It was interesting and uplifting to see two “Dallas” cast members, when watching “Gunsmoke” and “Bonanza” this week.
Morgan Woodward, a veteran of so many western type shows and Marvin “Punk” Anderson on the great television show, “Dallas” was in both episodes, the latter titled Bonanza episode being Lothario Larkin, with guest star Wallace Beery Jr.
Jim Davis, so great as “Jock Ewing” on Dallas, had a prominent role in the “Lothario Larkin,”Bonanza episode.
Seeing all three, Woodward, Beery Jr, and Mr. Davis plus the regular cast, provided some nice “throw back” entertainment.
Perhaps, somewhere Jim Davis, pictured above and Larry Hagman are having some fun, as among other things, recalling their great roles as “Jock” and “J.R.” on the great show “Dallas.”
The title above, is homage to the very talented actor, Arte Johnson, who died recently at age 90. He made the quoted phrase a big part of the great television show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In.”
Some notes will follow, as I have enjoyed watching MeTV at different hours of the day.
Late Wednesday/Thursday morning on “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” an episode from 1961, stars actor Ronald Howard, the son of legendary “Gone With The Wind” and other classics performer, Leslie Howard. (His sister was named Leslie Ruth Howard.)
Howard, best known as “Sherlock Holmes” on the 1950’s television series of the same name, gives a very good performance, as a man, who hires a private investigator, to report on his wife’s activities.
Arte Johnson stands out, explaining his role and references a “Mr. Johnson,” (played by Addison Richards), who filled him in on the situation.
Additionally, Johnson’s character is named “Bates,” certainly an Alfred Hitchcock name, if there ever was one.
Of course Tony Perkins starred as “Norman Bates” in the great Mr. Hitchcock directed film, “Psycho,” just a year before in 1960.
Arte Johnson, pictured above.
Today at their home arena, The Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey, the New Jersey Devils are holding a “Welcome to New Jersey” press conference for three time all-star player, and one time Norris Trophy winner (best defenseman) P.K. Subban.
Additionally there will be a chance to view the retirement banner, honoring Patrick Elias.
Elias was an integral part of two New Jersey Devils’ title teams (2000 and 2003). He stood out with 2 goals in game 7 of the semi-finals in 2000, scoring two goals as the Devils won at Philadelphia, vs the Flyers.
Patrick Elias, pictured above.
I fondly recall the excellent pass receiver, Buddy Dial, who played in the NFL for both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys.
He had some big seasons with the Steelers in the early 1960’s. Dial was drafted by the New York Giants, but never played for them.
Most notable: Dial and the Steelers with 3 ties, had a chance to win the NFL Eastern Conference crown, but were denied by the Giants, in the 1963 regular season finale at Yankee Stadium.
Also, Dial in 1962 scored a touchdown for the home team, Steelers and is stunned when a small “celebration canon” shoots off, in front of him.
A photo image of that moment, after Buddy’s (number 84 and the player to the right) touchdown.
Last Sunday, the Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed 6 new inductees.
The first Hall of Fame “class” in 1939, was comprised of 5 members.
Congratulations to all.
Paraphrasing and nearly quoting the late broadcaster and “Hall” member, Harry Caray–“As the days wind down to a precious few, one accelerates his appreciation of Stan Musial, not only a great player but also a tremendous person.”
Stan was a mainstay at the “Hall” ceremonies, It is nice they continue, but alas how much time must pass, until the man who passed Stan for most National League hits, namely Pete Rose is allowed?!
In the decisive game 5 of a “quarterfinal” in baseball’s first “tournament” in 1995, ’19 Hall of Fame inductee, Edgar Martinez, slammed the game ending, 2 runs batted in hit.
Earlier in the tilt, a little known pitcher named Mariano Rivera, pitched effectively and seemed to have no fear, despite the pressure.
His team, the Yankees, denied in ’95, won 4 of the next 5 World Series, with ’19 inductee, Rivera a big part of the team.
Rita Rudner, a marvelous performer and comedic stalwart, leads the exceptional cast in her return to the New York City stage, in “Two’s A Crowd” now playing at 59E59 (59 East 59th Street).
Two’s A Crowd written by Rita and her husband, Martin Bergman, who also directs, is a truly humorous, but also relevant, moving look at relationships as the earth does what it does–revolves!
The performance is a great vehicle for Ms. Rudner and her comedy, which has made her a legendary performer. She plays “Wendy Solomon” reeling from husband Gus’ infidelity and due to computer error (of course the hotel is not financially liable), essentially forced to share a room with Tom, played very well by Robert Yacko.
Kelly Holden Bashar and Brian Lohmann, each stand out in multiple roles.
There are eleven songs with music and lyrics by Jason Freddy. Mr. Freddy appears on stage, helping the story along with some smooth guitar playing. The show is produced by Impro Theatre in association with Ritmar Productions, Inc.
A tidbit of the fine writing/Rudner as “Wendy” humor. “I was thinking of taking one of those anger management classes. But when I phoned to inquire about it, the woman who answered the phone was so irritating, I just got …..”
You will only get angry, if you do not see “Two’s A Crowd.” It was a great pleasure seeing the performance, even on a stifling hot day.
Click below for ticket information and the 59E59 website. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 7PM, Saturday at 2PM and 7PM and Sunday at 2PM. The last performance is Sunday August 25th.
The marvelous Rita Rudner, pictured above.
I always enjoyed watching Dick McAuliffe, a member of the 1968 World Series winning, Detroit Tigers’ play baseball.
He was such a solid fielder, playing different infield positions in his career.
McAuliffe, who had a unique batting stance, had 6 hits in the ’68 World Series and 198 home runs in his career.
Dick was an American League All-Star player for three straight seasons (1965-1967).
Fifty years ago today, on Sunday July 20, 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong made history walking on the earth’s moon.
Today, amidst stifling heat and with the many questions and few answers fifty years has wrought, I present my post on the 45th anniversary of the occasion on which a (hu)man walked on the moon.
Click below to read it.
- Man on the Moon 45th Anniversary on July 20, 2014
Moon particles, believe, not believe and this great song by R.E.M. called “Man On The Moon.”
Chick Hafey was a member of two World Series winning teams with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1926 and 1931.
Those were the first two Cards’ crowns, they have eleven, second to, but far from the Yankees, who have amassed 27 World Series wins.
Hafey was a tremendous hitter and eventually made the Baseball Hall of Fame, as he was voted in by the veteran’s committee.
I am glad Hafey, who got the first hit in All Star Game history, made the “Hall,” while he was still alive.
Forty two years to the date after a significantly bigger and more disturbing one, last Saturday night, there was a blackout in Manhattan.
I am not a Manhattan resident nor in Manhattan that often, especially not in 1977, yet I was in Manhattan, on the occasion of both power failures.
In ’77, on a bus after World Team Tennis with “not to be,” Adrienne and though broadcaster Bob Wolff put my tape in the Smithsonian along with his great work (interviews with Babe Ruth and Ted Williams), as his best student, it went no further.
That was the case with Adrienne and memories resound of the looting we could see so vividly, as the bus moved on.
Time always does as well, inexorably, and I thought about 42 years, about it being still light and people friendly and helping others last Saturday.
Maybe? We all have to do better, however.
Andy B Sports 