Stopping to chat with customers at 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kan., Washington Post reporter Warren Brown laments what happened to towns along Route 66 that were bypassed by the interstate. Why did it happen? Brown concludes it was money -- or the lack of it: Modern interstates sped up the cross-country commute … Continue reading Don’t pass us by
Category: Movies
Daring version
Here's a version of Bobby Troup's "Route 66" that I previously was unaware. It's a scene from the 1948 movie "Three Daring Daughters." I'm not positive, but I think it's Jane Powell and Ann Todd singing. The person who posted the video won't allow it to be embedded, but you can watch it by clicking … Continue reading Daring version
Review: “Dinosaurs Across Route 66” comic
Many Route 66 aficionados are, to put it gently, a little long in the tooth. So many of them fret about whether there will be enough young people interested in the Mother Road to keep it viable in the future. That's why many roadies rejoiced at the 2006 release of Disney-Pixar's animated movie, "Cars," which … Continue reading Review: “Dinosaurs Across Route 66” comic
“Two-Lane Blacktop” released in two-DVD set
The 1971 cult film "Two-Lane Blacktop," which starred a young James Taylor and was shot in several spots on Route 66, was released a few days ago as a two-disc set by the Criterion Collection. Amazon.com has it here for $29.99, a discount of about 10 bucks. Warren Clements of the Toronto Globe and Mail … Continue reading “Two-Lane Blacktop” released in two-DVD set
Both sides now
Scott Leitner of Athos Video Productions has posted two very good videos that were inspired by the "Cars" movie to YouTube. Made about 18 months ago, they originally were big Windows Media files that took a few minutes to download before viewing. YouTube files are more user-friendly. Here is his moving video of declining landmarks … Continue reading Both sides now
Drew’s road trip
This is a segment from the 2005 movie "Elizabethtown." You'll see Route 66, then the Round Barn and Hillbillee's in Arcadia, Okla., at the 7:14 mark. I was about to say it seems unlikely that anyone would put 42 hours of music on CDs for a road trip -- until I realized that I have … Continue reading Drew’s road trip
Michael Wallis news
I met up with author Michael Wallis and a few other longtime roadies for lunch Friday at Ollie's Station in Tulsa. Wallis had a few interesting announcements to make: His book "Billy the Kid: The Endless Ride" has been optioned for a film. It will star Haley Joel Osment, who is famed for his child … Continue reading Michael Wallis news
“The Grapes of Wrath” online
Holy cow. The Academy Award-winning film "The Grapes of Wrath" has been posted in its entirety at Google Video. You can see the Route 66 footage in the film for yourself, including the Beckham County Courthouse in Sayre, Okla., in the background as the Okies drive west on "the road of flight." (Hat tip: Tim … Continue reading “The Grapes of Wrath” online
The best checklist for “Cars” toys
I've long quit trying to keep up with all the die-cast toys Mattel has released since the release of the Disney/Pixar film "Cars" in June 2006. But this entry in the 2 a Day blog has done a better job of keeping track than any I've seen. He says there are now more than 80 … Continue reading The best checklist for “Cars” toys
“Independent America” airs Tuesday
The excellent documentary, "Independent America: The Two-Lane Search for Mom & Pop," is airing at 7 p.m. Tuesday on the Sundance Channel. That happens to be Election Day in some areas across the country. Also, Sundance is airing the film at 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9; 10:05 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 22; and 8 p.m. Monday, … Continue reading “Independent America” airs Tuesday