Cowboy Church #237

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Thank You God. This lovely recording comes from a 1956 Little Golden Record (Let There Be Peace was the B-side).

This is followed by Roy Acuff and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with I Saw the Light. This combination was far from a natural one. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band consisted of some long-haired hippie boys and their sound combined traditional country music with a more modern rock style. Roy Acuff was not only a great country music traditionalist, but also a very conservative man who was about as far from a hippie as you can get. This track comes from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's 1972 album, Will the Circle Be Unbroken. That album consisted of the group doing many of the great country classics with some of the greatest names in country music. Roy Acuff was originally not sure he wanted to record with these hippie boys for this album, but luckily changed his mind. The result was this wonderful version of a Hank Williams classic that not only stood as one of the highlights of the album, but one of the truly great recordings of country gospel music. 

Then comes The Heavenly Gospel Singers with their 1936 recording of Moving Up That King's Highway.

Afterwards is Gene Autry with his 1956 recording of There's No Back Door to Heaven. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." While some may try to get into Heaven in different ways, no way but Jesus Christ can get someone there. Though this may sound exclusive, it is in fact very inclusive. Because with Jesus being the only way there is no one in this world, who is incapable of getting to Heaven because Jesus is willing to save anyone who is willing to come to him. 

Next is The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1948 recording of The Old Rugged Cross. This hymn 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.

Then comes Carrie Underwood with Blessed Assurance.  This hymn came about when songwriter Fanny Crosby visited composer Phoebe Palmer Knapp. Knapp played a tune for Crosby and asked what came to her mind with that tune. Crosby said, "Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!" She then immediately followed it with more lyrics that would be in the finished song. The song was published in 1873 and first appeared in a monthly magazine for which the editors were Joseph Fairchild Knapp and Phoebe Palmer Knapp (who were husband and wife). When it later appeared in 1887's Gospel Songs, No. 5 by Ira Sankey, this we lead it to greater fame as it would be commonly sung in the revivals of Dwight L. Moody and Sankey. By 1889, the hymn commonly appeared in Methodist hymnals. This version of the hymn comes Carrie's 2021 gospel album, My Savior. 

Afterwards is Johnny Cash with You'll Get Yours and I'll Get Mine. This recording comes from John's 1979 double length gospel album, A Believer Sings the Truth. Columbia Records did not have much faith in how a double length gospel album would sell and did not want to release this album. However, John (with Columbia's blessing) would release the album under his own Cachet label. In 1982 Columbia would reissue the album on the Columbia label. In 1984 Columbia would release a much shorter version of the album as I Believe. 

Today's musical selection ends with George Jones with Homecoming in Heaven. This is the title track of George's 1962 gospel album. This was the first of George's gospel albums. 

Now for a message from S.M. Lockridge. 

Up next is a 1941 interview with a man who was born in 1843 and worked as a photographer. Here he talks about the old west. 

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

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is! Proverbs 15:23

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17


Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

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 

Thank you 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 a delightful short film starring Mickey Mouse, Musical Farmer (1932). This was the next to last film Mickey made for Columbia Pictures before his shorts would be distributed by United Artists. The latter part of this cartoon with the henhouse being treated as an assembly line recalls an earlier Disney film, the Alice Comedy, Alice's Egg Plant (1925). This idea though would be best used not in a Disney short but in a Warner Brothers cartoon, Swooner Crooner (1944). 

Next comes a later day Terry Toons cartoon, A Bum Steer (1957). This film came out after Paul Terry had sold Terry Toons to CBS. CBS as well as having the rights to the cartoons also retained the entire Terrytoons staff. As well as airing the old films on TV, CBS was intrested in keeping the theatrical cartoons from the studio going and did so with Gene Deitch as the new artistic supervisor. Gene Deitch had worked with UPA, a studio that specialized in flatter more artistic stylized design work and this look can be seen in almost every Terry Toon made during this period. Cartoon fans today know Gene Deitch best for some truly underwhelming Tom and Jerry shorts in the 1960's. This is not fair though as this was just a small part of his career and elsewhere he made some great films. This short was directed by Mannie Davis, who had been directing Terry Toons shorts since the 1930's. 

