Author Archives: Mr Pop History

Pop Culture Television History. Unknown Fact About “Lassie” The Dog.

October 16, 2011

Mr. Pop History – My friend Robert Neill got into a discussion with actor Jon Provost. Many remember Jon as the first TV “master” of Lassie.

Well, it seemed that when the camera was off, Lassie’s trainer would have his dog fetch “cigarettes” from as far as a quarter-mile away. Here’s what Robert told me. Thanks Robert Neill:

“The most interesting anecdote, IMO, concerned Lassie’s trainer.  Jon said when he was a youngster, he was out at the Weatherwax ranch with Lassie and the trainer.  The trainer wanted to smoke, but discovered he’d run out of cigarettes.  He instructed Lassie to go back to the house and get some for him.  Jon said the house was a quarter mile away and he was skeptical, but Lassie ran to the house and brought back a pack of cigarettes.”

Lassie fetching cigarettes for his master.

If we only knew.

Both Robert and I agree, it would have made a terrific scene in one of the many Jon Provost/Lassie episodes seen on CBS-TV – way back when. Thanks Jon Provost!

Oh, and – here’s Jon Provost and Lassie:

 

Gary West – www.mrpopculture.com  

 

 

 

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Pop Culture Music Top-40 History. 1960′s. Where Have All the Pop Stars Gone?

September 28, 2011

Mr. Pop History -

Authors Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March of done it again. Authors of “Echoes of the Sixties” – they’ve got a new book out, “Where Have All The Pop Stars Gone” vol. 1.

Find out where members of such top-pop groups as the Association, The Spiral Starecase, the Zombies, Chris Montez and others, have been up to. Yes, some of passed on, but others, well – life sometimes throws surprising things out. Sometimes – not. The book will hold you captive.

We find out, they’re just like us! Lots of nice surprises and, lest we forget, the book generously lists of all those songs we remember. Remember all the hits of the Association?

Gary West

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Pop Culture Music History. “Where Have All The Pop Stars Gone?” New Book

September 28, 2011

Mr. Pop History –

Authors Marti Smiley Childs and Jeff March get into the 1960′s and reveal just what happened to members of such bands as, The Association, Herman’s Hermits, Spiral Starecase, The Zombies and more.

It’s compelling reading from the authors of “Echoes of the Sixties.”

The books is, “Where Have All The Pop Stars Gone?” Volume 1

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Pop Culture Music History – Four Of Jackson 5 Sue Motown.

September 17, 2011

Mr. Pop History -
Back in April of 1976, four members of the Jackson 5 sued Motown records, seeking a Superior Court judgment granting termination of any contractual responsibilities to the label and an accounting on alleged royalties due them.

The four were Tariano, Sigmund, Esco, Marlon and Michael Jackson. The suit asked the court to order Motown to allow their accountants to audit Motown books covering royalty statements from 1972 to the present (1976).

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Pop Culture TV History. First Fishing Show – Gadabout Gaddis.

September 8, 2011

Mr. Pop History – Back in the 1960′s, there was a simple weekend show starring somebody called “Gadabout Gaddis.”

Each week, easygoing Gaddis would board his Cherokee plane – off to another special fishing spot. The show was unique. It was of course, shot on location, but all the audio was added later with Gaddis doing the narration. It was the first-ever fishing show – and lasted for years. Gadabout was seen in most of the United States via syndication.

Lots of people, especially kids of the 1960′s remember this show fondly. Gadabout left us in 1986, but his catchy name and show are not easily forgotten.

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Pop Culture Movie History. Did Disney Studios Ever Work On Movies Other Than His Own?

August 30, 2011

Mr. Pop History – Let’s face it. Disney is known for – Disney. But, did you know that the Disney studios did work on at least one (outside) movie production?

That’s correct. It was the 1956 color sci-fi movie “The Forbidden Planet” where the Disney studios contributed some of the special effects. But – this was not a Disney film. Not by any means. So, just so you know – it did happen, once – back in 1956.

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Pop Culture Movie/Actor History. Original Santa Clause “Miracle On 34th Street” The Most Famous Santa Clause In Movie History

August 19, 2011

Mr. Pop History -
So many ask – when did the original Santa Clause, Edmund Gwenn pass? He died suddenly on September 6, 1959 after answering a question about… ironically, dying. “Yes, it’s tough but not as tough as doing farce.”

Best known for the “Miracle” movie in 1947, he appeared in one of the earliest 1950′s sci-fi classics, “Them.”

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Pop Culture Movie History – Marilyn Monroe Did A TV Product Commercial?

August 15, 2011

Mr. Pop History -
Early in her career – Ms. Monroe did a TV commercial for (Unocal) United Oil of California. In it, she tells a service station attendant – that she wants her new car, to be the best cared for car – ever.

Service station attendant – those guys who filled-it-up, wiped the windows and performed other minor, quick services.

Marilyn Monroe – then, a minor player – would soon become a star. No more commercial endorsements. I believe this was the only one she did. And, it was only seen in places such as Los Angeles.

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Pop Culture Movie History. “Psycho” Actor Anthony Perkins – Died With A Secret.

August 12, 2011

Mr. Pop History – That is correct – as Perkins died of AIDS back in 1992. His wife, Berry Berenson, had no idea how he became infected, but later it was revealed he was gay – even had a pre-marriage liaison with music great Leonard Bernstein.

She would perish in a 9-11 plane.

If we only had the medications we had today. Back in the 1980′s and 1990′s, AIDS was certain death.

 

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Pop Culture Music History – Where Did The Name Come From? Creedence Clearwater Revival.

August 5, 2011

Mr. Pop History – They were one of the hottest pop/rock bands of 1969, 1970 and into 1971. They sold singles and albums by the millions – and, from the small Fantasy Record label.

Creedence – well, he was a real person. Credence Nuball. Band members also thought – adding an extra “e” gave them – well, creedence. Like creed. Credence Nuball was a friend of a friend of Tom Fogerty.

Clearwater – originally came from ads from beer maker Olympia – made from cool, clear water. THey liked its clean environmental sensibility.

Revival came from their musical values – values they carried from their beginning. Afterall – it took the band some eight years to “make it.”

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