History Warp (July 9-15): L’Amour x 2

Some of you are probably aware that I review films weekly on Tuesdays at 8:00 a.m.ish on FPK 91.9. So, yes, the Film Babe and I like our flicks. New ones. Old ones.

And foreign ones. Which has probably got you ready to inquire, what was the very first film from a foreign country screened in the U.S. of A.? Oh, how very glad I am that you asked.

It happened on July 12, 1912. It was French and featured Sarah Bernhardt, Albert Decoeur, Max Maxudian and Lon Tellegen. It’s English title was “Queen Elizabeth.”

In France, the original title was “Les Amours de la reine Elisabeth.” Which, according to the films’ distributors was too racy for the American audience of the time.

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Sometime the past resonates right here, right now.

This bit o’ history sure does, given the power outages that are plaguing much of America.

It was on July 13, 1977 that a famous power outage caused New York City to lose its lights. As well as the use of various and sundry electrical appliances.

For some it was a magical evening, getting trapped in the elevator with that hottie from the office with nothing to do but chat and, well, you know . . .

I shan’t get lurid, but shall simply advise that nine months after the outage, there was a run on hospital maternity beds in NYC.