DAILY DIRT: Best 1980s movie endings a ‘perfect mix’ of key elements

That celebrated ending to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was truly magnificent … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,039 of The Daily Dirt

1. This week’s look at the best endings of movies concludes with our medal stand for the 1980s.

I think the three films we are spotlighting today are a perfect mix of action, heart-to-heart relationships and just enough fantasy to make things really interesting — especially the endings.

If you have not watched all of the ensuing three, please take a few hours from some upcoming evening, sit back in that recliner and enjoy the show(s). I’m confident you won’t regret the time spent.

Gold medal: “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. If you’ve seen this 1981 film, and I assume you have, I think we all remember those closing scenes when the Ark, which by this time has been crated, is wheeled into the crowded confines of a mysterious warehouse. Its new home would be beside other do-not-open mystery boxes. It was the perfect ending to a perfect movie.

Silver medal: “When Harry Met Sally”. There’s nothing wrong with a satisfying conclusion that brings an end to an emotional journey you shared with the characters. The film’s ending has Harry (Billy Crystal) seeing Sally (Meg Ryan) at a New Year’s Eve party, where he declares his love for her. After sharing a kiss, it’s revealed that they go on and get married three months later. Interestingly, the original plan of the 1989 film was to NOT have the two wind up together. Congrats to whoever made the final call. 

Bronze medal: “An American Werewolf in London”. When David (David Naughton) reverts to human form after being shot (you know, it’s a werewolf thing), and the woman (Jenny Agutter) who loved him watching it all, it’s a lot to handle. But “Werewolf” was a worthwhile journey as a viewer, with plenty of comedy and great, great music to accent this highly entertaining 1981 film.

2. Did you know (Part 101)

• That actor George Wendt’s actual wife player his character Norm’s spouse on the “Cheers” TV show. Norm’s wife, Vera, is heard, not seen, in a handful of episodes. Wendt’s real-life spouse, Bernadette Birkett, provided the voice of Vera.
• That NBC originally did not want to use the Spock character in its “Star Trek” TV series because network officials felt Leonard Nimoy looked too demonic and would offend too many viewers.

• That Fred and Wilma Flinstone, of the cartoon “The Flintstones,” were the first married couple portrayed on television sharing a bed. That was in the early 1960s.
• That there was one major flaw connected with “The Rifleman” TV program (1958-63). While the program had realism, it was not 100 percent accurate. One of the major anachronisms was the rifle itself. Central figure Lucas McCain toted a nifty modified Winchester Model 1892 with a big ring lever, which allowed him to cock the gun by spinning it in his hand. The problem was that the program supposedly took place in the 1870s and 1880s — well before that particular weapon had been developed.
• That the pilot for “Gilligan’s Island” was filmed in November 1963. On the final day of production in Hawaii, the cast and crew learned of John F. Kennedy’s assassination. There is a small, subtle reminder of this historical incident seen on the series. In the opening credits of the first season, as the Minnow pulls out of the harbor, the United States flag can be seen flying at half-mast.

3. The best of “Found on Facebook” this week:

“And just like that, 1974 was 50 years ago.”

“Took a video of my shoes. It was some pretty good foot-age.”

“Singing in the opera is all fun and games until you get shampoo in your mouth … then it becomes a soap opera.”

“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but even if a bear wears socks and shoes, he still has bear feet.”

“Zombies cannot swim. Get a boat.”

Steve Thought O’ The Day – One of the best baseball quotes I have ever read was attributed to the late Gene Mauch. He was talking about legendary lefty Sandy Koufax when he told a reporter, “He throws a radio ball, a pitch you can hear but you don’t see.”

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Whatever you do, do NOT Google “Meg Ryan orgasm” without including the words “When Harry Met Sally”.