AFL Playoffs: Georgia Forces Cleveland Out Of Playoffs

At Cleveland:


The Georgia Force defeated the visiting Cleveland Gladiators 50-41 in the lone Sunday Arena Football League playoff contest.  Quarterback Darnell Kennedy threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another one in the Georgia victory.


Match-up for the conference finals:


National Conference:


This coming Saturday:


Chicago @ Arizona


American Conference:


Monday, August 8:


Georgia @ Jacksonville

Roughriders Revert To Recent Losing Ways

At Regina, Saskatchewan:


In the lone Saturday Canadian Football League contest, quarterback Henry Burris completed 24 of 36 passes for 255 yards, while running 47 yards on five carries for a touchdown, while kicker Rene Paredes converted four of five field goal attempts as the Calgary Stampeders (3-2) defeated the sagging Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-4) 22-18 on the road.

AFL Playoffs: Champs Detroned; Narrow Win For Rush; Sharks Top Orlando In In-State Playoff

The opening round of the Arena Football League playoffs got under way on Friday as three of the four conference semifinal games took place.

National Conference:

At Phoenix, Arizona:

The Arizona Rattlers dominated the defending champions Spokane Shock 62-33 at home.  Nick Davila completed 15 of 24 passes for 167 yards and four touchdowns for the rattlers.

At Chicago:

The Chicago Rush rush nosed out the visiting Dallas Vigilantes 54-51 as Derek Lee caught the game-winning touchdown pass against his former team with 3:04 remaining.  The Rush stopped a late Dallas drive on fourth-and-goal with less than one minute remaining.

American Conference:

At Jacksonville, Florida:

Quarterback Aaron Garcia threw only 19 passes, but completed 15 of them, four for touchdowns as the Jacksonville Sharks downed the visiting Orlando Predators 63-48.

Time For A New Serial

We begin another serial today with the opening chapter of a 15-installment 1945 Republic Pictures chapter play,  Manhunt of Mystery Island, with Richard Bailey, Linda Stirling, Roy Barcroft, Kenne Duncan, and Forrest Taylor.  With original screenplay by Albert DeMond, Basil Dickey, Jesse Duffy, Alan James, Grant Nelson, and Joseph Poland, this serial was directed by Spencer Bennett, Wallace A Grissell, and Yakima Canutt.

Enjoy, everyone!

Alvin?....Alvin?......ALVIN!!! Oops, Sorry, Wrong Alvin!

From Paramount Pictures in 1961, we bring you "Alvin's Solo Flight," an entry in Paramount's Noveltoons series, featuring Little Lulu.  This cartoon, with animation by Nick Tafuri and Isadore Klein, sceincs by Robert Little, and music by Winston Sharples, this cartoon, made in New York City by Paramount Cartoon Studios, was produced and directed by Seymour Kneitel.  Listed as co-producers on the credits were Marjorie Henderson Buell who created Little Lulu and William C. Erskine, who was Marge's licensing agent for Little Lulu.  For five years (1943-48), Marge's Little Lulu was a successful series for then-Famous Studios before it was dropped in favor of the in-house-created Little Audrey.  There ain't no chipmunks or David Sevilles in this one!

WARNING:  Little Lulu is seen topless on the beach. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

If You Wanna Visit Kosovo

Here's a brief video promoting travel to Kosovo.

More Hawaiian Music

From 1949, here we see Lani McIntire and his orchestra with "Holo Holo Kaa."  Complete with hula girls.  From Castle Films, perhaps with the home market in mind.

Aloha!

From the late 1930s, here are Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiian Hotel Orchestra with "Hula Breeze."

Our Long National Gridiron Nightmare Is Over

Looks there will be NFL football this season.

Another long national gridiron nightmare may be revived.

Like A Bowl Of Oat Flakes?

In an integrated commercial from the close of an early 1960s telecast of The Andy Griffith Show, here's Andy, along with Aunt Bee (Frances Bavier) and Opie (Ronny Howard) hawking the virtues of Post's Oat Flakes.

