Merry and Happy...From La Bartista & "TDS"! :)

Happy Thanksgiving...

Image(s) courtesy VintageHolidayCrafts.com

...from La Bartista and those Maverick boys :)

Remembering...

Jack Kelly

9/16/1927 - 11/7/1992

The People's Friend! :)

VOTE FOR BART MAVERICK

THE HONEST

(AND ARTISTIC) CANDIDATE

(Paid for by the League of Ga-Ga Women Voters)

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today (10/30/12) would be my dad's 85th birthday. He was born on October 30, 1927, just a few weeks and a few hundred miles apart from Jack Kelly. Their lives took different turns--my dad was a salesman; JK was a famous actor. But, they both loved golf and are both beloved dads who are now fondly remembered and missed. Happy Birthday Dad! :)

BREAKING NEWS: Look What I Just Found! :)

Hello All!

We'll return to 1960 and Hidden Valley shortly, but in the meantime, here's a fantabulous Jack Kelly performance from 1963. It's "Shadow of a Man", an episode originally broadcast on Kraft Mystery Theater which co-stars Broderick Crawford, Ed Begley and many other recognizable faces. By the way, if the names of JK's and Crawford's characters sound familiar, they were also used by Fred McMurray and Edward G. Robinson in the 1944 Billy Wilder film Double Imdemnity. Apart from the insurance investigator angle, though, "Shadow of a Man" has little in common with that famous film noir. It's still a blast to watch--enjoy! :)




 BUT WAIT--THERE'S MORE!!!

Bloodhound Bartista is on a hot streak tonight. I also found JK's segment ("La Canasta") from the episodic 1956 Mexican film Canasta De Cuentos Mexicanos (A Basket of Mexican Tales). In "La Canasta" ("The Basket"), based on a story by B. Traven of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre fame, a clever Mexican basketweaver outsmarts a gringo couple. JK's wife is played by Mari Blanchard, with whom he later co-starred in She Devil. The clip is in Spanish without subtitles, but JK is muy bueno in any language. :)

 

Jack Kelly and the American Dream :)

Howdy!

You're just in time. The Wayback Machine is almost finished boarding. 

Our destination: San Jose, California, USA.

The date:  September 18, 1960. 

Hold on tight now--and away we go!

Wow, that was fast. We've landed on Roeder Road, just off Monterey Highway in San Jose. It's almost 2:00 pm, and there's a pretty big crowd gathered on this Sunday afternoon.

A large sign proclaims, "Hidden Valley Grand Opening." Hmm--although this looks like ranch land, I don't think salad dressing is involved. This Hidden Valley is actually a new housing development with a panoramic view of the Edenvale hills. We can see the wooden frames of the first homes under construction. 

Oh, it looks like the grand opening festivities are beginning. Someone's starting to speak...

I'm standing behind a guy with a little boy sitting on his shoulders. The little boy is wearing a cowboy hat. 

"Can you see him, buckaroo?"

"Yes, Daddy!"

I wish I could see him. But, the speaker sounds very familiar. Could it be--is that who I think it is?

"Here, maybe he'll autograph this for you!" someone whispers, handing me a newspaper ad:

TO BE CONTINUED!!! :)

Come and Meet Jack Kelly on September 18! :)

Wow!

JK's 85th birthday was celebrated in a big way on the internet,  including this insightful interview with our pal Linda J. Alexander, author of A Maverick Life--The Jack Kelly Story. The interview continues here. 

The fun continues on TDS, too. Be sure to visit TDS on Tuesday, September 18, when the Wayback Machine will whisk us back 52 years for a special "meet and greet" with JK! You won't want to miss it. :)

Happy 85th Birthday JK! :)

Of Cats, Dogs, Horses...and Kellys :)

Hello...

Yesterday, my sister lost her beloved 15 year-old cat, Tiger, to cancer. Tiger's passing reminded me of how much pets enrich and enliven our lives. I have a dog and cat of my own. Their antics always make me smile (except when the antics involve mud on the carpet or shredded furniture. ;->)

Jack Kelly and his first wife May Wynn owned a pet poodle named "Hickey". His handle came from May's real name, which was Donna Lee Hickey. 

