Cindy Williams 'Laverne & Shirley' & classic 'American Graffiti' dies at 75

1950's & 60's America was popular in the 1970's with films and television. Actress Cindy Williams was part of that nostalgia throughout the 1970's. She appeared in the classic 1973 coming-of-age film, "American Graffiti." Plus, she portrayed Shirley Feeney on TV sitcoms set in the 1950's, "Happy Days" and its' spin-off "Laverne & Shirley" (1975-1982).

Williams also appeared in Francis Ford Coppola's 1974 classic, "The Conversation" starring Gene Hackman. The movie is about a male loner who runs his own surveillance company. He is hired to follow and listen to a young couple (Cindy Williams & Frederic Forrest). The audio recordings reveal an attempted murder and the loner is conflicted about telling the truth. His job is only surveillance who doesn't get personally involved. (Check it out on Blu-Ray). RIP Cindy Williams....

1973 Publicity Poster for "American Graffiti." Cindy Williams in the middle.

Autographed publicity photo for "American Graffiti 1973. Ron Howard & Cindy Williams play a popular high school couple. 

Below is the Classic movie trailer of "American Graffiti" 1973.

Below is the 1st TV Season Introduction of the Sitcom, "Laverne & Shirley."

Below is the Classic movie trailer of "The Conversation" 1974.

Screen Actors Guild Awards will stream live on 'YouTube/Netflix' Feb. 26, 2023

SAG Awards Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is Sally Field. 

Click logo below for SAG Awards official website.

SAG Awards Logo

Alec Baldwin charged with involuntary manslaughter after death on 'Rust' movie set

Note: The film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has also been charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Halyna Hutchins. Hannah handled the prop guns on-set.

There are reports that the western "Rust" has continued. It was filmed right here in New Mexico.

The '48 Hours' episode 'The Death Of An Officer's Wife' Hits 2.91 TV Ratings Overall

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "The Death Of An Officer's Wife" (1/29/2023). In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.91 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.3 million TV viewers with the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. 

Click the photo below for 48 HOURS on CBS.

CBS

Top Box Office 'Puss In Boots: The Last Wish' jumps back with $10 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / JAN. 29, 2023 / ESTIMATED

Avatar: The Way of Water               ---> $15.7M

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish             ---> $10.6M

A Man Called Otto                             ---> $6.8M

M3GAN                                            ---> $6.4M

Pathaan                                           ---> $5.9M

via GIPHY

Trailer 'Knock at the Cabin' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

Trailer '80 for Brady' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

Animation Trailer 'The Amazing Maurice' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

Trailer 'The Locksmith' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

Trailer 'Alot of Nothing' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

International Trailer 'Godland' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

International Trailer 'Full Time' in movie theaters on Feb. 3, 2023

James Cameron's 'Avatar: The Way of Water' jumps to #4 in all time world wide box office

All-Time World Wide Box Office as of January 28, 2023. Director James Cameron now has 3 of 4 movies on this list. "Avatar: The Way of Water" just passed "Star Wars: Episode VII-The Force Awakens." Cameron's "Titanic" could sink under "Water" in the next month.

1 Avatar                                            - $2,923,706,026          2009

2 Avengers: Endgame                         - $2,799,439,100          2019

3 Titanic                                            - $2,194,690,964          1997

4 Avatar: The Way of Water                 - $2,074,750,771          2022

5 Star Wars: The Force Awakens       - $2,071,310,218          2015

6 Avengers: Infinity War                     - $2,052,415,039           2018

7 Spider-Man: No Way Home               - $1,921,847,111          2021

8 Jurassic World                                 - $1,671,537,444           2015

9 The Lion King                                  - $1,663,075,401           2019

10 The Avengers                                  - $1,520,538,536           2012

via GIPHY

Saturday Night Mystery '48 Hours' on Jan. 28, 2023

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "The Death of an Officer's Wife" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m.

CBS says, "Amanda Perrault died of a gunshot wound to the head. The unusual position of her body raised questions about who pulled the trigger. 48 Hours - contributor Anne-Marie Green reports."

Friday 'Dateline' pre-empted by 'US Figure Skating Championships' on Jan. 27, 2023

NBC Friday Night Prime-Time airs the "U.S. Figure Skating Championships" from 8/7 to 11/10 p.m. "Dateline" returns next week.

Below is the Promo Trailer for the Championships.

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' new episode 'Lured From Home'

"On September 15, 2019, 14-year-old gamer Alicia Navarro goes missing five days before her Quinceañera. Other than a cryptic note, Alicia leaves few clues as to where she could have gone...."

