Cowboy Church #227

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with their 1950 recording of May the Good Lord Take a Likin' to Ya. This song was written by Peter Tinturn, who wrote songs for the Roy Rogers movie, Days of Jesse James (1939).

This is followed by Ray Stevens with Love Lifted Me. This hymn was written in 1912 by James Rowe and Howard E. Smith. Rowe's daughter would later state,  “ I can see them now, my father striding up and down humming a bar or two, and Howard E. playing it and jotting it down…The two huddled together, working line by line, bar by bar, composing this hymn in tandem.”

Afterwards is The Louvin Brothers with their 1953 recording of Nearer My God to Thee. This hymn was written by stage actress Sarah Flower Adams. She had had great success on the stage and was especially praised for her role in a 1837 production of Macbeth. However, her failing health made her have to leave the stage. During this time, she took comfort in writing hymns and poems. In 1841, her pastor was having trouble coming up with a hymn to fit a sermon about Jacob's Ladder . Sarah decided to write a hymn for this sermon and to get it done in time for the church service she wrote it in just a week's time. 

This is followed by Elvis Presley with his 1957 recording of Peace in the Valley. As much as Elvis is known as the King of Rock and Roll, perhaps no other type of music was nearer and dearer to his heart than gospel music. This was the music he grew up with and that continued to have a major influence on him through all the years. Elvis has been quoted as saying "I know practically every religious sing that's ever been written." There is no doubt that these songs moved him very deeply. After Elvis had made his first two appearances on TV's The Ed Sullivan Show, he was clearly a very controversial figure. These performances consisted of pure rock and roll music and Elvis shook his hips to them in a way that was considered much too suggestive for the 1950's. Many groups were quick to condemn this as a horrible influence on the kids and some even claimed it to be demonic. Yet Elvis' third appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was quite different. This time Elvis did not perform rock and roll but instead did a gospel number in a slow and traditional manner. The song was Peace in the Valley and the performance was a huge success. Elvis had never done a studio recording of any gospel songs, but fans of the performance quite writing letters requesting a recording of Elvis singing Peace in the Valley. RCA quickly rushed Elvis to make a four-song gospel EP entitled Peace in the Valley. This EP of course included the title song, as well as Take My Hand Precious Lord, It is no Secret and I Believe. The EP was a huge success and gospel music would soon play a major role in Elvis' singing career.

Next up is Carl Smith with a classic country tearjerker, Air Mail to Heaven.

This is followed by The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made This Cowboy Happy. This song shows what The Sons were able to do better than any other band, they could create lyrics and melodies that brought such beautiful romantic visions of the west to mind that you truly felt you were transported there. The song was written by one of group's founding members, Bob Nolan, who in my mind is one of the all time great American songwriters, creating pure poetry with each of his songs. At this time the group was made up of Leonard Slye, Bob Nolan, Tim Spencer, Hugh Farr, Karl Farr and Lloyd Perryman. This would be the last year for Leonard Syle to be a member of this group as he would change his name to Roy Rogers and start a movie career, however he and the band would remain close and appear in many movies together and record many songs together. 

Then comes The Sons of the San Joaquin with God Gave the Cowboy Montana.

Today's musical selection ends with Johnny Cash with Rock of Ages.  This version of Rock of Ages comes from Johnny Cash's 1975 album, Johnny Cash Sings Precious Memories. The album was dedicated to Johnny's brother Jack, who died at the age of 14 in a saw mill accident. Jack would always remain a major influence on John's life. Johnny often stated that he would have dreams where would talk to Jack and the Jack would always age in these dreams just like he was still alive. The notes on the back of the album say "This album is I was twelve years old. Some of these songs were the songs we sang at your funeral. When you were dying you gave us a description of heaven and singing angels. Could these be some of the songs the angels were singing? See you later. Your little brother, J.R." 

Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.

Now for the first chapter of the Buck Jones movie serial, The Red Rider (1934). 

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

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

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalms 18:2

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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 #240

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

Today's cartoon selection starts with a true Disney classic, Mickey's Circus (1936). Though this movie features major stars like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, Walt Disney himself had a fondness for a supporting character in this cartoon. That character was the littlest of the seals. Walt loved this character and because of that he suggested gags for the seal and even wished to revive him in later cartoons. The character would appear in only one more film and that would be over a decade later. That cartoon was Mickey and the Seal (1948). Mickey and the Seal would also give the character a name, Salty. The following is from a review from the Film Daily, "There are serval barrelsful of laughs in this Technicolor Mickey Mouse cartoon from Walt Disney's workshop. The very ridiculousness of the antics of Donald Duck, Mickey and the trained seals bring laughs whether one wants to laugh or not." The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald. "MICKEY'S CIRCUS: Mickey Mouse— Average Mickey Mouse, not as good as several previous ones but still good. - John A. Mulligan, Broadway Theatre, Schuylerville, N.Y. General Patronage." 

Now for one of the best Casper the friendly ghost cartoons, Ghost of Honor (1957). This short film tells the story of how Casper became a cartoon star.

Up next is the Fleischer Screen Songs cartoon, My Gal Sal (1930). The title song was written by Paul Dresser (born April 22, 1857, passed away January 30, 1906), brother of novelist Theodore Dreiser. Having performed in minstrel shows, medicine shows and vaudeville, he was a popular singer, composer and actor of his day. He had even been compared to Stephen Foster. His biggest hit was the 1897 song, On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away. Unfortunately, around the turn of the century, his music fell out of style and in 1905 his music publishing company would declare bankruptcy. 

