Golden Age Hitler Covers

Was doing some research on WWII US propaganda earlier and compiled this collection of just a few of the many Golden Age comic book covers that featured "Der Fuehrer." Please pardon any racial stereotypes in this historical presentation. 

John G. Fantucchio R.I.P.

One of my favorite fan artists when I first discovered comics fandom has passed. John G. Fantucchio had not only a unique signature style but a unique signature as well.

R.I.P. 

Livin' the Life of Riley in Cincinnati-1949

I first discovered the old time radio series, THE LIFE OF RILEY around 1980 when reruns began running as part of a growing selection of radio comedies and dramas on Cincinnati's WVXU-FM. 

It's a simple premise for a sitcom. Chester A. Riley is a stereotypical lovable lug married to a nice, long-suffering wife with whom he is raising two children, teenage Babs and the slightly younger Junior. (Years later, I would play Junior in a radio re-creation of one of the original scripts.) In a slightly different form, the series had originally been developed by Irving Brecher and agent Gummo Marx as a vehicle for Groucho but that fell through for various reasons. Not willing to abandon it completely, Brecher spotted tough guy character actor William Bendix in a film and retooled his concept, moving his sitcom family to Brooklyn. 

Although not known for his comedy, Bendix made the role his own and went on to define the stereotype blue collar husband that would become a sitcom staple right up to today. THE LIFE OF RILEY--its title coming from an old expression-- was an on-air hit running from 1944-1951, with TWO TV versions (a whole 'nother story there) also, the Bendix version lasting until until 1958.

Perhaps even more endearing than Bendix himself was the later blacklisted actor John Brown, also a regular. Although born in England, Brown was ideally cast as Riley's goofy Brooklyn neighbor Gillis whose advice would invariably get one or both of them in trouble. But Brown really stole the show by doing double duty as "Digger" O'Dell, "The Friendly Undertaker," a breakout character who would generally pop in for a quick one on one scene with Chester, dotted with macabre double entendres and always ending with his tagline, "I'd better be shoveling off."

BUT!

Along the way--in March of 1949 to be precise--came THE LIFE OF RILEY, a full-length motion picture from Universal-International. The TCM movie page on the film says, "Although Hollywood Reporter announced in January and February 1949 that the film would have its premiere in March 1949 in Cincinnati, no definite information about the premiere was found." 

Well let me tell you, they simply didn't look for any because I found it. In March of 1949, THE LIFE OF RILEY had its World Premiere in Cincinnati, Ohio at the RKO Grand Theatre on Vine Street, the exact same theater where, 24 years later, I would see ENTER THE DRAGON starring Bruce Lee, followed by a score of other chop-socky flicks of the '70s. 

But in '49, it really WAS a grand theater. Cincinnati was chosen for the old-style Hollywood premiere because Proctor and Gamble, at the time sponsoring the radio series with Prell was (and is) based here in downtown Cincinnati. 

The radio cast (Bendix, Paula Winslowe, John Brown, etc), along with some of the film's co-stars (including Richard Long, later known for THE BIG VALLEY and NANNY & THE PROFESSOR), all traveled to the Queen City, which rolled out the red carpet. The event was used to raise money for a local children's home. Along with the showing of the movie, the huge crowd also was treated to the series' first live remote radio broadcast, the meta script of which dealt with the Rileys coming to Cincinnati specifically to see the movie premiere! There were lots of references to real people both behind the scenes of the show and from Southern Ohio.

The previous week, another radio show, the game show TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, chose a family named Riley and THEY actually WERE sent to Cincy for the premiere! 

Here you can listen to the episode that was broadcast on March 4, 1949, from Cincinnati, Ohio's RKO Grand Theatre.

http://www.oldtimeradiodownloads.com/comedy/the-life-of-riley/the-life-of-riley-movie-premiere-1949-03-04 

And here is some silent news footage of the actual event.

Seriously. TCM, I love ya, but you really didn't try on this one. Please correct.

In an odd footnote, WMKV--successor to WVXU in all the good ways--continues to run THE LIFE OF RILEY every Monday morning. I listened to it yesterday in the car. The reruns have been playing for an almost uninterrupted 34 years now I think!

Oh, and by the way, the movie itself isn't very good at all. Stick with the radio or TV versions, many of which can be found in various places online. 

Stan the Man is Coming to Cincinnati

Stan Lee Confirms Final Midwest Signing Appearance………Ever

Legendary Comic Book Creator and Famous Pop Culture Icon to Make Cincinnati Comic Expo His Final Midwest Show

CINCINNATI- Weeks after arranging legendary comic creator and artist and Stan Lee to come to the Cincinnati Comic Expo, we have been able to confirm that the 2016 Expo will be Stan’s last Midwest convention appearance. For the fans throughout this entire region of the United States, the Expo will represent one final and possibly, closest opportunity for them to meet, get a photo and/or autograph from Stan Lee at the Duke Energy Convention Center from September 23 to 25^th.

At the age of 93, Stan Lee has been attending conventions and shows this year, but has been cutting down on distances and travel. Stan ended traveling to Europe in 2014. He will make his last international appearance in Canada in early September. The Expo later that month will be his last Midwest convention. Following in October, he will visit his final New York Comic Con and in November he will attend his last New England show in Rhode Island. This December, Stan will turn 94 years old. For 2017 and beyond, Stan will focus on conventions and signing events closer to his home and offices in California and on the West Coast.

In his decades of work in the comics industry, Stan served many roles and is responsible for the creation and development of many popular characters. Stan has served as comic book writer, editor, publisher, as well as former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Working with other artists, he has created Spider-Man, the Hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, Thor, the X-Men, Daredevil, Doctor Strange, and many more.

            After his comics career, Stan Lee became the public face of Marvel Comics. He would travel the world to attend conventions, college lectures, and to develop television programs and feature films. In addition to being listed as an Executive Producer on most Marvel film and television projects since 1990, Stan Lee has been a fixture and has had a cameo in most productions.

            Under Stan’s leadership, a shared universe of comic book stories and superheroes was created. Characters could crossover from story to story and interact with others. Above all, he took Marvel Comics from a small publisher to the large multimedia corporation it is known as today.

            Stan Lee is one of the most recognizable names and faces in the entertainment industry. His selection of the 2016 Cincinnati Comic Expo for such a historic milestone convention is just not an honor for the fans of the area, but for the city of Cincinnati. To celebrate this appearance, the organization of Stan Lee Collectibles has setup a very special package for those wanting to meet Stan at the 2016 Cincinnati Comic Expo. Tickets for the Expo are available at the website: www.cincinnaticomicexpo.com. Tickets for the Stan Lee Experience, which includes a professional photo with Stan, an autograph by Stan, and various additional limited edition keepsakes are available in the package, and also available for purchase through that same link.

In addition to Stan Lee, many more comic book artists and creators are attending the 2016 Cincinnati Comic Expo. Attendees include: Rob Liefeld (creator of Deadpool), Steve McNiven (Marvel: Civil War), Neal Adams (Batman), Eddy Barrows (Teen Titans), and many more. Various media and celebrity guests will also be in the Queen City for the Expo, including Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars), Lee Meriwether (Batman), Adam Baldwin (Firefly), John Barrowman (Arrow, Doctor Who/Torchwood) and several more.

Batman Premieres

It would be another few weeks before it was in wide release but the quickly shot and edited and now fondly remembered 1966 BATMAN movie premiered this date in Texas.