In honor of the holiday, I brought an article on facts about Operation Petticoat from FACTS.NET.

The movie starred two Hollywood legends.

The dynamic duo of Cary Grant and Tony Curtis took the lead roles in Operation Petticoat, bringing their incredible talent and charisma to the screen.

The film was a box office success.

Operation Petticoat proved to be a hit at the box office, grossing over $9 million in the United States alone.

It was inspired by real-life events.

The movie was loosely based on the true story of the USS Sea Poacher, a submarine that was painted pink in order to camouflage it during the war.

The pink submarine became an iconic symbol.

The striking image of the pink submarine from the film has become one of the most recognizable movie icons of all time.

The movie features a stellar supporting cast.

In addition to Grant and Curtis, Operation Petticoat also features memorable performances from Joan O’Brien, Dina Merrill, and Arthur O’Connell, among others.

The film was nominated for an Academy Award.

Operation Petticoat received an Oscar nomination for Best Writing, Original Screenplay, recognizing the clever and witty script.

The movie was a blend of comedy and drama.

While Operation Petticoat is primarily known as a comedy, it also touches on serious themes such as war and resilience.

Cary Grant had reservations about his role.

Initially, Cary Grant was hesitant to take on a comedic role, but he ultimately embraced the character and delivered a memorable performance.

Tony Curtis showcased his comedic abilities.

Operation Petticoat allowed Tony Curtis to showcase his talent for comedy, establishing him as a versatile actor.

The film features incredible wardrobe creativity.

The costume designers for Operation Petticoat had to create uniforms for a crew on a pink submarine, resulting in imaginative and eye-catching outfits.

Operation Petticoat was a critical success.

Aside from its commercial success, the film was also well-received by critics, praising its witty dialogue and entertaining performances.

It was one of Blake Edwards’ earliest successes.

Blake Edwards, known for directing iconic films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and The Pink Panther, achieved early success with Operation Petticoat.

The script went through several rewrites.

The screenplay for Operation Petticoat underwent multiple revisions before reaching its final form, ensuring the perfect balance of humor and heart.

The film showcases the camaraderie of the crew.

Operation Petticoat highlights the close-knit bonds and teamwork among the submarine crew, emphasizing the importance of trust and unity.

The pink submarine became a tourist attraction.

Following the release of the movie, fans flocked to see the real-life pink submarine, USS Sea Poacher, in Key West, Florida.

The movie was an influence for later submarine films.

Operation Petticoat’s unique portrayal of life on a submarine had a lasting impact on subsequent submarine-themed movies and TV shows.

It is considered a classic of the comedy genre.

Operation Petticoat has stood the test of time, remaining a beloved classic in the comedy genre and a favorite among movie enthusiasts.

The film boasts memorable comedic moments.

From hilarious mishaps to witty one-liners, Operation Petticoat is filled with comedic moments that will leave audiences chuckling.

The movie was a product of its time.

Operation Petticoat reflects the societal norms and humor of the 1950s, offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape of the era.

The movie’s theme song became popular.

The theme song of Operation Petticoat, titled “Operation Petticoat,” became a hit and is still associated with the film today.

Operation Petticoat was Curtis’ favorite film.

Tony Curtis once mentioned that out of all the movies he appeared in, Operation Petticoat held a special place in his heart.

It continues to captivate new generations.

Decades after its release, Operation Petticoat continues to entertain and engage audiences of all ages, cementing its status as a timeless classic.

The movie’s success inspired a television series.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity led to a television series adaptation that aired from 1977 to 1979, bringing new adventures to the small screen.

The film’s humor transcends language barriers.

Operation Petticoat’s physical comedy and universal humor make it enjoyable for audiences around the world, even in different languages.

The film showcases the ingenuity of the crew.

Amidst the chaos and challenges, the crew of the pink submarine displays resourcefulness and quick thinking, leading to creative solutions.

Operation Petticoat is a feel-good movie.

With its light-hearted tone and uplifting moments, the film offers a positive and enjoyable viewing experience.

The movie’s success contributed to its cultural impact.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity helped solidify its place in pop culture, becoming a film that is often referenced and celebrated.

