Melissa Gilbert says “Little House” consciously told stories of the 1970s: 'Pretty hard-hitting'

Melissa Gilbert says "Little House" consciously told stories of the 1970s: 'Pretty hard-hitting'

Ted Shepherd/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty On the season 2 episode ofLittle House on the Prairiecalled "The Talking Machine," the quiet burg of Walnut Grove is blown away by the arrival of an Edison cylinder phonograph. To hearMelissa Gilberttell it, the townsfolk would have grooved along and murmured "right on" if it playedMarvin Gaye'sWhat's Going On. In a recent appearance onJennie Garth'sI Choose Mepodcast, Gilbert explained how the famousMichael Landon-led show may have been set in the 1870s, but was actually tackling issues relevant to contemporary audiences of the 1970s. (We will now pause to allow you to scoop your brains up from off the floor following this revelation.) NBCUniversal via Getty "It's wild to be a part of something that has that kind of longevity," Gilbert said of the show that ran on NBC from 1974 to 1982, and is currently readying fora remake version on Netflix. "It's so beloved," she continued. "People love that show. They love the stories that we told. They love the relevance of the stories that we told. Now people are looking back and going, 'Oh,Little House. They told some pretty palpable stuff.' Gilbert, who launched a clothing and lifestyle brand calledModern Prairiein 2022, added that the beloved series "was not exploitive. Michael Landon was consciously telling the stories of the 1970s through the lens of the 1870s. We were talking about civil rights and veterans coming home from the Civil War on our show, where [in our time] the veterans were coming home from the Vietnam War." She continued, "These were all topical and important stories, and unfortunately, so many are still things we need to discuss today. So that's why I thinkLittle Housecontinues on." Bettmann/Getty With that Q.E.D. officially on record, she concluded by saying, "I mean, we, you know, did dumb, fluffy episodes where we just had fun, but it was pretty hard-hitting. We took on rape, arson, crib death, all kinds of horrible, horrible things on that show." Indeed — wasn't there an episode where a school for the blind caught on fire and an infant died? Did we hallucinate that? It seemswe did not. Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Sign up forEntertainment Weekly's free daily newsletterto get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Netflix's new version ofLittle House on the Prairieis currently in production in Manitoba, Canada. The cast includes Australian actor Luke Bracey as Pa Ingalls,October Road's Warren Christie as Mr. Edwards, andJocko Sims as Dr. Tann, a character new to the show but a physician who Laura Ingalls wrote about in the original books. You can listen to more of Melissa Gilbert's chat with Jennie Garth by clicking play on the link below. Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

byAlpha World

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August 03, 2025

Melissa Gilbert says “Little House” consciously told stories of the 1970s: 'Pretty hard-hitting'

Melissa Gilbert says "Little House" consciously told stories of the 1970s: 'Pretty hard-hitting' Ted Shepherd/NBCU Photo B...

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The Cast of “Pitch Perfect”: Where Are They Now?

The Cast of "Pitch Perfect": Where Are They Now?

