Sun Records-Philippines

Here's an odd item I just found floating around Ebay- Carl Perkins on Sun Records-78 R.P.M. pressed in the Philippines. I wonder how many people in Manila were diggin'
on Southern Rockabilly back in the mid-fifties. Does anyone out there have further info on this item???

How To Avoid Getting Laid # 2

Jean Patchett-Classic Beauty

A classic shot of fashion icon Jean Patchett, photographed by Louise Dahl-Wolfe (Grenada, 1953)

Cocktail Demons

Planning a cocktail party? Here’s a hot tip from Dr. Diablo- order yourself some cocktail demons to adorn your libations-this will give your guests something more to yak about aside from the usual French New Wave Cinema, Blue Note Records, and Egon Schiele dialogue. Add a little pizzazz to your party for only $5.50 per box.
Order Here!

Predicta By Telstar

When I found this website I thought I was dreaming. A company named Telstar has been making brand new Predicta television sets, based on the original designs that Philco manufactured in the 1950s. There are about eight different models and they can also be ordered with custom finishing. One big difference is that the screens are larger and Color! They also work with remote, cable, and DVD players. I’m not sure if they’ve made the leap to HDTV yet, but it was mentioned in their f.a.q. section. This is unbelievably cool.
Check Out Their Website!

Visions Of Shanghai # 2

Fang Bang Road, in the older section of Shanghai, Feb. 2008

Henri Salvador

What can be said about Henri Salvador that hasn’t already been said?
In a nutshell, he was a unique talent as a songwriter, singer, guitarist, and performer.
His career spanned over seven decades, covering a wide pallet of music including jazz, cabaret, novelty, and early rock n’ roll. In fact it was Salvador who first introduced rock n’ roll to France. Born in French Guiana, Salvador moved to Paris at age twelve and began his performance career by age sixteen. His popularity was huge in Europe, but he remained a well kept secret to the American audience for most of his life. I discovered his music purely by accident and was hooked immediately. Salvador was 90 years when he died in 2008.
Order Henri Salvador CDs From Amazon

Jayne Mansfield-The Girl Can’t Help It

Undoubtedly the best Rock N Roll movie of the 1950’s, “The Girl Can’t Help It” starred Jayne Mansfield, Tom Ewell, and Edmond O'Brien, and was filmed in color, with strong direction, plot line, and acting. It also featured an amazing roster of artists including Little Richard, Fats Domino, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Julie London, and more.
View Trailer
Order DVD From Amazon

Speedy Alka-Seltzer

Who remembers Speedy Alka-Seltzer? He was the official mascot for the Alka-Seltzer ad campaign as early as 1951, and became symbolic with the product for over a decade in print ads, radio, and especially television.

Weegee's World # 1

Stripper photograph by Weegee (date unknown)

Origins Of Barbie

Before Barbie there was Lilli- a sexy cartoon character found in a German newspaper called Bild. It was intended for adults, and became so popular that the publication began manufacturing the Bild-Lilli doll which was sold at news stands, cigarette kiosks, and a few toy stores. In 1956, while visiting Europe, Ruth Handler (founder of Mattel toy co.) discovered the Lilli doll which sparked the idea of manufacturing the doll en masse, targeted for children. The result was Barbie, debuting in 1959.
Read Full Article

1953 Dodge Firearrow (Ghia)

Art Tatum By David Stone Martin

(photo:Gjon Mili; bassist-Oscar Pettiford)

There is no doubt that Art Tatum is the greatest pianist that ever lived. If you’ve never heard his music, go get some a.s.a.p. This particular David Stone Martin illustration is interesting as a real study of his minimalistic drawing style as you can see from the Gjon Mili photo that it was taken from.

View Art Tatum YouTube Video

Order Art Tatum CD From Amazon

Pulp Fiction Ceramic Kangaroo Caddy

Who remembers the scene in Pulp Fiction when Bruce Willis’ character had to retrieve his watch before making his big getaway? The watch was hanging from a 1950’s ceramic kangaroo on the bedside table. I was told that the actual prop used for this belonged to Quentin Tarentino, and that it was one of the only items he had from his father. I was just cruising the web in search of info about these kangaroos and found that someone out there has created a Pulp Fiction ceramic kangaroo caddy page. There’s a whole back story, more pictures, and they are also for sale. Pretty cool huh?
Check It Out Here

The Fabulous Victrola 45

In 1949, RCA Victor unveiled the 45 r.p.m. record to the world as an answer to Columbia Records’ 33 1/3 L.P. (1948). The competition was fierce, and the new 45 was only playable on its own special player. As a promotional strategy, RCA licensed the patent to any company who wished to manufacture the new design, hoping to elevate the popularity of the new format. For the next nine years, over a hundred different designs and models of this machine were made in various cabinets and carrying cases.
Phil Vourtsis has been collecting these for a long time, and in recent years wrote a comprehensive book with the complete story, photos of all the various models, advertisements, schematics and repair info, etc. Kudos to you Phil-Five Stars!
Order The Fabulous Victrola 45 Book From Amazon

Smigly-Film Festival

Cutting edge animator Allen Mezquida has come through once again with another hilarious episode of Smigly, this time lampooning the world of independent film festivals.
The voice of Smigly is none other than yours truly, as is the opening & closing theme.
Thanks for the gig Allen!
Subscribe To The Allen Mez YouTube Channel

Effortless Mastery

Kenny Werner’s book “Effortless Mastery” has saved my artistic life more than once already. It delves into methods of shedding the toxic belief systems that have been instilled in us as artists since our childhood, and also provides great methods of tapping into the creative mind space that can seem so elusive. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is creative and artistic. Thanks Kenny-Five Stars.

