A woman apparently fell into the rain-swollen Vermilion River in Pontiac, Ill., on Tuesday and was swept downstream for three-quarters of a mile by the current. She was rescued by police and firefighters near the Route 66 bridge in town, and capturing it all on videotape was Mayor Scott McCoy, reports WEEK-TV. "I just so … Continue reading Route 66 rescue
Category: Television
Another Amarillo song
After seeing my post about George Strait's "Amarillo by Morning," longtime roadie Becky Ransom alerted me of another hit song that prominently mentions the Texas Panhandle's largest city. It is Tony Christie's "(Is This the Way to) Amarillo," a worldwide hit in 1971 for the British singer. It was co-written by Neil Sedaka. The song … Continue reading Another Amarillo song
“Magic” superhighways
Here's a fascinating excerpt from "Magic Highway USA," a 1958 film from when Disney had its own TV show. It imagines what the nation's highway system might look like in the future. I saw this film as a child in the early 1970s, and it seemed overly fanciful even then. As the film fast approaches … Continue reading “Magic” superhighways
More details about “Route 66, Season One, Volume Two”
Here's the cover art for the second part of the DVD release of the first season of the original "Route 66" television show. As you can see, it's similar to the first set. As previously reported, it's another four-disc set that retails for $29.95. Amazon.com is already taking pre-orders for a substantial discount. I e-mailed … Continue reading More details about “Route 66, Season One, Volume Two”
Cruising with Nelson Riddle
Power's still out here in the heart of Route 66 country, and I'm using a library computer because the Wi-Fi connection here isn't working. In the meantime, here's something to tide you over for a day or so. This is Nelson Riddle's "Route 66" theme, which was commissioned for the "Route 66" television show, that … Continue reading Cruising with Nelson Riddle
Next volume of “Route 66” series comes out in February
The TVshowsonDVD Web site reports that Volume 2 of the first season of the original "Route 66" television show is scheduled to be released Feb. 5. It will be another four-disc set with a suggested retail price of $29.95. Amazon.com is taking pre-orders for $20.99. We'll have more details when we get them.
A blast from the past
Here's an Illinois Lottery television commercial from 1994. Route 66 plays a significant role in the jackpot fantasy.
“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
Review: “Route 66, Season One, Volume One” DVD
OK, I get it now. For years, I had heard many older roadies wax enthusiastic about the "Route 66" series that aired on CBS-TV from 1960 to 1964. I'd missed the reruns of Buz and Tod's cross-country adventures in a Corvette convertible. Save for haphazardly made bootlegs, the TV show hadn't made its way to … Continue reading Review: “Route 66, Season One, Volume One” DVD
Food Network show checks out Route 66 restaurants
The "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" show on the Food Network visited several Route 66 restaurants in its latest installment. The show included Cafe on the Route in Baxter Springs, Kan.; the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla.; and Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe in Victorville, Calif. If you missed it, you can see the "Route 66" … Continue reading Food Network show checks out Route 66 restaurants