An Obscure Letter! Obscure But Terrific “Q” Cinema!

Some letters are filled with great films – some less so – but my “Movies A-Z” continues with a quirky list of “Q” films that will make you laugh, cry, cover your eyes and so much more!

And yes, you get some vintage Zsa Zsa Gabor as well!

Let’s get started with one of my favorite comedies – a strangely under-appreicted film from one of our favorite people:

10 – “Quick Change”

In 1990, Bill Murray directed this great comedy about a trio of friends who pull off the perfect crime – they just can’t find the airport!

Any movie that begins with the line “Clowns Welcome!” works for me!

Here is the trailer:

Geena Davis and Randy Quaid are also great in the movie, which didn’t do well when it was released, but there is so much to love – see more great trivia here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/27/quick-change-bill-murrays-forgotten-classics-tootsies-and-clowns-welcome/

Next up is a really fun “B” movie – Director Larry Cohen’s ode to classic horror monsters:

9 – “Q, The Winged Serpent”

In 1982, Cohen unleashed a dragon onto New York City – and had a great time doing so! Here is the trailer:

Larry Cohen has made some of the most enjoyable movies around – including the classic movie with one of the best tagline of all:

“There’s only one things wrong with the Davis baby…”

“It’s Alive!”

He also made some great blaxploitation as well – see more about this eclectic Director here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/08/king-cohen-exploitation-director-larry-cohen-killer-babies-winged-serpents-exploitation-master-dynamite-new-documentary/

Time to head to Paris – oh, not the Eiffel tower – this is a part of Paris you probably don’t wander around in:

8 – “Quiet Days In Clichy”

The notorious Henry Miller novel was turned into a cinema verite look at two penniless Writers who seek fun and sex in Paris 1970:

After 33 years, a completely uncut version of the film was finally released on home video…while not a “good” film, it’s a fascinating time capsule…

From “time capsule” to Oscar-winning historical bio-pic, thanks to Helen Mirren:

7 – “The Queen”

Mirren won Best Actress in 2006 for her portrayal of “The Queen”, and how she reacted to the death of Princess Diana…here is the trailer:

Director Stephen Frears got an amazing, nuanced performance from Mirren as a Queen who finds herself out of touch with a public who loved the former daughter-in-law she didn’t.

Mirren has had a great career so far, here are some highlights:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/07/27/happy-birthday-helen-mirren-from-her-age-of-consent-to-controversial-caligula/

Next up is another Queen, not quite as “royal”:

6 – “The Queen Of Versailles”

Jackie Siegel and her husband have a lavish lifestyle – until the crash of 2008 tears their life apart, and puts their “castle” at risk…check out the trailer:

This is a terrific 2012 documentary that follows the couple as they build a mansion inspired by Versailles…a story about America, money and status…

It’s eye-opening and surprisingly poignant as well…now, onto a movie based on a double album by The Who!

5 – “Quadrophenia”

Pete Townsend wrote an amazing concept album about a group of mods and rockers in London – and in 1979 it was made into a great movie!

Here is the trailer:

Pete Townsend’s songwriting is superb – this is a really great film that captures a unique time in England’s history of upheaval – oh, and 50 years on, The Who are still on tour!

Here is a look at their incredible career:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/16/the-whos-new-song-the-who-hits-50-tours-2015-who-i-am-pete-townshend-tells-us-who-he-is-warts-and-all/

From England, we “saddle up” and head to the wild wild west:

4 – “The Quick And The Dead”

Call her the “lady with no name” – Sharon Stone rides into town like Clint Eastwood at his best and takes on the most ruthless gunslingers in the west – check out the trailer:

Director Sam Raimi assembled a “once in a lifetime” cast: Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gene Hackman and Russell Crowe!

This is a really good western – we need more of them!

What we don’t need is this – a sub-par 007: every James Bond craps out at least once, and it was no different for Daniel Craig:

3 – “Quantum Of Solace”

Daniel Craig was coming off a fantastic re-boot of the Bond series with “Casino Royale” – so I want to know this: why make an installment where he does nothing but seek revenge – over and over and over – and with the most dour expressions and humorless approach possible…here is the trailer, more akin to a Bourne film than a Bond:

Luckily, they quickly moved past this somber exercise and gave us the terrific “Skyfall” – still, is this the worst Bond film ever? Take a look at the contenders here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

Director Sidney Lumet made such great movies as “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Verdict”, but here is an obscure film that is terrific as well:

2 – “Q & A”

A young New York DA goes after a corrupt police detective in this 1990 drama – here is the trailer:

While not one of his best, Lumet always got terrific performances out of his cast…in that regard, I’m not sure our last “Q” movie NEEDED a great performance, because it had the one, the only:

Zsa Zsa Gabor!

1 – “Queen Of Outer Space”

What better way to wrap this list than with a clamp classic! Zsa Zsa Gabor stars as, who else, the “Queen Of Outer Space!”

Here is the trailer:

Well now you know, in the future – that’s right, 1985 – we are landing on other planets, including one run by women – and only women!

I love this movie so much – I mean, it was Zsa Zsa!

If you want to see more “Movies A-Z”, just click on “film” at the top of the site and you can see all of them!

Good News About Lana Wood!

I posted a story in April about Lana Wood, who was Natalie’s sister and was being forced out of her home, along with her children.

According to an update this summer on Fox News:

“Her friend Gregor Gillespie set up a GoFundMe page in the hopes of raising funds for the star, and fans have pitched in a whopping $29,635, totally overshooting the page’s intial $10,000 goal.”

“I still have my moments when it hits hard,” the 71-year-old actress told Fox News. “But the relief overshadows a lot of that.”

Since this story was posted, almost $40,000 has been raised!

Lana still has many obstacles to overcome, including debilitating arthritis that keeps her in constant pain…

Still, the money has helped her find a home for her family, and she continues to candidly discuss her situation, as well as her relationship with her former brother-in-law Robert Wagner.

You can read the entire update here:

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2017/07/12/bond-girl-lana-wood-on-surviving-homelessness-my-life-was-rapidly-falling-apart.html

The story goes on to say that Woods and her children have a home now, and the money is helping her cope with all of the issues in her life.

This spring, Inside Edition broke the story of Woods being homeless:

This is a sad story – as Wood was one of the 70’s most popular “sex kittens”…thanks to a memorable role in a 007 film…

Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

Sex kitten Lana Wood wowed 007 fans with her portrayal of “Bond Girl” Plenty O’Toole in “Diamonds Are Forever” – without a doubt one of the more outrageous monikers in the series…

Lana Wood was a hugely successful Actress in the 60’s and 70’s, but she would perhaps be unfairly overshadowed by the superstardom of her older sister, Natalie Wood…

Lana had early stardom thanks to her role in the classic soap “Peyton Place.” Now, a story has broken that says she is homeless, and a fund has been set up to help!

Lana Wood’s Terrible Plight!

Someone pointed this article out to me from Vanity Fair, which tells the tragic story of how Lana is now homeless! Here is a short excerpt from the story, written by Sheila Weller, who had a personal connection to the Actress:

“On Saturday I was able to get Lana on the phone. She had talked to no other members of the media. In the middle of the chaos of packing boxes, crying, and hugging her daughter and grandchildren, she told me, from her Ventura County house, “It’s pretty bad. The landlord wants us out—now—and we don’t have anywhere to go. We are a family of six. My daughter, Evan, who is 42, just got a return of the Hodgkin’s lymphoma she thought she’d beat, and she also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—C.O.P.D. When she walks, she walks around strapped to an oxygen machine. She has a wonderful husband who’s never missed a day of work in 20 years. But he doesn’t work for a big, moneyed company. They have three children—my crying teenage granddaughter is saying she doesn’t know what she’ll do if she doesn’t finish her year at her high school, and the two boys are saying: ‘We don’t want to go!’ to another school, either.”

Confronting her hectic packing, she said, “I’ve got seven years worth of accumulated books and CDs and nonsense. It’s a nightmare.”

“And now—being evicted—we have a black mark against us,” she said.”

Since this story broke, Wood has been interviewed on “Inside Edition” and her story has launched a go fund me site to help her…what a tragedy – but when you don’t work in the entertainment business, it’s easy to think that everyone drives limousines and attends the Oscars…the reality is far different…

Here is the link to the entire article in Vanity Fair, which was instrumental in bringing attention to her situation:

http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/03/lana-woods-crisis-and-the-limits-of-hollywood-royalty

Lana Wood was a Hollywood “sex kitten” – and history has shown that it’s difficult to get past that label and build a long career…

This business a cruel in that regard, and now, she needs help. It is great to see the press coverage and the funding site set up by a fan to help her.

Here is the “GofFundMe” site where you can help support her:

https://www.gofundme.com/lanawood

A classic Hollywood sex kitten, Lana posed for Playboy, had a variety of roles, and always was in the shadow of her more famous sister.

In 1971, she was cast as a Bond girl, “Plenty O’Toole”, in the James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever.”

The film introduced her with a hilarious double entendre, carried off with perfect timing by Sean Connery:

Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

“I Didn’t Know There Was A Pool Down There…”

One of the most memorable scenes in “Diamonds Are Forever” comes when 007 is surprised by mobsters while in his room with her. She is “escorted” semi-nude from the room – in an unusual exit that includes one of the best one-liners in the entire Bond series!

Here is that memorable scene from “Diamonds Are Forever”:

Here is some great trivia: while filming the scene where Plenty O´Toole is found drowned, Wood actually had her feet loosely tied to a cement block on the bottom. Film crew members held a rope across the pool for her, with which she could lift her face out of the water to breathe between takes. The pool’s sloping bottom made the block slip into deeper water with each take. Eventually, she was submerged but was noticed by on-lookers and rescued before drowning for real. Wood, being a certified diver, took some water but remained calm during the ordeal, although she later admitted to a few “very uncomfortable moments and quite some struggling until they pulled me out.”

Over the course of her career, Wood appeared in more than twenty movies and over three hundred television shows – everything from “Bonanza” to “Mission: Impossible”, “Starsky and Hutch” to “Fantasy Island.”

Lana Wood retired from acting in 1982 to concentrate on a Producing career, but has since returned to acting in a number of low-budget films since 2008 – however, that wasn’t enough to keep her financially afloat.

Wood wrote a memoir, “Natalie, A Memoir by Her Sister” in 1984. Her many memorable Hollywood moments have been unfairly neglected because of the tragedy surrounding her sister, and these recent events are even more disturbing – hopefully, the press surrounding her situation will help her…

I have also told the story of a 70’s action star who has also struggled – Jan-Michael Vincent!