Thing Go Better With Coke--------------------I Guess

From the 1950s, here's a Coca-Cola television advertisement with the Kid with the Coca-Cola Cap.

Time For Some Animated Nonsense

From 1965, we bring you Swify and Shorty starring in "Inferior Decorator."  In this one, after his house falls apart, Swifty then moves into---and takes over---Shorty's house.

Made in New York City by Paramount Cartoon Studios, with animation by William B. Pattengill, scenics by Robert Little, and music by Winston Sharples, this cartoon was produced, written, and directed by Howard Post.

And Now A Word From Out Sponsor

Here's a commercial for the 1961 Ford Falcon featuring Snoopy, Linus, and Pig-Pen from the Peanuts comic strip.

Also included in the voice of Paul Frees.

This One's For Sam the Chihuahua

In this clip from a 1958 kinescope of an ABC Network telecast of Lawrence Welk's Dodge Dancing Party, here are the Champagne Music Makers with "The Chihuahua Polka."

Wunnerful, wunnerful!

It's Called Best Foods West Of The Rockies

Let's go back to the early 1980s for a commercial for Hellmann's Mayonnaise.

Too Bad Captain Hook Never Made Peanut Butter

Here's a 1962 commercial for Peter Pan Peanut Butter.

Yes, They Made Video Games Back Then

Here's a 1978 commercial for the Atari video game system with Pete Rose and Don Knotts.



I wonder if Pete bet on video games.

Forget "Cowboys and Aliens"

Let's go back to 1936 for "Ghost Patrol"  from Excelsior Pictures (distributed by Puritan Pictures).  Tim McCoy stars as an undercover agent who's sent to investigate plane crashes caused by a mysterious ray gun.

Yes folks, this is a science-fiction Western.

Joining Tim in the cast are Claudia Dell, Walter Miller, Wheeler Oakman, Jimmy Burtis, Lloyd Ingraham, and Dick Curtis.

With story by Wyndham Gittens (a veteran of motion picture serials), this film was produced by Sigmund Newfeld and Leslie Simmonds and directed by Sam Newfield.

"Zorba The Greek" Director Michael Cacoyannis, R. I. P.

Cypriot-born director Michael Cacoyannis, best remembered for having piloted the 1964 classic motion picture "Zorba the Greek," which starred Anthony Quinn in the title role, passed away on Monday in an Athens hospital from complications stemming from a heart attack at age 89.

Roughriders Knock Off Als In Montreal For First Win

At Montreal:


With Weston Dressler and Wes Cates scoring touchdowns on Sunday, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (1-3) racked up their first win of the Canadian Football League season, 27-24 on the road over the previously unbeaten Montreal Alouettes (3-1).  

VooDoo Close Out Rotten Season On Sour Note

At Orlando, Florida:


Bobby Sippio caught 14 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns on Saturday as the Orlando Predators (11-7) defeated the visiting New Orleans VooDoo (3-15) in the Arena Football League regular-season finale for both teams.


With the end of the regular season, the AFL's playoff matchups are set.


National Conference Semifinals:


Friday:


Spokane @ Arizona


Dallas @ Chicago


American Conference Semifinals:


Friday:


Orlando @ Jacksonville


Next Sunday:


Georgia @ Cleveland

And Now, The Thrilling Conclusion

Time now for the fifteenth and final chapter of Riders of Death Valley our 1941 Universal Pictures serial, starring Dick Foran, Leo Carrillo, Buck Jones, Charles Bickford, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Lon Chaney, Jr., Noah Beery, Jr., and Jean Brooks.  With screenplay by Sherman Lowe, George Plympton, Basil Dickey and Jack Connell, photography by Jerome Ash and William Sickner (both A.S.C. members), musical direction by Charles Previn as well as music and lyrics for the song "Ride Along" by Milton Rosen and Everett Carter, this serial was produced by Henry MacRae and directed by Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor.

