Jim Backus' first major acting gig was playing a snotty millionaire named Dexter Hayes on the 1940 radio serial "Society Girl." This was to kick off a decades-long career in radio, film, and television, wherein Backus invented multiple indelible characters that remain a part of the pop fabric to this very day. He appeared on "The Jack Benny Program" and even briefly had his own TV show, "The Jim Backus Show" in 1957. He famously played the voice of Mr. Magoo from 1949 until his death in 1989, and starred in "Rebel Without a Cause." He was adept at playing clueless weirdos and self-absorbed egotists, although he had a great deal of comedic range. Be sure to listen to his hit comedy single "Delicious!" sometime. He elicits laughter without saying anything. I could list more credits, but we'd be here all day; Backus starred in over 100 films and shorts, and several dozen TV shows.
- 5/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Prior to 1964 -- the year "Gilligan's Island" debuted, comedian and actor Jerry Van Dyke already had an expanding showbiz career. In 1963 alone, he appeared in the films "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," "Palm Springs Weekend," and "McClintock!" He also had a few guest appearances on his brother's sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and regularly turned up on talk shows to perform and converse.
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
It was in 1964 that Van Dyke was offered the title role in Sherwood Schwartz's "Gilligan's Island," still in development at the time. Van Dyke couldn't have predicted that "Gilligan's Island" would last for 98 episodes and become one of the most widely recognized sitcoms in TV history, so turning it down didn't seem like much of an event. As the public now knows, the title role in "Gilligan's Island" went to comedian Bob Denver, star of "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis."
Van Dyke would subsequently...
- 5/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
There are many different reasons why the shows so beloved by audiences and with perfect ratings are being canceled. But most of them are really strange and illogical, like a beef among cast members of the network’s desire to let go of something they are tired of.
One of the cases of an unfair cancellation happened many years ago on CBS with Gilligan's Island, one of the most successful comedy series of the time. It premiered in 1964 and lasted for three seasons, wrapping up in 1967. After that the series was revived multiple times over the years in different forms of TV, but it’s another story.
So why exactly was Gilligan's Island so adored by the viewers? Well, the 60’s sitcoms just hit differently. They are fun and silly and they are truly iconic, because even after so many years, the fans of the shoe say it still hasn't...
One of the cases of an unfair cancellation happened many years ago on CBS with Gilligan's Island, one of the most successful comedy series of the time. It premiered in 1964 and lasted for three seasons, wrapping up in 1967. After that the series was revived multiple times over the years in different forms of TV, but it’s another story.
So why exactly was Gilligan's Island so adored by the viewers? Well, the 60’s sitcoms just hit differently. They are fun and silly and they are truly iconic, because even after so many years, the fans of the shoe say it still hasn't...
- 5/10/2024
- by info@startefacts.com (Rachel Bailey)
- STartefacts.com
The line between reality and fiction in television hasn't always been obvious to people. Be it "Gilligan's Island" viewers badgering the Coast Guard to rescue the S.S. Minnow's poor shipwrecked crew or grown-up "Sesame Street" fans believing that Sonia Manzano and Emilio Delgado (who played married couple Maria and Luis for four decades) were actually hitched, history is littered with anecdotes of audiences assuming what they're seeing on their TV screen is actually happening. Despite the leaps and gains in the masses' media literacy over time, folks still need help understanding how even docuseries and so-called reality shows can easily manipulate the truth (as creators Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie satirized with "The Curse").
When Sally Struthers was cast as Gloria Stivic (née Bunker) in "All in the Family," she was, for all intents and purposes, a nobody. Save for her stint on "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour" the...
When Sally Struthers was cast as Gloria Stivic (née Bunker) in "All in the Family," she was, for all intents and purposes, a nobody. Save for her stint on "The Tim Conway Comedy Hour" the...
- 5/5/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
The premise of Sherwood Schwartz's '60s sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is laid out clearly in its theme song. Five passengers set sail on the S.S. Minnow with its captain and first mate, hoping to enjoy a three-hour tour of Hawaii. The ship hit rough weather, however, was dragged many miles off course, and washed up on the shores of an uncharted tropical island. The seven characters had to use their wits to survive, along with the contents of the inexplicably massive suitcases they all brought along. "Gilligan's Island" took place in a broad, slapstick universe, so any concerns of actual survival weren't addressed in any kind of meaningful way; Gilligan (Bob Denver) seemed to gain sustenance from energy-producing pratfalls.
One of the castaways was Ginger Grant (Tina Louise), a glamorous professional actor who brought along a lifetime supply of eyeliner. Throughout the series, Ginger would tell stories about...
One of the castaways was Ginger Grant (Tina Louise), a glamorous professional actor who brought along a lifetime supply of eyeliner. Throughout the series, Ginger would tell stories about...
- 5/4/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"Gilligan's Island" may be viewed as a classic sitcom now, but when the silly series about a group of island castaways aired from 1964 to 1967, it was far from a sure bet for its home network, CBS. As Laura Morowitz writes in the book "Critiquing the Sitcom," the series was "championed by the public" yet "routinely derided by critics." Anything but a classic in its time, the series ultimately became an enduring part of TV history thanks to its seemingly endless replays in syndication. According to Morowitz, it "would come to be the most repeated series in television history."
During its original airing, "Gilligan's Island" was pushed around the prime-time schedule like brussel sprouts on a picky kid's plate. It switched time slots three times during its relatively short run and was finally canceled in 1967. Except, the cancelation of "Gilligan's Island" wasn't straightforward; by several accounts, it came after the show had already seemingly been renewed,...
During its original airing, "Gilligan's Island" was pushed around the prime-time schedule like brussel sprouts on a picky kid's plate. It switched time slots three times during its relatively short run and was finally canceled in 1967. Except, the cancelation of "Gilligan's Island" wasn't straightforward; by several accounts, it came after the show had already seemingly been renewed,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
The premise of Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is succinctly laid out in its indelible theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle. The S.S. Minnow, helmed by Captain G. Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first officer Gilligan (Bob Denver) took on five passengers for a three-hour boat tour of Hawai'i. The ship hit some bad weather, got lost at sea, and washed up on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific. Now the two sailors, along with a millionaire (Jim Backus), his wife (Natalie Schafer), a movie star (Tina Louise), a professor (Russel Johnson), and a lottery-winning tourist (Dawn Wells), have to learn to survive, all to comedic effect.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Roman Gabriel, who still holds the Los Angeles Rams team record with 154 touchdown passes, died Saturday at his home in Little River, South Carolina, at 83. His death came from natural causes, according to his son, Roman Gabriel III.