Next is Hoot Kloot in Gold Sturck (1974). 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next comes the first Daffy Duck cartoon directed by Chuck Jones, Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur (1939). Today many cartoon fans associate Chuck with being one of the main people who changed Daffy from his early high energy crazy self into a more vain, jealous and greedy character. This film however features Daffy in his early crazy high energy mode. A review in The Motion Picture Herald even stated, "The gags and situations are appropriately matched to the zany personality of the duck." Another review in The Motion Picture Daily stated, "Leon Schlesinger delivers good color cartoon work in this "Merrie Melody," but the striving for whimsy hits only in spots." The following is an exhibitors' review also from The Motion Picture Herald, "Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur: Merrie Melodies—Very few laughs in this one. Not up to standard of most cartoons in this series. Running time seven minutes. - Don Bloxham, Place Theatre, Exira, Iowa, General and rural patronage."
 

Now for Felix the cat in The Cold Rush (1925). 

Up next is the Disney short, Goofy Gymnastics (1949). I have mentioned many times here that I am a massive fan of the Goofy cartoons that Jack Kinney had directed for Disney. Kinney remains one of my favorite cartoon directors and I view him as being on the same level as Tex Avery and Chuck Jones. This short film made its TV debut on an episode of the Disneyland TV show entitled The Goofy Sports Story (1956). It would later air on an episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color entitled In Shape with Von Drake (1964). 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Space Patrol (1987). This is one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman Show before the animated family got their own series. 

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

Resources Used

Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein 

Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons by Leonard Maltin

https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Goofy_Gymnastics

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

Video Link: Gene Autry - Yodeling Cowboy (from Red River Valley 1936)

The Happiest Place on Earth: The Incredible Story of Walt Disney's Disneyland (2025)

 

If you love going to Disneyland as much as I do, this book is simply a must have. Written by Disney legend Don Hahn and imagineer Christopher Merritt, this is a very absorbing history of Disneyland. Focusing on the period where Walt Disney was alive and overseeing production of this park, this book not only gives you a clear and concise history behind various attractions but also gives you a fascinating look into how Walt envisioned the park. This book is full of quotes from Walt and people who worked with him. Because of this as you read you begin to understand how in many ways Disneyland (especially the parts that still exist from the era Walt was alive) is a reflection of who the man is and how he saw the world. Yet this book makes sure to credit the many others who made the park happen. Not only does it tell us who helped create what in the park, but it also gives us some background information into their personal lives and their work elsewhere. This helps us understand why each of them was perfect for the job they were given in the park. 

This book is also brilliantly structured, with an opening that discusses the origins of the park and then chapters focusing on each individual land. The story of Disneyland is not only told through text but also through visuals. The book is full of various original sketches for various attractions and for the park itself. Also seen here is plenty of sketches for parts of the park that never came to be. There are also plenty of behind-the-scenes photos that are priceless and also give us who are not old enough to remember the original Disneyland, a great peak into a bygone era. Both the sketches and the photos will be new to both causal readers and hard-core Disney-philes.

The book also delves into the Disneyland TV series that help promote the park. While this information may not be new to long time Disney fans, putting within the context of the park's creation makes it still a great read. The book also highlight how the culture of the mid-1950's to the late-1960's helped shape much of the park, even parts that are still with us today.

A must own for Disney fans.    

Filming Disney's True-Life Adventures

Even those who criticize Walt Disney's True-Life Adventure films have to admit that the actual nature photography is simply incredible. As a nature lover, I greatly enjoy these films because of how great they capture the beauty of nature. 

Here is an article from a 1954 issue of American Cinematographer about the people who shot these films. If you have trouble reading any of the following pages, click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen, click here. Note that sometimes the article will resume in the middle of these pages. 

Now enjoy the first of Walt Disney's True-Life Adventure films, a short film called Seal Island (1948). This short would win the Oscar for Live Action Short Film. 

The following is a review of Seal Island from the Motion Picture Daily. 

"'Seal Island' introduces a new Walt Disney series, 'True-Life Adventures,' the subjects of will 'delve deep into the most vital concerns of man and the universe which affects his fate and fortunes.' Although this three-reel production does not do precisely that, it most certainly depicts in thrilling details the fascinating life of Alaskan fur seals herded on the Pribilof Reefs of Seal Island in the Bering Sea. 

"There are few who will not be moved by the sweep of color, beauty and abundance of the rare plants and birds on the island, the impressive musical background and interesting cavortings of 100,000 seals which annually emerge from the sea each May, like clockwork and depart in mid-fall. A Disney production crew stayed on the island through a whole season, so we are told, to photograph the cycle of the seals, and the results of their patience and skill have produced an astonishing record of wildlife, most deserving of the Academy documentary award accorded it last month. Plaudits aplenty to cinematographer Alfred G. Milote, to Winston Hibler's interesting and entertaining narration, to James Algar's direction and to the musical arrangements by Oliver Wallace. Running time, 28 minutes." 

Here is Film Historian and Critic Leonard Maltin talking about the True-Life Adventures films. 



    

Classic Cartoons and Silent Movies on Blu-Ray

 Call me old fashioned but I am still a fan of physical media. I do stream films sometimes, but to me nothing is better than physically owning a film you love. Another aspect of physical media that I love is that it offers me a wider variety of choices than streaming those. Streaming is perfect for if I want to watch a big budget blockbuster or a well-established classic. However, it is less helpful, if I want to watch an obscure silent movie, some old B-Western, a lesser appreciated work by a great old Hollywood filmmakers or old short subjects. When painstaking work goes into restoring classic films though, this is when I am most adamant about buying physical media, as it helps support the people whose hard work has made me able to watch these films in great condition. With this in mind I would like to highlight three recent Blu-Ray sets, that I think are essential to own. One of these contains silent movies, while the other two are collections of classic cartoons. 

