Showing posts with label made 4 tv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label made 4 tv. Show all posts
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
🎅🎆📘🎥Friday's Film Adaptation-Xmas in July🎥📘🎆🎅: Olive, the Other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh & J Otto Seibold
Olive is merrily preparing for Christmas when suddenly she realizes "Olive... the other Reindeer... I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!" So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need.
Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone's Christmas merry.
When Santa cancels his annual flight because of a hurt reindeer, a young Christmas loving dog named Olive is convinced she has what it takes to get Santa's flight off the ground and save Christmas.
Release Date: December 17, 1999(Made-for-TV)
Release Time: 45 minutes
Director: Oscar Moore
Cast:
Drew Barrymore as Olive
Jay Mohr as Tim
Joe Pantoliano as Martini
Peter MacNicol as Fido, Olive's pet flea
Dan Castellaneta as The Postman
Billy West as Eskimos
Edward Asner as Santa Claus
Tim Meadows as Richard Stans
Michael Stipe as Schnitzel, Blitzen's flightless cousin
Tress MacNeille as Mrs. Claus and the news reporter
Matt Groening as Arturo, the elf that Schnitzel threw Olive into
Diedrich Bader as Zookeeper
Vivian Walsh
Vivian Walsh's best selling book, "Olive, the Other Reindeer," is based on her Jack Russell Terrier. Olive is a relentlessly active, determined, well-loved, and sometimes confused lap dog. Olive is flattered that in the animated version of the book she was portrayed by the fabulous Drew Barrymore. The TV special was put together by Matt Groening, creator of the Simpsons.
The Mr. Lunch books are about the adventures of a dog who is a professional bird chaser. These books were based on the diligent and earnest efforts of another pet Jack Russell terrier.
The goal of this particular author is the share the love of story and books amongst the young. Her next title will feature two of the larger creatures in the animal kingdom: a hippo and another hippo.
VW lives in sometimes sunny San Francisco with her many children.
Release Date: December 17, 1999(Made-for-TV)
Release Time: 45 minutes
Director: Oscar Moore
Cast:
Drew Barrymore as Olive
Jay Mohr as Tim
Joe Pantoliano as Martini
Peter MacNicol as Fido, Olive's pet flea
Dan Castellaneta as The Postman
Billy West as Eskimos
Edward Asner as Santa Claus
Tim Meadows as Richard Stans
Michael Stipe as Schnitzel, Blitzen's flightless cousin
Tress MacNeille as Mrs. Claus and the news reporter
Matt Groening as Arturo, the elf that Schnitzel threw Olive into
Diedrich Bader as Zookeeper
Vivian Walsh's best selling book, "Olive, the Other Reindeer," is based on her Jack Russell Terrier. Olive is a relentlessly active, determined, well-loved, and sometimes confused lap dog. Olive is flattered that in the animated version of the book she was portrayed by the fabulous Drew Barrymore. The TV special was put together by Matt Groening, creator of the Simpsons.
The Mr. Lunch books are about the adventures of a dog who is a professional bird chaser. These books were based on the diligent and earnest efforts of another pet Jack Russell terrier.
The goal of this particular author is the share the love of story and books amongst the young. Her next title will feature two of the larger creatures in the animal kingdom: a hippo and another hippo.
VW lives in sometimes sunny San Francisco with her many children.
J.otto Seibold(Illustrator)
J.otto Seibold has illustrated, and in some cases also written, 15 books for children, including Quincy, the Hobby Photographer; Penguin Dreams; and the Mr. Lunch books. He lives in San Francisco.
Vivian Walsh
EMAIL: vivianlwalsh@yahoo.com
J. Otto Seibold
Film
Friday, April 10, 2026
⚾️📘🎥Friday's Film Adaptation🎥📘⚾️: It's Good to be Alive by Roy Campanella
Three-time winner of the National League’s Most Valuable Player award, Roy Campanella was catcher for the Brooklyn (soon to be Los Angeles) Dodgers in January 1958, when a car accident left him permanently paralyzed. It’s Good to Be Alive describes his determination to rally from helplessness and help other quadriplegics. It looks back to a famous career and to a childhood on the sandlots of Philadelphia.
