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.

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.

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?

The Incredible String Band

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

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax

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

Sam, Bangs and Moonshine

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

An American Dream aka See You In Hell, Darling

R.I.P. Eleanor Parker

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.

Bat Stuff # 57

Spotted on Facebook.

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.