Mad Magazine, RIP -- July 9, 2019

coverbrowser.com

I was devastated to learn that Mad Magazine is going to cease publication.

The October-November 1952 issue of Mad, published in August, was the beginning of a great American tradition. EC, famous up to that time for horror comics, moved in a new direction. Published by Bill Gaines and edited by Harvey Kurtzman, Mad introduced sharp satire (Humor in a Jugular Vein) to comic books.

Mad became a magazine in 1955. Legend said it was because of the growing controversy about comic books, but it was done to satisfy Kurtzman's ambition.

I read Mad for many years and it certainly influenced my sense of humor. I know some movies better through reading the Mad parodies rather than seeing the movies themselves.

Ogden Theater, Denver -- July 7, 2019

Moving Picture World, 05-July-1919

"As will be noticed from the photograph of the exterior, the house is a very pleasing design. The treatment is an adaptation of the Italian renaissance and at night this is made doubly attractive by the large illuminated art window which occupies the center of the front above the marquee. The interior of the main auditorium is illuminated by a concealed lighting system, which in combination with the side coves of the roof gives a most pleasing interior effect. "

Mrs Sidney Drew in Bunkered -- July 5, 2019

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

Sidney Drew starred in the Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew comedies with his first wife, Gladys Rankin Drew and his second wife, Lucille McVey. Sidney's sister, Georgiana Drew, was the mother of Ethel, Lionel and John Barrymore. Sidney and his first wife were the parents of S Rankin Drew. The Mr and Mrs Sidney Drew series was a success for Vitagraph, then Metro and then Paramount. Sidney Drew died on 19-April-1919.

Moving Picture World, 12-July-1919

Lucille went on to write, direct and star in movies on her own.  Her first starring effort was "Bunkered."

Moving Picture World, 26-July-1919

"The Return of Polly" refers to the character whom she frequently played.

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

Amedee Van Beuren signed John Joseph Harvey to direct comedies starring Ernest Truex.  Lucille adapted the first story.

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

Producer Amedee Van Beuren offered "Five-Reel Prices for Two-Reel Stories" for Truex and Drew comedies.

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

Hobart Henley produced "The Gay Old Dog," adapted from an Edna Ferber story by Lucille.

Dempsey-Willard 100 Years -- July 4, 2019

Exhibitors' Herald, 04-February-1922

100 years ago today, on 04-July-1919, heavyweight champion Jess Willard, the Pottawatomie Giant, defended his title against Jack Dempsey, the Manassa Mauler. The smaller Dempsey launched a blitzkrieg and knocked Willard down seven times in the first round. Willard kept getting up, but failed to leave his corner for the fourth round. Stories say that Dempsey knocked out Willard's teeth and broke his ribs, but they are not verified. Dempsey held the title for seven years.

Nearly three years after the fight, Clyde E Elliott Amusement Enterprises offered a film of the fight.  I doubt it was "The Only Picture Showing a Championship Title Change Hands."

New York World, 03-July-1919

Happy Independence Day, 2019 -- July 4, 2019

www.listal.com

Happy Fourth of July to all. Beautiful actress and dancer Cyd Charisse was originally named Tula Finklea. I don't know why she changed her name. She appeared in many of the great MGM musicals.

Arte Johnson, RIP -- July 3, 2019

www.listal.com

I used to watch Rowan and Martin's Laugh In every week.  Arte Johnson was one of my favorite cast members.

Larry Semon Two-Reeler ... Has Not as Much Semon Clown Stuff as Usual -- July 1, 2019

Bisbee Daily Reporter, 02-July-1919

100 years ago this month, in July, 1919, Larry Semon was busy making two reelers for Vitagraph.

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

"Considerable Monkey Business Apparent in New Larry Semon Vitagraph Comedy."

Moving Picture World, 19-July-1919

Larry's movie about the stage had a cast of 150, "which is a record for two reel comedy productions."

Moving Picture World, 26-July-1919

"... it features the eggs, cops and mud puddles which Larry usually avoids in his fun-making."  Avoids mud puddles?  That doesn't sound like the Larry that I know.