Video: The Marx Brothers Contract Skit (from A Night at the Opera (1935))

Always Remember

 

June 6th, 1998

Cowboy Church #122

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

Today's musical selection begins with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing, Sweet Hour of Prayer. The words of this hymn are believed to have come from William W. Walford, a blind preacher from Warwickshire, England. It is believed that when fellow minister and friend, Thomas Salmon visited him in 1842, he asked Salmon to write down the words of a poem he had written about prayer. When Salmon was in the United States, three years later, he showed the poem to an editor of The New York Observer. It was then printed in an issue dated September 13, 1845. In 1861, William Bradbury would write the music for this hymn. Bradbury had also written the music for such Hymns as Just as I Am, He Leadeth Me and The Solid Rock. This recording of the hymn was the title track of Roy and Dale's 1957 gospel album. Up next is Johnny Cash with Jesus was a Carpenter. This recording is a live performance of the song, John did at the White House on April 17, 1970 (Richard Nixon was president at this time). It would be released as part of the 2011 Bootleg Vol. III: Live Around The World, two CD set. Though Gene Autry was never as vocal about his faith as Roy Rogers was the church played a major role in his musical life. His grandfather, E.W. Autry had been a Baptist preacher and the first time Gene ever sang in public (at the age of five) was at the Missionary Baptist Church, where his grandfather preached. He wasn't the only member of the family to perform music at that church as his mother also played the organ there. With that in mind my next musical choice is When Mother Played the Organ (And Daddy Sang a Hymn). This song was written by Dick Sanford and George McConnell. The recording comes from an episode of Gene's Melody Ranch Radio Show (dated 8/25/46) and Gene is backed by The Cass County Boys, The Kettle Sisters, Johnny Bond and Carl Cotner's Orchestra. This song features a tiny bit of the hymn Beautiful Isle of Somewhere, which Gene sang in the movie, Colorado Sunset (1939). The Cass County Boys would appear in a number of Gene's movies including Valley of Fire (1951), Indian Territory (1950), Wagon Team (1952), Twilight on the Rio Grande (1947) and Robin Hood of Texas (1947). Next comes Elvis Presley with It is No Secret (What God Can Do). This song was written by cowboy singer and actor Stuart Hamblen. Before turning to God, this man's life could hardly be considered Godly. He often drank and fought and this often landed him in jail. When in 1949 Hamblin went to a Billy Graham crusade, he turned his life over to God. The drinking and fighting were put behind him and his whole life changing. One day he was talking about this change to his good friend John Wayne (yes that John Wayne) and that it was no secret what God had done for him. John Wayne said, that he should write a song with those lyrics. This is followed by The Louvin Brothers with The Christian Life. This recording comes from their 1960 album, Satan is Real. Next is Randy Travis with Blessed Assurance. This recording comes from his 2003 gospel album, Worship and Faith. Afterwards comes The Carter Family with their 1934 recording of Working on a Building. Many who write and discuss Bob Dylan tend to overlook and dismiss what is known as his "Christian Period". This took place from 1979 to 1981. At this time he became a born again Christian and was very vocal about it. His albums at this time were full of nothing but Christian songs and at concerts he left out many of his past hits to make them all about his Christian music. This alienated much of the audience that had once embraced him as the voice of a generation and felt that he was no longer speaking for them. As well as alienated they felt Bob was betraying them. Many still feel this way when looking back at this part of his career and some Dylan fans feel it should just be forgotten. Yet one song from this period that actually receives praise from those who dismiss this period is Every Grain of Sand. While this song is just as overtly Christian as any others from this period, it is simply too beautifully written for anyone who appreciates Bob's song writing to resist. This song truly shows how amazing of a song Bob could right just as much as any of his work from the 1960's and its lyrics always speak to me each time I listen. Today's musical selection ends with The Sons of the Pioneers with their 1937 recording of Lord You Made the Cowboy Happy. Whether you are or are not a cowboy, this song should remind you just how many blessing the Lord has given you each day that you don't even think about.

