In the summer of 1939, as the world teetered on the brink of global conflict, American audiences found solace and wonder in the silver screen’s latest marvel: The Wizard of Oz. This Technicolor adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved children’s book premiered amid great anticipation, captivating families with its blend of fantasy, music, and groundbreaking visual effects. The following article, published in the Roanoke Rapids Herald just days after the film’s release, captures the era’s unbridled enthusiasm for this cinematic gem. It highlights the film’s universal appeal, stellar performances, and innovative use of color—a novelty that left viewers spellbound. Preserved here in its original form, including any quirks of 1930s journalism, this piece offers a glimpse into how The Wizard of Oz was first received in small-town America, reminding us why it endures as a cultural touchstone.

https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/1939-wizard-of-oz-film-review-vintage

In the early 20th century, newspapers often delved into the curiosities of ancient lore, blending historical anecdotes with a touch of whimsy to captivate readers. This 1912 article from The Gazette-Times in Heppner, Oregon, offers a fascinating glimpse into how dragons were perceived in medieval natural history—not as mere fairy-tale creatures, but as documented beasts accepted by scholars of the time. Drawing from sources like medieval annals and naturalists such as Gesner and Aldrovandus, it paints a vivid picture of these “fiery dragons” as vengeful, flame-spewing monsters.

https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/fiery-dragons-of-medieval-lore-mythical

Ever wondered if Mary Shelley—the teenage genius who wrote Frankenstein—crossed paths with real-life 'monsters' that are now extinct? Dive into this fun historical mashup as we explore four vanished creatures she might have seen in 1800s London zoos, Scottish coasts, or European travels: the quirky quagga, massive passenger pigeon flocks, eerie Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), and the flightless great auk. Blending gothic lit vibes with lost wildlife, discover how these now-gone animals could have sparked her imagination—it's alive with weird history facts! Like, subscribe, and comment your favorite extinct beast below.

https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/s02e19-frankensteins-author-and-real