As a student at Northern Illinois University, Cynthia Ann Cichorski took DJ duties at the campus radio station. She parlayed her communications degree as a reporter for a local radio station using the more “radio-friendly name “Morgan.” After graduation, Cindy worked as the on-air weather forecaster at a Rockford TV station. Eventually, she made her …
For someone who didn’t grow up celebrating Christmas, I sure do love Christmas movies. The end-of-the-year holiday season has produced some great films, including classics like Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas in Connecticut, It Happened on 5th Avenue (recently discovered on Turner Classic Movies), White Christmas (and its cringe-inducing predecessor Holiday Inn), It’s A Wonderful …
The final entry for Inktober 2023 was alluded to last week. It’s The X-Files, a science-fiction-horror series inspired by Kolchak: The Night Stalker. Tired of the mundane scripts he was churning out for Walt Disney Productions’ teen market, Chris Carter was hired by the upstart Fox Network to develop new programming. Working with his fondness …
Angus Scrimm was best remembered for his portrayal of “The Tall Man” in Don Coscarelli’s Phantasm and its four sequels. With his imposing height and menacing scowl, Angus was the perfect choice for the role of the mysterious, supernatural undertaker that was the center of the film series. But, Angus was the opposite of his …
I haven’t been this excited since my first trip to Disneyland. After 22 years of visiting cemeteries, this little — somewhat macabre — hobby of mine has risen to nearly the same level as a visit to Walt Disney’s theme parks. Does that sound weird? Not to me it doesn’t. I have been to cemeteries …
Mildred Rossi was born in El Paso, Texas, but moved with her family to San Francisco when her father was named the construction manager of San Simeon, the proposed mansion and homestead of publisher William Randolph Hearst. Camille Rossi, Mildred’s father, was working under Julia Morgan, the first female architect licensed in California. Morgan was …
Virginia O’Brien was at the very top in the 1940s. She was featured in 17 films, most of which showcased her comedic ability and lovely singing voice. But, what made Virginia stand out among her contemporaries was her style. And her style was deadpan. In numerous featured performances, whether fronting a big band or at …
With a sketchy background story involving a family lineage link to Finnish athlete Paavo Nurmi, Maila Nurmi moved from her native Massachusetts to New York to pursue an acting career. While seeking her “big break,” the striking and statuesque Maila posed for pin-up photos as well as for artists like Antonio Vargas and the notorious …
My wife and I recently visited the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. Despite its somewhat remote location, the center houses an impressive and comprehensive collection of all aspects of comedy — including films, props, costumes and awards. Through numerous interactive displays, the world of comedy is explored, reviewed, analyzed and, of course, celebrated. …
