Today's photos (from 1964) were found in a small lot of slides... a few of them were labeled "Macy's Parade", and that's really all I have to go on. But I'm confused! This looks like upstate New York, or out in Orange County, New Jersey, or someplace like that. Where are the skyscrapers and giant balloons? It can't be the same parade that we all know and love... can it?
First up is this photo of a typical hobo clown driving a beat up old clunker. Oh, it looks chilly, doesn't it? I see a big alarm bell on the side of the car, and what might be horns on the front, so that vehicle probably made a racket. I hope the hound dog had earplugs.
Now we're talkin'! It's the Munster Koach! One of the coolest TV cars ever. "The Munsters" had premiered in September of 1964. There's car designer George Barris up front, head poking above the wind screen. Obviously the folks in Munster makeup are not the original castmembers, which is kind of a bummer.
Here's a shot of George Barris sitting in another one of his creations, the Batmobile. He also designed the Monkeemobile and the Beverly Hillbillie's car!
Here's a screen grab from a YouTube video showing that Fred Gwynne and Al Lewis (Herman and Grandpa) really did appear in the big city version of Macy's parade.
Check it out!
Like clowns, hobos are just plain scary.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Major!
ReplyDeleteHey Happy Thanksgiving! Loved the photos and love the Munsters. It was cool to see the video, too.
ReplyDeleteWell, wherever that parade was held, it had the clout to get some really impressive cars...
ReplyDeleteI remember being about 10 years old (1970) and seeing Al Lewis at a Kings hockey game at the Fabulous Forum. He was eating a hot dog and milling around the foyer, and my folks were poking me to go up and say "Hi Ya Grandpa Munster".
I didn't, cause I figgured the poor old guy got that EVERYWHERE and he'd much rather enjoy the hot alone.
I am surprised that newsreels were still being produced in 1964. Once televisions and TV news became widespread, they were unnecessary. Who in 1964 could still be relying on getting the news in movie theaters?
ReplyDeleteNewsreels (along with supporting features and cartoons) were an integral part of the moviegoing experience for more than a generation. While they may not have provided much in the way of "breaking news," they were still something that people expected and looked for and because of that, they died hard.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics Major. George Barris was a big favorite of mine in my youth. I built many plastic models based on his designs. Once, the Batmobile seen here came to a car show in my town, sans George of course.
ReplyDeleteHappy Thanksgiving to all my Disney Blog friends. I wish you all well.
JG
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone
ReplyDeletethis is an awesome post! thanks so much for sharing with us