A longtime reader, Greg Holmes of Ace Jackalope fame, was at a theater screening the 1985 hit movie "Back to the Future" when he saw something familiar. In a scene were Marty is in 1955, there is a sign for the Blue Bird Motel in downtown Hill Valley. Here's the original image, but I've taken … Continue reading Did ‘Back to the Future’ get an idea from Blue Swallow Motel?
Category: Movies
Los Angeles cafe was shown in Christmas film
Not many people know this, but a historic restaurant along Route 66 in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles was used in a prominent scene in the 2004 movie "Surviving Christmas," starring Ben Affleck. According to Los Angeles Magazine: Surviving Christmas is set in and around Chicago but some scenes were lensed right here … Continue reading Los Angeles cafe was shown in Christmas film
“Eternal Route 66” DVD produced
Chuck Williams, who parlayed his Christian faith and enthusiasm for Route 66 into two editions of his "Eternal Route 66" book, recently announced he's created an "Eternal Route 66" DVD filmed on the Mother Road. Here's a trailer for the project. You'll probably recognize a few Route 66 landmarks in the background: https://youtu.be/U4rRckjxqvE A description … Continue reading “Eternal Route 66” DVD produced
Fundraiser launched for Route 66 barber shops documentary
A fellow that readers may recognize by the nickname of Haircut Harry is launching an Indiegogo fundraiser to make a documentary film about barber shops along Route 66. Titled "Zen and the Art of Barbering," Harry wants to raise $5,000 to cover travel expenses for the film. As of Thursday night, he'd raised more than … Continue reading Fundraiser launched for Route 66 barber shops documentary
“American Countryside” visits Holbrook
Andrew McCrea of "American Countryside" takes in a visit to the Route 66 town of Holbrook, Arizona, and explores the links that inspired the fictional town of Radiator Springs in the 2006 Disney-Pixar movie "Cars." The segment focuses on the Wigwam Motel and Joe & Aggie's restaurant. Other sites and towns inspired the creation of … Continue reading “American Countryside” visits Holbrook
“Painted Desert Trading Post” trailer
A few days ago, Nick Gerlich and KC Keefer revealed a trailer for "Painted Desert Trading Post," a short documentary about the long-abandoned property in eastern Arizona near the Petrified Forest National Park. The trailer is long on atmosphere, which I like a lot. https://youtu.be/swTWrpX9qNw Gerlich, a professor of marketing at West Texas A&M University, … Continue reading “Painted Desert Trading Post” trailer
Chinese crew shooting film about Route 66
A film crew from China stopped at the Boots Motel in Carthage, Missouri, and other Route 66 sites to shoot a movie that will be screened next year, reported the Joplin Globe. According to the newspaper, other filming sites included the Grand Canyon and Yellowhorse Trading Post at the New Mexico-Arizona border. Crews with JAJ … Continue reading Chinese crew shooting film about Route 66
Quentin Tarantino backs out of Rialto deal
Oscar-winning movie director Quentin Tarantino recently withdrew an offer to buy the closed Rialto Theatre in South Pasadena, California, reported the South Pasadena Review. According to South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce President Scott Feldmann, Tarantino agreed to a contract for a short period of time, before pulling back on his offer prior to closing the … Continue reading Quentin Tarantino backs out of Rialto deal
Anthony Quinn mural in downtown L.A. to be restored
The nearly 30-year-old mural of actor Anthony Quinn on the side of the Victor Clothing Co. building in downtown Los Angeles will be restored, according to several media outlets. Titled "The Pope of Broadway," the 70-foot-tall mural at 242 S. Broadway shows Quinn with his arms outstretched, a la a scene from the 1964 film … Continue reading Anthony Quinn mural in downtown L.A. to be restored
Voices of Tulsa
"Route 66: The Mother Road" author and Route 66 Alliance co-founder alerted me to this new video made for the Tulsa Historical Society. Voices of History from Kirkpatrick&Kinslow Productions on Vimeo. An explanation of the video by its creator, Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions: "Voices of History" is a branding film from Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions, … Continue reading Voices of Tulsa