Order Effortless Mastery From Amazon
Visit Kenny Werner’s Website

Derek Yaniger

For the past 20 years, Derek Yaniger has been honing his craft as a fine artist, focused on retro tiki, hot rod, & beatnik cartoon culture. He’s worked for Cartoon Network, Marvel Comics, also magazines such as Car Kulture Deluxe, Barracuda, and Atomic. His book Wildsville: The Art of Derek Yaniger is a very cool item, a definite must for the mid-century enthusiast.

Visit Derek Yaniger's Website
Derek Yaniger Tiki Mug Page
Order Derek Yaniger's Wildsville Book From Amazon

Sci Fi En Espagnol # 3

Julie Wilson-Cabaret Legend

Cabaret legend Julie Wilson reads The Kinsey Report as the intro to one of her numbers at The Mocambo, Hollywood, 1948

James Brown-Think!

I have the cover for this L.P. but the record is missing. Supposedly this release of the James Brown Think! L.P. was recalled because of the white baby on the cover, then re-released with a different cover design. I’m not sure how true this is, but a friend of mine who is a James Brown completist says the baby cover is worth a helluva lot more than the re-release. Does anyone have any more info about this???

Jayne Mansfield & Mickey Rooney

Dorian Leigh By Richard Avedon

A classic from photograher Richard Avedon, Paris,1949. Dorian Leigh was one of the top rated models of her time, with a career spanning from the late forties into the sixties. She was probably the first model to receive public attention and name recognition. Her youngest sister was 50's fashion icon Suzy Parker.

Castro & The Mob

This book is a real page turner to say the least. I couldn’t put it down for a solid week when I got it home from the book store. Written by T.J. English, Havana Nocturne is a fascinating, well researched chronicle of the parrallels between the mob’s rise to power in 1940’s Cuba, and Fidel Castro’s eventual overthrow of the government. Five Stars
Order Havana Nocturne From Amazon

Visions Of Shanghai # 1

Communist propaganda figurines from the antique row section of Zhizong Road, Shanghai, Feb. 2008.

Pulp Art #2

This image came from the book Pulp Art by Robert Lesser. It’s an outstanding presentation of art and the history of pulp books and magazines from the 1920s-50s.
Order Pulp Art From Amazon

Jane Greer-Out Of The Past

Out Of The Past, starring Jane Greer, Robert Mitchum, and Kirk Douglas, is one of the quintessential film noir classics. It has all the best qualities of noir- great plot twists & payoff, beautiful chiaroscuro cinematography, music score by Roy Webb (one of my favorite film composers), not to mention top notch acting & directing (Jacques Tourneur).
“In 1991, Out of the Past was added to the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
View Film Clip
Order Out Of The Past DVD From Amazon

The Beatles At 78 R.P.M.

In 1948, Columbia records unveiled the 33 1/3 r.p.m. record to the public. One year later, RCA Victor introduced the 45 r.p.m. single.
For more than fifty years before that, music recordings only existed on 78 r.p.m. (r.p.m.=revolutions per minute). By 1958/59, the U.S. had phased out the 78 format for good, but it still went strong for at least ten more years in countries such as Africa, India, South America, The Philippines etc. As the Beatles gained international notoriety by 1963/64, these countries released many singles by the Fab Four on 78’s. Over the years, these pressings have gained a great deal in value and are highly sought after by Beatles completists.
Check out this ultra cool website dedicated The Beatles At 78!

Kitschy Kitsch Coo

Just moments ago, I was researching 50’s double entendre cocktail napkins, when I came across (almost literally!) this Great blog called Kitschy Kitschy Coo. It’s a very cool and often times hysterical hodge podge of all things retro/kitsch. I highly recommend it-Five Stars!

BMW Isetta

I just found a crazy cool website dedicated to micro cars, specifically the BMW Isetta. This car has always fascinated me, especially the three wheel, front end/door concept. Take a look at the website and all the great examples/variations of theses unique vehicles!

“The car’s origins were in Milan, Italy at the scooter and refrigerator company of Iso SpA, run by Renzo Rivolta. Called Isetta, or "little Iso", the car was a startling, totally unconventional design that caused a furor at its introduction in Turin in November 1953. From this influential debut grew a number of licensed branches worldwide, the main one being BMW in Germany.”
Read Full Article/View More Pics At Microcarmuseum.com

1950’s Pop-The Antithesis Of Rock & Roll

On this episode of Vinyl Meltdown (show # 17), I brought in a stack of 1950’s Pop 45’s found in the 50 cent boxes at the swap meet. If you’re a fan of John Waters, you’ll definitely appreciate the kitschy, campy sensibility of this music.
It’s highly crafted, syrupy, saccharine, sentimental Sputnik Era Pop- The Reason Why Rock n Roll Was Born!
Click Here To Listen

Sci-Fi En Espagnol # 2

Lenny Bruce, Jazz Fan

For years now, Bret Primack, aka “Jazz Video Guy”, has been a champion of Jazz music for all the right reasons. He’s known as the very first Jazz blogger since 1997, and has amassed an incredible amount of jazz footage. This particular segment highlights an extremely rare Lenny Bruce television special from 1959, featuring Julian “Cannonball” Adderly, Philly Joe Jones,Teddy Kotick, and Bill Evans (now available on dvd).
Order Lenny Bruce And The Jazz Stars DVD
Visit Planet Bret
Visit Jazz Video Guy YouTube Channel

