Author Archives: dcaligari

November 7, 1956 –An early masterpiece from Fellini, I Vitelloni, was released in the US on this date. Fellini intended to continue the story of the protagonist of this film, Moraldo Rubini, in a movie to be entitled Moraldo in the City, in which the young man would experience big city life for the firstContinue reading “I Vitelloni premiered in the US”

November 7, 1955 –The neo-realist film classic, Umberto D., was released in the US on this date. This is the first and only film for non-actor Carlo Battisti, who plays the leading role in the film. His real occupation was that of a Professor of Linguistics at the Università degli Studi di Firenze.

November 6, 1965 –The Rolling Stones song Get Off of My Cloud became their second song to hit #1 on the Billboard charts on this date. There was a bit of controversy over this song, as it sounded like it could be about drugs. Some radio stations shied away from the song.

November 6, 1990 –Madonna released her her ninth #1 hit, Justify My Love, on this date. MTV immediately banned the video which immediately piqued interest in the song. Lenny Kravitz helped Madonna write and produce this sultry song, where Madonna whispers most of the lyrics. It was the first single from her highly anticipated ImmaculateContinue reading “Justify My Love went on sale”

November 6, 1968 –The Columbia Pictures cult classic film (although it’s not what they wanted,) Head, starring The Monkees, Victor Mature and with cameos by Jack Nicholson, Teri Garr, Carol Doda, Annette Funicello, Frank Zappa, Sonny Liston, Dennis Hopper and Toni Basil, premiered to an unsuspecting public on this date. The Coca-Cola Company reportedly wasn’tContinue reading “You don’t have to be stoned to watch”

November 6, 1948 – Sylvester in his prime – Kit for Cat, debuted on this date. The actors in the radio drama, Mel Blanc and Bea Benaderet, call each other by their real first names, Melvin and Beatrice.

With 90 days between the equinox on September 22 and the solstice on December 21, we are halfway through the relevant seasons (Autumn or Fall in the northern hemisphere; Spring in the southern hemisphere) on this day. While you are considering that, keep this in mind: Make your plans, as you see fit.

November 5, 1974 –The Eagles hit, Best of My Love, was released on this date. It did not reach #1 spot until March 1, 1975. This song is often played at weddings and anywhere else one wants to demonstrate affection, but it’s really a breakup song: “You see it your way, and I see itContinue reading “Best of My Love went on sale”

November 5, 1988 –The Beach Boys’ (except for Brian, whose therapist Eugene Landy wouldn’t let him participate, but that’s another story,) single, Kokomo goes to No. #1 on the Billboard charts, on this date. Brian Wilson was the creative force behind The Beach Boys, but he had nothing to do with this song. He releasedContinue reading “Kokomo topped the charts”

November 5, 1938 – A very funny (but very un PC) B and W Looney Tunes Cartoon, Porky in Egypt, debuted on this date. The camel steals the cartoon. Unfortunately, the camel never followed up his star turn in this one.