HALLOWEEN SAFETY IN THE 1970'S AND 1980's

My sister and I often joke about a Halloween safety film we were shown every year in school throughout the late 70's to mid 80's. Every Halloween, we had to sit in the auditorium in elementary school and watch the same film, year, after year, after year. It became a running joke.

After my sister made a joke about it on the phone last night, I decided to see if it was on Youtube.

AND IT IS!!!!!!

I don't know how widespread this was shown. It is dated 1977. But this is it.



Part 1



Part 2

Have a safe Halloween everyone. Masks and witches are bad!!

FORGOTTEN TV: THINK ABOUT (1970's - 1980's)

Back in the early 80’s, if I was out sick from school, I would often watch PBS during the morning. They had educational programs that were better than some of the reruns that were on.

There was never any schedule of what was shown. You would just tune in and have to wait to see what was next.

When there was one intro, I was always very happy.



THINK ABOUT. That still stands as one of my favorite theme songs. Just writing this I’ve had to play it back five or six times.

The show that followed was normally about someone involved in some moral dilemma. At the end, he would have to figure out what to do.

It was meant to show in classrooms and then the students would discuss what happened. It aired from the late 70’s to early 80’s.

THINK ABOUT was produced by the Educational Film Center, the Northern Virginia Educational Telecommunications Association and The Agency for Instructional Television. Exxon funded it as well. So, it was all propaganda. But it worked.

In fact, I’m sure if it was around today, the next generation would be better off. It is certainly better than HANNAH MONTANA or THE WIGGLES. What do kids learn from them? (I’m starting to sound old).

Here is the closing theme.



I would love this, and other PBS shows so much, that I would often prolong my illness so I could stay home and watch the next day.

There were two other similar shows, INSIDE OUT and TRADE OFFS. Both are worthy of their own entry in this series, but there are no clips on YouTube.

EDIT (5-15-10): I just found this video for INSIDE OUT.




NOTE: This post contains YouTube clips. If unable to view and reading from an outside site, click through to view.

FORGOTTEN FILM: HOOK, LINE & SINKER (1969)

When jokes are made about Jerry Lewis being big in France, I just realize that it is mainly out of ignorance. If you look at some of the films he made, whether you like him or not, you have to admire what he did. Just the set design of THE LADIES MAN, a film he directed, should eliminate any criticism.

Over the years, I’ve seen all but a couple of his films. There have been two or three that have never been released even on VHS and are rarely shown on TV.

One of these rarities just turned up on Turner Classic Movies for the first time that I have noticed it. It is 1969’s HOOK LINE AND SINKER.

The basic premise, at least if you read the write ups, has Jerry being told by his doctor (Peter Lawford) that he has a terminal illness, with a limited time left. He then goes on a spending spree with his credit cards. Anne Francis plays his wife.

Like I mentioned, I like Jerry Lewis. A lot.

This is one of his very worst. Forget the fact that it isn’t funny, it isn’t even watchable. Incredibly dull too. There is very little of interest in the film. In fact, I had to look up the plot synopsis since, having seen this a couple weeks ago, have completely forgotten it. I remember Jerry sitting on an operating table, but that is about it.

There are some early moments, of his home life, that show some promise. But even though the set up could be made into something highly watchable, the film does nothing with it. Jerry even looks bored.

Maybe the fact that Jerry wasn’t behind the camera had something to do with it. By 1969, he was directing most of his films. With HOOK, George Marshall directed. This was his last feature, having directed films from the early silent era (his first credit was in 1916). Marshall is best know for directing DESTRY RIDES AGAIN.

The screenplay was written by Rodney Amateau, who directed previous Forgotten Film entry LOVELINES.

As I stated, I like Jerry Lewis. But even fans of his shouldn’t try to seek this one out.

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: WILLIAM ZABKA

I think an essay could be written about who was the best film bully of the 1980’s. Was it Matt Dillon in MY BODYGUARD? Or was it Billy Zabka in, well, everything he starred in?

He was the go to guy for playing bullies. Yet, like many bullies, as far as his acting career went, his best time in life was probably in high school, and you don’t know what he is up to today.


Billy, or William Zabka, made his film debut in 1984’s THE KARATE KID. Who didn’t hate him in this, as Johnny, Elisabeth Shue’s ex-boyfriend. It is one of those roles that is just hard to live down. He was just perfect in it.

