Cowboy Church #235

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Jesus Loves the Little Children.  Jesus would state, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me." There is no doubt that Jesus did love the little children, and he loves us big children too. If we will humble ourselves and become like little children, the blessings he has for us are immeasurable. 

This is followed by Patty Loveless with [We Are All] Children of Abraham from her 2009 gospel album, Mountain Soul II. 

Afterwards is Johnny Cash with Are the Children In.

Then comes Anne Wilson and Jordan Davis with Country Gold. This is an acoustic version of a song from Anne's second album, 2024's Rebel.  

Next is Connie Smith and Nat Stucky with Crumbs from the Table.  This is from a 1970 gospel album the two country singers did together that is called Sunday Morning with Nat Stuckey and Connie Smith. This was the second album that the two made together. The first was 1969's Young Love. The idea to pair the two come from the record company, as both had recently had major hits and the company believed that their two voices would blend very well together. They were right. 

Now for The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of Rounded Up in Glory. 

  Next comes The Carter Family's classic 1927 recording of Can The Circle Be Unbroken. This song was based off of the 1907 Christian hymn (written by Charles H. Gabriel and Ada R. Habershon), Will the Circle Be Unbroken. Uncle A.P. Carter reworked this song changing the lyrics to be about the death of a mother. Though this version would be covered by an incredible amount of artists, many of them would change the title back to Will the Circle Be Unbroken as well as changing that one word in the chorus. However these cover versions would use A.P.'s lyrics for the rest of the song. This is one of my all time favorite songs, because it is a sad song, but one which also finds hope within its darkness. This is a song about trusting in God in times when it is very difficult to, which is something many gospel songs don't cover but which many Christians struggle with.

Today's musical selection ends with Jean Shepard with Too Much to Gain to Lose. This comes from her 1969 gospel album, I'll Fly Away. 

Now for the 9th chapter of the Buck Jones movie serial The Red Rider (1934). 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. Proverbs 25:21

So that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Matthew 5:45

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

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 #249

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with one of the all-time classic Merrie Melodies cartoons, A Corny Concerto (1943). This cartoon is very much a parody of Disney's recent animated feature, Fantasia (1940) with the unrefined Elmer Fudd taking over the Deems Taylor role. Earlier the same year this cartoon was released another Merrie Melody parodied Fantasia with an unrefined wolf doing the Deem Taylor role. That cartoon was called Pigs in a Polka (1943). A Corny Concerto was directed by Bob Clampett (who also made some of the vocal sound effects here) and written by Frank Tashlin. It is odd to have Tashlin write a Warners cartoon he didn't direct. Tashlin had in fact just returned to Warners after a stint at Disney, making him a perfect candidate to write this Disney parody. This film features another rarity for a Warners cartoon. That is the fact the Bugs Bunny and Porky Pig share the screen. This is the only time Porky hunts a fully formed Bugs Bunny, though he did hunt a prototype of the character in Porky's Hare Hunt (1938). It has been debated whether or not the Duck that appears in the second part of this cartoon is or isn't Daffy. I like to think of him as Daffy, myself. Despite having Porky, Bugs and probably Daffy, Mel Blanc doesn't do a single voice in this cartoon. That is because the characters he usually voices don't talk for the whole film. The only speaking voice heard is Arthur Q. Bryan as Elmer Fudd. Also notice that Bugs makes Porky and his dog into a couple of boobs. This cartoon appropriately appears in Jerry Beck's book, The 100 Greatest Looney Tunes.

Next comes the Fleischer Screen Song cartoon, Twilight on the Trail (1937). This is a bit of a departure for the series as the title song is a cowboy tune rather than the usual jazz or pop tune. The song was written by Louis Alter for the movie The Trail of the Lonesome Pine (1936). The title song would later be the basis of a B-Western starring William Boyd appropriately named Twilight on the Trail (1941). In this cartoon, the song is performed by Louise Massey and The Westerners. Louise Massey was a popular country/western singer of the 1930's and 40's, though she is mostly forgotten today. 

Now for the Aesop's Sound Fables cartoon short, The Wild Goose Chase (1932). 

Up next is the Mickey Mouseworks cartoon, Mickey's New Car (1999). The cartoon first aired during the premiere showing of the TV special, Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You (1999). This short would later be used as part of the House of Mouse episode, Max's New Car (2001). 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now it is silent film time with Mutt and Jeff in The Big Swim (1926). This is one of my favorite silent Mutt and Jeff cartoons. It is full of very clever and creative gags that perfectly fit the medium of silent film. Some of these gags even made me laugh out loud. 

Next comes a classic Fleischer Popeye cartoon, I Never Changes My Altitude (1937). When movie magazines listed this cartoon, they changed the name to the grammatically correct, "I Never Change My Altitude." The following is an exhibitor's review from the Motion Picture Herald, "I Never Change My Altitude: Popeye the Sailor - These Popeye cartoons are very good for the kids. This one did not go over with the adults. Running time , eight minutes, A.J. Inks, Crystal Theatre, Ligonier, Ind. Small Town Patronage." Another exhibitor's review for the Motion Picture Harald, disagreed with this stating, " I NEVER CHANGE MY ALTITUDE: Popeye the Sailor—A good Popeye. Adults will enjoy this as much as the kids. Running time, seven minutes.— A. E. Eliasen, Rialto Theatre, Paynesville, Minn. Rural and small town patronage." 

