Hello!

Today’s lead item, courtesy of David J. Show, is for fans of Sci-fi — from the page Phantom of the Backlots is a photo article from last June by Donnie Norden called Planet of the Apes, 55 Years Later….

There’s a nice text section at the end, but the main content focuses on a long parade of behind-the-scenes production photos, plus location comparison pictures. We also liked the telegram from Joan Crawford to Rod Serling.

From correspondent / contributor Michael McQuarrie comes a link to an excellent encoding of an expensive, British-produced industrial film from 1956 selling the idea that air travel is now for everybody. Filmed in 35mm by ‘The Shell Film Unit,’ the show has a music score by Richard Rodney Bennett.

The main idea seems to be to calm passenger trepidation. A variety of craft are shown, with special scenes of passengers from far-flung nations to interest Southeast Asians, Indians, etc. in the ease of travel. The show includes rare footage of an experimental plane or two. The stately production is called Song of the Clouds.

Also offered is a shorter American sales film promoting both air travel and tourism. Made by ‘Dudley Pictures Corporation’ for Trans-World Airlines, Flight to California 1952 is directed by none other than actor Richard Carlson.

Oh yes, the photo up top from The Bride and the Beast is a dishonest cheat. For the record, CineSavant has no bias against movie gorillas. We like Jane Goodall’s book Gorillas that I Miss.

Thanks for reading! — Glenn Erickson