He was one of the hottest stars of the 70’s – then things went horribly wrong…here is that story:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/31/jan-michael-vincent-from-70s-sexiest-man-to-a-true-hollywood-tragedy/

Good luck to Lana Wood – hope fans continue to step up and help her!

“R” Movies That “Roar!”

Yes, that is Actress Tippi Hedren giving a real African Lion a drink of water – in a very unique way…wait until you see why!

It’s all part of my list of “Movies A – Z”, this time with those that begin with an “R” – and of course we have to get started with Rock ‘n’ Roll!

10 – “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”

In 1979, students fight back against the establishment – in this case their uptight school administrators – with the help of The Ramones!

Here is the trailer:

Here is some great trivia thanks to IMDB:

“The Ramones were paid a total of $25,000 for appearing in the film, and had to play shows in southern California to help pay their hotel bills. During the 21-day shoot, Dee Dee Ramone got arrested for fighting with a roadie, overdosed in jail, and wound up in Cedars Sinai Hospital with a $3,000 medical bill!”

This is a really fun film – click here to see more examples of great rock’n’roll rebellion in the halls of education!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/09/schools-out-rock-n-roll-high-nuke-em-high-and-alice-cooper/

Now I want to share one of the most amazing stories about the making of a film I have ever heard – I showed you Tippi Hedren and the Lion already, but look at this:

9 – “Roar”

Look at that poster. That’s Melanie Griffith with real blood pouring down her face – because her parents decided to make a film using real wild animals – who lived with them!

Watch the trailer of this amazingly misguided film:

I mean, can you believe this? “Roar” is a real film, and it has been re-released so you can experience the madness behind the movie – click here for my whole story:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/30/the-shocking-madness-of-roar-melanie-griffith-mauled-by-lions-movie-the-most-dangerous-film-ever-made/

Time to get back to reality – or at least reality by way of the Coen Brothers, who showed us just how funny – and wildly out-of-control Nicolas Cage can be onscreen!

8 – “Raising Arizona”

Twenty years ago, Joel and Ethan Coen told the hilarious story of a young woman who wants a baby – any baby – and the goodwill husband she sends out to get here one….

Here is the trailer for “Raising Arizona”:

The film is shot like a Roadrunner cartoon, with outlandish action sequences and an over-the-top performance by the legendary wild man Nicolas Cage:

I love this movie – a non-stop live action cartoon….the Coens went on to make classic dramas like “Fargo” and the Best Picture winner “No Country For Old Men”…and speaking of Oscar…

7 – “Rocky”

It beat out classic films like “Network”, “Taxi Driver” and “All The President’s Men” for Best Picture of 1976, but that’s OK, because “Rocky” is a classic as well!

Remember the trailer:

John G. Avildsen won the Best Director Oscar as well – and both are deserved, as this movie has grit, honesty and emotion in equal measure – bravo to Sylvester Stallone as well!

My next “R” movie may not be an Oscar winner, but it’s one of my favorite comedies with two terrifically funny performances!

6 – “Romy & Michelle’s High School Reunion”

Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow are hilarious as Roma & Michelle, who decide to make up success stories for themselves as they head to their high school reunion.

Here is the trailer:

This film is funny and sweet in equal measure, one of the best “reunion” films – speaking of that, try this great “high school reunion” double bill:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/03/hilarious-high-school-reunions-romy-michelle-john-cusack-too-gross-points-indeed/

I’m not a huge fan of animated films, but when one is a classic, it deserves recognition!

5 – “Ratatouille”

Give Pixar a lot of credit telling the story of a Parisian Rat who wants to be a Chef…and bravo to them for hiring legendary Chef Thomas Keller to oversee all of the recipes in the film – they are all accurate!

Chef Keller’s Ratatouille recipe is amazing – I’ve made it several times and love it – you can see it for yourself here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/29/ratatouille-chef-thomas-kellers-recipe-for-animated-food-magic/

If you want some great music to listen to while cooking, my next film has you covered – with The Clash!

4 – “Rude Boy”

I love this film. It’s a fictional story of a “roadie” for The Clash as they tour the UK at the end of the 70’s – and they use real live shows to film at – so you see the band really in action! Here is the trailer:

The movie captures the moment when punk rock was on the verge of exploding – click here to see more about this terrific film:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/09/the-clash-is-live-rude-boy-iconic-punk-music-meets-classic-cult-movie/

Next up is another film that uses music to good effect – by making one of the main characters a huge KISS fan!

3 – “Role Models”

This is a really funny 2008 film starring Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott as two guys who avoid jail by becoming “Role Models” for young boys…here is the trailer:

For those who have seen it, know that all of the most offensive lines spoken to the kids were said while the actual child Actors were out of the room!

Here is some more great movie trivia: what film caused Frank Sinatra to serve divorce papers to his wife Mia Farrow?

2 – “Rosemary’s Baby”

That’s right, this classic horror film went over schedule – so Sinatra demanded that wife Mia Farrow quit the film – and when Frank tells someone to walk off a set, he expects them to walk off a set! But Mia Farrow didn’t, so he divorced her!

The film was worth it – check out the trailer:

This is a brilliant psychological horror film, with a mesmerizing performance by Mia Farrow as the young married woman who may be giving birth to Satan’s baby!

Read more behind-the-scenes trivia about this masterpiece here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

I want to end with one of my all-time favorite movies – a huge flop when it was released in 1975, but now considered a modern classic – and one of the greatest “audience participation” films of all time!

1 – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

What needs to be said? A notorious flop upon release, the film gained traction as a “midnight movie”, and soon, fans were mobbing theaters dressed as their favorite characters!

Here is the trailer:

There have been a number of great blu-ray releases of the movie, with lots of extra audience material – terrific music, great campy storyline – just one of my all-time favorites…oh, and what about that ad:

Those red lips! One of the most iconic images ever put on a movie poster – here are some more:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/16/red-lips-alien-eggs-all-white-juries-and-deep-throat-too-iconic-movie-posters/

That wraps up the letter “R” – you can go to my home page to look up all of the other letters of the alphabet – so much great cinema to share!

RIP Harry Dean Stanton…

One of Hollywood’s most interesting, unique and singular talents passed away at the age of 91. Harry Dean Stanton is known for many great movies, but he is also known as one of the nicest, most honest and unique characters in Hollywood history.

Here are highlights of his career thanks to IMDB:

“Prolific character actor Harry Dean Stanton’s drooping, weather-beaten appearance and superb acting talent have been his ticket to appearing in over 100 films, and 50 TV episodes.

Stanton was born in West Irvine, Kentucky, to Ersel (Moberly), a cook, and Sheridan Harry Stanton, a barber and tobacco farmer. Stanton served as a cook in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was on board an LST during the Battle of Okinawa. He then returned to the University of Kentucky to appear in a production of “Pygmalion”, before heading out to California and honing his craft at the prestigious Pasadena Playhouse. Stanton then toured around the United States with a male choir, worked in children’s theater, and then headed back to California. His first role on screen was in the tepid movie Tomahawk Trail (1957), but he was quickly noticed and appeared regularly in minor roles as cowboys and soldiers through the late 1950s and early 1960s. His star continued to rise and he received better roles in which he could showcase his laid-back style, such as in Cool Hand Luke (1967), Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Dillinger (1973), The Godfather: Part II (1974), and in Alien (1979). ”

His “everyman” character in “Alien” helped to make the creature even more terrifying – he was just a guy working on a space ship, and that grounded persona permeated much of his work.

With over a hundred movies to his credit, I can’t mention most of them, but he also made a great impression in Dustin Hoffman’s gritty 1978 film “Straight Time.”

This is a classic 70’s crime drama – you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/31/straight-time-dustin-hoffmans-gritty-gem-5-great-70s-cult-crime-classics/

Soon after, Stanton came to the attention of director Wim Wenders, and starred in the moving Paris, Texas (1984).

I mentioned that Stanton was a true class act in Hollywood. Here’s an anecdote from that film.

As my friend Dean Lent posted on Facebook today:

“Back in the 80’s I was a PA on Paris Texas. This man was infinitely kind to me and Allison and Scott who were working free for the experience. I cannot say enough about his kindness. He didn’t need to be. He just was. Trying not to be sad. Lets celebrate his life.”

As IMDB notes:

“Apart from his film performances, Stanton is also an accomplished musician, and “The Harry Dean Stanton Band” and their unique spin on mariachi music have been playing together for well over a decade. They have toured internationally to rave reviews. Stanton became a cult figure of cinema and music and when Debbie Harry sang the lyric “I wa’nt to dance with Harry Dean…” in her 1990s hit “I Want That Man”, she was talking about him.

Here you can see Stanton singing “Cancion Mixteca” in this excerpt from the Talk Show interview, accompanied by host Harper Simon. As the clip notes:

“The performance of the song used in Paris, Texas is a heart wrenching and beautiful testament to the brilliant actor…”

There are so many great stories about the Actor.

As my friend Alison Martino shared on Facebook:

“Oh Harry, such epic times with you over the last 20 years. Way too many to count. From playing drums for you at Caffe Roma, to late night evenings at Dan Tana’s to pulling all nighters on the phone. I’ll never forget when you patched Marlon Brando on the line one night to teach him a lesson in Western philosophy and you allowed me to listen in.”

Alison has shared some amazing anecdotes about Harry, and continues to lead the way in preserving Hollywood’s great history. See more at her website:

http://alisonmartino.com

Finally, David Polan at Movie City News posted this great quote from a story about an interview with the Actor – it begins with Harry telling a story:

“I’m 87 years old… I only eat so I can smoke and stay alive… The only fear I have is how long consciousness is gonna hang on after my body goes. I just hope there’s nothing. Like there was before I was born. I’m not really into religion, they’re all macrocosms of the ego. When man began to think he was a separate person with a separate soul, it created a violent situation.

“The void, the concept of nothingness, is terrifying to most people on the planet. And I get anxiety attacks myself. I know the fear of that void. You have to learn to die before you die. You give up, surrender to the void, to nothingness.

“Anybody else you’ve interviewed bring these things up? Hang on, I gotta take this call… Hey, brother. That’s great, man. Yeah, I’m being interviewed… We’re talking about nothing. I’ve got him well-steeped in nothing right now. He’s stopped asking questions.”
~ Harry Dean Stanton

Thanks to Poland for sharing this – you should always be checking out his terrific website here:

http://moviecitynews.com

RIP to a legend, who lived a great life and will be missed…

Welcome To The Summer Of Love’s Greatest Musical Achievement!

