Gus, The Movie!

Here on the American Treasure Tour blog, we happily continue to honor the original movie posters that are part of our collection of Americana and memorabilia.  Today, our discussion goes to an important representative of the animals-participating-in-sports phenomena of the 1970s, that of Gus, the football-playing mule:

Released in 1976, this Disney comedy stars some favorite actors, including Don Knotts, Tim Conway, Dick Van Patten and Ed Asner.  The movie was well-received when it came out, which should be a surprise to no one considering its topical subject matter.

What famous football player made a cameo in Gus, as himself?

a)  Johnny Unitas

b)  Joe Namath

c)  "Mean Joe" Greene

d)  O.J. Simpson

Answer below.

Welcome to August 15th.  There are only 138 days remaining in 2013, we're almost two-thirds of the way there!

It was this day in 1935 that America lost two of its favorite sons in a tragic plane crash just outside of Barrow, Alaska:  the famed pilot and first aviator to fly solo around the world, Wiley Post; and cowboy/humorist/social commentator/movie star (all rolled into one) Will Rogers.

 

Four years later, The Wizard of Oz premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.

Celebrating a birthday today is Florence Harding, the ambitious and exceptional wife of the 29th President of the United States, Warren Harding, he having been considered one of our less-than-exceptional presidents. If she were still alive today, she would be 153 years old.

                                     

   

Quote for the Day:

There are three kinds of men.  The one that learns by reading.  The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence for themselves.

                                                                                          --- Will Rogers

Quiz Answer:  a)  Johnny Unitas

Navy Men in the Air ...

American Treasure Tour Trivia
The popular 1950s sitcom "McHale's Navy" went to the big screen twice, in 1964 and 1965.  Which Oscar-winning cast member sat out their sophomore venture?
a.  Gavin McLeod
b.  Bob Hastings
c.  Ernest Borgnine
d.  Tim Conway

Check out an original copy of the movie poster in the Music Room at the American Treasure Tour!

Quote of the Day:

Said by our illustrious Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin commented, "To err is human, to repent divine; to persist devilish."

This Day in History:

The citizens of Birmingham, Alabama burned albums and memorabilia associated with the Beatles in reaction to controversial comments made in an interview by John Lennon.

American Treasure Tour  
Possessing one of the world's finest collections of Americana, we have nickelodeons (mechanical music players - not to be confused with the basic cable station for kids, although kids love us, too), band organs, antique cars - some of which are over one hundred years old, store animations, and simply too much more to describe, since it has to be experienced to be believed.  

Come to Oaks, PA and experience the tour, either as part of a group (15 people minimum - call 610-666-0363 for reservations), or as part of a walk-in tour, the first Saturday of every month! No reservations required.

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Trivia Answer:  *c.  Ernest Borgnine was unavailable for filming as he was in the desert at the time, filming the original version of the film "Flight of the Phoenix."

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!!!!!