Jim Luning's "Route 66 -- Ten Years Later" documentary has been selected for this weekend's Julien Film Fest in Dubuque, Iowa. Here's the revamped trailer: https://vimeo.com/40472263 The film will screen at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn in town, and at 11:30 a.m. Sunday at The Hub. A map of the venues can be … Continue reading Route 66 documentary will play at Dubuque film festival
Category: Books
Kickstarter campaign launched for “The Motels of Route 66” film
Simon Cantlon, who we previously reported was creating a documentary film and book called "The Motels of Route 66," has just launched a fundraiser on Kickstarter to cover the some of the expenses of the project. The money raised will cover a month-long journey down Route 66 with a full four-man film crew (director, cameraman, … Continue reading Kickstarter campaign launched for “The Motels of Route 66” film
Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food
The Mitla Cafe, marking its 75th anniversary on Route 66 in San Bernardino, Calif., played a crucial role in the rise of Mexican cuisine in the United States and the Taco Bell restaurant chain, according to a new book by Gustavo Arellano. Arellano's book is titled "Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America." It will … Continue reading Route 66 restaurant played vital role in rise of Mexican food
Admiral Twin Drive-In may reopen by Memorial Day
The Admiral Twin Drive-In in Tulsa, which saw its iconic double screen destroyed by a fire in September 2010, may reopen by Memorial Day weekend, reported KOTV in Tulsa. Here's the video report: The new double screen, which will be made of steel instead of wood, also will house the restrooms and concession stands at … Continue reading Admiral Twin Drive-In may reopen by Memorial Day
Documentary planned on former Club Cafe owner
A filmmaker plans a documentary about Ron Chavez, the former longtime owner of the Club Cafe in Santa Rosa, N.M., who now is known for his writings and poetry as "The Route 66 Storyteller" in Taos. A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to raise $80,000 to fund the film's production. Here's a short video about … Continue reading Documentary planned on former Club Cafe owner
Kerouac considered suing “Route 66” TV drama
Today, on the 90th anniversary of "On the Road" author Jack Kerouac's birth, the New Times of Broward-Palm Beach in Florida contained this fascinating tidbit about his declining health until his death in 1969: A legal squabble over the television show Route 66, which seemed to be modeled on the On the Road story line, drained him even … Continue reading Kerouac considered suing “Route 66” TV drama
The Rock Cafe, circa 2009
Here's a video shot in 2009 by Channeling Media when it was pitching Dawn Welch and her Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., for a possible Food Network show. It was about a year after the historic Route 66 restaurant was gutted by a fire and rebuilt. The cable channel passed on the idea, but Welch … Continue reading The Rock Cafe, circa 2009
Wildfires destroy remnants of Beacon Hill Motel near Rolla
Brush fires Wednesday west of Rolla, Mo., destroyed what was left of the long-closed Beacon Hill Motel that operated on old Route 66, reported The Rolla Daily News. The newspaper reported: A handful of homes were threatened by the fire in the later stages of the battle, but firefighters were able to save them all. … Continue reading Wildfires destroy remnants of Beacon Hill Motel near Rolla
“Route 66 Sightings” nominated for state book award
"Route 66 Sightings," the photography book about the Mother Road assembled and designed by Jim Ross, Shellee Graham, and Jerry McClanahan, has become a finalist for the 2012 Oklahoma Book Awards in the illustration and design category, according to the Tulsa World. Nominees must have an Oklahoma theme, or be produced by current or former … Continue reading “Route 66 Sightings” nominated for state book award
“John Steinbeck: Voice of America”
If you have some time to kill, I highly recommend you watch this well-produced and thought-provoking one-hour segment by the BBC. The program deals with the life of John Steinbeck, author of "The Grapes of Wrath." Naturally, it's got plenty of Route 66-related content. https://youtu.be/xDL5T8IuMvw