Movie Books!

Movie, TV, Comic Book Art and Music reference books have been a staple of my library and I frequently resort to them for information and material. My biggest source for acquiring media and entertainment literature before Amazon and the internet came into existence, had always been the fine cinema bookstores in the Hollywood area. Some of them are still in business and whenever possible, I drop by to check out the new releases. Visiting an actual bookstore is a unique experience, much more exciting and rewarding than simply shopping for books online!

Part of my book collection.

My favorite bookstores, apart from Amazon, where I have bought most of my cinema and other media books, are these:

The 2018 SONS OF THE DESERT Convention in Cincinnati gets underway today!

The DUX EPISCOP 49!

Back in the early 60s, when I was about twelve or thirteen years old, I got an opaque materials projector which allowed me to display photos, drawings, and any other printed material by shining a bright light onto the object from above and then send it to the screen. A system of mirrors and imaging lenses was used to focus the projected image.
All technical data aside, the projector allowed me to put together "movie shows" in my room, by closing the shades and setting up a screen. I used to project some of my comic books on the screen, panel by panel, reading the text, doing each character's voices, creating the sound effects and humming the music as I went along. My siblings' patience was tried and tested as they endured these shows. Many years later, after I got married and had a kid, I bought an ELMO Super 8mm sound projector and the movie shows then became REAL movie shows, with Flip the Frog cartoons and Laurel & Hardy shorts being the main presentations.  A far cry from today's movie watching experience where you can enjoy any film in your iPhone, iPad, Laptop or Widescreen HD system.
I recently found that old Dux Episcop Projector, among some discarded items inside old boxes from my late father's belongings. It's still in working order in spite of some missing parts. I don't think I will ever hold a screening again but it's nice to have the quaint device back, if only as a nostalgic piece of memorabilia!

AN OPTIMISTIC MESSAGE!

FOURTH OF JULY - 2018

"I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am." - Francis Bacon

BEGINNING THE MONTH OF JULY JUST RIGHT...

Sean Connery IS James Bond

Back in 1962, the first James Bond film adventure, DR. NO. was released and the world of movie action thrillers has never been the same since. The suave and dashing secret agent was portrayed by a relatively unknown Scottish actor named Sean Connery, whose film credits up until then were rather lusterless, his best-known work being a Walt Disney fantasy titled Darby O'Gill and the Little People.
But master agent James Bond, the gentleman spy with a license to kill, catapulted Connery into worldwide fame and made him one of the movies top rated actors.
Several other performers have stepped into the role with varying degrees of success but for me, not one of them has been able to replicate the charm, toughness, and command of presence that Connery brought to the role.  He made the part his very own and his face, with the raised eyebrow, sardonic smile and the Walter PPK in his hand, became for me the iconic image of James Bond 007.
The excitement of watching his image on the posters, which repeatedly claimed that "Sean Connery IS James Bond", for each following adventures has never been equaled with any of the other JB incarnations.
Listen to the line: "Bond...James Bond", uttered by Connery on his first appearance at the Chemin-de-fer table in Dr. No, and compare it to the same words spoken by any of the other Bonds.

Not quite the same, eh?
Other 007 incarnations may enjoy the benefit of HD technology, better stunts, more thrills, breakneck pacing and an inordinate use of CGIs to enhance the action but to me, admittedly an older generation baby-boomer, Sir Sean Connery will always be the one true, original James Bond, secret agent 007...forever!

WHEN YOU BEGIN TO SUSPECT YOUR CREDIT CARD HAS BEEN CLONED!

COLUMBO!

This week I began to re-visit one of my all-time favorite TV shows: COLUMBO. I'm on the third season already and I am fascinated by the great acting and superb writing. What a treat! Peter Falk was such a likable actor and perfect here in his signature role. The guest list is also quite amazing. Many recognizable faces abound. Really, they don't make 'em like this anymore!

Peter Falk as COLUMBO. Art by Al Hirschfeld.

The series originally ran from 1968 to 2003.

THE JUNE BUG!

May 30th...A Significant Date!

Okay, so May 30th might seem to be just like any other day for everyone, but to me it's significant for two very special reasons: one is because, according to the Catholic Calendar, today is my Name Day, and the other more relevant one, it's Benny Goodman's birthday.
King Fernando III, King of Castile, died on May 30, 1252, and was the son of Rodrigo Diaz, better known as El Cid. He was known as "the Saint" during his lifetime.
Benny Goodman, on the other hand, was no saint but his music was the most swinging this side of heaven. He was born on May 30, 1909 and was known as the "King of Swing".  His career spanned more than 60 years, remaining active until 1986. His records consistently made the best seller lists during the 30s and 40s and his Concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 became legendary.
So, today I remember King Fernando III and the King of Swing, Benny Goodman!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

PLAYING WITH LITTLE KIDS!

The trouble of playing with little kids is that they expect you to match their level of energy!

MOTHER'S DAY - 2018