and I laughed out loud quite a few times. However there were also times when the comedy could fall flat. There were also times when there would be too long of a break between real laughs. This however does not take away from how funny the comedy is when it works. 

I also felt this movie could have benefited from a little cutting and a shorter runtime. 

Though this dark comedy is not perfect, it does feature some truly laugh out loud moments and a great ensemble cast. 

 

Movie Review: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning (Kidô Senshi Gandamu GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A really fun Mecha Anime film.

This movie is a solid entry in the ever-popular Gundam franchise. This film is packed with all the action fans have come to expect from this franchise. This action is over-the-top sci-fi fun at it best. These action scenes move fast, never lose momentum and are very well animated. The pacing is fantastic as these scenes never overstay their welcome or feel too rushed. Yet the action is not the only reason this movie works. The main characters are very likable and easy to relate to. This is especially true of Amate Yuzuriha, who is not only extremely likable here but is also a perfect charter for us to relate to and see ourselves in. She provides the heart to this film. The fact that we care about her helps make the climatic action scene all the more exciting. While her supporting cast may not be as fleshed out as her, they are all likable and do their jobs pretty well. I also love the look of this movie. Since this is part of a long running anime franchise, the film takes on the art style of an old school anime. This brings a fun retro charm to the movie. 

This movie consists of what will become the first three episodes to a new Gundam TV series. I appreciated that this film actually edits them into a movie instead of keeping in the theme songs and credits (ala some of the Demon Slayer "movies"). This helped it flow together and feel like a movie. Still that this will become three TV episodes does seem obvious in hindsight as the beginning feels like an extended prologue for the rest of the movie and the ending is very abrupt.

This is a fun trip to the movies for any anime and/or sci-fi fan.