Gabriel was the No. 2 draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 out of North Carolina State. He was the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL and the league Mvp in 1969.
He played in four Pro Bowl games, three with the Rams in the late 1960s and another with the Eagles in 1973. But he reached the postseason only twice, and his Rams were eliminated in the first round both times.
“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gabriel was a two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference for North Carolina State. He was inducted into...
Gabriel was the No. 2 draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 out of North Carolina State. He was the first Filipino-American quarterback in the NFL and the league Mvp in 1969.
He played in four Pro Bowl games, three with the Rams in the late 1960s and another with the Eagles in 1973. But he reached the postseason only twice, and his Rams were eliminated in the first round both times.
“We mourn the loss of Rams legend and football pioneer, Roman Gabriel,” the Rams said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gabriel was a two-time player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference for North Carolina State. He was inducted into...
- 4/21/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
One of the most famous moments in TV history came on September 26, 1962 with the airing of "The Dick Van Dyke Show" episode "Never Name a Duck," the first episode of the second season. During the opening credits of the show, Rob Petrie (Van Dyke) entered through his front door while the upbeat theme music (composed by Earle Hagan) played on the soundtrack. The announcer shouted out the names of the stars: Dick Van Dyke, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, Larry Matthews, and Mary Tyler Moore. Rob stepped out of a foyer and immediately tripped over a large ottoman in his way. Van Dyke, a brilliant physical comedian, tumbled all the way over, rolling over his shoulder and landing on his back. It remains, to this day, one of the most celebrated pratfalls in the history of the medium.
For many years, certain audience members assumed the fall was accidental and that the show's creator,...
For many years, certain audience members assumed the fall was accidental and that the show's creator,...
- 4/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Omen was a blessed success upon its release, earning a spot among the top 10 highest-grossing films of 1976. One of those ticket buyers was Wes Craven, who had already made his debut with The Last House on the Left and was gearing up for his sophomore film, The Hills Have Eyes.
“I remember thinking, ‘Big studio, won’t have a cutting edge to it. Gregory Peck, how can he be scary? I like him, but.’ And it was. I was totally amazed,” the master of horror recalled in a 2006 DVD special feature in which he waxes poetic about The Omen for some 20 minutes.
“I think [Richard] Donner is just one of our primo filmmakers.” Craven had been watching the future Superman and The Goonies director’s work since his early days helming episodes of classic TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Gilligan’s Island. “Every so often, he just knocks something...
“I remember thinking, ‘Big studio, won’t have a cutting edge to it. Gregory Peck, how can he be scary? I like him, but.’ And it was. I was totally amazed,” the master of horror recalled in a 2006 DVD special feature in which he waxes poetic about The Omen for some 20 minutes.
“I think [Richard] Donner is just one of our primo filmmakers.” Craven had been watching the future Superman and The Goonies director’s work since his early days helming episodes of classic TV shows like The Twilight Zone and Gilligan’s Island. “Every so often, he just knocks something...
- 4/5/2024
- by Alex DiVincenzo
- bloody-disgusting.com
Barbara Baldavin, who appeared on three episodes of the original Star Trek and recurred on Medical Center before working in the casting department on shows including Dynasty and Trapper John, M.D., has died. She was 85.
Baldavin died Sunday of congestive heart failure at her home in Manhattan Beach, her son Marc D’Agosta told The Hollywood Reporter.
Baldavin portrayed phaser control officer Angela Martine on two first-season episodes of NBC’s Star Trek in 1966. On the first one, her wedding to Starfleet officer Robert Tomlinson (Stephen Mines) — with William Shatner’s Capt. Kirk presiding — was interrupted by a Romulan attack.
She then returned as Lt. Lisa, a communications officer and court reporter, on the series finale, “Turnabout Intruder,” which aired in June 1969.
Baldavin played Nurse Holmby on 51 episodes during the last six seasons (1970-76) of CBS’ Medical Center, starring Chad Everett and James Daly. She had appeared as another character on the first season.
Baldavin died Sunday of congestive heart failure at her home in Manhattan Beach, her son Marc D’Agosta told The Hollywood Reporter.
Baldavin portrayed phaser control officer Angela Martine on two first-season episodes of NBC’s Star Trek in 1966. On the first one, her wedding to Starfleet officer Robert Tomlinson (Stephen Mines) — with William Shatner’s Capt. Kirk presiding — was interrupted by a Romulan attack.
She then returned as Lt. Lisa, a communications officer and court reporter, on the series finale, “Turnabout Intruder,” which aired in June 1969.
Baldavin played Nurse Holmby on 51 episodes during the last six seasons (1970-76) of CBS’ Medical Center, starring Chad Everett and James Daly. She had appeared as another character on the first season.
- 4/1/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walter White and Jesse Pinkman. Kirk and Spock. Joey and Chandler. Memorable TV pairings are a dime a dozen, but truly legendary combinations like these, in which the actors are operating at the peak of their powers and their shared chemistry is off the charts, are much harder to come by. One such couple (of the non-romantic variety) that has entered that hallowed pantheon is Gilligan and the Skipper from the classic 1960s sitcom "Gilligan's Island," where actors Bob Denver and Alan Hale Jr. became beloved stars playing two of the seven castaways who became stranded after a storm washed their characters up on an island during the fateful three-hour tour we hear about in the show's ear-wormy theme song.
Sherwood Schwartz, the show's creator and producer, knew how crucial it was to cast the right performers for these roles, and for him, the Skipper was actually the hardest part...
Sherwood Schwartz, the show's creator and producer, knew how crucial it was to cast the right performers for these roles, and for him, the Skipper was actually the hardest part...
- 3/30/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 4 of “The Masked Singer,” “TV Theme Night,” which aired March 27 on Fox.
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
- 3/28/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Hey, "The Masked Singer" fans. It's that time of the week again. Fox is going to dish up another new episode of The Masked Singer tonight, March 27, 2024. Yep, this one will be the 4th installment for this current season 11, and we've got some new preview info to dish out for it. Fox was nice enough to serve up an official press release for tonight's new episode 4. So, we will definitely pull it up for this preview session. Let's get to it. For starters, Fox is telling us that the theme for tonight's new episode 4 is TV Theme Night. That means you guys are going to see the celebrity contestants sing only theme songs to popular TV shows. Some of which include theme songs to shows like Scooby-Doo, The Hills, Good Times and more. The panelists: Ken Jeong, Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg and Rita Ora are going to start tonight's...
