10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
#1
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10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Welcome to this year's Historical Challenge. Time is counting down. Challenge runs Dusk on May 23 - Dawn on July 5 2019.
Movies and TV content about an historical figure, event or period are eligible. Genres also include Westerns, War Movies, Biographical films and Period Films.
Documentaries of any sort.
Zeitgeist Wild Cards. These are for films that aren't technically period films, but are time capsules of their era. Films like Rebel Without a Cause, Easy Rider, Saturday Night Fever, Valley Girl. They might have been contemporary when released, but they forever represent their time periods. We have three on the checklist, but the actual amount is unlimited.
Total counts really aren't as important in this challenge. Most of the eligible films tend to be rather long, so go ahead and watch Lawrence of Arabia or Barry Lyndon. You can count however you wish. Each episode can count as a single entry rather than the standard 2 broadcast hours equals an entry. If you have specific questions about a film's eligibility, then please ask in the thread.Don't abuse the Zeitgeist Wild Card. We're talking the type of film you would consider dressing up as at a theme party. For instance, Vanishing Point takes place in the 70s and is dated, but you wouldn't say it represents what we think of as the 70s, compared to something like Billy Jack, with its 70s era hippies/Kung fu pseudo-spiritualism cheesiness.
I'm allowing in time travel fantasy as long as the time travel is just an element to get the character to the past. Examples would be A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Voyagers!, Outlander, Life on Mars, Quantum Leap, and the like. We're not talking something like Doctor Who, but programs where the protagonist is put back to previous time period and has to deal with it in a non sci-fi way. Fish out of water type stories or those with strong history elements. You can back load these on the final day so they can count for the Sci-Fi challenge but you are welcome to watch them whenever you wish for this challenge.
Movies and TV content about an historical figure, event or period are eligible. Genres also include Westerns, War Movies, Biographical films and Period Films.
Documentaries of any sort.
Zeitgeist Wild Cards. These are for films that aren't technically period films, but are time capsules of their era. Films like Rebel Without a Cause, Easy Rider, Saturday Night Fever, Valley Girl. They might have been contemporary when released, but they forever represent their time periods. We have three on the checklist, but the actual amount is unlimited.
Total counts really aren't as important in this challenge. Most of the eligible films tend to be rather long, so go ahead and watch Lawrence of Arabia or Barry Lyndon. You can count however you wish. Each episode can count as a single entry rather than the standard 2 broadcast hours equals an entry. If you have specific questions about a film's eligibility, then please ask in the thread.Don't abuse the Zeitgeist Wild Card. We're talking the type of film you would consider dressing up as at a theme party. For instance, Vanishing Point takes place in the 70s and is dated, but you wouldn't say it represents what we think of as the 70s, compared to something like Billy Jack, with its 70s era hippies/Kung fu pseudo-spiritualism cheesiness.
I'm allowing in time travel fantasy as long as the time travel is just an element to get the character to the past. Examples would be A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, Voyagers!, Outlander, Life on Mars, Quantum Leap, and the like. We're not talking something like Doctor Who, but programs where the protagonist is put back to previous time period and has to deal with it in a non sci-fi way. Fish out of water type stories or those with strong history elements. You can back load these on the final day so they can count for the Sci-Fi challenge but you are welcome to watch them whenever you wish for this challenge.
#2
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I’ll post the list thread in the next few days, for those who want to take advantage of the Memorial Day bonus time.
#4
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I signed up for Smithsonian Channel Plus on Amazon in order to watch it for this Challenge. There are some great documentaries put out by the Smithsonian Channel. I’ll probably watch a lot of nature documentaries and aviation documentaries. I’ve been thinking a lot about AirVenture Oshkosh lately, so airplanes have been on my mind a lot.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Sorry, last night I got involved with the Naked Gun marathon on regular tv. So I missed about 1 entry for my list.
But I'm back on track now.
But I'm back on track now.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Dissappointed that there isn't more people for the challenge. I enjoy reading everyones lists. The more the merrier, you know.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
#8
Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I'm not sure just how much I'll get watched. I had to move my entire collection into the garage for some work being done on the house. That was a massive undertaking and will require some reorganization when I'm able to bring it back in in a week or so (it's in ~50 60 quart totes). Since the totes are the clear ones I was able to find a few things I've been meaning to watch and added a few titles to my Amazon Prime queue (Band of Brothers being one I always watch this time of year and didn't have the presence of mind to keep out when crating everything). I found a few more WWII docs there so added them as well. That'll be OK... but I much prefer watching physical over streaming.
