Honestly, who wouldn't want their bank robbed by this guy? (Photo from Yahoo! Movies) In times of political and economic turmoil, it's common for villains to become heroes in the eyes of the public. From Robin Hood and Guy Fawkes in England to the outlaws of the American West, notoriety can become an admirable trait. One of the most popular figures of this ilk was John Dillinger, the (in)famous bank robber. Despite a short career spanning just over a decade (most of which he actually spent in jail), Dillinger became one of the newly formed FBI's most wanted criminals and a star in America's media. With his flashy style, leading-man good looks, charming demeanor, and creative robbery tactics, it's not surprising that Dillinger was embraced by the public. Moreover, his crime sprees occurred during an era when most Americans were feeling the effects of the Great Depression; thus, he (and other '30s era outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde) were viewed largely as latter-day Robin Hoods (albeit armed with machine guns, rather than with bows and arrows). The exploits of the Dillinger Gang (whose members included Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd and George "Babyface" Nelson) were legendary; among Dillinger's supposed (mis)adventures were two jail breaks (one using a fake gun made of wood), staging a bank holdup as a movie shoot, pretending to be a bank security expert to gain access to vaults, and stealing an estimated $300,000 from various Midwestern banks (equivalent to nearly $5 million today!). Dillinger also dated a series of beautiful women and was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. Dillinger's death became nearly as legendary as his life. While attending a film ("Manhattan Melodrama") at Chicago's Biograph Theater, one of his girlfriends, Anna Sage (who became known as "the woman in red"), tipped off the FBI as to Dillinger's identity; the agents then shot him multiple times, and he died in the theatre's alley. Or did he? Several discrepancies with Dillinger's body and forensic evidence led many to believe the man who had been shot had been an imposter and that the real Dillinger was still alive. That story is unlikely, but it remains just another extraordinary aspect of Dillinger's brief life and (still living) legend -- such as that part of him ended up in the Smithsonian. Today marks the opening of Michael Mann's highly-anticipated film "Public Enemies," which details the various exploits of Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp), his relationship with singer Billie Frechette (Oscar winner Marion Cotillard), and the efforts of FBI special agent Melvin Purvis (Christian Bale) to capture him. The movie's release couldn't be more timely, considering current economic circumstances. It's likely to rekindle interest in Dillinger but will, hopefully, deter any would-be Robin Hoods from following in his footsteps. Perhaps his most lasting legacy is the reminder that crime does not pay. Suggested Sites... Public Enemy #1 - PBS "American Life" feature about the life and crimes of John Dillinger. "Dillinger" (1945) - watch the first Dillinger film, starring Lawrence Tierney. Dillinger On Screen - synopsis of "Dillinger," "Public Enemies," and other movies about John Herbert Dillinger. Bryan Burrough - official site for the author of "Public Enemies," the book upon which the movie is based. FBI Most Wanted Lists - crime may not pay, but it sure can make you popular.

Directory categories: John Dillinger, Public Enemies, Johnny Depp, FBI History, Outlaws

Archived under: 1930s, Actors, American History, Biographies, Celebrities, Chicago, Crime, Criminals, Dead Celebrities, Detectives, History, Law Enforcement, Movie Theatres, Movies, Mythology and Folklore, Society and Culture, United States, Urban Legends, Villains

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"Where are we going?!" (Photo by Curtis Perry) Recreational vehicles have come a long way since Americans started using them to tour the country in the 1920s. "Tin Can Tourists" were (and are still) blessed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, but didn't necessarily want to give up the amenities of home -- and thus was born the RV. After World War II, such companies as Airstream and Winnebago sprang up, dedicated to giving motor tourists comfort in a surprisingly compact form. Even Hollywood got into the act, as Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz attempted to drive across the U.S. in their movie, "The Long, Long Trailer" (a feat emulated 32 years later by Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty in "Lost in America"). And just what do these road warriors want to see? Well, they might start in Collinsville, IL, just to get a peek at the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, then it's east to Flanders, NY, where the "Big Duck" holds court. After that, it's northwest to Ironwood, MI, home of Hiawatha, "The World's Tallest and Largest Indian." Finally, it's all the way west to Livermore, CA, and the World's Oldest Working Lightbulb (burning continuously since 1901!) -- or any number of other unique destinations. The price of gas may be high, but so is their enthusiasm. Suggested Sites... RV Advice - recreational vehicle events, tips and tricks, FAQs, and more. Roadside America - you're out on the road; here's what to see. Roadside Architecture - keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind buildings, restaurants, and giant... things. Gas Buddy - get your motor runnin' and head out on the highway -- but first know where to find the cheapest gas. Vintage Vacations - restoring and selling period trailers and campers.