Release Date: February 22, 1974(CBS Made for TV)
Release Time: 100 minutes
Director: Michael Landon
Cast:
Paul Winfield as Roy Campanella
Louis Gossett Jr. as Sam Brockington
Ruby Dee as Ruthe Campanella
Ramon Bieri as Walter O'Malley
Joe De Santis as Roy Campanella's father
Ty Henderson as David Campanella
Ketty Lester as Roy Campanella's mother
Julian Burton as Dr. Rusk
Lloyd Gough as Surgeon
Eric Woods as Roy Campanella as a Boy
Len Lesser as Man at Accident
Cast:
Paul Winfield as Roy Campanella
Louis Gossett Jr. as Sam Brockington
Ruby Dee as Ruthe Campanella
Ramon Bieri as Walter O'Malley
Joe De Santis as Roy Campanella's father
Ty Henderson as David Campanella
Ketty Lester as Roy Campanella's mother
Julian Burton as Dr. Rusk
Lloyd Gough as Surgeon
Eric Woods as Roy Campanella as a Boy
Len Lesser as Man at Accident
Awards:
26th Primetime Emmys - May 28, 1974
Best Cinematography For Entertainment Programming - For A Special Or Feature Length Program Made For Television - Ted Voigtlander - Won
Cinematographer Of The Year - Ted Voigtlander - Won
Roy Campanella Obituary from Ebony magaize August 1993:
Roy "Campy" Campanella, perhaps the greatest all-around catcher to play the game of baseball, died (June 26, 1993) recently in Los Angeles of an apparent heart attack at the age of 71.
There's a saying about Dodgers baseball players: "They bleed Dodgers Blue" and Campanella was one of the greatest Dodgers of them all. Flags at Dodgers Stadium flew at half staff during the game between the Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs in memory of their fallen comrade. The score-board flashed highlights of his brilliant career to a recording of Louis Armstrong's What A Wonderful World.
Campanella, one of the fabled "Boys Of Summer," had his brilliant career cut short in 1958 when he was left paralyzed from the chest down after a car crash. He spent the remaining 35 years of his life in a wheelchair. Despite his debilitating injuries, Campanella endured to become an uplifting role model and a source of inspiration for younger players in the capacity as a special instructor of young catchers for the Dodgers. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., in 1969.
"Now he won't be suffering anymore," noted Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda. "I loved Roy Campanella, I loved him like a brother. I'm going to miss him very much."
Son of a Black mother and a father of Italian descent, Campanella was born Nov. 19, 1921 in Philadelphia. He began playing professional ball at age 15.
Campanella was cut from the cloth of Negro League legends and blossomed in the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1948 to 1958. An awesome slugger with flawless fielding skills, Campanella quickly became a star in the major leagues.
Manager Says Campy' Was A Great Human Being.
He was named Most Valuable Player three times in 1951, 1953 and 1955 and was instrumental to numerous Dodgers successes. His powerful throwing arm and ability to handle pitchers became his trademark.
Former Jet sports editor A.S. "Doc" Young wrote in the book Great Negro Baseball Stars, published by Johnson Publishing Company, that Campanella was "a natural leader," who was intelligent and well-organized as well as strong and talented. He often managed clubs he played with in Latin America and he also managed a game in the minor leagues while playing with the Nashua (N.H.) Dodgers:
"Roy became acting manager one night when the regular manager and first baseman, Walt Alston, lost an argument with an umpire. Alston had prepared for such an eventuality soon after he became aware of Roy's extensive knowledge of the game and his leadership qualities. If I'm ever thrown out of a game, I want you to run things.' The opportunity came in a game between the Nashua Dodgers and Lawrence (Mass.) Millionaires.
The Dodgers were three runs behind (in the sixth inning) when Roy took over. They scored once before the inning ended. In the seventh, with a man on base, the pitcher was due to bat. Deciding to use a pinch hitter, Roy called on (Hall of Fame pitcher Don) Newcombe, who was quite some shucks with the big stick. Newcombe responded by hitting a score-tying homer. Nashua went on to win, 7-5."
According to Young's book, then-Dodger owner Walter O'Malley was grooming Campanella to become a coach after his career was over. But his crippling injury changed those plans. However, Campanella persevered and did become a special instructor of young catchers during spring training.
Campanella told Young he loved the game of baseball and, "I can't understand why major leaguers complain about double-headers."
Perhaps his greatest season came in 1953. Campanella batted .312 and established three single season records for a catcher: most putouts (807), most home runs (41) and most runs batted in (142).
Campanella ended his career with a .276 batting average, 1,161 hits, 242 home runs and 856 runs batted in. The numbers probably would have been greater had it not been for the color barrier which kept him out of the majors until he was 26 and his career-ending accident at age 36.