Shutterstock Known for bringing vocal battles and girl-power energy to the big screen, thePitch Perfectfranchisewent on to spawn two sequels, creating a beloved musical trilogy. The films helped launch and boost the careers of stars likeAnna Kendrick,Rebel Wilson, andBrittany Snow. With its catchy performances and offbeat humor, the original film is still beloved more than a decade later. So,what have the Barden Bellas been upto since taking their final bow? /Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Before gaining stardom as Beca inPitch Perfect, Anna Kendrick was known for her role as Jessica Stanley inThe Twilight Saga, playing Bella Swan's best friend. Since then, the 39-year-old actress has lined up a string of diverse projects. In 2023, she made her directorial debut withWoman of the Hour,a crime thriller about an aspiring actress who crosses paths with a prolific serial killer in the '70s. Most recently, she reunited withBlake LivelyinAnother Simple Favor, released in 2025, seven years after its prequel hit theaters. Off camera, Kendrick has shared that she'scontent staying single, calling herself a"childless cat lady"by choice. In her 2016 bestselling memoir,Scrappy Little Nobody, she got candid about societal pressure to start a family, noting that "motherhood isn't for me." Ever private about romance, she's focused on her career and personal growth. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic Rebel Wilson played the iconic scene-stealing "Fat Amy" inPitch Perfectand has continued to star in comedies like 2025'sBride Hard, 2019'sIsn't It Romantic, and 2022'sSenior Year. In 2024, she made her directorial debut withThe Deb,but the musical was not released publiclyamid ongoing legal issues. Earlier this year,Wilson told PEOPLEthat if she ever steps behind the camera again, it would be exclusively for musicals, such as 2025's original pop musical,Juliet & Romeo. The 45-year-old has been married to fashion designerRamona Agrumasince 2024. The pair welcomed a daughter, Royce Lillian, via surrogate in 2022. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Brittany Snow played the warm-hearted Chloe Beale and has since remained active in both film and television. The 39-year-old ledThe Good Halfin 2023 and starred in the horror thrillerXin 2022. That same year, she made her feature directorial debut withParachute, a drama she co-wrote and championed. Fans can catch Snow in the latest American drama television series,The Hunting Wives, based on the novel by May Cobb, that premiered in July 2025. Snowmarried Tyler Stanalandin March 2020, but theirrelationship came to an endwhen they announced their separation in September 2022. The actress officially filed for divorce a few months later in January 2023. The process was finalized in July of that same year, closing that chapter in her personal life. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock Anna Camp portrayed the intense and rule-loving Aubrey. Since thePitch Perfectseries, she's appeared in shows likeYou,Good Girls Revolt, andThe Mindy Project, as well as films likeFrom BlackandBride Hard. The 42-year-old actress was most recently linked towriter and stylist Jade Whipkey. Before that, shewas married toPitch Perfectco-star Skylar Astinfrom 2016 to 2019 and to actor Michael Mosley from 2010 to 2013. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Skylar Astinwon over audiences as Jesse, the charming a cappella leader. The 37-year-old went on to star inZoey's Extraordinary Playlist,So Help Me Todd, andCrazy Ex-Girlfriend. He's also had guest roles onGrey's AnatomyandGlee. Astin is also known on Broadway for the role of Georg in the original production ofSpring Awakening. He was married toPitch Perfectco-star Anna Camp from 2016 to 2019. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Michael Loccisano/WireImage Elizabeth Banksplayed the fast-talking commentator Gail and was also a major creative force behind thePitch Perfectfilms, directing and producing the sequels. She's since directed 2019'sCharlie's Angels, producedCocaine Bear, and starred in several comedy-dramas. The 51-year-old has beenmarried to Max Handelmansince 2003. The pair share two sons. She continues to juggle directing and acting, all while running a production company with her husband. Universal Pictures/Amazon Video; JC Olivera/FilmMagic Alexis Knapp portrayed the confident and quirky Stacie Conrad. After thePitch Perfectfilms, she's kept a lower Hollywood profile. However, in 2024, she starred in the action thrillerOne More Shotand in the comedy dramaAnother Day in America. She was previously in arelationship with Ryan Phillippe, which ended in September 2010, several months beforetheir daughter was bornin July 2011. Richard Cartwright/Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Michael Bezjian/Getty Hana Mae Lee played the soft-spoken but unforgettable Lilly Onakuramara. The 36-year-old is an award-winning actress, fashion designer, artist and musician. BeyondPitch Perfect, she appeared in the horror film series,The Babysitter, and also spends time working on her clothing label, Hanamahn. In March 2025, she finished working on a horror film calledSwipe. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic Ben Plattplayed the lovable magician-turned-singer Benji and has since become one of Broadway's biggest stars. He won a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his work onDear Evan Hansenand reprised the role in the 2021 film adaptation. The 31-year-old has released multiple solo albums and has toured internationally as a singer. He recently finished his concert residency,Ben Platt: Live at the Palace,at the Palace Theatre in New York City. Open about his life, Platt has beenmarried to actor Noah Galvinsince 2024, and the two are frequent collaborators. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Brandon Hickman/E! Entertainment/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Ester Dean lit up the screen as the tough but talented Cynthia Rose. Off the screen, she's a Grammy-nominated songwriter behind hits for artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry. She's also released solo music and voiced characters in animated films likeRioandTrolls. The 39-year-old stays largely private about her personal life but continues to be a powerhouse in the recording studio. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Adam Devinebrought outrageous comedy to the role of Bumper and has been a regular face in film and TV since. Aside from co-creating and starring inWorkaholics, the 41-year-old has also had roles inThe Righteous GemstonesandGreen Eggs and Ham. His blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt moments has made him a favorite in the comedy world. Devinemarried actress Chloe Bridgesin 2021, and they hadtheir first childin 2023, seemingly balancing family, touring, and creative projects with ease. Brownstone Prods/Gold Circle/Universal/Kobal/Shutterstock; Antoine Flament/Getty Hailee Steinfeldjoined thePitch Perfectfranchise in the second film as newcomer Emily. Already an Oscar nominee before joining the series, she went on to star inDickinson,The Edge of Seventeen,Bumblebee,Barely Lethal, the Marvel seriesHawkeye, and more. She most recently starred in the vampire thriller,Sinners, alongside Michael B. Jordan. Apart from acting, Hailee has also built a successful music career with hit singles like "Love Myself" and "Starving." The 28-year-oldtied the knotwith Buffalo Bills quarterbackJosh Allenin May 2025. They had beenpublicly linked sincethe spring of 2023. Read the original article onPeople

