Author Archives: dcaligari

It’s International Plant Appreciation Day. Cut flowers fade away, while a potted plant, especially a flowering one, brings long-lasting pleasure. But after the clip you may want to see some plants cut down.

April 12, 1936 –Another romantic comedy from Frank Capra, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, starring Gary Cooper and Jean Arthur, went into general release in the US on this date. Jean Arthur was so overcome with stage fright that she often vomited before scenes and would run back to her dressing room after each takeContinue reading “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town opened”

April 12, 1984 –The short-lived MTM Enterprises series, The Duck Factory, starring Jim Carrey, Julie Payne, Nancy Lane, Jay Tarses, Don Messick, Teresa Ganzel, and Jack Gilford, premiered on NBC TV, on this date. The series only lasted 13 episodes. Jim Carrey did his first appearance on David Letterman’s Late Night right after the showContinue reading “I did see this one”

Passover starts tonight – please bone up on those four questions. Remember you will not be graded on a curve! While it’s not as bad as not finding the missing easter egg, by all means, please find the Afikoman, (no one wants to accidentally eat a piece of exceptionally stale cracker.)

Happy Walk On The Wild Side Day. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy on their website Wellcat.com. It was created to recognize that “what others would think” is the dumbest reason not to do something, and rather denotes a lack of courage. This song provided Lou Reed his biggest hit, and it was his onlyContinue reading “Doo, do-doo, do-doo, do-do-doo”

April 12, 1974 –Elton John song Bennie and the Jets (Penny on the desk) hit No. #1 in the US on this date. Elton wrote the music to this song as an homage to glam rock. This style was defined by outrageous costumes. It was popular in the early ‘70s, especially in the UK. ArtistsContinue reading “Elton and Bernie really like this date”

April 11, 1983 –R.E.M. release their debut album, Murmur, on this date. Radio Free Europe was R.E.M.’s first single, released in 1981 before they signed to a major label. A better-produced version was included on Murmur, the band’s first full-length album, in 1983.

April 11, 1942 – Bob Clampett was the first to tackle an adaption of a Dr. Seuss book when Merrie Melodies released Horton Hatches the Egg, on this date. Peter Lorre was a favorite characterization for the famed Warner Bros. cartoonists, as he tangled several times with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck.

April 11, 1955 – The Paddy Chayefsky drama, Marty, premiered in New York City on this date. It stars Ernest Borgnine (the man who taught Ethel Merman the lessons of love) and Betsy Blair. The film was directed by Delbert Mann. Film historians have credited this film for demonstrating the viability of low budget filmsContinue reading “… you become a professor of pain.”

April 11, 1947 –Charlie Chaplin’s very dark comedy, Monsieur Verdoux, opened on this date in NYC. The film was a colossal box-office flop on its 1947 release. This was despite being ardently championed by writer-critic James Agee. He considered Charles Chaplin’s acting performance the greatest male performance he had ever seen in films.