George Munger

 George Munger was born in Elkins Park (Philadelphia suburb), Pennsylvania in 1909.  In 1928 and 1929, he was captain of his Episcopal Academy (Overbrook section of Philadelphia) football team.  

Munger played halfback for the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) American football team from 1930 to 1932.  After graduating from Penn in 1933, he taught mathematics and religion at Episcopal Academy.  

In 1936, Munger was hired as the freshman football coach at Penn.  In 1938, he was promoted to be Penn's head football coach.  Munger remained the head coach for 16 years before stepping down after the 1953 season.

Munger's record was 82 wins, 42 losses and 10 ties, a winning percentage of 65%.  "His Penn teams finished ranked among the top ten college football teams in the United States on three occasions, including a No. 7 ranking in 1947 and a No. 8 ranking in 1945."  

"Munger's 1947 team finished with an undefeated 7–0–1 record and outscored opponents 219 to 35. The 1947 team shut out both Navy and Cornell by identical scores of 21–0, and its only setback was a 7–7 tie with Army."

"During the Munger era, Penn regularly drew crowds of 75,000 to home games at Franklin Field. Munger's teams led the nation in attendance between 1938 and 1942 with 1.78 million fans." 

"After resigning as the football coach, Munger served as the director of physical education at Penn from 1954 to 1974."

When I matriculated at Penn in 1963, I discovered there was a swimming requirement for a student to graduate.  One had to swim the length of an Olympic size pool.  I didn't even try.  I postponed the inevitable.

Three years later as a senior at Penn, I again faced the swimming requirement.  I went to the office of the director of physical education, George Munger.

When I entered his office, I recognized the man who was a legend in Penn football.  Unabashed, I asked for an exemption to the swimming requirement as I had signed up to take private swimming classes over the summer in Oswego.

A kind, understanding man, Munger quickly granted me a waiver to the swimming requirement.  As a result, I graduated on time in May 1967.  

I quit my swimming classes after the very first class.  It was in an unheated outdoor pool.  

I am forever grateful to George Munger.  He died of heart failure in 1994.   

Bobo Brazil

During my youth (1950s), I was a fan of boxing which was frequently shown on TV, especially Friday nights (sponsored by Gillette razors and blades).  When I had some money (not regularly), I would buy and read boxing magazines.

One popular magazine was Boxing and Wrestling.  I was not as interested in the latter sport, but I couldn't ignore what I had in front of me.

One of the combatants I found in the wrestling section of the magazine was Bobo Brazil.  He was born Houston Harris in 1924 in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Bobo adopted his "exotic" professional name as the "South American giant."

Bobo Brazil wrestled professionally from 1951 until 1993.  He was a very big man: six foot, six inches tall (198 cm) and 270 pounds (122 kg).  

Brazil, an African-American, is credited with breaking down barriers of racial segregation in professional wrestling.  His competitors included Killer (Walter) Kowalski, Dick the Bruiser (William Afflis), Haystacks (William) Calhoun, Bruno Sammartino and Buddy Rogers (Herman Rodhe, Jr.).  Bobo's favorite wrestling move was a headbutt (known as the "coco butt").  

When I was a teenager, my brother Joel invited me to the TV station in Rochester, NY where he worked which put on live wrestling matches on Saturday afternoons as a way of advertising future matches the public would want to buy tickets for.  I remember somebody told me the ring floor would vibrate 5 times louder in order to exaggerate the effect of a wrestler being thrown down.

Sometimes when my daughter was young (1980s), we would watch wrestlers such as Randy Savage (Randall Poffo) and Rowdy Roddy Piper (Randall Toombs) on television.

When my son Bret played Little League baseball (1990s), one of the most popular wrestlers was Bret the Hitman Hart.  One of my son's baseball coaches used to call him Bret the hitman because of his batting prowess.   

Once I noticed an advertisement for a wrestling match at the nearby Nassau County Coliseum between Bret the Hitman Hart and another favorite, Stone Cold Steve Austin.  I bought tickets for Bret and me to attend the show.

When we arrived at the Coliseum, there was an announcement that neither Hart nor Austin would be there that night (but other wrestlers would be).  I think it was a gimmick for the promotors to advertise popular wrestlers in order to attract a big crowd.  We decided to go in and watch the wrestling matches anyway.  Never again!       

      

Seven Days in May

In 1964, the Brazilian military overthrew the legal civilian government under the leadership of President Joao Goulart.  The generals feared he was tilting Brazil toward communism.  

The coup had the support of the US government under President Lyndon Baines Johnson.  In its 234 year history, the US has never suffered a military overthrow of its own.

The book, Seven Days in May, was published in 1962.  Its plot concerned a fictional attempted military takeover of the US government.  The rationale was a difference of opinion over a disarmament treaty with the Soviet Union.