Hickey had an unusual hobby. The caption for this sweet 1959 photo explains:

"The Jack Kelly Poodle, 'Hickey', Gets the Best Seat in The House - The cute little pup particularly enjoys watching horses, an unusual pastime for a pooch nowadays. He manages by having Mrs. Kelly (May Wynn) take him to watch Jack at work on the Maverick TV series at Warner Brothers. Upstaging both of his professional 'parents', Hickey has spotted a horse. This studio visit is part of the Kelly's 'Be Kind to Animals Week' contribution in honor of the week, May 3-9."

[I wonder if Hickey spotted Goldie?]

Be Kind to Animals Week is still observed today. Of course, we should be kind to animals every day. Let's all give our "fur babies" an extra treat and hug today, in memory of those who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  

Tiger

1997-2012

It's Your Move JK :)

Hello!

Watched by young actor Michael Kearney, Jack Kelly is deep in thought as he kontemplates his next move on the checkerboard:

This is a rehearsal pic from the ill-fated play The Family Way, which ran for just five performances on Broadway in early 1965. As the info on the back of the photo says, the story takes place in a Hollywood apartment house and "concerns a young widowed actress, her man-about-town theatrical agent and her little son whose desperate search for a new father seems to get the whole town involved."

JK played the theatrical agent, and Kearney--in his Broadway debut--played the widow's son. Young Kearney also played important roles in two poignant productions: the 1963 feature film All the Way Home, which starred Robert Preston and Jean Simmons; and The Thanksgiving Visitor, an Emmy-winning 1967 TV holiday special starring Geraldine Page. 

Click here to learn more about JK's "checkered" play.  ;-)

Happy Birthday Mrs. Kelly! :)

Hello Everyone!


There's a birthday celebration underway at the Kelly house. But, Jack Kelly is nowhere in sight. Jack Kelly, Junior, that is. The handsome gent in this pic is actually his pop, who was also called Jack Kelly. And, it's plain to see where Junior got his good looks. 

Speaking of good looks, that's JK Jr.'s sister Nancy on the right, and, in the center is their mom, birthday girl Nan Kelly. 

The photo is dated January 1942. A handwritten notation on the back reads, "Mr. and Mrs. Jack Kelly and daughter Nancy at Mrs. Kelly's birthday party."

And, yes--Mrs. Kelly is wearing a ring on both pinkies. ;->

"60 Minutes of Mystery and Suspense!" :)

Howdy!


Thankfully, the extreme hot weather of the past week or so seems to be cooling down a bit. What a relief!


Here's something else that's cool...

...A poster for "White Snow, Red Ice". This was actually a 1964 episode of Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theater. Since it's being advertised as a "motion picture for television", I'm guessing this poster was promoting the availability of the film for TV syndication. It shows a suave JK (as PI "Fred Piper") snuggling up to his co-star Senta Berger. 


For more info on "White Snow, Red Ice", click here and here. And, here's hoping we get to see the actual film some day...that would be really cool!  :)

"Introducing Jack Kelly" Pt. II :)

Howdy!

As promised, here's the fantabulous 1951 profile and photo of that "swell fella" Jack Kelly from "The Brown Banner" fan journal. Enjoy! :)

"INTRODUCING JACK KELLY

(PLEASE DO NOT COPY THIS PHOTO)

 

Jack Kelly is a young actor that you've got to know! Not that there is any danger of you not knowing him soon...he's beginning to go places cinematically speaking, in a big way! If you're not familiar with him now...it won't be long.

Jack is a swell fella...he's quite a tease...and life is never dull with him around. He's the boy that's the life of the party! He's right there, too, if there's something to be done and he can be of any help.

Twenty four years-old, Jack is six-foot-one and weighs 190 pounds. Brown hair and eyes help to make him the good looking lad he is.

He's not new to the entertainment world, exactly...in New York he was spotted in such plays as St. Helena with Maurice Evans, Ghost of Yankee Doodle with Miss Ethel Barrymoore, Stopover, Schoolhouse on the Lot, and Swing Your Lady. Also in the East, he appeared on radio in broadcasts of March of Time, Gang Busters, Famous Fortunes, and The Fred Allen Show.

