The Royal Wedding: Only The British Can Pull This Off

If you weren’t one of the estimated 2 BILLION people around the world to watch the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton this morning, I have included the full video below.

Quite the spectacle, no?

Only the British can do it so well—centuries of tradition, experience and pomp. Yes, the entire affair was dripping with pomp. The bride was nothing short of stunning—and although the groom looked like a Nutcracker, they did make a beautiful couple.

Many were worried that someone would shout out at the lone opportunity to do so—you know, the whole “if any man knows why this union should not take place, speak now or forever hold your peace” part. Luckily, no one did, but really, is that necessary?

Another line I’d remove from the royal vows would be the “for richer or POORER” Are you SERIOUS? Here’s a newlywed couple that won’t be putting that new washing machine on layaway. When the wedding reception occurs at Buckingham Palace (as opposed to the local VFW Hall), there’s a good chance that these two won’t be clipping coupons anytime soon.

Anyway, I am most relieved that this royal wedding day was not marred by some sort of terrorist attack, as I feared it might be. Even the usual dreary London weather cooperated, providing a day fit for a queen—or a Prince and Princess.

Here’s the Royal Nuptials:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53UaRWI1Vh4


Unlike Diana so many years before, this bride Kate Middleton seems totally up to the task of her new station and duties in life.

We wish them well! Jolly good!

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

My Name Is Barbra

It was on this date in 1965 that Barbra Streisand made her TV debut on CBS with a special called, “My Name Is Barbra”.

Two years after the release of her first two albums—and a Grammy Award to boot, Barbra was working some of the best nightclubs in the country. In another year, she would be nothing short of a phenomenon.

Not only could she sing, she could act! As the lead character Fanny Brice in “Funny Girl” on Broadway, Streisand was winning rave reviews, with additional Grammy AND Tony nominations as well.

Time magazine did a cover story on her, but proposed that many Americans still asked “Who?” when her name was mentioned.

All of that changed as the special “My Name is Barbra” aired to a national audience. The deal was a 10 year, $5 million dollar arrangement---huge money to be sure. What really set this transaction apart was the creative control that Barbra demanded (which would become her trademark).

With her newfound power, Streisand eschewed many of the variety show conventions and put together a TV special without other major stars—or even minor ones. It was, as Barbra put it, “just me, and a bunch of great songs and musicians”

Here’s a clip of the finale of that show I yanked from YouTube—much of the rest of the show is also up there in pieces if you care to watch:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE9X8cYglfA

While the network may have been nervous about her departure from the norm, her shooting on location instead of in a studio and the lack of a supporting cast of stars, it was thrilled with the results. “My Name Is Barbra” was both a critical and ratings success for CBS, propelling Barbra Streisand to the lofty status of “household name”—a perch she has maintained ever since.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Trump In New Hampshire: Will He Or Won't He Run?

Donald Trump continues to play his cat and mouse game with the media, appearing today in New Hampshire, but stopping short of “announcing” his candidacy for President. While insulting a reporter who asked him about declaring his candidacy (“Are you intelligent?”) Trump pointed out that with a hit TV show on the air right now, he cannot announce his intentions for a couple of weeks.

Excuse us.

Ok, fair enough. But wait, there’s more. He promises that we’ll all be surprised by the NATURE of his decision. Really? The way I see it, there are only a limited number of options:

1) He will choose not to run (unlikely)
2) He will run as a Republican (the scenario everyone expects, so…not a surprise)
3) He will run as an Independent (possible, but even he has said this will split the Republican vote and give Obama another term…so..again, not likely—UNLESS he is denied the Republican nomination: in that case he will run out of sheer ego—not to win, but to beat whomever the GOP nominates)
4) He will run against Obama in DEMOCRATIC primaries—simply to soften up Obama and weaken him enough to convince the Republican party to nominate him for the general election (this truly WOULD be a surprise)

Donald Trump doesn’t need any advice from me, but I’ll give it anyway:

STAY WITH TOPICS OF SUBSTANCE.

His stupid foray into the “birther” debate was costly to both his stature-as well as that of the Republican Party, seeing as he is leading the polls among prospective GOP candidates at the moment. Even Karl Rove considers him a joke.