The Monterey Pop Festival was the pinnacle of the “summer of love”, and now The Criterion Collection is releasing ALL of the musical performances! As their press release states:

“With his characteristic vérité style—and a camera crew that included the likes of Albert Maysles and Richard Leacock — D. A. Pennebaker captured it all, immortalizing moments that have become legend”:

Those musical moments include The Who’s Pete Townshend smashing his guitar on stage, while Jimi Hendrix set his on fire!

“The Criterion Collection is proud to present the most comprehensive document of the Monterey International Pop Festival ever produced, featuring the films Monterey Pop, Jimi Plays Monterey, and Shake! Otis at Monterey, along with every available complete performance filmed by Pennebaker and his crew.”

That’s right – in December, Criterion is releasing three separate films capturing ALL of the music from this “once in a lifetime” festival!

Laura Nyro’s Monterey Pop Performance Lives!

Fans of Laura Nyro should be in heaven, because that means we will finally see her entire performance – a controversial one!

The original documentary showed a song or two from each performer, and that has led to a myth around Nyro’s performance…because there is a myth that has formed around it!

Laura Nyro’s On The Cutting Room Floor!

In 1967, Laura Nyro was one of the hottest new talents in music. Still, she was making only her second major live appearance at Monterey Pop. Laura performed “Wedding Bell Blues”, “Poverty Train” and “Eli’s Coming”…yes, she wrote the song turned into a #1 hit by Three Dog Night! Nyro performed the three songs, but here is what they say on The Criterion Collection blu-ray about what happened next:

“Not all of the amazing acts from the 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival made it into the final cut of D. A. Pennebaker’s documentary Monterey Pop. Among the casualties was Laura Nyro, who gave one of the more notorious performances.”

Why Notorious? The Myth Uncovered!

According to Criterion, a myth has built up that, after performing her three songs, Nyro left the stage in tears, convinced she had been booed — even though this has been disputed over the years! The great news is that her performance has been restored! In this footage from her set — included in the two hours of outtakes in the blu-ray collector’s edition of the documentary, you don’t hear any boos – and Criterion points out that, if you listen closely, you hear a “Beautiful!” or two from the audience!

The Legend Grows…

Over the years, the legend grew that Laura was booed off the stage at Monterey. This was widely reported in the biggest music magazines, like Rolling Stone at the time – and the myth stuck! Amazingly, it was even mentioned in several of Nyro’s obituaries after her death in 1997.

Judge for yourself! Here is one of her GREAT performances from the Monterey Pop Festival:

No Charge Singing!

One last piece of trivia from IMDB: “Most of the artists played for free and were only paid for their expenses – the only performer who was paid for his performance was Ravi Shankar. When John Phillips and Lou Adler took over the promotion of the festival from the original promoters, they decided to honor Shankar’s original contract.”

So Laura probably sang for free, got a warm reception, but the myth lived on! And, according to the film maker, Nyro may have had a hand in that!

This is fascinating to me: even though this myth stayed with Laura her entire life, the footage of her performance now seen on the blu-ray release shows that the singer clearly received a warm round of applause from the audience. Perhaps the fact the performance didn’t make the original theatrical cut allowed the myth to flourish….

And, As For Laura’s Role In That…

According to the original Criterion Collection blu-ray, the documentary’s Director, legendary film maker D.A. Pennebaker believes Nyro imagined the negative reaction, and may have even helped spread the rumor herself. They don’t give an example, so it is just presented as a theory from the Director. I cannot find anything from Nyro on this subject, but it is a fascinating myth that is now cleared up by the concert footage…

Another interesting piece of trivia from the film: this was the next to last performance for The Mamas and the Papas. They performed one more time before breaking up a few months later.

And if you need more proof just how talented Nyro was, here it is: from youtube, here is Laura Nyro’s earliest recording of her classic song “And When I Die” from 1966, when she was just eighteen years old!

Thanks to S. Adam Bernstein for posting this online! It’s just one of many great live performances you can find, including such Nyro classics as “Stony End”, “Wedding Bell Blues” and “Stoned Soul Picnic.”

I plan to buy this new massive release, and finally see ALL of the performances, including Laura! And of course, I wrote a story about Laura’s collaboration with my other favorite artist, Todd Rundgren! Todd not only produced one of her later albums, he recorded a tribute to her as well…

You can read all about it by clicking here….

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/25/brilliant-laura-nyro-todd-rundgrens-muse-their-beautiful-musical-history-together/

And recently, Todd wrote a moving tribute to Laura:

You can see that entire story by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/08/laura-nyros-eli-and-the-thirteenth-confession-todd-rundgrens-love-letter-to-lauras-masterpiece/

If you have additional trivia or information to share about Nyro’s performance at Monterey Pop, feel free to share. And of course, let me know what your favorite Laura Nyro songs are!

Toast To Some GREAT Movies With An “S”!

Cheers! My “Movies A-Z” list has come to the letter “S”, which as usual, is so full of great films that I left off a ton of stuff – but here are ten films that capture everything I love about cinema.

Remember, these are not in any order, just a list of stuff I love – beginning with one of my favorite films of all time:

10 – “Sideways”

Director Alexander Payne has made so many great films, from “Election” to “About Schmidt”, but this story of two college roommates heading to wine country is his best film.

Here is the trailer:

Paul Giamatti is terrific, and Thomas Hayden Church was nominated for an Academy Award – just a terrific movie that celebrate friendship – and wine!

You can see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/18/its-national-wine-day-2017-sideways-monty-python-a-celebration-of-vino-hall-oates-too/

Time now for my first Brad Pitt film – as he gives one of his greatest – and most “unintelligible” performances ever!

9 – “Snatch”

In 2000, Director Guy Ritchie delivered one of the most entertaining crime films ever – with a terrific cast that included Jason Statham, Benicio Del Toro and Dennis Farina. But it was Pitt, playing a “fighting Gypsy” who stole the show.

Here is the trailer:

Brad Pitt steals every scene he is in as the thug who is literally unintelligible – in fact, here is a scene so you can hear for yourself:

“Snatch” is one of the most entertaining action films ever – one of the many British movies I love so much – you can read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/06/08/shallow-graves-disappearing-creeds-and-of-course-snatch/

Next one, one of only 3 movies in motion picture history to win “the big 5”: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress and Best Screenplay!

8 – “The Silence Of The Lambs”

The 1991 Oscar winner is as terrifying – and relevant – today as when it was released. Here is the trailer:

No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Everett Collection / Rex Features ( 411879fv )
‘THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS’ – Anthony Hopkins – 1991
VARIOUS

Anthony Hopkins gave one of cinema’s greatest performances as Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant Doctor who also happens to enjoy eating people.

Another Best Actor Oscar winner admits that he fired HIMSELF from a movie!

7 – “Straight Time”

In 1978, Dustin Hoffman planned to direct himself in a gritty crime thriller, but after the first day he fired himself so he could just focus on acting!

Check out the trailer to “Straight Time”:

The late great Harry Dean Stanton also stars in this great, under-seen crime drama. Hoffman is an ex-con who has no intention of going straight. Warner Archive has this now, so you can buy a copy – it also includes a very young Kathy Bates and Gary Busey in a great role as well!

Our third Oscar winning Actor in a row – as Jack Lemmon gave what some felt was the performance of his career:

6 – “Save The Tiger”

In 1973, Jack Lemmon took home the Oscar for this drama about a failing businessman who will do whatever it takes to save his business:

The late John G. Avildsen directed the movie, and he also directed “Rocky” and “The Karate Kid” – see more of his great work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/19/rip-rocky-director-john-g-avildsen-brilliant-movies-like-save-the-tiger-and-the-karate-kid-troma-too/

I try to include offbeat, cult films on every list – so let’s head back to the 60’s, which exploitation films were offering audiences a more shocking time at the movies!

5 – “Scum Of The Earth!”

“Sights and sounds intended only for adult eyes and ears!” Hilarious!

Exploitation movies were notorious for provocative movie trailers and posters, usually promising much more than they could deliver – but this one does it with delight!

Check out the trailer:

The great home video company Something Weird Video has saved many of these films from obscurity – here is a look at some of the best:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/06/sexy-honey-dirty-brine-grindhouse-classics-prurient-style/

My second Brad Pitt movie has one of the most shocking and unsettling endings in movie history:

4 – “Se7en”

Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman are Detectives trying to find a serial killer, who is using the seven deadly sins to carry out his murders. Here is the trailer:

Kevin Spacey is phenomenal as the psychopath, and:

THAT ENDING. THAT ENDING.

Never fails to shock. Director David Fincher gave us one of the modern masterpieces in cinema.

There are movies that come out, fade away, and are quickly forgotten. Then there is this movie:

3 – “Star Wars: A New Hope”

One of cinema’s greatest franchises started as a low budget effort from George Lucas. As the original trailer states:

“The story of a boy, a girl, a universe!”

Here is the original trailer, including that line:

The series is stronger than ever, and Disneyland will soon have its own “Star Wars” area ready to go – here is a sneak peek:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/12/new-star-wars-disneyland-images-are-here-the-force-is-with-this-new-disney-theme-park-area/

Back to Oscar winning Actors: in 1971, Gene Hackman won the Best Actor award for “The French Connection”, but two years later he gave his most powerful performance ever:

2 – “Scarecrow”

This cult 1973 film also starred Best Actor winner Al Pacino – here is the trailer:

This is a character-driven drama that is pure 70’s – if you haven’t seen it, it’s worth the effort to find, because they both give incredible performances.

You can read more about the movie here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/19/al-pacinos-a-junkie-a-scarecrow-classic-early-al-pacino-performances/

Finally, another all-time favorite, with one of the most inspiring and uplifting endings of all!

1 – “The Shawshank Redemption”

Yes, it’s an adaptation of a Stephen King short story – and simply one of the greatest movie experiences of all time.

Here is the trailer:

Morgan Freeman and Tim Robbins are perfect in the film, Director Frank Darabont tells the story beautifully, and yes: Zihuatanejo:

You can see more about this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/18/zihuatanejo-the-inspiring-greatness-of-the-shawshank-redemption/

There you go, ten great movies with an “S” – let me know your favorite!

RIP To The “Raging Bull” Jake LaMotta!

One of boxing’s most unique fighters of all time has passed away. Jake LaMotta’s incredible and vicious life was documented by Martin Scorsese in his 1980 masterpiece “Raging Bull.”

