Movie-A-Day #337: The Kids are Alright (1979).
On this day in 1979, 11 fans were killed and many more injured in a stampede at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Coliseum before a concert by The Who. It was one of the worst concert tragedies in the United States brought about changes in the way the concert industry handles general admission and festival seating. It came in the midst of the band’s first American tour in three years, and its first since the death of drummer Keith Moon. They were touring in support of their first post-Moon album, “Who Are You,” as well as their successful career retrospective/concert film “The Kids are Alright.” Sadly, the kids were anything but.
Movie-A-Day #336: Napoleon (1927).
On this date in 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte rather boldly crowned himself emperor of France in a lavish ceremony at Notre Dame Cathedral. Such a big, brash personality deserves a suitably epic biopic treatment, which Abel Gance provided in the classic silent film “Napoleon.” No other filmmaker has yet tried a sound version of quite such scale. But then again, Gance set the bar pretty high.
Movie-A-Day #335: House of Wax (1953).
Marie Tussaud, the woman behind the legendary Madame Tussauds wax museum, was born on this day in 1761. Her novel creations have since become an institution, with scores of imitators springing up around the world. And it was her wax museum concept that was the backdrop for “House of Wax,” Hollywood’s first hit 3-D movie. (Speaking of novelties that haven’t worn off yet…)
Movie-A-Day #334: Shaft (1971).
Accomplished photojournalist Gordon Parks Sr. was born 99 years ago today. After a few decades of producing memorable work for Life Magazine and other publications, he turned to filmmaking. His biggest success came with “Shaft,” the film that helped kick off the blaxploitation cycle of the early 1970s.
Movie-A-Day #333: 42nd Street (1933).
Legendary film choreographer Busby Berkeley was born on this day in 1895. Having already made his mark on Broadway, he embarked on a series of musicals at MGM, including “42nd Street” that redefined 20th century dance through an innovative marriage of choreography and cinematography.
Desuko Movie Spot. 