May 25 2008
Indiana Jones and The Passing of A Comedy Legend
Indiana Jones Unseats Iron Man At Box Office
The new Indiana Jones sequel, “Kingdom of The Crystal Skull” , projects to be the second best Labor Day Weekend movie release ever, beating out the Chronicles of Narnia follow-up and the number one movie for the past two weeks, “Iron Man”.
Harrison Ford once again reprises his role as the aging archaeologist in the Steven Spielberg directed film. At age 65, and 19 years since last donning his fedora and bull whip in “The Last Crusade”, Ford does a masterful job of leading us to believe that he picked up where he left off in the last Indy installment. Age aside, and looking a little more grizzled, Ford appears lean and agile while leading a stellar cast which includes Cate Blanchette, John Hurt, Karen Allen, and Shia LaBeouf.
Variety estimates a four day opening gross of $126 million, second all time only to Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End”, which opened at the same time last year. “Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” looks to finish the weekend at number 2, earning $23 million, and “Iron Man” drops to number 3, with $20.1 million.
Laugh In’s Dick Martin Dies At 86
Dick Martin, the wacky half of comedians Rowan and Martin, whose television show “Laugh In” catapulted the careers of Goldie Hawn and Lili Tomlin, died Saturday night at the age of 86.
First aired in 1968, “Laugh In” became an immediate hit with it’s rapid fire scene changes between zany comedy sketches, bikini dance scenes, and political satire. His partner, Dan Rowan, played the straight man to Martin’s off the wall comments and seemingly child-like views of issues. The show also starred Arte Johnson, Ruth Buzzi, Jo Anne Worley, and Henry Gibson.
Born in Battle Creek, MI, Martin worked at a Ford Assembly Plant before trying his hand in stand up comedy. Rowan and Martin toured as night club comedians for years prior to becoming the summer replacement for the Dean Martin Show. They were such a hit that two seasons later, they had their own show.
There will be no formal funeral for Martin at the family’s request.