There are many places to read more about his life – but the movie tells you everything you need to know: LaMotta was a wild man in the ring, and he had an equally raucous personal life as well!

LaMotta’s wild life was captured forever by the brilliant “Raging Bull” – but did you know that LaMotta was a movie star himself?

In THIS??????

“I DO IT FOR KICKS – AND I PLAN TO GET SOME!”

Now how can you not LOVE a movie that has a goal like that! Welcome to Jake LaMotta’s world of the “Psycho Cat!”

“Confessions Of A Psycho Cat!”

If someone ever asked you, “hey, how wacky and offbeat WERE those early sexploitation movies anyway?” – well, here is your answer – take a look at this trailer:

What a classic piece of exploitation! Here’s the plot: A deranged, wealthy woman offers $100,000 to three men if they can stay alive for 24 hours in Manhattan, and then hunts them down. Here are the three losers as they wait in a room filled with dead, stuffed animals…

The “Raging Bull” Himself!

Boxer Jake LaMotta – yes, the “Raging Bull” himself – plays one of the three men who accept the bet – and he does a pretty good job in the movie!

LaMotta plays a washed-up wrestler, who accepts the Psycho Cat’s challenge, shouting at her:

“You don’t have a chance. I get in close, I’ll break you in half!”

Each of the three men wait for a notification that their “hunt” has begun, and then the “Psycho Cat” proceeds to stalk them through the city of New York, which allows for a lot of interesting b-roll from that era…as one of them tries to hide out in Central Park…

Two Movies For The Price Of One!

One of the unique aspects of “Confessions Of A Psycho Cat” is the “two movies in one” aspect of the film – it is a straightforward thriller, as each of the three men is hunted down by the crazed psycho cat…

But the film also has lengthy orgy scenes, all from a “party” that one of our victims shows up at – but for the most part, the nude scenes have nothing to do with the rest of the film…it was clearly a way to force nudity and sexual situations into the movie…and the film goes back to the party over and over again to show people making out and disrobing…

Another way this “two movies in one” shows itself again is in a bizarre sequence involving Jake LaMotta, as he sits in his apartment waiting for the “psycho cat” to arrive…

After making a phone call, he begins to argue with someone – it turns out to be this woman, who is shown supposedly sitting on a bed in the same room…

But here’s the thing: LaMotta and the woman are NEVER shown in the same shot – and after sitting like this on the bed for a moment, she takes her top off and delivers this classic sexploitation monologue:

“What you bring me up here for anyway? All you’re doing is reading that silly little paper. I came up here to have some fun. What’s the matter? Don’t you like me? (Takes off bra and examines her breasts) I never had any complaints before. Can’t you tell I’m a girl? I think I look pretty good. I think you’re putting me down. I’m sexy and that’s what I came up here for…sex!”

And then she makes out with the mirror! It’s a truly bizarre sequence, and after french kissing the mirror for a minute – topless the entire time – she storms out of the room, never seen in the same frame as LaMotta, so clearly this nude scene was filmed afterwards to add more nudity and sexual situations to the film!

“What Secrets Are Harbored Within The Sinister Highways Of The Mind?”

As Something Weird describes it: “With twisted violence, macabre humor, and lots of gratuitous skin (it was apparently shot as a straight horror film with the nude scenes added a year or two later), CONFESSIONS OF A PSYCHO CAT is a delirious, out-of-its-mind instant cult classic!”

And they are right in every way!

A Mind-Blowing Spanish Matador Battle!

You need more proof that this is a “sexploitation classic?” Well, here is one last moment to savor: the ultimate battle between “Psycho Cat” and “Raging Bull!”

Yes, “Psycho Cat” dresses like a toreador to come after “Raging Bull” La Motta in a bizarre action sequence that encapsulates everything that makes “Psycho Cat” exploitation at its best!”

Wikipedia has a great page all about LaMotta’s boxing career, which you can see here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jake_LaMotta

RIP to the legendary “Raging Bull”!

Do I Have Your Attention?

Good, because it’s time for another letter, and another great collection of films! My “Movies A-Z” continues with the letter “T”, which has one of the funniest comedies of all time, the great Vincent Price, AND my third favorite film of all!

As always, these are not in any order, just ten great movies to share, but in this case:

“These Go To Eleven!”

10 – “This Is Spinal Tap”

Rob Reiner directed one of the funniest “mockumentaries” of all time, the story of Spinal Tap, “one of England’s loudest bands!”

Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer are hilarious as Spinal Tap – and you can see from the first ads for the movie that they knew they had a classic.

Here is the original trailer!

“These Go To Eleven!”

Speakers that go to eleven – “one louder” – and album titles that are as funny as they are offensive:

Legend has it that Oasis singer Liam Gallagher thought this was all real – see more great trivia about the film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/05/this-is-spinal-tap-greatest-cult-film-worlds-worst-album-covers-terrific-tap-trivia/

Next up is one of my favorite Troma films – a remake of one of Shakespeare’s greatest, written by James Gunn – it’s “no holds Bard!”

9 – “Tromeo & Juliet”

I love Troma for so many reasons, but if you want to see offensive artistry at its best, then this punk version of “Romeo & Juliet” is for you!

The movie is well made, very clever and inventive – after all, it was written by Gunn! It’s just one of my “Tromatic” favorites – you can see them all here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

In the 70’s, Comic Legend Walter Matthau made a series of great action thrillers, and this may be my favorite:

8 – “The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three”

Robert Shaw and Hector Elizondo are part of a gang of crooks who hold a New York subway train hostage – here is the great original movie trailer:

Matthau is the Subway Cop who has to negotiate with the crooks – this is vastly superior to the recent remake, because Matthau brings a world-weariness to the role – and the script is razor sharp.

See more about this terrific 70’s film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/16/classic-70s-action-crime-thriller-double-feature/

I love world cinema, especially because some of the most innovative movies are being made – like this action/romance/western from Thailand:

7 – “Tears Of The Black Tiger”

This 2000 film from Thailand is part parody/part homage to the melodramatic films of Douglas sir in the 50’s – and was screened at the Cannes Film Festival – here is the trailer:

This is a beautiful – and violent – movie, incredibly imaginative and worth a look!

Speaking of violent, how about a darkly black comedy/horror gem from the world’s greatest horror Actor – Vincent Price?

6 – “Theater Of Blood”

The legendary Actor has a blast playing a failed Actor who take bloody revenge on his critics! Here is the trailer:

Not only Does Price has a blast, but that’s Diana Rigg next to him! She has said that this is her favorite film of all – read more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/06/an-afro-tastic-vincent-price-kills-his-critics-in-theater-of-blood-diana-riggs-favorite-performance/

Time now for one of the great movie comedies of all time – thanks to Cameron Diaz:

5 – “There’s Something About Mary”

In 1994, “Mary” wowed audiences around the world for some of the funniest – and most raucous scenes ever put on screen – here is the trailer:

Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon are great in this film, and The Farrelly Brothers have never been better – a classic movie that is hilariously funny every time I watch it!

The next movie on my “T”T list has a very important question to ask:

“Which Is The Virgin? Which Is The Vampire?”

4 – “Twins Of Evil”

How can you possibly know – when they are twins!

This 1971 Hammer Studios horror classic stars Peter Cushing – and two Playboy Playmate Twins! Here is the trailer:

Hammer Studios wanted to be more contemporary, so this film has more nudity and blood, all part of an erotic trilogy that you need to check out:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/03/naked-vampires-dirty-dracula-cult-erotic-halloween-horror/

Next up is a horror film that bombed on release but is now considered a classic:

3 – “The Thing”

In 1982, Director John Carpenter’s remake bombed – considered too gory for mass audiences – here is the trailer:

I love this film’s tagline:

“Man Is The Warmest Place To Hide.”

Kurt Russell is terrific, and the film has amazing set pieces – click here to see more:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/26/the-thing-shocks-halloween-horror-day-26-man-is-the-warmest-place-to-hide/

Matt Damon is next on the list – playing a very “talented” psychopath:

2 – “The Talented Mr. Ripley”

This 1999 psychological thriller was directed by Anthony Minghella. Matt Damon is terrific as Tom Ripley, who befriends Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow in Italy – while harboring hidden secrets – here is the trailer:

This is a great thriller, with topnotch supporting performances by Cate Blanchett and Phillip Seymour Hoffman – I can watch this film over and over again…

Speaking of that – here is one of the greatest films ever made – one that I have seen dozens of times:

1 – “Taxi Driver”

Director Martin Scorsese and Screenwriter Paul Schrader made a masterpiece in 1976 – the story of a lonely Taxi Driver named Travis Bickle.

Iconic dialogue, incredible performances and a shocking script make this a masterpiece.

Here is the original trailer for the film, basically introducing Scorsese and DeNiro to mainstream audiences!

Taxi Driver (1976)
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Shown from left on the set: Jodie Foster, Robert De Niro, director Martin Scorsese

Jodie Foster was oscar-nominated along with DeNiro and Scorsese, and the film was nominated for Best Picture – a searing look at a city coming apart during a political campaign. Albert Brooks and Cybil Sheppard also star…

“Travis Bickle” just turned 40 years old, and there was an incredible reunion screening in New York:

There is so much more to share about this film – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

There you have it – ten great movies that begin with the letter “T”! Let me know your favorites!

Get Our Of Your Sandbox! Movies With A “U” Are Here!

That’s right, Barbra Streisand’s got to get up and at ’em, because my list of “Movies A-Z” hits a “u”nique letter – and a wild group of films!

Here you go: an eclectic group of films that begin with a “U” – including a long-forgotten Streisand film, a disavowed Alfred E. Newman movie, and of course, Kurt Russell!

As always, these are not in a countdown order, just ten movies to enjoy! Or in the case of the first one, DISOWN!

10 – “Up The Academy!”

Did you know that the legendary Mad Magazine made a movie in 1980? And do you know they HATED IT?

Check out the trailer:

UP THE ACADEMY, 1980, ©Warner Brothers

Yes, Alfred E. Newman got into film, and the result was, as they say, “mixed!” This beloved magazine character may have bit off more than he could chew in this teen sex comedy…

UP THE ACADEMY, Ron Leibman, Hutch Parker, Ralph Macchio, Harry Teinowitz, Wendell Brown, 1980. ©Warner Brothers

According to wikipedia,

“The film was neither a commercial nor critical success when it was originally released, and was disowned by both the staff of Mad magazine and actor Ron Leibman (who, despite his sizable role, had his name completely removed from the credits and promotional material). Besides paying Warner Bros. $30,000 to remove all references to Mad from the film when it was released on home video, Mad’s publisher William Gaines issued personal handwritten apologies to every person that wrote the magazine to complain!”

