Daily Dirt: Movies based on true events? None better than ‘Schindler’s List’

It’s hard to believe it was 55 years ago this month the Monkees’ first album was released. Fifty-five years! … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 425 of The Daily Dirt.

1. I have always enjoyed movies based on true events, but in doing so I always have to remind myself not to get upset if some liberties are taken with the actual facts being presented.

While some of those aforementioned liberties were taken in all the ensuing films, for the most part the stories presented were representative of the subject matter. The following films are my favorites based on specific historical unfoldings:

Gold medal: “Schindler’s List” (1993): This stirring presentation of the Holocaust and the man who worked to save as many Jewish lives as he could was equally inspiring and somber. I remember watching the 3-hour, 15-minute masterpiece in complete silence. It is haunting to this day.

Silver medal: “Titanic” (1997): Yes, I knew how this would end, but I wad no idea how that ending would be presented. The first thing I think of about this movie is the dancing and the staircase at the end. If you have seen it, you know what I mean.

Bronze medal: “A League Of Their Own” (1992): This was the acclaimed story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Tom Hanks, Madonna, Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell all helped provide a perfect cast.

2. Although the MLB postseason is far from over, I already have thoughts about the 2023 season, especially which players might move from star to superstar status or are set to move from prospect to breakthrough.

Concerning the first reference, I think Cleveland Guardians infielder Andres Gimenez will advance to superstar next season. His breakthrough 2022 season, both offensively and defensively, established him as an elite talent. Next summer should see move him to the next level. 

The player who advances from prospect to star? How about Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He’s the 6-foot-7 shortstop who took his lumps — at times — at the plate this season, but demonstrated he’s headed for a career that will likely see him as a middle infielder capable of hitting 25 to 30 home runs.  

3. It was this month the Monkees’ first album was released in 1966.

The Monkees were not around that long — at least as a major hitmaking machine — but their memory continues to live on. Here are my five favorite Monkees songs:

1. “Daydream Believer” (1967): One of the group’s three No. 1 songs, with Davey Jones singing lead.

2. “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You” (1967): Neil Diamond wrote this for the Monkees, a song that reached No. 2. And for the record, the Monkees outsold the Beatles in 1967.

3. “I’m a Believer” (1967): Another of those No. 1s, this one with Mickey Dolenz as the lead voice.

4. “Last Train To Clarksville” (1966): The song that started it all in the fall of 1966, and the first No. 1.

5. “The Monkees Theme” (1966): Back in the day, every Monday night on your local NBC outlet.

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Andre Gimenez also has the largest set of ears in MLB since Don Mossi.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. He was still surprised at the ending of “Titanic”.