Laughs & Luck: Classic Sitcoms Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

 by Michael Lyons  

Ah, here we are - another St. Patrick's Day.  For many pop culture fans, it means cooking up some corn beef and cabbage and sitting down to watch The Quiet Man (1952), Darby O'Gill & The Little People (1959), or many other films set against the beautiful backdrop of Ireland.

But, maybe, for a change of pace (and to allow more time to devote to green beer), you could try St. Patrick's Day episodes of some classic sitcoms. You scoff? There will only be Halloween and Christmas-themed episodes of such shows!

Think again, and check out the list below:

 

"Joanie's Weird Boyfriend," Happy Days, 1977

Ok, St. Patrick's Day is only in the opening scenes of this episode, when Arnold's is decked out for its St. Patrick's Day dance. The rest of the episode centers on Joanie (Erin Moran), who decides to seek a cool boyfriend and starts hanging around with the gang, The Red Devils.

Richie (Ron Howard), Ralph (Donny Most), and Potsie (Anson Williams) wind up having to embark in a pretty hysterical rumble with the Devils - ably assisted by The Fonz (Henry Winkler) and guest star Carmine (Eddie Mekka), from Laverne and Shirley.

Before all that, though, we get some nice St. Patrick's Day goodness. Fonzie and the head of the Devils (Zooey Hall) go back and forth, forcing Richie and the band to switch from a slow to fast version of "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and Al (Al Molinaro) changes his name on the sign from "Al Delvecchio to Al O'Delvecchio!"

 

"Bar Wars VII: The Naked Prey," Cheers, 1993

The sitcom's battle between Cheers and rival bar Gary's Olde Towne Tavern was a recurring plot line. Each St. Patrick's Day, Sam (Ted Danson) and the employees and regulars at Cheers would try to "one up" Gary with elaborate practical jokes.

This one from the final season of Cheers is the best. Guest star Harry Anderson, as "Harry the Hat," gets involved, and soon, Sam finds that a concrete wall has been constructed on his bar, and, in retaliation, he winds up bulldozing Gary's tavern to the ground.

During the episode, as Cheers readies for a busy St. Patrick's evening, they hire a traditional Irish band, who, instead of upbeat jigs, perform some of the most depressing and hysterical songs you've ever heard.

 

"St. Patrick's Day," The Office, 2010

It's a classic episode from a now-classic sitcom.

Kathy Bates guest stars as Jo Bennet, a taskmaster CEO, who is in town and making the team work late, even though it's St. Patrick's Day. This, of course, is to the dismay of clueless Manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell).

There's plenty of green, along with plenty of cringy shenanigans, as always (including a great St. Patrick's Day conclusion at the local bar). 

And, as always, the episode is full of great dialogue and Michael Scott's skewed thoughts: "Here in Scranton, St. Patty's Day is a big deal. It is the closest thing the Irish will ever have to Christmas."

If that's the case, these three episodes will help everyone have a Very Merry Saint Patrick's Day!

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Crystal & Gold: Looking Back at Some of Billy Crystal's Best Oscar Moments

by Michael Lyons    

"Is that for me, or are you just glad I'm not Snow White?" That is what Billy Crystal quipped when he came out on stage to applause for his first Oscar-hosting gig 35 years ago.

Crystal came in as host after what many consider one of the worst and most embarrassing moments in Oscar Award show history in 1989 when a big, musical number extravaganza kicked off the show, headlined by Rob Lowe and Snow White.

While it may be tough to pick a favorite host of the Academy Awards, and each brings their style and flair - can't wait to see Conan O'Brien's offbeat humor on the Oscar stage - Billy Crystal stands out as a host who was part of many iconic moments.

In honor of the 35th anniversary of Crystal's first of nine appearances as an Oscar host, here are some of the highlights through the years.

In his first year in 1990, Crystal poked fun at the Oscar show itself right out of the gate by creating a medley of the five nominated films to the tune of other songs, sending up the big, flashy opening numbers (like the one from the year before). 

