To Me, It Smells Of Trying To Keep Their BCS AQ Status

TCU's move to the Big East Conference (as of 2012) became official on Monday.

Niners Top Sagging Cardinals To Escape Division Cellar---And Move Back Into Race

At Glendale, Arizona:

Brian Westbrook had his first 100-yard rushing game in two years Monday night----running for 136 yards and a touchdown as the San Francisco 49ers (4-7) picked up their first road win of the season (their Halloween contest in London against Denver was designated a Niners home game) 27-6 over the sagging Arizona Cardinals (3-8) , who have now lost six straight games.  With their fourth win in six contests, San Francisco now moved to within one game of first place in the NFC's Western Division.

UPDATE:  Frank Gore suffered a fractured hip in the game and is done for the season. 

Leslie Nielsen, R. I. P.

Leslie Nielsen, the Canadian-born actor who at middle-age, tossed aside three decades of credibility in dramatic and romantic roles to make a new, far more successful as a comic actor in "Airplane," and the series of "Naked Gun" movies, passed away on Sunday at a hospital near his Fort Lauderdale, Florida home, where he was being treat for pneumonia at the age of 84.

ALOUETTES BEAT ROUGHRIDERS AGAIN TO REPEAT AS GREY CUP CHAMPIONS

At Edmonton, Alberta:

Avon Cobourne ran for two touchdowns on Sunday as the Montreal Alouettes defeated the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Grey Cup Final for the second straight year, this time 21-18 to win the Canadian Football League championship.  The Alouettes became the first team since the 1996-97 Toronto Argonauts to win back-to-back Grey Cup titles.  Als wide receiver Jamal Richardson, who caught eight passes for 109 yards, was named the game's Most Valuable Player. 

Ducks And Auburn Swap BCS Spots; Oregon Remains Atop Coaches And Media Polls

In the latest Bowl Championship Series rankings released on Sunday, Auburn and Oregon exchanged spots in the new rankings with the Tigers now ranked #1 and the Ducks, who still top the AP and USA Today/Coaches polls,  #2.

TCU, Stanford, and Wisconsin rounded up the top five in the BCS standings.   

Cardinal Demolish Punchless Beavers

At Stanford, California:

Quarterback Andrew Luck threw four touchdown passes to set a new single-season school record as Stanford (11-1, 8-1 in Pac-10 Conference play), ranked #6 in the BCS standings (#7 in the AP poll and #8 in the USA/Today Coaches poll) demolished visiting Oregon State (5-6, 4-4) 38-0 on Saturday night.  The Cardinal are zeroing in on a possible BCS bowl while the Beavers must defeat top-ranked Oregon, who will be playing for a berth in the BCS National Championship game, next Saturday at home in the annual Civil War to become bowl-eligible.

 

Time For A Movie

From 1947, here's Stuart Erwin starring in "Heading For Heaven."  In this one, our star is convinced that he will die soon so crooks  can buy his property.  With Glenda Farrell, Russ Vincent, Irene Ryan (the future Granny from The Beverly Hillbillies), Milburn Stone (destined to play Doc on the television series Gunsmoke), and George O'Hanlon (at the time playing Joe McDoakes in a series of Warner Brothers short subjects and who in later years would be the voice of George Jetson).  With screenplay by Lewis D. Collins and Oscar Mugge , based on a play by Charles Webb and Daniel Brown, and with Jack Schwarz as executive producer, this motion picture, an Ace Pictures production released by Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC) was produced by George Moskov and directed by Lewis D. Collins.


Enjoy!

 

   

UFL: Locomotives Repeat

At Omaha, Nebraska:

In a rematch of last year's inaugural title game, the Las Vegas Locomotives repeated as United Football League champions with a 23-20 win over the Florida Tuskers on Saturday.  Hakim Hill ran 37 yards for a Las Vegas touchdown in the game.  

The game, played in front of 15,310 spectators, was the final event held at 62 year-old Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium, which for decades, hosted college baseball's World Series. 

