It's the Moody Blues, standing outside a castle, and they're performing "Nights in White Satin". What else you could you possibly need to know? And could there be a better way to celebrate the first Musical Monday of a brand-new year? Click on the video and enjoy!
The Impractical Joker (1937) Starring: Mae Questel, Jack Mercer, and Pinto Colvig Director: Dave Fleischer Rating: Five of Ten Stars
Betty's peaceful day turns chaotic when prank-loving Irving stops for a visit. Grampy puts his mechanical genius to work in order to turn the tables and prank the prankster. But can even the might Grampy best the King of Pranks?
"The Impractical Joker" is a low point in the series of cartoons co-starring Betty Boop and gadget-maker Professor Grampy. The gags are barely funny, the prankster character of Irving is completely unlikeable and one wonders why Betty even lets him into her home (or why she doesn't beat him to death with a rolling pin once she does), and Grampy's inventions aren't as inspired or funny as they've been in previous outings.
The only remarkable thing about "The Impractical Joker" was the animation and design of Irving who is among one of the weirdest creatures to exist in the World of Boop. He's so bendable that even Gumby must be jealous.
Maybe this one just isn't in step with my sense of humor, or maybe it shoots for a juvenile audience that's even lower than my admittedly juvenile tastes. You can check it out below, and if you feel inclined, you share your take by leaving a comment.
A new year has arrived. We here at Shades of Gray hope that all our readers and visitors are happy and healthy, and we hope to continue to bring you lots of old stuff that may be new to you.
And while we are expecting there to be a full year ahead of us, Janet Leigh is not so optimistic. She's excited a new year is here... but she's going to take it one day (two at most) at a time...
Milla is seen here with her oldest child Ever. They are asking that everyone keep the New Year's celebrations on the quiet side. Ever's youngest sister was born earlier this year, and the baby needs her sleep... so the rest of the family can get theirs!
On the final Musical Mondal of 2020, we bring you a sweet, romantic urban fantasy cartoon that's been rescored by composer Azul Sierra. I don't know what the original music was like, but as far as I'm concerned what Sierra did here is perfect!
Further, what we have here is basically a silent movie, and that makes Sierra's music all the more remarkable. All scores written for silent films by modern composers should be treated with the grace and attention to what's happening on the screen that Sierra exhibits here.
Take a look and listen. I'm sure you'll find it to be a good start to this last week of the year.
Paperman (2012, New Score/Silent Version 2020)
Director: John Kahrs
Rating: Ten of Ten Stars
Check out Azul Sierra's YouTube Channel for more samples of her work by clicking here.
Starring: Laura Bayley, the Smith Children, and Santa Claus
Director: George.Albert Smith
Rating: Six of Ten Stars
Santa Claus (Himself) delivers toys to a good little girl and a good little boy.
If you ever doubted that Santa existed, this film--the earliest known film appearance of the Jolly Old Elf himself--will make you a believer! This piece of history shows that whether it's in the 19th century or in the 21st, Santa makes his rounds on Christmas Eve the same way.
All Christmas joking aside, this is a fun little film that, if it isn't already present, will spark a little Christmas joy in you. Check it out, right now!
(It actually is also a bit of film history, in all seriousness. George Albert Smith was playing around with special effects in Great Britain at the same time that Georges Melies was doing it in France, and he was only one step removed from the cutting edge. This particular film was also so impressive that nearly ten years after its initial release, a review described audiences gasping in wonder at Santa's sudden disappearance from the screen. It's unclear if the reviewer was talking about kids or adults, though.)
It's almost that time of year when Santa is roaming the globe, dropping off presents for all the good children. If he should fall behind, he has numerous helpers standing by to lend a hand. Ava Gardner, for example, is already suiting up in case she is called upon!
Meanwhile, Yvonne Craig is prepping the back-up sleigh.
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