Looney Tunes Collector's Vault Vol.1

I am sure most people reading this post have already heard of this Blu-Ray set and have heard nothing but praise for it. I must join in by agreeing with every word of this praise. This set is a must own for any Looney Tunes fan. It contains 50 cartoons including many truly wonderful shorts (and Good Night Elmer (1940)). Many of these shorts include films that somehow have never been on Blu-Ray or DVD before. These include such masterpieces as Wild About Hurry (1959), Of Fox and Hounds (1940), The Dixie Fryer (1960) and Let it Be Me (1936). Also included is a personal favorite cartoon of mine (though probably no one else), Beauty and the Beast (1934), also making its debut on Blu-Ray (it hasn't appeared on DVD either). This short was made before the Warner cartoons found their own identities and most of the cartoons were imitations of Disney. While few of these imitations reached the heights of Disney, this film has a great charm to me through its great use of color and its catchy title song. It also wonderful to see new restorations of such cartoons as Bars and Stripes Forever (1939) and A Day at the Zoo (1939). Both of those films, I have become very used to seeing in very faded and worn prints. While neither of them is among my favorite Warner Brothers shorts, I still greatly enjoyed seeing them look this good. Also included in this set are such beloved cartoons as Ain't She Tweet (1952) (probably my all-time favorite Tweety cartoon), Daffy Duck and Egghead (1938), Hare Triggered (1945), Porky's Duck Hunt (1937) and Rabbit Punch (1948). This is a must have for any Looney Tunes fan. 

Clara Bow Double Feature: "Kid Boots" and "Get Your Man"

Known as the "It Girl," Clara Bow was one of the most popular actresses of the 1920's. Watching her movies today it is easy to see why. She is still just as charming and captivating to a modern audience as she was to movie fans of her time (if you ever get to see her movies with an audience this quickly becomes abundantly clear. She has the ability to make a good movie great and a weaker movie better. Her talents are fully on display in this new Blu-Ray from the Film Preservation Society. This Blu-Ray set includes two of her silent movies, both of which show her at the top of her game. The set starts with a new restoration of Kid Boots (1926). This is a delightful and incredibly funny comedy in which she co-stars with Eddie Cantor (in his first movie role). The new restoration is simply incredible, and this is the best this movie has probably looked since 1926. It is restorations like this that make you truly appreciate the hard work of those behind it. Get Your Man (1927) might not be as incredible of a restoration, but it is a really fun romantic comedy. Also included in this set is a very well made D.W. Griffith Biograph short, Decree of Destiny (1911), which stars Mary Pickford. 

Tom and Jerry: The Complete Cinemascope Collection

In the 1950's, the MGM cartoons went into the wide screen Cinemascope format with movie audiences now able to see Tom and Jerry (and others) in adventures with much wider and larger pictures. Sadly, when most of these theatrically released cartoons made it to TV, the picture was cropped to where cartoon fans were not able to see the whole picture. Even more sadly, those are still the versions that are shown on TV today, even on otherwise great cartoon channels. Many of us have grown up with these films in this horrendous format. As such being able to own all the Tom and Jerry Cinemascope shorts in the correct format is true treat for cartoon fans everywhere. Seeing these films in their correct format, you can see how visually pleasing many of these cartoons truly are in a way you can't on the cropped versions. Also included in this set are the two Spike and Tyke spin-off theatrical cartoons and Good Will to Men (1955). The latter is directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera and is a remake of the Hugh Harmon directed short, Peace on Earth (1939).    

Video Link: Jeepers Creepers (From Going Places (1938)) - Louis Armstrong

Cowboy Church #226

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with The Lord is Counting on You from one of the duo's little golden records for children. This was released as the B side of a 1954 record with Open Up Your Heart and Let the Sun Shine In on the A side. Both of those songs were Christian songs written for younger believers by Stuart Hamblen. This was appropriate as Stuart Hamblen had been a singing cowboy on radio since back in 1926. Probably his most famous compositions were It is No Secret (What God Can Do) and This Old House. The Lord is Counting on You reminds kids of the importance of Sunday School.

This is followed by Onie Wheeler with his 1961 recording of Mother Prays Loudly in Her Sleep. This song was written by Onnie himself. 

Afterwards is Anne Wilson with her recent recording of her original song, God Story.

Then comes The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. Lloyd Perryman sings lead on this recording and his softer voice fits this song perfectly. This recording was made on December 16, 1937, in Hollywood. This was towards the end of Roy Rogers (or Leonard Slye as his birth name was) being a member as he would leave the group to become a solo movie star. This recording features both Roy and Pat Brady on it. Pat Brady would be Roy's replacement as a member of the Sons of the Pioneers. In later years Pat Bradey would become Roy's sidekick on TV's The Roy Rogers Show. 

Next is Anita Carter with God Is.

Then comes Johnny Cash with Dark as a Dungeon. In the line notes for the Unearthed box set, John stated, "You say it sounds like a song I should have written? I always thought so too. Merle Travis wrote this song in the '40s and I recorded it over the years two or three different times, but I never really got it the way I wanted it. But I kept on trying. I really don't know how to explain what the ingredient is that makes it a keeper or a reject. It depends on the song, the performance, on a lot of things. Merle's been dead 10 or 12 years now, but I told him that I would keep trying until I get it right, and I did. Hence this version here."   

