I’m going to start doing something a little different here periodically. Anecdotes, essays, etc. on Hollywood history. I could write a lot about current stuff but that isn’t what really interests me. So I’m going to concentrate on all the years prior to when I was born, but my main focus will be the silent movie era.
Today is the anniversary of the birth of silent movie cowboy Tom Mix (Hollywood’s first megastar, having made over 300 movies). If he was still alive he’d be 128. 
I’ve always felt a bit of a connection with Tom Mix because he died near Florence, Arizona along a two lane road (now Arizona State Route 79) that runs between Phoenix and Tucson (which I always took instead of the interstate because it was more scenic). He came up on some road construction and was unable to brake in time and his car slid off into a gully. He’d have survived that with no problem except for his suitcase. It flew forward and smacked him in the head, crushing his skull and breaking his neck. I’ve often wondered why it wasn’t in the trunk of the car instead of the backseat. He was 60 at the time. If you’re ever out that way, stop and visit the historical monument that marks the site. I always said “hi” to him when I drove by.
wow, interesting about Tom Mix. Is it a big monument?
Comment by Dru — January 6, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
It’s fairly big. I wonder if I can find a picture of it….
Comment by Tori — January 6, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
A monument to his death? How funny… poor guy. Thanks for the info!
Comment by Marianne — January 6, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
Hey, he was the cat’s pajamas back then.
I found a picture here.
Comment by Tori — January 6, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Poor man. I hope his monument is visited. Thanks for the VERY interesting info, I love little facts like that.
Have a nice and peaceful day!
Comment by Brandy — January 6, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Wow, killed by a suitcase…that’s strange!
Comment by kacey — January 7, 2008 @ 12:58 am