#9
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
'Historical Roasts' debuts today on Netflix - the first episode with Abraham Lincoln is frickin' hilarious.
#10
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I love you Giles, and watched on your recommendation, but this made me want to cancel my Netflix subscription. Whoever greenlit this travesty for airing should be banned from ever working in entertainment again.
#11
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
yeah, sorry I was channeling more of my 'Full House' nerd-dom on that episode more than anything. a lot of comedy on Netflix can be hit or miss - I had to turn off 'F is for Family' barely ten minutes into it (meh, not funny).
#12
Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I binge watched Band of Brothers yesterday. My oldest grandson joined me for the last 7 episodes. As usual, it was excellent and my grandson was enthralled.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I thought I’d already marked my place in the list thread, but I guess not lol. But i’m In now.
Currently rewatching The Guns of Navarone, which I recently D2D’d. I remember the late action sequences vividly but forgot how long this movie is. But I feel that way about a lot of stuff from the ‘60s.
Currently rewatching The Guns of Navarone, which I recently D2D’d. I remember the late action sequences vividly but forgot how long this movie is. But I feel that way about a lot of stuff from the ‘60s.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Lost some time with the storms last night. Had to shut everything down for the night. Going to start Patton in a few minutes to get back in the groove.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I’m not counting it, as it is just a news story on CBS Sunday Morning that I recorded. However, the cover story is about something of historical significance. A group of people who restored a C-47 in Montana for the historic flight across the ocean to France in order to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day.
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Been humming along nicely. Some days will have multiple viewings or one., some days will have nothing.
Most of these viewings are from my private DVD collections that I will have for many years to come.
That's why I buy them in the first place. To use them for as long as I can.
Most of these viewings are from my private DVD collections that I will have for many years to come.
That's why I buy them in the first place. To use them for as long as I can.
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#19
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Last week I got a couple DVD sets in the mail. One of them was a set of all three Arthur C. Clarke series. I’ve been working my way through Mysterious World and just reached the halfway point of that first series. I have to say I am enjoying it. I got the first few episodes from Netflix once, and am glad to now be able to watch all of the episodes.
#20
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I was browsing my email and saw a message from DC Universe offering me a free trial to VRV. I grabbed it and see that Curiosity Stream is part of my sub. Looking forward to watching some of the documentaries on there.
#21
Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I've been watching " The Founding of America," a set of 12 or 13 different series from The History Channel in a single package. It's very interesting and informative although I've now seen enough of them that information is beginning to be repeated. That's understandable as these were originally individual series although it's still a bit annoying at times. Sometimes there's new information in that repeat stuff so you just can't FF through it.
I've even learned a few things. Like - George Washington was ~6'3" tall. In my mind I had him more at 5'7" or so (don't know why...).
Most Indian tribes backed the British because they felt if the British won they'd be left alone more than if the Rebels won. Frankly, I think they had no true choice and would have come out on the losing end no matter who had won. Few tribes actually participated in the war.
I knew France was involved on the side of the US but had never thought about it being mainly because they hated Britain. Marie Antoinette was a contemporary of Washington and Franklin, who went to France to ask for help. The French were essentially bankrupted by helping the Americans (actually just one of many factors which lead to their bankruptcy but was a major factor) which helped contribute to the French Revolution.
I've even learned a few things. Like - George Washington was ~6'3" tall. In my mind I had him more at 5'7" or so (don't know why...).
Most Indian tribes backed the British because they felt if the British won they'd be left alone more than if the Rebels won. Frankly, I think they had no true choice and would have come out on the losing end no matter who had won. Few tribes actually participated in the war.
I knew France was involved on the side of the US but had never thought about it being mainly because they hated Britain. Marie Antoinette was a contemporary of Washington and Franklin, who went to France to ask for help. The French were essentially bankrupted by helping the Americans (actually just one of many factors which lead to their bankruptcy but was a major factor) which helped contribute to the French Revolution.