Enjoy!

And Now For Something Completely Different

Time for a 1955 telecast of The Liberace Show.  In this one, Lee plays some of your favorite tunes.

Hey, Gang, Get Out Those Old Records!

From 1950, here are Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians with "Get Out Those Old Records."  Kenny Gardner and Carmen Lombardo handle the vocals on this one.

Don't Feel Like Working?

You folks aren't alone.

Let's go back for a 1943 Popeye cartoon entitled "Too Weak To Work."  In this one, Bluto loafs and fakes a serious illness so that he can get out of work and go to the hospital.  Our spinach-chompin' hero discovers his pal's scam and does something about it.

This black-and-white cartoon from Famous Studios, with animation by Jim Tyer and Abner Kneitel and story by Joe Stultz, was directed by Isidore Sparber.

Released theatrically by Paramount Pictures.

Enjoy!

Time To Swing And Sway

Time to Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye as we go back to 1937 for "Dreamy Eyes."  The Three Barons (consisting at the time of Jimmy Brown, Charlie Wilson, and Tommy Ryan), later to be known as the Three Kaydets, handle the vocal on this Vocalion recording.

Is Everybody Happy?

From circa 1923, here's Ted Lewis and his orchestra with "Louisville Lou."

New Coach For Devils

Let's hope he doesn't bring his absence of playoff appearances to his new gig.

Maybe You Should Cancel Your Vacation, Daffy

From 1967, here are Daffy Duck and Speedy Gonzales starring in "The Music Mice-Tro."  In this one, Daffy goes on vacation, only to see it turned into hell on earth, thanks to Speedy and his band. This cartoon, part of Warner Brothers' Merrie Melodies series, was actually farmed out to Herb Klein's Format Films, with story by Don Sheppard and Cal Howard, animation by Bob Bransford, Ed Friedman, and Virgil Ross, music by William Lava, and voice characterizations by the legendary Mel Blanc, was directed by Rudy Larriva.  This cartoon was made as Warner Brothers were getting set to revive their in-house cartoon studio.

Time Now, Boys and Girls, For A Cartoon

Here is a cartoon take on fairy tales with "Foney Fables," from 1942, as part of Warner Brothers' Merrie Melodies series, produced by Leon Schlesinger.  This cartoon with story by Michael Maltese, animation by Richard Bickenbach, and music by Carl W. Stalling, was directed by Friz Freleng.

How High Is The Car's IQ?

Here's a commercial for the 1984 SAAB 900 Turbo.

Enjoy!

No, No Fats Domino In This One

From Universal-International Pictures in 1951, it's time for "The Fat Man," starring J. Scott Smart in the title role (which he played for five years on ABC Radio from 1946 to 1951).  The film also stars Julie London, Rock Hudson, Clinton Sundberg, and Jayne Meadows, along with the legendary clown, Emmett Kelly.  With screenplay by Harry Essex and Leonard Lee (from whose story this was based), this picture was produced by Aubrey Schenck and directed by William Castle.

Feel Hot?

Here's a tune that'll cool you off!

From 1949, here's Yogi Yorgesson with his rendition of "Yingle Bells."

Time For A Charlie Chan Movie, Gang!

From Monogram Pictures in 1948, here's a Charlie Chan movie entitled "The Golden Eye."  This picture stars Roland Winters as Earl Derr Biggers' legendary detective, along with Mantan Moreland and Victor Sen Young.  With original screenplay by W. Scott Darling, this movie was produced by James S. Burkett and directed by William Beaudine.

Enjoy!

Heartbreaking Setback For VooDoo In Utah

At Salt Lake City, Utah:


In Saturday Arena Football League action, quarterback Todd Hammel threw for 316 yards and five touchdowns as the Utah Blaze (8-9) outscored the New Orleans VooDoo (3-14) 21-3 in the fourth quarter and came from behind to win 62-58.