Afterwards is 19-year-old Jordana Bryant with her self-penned When God Closes Doors.

Today's musical selection ends with Gene Autry's recording of There's a Gold Mine in the Sky. Gene recorded this song on November 24, 1937, in Los Angeles. The song was written by composer Charles Kenny and his brother poet Nick Kenny, the same duo that wrote Love Letters in the Sand. This song would later be used in the Gene Autry movie, Gold Mine in the Sky (1938). 

Next comes an episode of Red Ryder radio show.

Now for a sermon from Charles Spurgeon.

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Proverbs 31:26 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7

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 

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

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 #239

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with one of my favorite early Bugs Bunny films, The Wabbit Who Came to Supper (1942). One of the things you will notice first about this cartoon is how the characters are drawn. Bugs will often go off model in a way you would never see in a later short (around 1944 this would come to an end). Elmer is also in his heavier set design. Bob Clampett had redesigned the character for his cartoon Wabbit Twouble (1941) and that design would stick for four more cartoons (including this one). The design was based off of Elmer's voice artist, Arthur Q. Bryan. Yet there is so much to enjoy about this cartoon that you won't care how the characters look. Director Friz Freleng is known for how perfectly he could time a gag and this is incredibly evident. There are also plenty of incredibly clever gags from writer Michael Maltese (who would go on to form a writer/director partnership with director Chuck Jones that would result in some of the funniest and most famous cartoons of all time). Many of these gags would take cartoon logic to ridiculous and hilarious extremes. A review in The Film Daily called this short, "Tremendously hilarious." A review in The Exhibitor stated, "This has many humorous moments, even if not ranking with the best of the B.B. series. However with that title and his popularity, this offers an opportunity." The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "Wabbit Who Came to Supper: Merrie Melodies Cartoons- Good. This series is taking off fast. They are asking when we are having our next 'carrot eating rabbit.' - A.H. Goldson, Plaza Theatre, Chicago, Ill." 

Up next is the Fleischer Screen Songs cartoon, La Paloma (1930).

Servants' Entrance (1934) is a delightful comedy starring Janet Gaynor (Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927), A Star is Born (1937)). If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend you do. It is a charming little movie that even has some real laugh out loud moments. One of the highlights of the film is the sequence when Janet Gaynor's character has a nightmare. She plays a spoiled rich girl who decides to disguise herself as a working girl. After making a mess of everything, she has a nightmare where various appliances and food come to life to taunt her. These appliances and food were brough to life via animation from the Disney studio. Like all Disney animation at the time, it was brought to you by a top-notch cast of animators. Art Babbitt animated Judge Egg. Ed Smith animated the characters entering from under the door and exiting back towards the door. Roy Williams animated the characters climbing up the foot of the bed and the dresser, the crowd scene at foot of bed and the crowd scene as characters start to exit foot of bed. Archie Robin animates the mustard pot. Cy Young animates the eggbeater. Jack Kinney animates the characters singing on top of the dresser. Don Townsley animated the singing knife and nutcracker. Leonard Sebring animates the fork quartet and the spoon trio. Earl Hurd and Nick George animate the characters running in a frenzy. Louie Schmitt animates Judge Egg falling, cracking and the little chick coming out. Milt Schaffer (under the supervision of Ben Sharpsteen animates the mustard pot climbing up the stand and turning on the light as well as the singing sugar tongs. Woolie Reitherman (under the supervision of Ben Sharpsteen) animates the broken fork singing.  The sequence also features a great cast of voice actors. Billy Bletcher voices Judge Egg. Pinto Colvig voices the mustard pot. Allan Watson voices the singing knife. Paul Taylor voices singing nutcracker. Betty Rome voices the sugar tongs. Sid Jarvis voices the broken fork. 

Now for Hoot Kloot in As the Tumble Weed Turns (1974). 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next is the Fleischer Brothers Superman cartoon, Billion Dollar Limited (1942). Paramount (the distributors of the Fleischer cartoons) brought the screen rights to the famous superhero in 1940 and gave it to the Fleischers to make a cartoon series out of. The studio was not quite sure about this venture after all animated cartoons had not yet done anything similar to a pure action film. They tried to dissuade Paramount by asking for four times the usual budget for one of the studio's cartoon shorts ($100,000) thinking Paramount would refuse. Shockingly they accepted and the series began production. Voicing Superman himself was Bud Collyer, who was already the character's voice on radio. The famous lines "Look up in the sky- it's a bird - no, it's a plane - no its superman" made their first appearance in Superman lore with these cartoons. The following are some exhibitor's reviews from the Motion Picture Herald, "Billion Dollar Limited: Okay. Too bad the animation is so jerky, however.  - Palace Theatre, Penacook, N.H." "BILLION DOLLAR LIMITED: Superman Color Cartoons — Poorest of this series so far. Even the kids didn't like this one. Too extreme to get by. The other two we have shown got by pretty well. - S.L. George, Mountain Home Theatre, Mountain Home, Idaho. Small town patronage." "SUPERMAN IN THE BILLION DOLLAR LIMITED: Superman Color Cartoons — We hardly know how to rate these cartoons. Played with a Gene Autry western and the program brought in a lot of kids. Maybe it was the cartoon. - Horn and Morgan Inc., Star Theatres, Hay Springs, Neb. Small Town Patronage." The following is a review from The Motion Picture Daily (that includes spoilers), "This version of The Great Train Robbery is quite a departure from the original. It involves a billion dollar train shipment. Bandits in an armored car attempt to take over with dynamite, machine guns and other implements of persuasion. Superman speeds to the scene. When the bridge is blown up and train goes toppling over, he dives down, gets a firm grip on it, and brings it back to the tracks. With bullets bouncing off his chest, he then tows it back into the station. The bandits retreat. Apart from the short's obvious value as children's fare, it is so fantastic that adults too should go for it. Running time, 8 mins. Release Jan. 9, 1942."