As for television, Jack has served his time in that media too...in N.Y. he did such shows as Studio One, Philco Theatre, The Colgate Show, Kraft Theatre, Chevrolet Theatre, The Bob Ripley Show, and The Fred Waring Show.

In Hollywood, he's been heard on radio via The Lux Radio Theatre, Philip Marlowe, Suspense, and Tell It Again.

Jack's popular sister, Nancy Kelly, has been a well-known actress for several years and now Jack is carrying on the tradition in the family by appearing in many pictures. He's in Fighting Man of the Plains with Randolph Scott; Peggy at Universal with Charles Coburn, Charlotte Greenwood, and Diana Lynn; Call Me Mister with Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and Danny Thomas at 20th Century Fox; New Mexico with Lew Ayres, Marilyn Maxwell, and Ian McDonald; RKO's Where Danger Lives starring Robert Mitchum; and at Warners in West Point Story with James Cagney and Virginia Mayo.

He can currently be seen...or soon will be seen...in such popular releases as Fox's People Will Talk with Cary Grant and Jeanne Crain; Submarine Command at Paramount with William Holden and Bill Bendix; and Republic's Wings Across the Pacific [B27: retitled The Wild Blue Yonder] with James Brown, Wendell Corey, Forrest Tucker, Phil Harris and Vera Ralston.

In the latter film, Jack met Jim [Brown] for the first time and during shooting they became fast friends. Jack is a frequent visitor at 'Brown's Little Acre'; in fact, he's almost one of the family, at present writing.

Again, I say, 'Jack's a swell fella!' and is destined to be one of our top masters of entertainment of the future.

FLASH! As we go to press, comes word that Jack has just signed a wonderful contract at Universal International. He appeared there in a play and was observed by director Budd Boetticher and now has a nice role in Red Ball Express. Be sure to write to Jack at Universal. Mail will help him a lot now!" 

As a bonus, I found a couple more mentions of JK in the fanzine. He attended a surprise birthday party for the "prexy" of the Jim Brown fan club held at the Brown's home. And: "We [the Browns] caught the premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire...and talked Jack Kelly into going. I [Jim Brown] thought the picture very good but Kelly won't forgive us for roping him in. He hates driving up in front of the theatre and being announced. So do I, but Betty [Mrs. Brown] says it's good publicity, so I gave in. Keep your eye on Jack Kelly. He is a likeable guy and a good actor. Look for him in The Wild Blue Yonder." 

Gee, I wonder if that young Kelly fella ever amounted to anything... ;-)

"Introducing Jack Kelly" Pt. I :)

Hello!

In my never-ending kwest for Kellectibles, I never know where Jack Kelly will turn up next. 

Case in point: I just found an informative write-up and a gorgeous snapshot of JK in a fan club journal from 1951. Only, JK isn't the main focus of the journal. The journal is actually devoted to James Brown, a.k.a. Jim Brown. 

Now, this was not "The Godfather of Soul" James Brown or the football player turned actor named Jim Brown. This was the actor, born James Edward Brown in 1920, who appeared in such films as The Sands of Iwo Jima with John Wayne and the 1954 version of A Star is Born with Judy Garland and James Mason. He also co-starred in one of my favorite episodes of The Virginian, simply titled "West", with one of my "sigh guys", Steve Cochran. 

But, Jim Brown is probably best known for portraying "Lt. Rip Masters" in the fondly remembered 1950's TV western series The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin. He later founded an athletic equipment company and continued acting in films and TV until his death in 1992. 

So, what was JK doing in "The Brown Banner", the fanzine devoted  to JB? Well, here's a little secret: Many "fan" clubs were actually sanctioned by film studios, who recognized a great way to drum up publicity for their performers when they saw it. The fan club "prexy" (president) was often paid a salary and given unlimited access to a studio's stars. Although "The Brown Banner" resembles a homemade scrapbook, it's full of studio news, interviews and actual photos of Brown, his wife, and even their dog, Patsy. It also contains stories publicizing other players working at the 20th Century Fox studio, hence the write-up and incredible photo of newcomer Jack Kelly...which I will share with you in the next TDS! :)

You CAN Judge This Book By Its Cover - Now VOTE For It! :)

Howdy Everyone!


