Schaefer in Schinema

Yes, this blog is primarily about racing - but not exclusively. The crack staff of Vol State Bench Racing has been known to post perhaps a time or two about Schaefer beer. In this particular post, I want to give credit to a few cinematic performances featuring Schaefer.

Going back several decades, Gilligan's Island featured Schaefer ... kind of. Remember Mrs. Thurston Howell, III aka Lovie? The actress' name was Natalie Schafer. Her name was spelled a tad differently than the beer, but I'll allow it.

Plus, I'm betting with the S.S. Minnow headed out for what was expected to be just a 3-hour cruise that the Captain had some cold Schaefer for the passengers to enjoy. Wouldn't you think? They were likely the first things consumed once the seven castaways washed up on the beach of the island.

Schaefer Ring of Honor member ZimRick tipped me off to the appearance of Schaefer in HBO's series called Girls (though he claims his fiance was the one who noticed - whatever). I have no clue what it's about - though I'm guessing girls. I've never watched an episode, Googled it, or anything. Yet apparently at least in one episode a girl enjoyed a cold Schaefer. I'm in! Wait..does HBO even air this show anymore? Will it cost me a subscription?

From the TV screen to the silver screen.

How about the 1981 erotic thriller Body Heat featuring Kathleen Turner in her vixen era ... and Schaefer beer with its timeless taste. Bill Hurt's character, Ned, enjoyed Schaefer with company in the diner - including Ted Danson a year before he began starring in Cheers.

Ned just sounds like the name of a Schaefer drinker, and I'm betting in the early 1980s one could still order a Schaefer at the Bull & Finch Pub on Beacon Street in Boston.

Near the beginning of the 1971 Gene Hackman classic, The French Connection, a Schaefer sign is clearly seen above the jukebox in the Oasis Bar & Grill in Brooklyn (HT to SHOFer Uncle Dave).

A fantastic mob movie ... with a strong message of family values (?) ... is 1993's A Bronx Tale. I've got Godfather parts 1 and 2, Goodfellas and Casino in my top 5 of best mobster movies. Number 5 slot is generally in play, but A Bronx Tale from 1993 is right there in the discussion. One, the Robert DeNiro-directed movie has a great script, deals with difficult subjects, juxtaposes differing ways of life, etc. Two, Schaefer gets prime visibility in a couple of scenes including...

• The beatdown of the motorcycle gang in the bar.

• The neon sign in the window of the Chez Bippy restaurant controlled by Sonny and his henchmen.

Recall the scene from 2012's The Amazing Spiderman when Peter Parker copped the "it's not my policy" attitude? This was after the clerk gave him lip about needing a couple of extra cents for his milk. As the bad guy robs the package store, note the brand of beer he plops on the counter.

42, the 2013 movie about Jackie Robinson, may be perhaps the most contemporary movie featuring Schaefer. The iconic Ebbets Field outfield scoreboard was recreated for the film - including the Schaefer logo.

• The original

• The cinematic reproduction

Scenes intended to represent Ebbets Field were shot on location at Engel Stadium, the former home of the Chattanooga Lookouts minor league baseball team. While it's doubtful Engel Stadium ever served Schaefer, I was living in the Nooga when the Schaefer racing tradition began in 1992.

I've also been told Schaefer was featured in the 2014 movie, Jersey Boys. I haven't seen it yet - nor have I found an image or video clip. Pass one along if you can confirm!

Have you seen Schaefer featured in other movies or television shows? If so, please let me know in a comment.

2015-08-17 edit

Window of Jake LaMotta's bar in the closing scenes of Raging Bull. (HT to UDR)

TMC