"Six months after her daughter’s disappearance, Alicia’s mother, Jessica Nunez, contacts Trent Steel, a PI and former CIA member who specializes in cases of online human trafficking...." 

"Who lured Alicia from her home, and where is she now?"

Podcast SAG-AFTRA 'Will AI Augment or Automate Us? Experts Weigh-in

"Generative AI is a topic causing excitement and concern in the entertainment industry. Powerful technology such as deep fakes, ChatGPT and Dall-E-2 is rapidly impacting the content creation process — from editing and special effects to the scripts and performances themselves...." 

"To talk about this hot-button issue, we’re joined by Nina Schick and Matt Belloni. Schick is an AI advisor, speaker, and author of Deepfakes: The Coming Infocalypse. Belloni is the former editor of Hollywood Reporter and Founding Partner of Puck, a next-generation digital media company."

Brutal Political Comedy with Bill Maher on that liar 'George Santos'

The Santa Fe 'Regal Cinemas' will close along with 38 others in U.S.

REGAL CINEMAS. After the COVID-19 pandemic. Movie theaters lost a lot of money.... Beginning on Feb. 15, 2023. The Regal Cinemas will close 39 locations around the United States. All to save money and keep the company out of debt. 500 theaters will remain open.

The "Santa Fe Stadium 14" rental lease will not be renewed and will shut its' doors. The Albuquerque location will remain open. 

Click photo below for CNN news.

Logo.

Top Box Office 'Avatar: The Way of Water' remains number #1 with $20 Million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / JAN. 22, 2023 / ESTIMATED

Avatar: The Way of Water                      ---> $20.0M

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish                 ---> $11.5M

M3GAN                                                 ---> $9.8M

Missing                                                 ---> $9.3M

A Man Called Otto                                  ---> $9.0M

2023 Poster

The '48 Hours' episode 'The Daughters Who Disappeared' Hits 2.68 TV Ratings Overall

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode was called, "The Daughters Who Disappeared" (1/21/2023). In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.68 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic.  

Note: Sorry that I didn't post the TV preview. CBS had 2-back-to-back episodes on Saturday night. I posted the ratings for 10/9 p.m.

Click the photo below for 48 HOURS on CBS.

CBS

Re-Release Trailer 'Roman Holiday' in theaters on Jan. 22, 2023

Trailer 'Fear' in movie theaters on Jan. 27, 2023

Trailer 'Infinity Pool' in movie theaters on Jan. 27, 2023

Trailer 'Close' in movie theaters on Jan. 27, 2023

Horror Trailer 'Blood' in movie theaters on Jan. 27, 2023

The 'Dateline' episode 'The Bad Man' hits 2.69 TV Ratings Overall

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode was called, "The Bad Man" (1/20/2023). In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.69 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.3 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click the photo below for DATELINE on NBC.

NBC

Alec Baldwin & Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to be charged with manslaughter after shooting death on 'Rust' film

Sunday Night 'Dateline' with Andrea Canning on Jan. 22, 2023 at 7/6 p.m.

Friday Night 'Dateline' with Andrea Canning on Jan, 20, 2023 at 9/8 p.m.

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' new episode 'Dead in the Driveway'

UM says, "Regan Wheeler was the last person anyone would expect to be gunned down in his driveway, executed at point blank range. His passions were supporting his family, caring for his elderly mother, and ministering to society’s outcasts as a volunteer prison chaplain...." 

"The FBI, GBI, and Regan’s son, a Homeland Security agent, are hoping that a $100,000 reward will shake loose leads to help solve this mystery."

Italian Film Goddess 'Gina Lollobrigida' dies at 95

Throughout the 1950's. The question was, "Who has the Bigger Breasts?" In regards to Italian film actresses Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. The war over their breasts with the tabloid magazines had lasted for decades. Both beauties had talent and legions of fans around the world. That includes me. 

My favorite film with Gina is, "Beat the Devil" (1954) along-side Humphrey Bogart. It has become a cult classic 65+ years after its' release. My second favorite is "Trapeze" (1956) with Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis. I had watched both movies too many times. 

Gina Lollobrigida has died at age 95 and I will miss her as a fan. She was a beautiful, talented, sexy, Italian woman. RIP....

Press photo. Circa early 1950's. European film festival. Left to Right: Sophia Loren, Yvonne DeCarlo and Gina Lollobrigida.

1956 Italian Magazine. Two sex symbols from left, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida.

Press photo. Circa 1950's at a Hollywood party. Gina Lollobrigida and another sex symbol, Marilyn Monroe.

