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Epoch Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
‘Floyd Collins' and ‘Ace in the Hole': Two Carnivals of Tragedy
In 1925, an adventurous cave explorer named Floyd Collins was trapped in Sand Cave, Kentucky (now known as Mammoth Cave), capturing the attention of the entire world and sparking the first media circus. Although he was found dead after 17 days trapped below ground, his story didn't end there. Over 20 years later, this incident inspired Billy Wilder's 1951 movie 'Ace in the Hole,' the tale of a newspaperman who keeps a man trapped in a cave for days, inciting a spectator carnival and buying off local law enforcement, just for the story. In 1996, the tale of Floyd Collins was unearthed once more in the form of an off-Broadway musical by Adam Guettel and Tina Landau. This theatrical venture didn't last much longer than Floyd's last adventure, closing after only 25 performances. However, at the tragedy's centennial, 'Floyd Collins' has finally made it to Broadway, garnering six Tony nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical. Taylor Trensch and the rest of the company, in the Broadway debut of "Floyd Collins." Joan Marcus Several reviews of the musical mentioned the Wilder film, commenting that it was more successful from a story standpoint since the reporter is the main character, rather than the man in the cave. Is this valid? Where do these tellings differ, and where are they similar? Most of all, which better brings to light the legacy of Floyd Collins? 'Ace in the Hole' Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas) is a hard-bitten big city reporter who has been fired from 11 of the biggest newspapers for his dishonesty, drinking, and overall bad character. He ends up at the Albuquerque Sun-Bulletin, a small New Mexico newspaper run by honest Jacob Q. Boot (Porter Hall), hoping for a big story he can exploit. It takes a year, but Chuck finally stumbles across a story while on his way to cover a rattlesnake hunt. Leo Minosa (Richard Benedict) was excavating Indian artifacts. The owner of a small rest stop, Minosa has been trapped by a collapse in the nearby cliff dwelling. Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas, L) and Leo Minosa (Richard Benedict), in "Ace in a Hole." Paramount Pictures Inspired by the infamous Floyd Collins media circus, Tatum runs with the story. He convinces Minosa's indifferent wife, Lorraine (Jan Sterling), to stick around and reap her share of the profits. He bribes the local sheriff to give him exclusive access to the trapped man and the story. To keep the hype going, Chuck convinces the engineer in charge of the rescue operation to drill through the top of the mountain, which will take seven days, rather than his original 12 or 14-hour plan. But as the seven days near their end, Chuck learns that Leo may die before they reach him, and a human-interest story is no good with a dead man as its finale. Related Stories 5/13/2025 8/28/2024 After the success of his last film, 'Sunset Boulevard,' Billy Wilder was given carte blanche by Paramount executives to make whatever film he wanted. He made 'Ace in the Hole' and, while it was a financial disappointment, both he and lead actor Douglas considered it some of their best work. No matter what you anticipate going into this film, it will exceed your expectations. The narrative of one man's avarice overcoming the common bond of humanity is jarring, but Douglas portrays it with such nuance that you can understand and even relate to Tatum while being disgusted by his actions. Although Douglas is the film's only A-lister; the supporting actors are equally strong, each painting a deep and believable character, no matter how small. Beyond the excellent character-building and acting, one must appreciate the cinematography and overall spectacle of the media circus presented in the film. What starts as a few curious spectators gathering at the site soon becomes a full-blown carnival, with calculating Lorraine even allowing a fair to set up outside the mountain where her husband is trapped. The picture is then complete, with tents, rides, concessions, a band, and a vast sea of parked cars. The aerial shots from the top of the mountain, with the huge drill visible at the edge of the screen, are some of the most breathtaking I've ever seen in a film, both for their sheer visual magnitude and for their emotional impact. 'Floyd Collins' In 1925 Kentucky, adventurous cave explorer Floyd Collins (Jeremy Jordan) enters a cave system in search of a new cavern to turn into a tourist attraction. He finds one, but on his way out, his left foot gets trapped by a large rock. While attempting to free his foot, he causes a small cave-in that traps his legs and arms. When Floyd hasn't emerged by the next day, a local boy alerts Floyd's family, including brother Homer (Jason Gotay), who has just returned from his latest trip to the big city, and sister Nellie (Lizzy McAlpine), who was recently released from a mental institution. Soon, hopeful young reporter 'Skeets' Miller (Taylor Trensch) arrives on the scene. As the only person both small and brave enough to squeeze into the crevice trapping Floyd, he interviews him and joins the rescue mission, led by officious engineer H.T. Carmichael (Sean Allan Krill). When a national newspaper picks up Miller's article, the story spreads like wildfire. Soon, thousands flock to the scene, creating the