Breaking Away: 35th Anniversary

Today marks the 35th Anniversary of one of my very favorite films, "Breaking Away." Filmed entirely in Bloomington where I attended Indiana University, it perfectly captured the quirky small-town community that just happened to have over 40,000 students. I say "captured" because Bloomington has changed a lot in the last 35 years!

Dennis Christopher plays Dave, a high school student who struggles to figure out his future. Here he is posing in downtown Bloomington astride his bike:



Here's how the same Courthouse Square looks today:



The struggle between "Town and Gown" (community residents vs. the college students) comes to a head in an epic brawl that takes place at the University Student Union:



The Indiana Memorial Union Cafeteria today:



One of the local quarries plays a major role in the film. Limestone from this quarry was used in the Empire State Building, The Pentagon, and Washington National Cathedral, just to name a few iconic structures. Here Dave sunbathes with his high school friends, played by Dennis Quaid (diving into the quarry) and Daniel Stern.



During my college days, I used to go swimming in the very same quarry, aka Rooftop Quarry. Today, you couldn't pay me enough money to jump into this stagnant cesspool!



One of the most touching scenes in the film is between Dave and his somewhat detached father (played by Paul Dooley), who used to work in one of the quarries. They stroll through the campus near the library, discussing Dave's future after high school.

Father: You guys still go swimmin' in the quarries?
Dave: Sure.
Father: So, the only thing you got to show for my 20 years of work is the holes we left behind?

He goes on, in an awkward attempt to encourage his son to be something that he never was:

I was proud of my work. And the buildings went up. When they were finished the damnedest thing happened. It was like the buildings were too good for us. Nobody told us that. It just felt uncomfortable, that's all.



The very same limestone library today:



The final bike race is breathtaking and emotionally charged; I still get excited watching it, even though I know what the result will be.



All that's left of the original stadium where the race was filmed are the corner limestone pillars:



The film's box office started out extremely slow, thanks to a trailer that does a very poor job of promoting the film.



Happy Anniversary, "Breaking Away"!

See more "Breaking Away" photos on my main website.

Favorite Movies: The 1970's

Moving into the 1970's, my list begins with "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971). Entering the edible Wonka Wonderland is akin to Dorothy opening the door of her farmhouse and stepping into the Technicolor world of Oz. It's still a breathtaking moment. Gene Wilder is perfect as the slightly crazed chocolatier.



I saw "The Sting" (1973) when it was first released and thought it was one of the best movies then, and still feel that way today. I fell in love with the title art as it flashed on the screen and my fingers longed to play the ragtime of Scott Joplin that populated the soundtrack.



Redford and Newman made a perfect pair, outshining just about any other "bromance" duo that has come after them.





"Paper Moon" (1973) captures the depressing flavor of the Depression-heavy 1930's, but thanks to a bright script and amazing comic performances by Tatum O'Neal and Madeline Kahn, it still manages to put a smile on your face.



"Blazing Saddles" (1974) is Mel Brooks at his most brilliantly irreverent. Again, Madeline Kahn steals the show, out Dietrich-ing Dietrich with "I'm So Tired." Cleavon Little makes all the bigots look like the fools that they are, and does so with style.



Harvey Korman is deliciously evil as State Attorney General Hedley (not Hedy) Lamarr. I love 90% of the movie, but it drones on just about ten minutes too long with the final battle that takes place on a Hollywood soundstage.





I was in love with "Chinatown" (1974) from the moment I saw the title design.



Roman Polanski's film does a wonderful job of evoking Los Angeles in the 1930's. Nicholson and Dunaway give compelling performances, but cannot compare to John Huston's chilling characterization of a man who is completely devoid of any morals.



"The Towering Inferno" (1974) was one of the many all-star disaster movies created by Irwin Allen; personally, I think it's his best. Huge in scope but full of tender poignant moments, especially the romance between Jennifer Jones and Fred Astaire.





"Young Frankenstein" (1974) is Mel Brooks' loving homage to the classic Universal "Frankenstein" movies. This one will keep you laughing from start to finish; no extraneous moments here.





