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 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 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.

By Mr Pop History | Posted in 1950's, Pop Culture History, Pop Culture Trivia, www.mrpopculture.com | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Pop Culture Movie History – Actor James Dean Started With A Pepsi-Cola Commercial.

August 3, 2011

Mr. Pop History – That is correct. Unknown James Dean was breaking into the business. It was 1950 when Dean was cast – with an assembly of other teenagers – in a Pepsi-Cola commercial. “Pepsi Cola Hits The Spot” was the tagline – and Dean was paid $10 for his services.

It was Pepsi’s first TV commercial. Dean was 19 at the time.

By Mr Pop History | Posted in 1950's, Pop Culture Trivia, www.mrpopculture.com | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Walt Disney Didn’t Like Unions. Pop Culture Disney History.

July 7, 2011

Mr. Pop History – He may have loved mice, but detested unions. He once told the HUAC that unions were nothing more than Communist tools. His studio was the stage for many a union labor strike – sending Uncle Walt into small fits.

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First Golf Pro As A Media Star… Pop Culture History Sports

February 25, 2011

Mr. Pop History – Let’s face it, Tiger Woods isn’t the golf leader he once use to be. Way to many gaffe’s lately.

The first true media superstar of golf was Sam Snead. And, he had his own golf show – a syndicated TV feature back in the 1950′s titled, “The Sam Snead Show.”

The segments, five minutes each, showcased “Slammin’” Sammy Snead explaining the do’s and don’t's of the game. As far as I know – 39 of these features were produced.

Gary West @ www.mrpopculture.com  and  www.mrpophistory.com

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The Chipmunks: Alvin, Simon & Theodore. Pop Culture History Trivia.

November 21, 2010

Q: Their names were taken from real people – weren’t they?

Mr. Pop History – That’s right. They were created by songwriter Ross Bagdasarian and their names came from his Los Angeles record label – Liberty Records. They were Liberty President Alvin Bennett, label founder Simon Waronker and label electronics wiz and chief engineer Theodore Keep.

Ross had his biggest hit with the Chipmunks – right about this time of year in 1958 when “The Chipmunk Song” sold 4 million copies and is still, a holiday favorite.

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1950′s Pop Music Question. Pop. Culture. History.

October 12, 2010

From Jerry C – I’m trying to find the first appearance by The Kingston Trio on television. Can you help at all?

Mr. Pop History – Yes. It was a guest shot on a non-musical show called “Playhouse 90″ back in April of 1958 – just after the folk-pop group signed with Capitol Records. They got the gig after one of the show’s writers “flipped” after he saw them performing at a West Coast club.

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First Great Guitar Lick In Rock… Pop. Culture. History.

July 24, 2010

From Joel J – In your opinion, who layed down the first impressive rock lick on a popular song or popular album track. Hendricks? Clapton?

Mr. Pop History – No, it was Dan Cedrone on a song called “Rock Around The Clock” back in 1954. The guitar lick in the middle of this song is great by any standards, let alone 1954 when this kind of thing was unheard of.

Dan Cedrone, just 33 – died shortly thereafter then he fell down a flight of stairs and broke his neck. He was paid $21 for the recording.

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Start Your Own Week-By-Diary…. With Our Pop Culture History Weeks.

June 21, 2010

From Steve J – Mr. Pop – TV movies have or are written for 7 acts. Theater movies are written for only three acts. Why?

Mr. Pop History – TV is that way in order to accommodate commercials and station breaks.
And, TV movies on commercial networks are exactly 96 minutes. And remember – each act has to have its sort-of cliffhanger – especially the top-of-the-hour. Now – movies on HBO and other pay nets – they’re written as three acts. The second act is always the hardest to write.

By Mr Pop History | Posted in 1940's, 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, 2000's, Pop Culture History | Tagged , , | Comments (0)