Barbara Steele

Barbara Steele is probably the most famous of all scream queens, having worked in many classic horror films since Mario Bava’s “Black Sunday” in 1960.
My personal favorite of hers is Fellini’s“8 ½”.
Visit The Barbara Steele Website

Eldon Dedini

Eldon Dedini’s career as a cartoonint and illustrator began in 1942 for Esquire magazine.By the mid-forties he was hired by Univerasl as a storyboard artist, staying for a few years until he was hired by Disney as story artist for several Donald Duck shorts, also "Ichabod and Mr Toad" , “Mickey & The Beanstalk”, etc. During this time, Dedini continued his work for Esquire, moving to the New Yorker in 1950, and finally Playboy in 1960, where he contributed an incredible amount of material with a very indentifiable look.
Order "An Orgy of Playboy's Eldon Dedini" Book On Amazon

Daws Butler

You may not know Daws Butler by name, but you definitely know his voice like an old family friend. He was a prolific character actor who provided the voices of Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, Snagglepuss, Cap’n Crunch many more. Butler also worked closely with Stan Freberg as a writer and performer.
Check out his website! dawsbutler.com

Marshall W. Stearns-1959

(photo by Walter Sanders)

Marshall W. Stearns was a professor of English Literature at Hunter college, also founder and executive director of the Institute of Jazz Studies. His books, “The Story Of Jazz”, and “Jazz Dance:The Story Of American Vernacular Dance” are great examples of early jazz studies and analysis. Even though these books were written more than fifty years ago, they still contain some very pertinent info and insights, also serving as a very interesting time capsule.
Order The Story Of Jazz From Amazon
Order Jazz Dance:The Story Of American Vernacular Dance From Amazon

Modern Mechanix Blog

If you dig cool oddball, fun with science historical photos and trivia , you Must visit the Modern Mechanix Blog!

Pulp Art # 1

Amazing Music From Brazil Free!

I just recently found a crazy cool blog called “Loronix-Music From Brazil”. Somewhere in Rio De Janeiro, a guy named Zecalouro is posting an amazing amount of extremely rare & out of print Samba & Bossa Nova albums through free rapidshare downloads.
This guy is the coolest in my book. Definitely worth checking out!
Click Here For Loronix Blog

If Leonard Nimoy And Marilyn Monroe Had A Child...

I've been seeing this poster around the streets of Los Angeles, and know that it's been making the rounds in Manhattan as well. Does anyone know who the artist is???
Highly Illogical

1934 Bel Geddes

Pioneer industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes opened an industrial-design studio in 1927, designing a wide pallet of products including commemorative medallions, radio cabinets, cocktail shakers, and this eight wheeled teardrop-shaped automobile.

Ronald Reagan Smokes Chesterfields

Coleman Hawkins By David Stone Martin

Some years ago I found this set of three Coleman Hawkins 78’s on the Asch Label, with cover art by David Stone Martin. It set me back a whopping three whole dollars. When I got home and opened it up, I noticed that the inner cover was autographed by Hawkins personally.
Another great day in the vinyl cemetery.

John Rawlings-30 Years In Vogue

John Rawlings was an extraordinary photographer who had a prolific career for Vogue Magazine. This photo appeared in the March 15, 1943 issue, and proves just how far ahead of the times Rawlings was in his concepts and techniques.
View More John Rawlings Photos
Order John Rawlings-30 Years In Vogue From Amazon

Harry Belafonte-Odds Against Tomorrow

This great bank heist-gone-wrong film from 1959 features Harry Belafonte as a down & out dead beat dad who plays the vibraphone in a local jazz combo. Directed by Robert Wise and starring Robert Ryan, Shelly Winters, and Ed Begley, Odds against Tomorrow is a classic film noir from the tail end of the era.
View Full Synopsis
View Film Clip
Order Odds Against Tomorrow DVD From Amazon

Man’s First Playboy

The first issue of Playboy Magazine came out in 1953. It featured Marilyn Monroe on the cover and it wasn’t dated just in case it had to serve as the second issue as well. Sotheby’s auction house took in over $40,000.00 in recent years for a copy that was autographed by Joe DiMaggio.

Speedy West-Steel Guitar Wizard

In the early 1950’s, Speedy West burst upon the scene with his crazy groundbreaking steel guitar sound. Along with guitarist Jimmy Bryant, the duo recorded a nice body of high quality work for Capitol Records, also appearing regularly on the Hometown Jamboree television show, and backing up Tennessee Ernie Ford on hits such as Sixteen Tons. If you’ve never heard Speedy West, hold on to your seat- you’re in for a real treat!

Watch Speedy & Jimmy on YouTube!
Order Speedy West CD From Amazon

Jack Dempsey’s

In 1935, heavyweight champ Jack Dempsey opened his world famous bar and restaurant on the site of the old car barn across from Madison Square Garden. He could be found there most nights of the week for nearly forty years, holding court with other famous figures, signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. Sadly this great Broadway institution was closed in 1974.

Anita Ekberg

Would you consider this photo of Anita Ekberg too risqué for it’s time? Please Comment With Your Thoughts!

