“Boomtown” documentary wins an Emmy

The Tulsa history film "Boomtown: An American Journey" won a regional Emmy Award on Saturday night in the historical documentary group in the Heartland Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. "Boomtown" was the first movie made by Kirkpatrick & Kinslow Productions. Here's a photo of executive producers Andy Kinslow and Russ Kirkpatrick right after … Continue reading “Boomtown” documentary wins an Emmy

Desert Sands Motel catches fire again

Albuquerque firefighters on Sunday responded to a second fire in 40 days at the now-closed Desert Sands Motel along the city's Route 66 corridor. A passerby alerted the fire department about 3 p.m. after seeing a fire burning in the back of the motel, KOAT-TV reported. Just one unit burned before firefighters brought the blaze … Continue reading Desert Sands Motel catches fire again

DVD review: “The Missouri Maze”

Unoccupied Route 66 continues its mix of history and atmospheric images of forlorn Route 66 sites in its latest documentary, "The Missouri Maze." The 26-minute film ($14.95 list, shipping included), directed by KC Keefer and hosted by Nick Gerlich, tells about a mid-Missouri area where Route 66 ended up realigned, realigned again, then abandoned by Interstate 44. Here's … Continue reading DVD review: “The Missouri Maze”

“Boomtown: An American Journey” film nominated for an Emmy

The Tulsa history film "Boomtown: An American Journey" was nominated for an Emmy Award in the historical documentary group in the Heartland chapter. Russ Kirkpatrick, owner and producer of Kirkpatrick and Kinslow Productions that made the film, said in an email the Emmy announcement was made Thursday: As you may remember a component of the … Continue reading “Boomtown: An American Journey” film nominated for an Emmy

Michael Wallis to give “state of the road” speech at Vinita festival

Michael Wallis, writer of the best-selling "Route 66: The Mother Road" and more than a dozen other books, will give a "State of the Mother Road" speech June 18 during the Vinita Route 66 Festival in Vinita, Oklahoma. Wallis long was known for his fiery "state of the road" speeches with his big, baritone voice during … Continue reading Michael Wallis to give “state of the road” speech at Vinita festival

“Cars” movie marks its 10th anniversary

Today marks 10 years since the release of the Disney-Pixar animated film "Cars" that sparked a wave of new travelers on Route 66. The "Cars" movie grossed more than $460 million in worldwide box office receipts during the summer of 2006, with almost as much money from the international market as domestic. "Cars" has generated more than … Continue reading “Cars” movie marks its 10th anniversary

Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

A fire early Tuesday engulfed two-thirds of the historic Desert Sands Motel along old Route 66 in Albuquerque and left 57 long-term residents there homeless, according to varying media accounts. The Albuquerque Journal reported 22 firefighting units were called to the scene at 1:45 a.m. At least two people were hospitalized with smoke inhalation. KOB-TV … Continue reading Fire heavily damages Desert Sands Motel in Albuquerque

Route 66 Car Museum opening next month in Springfield

Classic-car collector Guy Mace plans to open a Route 66 Car Museum on June 15 at 1624 W. College St. (aka Route 66) in Springfield, Missouri. According to a news release from the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau: Patrons can see two Rolls Royces, the 1926 Hudson used in the 1939 movie “The Grapes of … Continue reading Route 66 Car Museum opening next month in Springfield

Trailer for “The Missouri Maze” film released

Filmmaker KC Keefer and host Nick Gerlich of Unoccupied Route 66 recently released this trailer for "The Missouri Maze," an area of the Show Me State where Route 66 was rerouted several times. The ruins of John's Modern Cabins near Newburg, Missouri, play a prominent role, although other landmarks of the region also appear. https://youtu.be/E_91r4gqDe0 "The Missouri … Continue reading Trailer for “The Missouri Maze” film released

Filmmaker needs music for Route 66 documentary

A New York-based filmmaker who's making a documentary, "The Revival," about the renaissance of Route 66 after it was decertified as a U.S. highway needs some music from Oklahomans to help her finish the film. Kaila Keller, who hails from Tulsa, centers much of the film around her hometown and Oklahoma, although footage on Route 66 … Continue reading Filmmaker needs music for Route 66 documentary