Before Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck or Porky Pig, the first Looney Tunes star was Bosko. Enjoy one of his films with Bosko at the Beach (1932). This cartoon also includes Bosko's supporting cast, his girlfriend, Honey and his dog, Bruno. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Making Faces (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 100 Greatest Looney Tunes edited by Jerry Beck

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

https://www.fleischerallstars.com/twilight-on-the-trail1.html

https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Mickey's_New_Car

The Abbott and Costello Story: Sixty Years of "Who's on First?" (1997)

 

This book by historians Stephen Cox and John Lofflin is an essential read for any Abbott and Costello fan.  

First and foremost, this book is a loving tribute to the boys. There is never a single second when you doubt, the love the authors have for Abbott and Costello. While they may criticize some of the boy's lesser work, even this is done with a love for what these two great performers are capable of. At the same time, the authors have no pretentions about why they enjoy the boys' work. They never try to present their films as some form of high art. Rather they acknowledge that the main reason, they love Abbott and Costello is that the duo makes them laugh. When so many critics and historians try to claim their favorite entertainers' work as great art and spend much of their writing simply explain why their work is so brilliant, it is quite refreshing to read a book where the authors simply praise a couple of comedians for being funny. 

This book also delves into the boys' personal lives. It takes a very open and fair look at who these two were as people. It does not paint them as perfect individuals, but it avoids demonizing them in the way the other writers (and a controversial TV movie) have. In fact, it even dispels many of the fraudulent rumors that have spread about the two comedians over the years.

One of the most important aspects about this book is the sheer amount of research that went into it. This book features in-depth interviews with family, friends and co-stars. These interviews and various quotes from these individuals scattered throughout this book are endless fascinating and make us feel as if we are right these beside them as they make their classic movies (as well as their TV and radio shows). Even those who may think they have a great knowledge of Abbott and Costello will learn a whole lot from reading this book. 

Also making this book essential is its filmography. The book not only lists every one of their feature length movies, but provides extensive credits, plot summaries and behind the scenes trivia for each one as well as some behind the scenes photos thrown in for good measure. This makes the filmography just as much a fun and important read as the body of the book. Yet the filmography does not stop there. It also provides every episode of their TV sitcom, with a cast list and plot summary for each one. But wait there is more. For us cartoon lovers and Hanna-Barbera fans, this also lists every episode of the Hanna-Barbera Abbott and Costello cartoon show (for which Bud Abbott provided his own voice) with a plot summary for each one. As some of these cartoons are not easy to see, this makes for very compelling and important reading to any cartoon fan (as well as any Abbott and Costello fan who is interested due to Bud providing his own voice). 

For any Abbott and Costello fans this is essential reading. For any non-Abbott and Costello fans, this book just might make you one.    

Movie Review: Afterburn

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C

An okay post-apocalyptic action flick.

This movie has a few things going for it. One is that the action scenes are quite good. They are very well shot choreographed and paced. They also do a good job of making them feel grand without going overboard and becoming excessive. In other words, they are just the right amount of over the top. The movie also benefits from a likable main character. Sure he may be derivative of other movie action heroes, but we like him enough to care what happens to him and Dave Bautista brings a charm to the role. 

On the other hand, this movie suffers from a lack of world building. For an action movie that is supposed to take place in a post-apocalyptic world, there is very little atmosphere. In fact, the world feels as simple and generic as possible. The movie also suffers from a weak villain and very cliché dialogue.

Makes for a decent trip to the movies, but is far from a great film. 

Mario Tennis (2000)

 

I am again speaking with more than a tint of nostalgia, but this is my personal favorite of the Mario sports games. If I only have a tiny bit of time to play a video game, this is often the one I will play. 

This is a very straight forward sports game. It does not bother much with a storyline, rather simply letting you get directly into the gameplay. However, when the game play is this much fun, I don't care at all.  What is amazing is that the typical match is a straightforward tennis match with no Mario style gimmicks. There are no items and no obstacles in these regular matches, just simple tennis. The gameplay and controls are simple, easy to get used to and a lot of fun. This allows you to simply focus on the matches themselves rather than any gimmicks. The matches provide you with a good challenge but one that is never overwhelming hard. Though there are no gimmicks, there are a few fun little changes you can make to switch up the gameplay. One of these is you have an option between singles and doubles, both of which are a lot of fun. Another is that different characters (my favorite character to play as is Donkey Kong Jr.) have different skill sets. Some characters hit the ball harder than others, some move around the course quicker, and some are better capable of trick shots. This makes even what character you play as a part of your strategy. Also, different courses have different elements to them. Some courts cause the ball to bounce more than others for instance. 

This game also has various alternative ways to play which feature the Mario style gimmicks that are not included in the main game play. Personally, I find these alternative ways to play, not as fun as the main gameplay. 

The opening animation to this game is also a lot of fun and features a lot of good cartoony humor. 

This is honestly one of my most played video games. 

Movie Review: The Senior

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very familiar story told very well told.

This movie tells the true story of a 59-year-old who gets his second chance at college football. He never finished his senior year of college, and he goes back to school so that he can play on the football team and make up for some of his regrets. Though this is based off of a true story, it follows all of the familiar beats of this type of underdog sports film. It adds nothing new to this formula, and you always know what is going to happen next.

