1960s
The Front Line
As we all prepare for our imminent minimum-wage jobs during the economic meltdown, let us study how to perform them to the best of our abilities, with a cheerful smile. Consider the job of "supermarket checker," circa 1965.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Dec 02, 2008 -
Comments (5)
Category: Business, Products, Food, Jobs and Occupations, Movies, Documentaries, Retail Establishments, 1960s
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Opera is inherently weird: people singing their every speech. But with classical opera, one doesn't notice the effect so much, since they've always been around.But relatively recent operas, especially with contemporary settings, somehow magnify the weirdness.
Take, for instance, 1964's THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. A simple love story, it features a script in which every single line is sung. Thus, at about the 3:30 mark in the opening clip below, you can hear the immortal lyric, "Check the ignition on the gentleman's Mercedes."
Apparently, the entire film is available on YouTube in nine parts, for your operatic enjoyment.
Posted By: Paul - Fri Nov 28, 2008 -
Comments (3)
Category: Movies, Music, 1960s, Cars
The Chattanooga Twist
I'll bet you never knew what song Chattanooga Hookers like to dance to, did you?What else but 1962's "The Chatanooga Twist," by Danyel Gerard!
Here's DG's other big hit.
Posted By: Paul - Tue Nov 25, 2008 -
Comments (5)
Category: Music, Regionalism, Foreign Customs, 1960s, 1970s, Dance
The Bad Sleep Well
We've been alerted to the serial killer in Japan who's taking revenge for corporate fraud, as described in this article in today's NY TIMES. But what no one seems to have noticed is that we've already seen this scenario in a film. THE BAD SLEEP WELL is one of Akira Kurosawa's masterpieces, and details how a man whose father was killed by corrupt businessmen exacts his revenge. Here's the excellent trailer.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Nov 22, 2008 -
Comments (1)
Category: Business, Crime, Death, Frauds, Cons and Scams, Movies, Foreign Customs, 1960s, Asia
The Golden Years
A look at the glory days of Homer Simpson's favorite sport. At least from the point-of-view of a certain manufacturer....
Posted By: Paul - Thu Nov 20, 2008 -
Comments (1)
Category: Sports, Documentaries, 1960s, Yesterday’s Tomorrows
Jimmy Carl Black, RIP
The obituary of Jimmy Carl Black reminds us of how weird he and Frank Zappa were.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Nov 09, 2008 -
Comments (0)
Category: Eccentrics, Music, Obituaries, 1960s
Century 21 Calling
I've never seen a young girl get so excited about a large model of DNA before!Even if you don't watch all of this, be sure to fast-forward to about the 12-minute mark, for the great closing theme song.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Nov 08, 2008 -
Comments (2)
Category: Futurism, Parades and Festivals, 1960s, Yesterday’s Tomorrows
Queen of Blood
Possibly not the movie that Dennis Hopper lists first on his resume....
Posted By: Paul - Wed Nov 05, 2008 -
Comments (7)
Category: Horror, Movies, Science Fiction, 1960s
Phyliss Diller
Recently some readers objected to my characterization of 1960's-era Phyllis Diller as "unfunny."Decide for yourselves.
She doesn't appear in the Liberace clip until the 3-minute mark.
Posted By: Paul - Sun Nov 02, 2008 -
Comments (3)
Category: 1960s, Comedians
The Mothra Song
I think we all need a little more Mothra in our lives. I myself intend to sing this song in times of personal crisis.
Posted By: Paul - Sat Nov 01, 2008 -
Comments (6)
Category: Gods, Movies, Music, Foreign Customs, 1960s, Fictional Monsters
| Who We Are |
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| Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over thirty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. He has recently begun blogging on many curious topics with three fellow writers at The Inferior 4+1. Contact Us |