An American Car With European Flair-----Built In South Bend

Here's a commercial for the 1953 Studebaker, with that famous Raymond Loewy design.  

 


The car, that is, not the commercial.

Another Visit From The Muppets

From 1969, here is another commercial featuring Jim Henson's Muppets, this time for Munchos Potato Crisps, a snack from Frito-Lay.



One of the characters looks an awful lot like the Cookie Monster. 

I Didn't Know The Muppets Pushed RC Cola

From 1966, here are a couple of Jim Henson's Muppets pushing Royal Crown Cola.

 

Time For Barney-----And We Don't Mean Rubble, Fife, or the Dinosaur

Let's go back to October 8, 1960, for a clip from that night's ABC telecast of The Lawrence Welk Show.  The Champagne Music Makers, featuring Barney Liddell on trombone, perform "Marie," a song written by Irving Berlin that became a big hit in 1937 for Tommy Dorsey.

 



 That night, the show was devoted to the Big Band Era.  Songs popularized by such bandleaders as Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and many others were featuring on this particular show.

Riders Overtake TiCats In Second Half

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

Wes Cates ran for a pair of second-half touchdowns and Luca Congi made all seven of his field goal attempts as the Saskatchewan Roughriders (4-1) defeated the visiting Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1-4) 37-24 Saturday in Canadian Football League action. 

Time For A Visit With Koko The Clown

From 1921, here's Koko The Clown starring in "Modeling." This cartoon was made by Out Of The Inkwell Films and distributed by Margaret J. Winkler (future wife of future cartoon producer Charles Mintz).  In this cartoon, our hero raises hell for a cartoonist (played by the film's producer, Max Fleischer) and a sculptor (played by Max's brother, the film's director, Dave Fleischer).
 

Time For A Tune!

From 1916, here's a novelty number from Billy Murray, entitled "Since Mother Goes To Movie Shows."  

 


Say Billy, ever thought about hiring a maid?

Pfffft, He Was Gone

John Aylesworth, the Canadian-born television comedy writer who co-created the long-running television series Hee Haw, passed away on Wednesday at the Eisenhower Medical Center at Rancho Mirage, California at age 80.

Early Gene Autry

Here is Gene Autry, along with a former co-worker of his who also happened to be his brother-in-law, Jimmy Long, singing "Mississippi Valley Blues."

 




Romeo 78 RPM record #5109, recorded on October 30, 1931.

Gandy's Swan Song

Here is the last Gandy Goose cartoon, "Barnyard Actor," produced by Terrytoons in New Rochelle, New York and released in 1955 by 20th Century-Fox.  In this one, our hero encounters a fox and a rooster that is , let's say, full of himself.  This cartoon, produced by Paul Terry, with story by Tom Morrison, music by Phil Scheib, uncredited animation by the imcomperable Jim Tyer and uncredited voice characterization by Arthur Kay and Bradley Bolke, was directed by studio veteran Connie Rasinski. 

Time For A Tune!

From 1935, here's a recording of "A Blues Serenade"


The Columbia label on the original 78 RPM disc says Glenn Miller and his orchestra, but this was in reality Ray Noble's American band.  Glenn was the chief arranger (as well as a trombonist) in Ray's band.

Time For A Glenn Miller Classic

From 1939, here is the classic recording of "In The Mood" by Glenn Miller and his orchestra.

Swing!

 

Jack "The Assassin" Tatum, R. I. P.

Jack Tatum, the former All-Pro safetyman for the Oakland Raiders best remembered for the hit on Darryl Stingley that left the New England Patriots wide receiver paralyzed in a 1978 preseason game, passed away on Tuesday from a heart attack in Oakland, California at the age of 61.

Mr Tatum, who was nicknamed "The Assassin," was also a central figure in "The Immaculate Reception," which took place in the waning seconds of a 1972 AFC divisional playoff game at Pittsburgh.