- 3/27/2024
- by Chris
- OnTheFlix
Alan Hale is probably best known for playing Jonas Grumby, a.k.a. The Skipper, on the 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island." He was, however, an experienced stage and TV performer prior to "Gilligan's," having made his Broadway debut in 1931 in a play called "Caught Wet." Hale also appeared in over 50 films before 1964, across all genres and budgets. He had a recurring role on "The Gene Autry Show" and played the title characters on "Biff Baker, U.S.A." and on "Casey Jones." He was in single episodes of most of the hit Western TV shows of the 1950s and '60s. When it came time to play The Skipper, Hale was wholly dedicated to the role, trying to be as funny as possible.In the world of adventure TV, Hale was a major presence and a consummate professional.
Hale was so professional, in fact, that he once refused to report a...
Hale was so professional, in fact, that he once refused to report a...
- 3/23/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
In 1989, "Weird Al" Yankovic released a song called "Isle Thing," a parody of Tone Lōc's 1988 hit "Wild Thing." In Yankovic's version, the song's narrator met an attractive woman at the Circle-k and went back to her place, presumably for some active coitus. Instead, however, the woman eschewed sex for a marathon of "Gilligan's Island" reruns. The narrator immediately began to recognize the logical inconsistencies in Sherwood Schwartz's beloved 1963 sitcom, notably that the Professor (Russell Johnson) could build a nuclear reactor using only coconuts, but wasn't able to construct a boat to escape the desert island he and the castaways were stranded on. Yankovic also noted that "those homeboys brought an awful lot for just a three-hour tour."
The premise of "Gilligan's Island" is made clear in the show's opening theme song. Two sailors and five guests were to take a three-hour boat tour around Hawai'i when they hit bad weather,...
The premise of "Gilligan's Island" is made clear in the show's opening theme song. Two sailors and five guests were to take a three-hour boat tour around Hawai'i when they hit bad weather,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The Gordy subplot in Jordan Peele's "Nope" is distressing for many reasons, not least of which is that history is filled with incidents of real-life film and TV actors nearly meeting their maker at the hands -- or paws -- of a startled non-human costar. We're not as far removed from such real-world incidents as you might assume, either. During her "Hot Ones" episode in 2022, Leslie Mann recalled having to share a "little tiny space" with an actual lion on the "George of the Jungle" set 25 years earlier and realizing that "if he just jumps at me, I'm dead" and nobody could do a damn thing to save her.
30 years before that, it seems Bob Denver had a similar encounter with one of Simba's cousins on "Gilligan's Island." The show's second season episode "Feed the Kitty" saw a shipwrecked lion wash up on the shores of the titular island,...
30 years before that, it seems Bob Denver had a similar encounter with one of Simba's cousins on "Gilligan's Island." The show's second season episode "Feed the Kitty" saw a shipwrecked lion wash up on the shores of the titular island,...
- 3/10/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Opening TV theme songs have tragically become a lost art. On one level, it makes sense. As the line between television and film has grown increasingly blurry in the 21st century, opening titles have become more and more cinematic. The mix of simple earworms and dialogue-free visuals in the opening titles of shows like "Mad Men" are eloquent works of art in and of themselves. It just wouldn't have the same effect if, instead of David Carbonara's haunting suite accompanied by minimalistic animation of an ad man's world literally falling apart, you had someone singing about that ol' scoundrel Don Draper and how his dastardly, womanizing ways are coming back to bite him (as amazing as that sounds).
Of course, things were different when Sherwood Schwartz created "Gilligan's Island." The show required a tad more exposition than your run-of-the-mill sitcom at the time. Whereas series like "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie...
Of course, things were different when Sherwood Schwartz created "Gilligan's Island." The show required a tad more exposition than your run-of-the-mill sitcom at the time. Whereas series like "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie...
- 3/10/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Like most areas of the entertainment industry outside of acting, casting and costuming, television writing was generally one big boys club until women began making (incremental) inroads during the 1990s. There were trailblazers like "I Love Lucy" scribe Madelyn Pugh, but that trail was walked far too infrequently for far too many years.
Anyone who possessed a conscience knew this was unacceptable, which is why it's disappointing that a politically progressive (particularly for his era) writer like Rod Serling never made a concerted effort to work at least one female writer into "The Twilight Zone" mix during the series' five seasons (which stretched from 1959 to 1964). To be fair, Serling did adapt the work of women for certain episodes; in fact, a tale that many consider the show's finest half-hour, "Time Enough at Last," was based on a short story by sci-fi/fantasy writer Lynn Venable. But he never managed to...
Anyone who possessed a conscience knew this was unacceptable, which is why it's disappointing that a politically progressive (particularly for his era) writer like Rod Serling never made a concerted effort to work at least one female writer into "The Twilight Zone" mix during the series' five seasons (which stretched from 1959 to 1964). To be fair, Serling did adapt the work of women for certain episodes; in fact, a tale that many consider the show's finest half-hour, "Time Enough at Last," was based on a short story by sci-fi/fantasy writer Lynn Venable. But he never managed to...
- 3/9/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
The plot of director Dean Parisot's cult-favorite 1999 sci-fi comedy "Galaxy Quest" hinges on a race of extraterrestrials, the Thermians, believing that an '80s space adventure series is a collection of "historical documents" of real-life events. When one of the show's actors, Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver), tries to explain to them that many TV series are purely fictional, she adds (with more than a hint of exasperation), "Surely, you don't think 'Gilligan's Island' is a ..." before trailing off as she watches the Thermians' faces drop in heartfelt despair. "Those poor people," their leader, Mathesar (Enrico Colantoni), somberly replies.
A naive group of other-worldly beings thinking that Sherwood Schwartz's zany '60s sitcom is really an authentic documentary about an eclectic group of humans — including (sing it with me now), "Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the Professor and Mary Ann...
A naive group of other-worldly beings thinking that Sherwood Schwartz's zany '60s sitcom is really an authentic documentary about an eclectic group of humans — including (sing it with me now), "Gilligan, the Skipper too, the millionaire and his wife, the movie star, the Professor and Mary Ann...
- 3/9/2024
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Watching "Gilligan's Island" reruns as a child always had this author wondering if "Gilligan" was the character's first name or last name. Gilligan, as played hilariously by Bob Denver, was the main character of the series, but also its buffoonish comic relief. He was most countered by his straight man, the Skipper (Alan Hale) or Professor Roy Hinckley (Russell Johnson), but he served as a foil for every character. Denver doesn't get enough credit for his pliability as a comic performer. Denver passed away in 2005 at the age of 70, best known for "Gilligan's Island" and for the 1959 sitcom "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." He was also a regular on the Sherwood Schwartz series "Dusty's Trail" as well as the 1968 series "The Good Guys."