Directory categories: Road Trips, Recreational Vehicles, Roadside Attractions, RV Parks

Archived under: 1920s, 1940s, 1950s, Adventure, Autos, Camping, Cultures, Driving, Fanatics, Parks, RVs, Roadside Attractions, Society and Culture, Tourist Attractions, Transportation, Travel, Vacations

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Madrid fans renenact "El Show De Terror De Rocky" (Photo by José María Mateos) If you were an awkward teen in the late '70s or '80s, chances are you've been to at least one midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The queen mother of camp classics became a cult phenomenon shortly after its premiere in late 1975, but long before Tim Curry kicked his fishnet-clad legs across the silver screen, he (along with many of his co-stars) was doing the "Time Warp" on the London stage. In fact, it was on this day in 1973 that the original production of "The Rocky Horror Show" enjoyed its opening night at London's Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. That production became a huge hit and ended up clocking in around 2,960 performances before finally closing in September of 1980. Audiences were enthralled and "The Rocky Horror Show" jumped the pond to play to enthusiastic crowds in Los Angeles, New York, and Australia -- but nothing could match the rabid enthusiasm engendered by 20th Century Fox's filmed version. On April Fools' Day in 1976, the Waverly Theater in NYC (now the IFC Center) decided to offer a midnight showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and, unbeknownst to those early attendees, a global craze was born. Within a few months, fans began showing up in elaborate costumes and started yelling witty cues and responses to the characters on screen. Acolytes arrived toting props like toast, toilet paper, water guns, and confetti, and emboldened fans would act out a floor show beneath the screen. The phenomenon swiftly spread and by the end of 1979, over 230 theaters across the U.S. were offering midnight screenings on Fridays and Saturdays -- and they still continue today. When out-of-work actor Richard O'Brien sat down to write a rock musical in the early '70s, he couldn't possibly have conceived that he would be creating a 30-year strong (and counting) bastion for self-proclaimed freaks and dorks and geeks and goths. It took the concept of audience partici...pation to an entirely new level and no other film has surpassed its staying power. Whatever its allure, the world of "Rocky Horror" has been a welcoming and deliriously happy home for all those who, in the words of Richard O'Brien himself, "swear, often and loudly, to strike a blow for glamour and frivolity, for rock-n-roll, for six-inch heels, for interplanetary intercourse, and for the Transylvanian Way." Suggested Sites... RHPS FAQ - features extensive FAQs regarding all things Rocky Horror. The Richard O'Brien Crusade - official site for Rocky Horror creator and star Richard O'Brien. The Rocky Horror Preservation Foundation - preserving the "Rocky Horror" experience for the future. Cosmo's Factory - features "Rocky Horror Picture Show" fan database, with online trivia game, and tons of images, downloads, FAQs, and more. RockyHorror.com - official fan site for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Directory categories: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Cult Movies

Archived under: 1970s, 1980s, Actors, Anniversaries, Broadway, Counterculture, Cultures, Entertainment, Fanatics, Fashion, Horror, Horror Films, Lingerie, London, Make-Up, Movies, Musicals, Performing Arts, Rock and Roll, Society and Culture, United Kingdom

