EIEIO
The Elisberg Industries Entertainment Information Organization is the culmination of a long dream at our corporation. From the earliest days of Elisberg Industries, we have long taken great pride in our crack entertainment industry analysts. After many years of research & development, and exploring the globe for the very best, we have finally put together a special corporate division devoted solely to all things entertainment.
And the best simply means EIEIO.
EIEIO well may be the most sought-after company to work for among the entire family of Elisberg Industry of businesses, despite the long hours and back-breaking work. Yet applications pour in from all over the world, no matter how selfless and wearying the work often is. Dedicated staff often spend entire days doing nothing but watching television. Or going to movies, at times two or three a day. Or attending the live theater. Listening to CDs, watching DVDs, playing video games. Or even a combination of any of these -- in a single day! Sometimes having to travel to distant cities or even countries to do their job properly. The waiting list for employment at EIEIO is longer than we ever imagined. Who knew?!
And then, with their years of experience, our EIEO analysts craft their reports so that the wide world of all things entertainment will make more sense to you. And we provide the finest of those right here to you. Or just a fun video. It's a challenging job, but at Elisberg Industries, we are here but to serve.
The Greatest Musical You've Never Heard Of Click here
An updated, in-depth look at the greatest unknown musical of all time, Fiorello!
The Greatest Screenplay Never Made Click here
Continuing our "Greatest" theme, apparently, this is the tale of the brilliant, legendary...and (as yet) unmade Harrow Alley.
Oscar's Funniest Moments -- #1 of 5 Click here
Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly sing a wonderful song about how hard it is being a comedian at the Oscars.
Kennedy Center Honors. Who's Next?
Yes, we know not everyone cares for award shows, but for Leiber & Stoller fans, this is such a steal! Click here.
Videology: Mark Rylance wins the Tony for Best Actor
One of the all-time great acceptance speeches for lovers of all-time great acceptance speeches. Click here.
Two of the Greatest Love Songs You May Not Know Click here
Another in our "Greatest of" series, this one about...well, two songs from little known musicals. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
The Ballad of Cat Ballou Click here
A tale of the ballad, with a 12-minute video montage of the joyous Oscar-nominated song.
And Here's to You, Mr. Robinson Click here
A surprising tale about a remarkable actor, Edward G. Robinson
Videology: The Great Train Robbery Click here.
One of my all-time favorite comedy sketches from Beyond the Fringe.
The Impossible Story of "The Impossible Dream" Click here.
Two of the more amazing videos I've found of an unexpected production of Man of La Mancha.
My Anne Hathaway Story Click here.
A cleverly-titled tale about past events that cross paths with winning the Oscar.
Go, You Chicken Fat, Go! Click here.
Anyone who wants to be an actor should listen to Robert Preston's remarkable performance. So should everyone, but have 6-1/2 minutes handy.
Fields of Dreams Click here.
An appreciation of Dorothy Fields, perhaps the least-known of the Great Broadway Lyricists.
"'76 Trombones' led a (really) big parade" Click here.
This is how the song "76 Trombones" should be performed -- in one of the more remarkable, live TV productions ever.
Going to the Barbershop Click here
OK, I admit it, I like barbershop singing. And this is one of my fave choruses, Ambassadors of Harmony, with a joyous "76 Trombones"
I'm Just Wild About Harry... Click here.
My all-time favorite performer is Harry Secombe. Who, you ask?? Here's who -- and why.
The Best Worst Song Ever Click here.
Okay, you probably hate "Seasons in the Sun." But this is the surprising, brilliant song it's translated from.
"On a Note of Triumph." Click here.
Norman Corwin's broadcast celebrating the end of WWII is one of the two greatest radio programs ever.
On Your Marx Click here.
Wherein the proprietor co-wrote a song with the grandson of Groucho.for a movie.
Videology: David Letterman Answers Viewer Mail Click here.
This was my favorite Viewer Mail segment when I saw it live. Dave decides to visit the person who wrote him.
Going to the Barbershop Click here.
So you say you don't like barbershop singing. It's going to be hard not to be in awe of this championship-winning chorus. Seriously.
