Fascinating Connections Installment #1

Applying the six degrees of separation theory, odd or fascinating connections can be found everywhere.

Sometimes they’re deep and meaningful. Sometimes they’re interesting tidbits that make for good dinner or party conversation.

When we speak of education we tend to focus solely on formal education where an instructor passes on knowledge to a captive audience. All too often, the information is presented in isolation with little thought given to overlapping conditions and ripple effects.

A lot of learning occurs outside of classrooms. Sometimes I must remind parents or guardians that they were their child’s first teacher.

Let’s encourage more inquisitiveness and exploration to discover what bridges exist between seemingly separated areas.

To kick off this series, I’m starting with one from the entertainment industry.

Fascinating Connections in Entertainment

The Background

Van Johnson (1916-2008) was a prolific film and television actor whose career spanned nearly five decades. He appeared onscreen with Judy Garland, Lionel Barrymore, and June Allyson to name just a few. According to IMDB, his last credit was in 1992. He was also an accomplished dancer.

Keenan Wynn (1916-1986) was also a talented film and television actor, appearing in “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “The Twilight Zone,” and “The Last Unicorn.” Mr. Wynn was a member of a prominent acting family. His last acting credit was the year of his death.

From the 1940s through the 1950s the two actors appeared in several movies together, including “Somewhere I’ll Find You” with Clark Gabl and Lana Turner.

“The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman” is a 1971 novel by Ernest J. Gaines. It chronicles the life of the titular character from her childhood during the last chapter of slavery through the dawn of the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

The novel was adapted for a 1974 made-for-television movie of the same name. It starred Cicely Tyson, whose performance many people still regard as one of the greatest – ever.

What’s the Fascinating Connection?

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Wynn were reasonably active in 1974, but neither appeared in the 1974 TV production of Miss Jane Pittman, but they are connected to it.

Do you know how?

Please put your answer in the comment section.

More and different fascinating connections will be presented in the days ahead.

Want to learn how a popular Broadway show and movie used a popular opera for the storyline? See our Fun with Opera.”