Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business" and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - Book and Movie Review by Robert Steven Mack

I know that I was about four or five years old when I watched and enjoyed those Disney movies down in the basement of our Michigan home in Ann Arbor. Countless times I would switch on that little tv with those box-like VHS's piled up on top and I would sing and dance along with one of my favorite Mary Poppins’ tunes. A lot has changed as we went through that decade. VHS's have left the main home video product line to be replaced first with DVDs, and then with such up-to-date contraptions as the i-pod or the i-pad. Yet, I still have that little tv and still have those VHS's piled up on top of eacher other. Although there are way more than when I started. I still dance and sing along with Dick Van Dyke in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. One of my biggest role models, I thought and still do think of Mr. Van Dyke as one of the greatest actors and dancers who ever came to make me laugh. In fact, it was he that inspired me to become a performer myself. As the years go by I learn more and more about Hollywood and its performers and have allowed myself to acquire and collect ever-more titles from local library sales. For example, I was eight years old when I first saw Mr. Van Dykes classic sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show” (1961-1966). And it was only a little time later that I saw him in his first film role as Albert Peterson in “Bye Bye Birdie.” In fact I was even lucky enough to see him twice in person. The first was many years ago at Disneyland when he made a speech. I only saw him from afar. The second time was quite recently actually: It was at Barnes and Noble at the L.A. Grove for a book signing and was just in time to walk down the hall with him as he was exiting the signing area. I can say just from watching that he never looked better. He joked with the audience and was very kind to everyone. From that event I got a signed copy of Mr. Van Dyke's memoir “Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business.” Now that I read his autobiography and I know so much more about his life, I can only assert that his charmingly elegant nimble body and his multi-talented personality will never grow old.
Dick Van Dyke’s CV
Dick Van Dyke was born in 1925 in West Plains, Missouri and reached success when he starred in the Broadway musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” In 1963 he would reprise his role from the original stage production on film with Ann-Margret and Janet Leigh. From 1961 to 1966 he would star in the family sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” while also in 1964 he would play Bert in Walt Disney's Mary Poppins - a signature family classic. When the show ended in 1966 he turned to the role of an eccentric inventor who invents a magical car based on an Ian Fleming children's novel “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” - another family favorite. Other film, stage and tv credits include “What A Way to Go!” (1964), “The Art of Love” (1965), “Lt. Robin Crusoe”, U.S.N., Never A Dull Moment (1968), “The Comic” (1969), “Some Kind of Nut” (1969), “Cold Turkey” (1971) “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” (1971-1974), “Van Dyke & Company” (1976), “The Music Man” (Broadway revival-1980), “The Van Dyke Show” (1988), “Diagnosis: Murder” (1993-2001), “The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited” (2004), “Night at the Museum” (2006), “Curious George” (2006), “Night at the Museum 2: Battle at the Smithonian” (2009), and many more! Throughout his career he has been honored with A World Theater Award, a Tony Award, a Grammy, and four Emmy Awards.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a 1968 family musical starring the impeccable Dick Van Dyke, the lovely Sally Ann Howes, and the comical Lionel Jeffries. Produced by Albert R. Broccoli (James Bond movies) and directed by Ken Hughes the film is about an eccentric widowed inventor Caracicutus Potts (Dick Van Dyke) who invents a magical, flying, floating car that leads him, his children, and his lady companion (Sally Ann Howes) on a magical fun-filled adventure in a far-off land. Despite an arguably poorly-developed plot - perhaps because much of the original plot was changed from the actual Ian Fleming novel-such as their names being Pott instead of Potts, and Caracticuses wife Mimsie Pott. Another was that the original adventure involved gangsters, not pirates and castles, and that Mr. Pott had for much time served in the navy. Yet, this is a fun-filled tuneful merry musical with an excellent score by the Sherman Brothers! I have always enjoyed this happy clean movie whistling its marvelous tunes whilst I bike ride. This includes its energetic title song that was nominated for an Oscar. I shall continue to do so for many years to come!