With 27 seconds remaining in the contest, Jack jarred loose a pass that Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw had thrown to running back John "Frenchy" Fuqua.  The ball bounced off Frenchy's foot and ricocheted into the arms of his Pittsburgh teammate Franco Harris, who never broke stride and raced 42 yards for the winning touchdown. 

A Key Addition For The Bengals------Or A Maalox Moment For Marvin Lewis?

Well see how well T. O. will fit with his newest team.

How 'Bout A 16-Ounce Pepsi?

From the 1960s, here's a commercial for the 16-ounce bottle of Pepsi Cola.

 

The Three Stooges Join Ed Wynn

It's time for an episode of The Ed Wynn Show.  Ed's guests are The Three Stooges (Shemp Howard, Larry Fine, and Shemp's brother, Moe Howard), singer Helen Forrest, with a cameo by TV's future Fred Mertz himself, William Frawley.  





The show originally aired live on CBS Television on March 11, 1950 and aired on the West Coast.  Eastern and Central Time Zone viewers saw a kinescope of the telecast on March 25 of that year.  The episode is complete with commercials for Camel Cigarettes.

Time To Swing!

From 1937, here are Glen Gray and The Casa Loma Orchestra with "The Goblin Band."  




Decca 78 RPM record #1312.

Time For Popeye!

From 1944, here's Popeye the Sailor starring in "The Anvil Chorus Girl," which was in reality a remake of the 1934 Max Fleischer cartoon "Shoein' Hosses."  In this one, Popeye and Bluto battle for the right to be blacksmith Olive's assistant. 





This cartoon, produced in New York City by Famous Studios, and released by Paramount Pictures, marked the return of Mae Questel as the voice of Olive Oyl.  Jack Mercer was the voice of Popeye, and Jackson Beck handled Bluto's voice.  This cartoon, with story by Bill Turner and Jack Ward and animation by Dave Tendlar and Morey Reden, was directed by Izzy Sparber.

Pietro's Turn

From way back in the day, here's Pietro Deiro (Guido's brother) playing Irving Berlin's "When The Midnight Choo Choo Leaves For Alabam'" on his piano-accoridion.

Time For Guido, Boys And Girls!

The first major piano-accodionist to make phonograph records, Count Guido Deiro, is heard playing his squeezebox in this 1913 recording of "My Sweetheart."

And Now For Something Totally Different

From 1965, here's a promo for NBC television's lineup of weekday morning shows (sans Today).

Time For Another Tune From Norma Jean!

Here, in this clip from an episode of the syndicated Porter Wagonger Show, is Pretty Miss Norma Jean singing "Walkin' Advertisement For The Blues."  This black-and-white clip is probably from 1964 or '65.

Get Those Dancin' Shoes Ready!

Time for some vintage rock n' roll music, as we go back to 1957 as Jerry Lee Lewis sings and plays his classic recording of "Great Balls Of Fire."

Kick The Laxative Habit!

Take Carter's Little Pills.  Yes, that is country music Hall of Famer (and Pat Boone's father-in-law) Red Foley (in a prerecorded commercial) explaining how to break the laxative habit.  This commercial aired during a 1960 ABC Network telecast of Jubilee USA, which Red hosted and which originated from Springfield, Missouri.

Time For Another Tune!

From 1952, here are Joe Liggins and his Honeydrippers with "Going Back To New Orleans."

Let's Go To The Races

The "Camptown Races," that is.  Here's Billy Murray with his 1911 recording of this time-tested American classic.

Stampeders Rough Up Riders

At Calgary, Alberta:

Quarterback Henry Burris threw two touchdown passed to Romby Bryant as the Calgary Stampeders (3-1)  doubled up the previously unbeaten Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-1) 40-20 at home Saturday night in Canadian Football League action.

Time For A Visit With Mickey!

From 1929, here's Mickey Mouse starring in the Walt Disney cartoon "Mickey's Choo-Choo."  In this one, Mickey runs a small-town railroad and takes Minnie for a ride.