This does not mean that the film is bad by any means. Actually, it handles these clichés with real skill. The filmmakers know exactly what people love about these movies and provide just that. We find it easy to root for this character and get excited and feel overjoyed when things go well for him. We root for him to get his chance and want to cheer when he does. His redemption story feels like wish fulfillment to all of us who want to re-do a part of our lives (which means all of us). This is made even more effective by a great performance from Michael Chiklis that gives a real emotional honesty to the whole film. 

This movie may not offer anything new, but it tells its familiar story very well. 

Joe Bolton and The Clubhouse Gang Comedies

 On the subject of kiddies shows and classic comedy shorts, starting in 1955, kiddie show host Joe Bolton hosted a show called The Clubhouse Gang. The series aired on the local New York City station, WPIX Channel 11.  As well as the host segments, this show also consisted of classic Our Gang (also known as The Little Rascals comedies). 

The following is a short 1955 article about this series from Radio TV Mirror. If you have trouble reading it click on the following page and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have a touch screen click here. 

Included in the following page (from a New York issue of TV guide dated September 10, 1955) is a little bit about Officer Joe Bolton. The same guidelines apply if you have trouble reading this page. 

My fellow Three Stooges fans might also know that Joe Bolton would go on to host another kiddie show called The Three Stooges Funhouse, which would include many of the Stooges' best short comedies. He would also appear in two of The Stooges' feature length movies; Stop! Look! and Laugh! (1960) and The Outlaws is Coming (1965). 

Here is a tribute to Officer Joe Bolton. 

And here is a classic Our Gang short, Bored of Education (1936). 

Howdy Doody and a Smith Named Bob

 Though I am too young to have grown up with the old kiddie TV shows, the fact that they introduced a whole generation of movie lovers to silent comedies and classic cartoons endears them to me in a way. Along with all the fun with popular puppet characters, a mute clown and more, Howdy Doody (one of the most popular of these shows often showed clips of various silent comedies. These comedies included those from silent comedy producers Mack Sennett, Joe Rock and Al and Charles Christie as well as some from Educational Pictures and elsewhere. Harry Langdon, Mickey McGuire (a series of comedy shorts starring Mickey Rooney). The Smith Family (a silent series from the Sennett studio) are among some of the silent comedy shorts that appeared on the show. 

The following is a short 1948 article from Radio and Television Mirror about Howdy Doody. If you have trouble reading it click on the pages below and use your touch screen to zoom in. If you don't have touch screen, click here.

Here is an episode of the show dated March 8, 1949 and featuring a silent Mickey McGuire. 

Movie Review: Eleanor the Great

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A very intelligent and moving dramedy.

In Scarlett Johanson's directorial debut, an elderly woman finds herself at a Holocaust survivors meeting (despite not being one) and before she knows it, she tells the story of a late friend's (who was a Holocaust survivor) story as if it happened to her. When a journalism student is visiting the meeting that day and wants to write an article about this story, things get very out of hand. A movie about someone lying about being a Holocaust survivor could easily come off as being in bad taste. However bad taste is one thing I could never accuse this movie of. Rather this film serves as an important reminder of why these stories need to be told and heard. The scenes in which we see our main character's friend talk to her about the Holocaust are incredibly moving a powerful as are the scenes where our main character feels guilt after claiming this story as her own. There were many scenes which moved me deeply emotionally, not all of them were pleasant to watch but they all made me appreciative that I did watch them. The key to emotional effectiveness of this movie comes from June Squibb in the main role. This 95-year-old actress has rarely received the appreciation she deserves as she is in fact an incredible actress who is equally adept at comedy and drama. She is able to make everything about this movie feel completely real and honest. Her chemistry with Erin Kellyman as the young journalism student is simply wonderful and the relationship between the two feels completely real and heartfelt. Along with the serious subject matter, this movie skillfully mixes in some great comedy. I was surprised at just how much I laughed at loud watching this film.  

A must see. 

Movie Review: Elli and Her Monster Team

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C+

A charming but mostly forgettable animated kids movie. 

This movie tells the story of a friendly ghost, who teams up with a group of monsters to help stop a machine that was created to rid the world of ghosts and monsters. There is little to nothing about this movie's storyline that you haven't seen before. In fact, this movie starts with our friendly ghost hero being taught how to scare people by her uncle but not wanting to do it because it wouldn't be nice (similar to a series of cartoons about another friendly ghost). As the movie goes on, its influences are still quite obvious. For a movie with such a familiar storyline, its main problem is simply that everything about it is pleasant but not exceptional. This makes it an enjoyable trip to the movies but one you will forget about not too long afterwards. There is not one thing about this whole film that is truly bad. The characters are likable, the look and animation are fine, the jokes may not make you laugh out loud, but they will make you smile and the movie moves at a fast pace. But it doesn't do anything great enough to stand above any similar movies to not simply get lost in the plethora of animated Halloween type family films. 

I definitely enjoyed watching this film but I also know that I will probably forget about it in not too long. 

Cowboy Church #234

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing 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. This version of the song comes from Roy and Dale's 1973 gospel album, In the Sweet By and By.