On "Gilligan's Island," many fans wondered what Gilligan's full name was. It seems that, at the end of the day, he's like Cher or Fabian, sporting only one name.
On "Gilligan's Island," many fans wondered what Gilligan's full name was. It seems that, at the end of the day, he's like Cher or Fabian, sporting only one name.
- 2/29/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
"The Ballad of Gilligan's Island," penned by executive producer and show creator Sherwood Schwartz and songwriter George Wyle holds the distinction of being the best TV theme song of all time. It might only be tied with the theme song to "The Brady Bunch" ... which was also co-written by Schwartz. In both cases, the theme songs cleverly weave earworm-ready melodies into explicit descriptions of the show's premise. In only 55 seconds, audiences learn that they're about to watch a sitcom about seven stranded castaways on a tropical island, how those castaways got there, and who each of the castaways are. "The Ballad of Gilligan's Island" is both hummable and functional. Even the amazing surf guitars of "The Munsters" or the wicked pip organs of "Tales from the Crypt" cannot approach the utilitarian glories of "Gilligan."
The first season theme song famously omitted the names of the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary...
The first season theme song famously omitted the names of the Professor (Russell Johnson) and Mary...
- 2/28/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched the Season 3 premiere of “Ghosts,” titled “The Owl,” which aired Feb. 15 on CBS.
Flower, hopefully you’re finally getting to cuddle a few bears up there in the sky. Yes, you read that right: There’s one less ghost on “Ghosts,” as the characters said farewell to Flower on the Season 3 premiere of CBS’ hit comedy.
The series finally returned on Thursday (after a long strikes-induced delay), and we learned which spirit had been finally sent to the afterlife. After a few fakeouts, the ghosts discovered that it was Flower (Sheila Carrasco) who was “sucked off” in the Season 2 finale, as witnessed by Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar).
Flower is the 1960s-era hippie who died trying to hug a bear while high on acid, and remained a bit forgetful and drugged-out while living in the purgatory that is Woodstone Mansion.
Flower, hopefully you’re finally getting to cuddle a few bears up there in the sky. Yes, you read that right: There’s one less ghost on “Ghosts,” as the characters said farewell to Flower on the Season 3 premiere of CBS’ hit comedy.
The series finally returned on Thursday (after a long strikes-induced delay), and we learned which spirit had been finally sent to the afterlife. After a few fakeouts, the ghosts discovered that it was Flower (Sheila Carrasco) who was “sucked off” in the Season 2 finale, as witnessed by Sam (Rose McIver) and Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar).
Flower is the 1960s-era hippie who died trying to hug a bear while high on acid, and remained a bit forgetful and drugged-out while living in the purgatory that is Woodstone Mansion.
- 2/16/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
(Stock image)
In a robotic argument, EU M&a regulators said Amazon can’t buy Roomba maker, iRobot. While we worry about AI robo-calling, the EU worries that self-Hooverers who can’t suck up to shoppers online will unleash an army of humans to sell superficial cyborg suckers door-to-door. As I laughed my ass off, I started thinking about LMAs.
Back when our best media was over-the-air TV, the smart people we elected and entrusted to protect us from harm thought people who can schedule episodic strings of Gilligan’s Island reruns could adle children’s minds with endlessly sequential banality. Worse, they worried that, unfettered, a local TV news programs could produce a segment about a pack of feral dogs that arranged garbage into a living space that looked suspiciously like a nativity scene and get people questioning religion.
So, the FCC took a hardline on hookups. They didn’t...
In a robotic argument, EU M&a regulators said Amazon can’t buy Roomba maker, iRobot. While we worry about AI robo-calling, the EU worries that self-Hooverers who can’t suck up to shoppers online will unleash an army of humans to sell superficial cyborg suckers door-to-door. As I laughed my ass off, I started thinking about LMAs.
Back when our best media was over-the-air TV, the smart people we elected and entrusted to protect us from harm thought people who can schedule episodic strings of Gilligan’s Island reruns could adle children’s minds with endlessly sequential banality. Worse, they worried that, unfettered, a local TV news programs could produce a segment about a pack of feral dogs that arranged garbage into a living space that looked suspiciously like a nativity scene and get people questioning religion.
So, the FCC took a hardline on hookups. They didn’t...
- 2/15/2024
- by Charles Benaiah
- The Desk
Sherwood Schwartz's 1963 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" was a high-concept series that, thanks to the gods of syndication, remained in the public consciousness for decades after it went off the air. The show's impeccable theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle, may be the best theme in television history, as it handily explains the premise using a hummable sea shanty: five tourists boarded the S.S. Minnow -- manned by Captain Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first mate Gilligan (Bob Denver) -- for a three-hour tour off the coast of Honolulu. When the tiny ship hit some bad weather, the seven characters landed on a desert island, stranded. The series followed their merry attempts to survive.
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
- 2/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Classic TV lovers yearning romantic programming this Valentine’s Day should check out MeTV! TV Insider is exclusively unveiling the network’s plans for “Love Me,” a marathon of love-themed classic TV show episodes to celebrate the holiday, airing on Sunday, February 11. The lineup includes episodes of The Brady Bunch, Leave It to Beaver, The Andy Griffith Show, Gilligan’s Island, The Love Boat, Mama’s Family, and The Beverly Hillbillies, for a six-and-a-half-hour event. Check out the full “Love Me” marathon schedule for Sunday, February 11 on MeTV below. Plus, check out the promo above. 12:00 pm: The Brady Bunch “The Undergraduate” — Greg makes an “F” on a math test, and Mike and Carol discover it’s because he has a crush on somebody named “Linda.” They set out to find out who she is, completely unaware that “Linda” is his math teacher. 12:30 pm: The Brady Bunch “Love and the Older...
- 1/25/2024
- TV Insider
Action-paced, international intrigue ensues when a Swiss bank president hires an American investigator to ferret out a group of blackmailers who have been terrorizing his clients in The Swiss Conspiracy, available 20th February 2024 in a special collector’s edition on Blu-ray and DVD from Film Masters.
Scanned in 4K from original 35mm archival elements, The Swiss Conspiracy has never seen a high-quality release to date. Film Masters has enlisted colorist and restoration expert Marc Wielage to painstakingly bring back vibrant and original colors that have not been seen since this film made its original debut in 1976.
Shot entirely in and around Zurich, The Swiss Conspiracy, based on the hit novel by Michael Stanley, was directed by Jack Arnold, best known for B horror/cult movie classics such as The Incredible Shrinking Man, Tarantula, Creature from the Black Lagoon, It Came from Outer Space and The Tattered Dress. One of the...
