Hallmark’s A Kismet Christmas

Are you addicted to Hallmark Christmas movies? Tonight, Marilu Henner returns in "A Kismet Christmas" (above right). Always a delight to see her on screen. We talk about the movie, growing up Chicago, her astonishing memory, and more - right here in yesterday's Chicago Sun-Times.

Oscillating Green/Red Christmas Chemical Reaction

This is how chemists celebrate Christmas... with an oscillating green/red chemical reaction. See the video just posted here.

A Christmas Carol

Coming up on TCM once again this Christmas season on Dec 18, broadcast of the 1938 version of “A Christmas Carol.” Lockharts everywhere, righthere.

Little Peggy March ...

... with that big hit from the 60s, "I Will Follow Him." Haven't heard it in a while? Don't listen or you'll be humming that damn catchy chorus all day. Peggy re-recorded it on the 50th anniversary in 2013, and she sounded even better than she did back in 1963. Check out her reworked version here and our recent interview right here.

Remembering Robert Clary

You’ve got to admire the imagination of sitcom writers from the 60s: Hollywood Hillbillies, talking horses, airborne nuns, and witches with twitches. So who would question setting a comedy in a German POW camp? Not CBS, who had an enormously popular success with “Hogan’s Heroes” when it aired in 1965.

What a remarkable story the last surviving main cast member Robert Clary had from nazi concentration camps to Hogan's Heroes. Based on our 2016 interview.

Mummy month and Karloff

Ahh, November, a time to celebrate… all things mummies and Karloff. It was 100 years ago this month that King Tut's tomb was opened. Clearly, I'm not over Halloween yet. Story here.

Bill Mumy Book

Bill's back with another book, this time the full Mumy. Sure, there's Lost in Space stories but a lot more about his career. For example, the fascinating stories about ......no, no, .... you'll have to check it out here.

Yvonne De Carlo

Have you seen the new Munsters movie? I wouldn’t watch it a second time. Fans of the 60s TV show naturally seem divided into the love-it-or-loath-it categories. I prefer the original cast, especially Lily Munster played by the stunning Yvonne De Carlo who would have turned 100 this year. There was only one Lily. Accept no substitutes. Her son talks about her in an old interview we did right here.

Macbeth 101

Macbeth is generally regarded as one of the best tragedies ever written. It’s a compelling drama, although the obscure language and symbolism can be baffling.

So for those of you who took AP Cosmetology instead of English Lit during high school, here’s a summary of the plot: Macbeth’s villainous wife, Gruoch, convinces her hubby to rub out Scottish King Duncan, clearing the way for Mr. Mac to assume the royal throne.... updated and continued here.

Barry Bostwick touring with Rocky Horror Picture Show

The old 'car-breaks-down-in-isolated-area-so-let’s-go-ask-for-help-at-the-creepy-castle' movie cliché. Never a good idea, just ask Brad and Janet. But nice to see Barry Bostwick still has such affection and involvement with the movie as he travels with it from city to city in October. Read interview right here.

Royal Humor

Throughout the centuries British kings and queens haven’t always displayed an overt sense of humor, which is a shame because there were surely opportunities to act the mischievous monarch ...... right here

Olivia Newton-John and Judith Durham

For those of us who grew up in Australia in the 60s and 70s, the loss of two great Aussie entertainers within a week is heartbreaking. Never got to Livy, but Judith was brilliant in this interview a few years ago.

New Beatles book

Laurie Jacobson's new book looks at the historic Beatles Shea Stadium concert in 1965. She interviewed dozens of people for the book, right here.

Remembering prolific character actor L. Q. Jones

For more than 50 years, L.Q. Jones was a familiar supporting character actor in numerous films and television shows from the 50s, 60s, and beyond. Lanky, tough and athletic, Jones could tackle any role although and was often cast as the "heavy" in westerns and dramas. Remembering him here with our interview a few years ago.

The Alabama Safari Park

Not a big fan of zoos, but these parks where animals have 100s of acres to roam free are pretty cool. Plus, you get to hand feed some of the beasts. Photos and story in July's Alabama Living magazine, right here.

Happy Father’s Day with Jimmy Stewart

With Father's Day upon us, here's what Jimmy Stewart's daughter said about her famous dad. Spoiler alert, it ain't bad.

Take Your Dog To Work Day

Coming up next Friday June 24, once again it's national Take Your Dog To Work Day. May the paws be with you.

Follow my usual updated tips here to make the day a howling success.

Please don't make me Zoom

Love the sense of horror in Kathryn Leigh Scott's face that she imparts in 4 seconds when told she has to Zoom. Wonderful actress from Dark Shadows.

Picking a Derby Winner – or Not

Everyone, it seems, has a method for predicting the winner of the Kentucky Derby.

My forecasts for the famous horse race held on the first Saturday each May completely ignore form or pedigree since I prefer to base selections on name and have the losers to prove it ... more

Memories of TV mom Donna Reed for Mother's Day

As Mother's Day approaches, Paul Petersen remembers his TV mom from The Donna Reed Show, right here.

How to Choose a Vet

Looking for a new vet for that precious non-human member of the family? All you need to know about selecting a new veterinarian is explained right here.

The 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival Part 2: Piper Laurie

This weekend during the TCM Classic Film Festival, Piper Laurie will be present to be honored and to talk about two films. Scene above from "The Hustler."

The 2022 TCM Classic Film Festival Part 1: Diane Baker

Yes, they're back in person in Hollywood April 21-24: the 2022 Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival featuring dozens of special guests including the always delightful Diane Baker. She talks about the festival, her buddy Robert Osborne, and her first film role. Story and interview with Diane here. And, for a little nostalgic tribute to Robert, my "Remembering Robert Osborne" in USA Today here.

The dreaded 3's: Bobby Rydell, Kathryn Hays, & Nehemiah Persoff

Crap. The dreaded three's strike again, all within about 10 days. Lost another three greats from the world of classic film/televsion/music. Singer Bobby Rydell and character actor Nehemiah Persoff and soap star Kathryn Hays. My tribute to Bobby here and to Nicky here.

Donna Loren

Singer Donna Loren's image was plasted acrossed billboards and magazines in the 1960s as the model for Dr Pepper. She also appeared in some of the 'beach movies' as well as being a regular on the pop TV show Shindig! Find out what she's up to these days right here.

Remembering Mitchell Ryan

Whether good guy or bad, Mitchell Ryan was one of those reliable actors from whom you could always expect a fine performance. Caught up with him just a few months before he left us but never got around to writing up the interview until now.

The Automobile Name Game

(Photo Credit)

Updated: Car names are important to automobile manufacturers. They are keenly aware that public recognition and acceptance of a name can influence the commercial success of a new automobile in a highly competitive industry. Consider the Jeep Wrangler – a great earthy name for a car. But the Kia Kickit probably wouldn’t inspire much consumer confidence. Matching cars to drivers here

Adam-12's Kent McCord

Still watch this show (currently on MeTV). Kent McCord talks about the show and his career.