We were treated to "Me and My Left Foot," to the tune of "Me and My Shadow," and Born on the Fourth of July to "Born in the USA." This musical opening would become a tradition through the years, with such hysterical songs as Unforgiven to the tune of "Unforgettable" and Titanic in the guise of the Gilligan's Island theme.

Crystal also found memorable ways to enter the stage and start the show - in 1991, he rode out on a horse in a parody of Dances With Wolves. In '92, he was rolled out as Hannibal Lecter and went out to Anthony Hopkins in the audience, with the Lecter face mask on, to let the actor know he was "having some members of the Academy over for dinner." 

The comedian's ability to think on his feet was always on full display. When Crystal introduced legendary silent filmmaker Hal Roach for his 100th birthday, Roach stood up to a standing ovation and made an impromptu speech without a microphone. No one could hear a word he said, and all one could see was Mr. Roach mouthing words.

When the camera came back to Crystal, he noted how perfect that was as Mr. Roach started in silent films.

Then, there was the famous year that Jack Palance, winning supporting actor for Crystal's film City Slickers, decided to do a one-arm push-up during his acceptance speech. Crystal made this a recurring joke throughout that year's show, at one point saying, "Jack Palance just bungee jumped off the Hollywood sign!"  It continued the following year as Crystal entered the stage riding on a giant Oscar statue, being pulled by Palance.

Crystal also had great interactions with the actors and actresses in attendance, particularly Jack Nicholson, during his years sitting in the front row sporting sunglasses. One year, Crystal noted that how Nicholson looked at him made him feel like a Lakers girl.

In later years, Crystal would have a camera capture different stars in the audience and would pretend to "read their minds." Best of all, the actors had no idea it was happening. While the camera was on Dame Judi Dench, Crystal noted, "God, this thong is killing me!"

Another year, Crystal kicked off the awards presentation by saying, “Nothing can take the sting off the world's economic problems like watching millionaires present each other golden statues."

Billy Crystal definitely knew his audience - in the auditorium and at home. His shows were always pure Oscar gold! 

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For the Love of Marvel: Quotes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe Movies That are Perfect for Valentine's Day

by Michael Lyons

Nothing says romance like the Red Hulk. This Valentine's Day, there will be no rom-coms debuting in theaters, but instead, a movie that seems more akin to the summer season, when Captain America: Brave New World, the latest superhero installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is unveiled.

In it, Anthony Mackie takes on the mantle of Captain America, with Harrison Ford as the adversarial Red Hulk. If you think that these characters springing to life from the pages of comic books isn't exactly Valentine's Day fare, you'd be surprised.

In between superpowers and action sequences, the Marvel movies have made room for a lot of love. To celebrate Captain America: Brave New World and Valentine's Day, here's a look back at some "Marvel"-ous romantic moments from this super cinematic universe:

 

"Proof that Tony Stark has a heart." - The inscription on the arc reactor case in Iron Man (2008).

"I'm gonna need a rain check on that dance."

"All right. A week next Saturday at The Stork Club."

 - Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell), knowing that they will never see each other again, in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).

"I love you in every universe." - Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022).

"What is grief, if not love persevering?" - Vision (Paul Bettany) to Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen) on WandaVision (2021).

"You're horrifying to look at, yes. But that's a good thing. When you're ugly, and someone loves you, you know they love you for who you are. Beautiful people never know who to trust." - Drax (Dave Bautista) to Mantis (Pom Klementieff) in Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume 2 (2017).

"I love you 3000" - Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr.) to his daughter, Morgan (Lexi Rabe) in Avengers: Endgame (2019).

 

Wishing everyone a Super Valentine's Day!

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Animal Attraction: The Wolf Man in Movies and TV Through the Years

 by Michael Lyons

The new Wolf Man

"What if someone you loved became someone else?"

So declares the trailer for the new film Wolf Man, the latest horror film from Blumhouse, the production company behind some of the most recent scary blockbusters, including 2020's The Invisible Man, directed by Leigh Whannell, who helms Wolf Man, as well.

The film is, of course, the latest incarnation of one of the most iconic of the Universal Monsters, and the release of Wolf Man this weekend is the perfect opportunity to look back at the howlingly-good star's appearances in film and TV through the years.