Oops! As you can see, the magazine published a really scathing piece on their own film!

Well, another “adaptation from other source material” was much better received – even though the filmmakers took a non-fiction book and made up most of the story!

9 – “Under the Tuscan Sun”

This 2003 romantic comedy was based on the non-fiction bestseller by Travel Writer Frances Mayes. Here is the trailer:

The film is noticeably different than the original memoir. In the book, the real Frances Mayes buys a house with her fiancé in Tuscany – while in the movie, Diane Lane plays a woman abandoned by her husband who buys the Tuscany house on a whim in order to remake her life….it must have been OK with Mayes – since she co-wrote the film script!

Next up, an interesting cast in a classic “blaxploitation” movie!

8 – “Uptown Saturday Night”

This 1974 blaxploitation comedy was directed by Sidney Poitier, who also starred in the film along with Bill Cosby and Harry Belafonte.

The setup is simple: Steve Jackson and Wardell Franklin get robbed of their wallets containing a winning lottery ticket when they visit Madame Zenobia’s illegal nightclub – so they enlist help to get them back.

Here is the trailer:

As you can see from the trailer, Poitier plays the “uptight” friend, and you get a heavily-bearded Bill Cosby as well. According to IMDB, the roles of Steve and Wardell were written for Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor – but the studio felt they were not big box-office draws! Pryor ended up with a cameo.

If you are unfamiliar with the “blaxploitation” genre, click her to see the best from this great era of film:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/11/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-pam-grier-iconic-blaxploitation-stars-classic-cult-films/

Another major box office star of that era was in the midst of doing a trilogy of gritty westerns:

7 – “Ulzana’s Raid”

Burt Lancaster stars in this 1972 western as Indian War Chief Ulzana, who leads a small war party off the reservation bent on murder and terror, and the inexperienced young lieutenant who is assigned to track him down.

Here is the trailer:

Lancaster was a huge star at the time, and he also made these two other westerns at that time – check out “Lawman” and “Valdez Is Coming” as well here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/05/15/valdez-is-coming-lawman-gun-blazing-burt-lancaster-western-revenge-double-bill/

Next up is a huge hit from 1980, with a cowboy theme – and with John Travolta dancing once again to the tagline:

“Hard Hat Days And Honkey Tonk Nights!”

6 – “Urban Cowboy”

In this modern western, young hick Cowboy John Travolta learns how to dance and find love in the big city…

How can you resist that hat or this trailer?

This film was a huge box office hit, and after “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease”, confirmed that Travolta was a big big movie star…

And here is some trivia: Sissy Spacek and Michelle Pfeiffer were also considered for the co-star role that Debra Winger played.

5 – “Uncle Buck”

John Hughes directed this movie about what happens when you let John Candy babysit your kids!

Here is the trailer:

The scene where Macauley Culkin interrogates Candy through the mail slot gave John Hughes the idea for “Home Alone”!

John Candy made some great movies…

Next up is Clint Eastwood’s modern take on a classic western…

4 – “Unforgiven”

Clint Eastwood revisited the wild west with the revisionist western “Unforgiven”, which he starred in alongside Morgan Freeman and Gene Hackman. Here is the trailer:

The film took home the 1992 Academy Award for Best Picture, Clint Eastwood won the Best Director award as well, and Gene Hackman won the supporting Actor Oscar – it’s a modern classic.

With so many big hit movies like “The Way We Were” and “Hello, Dolly!” – did you know that Barbra Streisand also starred in this movie?

3 – “Up The Sandbox”

Here’s a Barbara Streisand film from 1972 I bet you never heard of! She stars as a wife who is bored with her day-to-day existence – so she creates a fantasy world for herself.

Here is the trailer:

Reportedly, the Actress loved the film and knew it was a departure for her fans. Here’s what Streisand said when the film was released:

“This story interests me more than anything else I’ve ever done. It’s a departure from the romances, slapstick comedies, and musicals I have worked on up till now”.

Next on our list is a great action film from one of my favorite Directors:

2 – “The Untouchables”

In 1987, Director Brian DePalma had a big hit with the story of Agent Elliott Ness and his dogged pursuit of Al Capone on the streets of Chicago – here is the trailer:

Sean Connery won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, and Robert DeNiro gained a lot of weight to play Capone – a terrific action movie…here are some of my other favorite DePalma films:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/30/shocktober-day-30-brilliant-carrie-brian-depalmas-horror-classics-star-wars-connection/

We end my list of “U” films with a raucous comedy from 1980 that wasn’t a big hit when released, but has grown in statue over the years!

1 – “Used Cars”

Kurt Russell heads up a great cast – all about the slimy world of used car sales…here is the trailer:

Legendary character Actor Jack Warden plays two roles in the film, and the movie is great, “R”-rated fun!

Here is more trivia about the film:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/03/used-cars-escape-from-new-york-classic-80s-kurt-russell-snake-plissken/

So there you have it, ten ways to enjoy a film with a bit of “U” in it!

Rock It, Elvis! Rock It!

As you can see, Elvis and his pelvis are VERY excited about the ten films I am about to share with you! What could go wrong?

Well, Patty Duke needs her “dolls”, because this list has some of the greatest cult films of all time!

My countdown of “Movies A-Z” is now on the letter “V”, which is full of amazing performances, campy cult films, and Elvis Presley as well!

Let’s get started with one of the greatest “camp” films of all time, a cult classic based on a provocative best seller!

Original Cinema Quad Poster – Movie Film Posters

10 – “Valley Of The Dolls”

What a way to start! This 1967 camp classic was based on the best-selling novel the year before by Jacqueline Susann…the story of young women making their way through a “far out” Hollywood!

Here is the trailer:

Patty Duke chews the scenery Neely O’ Hara, who succumbs to the temptations of Hollywood. This is the film that gave us the character of “Ted Casablanca”, a name used years later by the E! Entertainment Columnist.

Of course, a sequel of inevitable, but it wasn’t the sequel anyone saw coming!

That’s right, Softcore Director Russ Meyer teamed up on a sequel with Roger Ebert – YES, ROGER EBERT!

Click here to see how it ended!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/08/roger-ebert-teams-up-with-russ-meyer-russ-and-roger-go-beyond/

Exploitation cinema may have nudity and adult situations, but that doesn’t mean they are classic films!

9 – “The Vampire Lovers”

Hammer Studios decided to take a more “adult” approach to horror films int eh early 70’s, and this great cult film is the result!

Here is the trailer:

This is a great, atmospheric horror film, part of a great “Hammer Horror” trilogy – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/13/bloody-vampires-lesbian-lovers-naked-halloween-horror-classic-erotic-hammer-time/

Since we are talking Vampires, here is one more great erotic horror film from that era:

8 – “Vampyros Lesbos”

This 1971 film told the story of a Vampire temptress who favored the blood of another woman! Soledad Miranda became a star because of her performance – see the trailer here:

Miranda’s fame was short-lived, however, due to a tragic car accident. She the story of her biggest film – and her sad end – here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

Time to take a break a let “the King” entertain us!

7 – “Viva Las Vegas!”

How can this go wrong? Elvis! Ann-Margret! THAT SONG! Let’s check out the trailer!

Elvis made movies with thin plots, but he more than made up for it when he had a blast like this! And Ann-Margret may have been one of the 60’s most popular sex kittens, but she was amazingly talented as well!

This movie is a lot of fun, but if you want to know more about the incredible Ann Margret, click only story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

Now, one of Paul Newman’s greatest performances:

6 – “The Verdict”

The great Director Sidney Lumet made this film, about an alcoholic Attorney who gets the case of a lifetime. Here is the trailer:

The film was nominated as Best Picture of 1982, and Lumet and Newman were both nominated as well. This is a great legal thriller, so check it out!

Now, time for a movie that was NEVER destined to be oscar-worthy, but boy is it entertaining!

5 – “Vixen!”

Russ Meyer made a name for himself with such classic films as “Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” In 1968, he pushed the boundaries of cinema with “Vixen!”

Here is the trailer:

Meyer loved buxom women, but all of his films starred empowered women who kicked ass – here is a look at all of his movies:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

My wife Alex mentioned to me that I had to include her favorite “movie with a V”:

4 – “Vision Quest!”

Matthew Modine stars in this terrific 1985 coming of age story set in Spokane, Washington.

Matthew Modine and Frank Jasper wrestle in Vision Quest.

Matthew Modine stars as a high school wrestler with girls on his mind. Here is the trailer:

Linda Fiorentino stars as the girl who captures his imagination. It’s a really good movie, with terrific performances as well.

Speaking of classic performances:

3 – “Vertigo”

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films, and an example of what a great Actor James Stewart was as well. Here is the trailer for this masterpiece:

The film was shot in San Francisco, and the city’s iconic Cost tower is seen many times…here is a look at this iconic tower:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/09/walking-up-coit-tower-alfred-hitchcock-loved-san-franciscos-iconic-400-step-tower/

In the early 70’s, many filmmakers took on the establishment with low-budget films that tackled the Vietnam war, racism and police brutality…this film tackled them all:

2 – “Vanishing Point”

If you haven’t seen this counter-culture film, you are missing out on a wild, wild ride…here is the trailer:

I posted a story about this film, and the “cameo” role to top them all: “naked girl on motorcycle!”

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/24/legendary-naked-motorcycle-starlet-hollywood-sex-symbol-gilda-texter-fascinating-nude-70s-movie-icon/

Finally, my list of “V” movies ends with visionary Director Takashi Miike, best known for this cerebral horror film “Audition” – but has made some of the most provocative films ever!

1 – “Visitor Q”

Almost impossible to describe, Miike’s film take viewers on a surreal ride.

Here is the wild wild wild trailer:

Miike has made a number of raw, edgy films like “Ichi The Killer”, but also mainstream films like “Thirteen Assassins” as well – here are some of his best:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/07/japans-cinematic-wild-man-the-visionary-movies-of-takashi-miike-ichi-the-killer-audition/

So take some “Dolls” and dig into these films!

“Bond…James Bond.”

With those three words, one of the world’s greatest movie franchises was launched – on October 5, 1962!

The world’s great Secret Agent has stayed popular for more than five decades, with six different Actors putting on the tuxedo…but no one will ever be more iconic that the first Bond – Sean Connery…

Let’s begin the celebration with the original trailer, which introduced movie audiences to the coolest secret agent of all time:

Look at this shot: Producer Cubby Broccoli, Sean Connery, 007 Creator/Author Ian Fleming, and Producer Harry Saltzman…I wonder if they could have imagined what was ahead!

