Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Criswell Predicts...1966

Notorious now for his friendship and collaborations with the infamous writer/filmmaker Ed Wood, back in the f fifties and sixties, Criswell was a popular TV psychic with his CRISWELL PREDICTS. Here is a famous clip of him with Johnny Carson as he inaccurately predicts what 1966 will be like.

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Boeing-Boeing


Although released in December of '65, the tag line clearly indicates that it considered itself too be a '66 release. Behind the scenes, old friends Jerry and Tony jockeyed for position while Jerry also had to contend with personal health crises as well as a studio feud which led to his leaving longtime producer Hal Wallis and longtime studio Paramount. Somehow none of this comes through onscreen as the whole thing is just one big, shiny but ultimately forgettable sex farce.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

How The Grinch Stole Christmas


For all of us sixties kids, this now-classic TV special from '66 still ranks as one of the 2 or 3 greatest Christmas specials of all time and a rare instance where the adaptation was better than the source material! Dr. Seuss! Chuck Jones! Boris Karloff! Thurl Ravenscroft! Max! What's not to like?

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The Incredible String Band


This influential and now legendary Scottish folk rock band issued its debut album in '66!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax


Dorothy Gilman's aging lady spy/detective made her debut in '66 in this novel.






Sunday, December 15, 2013

Sam, Bangs and Moonshine


This wonderfully illustrated children's book deservedly won the Caldecott illustrator's award in '66.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Beatles Press Conference



The Beatles press conferences were usually quite fun but here we have a semi-serious one from '66 where Paul addresses John's infamous misinterpreted religious statement. Note Brian Epstein keeping an eye on things to the side.

Monday, December 2, 2013

Cap


This '66 image of my favorite super hero, Captain America, wasn't published at the time. It's drawn by the great Jack Kirby with gorgeous inks (and colors?) by Don Heck. In 1966, I was just starting on comics and the first Captain America I ever saw was Heck's, in an issue of THE AVENGERS.