The film showcases the importance of adaptability.

Operation Petticoat teaches us that in a challenging situation, it’s crucial to be open to change and make the best out of unexpected circumstances.

It offers a unique perspective on war.

While Operation Petticoat primarily focuses on comedy, it also provides a lighthearted glimpse at the realities of war.

The movie’s success led to other collaborations.

The success of Operation Petticoat led to future collaborations between Blake Edwards and Tony Curtis, including The Great Race.

Operation Petticoat showcases the power of teamwork.

The crew’s ability to work together and overcome obstacles highlights the importance of collaboration and unity, even in challenging circumstances.

The film contains memorable lines.

Operation Petticoat is filled with quotable lines that have become popular among fans of the movie.

It remains a favorite among fans of the genre.

For fans of classic comedy, Operation Petticoat is often listed as a must-watch film, brimming with laughter and charm.

The movie’s success influenced future war comedies.

Operation Petticoat set a benchmark for war comedies, inspiring later films to incorporate humor into wartime narratives.

The film’s runtime allows for a delightful viewing experience.

With a runtime of just over two hours, Operation Petticoat offers an enjoyable and entertaining escape into a world of laughter and adventure.

The movie appeals to a wide audience.

From fans of classic cinema to lovers of comedy, Operation Petticoat has something to offer everyone.

The pink submarine became an iconic movie prop.

The pink submarine from Operation Petticoat has been recreated and displayed in various film and military exhibits over the years.

The film’s success helped pave the way for future comedies.

Operation Petticoat’s popularity and positive reception contributed to the ongoing evolution of the comedy genre in Hollywood.

The movie’s legacy lives on.

Operation Petticoat continues to be celebrated and remembered as one of the most enjoyable and beloved comedies from the golden age of Hollywood.

It remains a testament to the power of laughter.

Operation Petticoat reminds us of the healing and uplifting power of laughter, offering an escape from reality and a joyful cinematic experience.

SOURCE: FACTS.NET

Today is George Carlin’s birthday (born May 12, 1937 and died June 22, 2008).  In honor of his birthday, I found an interesting article on Mental Floss about him.

From Mental Floss:

George Carlin did more than make people laugh—he made them think. Over the course of his long and storied career, the legendary comedian released more than 20 albums, recorded more than a dozen HBO comedy specials, and challenged both conventional American thinking and governmental procedure. From being described as a “significant social satirist” in a Supreme Court ruling regarding indecency to serving as the conductor in Shining Time Station, Carlin touched the lives of generations of fans. Here are some facts about the comedian/actor/author in honor of what would have been his 80th birthday.

HE INHERITED HIS LOVE OF LANGUAGE.

George’s father, Patrick, was an advertising manager for the New York newspaper The Sun. He won a nationwide Dale Carnegie public speaking contest in 1935 with his speech “The Power of Mental Demand.” “He had a real line of sh*t, boy,” Carlin said of his father. “He could talk your donkey’s ear off.” Carlin’s grandfather, a New York City police officer, wrote out Shakespeare’s tragedies in longhand for fun.

GROWING UP, HE WANTED TO BE LIKE DANNY KAYE.

“Danny Kaye was my childhood dream when I was 10, 11,” Carlin said of the actor/singer/dancer/physical comedian/musician. “I kind of looked at that and thought, ‘Gee, I can do that … He makes funny faces, he talks in funny accents and he can do very, very intricate vocal pieces.”‘

HE WENT TO THE SAME HIGH SCHOOL AS MARTIN SCORSESE, REGIS PHILBIN, AND DON DELILLO.

Unlike Regis Philbin, Martin Scorsese, and Don DeLillo, Carlin didn’t graduate from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx—because he was expelled. In an interview with Playboy, Carlin admitted that he was failing subjects and running away from home for days at a time while he attended Hayes. His scholastic career included stealing money from the visiting team’s locker room during a basketball game, and getting caught telling kids on the playground he had heroin. In 1983, Carlin performed at a Hayes school fundraiser in honor of Msgr. Stanislaus P. Jablonski—the very man who threw him out. Despite the fears of some in the alumni association, Carlin kept his act clean, and Jablonski enjoyed the tribute. Jablonski at one point read old detention slips he had issued Carlin. One read, “He thinks he’s a comedian.”

