'Cut me, Mick' - Rocky at 30

When it comes to heartwarming flicks about cretins pounding other cretins to a brain-damaged pulp, nothing quite compares to Rocky.

This is the 30th anniversary of the original Rocky, and they're planning some special celebrations in Philadelphia, where much of the Academy Award-winner was filmed.

We received the following from the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corp:

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'Philly Loves Rocky Week' honors Sly Stallone

A week of Rocky-themed events mark film's 30th anniversary

PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 31 - Thirty years after Sylvester
Stallone's famous run up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art as Rocky Balboa in the 1976 Academy Award-winning film, the city is gearing up to celebrate the movie's anniversary and the upcoming release of the series' last installment with "Philly Loves Rocky Week," running September 6-9, 2006.

All events will occur rain or shine and are free, except the Hero Thrill Show, which raises money for the education of survivors of police and fire personnel killed in the line of duty.

Here's a look at what's going on:

September 6, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Boxing Exhibition

In the true tradition of Rocky, 12 boxing slugfests - three two-minute rounds - will take center stage in an outdoor boxing exhibition showcasing more than 20 young hopefuls and area fighters, including former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon. JFK Plaza (LOVE Park), 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard

September 7, 12 noon - 2 p.m.
Rocky/Adrian Look-Alike Contest

With songs from the soundtracks of Rocky movies as the backdrop, finalists of a Rocky and Adrian Look-Alike contest will parade in front of celebrity judges. Contestants are eligible to receive a Philly Overnight(R) Hotel Package, a miniature Love statue and tickets to the debut of the new Rocky movie in December. JFK Plaza (LOVE Park), 15th Street & John F. Kennedy Boulevard

September 8, 6 p.m.
Rocky Statue Dedication

The city will keep the Rocky hoopla rolling, with the Rocky statue dedication featuring invited speakers Mayor John F. Street, Academy Award-winning actor Sly Stallone and many other dignitaries in a star-studded ceremony to mark the new home of the statue at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps. Frank Stallone, Stallone's sibling, musician Connie Stevens and actors Burt Young ("Paulie" in Rocky) and Joely Fisher are also scheduled to make appearances. The dedication will be followed by a performance by The Don't Call Me Francis Band presented by Philadelphia radio personality Bob Pantano, and a scheduled showing on an outdoor movie screen of the original Academy Award-winning film. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway

September 9, 12 noon - 9 p.m.
Hero Thrill Show

Sylvester Stallone will be the grand marshal at the enhanced 2006 Hero Thrill Show. The finale of the long weekend celebration features special guests, including Burt Young, Frank Stallone, Connie Stevens, Joely Fisher; the music of Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Sound of Philadelphia and an all-star lineup of more than 20 musical acts; and the world-famous Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol Drill Team. Tickets are $10 and available at local police and fire stations or at HeroThrillShow.org. Outside the Wachovia Spectrum, 3601 S. Broad Street.

Check Gophila.com for up-to-date information as details listed above are subject to change. A Philadelphia itinerary based on the Rocky movies (including Rocky Balboa, scheduled for a December 22 release) is also available at Gophila.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC) makes Philadelphia and The Countryside(TM) a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases business and promotes the region's vitality.

For more information about travel to Philadelphia, visit
Gophila.com or call the Independence Visitor Center, located in
Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676.

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