Way Over the Rainbow Click here.
I think this is the best recording ever of "Over the Rainbow." It helps that it's sung by the man who co-wrote it, Yip Harburg.
And I am Telling You Click here.
I've seen two performances in stage musicals where the singer literally stopped the show, bringing it to a total halt. One of them is happily on video.
Pal Mel Click here.
You probably know that there's a lot about the cryptic Andy Kaufman that you don't know. This is one of those stories.
The Story of a Lost Broadway Classic Click here.
Ray Bolger's Broadway performance was never recorded, and the movie version never released. Here's the story -- and video!
Really, This is Judi Dench. Really Click here.
Dame Judi Dench performing a hilarious number from a concert tribute to Rodgers & Hammerstein. I will say no more.
Email Interview with Larry Gelbart Click here.
An interview I did over email with the wonderful Larry Gelbart, who developed the series M*A*S*H, won Tony Awardss, and so much more.
Email Interview with Anthony Mingella Click here.
An interview with the Oscar-winning writer/director of The English Patient, Cold Mountain and more.
TV or Not TV, That is the Question Click here.
A look at a couple articles about the importance of TV writers to TV directors
TV Writers and Directors Redux Click here.
A follow-up when responses come in after an article about TV Writers and directors
Eight Heavenly Minutes Going Through Hell Click here.
The video and story behind the wonderful, little Oscar-winning short, Omnibus.
"Ahaarrrr" Click here.
This is one of my favorite videos I've ever tracked down -- a 13-minute British film about a voiceover session from hell.
Harmony Click here.
Sixteen years earlier, I saw a pre-Broadway tryout of Barry Manilow's musical. When I wrote this, I didn't know they were bringing it back to life.
Give Mein Regards Auf Broadway Click here.
When in Berlin, I saw, of all things, a wonderful German musical, Hinterm Horizont
Finally Having “Confidence" Click here.
Few people knew that the theme song for CBS's coverage of NFL football was from a little-known, flop musical.
The Crown Has Made It Clear Click here.
Here's some very rare footage of the original stars of Camelot
All Access Goulet Click here.
Some tales of working with Robert Goulet
The Hills Really Are Alive Click here.
Julie Andrews and the real Maria von Trapp, not only together, but singing with one another.
Me and Ellen Click here.
Years ago, in my early days doing PR, I worked on a movie and always remembered an up-and-coming day player. Her name was Ellen Degeneres.
Someone Named Stanley Donen Click here.
When director Stanley Donen received a Lifetime Achievement Oscar, he gave one of the great acceptance speeches, ever.
Have Some Coco Click here.
Kartharine Hepburn, of all people, once starred in a Broadway musical. Here are 15 fascinating minutes from the Tony Awards.
Fantabulosa Click here.
Michael Sheen is renowned for playing some real-life people. But this might be his best and most little-known.
Take Me Along Click here.
A little bit of history in praise of the little-known musical, Take Me Along.
The Great Movie Musical That Never Was Click here
The tale behind a great musical set to be made as a movie with a classic cast, but got dropped -- but with a happy-ish sort of surprise ending.
Seventh Inning Yawn Click here
The story and videos of how the song "God Bless America" is supposed to be sung, as a rousing anthem, not a hymn.
Not Many People Know This Click here
Michael Caine impersonates Michael Caine, and a tale of the time I crossed paths with the fellow.
The Princess Bridesmaid Click here
The story of annoying author William Goldman over "The Princess Bride" and how 30 years later it all worked out fine.
The Worst Thing About the Best Super Bowl Ad Click here
Though the patriotic Chrysler ad with Bob Dylan was so well-done, there is a totally different message that I think most people missed.
All Hail Caesar Click here
Remembering Sid Caesar from two events where he "performed" as himself.
That's the Ticket Click here.
Wherein we do our best to shred the faux-practice of "handling charges" for theater tickets, which is just a borderline scam.
Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Burt Click here.
I just have always loved, loved and adored Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Burr Tillstrom. Here's why.
Training Day Click here.
A salute to National Train Day, and my list of favorite train movies.
