Michael's Musings

June 6, 2011

Yesterday afternoon, I watched BIG JAKE with John Wayne, Richard Boone and Maureen O'Hara.

There is nothing like a John Wayne western.  With very few exceptions, even his lesser ones are very entertaining.

The classics, of course, are STAGECOACH, RED RIVER and THE SEARCHERS, but I also enjoy THE COMANCHEROS, CHISUM, THE SPOILERS, RIO GRANDE, SHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON, THE COWBOYS and THE SHOOTIST.

You'll note that I did not mention FORT APACHE, RIO BRAVO or THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, all of which I believe are over-rated.

BIG JAKE is really a middle-of-the road Wayne Western, but I have a personal connection to it, as two of my former publicity clients were involved in its making.

Christopher Mitchum (Robert's youngest son) played Wayne's son in the movie, shot in Mexico and originally titled THE MILLION DOLLAR KIDNAPPING, and George Sherman was the director.

I recall a couple of things that Sherman told me about the picture.

1. He tried to talk John Wayne out of using both Chris Mitchum and Patrick Wayne as his two sons in the picture, as he felt that the roles were so good that they would attract bigger names.  But, "the Duke" insisted and one did not argue with "the Duke".

2. The dog in the movie is, in fact, Lassie...but his owners did not want that publicized.

When Sherman returned from location, I arranged for him to be interviewed by Variety, and in that interview, he complained about the Mexican production crew.  A veteran producer and director, Sherman felt that Mexican crews did not work as fast as American crews, which made it difficult for him to keep the picture on schedule.

Apparently, this honest opinion did not sit well with Wayne and his people, who often worked south of the border, because a few days later they gave an interview to Variety in which they disputed Sherman's claim.

In any event, if you want to see an enjoyable Western, take a look at BIG JAKE.

Have a creative day.

Michael

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June 3, 2011

I watched BOWFINGER with Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy last night.

I hadn't seen the movie for years. 

Sandy and I couldn't stop laughing, it is so funny.

The picture, directed by Frank Oz, has a hilarious premise that deals with a group of inept, no budget filmmakers, headed by Martin, who are making a movie with a major overly neurotic action star (Murphy) without his knowledge. 

Think Ed Wood and PLAN NINE FROM OUTER SPACE, and you'll have a pretty good idea of what I'm talking about.

In any event, if you've never seen this movie, take a look.  I guarantee that you won't stop laughing.

Now, here's something that my nephew, Pat, sent me:

Being an Islamic Terrorist is like being a Chinook salmon.  

Life is good 'til the Seals show up!

You have a creative weekend and I'll be back on Monday.

Michael

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June 2, 2011

It's that time of year for us to take our Annual Senior Citizen Test.

Exercise of the brain is as important as exercise of the muscles. As we grow older, it's important to keep mentally alert.  If you don't use it, you lose it!

Below is a very private way to gauge how your memory compares to the last test.  Some may think it is too easy but the ones with memory problems may have difficulty.  

Take the test presented here to determine if you're losing it or not.
The spaces below are so you don't see the answers until you've made your answer.  

OK, relax, clear your mind and begin.
 

1. What do you put in a toaster?
 
 

Answer:  "bread."  If you said "toast" give up now and do something else.
Try not to hurt yourself.  

If you said, bread, go to Question 2.



2.  Say "silk" five times.

Now spell "silk."

What do cows drink?
 

 

Answer: Cows drink water. If you said "milk," don't attempt the next question.

Your brain is over-stressed and may even overheat. Content yourself with reading more appropriate literature such as Auto World.

However, if you said "water," proceed to question 3.







3. If a red house is made from red bricks and a blue house is made from blue bricks and a pink house is made from pink bricks and a black house is made from black bricks, what is a green house made from?
 
 
 

Answer: Greenhouses are made from glass.  If you said "green bricks," why are you still reading these??? 

If you said 'glass,' go on to Question 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 

4.  Without using a calculator - You are driving a bus from  London  to
Milford Haven in  Wales  .   In  London  , 17 people get on the bus.
In  Reading  , 6 people get off the bus and 9 people get on.
In  Swindon , 2 people get off and 4 get on.
In  Cardiff  , 11 people get off and 16 people get on.
In  Swansea  , 3 people get off and 5 people get on.
In Carmathen, 6 people get off and 3 get on.
You then arrive at Milford Haven:

 
 
 

Without scrolling back to review, how old is the bus driver?

 
 
 

 
Answer: Oh, for crying out loud!
Don't you remember your own age?
It was YOU driving the bus!!

If you pass this along to your friends, pray they do better than you.

PS: 95% of people fail most of the questions!! 


Have a creative day.

Michael

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