I received an exciting note from Linda J. Alexander, author of the fabulous Jack Kelly bio, A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story:


"...The cover of my latest book, A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story, is up for an award with a website popular with readers … which means potential buyers. I’d like to ask if you’d be so kind as to go onto the site & add your vote for my book cover.

Here’s the link: http://yougottaread.com/vote-now-for-the-june-2012-cover-contest A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story is listed as #2 in the poll @ this link. Please share w/your friends, & folks with whom you may exchange e-mail to help my book cover win this award. A win will boost sales. Voting ends on Wednesday, 6/27.

Just visit the above link and click on my book cover detail to vote. Only takes a few seconds. If you’re unaware of the subject, A Maverick Life: The Jack Kelly Story is the biography of TV’s “Maverick” co-star (along with James Garner from 1957 - 1962), published November 2011 by one of the premiere classic entertainment niche publishers, BearManor Media."

So, there you have it fellow Bartistas--now, please, go VOTE! (And, hurry--voting ends tomorrow, June 27!)

By the way, I voted and looked at some at the competing book covers...believe me, with JK on the cover, there is NO competition! :)


UPDATE! (6/27/12) The cover contest has ended and--ta da!--A Maverick Life won! :) Congratulations, Linda! 

Happy Father's Day! :)

BREAKING NEWS: "Ghost Story/Circle of Fear" on DVD!

Hey!


I just discovered that all 23 episodes of Ghost Story (later Circle of Fear), the spine-chilling 1972-'73 TV series, have been remastered from 35mm prints and released on DVD. That includes the episode "The Dead We Leave Behind," which co-starred Jack Kelly.  The series can be ordered online from the Warner Bros Shop, Amazon and other outlets. 

Check Out JK! :)

Check it out: 

Jack Kelly is all decked out in checks. Note the casual, yet oh-so-suave way JK rocks that flannel shirt. And, dig his fedora festooned with fishing lures. 

Actress Patricia Crowley also looks fashionably relaxed in her Irish fisherman's sweater and tousled 1960's 'do. 

Although JK and PC acted together in three episodes of Maverick, this still is from "Remember Lake Serene", a 1967 segment of the Please Don't Eat the Daisies sitcom. The plot: In a scheme to marry off a bachelor named "Bob" (JK), Ms. Crowley's character and a friend secretly follow their husbands and Bob on a fishing trip to Lake Serene. The conniving wives are toting a beautiful bachelorette meant for Bob. However, they discover their guys have already reeled in some girls, including the one from U.N.C.L.E. (Stefanie Powers). 

Although I remember watching Please Don't Eat the Daisies as a wee little kid, I don't recall this particular episode. Well, judging from this photo, it looks like JK's Bob was quite a "catch". ;-)

Maverick is Here! :)

Maverick - The Complete First Season, that is! :)

My 7-DVD set arrived today. I popped the second DVD into the player and was greeted with the menu, scored with the jaunty Maverick theme song.

Naturally, I selected the "Hostage!" episode (since it's the first one in which Jack Kelly appeared) and JK appeared on the screen. But, I couldn't hear him. 

Actually, I could sort of hear something, a bunch of faint "waa waa waa waa" noises that made everyone in the scene sound like Charlie Brown's unseen teacher on the Peanuts cartoons.

I wanted to see and hear JK. I couldn't figure out what was going on. The menu music played okay--why couldn't I hear the episode?

I tried the disc in my computer and the sound worked fine. So, I played with the DVD player set-up menu and discovered that the "waa waas" were coming from the sub-woofer (I've always wondered what that is). I simply had to change the sound from "stereo" to "mono". Voila! I could hear JK speak.

I'm not sure why the Maverick DVDs had this aural quirk. I have  several other classic TV shows on DVDs and none of them have acted like this. Well, I'm just glad I didn't have to return Maverick as defective. 


Aside from that little hiccup, I give this set a big thumb's up. The only real extra is a booklet--well, a pamphlet really--with some small pictures, episode details, and thumbnail plot descriptions. But, it's a thrill just to finally have the first season of Maverick on DVD. I may start spending the dinner hour with Bart and Bret again, just as I did when I began watching the show on the Encore Westerns channel back in 2009.  :)  

Maverick Madness! :)

Howdy!