Ernie Kovacs Click here.
A profile of the brilliant TV innovator, along with his ground-breaking 1957 special (with no dialogue) about his Chaplinesque character, Eugene.
40 Years in Lake Wobegon Click here.
On the show's 40th anniversary, some memories of attending A Prairie Home Companion before it went national, along with a wonderful surprise.
A Little Disclaimer Click here.
The tale of perhaps the world's longest and most annoying "contest rules disclaimer" that runs nightly on a local classical music radio station.
That Ernie Johnson Video Click here.
This is a feature done on ESPN about a rival broadcaster, TNT sportscaster Ernie Johnson, that will leave you in near-total awe and admiration.
Where There's a Will There's a Way Click here
Some remembrances of my days working at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the ranch home of the legendary performer.
War and Peace Update: The Finale Click here
Having I finally finished reading "War and Peace," some thoughts on the good (mostly), the bad (a little), and the ugly (hardly any, but...oh-my-god).
Going in the Wrong Direction Click here
A scholarly film magazine puts together a bizarre list (bordering on insane) of supposedly the 50 best movies directed by actors.
Remembering George Kennedy Click here
Some memories of working with the actor on the Naked Gun movies.
The Sinking of the Robert James Click here
The tale of one of the more funny and mortifying events of my life, when I met Oscar-winning composer Elmer Bernstein
Fiorello! -- the Whole Show, Sort of Click here
A list of all episodes in our 14-part Elisberg International Film Festival presentation of the little-known, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical.
Taking the Class Out of Classical Click here
How the otherwise very good KUSC radio has begun dumbing down its classical music station
The Sara Niemietz Trilogy Click here. And then click here. And finally click here.
Three pieces I wrote a couple weeks apart about a young, wonderful singer, Sara Niemitz, culminating with going to one of her concerts.
In Very Good Company Click here.
This an absolutely tremendous 1993 reunion of virtually the entire original cast in a concert staging of the landmark 1970 musical Company.
In Better Company Click here
And this is companion piece , the great 1970 documentary on the recording of the cast album of Company -- with the same cast as the 1993 reunion.
Wasn't *That* a Documentary Click here
A look at the wonderful documentary on the reunion of The Weavers folksinging group at Carnegie Hall
Hanks for the Memories Click here
Tom Hanks gives a spectacular performance as 'Falstaff' in a limited-run, intimate outdoor production of Shakespeare's Henry IV.
An Unlikely Tale of Kovacs Click here
My adventure back in college trying to set up a campus-wide screening of a documentary on Ernie Kovacs, along with videos of his work.
Come Here, My Pet Click here
Reminiscences of working on the original film of Pet Sematary, from conversations with Stephen King to other tales, including a visit from the governor.
Dead Men Tell Some Tales Click here
The odd story of my run-in confrontation with Alec Baldwin online during the 2008 Writers Guild Strike.
Hart to Heart Click here
A fascinating tale of movie history that surprisingly springs from an old TV Western.
The Write Stuff Click here
A bit about maybe the funniest night I've had in the theater, a reunion of the legendary writers for Sid Caesar's series, plus video of much of the event.
A Darling Musical Click here
The tale of the flop, but good musical Darling of the Day that starred Vincent Price, plus five selections from the score by Jule Styne and E.Y. Harburg.
How Not to Write Click here
My adventures dealing with some idiotic guidelines and one utterly insane "rule" by some studios about how they insist screenplays be written.
Baton Down the Hatches Click here
A joyous tale of coincidences, Northwestern, Shakespeare, P.T. Barnum and batons. And Sophie Hayden. With songs and video.
All Right, Let Me Hear You...!!!! Click here
The Chicago Cubs took a poll of the Top 10 "guest conductors" who've lead the crowd in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".
Roger, Over and Out Click here
The tale of when an actor tried to slam a critic (a longtime friend of mine), which backfired when it brought in Roger Ebert.
Kukla, Fran and Olliversary Click here
A tribute in honor of the legendary TV show's 75th anniversary.
One Blind Mouse Click here
A tribute to Agatha Christie's play "The Mousetrap" which today celebrates its remarkable 70th anniversary still running.