Obama’s release of his birth certificate today was, in my view, a mistake. The President, alluding to Trump indirectly as a “carnival barker”, nonetheless caved in to The Donald’s incessant requests for the Chief Executive to root out and produce the elusive document that certifies that he was, indeed, Born in the U.S.A. (with apologies to Bruce Springsteen)

With Obama tackling the economy, wars abroad and a host of other important issues like the budget, it would have been understandable (and in my view desirable) to completely ignore the Trump sideshow. The longer Trump kept it up, the further he alienated himself from Independent voters and moderate Republicans. Obama and the Democrats should have milked it for all it was worth. Now, Trump is transitioning to Obama’s scholastic record, accusing him of landing in Ivy League schools under false pretenses.

Please.

Too bad for Trump, who actually has some important things to say.

While he’s a “shoot-from-the-hip” kind of guy who is unlikely to ever possess the statesmanship qualities necessary in a President, it is refreshing to hear how he would deal with China, who he accuses of “screwing us” by manipulating their currency. His proposal for a 25% levy on Chinese goods has resonated with many Americans—and his stated desire to wrest away the oil from countries we are at war with has millions of voters (paying upwards of $4.00 a gallon) listening.

While the practical implementation of many of his ideas may fall short, we like the tough talk from a guy who is sick of putting up with the exodus of manufacturing and jobs from this country.

If Obama learns anything at all, it’s that he better take a tougher stance against the Chinese, whose economy is predicted (as of yesterday) to surpass ours in the year 2016-just five years from now.

No, Trump will not be the candidate to take Obama down. He is, however, providing the Republicans with a virtual playbook of rhetoric that their eventual nominee will undoubtedly use in 2012.

Here’s a funny video monologue of Jimmy Kimmel-on Donald Trump:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCXCEht1_6A


We’ll patiently wait out the next couple of weeks---wondering what The Donald will decide to do. With his personal fortune ready to be deployed, Donald Trump cannot be ignored by Democrats OR Republicans.

Whatever the decision is, it sure as hell WON’T be boring.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

B.J. Thomas: The Voice

Think of the leading artists from the 60’s and 70’s—and you’ll no doubt think of the Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones—and perhaps dozens of other performers whose music defined the era—and left a lasting impression.

One guy who gets overlooked (in my view) is B.J. Thomas. His distinctive voice and mega-hits are still standing the test of time, but, like Rodney Dangerfield, he doesn’t get any respect.

It was on this date in 1975 that his song “(Hey Won’t You Play)Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” hit #1 on the chart, the 4th single to do so. I think his voice and the strength of many of the melodies hold up today.

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Texas, B.J. Thomas first got noticed when his cover of the Hank Williams song “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” sold a million copies. A solo contract followed and the hits just kept on comin’

Perhaps the biggest #1 song was from the movie “Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid” starring Robert Redford—the Burt Bacharach song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” in 1970—here’s a video of B.J. performing that song:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIqxnYZZNB8&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=MLGxdCwVVULXeEdcebYS4hNlptm3SKDRwg


Of course, there was “Hooked On A Feeling” two years earlier, another smash:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNnnWfUpYGg


There was , “I Just Can’t Help Believin’”, “Rock And Roll Lullaby” and “The Eyes Of A New York Woman”, just to name a few.

He’s still around, but I’m not sure if he is still performing. His last single release was eleven years ago. It’s true that he didn’t pen many of his huge hits, but he deserves his due as one of the best pop singers of the 60’s and 70’s!

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Tony Orlando: Tied One On

It was a hit song that became a cultural phenomenon.

Tony Orlando and Dawn hit #1 on the Pop charts on this day in 1973 with “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Old Oak Tree”

The story of a prison inmate released and curious to know if his lover is still interested in him (evidenced by that yellow ribbon) became the symbol of families whose loved ones were away at war---or, in the case of the Iranian hostage crisis, were being held against their will.

Those stuck in a room listening to this song against their will could also be considered hostages, but I digress.