This is followed by Jean Shepard with Crying Holy. 

Afterwards is Loretta Lynn with Harp with Golden Strings. This recording comes from her 1968 gospel album, Who Says God is Dead. 

Next comes Kris Kristofferson with Burden of Freedom. This version of the song comes from Kris's 1972 album, Border Lord. He would later make another version for his 2006 album, This Old Road. A year before Kris wrote this song he had responded to an alter call and this song and Why Me Lord were responses to what that spiritual experience, one that Kris himself admitted he didn't fully understand yet. Around this time a resurgence was happening with Christian music. A lot had happened in recent years and as many young people had turned to God, they brought along their own types of music, that meant something to them personally. Therefore, much Christian music was no longer hymns but mire contemporary sounding music that paid tribute to God while reflecting the world these young Christians had grown up in. Johnny Cash would often play before these audiences as part of concerts mostly made up of the younger artists. Feeling it would be good for Kris to be in such an environment, John invited Kris and his wife Rita Coolidge to perform as well. Kris would play his own songs like Burden of Freedom or Why Me Lord. Yet Kris felt decidedly uncomfortable at these concerts. He would say about the experience, "I was singing songs, I thought were spiritual, but people wanted to hear more songs specifically about Jesus. Eventually I had to tell John that I couldn't do these type of shows anymore I felt like a hypocrite." (quotes from The Man Called Cash by Steve Turner). 

Now for the Witney Brothers Quartet with their 1910 recording of Jesus Saviour, Pilot Me.

Then comes Kitty Wells with The Footsteps of my Lord. This recording comes from her 1962 gospel album, Singing on Sunday. The song was written by John D. Loudermilk. Loudermilk was a cousin to The Louvin Brothers. Though he was a recording artist himself, Loudermilk is best known for songs he wrote that were performed by other artists. Some songs that he wrote include Indian Reservation (a hit for Don Fardon in 1968 and for Paul Revere & the Raiders in 1971), Ebony Eyes (a 1961 hit for the Ebony Brothers), Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye (a hit for the Casinos in 1967 and Eddy Arnold in 1968), Abilene (a 1963 hit for George Hamilton IV), Talk Back Trembling Lips (a 1963 hit for  Ernest Ashworth), Waterloo (a 1959 hit for Stonewall Jackson), I Wanna Live (a 1968 hit for Glen Campbell) and Bad News (which Johnny Cash recorded on his 1964 album, I Walk the Line). 

Afterwards is Ernest Ashworth with When I Sing for Him. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1947 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. 

Now for a message from the Reverend Billy Graham.

Now for the 8th 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

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

But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain. Psalm 3:3-4

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Psalm 16:8

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

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

Movie Trailer: The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Some Cartoons for Saturday Morning #248

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

Today's cartoon selection starts off with Bugs Bunny in Prince Violent (1961). This film would later be renamed, Prince Varmint for TV airings, because I guess seeing the word violent written out would make kids want to be violent. 

Now for the Fleischer screen song cartoon, Down Among the Sugar Cane (1932). The title song was originally published in 1908 and was written by Dan Avery, Chas. Hart, Cecil Mack and Chris Smith. Cecil Mack and Chris Smith wrote multiple songs together including You're in the Right Church but the Wrong Pew, It's Hard to Love Somebody (Who's Loving Somebody Else) and He's a Cousin of Mine. Singing the song is Lillian Roth, whose movie career included such films as The Love Parade (1929), The Vagabond King (1930), Madame Satan (1930) and Animal Crackers (1930, with the Marx Brothers).

Next is the Aesop's Sound Fables cartoon, Singing Saps (1930). In 1931 Walt Disney would take the Van Beuren studio to court because two of their mice characters too greatly resembled Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The characters in this film bare more than a passing resemblance to the Disney characters. 

Now we join the man (or the mouse) himself, Mickey Mouse in Galloping Gaucho (1928). This was the second Mickey Mouse cartoon ever made (it was preceded by Plane Crazy (1928)). After completing the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, Walt and Roy Disney were trying to sell their new cartoon series to major studios. At the same time, work on the mouse's second film quickly went underway. Since Walt had completed the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoons, he was contractually obligated to make before setting off on his own, unlike Plane Crazy, The Galloping Gaucho was no longer made under a veil of secrecy. Because of this rather than animating the whole film by himself (as he had done with Plane Crazy, Ub Iwerks (the head Disney animator at the time and co-creator of Mickey Mouse) was now working with other Disney animators such as Les Clark, Johnny Cannon and Wilfred Jackson. Historians J.B. Kaufman and David Gerstein commented (in this must own book on Mickey Mouse) that this cartoon shows the influence silent era action Douglas Fairbanks had on the animated mouse. They also pointed out that Fairbanks had even starred in a movie called The Gaucho (1927) and this cartoon was both a tribute to and a parody of that film. These first two Mickey Mouse cartoons were originally made as silent films. However, after the success of Steamboat Willie (1928), as a sound cartoon, these films were issued to theaters with new musical scores by Carl Stalling (who is probably best known for his work on Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies).  

