vintage
Vintage geek content from the archives of the geek, comic, and entertainment collections.
Hollywood Secrets of the Golden Days
A rather amusing classic Hollywood practical joke was vouched for as perfectly authentic when the man who had perpetrated it. Eddie Goulding is who. Even way back towards the end of the silent period and all through the first decade or two of the "talkies', was among the dozen or so most successful directors in Hollywood. He was an Englishman, and like all prominent Europeans he was frequently pestered by ‘well recommended' visitors from back home, such as a young Peer of the Realm who displayed very suitable letters of introduction. Eddie did all that was expected by instructing his assistant to show the visitor around the studio and by finally giving him a quick lunch.
By Stephen Hamilton9 years ago in Geeks
Humble Beginnings at The Improv with Larry David
Larry David looks out at a packed house through thick aviator glasses. Catching the audience off guard, he speaks slowly, in a voice vaguely reminiscent of Jackie Mason. "Well, I've done it again I've driven another woman to lesbianism...." The line registers, and laughter fills the room. He's already got the crowd hooked, one of the first things a stand-up comic must learn.
By George Gott9 years ago in Geeks
"Ferris Bueller, You're My Hero"
Through hours and hours of countless film watching, there have been very few that have stuck with me. John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is high on that list, as I grew up watching it and know the script verbatim. Impacting my mindset during my time in high school and college, it has taught me to live life to its fullest, even if it means breaking a few rules.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
Ultimate Freaks and Geeks Pop Culture Guide
Freaks and Geeks is one of the rare series, cut short, but hangs together perfectly as 18 episodes of pure genius. It has a beginning, a body and that rare quality so hard to find in singular seasons cut short; an end. As such it does not suffer the same fate as so many series, unfinished for lack of renewal. Irrespective of the fact that there are so many success stories that evolved from this unique series, the style, vibe and humor was way ahead of its time, and stands on its own as an iconic creative accomplishment. It defined the 1980s for a generation of millennials. The 18 episodes are literally a pop culture encyclopedia. The detailed analysis that follows takes a look at each and every episode, specifically looking at the show from a pop culture trivia standpoint wheneve applicable. As you read through the episodes, it becomes clear that the show was about more than its individuals, more about the whole and mostly one huge metaphor for the 1980s. The show was about defining the categories that separate us, and then using pop culture to deconstruct those divisions. At the end of the 18 episode story arc, pop culture unites us all, and we realize we are all Freaks and Geeks.
By Frank White9 years ago in Geeks
Citizen Kane, 75 Years Later
1941 saw the release of Citizen Kane. Orson Welles directed, wrote, produced, and starred in the film, which is greatly criticized for its resemblance to the life of newspaper tycoon, William Randolph Hearst. The story is the quintessential American Dream, perfectly arching a rise and fall for our tragic hero, Charles Foster Kane. More than just for the classic narrative, Kane received many accolades after its release. Due to its technological advances, its interpretation of the American dream, and an emphasis on the gratuitous excess that comes along with power, Kane stands the test of time, even 75 years later.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
Regulating the Movies
In the 1920s, the movie industry was under fire. In 1921, Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle (American silent film actor and director) was charged with the rape and murder of actress Virginia Rappe, thus making the movie industry disreputable. There were threats of boycotts, government regulation all over, and much-needed interventions. The movies needed to fix themselves before the government did.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
Films That Discuss Communism
With all the political uproar shaping what Americans thought of communism, Hollywood reacted in the way it knew how to, and best: by producing movies. These films were made after the blacklisting of the Hollywood Ten, and were great examples of media that got Americans thinking about communism in a different light than before. Some examples include The Red Menace, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and North by Northwest.
By Marina Caitlin Watts9 years ago in Geeks
Dressing Up, The Geeky Way
From sedate to sexy, these amazing dresses are all you ever dreamed of in your adorable geeky heart. Maybe you’re a serious scientists or programmer; maybe you’re just extremely serious about superheros or video games or Captain Malcolm Reynolds (*dreamy sigh*). Whatever your passion, wear it not just on your sleeve but all over when you’re out to a holiday party, a formal dance, or just out to dinner. These are conversation starters and comfortable evening wear at the same time and most are a good deal more affordable than what some of us probably spent on a lame-o prom dress back in the day (and by lame-o I mean not covered in Batman print). Now go rock it girl - geek style!
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Geeks
The Best Gifts for Wonder Woman Fangirls
Sometimes life is an uphill battle and you just need a reminder that it’s worth fighting for. Whether you’re the one who loves everything about Wonder Woman or you’ve got a friend who idolizes her, you’ll be delighted to discover that you’re not alone. From caped socks to inclusive art to astonishing historical non-fiction, there’s a great big world out there of Wonder Woman goodness to enjoy. When you’re having a rough day, you can throw on your favorite superhero shirt or ring and tackle it like a woman. And as Queen Hippolyte says, “...go in peace, and remember that in a world of ordinary mortals, you are a Wonder Woman.”
By Sarah Quinn9 years ago in Geeks