tourist carnival Floyd had hoped for, only he, not the cave, is the attraction. As days pass and every rescue attempt fails, even Floyd's persistent hopefulness, the intermittent company of Skeets and Homer, and his special telepathic connection with Nellie can't keep his spirits up. When a second cave-in cuts him off from all contact with the outside world, he must finally face the fact that he's trapped. The audience's first impression of any work is visual; sadly, 'Floyd Collins' doesn't deliver. While Floyd's opening number is cleverly choreographed with a series of metal trapdoors and ramps, the stage is essentially empty for most of the show. The oversized metal shaft that appears in the second act, while an impressive piece by itself, doesn't make up for the lack of a cohesive set. The 'crevice' in which Floyd is trapped can best be described as a metal lounge chair. There's no attempt to represent the rocks that trap him, and the audience is required to imagine far too much. The cast is led by Jordan, whose powerful vocals and raw, emotional acting shine as always. However, the rest of the cast fails to live up to his level of talent and polish. Singer/songwriter McAlpine, in her Broadway debut, sounds weak in her singing, and displays little personality beyond that of a modern influencer. Gotay, while competent, lacks the depth of his onstage brother both as an actor and singer. Trensch's performance as 'Skeets' is emotional, but his character lacks a strong arc. A better script would have more impact if his character went from a news-hungry journalist to a deep, sympathetic friend, then to the man in the cave. Guettel has been noted for his symphonic and at times atonal style of composition, with many comparing him to the late Stephen Sondheim. While his songs lack the catchiness and memorability of those written by his grandfather, Broadway legend Richard Rodgers, there is heartfelt sincerity and depth to this score. The scenes in the cave are touching and beautiful, both musically and emotionally. The lack of sets and sometimes sporadic narrative are disappointing, but the beauty at its heart is unmistakable. Fun times aboveground while Floyd remains trapped underground, in "Floyd Collins." Joan Marcus Spectacle and Soul Librettist Landau stated that the work is commentary on how we, as a society, capitalize on tragedy. In contrast, 'Ace in the Hole' focuses on one man's greed and ambition, rather than condemning society as a whole. As Tatum observes in the film, a story about hundreds of men caught in a tragedy isn't nearly as impactful as one man suffering alone. The same can be true of a villain. Perhaps the onlookers outside the New Mexico cave behave in poor taste, but many truly hope to see Leo emerge alive. They feel grief-stricken when he doesn't. The musical's minimalist production and notably small cast keep it from feeling like the huge, bustling circus that gathered at the real-life tragedy. Instead, it focuses on the characters' emotions and inner narratives, particularly those of Floyd and his siblings. The carnival number, while impacting with its projected fireworks and strobe lights, is still far from the overwhelming spectacle that Wilder put onscreen. As Instagram reviewer Both the musical and the film have unique, affecting qualities. 'Ace in the Hole' is readily available to buy or stream on many platforms, and 'Floyd Collins' is currently playing at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. Why not explore both caves for yourself and find out which one deserves true glory? What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Weekend weather in Michigan should be cool and cloudy — great for a Kentucky Derby party
The weekend weather forecast for metro Detroit calls for some cool, cloudy spring days, which isn't the worst weather for a house party Saturday to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV. But even if you're not into horse racing, after reading this report, in addition to the weather prediction, you'll be able to know at least one about the upcoming race: A colt named Journalism is a 7-2 favorite to win. Thus, the headlines — and jokes — about Journalism saving the sport. All those cleverly titled reports will tell you — if you can believe what you read — that horse's owner, Aron Wellman, was once the sports editor of his high school newspaper, and wrote a column, "Ace in the Hole." But he gave up journalism, the career, for Journalism, the horse. "Journalism is something that I value very much," the Louisville Courier Journal quoted Wellman saying, while talking about how he became a lawyer and then founded a horseracing partnership. "I appreciate responsible and diligent journalists." More: DTE Energy, other utilities wrestle with extreme weather, deregulation and rising costs Of course, if you don't care about horses and just want to know more about the weather and believe that bias and bloviating are ruining journalism, then the next paragraph is for you. The National Weather Service expects a low pressure system to stall over the Ohio Valley, bringing a 40% chance of rain Friday. The weekend highs are expected in the 50s' to 60s, with a 60% of rain again on Sunday. Saturday, which forecasters said should be dry in Michigan, but raining at the Churchill Downs racing complex, should be a good day for derby watching from a far. The — biased, and bloviating — journalists will be rooting, of course, for Journalism. Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@ This story has been updated with new information. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: First May weekend in Michigan will be cool, cloudy
