Here's a blast from the past -- a Levi's commercial, reputedly from 1976, with "Route 66" as the theme: https://youtu.be/6FGK7OObZZw Several observations and some background: Because this commercial is nearly three minutes long, I wonder when this commercial would have aired. In Europe, perhaps? Maybe in theaters? The ad exuded a "Thelma and Louise" vibe … Continue reading A word from our sponsor
Category: Road trips
“American Giants,” Episode 6
Joel Baker has posted on YouTube the sixth episode of his “American Giants” series, a personal exploration of roadside fiberglass giants (aka Muffler Men). https://youtu.be/ru7Dm4y_mJ4 The episode concentrates on Muffler Men found in the Chicago suburbs of Crystal Lake and Libertyville. I must say, the series has been far more entertaining, interesting, and professionally produced than … Continue reading “American Giants,” Episode 6
“I hate the Okies”
The folks with the National Steinbeck Center recently completed a trip on Route 66 before the 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The group has posted a slew of videos in the last few days. But this stands out because it's a gut-punch of how the Great Depression and … Continue reading “I hate the Okies”
Two blasts from the past
Jim Farber, who's helping the Autry National Center in Los Angeles with its upcoming "Route 66: The Road and the Romance" show, said he recently found an old photo of a family on the road at a paper show. "I did not realize until I was driving Route 66 this summer that it was taken … Continue reading Two blasts from the past
Video from the start of the “Grapes of Wrath” tour
As we've reported, the National Steinbeck Center is marking the upcoming 75th anniversary of the publication of John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath." The trio who are traversing Route 66 for the center posted a film today about the first three days of their journey. You'll see a familiar face -- "Route 66: The Mother … Continue reading Video from the start of the “Grapes of Wrath” tour
Mini Abe gets his kicks
You have to hand it to the folks at the Illinois Office of Tourism for coming up with novel campaigns. You'll see a miniature Abraham Lincoln take in multiple sights in his adopted state, including Route 66. https://youtu.be/7u1hYL-2quE Mini Abe reminds me of a more macho version of Mr. Bill. (Hat tip: Adweek)
Artists retrace Joads’ trip on Route 66 in “Grapes of Wrath”
John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath" is marking its 75th anniversary next year. To mark the occasion, three artists associated with the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, Calif., are traveling on the real-life Route 66, starting today in Oklahoma, to trace the Joad family's trek in the book. According to the Monterey County Herald: … Continue reading Artists retrace Joads’ trip on Route 66 in “Grapes of Wrath”
A Fiesta on the Mother Road
I stumbled onto this a few days ago on Twitter. Sara Parker took a new Ford Fiesta down Route 66 in Southern California to check out the sights. The enjoyable result is here: https://youtu.be/6mQNez8G8VI Parker said it's part of a Ford campaign: Ford invited me to be an Agent for the Fiesta Movement. They've provided … Continue reading A Fiesta on the Mother Road
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
Extras from “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”
Longtime readers may remember "Billy Connolly's Route 66," a television miniseries in 2011 that set off a mini-boom of Route 66 interest around the world, especially the United Kingdom. Here's a 46-minute segment of outtakes -- including the Blue Whale of Catoosa, Okla. -- and musings from Connolly during the production: https://youtu.be/2XiQlCCiVJA You can buy … Continue reading Extras from “Billy Connolly’s Route 66”