He would go on the next year to play a jerk in JUST ONE OF THE GUYS, the one where Joyce Hyser disguised herself as a guy to win a journalism competition.

Zabka played Dana Hill’s boyfriend, Jack (as in "God, I miss Jack"), in NATIONAL LAMPOON’S EUROPEAN VACATION. He told her on the phone that he was hanging out with her friend, so he was a jerk in that as well.

He was also in Rodney Dangerfield’s BACK TO SCHOOL, briefly in KARATE KID 2 (according to some cast lists. I have no memory of the film), and 1988’s A TIGER’S TALE with C. Thomas Howell.

There was some TV work along the way, GIMME A BREAK, the sitcom E/R (that also starred George Clooney), an afterschool special, and a few episodes of THE EQUALIZER.

He acted in films in the 90’s as well, but I can honestly say, I have never heard of one of them.

So What Ever Happened To Him?

Would you believe it if I told you that William Zabka, the guy that played all those evil roles, was actually nominated for an Oscar?

He was!

In 2003, a short film he wrote, MOST, was nominated for Best Live Action Short. It didn’t win, but won several film festival awards.

He even spoofed himself in this music video, No More Kings “Sweep the Leg”, playing himself, living in a trailer, watching KARATE KID over and over again.



And not only did he play himself in that video (arguably the funniest of the past ten years, if not longer, especially the finale) but Zabka wrote and directed it!

He may have a real career behind the camera.

He does continue to act. But in smaller films.

FORGOTTEN TV: IT'S YOUR MOVE (1984-1985)

IT’S YOUR MOVE was Jason Bateman’s first starring role in a sitcom, after playing Ricky Schroeder’s sidekick on SILVER SPOONS.

He played a teenager who, when he wasn’t pulling various scams, was trying to destroy his single mother’s relationship with a neighbor in their apartment building. Caren Kaye (the tutor in MY TUTOR) played his mother, David Garrison (MARRIED WITH CHILDREN) played the neighbor.

The show worked because of Bateman. While today, after ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, he is considered a great comic actor, even back then he managed to play this rather unlikable character in a very funny way.

His best friend was Eli, played by Adam Jay Sadowsky (who did little after this). His sister was Tricia Cast. She became a big soap opera star. Ernie Sabella (the warthog in THE LION KING, PERFECT STRANGERS) played Mr. Donatelli, the janitor.

It aired on NBC beginning on September 26, 1984. I was kind of surprised to find out that it only ran for 18 episodes, and ended its run on February 23, 1985. I think I saw them all.

Well, except for one.

One of the most famous things about the show was the “Dregs of Humanity” episode. This was a two part episode that had its second part pre-empted by a speech by President Reagan. That second part never aired, at least on NBC.

Reruns were shown on USA NETWORK where it ran on weekends in 1989 to 1992.

IT’S YOUR MOVE isn’t on DVD, but it should be. Jason Bateman has a following, and they could release the entire run in one set.

Until then, you can watch some of it on YouTube. Here is the pilot episode.



Look closely at the 3:00 minute mark. Recognize Brian?

That is none other than River Phoenix!!

Bateman’s delivery in that opening should have made everyone realize he would still be around today.

Here is the rest





I believe Sony has the rights. They’ve pretty much given up on TV on DVD sadly. I hope they come around one of these days.

NOTE: This post contains YouTube clips. If unable to view from an outside site, click through to view.

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO: CYNTHIA RHODES

Watching VH1 Classics, I saw the video for Toto’s “Rosanna”.

While the song is based on one of the bandmember’s girlfriend, Rosanna Arquette, I was struck by the dancer. Not Arquette, but Cynthia Rhodes. Normally I don’t even notice dancing in a video, but she was an incredible in this.

In the 80’s, she starred in several films, but disappeared by the end of the decade.

Born in Nashville, Rhodes was a dancer at Opryland USA. This led to dancing work in films such as XANADU as well as ONE FROM THE HEART. There were videos for Toto and other bands as well



Her first major role was in FLASHDANCE, as Tina Tech. She had a larger role in the SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER sequel STAYING ALIVE. That Sylvester Stallone directed film did not do as well as the original.



Next up, a non musical film, the Tom Selleck / Gene Simmons / robot bullet 80’s classic RUNAWAY. I watched this one quite a bit in the 80's, yet haven't seen it since.

