To be fair, Peter had a demanding boss. Few people were harder to please than President Lyndon B. Johnson. The temperamental president was quick to find fault with anyone at any time. […]
The White House Speechwriter Who Refused to be Fired
Major Bambi, USMC
Let’s just acknowledge something right off the bat: there’s nothing unmanly about liking the Disney movie Bambi. While we’re on the subject, we don’t think anything less of anyone who gets emotional […]
How Disney Made Us Believe Lemmings Commit Mass Suicide
In this uncertain world, there are at least three things on which all of us can be certain: Disney loves animals, nature documentaries are reliable, and lemmings commit mass suicide by throwing […]
How a Young Actor Rose Above Dirty Tricks
The young actor was excited to learn he had been cast alongside a Hollywood legend. He was still trying to find his place in the entertainment world. Appearing next to one of […]
How a Multi-Talented Actor Is Mainly Remembered as a Monster
Ted Cassidy was different from other boys his age. Yes, it’s true that his physical appearance made him stand out from everyone else, but that wasn’t the only thing. Physically, intellectually, and […]
Warhol’s 8-Hour Movie of the Empire State Building
Hello, faithful reader. How was your weekend? Did you see any good movies? Let us tell you about the movie we watched. We’ll try not to give away any spoilers. Admittedly, the […]
How the Wizard of Oz Destroyed the Musical Career of a Famous Actor
It seemed that Christian Ludolf was destined for musical greatness. His father was a choreographer, and Christian was dancing as soon as he was able to walk. When he was ten years […]
How a $40 Overdue Fine Created Netflix
Some people face hardships, concede that they are inevitable, and deal with them. Others can see the same difficulties and be pummeled into defeat or paralyzed into inaction. Then we have the […]
The Wizard of Oz Snow was Pure Asbestos
In the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz, Scarecrow is mortally afraid of fire. Ironically, fire should have been the least of his concerns. Scarecrow’s costume, as well as one of […]
Why Do Movies Insist that Similarities to Real People Are Purely Coincidental?
Guardians of the Galaxy is a 2014 movie by Marvel Studios. It features some entertaining-but-implausible characters. An anthropomorphic raccoon, sentient tree-like creature, and green-skinned alien woman travel throughout the galaxy, alternately fleeing […]
The Unlikely Origin of One of the Best-Loved Christmas Songs
It is almost impossible to imagine Christmas without thinking of all the songs that go with the day. There are enough holiday tunes to fill the season, and many are so beloved […]
Costume Thief Crossover Connects Marvel and DC Universes
Two parallel universes exist side-by-side. In each, a battle continually rages, pitting the forces of good against those who wish to destroy everything. Both realms are protected by warriors whose deeds, powers, […]
The Ironic Reason O.J. Simpson Missed His Chance to Star in Terminator
James Cameron had a dream that inspired him to create the 1984 blockbuster Terminator. (Learn about that dream here.) Perhaps for that reason, he was willing to let his inner senses guide […]
How E.T. Made Reese’s Pieces One of the World’s Favorite Candies
When E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial hit the silver screens in 1982, the movie was a sensation. It quickly shot past Star Wars to take the lead as the highest-grossing film to date. Nearly […]
Whatever Became of the Fear-Filled Boy Who Was Sent to Jail By His Father?
Al was six years old when his father summoned him for a very important assignment. The older man asked the boy if he would be willing to take on an important responsibility. […]
Commonplace Fun Facts 