The movie, Seven Days in May, was released in 1964.  It starred Burt Lancaster, Kirk Douglas, Frederick March, Ava Gardner, Edmund O'Brien (nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, but won by Peter Ustinov in Topkapi) and Martin Balsam.  Interestingly, Lancaster, Gardner and O'Brien all appeared in the 1946 film, The Killers.

In the book and the movie, General Scott (Lancaster), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, plots a coup.  His assistant, Colonel Casey (Douglas), not part of the coup, discovers some suspicious information.  He informs the president (March).  O'Brien and Balsam play two of those loyal to the president.  

Gardner plays Scott's former mistress.  In The Killers, Lancaster and Gardner were also lovers, but in Seven Days in May, they have no scenes together.

The book ends with the President making the following statement:  

"Now, this country has been in existence almost two hundred years, and our roots as a republic go back much farther than that. We were given the finest Constitution ever written by men. You know, it is unique. There is no political document like it in history, because it was written all at once, from scratch, but it still has lasted and it has been adaptable to changes the founding fathers could not have dreamed of.

That Constitution and the whole governmental structure that flows from it are taught as basic subjects, bread-and- •butter, at the service academies, even more than at our other colleges and schools. The cadets and midshipmen there absorb it. And throughout their careers they live with it much more than do most civilians. They read it on their commissions, and it is part of their oath of office. They fight for it, of course, as junior officers, and as senior officers they never question its arrangements for ultimate civilian authority, no matter how much they may differ with the elected officials on some particular issue.

So, when you think about it, this is perhaps the finest tradition of our military services, and it is certainly one of the most important now, because with missiles and satellites and nuclear weapons, military commanders could take control of any nation by just pushing some buttons.

I am sure the American people do not believe that any such thought ever entered the mind of any general officer in our services since the day the country began. Let us pray that it never will."

Abraham's Son, Chapter 6

INT. SANCTUARY OF SYNAGOGUE ­ DAY

The following Saturday morning, ABRAHAM is at his synagogue participating in services.  As they end, SANDY GERBER, a new friend of his cousin SYLVIA, approaches ABRAHAM.  She is an attractive woman, about ABRAHAM's age and a little overweight.  

SANDY: ABRAHAM!

A surprised ABRAHAM hears his name called out by this stranger.

ABRAHAM: Yes, I'm ABRAHAM.  Can I help you? 

SANDY: I hope so.  I'm SANDY, a friend of SYLVIA's.  She pointed you out to me.

ABRAHAM looks in the direction of his cousin who looks back at him with a smile on her face. 

ABRAHAM: Yeah, well, that was very nice of her.  I believe you're new to the community. 

SANDY: I am, but I'm feeling more at home every day.  You know, it's not easy to move, especially after having to deal with my husband's passing.  I understand you're a widower. 

ABRAHAM: Yeah, my wife died a long time ago.  It was nice meeting you, SANDY, but I really have to go. 

SANDY: Okay, but I'm having an open house tomorrow and I'd really like you to come.  Here's my address.

SANDY hands him a leaflet invitation with her address and directions to her home. 

ABRAHAM: Thanks a lot.  We'll see.

He attempts to leave, but she gently pulls him back. 

SANDY: You won't believe all the food I'm having: all kinds of bagels, butter, cream cheese, lox, nova, creamed herring, potato salad, tuna salad, challah, kugel, potato latkes, rugelach, hamantaschen, matzo brei and brisket.  It's too good a treat to miss.  

ABRAHAM Yeah, it is.  But, ah, we'll see. 

ROBERT: Excuse me, madam, but is that you ABRAHAM?

ROBERT SILVER arrives where SANDY and ABRAHAM are talking.  He was a friend of ABRAHAM in high school and they have not seen each other since then. 

ABRAHAM: Yes, I'm ABRAHAM SHAPIRO.  Do I know you?

ROBERT: I hope you remember me.  ROBERT SILVER, Cardozo High School? 

ABRAHAM: Oh my God, ROBERT SILVER.  Is that really you?  You're not eighteen any more. 

SANDY: ROBERT, I'm SANDY and I'm having an open house tomorrow and...

ABRAHAM and ROBERT embrace and ignore SANDY, who takes a hint and walks away disappointed. 

ROBERT: Wow!  How long has it been?  Forty years, give or take. What are you doing here?  This is not your family's synagogue.

ABRAHAM: Yeah, you remember.  Well, I started coming here many years ago after my parents died.  I like it better.  And you, what are you doing here? 

ROBERT: Well, this is where I had my bar mitzvah. 

ABRAHAM: I don't think I knew you then.  We met at Cardozo, didn't we? 

ROBERT: Right.  In gym class.  We were playing basketball and were guarding each other, maybe too well.