Pal Joey- John O’Hara

I just began reading Pal Joey by John O’Hara and can’t put it down. It reminds me quite a bit of Damon Runyon in its literary style and humor. Add this classic to your reading list right away-Five Stars
Order Pal Joey Book From Amazon
Order Pal Joey DVD From Amazon
View 1957 Pal Joey Trailer

Origins Of the Tuxedo

1885-As the gilt-edged society of Tuxedo Park developed its own social schedule, some new names began to appear. For example, there was James Brown Potter, one of the founders of Tuxedo Park, who was elected to membership in the Tuxedo Club at the organizational meeting held at Delmonicos, in New York City in November 1885. According to the archives, Mr. Potter was introduced to the idea of the Dinner Jacket by the Prince of Wales, who later became Edward VII.

The first Autumn Ball, held at the Tuxedo Club in October 1886, is marked as the official first appearance of the Dinner Jacket. Then, it is said Griswold Lorillard and his friends startled the people attending the Ball by wearing a scarlet satin lapelled Dinner Jacket, without tails, while all others were attired in the traditional white-tie and tails. And thus was born the elegant garment forevermore to be know as the 'Tuxedo.'
The actual word Tuxedo has origins from the Algonuin Indians dating back to the 1700s.
Read Full Article

Lost In Space Actor Bob May R.I.P.

Actor Bob May, who portrayed the robot mascot in the 1960’s television series “Lost In Space” has just passed. May was 69.
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Norma Shearer & George Hurrell

Norma Shearer as photographed by George Hurrell, Hollywood, 1932.

Al Stine-Playboy Cartoonist

Al Stine contributed some incredibly skilled watercolor cartoons to Playboy magazine during its golden age. He’s still alive and well, painting and teaching in South Carolina. Check out his website.
Alstine.com

Madonna And Child

My pals Selene Luna and Nadya Ginsburg just released this comedic spoof of Madonna and child Lourdes a la Mommy Dearest. Thanks to the help of Perez Hilton, this vid has received almost 200,000 view already. Enjoy!

1957 D’Angelico Teardrop

John D’Angelico (1905-1964) hand crafted 1,164 arch top guitars over a 32 year period. They are the finest guitars ever made in my opinion, the holy grail of jazz guitars. This particular 1957 D’Angelico teardrop model is indeed a rare and incredible specimen.
D’Angelico Page

James Ellroy-My Dark Places

My Dark Places-James Ellroy’s compelling memoir of the reinvestigation and search for his mother’s murderer forty some years after the crime is a must read.
Order From My Dark Places From Amazon

Irish McCalla-Sheena

Irish McCalla (1928-2002) is most remembered as her television character “Sheena, Queen Of The Jungle”. She was an early model for legendary pin-up artist Albert Vargas, and later became a painter herself, creating over a thousand pieces of art.
Java’a Sheena Page
Order Sheena DVD From Amazon

Origins Of The Monopoly Man

He was originally known as Stanley Monopoly, Rich Uncle Pennybags, or Toby. In more recent years he has been rechristened Mr. Monopoly. The artist who created the character is a mystery, most likely a gun for hire by Parker Brothers. Author and Historian Philip Orbanes believes the character is based upon “Little Esky” from Esquire Magazine, or perhaps the calling cards of Parker Brothers traveling salesman Albert Richardson. Orbanes also believes that the character is partially influenced by the dress and stature of banker and financier J.P. Morgan.

The Bad Seed

If you’ve never seen The Bad Seed you’re in for a treat. Little Rhoda is an evil little girl who appears perfect on the outside, but she’s willing to murder her classmate for a penmanship medal. Over the years this film has gained a cult following, all for the right reasons-it’s creepy, kitschy, and highly entertaining, great acting and direction. I’m surprised this play hasn’t been remade with an all drag cast-it’s begging for it.
View Theatrical Trailer
Order The Bad Seed DVD From Amazon

Sci-Fi En Espagnol # 1

The Jimmy Jazz Archive

I just found a killer web page of radio shows by Jim Baldwin. It features cream of the crop 1920’s & 30's music by the likes of Adrian Rollini, Annette Hanshaw, Ben Bernie, Boswell Sisters, Cliff Edwards (Ukelele Ike) , Benny Goodman, and many more. I highly recommend it.
Click Here Now!

1959 Chevy Ultimus

This custom built '59 Chevy El Camino aka The Ultimus, has been around since the early sixties. It’s one of the coolest custom jobs I’ve seen in a long time.
Someone out in cyberspace has created a great page dedicated to it, with lots of photos & info.
View Full Page Here!

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?

(01/16/2009 10:00 AM, AP) Singer Boy George was sentenced to 15 months in jail on Friday after being convicted of falsely imprisoning a male escort by handcuffing him to a wall in a London apartment.
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Konga-Poor Man’s King Kong

Starring Michael Gough as a delusional English scientist who turns an innocent chimpanzee into a poor man’s King Kong, unleashing him on his innocent victims.
This 1961 film was frequently on television when I was a kid, sometimes five straight nights in a row, and I would watch it as often as possible. Its definitely high kitsch –so bad it’s good.
View Konga Trailer
Order Konga DVD From Amazon

Jilly Rizzo

One of Frank Sinatra’s closest pallys was Ermenigildo “Jilly” Rizzo (May 6,1917-May 6-1992). His New York establishment (Jilly’s) was a landmark for years until it was finally torn down in the 1970’s. He was tragically killed in an auto accident by a drunk driver on his 75th birthday in 1992. Jilly’s most memorable screen appearance is probably The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Suzy Parker-Fashion Icon

Suzy Parker enjoyed a multifaceted career as a model (the signature face for Coco Chanel), fashion editor, photographer, and actress. She was the first model to make more than $100 an hour and $100,000 a year, and was the inspiration for the character portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face (she also made a brief appearance in the film).
Suzy Parker Bio
Order Funny Face DVD From Amazon

