“You Can’t Take It with You” – closing table scene.

As the winter holidays grow near, the political mood of the country is not very festive. Therefore, it is up to each of us to decide how we want to spread good cheer – or not. Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Tea Partiers, Capitalists, Socialists — lower taxes, raise taxes, jobs bill, Wall Street – it’s all a sham and a shame of a blame game! A house, a government, or a relationship divided – cannot stand! [Note: If it’s happening, it’s planned!]

So … let’s disconnect from the talking heads for awhile, and get in the holiday spirit. There is a way! Go out and rent, or purchase, the 1938 award winning film You Can’t Take It with You. The film is publicized as a “screwball comedy,” however, it is much, much, more than that. It is extremely relevant to the times we live in.

One night in New York City, Frank Capra became enthralled by the Pulitzer Prize winning play, of the same name, by George Kaufman and Moss Hart. He soon decided that he could dramatize his two favorite themes: “love thy neighbor” and “the viability of the lamb when confronted with the lion.” In 1938 the film appealed to Americans in mass, especially to the “Depression audience” amused by such scenes as Lionel Barrymore confronting an IRS man and refusing to pay his income taxes.

The fun stems from a backdrop of confusion between two very different families. One family is an offbeat clan of free spirits, and the other a snooty, wealthy family of bankers. You Can’t Take It with You is a portrayal of the human spirit at its very best.

On a personal note: This film brought back the “free spirit” in me in a big way. In fact, I want to get a place big enough to house all the free-spirited adventurous people in my life. This bit of celluloid offers “lessons for life,” by a family that most of us would enjoy being a part of.

One of my favorite scenes is where Barrymore (known as Grandpa Vanderhoff) asks Mr. Poppins, “Do you like this work you are doing?” Mr. Poppins: “Oh my goodness, no.” Grandpa: “Then why do you do it?” After a little more dialogue Grandpa invites Mr. Poppins to come and live at his house, saying, “Everyone over at our place does just what they want to do.” Mr. Poppins: “How would I live?” Grandpa: “The same way we do.” Mr. Poppins: “Who takes care of you?” Grandpa: “The same one who takes care of the lilies of the field.” (Check Matthew 6:28.)

James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold, Mischa Auer, Ann Miller, and Spring Byington star in this critically acclaimed success, winning two Academy Awards (Best Picture and Best Director) plus five more nominations. It was Capra’s third Oscar for directing.

This classic film will warm the cockles of your heart!

Four deputies (clockwise from left), Nathan (Ken Bevel), Adam (Alex Kendrick) David (Ben Davies) and Shane (Kevin Downes), enjoy down time at a cookout in the inspirational-thriller “Courageous.”

Among the many interesting finds at the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, Ga., I picked the cream of the crop to tell you about. Especially uplifting and encouraging was the movie Courageous – taking honor to a new level. It is with out a doubt a must-see movie! Being around the entertainment business most of my life, it takes a lot to impress me. Courageous impressed me!

It is well directed, well acted, and it takes your emotions on a roller coaster ride. There is one scene in particular that had me laughing out loud — a scene you will remember. The comic relief was brilliant. The story revolves around four men with one calling: to serve and protect. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are prepared to tackle. While they consistently give their best on the job, they discover that their standard is missing the mark at home. When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith and their fathering.

Filled with action-packed police drama, Courageous is the fourth release from Sherwood Pictures; Fireproof, Facing the Giants and Flywheel proceeded. Tri-Star, Provident Films (a unit of Sony Music Entertainment) and Affirm Films (a Sony Entertainment unit) are part of the team that packaged a concept that could begin to change a nation. You will be riveted as you laugh, cry and cheer for these everyday heroes.

Regardless of your faith, this movie will impact you in a positive way. Every mom, dad and teenager should see Courageous. Honor begins at home!

What our ears and eyes take in affects us either negatively or positively. Some may not choose to believe that, however, before we started exploiting sex, blood and guts, and demonstrating the dark side of life, we did not have the social problems we have today. Remember when we left our doors open at night, and friendly neighbors helped each other. Of course I could list dozens of “remember whens.” However, we can revisit some of those times through family entertainment, which reminds me of…

…Wal-Mart and Proctor & Gamble (P&G): Last July the two companies decided to produce and bankroll a series of family friendly programs for television. The companies say their own research shows their customers want more family material. What’s more important is that consumers have a more favorable view of their products, and a stronger inclination to buy them, if advertisements are associated with family type programming.