The Whittaker Quadrille Click here
The joyous tale when Dr. Who actress Jodie Whittaker, still a Coldplay fangirl, gets surprised when recording for a charity album.
The Kindest No-Cut of All Click here
One of the great Hollywood stories about kindness and subterfuge all rolled into one, in the making of the classic Adam's Rib.
And then, with their years of experience, our EIEO analysts craft their reports so that the wide world of all things entertainment will make more sense to you. And we provide the finest of those right here to you. Or just a fun video. It's a challenging job, but at Elisberg Industries, we are here but to serve.
The Greatest Musical You've Never Heard Of Click here
An updated, in-depth look at the greatest unknown musical of all time, Fiorello!
The Greatest Screenplay Never Made Click here
Continuing our "Greatest" theme, apparently, this is the tale of the brilliant, legendary...and (as yet) unmade Harrow Alley.
Oscar's Funniest Moments -- #1 of 5 Click here
Will Ferrell, Jack Black and John C. Reilly sing a wonderful song about how hard it is being a comedian at the Oscars.
Kennedy Center Honors. Who's Next?
Yes, we know not everyone cares for award shows, but for Leiber & Stoller fans, this is such a steal! Click here.
Videology: Mark Rylance wins the Tony for Best Actor
One of the all-time great acceptance speeches for lovers of all-time great acceptance speeches. Click here.
Two of the Greatest Love Songs You May Not Know Click here
Another in our "Greatest of" series, this one about...well, two songs from little known musicals. Perfect for Valentine's Day.
The Ballad of Cat Ballou Click here
A tale of the ballad, with a 12-minute video montage of the joyous Oscar-nominated song.
And Here's to You, Mr. Robinson Click here
A surprising tale about a remarkable actor, Edward G. Robinson
Videology: The Great Train Robbery Click here.
One of my all-time favorite comedy sketches from Beyond the Fringe.
The Impossible Story of "The Impossible Dream" Click here.
Two of the more amazing videos I've found of an unexpected production of Man of La Mancha.
My Anne Hathaway Story Click here.
A cleverly-titled tale about past events that cross paths with winning the Oscar.
Go, You Chicken Fat, Go! Click here.
Anyone who wants to be an actor should listen to Robert Preston's remarkable performance. So should everyone, but have 6-1/2 minutes handy.
Fields of Dreams Click here.
An appreciation of Dorothy Fields, perhaps the least-known of the Great Broadway Lyricists.
"'76 Trombones' led a (really) big parade" Click here.
This is how the song "76 Trombones" should be performed -- in one of the more remarkable, live TV productions ever.
Going to the Barbershop Click here
OK, I admit it, I like barbershop singing. And this is one of my fave choruses, Ambassadors of Harmony, with a joyous "76 Trombones"
I'm Just Wild About Harry... Click here.
My all-time favorite performer is Harry Secombe. Who, you ask?? Here's who -- and why.
The Best Worst Song Ever Click here.
Okay, you probably hate "Seasons in the Sun." But this is the surprising, brilliant song it's translated from.
"On a Note of Triumph." Click here.
Norman Corwin's broadcast celebrating the end of WWII is one of the two greatest radio programs ever.
On Your Marx Click here.
Wherein the proprietor co-wrote a song with the grandson of Groucho.for a movie.
Videology: David Letterman Answers Viewer Mail Click here.
This was my favorite Viewer Mail segment when I saw it live. Dave decides to visit the person who wrote him.
Going to the Barbershop Click here.
So you say you don't like barbershop singing. It's going to be hard not to be in awe of this championship-winning chorus. Seriously.
Way Over the Rainbow Click here.
I think this is the best recording ever of "Over the Rainbow." It helps that it's sung by the man who co-wrote it, Yip Harburg.
And I am Telling You Click here.
I've seen two performances in stage musicals where the singer literally stopped the show, bringing it to a total halt. One of them is happily on video.
Pal Mel Click here.
You probably know that there's a lot about the cryptic Andy Kaufman that you don't know. This is one of those stories.
