Author Archives: dcaligari

The words my children knew as their first spoken phrase – a bone dry Bombay Sapphire Martini, straight up, olives ! Today is National Name Your Poison Day. As described on many websites, “… National Name Your Poison Day is observed each year on June 8. Over the years, bartenders have been known to useContinue reading “And yes –”

June 8, 1950 –The Asphalt Jungle, the superb film noir directed by John Huston, was released on this date. During the production, Walter Huston came to Hollywood for his son John Huston’s 44th birthday party. Two days later, with John at his side, the legendary actor of stage and screen died of heart failure atContinue reading “One way or another, we all work for our vice.”

June 8, 1983 –John Landis‘ mega-hit comedy Trading Places, starring Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche, Denholm Elliott, and Jamie Lee Curtis premiered in the US on this date. In 2010, as part of the Wall Street Transparency and Accountability Act, which was to regulate financial markets, a rule was included which barredContinue reading “I was poor and no one liked me.”

June 8, 1935 – The Merrie Melodies short, Into Your Dance, directed by Friz Freleng, debuted on this date. Many networks airing this short, remove the scene of a blackface minstrel group performing Go Into Your Dance as the crowd enters the show.

June 8, 1940 – The Looney Tunes short, The Chewin’ Bruin, directed by Bob Clampett, and starring Porky Pig, was released on this date. The muskrats that the bear hunter were quietly scaring with his rifle, escape and dig in holes in the nearby fallen log that spell out GOODBYE, MR CHIPS.

June 8, 1935 – The Merrie Melodies short, Tom Thumb in Trouble, directed by Chuck Jones, debuted on this date. This is the final cartoon in which Shepperd Strudwick provided a voice. All cartoons Strudwick worked on were directed by Chuck Jones.

June 8, 1946 – The Loonet Tune short, Looney Tunes cartoon, Kitty Kornered, diwrected by Bob Clampett and featuring the first pairing of Porky Pig and Sylvester, was released on this date. The goldfish couple are shown sleeping in the same bed. At the time, such a portrayal was pushing the censorship envelope. The HayesContinue reading “Kitty Kornered premiered”

June 8, 1957 – The Looney Tunes short, Looney Tunes cartoon, Steal Wool, directed by Chuck Jones and starring Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog, was released on this date. This is the fourth animated short film by Warner Bros. Cartoons to feature Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog as the main characters. This is also theirContinue reading “Steal Wool premiered”

June 8, 1963 – The Looney Tunes short, Hare-Breadth Hurry, directed by Chuck Jones and starring Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote, was released on this date. This is the final pairing between Bugs and Wile E. Coyote in the classic era.

it’s Dean Martin’s, Tom Jones’ and Prince’s birthday today. Think of the number of children conceived listening to their music.