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 Disaster History… From 1952 – 12,000 Lives Taken.

August 2, 2011

Mr. Pop History – From the Mr. Pop Week Of December 1, 1952… London was invaded by a thick polluted fog between Dec. 3 and Dec. 7. So thick, many couldn’t see their shoes. The initial death count was 4000 – but further studies say that eventually passed to 12,000 lost lives.

The fog turned out to be a mix of sulphur dioxide and coal smoke – along with common auto and industrial pollutants. The catalyst was stagnant air caused by a cold front.

Exactly 10 years later – another deadly London Fog – this one claimed 136 lives.

Something to think about next time you put on that London Fog coat.

Mr. Pop Video

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Last Time The Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo Chico) Performed Together.

June 28, 2011

Mr. Pop History – Their last film was 1949′s “”Love Happy.” Groucho went into TV and “You Bet Your Life.” and Chico did some TV and live dates. Harpo was guest starring on shows such as “I Love Lucy.”

But, they did get together one more time. It was 1959 on CBS-TV’s GE Theater and “The Incredible Jewel Robbery.” Harpo was a bad guy, Chico was a cop and Grouch is seen at the end, a cameo in a police line-up.

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When Did Justin Timberlake Strike Out On His Own? Pop Music Trivia.

November 17, 2010

… And stepping out of his group “‘N Sync?”

Mr. Pop History – He tried it solo the week of August 15, 2002. Check this out:

“Justin Timberlake of ‘N Sync will give his first solo performance. Look for him at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards next week.”

www.mrpopculture.com

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From Dan C – Jessica Simpson once pulled out of a show because she kept flubbing the words to a song. Is that correct?

February 5, 2010

Mr. Pop History – When The Kennedy Center Honors were paying tribute to Dolly Parton, Jessica Simpson flubbed the words to Parton’s “9 to 5.” She became so flustered, she fled the stage. She was given a second chance at the song by producers – but no go. This was in 2006.Jessica

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From Lee N – Who was the only band ever thrown off the “Tonight” show?

November 20, 2009

Mr. Pop History – This one’s easy. It was the Australian band “The Vine” back in December of 2002. Why you ask? From the Mr. Pop archives:

Rowdy Australian band – “The Vines” are jettisoned from the Jay Leno “Tonight” Show after lead singer Craig Nichols began trashing the group’s equipment during a sound check, just before the show’s taping. He went into a tantrum – throwing around things – and then they were asked to leave.

vines

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From KH – Mr. Pop – “Sticky Fingers” by the Rolling Stones had two milestones. What were they?

November 20, 2009

Mr. Pop History – As we go back to May of 1971 – I believe they were:

1) It was the first Rolling Stones release on their very own label – Rolling Stone (distributed by Atco).

2) The cover was designed by pop art guru Andy Warhol and contained a real zipper. sticky fingers

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From BL – What was the name of Snoop Dogg’s tongue-in-cheek comedy show on MTV?

November 19, 2009

Mr. Pop History – Yes Snoop had a TV show that wasn’t to be taken seriously – “Doggy Fizzle Televizzle.” It was first aired as a pilot back in November of 2002. It was described this way:

“Snoop will mix sketch comedy with music and man-on-the-street bits. On the pilot, he’ll try out for the Oakland raiders, spoof nursery rhymes and work undercover at Arby’s.” Snoop Dogg

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