byAlpha World

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August 03, 2025

The Cast of “Pitch Perfect”: Where Are They Now?

The Cast of "Pitch Perfect": Where Are They Now? Shutterstock Known for bringing vocal battles and girl-power energy to the big sc...

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Smithsonian says Trump impeachments will be restored to exhibit

Smithsonian says Trump impeachments will be restored to exhibit

Washington —The Smithsonian said Saturday that it would update an exhibit at the National Museum of American History to reflect all impeachment proceedings in U.S. history after a placard was removed last month. "As the keeper of memory for the nation, it is our privilege and responsibility to tell accurate and complete histories," the Smithsonian said in a statement. The statement came after The Washington Postreportedlast week that the museum had removed references to President Trump's two impeachments earlier in the month as part of a content review. In the statement, the Smithsonian acknowledged the recent reporting around the matter, saying a placard was removed in July from the exhibit, "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden," which the museum said is intended to "reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation's history." The Smithsonian said it was "not asked by any Administration or other government official to remove content from the exhibit." "The placard, which was meant to be a temporary addition to a twenty-five year-old exhibition, did not meet the museum's standards in appearance, location, timeline and overall presentation," the statement said. "It was not consistent with other sections in the exhibit and moreover blocked the view of the objects inside its case. For these reasons, we removed the placard." Mr. Trump was impeached by the House in2019on charges related to efforts to pressure Ukraine to investigate his political rival, and in2021for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. He was acquitted in the Senate in both cases. Presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were also impeached, and both were also acquitted in the Senate. President Richard Nixon resigned facing an impeachment inquiry. The Smithsonian outlined that the impeachment section of the exhibit will be updated in the "coming weeks to reflect all impeachment proceedings in our nation's history." Black swimmers teach others amid history of aquatic segregation How safe is our Social Security safety net? In Gaza, hunger forces impossible choices as Hamas releases propaganda video of hostage

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August 03, 2025

Smithsonian says Trump impeachments will be restored to exhibit

Smithsonian says Trump impeachments will be restored to exhibit Washington —The Smithsonian said Saturday that it would update an exhibit at...