Time For A Tune!

From 1932, here's Ted Weems and his orchestra with "Look Who'se Here."  Parker Gibbs with the vocal.

WOW! A Peanut Butter For Grownups!

Here's a 1960 commercial for Skippy Peanut Butter.

Time For Some Ole Tyme Radio

Here is the November 27, 1935 broadcast of Fred Allen's Town Hall Tonight, which aired over NBC's Red Network and sponsored by Bristol-Myers (for Ipana Toothpaste and Sal Hapatica Laxative. 

Time For The Jack Benny Program

Here is an episode of The Jack Benny Program.  Liberace is Jack's guest on this telecast, which aired on January 17, 1954 over the CBS Network.  





This broadcast is complete with commercials for Lucky Strike Cigarettes.

How's It Going, Hucklesberry?

From 1959, here is Huckleberry Hound starring in "Ten Pin Alley" as our hero competes in a championship bowling contest against Powerful Pierre.  Huck and Pierre were voiced by Daws Butler while the match commentator was voiced by Don Messick.  This cartoon first aired on the syndicated Huckleberry Hound Show and was produced and directed by Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera.

Time To Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye

Let's go back to 1938, as Sammy Kaye and his orchestra play "Love Walked In."  Tommy Ryan has the vocal.

Ralph Houk, R. I. P.

Ralph Houk, who managed the New York Yankees to World Series titles in 1961 and 1962 and who also managed the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox in a career that spanned three decades, passed away on Wednesday at his Winter Haven, Florida home at age 90.

Kiko's Swan Song

From 1937, here's Kiko the Kangaroo, appearing in his final Terrytoons cartoon, "Kiko's Cleaning Day."  In this one, our hero has trouble cleaning the house.  Of course, Ozzie the Ostrich is no help, whatsoever. 





Made at New Rochelle, New York and distributed by 20th Century-Fox (via Educational Pictures), this cartoon was produced by Paul Terry and directed by George Gordon and Mannie Davis, with music by Phil Scheib.  This is a TV syndication print.

Time For A Tune!

Here's a 1926 recording from George Olsen and His Music, a song that George himself co-wrote (along with vocalist Fran Frey and pianist-arranger--and future Screen Gems cartoon studio musical director---Eddie Kilfeather), "She's A Corn Fed Indiana Girl."

Before Sugar Bear

In this commercial from 1951, here are Dandy, Handy, and Candy, the original Post Sugar Crisp bears extolling their product.

Time For Another Tune!

It's time to Swing And Sway With Sammy Kaye and his orchestra in this 1942 recording of "Let's Bring New Glory (To Old Glory)," featuring the vocal by Tommy Ryan and the octet. 




This song was included in the 1942 20th Century-Fox motion picture "Iceland," which starred Sonja Henie and John Payne.  Sammy and the boys were in this flick, too.

Time For A Newsreel!

Here is a 1925 edition of the Kinograms silent newsreel, featuring Jack Dempsey, a balloon race, women dancing in chilly breezes, a juggler, and opium being seized and burned in Shanghai, China. 



Kinograms, distributed by Educational Pictures, was a silent newsreel that pretty much lasted through the 1920s but was doomed by the advent of sound.  An attempted comback in the early 1930s as a sound-on-disk newsreel was an abysmal failure.

Time For A Tune!

From 1942, here's music by Art Kassel and his Kassels in the Air with "One Dozen Roses"with vocal by Gloria Hart and the Art Kassel Trio.

Time For A Polka!

In this clip from a 1959 ABC telecast of Lawrence Welk's Saturday night Dodge Dancing Party, here's Myron Floren with "The Springtime Polka."

That's Right, Sister---Let The Kid Play With Your Hair

From the early 1960s, here's a commerical for Ozon Hair Spray. 



I'd love to play with her hair myself.

It's Mrs. Olson To The Rescue---Again!