Ducks Turn On Afterburners To Top Wildcats And Lock Up Pac-10 Title

At Eugene, Oregon:

Quarterback Darron Thomas threw for 148 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another while running back LaMichael James ran for 126 yards and two scores as the top ranked (BCS, AP, USA Today/Coaches) Oregon Ducks (11-0, 8-0 in Pac-10 Conference play) recovered from a 19-14 halftime deficit Friday night to overcome and overpower the #21 rated (BCS) Arizona Wildcats (7-4, 4-4) 48-29 to assure themselves of a second straight Pacific Ten Conference title and a berth in a BCS bowl, while staying on track for an appearance in January's BCS National Championship Game. 

More Thrills And Chills With Dick And His Friends----And Enemies

And now, boys and girls, we bring you "Harbor Pursuit," the eleventh chapter of our 1937 Republic Pictures Dick Tracy chapter play.  Of course, Ralph Byrd stars in the title role of Chester Gould's legendary comic strip character.  Produced by Nat Levine and directed by Ray Taylor and Alan James, with screenplay by Barry Shipman and Winston Miller, and story by Morgan Cox and George Morgan (NOT the country music singer).

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

We sincerely hope that you and yours are having a joyous Thanksgiving Day holiday!

Over In The Great Northland...

The Old Gunslinger stands.

Grey Cup Playoffs: Als and Riders In Cup Final Rematch

The semifinal---or divisional final---round of the Canadian Footbal League's Grey Cup playoffs took place with two games on Sunday.

At Montreal:

Avon Cobourne carried the ball 17 times for 163 yards and a touchdown and picked up 53 receiving yards as the Montreal Alouettes throttled the visiting Toronto Argonauts 48-17 in the Eastern Division Final.

At Calgary, Alberta:

The Saskatchewan Roughriders knocked off the hosts Calgary Stampeders 20-16 to win the Western Division Final.  Chris Getzlaf, Cary Koch, and Wes Cates all scored touchdowns for the Riders.

The Alouettes and Roughriders will have a rematch for the Grey Cup title next Sunday at Edmonton, Alberta.  In last year's title game, played at Calgary, with Saskatchewan leading 27-25, Montreal kicker Damon Duval missed a 43-yard field goal attempt with no time remaining.  However, the Riders were penalized 10 yards for having too many men (13) on the field, enabling the same Damon Duval to kick the game-winning field goal for the Alouettes from 33 yards out. 

No Change: Ducks Still Top BCS Standings

The Oregon Ducks remained on top of the Bowl Championship Series rankings as of Sunday, with Auburn, TCU, Boise State, and Louisiana State still rounding out the top five.

The Ducks continued to top both the Associated Press (media) and USA Today/Coaches' Polls.  Oregon State, after their surprise beatdown of USC, did get a vote in the AP Poll.  They would be tied for 36th place.

Bucs Hand Punchless Niners First Home Shutout Defeat Since '77

At San Francisco:

Josh Freeman threw for 136 yards and two touchdowns as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) manhandled the San Francisco 49ers (3-7) 21-0 on Sunday, marking the first time the Niners were blanked at home since October 7, 1977, when the Atlanta Falcons won 7-0.

Beavs Bash Trojans To Keep Bowl Chances Alive

At Corvallis, Oregon:

Ryan Katz threw for 154 yards and two touchdowns while Jacquizz Rodgers ran for 128 yards and other score as the Oregon State Beavers (5-5, 4-3 in Pac-10 Conference play) crushed visiting---and #20-ranked (AP) Southern California (7-4, 4-4) 36-7 on Saturday night to remain alive in their fight for bowl eligibility. 

Pat Burns, R. I. P.

Pat Burns, a three-time National Hockey League Coach of the Year (1989 with Montreal, 1993 with Toronto, and 1998 with Boston) who piloted the New Jersey Devils to the 2003 Stanley Cup championship, passed away on Friday at a hospice in Sherbrooke, Quebec at age 58.

He had inoperable lung cancer, for which he had refused treatment after having previously battled colon and liver cancer. 

Time For A Screen Song Cartoon!

From 1929, here's a Max Fleischer Screen Song cartoon, "Yes! We Have No Bananas."  Originally released theatrically by Paramount Pictures, this cartoon was directed by Max's brother, Dave Fleischer.

How To Slow Down The Ducks' Offense

Did, in spite of the fact they lost a tough one on Saturday against Oregon, the California Golden Bears unlock a "solution" to slowing down the Ducks' high-octane offense?