Scanned in 4K from original 35mm archival elements, The Swiss Conspiracy has never seen a high-quality release to date. Film Masters has enlisted colorist and restoration expert Marc Wielage to painstakingly bring back vibrant and original colors that have not been seen since this film made its original debut in 1976.
Shot entirely in and around Zurich, The Swiss Conspiracy, based on the hit novel by Michael Stanley, was directed by Jack Arnold, best known for B horror/cult movie classics such as The Incredible Shrinking Man, Tarantula, Creature from the Black Lagoon, It Came from Outer Space and The Tattered Dress. One of the...
- 1/19/2024
- by Peter 'Witchfinder' Hopkins
- Horror Asylum
The "Twilight Zone" episode "The Midnight Sun" took place on an Earth that had fallen out of its orbit and was drifting very slowly closer and closer toward the sun. The episode was an exploration of humanity during its waning hours, as seen through the eyes of Norma (Lois Nettleton), a painter who tried desperately to hang on to water and stay cool as temperatures rose and rose. Norma's only recourse is to paint the fires she sees out the window and the burning, growing sun in the sky. Eventually, her neighbor breaks down and implores Norma to paint something cool and refreshing, like a waterfall. The episode ends with Norma being overwhelmed by the heat and her neighbor dying of heat stroke.
There is a twist, of course. Norma wakes up in bed, having dreamed the entire episode. It's revealed that the Earth is, in fact, drifting away from...
There is a twist, of course. Norma wakes up in bed, having dreamed the entire episode. It's revealed that the Earth is, in fact, drifting away from...
- 1/13/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Tina Fey is adapting 1981 comedy “The Four Seasons” for Netflix.
The “Mean Girls” screenwriter is co-creating and starring in a TV version of the film, which reunites her with “30 Rock” collaborators Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield.
The original “The Four Seasons” was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett. The film followed a couple (Alda and Burnett) who vacation with their friends and get entangled in a comedy of errors. Alda was a recurring guest star on Fey’s “30 Rock.”
Universal Television is set to produce the Netflix series, which goes into production later this year. Fey previously collaborated with Universal Television and Netflix for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Girls5Eva,” whose third season will debut on Netflix March 14.
Fey’s “The Four Seasons” co-creator Fisher previously co-created “Never Have I Ever,” which ran for four seasons on Netflix. Wigfield...
The “Mean Girls” screenwriter is co-creating and starring in a TV version of the film, which reunites her with “30 Rock” collaborators Lang Fisher and Tracey Wigfield.
The original “The Four Seasons” was written and directed by Alan Alda, produced by Martin Bregman, and starred Alda and Carol Burnett. The film followed a couple (Alda and Burnett) who vacation with their friends and get entangled in a comedy of errors. Alda was a recurring guest star on Fey’s “30 Rock.”
Universal Television is set to produce the Netflix series, which goes into production later this year. Fey previously collaborated with Universal Television and Netflix for “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Girls5Eva,” whose third season will debut on Netflix March 14.
Fey’s “The Four Seasons” co-creator Fisher previously co-created “Never Have I Ever,” which ran for four seasons on Netflix. Wigfield...
- 1/9/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Iggy Pop brought Tom Waits out of hiding on the latest episode of his BBC Radio program, The Confidential Show. Over the course of two hours, the two gravelly-voiced rockers shared stories and took turns spinning records by the likes of Alex Chilton, Captain Beefheart, Jerry Lee Lewis, and C.W. Stoneking.
Other more contemporary song selections included Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss,” Beastie Boys’ “So What’cha Want” and Frank Ocean’s cover of “Moon River,” all of which were chosen by Waits.
Lil Mama’s 2007 single “Lip Glass” “became a favorite of mine recently,” Waits explained. After the song concluded, Waits and Pop humorously recited the chorus themselves.
In introducing Beastie Boys, Waits remarked, “Every time I hear them, they get me off my perch.” As for Frank Ocean’s cover of “Moon River,” Waits said, “It’s a very usual cover and I love what he did with it.
Other more contemporary song selections included Lil Mama’s “Lip Gloss,” Beastie Boys’ “So What’cha Want” and Frank Ocean’s cover of “Moon River,” all of which were chosen by Waits.
Lil Mama’s 2007 single “Lip Glass” “became a favorite of mine recently,” Waits explained. After the song concluded, Waits and Pop humorously recited the chorus themselves.
In introducing Beastie Boys, Waits remarked, “Every time I hear them, they get me off my perch.” As for Frank Ocean’s cover of “Moon River,” Waits said, “It’s a very usual cover and I love what he did with it.
- 12/4/2023
- by Alex Young
- Consequence - Music
Who wouldn’t want to spend the holidays with some of their favorite TV characters? MeTV is making it easy this year with its “A Very Merry MeTV” programming lineup, which includes a selection of very special Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed episodes of classic shows such as The Waltons, The Beverly Hillbillies, Andy Griffith, and more.
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
The celebration begins on Sunday, Nov. 19 and runs through Dec. 25. Check out some of the highlights below, as well as the full schedule.
‘The Waltons’ Thanksgiving episode airs Nov. 22 and 23 A Verry Merry MeTV | MeTV
Celebrate Thanksgiving with one of TV’s most famous fictional families. In 1973, The Waltons aired its only Thanksgiving special, a two-part episode titled “The Thanksgiving Story.” The season 2 episode focuses on John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas), who suffers a life-threatening head injury that puts his plans for college at risk. Meanwhile, his sister Mary Ellen (Judy Norton) auditions for the Thanksgiving play,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Megan Elliott
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Remember "Gilligan's Island?" Yes, the widely-loved American sitcom that earned massive popularity throughout its 98-episode run from 1978 to 1982, and featured an ensemble cast including Bob Denver, Natalie Schafer, Alan Hale Jr., and Russell Johnson. The show took the castaway trope and remolded it as a comedy in which seven castaways attempt to survive on an island after they're shipwrecked, which is further complicated by the shenanigans of the ship's first mate, Gilligan (Denver).
Among this cast of colorful characters is the Professor (Johnson) — the only level-headed person among the castaways, who uses his scientific background to create little devices to make their stay on the island more hospitable. While Johnson perfectly conveyed the subtle comedy inherent in his role (a running gag being his ability to create almost anything using bamboo and coconuts), the actor also embodied serious, dramatic roles in "The Twilight Zone," where he appeared in two separate...
Among this cast of colorful characters is the Professor (Johnson) — the only level-headed person among the castaways, who uses his scientific background to create little devices to make their stay on the island more hospitable. While Johnson perfectly conveyed the subtle comedy inherent in his role (a running gag being his ability to create almost anything using bamboo and coconuts), the actor also embodied serious, dramatic roles in "The Twilight Zone," where he appeared in two separate...