1941's The Wolf Man

It all started in 1941 with the original, The Wolf Man, starring Lon Chaney, Jr. in the title role of Larry Talbot, who finds he is cursed to become a werewolf during a full moon. With its "time-lapse" special effects (quaint, sure, but still effective) and compelling direction in glorious black and white by George Waggner, it's no wonder the film was a hit, and audiences couldn't get enough of this tormented monstrously good monster.

Chaney would return to play the Wolfman for Universal four more times in 1943's Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man, House of Frankenstein (1944), House of Dracula (1945), as well as 1948's Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, one of the best horror-comedies ever, with an amazing "team up" of all the Universal Monsters.

1948's Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein

In the '60s and '70s, there was a proliferation of Wolf Men on TV, albeit none as terrifying as seen on film. One could make the case that little Eddie (Butch Patrick) on The Munsters was a descendant not of his dad, Herman (Fred Gwynn), but of Lawrence Talbot himself.

Wolfie from The Groovie Goolies

Saturday morning also had its share of Wolf Men. Filmation's Groovie Goolies brought the monsters into the era and included a laid-back hippie surfer werewolf named Wolfie (voiced by comedian Howard Morris).

In 1978, Ruby-Spears gave us Fangface, where the title character (Frank Welker) was a werewolf who embarked on Scooby-Doo-like mysteries with other "meddling kids."

1980's Drak Pack

Hanna-Barbera brought us Drak Pack in 1980, where decedents of the monsters, including Howler (William Callaway), a new generation's Wolf Man, were superheroes.

There was also a live-action, seasonal special, The Halloween That Almost Wasn't in 1979, where famed Monsters get together to save Halloween. Comedian Jack Riley, from The Bob Newhart Show, played the Wolf Man.

The 80s had plenty of werewolves on screen, from 1981's Wolfen, where the creatures are loose in New York City, to American Werewolf in London (also 1981), director John Landis' horror classic.

1987's The Monster Squad

In 1987's The Monster Squad, a Goonies-like touch was put on the Universal Monsters, where a group of kids go up against them, including the Wolf Man, played by Jonathan Gries.

However, the next, big, major comeback for the character would come in 2010 with director Joe Johnston's The Wolfman, a big-budget remake starring Benicio Del Toro as the title character, who is bitten by a werewolf when he visits England after his brother's death. The film, which also stars Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins, and Hugo Weaving, has ties to the original (Del Toro's character's name is Lawrence Talbot) and impressive makeup effects that earned the film an Oscar.

2010's The Wolfman

And now, fifteen years later, the famous fanged creature returns this weekend with Wolf Man. Will a new generation of audiences leap at the chance to see a reboot of a franchise that's lasted over eighty years? Chances are, they'll be over the moon.

 

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Reel Reflections: 2024 Movie Anniversaries

by Michael Lyons

Here we go again.

The end of another year. With that comes resolutions and looking ahead.

Also, with that comes reflecting and looking back.

In that spirit, Screen Saver continues an annual tradition of "Reel Reflections," celebrating some films that reached anniversaries in 2024: 

 

“The Shawshank Redemption” (1994) -30th anniversary 

Writer and director Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King's short story is still as inspiring, touching, spiritual, and endlessly rewatchable 30 years later.  The story of a wrongly imprisoned man named Andy Dufresne (Tim Robbins) and a veteran inmate named Red (Morgan Freeman) throughout multi-decade imprisonment together tells a relatable story of keeping hope alive.

 

“The Terminator” (1984) -40th Anniversary 

 

Director James Cameron’s first major film is a game-changing sci-fi groundbreaker.

Arnold Schwarzenegger made iconic Hollywood history as the title character, with his emblazoned “I’ll be back” line of dialogue. 

He’s sent back to terminate Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton), saved by another time traveler Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) from an apocalyptic future. It's still one of the best of multiple genres.

 

“The Towering Inferno” (1974) 50th Anniversary 

This oh-so-epic saga of the world's tallest building engulfed in flames emerged from the midst of the Disaster Movie craze of the 70s.

With a cast - Paul, Newman, Steve, McQueen, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, and even O.J. Simpson -that could never be accomplished today and amazing, Oscar-winning practical effects- this is still a spectacularly entertaining film.