Dick Van Dyke's Memoir
As I mentioned before, I was at the Grove for a book signing recently. More precisely, my dad was at the actual signing and got the book autographed for me while my mother and I fought through L.A. traffic coming from my rehearsal of one of my plays. Luckily, I arrived just in time to walk down the hall with him and was happy to have acquired Dick Van Dyke's new show business memoir “Dick Van Dyke: My Lucky Life In and Out of Show Business.” I started reading it right away in the dimly-lit car as we drove home from the exhilarating event and was up the rest of the night and continued the next morning; I could not easily put that book down. Yet, as my busy school week went by I had no time to continue one of the most fascinating books of my life. Finally I read on and finished the book on Saturday. Immediately after I was done I shared some facts and memories from the book with my mother and father – like, for example, the time an earthquake hit while he was doing his nightclub act, or the time Mr. Van Dyke's car broke down on the highway and a dozen fans, policeman, and auto repair men offered him a lift, or requested an autogragh,or introduced themselves as dancers and had Dick brush up their act. My parents, who also admire Mr. Van Dyke, enjoyed listening to my newly acquired intelligence about this extra-ordinary man. The book gave me a wonderful factual personal insight on Mr. Van Dyke's career, and also on his personal problems such as home life, and his struggle with his addiction to cigarettes and alcohol. Yet, this memoir is one of the cleanest showbiz autobiographies I've ever read. “Cuss” word were few and were placed in exactly the right places.

Upon reading his book, I come away with the impression that Mr. Van Dyke is humble and modest in his writing as he never attributed himself to being famous or talented – despite the fact that he did mention once that he was never very good at handling fame. This book is genuinely insightful with humorous remarks and sorrowful moments. He has given us nothing but the truth and has given credit to those who deserve it. If you want a story on Dick Van Dyke's life, well... he's given it to you!

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)　　

Onion John - A Book Review by Robert Steven Mack

I have always maintained the idea that all books can be turned into films. That turned out not to be so.

It was my birthday, and I turned twelve years old. As most birthdays it was an undeniably happy and busy day of action. I got up knowing of the usual festivities but could only hope for an extra good time. It turned out ,however, that during the early morning hours, while my parents were fast asleep, I was to be kept prisoner in my own room - captivated by my wondrous book and movie collection. It may sound dramatic but our tiny tv had been moved into my media room. There were also plenty of books to muse over, and even my tiny little laptop that I am utilizing right at this very second. Sometime later, my aunt dropped by for some breakfast cake and tea in celebration of my birthday. As usual, she decided to spoil me and brought me a whole bag filled with movies plus a picture book on television she got at a library sale. My other presents weren't half bad either. I got puzzles, a DNA set, movies, a book on the art of illusions. My mother, Diana, gave me the book on "Onion John."

"Onion John" is coming-of-age Newbery award winning book about father-son relationships, and is a children's book written in 1959 by Joseph Krumgold. I was unable to read it when I first got it however, (on January 16, 2011) due to my stack of other books impatiently waiting for me to read them: going to my school library and my local library book sale every Saturday and Sunday really has an effect! I later decided to read it for an oral book report that was coming up in my school. What fun! I needed a good captivating book. So at last, sometime in late April I cast my milk and cookies aside (onto the table) and turned to the first page of the book; and this is what I found:

"Onion John" is about Andy Rush, an intelligent seventh grader living in the small town of Serenity. Andy likes living in Serenity. He likes the people, the places, and playing on the Serenity baseball team. His father, Andy Sr., thinks otherwise and already has big career plans for Andy. And this is when Andy meets up with the eccentric town weirdo, Onion John, who speaks in his own mysterious language that no one can understand but Andy Jr.. The two soon become best friends. Andy (and his friends) love to listen to John's stories and hear John play his beat up old fiddle. Andy also enjoys to participate in John's guaranteed Rainmaking ceremony. Most of the parents don't understand Onion John. One grown-up in particular ,Andy Sr., does not like John and is full of prejudices. Andy Sr. does not approve of the kids spending the amount of time with John they have spent. Oddly and rather ironically, Onion John soon befriends Andrew Rush Sr. and that is that. One look at John's shabby dilapidated house and Andy Sr. decides that John needs a complete lifestyle makeover. After getting the whole town involved the first step is to build John a new house, thinking that they are doing good. Have they ever stopped and thought about John's needs, they may have realized that John does not want to be changed...