Marc Pritchard, global marketing and brand-building officer at Procter & Gamble said, “You’ve heard of being judged by the company you keep?” Products such as Tide laundry detergent, Crest toothpaste and Pampers disposable diapers sell better on family friendly shows. P&G traditionally buys more television time than any other single company. Wal-Mart started advertising more on the Hallmark Channel, known for its family movies. Their Alliance for Family Entertainment started with about 40 prominent advertisers, including Hasbro, General Mills and Pepsi-Cola.

Lance McAlindon, Chief Research Officer for Front Porch Entertainment LLC and P&G affiliate, filled me in during the Atlanta show about the new programming. NBC recently aired a Wal-Mart and P&G collaboration, Who is Simon Miller?

Family viewing is key to television’s most popular show, American Idol. However, with scripted shows, many Hollywood producers and network executives deem family friendly as “dull.” They admit to being intent on seeking young adult viewers. Too bad! Not that many years ago the entire family enjoyed watching TV together. There was no such thing as adult programming. The big lie is “We’re just giving people what they want!” For those that have ears to hear: Most folks want Entertainment for the Soul.

As I scouted the huge World Congress Center — where the event was being held — I discovered many creative projects that are as professional as any Hollywood production. Some did have Hollywood connections, such as Doonby, which I’ll review shortly. Talented producers, directors, writers, actors, crews and marketing pros are coming out of the woodwork from the four corners of the United States, as well as other countries. They have passion and commitment for their work and their message.

Linda Vista Pictures, based in Florida, has come up with a unique Indiana Jones style action/adventure DVD series for tweens and teens: Samuel L. Collins and the Search for Biblical Truths. It stars 14-year-old Samuel L. Collins. In each half-hour episode, Samuel pursues top-secret clues to solve encrypted cipher codes that reveal biblical truths. Young viewers can become actively involved as they are invited to solve clues throughout the show. Plus, in separate contests on the website www.SearchForBiblicalTruths.com they can qualify to win the $10,000 Grand Prize.

The first episode was shot in exotic Singapore. Future shows will be filmed in Bali, Berlin, India, Egypt and a few cities in the USA. This high-tech gadgetry of Mission Impossible is directed by Roshie Jones, and along with the producer John Collins and writer Kristie Collins, they wear their designated acting hats as well. And let me add… Sam is perfectly cast for this “crack the case” role, as well as his sister Katie, who rounds out the ensemble.

We now move from Sam L. Collins to Sam Doonby. The first night there I had to choose between the screenings of Breaking the Press, directed by Andrew Stevens, or Doonby, starring John Schneider. Since I had participated in an event several years ago with Schneider, and it was also a chance to reconnect with star Jennifer O’Neill, Doonby won out. What a brain-teaser! Towards the end I couldn’t figure out what was going on. Listen to me! When it finally hits you — it’s a punch you will never forget!

Sam Doonby, a mysterious and handsome drifter, steps off an interstate bus and quickly becomes the talk of a small town. After finding work at Leroy’s Country Blues Bar, his musical talents make him a small-town star, attracting the attention of Laura, the beautiful but spoiled daughter of local doctor Cyrus Reaper.

Do not let that scenario fool you — it’s much more complex! Sam always seems to be in the right place at the right time to prevent major disasters from happening in the town. Soon jealousy and suspicion drive the townspeople to question Sam’s sudden appearances and motives. When his girlfriend Laura starts doubting him, he quickly vanishes. His disappearance results in painful revelations for the townspeople, especially for Doctor Reaper and his family. Enough said — go see it!

Doonby (“A story worth telling, a life worth living”) is written and directed by Peter Mackenzie; starring John Schneider, Jenn Gotzon, Ernie Hudson, Robert Davi, Jennifer O’Neill, Joe Estevez and Will Wallace. Look for a fall (2011) release (Doonby.com).

[Part 2: Review for the movie Courageous in theaters September 30, and the merging of Wal-Mart with Proctor & Gamble for family entertainment.]

Note: NBC’s Family Movie Night will air Who is Simon Miller? on Saturday, August 6, at 8/7c.

Today, many people would be happy to see Gibson burned at the stake. Sadly, he is giving them fuel for the fire. His outbursts have been filled with unacceptable language, and his rage gives us cause for concern.

But also concerting is the way Hollywood eats its own. Public criticism may garner radio and TV ratings, but it lacks any form of compassion. Instead of lighting the fire to destroy a man, wouldn’t it be better to reach out with a cup of water?

Who out there has never lost his or her cool, or found themselves in a dark hole at some point in their lives? There are situations and people that can absolutely push us over the edge, especially if we are surrounded by negative emotions. Outside forces can turn us on a dime – making us do things we would not normally do.

