Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire

March 25th, 1911 started as an ordinary day. The employees of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory clocked in, expecting an ordinary day. But 3/25/11 was destined to become a day that is forever marred by grief and loss.

A fire broke out and spread quickly. 146 workers, mostly young immigrant  girls died from the fire.

Like the tragedy of the Titanic a year later, the deaths of innocent people forced the hands of the powers that be to make positive change.

In a few weeks is the 115th anniversary of the fire.

May the memories of those who were lost be a blessing to those who knew them best. May we, the living, learn from the mistakes of our predecessors and not let greed prevent us from doing what is right.

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Throwback Thursday-The Producers (1967 & 2005)

For many movie fans, Mel Brooks has a unique sense of humor and a unique comedic sense. Slightly bawdy, not so politically correct and perhaps, a little naughty.

In 1967, he was the brains behind The Producers. Max Bialystock (Zero Mostel) is a down on his luck Broadway producer, who has to finance his shows by pretending to romance much older women to gain access to their money. Leo Bloom (Gene Wilder) is an accountant who jumps at the sight of his own shadow.  Max convinces Leo to join him as a producer. Their idea is to bring a show to Broadway that is sure to be one of the biggest flops in theater history. The name of the show: Springtime For Hitler.

38 years later, after a very successful run on Broadway, The Producers once again returned to the big screen. Reprising they’re on stage roles were Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick.

The 1967 movie is a typical Mel Brooks film. The 2005 film, while it  remains true to both the original film and the stage production, lost some of the luster of the previous incarnations.

Do I recommend it? Let me put it this way. If you have never seen either film, first see the 1967 version. Then see the 2005 version. Me, I prefer the original film, but someone else may not.