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. Romans 8:28

 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15

 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

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

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Numbers 23:19

And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:43

 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6

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

                                                                        Resources Used

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-sweet-hour-of-prayer

https://www.christianpost.com/news/the-story-behind-it-is-no-secret-what-god-can-do.html

Liner notes for the CD Gene Autry: Cowboy Hymns and Songs of Inspiration by Holly George-Warren

 

Video: June on TCM

Some Cartoons For Saturday Morning #126

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

Today's cartoon selection starts off with a black and white Porky Pig short, Who's Who in the Zoo (1942). Actually to call this a Porky Pig short is a bit of a stretch. Like many Looney Tunes of this era, Porky plays a minor role that is little more than a glorified cameo. This film also has no real story. It is instead a spot gag cartoon of the type Tex Avery was directing a few years earlier. The gags are really excuses to see how many corny puns writer Melvin "Tubby" Miller can fit in. While not every joke works the ones that do are really darn funny. This movie was directed by Norm McCabe and is quite possibly the first time he directed a full cartoon. While Norm McCabe may not be as talked about by cartoon fans as other Warner Brothers directors, he was a solid director who made a lot of really good cartoons. He would return to the Looney Tunes universe well after the golden age as a timing director on such TV shows as Tiny Tunes Adventures, Taz-Mania and The Sylvester and Tweety Mysteries. The following an exhibitor review from the Motion Picture Herald, "WHO'S WHO IN THE ZOO: Looney Tunes Cartoons—If another cartoon is produced trying to create funny expressions by various animals, we certainly will not use it. This had only one laugh and that seemed strained. - Horn and Morgan Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small Town Patronage."

Up next is an especially good Pink Panther cartoon, The Hand is Pinker Than the Eye (1967). This short was directed Hawley Pratt, who had been Friz Freleng's (producer of the Pink Panther shorts) layout artist when he was a director at Warner Brothers. 

Before they brought us Mighty Mouse and Heckle and Jeckle, the Terry-Toons studio brought us a cast of characters that are pretty much forgotten today. One of these characters is Kiko the Kangroo. Kiko was a mostly pantomime character, who really didn't have much in the way of personality. Yet his cartoons are still quite charming and fun. Some advertisements at the time, advertised Terry-Toons with Kiko featured very prominently, perhaps hoping for him to become the studios big name cartoon character. This morning's cartoon selection continues with his first starring cartoon, Kiko and the Honey Bears (1936), though Kiko made his first appearance earlier the same year with the Farmer Alfalfa cartoon, Farmer Alfalfa's Surprise Package (1936). The following is a review from The Film Daily. "Introducing the new cartoon character, Kiko the Kangaroo. He proves to be a very amusing, lovable and diverting character and will no doubt please the kids to no end. He has plenty of snap in his movements, making tremendous leaps across the screen. In this one he hires out as a nurse to three little bears, and saves them from a hunter who comes upon them in the forest with his three hounds. Kiko looks like a real contribution to the cartoon division for the funny gent has plenty of personality." 

Motion Picture Herald, 1936

Ferdinand the Bull (1938) began production as a Silly Symphony short but in the end the Disney studio released it as a Special. Unlike many Disney cartoons of the time which were either original stories or based off stories that dated quite a ways back, this film was based off a contemporary story. The book had been published in 1936 and though there was controversy for its pacifist themes, it became a real best seller, even outselling Gone With the Wind. Walt bought the rights to the book in October, 1937. Albert Hay Malotte, who wrote the score for this movie, would co-write a song called Fernand the Bull with Larry Morey. Though this song does not appear in the film it was used to promote the cartoon. The matador seen in this cartoon is a caricature of Walt Disney himself. The scene in which the matador enters was animated by Ward Kimball, who included himself as the little man carrying the sword. Animation for this cartoon would be reused by Disney in a wartime training film, Stop the Tank (1942), the Goofy cartoon, For Whom the Bulls Toil (1953) and the feature length, Fun and Fancy Free (1947). The following is an article in Boxoffice Magazine (Dated January 7th, 1939). "Sioux Falls, S.D. Manager Joe Floyd of the Granada covered nearly all the angles for the RKO-Disney short, 'Ferdinand the Bull' the subject rated a holdover. A 14 foot cutout of Ferdinand, was used in the lobby illuminated by two Klieg lights. Another large cutout was anchored a sound truck which blasted announcements and played the show's records. Four illuminated billboards were used with two thirds of the space given over to the Disney picture. Window displays were especially made by Floyd and there were 12 in select locations. A feature of the advertising was a teaser campaign: newspaper space was in editorial columns were large throughout the run. There were extra announcements on the radio and records of 'Ferdinand the Bull' were broadcast several times through station KELO, which reaches about 150,000 persons." 