Gibson was obviously vulnerable to whatever drove him to those uncontrollable vein-popping rants. The jury’s out on the accusation of domestic violence or the validity of any setup, so we will wait on the facts to surface. He will get through this, with or without our support. However, if we stand by him, our love and understanding will help soothe the savage beast within. Let’s be part of his healing, not his demise.

I’m not condoning Gibson’s actions or finding excuses for him; however, in the name of decency, “Don’t kick a man when he’s down.” Gibson was the darling of the media for many years, and is a man whose talent is beyond measure. He’s a man who gave us hours of entertainment, and a man that was married for 30 years to the same woman and fathered seven children by her. His accomplishments in film are unprecedented.

I believe that God looks on the heart, and we would be wise to do the same. On July 15th, Stephen Baldwin echoed my sentiments exactly on The Joy Behar Show.

Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ was one of the most incredible epic films of all time. My plea is for the millions of folks who heralded that film to pray for Mel now like you did during that time.

Send comments to: april@politicsandreligion.tv

The views expressed herein are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tolucan Times.

Joey Riley with Mickey Gilley backstage.

Last July, country singer and musician Mickey Gilley was helping a friend move a sofa when he slipped and fell backwards off of a 15-inch ledge. He couldn’t get up – he was paralyzed. All he could move were his eyeballs. When asked what his first thoughts were he said, “I prayed to God to let me die, I didn’t want to live in that condition.”

Some sort of a no-good spirit has been chasing Gilley for a long time. In 1961 he had heart surgery. Sometime later his appendix burst. In 1992 his theater burned down. When he had a neck lift, the doctor cut too deep and he almost bled to death. Within the last two years he had fluid on the brain, crashed two airplanes, and now faces the biggest challenge of all.

Most country fans remember Gilley from his hit records and the famous Gilley’s Club in Pasadena, Texas, known as the ”world’s biggest honky tonk.” The song “Room Full of Roses” put Gilley on the map big time in 1974 when the song hit the top of the Country charts – even though he recorded it just for fun. In 1980 his career took another leap when his recording “Stand by Me” was featured in the movie Urban Cowboy.

Gilley is one “determined” man! Shortly after the accident he was able to slightly move his arms. He made the decision that he was going to return to normal and fight with all that was in him. Presently he is able to walk a short distance with help. He attributes the many prayers he has received, plus a variety of therapies, for his remarkable recovery. His piano playing hands are not tickling the ivories just yet – but they will!

On April 12th, 2010, I attended Gilley’s opening at the Mickey Gilley Theater in Branson, Missouri. It was the most emotional show I have ever attended. The place was packed with friends and a plethora of celebrities, including Andy Williams. Though he did the show sitting down, it worked! Two female singers moved him gently around the stage in his chair on wheels. Gilley’s comedic sidekick and steel player Joey Riley also joined him on stage. (Riley has his own show in the 2 p.m. slot.)

Gilley’s voice was better than ever! His final number of the evening was “Stand by Me”. In the middle of the song his girls helped him stand, and in unison the entire audience leapt to their feet. Gilley teared up with emotion, as did everyone else.

Mickey Gilley is very thankful for his life, and he believes that God still has work for him to do. His humor and humble attitude is a great example for all to emulate in times of adversity. (Gilley is the cousin of Jerry Lee Lewis and Pastor Jimmy Swaggart.)

Roy Rogers Jr. and his son Dustin Roy Rogers were also in attendance for Gilley’s opening. They are now performing at the Mickey Gilley Theater (10 a.m. slot) since they moved out of the Happy Trails Theater located in The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum. Due to the economy, many tour busses have stopped traveling to tourist areas such as Branson. That alone took a major financial toll on the museum. Sadly it closed in December of 2009 – an end of an era!

People are pleasantly surprised when they discover that Roy Jr. is an entertainer in his own right as well as having an excellent singing voice. He is not trying to copy his famous dad nor stand in his shadow – he is lengthening it and continuing the legacy.

Dustin said that his grandmother (Dale Evans) taught him the values that he lives by today. His words were heartwarming as he spoke so fondly of her from the stage, bringing a tear to my eye. Roy Jr. stated that his parents set the pattern for his life and elaborated by saying. “Why change something that works?”

NOTE: Trigger passed away in 1965 and is stuffed along with Trigger Jr., Buttermilk, and Bullet. If you are a fan of Roy and Dale you know those names. My personal connection to Roy and Dale has made it difficult for me to accept the fact that the museum inventory as well as the animals are now in the hands of Christy’s auction house in New York. Perhaps an angel will come along and return Trigger and other precious pieces back to the Rogers family.