"As well as being a great baseball player, he was a great human being," Lasorda concluded.
He is survived by his wife Roxie; three sons, Roy, Jr., Tony and John, and two daughters, Joanie and Ruth.
INDIE BOUND / AMAZON / WIKI / GOODREADS
Film
Friday, December 12, 2025
🎅📘🎥Friday's Film Adaptation🎥📘🎄: Kissing Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn
Father Christmas #3
"With her signature wit and style, Robin Jones Gunn crafts a Christmas tale filled with faith, love, and the true meaning of the season." —Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Before We Were Yours
Anna's first visit to Carlton Heath in England was last May for the wedding of her cousin Ian to Miranda. The beautiful event ended with a dance under the stars and Anna receiving an unexpected kiss from Peter, the groomsman who caught her eye and now holds her heart.
Now, at the invitation of family and friends, Anna is returning to Carlton Heath for Christmas. She has Peter's recent email to fill her with assurance that he's looking forward to seeing her again as well.
More than his brief words, though, the vivid memory of their unforgettable kiss provides a promise of more to come. Anna, ever the imaginative artist, has been busy painting a romantic conclusion to her holiday visit.
Certainly she's not the only one who has been dreaming of another dance and another kiss. But when she sees Peter again, his intentions seem to shift as speedily as the blustery winter weather. Is Anna's heart misleading her, or will Father Christmas bestow on her the gift of love for which she has long dreamed?
"Gunn writes from the heart. . . . a delight to read." —RT Book Reviews
"Both charming and gripping." —Cynthia Ruchti, author of An Endless Christmas and Restoring Christmas
"Robin's ability to ribbon a tale that wraps our hearts in beauty and love is seamless." —Patsy Clairmont, author of You Are More Than You Know
Chapter One
I awoke as the pale light of the December morn was finding its way into the upstairs guest room at Whitcombe Manor. The heavy drapes appeared to be etched with a silver lining that trailed like a single thread across the dark wood floor. I propped myself up in the cozy bed and folded my lily-white blond hair into a loose braid, letting it cascade over my shoulder. A contented smile rested on my lips in the hushed room.
I’m really here. I’m back in England.
This place, these people, had been in my waking dreams ever since I came to the enchanting village of Carlton Heath for my cousin’s wedding last May. Ian was raised in Scotland, so I’d never met him. His mother passed away several years ago and his fiancée, Miranda, did something I’d never seen before. She included a personal note with their formal wedding invitation. The last line really got to me.
It would mean the world to Ian and me if you could be with us
on our special day and represent Ian’s mother’s side of the family.
Somehow I convinced my mother to make the trek and honor the memory of her sister. We stayed at Whitcombe Manor, the gorgeous estate that had belonged to Miranda’s family for generations. It turned into a life-altering experience for both of us. For me, Ian and Miranda’s wedding day was the stuff of fairy tales. And I have long been a dreamer and a secret believer in fairy tales.
The men wore dress kilts. Miranda’s shimmering white gown had the longest train I’d ever seen. The storybook couple whispered their vows inside a quaint sandstone chapel while holding hands in front of a glowing stained glass window. Bagpipes played as they exited beneath a bower of woven forest greens dotted with dozens of fragrant, deep red roses. Their reception was held in the gardens at Whitcombe Manor. All the guests kept smiling at them as they danced until the first stars came out to watch them, to bless them.
I fell in love with love that day.
In my twenty-six years as a sheltered only child, I’d never dreamed of so much beauty and such elegantly expressed affection. My parents were practical and efficient and held to the notion that feelings should be kept to oneself and all artistic expressions were for private reflection only. They were minimalists when it came to celebrating birthdays and holidays.
That’s why I had never danced before. At least not in public. But at Ian and Miranda’s wedding as the stars looked on, everything changed. I knew then that one day I would return to Carlton Heath. I would once again stay at Whitcombe Manor. Love would draw me back.
Today was that day.
The morning light now infiltrated all the open crevices around the drapes in my guest room. I tossed back the puffy down comforter and padded over to the grand picture window. With a hearty tug I pulled back the thick fabric and watched the room fill with soft light. A puff of swirling dust particles spun in midair.
The garden below that had hosted Ian and Miranda’s glorious wedding reception on that pristine day last May now slumbered in a state of deep resignation. The hollyhocks, foxgloves, and vivid pink cosmos were gone. The lights and lanterns as well as the party tables that had been covered in crisp, white linen had been taken down. All that remained were rows of shorn rosebushes and mounds of waiting perennials.
