20 Years Ago

Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper and Toby Maguire starred in “Seabiscuit”, adapted from the book bt Laura Hillenbrand. Kevin Costner starred in a great western “Open Range”.

The Edwards Twins were at the Newport Playhouse. They are still doing their impersonations around Rhode Island.

“The Secret Garden” was at Theatre-by-the-Sea.

The Rhode Island International Film Festival honored the great character actor, Seymore Cassel.

Labor Day was early this year, so the Rhythm and Roots festival happened in August. Headliners included Steve Riley, Little Feat, Marcia Ball,

Geno Delafose, and Donna the Buffalo.

Dave Brubeck spent a half hour chatting with the
press at the Newport Jazz Festival. His family had gathered in Newport to celebrate his wife’s 80th birthday, all except son Matthew who was playing with the Dixie Chicks.

40 Years Ago

Richard Kneeland and Barbara Orson were celebrating 20 years with Trinity Rep.

Peter O’Toole starred in “The Ruling Class”.  Richard Farnsworth starred in “The Grey Fox”.

Fanny’s Fireside Inn on Warwick Ave. offered complete dinners for $3.45.

Warwick was at Warwick. Dionne Warwick at Warwick Musical Tent, that is. Eddie Arnold, the Lennon Sisters and Laura Brannigan were on the docket.. Sha Na Na, and Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers closed the season at the tent.

Former Cranstonian Gary Flynn played P.T. Barnum at Theatre-by-the-sea.

The Cajun/Bluegrass Festival, precursor to Rhythm and Roots was at Stepping Stone Ranch in Escoheag.

The Crow’s Nest, still one of the best restaurants in Warwick, had a chowder and clam cake special for $2.50. Little neck were $4.50 a dozen. King’s Garden on Rolfe St. in Cranston was as famous for its Dim Sum as it is today.

Rocky Point Park was advertising “New and Exciting Fun”, featuring the World’s Largest Shore Dinner Hall.”