Ti-Cats Devour Punchless Riders

At Hamilton, Ontario:


In Saturday Canadian Football League action, quarterback Kevin Glenn threw three touchdown passes as the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-2) picked up their first win of the season, a 33-3 fanny kicking of the visiting Saskatchewan Roughriders (0-3).

Good Grief! Early Version of Milli Vanilli?!?!

From circa 1960, here are Charlie Brown and Linus with the opening of The Tennessee Ernie Ford Ford Show.

Yes, the old pea picker, Charlie Brown, and Paul Frees' voice.  Can't get much sweeter.

Time For More Action With The Riders of Death Valley, Pardners!

Here now is the fourteenth and next-to-last chapter of our 1941 Universal Pictures serial, Riders of Death Valley.

A Princely Performance As The National League Claim Second Straight MLB All-Star Game Victory

At Phoenix, Arizona:


Milwaukee Brewers first baseman, and game Most Valued Player Prince Fielder's three-run homer in the fourth inning helped pace the National League to a 5-1 win Tuesday night over the American League in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.  This win marked the first two-game winning streak for the Senior Circuit since a three-game winning streak from 1994-96.  The victory means the National League champions will get home field advantage in this year's World Series.

Sherwood Schwartz, R. I. P.

Sherwood Schwartz, the writer-creator of two of television's most iconic sitcoms, Gilligan's Island and The Brady Bunch, passed away on Tuesday morning at age 94 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he was being treated for an intestinal infection and underwent several operations.

Ready To Swing And Sway?

From 1951, here's music by Sammy Kaye and his Swing and Sway orchestra with "I Love You Because" with vocal by The Kaydets.

Time For Another Movie, Boys and Girls!

Here's a 1936 movie.  Produced by Excelsior Productions and released by Puritan Pictures, we bring you Tim McCoy starring in "Aces and Eights."  Tim's joined in the cast by Luana Walters, Rex Lease, Wheeler Oakland, Frank Glendon, Charles Stevens, Earl Hodgins, Jimmy Aubrey, and Joseph Girard.  With original story and continuity by Arthur Durlam, this flick was produced by Sigmund Neufeld and Leslie Simmonds and directed by Sam Newfield.

Git Along Little Doggies---I Mean Dogies!

Time for a 1937 movie from Republic Pictures, "Git Along Little Dogies."  This film stars Gene Autry with Smiley Burnette and The Maple City Four, along with Judith Allen, Weldon Heyburn, and William Farnum.  With original screen play by Dorrell and Stuart McGowan and photography by Gus Peterson, this motion picture was produced by Armand Schaefer and directed by Joseph Kane.  Yes, Gene's horse Champion's in this one, too!

Enjoy!

Anthony Calvillo Ties CFL TD Pass Record As Als Top 'RIders In Regina

At Regina, Saskatchewan:


Quarterback Anthony Calvillo threw for five touchdowns to increase his Canadian Football League-career total to 394, tying Damon Allen's CFL record on Saturday as the Montreal Alouettes (2-0) ruined the Saskatchewan Roughriders' (0-2) home opener with a 39-25 win in a battle of the entrants in the last two Grey Cup title games.

CONGRATS, DEREK!

Here'a a fellow who certainly got his 3,000th career hit in style.

Time For Chapter 13, Boys and Girls

Here now is the thirteen chapter of Riders of Death Valley, our 1941 Universal Pictures serial.

Curses: VooDoo Goes Winless At Home

At New Orleans:


The Milwaukee Mustangs (5-11) , helped along by three fumble recoveries and an interception, all of which led to scores, as they defeated the New Orleans VooDoo (3-13) 76-55 on the road in Friday Arena Football League action.  The VooDoo lost all nine home games this season.  Fullback-defensive lineman Justin Lawrence ran for four touchdowns for the Mustangs.

Hall of Fame Manager Dick Williams, R. I. P.

Hall of Fame baseball manager Dick Williams, who skippered the Oakland Athletics to the 1972 and 1973 World Series titles, passed away from a brain aneurysm at Las Vegas, Nevada at age 82.