Now for a Mickey Mouse Works cartoon, Mickey's Airplane Kit (1999).

Now it is silent movie time with How Animated Cartoons Are Made (1919). Though the view of how these cartoons are made seems simplistic today, back when this film was made movie audiences knew much less about how animation was done. For them this would have been a fascinating look at a fairly new and emerging artform. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Family Portrait (1988). This is one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman show before the animated family got their own TV series. 

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

Of Mice and Magic: A History of the American Animated Cartoon by Leonard Maltin

The 50 Greatest Cartoons edited by Jerry Beck

https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/disneys-servants-entrance-sequence/

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

Movie Review: Superman

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent superhero movie, despite a few flaws. 

What makes this movie work so well is that it truly captures just what makes superhero comic books so wonderful. The best superhero comics mix elements that are corny and silly with a real sense of heart and some serious themes in a way that seems effortless and natural. That is the kind of feel that this movie goes for, and it works quite well. Many of the story elements are quite over the top and silly. Yet while the film makes jokes, it never becomes one. That is because underneath its often-sillier story elements it has a real sense of heart and takes its themes seriously. This movie understands that one of the most important aspects of Superman as a character and of stories revolving around him is the belief in humanities capacity for good and that regardless of how cynical the times may be there is always a place for basic human kindness. This optimism and felt throughout the film and it truly contagious. It also understands despite being born an alien, Superman was raised as a human and understands the world and feels emotions just like them. While I did feel that Superman's intelligence could fluctuate at times depending on where the story was to go (unfortunately a flaw that finds its way into even the best Superhero movies), other than this movie understands the character and what has made him appeal to so many. David Corenswet is actually quite great in the role, despite having big shoes to fill. Another great asset of this film is that it has the best live action movie version of Lex Luther. Not only is Nicholas Hoult simply wonderful in this role (perfect casting in my opinion), but the writing truly understands the essence of this character. No offense to Gene Hackman but this is the first live action movie Lex Luther that actually feels like the iconic comic book villain, we all love to hate. Great visuals and exciting fight scenes don't hurt this movie either. 

This film is full of the signature James Gunn (who directed and wrote this movie) humor. However, it does not hit as consistently as it did in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies or The Suicide Squad  (2021). There were quite a few moments that made me laugh out loud. However, there were also quite a few that simply feel flat. I also felt that this movie suffered from an excess of characters. Because of this some of the characters ended up feeling quite underdeveloped, especially the Daily Planet staff and unfortunately Ma and Pa Kent. 

This movie may not be perfect but the parts that work are simply fantastic. Because of this I whole heartedly give this a full recommendation.  

All-New Super Friends Hour: The Man-Beast of Xra (1977)

 

This is the first segment of the thirteenth episode of The All-New Super Friends Hour, unlike most other Super Friends formats, this one had hour long episodes that were made up of various shorter cartoons. The first segment would be an adventure staring two members (or three in some cases as Batman and Robin would often team with another Super Friend) of the Super Friends. The second would be a morality play staring the Wonder Twins. The third would be a typical half hour Super Friends adventure. The fourth and last segment would feature one of the main Super Friends (or two in the case of Batman and Robin) teaming up with a special DC Comics guest. 

In this cartoon, Superman, Batman and Robin must stop Dr. Xra, who has created half-animal, half-man beasts. 

This is a delightful cartoon. The whole episode has a wonderful halloween-y look to it. The nighttime lighting and the wonderful background art (especially the swamp leading to Dr. Xra's mansion) create a wonderful sense of atmosphere that can hold its own with the original Scooby-Doo series in this area. The designs of the creatures are also wonderful. They are delightfully creepy and imposing without being too scary to take away from the lighthearted fun. The action scenes are also quite well done and exciting. 

This is a wonderful cartoon that provides some great spooky superhero fun. 

Video Link: The Superman Story | Fleischer Studios | Max Fleischer Superman Documentary

The Speed of Lee Tracy

 Lee Tracy is one of the most definitive actors of Hollywood's pre-code era. With his gift for delivering rapid speed dialogue, he was a perfect fit for the films coming out of Hollywood at that time. Though his acting career would continue until 1965 with the TV movie Steptoe and Son, it was during the early 1930's that he received his greatest popularity and his best screen roles. His movies during this era include John Ford's Born Reckless (1930), Doctor X (1932), Blessed Event (1932), Dinner at Eight (1933), Turn Back the Clock (1933) and Bombshell (1933).

Here is a 1932 article from Modern Screen magazine about Lee Tracy. If you have any trouble reading the following pages, click on them and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen click here. 

Movie Review: Malice (E yi)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

An effective drama from China. 

In this drama, a social media journalist investigates two deaths.

This movie is quite absorbing. It is filled with quite a few good twists and turns that often left me not knowing what to expect next. Yet most of these twists made a lot of sense when they actually happened. Meanwhile the characters are quite well written and there is more to them then first meets the eye. This movie is also quite visually engaging, even if the special effects are not perfect. 