And with its groovy tuxedos, shag carpeting, and yacht rock-type music, it’s also a nice throwback to another time when going to an event movie was indeed an event.

 “Rear Window” (1954) 70th Anniversary 

One of the most original visions ever put on film. Master Director Alfred Hitchcock tells the story of Photographer L.B. Jeffries (Jimmy Stewart), with a broken leg that has him trapped in his New York City apartment with a full view of the other apartments in the courtyard during a summer heat wave.

He believes that there’s been a murder in one of the apartments and drags his caretaker, (Thelma Ritter), and his girlfriend, Lisa, (Grace Kelly), into the situation.

Never has a filmmaker or actors done so much with so little – the whole film takes place in Stewart’s apartment with a view of the courtyard, with the other residence and the building becoming a character in the film. 

It is one of Hitchcock‘s best and one of the shining moments in movie history—a masterpiece.

 

And, there you have it, movie anniversaries for four more of '24 before the year heads out the door.

Wishing everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year!

 

Merry Milestones: Christmas Movies Celebrating Anniversaries

by Michael Lyons

There sure are Christmas movies to choose from...a lot of them! Since cameras started rolling in Hollywood, it seems almost as if filmmakers have created films about Christmas, films set at Christmas, and movies with Christmas scenes in them.

Most of them have become traditional favorites for many this time of year, and Christmas movies have become such a genre unto themselves that a number of these cinematic yuletide treasures are celebrating some significant anniversaries. 

What follows is a list of some of these Christmas movies that are reaching Merry milestones:

 

Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009) - 15th Anniversary

Director Robert Zemeckis uses motion capture to effectively re-tell Charles Dickens most famous story of the season. Brimming with stunning computer animation, the film provides dizzying Victorian backdrops and ghastly creative takes on the three Ghosts of Christmas. This version of A Christmas Carol is not only faithful (albeit with some theme-park attraction-like trickery) but is centered by a fantastic performance by Jim Carrey as Scrooge and all three ghosts!

 

Christmas with the Kranks (2004) - 20th Anniversary

Author John Grisham's somber book, Skipping Christmas, which featured subtle cynicism about the season, was given the Home Alone-stapstick treatment in this film adaptation about the title couple (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis), who decide to forego the holiday season. To the dismay of their Christmas-loving neighborhood, they decide to take a trip to the Caribbean.

 Christmas with the Kranks is about as subtle as falling off the roof while decorating or chasing a canned ham through a parking lot, but its multiple airings on cable over the past two decades have secured the film an audience.

 

The Polar Express (2004) - 20th Anniversary 

Robert Zemeckis’ first foray into motion capture technology translated author Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book into a 3D IMAX holiday event. With Tom Hanks in multiple roles, including the title character (Hero Boy), the Conductor, and a shadowy "Hobo," the film tells a dream-like tale of a magic train ride that transports children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

As the technology wasn't "fully formed" at the time with The Polar Express, many criticized the "stiffness" of movements and "lifeless" eyes as "creepy," and the film has become divisive. But, the sweetness within the story and its messages around the power of faith (and of doubt) have, in turn, catapulted this film to a Christmas-time tradition and, for many, a modern-day classic.

 

The Santa Clause (1994) - 30th Anniversary

At the height of his Home Improvement popularity, Tim Allen headlined this comedy about Scott Calvin, who dons Santa's coat after the big guy falls off his roof and, by doing so, takes on the title of Santa himself.

A surprise hit at the time, the popularity of The Santa Clause has only gained momentum in the three decades since its debut, spawning two theatrical sequels and two seasons of a Disney + streaming series. This proves multiple generations still love effective comedy wrapped up in 90s nostalgia.

Prancer (1989) - 35th Anniversary

"Oh yeah! Prancer! I kind of remember that one," is what most people say when this film comes up in conversation.

A young girl (Rebecca Harrell) comes across an injured reindeer and nurses it back to health, as she believes it is Prancer, one of Santa's reindeer, and must eventually convince her family and friends in her small town.