In DIRTY DANCING she starred as Patrick Swayze’s dance partner. Today, this is probably seen as her biggest film. It is still regularly shown on TV and I think has been reissued 72 times on DVD.

She also had a music career as well.



In 1987 she joined the band Animotion. They had previoulsy had a hit with the song “Obsession”. She became lead singer for the single “Room to Move”, featured in the film MY STEPMOTHER IS AN ALIEN.

Her last appearance on film was a 1991 Roger Corman produced film, CURSE OF THE CRYSTAL EYE.

So, What Ever Happened To Her?

During the making of STAYING ALIVE, Cynthia met a musician who was working on some of the music for the film.

A few years later, they met again. She agreed to appear in his video.



“Don’t Mean Nothing” by Richard Marx.

In 1989, the two were married.

Today, they have 3 kids and are still together.

Like Lucinda Dickey, I think Cynthia Rhodes can be seen as a dancer who sort of fell into acting. It wasn’t her passion, just something to do. She stayed with it for a few years, until she decided family life meant more to her. And, it has been a successful choice.

Now what ever happened to Richard Marx? Listening to that song again, his first CD was one of the more memorable of the late 80's.

FORGOTTEN TV: THE MORTON DOWNEY JR. SHOW (1987-1989)

Before there was Bill O’Reilly.

Before there was Jerry Springer.

Before there was Rush Limbaugh

There was Morton Downey Jr.

THE MORTON DOWNEY JR SHOW aired, beginning in 1987, from Superstation WOR 9 in Secaucus New Jersey. It was a nightly round table talk show, where Mort would have on different guests, from politicians to wrestlers, and argue with them.

This wasn’t a typical talk show. It was more of a yell show. Mort would yell at his guests, and if he was lucky, they would yell back.

The audience would step up to a “loudmouth” podium to ask questions as well. They would often join in as well. They would cheer him on. Instead of the “Jerry, Jerry!” you get today it was “Mort! Mort! Mort!”

It was the end of the Reagan era, so Mort was always screaming about “pablum pukers” (aka liberals) or telling people he didn’t agree with to “zip it”.

One of the most famous moments in the show was when Roy Innis got into a confrontation with Al Sharpton.



I have to admit, every time I see Sharpton today, twenty years later, I still remember this.

The show grew to be very popular. It began to be syndicated by various stations and become a nationwide phenomenon. Chris Elliot even played Mort as a recurring skit on LATE NIGHT WITH DAVID LETTERMAN.

Mort even toured the country with the show like a rock star. I saw him once when he came to town. They had huge speakers blaring while he yelled at people who were supporting Michael Dukakis.

Politically, I’ve changed quite a bit since the 1980’s. But back then, I have to admit, I watched the show just about every night. I watched from the first WOR episode. I even had a Morton Downey Jr. Show T-shirt and the soundtrack tape.

Of course all good things had to come to an end.

In 1989, as people were tuning away from the show (I had stopped watching), Mort claimed to have been attacked in an airport bathroom. His head was shaved and a swastika was drawn on his face. Police didn’t quite believe the story, and it turned out they had a reason. Mort had faked the whole thing for attention.

And that was the end of the show.

He attempted a comeback on radio and various TV shows. They never took. He would later go on LARRY KING and admit that the show was all an act. Politically, he wasn’t as right wing as he claimed to be (he grew up next to the Kennedys in Hyannis after all).

In 1996, the longtime smoker (who smoked on his show) had a lung removed. In 2001, he died.

A case could be made that THE MORTON DOWNEY SHOW was one of the worst shows ever to air on television. Especially for what it represented, by lowering the standards for political debate and made a mockery of it all. It inspired imitators who are still going strong today.

But I can’t get away from the fact that I DID watch it. I was part of the problem. There was something about him that made you want to keep watching. Even if he only had a brief time to influence viewers.

The Return of Julie Brown!

I've been open about my love for Julie Brown of JUST SAY JULIE.

She is back with a new song!!!



"The Ex Beauty Queen Has Got A Gun". A reworking of her hit "The Homecoming Queen's Got A Gun" only about a certain political figure.

NOTE: This post contains a Youtube clip. If viewing from an outside site, click through to view.