As well as telling a gripping story, this film also sets out to make a commentary on the lack of media integrity in the era of social media, where getting likes is often more important than the truth. It also takes a look at how social media has turned our world into one that often runs on voyeurism and the dangers of this. Unfortunately, as important and thought provoking as these topics can be, the movie conveys it in a very simplistic and heavy-handed manner. There is a lack of any real subtilty to any of the message, instead the film relies on heavy-handed, simplistic and repetitive dialogue. 

Despite its flaws this is still and absorbing movie. 

Movie Trailer: The SpongeBob Movie: Search For SquarePants

Francois Truffaut: Revised and Updated Edition (1978, 1989, 1994)

 

Annette Insdorf's brilliant study of the films of the great French director, François Truffaut is a must read for anyone interested in film analysis.  

As many of you probably know Truffaut (like many members of the French New Wave) started as a critic before becoming a filmmaker himself. As a critic one of the ideas that he championed what he referred to as auteurs. These were filmmakers whose own personal stamp was deeply evident in most (if not all) of their films. He felt that directors should be the author of movies and that their individual films could be analyzed not only by themselves but as a part of the directors' greater work. That there should be themes and visual motifs that ran through their work that would make a great filmmaker's work constantly interesting, even in their weaker films. Though Truffaut was an auteur himself, his own personal stamp can be harder to identify than those of his peer Jean Luc Goddard or his idol Alfred Hitchcock. That is why this book is incredibly important to anyone studying the great French director's films. The point of this book is to study and analyze the various themes and motifs that run through Truffaut's work. Through brilliant writing and insight, simply reading this book can give one a greater understanding of his work as a whole. Digging into not only the filmmaker's films but also his personal life, his influences and his critical writings, we begin to see how through his film's Truffaut has painted a rather complex and articulate self-portrait. After reading this book, I grew an even greater appreciation for someone who was already one of my favorite filmmakers and gave me a strong desire to revisit his movies. I can't wait to rewatch these films and see them in a brand-new light.

The first chapter examines Truffaut's transition from a critic and movie lover to a filmmaker. The second chapter examines the influence of Alfred Hitchcock on his work. The third examines the influence of French director Jean Renoir on his work. The fourth takes a look at the evolving role of women in his films. The fifth involves the role of children in his films (Truffaut has been praised for his honest and understanding depiction of children more than anything else). The sixth chapter takes a look at the autobiographic nature of his movies as well as the use of literary text. The seventh chapter was added to later additions and features a deep delve into his final five films, which were not around when Insdorf wrote the original version of the book. 

This is simply a must read for any Truffaut fan, and anyone interested in well written and though out film analysis.   

 

Movie Review: Oh, HI!

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A laugh out loud funny dark comedy. 

A young woman and a young man go on a romantic trip together. One kinky night he gets tied up in bed but after the fun is over, she learns that he is not interested in a being a real relationship with her. She leaves him tied up to the bed hoping that she can make him see how much he loves her before untying him. 

This movie may have its flaws, but it is a comedy that is often laugh out loud funny, something becoming too rare these days. Much of the reason that the humor works so well is that regardless of how over the top it can get the catalyst for all the comedy remains the characters. The characters themselves are always immensely relatable and as over the top as their actions get, we can see ourselves in each of their actions. Seeing these relatable elements being carried to such extremes is automatically really funny. Adding to the humor are the performances from Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman. These two give their comedic all and it pays off wonderfully. This is actually very much a comedic tour de force for Molly Gordon, who shines brilliantly here. As dark as the story gets (in other hands this could have been a psychological thriller), it is the characters and the performances that keep this movie from feeling unpleasant or mean spirited.  

This movie does have its problems though. One of these problems is pacing. Certain scenes seem to go on too long and the film can drag a bit in the middle section. Another is that when the film tries to be more on the serious side, you can easily see that it really doesn't have anything new to say. I also found the conclusion to this story kind of underwhelming. 

This movie is just plain funny, and, in a comedy, this can overcome most any flaw. 

Classic Short Film: Mush And Milk (1933)

Cowboy Church #225

 Hello and welcome back for another service of Cowboy Church. 

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing a medley of Whispering Hope and Star of Hope. This lovely medley comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By. 

This is followed by the Hayden Quartet with their 1910 recording of Nearer My God to Thee. This hymn was written by stage actress Sarah Flower Adams. She had had great success on the stage and was especially praised for her role in an 1837 production of Macbeth. However, her failing health made her have to leave the stage. During this time, she took comfort in writing hymns and poems. In 1841, her pastor was having trouble coming up with a hymn to fit a sermon about Jacob's Ladder. Sarah decided to write a hymn for this sermon and to get it done in time for the church service she wrote it in just a week's time. 

Afterwards is Willie Nelson and his sons Lukas and Micah Nelson with Come on Back Jesus. This recording comes from Willie's 2012 album, Heroes.  

Then comes Johnny Cash singing The Battle Hymn of the Old Republic. This performance comes from an episode of John's TV show that first aired on Sept. 27, 1969. Backing vocals here are provided by The Carter Family and The Statler Brothers. 

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers performing What Wonderful Joy. Though many don't want to give their loves to Jesus because they don't want to give up their sins, the truth is that the joy Jesus can give us is greater than anything we may get out of sinning. This song is about the incredible joy that only Jesus can provide. This recording is very much a duet between two members of the band. Lloyd Perryman and Bob Nolan share the main vocal duties on this song, and both sounds as great as ever.

Afterwards is Tompall Glaser with his version of What a Freind We Have in Jesus. This hymn still has an important message for us today. When it seems like there is no one to turn to at any moment of our lives, Jesus is always there. He is always there to listen to us, no matter what. More than that though he deeply cares about every single one of us. A better friend than Jesus could never be found no matter how hard we try. What a friend we have in Jesus indeed. 