Next comes an excellent Daffy Duck cartoon, A Coy Decoy (1941). This film was part of a series of Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies in the 1930's and 1940's that featured books coming to life at night. The first of these was I Like Mountain Music (1933) and the last was Book Revue (1946, also starring Daffy Duck). This cartoon features the early Daffy Duck meaning he is not yet the greedy and attention seeking duck he would be later. He is just simply crazy which works perfectly with this crazy short. As much as I love the later Daffy, I have a special fondness for this early crazy duck. A review in The Motion Picture Daily states, "The net result is moderate amusement." The following is an exhibitor's review from The Motion Picture Herald, "COY DECOY, A: Looney Tunes Cartoons—A dandy black and white cartoon.—C. L. Niles, Niles Theatre, Anamosa, Iowa, General Patronage."

Now for a classic silent film from the Out of the Inkwell series, Fishing (1921). 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now for a classic short film starring the Tijuana Toads, Hop And Chop (1970). This cartoon introduced the character of the Japanese beetle, who would later appear in the Blue Racer shorts for the same studio. 

Now for Andy Panda in The Wacky Weed (1946). 

Up next is a cartoon with a clever take on the story of the tortoise and the hare, Winner by a Hare (1953). 

Today's cartoon selection ends with a classic Silly Symphonies short, Who Killed Cock Robbin? (1935). This film shows cartoon birds at the mercy of an unjust legal system. Satire, dark humor, celebrity caricatures and slapstick abound. The most significant of the celebrity caricatures is Jenny Wren, a caricature of Mae West. Most of her animation here is handled fantastically by Ham Luske and her voice comes from Martha Wentworth who does a really good impression. This character would later appear in the Silly Symphony Toby Tortoise Returns (1936). Two of Walt's future Nine Old Men animate on this film, Eric Larson and Clyde Geronimi. Eric animates the scene where Cock Robbin falls and the cops rushing in. Clyde animates the scenes involving the blackbirds and the cops, Legs Sparrow with the cops and then going into the witness box, and the cops' raiding the area. For the year of 1935 the National Board of Review named this as one of the Ten Best American Films (not just cartoons but films as a whole). According to JB Kaufman and Russell Merrit's excellent book, Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies: A Companion to the Classic Cartoon Series, the idea for making this film had been around the Disney studio as early as October 1933, but work truly began in March, 1934. Wilfred Jackson was originally going to be the cartoon's director, but he was replaced with Ben Sharpsteen, who was replaced with Dave Hand, who actually directed the cartoon. Dave Hand would later be the supervising director for the Disney feature films, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Bambi (1942). My fellow Alfred Hitchcock fans will recognize that a clip from this cartoon was later used in Hitch's classic movie, Sabotage (1936).

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another selection of 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

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

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Brothers Cartoons by Jerry Beck and Will Friedwald 

https://mediahistoryproject.org/

 

Movie Review: Jules

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A really strange but also very heartfelt movie.

This film may have an incredibly weird sense of humor and be about an alien landing in someone's backyard, but what really makes it stand out is just how sweet and goodhearted it is. Underneath everything this is a movie about growing older and feeling that you no longer have a place in this world. To juxtapose this with an alien being on a strange planet, only further makes this point stand out. It is easy to relate to and feel for each of our main characters because this movie does such a good job of making us feel all that they are going through. Not that this is hurt by truly great performances from Ben Kingsley, Harriet Sansom Harris and Jane Curtin hurt at all. All three of them put out an effortless charm that makes us immediately care about these characters. For all of our main human characters, they find comfort in this strange alien and though he doesn't talk, he makes each of them feel much less alone in the world and gives each of them a little more strength to push through. Though this may sound corny and cliché in the context of the film it works very well and it is hard to leave this movie without simply feeling at least a little bit better about whatever is happening in your life. As well as being a touching story with a great message this movie is also very funny. I did not except to laugh out loud watching this but I definitely did and quite often. This was truly of not only me but everyone else in the theater with me. 

This film does have some problems though. There are subplots brought up that are not given the time to be fully fleshed out and their resolutions can feel quite underwhelming. Also there is some darker humor here, that while funny, feels out of place with the rest of this mostly goodhearted movie. 

This is simply a very delightful movie. 

Movie Review: Shortcomings

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

A very funny and intelligent romantic comedy. 