With a solid supporting cast, including Sam Elliot, Cloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda and Michael Constantine, and direction by John Hancock, Prancer sets its fantastical story against a realistic backdrop. It all comes together in an entertaining film that deserves to be remembered this season during its anniversary.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - 35th Anniversary

When it debuted thirty-five years ago, it was dismissed by critics (Roger Ebert wrote: "You have the odd sensation, watching the movie, that it's straining to get off the ground but simply doesn't have the juice.") and now it is one of the most-watched, most-quoted Christmas movies ever made.

Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold, the long-suffering husband and father looking to make everything perfect, becomes relatable to all of us as he struggles with lights that won't light, a tree on fire, and a Jelly of the Month Club as a bonus.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a comedic yet comforting extended family time capsule of the late 80s-early 90s. It allows us to laugh at how seriously we take the holidays while missing the chance to enjoy them.

White Christmas (1954) - 70th Anniversary

From one of the most popular Christmas songs and, well, just plain ol' popular songs of all time (written for the 1942 film Holiday Inn) came this big ol' Hollywood spectacle of a movie. The first to be filmed in Paramount's widescreen format, VistaVision, it tells the story of two song-and-dance men (Bing Crosby, who else, and Danny Kaye) who are trying to save a failing inn owned by their former Army commander.

It also stars Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Allen and is filled with Irving Berlin songs, including the title song, "Sisters," and "Counting Your Blessings." White Christmas was the biggest film of 1954 and has been at the top of holiday movie lists ever since.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) - 80th Anniversary

It's a year in the life of a family in. turn-of-the-century St. Louis, featuring some of the film's most iconic songs, including the title number and "The Trolley Song." Still, it's most closely connected with this season, thanks to Judy Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to her heartbroken sister, played by Margaret O'Brien.

The song, written for this film, has become a poignant standard for all of our Christmases ever since.

 

And, so it seems the perfect way to end this selection of Christmas movie anniversaries by simply saying: "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, let your heart be light."

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Dialogue & Drumsticks: Movie Quotes About Thanksgiving

 by Michael Lyons

Placed next to the number of movies that are about or take place at Christmas, the number of movies about Thanksgiving is so small they wouldn't even serve as a side dish for dinner.

But there are a number of them out there, and as we head into Thanksgiving week, grateful for all we have and ready to bust our belts from the turkey to the pumpkin pie, here are just some quotes from movies about or taking place at Thanksgiving.

 

"What he wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family. What he got was three days with the turkey." - movie poster tag line for Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987).

"Eat us! Hey, its Thanksgiving Day! Eat us, we make a nice buffet! We lost the race with Farmer Ed, eat us 'cause we're good and dead. White man or red man from east, north or south, chop off our legs, and put 'em in your mouth!

Eat me!

Sautéed or barbecued!

Eat me!

We once were pets but now we're food! We won't stay fresh for very long! So eat us before we finish this song! Eat us before we finish this song!" - Pugsley (Jimmy Workman) and the camp kids singing in Addams Family Values (1993)

“It's not yet Thanksgiving and we're enjoying our lovely fall weather.” - the meteorologist reporting on a snow storm in Grumpy Old Men (1993).

"Every weapon he's using is straight off a Thanksgiving table." - Deputy Labelle (Jeff Teravainen) in the horror movie, Thanksgiving (2023).

"We go on Snoopy." - Josh (Ben Stiller), let his team know which Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade will serve as their signal in Tower Heist (2011).

"You cut the turkey without me?!?" - Gabriel (Lou Jacobi), Avalon (1990)

"I'm giving thanks that we don't have to go through this for another year." - Adelle (Anne Bancroft), Home for the Holidays (1995).

"Black Friday's coming, so my dance card's gonna be pretty full." - Paul Bart (Kevin James), Paul Bart: Mall Cop (2009).

"You're going to be in Chicago in less than three hours, around there, if we don't hit traffic, and I don't think we should...it's Thanksgiving." - Del Griffith (John Candy), Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987).

There they are - most may not make for an inspirational quote as your family says grace before dinner, but all these movies would be a perfectly balanced diet of binge-watching for a Happy Thanksgiving!

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