Today's musical selection ends with Cal Smith singing Jesus is a Good Ole Boy. This recording comes from his 1974 album, Country Bumpkin.  

Now for a sermon from Charles Spurgeon. 



 

Now for an episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. 

Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly. Proverbs 14:29

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4:2

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:36

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3

A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself. Proverbs 11:17

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 

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 #238

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with Tweety's first appearance in a cartoon, A Tale of Two Kitties (1942). Sharp eyed viewers may notice that Tweety is not yellow in this film, but pink. Since he was a newborn baby bird, it made sense for him not to have feathers. According to director Bob Clampett, he based the character off of a nude baby photo of himself. Tweety already has his famous line, "I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat." According to animation historian Jerry Beck's book, I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat: Fifty Years of Sylvester and Tweety, this line also originated with Bob Clampett when in the mid-1930's he wrote a letter to a friend on MGM stationary. Next to Leo the MGM lion, Clampett drew a small bird with a word balloon with "I think I taw a titty-tat." Instead of Sylvester Tweety is here pitted against two cats named Babbit and Catstello. As should be obvious by the names, these cats were a take-off on the infamous comedy team Abbott and Costello, who had just made their movie debut just a couple years earlier in One Night in the Tropics (1940). The voice of Catstello was provided by the man of a thousand voices, Mel Blanc (who also voiced Tweety) and Babbitt was voiced by writer Tedd Pierce. A reviewer in Showman's Trade Review was very impressed with these voices stating, "Either the famous comedy pair furnished the accompanying dialogue themselves, or the impersonators are the last word in perfection." Though they would not catch on the way Tweety did, these characters would reappear in other cartoons. Some of these cartoons would even feature the duo as mice instead of cats. They would even appear with Tweety much later in a 1998 episode of the TV show, Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries. This cartoon was reissued to theaters in 1948, the year Abbott and Costello made their most popular movie, Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948).  

Next comes the Fleischer Screen Songs cartoon, Come Take a Trip in my Airship (1930). This was the second time, The Fleischer studio had made a cartoon centering around this song. They had earlier made a film that used an early sound on film process (Come Take a Trip in my Airship (1924)). The earlier film featured the Fleischer cartoon of KoKo the clown, who starred in many silent cartoons for the studio and would later become a supporting character in their Betty Boop cartoons. 

Now we join Honey Halfwitch in Brother Bat (1967). 

Up next is Farner Al Falfa's Bedtime Story (1932). The following is a review from the Motion Picture Herald. "Clever Cartoon. The Farmer goes to bed; the cat's go out for the night - and the mice come out to play as only the animated cartoon artists can make them play. Their tricks and stunts are cleverly drawn, amusing. This rates as among one of the better of the cartoon shorts - Running time, 6 minutes." 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next is an early Woody Woodpecker short, The Dizzy Acrobat (1943). In these earlier Woody films, the character is a bit cruder than fans of his later work are used to. But there is something about this sheer unabashed craziness that many cartoon fans (including myself) can't get enough of. This movie was nominated for an Academy Award; however, it lost to Disney's Der Fuehrer's Face (1943). The following is from an issue of Showman's Trade Review (dated June 5, 1943), "Walter Lantz Cartune Studios which releases through Universal, has just released 'The Dizzy Acrobat,' A Woody Woodpecker special. The cartune revolves around the circus, and Lantz had experts advising the animators so that the action and facts would be accurate.

It is now time for a silent Felix the Cat cartoon, Felix the Cat Ducks His Duty (1927). 

Next comes one of Disney's funniest cartoon shorts, Der Fuehrer's Face (1943). This film grew out of a Donald Duck short about paying your taxes during war time called The New Spirit (1942). There was going to be a scene (in a story treatment by Joe Grant and Dick Huemer) in that short that featured a radio announcer talking about the horrors of living in a totalitarian state. This was not used in that short, but the idea stayed in the heads of those working at the Disney studio. These ideas grew into a cartoon that would feature Donald Duck living in Nazi Germany. Jack Kinney, Disney's most comedic and satiric cartoon director being placed in the director's chair guaranteed that this short would be a comedic masterpiece as well as an effective piece of political commentary. The cartoon was originally going to be titled Donald Duck in Nutziland. However, it would be retitled Der Fuehrer's Face after the satirical and catchy song Oliver Wallace wrote for the cartoon. Disney studio staffer Jim Macdonald remembered Wallace improvising the song one day at Walt's request. Macdonald stated, "He did that in about ten minutes. That's spontaneity!" Before the cartoon even reached theaters Spike Jones and his City Slickers released a recording in late 1942 and had a massive hit with it. This film also benefits from some top-notch animation. John Sibley animated the hilariously cartoony marching band animation at the start. The real highlight of the cartoon is the great montage sequence which was animated by Les Clark and Hugh Fraser. This cartoon we earn Donald Duck, his one and only Oscar. It later received the 22nd spot in Jerry Beck's must-own book, The 50 Greatest Cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with the Simpsons in Dinner Time (1987). This is one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman Show before the animated family got their own TV series. 

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 50 Greatest Cartoons edited by Jerry Beck

I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat: Fifty Years of Sylvester and Tweety by Jerry Beck.