The complete first season of Maverick is now officially on DVD and the glowing reviews are rolling in. For example, the "DVD Talk" website gives the set a "Highly Recommended" rating, along with an outstanding review that not only features photos of Jack Kelly and James Garner, but also mentions JK very favorably. :)

And, a little bird told me that Linda J. Alexander, author of the wonderful A Maverick Life - The Jack Kelly Story, will discuss the book and its subject on "TV Confidential", an online radio program about television hosted by Ed Robertson. Should be fun, as Mr. Robertson also authored a book about the Maverick TV series. Click here for the show's blog, which includes schedule information and even some cool videos showcasing JK. Enjoy! 

Memorial Day 2012

A Global "Affair" :)

Hello!


From their very beginning, American movies have been enjoyed by audiences around the globe. That's why the Kellection now contains German-language publicity material for Hong Kong Affair, which was filmed on location in the then-British colony and starred Yankee actors Jack Kelly and May Wynn.  


Here's a lovely shot of JK and MW on an original lobby card advertising Die Todesfalle von HongKong (which Google roughly translates as Death Trap of Hong Kong!): 

JK shines from the cover of the film's four-page program:

The program contains photo montages and a list of cast and credits:

Is it just me, or does anyone else think that May Wynn somewhat resembles Nancy Kelly in the headshot below?

More photo montages, and a German-language synopsis of the film's plot.

By the way, another popular method of movie marketing is the "sneak preview", where lucky audiences get to peek at a new film before it's released. In the spirit of that time-honored tradition, here's a sneak preview of my newest blog. It goes "live" on 5/18/2012 at 8:00 pm ET. Please take a gander and let me know what you think, about it and/or this posting about JK and Die Todesfalle von HongKong on TDS. Thanks a million! :)

Happy Mother's Day From "TDS"! :)

Original print by Jacqueline Stanhope

The Gambler and the Flapper! :)

Howdy!

Bet you never thought you'd see Bart Maverick doing the Charleston--but here he is:

The feisty flapper hoofing it with Bart is Dorothy Provine, who was about to star as "Pinky Pinkham" in a new (1960) Warner Brothers TV series called The Roaring 20's.

It seems Ms. Provine was a bit of a gambler herself. In fact, according to an item in a 1961 issue of TV Radio Mirror, foxy Dot regularly outfoxed Jack Kelly and other Warner Brothers stars at the poker table. And JK smelled a rat: 

"The male contingent of TV stars far outnumber the female on the Warners' lot, and, for relaxation during lunch breaks, they've been having a few friendly rounds of poker. It was strictly stag until wide-eyed Dorothy Provine asked to be taught the game. 'Sure,' said Jack Kelly with a tolerant wink at the others. 'We'll let you in.' By agreement, stakes were low for the first session and Dot was given every opportunity. As a result, she won. But when she continued to win with ease and cunning, the boys began to suspect they were being suckered. So, at this writing, Warners' big problem with its he-man stars is not higher salaries but how to keep one pip of a blonde from getting in the card game and diverting her toward something feminine like knitting. [B27 -!] Groans Jack, 'That gal's hands are faster than our eyes and I don't like the smooth way she rakes in the pots--no beginner was ever that smooth.' As for Dot, she is as wide-eyed as ever. But, if one looks hard enough, there is a knowing gleam in her innocent gaze." ;-)

COMING SOON IN TDS: A German view of a movie made in Hong Kong with two American stars; the story behind JK's "boot"; and more! :)

Merry Olde "Maverick" :)

Hello Everyone!

Over 30 years' worth of digitized issues of a British television guide recently rolled into the Kellection on DVD. For a nostalgia nut and research junkie like me, this is almost akin to winning the lottery or having Christmas every day. In fact, it may take me until Christmas to read every issue. But, I don't mind. I'm having a ball learning more about British TV and, at the same time, discovering which American shows made a ripple across the pond in the late 1950's and early 1960's.

