December 18, 1962 – Mr. Magoo starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in a musical version of Charles Dickens’ Christmas tale, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol, music by Jule Styne and Bob Merrill and voiced by Jim Backus, Jack Cassidy, Paul Frees, Joan Gardner, Morey Amsterdam, and Royal Dano, which aired on NBC TV, on this date. ThereContinue reading “This was Gilbert Gottfried’s favorite holiday special”
Author Archives: dcaligari
Think Pink
December 18, 1966 –The Pink Panther cartoon series premiered with the episode titled The Pink Blueprint on this date The Pink Panther character, created for the animated opening credits of The Pink Panther movie, was so popular that this short was produced as a starring vehicle for the character. The short marks the only timeContinue reading “Think Pink”
Sorry but you’ll be singing this the rest of the day
December 18, 1961 –Based on an African song called Mbube (Solomon Linda and the Evening Birds)– The Tokens’ single, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, was No. 1 song on the Billboard Charts, on this date. Solomon Linda recorded the song in Johannesburg, South Africa after being discovered by a talent scout. The chanting was mostly improvised,Continue reading “Sorry but you’ll be singing this the rest of the day”
I was tuning in the shine on the late night dial …
December 17, 1977 – Elvis Costello and The Attractions made a rare United States television debut on Saturday Night Live when Sid Vicious and the Sex Pistols failed to show up for the gig. Producer Lorne Michaels refused to allow Costello to perform Radio, Radio because of the song’s criticism of the broadcasting industry, butContinue reading “I was tuning in the shine on the late night dial …”
Go, Tootsie, Go
December 17, 1982 –Sydney Pollack’s comedy take on gender roles, Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Lange and Bill Murray (in a howlingly funny supporting role) opened in general release in the US on this date. The character of Dorothy originally did not speak with a Southern accent, but in doing research, Dustin Hoffman discovered hisContinue reading “Go, Tootsie, Go”
They made such a handsome couple
December 17, 1969 –Tiny Tim married Miss Vicki on the Tonight Show on this date. The event attracted between 40 and 50 million viewers. What is there to say?
As we are at the halfway mark of Hanukkah,
Don’t be voted – Most likely to steal all the gelt. It’s the fourth night of Hanukkah. Another reason Hanukkah feels better than Christmas – No Dance of the Sugar-Plum Rebbe.
Today is the beginning of Saturnalia.
It is an ancient Roman festival that was held in honor of the god Saturn. It was an occasion for celebration, visits to friends, and the presentation of gifts, particularly wax candles (or mentholated ACME Bung Balm.) The Saturnalia was originally celebrated in Ancient Rome for only a day, but it was so popular itContinue reading “Today is the beginning of Saturnalia.”
A reason NOT to be on the Naught List
Very unpleasant Christmas trivia:In Eastern Europe, one of the stories told to children is about Frau Perchta, or the Christmas Witch. She has two faces, a nice face that she shows to nice children, and a scary face she shows to bad ones. She comes into homes on the 12th night of Christmas and leavesContinue reading “A reason NOT to be on the Naught List”
Your safety is our main concern at ACME
Staying safe this holiday season Tip No. 857 – Sea monsters love waterways and snatching small children from local beaches. Avoid the shorlines this holiday!
The Haus of Dcaligari 