FORGOTTEN TV: New Zoo Revue (1972-1977)

THE NEW ZOO REVUE was to the 70’s, and even the 80’s, what BARNEY was to the 90’s. It was a children’s show with lots of characters dancing around in costumes.

There was Henrietta Hippo, Charlie the Owl, and Freddie the Frog. The humans interacting with them were Doug and Emmy Joe. Sometimes, the mailman would stop by.

The most memorable thing about the show was the theme song. (You can find it on Youtube but they don't allow embedding.

Here are the lyrics:

La-La-La-La-La-La-La, La-La-La-La-La-La-La

It’s the New Zoo Revue, coming right at you...
Where three delightful animals have fun with what they do.

We learn with our friend Doug (our friend Doug!)
I'm his helper Emmy Jo (Emmy Jo!)

With Freddie!
Charlie!
Henrietta!

We have fun learning what we don't know.

Delicate and feminine is Henrietta Hippo.
Very wise and very smart is Charlie the Owl. (Whooo!)
Lots of spark with lots of parties, Freddie the Frog.

It's quite an unusual thing, the animals talk and sing...
With Doug and Emmy Jo, everyday's a different show!

It’s the New Zoo Revue, coming right at you...
It’s the New Zoo Revue, coming right at you!

The show ran 196 episodes from 1972 to 1977. Reruns ran throughout the 80’s as well. One of my stations aired it every morning at 6 a.m. in the 80’s.

What I wasn’t aware of at the time, the two hosts of it Doug (Doug Momary) and Emmy Joe (Emily Peden) were married, and still are to this day.

Having seen the show recently (it is available on DVD) it is a bit dated, but still fun. Dated mainly because Emmy Jo is frequently wearing miniskirts with go-go boots.

The biggest star to come from the show is Chuck Woolery. The LOVE CONNECTION and LINGO host played the postman.

Now those with warm memories of the show may want to stop reading here.

Really.

Stop reading.

This could ruin the show for you.

One of the most famous things about the show today (other than the occasional Henrietta Hippo reference on THE SIMPSONS) is a blooper from the show.

I first saw this on a blooper compilation tape in the mid 80’s and was shocked by it. The reruns were still on the air then.

It is now on Youtube.

Here it is, and again, a warning. You will never look at Freddie the Frog or Charlie the Owl the same way again.



Told you.

But, I guess the people in the costumes got a bit bored doing this show, and had to have some fun.

The first season is available on DVD, as well as a couple DVDs of select episodes.

BOOK REVIEW: THE WORDY SHIPMATES by Sarah Vowell

I was late to the Sarah Vowell party. I don’t listen to NPR all that often, where she is a regular commentator, so was only aware of her from her appearances on David Letterman (or as a voice in THE INCREDIBLES).

After seeing her with Dave to discuss her book ASSASSINATION VACATION (where she writes of traveling to visit the sites of every Presidential assassination, and discussing the people involved) I wrote down that I needed to get it. After reading it, I was hooked and quickly read everything else she wrote. She became one of my favorite writers.

Her newest is THE WORDY SHIPMATES.

This book is about the Puritans. Not the Pilgrims, this was the later wave of settlers in Massachusetts, led by John Winthrop. Vowell covers the years of Winthrop’s leadership, focusing on his writings and letters. Winthrop was responsible for “the city on a hill” reference used by Presidents over the years.

Vowell also writes about other major players of the time. There was Roger Williams, whose clashes with Winthrop led to him being exiled to settle Rhode island. Anne Hutchinson, a religious rabble rouser, is another major character. And, let’s not forget the battles with the Native Americans.

I should admit a bit of a bias here. My father is somewhat of an expert on Puritan history. I think he has every book that Vowell referenced in this. In fact he even played John Winthrop in a recreation of his landing in Salem Mass several years ago. So, I’ve lived my whole life hearing stories about Winthrop and these people.

That said, Vowell’s book will make even those who have never heard of any of them fascinated. Like in her previous work, she writes in such a readable, conversational style it is like listening to a friend tell you stories. You can’t help but be caught up in her interest in them.

Upon finishing it, I was actually sad since I WANTED MORE!! She is such a great writer, I want to read her take on other parts of American History. This book, and her others, should be required reading in American History classes. If only to let students know just how much fun history can be.

Although even if you don’t care about history, this book is just a great read.

Don’t miss it. And if you haven’t picked up your others, you are in for a treat.