So how did Connery get cast?

According to wikipedia, Producers Broccoli and Saltzman originally sought Cary Grant for the role! However, Grant wouldn’t agree to more than one, so they held auditions and landed on the very virile Sean Connery, who had the looks And the rough edges they were looking for!

This terrific archive photo is from James Bond 007 magazine, which is full of incredible trivia about 007!

On Oct. 5 1962, “Dr. No” had its worldwide premiere at the London Pavilion. However, in those days films opened over the course of months, so it didn’t actually hit the US until six months later, in May 1963.

In the UK, “Dr. No” ended up as the fifth most popular movie of 1962. The final worldwide grows was $59.6 million worldwide.

Of course, the series also introduced an iconic opening sequence with the rifle scope, as Bond walks into frame and then shoots the audience…

Here is some trivia: “Dr. No” currently has a 96% rating at Rotten Tomatoes, and is considered a great introduction of the character – as one review stated:

“Featuring plenty of the humor, action, and escapist thrills the series would become known for, Dr. No kicks off the Bond franchise in style.”

Of course, it also offered one other popular choice:

The Iconic “Bond Girls!”

That’s right, the very first Bond film offered up an iconic “Bond girl” Honey Ryder, played by sex kitten Ursula Andress.

In 2003, the scene of her emerging from the water in a bikini topped England Channel 4’s list of one hundred sexiest scenes of film history!

Oh, and did you know that her nickname was “Ursula UNDRESS?”

Andress was the first of many incredible “Bond Girls” who have starred alongside 007, here is more about this iconic sex kitten, including that notorious nickname:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

There will always be arguments over who are the best “Bond Girls” – there have been many, and some clearly stood out:

You can click here to see some of my favorites:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/07/00-7-great-bond-girls-brains-brawn-beauty-oh-james/

I love this film series, which you can dissect by “Bond Girls”, and theme songs as well!

Adele wowed everyone with her “Skyfall” theme sone, but some have been less successful…here is a list of my best and worst 007 themes:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

There are those who even want to judge the Bonds themselves!

This documentary looks a the entire Bond phenomenon, and I weighed in on my “best” and “Worst” Bonds, which you can read here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

Congrats and happy birthday 007!

Smile! Withnail Has Something Special For You!

Richard E. Grant can’t stop smiling, since this list of films will make everyone deliriously happy!

For this edition of “Movies A-Z”, I wanted to make sure I offered a mix of the popular and the obscure.

When it comes to the letter “W”, there are SO many great movies that I didn’t have room for “When Harry Met Sally”, “What About Bob”, “Whiplash” or “War Of The Roses”…but I have ten great choices across a number of genres, so let’s get going!

10 – “Withnail & I”

The funniest British comedy ever, this 1987 comedy is the story of two struggling Actors in London at the end of the 60’s…here is the trailer:

The late, great actor Richard Griffiths is terrific as “Uncle Monty”, who has a thing for Withnail. Director Bruce Robinson based the story on his own life – see more great trivia about his hilarious film – and Richard E. Grant’s great autobiography here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/10/withnail-i-30th-anniversary-classic-80s-cult-comedy-richard-e-grant-tell-all-book-with-nails/

From the profane to the surreal, one of the greatest family films of all time:

9 – “Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory”

Forget the remake. Gene Wilder IS Willy Wonka, and this movie is one of the most inventive and surreal musical comedies of all time. Here is the trailer:

Gene Wilder brought the perfect blend of comedy and chaos to the role. He was a brilliant Actor – here is a look at some of his best work:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/29/rip-gene-wilder-iconic-willy-wonka-richard-pryor-partnership-mel-brooks-frankenstein/

In 1973, one of the strangest horror films was released with one of the most shocking endings ever:

8 – “The Wicker Man”

It starts out so ordinary: a British Police Detective heads to a remote island to search for a missing girl…but that’s the last ordinary thing about the film. Here is the trailer:

Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal

Horror legend Christopher Lee stars as the cult leader who can’t let Detective Edward Woodward uncover the mystery of the island, and Britt Eckland does a nude dance that will never be forgotten! You can see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/23/burning-man-inspiration-the-wicker-man-naked-cult-horror/

The ending of “The Wicker Man” is one of cinema’s best. At the same time in movies, “old lady horror” was also a trend, and here is one of the campiest examples:

7 – “What’s The Matter With Helen?”

Debbie Reynolds and Shelley Winters had a blast making this campy horror film – check out the trailer:

In the early 70’s, several of these films were released, pairing up two Hollywood legends in a horror situation….see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/28/bloody-grannies-epic-hollywood-feud-camp-old-lady-horror-classics/

For fans of “The Deuce” on HBO, you will know that 42nd Street in New York was full of movie theaters showing films like this:

6 – “Wide Open”

The “Queen Of Artsploitation” was Sweden’s Christina Lindberg, who starred in a number of provocative european art films that were hugely successful in the US – partly because of the “relaxation” of obscenity laws in the early 70’s.

Lindberg inspired a character in Quentin Tarantino’s “Kill Bill” movies, and she continues to have legions of fans today. See all of her movies here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

Also in the 70’s was one of my favorite sci-fi films:

5 – “Westworld”

This isn’t the HBO series, this is the original thriller starring Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin and James Brolin. Here is the trailer:

The tagline for this movie was classic:

“Westworld. Where nothing can possibly go W-O-R-N-G!”

Robots who begin to disobey and turn on humans….sound like the world today? This is a great film, and now an HBO series – read more about that here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/30/j-j-abrams-goes-to-westworld-new-sci-fi-franchise-classic-cult-film/

Burt Reynolds was one of the biggest stars in the 70’s, and this next film is a good reason why:

4 – “White Lightning”

Reynolds had a string of big hits in the 70’s, like “The Longest Yard”, “Gator”, and this film – here is the trailer:

Reynolds made great “hicksploitation” action films, with lots of redneck cops, fast cars and sexy women. The genre worked well for awhile – here are some of the others:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/22/suck-down-some-white-lightning-hicksploitation-burt-reynolds-gator-good-ol-boy-action-classics/

Next up is a fascinating documentary about some of the world’s most dangerous jobs:

3 – “Workingman’s Death”

The late Director Michael Glawogger turned his cameras on some of the most shocking jobs you could have.

Here is the trailer:

The film is composed of six differently titled chapters. The first five depict hazardous conditions of hard laborers around the world and the sixth shows contrasting scenes of youths in a former German industrial complex which had been converted into a leisure park – this is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. See more of this Directors work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/22/searing-expose-docs-workingmans-death-whores-glory-brilliant-documentaries-showcase-life-on-the-edge/

OK, let’s lighten up with some Billy Idol, OK?

2 – “The Wedding Singer”

In 1998, Adam Sandler made one of his best movies, about a wedding singer who falls in love with Drew Barrymore – and yes, Billy Idol is in it too!

Here is the trailer:

This is a great “feel good” comedy, with Sandler giving one of his most effortless performances, and Billy Idol is hilarious in his cameo. Idol has had a well-deserved resurgence lately – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/02/billy-idols-rebel-yell-adam-sandlers-wedding-singer-cameo-why-billy-idol-matters/

Finally, one of the greatest films ever made ends the list:

1 – “The Wild Bunch”

Director Sam Peckinpah depicted the wild west as never before in this brilliant 1969 film starring William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Warren Oates and Robert Ryan. Here is the trailer:

The film showed more bloodshed than any movie before, and set a new standard for the depiction of violence on the screen. But it was also an homage to the wild west, and the desperados who wandered it…

It is a masterpiece – and you can see more about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/05/the-wild-bunch-billy-the-kid-sam-packinpahs-soup-tossing/

So there you have it, ten films with a “W” that stand the test of time – even Withnail agrees!

Where Did Darth Vader’s Look Come From? A Jess Franco Film?

OK, here’s how this radical thought began: the new “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” trailer aired, and I happened to be watching this 1974 cult exploitation film by Jess Franco:

A Naked “Most Dangerous Game!”

The film is vintage Jess Franco: his unique filming style include a meandering camera, lots of b-roll with fast zooms and pan – and tons of nudity, sex and violence – mostly involving his wife, the legendary Actress Lina Romay!

The film is a “naked” retelling of the classic “most dangerous game” story – a wealthy couple who live on a deserted island invite beautiful women over – and then hunt them!

Of course, because it’s Franco, they are hunted naked – the great Actress Alice Arno plays the Countess!

It’s a great example of Franco, and I encourage you to look for it – in fact, here is a link to a story I posted about a new blu-ray that includes two separate versions of the film, plus another Romay movie as a bonus!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/06/30/sexy-nature-the-notorious-francofriday-cut-of-countess-perverse-with-lina-romay/

So how did this lead me to the original Darth Vader?

Don’t shake your head at me – there is a reason! First, here is a great summation of the origin of Darth Vader.

According the the terrific “Star Wars” website called “Force Material”:

The name ‘Darth Vader’ goes all the way back to George Lucas’ rough draft summary of The Star Wars, completed in May of 1974. In fact, elements of Vader can be found in four separate characters from that draft.

General Darth Vader, of the Royal Space Fleet, was a “tall, grim looking humanoid”. Lucas has indulged in a little bit of self-mythologising and revisionist history over the years, claiming that he always intended Vader to be Luke Skywalker’s father and that the name meant ‘Dark Father’.

At the time, Lucas said the name “sort of appeared in my head one day. I had lots of Darth this and Darth that, and Dark Lord of the Sith. The early name was actually Dark Water. Then I added lots of last names, Vaders and Wilsons and Smiths, and I just came up with the combination of Darth and Vader.”

I got this information from the “Force Material” website, and here is the link – terrific insight:

http://www.forcematerial.com/home/2016/12/01/the-origin-of-darth-vader-the-name

So, time to show you how this all came together….first, here is a shot of Vader again:

Now, look at this shot of the island house where the couple lives in “Countess Perverse”:

OK?

I mean, they show people walking up the stairs to the house over and over and over again – remember what I said about Franco’s tendency to meander a bit – but after the fifth time I saw an outline of Vader’s helmet!

In fact, even in the wide shots as a boat is moving closer to the island, you can see a Vader-esque shape in the house:

Whether Lucas ever saw this film or not, the resemblance is there in my opinion – and if not, so what? It’s just a post about my love of movies…in fact, I also posted the story of the origin of the Han Solo character – it was THIS GUY!

