A man in Washington state who built a life-size replica of Tow Mater from the Disney-Pixar "Cars" movies will auction the truck Arizona later this month, according to the Daily Herald of Everett, Wash. The film's original inspiration to Tow Mater -- a rusty 1951 International boom truck -- still sits on Route 66 in … Continue reading Life-size replica of Tow Mater will be auctioned
Category: Movies
“American Giants,” Episode 8
Here is the eighth episode of Joel Baker's ongoing "American Giants" series about roadside fiberglass giants, also known as Muffler Men. https://youtu.be/nHZekubninc This episode covers the last of the Muffler Men in Chicago, including one extensively modified into a Frankenstein monster. Baker told me that the next episode will take place in Dodge City, Kan.
John Lasseter’s introduction at the Route 66 roundtable
The folks at the World Monuments Fund a few hours ago posted this video that played at the beginning of the "Route 66: The Road Ahead" roundtable a few weeks ago near Cars Land at Disney California Adventure. If you're a newcomer to Route 66, John Lasseter directed the Route 66-inspired 2006 Disney-Pixar film "Cars" … Continue reading John Lasseter’s introduction at the Route 66 roundtable
DVD review: “The Spirit of 66”
Here's an interesting addition to a Route 66 fan's library -- a documentary shot so long ago and out of circulation for so long, it's become a relic in its own right. That would be the DVD version of "The Spirit of 66" ($20, plus shipping), the 50-minute pilot for a proposed 10-part television series … Continue reading DVD review: “The Spirit of 66”
JFK cruised Route 66 in Albuquerque
KOB-TV in Albuquerque found a gentleman in town who used a home movie camera to document President John F. Kennedy and his motorcade going down Central Avenue (aka Route 66) in 1962. The footage had never been seen in public until now. https://youtu.be/9L91QhId0mY KOB's reporter, Chris Ramirez, wrote: The two minute silent film starts off … Continue reading JFK cruised Route 66 in Albuquerque
Coming soon to your road
The Czech Route 66 Association will shoot another feature-length documentary about Route 66 next May. https://youtu.be/R5YF8pGRTj4 Its first film back in 2010 was televised all over Europe, and it's hoped this one will do the same.
“The American Dream and the American Drive”
Longtime roadie Kathy Anderson produced this film for the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, Okla. Using Route 66 as a springboard, it shows how highways evolved in the United States. You'll probably see a few familiar faces: The American Dream, The American Drive from Kathy Anderson on Vimeo. Anderson explained more of the … Continue reading “The American Dream and the American Drive”
“American Giants,” Episode 4
Joel Baker has uploaded the fourth episode of his "American Giants" series, which delves into the history of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/LrlDvV7hgDQ Baker explained why this particular episode was shortened: Because I could not reach the owner of the Gemini Giant, I removed the second half of the episode that covered the … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 4
A timely upload
The makers of the ongoing "Operation Route 66" documentary project posted eight minutes of the film just a few days ago. I've seen other parts of the film, but this is the most arresting: op rt 66 8min from Operation Route 66 on Vimeo. I'm not sure whether it's a coincidence the excerpt was posted … Continue reading A timely upload
Thoughts on “Breaking Bad”
The acclaimed AMC television drama "Breaking Bad" has received a lot of attention in recent weeks because it is embarking on its fifth and last season. For those who are unfamiliar, "Breaking Bad" tells the story of Walter White, a mild-mannered high school chemistry teacher who morphs into a drug kingpin. A diagnosis of inoperable … Continue reading Thoughts on “Breaking Bad”