Early in 1903, the success of the New York production of the musical adaptation of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz got composer Victor Herbert and librettist Glen MacDonough thinking. They thought that it might be possible to duplicate that success by applying a Christmas theme to Baum's story and then sprinkling in a few Mother Goose characters. Later that year the resulting show, Babes in Toyland, was a rousing success. Thirty years later it was made into a movie starring two of the greatest motion picture actors of the era, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, produced by Hal Roach. But this post isn't about either of those productions; it's about the worst production. [more inside]
posted by Toekneesan on Dec 17, 2010 - 22 comments

Mario Vargas Llosa wrote poems when he was young. His father famously responded by sending the boy to military school—where he spent two ghastly years, gathering inspiration for his first novel—La Ciudad y Los Perros, published in English as The Time of the Hero. The military burned a thousand copies of the book and Vargas Llosa's infamy was secured.

Mario Vargas Llosa, who once ran for president of Peru and once punched Gabriel Garcia Márquez in the face, has won the Nobel Prize in Literature, meaning Ladbrokes dodged a bullet. [more inside]
posted by gerryblog on Oct 7, 2010 - 34 comments

Last week, a photo of Keanu Reeves looking dejected appeared on Reddit. Predictably, the image inspired a variety of photoshops. Somewhat less predictably, as various details about Keanu's past hardships came to light, many began sharing their personal stories about what a damn nice guy he is. In the interest of raising his spirits, June 15 has been declared Cheer Up Keanu Day. Let's all take a moment to say "Thank you, Keanu."
posted by almostmanda on Jun 11, 2010 - 140 comments

Keanu Reeves is looking to create a live-action Cowboy Bebop movie with Erwin Stoff, and he wants the role of Spike Spiegel. (via io9) [more inside]
posted by filthy light thief on Dec 19, 2008 - 224 comments

Keanu = Krypotonite? The only thing he has in common with the Man Of Steel is his last name!
posted by peachwood on Sep 24, 2002 - 52 comments

Keanu Reeve's Girlfriend Killed In Car Crash - Jennifer Maria Syme, 29, died on Monday after her Cherokee hit several parked cars and turned over. A police report said two anti-depressant prescription drugs were found inside the vehicle along with two rolled up dollar notes with traces of a white substance inside them . . . Prescription cocaine? When can I see her doctor?
posted by radio_mookie on Apr 5, 2001 - 14 comments