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Next comes one of the most famous and important of Disney's Silly Symphonies cartoons, Flowers and Trees (1932). This film was the first Silly Symphony in color, and it is obvious that even from this first attempt the Disney cartoons had a mastery of color in a way few films would ever reach. Walt knew that color was not just a novelty or a way to make films look pretty but could be a vital part of storytelling. The colors in these cartoons often added to mood of the scene in a way an audience can feel. Walt was alone in believing Technicolor would help boost the quality of his cartoons and many tried to talk him out of it but as was always true of Walt, he stuck with his instinct, and it paid off. The short received much praise (including an academy award) and it still remains a great cartoon to this day. Walt signed a contract with Technicolor for three years, giving them exclusive right to the process in the field of animation. This is why some of the other studios would soon use less famous and less effective color processes for their cartoons of this period. The cartoon itself was directed by Burt Gillett, who would soon direct the most famous Silly Symphony, The Three Little Pigs (1933). J.B. Kaufman and Russell Merritt's book, Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series states, "David Hand animated most of the film, partly by himself and partly with apprentices."  David Hand would later be supervising director on the Disney features, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942). The following is a short article from The Film Daily (dated Sept. 17, 1932), "As a result of the tremendous reception at the Grauman's Chinese in Los Angles and the Roxy in New York of the first Silly Symphony, in natural color, Walt Disney, its creator says all the Symphonies released this year  by United Artists will be done in Technicolor and that later the Mickey Mouse may also be photographed in natural color. The first Silly Symphony in Technicolor 'Flowers and Trees,' was in the nature of a feeler. It was made to touch [sic] out the public reaction to color in an animated short feature. After the first showing in Hollywood, in conjunction with MGM's 'Strange Interlude,' Disney had decided that he hit upon one of his most popular moves. Sid Grauman also was highly enthusiastic about 'Flowers and Trees.' The same thing happened at the Roxy. And now the second Silly, 'King Neptune' will have its premiere at the opening of 'Mr. Robinson Crusoe,' Douglas Fairbanks new feature, at the Rivoli next Wednesday." 

Now for the Pink Panther in Forty Pink Winks (1975). 

Next is the silent Fleischer Brothers cartoon Koko on the Run (1925).

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Bart's Hiccups (1988). This was one of the shorts made for The Tracey Ullman Show before the animated family got their own TV show. 

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

Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman.

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

https://lantern.mediahist.org/

https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/1856/

Movie Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

Another wonderful movie from this beloved anime franchise. 

Though this movie is a continuation of the popular anime TV series, it truly feels like something that belongs on the big screen. This movie truly feels larger than life in every way. The visuals here are simply incredible. It has a larger than life and incredibly atmospheric look that sucks you in immediately. As the film starts, we truly feel like we have been transported to this dark fantasy world. The setting is not the only part of the movie that feels larger than life. The action scenes are truly incredible. I can honestly not remember when the last time I watched an anime film with this great of action scenes was. Not only are this action scenes well-choregraphed and exciting but they truly feel like these heroes are facing threats that they have never faced before. They are nearing the biggest battle of their lives, and these action scenes must reflect this. No victory here feels easily earned and many of the fights push us out of the assurance that our heroes will be okay. This is all perfectly captured here, bring a brand new and incredibly effective intensity to every action scene. Yet this movie is not just one big action-packed spectacle. It has some truly emotional moments. I will not give any of these away but some of them are truly heart-wrenching. 

If I have one complaint, it is that the non-conclusive cliff-hanger ending would feel more appropriate in a TV episode than a feature film. However, with how great this movie is up until that point, it is hard to fault this movie too much for that. 

An excellent movie that even non-anime fans, might really like. 

Spinal Tap 2: The End Continues

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

While this may not be the comedic masterpiece that the first film was, it is still often really funny. 

After having been separated for years Britian's loudest rock band gets back together for a reunion tour and once again this tour is documented by filmmaker Marty DiBergi (played by director Rob Reiner). The first movie is a true comedic masterpiece that is still just as funny over 40 years later. This sequel may not reach those heights, but it is wildly entertaining. Not every joke lands (a running gag about a ghost tour and a long fart joke simply don't work) but the gags that are funny are truly hilarious. I laughed out loud many times watching this movie. Like many of the gags from the original these walk the "fine line between clever and stupid." Once again much of the dialogue is improvised by the actors who play the three main members of the band (Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer). They are just as quick and funny here as they were in their younger days providing some truly hilarious moments. The story also does a great job of parodying aging rock stars and current musical climate. It may not feel as fresh in this department as the first, but there is some very clever satire hidden under the dumb jokes. Adding to this film's fun is Valerie Franco as the band's new drummer. While she may not have as many hilarious moments as the main three members, she brings a fun delightful energy to her role that works perfectly here. Cameos by music legends Paul McCartney and Elton John also provide some truly hilarious moments. 

However, this movie can lean too heavily on nostalgia. There are too many jokes that are not really funny themselves but rather are there to remind the audience of some great moments from the first movie. The band even performs some of their old songs in near full without enough of a twist to make them fresh (luckily Stonehenge does have a bit of a twist that makes it a comedic highlight). Still the very few new songs are not as funny or clever as the original songs

Even if it doesn't reach the height of the original, this comedy still contains plenty of really funny moments.   

Movie Review: Lurker

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A dark and twisted but absorbing movie. 

