Entertainment
Historical Cinematic impact of the original “Gone in Sixty Seconds”
Gone in Sixty Seconds is a classic action movie from 1974 written, directed, produced, and starring H.B. Halicki. Halicki played the main character, Maindrian Pace, who embarks on a high-stakes mission to steal 48 cars in one night. This film is renowned for its exhilarating car chases and action-packed sequences.
The movie was filmed entirely on location in California, with notable scenes shot in Los Angeles and Long Beach. These locations provided an authentic urban backdrop that added to the film’s gritty and realistic tone. The car chases, some of the most iconic ever filmed, involved incredible speeds of up to 120 mph, showcasing both the driving skills of the actors and the capabilities of the cars involved. The cast also featured Marion Busia and George Cole, whose performances added depth and excitement to the plot.
Gone in Sixty Seconds is widely regarded as one of the best car chase movies ever made. Its influence on the genre of car chase films is undeniable, setting a high standard for action and thrill. The movie’s impact extends beyond the film industry; it has had a significant influence on the car industry as well. Car manufacturers have used Gone in Sixty Seconds as a promotional tool, recognizing the film’s power to captivate audiences with its portrayal of high-performance vehicles and thrilling chases.
In addition to its influence on the car chase genre and the car industry, Gone in Sixty Seconds has a legacy as a cult classic. The film’s intricate planning and execution of car theft, combined with Halicki’s unique storytelling and intense action sequences, have cemented its place in cinematic history. The film’s lasting popularity is a testament to its innovative approach and the entertainment value it continues to provide.
Gone in Sixty Seconds is more than just an action movie; it’s an influential piece of cinema that continues to be remembered fondly. Its thrilling car chases, iconic cast and crew, and lasting impact on both the film and car industries ensure that it will remain a beloved classic for years to come. The legacy of H.B. Halicki and his groundbreaking work on this film is a testament to the enduring power of creativity, passion, and determination in the world of filmmaking.Directed by H. B. Halicki Written by H. B. Halicki Produced by H. B. Halicki Starring H. B. Halicki – Marion Busia – Jerry Daugirda – Ronald Halicki – Markos Kotsikos Cinematography Jack Vacek Edited by Warner E. Leighton Music by Ronald Halicki
Philip KachaturianDistributed by H.B. Halicki Junkyard and Mercantile Company Release date July 28, 1974 (United States) Running time 105 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $150,000 Box office $40,000,000
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gone_in_60_Seconds_(1974_film)
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071571/?ref_=tt_mv_close
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actors & performers
Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son in Custody
Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home in a reported homicide. Police have arrested their son in connection with the case, and tributes are pouring in.
Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Director Rob Reiner participates in a discussion following a screening of the film LBJ at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas on Saturday October 22, 2016
On Saturday evening October 22, 2016, the LBJ Presidential Library held a sneak peek of Rob Reiner’s new filmÊLBJ, starring Woody Harrelson as the 36th president. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, chronicles the life and times of Lyndon Johnson who would inherit the presidency at one of the most fraught moments in American history.
Following the screening, director Rob Reiner, actor Woody Harrelson, and writer Joey Hartstone joined LBJ Library Director Mark Updegrove on stage for a conversation about the film.
LBJ Library photo by Jay Godwin
10/22/2016
Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son in Custody
December 15, 2025
Renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday, authorities say. Emergency responders were called to the residence Sunday afternoon, where both were discovered with fatal wounds consistent with a stabbing. Police are treating the case as a double homicide.
Los Angeles police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths. He is being held in custody as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident.
2016 SAMHSA Voice Awards
Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, known for his work as a director, producer and actor. His career spanned decades, from early television fame to directing beloved films that shaped American cinema.
Friends, colleagues and public figures have begun sharing tributes and reactions to the news as the investigation is ongoing.
More details will be updated as they become available.
The Inspiring Legacy of Raymond E. Fowler: A Journey into the UnknownLink: https://stmdailynews.com/the-inspiring-legacy-of-raymond-e-fowler-a-journey-into-the-unknown/
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Entertainment
Hollywood vs. Reality: How LA’s Wilshire Subway Was Really Built
Wilshire Subway: Did LA blast subway tunnels under Wilshire Boulevard? Hollywood says yes — engineers say no. Here’s how Metro safely tunneled beneath Miracle Mile.
When the 1997 disaster film Volcano depicted lava erupting along Wilshire Boulevard and referenced blasting during Red Line subway construction, it delivered gripping cinema — but not accurate engineering.
In reality, Los Angeles Metro did not rely on large-scale blasting to construct subway tunnels beneath Wilshire Boulevard and the Miracle Mile. Instead, engineers used tunnel boring machines (TBMs) specifically to avoid the very risks Hollywood dramatized.
Why Blasting Was Avoided
The Wilshire Corridor sits atop historic oil fields, making methane gas pockets a known and serious concern. A deadly methane explosion near Fairfax Avenue in 1985 led to heightened scrutiny of underground construction in the area. Blasting in such conditions could have caused unpredictable gas releases, ground instability, or damage to surface structures.
As a result, Metro engineers chose pressurized, closed-face tunnel boring machines, which allow for:
Controlled excavation in dense urban environments
Continuous ground support to prevent settlement
Integrated gas detection and ventilation systems
These machines grind slowly through soil and rock while installing precast concrete tunnel linings, creating a sealed, gas-resistant structure as they advance. 
The Real Engineering Feat
Although Volcano took creative liberties for dramatic effect, the true story of tunneling under Wilshire is no less impressive. Advances in TBM technology and methane mitigation ultimately allowed the Metro D Line (formerly the Red Line/Purple Line) to safely pass through one of Los Angeles’ most geologically complex corridors — without explosions, collapsing streets, or cinematic chaos.
Bottom Line
Volcano remains a memorable piece of 1990s disaster cinema, but its portrayal of subway construction is fiction. The real achievement lies in decades of careful planning, modern tunneling technology, and engineering solutions that quietly reshaped Los Angeles beneath its busiest boulevard.
Related Links:
- LA Metro – D Line (Purple Line) Extension Project
- Engineering News-Record: Tunneling Through Gas and Tar in LA
- Los Angeles Times Archive: Methane Risk and Subway Construction
Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited VoiceLink: https://stmdailynews.com/dreambreaker-a-pickleball-story-a-closer-look-at-the-documentary-and-its-uncredited-voice/
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Entertainment
Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories
Discover Beam’s new Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, transforming videos into playable mini-games and interactive stories—no coding required. Explore the future of interactive media for creators and storytellers.
Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Play and Create
Interactive Shorts
Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories
Video, Reimagined: From Passive Watching to Active Playing
How It Works: No-Code Creation, Limitless Possibilities
- AI-Generated Media: Instantly create video, images, and music using cutting-edge AI tools.
- Drag-and-Drop Grid Editor: Arrange scenes, add branching choices, and build interactive storylines—all visually, right in your browser.
- Instant Publishing: Share your playable mini-games and interactive shorts to the web with a single click.
Free Early Access for Creators
The Future of Interactive Media
STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/
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