"Onion John" is an excellent story of friendship, the power of the will, and growing up. The towns people tried to change Onion John's ways (including change his rather peculiar onion only diet) because they thought they were helping him. In fact, they were destroying him. The captivating story is topped of by the brilliant writing and backed-up by the social themes and morals of a loving but controlling father who only wants the outside world to mirror his inside visions.
The book revolves around three characters: Andy, Andy Sr., and Onion John. In the end,I chose not to use this book for my book report for I could not come up with a decent way to incorporate the language into the envisioned art project - a film I was going to present to the class. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this book immensely and I hope that you will, too.

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)

Thank you for the laughs, Mr. Rooney: Mickey Rooney in Pete's Dragon - A Movie Review by Robert Steven Mack

Pete's Dragon is one of Disney's better remembered musicals of the 1970's for one reason: it's fun for both, adults and children. The story plot sounds like it came out of a comic strip: A run-away orphan boy and his dragon named Elliot seek refuge in the peaceful fishing town of Phashumaqudy. Passamaquadi has kind of a ring to it, don't you think? After Pete and Elliot cause a hammock by destroying everything that comes into their way, he meets up with Nora (Helen Reddy), the local light house keeper... and her dragon-seeing pop played by legendary Mickey Rooney. The plot thickens when a tricky quack (Jim Dale) and his assistant team up with Pete's filthy previous owners. In short, "IT" will be mayhem and fun to any one who watches this! Though there are are some unrealistic plot elements, smaller youngsters will surely react positively towards the lively unforgettable songs and the story of friendship between the boy and hisdragon. Those of my own age and above will respond to the clever intellectual comedy and famed names. It's hard to believe that there has never been a sequel to this film, for I know I would have made one. Luckily, the ending seems to leave that possibility open. I would particularly like to recommend Mickey Rooney in a rumbuntious performance. Mickey Rooney is an invaluable member of Hollywood history, and I would not want to loose him. Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)

High Noon - a different kind of western: Movie Review by Robert Steven Mack

America's world renowned western genre has enchanted movie-goers since early 1920 when cowboy stars like Tom Mix and William S. Hart graced the young movie theaters with charming but gruff attitudes. In those early days, westerns were often tales of adventure, romance, and a hero. Add the irresistible brew of humorous sidekicks, dramatic showdowns, dangerous villains, ongoing Indian chase scenes, gunfights, and that dusty beautiful countryside consisting of scattered towns in the middle of nowhere. All this made an immortal component of Hollywood history and brought the imaginary Old West to the 20th century.

In 1939, starting with John Ford's Stagecoach - which was one of John Wayne's best remembered films, and a big relief for him after working with a bunch of budget-freak amateurs - westerns were produced on a higher budget with a wider release. By the 40's and 50's the genre had reached its peak and saw such films as Fort Yuma (1955), Rio Grande(1959), The Magnificent Seven(1960) Virginia City (1940), She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949), and Cattle Queen of Montana (1954- and starring our future president Ronald Regan). Around a decade later, during our civil rights era, westerns were becoming stereotypes and unpopular with the new generation of moviegoers. Still there have signs of a revival of the genre with the popularity of the recent box-office hit, i.e. the Academy Award nominated film remake of the original 1969 film True Grit. Whatever the future of the genre may be, westerns have continued to entertain generations of fans.

I have recently acquired the classic and controversial western High Noon, which stars Gary Cooper, Lloyd Bridges, and Grace Kelly -in her first starring role. The plot is simple: An old enemy will arrive on the noon train in a sleepy town in the middle of nowhere seeking revenge from the marshal (Gary Cooper) who had beat him before. What is unusual about the film is that it takes place in real time and is nonviolent almost the entire time. It is unlike any film I've ever seen before in my life! The film chronicles the marshal, who has one hour to get a poesy and prepare himself for one of the greatest showdowns in movie history. He wanders through town yet nobody is willing to help him. Many back off out of fear, some out of jealousy, whatever the reasons may be no one will help him. The lonely rather surrealistic tone, its lingering western score, and the brilliant story and dialogue make this more than a western, it makes it a masterpiece like nothing I have ever seen.