The Comedian Harmonists

This unique German vocal group was known internationally in the 1930’s, but tragically were forced to disband by the Nazi party because three of the members were Jewish.
The music is intriguing and well worth checking out. There is also a good biopic called “The Harmonists”.
View Full Article

The Flatiron Building NYC

Designed by Chicago's Daniel Burnham in the Beaux-Arts style, the Flatiron Building (or Fuller Building as it was originally named) was one of Ney York’s tallest buildings when it was completed in 1902 and considered to be one of the first skyscrapers.
Further Info

How To Avoid Getting Laid #1

The Monopoly Reebok shoe is only recommended for children, Halloween costumes, or Comic-Con. Avoid wearing on a first date at all cost, even if it means going barefoot.

Boris Artzybasheff-Master Of Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism: the attribution of uniquely human characteristics to non-human creatures and beings, natural and supernatural phenomena, material states and objects or abstract concepts.
Boris Artzybasheff was one of the great masters of anthropomorphism.
His career spanned from the 1920s through the 50’s with a variety of book illustrations, ads, and most notably his Time Magazine covers.
Read Full Article
I urge everyone to support the ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archve.
It’s an amazing site!

Charlie Parker-Rare Bird

This is probably one of the rarest Charlie Parker records. Although his Dial label recordings have been reissued countless times over the past fifty odd years, this original ten inch L.P. pressing is one of the most difficult items to obtain. The only copy I’ve ever seen was sold for over $1,000.00 years ago when Sammy Davis Jr.’s estate was auctioned off.

Patrick McGoohan-"Number Six" R.I.P.

Emmy award winning actor Patrick McGoohan was probably best remembered for his portrayal of a character simply known as “Number Six”on the 1960’s British television show “The Prisoner”.
His credits also included Columbo, Braveheart, and the spooky Disney thriller “The Scarecrow Of Romney Marsh". McGoohan passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2009. He was 80 years old.
View Obituary

Jean Shrimpton Digs Lambretta

60's fashion icon Jean Shrimpton poses with Lambretta scooter, 1967.

Lili St. Cyr Striptease

I just found a great website dedicated to the classic beauty Lili St.Cyr.
Although she never attained the kind of fame that Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Manfield received, I think Lili St. Cyr is actually prettier in her own special way.
Click Here For Website

Hall-Mills Murder 1922

The Hall-Mills Murder of 1922 was considered to be the crime of the century (with the exception of the Scopes Trial and later the Lindbergh Kidnapping). This unsolved mystery was full of scandal involving Reverend Edward W. Hall (the pastor of the Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist in New Brunswick, New Jersey) who was carrying on a romantic tryst behind his wife’s back, with Eleanor Mills who sang in the church choir (her husband was the sexton at St. John’s). The couple were found brutally slain on an abandoned farm near the outskirts of town. There were many suspects in the case, but all were eventually acquitted. The case still remains unsolved.
Read Full Article

Riccardo Montalban R.I.P.

Most of us remember Riccardo Montalban as his charcter portrayal of Mr. Roarke on Fantasy Island, or the Chrysler Cordoba commercials (“Rich Corinthian Leather”), but in fact, he was a very prolific actor who was already a big star in Mexican films when MGM brought him to Hollywood in 1946 for the leading male role in “Fiesta” opposite Esther Williams.
View Obituary

Any Dark Shadows Fans Out There???

Dark Shadows was one of my favorite shows as a kid and still has a strong following so I am told. Supposedly Johnny Depp is planning on doing a remake as vampire Barnabus Collins. Let’s hope it’ll be as good as the original. Is that even possible?
Visit Darkshadows.com

Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5 Mandolin

(Lloyd Loar poses with F-5)

The Lloyd Loar Gibson F-5 mandolin is indeed an American classic. Considered to be the Stradivarius of mandolins, a signed Loar F-5 is now vauled at up to $200,000.. Loar was not only a master luthier, but also an arranger and composer of popular music in the early part of the 20th century. Several years ago, Chris Hillman did some recording at my studio, playing an immaculate F-5 that looked brand spankin’ new. It was a sight to behold, like a star sapphire so to speak. When I asked him about it, he explained that it had been given to him many years before by David Crosby.

1948 Cadillac Series 62 Saoutchik Cabriolet

Jaques Saoutchik is probably most notable for his flamboyant coach designs for the Delahaye auto company. After World War II Saoutchik built two custom ordered Cadillacs for the American Market, one specifically for film star Delores Del Rio. These 1948 Cadillac Series 62 Saoutchik Cabriolet are extremely breathtaking, probably the most intensely beautiful Caddies ever made.
Click Here For Full Article

Brigitte Bardot Burlesque

I just found this great photo of Brigitte Bardot performing a burlesque/striptease from the film "En Effeuillant la Marguerite". I’ve never heard of this movie before, but I did find a favorable review online and a great website called Films De France.
Order DVD From Amazon

Wacky Package Stickers

Who remembers Wacky Package Stickers? It was a random thought for me just a moment ago, so I googled it and found out that someone has actually made a coffee table book dedicated to these crazy product parody bubblegum stickers that were all the rage in the early 70’s. there’s also a Wacky Packages website believe it or not.
Order Book From Amazon

Victrola-Washington Square Park NYC

One Sunday afternoon in Washington Square Park, I happened upon a man by the name of Eric Byron, who had constructed a portable wind-up phonograph out of Victrola parts, mounted onto a kid’s wagon. It was too cool for words as he entertained the passersby with music by Enrico Caruso, Louis Armstrong, and other great artists from the early part of the 20th century. I’m not sure if he’s still around, but it’s worth checking the northeast corner of the park on a Sunday afternoons.