I stared through the thick-paned window, narrowing my eyes and trying to remember the colors, the music, and the expression of sincere intrigue in Peter’s pale blue eyes when he held out his hand to me. Every detail of that dreamy night returned to my mind’s eye, starting with the moment when Uncle Andrew drew me out on the dance floor in the middle of the festivities. He spun me around with a great bellowing of Scottish pride for his son and new daughter-in-law and I laughed at the sheer boldness of his demeanor.
I felt welcomed into the clan and gladly entered in when Miranda motioned for me to join a circle of young women. We were all soon laughing and holding hands as we jigged forward into a close huddle and then hopped back to expand the circle and invite others to join in. We were like the Midsummer’s Eve fairies I’d read about as a child. In my elation, I motioned for my mother to come join us, but she would not.
She watched me from a corner table as if I were someone she’d never met before.
The jig concluded and I chose to take my slice of cake and enjoy it at Uncle Andrew’s table. I sat beside his new wife, Katharine, whom I liked very much. She and I sipped tea from china cups and I decided in that moment that these were my people. I had been born into the wrong branch of our family tree. I had grown up in the wrong country.
In the wake of that epiphany, I looked up and saw tall, gregarious Peter Elliott striding across the garden in his best man’s kilt and dress jacket. He was coming to me, coming for me.
He held out his hand in a wordless invitation, and without hesitation I placed mine in his. In the glow of a dozen swaying lanterns, we danced. We danced and danced and I was forever changed. His short brown hair and athletic build were instantly fixed in my memory.
As we danced I thought I saw a touch of sadness in the corner of his eyes, and that hint of vulnerability endeared him to me. I hadn’t seen it the night before at the rehearsal dinner. At the restaurant he had been the rowdy life of the party with great stories to tell about Ian since the two of them had been friends so long. The camaraderie between Peter and my cousin was impressive. Ian and Miranda trusted Peter and I did, too, when I let him lead me to the dance floor.
Even now I closed my eyes and swayed in front of the guest room window as I remembered how warm his hand felt as he rested it on the small of my back and our eyes did their own sort of dance, connecting for a shy, momentary gaze and then pulling away. We slow danced with our lips drawn up in thin, half-moon slivers.
One dance, then two, then a third and a fourth. We conversed in sparse paragraphs, asking each other about jobs and family and both saying what a beautiful night it was.
The last dance began and Peter asked how long I was staying in Carlton Heath. I said we were leaving in two days.
“Two days? That’s not much of a visit,” he murmured. “You really should stay on.”
“I’d love to stay longer but I can’t.”
He held me a little tighter. We danced until the music came to a lingering finish, and then it happened.
Peter kissed me.
Release Date: November 4, 2018
Release Time: 90 minutes
Director: David Winning
Cast:
Erin Krakow as Miranda
Niall Matter as Ian
Wendie Malick as Margaret
P. Lynn Johnson as Katherine
Michael Kopsa as Andrew
Barry Flatman as Thomas
Julia Benson as Ellie
Nevis Unipan as Julia
Callum Seagram Airlie as Mark(as Callum Airlie)
Jim Thorburn as Peter
Bill Dow as Charles
Alvin Sanders as Pastor Whalen
Jannen Karr as Office Manager
Chris Cope as Uniformed Doorman
Ellen Ewusie as Lydia
Jill Morrison as Nicole
Alexa Barajas as Store Clerk
ROBIN JONES GUNN is the best-selling author of over 100 books, including the timeless Christy Miller series for teens. The characters continue in Christy & Todd: The College Years, The Married Years, The Baby Years and Haven Maker series.
Her multi-award-winning Christian fiction includes the Glenbrooke and Sisterchicks series. Four of her novels have been made into Hallmark Christmas movies. The Father Christmas movies broke records for the network by becoming the most watched and highest rated movies in 2016 and 2017.
Robin's popular non-fiction includes, "Victim of Grace" along with "Before You Meet Your Future Husband" and "Praying for Your Future Husband" both co-authored with Tricia Goyer.
Robin is a frequent speaker at international and local events. She and her husband have two grown children and live in California. She co-hosts the "Women Worth Knowing" podcast with Cheryl Brodersen.
Kissing Father Christmas #3
Father Christmas Series
Film
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