1956 film "Trapeze." From left: Burt Lancaster, Gina Lollobrigida and Tony Curtis.

The 1954 cult classic "Beat The Devil" with Humphrey Bogart and Gina Lollobrigida.

Below is the movie trailer for "Beat the Devil" 1954.

Podcast Classic 'Dateline' with Keith Morrison 'Deadly Dreams' 2009

A young man was dating a woman 17 years older than him. She was found brutally killed and he admitted to her murder. But.... He also claimed that he was "sleep walking" and fighting an intruder.

Note: I actually missed this episode. Wow....

The '48 Hours' episode 'Melissa Turner's Closing Act' Hits 2.35 TV Ratings Overall

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode (1/14/2023) was called, "Melissa Turner's Closing Act." In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.35 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. 

Click the photo below for 48 HOURS on CBS.

CBS

Top Box Office 'Avatar: The Way of Water' stays afloat with $31 million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / JAN. 15, 2023 / ESTIMATED

Avatar: The Way of Water                      ---> $31.1M

M3GAN                                                 ---> $17.9M

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish                  ---> $13.4M

A Man Called Otto                                 ---> $12.6M

Plane                                                   ---> $10.0M

Note: "Avatar: The Way of Water" has reached $1.9 Billion world-wide.

2023 Poster

Trailer 'When You Finish Saving The World' in theaters on Jan. 20, 2023

Trailer 'Missing' in theaters on Jan. 20, 2023

Trailer 'The Son' in theaters on Jan. 20, 2023

Animation Trailer 'New Gods: Yiang Jian' in theaters on Jan. 20, 2023

Re-Release 'Brotherhood Of The Wolf' in theaters on Jan. 20, 2023

BROTHERHOOD OF THE WOLF (2001) was a box office hit in France. I watched it when it arrived at Los Angeles. I went to an independent theater and it had a packed audience. Everybody "howled" with laughter during the brothel scene involving the Native American (Hawaiian actor in real life). We also laughed during the final fight sequences. It was a Hoot.!!!

I wouldn't mind seeing it again. Hahaha.... 😁

The 'Dateline' episode 'Killings in a College Town' Hits 3.35 TV Ratings Overall

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode (1/13/2023) was called, "Killings in a College Town." In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 3.32 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.5 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. 

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click the photo below for DATELINE on NBC.

NBC

Lisa Marie Presley Dies at 54

Peter Weir's intriguing mystery 'Picnic At Hanging Rock' 1975

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK from PICNIC PRODUCTIONS. It was directed by Peter Weir (The Truman Show). The production budget climbed to $443,000. It was released in 1975 and became a box office hit in Australia grabbing $5.12 million. 

Peter Weir's "director's cut" (1998) was released in select U.S. movie theaters. It received rave reviews from critics and budding filmmakers.

"Picnic at Hanging Rock" is based on a novel (1967) with the same name. It's the year 1900 and Valentine's Day. A girl's school take a ride out to "Hanging Rock." They picnic in the land below. Four of the girls decide to climb the imposing rock area. They promise to return before dinner. Three of them disappear along with a teacher who searches for them.

The school will close down after parents pull tuition for their daughters. The police investigation stalls after an exhausting search. What is interesting is the strong pull which "Hanging Rock" has among the curious. It also has a mysterious and haunting effect. What happened? Will the teacher and girls ever be found?

Click below to watch the movie for free over at OK.RU. You may have to sign-in with your Facebook account to watch.

A Scene from the film "Picnic At Hanging Rock" 1975.

Below is the original 1975 trailer.

Saturday Night '48 Hours' on Jan. 14, 2022

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "Melissa Turner's Closing Act" that will air this Saturday at 10/9 p.m.

"A cosplay actor finds herself in the spotlight when she's accused of murdering her boyfriend. Can she convince a jury it was self defense? 48 Hours - correspondent Erin Moriarty reports."

TV Preview will begin after Commercial Ad.

An All New 2-Hour 'Dateline' Friday with Keith Morrison on Jan. 13, 2022 at 9/8 pm.

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' episode 'Murder in the Military'

"It’s Memorial Day weekend 2020, and SPC Enrique Roman-Martinez, along with seven other paratroopers, break Fort Bragg’s Covid protocols to go camping on North Carolina’s Cape Lookout National Seashore."

"Enrique disappears the first night, and a week later, only his head washes ashore — the rest of his body is never found. Enrique’s family believes his fellow campers know more than they are saying about what happened to the 21-year-old soldier. They are desperate for answers."

Note: This is a Brutal Killing and a Deep Mystery.

