the computer wore tennis shoes

the year: 1969

the genre: comedy


the cast: Kurt Russell (Dexter); Cesar Romero (A.J. Arno); Joe Flynn (Dean Higgins); Michael McGreevey (Schuyler); William Schallert (Professor Quigley); Richard Bakalyan(Chillie Walsh)


the plot: Some college students manage to persuade the town's big businessman, A. J. Arno, to donate a computer to their college. When student, Dexter Riley, tries to fix the computer, he gets an electric shock and his brain turns to a computer - he can suddenly remember everything he reads. Unfortunately, he also remembers information which was in the computer's memory, like the illegal business Arno is involved in.


don't miss: the students' stint as painters, the thugs daring ride in the dune buggy, and Dean Higgins - he's a peach.


listen for: "I know this! I actually know this!"


did you know: The "campus" shown outside the window of the Dean's office is actually a photograph of buildings in the Walt Disney Studios. This very same backdrop was used during the run of the "Disneyland" television show for scenes shot on the set that served as Walt Disney's "office" when he hosted segments of the program.


also listen for: the groovy music.

miracle

the year: 2004

the genre: sports


the cast: Kurt Russell (Herb Brooks); Patricia Clarkson (Patti Brooks); Sean McCann (Walter Bush); Eddie Cahill (Jim Craig); Patrick O’Brien Demsey (Mike Eruzione); Michael Mantenuto (Jack O’Callahan)


the plot: Coach Herb Brooks, takes a group of ragtag college hockey players and creates a powerhouse that takes on the legendary Soviet Union team at the 1980 Olympic Games.


count: how many “Herbies” the guys have to skate after the Noway game.


don’t miss: Real-life Patti Brooks as an extra in the stands during the U.S. vs. Russia game. You can see her positioned up and to the left of the actor who portrayed Jim Craig's dad in the movie, during many of his scenes during the U.S.-vs.-Russia game. She also appears in a couple of scenes with Walter Bush, the director of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Committee.


check out: why Cox plays college hockey. (Hint: “isn’t it obvious?”)


listen for: "What's up, you sieve!" At the national team hockey tryouts, Jack O'Callahan greets Jim Craig, with that quote. In ice hockey slang, a sieve is a goal tender who allows too many shots to go through into his net.


also listen for: “When you pull on that jersey, you represent yourself and your teammates. And the name on the front is a hell of alot more important than the one on the back! Get that through your head!”


did you know: The young men chosen to portray the members of Team USA were chosen primarily for their hockey skills due to the intensive nature of the filming; acting ability was secondary. In fact, for most of them, this was their first major film.


also listen for: “I'm not looking for the best players, Craig. I'm looking for the right ones.”



extra bonus points: If you know who portrayed Team USA player Buzz Schneider in the film.