Here's How To Make Your Own Monsters

Here's another PRC flick, this one from 1944 entitled "The Monster Maker."  In this one, a mad scientist injects his enemies with acromegaly virus, which cause them to become hideously deformed.  This picute, starring J. Carroll Naish and Ralph Morgan, with Tala Birell and Wanda McKay, and with original story by Lawrence Williams and screenplay by Pierre Gendron and Martin Mooney, was produced by Sigmund Neufeld and directed by Sam Newfield.

More PRC

Here's another one from Producers Releasing Corporation, "The Panther's Claw."  with Sidney Blackmer as Thatcher Colt and Ricki Vallin as Anthony Abbot, plus Byron Foulger and Herbert Rawlinson.  With George R. Batcheller in charge of production, original story by Anthony Abbot and screenplay by Martin Mooney, this 1942 film was produced by Lester Cutler and directed by William Beaudine.

Time For A Poverty Row Classic

From PRC Pictures (Producers Releasing Corporation) in 1945, here is the Poverty Row classic "Detour," starring Tom Neal and Ann Savage, with Claudia Drake, Edmund MacDonald, Tim Ryan, Esther Howard, and Pat Gleason.  With screenplay and original story by Martin Goldsmith, this picutre was produced by Leon Fromkess and directed by Edgar G. Ulmer.

Enjoy!

More Danger Ahead For Dick!

Time for "The Gold Ship," Chapter 10 of our 1937 Dick Tracy serial from Republic Pictures, starring Ralph Byrd in the title role.

Time For Wartime Propaganda

From RKO-Pathe in 1943, here's a short subject titled "Conquer By The Clock." In this one, American employees are encouraged to make the best possible use of their time in a war where industrial production and combat are synchronized on an international level. This film was produced by Frederic Ullman, Jr., written by Phil Reisman, Jr., and directed by Slavko Vorkapich.

Time For Some HOT Jazz!

Well, for 1927, anyway.  Here are Jean Goldkette and his orchestra with "I'm Looking Over A) Four-Leaf Clover," with the vocal by the one and only Billy Murray.

Time For Some Laughs

From 1930, here's W. C. Fields in an early short film, "The Golf Specialist."  This film, from RKO Radio Pictures, was produced by Louis Brock and directed by Monte Brice. 

Don't You Dare Bring Lulu---------OR ELSE!

From 1925, Here's Billy Murray with "Don't Bring Lulu."

Grey Cup Playoffs: Argos and Riders Advance To Division Finals

Two Sunday contests marked the opening round of the Canadian Football League's Grey Cup playoffs. 

At Hamilton, Ontario:

The Toronto Argonauts forced five turnovers as they defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 16-13 on the road in the Eastern Division semifinal game.  The Argos will pay a visit on the Montreal Argonauts ( a team they defeated twice this season) next weekend in the Eastern Division final.

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

Jason Clermont caught a 24-yard touchdown pass in overtime as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the visiting British Columbia Lions 41-38 to reach the Western Division final, to be played next weekend on the road against the Calgary Stampeders.

Ducks Still Top BCS Rankings (And Media and Coaches Polls)

The Oregon Ducks, following their tough road win over California remained atop the Bowl Championship Series rankings which came out on Sunday with Auburn, TCU, Boise State, and LSU rounding out the top five.  The Ducks still topped the Associated Press media poll, garnering 38 of a possible 60 first-place votes and the USA Today/Coaches poll, garnering 46 of a possible 59 first-place votes.

Niners Top Rams In OT Thriller

At San Francisco:

Joe Nedney kicked his third field goal of the game with 9:38 remaining in overtime as the San Francisco 49ers (3-6) picked up their second straight win and third in their last four starts, 23-20 on Sunday over the visiting St. Louis Rams (4-5).  Quarterback Troy Smith threw for 356 yards and a touchdown in the victory.

Ducks Remain Unbeaten After Escaping Berkeley With Tough Win

At Berkeley, California:

Jeff Maehl caught a 29-yard touchdown pass as the #1 ranked (BCS/AP Poll/USA Today-Coaches Poll) Oregon Ducks (10-0, 7-0) used their defense to hold off the California Golden Bears (5-5, 3-4) 15-13 on the road in a tough contest on Saturday.