Yes, I admit the song is catchy, but it is also a wee bit CORNY, no? AOL Radio ranked this massive hit as #78 on its list of the “Top 100 Worst Songs Ever”

Here’s a video of Tony Orlando and the ladies belting out their huge hit:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBL2kzKg4nY

The song stayed on top of the U.S. and British charts for 4 weeks—and spawned millions of single sales. It was even a hit in Australia!

Cashing in on the “agreed-upon-signals” formula, Tony Orlando and Dawn later scored another hokey hit with “Knock Three Times”, whereby the prospective lover would slam something on the ceiling three times if she wanted the young and frisky Tony—and banging twice on a pipe would signal rejection.

How about a restraining order?


If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Old Marital Roles: Dangerous Today

Enjoy the old Folgers Coffee TV commercial below—but try to watch it WITHOUT cringing—or throwing something at your screen!

It is extremely entertaining-but only because we shake our collective heads in DISBELIEF that anyone could actually conceive of a scenario where a wife would allow that cretin of a husband to judge her based on the quality of her coffee—and then she sits idly by while he insults her efforts to PLEASE him. To top it off, his insults actually prompt her to seek out help!

Of course, it’s Folgers Instant Coffee to the rescue! And, as expected, the situation resolves itself to everyone’s satisfaction-as the coffee is now tasty, the husband now satisfied-and the wife is happy because her husband is. Maybe there are men out there that dream of a return to those days, but I am not one of them.

Let’s watch the video, then contemplate how things might play out in 2009:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMvQ-WWbWfc

Here’s how that scene would likely roll out today:

a) Husband insults wife’s coffee
b) Rolling pin to the head, delivered by wife
c) Husband, recovering enough to remember his next line, unfavorably compares the coffee at home to that which “the girls” make at work
d) Frying pan to the head, this time delivered with more force
e) Wife still investigates Folgers Coffee after ambulance arrives to take husband to the hospital
f) Wife notices the improvement in taste-and her satisfaction comes from not only having tastier coffee, but also in knowing that her husband is unlikely to insult her in the future.
g) Husband agrees that Folgers Instant Coffee is delicious and decides not to press charges


Another happy household—and another satisfied Folgers customer!

If you’d like my blog in your box, let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com
It’s free—and even tastier than Folgers Instant Coffee!!

The Captain & Tennille: Hits Kept them Together

I look back on the “music videos” of the 1970’s and it’s hard not to laugh. Some of it is the rear-view mirror shame of watching again stuff we all thought was cool at the time—and now know to be hopelessly lame. We actually LIKED that?

Not so with the Captain & Tennille.

We knew they were pathetic even back then.

That said, we still endured them on the radio—and there is no doubt that this dynamic duo had a huge fan base. We’d never admit that we were part of that crowd, but more than a few of us may still have a Captain & Tennille LP in our collections. (Just look next to your Barry Manilow and John Denver albums)

It was on this date in 1975 that “Love Will Keep Us Together” began its climb up the charts to become the first big hit for the Captain & Tennille.

Here’s a video of them performing…or should I say lip-synching this song on American Bandstand:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOjQrh_J4jY

Back in the 70’s, the divorce rates were starting to grow exponentially and the so-called “sexual revolution” was prevalent, so a tune about actually staying together was a bit of a musical speed bump. It was, however, a catchy tune and the lyrics struck a chord within America that enabled the song to go all the way to #1, the first of 2 top hits. They became the most successful husband and wife duo since Sonny & Cher (love DIDN’T keep them together as you know)

Toni Tennille and Daryl Dragon were not actually married when this song came out, but they eventually took their own advice and made their vows later that year. Over three decades later, the marriage (if not their career) is still going strong.

I just hope that The Captain has lost that damn hat.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

VJ Day: Unbridled Joy

With our country mired in two (or is it three?) wars that have a fuzzy mission and ever-diminishing support at home, it is interesting to think back to the end of World War II, a conflict that had a definite beginning and more importantly, an END.

The country came together back then—and joined the world community in defeating a common foe. The mission was clear, the goal: unconditional surrender. There were no protests in the streets, no pundits second-guessing the Commander-in-Chief and no whining about the shared sacrifice that touched every single person in America.