Donald Duck: The Ultimate History by J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

  

Classic Short Film: Bobby Bumps' Fourth (1917)

Video Link: Say It with Firecrackers (From Holiday Inn (1942))

Ranking the X-Men Movies

 

While the X-Men movies might have had some movies that did live up to the franchise's potential, it also contained some that hold their own with the greatest superhero movies ever made. As the X-Men are set to join the MCU, we say goodbye to the Fox era of Marvel. While I feel the MCU has been more consistently good than the Fox Marvel, I appreciate that Fox took big swings and chances with their Marvel movies. While not all of these chances paid off (The Fantastic Four movies being the greatest example), when they worked, they were often fantastic. 

With this in mind, recently I have decided to look at Fox's most popular and long running Marvel franchise, The X-Men movies. Here is my personal ranking of each of these films. Note that these are all just my opinions and if mine should differ from yours's, I hold nothing against your taste in movies.  

14. Dark Pheniox (2019)

There is no contest for what the worst of the X-men movies is. While other movies on this list may have their flaws or fail to live up to their potential, this is the only one of these films where I don't even have one positive thing to say about. The characters seemed to have all their personalities drained away and there is nothing interesting about any of them. The storyline is also a compete mess making little to no sense whatsoever. Avoid this one like the plague. 

13. X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)

The first of the Wolverine trilogy is not a bad movie but it is a forgettable one. This movie is full of clichés and bland supporting characters. However, it does have some strong action scenes as well as a strong ending. And of course Hugh Jackman is wonderful in the main roles. This movie does give Deadpool (played by Ryan Reynolds even here), a very weak cinematic debut completely wasting the beloved character. 

12. X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)


While not a bad movie, as a finale to the original trilogy, it comes off as a bit of disappointment. It lacks the emotional depth of the previous two films and Jean's character arc comes off as completely rushed. However, it does have good action scenes and introduces such great X-Men characters as Kitty Pryde and Beast (the later perfectly cast as Kelsey Grammer). 

11. X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

A bit of an underrated X-Men film. It may seem derivative of other X-Men films, and it struggles to balance all the characters. However, it is quite a bit of fun with some strong action scenes and a great villain. It may not be perfect, but it is fun.  

10. Deadpool (2016)

When I first saw this movie, I didn't think much of it. However, over time I have come to appreciate it more. While I still feel that the sequels are superior, I now admit there is quite a bit to like about this movie. Ryan Reynolds is perfect in the title role and his charm, and the character himself have grown on me. I do feel the humor can be hit and miss but there are moments that now make me laugh. I especially enjoy Deadpool's moments with Colossus. The romance is also quite well done here. I do feel though that some of the supporting characters are quite bland and the villain is even more bland though. 

  
9. The Wolverine (2013)

The second entry in the Wolverine spin-off trilogy is a marked improvement over the first. That is because this movie is what the first film should have been. It is a great delve into who Wolverine is as a character and the emotional connection you feel to him is very well done. It does suffer from an extremely weak villain though. 

 8. The New Mutants (2020)

Despite the poor reviews this film had received, I actually feel it is quite a strong movie. The idea of combining a superhero movie and a horror film is a unique and original one and it is done quite well here. There is a great sense of atmosphere here that is quite successful and the twists along the way are very smart and clever. However the film is often too timid and after it starts to get creepy it backs away from this as if it is afraid to make a superhero movie actually scary. 

7. X-Men (2000)

Though dated (especially in the effects department) this is a very strong start to this movie franchise. It is smart and not afraid to delve into more serious subject matter and social commentary. It does this in a very effective way that still makes this film gripping today. Wolverine and Rouge are also great lead characters that we immediately care about and relate to. I will admit the action scenes can be a little lacking though. 

6. Deadpool 2 (2018)

A definite improvement over the first Deadpool, this movie is funnier with nearly every joke landing. It also introduces better characters for Deadpool to play off of and has a surprisingly engaging storyline. 

5. Deadpool and Wolverine (2024)

Easily the best of the Deadpool films and quite a strong Wolverine movie as well. The two characters (as well as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman) play off each other perfectly and are a joy to watch share the screen. The humor is consistently funny; the action scenes are fantastic and there is a truly great villain. This is a real treat. 

4. X-Men: First Class (2011)

A very well-made superhero movie. This movie has lots of characters yet manages to give enough time to each one to make them feel fleshed out. The movie also makes great use of its 1960's setting, perfectly working the Cold War and the fears of 1960's America into the themes of the X-Men franchise. The result is a very smart and fun superhero film.

3. X2 (2003)

As good as the first X-Men was this sequel is superior in every way. Everything that was great about the first film, this sequel does even better. This is a superhero movie that is very complex in both characterization and themes. This is simply a very smart and very intelligent movie, while also containing a lot of pure superhero fun.   

2. X-Men Days of Future Past (2014)

It was hard to pick a top choice between this and Logan as both are pure masterpieces and among the best superhero movies ever made. Though this film comes in second on this list, if I were to make this list on a different day the places might be switched. Everything about this movie is near perfection. This movie is more intelligently written and clever than your average time travel movie. Yet as much thought as went into the way time travel works in this film, the focus remains not on this but on the characters and their stories. This becomes a very investing and emotionally powerful watch that hits all the right emotional notes. At the same time the action scenes are wonderful, and the humor is hilarious making this movie just as fun as it is intelligent. 

1. Logan (2017)

Logan is not only one of the greatest superhero movies ever made but an absolute masterpiece by any measurement. This movie serves first and foremost as a character study. As such it presents the most complex and thoroughly engaging take on Wolverine for any of these movies. By the end of the film, you feel that you truly know and understand this character. The tone to this film is quite serious and mature. It is also completely and utterly sincere causing this film to stay with you long after it finishes. The acting performances from every single cast member also to the depth and the sincerity of this great drama.