Cougs Smother Beavers In Corvallis

At Corvallis, Oregon:

The Washington State Cougars (2-9, 1-7) ended a 16-game conference losing streak on Saturday with a 31-14 win on the road over the Oregon State Beavers (4-5, 3-3) . Quarterback Jeff Tuel passed for 157 yards and ran for 79 more to lead the Cougars as the sagging Beavers suffered their third setback in their last four games and have placed their postseason chances in jeopardy with games coming up against USC, Stanford, and Oregon.

Remember Rula?

Here's a 1979 commercial for Alberto VO5 Hair Spray featuring English television and theater "star" Rula Lenska.

How Do You Want Your Ex-Lax?

Here's a 1972 commercial for Ex-Lax.

Let's Make It a Twin Bill

Here's one from Producers Releasing Corporation (PRC) in 1942.  Here are Mary Carlisle and Richard Cromwell starring in "Baby Face Morgan," with Robert Armstrong, Chick Chandler, Warren Hymer, Charles Judels, Vince Barnett, and Ralf Harolde. With screenplay by Edward Dein and Jack Rubin and story by Oscar Brodney and Jack Rubin, this motion picture was produced by Jack Schwarz with  Leon Fromkess in charge of production and directed by Arthur Dreifuss.

Time For A Movie

From Nat Levine's Mascot Pictures in 1935, here is Douglass Montgomery as legendary composer Stephen Collins Foster in "Harmony Lane."  This picture was supervised by Colbert Clark and directed by Joseph Santley with screeplay by Elizabeth Meehan and Joseph Santley, taken from "The Life and Songs of Stephen Foster" by Milton Krims.  Also in the cast were Evelyn Venable, Adrienne Ames, Joseph Cawthorn, William (Fred Mertz) Frawley, Cora Sue Collins, and Clarence Muse.

Enjoy!

Are You Kiddin'?

With Boise State (next year), as well as Nevada and Fresno State (both 2012) all leaving for the Mountain West Conference, the Western Athletic Conference is planning to add Texas State, Texas-San Antonio, and Denver (as a non-football member).

Time For Some Laughs!

From Educational Pictures in 1933, here's Harry Langdon starring in "The Hitch Hiker," with Vernon Dent, Ruth Clifford, William Irving, and Chris Marie Meeker.  With story by Robert Vernon and Dean Ward, this short subject was directed by Arvid Gillstrom.

 

Dino Le Laurentiis, R. I. P.

Dino De Larentiis, the prolific Italian film producer who produced, amongst others, the 1976 remake of "King Kong," passed away on Wednesday at his Beverly Hills, California home at age 91.

Time For Pee Wee!

NOT Pee Wee Herman, of course!

From 1949, here's Country Music Hall of Famer Pee Wee King with "Bull Fiddle Boogie."

 

Dick's Back For More

Time for "The Stratosphere Adventure," the ninth chapter in our 1937 Dick Tracy Republic serial, produced by Nat Levine, directed by Ray Taylor and Alan James, and starring Ralph Byrd in the title role, based upon Chester Gould's comic strip.

 

Dave Niehaus, R. I. P.

Dave Niehaus, the Hall of Fame broadcaster who was the voice of baseball's Seattle Mariners from their very beginning in 1977 through this past season, passed away on Wednesday at his Bellevue, Washington home following a heart attack at age 75.

Time For Ole Tyme TV Variety

Here is a kinescope of the April 22, 1949 NBC telecast of the Admiral Broadway Revue, which starred Sid Caesar, with Mary McCarty, Imogene Coca, Marge and Gower Champion, plus Janet Collins, James Starbuck, Kenneth Remo, Sydney Smith, Tom Avera, Ronnie Cunningham, the Arnaut Brothers, and Charles Sanford's orchestra.  The series aired simultaneously on NBC and DuMont (the latter so that the show can be seen in Pittsburgh, where DuMont owned that city's only commercial TV station).  This was the forerunner to the legendary Your Show Of Shows (1950-54, NBC), with Sid, Imogene, Carl Reiner, and Howard Morris.  Max Liebman, who produced and directed Your Show of Shows, produced and directed Admiral Broadway Revue, which the sponsor canceled in the summer of 1949 after 18 shows.  