US cartoons like Rocky and Bullwinkle, Huckleberry Hound and Yogi Bear also appeared on the British telly. And sitcoms such as Dennis the Menace, which was re-titled Just Dennis. And, of course, westerns such as Gunsmoke, which was called Gun Law when the original half-hour episodes first aired in the UK.

I noticed most of the US westerns seemed to go over big in Britain, especially Wagon Train. The big draw there was Robert Horton as scout "Flint McCullough". I counted at least five articles about him. Horton also played the London Palladium at the height of his Wagon Train fame.

Our boys Bart and Bret Maverick were pretty popular, too. They arrived on the British ITV network in 1958 and appeared on and off there for the next several years.

Predictably, James garnered most of the attention in the TV guide. I found three articles about JG. Not every issue has been digitized, though, so maybe Jack rated an article or two of his own in the issues that are missing.

I did find an amazing behind-the-scenes photo of JK that I hadn't seen before. Judging from the overturned stagecoach in the background, I'm thinking this may have been snapped during the filming of The Burning Sky episode of Maverick. JK looks ruggedly handsome (even though the caption labels him as "Maverick's brother"). And, what is that guy doing with the shotgun?! :0

JK also pops up all over the program listings:

Finally, I found some kudos for Kelly and Maverick among the letters sent in by viewers. In 1960, a housewife in Manchester, UK, wrote: "I think of myself as a 'Western hater', but one programme I wouldn't miss for anything is Maverick. It is such a pleasant change to see a Western that is light-hearted. These Maverick brothers certainly possess something that the other heroes lack--a sense of humour. I would like to applaud the acting of both James Garner and Jack Kelly..."

So, it's clear that Maverick was a hit in merry olde England.

I'm up to the mid-1960's issues now, so if I make any more JK sightings, I'll let you know. Cheerio! :)

Coming Soon to a Computer Near You... :)

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to let you know about a couple of projects I've been working on lately. I'm pretty excited about them. While they don't directly involve Jack Kelly, I'm sure that fans of JK, this blog, and classic films/tv/actors will enjoy them.

First, I'm about to launch a new blog. Don't worry--I'm still going to be posting on "TDS" and my other websites. It's actually sort of a spinoff of "TDS", and something I've wanted to do for a long time. I've been interested in film and tv actors practically since I was born and this is going to be a fun look at some of the other guys who've caught my eye--and maybe yours, too.  :) I'm putting the finishing touches on the first post now. Watch for it soon!

The second project is going to take a bit longer to reach fruition. A few years ago, I dreamed up some characters and began writing a story about them. Almost before I knew it, my "story" had seven chapters. I realized I had the beginning of a novel on my hands! I've never gotten this far with any kind of fiction I've tried to write, but I think this time I'm going to keep it going. I may even finish it. ;-)

Although it's fictional, the story does involve the entertainment industry. It's a rootin' tootin' romance that begins on the set of a TV western in 1961. And, where does it end? Only my hairdresser knows for sure--really, she's the only one I've told about the story so far.  But, now you know about it, too. Maybe I'll feature an excerpt from the story in "TDS" sometime. Keep watching? :-)

Easter Joy to Everyone from "TDS" :)

Keeping Up With the Kellys :)

Hello Everyone!

It's time for another visit to the Kelly kastle, circa 1959.

Here, we find JK trying to learn a new song ("Freebird"?) on the guitar as Donna/May looks on. Check out the background, and we see such knick-knacks as a Humpty Dumpty doll and what appears to be a Donald Duck figurine. Love that ruffled gingham lampshade, too. And, dig JK's argyle socks! :)

The write-up accompanying the pic says, "Jack Kelly loves portraying the smooth card shark Bart Maverick in the top Warner Brothers-ABC Sunday night series. 'If I had lived in those days of the early west, that's probably exactly what I would have done.' Jack and his wife Donna (her movie name was May Wynn) often spend their free time reading plays out loud to each other. They love almost all sports, love to travel, read, paint and spend lazy Sunday mornings reading the funny papers. Donna has given up acting professionally and is hoping to start a family soon. Until that time, they are free to fly to New York when the feeling hits them or to a nearby course for golf."

Below, JK (and friend) coaches Donna on the course:

Finally, JK and May SHARE a moment at a western-themed benefit:
 

Freebird! :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day From JK & "TDS"! :)

"Timely" Tips From Bart Maverick :)

Howdy Folks!