ABRAHAM: So, tell me what you've been up to for the last forty years. 

ROBERT: Okay.  If you want.  I think you may remember I went to Princeton. 

ABRAHAM: I do. 

ROBERT: Yeah, it turned out great, even though I was one of very few Jews.  Great education, beautiful place.  Have you ever visited?  It's not far.

ABRAHAM: Sad to say, no. 

ROBERT: Well, afterwards I went to Penn Law in Philly and after passing the D.C. bar I started working for a firm in Washington.  A couple of years later I got married and had three kids, all grown by now with grand kids.  Unfortunately, after we became empty  nesters, my wife wanted a divorce.  Claimed I was married to my work.  She may have been right. I'm a partner now in that same firm and we're very involved in politics.  What about you, ABRAHAM? 

ABRAHAM: Well, I went to Queens College where I met my wife Helen...she grew up in Forest Hills.  Studied accounting.  After graduation, I got a job with  one of the big 8, got my CPA and then moved into the private sector.  Helen and I married.  Several years later she got pregnant, but there were complications.  She...she died in childbirth...along with the baby.  It was tough.  My folks were alive then and I had my faith in God. 

ROBERT: That was a bad break.  I'm sorry. 

ABRAHAM: Thanks, but that was a long time ago.  I've dealt with it.  What did you mean about politics? 

ROBERT: My firm works as a consultant for various Republican candidates.  That's why I'm here in New York until Wednesday.  I've a bunch of meetings lined up.  So, I decided to come here to the old stomping grounds.  Down in D.C., I regularly attend services on shabbos.  You mentioned work.  What do you do? 

ABRAHAM: Well, for the last ten years or so, I've been the Assistant Controller at White Rock Beverages here in Queens.  It's not big like Coke and Pepsi, but we do all right.  It's very convenient from my home, which is the home I grew up in.  I'm never gonna leave Queens.  

ROBERT: Maybe one day I can coax you to Washington for a visit.

ABRAHAM: That'd be nice.  I'd be happy to come, to catch up on old times.  And they were good old times. 

ROBERT: Sorry, but I have somewhere to go now.  Let's exchange phone numbers so we don't get lost for the next 40 years. 

ABRAHAM: Good idea.

ABRAHAM and ROBERT exchange phone numbers.  They give  each other another hug.  

ROBERT: I'm gonna talk to the RABBI before I leave.  But, please, let's talk soon.  We were good friends once.

ABRAHAM nods in agreement.  ROBERT walks towards RABBI.  ABRAHAM head towards the exit and runs into SANDY again.

SANDY: That seemed like a nice reunion.  You two knew each other a while back? 

ABRAHAM: Yeah! 

SANDY: So, I'll see you tomorrow, ABRAHAM?  You won't regret it. 

ABRAHAM: We'll see.  I really must go.  Give my regards to SYLVIA.

ABRAHAM walks away and leaves Synagogue.

INT. BLUE BAY DINER ­ DAY

ABRAHAM enters Blue Bay Diner and takes a seat at the counter.  Unknown WAITRESS approaches. 

WAITRESS: Here's the menu.  I'll be right back. 

ABRAHAM: Ah, is SARA CASEY working today? 

WAITRESS: No, I, ah, haven't seen her.  Want me to ask the manager? 

ABRAHAM: No.  I can give you my order now.  Veal cutlet Milanese with French fries, peas and carrots, White Rock Root Beer, and a slice of chocolate cake. 

WAITRESS: Coming right up, sir. 

Three Rivers Inn

 For about seventy years, from 1934 until the beginning of the Twenty-First Century, there existed, at the confluence of the Oswego, Oneida and Seneca Rivers (half way between Syracuse and Oswego, New York), a night club named the Three Rivers Inn.  It attracted some big name entertainers, such as Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, Connie Francis, Johnny Cash, Paul Anka, Peggy Lee and Frankie Avalon.

My parents took me there as a child on at least two occasions.  I remember seeing the singer Frankie Laine.  He was born Francesco LoVecchio in Chicago on March 30, 1913.

In 1957, one of my favorite movies was Gunfight at the O. K. Corral starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas.  The movie's theme song's lyrics were written by Ned Washington, music composed by Dimitri Tiomkin and sung by Frankie Laine.    

Beginning in 1959, a popular TV show was Rawhide, one of whose stars was Clint Eastwood.  The show's theme song's lyrics were written by Ned Washington, music composed by Dimitri Tiomkin and sung by Frankie Laine.

Because of Gunfight at the O.K. Corral and Rawhide, I was very excited to see Frankie Laine in person.  I was not disappointed.

On another occasion, we saw a presentation of the Tennessee Williams' play Period of Adjustment starring Dane Clark.  He was born Bernard Zanville in Brooklyn, New York on February 26, 1912.