 

Cowboys Can Bum's Son

Well, with high expectations as well as hopes of playing in the Super Bowl to be played this coming February at their own stadium, and with the team off to a 1-7 start, well, you might know the consequences.

Someone Could Get Killed Out There!

From Colonnade Pictures Corporation in 1941, it's time for "Murder on Lexon Avenue."  This picture was produced and directed by Arthur Dreifuss, with original story by Frank Wilson and screenplay and adaptation by Vincent Valentini and Bryna Ivens.  In this one, dramatic events at a Harlem apartment house center around the new head of the Better Business League (played by Gus Smith), elected to replace his corrupt predecessor (Norman Astwood), who wants revenge, and the new BBL head's young ward (Ernie Ransom), a two-timing Romeo, whose affairs are coming to a crisis.  Hanging around is the murderous henchman (Herman Green) of the ousted BBL chief.  This movie also stars Alberta Perkins, Sidney Easton, Alex Lovejoy, Dene Larry, and Earl Sydnor.

Lena's First Movie

From Million Dollar Productions in 1938, here is "The Duke Is Tops," starring Ralph Cooper, who invested his savings to back his sweetheart (played by Lena Horne, in her motion picture debut) in a road show, in which both had been performers since they were kids.  A New York talent scout makes an offer to the female star as a single, and to induce her to take the offer, the title character writes a fake check, made out to him, for $5000, pretending to have sold her contract to this talent scout.  Heartbroken, Lena Horne's character accepts and becomes a big hit in New York.  This film, produced by Harry Popkin,  was directed by William Nolte with Leo C. Popkin as associate producer.

 

BCS: Ducks Still Rule Roost

Following their Saturday beatdown of Washington, Oregon (by .9638 to .9611 over Auburn) maintained their #1 ranking in the Bowl Championship Series standings that were released on Sunday.

Auburn is ranked second, followed by Texas Christian University, Boise State, then Louisiana State University.

The Ducks remained atop the Associated Press media poll (with 49 of a possible 60 first-place votes) and USA Today/Coaches Poll (with 50 of a possible 61 first-place votes).

What support Oregon State had in the AP poll evaporated following their tough setback at UCLA. 

Riders End Losing Skid, Eliminate Eskimos From Playoffs

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

Quarterback Darian Durant threw for 345 yards and one touchdown ran for another as the Saskatchewan Roughriders (10-8) ended their four-game losing streak on Saturday with a 31-23 victory over Edmonton (7-11), eliminating the Eskimos from the Canadian Football League Grey Cup playoffs, which begin next weekend.  The 'Riders will host a Western Division semifinal playoff next Sunday, against the British Columbia Lions. 

Bruins Knock Off Beavers At The Gun

At Pasadena, California:

Kai Forbath kicked a 51-yard field goal on the game's final play as the UCLA Bruins (4-5, 2-4 in Pac-10 play) knocked off the Oregon State Beavers (4-4, 3-2) 17-14 on Saturday. 

Ducks Break Open Close Game And Rout Huskies

At Eugene, Oregon:

LaMichael James ran for 121 yards and three touchdowns, while Darron Thomas threw for a score and ran for two more as the top-ranked (BCS, AP, USA Today/Coaches) Oregon Ducks (9-0, 6-0 in Pac-10 play) broke open what had been a surprisingly competitive contest and horsewhipped the visiting Washington Huskies (3-6, 2-4) 53-16 on Saturday. 

Early Ginger

From 1933, here's Ginger Rogers starring in one of her earlier feature films, "A Shriek in the Night."  In this one, a madman shrieks as the body of a man falls from the upper floor of an apartment building, bringing unwanted attention from a rival reporter to a racketeering case an undercover reporter is covering.  Lyle Talbot co-stars.  M. H. Hoffman, Jr.  produced this picture from Allied Pictures Corporation (NOT to be confused with Allied Artists, formerly the re-incartion of Monogram Pictures) which was directed by Albert Ray.  Story by Kurt Kempler and screenplay by Frances Hyland.

Time For A Movie!