Contrast that with our current situation, where there are literally servicemen and women now serving in Iraq who were in SECOND GRADE when that war began. Their valor is no less, their bravery not subordinate to any other war-and their sacrifice is surely as great.
What’s missing is a clear objective—it has just never been there.

Check out this amateur video, shot by a serviceman on VJ Day in Honolulu in 1945, following the announcement of the Japanese surrender. Many thanks to my cousin ,Beth Callanan, who sent this to me via e-mail.

Spontaneous joy:

VJ Day, Honolulu Hawaii, August 14, 1945 from Richard Sullivan on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/5645171

It seemed like a much simpler time. Granted, it was an era fraught with its own issues, from the racial segregation in the service to the internment of Japanese-Americans following Pearl Harbor. Nevertheless, there is a certain innocence that this movie camera captured which is nothing short of precious.

Our fathers fought that war—and some were scarred for life as a result. Seldom did they speak of it without much prompting from youngsters like me, who were curious. Still, they received a hero’s welcome home—and a government ready to assimilate them back to civilian life via the G.I. Bill. Veterans of Viet Nam never enjoyed this welcome upon their return. No, the anti-war sentiment that should have been focused on government was instead directed at those who merely answered their country’s call to action.

Shameful.

At least now, there is the just separation between the politicians who send young people into battle—and the soldiers themselves. Our troops have rightly received our support throughout in spite of the growing questioning of the war itself.

Perhaps someday, the human race will see the enormous waste that is war. As a means of resolving conflicts among peoples, it is a barbaric way for supposedly intelligent beings to deal with problems.

During WWII, it was equally barbaric—but unavoidable since the U.S. was not the perpetrator. We didn’t start the fight, but we sure ENDED it.

We knew then how to win---and certainly how to CELEBRATE.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Nothin' Stupid About #1

Ah, a little musical interlude today!

Trivia question: name the only father-daughter duo to score a number one hit song!

You got it!

Frank and Nancy Sinatra, who reached the top of the charts on this date in 1967 with “Somethin’ Stupid”. It would stay there for four weeks.

Couldn’t find a true video of this dynamic duo, and embedding was disabled,but here’s one with still photos--just click on the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoSbnAFvqfA

Great song-and a super slice of pop music history!

If you’d like my blog in your box, just send me an e-mail: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Government Gone Wild

With the National Debt (figure it deserves capital letters, no?) growing ever higher and the focus of spending and taxing and revenue and the economy so front and center, I have a question.

It’s a stupid question, I know, but may I ask it anyway?

Exactly WHO do we owe all this money to, anyway?

I know that China is one creditor, but there are a host of countries that owe US money, debts that we often have “forgiven” in the past. There are many others whose debts we haven’t officially wiped off the books, but know for certain won’t be mailing us a check anytime soon.

Watch this disturbing video, then come back for my next stupid question:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtVbUmcQSuk

Ok, you ready?

What would happen if we simply DEFAULTED on this debt and started from scratch? Companies that declare bankruptcy do it all the time, ending up with a stronger balance sheet and a fresh start.

Let’s face it. We cannot POSSIBLY ever pay it back (to whomever we owe it)

Maybe it’s time that the entire world financial community hit the RESET button and start over.

Just a thought.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Masters Meltdown

You don’t have to be a golfer to truly appreciate the unraveling of Rory McIlroy yesterday at the Master Golf Tournament.

But it helps.

Only a golfer really knows the feeling of the “wheels coming off”. Hitting it well for a while (usually a MUCH shorter period of time than Rory’s 3 spectacular rounds at Augusta)—and then having it all fall apart. His misery was ours as well.

The 21-year old Irish phenom had tamed the fabled golf course and seemed oblivious to the pressure of the venue and the status of this tournament as one of golf’s “majors”. After all, he led in each of the first three rounds and was taking a four-stroke lead into Sunday’s play. Comparisons were being made to Tiger Woods.

While the first dozen holes saw McIlroy play a couple of strokes over par—and the field tighten around him as others made their move, there was no sense of panic in the Rory camp.

That is, until the 13th hole.