Curiously, people didn't see it this way when High Noon first came out. They criticized the film for not being the usual scenic stunt show, not appreciating its moralistic character driven dialogue, and its miraculous story telling. John Wayne, for example, publicly resented the film calling it "the most Un-American thing I've ever seen in my whole life.” In fact the film was allegedly made as an allegory to Hollywood blacklisting as many of the film's cast and crew were later blacklisted as Communists--though Cooper himself was a known Republican. Howard Hawks and John Wayne would make Rio Grande seven years later as they both shared a dislike for the film. Ironically however, when Gary Cooper won an Academy Award for his performance in the film, John Wayne accepted it for him as Mr. Cooper was absent at that time.
I hope you dear reader will enjoy High Noon as much as I have as it is a must see for a fan of any kind.

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)

Barbara Eden's "Jeannie Out of the Bottle" - Special Report by Robert Steven Mack

On Saturday, April 17, Barbara Eden - the star of the classic 60's television show I Dream of Jeannie - was at the Grove in Los Angeles signing autographs for her new autobiography Jeannie Out of the Bottle. I Dream of Jeannie had always been one of my favorites. By an amazing coincidence, while waiting in line for the book signing, we ran into the daughter of Sidney Sheldon! Sidney Sheldon created the show "I Dream of Jeannie." What a pleasant and insightful surprise; we both love old movies. Since we waited for hours in line, I the turned to the book Ms. Eden had written. It passed the time nicely and I would recommend the book to any lover of the show. I have all five seasons of I Dream of Jeannie on DVD, although I have not finished watching the fifth season. I only regret that the two Reunion movies - I Dream of Jeannie: 15 Years Later & I Still Dream Of Jeannie - have not been released on DVD. I must admit that I would not mind seeing another Reunion film grace the little silver screen. Also to Barbara Eden, it was a pleasure to see you in person and I would urge you to make another TV Reunion movie! Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)

"Faust" Rocks the Brocken - A Rock Opera Review by Robert Steven Mack

From the wildest depths of historic literature, i.e. German literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe gave us tales and poetry beyond unreachable imagination. Statesman, scientist, poet/Dichter, simply one the greatest writers of all time, Goethe is considered to have written the greatest works of German literature.

One of these great works is “Faust,” a two-part closet play that has been rewarded with great fame and respect. It is the story of renowned, but dissatisfied scholar. As he grows older and more disillusioned, Faust, greedy for knowledge and power, sells his soul to the devil in exchange for limitless knowledge and wordly pleasures. Goethe finished writing the first part of “Faust” in 1806. It was published two years later and select scenes were performed first in 1819 and in whole in the year 1829. In 1832, the year of his death, he finished part 2. In 1938 both parts were performed for the first time unabridged. (for more information, check out Wikipedia)

During my recent trip to Germany I had the great fortune to be invited to watch the latest edition to Faust media, a “Faust Rock Opera” up at the top of the Brocken deep in the Harz Mountains. My German grandmother and I boarded a well-decorated train that led to the summit. In fact, it was an old-fashioned steam train that had sincerity spelled all over it. Entertainment during the one hour trip was provided by a witchy witch and a devilish devil. For those who are unfamiliar with old Harz legends and folklore, the Brocken is a famed witch hangout. Once we arrived on top the mountain, we entered a snowy cold winter wonderland. With the bewitching wind blowing hard into our faces, we headed to safety in a building that looked the part of Faust – just as the train did too. Welcomed with some refreshments, we headed to the theater which was no more than some chairs set up in two dozen rows.