From 1931, here's a flick entitled "Night Life In Reno"  starring Virginia Valli, with Jameson Thomas, Dorothy Cristy, Arthur Houseman, and Dixie Lee (the first Mrs. Bing Crosby).  Distributed by the Weiss Brothers, this film came from Artclass Pictures Corporation via Supreme Features, Inc., Ltd.  Written by Gloria Stiratt and directed by Raymond Cannon.

Here's A Show With Something For Everyone

Here's a kinescope of the May 2, 1954 ABC Network telecast of Super Circus, originating from Chicago, with ringmaster and emcee Claude Kirchner and assistant Mary Hartline, along with a gaggle of clowns and commercials for M & M candy bars.

Time For The News

I may have already embeded this video on this weblog, but I've decided to embed it again.  Here is a kinescope of the complete December 13, 1953 ABC Network telecast of the Walter Winchell Show, a blend of news, gossip, and commentary by the famed newspaper columnist. Complete with commercials and ABC Network ID.

Back Then, They Did Not Have Those Intrusive and Outrageous Security Measures

Here's an Encyclopaedia Brittanica film from 1948, "The Airport."

Here's A Film For Fraidy Cats

Here's a Coronet Instructional Films production from 1950, "Overcoming Fear."

He May Be Eligible-----------------------------Now

The question is, will he still be in the future?

Time For Another Paramount Cartoon

From 1964, it's time for "Homer on the Range," an installment of Paramount's Noveltoon series.  This cartoon, made in New York City, was produced, written, and directed by Howard Post with animation by William B. Pattengill, scenics by Robert Little, and music by Winston Sharples.

Attention Department Store Employees: Be On The Lookout For Little Lulu!

From 1946, here's Little Lulu starring in "Bargain Counter Attack," a Famous Studios production.  In this one, our heroine causes havoc at a city department store.  This cartoon, produced in New York City and released theatrically by Paramount Pictures, and based upon the Saturday Evening Post character created by Marjorie Henderson (Marge) Buell, was directed by Isidore Sparber, with story by Bill Turner and Fexil the Cat creator Otto Messmer, animation by Nick Tafuri, John Walworth, and Tom Golden, scenics by Anton Loeb, and music by Winston Sharples.

How 'Bout Some Short'nin' Bread?

From 1948, here's a Famous Studios Screen Song cartoon entitled "Short'nin' Bread."  This cartoon, made in New York City and released theatrically by Paramount Pictures, was directed by Isidore Sparber with story by Larz Bourne and Larry Riley, animation by Myron Waldman and Gordon Whittier, scenics by Anton Loeb, and musical arrangement by Winston Sharples.

Another Shot At Crooning For The Duke

From 1934, here's John Wayne starring in "The Man From Utah."  In this one, the Duke is sent by the Marshall to a rodeo to see if he can find out who's killing the rodeo riders who are about to win the prize money.  This picture, produced by Paul Malvern for Lone Star Productions and released by the original Monogram Pictures, was directed by Robert North Bradbury with story and screenplay by Lindsley Parsons.

Sparky Anderson, R. I. P.

Hall of  Fame manager Sparky Anderson, who guided the Cincinnati Reds to World Series titles in 1975 and 1976 and the Detroit Tigers to the 1984 World Series crown, passed away on Thursday at Thousand Oaks, California at age 75 of complications from dementia.

Time For The Three Mesquiteers

Time for a 1937 movie from Republic Pictures, "Range Defenders," starring Robert Livingston, Ray Corrigan, and Max Terhune at The Three Mesquiteers.  When the brother of one of the Mesquiteers is framed for murder by the town boss, it's up to Stony (Robert Livingston) and his buddies to clear his brother and bring the town boss and his henchmen to justice.  Produced by Sol C. Siegel and directed by Mack V. Wright.

Swan Song For Chesterfield Pictures

Comedy veteran Andy Clyde stars in "Red Lights Ahead," produced by George R. Batcheller and directed by Roland Reed, with screenplay by Robert Ellis and Helen Logan.  In this one, Grandpa moves in with his brood and stuff happens. This 1936 movie marked the final production and release for Chesterfield Pictures, which had already been folded into the newly-formed Republic Pictures Corporation.