Contact the author: april@politicsandreligion.tv

April Shenandoah’s new book “Kwitchurbelyakin” is slated for a fall release.

‘There is a physical and emotional price to pay when the young indulge in sexting…’

In years gone by a thread of integrity and virtue ran through every American entertainment venue. Today, sex, violence and demon-laden material are readily accepted. What was once considered “good” is now ridiculed and laughed at. The “dark side” of life is embraced while “goodness and light” are rejected. The tables are so turned that many folks think Sara Palin is evil! In reality, Palin is the total opposite of evil. Of course those that see her that way are not thinking for themselves, they are following the political crowds who have decided to demonize her and her family. The media have an all-out campaign against her. Have you ever seen anyone being so maligned for no reason? The comedians have chimed right in and are relentless with their demeaning remarks. Their rhetoric would be quite different if it was a member of their own family in the judgmental spotlight.
Media outlets and the politics that drive them should be ashamed of putting down re-nowned people for political reasons and, sometimes, just for a story. They build them up as media darlings and then they find their flaws and all but destroy them. No one is perfect—no not one! Mankind should be building each other up—helping to restore those who need it. Be careful guys, what you sow you will most definitely reap! Religion or no religion—which law is written in cement!
Tabloid news and defamation of character is being passed off as journalism. In fact, journalism is a lost art, especially investigative reporting. Reading a teleprompter and reporting what the networks tell you is a long way from being a reporter or a journalist. They should be called “news readers.” European countries are laughing at us. Watch the BBC News and you’ll see the difference.
Why do broadcasters constantly milk stories when the milk has long soured? We are being treated as if we are imbeciles, yet we keep watching! At times, the “media madness” is so intense I have to push the mute button, change the channel or simply turn it off! The most frustrating times are when a TV host cuts off someone who is speaking raw truth. I want to scream, “Let him/her talk!” The facts (truth) do not seem relevant to a news story, as they did when news was actually news.
Regardless of age: Perverted sex, heinous violence and truth twisting seep through the eyes and ears deep into the souls of those who partake of it—shaping our thoughts, actions and character. If we turned off the TV for a few weeks and demanded higher standard shows, be it better entertainment or legitimate news, TV execs would soon start altering their programming. It would be easy to turn it around if we had the will and the guts to do it! Phone or write the networks and let your opinion be known—don’t forget to be nice!

Jim Bakker: From the Inner City to the Mountain Top

Are you aware that there are children living in the inner city of Los Angeles with rats and cockroaches, with no food or clothing? Most of us know that these conditions exist in third world countries but come on… in Los Angeles? America?!
The next time you start judging Jim Bakker of the former PTL program with Tammy Faye and prison time fame, remember what you are about to read. [Don’t buy everything the media feeds you, and, secondly, get the facts before you form an opinion.]
Sometime after Bakker was released from prison, he moved into the Dream Center in Los Angeles, and ministered to the inner city people. Every day at noon he taught a Bible study, and shared from his heart. He was a changed and humble man. He told of the times in prison when he was curled up in a fetal position wanting to die. After attending some of those meetings, without fail, I left in tears.
One day in the alley behind one of the buildings, he met his future wife Lori. She had already been involved with inner city children—her life paralleled some of the young lives she was now helping. Together, Jim and Lori joined forces, and adopted five hard- case children—rescuing them from a fate worse than death. Rickey, who was four years of age, and his sister, less than two years of age, were pulled out of their rat and roach infested place, and given clean clothes and a trip to McDonalds, and were never returned. This four-year-old, who was found with nothing but one pair of boxer trunks, was actually raising his little sister—stealing food to survive.
The mother of these children had nine children… all by different fathers. Lori was in close touch with the mother before she met Jim. She had promised the children that if she ever married, they would all come to live with her. When she told Jim about the children, he never hesitated. Every time Lori would phone and say she had a child to bring home, Jim welcomed them with open arms. Their complete story is nothing short of miraculous!
Recently I attended the week-long Grand Opening Celebration at Morningside in Blue Eye, Missouri (near Branson), where the Bakker children took part in several special events. The guest celebrities participating in the all-day program are too long to list. However, I will mention that the Platters of yesteryear called and graciously volunteered to come when they heard about the celebration. Oh, and major kudos to beautiful Lulu Roman (Hee Haw), who would have been unrecognizable without her introduction. She has shed 150 pounds! One of the highlights was when she sang “I Am an Orphan Girl“—she was singing truth, as she was an orphan who never knew her mother or father. She sang it to orphan girls from Moldova that were visiting via Philip Cameron Ministries. [Cameron has rescued many young girls from being sold for the sex trafficking trade after being released from orphanages in Romania and Moldova.]
Morningside is an outstanding place of vision. Builder Jerry Crawford and his wife Dee came alongside Bakker, and provided this place of refuge in the scenic and serene Ozark Mountains, spanning 560 acres. This has been their dream for 21 years.
Morningside’s unique planned community, with family homes, condos and log cabins, is nestled atop a mountainside where friends can gather for Gospel concerts, seminars, shopping, or having a bite to eat at the café–with The Jim Bakker TV Show as its centerpiece. The old-world themed setting is all within the comfort of the climate controlled three-story domed atrium. A tabernacle and youth retreat center has just been completed in time for students to arrive for the fall classes of Masters Commission.
May someone be encouraged today to rescue a child in need, and take them to the mountain top. [Read about Jim Bakker’s incredible movie-like life in his book I Was Wrong. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m familiar with the facts.]