Last edited by BobO'Link; 06-16-19 at 05:28 PM.
#22
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I've been keeping my list on an Excell spreadsheet. Is there a way to just upload it?
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
Watching a number of historical/period musicals: Newsies, Jersey Boys, Bohemian Rhapsody, Greatest Showman, Fiddler.
i watched or started a couple ‘60s Westerns in Butch Cassidy/Sundance and The Wild Bunch but wasn’t really in the right mood.
i watched or started a couple ‘60s Westerns in Butch Cassidy/Sundance and The Wild Bunch but wasn’t really in the right mood.
#24
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I must admit I've have amassed a rather sizeable video library and it's interesting of what discs I've watched there's always something that I don't get around to watching til a much later date. The surprise of a 2013 doc 'The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz' on the 3D bluray is just flat out great and fascinating to see how of the genesis of the film and filmmaking can be crammed into it's running time of 69 minutes.
Also, while there's a more in depth 'making' of commentary of 1978's "Piranha" with Joe Dante, the new 4K scan 2019 release has a brand new Q&A with Justin Beahm and director/producer Roger Corman that basically encompases so many facets of Corman's filmography and career that for film historian buffs it's essential listening.
Saw yesterday the abbreviated 'First Steps' edition of "Apollo 11" and while it's only 47 minutes as compared to the full theatrical cut (93 min.) - it's such an astonishing movie comprised of no narration, but all filming that was shot for the Apollo 11 flight to the moon
continuing with 1969, I then saw the 'Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation" - I really liked this as it revealed stuff I never knew about how the festival came about - while this is a PBS 'American Experience' doc movie, I'd be surprised what actually winds up on the Broadcast version, as a couple instances of "shit" will obviously be bleeped out, but there's also a bit of the nudity, which again will not be included.
Also, while there's a more in depth 'making' of commentary of 1978's "Piranha" with Joe Dante, the new 4K scan 2019 release has a brand new Q&A with Justin Beahm and director/producer Roger Corman that basically encompases so many facets of Corman's filmography and career that for film historian buffs it's essential listening.
Saw yesterday the abbreviated 'First Steps' edition of "Apollo 11" and while it's only 47 minutes as compared to the full theatrical cut (93 min.) - it's such an astonishing movie comprised of no narration, but all filming that was shot for the Apollo 11 flight to the moon
continuing with 1969, I then saw the 'Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation" - I really liked this as it revealed stuff I never knew about how the festival came about - while this is a PBS 'American Experience' doc movie, I'd be surprised what actually winds up on the Broadcast version, as a couple instances of "shit" will obviously be bleeped out, but there's also a bit of the nudity, which again will not be included.
#25
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Re: 10th Annual Historical Challenge, 24 May-5 July 2019 Discussion Thread
I've been slow to put up my list, but I have been watching. Here are a few things I found on YouTube
McHale's Navy: "PT 73 Where are you?" Did you know that Joseph Heller, author of "Catch 22" wrote an episode of McHale's Navy? Well, he did. Pretty good one, too.
"The Yank" pilot for a proposed companion piece the the popular series "The Rebel". Never made it past the pilot stage, but it did feature James Drury and LQ Jones two years before they would play brothers in "Ride The High Country".
"The Man In The Funny Suit" Ed Wynn and Kennan Wynn play themselves in this drama about the making of the TV version of "Requiem for a Heavyweight". Ed wanted his son to follow in his footsteps as a comic, Kennan wanted to be a serious actor. It's amazing that they would be so upfront about their personal lives.
McHale's Navy: "PT 73 Where are you?" Did you know that Joseph Heller, author of "Catch 22" wrote an episode of McHale's Navy? Well, he did. Pretty good one, too.
"The Yank" pilot for a proposed companion piece the the popular series "The Rebel". Never made it past the pilot stage, but it did feature James Drury and LQ Jones two years before they would play brothers in "Ride The High Country".
"The Man In The Funny Suit" Ed Wynn and Kennan Wynn play themselves in this drama about the making of the TV version of "Requiem for a Heavyweight". Ed wanted his son to follow in his footsteps as a comic, Kennan wanted to be a serious actor. It's amazing that they would be so upfront about their personal lives.