In what looks like a commercial from the late 1960s or early 1970s, we once again see Mrs. Olson (played by veteran character actress Virginia Christine) bailing out some poor housewife after she had made another mediocre (or worse) potful of coffee. 



Remember, folks, Folgers Coffee is mountain grown, and it is the r-r-r-richest kind of coffee.

Here's Something You Don't See Everyday

Here's a 1979 commercial for the Popeyes restaurant chain.  Hope you've saved your Brutus glass.

Who Says We Don't Do Commercials In German?

From many moons ago, here is a German-language commercial for the classic Volkswagen Beetle.  See how the passenger survives a crash test.

Roughriders Come Back To Remain Unbeaten

At Regina, Saskatchewan:

By outscoring the visiting Edmonton Eskimos (0-3) 11-0 in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Darian Durant's 38-yard touchdown pass to Andy Fanutz, the Saskatchewan Roughriders (3-0) , wearing their new red-and-black jerseys as part of their centennial celebration this season, became the only remaining undefeated team in the Canadian Football League after their 24-20 win on Saturday.

Love That Mountain Music!

Here's a clip from the May 31, 1958 ABC telecast of Lawrence Welk's Dodge Dancing Party (that was his Saturday night show).  Bob Lido on violin and vocal perform "I Like Mountain Music."  Bob is joined by Billy Wright (violin), Myron Floren (accordion), Buddy Merrill (guitar), and Buddy Hayes (bass), along with the Lennon Sisters.

Here's A Word For The Pooch In Your Life

From the mid-1960s, here's a commercial for Ken-L Ration Dog Food as aired on an ABC telecast of Bewitched.

Gone, Speed Racer, Gone

Peter Fernandez, best remembered as the voice of Speed Racer on the 1960s television cartoon show that bore the character's name, passed away on Thursday from lung cancer at age 83.

Mr. Fernandez also voiced Speed's long-lost brother Rex, who went by the moniker "Racer X."

Peter also wrote the lyrics to the show's signature theme song.

Here's Something New

Someone accused of dachshund and chihuahua hoarding.

Lambeau Field

Could the home of the Green Bay Packers become home to a Big Ten Conference football championship game?

Does Desi, Jr. Know?

His sister's got some 'splaining to do.

Time For A Tune!

Here's a really, really old chestnut.  Here is J. W. Myers singing "Come Take A Trip In My Airship" as recorded on a Columbia Records (#32589) wax cylinder.  The recording is from 1904, the year this song was composed (Ren Shields, words; George "Honey Boy" Evans, music) by the same twosome who wrote "In The Good Old Summertime."

National Leaguers End 13-Game All-Star Drought

At Anaheim, California:

A three-run double by in the seventh inning by Brian McCann (Atlanta Braves; named game MVP) turned out to be the big blow on Tuesday night as the National League All-Stars defeated their American League counterparts for the first time in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game for the first time since 1996, 3-1.

This means that this year, the National League champions will get home field advantage in the World Series.

Here's Something For The Blaaahs

Here's a 1951 commercial for Crosley home entertainment products including television sets and portable radios.

George Steinbrenner, R. I. P.

George Steinbrenner, the longtime and controversial owner of the New York Yankees, passed away on Tuesday morning at a Tampa, Florida hospital after suffering a massive heart attack at age 80.

Mr. Steinbrenner, who changed the team's managers 20 times (does this count all the times he fired and re-hired Billy Martin?) during the 37 years that he had owned the team, bought the Yankees from CBS for $10 million in 1973, watched the team's value climb up to roughly $1.6 billion today.

On King George's watch, the Yankees, who had not tasted postseason play since 1964, won eleven American League pennants and seven World Series titles.

Time For A Cartoon

Here is an Official Films print of a Scrappy cartoon "Scrappy's Big Moment" in which our hero, with help from Oopie,  enters the ring to fight against a caricature of then-reigning world heavyweight champion Max Baer, Sr. 