McIlroy pulled his drive so far left that it appeared to come to rest between two houses built alongside the hole. I’ve watched the Masters for over 30 years and had NEVER seen any golfer approach their second shot from what appeared to be a suburban neighborhood.

Rory’s escape shot was OK, but his third went wide left of the hole and it was clear at this point that McIlroy was truly rattled. He three-putted for a triple-bogey 7.

Here’s a video of highlights from the second round, where McIlroy was a magician:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNED49o7i6A&feature=related


The horrible shot making and putting continued—as Rory realized that the 2011 Masters has slipped away. He missed a short putt on 18 that would have salvaged a 79. Instead, his 80 in the final round was the worst Sunday round from the leader going in-ever.

Still, he belied his 21 years by being gracious under the strain and received the ovation of a champion as he walked up to the 18th green. There are those who say that this type of experience could forever derail his chances at winning a major tournament. The term “scarred for life” comes to mind.

I don’t think so.

He’s young, will only get better—and will probably not brood over this collapse as long as we think.

I can tell you this: when the U.S.Open is played at Congresssional this year, he will be a legitimate favorite—and most likely now also the sentimental favorite to win. After the experience of coming unglued in front of a world audience of millions—and facing it all with dignity, who WON’T be rooting for him to win the next major?


If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Supremes:Where Did Their Love Go? Number One

It was on this date in 1964 that the Supremes recorded their #1 hit: “Where Did Our Love Go?”


It was the first of twelve chart-toppers for the “supergroup” that epitomized Motown Records in the 1960’s.


Originally founded as The Primettes in 1959, the original members were Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Betty McGlown. All four were from a housing project in Detroit.


Armed with hit songs from the legendary team of Holland-Dozier-Holland, The Supremes rivaled the Beatles at the height of their popularity. Thrust through Berry Gordy’s in-house “finishing school” and “artist development center”, The Supremes were the first black female group to be marketed in a decidedly more feminine manner. The personalities of each member were advanced, creating individual “fan bases” as well as an overall following for the group as a whole.

Here’s a video of The Supremes , performing their first #1 smash:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzKUoxL11E

The Supremes were international stars, as popular around the world as here in the U.S.. They were as popular with white audiences as they were with blacks, thus becoming the first true crossover act for mainstream America.

The success of the Supremes—and the attention lavished on them by label owner Berry Gordy-sparked jealousy among some of Motown’s other acts, notable Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. Within the group, tensions arose, as Diana Ross was elevated to such a lead position that the group name was changed to “Diana Ross And The Supremes”. Florence Ballard became depressed and began a decline that ended with her ouster from the group. Drinking heavily and gaining so much weight that she could hardly fit into the group’s onstage outfits, it was clear the writing was on the wall. Ballard was indeed released—and sadly died in poverty at the age of 32.

Diana Ross and the Supremes made their last public appearance on January 14, 1970. Despite personnel changes and a couple of minor hits, the huge act that defined Motown Records was essentially kaput.

We don’t need to think of all the infighting, contract disputes and petty politics. We can simply enjoy The Supremes lasting legacy—some damn good pop music.

If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

China's Economy: Smoke & Mirrors?

With the American economy in fragile recovery (we hope), the tendency is to believe that everyone else is doing better.

In fact, the country most Americans think of is the same one we fear most: China. I think it stems from the Beijing Olympics, where TV cameras panned across gleaming new buildings, an exploding economy and the sheer demographic facts that make it all but a foregone conclusion that the United States will be eclipsed as the world’s #1 superpower at some point in the future.

A billion or so people can tend to do that to our collective psyche.

Perhaps, however, there is more to the picture. After all, while capitalistic urges are emerging in China, the government is still very much involved—and, as can be the case here in America, too much government involvement can screw up a good thing.

Thanks to good friend Vicki Leben, who sent me the following video link. We often find ourselves on the phone completely solving the world’s problems on our own (why others don’t listen to our combined wisdom is a mystery to me). Anyway, I think Vicki was taken aback by this report, as was I.

Things in China may not be totally as they seem—check this out:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPILhiTJv7E

So, where does the truth lie? Can the Chinese government literally DICTATE growth where no demand exists, ignoring the laws of economics in the process? Will demand catch up with capacity at some point?