My favorite movie of Dane Clark's was the 1945 version of Pride of the Marines with John Garfield (born Jacob Julius Garfinkle).  I didn't realize when I saw it on television that the two heroic actors were both Jewish.

Period of Adjustment is a comedy "set on Christmas Eve and tells the story of two couples, one newlywed and the other married for five years, both experiencing pains and difficulties in their relationships.  However, the observance of each other’s troubles brings both couples to realize what they have and to reconcile their own relationships."

I remember the younger woman repeating the same line several times with a southern twang, each time gaining more and more laughter from the audience.  "All I want is my little blue bag."

  

    

Berlin Wall

At the end of World War II in Europe (May 1945), the four victorious allies, the United States (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), France and the Soviet Union, divided both Germany and its capital Berlin into four sectors for purposes of a temporary occupation of the defeated aggressor.  

Eventually, the three sectors occupied by the USA, the UK and France formed what came to be known as West Germany.  The fourth sector came to be known as East Germany.

Berlin was physically located inside East Germany.  However, the three sectors occupied by the USA, UK and France became known as West Berlin, politically separate from both East and West Germany.  East Berlin (former Soviet sector) was the capital of East Germany.

Germans who did not like living in East Germany had difficulty fleeing the country.  However, once in East Berlin, it was easy for them to go to West Berlin and from there to West Germany.

Young, educated East Germans started leaving their country in droves during the 1950s.  On August 13, 1961, to stop this mass emigration, the East German government started building a wall that would completely divide East and West Berlin and prevent movement between the two halves of the city.

In the summer of 1973, my first wife Bonita and I, while on a European vacation, travelled by train from Copenhagen, Denmark to West Berlin.  Before arriving at our destination, we had to travel through East Germany and East Berlin.

Before leaving the East Berlin station, border guards entered the train and checked everyone's travel documents.  I remember the fear of the faces of the West Berliners I talked to on the train.  Outside the train, I saw and heard armed guards and dogs searching for those trying to illegally escape East Berlin and enter West Berlin.

One day while staying in West Berlin, we decided to visit East Berlin.  We went through the Berlin Wall at a gate known as "Checkpoint Charlie."  American soldiers pointed rifles at their counterparts on the other side of the Wall who were pointing their rifles back at them.  

Nearby was a small building where East German officials processed one day visas for tourists entering East Berlin.  After spending a few hours on the gloomy other side of the Wall, we returned to that same building where we surrendered our passports for permission to leave East Berlin.  Bonita's came back quickly.  I waited for another anxious 30 minutes for mine.  Why the difference?  Who knows?  I was just glad to get out of there.

On June 12, 1987 (35 years ago), US President Ronald Reagan visited West Berlin and delivered a famous speech calling out the Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev.  Below is an excerpt.  

"General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"

On November 9, 1989, as the East German government started to crumble, the Berlin Wall also started to crumble.  Berlin and Germany became united for the first time since the end of WWII. 

Bullitt

 Bullitt is a 1968 action thriller, police drama film which starred Steve McQueen, an actor known as "Mr. Cool."  The film received one Academy Award: Frank Keller for Best Editing.  

San Francisco police Detective Frank Bullitt (McQueen) and his team are assigned the job of protecting a government witness (a Chicago gangster).  While two of his team are guarding the witness in a cheap hotel, two assassins arrive and fire shots, leaving the witness gravely wounded.

Bullitt starts investigating how the hitmen knew where the government witness was hiding out.  While driving his Ford Mustang, he becomes aware he is being followed by two men in a Dodge Charger.  

Bullitt is able to get behind the other car and starts following it.  An extended chase ensues lasting almost eleven action packed minutes along the extremely hilly streets of San Francisco.  Eventually, the Dodge Charger crashes into a fiery ball, leaving its occupants dead.  

Film critic Leonard Maltin called the car chase "a classic, one of the screen's all-time best."  Emanuel Levy, another critic, wrote that "Bullitt contains one of the most exciting car chases in film history, a sequence that revolutionized Hollywood's standards."

Steve McQueen was born in a small town in Indiana in 1930.  In 1958, he became a household name in America with the success of his TV western series Wanted: Dead or Alive, playing a bounty hunter.

Some of McQueen's other films are The Magnificent Seven, The Great Escape, Love With the Proper Stranger, The Cincinnati Kid, The Sand Pebbles, The Thomas Crown Affair, The Getaway, Papillon, The Towering Inferno and Tom Horn.

Sadly, Steve McQueen died in 1980 while in Mexico (seeking medical treatment) as a result of cancer from asbestos exposure.  He was only fifty years old.

In the 2019 film, Once Upon a Time in...Hollywood, Steve McQueen was more than ably portrayed by English actor Damien Lewis.