JULY 5, 1989

Full News Archive

• Headline: Mobster Murder Meets Hamptons Farce. Impact: The clumsy farce of mobster murders set a precedent for every bad sitcom and detective spoof that followed. Without this film, who knows? We might have had to actually watch serious art instead of enjoying the delightful chaos of mistaken identities and slapstick.. Fact: Spoofing mobster movies became so popular that you could practically hear Al Pacino rolling in his grave - or maybe that's just his next role in a comedy..
• Headline: The Fateful 1816 Gathering of Poets. Impact: Byron and Shelley lounging in Switzerland, bemoaning the weather, inadvertently inspired countless college students to write terrible poetry and blame it on their surroundings. Thanks a lot, guys.. Fact: In 1816, there was no such thing as air conditioning, which probably contributed to the tepid atmosphere and slow plot of both the summer's events and this film..
• Headline: Broadcasting Executive Rejects $56 Million Bid. Impact: This broadcasting executive's refusal of a $56 million offer led to a series of questionable decisions in corporate America, where saying 'no' to millions became the new 'yes' to mediocrity. Who knew rejection could be so financially liberating?. Fact: In the world of broadcasting, turning down a fortune is just a fancy way of saying, 'I prefer to be a martyr for my artistic vision.'.
• Headline: BUSINESS PEOPLE; Universal Systems Founder Finds Freedom in Venture. Impact: LaRose's quest for independence sparked a revolution of disgruntled employees everywhere, leading to an influx of 'founders' who are really just people who quit their jobs and called it entrepreneurship.. Fact: Freedom in venture sounds poetic until you realize it's just one more person hoping to avoid a 9-to-5 job while still trying to afford avocado toast..