1986

In the 1986 song Modern Woman, Billy Joel asks, “And after 1986, what else could be new?” Nothing, considering the return of two television legends whose personas were extraordinarily familiar. Andy Griffith debuted as Ben Matlock, a defense attorney...

Cesar Romero

In the 1989 movie Batman, Jack Nicholson brought his trademark sarcasm to the role of the Joker, perhaps Batman’s greatest foe.  Nearly 20 years later, Heath Ledger inhabited the role, giving a performance of a diabolical, insane, delusional villain....

Boyington and the Black Sheep

The Flying Misfits was a 1976 NBC tv-movie loosely based on the World War II exploits of Marine pilot ace Greg Boyington.  Stephen J. Cannell wrote the script, taking liberties with the story featuring Robert Conrad as Boyington. Based on Baa Baa Black Sheep,...

1960s Sex Symbols: Private Eyes

Honey West only lasted the 1965-66 season on ABC, but it proved that a sexy, sassy, smart woman can be just as good a private detective as the guys from 77 Sunset Strip, Surfside Six, or Bourbon Street Beat. A spinoff, Honey West began with Anne Francis playing the...

Tarzan Takeoffs on Television

Tarzan’s popularity inspired takeoffs, parodies, and parallels.  Television, in particular, provided a fertile platform for these offerings. On November 11, 1962, Carol Burnett gest starred on The Jack Benny Program.  She plays Jane in the Jack Plays Tarzan...