ACME Eagle Hand Soap Radio Hour (473)

Thank you for joining us today

Before our feature presentation, ACME would like to start the evening with another Porky Pig Looney Tunes cartoon, the 1938 Porky in Egypt, directed by Bob Clampett



Many of the tourists atop of the long camel are caricatures of Leon Schlesinger staff.


Hey Bunkies it's cold outside and we're waiting for the upcoming snow apocalypse. The staff at The ACME Eagle Hand Soap Radio Hour want to get very cozy and watch some TV. Why not join us in watching one of our favorite comics - Craig Ferguson in one of his new comedy specials - Just Being Honest:



I know it won't happen but wouldn't it be great if Craig came back on TV after Stephen leaves Late Night.


We’ve selected another entry from the excellent reference book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, edited by Steven Jay Schneider. Today’s film is the 1986 comedic documentary Sherman’s March, directed by and starring Ross McElwee. Sherman’s March is a strange film - simultaneously about Ross McElwee’s search for love, his thoughts about nuclear war, and General Tecumseh Sherman. The film was well received when it premiered, winning the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary at Sundance in 1987, and it was inducted into the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry at the turn of the millennium.

The movie is neither pretentious nor artsy. It’s hilarious from start to finish. McElwee’s dry wit later influenced director Michael Moore. The film’s subjects are as wacky as anyone found in documentaries like Gates of Heaven or Vernon, Florida. It’s as if one combined Vernon, Florida with the mockumentary 20 Dates. Throughout the film, McElwee is either romantically involved with women or meeting them as he tracks Sherman’s march. The film both reinforces stereotypes of Southern women and breaks them down. McElwee also takes time to tell the viewer a great deal about General Sherman.

The film demonstrates how our personal experiences and emotions draw us toward certain people and historical stories. McElwee’s personal journey is remarkably universal. The film addresses themes of “the search for love” and “the fear of death” in a humorous and intelligent way. It’s almost as if Woody Allen made a documentary. Please find a comfy chair and join us here at The ACME Eagle Hand Soap Radio Hour as we watch this very funny documentary: Sherman’s March.



Throughout the film, McElwee employs several techniques reminiscent of creative nonfiction writers. Since the film is self-produced, McElwee remains behind the camera and is seen only in mirror reflections or during monologues in which he complains about sleepless nights.



Demand Euphoria!