HE WAS COURT-MARTIALED (MORE THAN ONCE) IN THE AIR FORCE.

Carlin worked as a radar technician on B-47s at Louisiana’s Barksdale Air Force Base. He smoked pot he had mailed to him from New York on the base; the others did not recognize the smell. He was court-martialed once after celebrating the Brooklyn Dodgers winning the 1955 World Series by downing cooking wine and telling off his tech sergeant. He was court-martialed again after falling asleep during a simulated combat drill.

HE HAD A LIFELONG INTEREST IN CURSE WORDS.

He wrote down the “most colorful” profanities he heard in his neighborhood and put them in his pocket. When he was 13, his mother found them in the wallet. Carlin claimed he overheard her saying to his uncle that she believed George needed a psychiatrist.

HIS ARREST OVER SAYING THE SEVEN DIRTY WORDS WAS ALMOST A LOT WORSE.

Carlin was arrested in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972 for obscenity after giving a stand-up performance at Summerfest. What the six cops didn’t realize was that Carlin had cocaine in his pocket moments before they got to him.

During the show, Carlin’s wife came up on stage to bring him a pitcher of water, and to inform him that he should go offstage to the right, because police were waiting on the left. When he finished his performance, he exited, stage right, and handed the drugs off to a band.

HE WAS THE FIRST-EVER HOST OF SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, BUT DIDN’T REMEMBER THE EXPERIENCE.

He was “loaded on cocaine all week long” leading up to October 11, 1975, when he performed stand-up and introduced the inaugural episode’s musical guests, Billy Preston and Janis Ian. Carlin and the longtime SNL director Dave Wilson had gone to summer camp together as kids. For the Saturday night talent shows, a young George would do monologues. After years of Wilson winning the contests, Carlin finally beat him. (George eventually got kicked out of camp for stealing film from the owner’s camera to take his own photographs.) When Lorne Michaels interviewed Carlin about performing the hosting duties, he said, “Well, I know the director.”

Carlin was also the first-ever host of Fridays (1980-1982), ABC’s attempted version of SNL.

HIS SECOND OF THREE HEART ATTACKS OCCURRED DURING A BASEBALL GAME.

Carlin was taking in a New York Mets/Los Angeles Dodgers contest at Dodger Stadium with his agent in May 1982—Carlin was a Mets fan since the Dodgers moved from Brooklyn to L.A.—when he had his second heart attack. After realizing the park’s first aid station was, as daughter Kelly Carlin wrote, “nothing more than a glorified place to get a Band-Aid,” their limo driver booked it to St. John’s Hospital. George didn’t believe it was as serious as a heart attack, but it in fact was an almost full blockage of the right descending artery. The doctors used an experimental anticoagulant, Streptokinase; they had gotten it that week. It did its job of unclotting.

HE LIED TO KIDS WHO RECOGNIZED HIM AS MR. CONDUCTOR.

A perk to Carlin taking the role of Mr. Conductor in Shining Time Station in the first place was that he didn’t have to deal with other actors, as it was all green-screened. But he would inadvertently traumatize children, who spotted him at airports—out of uniform and much bigger than depicted on TV. “I’m not on the island of Sodor, I’m not working today,” he would gently tell them. “But I am Mr. Conductor.” This didn’t lessen the kids’ confusion.

THE IRS HELPED HIM BECOME A BETTER COMIC.

About the Internal Revenue Service taking a large percentage of his money after years of owing taxes, Carlin saw the bright side of it all:

“It made me a way better comedian, because I had to stay out on the road, and I couldn’t pursue a movie career—which would have gone nowhere—and I became a really good comic and writer eventually, saving all my files and thoughts and things. I had to be prepared for that, because HBO was coming along, and about every two years—at my choice—I had to have another hour ready. So my having to stay on the road turned me into a g**damn good comedian. So there’s a bright part of everything.”

SOURCE: MENTALFLOSS.COM