The rock opera opened with the Devil in hell singing his song of devilish madness. We then got a glimpse of Faust, an old scientist dissatisfied with life. After a failed attempt at suicide and a subsequent walk in the city, he is confronted by the devil, Mephisto. Mephisto tells Faust of a seemingly lucrative deal: Faust will serve the devil in hell in exchange for all the knowledge and worldly goods he could ask for. Although the show was part old-fashioned theater and not all singing, it was filled with powerful music and memorable songs, and topped off by a breathtaking array of lights, and splendid example of how technology is used to bring you a show.

The Rock Opera “Faust” was a well structured play with an intermission. As it is custom for the first half to have a different feel than the second half, the first part established the characters and got the rock opera going. Its role is to build up the tension and gets the attention. The second half after the intermission is slower paced and is mostly a love story. The musicians included a lead guitarist, a piano player, and a drummer who were all cleverly incorporated into the story. Fun exotic numbers filled the show with brilliance and triumph. While the music, lighting, and technological advances alone were a work of art, the actors did extremely well for bringing their characters to life. After the show I was lucky enough to briefly chat and fetch an autograph from Falko P. Illing, the actor who played Mephisto. The Rock Opera “Faust” was extremely well done, and I regret that I will not be able to see Part two.

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)

Fairy tales in German Cinema - a Movie Review by Robert Steven Mack

German cinema has always been of interest to me, particularly East German cinema. I have always pondered what the filmmakers were doing behind the Iron Wall. Preparing for an upcoming trip to Germany and hoping to brush up on my not-too terribly suffering German, my mother Diana, and I stopped by the Goethe Institute in Los Angeles. I often go to pick up knowledge on German cinema, or to just get a good German video. I have seen many and have thoroughly enjoyed all that I saw. Even though I don't fully understand all of it, I manage to follow the plot well enough to enjoy the film.

I am sorry I did not write about these films sooner for there are many that I'm sure would have appealed to your interest. This time I got a charming adaptation of “Rotkaeppchen”/ “Little Red Riding Hood,” an entertaining adventure based of the famed Grimm Brothers Fairy Tale. The second movie was “The Devil and the three Golden Hairs”(1977), and a classic children’s film “Die Geschichte vom Muck”/”The Story of Muck.” The latter two were from East Germany.

In “Little Red Riding Hood: or Rotkaeppchen, our naive little heroine has five mischievous little brothers that keep her and their tidy enduring mother on their toes. Little Red Riding Hood has a chance to get away from all the mayhem when her Grandma gets sick and she is to take food and wine to her. But while traveling through the forest, she encounters the Big Bad Wolf. The Big Bad Wolf was nothing more than a puppet, the kind you would see on an old 50's children s puppet show television program. Yet, it was whole-heartedly done without the slightest worry or fear the kids would say: "Wow, like that thing is so unreal, it’s just plain cheesy." Filled with quite imaginative sets and wholesome acting, this is the nicest, most refreshing Red Riding Hood film adaptation I have seen. The new “Red Riding Hood” movie will have to be a real winner before it can compare with this! The next film “The Devil and his three Golden Hairs” based on the Grimm Fairy Tale stars Dieter Franke as the devil. I couldn’t quite make sense of the story in the beginning, but I was soon captivated by the madcap adventure of a clumsy young man Jacob who must travel to hell and get The Devils three golden hairs in order to win his beloveds hand in marriage -or at least that’s what I gathered from it. The movie was released in East German theaters and American theaters in 1977. I enjoyed it and was satisfied with the film in its whole. It is a rude, loud, slapstick adventure that anyone is sure to enjoy! At least I had a good time.

The last film “Die Geschichte vom Muck” is a cantankerous story about a mischievous lad who brings turmoil to the kingdom and its people. You have to follow closely to enjoy this charming classic that portrays East Greman cinema at its best. It’s a masterpiece that certainly is worth the time to go out and get. If you understand German or are studying German cinema - plus English undertitle is available for The Devils Hairs and the Story of Muck (although the VHS I got did not have undertitles available)- I would highly recommend these films with or without dubbing.

Shortly, I will be making a trip to Germany and hopefully have a chance to see more German films.

Copyright 2011 by Robert Steven Mack (all rights reserved!)