The Story of a Lost Broadway Classic Click here.
Ray Bolger's Broadway performance was never recorded, and the movie version never released. Here's the story -- and video!
Really, This is Judi Dench. Really Click here.
Dame Judi Dench performing a hilarious number from a concert tribute to Rodgers & Hammerstein. I will say no more.
Email Interview with Larry Gelbart Click here.
An interview I did over email with the wonderful Larry Gelbart, who developed the series M*A*S*H, won Tony Awardss, and so much more.
Email Interview with Anthony Mingella Click here.
An interview with the Oscar-winning writer/director of The English Patient, Cold Mountain and more.
TV or Not TV, That is the Question Click here.
A look at a couple articles about the importance of TV writers to TV directors
TV Writers and Directors Redux Click here.
A follow-up when responses come in after an article about TV Writers and directors
Eight Heavenly Minutes Going Through Hell Click here.
The video and story behind the wonderful, little Oscar-winning short, Omnibus.
"Ahaarrrr" Click here.
This is one of my favorite videos I've ever tracked down -- a 13-minute British film about a voiceover session from hell.
Harmony Click here.
Sixteen years earlier, I saw a pre-Broadway tryout of Barry Manilow's musical. When I wrote this, I didn't know they were bringing it back to life.
Give Mein Regards Auf Broadway Click here.
When in Berlin, I saw, of all things, a wonderful German musical, Hinterm Horizont
Finally Having “Confidence" Click here.
Few people knew that the theme song for CBS's coverage of NFL football was from a little-known, flop musical.
The Crown Has Made It Clear Click here.
Here's some very rare footage of the original stars of Camelot
All Access Goulet Click here.
Some tales of working with Robert Goulet
The Hills Really Are Alive Click here.
Julie Andrews and the real Maria von Trapp, not only together, but singing with one another.
Me and Ellen Click here.
Years ago, in my early days doing PR, I worked on a movie and always remembered an up-and-coming day player. Her name was Ellen Degeneres.
Someone Named Stanley Donen Click here.
When director Stanley Donen received a Lifetime Achievement Oscar, he gave one of the great acceptance speeches, ever.
Have Some Coco Click here.
Kartharine Hepburn, of all people, once starred in a Broadway musical. Here are 15 fascinating minutes from the Tony Awards.
Fantabulosa Click here.
Michael Sheen is renowned for playing some real-life people. But this might be his best and most little-known.
Take Me Along Click here.
A little bit of history in praise of the little-known musical, Take Me Along.
The Great Movie Musical That Never Was Click here
The tale behind a great musical set to be made as a movie with a classic cast, but got dropped -- but with a happy-ish sort of surprise ending.
Seventh Inning Yawn Click here
The story and videos of how the song "God Bless America" is supposed to be sung, as a rousing anthem, not a hymn.
Not Many People Know This Click here
Michael Caine impersonates Michael Caine, and a tale of the time I crossed paths with the fellow.
The Princess Bridesmaid Click here
The story of annoying author William Goldman over "The Princess Bride" and how 30 years later it all worked out fine.
The Worst Thing About the Best Super Bowl Ad Click here
Though the patriotic Chrysler ad with Bob Dylan was so well-done, there is a totally different message that I think most people missed.
All Hail Caesar Click here
Remembering Sid Caesar from two events where he "performed" as himself.
That's the Ticket Click here.
Wherein we do our best to shred the faux-practice of "handling charges" for theater tickets, which is just a borderline scam.
Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Burt Click here.
I just have always loved, loved and adored Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Burr Tillstrom. Here's why.
Training Day Click here.
A salute to National Train Day, and my list of favorite train movies.
Ernie Kovacs Click here.
A profile of the brilliant TV innovator, along with his ground-breaking 1957 special (with no dialogue) about his Chaplinesque character, Eugene.
40 Years in Lake Wobegon Click here.
On the show's 40th anniversary, some memories of attending A Prairie Home Companion before it went national, along with a wonderful surprise.
A Little Disclaimer Click here.
The tale of perhaps the world's longest and most annoying "contest rules disclaimer" that runs nightly on a local classical music radio station.