The '48 Hours' episode 'The Idaho Student Murders' Hits 2.53 TV Ratings Overall

48 HOURS on CBS. Last night's episode (1/7/2023) was called, 'The Idaho Student Murders." In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.53 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.2 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic.

Note: I didn't post the TV preview trailer because CBS had not uploaded to their official website. Maybe because it is still a current news story. Who knows?

Click the logo below for 48 Hours on CBS.

CBS

Top Box Office 'M3GAN' surprises with $30 million & scaring up to number #2

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / JAN. 8, 2023 / ESTIMATED

Avatar: The Way of Water                         ---> $45.0M

M3GAN                                                    ---> $30.2M

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish                     ---> $13.1M

A Man Called Otto                                    ---> $4.2M

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever               ---> $3.4M

"M3GAN" movie publicity photo

Trailer 'Plane' in movie theaters on Jan. 13, 2023

Trailer 'House Party' in movie theaters on Jan. 13, 2023

Trailer 'The Devil Conspiracy' in movie theaters on Jan. 13, 2023

M. Night Shyamalan's Trailer 'Knock at the Cabin' in movie theaters on Feb. 2, 2023

Friday Box Office 1/6/2023 'M3GAN' grabs $11 Million

The PG-13 Horror Film "M3GAN" gained popularity online as a "Meme" before its' release. On Friday January 6th. It grabbed $11.7 million and beat-out the popular "Avatar: The Way of Water" with $11.4 Million.

"M3GAN" is now in movie theaters.

via GIPHY

The 'Dateline' episode 'The Secrets of Birch View Drive' hits 2.58 TV Ratings Overall

DATELINE on NBC. Last night's episode (1/6/2023) was called, "The Secrets of Birch View Drive." In the overnight TV Ratings. It garnered 2.58 million TV Viewers Overall. It reached 0.3 million TV Viewers with the all important 18 to 49 Adult Demographic.

You have to Sign-Up to Sign-In to watch the latest episode.

Click the Logo below for DATELINE & streaming on PEACOCK.

NBC

New Dracula Trailer 'Renfield' with Nicholas Cage in movie theaters on April 14, 2023

Friday Night 'Dateline' with Andrea Canning on Jan. 6, 2022 at 9/8 p.m.

Podcast 'Unsolved Mysteries' episode 'The Haunting on Brownsville Road'

"Bob Cranmer, a well-known local politician, fulfills a life-long dream when he purchases 3406 Brownsville Road, a house he’s been fascinated by for as long as he can remember. But when a dark entity begins to terrorize his family, living in his dream home becomes a nightmare. 

"Bob Cranmer and his son Robert 'Bobby' Jr. share their harrowing, years-long ordeal of living in a haunted house, and their efforts to free their family, and their home, from the clutches of a demon."

Horror Trailer 'M3gan' in movie theaters on Jan. 6, 2023

Trailer 'Imani' in movie theaters on Jan. 6, 2023

Top Box Office 'Avatar: The Way of Water' remains number #1 with $64 million

TOP BOX OFFICE / WEEK-ENDING / JAN 1, 2023 / ESTIMATED

Avatar: The Way of Water                                           ---> $63.4M

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish                                      ---> $16.3M

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever                                 ---> $4.8M

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody        ---> $4.3M

Babylon                                                                    ---> $2.7M

--------------------------------------------

Note: As of Jan. 1, 2022. "Avatar: The Way of Water" has climbed to $1.3 Billion worldwide. It also has climbed to $440 million at the US box office.

Screenshot of movie trailer 2022.).

Anita Pointer of 'The Pointer Sisters' dies at 74

THE POINTER SISTERS originally consisted of Ruth, Anita, June and Bonnie Pointer. Ruth is now the only living member of the group who won 3 Grammys and 3 American Music Awards. They also received a Hollywood Star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" (1994). 

June (2006) and Bonnie (2020) have passed on. Now, Anita (2022) has left us at age 74. They were outrageous with their live stage performances backed by smooth vocal harmonies. Check them out on YouTube. You won't be disappointed.

Below is a 1985 photo from the American Music Awards. From Left is June, Anita and Ruth. "The Pointer Sisters" won 2 of 3 awards. (Associated Press Photo by Nick Ut).

Below is the group's most popular song, "I'm So Excited" that was released twice as a pop single. Anita has the lead vocals with "The Pointer Sisters" on the TV show "Solid Gold."  

Below is my favorite song from "The Pointer Sisters" called, "Slow Hand." Anita has the lead vocals. They just don't make music like this anymore. RIP Anita....