A Galaxy Gone By: Memories of "The Empire Strikes Back," 45 Years Later

Fans wait in line outside the Loews Theatre

in New York City, to see The Empire Strikes Back,

In May of 1980.

 

by Michael Lyons 

"Something happens, and I cannot tell you what it is!"

"Aw, c'mon! Tell me!"

"Nope...I can't!"

I remember this conversation with my friend, Steve, when I returned from seeing Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back forty-five years ago this summer.

Steve wasn't going to see it for another few days, and I was one of the lucky ones who convinced my parents to see one of the most eagerly anticipated sequels of all time. Steve wanted details, and I refused to give them.

Long before spoilers were a thing, I wasn't giving any. There was no way I could tell Steve that - and I still feel the need to type "spoiler alert" in front of this - Darth Vader was Luke Skywalker's father.

But I can remember the reaction in the theater. There wasn't a gasp as those shown in 1980 videos that have circulated on YouTube...but I do remember whispers and murmurs. I remember my dear Mom, who didn't know a thing about Star Wars but was there because I wanted to go, turning to me after the revelation and asking, "Is that bad?"

I also remember that summer, thirteen going on fourteen, I was among the many kids who were lucky enough to have seen the original Star Wars in theaters, and the anticipation in the months leading up to the release of Empire was agonizing.

Seeing those first pictures of the Stormtroopers in the snow of a place called Hoth and the offbeat way the title logo appeared on posters: "Star The Empire Strikes Back Wars," piqued my interest. There was talk of this character, Yoda, but long before the internet, there were no pictures of the character to be found. And Yoda would be performed by Frank Oz of The Muppets? What the heck did this all mean?!?

A newspaper ad for

The Empire Strikes Back.

Then, the movie opened. In New York, it opened over Memorial Day Weekend in New York City, in a limited release, and would not be coming to neighborhood theaters (like mine on Long Island) for several weeks. Tried as I might, I couldn't talk my parents into driving into the city or hopping on the Long Island Rail Road to see a movie.

But, the wait was worth it, and Empire finally opened at the RKO Twin Movie Theatre in Commack, NY, and consumed the summer - discussions with friends, looking for the latest action figures in the overly-air-conditioned Toys R Us, devouring comic books and Starlog magazine and multiple trips to Burger King to collect the entire set of drinking glasses.

The highly sought-after Empire

drinking glasses from Burger King.

And, like so many, I agree that Empire is one of the greatest sequels of all time: providing us more of the Galaxy we all loved and giving us a new adventure where the characters go on different journeys and there's development and emotion.

In addition, forty-five years later, The Empire Strikes Back also represents a time when imagination was found beyond a smartphone screen, and movies were a thing of theaters, not streaming.

It was a magical, innocent summer.

And, thankfully, Steve and I were eventually able to discuss Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

May the Fourth be with You!

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Magic Springs Eternal: Looking Back at the "Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade"

by Michael Lyons

For fourteen years, Disney fans looking to re-play the magic of watching the "Disney Parks Christmas Parade" in a springtime setting could do so.

From 1985 to 1999, ABC aired its counterpart, Walt Disney World's Happy Easter Parade (it aired on CBS in 1986). Joan Lunden and comedian and radio personality Rick Dees would host the first year. As this year marks the 40th anniversary of when the Parade first aired, it's the perfect time to look back at this televised Disney theme park magic of another age.

It was always great fun to see all of the Easter and springtime-themed floats, such as one featuring Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny (along with kids cuddling live bunnies), Pluto playing baseball during spring training, the ostrich's and hippos from Fantasia dancing alongside an oversized Easter egg, and Donald, Daisy and Huey, Dewey and Louie hitting the beach during spring break.

There was also a lovely finale, where the Azalia Trail Maids from Mobile, Alabama, escorted by Officers from the Orlando Naval Station, stroll down Main Street, USA, to the tune of Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade," as guests join in with a booming chorus.

Of course, Walt Disney World parades were also the perfect vehicle for the company to promote all happening at their theme parks and elsewhere.

The 1989 Parade provided a sneak peek at the all-new Disney-MGM Studio Theme park, which was set to open in about a month, 1990's Parade featured the Mouseketeers (yup, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling, and everyone else) at Typhoon Lagoon, and the 1998 Parade revealed a glimpse inside Disney's Animal Kingdom, which was only ten days away from opening.

Each Parade is also a time capsule of all that was going on in entertainment and pop culture; check out New Edition performing "Mr. Telephone Man" at Epcot in 1985 and boy band 98 Degrees performing during the last Easter Parade in 1999.

There was also a "parade" of hosts and guests through the years, including Regis Philbin, Alan Thicke, magician Doug Henning, Nancy Kerrigan, Joey Lawrence, Ben Vereen, Robby Benson, and Howie Mandel.

Thanks to YouTube, the Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parades are available, and one can truly go down a...rabbit hole...with them. 

Sure, they came off as glorified commercials for Disney, but that was all part of the charm. Now, through the soft lens of nostalgia, it's so nice to re-watch the Walt Disney World Happy Easter Parade and return to a time when the world of Disney and the world itself seemed a whole lot simpler.

Happy Easter to one and all!

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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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