Reality Bites (1994)

In 1836, the city of Houston was founded. 158 years later, Ben Stiller's movie "Reality Bites" was released. It's set in Houston and features Gen Xers and Yuppies doing grungy 90's things. Sam Houston would probably be very confused by "Reality Bites"... in much the same way that I'm confused by mid-19th century hair styles: 

Oh, and btw, Ben Stiller is trying to bring a new Reality Bites TV series to us. Because that seems like a good idea?


Ewwww, really? - I wanted for the main pick to have something to do with Thurgood Marshall, since today in 1967 he was confirmed as the first black Supreme Court Justice, but the only non-TV movie that I can find in which Justice Marshall was used is "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" and really... that's just not fair. But hey, maybe you can get a hold of the 1991 TV Movie "Separate But Equal" where Marshall is portrayed by Sidney Poitier?

Alternative Completely Out There Pick - Happy Birthday to Dave Brockie, better known as Oderus Urungus of the rock band GWAR! Catch his amusing appearance in "Empire Records"!

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

On this day in 1915, legendary actress Ingrid Bergman was born. On this day in 1982, legendary actress Ingrid Bergman died. It was not the best result for a 67th birthday party. Bergman died from breast cancer.
She won lots of awards over her career and some folks consider her the best ever. The obvious pick for today would be "Casablanca," but a) it's too obvious and b) I think it's overrated. Instead, I'm going with one of her later films, "Murder on the Orient Express." Granted, she wasn't the lead, but she did win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for this film (the only award this film won out of 6 nominations). Double points for the Bogart connection where Bergman appears with her Casablanca co-star's last wife, Lauren Bacall.

That's Harsh, Man - It's the Christian Feast Day for the beheading of John the Baptist! How about a salami sandwich and a viewing of "Godspell"?

Now You're Just Being Silly - 1825: Portugal recognizes Brazil's independence. Terry Gilliam's film "Brazil" has absolutely nothing to do with that.

Ingrid Bergman's Bacon number is 2
Lauren Bacall's Bacon number is 2
Terry Gilliam's Bacon number is2

To Kill a King (2003)

 On August 28, 1648, the Siege of Colchester concluded, essentially ending the English Civil War. Four days before, Oliver Cromwell's Parliamentary forces defeated the Royalists at the Battle of Preston and when word reached the Parliamentary & Royalist forces at Colchester, the Royalists surrendered.
This, of course, led to the installation of Cromwell as Lord Protector and thus did the wacky hijinks ensue!
"To Kill a King" recounts the fun times after the Siege and the relationship between Sir Thomas Fairfax (Dougray Scott) and Cromwell (Tim Roth) along with King "Loser" Charles I (Rupert Everett).

That's Harsh, Man - Robert Shaw died on this day in 1978. In 1975, he (SPOILERS) died at the end of "Jaws". 

Now You're Just Being Silly - It's the Feast of St. Augustine! Go outside and watch your grass grow!

Dougray Scott's Bacon number is 2
Tim Roth's Bacon number is 2
Rupert Everett's Bacon number is 2
Robert Shaw's Bacon number is2

Police Academy (1984)

Another fun birthday pick! Happy Birthday to the legend G.W. Bailey! He turns 69 today! Even if you don't immediately recognize the name, you will recognize the face as Bailey has been on the large and small screen for almost 40 years now. Some of his notable early TV roles include "M.A.S.H." and "St. Elsewhere" and he is currently in his 8th year as the loveable curmudgeon Lt. Provenza originally from "The Closer" and now "Major Crimes."
And while Bailey is probably best known for his television roles, he will also be fondly remembered as the unfortunate villain of "Police Academy" (and several unfortunate sequels), Lt. Thaddeus Harris. I'm not sure which is worse... having to be a clown of a villain or being shown up by Steve Guttenberg.

Alternate More Obvious Pick - "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" cuz Paul Reubens turns 61 today

Alternate Completely Out There Pick - "Batman: The Movie." Why, you ask? Well, today is Lyndon Baines Johnson Day (in Texas) celebrating the 36th President's Birthday. Van Williams had an uncredited role as the "voice" of LBJ in the 1966 camp classic "Batman". More trivia fun, Van Williams went on to star as The Green Hornet and guest starred as the same on the subsequent "Batman" television show.


G.W. Bailey's Bacon Number is 2.
Steve Guttenberg's Bacon Number is 1.
Paul Reubens Bacon Number is 2.
Van Williams Bacon Number is 2.

The Birdcage (1996)

On August 26, 1940 Donald Leroy La Fontaine was born in Duluth, Minnesota. He was better known as simply Don LaFontaine and while you might not know his name, you know his voice.
Don LaFontaine was the deep voiced announcer for thousands of movie trailers... you know... the "In a world where blah blah blah" kind of thing.
Anyway, Don wasn't really an actor, but sometimes he'd be brought in for narration or as kind of an inside joke within a movie or TV show. Two movies come to mind: "The Birdcage" and "Scrooged"
Since "Scrooged" is a Christmas movie, we're going to ignore that one for now.
The 1996 release "The Birdcage" stars Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, and Gene Hackman. Williams and Lane are a couple who run a nightclub featuring drag performances (Lane is the featured performer) while Hackman is a conservative politician trying to distance himself from scandal. And how does it all mix together? Williams has a son, Hackman has a daughter and they want to get married. Hijinks ensue!
Don LaFontaine has an uncredited role as the voice of "Radio Newscaster." It isn't a major role, but so what. The man is a freaking legend and today is his freaking birthday... so honor him, ya mooks! He would have been 73 today (he died in 2008).

Don LaFontaine's Bacon number is 2
Robin Williams's Bacon number is 2
Nathan Lane's Bacon number is 1
Gene Hackman's Bacon number is2