That’s right, George Lucas wanted to make “Flash Gordon” but couldn’t get the rights – so he created his own world instead – and that turned out pretty well for him, didn’t it?

See the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/05/how-flash-gordon-created-star-wars-sam-jones-the-original-han-solo/

Let me know if you agree that Lina Romay was stalked in Darth Vader’s helmet house!

Celebrating The Power Of Cinema!

I love movies, and have had a blast lately sharing some of my favorites on a special series of lists that celebrated the unique, obscure, offbeat and just plain strange films that we can all enjoy.

Time to wrap up my “Movies from A-Z” series with ten films that cross over the last three letters of the alphabet – the “X,Y & Z” of it all – and guess what? That’s the name of our first film as well!

10 – X, Y & Zee

This amazingly obscure 1972 British film starred Elizabeth Taylor and Michael Caine as a middle-aged, bickering couple whose marriage is on its last legs, and Susannah York as the woman who comes between them.

Here is the trailer:

Michael Caine has a great movie career, and made such classics as “Get Carter” and “Sleuth” in the 70’s, but this one is never mentioned!

Next up, another film that wasn’t enjoyed, but boy did you all love the theme song!

9 – Xanadu

In 1980, move audiences were bewildered by this romatanic musical fantasy starring Olivia Newton-John. The title is a reference to the nightclub in the film, which takes its name from Xanadu, the summer capital of Kublai Khan’s Yuan Dynasty in China.

But forget all that – the title track was written by Jeff Lynne of ELO!

Here is the #1 single from the movie, with Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly!

Yes, I admit to owning this movie, because sometimes “camp” can be so much fun! The ELO song is great – they are under-appreciated – see more of their musical legacy here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Next up is the first in a long list of superhero movies:

8 – X-Men

In 2000, the first “X-Men” film came out, and is still the best, in my opinion. We meet the characters and set up the story of these mutants…each film afterwards has struggled to maintain the focus…here is the trailer:

I worked with Olivia Munn and she joined the cast for the last film – here’s to many more to come!

Now, let’s head back to the 70’s, and one of a movie legend’s last roles:

7 – The Yakuza

In 1974, legendary Director Sydney Pollack made this action thriller about the japanese underworld, and he had the legendary Robert Mitchum as the star – here is the trailer:

Mitchum was the perfect “anti-hero” – a renegade who lived by his own rules. In 1973 he starred in a terrific film called “The Friends Of Eddie Coyle” – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/12/29/everyday-goodfellas-donnie-brasco-and-eddie-coyle-great-mob-movies/

From tough guys to the fab four, time now for a musical adventure with the greatest band of all time:

6 – Yellow Submarine

In 1968, The Beatles “starred” in the animated musical “Yellow Submarine” – a unique, charming film that has stood the test of time…here is the trailer:

If you’ve seen the movie, you know that the boys only show up onscreen at the very end to lead a singalong of “All Together Now!”

They were the greatest musical artists of our time, but didn’t always make the smartest movie choices:

Ever heard of this film? A documentary of World War II footage covered by Beatles songs – sung by other Artists? Oh my! OH NO! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/20/the-beatles-worlds-best-music-worst-movie-choices/

From the Beatles to Bond, James Bond – one of my favorites:

5 – You Only Live Twice

The fifth Bond movie mixed it up by sending 007 to Japan – and added the biggest threat to the world ever! Here is the trailer:

“Little Nell” was just one of the fun gadgets that Sean Connery got to play with – of course, he left the series after this movie, but did you know that it was 55 years ago that James Bond was born? See the “beginning of Bond” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/10/05/happy-birthday-007-james-bond-was-born-55-years-ago-with-dr-no/

Next up is what for me is one of the 3 funniest films of all time!

4 – Young Frankenstein

The story of Doctor Frankenstein, as only Mel Brooks could tell, with Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Teri Garr, Madeline Kahn and Peter Boyle as “the monster.” Here is the trailer:

Legendary Actor Gene Hackman shows his gift for comedy in one scene as well. This movie is brilliant in every way – and if you like Hackman, here are my ten favorite films by the Actor:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/30/happy-birthday-gene-hackman-ten-roles-that-defined-a-hollywood-legend/

Next up is an obscure film that takes you back to the height of the political protests during the Vietnam War:

3 – Zabriskie Point

As this film’s trailer says ominously:

“How you get there depends are where you’re at…”

In 1970, it was the height of the counter-culture movement, and studios were trying to capture that sense of unrest with cult films like “Easy Rider” and “Zabriskie Point”. Director Michelangelo Antonioni tells the story of a young couple who are involved in violent anti-war protests…check out the trailer:

This is a fascinating “time capsule”, especially when held up to the protests that have happened in the last few years…

Of course, I have to include my next choice for one reason alone: this photo!

2 – Zardoz

Wha-wha-WHAT?!?!?!?!

Yes, that’s James Bond 007 wearing a red diaper! Here is why:

Yes, that is actual dialogue from the movie, spoken by a giant rock head that floats over the english countryside…this movie has to be seen to be believed!

See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Finally, I leave you with one of the most entertaining comic horror films of the last decade:

1 – Zombieland

This terrific 2009 film has a great cast – all in search of a safe place to hide when zombies take over the world.

Here is the trailer:

So many things to love about this movie, but Bill Murray’s cameo is certainly a highlight. A fun movie that holds up on multiple viewings…

There you have it: 240 films across the 26 letters of the alphabet…feel free to click on my home page and “movies” and see them all…Sean Connery says thanks for reading!

Paul McCartney’s Secret Soundtracks!

OK, you might see that Paul isn’t looking too “Paul” in this picture, but I’ll explain why in a moment.

I love finding interesting trivia about Paul McCartney and Wings, and here are two songs that were “secret” to me until now!

In the 70’s, Wings released hit albums and toured the world many times over – but they also had time to write some songs for other people, in this case a “hidden” song on the great movie “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School!”

“Rock n’ Roll High School”

This raucous comedy from 1979 has a soundtrack that includes classic songs from The Ramones, Todd Rundgren, Devo and Alice Cooper – but it also includes a Wings song!

The romantic theme song heard under the credits, “Did We Meet Somewhere Before?” is sung by Paul McCartney and Wings.

According to wikipedia:

“McCartney wrote it as the theme to ‘Heaven Can Wait’ (1978), but Warren Beatty decided not to use it. Allan Arkush, the director, then swung a deal whereby he was able to use the song for only $500 provided McCartney did not receive screen credit.”

See the track listed above on Paul’s never-released “Hot Hits Cold Kutz” outtakes compilation? Some of these songs have turned up on compilations and special edition releases, and even on these bootleg “cold cuts” compilations, but I’d never heard of this one until now.

Here is an audio-only track:

There are many of these “Cold Cut” compilations, but I’ve never come across any of them – but I did post a story about some of the songs that exist in this “bootleg” world – and the story of Paul’s plans to release this collection in the past – you can see those videos and story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/12/paul-mccartneys-cold-cuts-classic-macca-one-beatles-legendary-single-gems/

I also recently heard another Wings song – used as a plot point in a film!

“Love Take Me Down” From “Role Models”!

Did you know that this great 2008 comedy has a Wings song in it?

A running gag in the film is a song entitled “Love Take Me Down (to the Streets)”, which is claimed by a camp counselor to be one of the many hit songs by Paul McCartney and Wings.

In the film, Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott meet a Counselor at the support group “Sturdy Wings” – you can see the logo…remind you of anything?

“Role Models” Obsession With Wings!

I love this movie, because it takes Paul McCartney and Wings and turns it into a running gag in the film. The counselor they meet starts singing a song as they wait for the meeting to begin – the song is called “Love Take Me Down (To The Streets)”.

Rudd immediately corrects him that it’s not a Paul McCartney and Wings song – “it’s not anyone’s song” he says, but he is ignored – here is a clip of that first scene, then a followup when they are all at camp and the Wings gag plays again:

I love that the movie has fun with a Wings song the guys know so well.

During the credits, the song is played again – and listed on the film soundtrack as being performed by “Not Wings.” The song was written by Charles Gansa, a composer who worked on the film, and A. D. Miles, who plays Martin in the film.

It was written to imitate the style of Wings – and is actually performed by Joey Curatolo, a Paul McCartney “soundalike” from the Beatles tribute band Rain.

So there you go, an obscure Wings song – and one that’s “fake Macca”.

I have also posted about a lot of songs written by Paul that were given to other Artists:

Some were minor pop tunes, a few classic songs – see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/27/lost-beatles-demo-mccartneys-cilla-black-demo-found-the-songs-the-beatles-gave-away/

Let me know if you’ve seen these Wings songs on the silver screen!

Wings, the pop group formed by ex-Beatle Paul McCartney are at Abbey Road Studio, London, for the release of their new album ‘Back To The Egg’. On the front row, left to right are: Steve Holly, Denny Laine and Linda McCartney (1941 – 1998). Paul McCartney and Laurence Juber are standing at the back. Original Publication: People Disc – HK0487 (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Time To Celebrate British Actress Judy Matheson On Shocktober Day #24!

As we count down our #31daysofhalloween, I had the chance for a fun “twitter” conversation with the great cult film Actress Judy Matheson!

First, the quick backstory: as part of my #31daysofhorror #shocktober countdown of horror films, I shared a look at the classic Hammer horror trilogy that included “Lust For A Vampire”, “The Vampire Lovers” and “Twins Of Evil”…

These are great early 70’s gothic horror films, and if you want to see the original movie trailers, you can see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/13/bloody-vampires-lesbian-lovers-naked-halloween-horror-classic-erotic-hammer-time/

I shared this link on Twitter, and got this response from Judy….read the conversation from the bottom up!

“Er, Excuse Me?” Judy Jarvis Speaks Out!

Yes, Judy Jarvis IS Judy Matheson, and after I posted my link to the story, reminded me nicely that she was in two of the films! She was gracious and funny in our interaction, but it made me want to share more of her story!

Judy Matheson has been in some great cult films: she got her start working in a variety of British TV shows before landing some great movie roles in the 60’s and 70’s:

Her first film was “The Chairman” with the legendary Gregory Peck. She also starred in “The Exquisite Cadaver” with Capucine, which was the Spanish entry at the San Sebastian Film Festival.

What I failed to notice, was that in the early ’70s, she appeared in the classic Hammer Horror films “Lust for a Vampire” and “Twins of Evil.”

These are two great Hammer horror films, as the studio was trying to “modernize” their approach to horror with more nudity and bloody violence, while still adhering to the gothic approach to their films.