April Shenandoah, Ambassador of Prayer, is a freelance journalist and author. Send comments to politicsandreligion.tv.

Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Rarely am I mesmerized or speechless. However, the production of Noah-the Musical at the Sight & Sound Theatre in Branson, Missouri left me on overwhelm for several days. Noah is the first production in the state-of-the-art 2000-seat theatre that opened its doors May of 2008. From the moment a person sets foot in the lobby they are transported back 2000 years. One is immediately captivated as the curtain opens and exposes the 300-foot stage that wraps around three sides of the audience. The 40-foot high sets, elaborate costumes, special affects, and approximately 175 live and animatronic animals, are breathtaking!
The entire production draws you in as if you are reliving the time of Noah, experiencing his tests, trials, and the flood of destruction. The excitement and energy of the moment are heightened when the

Glenn Eshelman, founder of Sight & Sound Theatres

animals start running into the Ark trying to beat the oncoming rain and lightning storm. Regardless of age, it was like seeing through the eyes of a child when the ark’s interior was revealed. The set enveloped the audience, giving the feeling of actually being in the Ark. The poignant finale was awe inspiring – leaving me on a heavenly high. On my way back down to earth I remember saying, “This is bigger than Broadway.”
The script was written by the Sight & Sound producing group (no egos here – no names). Since 1995, over 2,400,000 have seen Noah – the Musical. The main stage offers 22,550 square feet of acting area plus 2,000 square feet of right and left stages, making the total stage area one of the largest stages in the world. The 1,650 lighting instruments & 58 moving lights is equal to two million watts of light that illuminate the theatre, enough to power 300 homes. The designing of the lights took two years with an additional 3 months to program. The largest set piece weighs approximately 17,000 pounds, and the production includes 375 costumes cut from 38,000 yards of fabric.
This is not your average theatre production, it’s an experience! (The only other production that I know of that is worthy of that statement is “Phantom of the Opera.”)
The man behind this artistic wonderment is Glenn Eshelman, founder of Sight & Sound Theatres. His gift surfaced as a young child painting landscapes on his Pennsylvania family farm, and taking in every word of his Daddy’s great Biblical storytelling. His art eventually led him into his career of photography. Receiving request to share his scenic photographs, Glenn and his wife Shirley searched for a unique means to present them. They produced their first multimedia slide show using a single slide projector and screen, along with a turntable and microphone to provide sound.
. Their overwhelming success of the “Wonder of It All” in the summer of 1975 provided enough seed money to purchase three acres of land in Strasburg, Pennsylvania – where the original Sight & Sound Auditorium was born. Live actors were eventually added to the productions. They now operate two theatres in PA., The Living Waters Theatre and the 2,000 seat state-of-the-art Millinnium Theatre. 
After sixteen successful productions on the East Coast, Branson, Missouri welcomed the glorious Sight & Sound Theatre to the Ozarks. Tour bus companies from around the country quickly discovered the Branson destination. Not surprising is the recent interest from other nations in the development of Sight & Sound theatres and productions.
A trip to your nearest Sight & Sound theatre (sight-sound.com) is the perfect remedy for the trying times we live in – medicine for the soul. Every man, woman, and child will leave with a lighter heart.

April Shenandoah (Ambassador of Prayer) is the author of “So… Help Me God” (an inspired work addressed to President Clinton and all who cherish freedom). Since 1988, after serving as the CA press contact for Robertson’s political campaign, Shenandoah was led to research and gather information on the “changing world” we live in. Send comments to april@politicsandreligion.tv.