Are Hitchcock’s Films A Shared Cinematic Universe?

Alfred Hitchcock directed over fifty films in his career. From early grainy silent films to big glossy Hollywood productions. Thanks to so many of his popular, classic films and his talents behind the camera he would become known as ‘The Master of Suspense’.

He would also become one of the most recognizable directors of all time, thanks to his weekly appearances on his own television show ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’. His rotund shape, distinct profile and dry dark humor would make him a memorable figure. READ MORE

The Endurance of the Three Stooges

Not too long ago the Decades Network was running three days Three Stooges programming. The reason for this marathon of all thing Stooge was to honor the 33rd anniversary of the Stooges receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

I thought it was somewhat a weak connection to make to stop and honor, but who cares what the excuse was – I’m always up for Three Stooges programming for whatever reason they can think up! They could do a marathon of the Stooges everytime the date contains a ‘three’ in it and I’d accept it and be happy. READ MORE

Fantastic Voyage – 50 Years Later

Fifty years ago movie audiences sat down in darkened theaters to witness a film that would take them to ‘where no one has ever been before‘.

They learned from the intriguing title card that ‘No eye-witness has actually seen what you are about to see. During an era where going to the moon would soon be upon us and where the most incredible things are happening all around us, someday, perhaps tomorrow, the fantastic events you are about to see can and will take place‘.

What a build up from an opening title card! Folks, we’re about to take a FANTASTIC VOYAGE! READ MORE

Superhero Films – Batman (1989)

My superhero series continues with one of the most popular superhero films of all time.

As the summer of 1989 approached there would be one film in particular that would dominate the season, one movie that would be the most anticipated film of the year helped along by endless hype of merchandise and billboards – Batman.

With a huge budget, a young director by the name of Tim Burton, Jack Nicholson getting a huge payday, the controversial casting of Michael Keaton as the Dark Knight, complete secrecy from the set and an early movie trailer that ignited the spark in the eyes of everyone who saw it, when the film finally hit Bat fans and everyone else swarmed theaters to make it a huge hit. I go back and revisit Burton’s Batman. READ MORE

Hey, Remember Postcards?

Once upon a time taking a trip and sending someone back home a postcard was such a popular thing. It was something almost required you would do while on a vacation. But over time less and less postcards are making their way to mailboxes. Are postcards dying out?

At one point you could find postcards everywhere! With a single stamp you could show what miraculous place you’re at and make the receiver jealous with that old reliable ‘Wish you were here’ greeting. Today, it looks like the best years of postcard sending and receiving is a thing of the past. READ MORE