Singer Song Writer Brian Rise Creates A Classic – My Brightest Star
Beautiful footage
A huge thanks to fellow Woody Boater Knot That Jeff Gordon for making us aware of this gem from his buddy Musician Brian Rise. Brian was given this footage found in a garage sale years ago and couldn’t figure out what to do with it, until now. Wow. How cool is this. Old, beautiful footage inspires a wonderful original song.
Fun in Michigan
As to the footage, which is of course our thing here. Brian was told 1948, I am gonna say earlier. But could be. It is color 16mm film. And is definitely Michigan. And for sure some well off folks. And I am not sure, but gonna stick my head out there. Could this have been a factory Chris Craft shoot? The outfits are perfect, boats new, Detroit? 16mm color film. This was a special thing. Are these Chris Craft employees? Anyway. Take a look and a hear. Way to Brian, thanks for putting your wonderful talent to this film.
That is a nice find and song! Thanks Brian! It looks to me to be a “typical” family boat outing in Michigan…back in the day! Pure Michigan!
Love those big sedans!
A Detroit Yacht Club boat. Part of the video is in the flats. I don’t recognize the place where they are playing baseball. Maybe some other Michigan gang folks can chime in?
My thought is that it was on filmed on the mainland in Algonac with Dickenson Island in the background. That old cottage looks familiar too. Just a guess. Everyone was having fun which is the easy part to see.
That was cool! It is definitely post war as there are no war time large numbers on the boats. Not sure when they came off so definitely in the correct time frame. Looks like a lot of my own families’ photos from the period, I was not around yet my brother was, lots of happy people for making it back alive! God Bless them.
My favorite part was the appearance of “Popeye the Sailor Man”, at about the 4 minute mark. The introductory part of it was definitely filmed in the “Flats” North of Fairhaven.
Great stuff! I too think pre 48, this well heeled bunch would have current automobiles and those in distant background are 1940 ish? Film is a true classic.
John in Va. went boating yesterday….canoeing today….Go Boating no last gasping around here……
One of the Cruisers is prewar I was the caretaker of a 1941 34ft deluxe enclosed cruiser for 18 years
I’m thinking this was pre-war, based on the boats and the cars. ’39-’41 or so. Nice discovery and song! A simpler, joyous time, playful, lots of smiles and a reminder not to sit beneath a roof or balcony where someone may have a bucket of water… 😉
Good thing he wasn’t on his phone when that water dropped!!
Cool video, no input on time or place, just that I’d love one of those boats in bristol condition!!
I look forward to hearing from Art (yes that Art) on this. He has to know some of the characters.
Mr. George Burgess is going to look at it…..if any one knows he will.
If this helps. Some have numbers and some dont. Also, the film is flipped so the numbers are not readable. Here is a corrected screen grab. I think? The first two mumbers represent the state. Pre abbreviation
Also of note, color 16mm film was created in 1935 Kodak, and also used during the war and more and more in the early 50’s with sound. This was shot very well, and someone knew what they were doing. The wardrobe is also to perfect.
I’ve been waiting for somebody to bring up the hats, we need a hat discussion again.
Very cool video! I showed it to my mom and she said 1940 was the year or close to it and in Algonac. She didn’t recognize anyone but she was born in 1940 and grew up in Algonac. It’s not Chris Craft family members but shot in the flats around Algonac for sure. Trying to think of someone in the family still alive that would know, I’ll see what comes up.
❤️
What a treasure. Thanks to all involved for finding, singing / songwriting, and posting. This epitomizes all that we love about these vintage boats – and the good times they bring – whether the 1940s or the 2020s. Well done!
Update from Brian who wrote the song-
He just sent me a pic of the film can from this footage. It was “Weekend of May 20 1939. Maybe someone will recognize some of these names.
HA! 1939! Prewar!
With my bad eye site I can’t read any names……Help please.
Hogan’s & Kipke’s Boat landing.
Mr and Mrs Herman Radner, Mr and Mrs Ken Beatle?, Knodle, Helmerick, Normie Smith, Bob Taylor,
I think it’s Mr and Mrs Ken Beattie (instead of Beatle). Knodell (instead of Knodle)
It said Mr. And Mrs.Ken Beattie. Chuck Beattie is a long time Michigan chapter member and currently a club director.
Late to the party today. A lot of things going on. What a great surprise! A really cool movie/video. I hope some one in this mess can identify these people. Thanks to Jeff. Brian, and Matt for sharing. I see some milk in that film can Matt.
Thanks to everyone for the positive comments and the exposition of the people, places, things, etc. in these images. I’m so glad they are being enjoyed. Please share!
cheers, Brian Rise