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A volcano in Russia’s Far East erupts for the first time in centuries

A volcano in Russia's Far East erupts for the first time in centuries

A volcano on Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted overnight into Sunday for what scientists said is the first time in hundreds of years, days after a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake. The Krasheninnikov volcano sent ash 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) into the sky, according to staff at the Kronotsky Reserve, where the volcano is located. Images released by state media showed dense clouds of ash rising above the volcano. "The plume is spreading eastward from the volcano toward the Pacific Ocean. There are no populated areas along its path, and no ashfall has been recorded in inhabited localities," Kamchatka's emergencies ministry wrote on Telegram during the eruption. The eruption was accompanied by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake and prompted a tsunami warning for three areas of Kamchatka. The tsunami warning was later lifted by Russia's Ministry for Emergency Services. "This is the first historically confirmed eruption of the Krasheninnikov volcano in 600 years," Olga Girina, head of the Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team, told Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. The Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program, based in the U.S., however, lists Krasheninnikov's last eruption as occurring 475 years ago in 1550. The reason for the discrepancy was not clear. The Kamchatka Volcanic Eruption Response Team said late Sunday that the volcano's activity was decreasing but that "moderate explosive activity" could continue. The eruption occurred after ahuge earthquakestruck Russia's Far East early Wednesday, an 8.8-magnitude temblor that caused small tsunami waves in Japan and Alaska and prompted warnings for Hawaii, North and Central America and Pacific islands south toward New Zealand.

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August 03, 2025

A volcano in Russia’s Far East erupts for the first time in centuries

A volcano in Russia's Far East erupts for the first time in centuries A volcano on Russia's far eastern Kamchatka Peninsula erupted ...

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'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' struggles in second weekend at box office

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' struggles in second weekend at box office

Marvel's latestfilm isn't having such a fantastic second weekend at the box office. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" grossed $40 million domestically in its second weekend of release, an unexpectedly sharp 66% decline in businessfrom its opening weekend, according to estimates released by Comscore on Sunday, Aug. 3. The drop is a potentially troubling sign for Marvel, suggesting the superhero blockbuster might not have much longevity at the box office and could be struggling to entice casual moviegoers. "Fantastic Four" initially opened with a solid $117.6 million domestically, just a bit below the$125 million launch of DC's "Superman"two weeks prior. But "Superman" did not experience as large a decline in ticket sales after that debut. During its second weekend, the DC film only fell 53%. The bigger dip for "Fantastic Four" was surprising given critics and audiences both gave positive marks to the superhero tentpole starringPedro Pascal,Vanessa Kirby,Joseph QuinnandEbon Moss-Bachrach. Audiences polled by the research firm Cinemascore awarded "Fantastic Four" an A- grade, the same rating as "Superman," and the film holds an 86% approval rating among critics onRotten Tomatoes. Whoa, baby!The real story behind the adorable star of 'Fantastic Four' But after years of releasing one superhero smash hit after another, Marvel has lately produced more inconsistent results at the box office. In between its rousing successes like last summer's "Deadpool & Wolverine," the studio has also endured several financial disappointments, including 2023's "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" and "The Marvels." Prior to "Fantastic Four," Marvel's other summer film, May's "Thunderbolts*," grossed a muted $190 million domestically. In a recent conversation with reporters, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige argued that some of the studio's recent movies like "The Marvels" and "Thunderbolts*" suffered financially because audiences had not seen Marvel's Disney+ shows and were under the impression they were mandatory viewing. "It's that expansion that I think led people to say, 'Do I have to see all of these? It used to be fun, but now do I have to know everything about all of these?'" Feige said,per The Hollywood Reporter. "And I think 'The Marvels' hit it hardest where people are like, 'OK, I recognize her from a billion-dollar movie. But who are those other two? I guess they were in some TV show. I'll skip it.'" The good news for "Fantastic Four" is that the month of August is relatively light on new major event films, so the movie could benefit from a lack of competition in the coming weeks. How did 'Fantastic Four: First Steps'compare to 'Superman' at the box office? Marvel will next be seen in theaters in July 2026 with "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," which brings back a character that has been a reliable money maker for the studio. That will be followed by the franchise's next big event movie: "Avengers: Doomsday," which features the Fantastic Four returning alongsideRobert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Fantastic Four: First Steps' box office sees drop in second weekend

byAlpha World

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August 03, 2025

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' struggles in second weekend at box office

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' struggles in second weekend at box office Marvel's latestfilm isn't having such a fantasti...

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