This film marks the feature length directorial debut (though he has directed some TV episodes) of actor and comedian Randall Park (Marvel fans might know him as Jimmy Woo in the Ant-Man movies and Wanda Vision). Even this early in his directorial career he proves himself to be a very mature filmmaker with a lot to say. He and writer Adrian Tomine (who also wrote the 2007 graphic novel on which this film was based) take what could have been a traditional romantic comedy and turn it into something much more powerful and insightful. Early in the film, the main character after attending a movie premiere of a film he hated stated that one of the problems with the movie he just watched was that the protagonists had no real flaws. This can certainly not be said of Shortcomings. In fact the flaws of the main characters are what this movie is all about. Our main protagonist is a pretentious want to be filmmaker who runs a small art house cinema and looks down his nose at anything currently mainstream (in one scene he talks about a co-worker saying that it is sad that all the movies he likes are on Disney+). Not only can he be a pretentious snob but most of his actions are completely selfish and this is especially true when it comes to his friendships and romantic relationships. While these major character flaws would be a death sentence to most romantic comedy films, they are what make this one special. This film is just as much a character study as a romantic comedy. Because of this while we may not like his actions, we can't help but see ourselves in him. We all have acted like this at times and we all have felt like him. Therefore it is hard not to feel somewhat of a connection to him. Also this movie is about him coming to terms with his faults and realizing that even though he is in his thirties, he is far from a mature adult. This is also something we can all relate to, because no matter what age we are we all have at least a little growing up to do. Because of this, we have a strong emotional connection to this far from traditionally likable character and go through each of the experiences with him. Also helping out is how touching his deep friendship is with his best friend. Even when these characters are fighting and angry at each other, you can tell how much they care about each other and this adds a lot of warmth to the movie in a seemingly effortless way. It doesn't hurt that Justin H. Min and Sherry Cola have simply wonderful chemistry together. 

It of course also doesn't hurt that this movie is laugh out loud hilarious. I expected to enjoy this film, but I did not expect to laugh the way I did. There are so many truly hilarious moments in this movie. Film buffs will especially love the conversations between the employees at the movie theater over various movies, as they are truly hilarious and all us movie people have heard conversations like these. Sherry Cola is truly hilarious in nearly every comedic moment she is given, showing us just how much of a comedic talent she is. However the bizarre comedic highlight is the act, one of our main character's co-workers at the movie theater puts on at a club. The act is so bizarre and simply a perfect parody of anything that tries to be experimental and artsy and fails miserably at being such. What makes the scene work so well is that as over the top and insane as it is, the parody is spot on for anyone who has ever seen this kind of art. 

Also simply how can I not love a romantic comedy that features clips from Yasujirō Ozu and François Truffaut films. 

This is simply a wonderful movie. 

Video Link: A Tribute to NATALIE WOOD

Cowboy Church #236

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans with Sweet Hour of Prayer.  This hymn was written by William Walford. Walford was a wood craver who had little to no formal education. However what he did have was a very close relationship with God. Those who knew him said that he knew the bible by heart and this man was even asked to share sermons at his church. One day around 1845 Pastor Thomas Salmon visited William Walford. Walford asked Salmon to write down a poem he had in his head. Salmon was so amazed by this poem that he right away sought to get it published. After Walford's death, William Bradbury wrote music for this poem and the hymn as we know it first appeared in the 1859 hymnal, Church Melodies. Bradbury had also composed music for such hymns as Just as I Am and He Leadeth Me. 

This is followed by Carrie Underwood with Because He Lives.  Though this song in many was feels like an old hymn it is actually much more recent than you might think. The song was written by Gloria and William J. Gaither and won an award for being the Gospel Song of the Year for 1974. In an interview the couple stated how this song came to be, “‘Because he lives’ was written in the midst of social upheaval, threats of war, and betrayals of national and personal trust. It was into this world at such a time that we were bringing our third little baby. Assassinations, drug traffic, and war monopolized the headlines. It was in the midst of this kind of uncertainty that the assurance of the Lordship of the risen Christ blew across our troubled minds like a cooling breeze in the parched desert. Holding our tiny son in our arms we were able to write: How sweet to hold our newborn baby, And feel the pride, and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance, this child can face uncertain day because He lives.’”

Afterwards is The Chuck Wagon Gang with their 1941 recording of O Rock of Ages, Hide Thou Me.