This is a thriller made for this social media age. It holds up a mirror to our current culture and few of us will like what we see. This film shows the artificiality of our social media obsessed world and yet it understands the lure of it as well. It shows how the attention and approval that we can get on social media can be addicting, even if we know it is artificial. The main character in this film gains a taste of this and it is not long until he is consumed by it. It gets to the point where he would do anything (no matter how unethical) to keep it. What makes this film so frightening is even with how dark this character's actions get, we can still see too much of ourselves in him. We all have this desire for approval even approval we know is artificial. With each of this film's dark twists it becomes more uncomfortable to watch. Even if this is not exactly a pleasant viewing experience, it is a compelling one as we remain glued to our seats waiting to see which dark turn it will go down next. This is not hurt by truly great and complex performances from an excellent cast led by Théodore Pellerin and Archie Madekwe. I will not spoil the dark turns this film goes down but many of them are quite unexpected and intelligent. 

This is a horrifying but truly compelling look at the results of a social media obsessed world.  

Mario Kart 64 (1996)

 

There may be a tinge of nostalgia speaking here but this is still my favorite Mario Kart game and my second favorite cart racing game (after Diddy Kong Racing of course). 

As much as I enjoyed Super Mario Kart, this follow up is an improvement in every way. With the N64 being capable of 3-D graphics, the developers took full advantage. These tracks look amazing. While the graphics may have dated, the track designs have not. These designs look larger than life with environments that are extremely memorable and atmospheric. This is enhanced by not having any two tracks that look alike. Each one has their own unique environment and feel as you hop from country roads to big cities to icy slopes to dangerous castles. Not only do these tracks look different from each other but some truly have their own unique challenges. In Yoshi Valley, there are numerous different paths to take and the game does not tell you who is in what spot until the final lap is complete.  Toad's Turnpike has you drive down a busy highway heading in the wrong direction. While you are trying to beat the other racers you are also trying to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. The most diffcult course is Banshee Boardwalk, where the track is very dark and contains lots of places you could fall off. You have to drive carefully while still trying to win the race. All of this creates a cart racing game that always feels fresh no matter how many times you play it. In my opinion none of the future Mario Kart games ever matched this one, when it comes to course design. These are the most creative, fun and memorable courses made for any Mario Kart game.  

The controls (while not as perfect as in later games) are a lot easier to control than in Super Mario Kart. Though they are not perfect, they very rarely get in the way of the player's enjoyment. The musical scores are fantastic and have stayed with me since childhood (I was still in single digits when this game came out). To this day I can not understand anyone who doesn't like the Rainbow Road theme music.

Speaking of childhood memories, I have great memories of playing the multiplay battle mode with my dad. 

This is a masterpiece. 

Classic Short Film: Flip Flops(1923)

Movie Review: The Roses

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An often-hilarious comedy. 

Jay Roach's loose remake of War of the Roses (1989) is a rare comedy remake that is actually funnier than the original. The storyline of two people falling out of love and considering divorce is hardly a comedic premise. However, the filmmakers and the cast are able to deliver many truly great laughs out of it. I was caught by surprise by how much I truly laughed watching this film (for once the previews actually showed the least funny parts). Judging by the audience in the theatre with me, I am not alone in thinking this movie is absolutely hilarious. For most of this film's runtime, it delivered laugh after laugh. These laughs come equally from Tony McNamara's witty and observant script and Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman's great delivery of many of the jokes. Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman truly add a delightfully wry British wit to many of the jokes that is simply delightful. 

As well as being funny, this movie actually makes us care about the characters. We relate to and feel for them as we are often allowed to put ourselves in their shoes. This is enhanced by us being allowed to gradually see the couple fall out of love. We true believe that they are completely in love with each other as the movie starts and the way they grow to resent each other is completely believable. Helping this out to is that the side characters are also quite well written with each of them having distinct personalities. This is especially shown in comparisons between the main couple and another couple they are friends with. This couple is also having quite a bit of trouble and though this is handled with broad comedy, contrasting how these two couples handle their problems actually brings some emotional weight to the story. 

As hilarious and delightful as this film is for most of its runtime, it loses momentum in its final act. At this point the way that the couple gets back at each other goes into over the top and needless cruel territory. This even includes some over the top cartoon like gags that feel at odds with the nature of the story and characters. If we didn't care about these characters so much or if the film set up an atmosphere where we weren't supposed to take anything seriously (something akin a Three Stooges short), these gags might have been quite funny. However, as they are the gags come off as mean spirited and unpleasant. The movie does redeem itself a tiny bit in this last act with a truly hilarious bit of dark comedy at the very end and quite a funny scene involving their kids. 

Despite a weak last act, the rest of this movie is truly hilarious and what more could you want from a comedy. 

Movie Review: Caught Stealing

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A well-made crime thriller. 

This film marks a real departure for director Darren Aronofsky as it is mostly a simply straightforward crime thriller. However, as a straightforward thriller this one is quite good. The main character is likable (and played very well by Austin Butler), the story moves at a fast pace and there are some great twists throughout. This is a rare modern-day thriller when I didn't always know what was going to happen next. What also really helps this movie is its New York setting. New York City is just as much of a character here as any of the characters played by actors. The movie offers a very atmospheric and absorbing look at New York City in the late 1990's, that makes this film feel all the more real to us. This look at New York City is further advanced by a colorful and fun supporting cast. The movie also benefits from some surprisingly effective emotional moments and some good moments of quirky humor. 

