An Influential Illustrator

Bob Peak (1927-1992) was an award-winning American illustrator whose mixed media, sketchy style contributed thirty years to the film industry. He was famous for his many cover illustrations for TV Guide, other magazine advertisements, USPS stamps, and portraits.

What about Bob.

Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

MYRON HEALEY (1923-2005) 

Healey's characters may be despised more than others in film or television during the 1950s, thanks to his condescending delivery as a villain. When Healey was "bad," he could be despicable. He somewhat carried the torch from actor Harry Lauter, nine years his elder. He appeared in some 140 films, including more than 80 westerns, frequently for Monogram Pictures. But it was television that brought him intimate exposure. Healey served in World War II as an Air Corps navigator and bombardier, flying in B-26 Martin Marauders in the European Theatre. After the war, he continued military duties, retiring in the early 1960s as a captain in the United States Air Force Reserve.

Discover more about Healey's career at IMDB.

Big idea. No Sale.

Bohn Aluminum and Brass Corporation, Detroit, Michigan, were known for their futurism illustrations. One of their least bazaar concepts was a future commuter train. Its basic design came to reality in 1956 as the experimental Aerotrain, General Motors' two highly styled train sets. Their automotive designs were the inspiration and if one looks closely at Bohn's version, they may spot port holes (or not) that were closely associated with GM's Buick division. GM decided to use their city bus shells as coaches to save weight and cost. The lightweight coaches gave an unsettling ride for high-speed rail travel. Despite testing with major railroads, only the Rock Island Railroad bought them for use only in commuter service.

More on the Aerotrain here.

Just Add Water

If you spot this brand in your neighborhood supermarket it is not from Scandinavia. The unique spelling originated in Seattle, Washington in 1932. Rose Charters and her husband decided to tackle the challenge of making the perfect, easy-to-prepare pie crust. She called her product Krusteaz by cleverly combining “crust” and “ease.” The spirit of innovation continued with their introduction of “just add water” Pancake Mix and Belgian Waffle Mix. The Krusteaz fan base expanded eastward to become a national favorite by offering a variety of products. 

Pictured is a current box of Krusteaz Waffle Mix.

Synopsis: Thrust Into Television

Many movie character actors found steady work and arguably more exposure with the advent of television. 

ANTHONY CARUSO (1916-2003)

The American character actor appeared in more than one hundred films, usually playing villains, gangsters, Native Americans, or a variety of ethnic characters. He made his film debut in 1940 and was often uncredited throughout the decade. Caruso's fortunes changed overnight after playing mobster Louis Ciavelli in The Asphalt Jungle (1950). By the mid-1950s, television became his medium, working steadily throughout the 1960s and 1970s on numerous popular series in Westerns, police dramas and comedies, where he often parodied a gangster persona. Caruso's face became very familiar. In the fantasy world of Hollywood, Caruso's life was 180 degrees from his many tough-guy roles. His passion for gardening and cooking, along with his wife of sixty-three years, continued after retirement from acting in 1990.

Discover more about Carsuso's career at IMBD.

Charles Wysocki, Part Two

Charles Wysocki (1924-2002) was famously known for his clean, well-designed American folk art illustrations, a subject I focused on in a previous post. Lesser known is his commercial advertising illustrations for Dodge trucks, among other industries. One can see leanings toward his non-dimensional, flat panels approach.

The First Gold Record

On this date in 1941, Glenn Miller (1904-45) recorded "Chattanooga Choo Choo" for RCA. It became the first gold record. The song was written by lyricist Mack Gordon with music by Harry Warren. It was featured as an extended production number for the 20th Century Fox film Sun Valley Serenade (1941). History indicates Miller officially "disappeared" during a flight to France in 1944. He was declared dead nearly a year later.