Next is Leroy Van Dyke with Just as I Am. Despite being written in 1835, this song is known by many today, because of it being used often in Billy Graham's Crusades. Nearly 100 years later in 1934, Billy will dedicate his life to the Lord at one of Mordecai Ham's revival meetings and this song was played during the alter call. With this it should come as no surprise that it was a favorite of the great evangelist and that he would use it in his own alter calls.  

Then comes Marty Stuart (with his mom Hilda Stuart) with the old Carter Family song, The Old Gospel Ship. It is important to remember that this life is not the end and as Christians, we should all know that one day we will take a trip on that old gospel ship. 

Next is Johnny Cash with I'm Gonna Try to Be That Way. While this song's message may seem simple, it is one we should all try to live. When we read or hear about what Jesus did during his time on this Earth, our reaction should be to try to do as close to what he did as we possibly can. 

Now for Charley Pride with Wings of a Dove.  This song was written by Bob Ferguson in 1958. However, most music fans would first hear the song when Ferlin Husky recorded it in 1960. That version of the song was a major hit staying number one on the country charts for 10 weeks straight. Naturally after this many more country singers (as well as some singers from other genres) would record this song, including Charley here. This version of the song comes from Charley's 1968 album, Make Mine Country. 

Then comes Bob Dylan with Do Right to Me Baby (Do Unto Others). This song comes from Bob's 1979 album, Slow Train Coming. This was his first album of Christian songs after having converted to Christianity. 

Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms. 

Now for Billy Graham giving a message on Johnny Cash's TV show.

Now for a 1938 episode of The Lone Ranger radio show. 

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4

Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them. Psalms 126:2

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24 

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord. Proverbs 16:20

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. Luke 6:45

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 2:12

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:35

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16

Thanks very much 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 #237

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

Today's cartoon selection begins with the Mickey Mouse short The Beach Party (1931). This short film features a wonderful scene in which Pluto tangles with a crab. This scene was animated by Norm Ferguson, who really helped define this character through his animation of the dog through various films. This scene is an early example of just what Ferguson could do with this character. He is not just a series of moving drawings here but a living breathing and thinking character. The ending of this cartoon was originally going to be quite different with the octopus rounding up a bunch of octopi to scare away the picnickers. Clips from a colorized version of this film appeared in the Disney Sing Along Songs video, Under the Sea (1990). 

Now it is time to hop aboard the Magoo Express (1955).

Next comes a classic Frank Tashlin directed Porky Pig cartoon, Porky's Railroad (1937). This is one of the many cartoons of this time that used the formula of Porky being placed in a different job. In fact, earlier the same year Tashlin had directed a very similar Porky Pig cartoon, called Porky's Building (1937). That film like this one featured Porky up against a rival for his job. This cartoon opens up using of Tashlin's favorite types of gags that of words appearing on the screen to introduce the action. Often times he would do this in the form of a "disclaimer", but here he simply introduces the two trains. Also notice the ship that Porky picks up is the SS Leon named after the cartoon's producer Leon Schlesinger.

Now to join our old friends Gandy Goose and Sourpuss in Scrap for Victory (1943). Like many World War 2 era cartoons featuring these characters, this film features the two cartoon characters fighting overseas. Though this is a comedic cartoon it is also one with a patriotic message about the importance of helping the war effort, even for those on the home front. Despite being a Gandy Goose cartoon, him and Sourpuss receive not much screen time in this film as most of it is focused on the home front with various cartoon animals helping the war effort from home. 

Now it is time for a commercial break. 

Now for a classic silent short film starring Mutt and Jeff, Bombs and Bums (1926).

Next is a short film starring the Tijuana Toads, Flight to the Finish (1972). This short film would also feature Crazylegs Crane before he got his own series of cartoon shorts in 1978. This is the only cartoon where Crazylegs Crane was voiced by Bob Holt. Larry D Mann voiced him in most cartoons. This marked the 17th and last Tijuana Toads theatrical cartoon. 

Now we join Andy Panda in Scrappy Birthday (1949). This short film marked the last of the Andy Panda cartoons made for theaters. This also marked the only time Andy's girlfriend, Miranda Panda appeared in an Andy Panda film, though she did appear alongside Andy in the comic books. What Andy can see in her, I'll never know. 

Now let us close with a song we all know. 

Resources Used

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

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

Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies: A Complete Illustrated Guide to the Warner Brothers Cartoons by Jerry Beck and Will Friedwald