What doesn't always work about this movie is its tonal unbalance. The quirky and more comedic moments often feel quite at odds with the more realistic violence (which can often feel gratuitous).   

Despite its flaws, this is a well-made and absorbing movie. 

King Vidor on Filmmaking (1972)

 

King Vidor is unquestionably one of the greatest American filmmakers of all time. His run of films during the late silent era still remains unmatched today (The Big Parade (1925), La Bohème (1926), Bardelys the Magnificent (1926), The Crowd (1928), The Patsy (1928), Show People (1928)). These are movies that still remain as fresh, powerful, moving, funny and entertaining today as they were back then. They also hold their own with any great movie in the years afterwards. This does not mean his talkie work should be dismissed as it includes some real classics as well (The Champ (1931), Our Daily Bread (1934), Stella Dallas (1937), Duel in the Sun (1946), The Fountainhead (1949), Ruby Gentry (1952)). Because of this a book written by him about the filmmaking process is indispensable. 

Though the intended audience for this book is aspiring filmmakers, this book holds just as indispensable to movie buffs who never plan to make their own films. Reading how one of the greatest filmmakers of all time approached filmmaking is endless fascinating for movie lovers. Not only does he discuss all of the technical aspects of filmmaking in great depth, but he offers his own insight into how these aspects should be used. He even lets us know how many classic scenes in his films were shot. He gives his own examples of films where that he feels where made very well and why the technical aspects worked in those movies. This even includes his opinions on "modern" movies (this book was written in the 1970's) and how films have changed over the years. Unlike many filmmakers from his era, he welcomed this new era of filmmaking that was occurring. He even speaks highly of the rise of various arthouse and foreign movies. There are many more highlights here including a chapter where he talks about many of the famous actors and actresses, he worked with over the years. 

However, what truly makes this book special is the way it is written. As technical as this book gets, the writing style is quite casual, accessible and personal. The result is that the book feels like you are talking directly to the great filmmaker. Because of this by the end of the book, you don't only feel like you know more about filmmaking but that you know the writer himself. For fans of King Vidor, this makes this book feel incredibly worthwhile. 

Cowboy Church #233

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing 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.

This is followed by Willie and Bobbie Nelson with When We All Get to Heaven. On this recording Willie sings the classic gospel tune while his sister Bobbie accompanies him on piano. This comes from a 2013 gospel album the two made together called Just As I Am.  

Afterwards is Anne Wilson with Stars. This song will be on her upcoming album, Stars, which will come out on October 17, 2025. 

Next comes Patty Loveless with Two Coats. This recoding comes from her 2001 gospel album, Mountain Soul. 

Then comes The Monroe Brothers with What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul. They recorded this song on February 17th, 1936, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Next comes Johnny Cash with the self-penned He'll Be a Friend. This song is a very important one for us believers, reminding us that there will never come a time when God will not be there with us every step of the way. Whenever we feel that we are alone in this world, we can remember that we never are because God is always there and as Romans 8:28 says "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Despite Johnny writing this song himself, many of the message is one Johnny would have to remind himself of in his darker moments. However, as anyone who knows Johnny Cash's story knows, it is a story of how God will never abandon us and no matter how dark the roads are, he is always there to lead us back to where we need to be. Johnny had done so much wrong, yet God not only redeemed him, but used his story and music to bring many others to Christ. If Johnny can be used by God and truthfully call himself a Christian, then we can too. This song comes from Johnny's 1959 album, Hymns by Johnny Cash. Johnny had wanted to be a gospel singer before he ever made music his career. Yet when he came to Sun Records, he was told gospel wouldn't sell like rock and roll or country music, so at Sun Johnny mostly recorded country and rock songs. However, when he moved to Columbia, he was free to record as much gospel as he wanted. His first album for Columbia (The Fabulous Johnny Cash) would feature a good share of gospel music and his second would be this full gospel album. 

Then comes Jean Shepard with Sunday Christian. This is the closing song on her 1969 gospel album, I'll Fly Away. 

Today's musical selection concludes with 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.

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

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge.

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

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

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed. Proverbs 19:17 

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10

 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11

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 #247

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with Sylvester and Tweety in Trick or Tweet (1959). This short film features Sylvester competing with Sam the cat for Tweety. This is not the first time the two had fought over Tweety. The two fought over Tweety before in two cartoons, Putty Tat Trouble (1951) and Tweet and Sour (1956). The two would later fight over a mouse in Mouse and Garden (1960). Sam's last appearance in a theatrical short film would be Merlin the Magic Mouse (1967), where he would meet up with one of the last Looney Tunes characters created for the theatrical shorts. 

Now for our good friend Dimwit in Daddy's Little Darling (1957).  Dimwit started life as a supporting player in other characters' cartoons, especially those of Heckle and Jeckle. Because of the popularity of Disney's hilarious Goofy cartoons of the 1950's, it was decided to put Dimwit in similar roles and similar films. These could have easily been Goofy cartoons with no story changes at all. This idea would only last for three films. The other two were How to Keep Cool (1953) and How to Relax (1954). 

Now for the Fox and the Crow in Kuku Nuts (1945). 

