Our Picks Reviews - Page 32

Getting guest stars was no problem for his hip, happenin’ ABC network series of the late 1960s, which each week presented several different unrelated stories of romance and comedy. In this collection of a dozen 1969-1970 episodes, Forrest Tucker, Jim Backus, Donna Douglas, Steve Allen, Bob Denver, Wally Cox, Julie Newmar and Dorothy Lamour are among more than 140 actors of the era who were more than happy to be bitten by the Love bug.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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This critically acclaimed documentary about a group of kids at a three-week Wisconsin nature camp captures the messy fun, homesickness, adolescent awkwardness, high spirits and boy-girl crushes of the time-honored, away-from-home, parent-free getaway that is summer camp. The storyline settles into focus on two particular campers—a girl obsessed with chickadees and a "problem child" boy whose behavioral instabilities rock the whole camp—for a modern-day snapshot that will make you want to reach for a can of mosquito repellent, a flashlight and toasted marshmellows. (Unrated)
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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This collection of images from the National Archives, many never previously published, sheds fascinating light on a little-recognized facet of America's war effort—women who served as WAVES (Women Accepted for Voluntary Emergency Service) for the U.S. Navy during World War II. At work, rest and play in these 150 large-format duotone photos, these gung-ho gals remind us of the tremendous, often unsung contributions made by Americans from all walks of life who answer when their country calls.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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It’s a swingin’, ring-a-ding-dingin’ good time with this collection of four cinematic romps from the early 1960s featuring Frank Sinatra and various members of his Las Vegas “Rat Pack,” which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and other suave stars of the day. Ocean’s 11, about a cool-cat scheme to pull off an outrageous casino heist, is the kingpin of the collection, which also includes 4 For Texas, Robin and the Seven Hoods and Sergeants 3. DVD extras include commentary by Sinatra’s son, Frank Jr., and his longtime friend Angie Dickinson, a set of Rat Pack playing cards and a 24-page recreation of the original Ocean’s 11 press book.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Even if you didn’t grow up on television in the 1950s, you’ll still get a rollicking retro kick from this collection of 21 complete episodes of some of TV’s most memorable Saturday-morning kids’ shows from the era, including Howdy Doody, The Paul Winchell Show, The Rootie Kazootie Club and Sheena, Queen of the Jungle. Roy Rogers, Annie Oakley and The Cisco Kid ride the range, Sky King patrols the air, Flash Gordon protects the world from interplanetary evil and Lassie is America’s premiere pooch in this nostalgic black-and-white world of wholesome laughs, squeaky-clean fun and all-American der ring-do.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Timed to coincide with this year’s 105th anniversary of Harley-Davidson, this handsome special edition from the mapmaking gurus at Rand McNally is tailor-made for motorbikers. With guides to 25 scenic, open-air rides across North America, trip tips, seasonal information and a state-by-state Harley dealership locator, there’s also a pullout wall map that tracks routes from 105 U.S. cities to Milwaukee, the site of Harley Davidson’s Aug. 28-31 anniversary celebration. All in addition to Rand McNally’s always-useful, updated maps of all 50 states, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Stunning color photos bring you closer than you’d ever want to stand to some of the world’s most spectacular active volcanoes and take you on a tour of craters formed by these majestic mountains of fire, once thought to be the home of the gods. Even though Volcano is also full of facts—you’ll discover how and why eruptions occur, learn about legendary catastrophes and find out that about 50 volcanoes blow out somewhere on our planet every day—it’s the nearly 300 pictures that make you really feel the heat.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Where did all the great songs of yesteryear go? Well, 34 of them landed here, where they’re ready to spin you around again in a sweet nostalgic swirl. Tony Bennett’s “It Had To Be You,” Frank Sinatra’s “Night and Day,” Wayne Newton’s “Danke Schoen,” Bobby Darin’s “Blue Velvet” and Peggy Lee’s “Big Spender” are just a handful of the classic tunes and iconic singers represented on this golden stroll down music’s memory lane.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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Country stars, Christian rockers, gospel stalwarts and even TV talk-show host Larry King unite voices for this “We Are The World”-type, Pat Boone-produced tribute to the internationally famous reverend, timed to commemorate his 70th anniversary of spreading the Word. Featurettes take you inside the studio for the recording, with additional tributes by Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Reba McEntire, Charlie Daniels, U2 lead singer Bono and others who’ve been touched by Rev. Graham’s mission and message.
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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With large-format reproductions of 1,000 world masterpieces spanning from the dawn of civilization to contemporary times, this spectacularly panoramic picture parade puts the history of art at your fingertips. Just don’t let it slip through and drop on your toes—at a whopping 13 pounds, it’ll leave a smashing impression on any little piggy too slow to wiggle out of the way!
—Neil Pond, American Profile

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