New York Times
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Kentucky Derby favorite Journalism, Publisher and other past horses with media-themed names
Photographers, writers and perhaps anyone with a press pass might have a silent favorite in the 151st Kentucky Derby. Journalism, the Santa Anita Derby winner, is a 3-1 favorite to win Saturday's Derby. Journalism got his name from co-owner Aron Wellman, who was once the sports editor of the Beverly Hills (Calif.) High School student publication, Highlights. Advertisement Wellman told the Louisville Courier Journal that he gave up journalism for law after graduating from Beverly Hills in 1995. He was a soccer and baseball player who also had a column in high school called 'Ace in the Hole.' 'I've often been accused of being a disgruntled sportswriter because of all the writing I do for Eclipse, for our partners and our horse updates and weekly newsletter,' Wellman said. 'So, journalism is something that I value very much, and I appreciate responsible and diligent journalists.' Journalism will have those in the actual field paying attention. But he isn't the first horse to compete in the Kentucky Derby with a media-themed moniker. Here's a look at some horses with names that have media ties. Owners: Gus King and Estate of Brereton C. Jones Trainer: Steve Asmussen Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. Every good journalist has someone to publish assignments. Journalism will have to deal with Publisher on Saturday. Publisher has the genes. He was sired by American Pharoah, who won the Triple Crown in 2015. But Publisher has 20-1 odds to win Saturday. It could be said that mainstream media flows best with a good publisher, so maybe Journalism and Publisher will run in tandem for a bettor's exacta. Maybe not. Owner: Allied Racing Stable, LLC Trainer: W. Bret Calhoun Jockey: Gabriel Saez Coming in as a huge longshot, 46 1/2-1 final odds, Mr. Big News nearly shocked the world by finishing third in the 2020 Derby. His effort led to a big payout for anyone who took a chance on believing in him. MR BIG NEWS ran a cracking race to finish 3rd in the Kentucky Derby. Inbred (4×2) to full-sisters GLORIOUS SONG and ANGELIC SONG. — Chris Campbell (@chris62campbell) September 6, 2020 This race was held in early September after being delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was the first time the race took place outside of its traditional first-Saturday-in-May schedule since 1945, when the event was moved from May to June because of World War II. Owner Chester Thomas said the name is a combination of a nod to his stablemate (Mr. Money), the horse's sire (Giant's Causeway) and hoping they'd make 'big news' at some point. Advertisement Owner: Samuel F. 'Sonny' Henderson Trainer: Donnie Von Hemel Jockey: Luis S. Quinonez Leaving the gate at 24-1 odds, Suddenbreakingnews made news by finishing fifth in the 2016 Derby. Sonny Henderson wasn't a big news watcher, but he liked the name 'Breaking News' for a horse. He told ESPN in 2016 that the Jockey Club rejected the name because two other horses had been granted the name since 1995. It was his office manager, Janice Redding, who suggested adding 'Sudden' to the name. Owner: Overbrook Farm Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas Jockey: Gary Stevens An editor's note provides additional context to a journalist's work. For Editor's Note, his additional information involves his results a month after his Derby run 29 years ago. Sired by 1988 Derby runner-up Forty Niner, Editor's Note finished sixth in the 1996 race in May. However, he bounced back to win the Belmont Stakes in June. Editor's Note had lost nine straight races before the Belmont Stakes, but trainer D. Wayne Lucas won his third consecutive Belmont on June 8, 1996. Owner: Elmendorf Farm Trainer: John P. Campo Jockey: Jean Cruguet Saturday will mark the 50th anniversary to the day of when Media competed in the 101st running of the Derby. The result was a fifth-place finish for Media; Foolish Pleasure claimed victory on May 3, 1975. Rewinding 50 years to the 1975 Kentucky Derby ⏪ — Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) April 28, 2025 Media had a top-five finish at Churchill Downs, but his jockey went on to have a more memorable career. Jean Cruguet won the Triple Crown riding Seattle Slew in 1977. Owner: Thomas Jefferson Megibben Jockey: B. George Quantrell The Derby was only in its eighth running on May 16, 1882. Few traditions were established as they are today, and a horse named Apollo had finished no lower than third in 20 of 21 races that year. For the longest time, the Derby lived with the 'Curse of Apollo,' which involved Apollo being the last colt who hadn't raced as a 2-year-old winning the Derby. That curse was broken in 2018 by Justify. Advertisement While Apollo won the Derby, Newsboy … didn't finish last. He took 11th out of 14 horses. Side note: Newsboy's jockey was B. George Quantrell, who finished third in the 1883 Derby riding Lord Raglan. There was a time when it was easy to find someone who once worked as an actual newsboy, who sold and delivered newspapers. With the internet and digital publishing, that gig is now considered antiquated. (Top photo of Journalism: Andy Lyons / Getty Images)