Next, we join Oswald the Lucky Rabbit in The Hare Mail (1931). Though some of you probably know Oswald best as a Disney character that predated Mickey Mouse, the animated rabbit's career stretched beyond just when Walt Disney discovered he didn't have the rights to the career. Many of the post-Disney Oswald cartoons were produced by another Walt, Walter Lantz, best known for being the producer of the Woody Woodpecker, Chilly Willy and Andy Panda shorts. I have long had a fondness for the Walter Lantz Oswald shorts, for just how odd and surreal they are. In this cartoon, Oswald is voiced by none other than Mickey Rooney. 

Now it is time for a commercial break.

Next comes the Disney cartoon, The Social Lion (1954). This short was directed by one of my favorite cartoon directors, Jack Kinney and features much of the great satire and clever humor that marked the director's best films. This type of satire of 1950's urban America can also be seen in many of the director's Goofy cartoons. With the influence of UPA, at this time, many cartoons were showing a much more stylized and moderna art inspired look. This look can be seen through much of this film, though the main character is more traditionally animated. While the two artistic styles may somewhat clash with each other, I think that this works well for this film. It heightens the contrast between the lion and urban society making the satire even more effective. 

As many of my fellow film buffs know, the Betty Boop cartoons of the early 1930's are truly something special. They were pure cartoons from beginning to end and there is hardly a missed opportunity for any wild and crazy gags. I Heard (1933) is a perfect example of this. There is hardly a second of this movie that is not filled with some wild and crazy gag. The pacing and pure energy of the gag structure in this film is something to behold. So many of these gags are delightfully creative with some of the good old fashioned surreal-ness associated with the Fleischer studios at this time. The music is also excellent. Quite a few of the Fleischer cartoons at this time used great jazz musicians on their soundtracks. This movie features music by Don Redman and His Orchestra. I was not familiar with them before watching this cartoon, but oh my gosh, they are fantastic. Their music is just as energetic and carefree as the rest of the film. The following is an exhibitor's review from The Motion Picture Herald, "I Heard: Betty Boop - A wonderful cartoon. Absolutely one of the best ever made. Plenty of music furnished by Don Redman and His Orchestra and the acting of Betty Boop, Bimbo and Koko all go to make excellent entertainment. Let's have more. Running Time, Eight Minutes. - J.J. Medford, Orpheum Theatre, Oxford, N.C.  General Patronage."

Now for the silent Aesop's Fables cartoon, The Thoroughbred (1923). 

Today's cartoon selection ends with The Simpsons in Gone Fishin' (1988). This was a short 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 your tunes be looney and your melodies merry. 

Resources Used

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRxvLNhYh6A&t=257s

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

 

Classic Short Film: The Shrimp (1930)

All-New Super Friends Hour: Frozen Peril (1977)

 

This is the first segment of the fourteenth 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 and Aquaman team up to stop the evil Sculpin, when he freezes all the world's oceans. 

This is a fun cartoon. Sculpin has a wonderful design and voice that makes him a fun and memorable villain. With his freeze way and other technology, he truly does feel like a real threat to our heroes. This leads to some very fun action scenes, especially one involving a whale helping Aquaman. The cartoon also very much benefits from great background art, which gives it a great sense of atmosphere and fun. The story itself is simplistic and breezy, which creates just the kind of corny superhero fun I love. 

The only real complaint I have is the obvious didactic dialogue at the end but that was par for the course for a TV cartoon at this time.  

Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies (2022)

 

It hasn't been until fairly recently that Marion Davies has been truly appreciated for how great of an actress she actually is. She has been too often dismissed as simply someone who succeeded because she was William Randolph Hearst's mistress and some have compared her to Susan Alexander in Citizen Kane (1941), an assumption that Orson Welles himself dismissed. Yet a look at her filmography one can see that she was incredibly talented and brought a warmth and charm to all her roles. For anyone who is not yet convinced of this I recommend that you read Lara Gabrielle's biography of her. 

This is one of the best movie star biographies of recent years. It is written from a place of love and there is no doubt that Gabrielle is completely enamored with her subject. While she does not paint Marion as perfect, its portrait of her is loving and deeply sympathetic. After reading this book, it is hard not to care about Marion as a person. This book perfectly shows us Marion's big heart, her loyalty, generosity, love of life and love of animals (including becoming very involved in pushing towards animal rights). We see a warm and loving person that we would all love to have as a friend. This book also illustrates how Marion truly loved Hearst and that he meant much more to her than his money and power. While Hearst was an extremely flawed human being (many of the flaws being glaringly obvious as you read the book), it is also obvious that he loved her back and was not just simply cavorting around with a younger woman. 

As well as giving us great insight into the person, this book also gives us a great look at her movies. Garbrielle truly did her research her and even massive film buffs might learn a thing or two about her movies here. The book goes into great depth about each of her major films. While there is little critical insight into many of the movies as a whole, the author does a great job of examining Marion's performances in the film and what made these performances special. The book also gives much information about Marion's work with some truly talented directors (including the great King Vidor) and how she adapted to the change from silents to talkies (not always easy as she had a stuttering problem). 

This is a must read for any fan of Marion Davies, classic Hollywood or well-written books in general. Once I started reading it, I hated whenever I had to put it down.