Motion Picture Daily, 1939

Next is a highly enjoyable post golden age Looney Tunes short, Box Office Bunny (1990). 

Though many today only know Felix the Cat from his 1958-1960 TV show, the famous feline started his career in silent movies. In Felix in Hollywood (1923), Felix meets his fellow silent movie star including Charlie Chaplin, who Otto Messmer and Pat Sullivan (two of the main contributors to Felix's silent cartoons) made a cartoon series starring. Felix was the most popular cartoon star of the silent era and watching a film like this it is beyond easy to see why. This cartoon received spot #50 in Jerry Beck's book, The 50 Greatest Cartoons. 

Today's cartoon selection ends with a real treat, some bumpers from The Yogi Bear Show.

Resources Used

https://likelylooneymostlymerrie.blogspot.com/2014/10/357-whos-who-in-zoo-1942.html

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

Silly Symphonies: A Companion Guide to the Classic Cartoon Series by Russell Merritt and J.B. Kaufman

The 50 Greatest Cartoons Edited by Jerry Beck

Seeing "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981) on the Big Screen

 

One thing I love that theaters have done since reopening is that they have taken more time to show movies from the past that many have not seen on the big screen but still love. While this is probably done either to get more people back to the theaters or to account for the fact that there aren't as many new movies out right now as there usually are around this time. Regardless of the reasons, it is so much fun to visit these movies that have earned their way into our hearts and become a part of our lives on the way they were meant to be seen. This afternoon I saw the debut of Indiana Jones, Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) on the big screen and what a pure joy that was 

This movie achieved near perfection for action movie filmmaking and has justifiably became the bar that so many action filmmakers try to reach. Watching the opening scenes on a big screen make it so clear why this is. No matter how many movies have tried to copy what these opening scenes did, very few can give you the pure excitement and fun as that Raiders does. To see this on the big screen has made something I have loved for so long on the small screen feel completely fresh and new. 

I was also very happy to see that the audience was mostly made up of parent and their kids, as you can see a great movie being passed from generation to generation the way it is supposed to be. While this is a brief post, I just wanted to quickly thank AMC for these great opportunities they have been providing and share some love for a great movie that I love.   

Movie Review: Spirit Untamed

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C+

While nowhere near as good as the first Spirit movie, this film is still quite charming and fun.

What makes this movie work is that it is pure wish fulfillment for both kids and horse lovers. I know that have often dreamed about simply taking off a horse for a huge adventure into dangerous place, yet unknown to me. Taming a wild horse and having him love me like one of his own herd (something that will be amplified for kids with the grown-ups not being able to do the same), just increases the wish fulfillment as does proving everyone who doesn't believe in you wrong. While this wish fulfillment will definitely speak to kids, it will also speak to those of us who remember what it was like to be a kid and the fantasies we had. This film is also is helped by a very likable and relatable lead character. While this movie is less than an hour and a half and is not slow moving by any means, it still gives us the time and all we need to connect with this character and see ourselves in her boots. Also while I do miss the beautiful hand drawn animation of the first Spirit movie, the horse animation is pretty darn good here. It may be exaggerated for cartoon-like effect but there is no doubt the animators studied and learned how horses interact with humans and there are some nice little acting touches that horse lovers (like myself) will notice. It is also nice to see such an pretentious movie tell a simple story simple. In a time with so many "big" movies, it is nice and charming to see a small one sometimes.

This movie certainly does have its share of faults though. Though our main character is very easy for us to relate to, much of the supporting characters are rather bland and one note. This is especially true of the villains, who are not only boring but never even as threatening as they should be. While this movie is full of jokes most of them fall flat and the very few that work raise only a smile. This film also has a story that is very familiar at times and it is hard not see where it is going at any time. 

This is definitely rather minor compared to the best of DreamWorks' animated out put, but there is a sweet and simple charm that works despite the faults.