Apollo 13, directed by Ron Howard and starring Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell, was the big movie of the summer.

For the kids, it was Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. For those who liked the violent comic book type movies, it was Judge Dredd starring Sylvester Stallone.

Free Willy was a great family movie about an orca whale. The Indian in the Cupboard was another great family movie starring Rhode Island’s Richard Jenkins.

Golden Pacific on Warwick Ave. had a lunch buffet for $4.95. Rigatoni’s gave senior citizens 25 percent off every day from 2-5 p.m. They were originally an Uncle Tony’s.

Brown Summer Theatre opened with Joe Orton’s “Loot.” City Nights had “Breaking Legs.”

Warwick Musical Theatre featured comedian George Carlin, country band Diamond Rio, Rhode Island’s own Roomful of Blues, and Imus’ favorite blues singer, Delbert McClinton. Peter, Paul and Mary, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles and Ringo Starr also performed at the tent.

Charlie Hall’s Ocean State Follies opened for Engelbert. Remember Dion of Dion and the Belmonts and Jay Black of Jay and the Americans? They teamed up for a show that brought down the house.

Theatre by the Sea presented “My Fair Lady.” Twenty years later they will be repeating the musical.

Dustin Hoffman and Dennis Franz were spotted around Pawtucket, frequently dining at the China Inn while filming American Buffalo.

Bay Queen Cruises offered a murder mystery on their Narragansett Bay cruise.