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With all your free time, you can read the dictionary and discover even more new words. (Photo by Greeblie) Terminology inspired by the economic downturn is popping up faster than Americans can upload their resumes. Americans may be losing jobs, but we're not lacking for new words. Here’s a (very) quick primer on some of the the new lingo you can use to impress your friends at the unemployment office: "Staycation" – The popular term for simply kicking back and relaxing at the ol' homestead has achieved Wikipedia status (not a high bar to clear, we admit). A luxury "staycation" with the kids might even include a day trip. The proper send-off for a person headed for a staycation is "Non voyage!" The staycation is, of course, a step up from the more déclassé "nocation" "Funemployment" – Defined by Urban Dictionary as "the condition of a person who takes advantage of being out of a job to have the time of their life." The funemployed often use "worklessness" to find and revive their passions, get in shape, or to explore new career opportunities. Of course, it’s only funemployement until the government checks and severance run out. "Pink Slip Trip" – A vacation by a newly-unemployed person, usually someone with a sizeable severance package and a reasonable certainty of employment upon return. This is the rarest of the three terms. Suggested Sites... How I Got Laid Off - a collection of articles about losing jobs. Tips for Planning a Great Staycation - ABC News tells readers how make the best of staying home. Hint: no laundry! Funemployment - the "SF Weekly" newspaper delves into the funemployment phenomenon. Urban Dictionary - keep up with the latest terminology.

Directory categories: Job Listings, Unemployment, Words and Wordplay, Dictionaries, Travel Destination Guides

Archived under: Buzzwords, Careers, Employment, Grammar, Jobs, Languages, Society and Culture, Wordplay, Words

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Come on in! The show's about to start. (Photo by Jon Williams) On June 6, 1933, an American tradition was born in Camden, New Jersey; for it was on this day that the world was treated to the first drive-in movie experience. The brainchild of Richard M. Hollingshead Jr., the "Automobile Movie Theater" was conceived as the ideal entertainment solution for the masses. By allowing patrons their own "private viewing boxes," Hollingshead's drive-in served not only the average moviegoer of the day, but also families with noisy children, smokers, people with disabilities, and even those lacking the proper attire for a social outing. The film shown that evening was a British comedy called "Wives Beware" (later known as "Two White Arms"), and admission was 25 cents a head, plus another quarter for the car -- $1.00 maximum. Though Hollingshead's theater lasted only three years, the idea caught on and soon other establishments began to open across the country. The craze peaked in the late '50s with over 4000 drive-in theaters in operation. The largest of these, the Johnny All-Weather Drive-In in Copiague, NY, had room for 2,500 cars as well as 1,200 guests in the heated and air-cooled indoor seating area. It also boasted a playground, a cafeteria, a full-service restaurant, and even a shuttle to move patrons around the 28-acre property. The inventiveness didn't stop there -- in other cities one could find fly-in theaters accommodating both cars and airplanes, mini drive-ins holding no more than 50 or 60 vehicles, and even venues like the Autoscope in Albuquerque which offered each of the 260 cars in its lot their own individual screen. (The Autoscope advertised that its movies could not "be seen from surrounding areas," which makes us wonder just what kinds of pictures they were showing ...) By the '80s, interest was waning. Most homes had color TVs and VCRs, and most drive-ins were being converted into flea markets, storage facilities, or parking lots. It seemed the end of the drive-in theater, but the turn of the century has brought about a bit of a revival. Modern drive-ins have solved the always-problematic issue of sound, which can now be transmitted through your car's stereo system (a vast improvement over previous methods, which included projecting the sound from large directional speakers flanking the screen, or hanging a crackling monaural speaker from your partially rolled-down window.) The drive-in has also evolved into other permutations -- we're currently seeing the rise of do-it-yourself alternatives and "guerrilla drive-ins," urban areas offering public al fresco movie experiences, and even bike-in movies for the green age. They might not look like your parent's drive-in, but it's still the perfect place to get lucky on a date. Suggested Sites... Drive-Ins.com - includes a drive-in museum, database search, reference library, and more. Drive-In Theater - dedicated to all the people who enjoy the nostalgic feeling of attending drive-in theaters across America. cinespia - organizes outdoor movie screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Drive-In Movie Memories - documentary that explores how the drive-in became an entertainment icon. Drive-Ins Downunder - tribute site taking a look at Australia's drive-in past and future.

Directory categories: Drive-In Movie Theaters, Film History, Roadside Attractions, Car Audio Makers, Documentaries: Drive-In Movie Memories

Archived under: 1930s, 1950s, 1980s, American History, Anniversaries, Autos, Drive-Ins, Entertainment, Inventors, Movie Theatres, Movies, Nostalgia, Outdoors, Roadside Attractions, Society and Culture, Theatres, United States, Widescreen

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