That Ernie Johnson Video Click here.
This is a feature done on ESPN about a rival broadcaster, TNT sportscaster Ernie Johnson, that will leave you in near-total awe and admiration.
Where There's a Will There's a Way Click here
Some remembrances of my days working at Will Rogers State Historic Park, the ranch home of the legendary performer.
War and Peace Update: The Finale Click here
Having I finally finished reading "War and Peace," some thoughts on the good (mostly), the bad (a little), and the ugly (hardly any, but...oh-my-god).
Going in the Wrong Direction Click here
A scholarly film magazine puts together a bizarre list (bordering on insane) of supposedly the 50 best movies directed by actors.
Remembering George Kennedy Click here
Some memories of working with the actor on the Naked Gun movies.
The Sinking of the Robert James Click here
The tale of one of the more funny and mortifying events of my life, when I met Oscar-winning composer Elmer Bernstein
Fiorello! -- the Whole Show, Sort of Click here
A list of all episodes in our 14-part Elisberg International Film Festival presentation of the little-known, Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical.
Taking the Class Out of Classical Click here
How the otherwise very good KUSC radio has begun dumbing down its classical music station
The Sara Niemietz Trilogy Click here. And then click here. And finally click here.
Three pieces I wrote a couple weeks apart about a young, wonderful singer, Sara Niemitz, culminating with going to one of her concerts.
In Very Good Company Click here.
This an absolutely tremendous 1993 reunion of virtually the entire original cast in a concert staging of the landmark 1970 musical Company.
In Better Company Click here
And this is companion piece , the great 1970 documentary on the recording of the cast album of Company -- with the same cast as the 1993 reunion.
Wasn't *That* a Documentary Click here
A look at the wonderful documentary on the reunion of The Weavers folksinging group at Carnegie Hall
Hanks for the Memories Click here
Tom Hanks gives a spectacular performance as 'Falstaff' in a limited-run, intimate outdoor production of Shakespeare's Henry IV.
An Unlikely Tale of Kovacs Click here
My adventure back in college trying to set up a campus-wide screening of a documentary on Ernie Kovacs, along with videos of his work.
Come Here, My Pet Click here
Reminiscences of working on the original film of Pet Sematary, from conversations with Stephen King to other tales, including a visit from the governor.
Dead Men Tell Some Tales Click here
The odd story of my run-in confrontation with Alec Baldwin online during the 2008 Writers Guild Strike.
Hart to Heart Click here
A fascinating tale of movie history that surprisingly springs from an old TV Western.
The Write Stuff Click here
A bit about maybe the funniest night I've had in the theater, a reunion of the legendary writers for Sid Caesar's series, plus video of much of the event.
A Darling Musical Click here
The tale of the flop, but good musical Darling of the Day that starred Vincent Price, plus five selections from the score by Jule Styne and E.Y. Harburg.
How Not to Write Click here
My adventures dealing with some idiotic guidelines and one utterly insane "rule" by some studios about how they insist screenplays be written.
Baton Down the Hatches Click here
A joyous tale of coincidences, Northwestern, Shakespeare, P.T. Barnum and batons. And Sophie Hayden. With songs and video.
All Right, Let Me Hear You...!!!! Click here
The Chicago Cubs took a poll of the Top 10 "guest conductors" who've lead the crowd in "Take Me Out to the Ballgame".
Roger, Over and Out Click here
The tale of when an actor tried to slam a critic (a longtime friend of mine), which backfired when it brought in Roger Ebert.
Kukla, Fran and Olliversary Click here
A tribute in honor of the legendary TV show's 75th anniversary.
One Blind Mouse Click here
A tribute to Agatha Christie's play "The Mousetrap" which today celebrates its remarkable 70th anniversary still running.
The Whittaker Quadrille Click here
The joyous tale when Dr. Who actress Jodie Whittaker, still a Coldplay fangirl, gets surprised when recording for a charity album.
The Kindest No-Cut of All Click here
One of the great Hollywood stories about kindness and subterfuge all rolled into one, in the making of the classic Adam's Rib.