Here is the trailer for “Lust For A Vampire”:

She followed her role up with “Twins Of Evil”, the last film in the trilogy…another great gothic horror film from Hammer:

It didn’t end well for July in “Twins Of Evil”, unfortunately – as you can see, she didn’t fare well at the end of the movie:

Matheson went on to star in a number of cult classics from the 70’s, including “The Flesh and Blood Show”, “The House that Vanished”, “Crucible of Terror”, and “Confessions of a Window Cleaner.”

If you don’t know these “Confessions Of…” films, they are certainly “of their time.” See more about them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/30/confessions-of-the-sex-obsessed-british-70s-cult-sex-comedies-are-back/

According to wikipedia, in 1981 Matheson became a TV continuity announcer for TVS (ITV for the South of England) and in 1990 she was part of the launch team for British Satellite Broadcasting, later to become BSkyB. She also worked as a continuity announcer for Carlton Television and London Weekend Television!

While she now goes by the name Judy Jarvis, she still attends film conventions and Hammer Film events, so fans can meet her and hear stories from her career.

She has recently taken part, with fellow Hammer actress Caroline Munro, in a short spoof horror film ‘Frankula’ produced by The Misty Moon Film Society, of which she is an Honorary Patron.

What a great double bill! Caroline Munro has also had a great career! If you want to know more about Munro – who was a Bond girl as well, see her story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

So kudos to Judy Matheson, now Judy Jarvis…what a great collection of films!

if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

If you want something more shocking, I’ve got a good for you as well:

Try this great modern horror film, “High Tension”, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/23/shoctober-day-23-stabs-you-with-high-tension-and-a-switchblade-romance/

I love #31daysofhalloween!

The Satanict Mystery Of Jayne Mansfield!

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most fascinating sex kittens, an Actress who seemed to make bigger headlines off-screen than on!

She hung out with Beatles, acted in sexy 60’s comedies that showed off her body as much as personality, and was generally seen as one of Hollywood’s sexist stars…

A New Documentary Focused On “Mansfield 66/67”!

A brand new documentary focuses on the last two years of the Actress’s life, and her shocking death…

Here is the trailer:

As you can see from the trailer and this classic newspaper headline from the time, her death was shrouded in rumors and gossip – and this documentary takes an in-depth look at the facts surrounding the scandal!

There are tons of great new interviews populating the film, including Director John Waters, Actress Tippi Hedren, legendary Hollywood Actress Mamie Van Doren, “Mysteries & Scandals” Host AJ Benza, Dolly Reed, Kenneth Anger, Ann Magnuson, Mary Woronov and many more!

Many of those stars will be at a special screening on October 25 in Beverly Hills, and it opens at the Laemmle Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills on October 27 – with another star-studded event planned – if you are in LA, this is a must see!

Click here for more details:

https://www.laemmle.com/films/42844

The film will also be shown across the country, so look for it in your city as well!

Vanity Fair just gave the film a great review – here is a link to that article:

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/10/jayne-mansfield-death-satan-documentary

My friend Alison Martino is an Associate Producer on the film – here’s what she told me about working on this project:

“Producing a movie on Jayne Mansfield is a Vintage Los Angeles dream come true! I grew up not too far from the pink palace and dined in her favorite restaurants. I always felt her presence close by. But the best part about producing this movie is I know that the world is going to fall in love with up Jane Mansfield again and want to see every single one of her films!”

Alison knows what she’s talking about – she has worked hard to keep Hollywood’s history alive with her terrific website “VintageLosAngeles” – and of course, Alison’s dad was one of the best singers in entertainment – the legendary Al Martino – of course, you may also know him as Johnny Fontaine in “The Godfather!”

Check out Alison’s website for great stories of Hollywood – and Mansfield was certainly one of those!

Here is the link:

http://alisonmartino.com

As Hollywood’s history continues to be dismantled, Alison has done a great job making sure these stories live on…

Jayne Mansfield was one of Hollywood’s most seductive sex kittens – you can read more about her amazing life here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

Bravo to Directors David Ebersole and Todd Hughes on their great new film, and bravo as well to my friend Alison!

Shocktober Day #29 Pays Tribute To George Romero!

Horror movies fans were stunned earlier this year when George A. Romero, Director of the seminal 1968 horror film “Night of the Living Dead” died at 77 of lung cancer.

The best way to pay tribute during Halloween season is to honor this legendary Director for his most iconic achievement!

Romero broke all the rules of low-budget filmmaking when he created “Night Of The Living Dead” – a film that has inspired filmmakers and movie lovers for decades…

The Iconic “Night Of The Living Dead!”

Take a moment to bow down to the great Director George Romero, who ushered in a new era of horror – with a film that has become one of the most beloved horror films of all time!

“Night Of The Living Dead” has grown more famous over the years, but almost never got made at all! It is a testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of Romero that he managed to get this film made! It was completed on a $114,000 budget and premiered October 1, 1968.

Here is the classic trailer:

The plot is straightforward: A shocking phenomenon has occurred: throughout the country, the dead have suddenly come back to life. A small group barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt the remain safe from these “walking dead.”

“Night of the Living Dead” is a master class in low budget filming. The script is razor sharp, the characters become clearly defined over the course of the movie, and the gore – well, let’s just say it was heavily criticized when it came out, because it was presented in a “reality” style that was shocking for its time!

The film has grown in critical stature over the years, and was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, as a film deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.

The lead role of Ben was played by Duane Jones. He was an unknown stage actor. It was a major gamble for Romero to cast a Black Actor in the lead; in fact, one Reviewer said that the performance depicted Ben as a “comparatively calm and resourceful Negro”!

Here’s another interesting fact: the word “zombie” is never used in the film. According to IMDB, the most common euphemism used to describe the living dead is “those things,” or “ghouls.”

Can you imagine “The Walking Dead” existing if it wasn’t for this film?

According to the George A. Romero commentary track on one of the many special edition DVDs of the film, the original working print and working elements and materials for the film no longer exist – they were destroyed as a result of a flood that filled the basement where the materials were stored (which was the same basement used in the movie).

The sequels are also great in their own way, and Romero went on to make many other films as well – but this was a revelation in low-budget horror, and it will live forever as one of the greatest Halloween films ever released!

RIP George Romero!

Music With A “Q”! So Much More Than Queen! But “Killer Queen” Of Course!

I wanted to share some songs with the letter “Q”, either songs or Artists using this letter – and of course, the iconic band Queen is top of tongue…but there is smooch more – but don’t worry, “Killer Queen” is on the way as well!

“Quiet Town” by Josh Rouse

Josh Rouse is a terrific singer/songwriter with a large catalog of great music.

His song “Flight Attendant” was featured in the Julia Roberts movie “Eat Pray Love”, but I want to share a song he wrote after moving to a small town in Spain in 2004, taking up residence in a “Quiet Town”, where he writes:

“I know somewhere
There is a party going down
Interesting people
Conversation to be found
I’ve lived in cities
Where there is no solitude
I’ve made some friends here
That I hope I never lose
But, for now
I want to stay in this quiet town…”

Of course, there is a tradeoff, as he notes:

“Ohhhh
Sometimes I miss the show
I learned a long time ago…”

Here is the terrific music video:

Here is a terrific greatest hits collection from his years with Rykodisc – he is worth checking out, and thanks to my friend Blair Butler for turning me on to him several years ago!

Here is more about his music:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/01/18/josh-rouse-modern-musical-troubadour-from-1972-to-the-happiness-waltz-singing-in-spain/

I am a huge fan of rock bands that can incorporate a wide variety of instruments into their music, and here is one of the best:

“Questions 67 And 68” – Chicago

This 1971 hit captured the “Chicago” sound of the 70’s perfectly – lots of horns and great hooks…they had a number of great hit songs like “Color My World”, “Saturday In The Park” and “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day” before they settled into a soft rock/pop groove later in their career.

Here is a great performance from French TV by the band in 1969!

The band formed in 1967 and was very political early on – their albums were produced by James William Guercio, who also made a movie in the early 70’s that became a cult classic:

“Electra Glide In Blue” tells the story of a Highway Patrolman, played by Robert Blake, who tries to solve a murder mystery – Guercio included several members of Chicago in the film, as this bike gang that confronts Blake.

This movie is terrific – you can see the trailer for it, plus lots of great trivia, here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/19/electra-glide-in-blue-forgotten-masterpiece-robert-blakes-best-role/

Next up, one of the early “boy bands” with a huge hit song:

“Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)” – The Backstreet Boys

BSB formed in 1993 and had a decades-long run of soft pop hits, like this one:

“Quit playin’ games with my heart
Before you tear us apart (my heart)
Quit playin’ games with my heart
I should’ve known from the start…”

Here is the official music video:

Ah, classic boy bands, god bless.

In the 80’s, big hair bands were the rage, and if you had a killer hook – and a female lead singer – well, there was no limit to what you could do. Here’s a great example:

Quarterflash – “Harden My Heart”

This top 5 single from 1982 may be one of the most covered songs by any bar band with a female lead singer, and why not? An 80’s sound, great vocals, and a cathy hook…here is the classic 80’s looking music video – with classic 80’s hair:

Some “Heart” trivia: the song has been used in video games, TV shows, and in the 2001 movie “Wet Hot American Summer.”

Now, time to give you the ultimate “Q” band:

Queen – “Killer Queen”

There are so many songs I could have shared, but doesn’t this sum up their unique sound perfectly? See for yourself with this performance from “Top Of The Pops”:

I have a live Queen DVD from Wembley Stadium in London, and the massive crowd is mesmerized by the band – and by Freddie Mercury’s stage presence. Simply one of the greatest bands of all time.

Oh, and you didn’t think I was done, did you?

Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody”

How could I include Queen and to include this masterpiece? It’s simply one of the greatest songs in rock history. Queen has a library of some of the most interesting music of all time – from the hard-rocking “Tie Your Mother Down” to the pop majesty of “You’re My Best Friend” and of course, the massive rock anthem “We Will Rock You / We Are The Champions!”

But of course, nothing compares to the pop/rock symphony of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, forever immortalized in “Wayne’s World”, and one of the most interesting rock operas ever recorded…here is the classic music video:

“Bohemian Rhapsody” is from the album “A Night At The Opera” – a classic that has been re-released in an expanded form, so buy it – and see more of what’s on the album here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/23/queens-brilliant-night-at-the-opera-freddie-mercurys-musical-madness/

Hope you enjoyed this look at the sound of “Q”!