No one knows the answer, but one thing is for certain. What the Chinese government WANTS us to see is not the entire picture.

If you’d like my blog in your box (we’ll build capacity to meet demand), just let me know and I’ll add you to the list: tim.moore@citcomm.com

End Of America? It's Up To Us

The video I include today is VERY controversial. I don’t endorse it, I don’t necessarily agree with it nor do I reach the same conclusions as its maker does.

However, it was sent to me—and out of sheer curiosity, I watched the whole thing (it’s pretty long).

I must say that it scared the hell out of me.

Many times, this blog is light-hearted, silly or dumb. Other times, you are subjected to my views on a variety of subjects. Today, I present the views of one Porter Stansberry, a financial research guru who operates a business selling financial advice.

Make no mistake, this video is a prelude to selling you stuff—BUT---if even part of what you see is true, then we’ve got some serious issues ahead.

Supposedly, it was Porter Stansberry who predicted the demise of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (as well as GM) a couple of years before it actually happened. Now, it’s a far more extensive problem. The premise of the presentation is that the United States has benefited from our unique status of having the world’s reserve currency (the dollar).

Stansberry believes that status is about to change (and in fact already is). If you Google “Dollar as Reserve Currency”, you’ll see many articles where the groundwork is already being laid in many countries.

Whether it will ever come to pass is uncertain. The effects of such an event are also uncertain. Stansberry has very definite views on this subject—and I warn you in advance that his perspective does not paint a rosy picture.

Here’s the video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI-BIVWlc7A

I did some background research on Porter Stansberry—and found that he was found guilty of fraud in connection with financial matters—and was fined heavily. Stansberry insists that he is being targeted by the U.S. Government—and is himself a victim.

He is certainly of the target of verbal assaults—from those who believe he is unpatriotic and a peddler of doom—all to profit himself.

Maybe that’s the case.

All I know is that being informed is better than ignorance—and if there are steps we can take to insulate ourselves from a market collapse, then perhaps the time you invest watching this video will be worthwhile.

I would most definitely like to hear your thoughts and feedback on this very controversial video tim.moore@citcomm.com or in the comments section below if you are reading from the website!

Ben-Hur: Cleans Up The Oscars

It was on this date in 1960 that the epic movie Ben-Hur took home 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, a feat that still has yet to be bested (“Titanic” and “Lord Of The Rings: Return Of The King” have equaled it)

Clocking in at 3 and a half hours, this was an amazing feat of cinematography. The chariot scene alone took 3 months to film and utilized 15,000 extras! MGM was in danger of going into bankruptcy, so producing this movie was most definitely a gamble. The cost of $15 million to make was the largest in history at the time (although it has reportedly grossed over $90 million, so a decent investment, no?)

Directed by William Wyler, it is this film more than any other that cemented Charlton Heston’s reputation as a mega-movie star. As the future President of the National Rifle Association, I suppose it wouldn’t have helped the storyline if he had merely pulled an AK-47 out and mowed down the Roman gladiators that way. Instead, he did it the old fashioned way—and the religious theme of the movie makes it something that probably could never get produced today.

Aside from the most dangerous stunts, the actors drove their own chariots-and Heston spent a month learning to operate his. There were number of actors up for the lead role, including Burt Lancaster (who stated that he didn’t like the violence in the fim), Paul Newman (who said he didn’t have the legs to wear a tunic), Rock Hudson and even Leslie Nielsen!

Check out Nielsen’s screen test!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV1gKKXZfvE

Here is the original trailer for the movie:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlzfqVtmxVA

And here is the epic, defining scene, the incredible chariot race:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpoKdPNM10M&feature=related


Kirk Douglas was actually interested in playing the lead role, but was turned down in favor of Heston. He was inspired to play the lead in a similar era movie, “Spartacus” a year later.


Filmed on over 300 sets covering over 300 acres, it’s likely that the cost of production alone today (given the lack of computer-generated special effects) might make the movie a bad money equation in 2011. It is, however, a masterpiece for its time—and thanks to digital re-enhancement, a movie that will be forever enjoyed.


If you’d like my blog in your box, just let me know! Tim.moore@citcomm.com