This cartoon, originally released to theaters by Columbia Pictures on July 28, 1935, was produced by Charles Mintz, with story by Ben Harrison, animation by Allen Rose and Manny Gould, and music by Joe DeNat.  The cartoon was more or less supervised by Ben Harrison and Manny Gould.

American Motors: The Economy Experts

From 1974, here's a commercial for the AMC Protection Plan with a happy customer driving in her AMC Gremlin.

Here's Another Car One Might Consider Forgetable

This commercial, first aired in 1970, is for the new Ford Pinto, its' first model year being 1971.

Say Hello To Yugoslavia's Gift To The American Automobile Market

Here is a 1980's television commercial for the Yugo automobile, in this case the Yugo GV, which was built in Serbia.

What effectively sank the car's business in this country in the early 1990s was the failure on the part of the manufacturer----which happened to be a arnaments manufacturer----to make cars that met exaust emission requirements.

I think the factory was bombed during the Kosovo War in the 1990s.

JIMINY CRICKET!

That's Jiminy, singing the praises for the 1955 Nash Ambassador and Statesman.  This American Motors commercial probably first aired on an episode of ABC's Disneyland program.

And Now For Something Totally Different

Here's a commercial for Gregg's Instant Coffee that aired on television in New Zealand in the 1970s.

Enjoy.

Bob Sheppard, R. I. P.

Bob Sheppard, whose elegant intonation as the public address announcer for Yankee Stadium for more than half a century personified the image of grandeur one would associate with the New York Yankees, in fact he once was described by Reggie Jackson as the Voice of God, passed away on Sunday at his home at Baldwin, Long Island, New York at the age of 99, three months short of what would have been his 100th birthday.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to Yankee Stadium" were the words Mr. Sheppard used when he greeted fans to Yankee Stadium, from the close of the Joe DiMaggio era, through the primes of Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Reggie Jackson, and Derek Jeter.

Bob was also the PA announcer for the New York football Giants from 1956, when they moved from the old Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium, until 2005, when, by then, they had spent roughly three decades at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Roughriders Dominate BC Lions In Vancouver

At Vancouver, British Columbia:

Quarterback Darian Durant threw for a touchdown and ran for another on Saturday night as the Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the British Columbia Lions in Canadian Football League action 37-11 in the first regular-season game at Empire Stadium in 27 years.

Long Commercial Break

Here is a series of commercials that aired during a single commercial break on RTE TV in the Republic of Ireland in 1988.

Got Constipation, Eh?

Here's a commercial for Ex-Lax that aired on Canadian television in 1985.

Okay, Kids, Time For A Cartoon!

And now, ladies and gentlemen, from 1958, here is the debut installment of Paramount Pictures' Modern Madcap series, "Right Off The Bat," in which a desperate baseball manager, with his team's chances of winning the pennant--and his own job---on the line, was talked into adding  a horse to his roster.

This cartoon was produced in New York City by Paramount Cartoon Studios.  With story by Carl Meyer and Jack Mercer, animation by Tom Johnson (animation direction) and Frank Endres, scenics by Robert Little, music by Winston Sharples, and uncredited voice characterizations by Jackson Beck, Sid Raymond, and Jack Mercer, this cartoon was directed by Seymour Kneitel.

Now That You Have Finished Shaving...

Try splashing some Old Spice After-Shave Lotion on your face.  


1957 television commercial.

Don't Forget To Use The Blades

Here's a classic commercial from 1957 for Gillette Blue Blades featuring Sharpie the Parrot.

For A Nice Smooth Shave

Try new and improved Gillette Foamy Shaving Cream, as this 1960s commercial suggests.

Don't Tell Me That's Willie Nelson?!

From the mid-1960s, here is Willie Nelson, appearing as a guest star on the syndicated Ernest Tubb Show, singing "My Window Faces The South."  Leon Rhodes, Wade Ray, and Jack Greene back up Willie on this one.