Siskel & Ebert 500th Anniversary Special

Siskel & Ebert 500th Anniversary Special

Rough beginnings

Syndicated

June 3, 1989

Movie Review

VHS

B-

While it's undeniably interesting to take a look at fourteen years of Sisbert's teamwork (it's their 500th episode, obviously not 500 years), I'm not sure how well this all holds together, especially in front of a live audience.  My favorite part is probably the segment on their experiences growing up at the movies, particularly now that I've read Ebert's biography.  And there's a different sort of poignancy to Roger asking Gene in all earnestness "if we really hate each other or really like each other."  Gene teasingly promises to answer next special, but we know, especially now, that they loved each other like brothers.

Of particular note in retrospect are their comments on not having any influence on the issues of changing the ratings system and letterboxing.  They thought in the '80s that they had lost, but NC-17 came along in 1990, and the shift from VHS to DVD (and later Blu-Ray) helped make letterboxing more acceptable.  Danny Thomas and Bob Hope appear in one of the many parodies sprinkled throughout the show, while the other three men I've tagged are from late night talk show appearances.

That Girl: Those Friars

That Girl: Those Friars
ABC
January 8, 1971
Sitcom
DVD
B-

Milton Berle and Danny Thomas fight over a trunk belonging to Ann's late great-uncle, Harry Marie.  Later Ann does a vaudeville act with both performers.  Sorry, but I think Carol and Marcia Brady would later do a better job with "Together (Wherever We Go)".

Morty Gunty plays Sandy Stone for the last time.  Moving Man Fabian Dean previously played a Messenger.

That Girl: My Sister's Keeper

That Girl: My Sister's Keeper
ABC
February 6, 1969
Sitcom
DVD
B-

This episode is mostly notable for its nepotistic cast, with Marlo's sister Terre playing a nun at "St. Thomas's," her brother Tony (who would go on to be a producer) as the sister's brother, and her father Danny as a priest.  It also has 41-year-old McLean Stevenson's very first screen role (even pre-The Doris Day Show) as Mr. McKorkle.  Terre Thomas sings well but I felt like it was two plots rather than one, with the "Pop soda" thread dropped about halfway.  Series creators Bill Persky and Sam Denoff wrote this episode, which explains a lot of the semi-in-jokes, including Denoff cast as the man in the commercial with Ann.

Judith Cassmore makes her second of three TG appearances, as the Secretary.