Ernie Kovacs-Pioneer Of Modern Video

Ernie Kovacs was a supertalent who broke ground in early television and special effects. Most all music videos since the birth of MTV were inadvertently, if not directly influenced by Kovacs’ pioneering ideas. Unfortunately he was taken from us all too soon in a car accident during the peak of his career.
Order The Best Of Ernie Kovacs TV Show From Amazon

El Santo & Blue Demon

These two legends are probably the most famous of all Lucha Libre wrestlers.-El Santo & Blue Demon. They both had prolific film careers as well. The Santo And Friends Site is very cool, well worth checking out.

Roy Eldridge by David Stone Martin

Another great album cover by master illustrator David Stone Martin.
Roy Eldridge was Dizzy Gillespie’s idol. You can definitely hear it in his playing and how he took Roy’s ideas to a new level. There is a common thread in the evolution of trumpet playing from Louis Armstrong to Roy Eldridge to Dizzy Gillespie to Clifford Brown to Lee Morgan. I recommend listening to them in chronology to really get what I’m talkin’ bout.
Click On Their Names For YouTube Vids

Lisa Fonssagrives Penn in Morocco

This portrait of Lisa Fonssagrives Penn is one of my favorites. Taken in Morocco, 1951 by her husband Irving Penn, the actual print recently sold for over $300,000 by Christie’s auction house.

The Magic Of Les Paul & Mary Ford

Les Paul & Mary Ford created an incredible amount of truly unique recordings in the early 1950’s using the multi-track recording device and solid body electric guitar (both invented by Les Paul).
For those who have never heard their music, you’re in for an otherworldly adventure in sound!
A Visit With Les Paul & Mary Ford
Watch Les & Mary In The Process On YouTube
Order Greatest Hits On Amazon

A Serious Jerry Lewis Double Bill

Jerry Lewis plays it straight in both of these brilliant films. Of course The King Of Comedy is a classic for many, but Funny Bones is a sleeper that deserves wider recognition. I highly recommend it. Five Stars For Both. Together they make a serious Jerry Lewis double bill.
Order Funny Bones DVD From Amazon
Order The King Of Comedy DVD From Amazon

Money Mark Doll

My old pal Money Mark is so popular with his fans that someone actually manufactured a limited edition Money Mark doll.
Click Here To Order!

1940/’41 Chrysler Thunderbolt

Legendary auto designer Alex Tremulis is mostly noted for designing the Tucker, but for Chrysler Imperial fans, he will be remembered for his 1940/'41 Chrysler Thunderbolt. Tremulis worked with Ralph Roberts to create this truly amazing vehicle, complete with retractable hard top.
Check This Great Thunderbolt Page!

Jazz Impressions Of Film Noir

My latest podcast highlights Jazz Impressions & Big Band music from the Film Noir era. A MUST FOR ALL CINEPHILES & JAZZHEADS.
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Man Interrupted-New Animation from Allen Mez

Cutting edge animator Allen Mezquida has just finished another hilarious short entitled Man Interrupted.
Must See To Appreciate!
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Earl Oliver Hurst-American Original

Earl Oliver Hurst was a truly unique illustrator with a prolific career in advertising, magazine covers, etc. I highly recommend his 2005 retrospective book, “The Art Of Earl Oliver Hurst”.
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Harry “The Hipster” Gibson

Harry “The Hipster”Gibson was an anomaly among the boogie woogie & jive genres. His piano playing was solid and his creative approach to lyrics (most notably,”Who Put The Benzedrine In Mrs. Murphy’s Ovaltine) was right up there with Slim Gaillard, who was known to share billing with Gibson at Billy Berg’s night club,Hollywood in the mid 1940's.
Recommended Reading
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Watch Harry The Hipster YouTube Vid

Brando & The Beat Generation

The Hat-Historic Hot Pastrami

One of my early childhood memories,The Hat has been around since the 1950's, when Valley Blvd. was a main cruising & drag racing scene.
One of Southern California’s last remaining drive-ins, most noted for their famous hot pastrami sandwiches.
1 W. Valley Blvd., Alhambra, CA 91801
626-282-0140
Click here For More Historic Los Angeles Restaurants

Riot On The Sunset Strip

My friend Domenic Priore spent nine long years to writing "Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock'n'Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood", and it was well worth the wait.
It’s an intensely researched piece of work all about the evolution of Sunset Strip night clubs and music stating in the 1940’s, reaching a climax in the early to mid sixties as so much creative music began surfacing in a truly unique sybiosis.
A Must Read!
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1949 Delahaye 175 S Saoutchik Roadster

Of the Delahayes constructed after the war, this majestic roadster was probably the most epic. Built for the reemerging concours circuit, Saoutchik was responsible for its extreme body which borrowed styling cues from many other earlier cars.
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Miles Davis-Elevator To The Gallows

Ascenseur pour l'échafaud is a 1958 French film directed by Louis Malle. It was released as Elevator to the Gallows in the USA and as Lift to the Scaffold in the UK. It stars Jeanne Moreau and Maurice Ronet as criminal lovers whose perfect crime begins to unravel when Ronet is trapped in an elevator. The film is often associated by critics with the film noir style.
The score by Miles Davis has been described by jazz critic Phil Johnson as "the loneliest trumpet sound you will ever hear, and the model for sad-core music ever since. Hear it and weep."
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Murder At The Greystone Mansion