- 11/18/2023
- by Debopriyaa Dutta
- Slash Film
If you love the classics and holiday programming, you won’t want to miss this year’s “A Very Merry MeTV” celebration, and TV Insider can exclusively reveal the schedule. The classic television network embraces the warmth of holiday nostalgia with its annual event, featuring Thanksgiving and holiday-themed episodes from beloved yesteryear TV shows, TV movies, animated treasures, holiday specials, and more. The lineup of over 100 programs begins on Sunday, November 19 at 12/11c and runs through Christmas Day. Check out the full 2023 MeTV holiday season schedule below for “A Very Merry MeTV.” (All times Et/Pt) Sunday, November 19 12:00 p.m. The Brady Bunch, “The Un-Underground Movie” 2:00 p.m. The Beverly Hillbillies, “Turkey Day” 2:30 p.m. The Beverly Hillbillies, “The Thanksgiving Spirit” 3:30 p.m. Gilligan’s Island, “Little Island, Big Gun” 4:00 p.m. Mama’s Family, “An Ill Wind” 5:00 p.m. The ...
- 10/16/2023
- TV Insider
The MeTV+ channel is now available for Frndly TV users, after first being announced as a new addition to the platform last month.
The slimmed-down live TV streaming service Frndly TV got a little bulkier this week. The service announced on social media that it was launching the new MeTV+ channel for all subscribers on Tuesday, Oct. 3, which is a day earlier than originally scheduled.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Surprise! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and we’re launching MeTV+ a day early for you! You can already find it live in the Frndly TV guide.
We’re the first streaming service to carry MeTV+, MeTV’s sister channel with even more TV classics you love. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/ZQtnai9BpX
— Frndly TV (@FrndlyTV) October 3, 2023
The addition makes Frndly TV the first live TV platform to carry the MeTV+ network. The streamer already carries its sister channel MeTV,...
The slimmed-down live TV streaming service Frndly TV got a little bulkier this week. The service announced on social media that it was launching the new MeTV+ channel for all subscribers on Tuesday, Oct. 3, which is a day earlier than originally scheduled.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Surprise! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes and we’re launching MeTV+ a day early for you! You can already find it live in the Frndly TV guide.
We’re the first streaming service to carry MeTV+, MeTV’s sister channel with even more TV classics you love. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/ZQtnai9BpX
— Frndly TV (@FrndlyTV) October 3, 2023
The addition makes Frndly TV the first live TV platform to carry the MeTV+ network. The streamer already carries its sister channel MeTV,...
- 10/3/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
Believe it or not, Charlie Kaufman has been in the business for 40 years, so the guy has seen a lot. As it turns out, he is far from pleased with how the industry has developed since the 1980s.
In a new installment of the Zoom workshop Word by Word, which is presented by The Black List, writer/director/Nicolas Cage Charlie Kaufman said (via The Hollywood Reporter), “I think that the business is in a very, very bad place, and it needs to change into something where people who have idiosyncratic voices can make movies because I think we need that, as a society and as a culture. And I think it is a very difficult road for people who are trying to do that.” Still, he added that his words aren’t mean to limit outsiders from coming into the industry but rather pull them in to change the tide.
In a new installment of the Zoom workshop Word by Word, which is presented by The Black List, writer/director/Nicolas Cage Charlie Kaufman said (via The Hollywood Reporter), “I think that the business is in a very, very bad place, and it needs to change into something where people who have idiosyncratic voices can make movies because I think we need that, as a society and as a culture. And I think it is a very difficult road for people who are trying to do that.” Still, he added that his words aren’t mean to limit outsiders from coming into the industry but rather pull them in to change the tide.
- 9/7/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Fans of classic TV sitcoms, sci-fi, and dramas are about to have even friendlier live TV streaming options as the skinny-bundle streaming service Frndly TV announced on Tuesday that it had entered into an agreement that will bring the Weigel Broadcasting Co.’s MeTV+ network to all of the company’s subscribers next month.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
August isn't especially famous for its great movies. As months go, the eighth one on the calendar has often been a bit of a wasteland for Hollywood, as blockbusters peter off, kids have a lot less free time and money, and studio executives need to find somewhere to dump their proverbial dead bodies.
If you want a good example, you can pretty much throw a dart at any year after "Jaws" popularized the concept of summer blockbuster season. For example, let's take a look at 1993. 30 years ago, August was a month for dreck comedies like "Son of the Pink Panther," family film misfires like "Father Hood" and "Surf Ninjas," and the weird-ass "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday."
But then again, there are exceptions to every rule. There were also a few excellent motion pictures in August 1993. The increasingly timeless classic "The Fugitive" came out that month, along with...
If you want a good example, you can pretty much throw a dart at any year after "Jaws" popularized the concept of summer blockbuster season. For example, let's take a look at 1993. 30 years ago, August was a month for dreck comedies like "Son of the Pink Panther," family film misfires like "Father Hood" and "Surf Ninjas," and the weird-ass "Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday."
But then again, there are exceptions to every rule. There were also a few excellent motion pictures in August 1993. The increasingly timeless classic "The Fugitive" came out that month, along with...
- 8/20/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- Slash Film
Science fiction on film has been around almost as long as cinema itself. Starting in 1895 when the first public showings of motion pictures commenced in France and the United States, and as filmmakers began to realize that they could string scenes together to tell a complete, coherent story, the genres of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy were part of the equation.
Celluloid offered ambitious storytellers the chance to put images on the screen—crude at the time, but still groundbreaking—that had only been glimpsed in the pages of novels, short stories, and later, comic books and pulp magazines. And as filmmaking techniques themselves progressed, and the motion picture industry began to take shape in the early 20th century, visionaries came along with audacious ideas that moved the art form, the technology, and the genres forward well into the new millennium.
Below are 16 such visionaries; men and women who either grew...
Celluloid offered ambitious storytellers the chance to put images on the screen—crude at the time, but still groundbreaking—that had only been glimpsed in the pages of novels, short stories, and later, comic books and pulp magazines. And as filmmaking techniques themselves progressed, and the motion picture industry began to take shape in the early 20th century, visionaries came along with audacious ideas that moved the art form, the technology, and the genres forward well into the new millennium.
Below are 16 such visionaries; men and women who either grew...
