Africa
A house in Tatooine Tunisia once belonging to Owen and Beru Lars George Lucas has recently gained attention within the Star Wars community, as it had recently suffered severe damage. Used as a set for the Attack of the Clones (2002, Lucasfilm Ltd), the “igloo in the sand” is located in Nefta, just off of the Algerian border. This structure is also in the same place as the original set was during the filming of the original Star Wars (1977, 20th Century Fox). A website named Savetheigloo.com has sprung up with followers behind it donating the money needed to buy the tools and permits that are required to restore the building. So far, around 2000 members have joined the Facebook group, Save the Lars Homestead. Out of the $10,000 needed, about $6000 has been donated already. For fans of the franchise, this may be one of the most important causes dedicated to the preservation of the movie. Of course, Lucas himself has yet to show any signs of caring, as he’s busy once again altering his films for the 3D format.
California
Hollywood has seen happier days. It lost two beloved parents in the past week—Barbara Billingsly, who played June Cleaver on Leave It to Beaver (1957, MCA Television), and Tom Bosley, who played Howard Cunningham on Happy Days (1974, Paramount Television). Billingsly famously played the the quintessential 50s homemaker and mother of Wally and Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver. She died Saturday of a long illness at 94. Bosley, who played the stern, but loving father to Richie (Ron Howard), Joanie (and Chuck in one episode), died Tuesday from heart failure related to a brief battle with lung cancer in a hospital near his home in Palm Springs, California. He was 83. Both sitcom stars captured America’s heart in their respective roles as iconic 50s parents (although Bosley only played a 50s father in a 70s show.)
Allston
Allston “Rock City” is losing one of its venues only weeks after major local practice spaces closed down. According to the Boston Globe, Harper’s Ferry, located near the intersection of Brighton Avenue and Harvard Avenue, will close its doors for good come Halloween. The venue, which has been a staple of the neighborhood for 40 years, is being let go from its lease. Allston, known for its unique student population and music scene, has also lost two of its most coveted practice spaces. Once used by over hundreds of bands, the warehouse spaces known as the Sound Museum and the Music Gym have both closed their doors after decades of use. Just a few years ago Allston also lost its iconic figure, Mr. Butch, who lived for the streets, not just on the streets. While the neighborhood loses its culture, one can only refer to the rehabilitation of Kenmore Square by Boston University as an example of something that could be happening to Allston now.