The largest home ever built in Beverly Hills, Greystone manor, wasn't built by a movie star, even though many movies have been filmed at this spectacular estate.
This fortress-like Tudor mansion was built by famed oil-tycoon Edward Doheny in 1928, as a gift to his son Ned. Despite their incredible wealth (a fortune of over $100 million), the members of the Doheny family had their share of tragedy. Edward Doheny was involved with bribery charges in the infamous Teapot Dome scandal, and his son's life ended in a bizarre murder-suicide.
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Greystone Mansion

Charlie Chaplin-Musician

At least as early as A Woman of Paris (1923), Charlie Chaplin was involving himself closely in the musical accompaniment for his films. The coming of talking pictures found Chaplin understandably reluctant to abandon the universally understood medium of pantomime, but:
“One happy thing about sound was that I could control the music, so I composed my own. I tried to compose elegant and romantic music to frame my comedies in contrast to the tramp character, for elegant music gave my comedies an emotional dimension."
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Latest Cutting Edge Animation From Allen Mez

Animator/Musician Allen Mezquida has created another great film for your viewing pleasure. This is cutting edge animation done outside the corporate studio system. Enjoy.
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Moondog

He howled at the moon before Allen Ginsberg, freewheeled it to New York from the Midwest before Bob Dylan, and was more adept at self-fashioning than either of them. An object of fixation for the high-profile bohemia of the ’50s and ’60s — from Charlie Parker to Leonard Bernstein to Dylan and Ginsberg — he never saw the mainstream success of the fashionable artists who championed him. Moondog (born Louis Hardin in Marysville, Kansas) was attractive to the avant-garde partially because he was unmarketable (though Columbia records briefly tried, releasing two Moondog records in the late ’60s/early-’70s): blind, homeless, stubbornly eccentric and always dressed in his customized translation of Viking attire, he was an outsider in the most fundamental sense. A composer, poet, street performer, and inventor of instruments, he went without all but the most basic comforts and dedicated himself fully to his art.
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The Nutty Professor Soundtrack

I just found a great page where someone has posted the unreleased soundtrack to this 1963 Jerry Lewis classic.
Click Here To Listen!
Watch Buddy Love-"We've Got a World That Swings" Video

Out With The Stars

Ava Gardner and Mickey Rooney at Los Angeles Ambassador's Coconut Grove on 7 June 1942.

1947 Chrysler Town & Country

The Town & Country series ran from 1946-1948. In that span 8,368 Country convertibles were made. They had C-39 spitfire engine, a 127.5 w.b., weight of 4,332 pounds and cost $2,947 in 1947. The Town & Country Sedan with wood sides is one of the most in demand classics despite it's stodgy appearance. They have sold in excess of $90,000 to collectors.
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John Fante-A SAD FLOWER IN THE SAND

A SAD FLOWER IN THE SAND is the first major film documentary about a largely unsung writer of the twentieth century: John Fante, the renegade author whose highly autobiographical novels illustrate his deep-rooted love of Los Angeles and his struggles working through poverty and prejudice.
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Angels Flight-Early 1900's

Los Angeles In the 1900's-Angels Flight & 3rd Street

Playboy’s Theme

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Hugh Hefner, who was generous enough to autograph my original sheet music for Playboy’s Theme (written by Cy Coleman for the Playboy After Dark television series).
Listen To Henry Mancini’s Version Of Playboy’s Theme Here

The 10th Victim

This 1965 movie is set in a future where war is extinct; to get rid of aggressive impulses, a game is created, pitting two contestants against each other in a hunt to the death. The two here are American huntress Andress, who brings nine kills and a TV crew, against prey Mastroianni, who has home advantage and designer sunglasses.
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Listen To Theme Song

Jumpin' Jivin' Johannesburg

Authentic Selection Of South African Township Swing Classics From The '50s & '60s. Shuffling drumbeats, serene horn lines, and sweet vocal melodies all come together in the vintage sounds of township jive and South African Jazz. From traditional Kwela flute music and improvisatory Marabi, to bass-heavy Mbaqanga and very influential American Jazz recordings, both township jive and South African Jazz were born.
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History Of African Jazz
Further 50s & 60's African Jazz Suggestions

1946 Bowden Spacelander Bicycle

One of the coolest bicycles ever designed, the Bowden Spacelander fetches anywhere from $8,000 to $20,000 these days.
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RCA Victor Havana

Remnants of the RCA Victor Building in Havana,Cuba. Photo by Matt Dillon,1995.

Johnny Sokko & Giant Robot

Johnny Sokko was a young Japanese kid that gained control of a giant flying robot...called imaginatively, Giant robot. The earth was under attack by The evil emperor Guillotine and his mob of earthling foot soldiers, the Gargoyle Gang.
Johnny Sokko is on a trip, to, well, we don't know. We just know he's on a boat and he meets fellow passenger, Jerry Mano. Jerry is posing as a writer, but he's actually a secret agent for UNICORN, an organization pledged to defend mankind. That sounds more dramatic than what is shown. First off, James Bond Jerry is not. He blows his cover after talking to Johnny, a twelve or so year old kid, in two minutes. But that's not Jerry's biggest problem. Just as he and Johnny are getting to know each other, the sea monster, Dracolon attacks!
Click Here To watch 10 Episodes For Free!

