Contributed by Klara on October 30th, 2009 | Comments

destination moon 10th victim fahrenheit 451 520x444 Three Classic Sci Fi Movies from the Past

Contributor Klara have been busy time traveling into the golden age of science fiction, on a mission to find three classics that will please and catch the imagination of the readers of Ultra Swank. So, head out to the launchpad and strap your self in, our rocket's first stop is the moon!

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By Chris on October 29th, 2009 | Comments

doctor druids haunted seance 520x516 Haunting Halloween Mood Sounds with Doctor Druid

Halloween is just a few days away and to kick things off in a ghoulish way, this old piece of 1973 wax will most likely do the trick (...or treat). This record is sure to scare and entertain everyone in the family, especially if used with one speaker hidden in the ceiling for the proper stereo spirit effect. Heck, even I am a bit freaked out by this old time piece which revolves around a haunted seance hosted by our Doctor Druid. The good doctor first plays a couple of mind tricks on the participators around the table and then tries to contact a spirit from beyond the grave, the result? Pure groovyness! Happy Halloween from Ultra Swank.

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Contributed by Heidi on October 27th, 2009 | Comments

heidi betty kitschen feast 520x211 Kitschen Feast with Heidi & Betty Crocker

And you thought baked beans and sausage weren't the least bit French? Betty & I have paired up to prove you wrong. Behold Betty Crocker's Baked Bean & Sausage Casserole aka Middle Income French Cooking! This casserole is, per Betty, an "...appetizing adaptation of the French cassoulet." Put that in your Pyrex, Julie & Julia! I did. It was savory and satisfying. And looked pretty haute and hearty in my fave dish.

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By Chris on October 23rd, 2009 | Comments

section daydreaming Gene Kelly on Roller Skates in NYC

From the movie It's Always Fair Weather made in 1955 starring the always brilliant and talented Gene Kelly, this time singing with roller skates around Broadway in New York City. What do you daydream about today? [Thanks Cam]

Contributed by Cam on October 21st, 2009 | Comments

retro halloween party 520x517 How About a Retro Themed Halloween Cocktail Party?

Halloween is coming up and to give you some ideas for your costume, contributor Cam presents a couple of retro themed suggestions. All you need is to pick your favorite classic movie character and you are almost set to go! Some possibilities for the ladies could be the eternal style icon Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the sensual Jane Fonda in Barbarella or the fun and wishful Barbara Eden in I Dream Of Jeannie. For the gents, why not put on your best suit and dress up as classy Sean Connery as James Bond, the frightful Boris Karloff as Frankenstein or the original jungle man Johnny Weissmüller as Tarzan.

Don’t forget the ravishing Halloween cocktails as well, like Witch's Brew, Vampiro or Italian Fruit Punch. To top it all off add some spooky "Monster Melodies" courtesy of Frankie Stein and his Ghouls. Who will you dress up as?

By Chris on October 16th, 2009 | Comments

album covers 520x509 Stereo Music for Your Bachelor Pad

Head on over to the Ultra Swank Flickr group for more tasty designs from the past. Why not join our group and contribute with your own retro related images? It's free and very easy. Which is your favorite record to play on late Friday nights?

Images via the Ultra Swank Flickr Pool

By Chris on October 14th, 2009 | Comments

This documentary about the life of famed photographer Julius Schulman looks very appealing to me. If you have been reading my earlier architecture posts you will immediately know who I am referring to. [Thanks Cam]

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By Chris on October 12th, 2009 | Comments

Following up on my earlier post on how to get a date if you lived in 1950s America, here is a new film which show and tell how you can have a few close friends but be popular among a large group of people too. The entertainment value and kitsch-meter is going through the roof with this film. Hmm, why were all guys called Wally back then? (Via)