Around the Blogosphere This Week

Miscellaneous bits of news and fun stuff from around the Internet...

...The Warner Archive Collection has announced an impressive list of Blu-ray releases for next month, including MANHATTAN MELODRAMA (1934), THE MAD MISS MANTON (1938), OUT OF THE FOG (1941), THE RACKET (1951), and LOVELY TO LOOK AT (1952), to name the titles which interest me most.

...Also coming to Blu-ray next month from Warner Bros.: The Peanuts 75th Anniversary Ultimate TV Specials Collection.

...It's looking as though the famed Original Pantry Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles, which first opened in 1924 and closed earlier this year, will reopen in a few weeks.... You can read about the Pantry in my posts from 2008 and 2019. This breakfast photo was from my 2019 post.

...Glenn Erickson has reviewed Kino Lorber's release of AIRPORT (1970)...and at The Digital Bits Bill Hunt reviews BLACK BAG (2025)...At Comet Over Hollywood Jessica has reviewed YOUTH ON PARADE (1942), which features fave Martha O'Driscoll in the cast...At The Hannibal Eight Toby Roan has reviewed the new Film Masters Blu-ray of THE STRANGE WOMAN (1946) starring Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders, and Louis Hayward. I just received my screener, so be looking for a review here in the future as well.

...Speaking of Toby Roan, be sure to check out his new site TV PD, which focuses on cop and P.I. TV shows, with a little EMERGENCY! on the side.

...Opening next month at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley: Cowboys: History & Hollywood. The exhibit will run through April 2026. The exhibit will include Western movie props and personal items owned by John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Ronald Reagan. (Thanks to reader Ashley for the tip.)

...The Hallmark Channel has released its new 2025 Christmas movie schedule. It's a little lighter than usual, with 24 new movies instead of last year's 40; unless another list is coming later, it appears there may not be new movies this year on the secondary Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel.

...They're aren't many details, but the Magic Castle in Hollywood is facing an uncertain future regarding their lease, which ends in 2028. This is a photo I took in 2019.

...The Criterion Channel's October 2025 streaming lineup is definitely on the spooky side.

...British director Christopher Nolan has been elected president of the Directors Guild of America.

...A new book I just ordered for my Kindle: MAKE ME COMMISSIONER: I KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH BASEBALL AND HOW TO FIX IT by Jane Leavy. Leavy previously authored a bio of Sandy Koufax.

...Notable Passings: Ed Faulkner, who appeared in a number of John Wayne films, has passed on at the age of 93. I was especially sorry to hear this news as I enjoyed Faulkner at the Lone Pine Film Festival; in 2014 (seen here) he gave an extemporaneous talk about working with John Wayne which was extremely enjoyable and gave a great deal of insight into Wayne's generosity as a colleague. Faulkner also highly praised Andrew McLaglen and Richard Boone...Actress Patricia Crowley has passed away at 91. Like so many actors I first knew her from reruns of my favorite TV series, MAVERICK, where she appeared in a trio of episodes. She appeared in a number of feature films, including Audie Murphy's WALK THE PROUD LAND (1956), and was busy with guest in episodic television for over half a century. She also had her own TV series, PLEASE DON'T EAT THE DAISIES (1965-67).

...More Notable Passings: Well-known child actress Marilyn Knowlden has died at 99. She appeared in a great many excellent films including AS THE EARTH TURNS (1934), IMITATION OF LIFE (1934), DAVID COPPERFIELD (1935), LES MISERABLES (1935), SHOW BOAT (1936), and ALL THIS, AND HEAVEN TOO (1940) to name just a few. Her memoir, LITTLE GIRL IN BIG PICTURES, was published by Bear Manor Media. I've been meaning to get it for quite a while and just ordered a copy....Famed actor Robert Redford has passed away at 89...Trax Colton, whose only major acting role was in IT HAPPENED IN ATHENS (1962), has died at 96...Production designer Stuart Craig has died at 83.

...For additional recent links of interest to classic film fans, please visit my September 6th column.

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