Sunday, February 6, 2011

February 06: Russell Releases

On this day in 1975 and 2004 Disney released two films both starring actor Kurt Russell.

The 1975 comedy The Strongest Man in the World starred Russell as Dexter Riley, a Medfield College student. A sequel to the 1972 Now You See Him, Now You Don't (and the 1969 The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes), Russell returned to the role of the brainy but popular college student who accidentally discovers a chemical formula which gives anyone temporary superhuman strength. The film's all-star comedic cast included Joe Flynn as Dean Higgins, Cesar Romero as the villainous A.J. Arno, and Phil Silvers as Krinkle. Sadly this film was Joe Flynn's last - as he had passed away in July 1974.

The 2004 biographical sports film Miracle, starred Russell as Herb Brooks - the coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. The team's gold medal victory over the favored Soviet team had been dubbed the "Miracle on Ice". Herb's unconventional style and wisdom helped transform a young group of hockey players into national heroes. The real Herb Brooks sadly was killed in an automobile accident in August 2003 (right after the movie had wrapped).

Click HERE for more February 06 Disney history.

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