"The Turning Point" (1977) is a story of "what ifs" and how the two lead characters (Anne Bancroft and Shirley MacLaine) long to know what their fates would have been if they had chosen different paths. Viewers get a glimpse into the world of ballet, as some of the real stars of dance (Mikhail Baryshnikov, Leslie Browne, and Alexandra Danilova) play roles in this movie. Just like the athletic world, those who dance must make a difficult choice of retiring young before their bodies give out, but after the opportunity to live a "normal life" has passed them by. The fight between Bancroft and MacLaine puts Alexis and Krystal's to shame!





"High Anxiety" (1977) is Brooks at his silliest. The number one reason to watch this satire of Hitchcock is Cloris Leachman. Her characterization of the sadistic Nurse Diesel is unbelievable.



To enjoy "Grease," you first need to:

1. get past the idea of a 34-year old Stockard Channing, 30-year-old Olivia Newton John, and a 24-year-old John Travolta playing high school students

2. like musicals

3. have no problem that the moral of the story is that you need to become a slut to get the man you want.

If you can accept those three things, then the movie "Grease" (1978) is for you. Memorable songs, lovable characters, and plenty of great choreography by Patricia Birch.



"Animal House" (1978) is one of National Lampoon's best movies, thanks to the comic talents of its cast, including John Belushi, John Vernon, and Verna Bloom. If you were an underdog in college, this movie is your ultimate revenge fantasy.



I have written often about "Breaking Away," (1979) filmed entirely in Bloomington, Indiana and on the campus of Indiana University, so I won't waste my time touting again that this is one of my very favorite films. It is as genuine as they come without the forced artifice of so many of today's films.



"Time After Time" (1979) deals with one of my favorite themes: time travel. Malcolm McDowell plays science fiction author H.G. Wells, whose time machine is stolen by none other than Jack the Ripper. Wells must travel into the future (modern day San Francisco) to bring the Ripper back for justice. Along the way he falls in love with a bank teller (Mary Steenburgen). Clocking in under two hours, it is a tightly made film, with just the right balance of comedy, romance, and action.



See more classic Movie & TV photos on my regular web page.

Back Home Again In Indiana: Bloomington

Besides being home to Indiana University, Bloomington is a cool little town all on its own. The best pizza can be found at Mother Bear's on Third Street.

Nick's English Hut has been a local tradition for years, where both locals and University-affiliated folk hang out.





The Bluebird is one of the most popular nightclubs, featuring fantastic live music.



One of my very favorite dinner spots is the Uptown Cafe. It sure was good to dine here again.



I strayed a bit from my training diet for this one.



Farm Restaurant was a new one for me, as it was there when I lived in Bloomington. It was a tasty addition to the many other choices in town.



Interesting decor:



With a way cool nightclub in the basement:



Delicious breakfasts can be ordered at The Village Deli; I highly recommend Paxton's Potatoes! Unless you have a cholesterol issue...



Locally owned and operated The Scholar's Inn Bakehouse is another great little eatery, located on the square in Downtown Bloomington.



Also on the square is The Courthouse:



with its quirky weathervane:



The University isn't the only place in Bloomington with cool limestone buildings, statues, and detailing:











Inside of the Courthouse beautiful stained glass and hand painted historic murals can be admired:







The Von Lee theater is no more, but the current tenant has kept the façade of the building the same as well as the original neon sign:



The Indiana Theater was a little more fortunate, as the city rallied to restore it to its former glory and make it a live venue. Apparently, it's still doing well.



These odd little statues have always fascinated me, located in a park as you first enter Bloomington:



For you "Breaking Away" fans, here's the house used as the residence of the Stoller family:



In this vintage shot, Director Peter Yates stands in front of the same house with actors Dennis Christopher and Paul Dooley.



That wraps up my nostalgic tour of my alma mater and the town where it resides. One more stop on my Indiana tour to go!

See more vintage and current Indiana University photos on my Bloomington, Indiana web page.