Mr. Williams also managed theBoston Red Sox (American, 1967) and San Diego Padres (National, 1984) to league pennants.

John Mackey, Hall of Fame Tight End, R. I. P.

John Mackey, the Baltimore Colts' Hall of Fame Tight End who helped define the modern version of the  position as an offensive weapon, and who was also president of the NFL's Players Association following the NFL-AFL merger, passed away on Wednesday at age 69 from frontotemporal dementia.

Mr. Mackey was the second pure tight end elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

A five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection, Big John caught 331 passes for 5, 236 yards and 38 touchdowns in a ten-year career, nine of them with the Colts (he finished his career with the San Diego Chargers in 1972).

In his later years, John suffered from frontotemporal demenia and be believed that it may have been caused by all that contact associated with playing football.  His wife Sylvia, last year, pledged to donate John's brain to a Boston University School of Medicine study of brain damage in athletes upon his passing.

Time For Popeye, Maties!

From 1946, here's Popeye starring in "Peep In the Deep" a Famous Studios production released by Paramount Pictures. In this New York-produced film, Popeye and Olive Oyl are in search of a sunken treasure------so, of course is Bluto! With animation by Jim Tyer and William Henning and story by Bill Turner and Felix the Cat creator Otto Messner, this cartoon was directed by Max Fleischer's son-in-law, Seymour Kneitel.















Enjoy, maties!

Happy Independence Day!

Hope y'all are having a good Independence Day today!


Enjoy the picnics, parades, and fireworks!

Eskimos Spoil Roughriders Season Opener In Regina

At Regina, Saskatchewan:


Quarterback Ricky Ray completed 21 of 27 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday as the Edmonton Eskimos, who scored on five consecutive first-half possessions, knocked off the Saskatchewan Roughriders 42-28 on the road in the Canadian Football League regular-season opener for both teams.

For The Mice In Our Audience: Have Any Of You Tried To Bell A Cat?

Time for one of the most notorious of Columbia's Screen Gems "Phantasy" catoons, "Mass Mouse Meeting."  In this one, the mouse selected to tie a bell-encrusted collar around the neck of the housecat spends roughly three-and-a-half minute talking to the feline about his new collar!  With story by Dun Roman, animation by Chic Otterstrom, and music by Paul Worth, this 1943 cartoon was produced by Dave Fleischer and directed by Alec Geiss.

Time For A Flick With Roy and Trigger

From Republic Pictures in 1948, and in Trucolor, Here are Roy Rogers and Trigger starring in "Under California Skies."  In this one, Rancher Roy and his boys track down a gang who have stolen Trigger and are holding him for ranson.  With Jane Frazee and Andy Devine.  Roy gets musical help from his onetime employers, Bob Nolan and the Sons of the Pioneers.  With screenplay by Sloan Nibley and Paul Gangelin, based on the latter's original story, photography by Jack Marta, and with Edward J. White as associate producer, this picture was directed by William Witney.

Enjoy!

More Hard Ridin' Adventure

Time for the 12th chapter of our Universal Pictures 1941 serial, Riders of Death Valley.  Directed by Ford Beebe and Ray Taylor, with Dick Foran, Leo Carillo, Buck Jones, Charles Bickford, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams, Lon Chaney, Jr., Noah Berry, Jr., and Jean Brooks.

Enjoy, pardners!

VooDoo Blast Storm On Road

At Tampa, Florida:


In their first game under interim head coach Jon Norris (he moved from the front office to replace Derek Stingley, who was fired this past Sunday), the New Orleans VooDoo (3-12) ended a six-game losing streak Friday night with a 64-33 road domination of the Tampa Bay Storm (6-9) in Arena Football League play. Quarterback D. Bryant completed 24 of 43 passes for 215 yards and five touchdowns, while also running one yard in the fourth quarter for another score to lead the VooDoo offense.