Author Archives: dcaligari

May 22, 1954 – The Merrie Melodies short, Claws for Alarm, directed by Chuck Jones, starring Porky Pig and Sylvester, debuted on this date. This is the second of three cartoons teaming Porky and Sylvester, continuing his nonspeaking role as Porky’s cat in a spooky setting, where only Sylvester is aware of the danger theContinue reading “Claws for Alarm premiered”

May 22, 1947 –David Lean’s classic, Great Expectations, premiered in NYC on this date. Charles Dickens wrote a much harsher ending to the novel for its original publication, in which Pip and Estella remain apart. He was forced to substitute the more famous ending when it was published as a book later on, because theContinue reading “Take nothing on its looks, take everything on evidence.”

May 22, 1992 –For 30 years, the man most of America went to bed with every night, finally got tired of having to try to satisfy so many people and decided to retire. Johnny Carson, known for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and understated charm, made his final appearance on The Tonight Show on thisContinue reading “He got to sleep in the next day”

It was a rainy overcast day on this date last year as well. But fear not, we are only 30 days away until the start of summer. Hopefully, you’ll be able to make some vacation plans this year.

Today is International Tea Day. Tea Day first got its start in 2004 when it was celebrated in New Delhi. It grew over the years and by 2019 the day was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. Drinking tea is less likely to produce a ‘caffeine crash’ than drinking coffee. This is because theContinue reading “Let’s all have a nice cuppa”

May 21, 1992 –Bette Midler appeared as the last scheduled guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, on this date. Carson had already announced his retirement, and this was the penultimate episode before his final farewell the next day. (This was the apex of TV. It hasn’t gotten any better than this.) What madeContinue reading “Television at its best”

May 21, 1982 – The ingeniously crafted comedy Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid, a unique blend of parody, homage, and technical wizardry that paid loving tribute to the film noir genre of the 1940s opened on this date. Directed and co-written by Carl Reiner, and starring Steve Martin, Rachel Ward, and Carl Reiner, the filmContinue reading “Are you a friend of Carlotta?”

May 21, 1971 –Regarded as one of the landmark recordings in pop music history, and one of the greatest albums of the 20th century, Marvin Gaye’s eleventh studio album What’s Going On, was released on this date. The What’s Going On album takes on many issues, including the environment (Mercy Mercy Me) and poverty (InnerContinue reading “Flying high without ever leaving the ground”

May 21, 1940 – The Looney Tunes short, Injun Trouble, directed by Bob Clampett, starring Porky Pig, debuted on this date. This cartoon no longer appears on American television because of racial stereotyping of Native-Americans This short was later remade in color as Wagon Heels, also directed by Bob Clampett.

May 22, 1949 –The Looney Tunes short, Curtain Razor, directed by Friz Freleng, starring Porky Pig, debuted on this date. The short is similar in concept to Hamateur Night directed by Tex Avery ten years prior, since both shorts are centered on a series of comical stage act-based gags that frequently get rejected via theContinue reading “Curtain Razor premiered”