Usually in the wintertime, I end up driving to and from work with a white-knuckled grip on the Bartistamobile's steering wheel as the freeways freeze up.

Not so this year! Snow has mostly been a no-show here. And, I've had few weather worries on my daily commute. So, unless Mother Nature socks us with a belated blizzard, it looks like we're home free this year. The crocuses, hyacinths, and other springtime dazzlers are well on their way to blooming.

Another sign of the approaching spring is the adjustment to Daylight Saving Time. It's time for the clocks to spring forward, as our buddy Bart Maverick reminds us below:

Incidentally, losing an hour's sleep could do more than just induce yawns on Sunday, March 11. Studies have shown that the time change can actually affect a person for two or three days! So, be sure to get plenty of rest and eat right.

Getting extra sunshine can help re-set one's inner clock. Fresh air and exercise may also improve alertness. So, why not catch some rays and work out with a friend.

Finally, it may be wise to postpone difficult or risky tasks until after one has recovered from the time change.

These "timely" tips are presented as a public service by Bart Maverick and "TDS". ;-)

Jumpin' Jack! :)

BREAKING NEWS - "Maverick" DVD Cover Art! :)

Howdy!

TVShowsOnDVD has posted the cover art for the upcoming Maverick first season DVD. It looks like the cover is short one Maverick, however. :(

NOTE: The TVShowsOnDVD site originally stated that the DVD set would contain extras such as audio commentary and a featurette, but later issued a correction, saying this was in error. The DVD set will contain: DVDs. But, with JK on those DVDs, who needs extras? ;-)

STAY TUNED! :)

BREAKING NEWS: "MAVERICK" ON DVD!!! :)

Couldn't ask for a better Valentine's Day present:

I just saw it announced on "TVShowsOnDVD" that the entire first season of Maverick will FINALLY be released on DVD "just in time for Father's Day" on May 29, at the "priced to own" cost of $39.98! The official press release from Warner Home Video is here.

Watch "TDS" for further updates!

As my old Pappy might have said, "This is great news--I just wonder what took them so darn long?" ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day From JK & "TDS"! :)

Got a Tough Cleaning Job? :)

THEN TRY THE AMAZING NEW:

MAVERAG!

TV's Bart Maverick, Jack Kelly, demonstrates this revolutionary new product. For tough cleaning jobs, the MAVERAG is better than a royal flush!

The incredible MAVERAG can't be beat when it comes to rubbing, scrubbing, dusting or buffing. Tidy up the table after that all-night poker game--or, like Jack here, grab a couple of MAVERAGS to tackle that two-fisted car washing chore!

The MAVERAG comes in a variety of colors and sizes, and is machine washable. And, for do-it-yourselfers, an exclusive kit is also available so you can make your very own MAVERAGS from common household materials such as old shirts and towels. Includes special MAVERAG scissors and easy-to-follow instructions.

Yes, you'll really clean up with: the MAVERAG!

(MAVERAG is a registered trademark of La Bartista Enterprises.)

¡JK Olé! :)

¡Hola!

After what seemed like forever, ël sol (the sun) finally took center stage in the January sky here today. In honor of this enlightening event, here’s a photograph of Jack Kelly costumed in a traje de luces (suit of lights) for his role as Sidney Franklin in “My First Bullfight” which aired on the ABC series TV Reader’s Digest on June 20, 1955.

Franklin was an adventurous American writer and artist who counted Ernest Hemingway and James Dean among his amigos. So, how did this boy from Brooklyn end up as a bullfighter? The episode description for “My First Bullfight" in TV.com says, “An American artist is drawing bullfighting posters in Mexico City. After a little too much tequila, he feels he has what it takes to battle a bull.”

JK certainly cut a dashing figure as the atypical torero, and he really rocks that suit. In fact, I think this is my new favorite photo of JK! :)

Happy New Year from La Bartista & "TDS"! :)

Thanks so much for reading TDS and for your comments and kind words during the past year. And, thanks most of all for being such a great group of Jack Kelly fans. I pray that you all have a blessed and safe 2012. :)

Free Vintage New Year's Clip Art