- 8/18/2023
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
The Elvira’s Haunted Hills episode of The Black Sheep was Written and Narrated by Andrew Hatfield, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Lance Vlcek and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
It’s always fun to see some of our horror heroes appear outside of their given role as it were. We’ve seen Stephen King appear in tons of his story’s adaptations, but he also showed up in things not associated with him like Sons of Anarchy. Sure, you get athletes that try acting, some that are even successful, but how about our beloved horror hosts? Many of them only stayed on the critique end of the movie spectrum but a couple have made the jump. Joe Bob Briggs appeared in a segment of the recent Scare Package as well as a deleted scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 but never got the spotlight in his own feature length film.
It’s always fun to see some of our horror heroes appear outside of their given role as it were. We’ve seen Stephen King appear in tons of his story’s adaptations, but he also showed up in things not associated with him like Sons of Anarchy. Sure, you get athletes that try acting, some that are even successful, but how about our beloved horror hosts? Many of them only stayed on the critique end of the movie spectrum but a couple have made the jump. Joe Bob Briggs appeared in a segment of the recent Scare Package as well as a deleted scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 but never got the spotlight in his own feature length film.
- 8/9/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In the fifth season episode of "The Twilight Zone," called "The Masks", an elderly millionaire named Jason Foster (Robert Keith) has gathered his daughter, her husband, and their two adult children for a Mardi Gras gathering. Jason, attended by his doctor (Willis Bouchey), is dying. He expects he'll be dead by morning. Jason also hates his daughter and her family. He sees Emily (Virginia Gregg) as spineless, her husband Wilfred (Milton Seltzer) as greedy, her son Wilfred, Jr. (Alan Sues) as dumb and oafish, and her daughter Paula (Brooke Hayward) as vain and shallow.
At dinner, the family members all feign politeness, but the audience trusts Jason when he says they are all terrible people who are only interested in inheriting his fortune. After dinner, Jason calls the quartet into the drawing room for a Mardi Gras game. The patriarch has commissioned five expressive, full-face masks that he and his family are to wear.
At dinner, the family members all feign politeness, but the audience trusts Jason when he says they are all terrible people who are only interested in inheriting his fortune. After dinner, Jason calls the quartet into the drawing room for a Mardi Gras game. The patriarch has commissioned five expressive, full-face masks that he and his family are to wear.
- 8/1/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
I have never been a huge fan of Charlotte York Goldenblatt, the Upper East Side princess played by Kristin Davis in Sex and the City. As a New York Jew, I didn’t relate to her Wasp-y country club optimism, nor was I particularly charmed by her wide-eyed pearl-clutching at her friends’ sexual exploits. (Dude, you copped to rimming your first husband over eggs Benedict. We didn’t forget!) I found her grating and prissy and the most unforgivably callous of the four; in the final season, when she exploded...
- 7/20/2023
- by Ej Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
The premise of The Beverly Hillbillies was pretty simple. Jed Clampett and his family left their monetary struggles behind in Missouri and moved to California after Jed shot a hole in the ground and discovered oil. The fish-out-of-water tale delighted fans for years before the series was canceled. It was a well-known fact that the Clampetts were extremely wealthy, but just how rich were they back in the 1960s when the series ran, and what would they be worth today?
How much money did the Clampetts get for Jed’s discovery?
When season 1 of The Beverly Hillbillies opened, Jed Clampett’s fortune was worth $25 million. The series premiered in 1962. When the show ended in 1971, the Clampetts’ wealth had grown exponentially. The family was reportedly worth $100 million when the screen went black.
$25 million in 1962 is equal to over $200 million in today’s money. The $100 million the family closed the series with...
How much money did the Clampetts get for Jed’s discovery?
When season 1 of The Beverly Hillbillies opened, Jed Clampett’s fortune was worth $25 million. The series premiered in 1962. When the show ended in 1971, the Clampetts’ wealth had grown exponentially. The family was reportedly worth $100 million when the screen went black.
$25 million in 1962 is equal to over $200 million in today’s money. The $100 million the family closed the series with...
- 7/19/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gilligan’s Island fans likely can’t imagine a scenario in which Mary Ann wasn’t part of the group stranded on a deserted island. Mary Ann, played by Dawn Wells, stole the hearts of fans for all three seasons of the original series and in multiple T.V. movies. Mary Ann, however, was not originally part of the plan and neither was Wells. The character did not appear in the original pilot. Instead, a character named Bunny, rounded out the cast.
Mary Ann was not part of the original ‘Gilligan’s Island’ plot
Dawn Wells was not originally part of the Gilligan’s Island cast but appeared in the second episode. That second episode, “Two on a Raft,” is the episode most people consider the series’s pilot. Still, there was one test pilot filmed before that. In the original pilot, the cast looked a bit different. Namely, Wells was not Mary Ann.
Mary Ann was not part of the original ‘Gilligan’s Island’ plot
Dawn Wells was not originally part of the Gilligan’s Island cast but appeared in the second episode. That second episode, “Two on a Raft,” is the episode most people consider the series’s pilot. Still, there was one test pilot filmed before that. In the original pilot, the cast looked a bit different. Namely, Wells was not Mary Ann.
- 7/12/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Sometimes inspiration comes from the unlikeliest places. That was the case for Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of Gilligan’s Island. The famed writer and producer pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island years after he finished his bachelor’s degree at New York University. A prompt given to the renowned producer during his undergraduate journey led to the creation of Gilligan’s Island. Schwartz wasn’t even planning on entering the entertainment business then.
The cast of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘Gilligan’s Island’: The Skipper Filmed Several Season 1 Episodes With a Broken Arm No One Knew About
A public speaking prompt inspired Sherwood Schwartz to develop ‘Gilligan’s Island’
Schwartz pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island to CBS executives in the 1960s. They were instantly interested in it. The idea was certainly a unique one. In the show, seven people live together on a deserted island after their boat capsizes.
The cast of ‘Gilligan’s Island’ | CBS via Getty Images Related
‘Gilligan’s Island’: The Skipper Filmed Several Season 1 Episodes With a Broken Arm No One Knew About
A public speaking prompt inspired Sherwood Schwartz to develop ‘Gilligan’s Island’
Schwartz pitched the idea for Gilligan’s Island to CBS executives in the 1960s. They were instantly interested in it. The idea was certainly a unique one. In the show, seven people live together on a deserted island after their boat capsizes.
- 5/27/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In the 1960s, TV audiences were engrossed by the tale of a three-hour boat tour that left seven men and women stranded on a deserted island. Gilligan’s Island ran for just three seasons but has remained a fixture in pop culture. Getting the show filmed and to audiences was a challenging task, and injuries happened. In fact, the actor who played the famed Skipper that Gilligan’s Island fans loved worked through a broken arm. Alan Hale Jr., the actor who played Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby, was just as tough as the character he played. During the final weeks of filming season 1 of the show, Hale reportedly broke his arm but didn’t bother to tell anyone. He just kept on filming.
