Route 66 in the Mojave Desert may look barren, but its past brims with history and stories. That's the takeaway from Unoccupied Route 66's latest film, "The California Promise: Historic Route 66." The 37-minute documentary, again directed by KC Keefer, explores a 100-mile stretch of ghost towns that dotted Route 66 in Southern California's harsh desert. … Continue reading DVD review: “The California Promise: Historic Route 66”
Category: Movies
Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival
Those who attended the Arcadia Route 66 Neon Fest headquartered last weekend at Jim Ross' house off old Route 66 near Arcadia, Oklahoma, got a surprise -- the wedding of two longtime roadies,officiated by a third longtime roadie. Ross and Shellee Graham -- both who have photographed and researched Route 66 for at least 20 … Continue reading Surprise wedding at Route 66 Neon Festival
“Route 66 and Historic Byways in Cibola County”
Do yourself a favor and watch this 22-minute video, "Route 66 and Historic Byways in Cibola County," which covers cultural and historical attractions in that New Mexico county. https://youtu.be/1G1Vgxh2cxE The video was produced by Manuel Vasquez and director Barbara Wesley at Seven Cities Productions, based in the same county in Grants, New Mexico. The Cibola County Beacon … Continue reading “Route 66 and Historic Byways in Cibola County”
Church in historic building hosting fundraiser today for Route 66 Village
The Merge Church, in a historic building in the Red Fork district of southwest Tulsa, is hosting at a matinée screening today of a 1943 John Wayne film as a fundraiser for the nearby Route 66 Village. Merge Church at 4050 Southwest Blvd. (aka Route 66), inside an Art Deco building that once was a … Continue reading Church in historic building hosting fundraiser today for Route 66 Village
Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
A three-minute promotional trailer for Unoccupied Route 66's latest documentary, "The California Promise," was placed online a few days ago. This segment shown here deals primarily with the Mojave Desert ghost town of Bagdad. https://youtu.be/wYae2Q9aIYg More about the upcoming film: Join host Nick Gerlich as he explores the Mohave Desert on an old section of … Continue reading Trailer for “The California Promise” documentary released
Radiator Springs cast will make an appearance in “Cars 3”
Disney-Pixar this week confirmed what long had been rumored -- the original "Cars" cast from the fictional Route 66 town of Radiator Springs will make an appearance in the upcoming "Cars 3" film this summer. "Cars 3" is introducing a bunch of new characters who are trying to get Lightning McQueen back on the racetrack … Continue reading Radiator Springs cast will make an appearance in “Cars 3”
Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
The Arizona Republic newspaper recently published several articles about the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona, and revealed details about the Route 66 landmark even longtime roadies may not know. It's worth reading the articles in full, starting here. But a few things stood out, plus a couple of observations from me: --- The motel closed … Continue reading Deep background on the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook
Route 66 makes an appearance in Mercedes Super Bowl ad
The Super Bowl ad for the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster takes a cue from the 1969 film "Easy Rider" and Steppenwolf's hit song from the movie, "Born to Be Wild." Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the visual punchline. https://youtu.be/BvHFM8c7cPM The Super Bowl is Feb. 5. The advertisement is directed by the Coen Brothers, … Continue reading Route 66 makes an appearance in Mercedes Super Bowl ad
“Most Amazing Views of Route 66”
If you have an hour or so, check out this new video by Roamin' Rich Dinkela and Jamie Jessop showing views of Route 66 landmarks with the help of a drone. Interspersed occasionally in the footage are old images to give context. Jessop also was the music director for the well-edited and produced video. The … Continue reading “Most Amazing Views of Route 66”
Best Picture nominee was filmed in three Route 66 towns
"Hell or High Water," one of nine films nominated Tuesday for Best Picture in the Academy Awards, lists the New Mexico Route 66 towns of Tucumcari, Moriarty and Albuquerque as among the locations where the movie was shot. The movie also was nominated for three other Oscars. The Western bank-heist movie stars Jeff Bridges, … Continue reading Best Picture nominee was filmed in three Route 66 towns