Dean Martin's 1962 Dual Ghia Coupe

Mighty Mouse Theme

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White Rock Beverages

The story of White Rock dates back to 1871 when a pharmacist named H.M. Colver purchased the White Rock natural spring and its surrounding 60 acres in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Local Potawatomi Indians and settlers believed that the spring’s sparkling mineral water, which filtered through 1,400 feet of white magnesian rocks, held some medicinal power or value.
The story of how Psyche came to represent the White Rock Company starts at the World’s Fair in Chicago. White Rock executives were awestruck by the beauty, youth and purity depicted in a painting titled “Psyche at Nature’s Mirror” by German artist Paul Thumann. They purchased the rights to the painting and adopted Psyche as their logo.
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Weird-Ohs

Hawk has re-introduced the popular Weird-Ohs collection of model kits. Weird-Ohs were more popular in the 1960's than Pokemon was in the 1990's, and are sure to be enjoyed by today's model builders.
Check Out The Official Weird-Ohs Website!

Luis Bunuel-Los Olvidados 1950

Luis Bunuel’s cinematic masterpiece, Los Olvidados is a must see- a truly gripping and realistic film about a group of destitute children and their misfortunes in the slums of Mexico City.
I also recommend the Bunuel biography written by John Baxter. (order from Amazon)
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1959 Cadillac Superior Coupe de Fleur Hearse

Order 1/18 Diecast Model Replica Here.

Beatnik Jazz

Gerry Mulligan as featured in the film version of Jack Kerouac's "The Subterraneans",1960.

Her Master's Voice

Gloria Swanson poses with Victrola (film & date unknown)

Hot Box Dancers

The Goldwyn Girls as The Hot Box Dancers in Guys & Dolls (starring Marlon Brando & Frank Sinatra,1955).
View Hot Box YouTube Vid.
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David Stone Martin & Stan Getz

David Stone Martin was a prolific artist, most noted for his jazz album cover graphics spanning the 1940's through the early 80's. Stan Getz At The Shrine is a classic, well worth checking out.
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An Addams Family Album

One of my favorite childhood books by Charles Addams, creator of The Addams Family.
Rare and out of print, it contains an amazing collection of photos of Victorian era freaks, oddities, and comics.
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1937 Delage D8-120 S-French Streamline Elegance

Louis Delage's lavish and flamboyant lifestyle matched the luxurious cars he produced, but it also resulted in the downfall of the company. Like many of Delage's contemporaries, the French company filed for bankruptcy midway through the 1930s. Fortunately Delahaye stepped up and bought the assets. Production could continue and there was enough money available to develop a new model for 1936. Although Mr. Delage had officially parted ways with 'his' company, he kept a close eye on the products for a long time after the take over and remained their spokesperson.
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Jefferson Machamer

Born in 1900, Thomas Jefferson Machamer's drawings of beautiful girls made him a stable in the industry. His comic strip Patty the Playful/Petting Patty, was syndicated by King Features in 1928. Probably best known for his famous Gags and Girls strips and Nifties comics.
Further Info

Origins of Fellini 8 ½ Music

In Fellini’s film 8 ½, the character La Saraghina (the sardine lady) as portrayed by actress Eddra Gale, danced to a cool quirky mambo song that I have recently discovered to be titled “Fiesta/Bianca”,originally recorded in the 1930s.
Click Here To Listen To "Fiesta" by Oscar Joost.
Click Here For Saraghina Clip from 8 1/2.

Early Custom Cars:The Wienermobile

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has evolved from Carl Mayer’s original 1936 vehicle to the current vehicles seen on the road today.
The most recent version of the Wienermobile, built in 2004, has been updated to include a voice activated GPS navigation device, an audio center with a wireless microphone, and a horn that plays the Wiener Jingle in 21 different genres from Cajun to Rap to Bossa Nova, according to American Eats.
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Matango:Attack Of the Mushroom People

This 1963 film gained something of a bad film cult reputation after showing up on U.S. late night television in dubbed form during the sixties and seventies. Director Ishiro Honda who was behind many of the classic Japanese monster movies of the time such as Godzilla, Rodan, Baran and others used this genre as a form of sneaky social criticism.
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Soundtrack Review

Origins Of Pornography

You may not be surprised to hear that there’s little hard information to be had about the dawn of porn. But while data about 'the first’ porn books, photos and films remains elusive, a fair bit is known about the 'oldest surviving’ examples of these genres. Porn historian Luke Ford has written an extensive history of the early sex film industry which is posted on his highly informative web site. Condensing his work and rephrasing a little gives us this short report on the birth of the porno flick: 'Motion pictures began in 1894. By 1896, actress Louise Willy was disrobing in the French film Le Bain. Other French flicks before the turn of the century offered similar fare while in Germany, producer Oskar Messter revealed women taking off their clothes, exercising, dancing or bathing.
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Roots Of Surf Music

Some years before the popularity of Dick Dale, The Ventures, and The Beach Boys, legendary surf movie director Bruce Brown was using jazz music from the west coast for his film soundtracks. Most notably, “Slippery When Wet” featuring woodwinds player Bud Shank.
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Strange Dolls

These odd dolls are not something you will find in a toy store. They are hardly something you would buy for a child. They are misproportioned, strangely dressed, and they have a story and character uniquely their own. Each doll is entirely hand made using polymer clays, vintage fabrics, acrylic paint, and sometimes real human hair or teeth. Each piece is one of a kind.Beth Robinson began making and selling hand made dolls in 2003. She is a prolific artist with collectors across the globe. This Site Is A Must See. CLICK HERE