Alan Hale Jr as Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Related
Why Did Jerry Van Dyke Pass Up The Chance To Be on ‘Gilligan’s Island’?
Alan Hale Jr.
Alan Hale Jr as Jonas ‘The Skipper’ Grumby | Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images Related
Why Did Jerry Van Dyke Pass Up The Chance To Be on ‘Gilligan’s Island’?
Alan Hale Jr.
- 5/21/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Gilligan’s Island cast rose to fame thanks to the CBS comedy. Every week, viewers tuned in to watch their favorite seven castaways adjust to island life. While all the cast members were famous, one star received more fan mail than their co-stars.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
- 3/25/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ed Fury, a 1951 Mr. Muscle Beach winner who became one of the most successful male physique models of the era before launching a swords & sandal film career that rivaled the genre’s leading man Steve Reeves, has died at his California home. He was 94.
His death on February 24 was announced this week by his wife and family friends. A cause of death has not been specified.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story David Lindley Dies: Session Star And Multi-Instrumentalist With Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan Was 78 Related Story Jay Weston Dies: 'Lady Sings The Blues' Producer Who Gave Al Pacino Broadway Break Was 93
Born Edmund Holovchik in New York on June 6, 1928, Fury began lifting weights as a high school wrestler before moving to Southern California in the late 1940s, where he soon found his place among the Santa Monica Muscle Beach bodybuilding set. He began...
His death on February 24 was announced this week by his wife and family friends. A cause of death has not been specified.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story David Lindley Dies: Session Star And Multi-Instrumentalist With Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan Was 78 Related Story Jay Weston Dies: 'Lady Sings The Blues' Producer Who Gave Al Pacino Broadway Break Was 93
Born Edmund Holovchik in New York on June 6, 1928, Fury began lifting weights as a high school wrestler before moving to Southern California in the late 1940s, where he soon found his place among the Santa Monica Muscle Beach bodybuilding set. He began...
- 3/7/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Ed Fury, the Muscle Beach bodybuilder who starred as the mighty warrior Ursus in three Italian “sword and sandal” epics, has died. He was 94.
Fury died Feb. 24 at his home in Woodland Hills, his wife, Shelly, told The Hollywood Reporter.
In 1953 alone, Fury appeared uncredited in seven films, including Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Dangerous When Wet, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Island in the Sky and The Eddie Cantor Story.
Later, he showed up in The Country Girl (1954), Athena (1954), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954), Hell and High Water (1954), Female on the Beach (1955), I Died a Thousand Times (1955), Raw Edge (1956), Bus Stop (1956), South Pacific (1958) and The Wild Women of Wongo (1958).
After he auditioned for Joshua Logan and landed a role on Broadway in the 1954-56 musical Fanny, Italian film producers in the audience visited him backstage and signed him to a contract.
Fury appeared opposite Rod Taylor in the Italian comedy Colossus...
Fury died Feb. 24 at his home in Woodland Hills, his wife, Shelly, told The Hollywood Reporter.
In 1953 alone, Fury appeared uncredited in seven films, including Abbott and Costello Go to Mars, Dangerous When Wet, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Island in the Sky and The Eddie Cantor Story.
Later, he showed up in The Country Girl (1954), Athena (1954), Demetrius and the Gladiators (1954), Hell and High Water (1954), Female on the Beach (1955), I Died a Thousand Times (1955), Raw Edge (1956), Bus Stop (1956), South Pacific (1958) and The Wild Women of Wongo (1958).
After he auditioned for Joshua Logan and landed a role on Broadway in the 1954-56 musical Fanny, Italian film producers in the audience visited him backstage and signed him to a contract.
Fury appeared opposite Rod Taylor in the Italian comedy Colossus...
- 3/7/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Owners of the nearly century-old Radford Studio Center, also known as the CBS Studio Center, have unveiled revamp plans for the storied facility — an estimated $1 billion for modern soundstages, production and support offices, sustainability measures, historic preservation and a transportation infrastructure.
ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) sold the facility to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for $1.85 billion in 2021. Hackman has submitted its upgrade proposal, and if and when approved, the work will run in phases through 2028. The 1.2 million-square-foot site sits on 55 acres and hosts dozens of film and television productions a year as well as being home to CBS News’ Los Angeles bureau, Kcal News and Entertainment Tonight.
The plan proposes adding up to 1 million net square feet.
Los Angeles and other production hubs still face a shortage of studio space. L.A. locations are operating at close to 100% capacity,...
ViacomCBS (now Paramount Global) sold the facility to Hackman Capital Partners and Square Mile Capital Management for $1.85 billion in 2021. Hackman has submitted its upgrade proposal, and if and when approved, the work will run in phases through 2028. The 1.2 million-square-foot site sits on 55 acres and hosts dozens of film and television productions a year as well as being home to CBS News’ Los Angeles bureau, Kcal News and Entertainment Tonight.
The plan proposes adding up to 1 million net square feet.
Los Angeles and other production hubs still face a shortage of studio space. L.A. locations are operating at close to 100% capacity,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Leiji Matsumoto, the Japanese manga and anime creator known for science fiction sagas, TV series like Space Pirate Captain Harlock and music videos for Daft Punk, died of acute heart failure on February 13. He was 85.
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story George T. Miller Dies: Director Of 'The Man From Snowy River' And 'The NeverEnding Story II' Was 79 Related Story Gerald Fried Dies: Emmy Winning Composer For 'Roots', 'Star Trek', 'Gilligan's Island' Was 95
His death was announced by his studio, Studio Leijisha.
Among his best-known science fiction sagas were Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and Space Battleship Yamato.
In a statement to the BBC, Matsumoto’s daughter and head of the studio, Makiko Matsumoto, said her father “set out on a journey to the sea of stars. I think he lived a happy life, thinking about continuing to...
Related Story Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2023: Photo Gallery & Obituaries Related Story George T. Miller Dies: Director Of 'The Man From Snowy River' And 'The NeverEnding Story II' Was 79 Related Story Gerald Fried Dies: Emmy Winning Composer For 'Roots', 'Star Trek', 'Gilligan's Island' Was 95
His death was announced by his studio, Studio Leijisha.
Among his best-known science fiction sagas were Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and Space Battleship Yamato.
In a statement to the BBC, Matsumoto’s daughter and head of the studio, Makiko Matsumoto, said her father “set out on a journey to the sea of stars. I think he lived a happy life, thinking about continuing to...
- 2/20/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
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