Jon Stewart was back on The Daily Show and compared Donald Trump to Mr. Magoo as the hush money trial continues.
Michael Cohen wrapped up his testimony and admitted he had stolen from the Trump Organization, which prompted Stewart to compare the former Potus to the animated character.
“How lucky is Donald Trump?” Stewart said. “Donald Trump is like a corruption Mr. Magoo. He’s just stumbling around, quid pro quo-ing, metal beams falling all around him [and] gets out completely unscathed.”
Mr. Magoo is a fictional character who appeared in the Upa animated series Mister Magoo, voiced by Jim Backus. The character is an elderly, wealthy retiree who gets into comical situations and, through sheer luck, always finds himself unharmed.
Trump is on trial and faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to conceal other crimes. All of this was to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her amid the 2016 U.
Michael Cohen wrapped up his testimony and admitted he had stolen from the Trump Organization, which prompted Stewart to compare the former Potus to the animated character.
“How lucky is Donald Trump?” Stewart said. “Donald Trump is like a corruption Mr. Magoo. He’s just stumbling around, quid pro quo-ing, metal beams falling all around him [and] gets out completely unscathed.”
Mr. Magoo is a fictional character who appeared in the Upa animated series Mister Magoo, voiced by Jim Backus. The character is an elderly, wealthy retiree who gets into comical situations and, through sheer luck, always finds himself unharmed.
Trump is on trial and faces 34 felony charges of falsifying business records to conceal other crimes. All of this was to payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels to silence her amid the 2016 U.
- 5/21/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Jim Backus' first major acting gig was playing a snotty millionaire named Dexter Hayes on the 1940 radio serial "Society Girl." This was to kick off a decades-long career in radio, film, and television, wherein Backus invented multiple indelible characters that remain a part of the pop fabric to this very day. He appeared on "The Jack Benny Program" and even briefly had his own TV show, "The Jim Backus Show" in 1957. He famously played the voice of Mr. Magoo from 1949 until his death in 1989, and starred in "Rebel Without a Cause." He was adept at playing clueless weirdos and self-absorbed egotists, although he had a great deal of comedic range. Be sure to listen to his hit comedy single "Delicious!" sometime. He elicits laughter without saying anything. I could list more credits, but we'd be here all day; Backus starred in over 100 films and shorts, and several dozen TV shows.
- 5/18/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The premise of Sherwood Schwartz's 1964 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" is succinctly laid out in its indelible theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle. The S.S. Minnow, helmed by Captain G. Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first officer Gilligan (Bob Denver) took on five passengers for a three-hour boat tour of Hawai'i. The ship hit some bad weather, got lost at sea, and washed up on an uncharted island somewhere in the Pacific. Now the two sailors, along with a millionaire (Jim Backus), his wife (Natalie Schafer), a movie star (Tina Louise), a professor (Russel Johnson), and a lottery-winning tourist (Dawn Wells), have to learn to survive, all to comedic effect.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
"Gilligan's Island" has no themes of actual survival, instead rolling with its slapstick elements; the series clearly takes place in a cartoon reality. As such, the characters play as broad archetypes, mugging and screaming in an unrealistic fashion.
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Sherwood Schwartz's 1963 sitcom "Gilligan's Island" was a high-concept series that, thanks to the gods of syndication, remained in the public consciousness for decades after it went off the air. The show's impeccable theme song, written by Schwartz and George Wyle, may be the best theme in television history, as it handily explains the premise using a hummable sea shanty: five tourists boarded the S.S. Minnow -- manned by Captain Jonas Grumby (Alan Hale) and his first mate Gilligan (Bob Denver) -- for a three-hour tour off the coast of Honolulu. When the tiny ship hit some bad weather, the seven characters landed on a desert island, stranded. The series followed their merry attempts to survive.
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
"Gilligan's Island" ran for 98 episodes, ending its initial run in 1967, but reruns continued to air well into the 1990s. Yes, there was a time when "Gilligan's Island" was a reliable TV staple, occupying...
- 2/8/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
For many film buffs, the classic Christmas film Miracle on 34th Street is their go-to holiday film. Subsequently, the movie depicts the best and worst of humanity and is essential viewing during the Christmas season. Altogether, the original film has spawned four remakes. However, they’ve all stayed true to the original script.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
The film’s original plot follows Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), a worker at Macy’s Department Store in New York City. However, Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) realizes the man who will play Santa Claus is drunk. Later, he tells Doris, and she hires Kris to be the Macy’s store Santa Claus.
Her divorce disillusions Doris and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood). However, their neighbor, lawyer Fred Gaily (John Payne), is surprised Susan doesn’t believe in Santa Claus.
When Susan meets Kris, she believes he’s Santa Claus. Fred believes Kris and clashes with Doris.
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
The film’s original plot follows Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), a worker at Macy’s Department Store in New York City. However, Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) realizes the man who will play Santa Claus is drunk. Later, he tells Doris, and she hires Kris to be the Macy’s store Santa Claus.
Her divorce disillusions Doris and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood). However, their neighbor, lawyer Fred Gaily (John Payne), is surprised Susan doesn’t believe in Santa Claus.
When Susan meets Kris, she believes he’s Santa Claus. Fred believes Kris and clashes with Doris.
- 12/24/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Gilligan’s Island cast rose to fame thanks to the CBS comedy. Every week, viewers tuned in to watch their favorite seven castaways adjust to island life. While all the cast members were famous, one star received more fan mail than their co-stars.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS via Getty Images Who was the ‘Gilligan’s Island’ cast?
In September 1964, Sherwood Schwartz’s TV comedy Gilligan’s Island premiered on CBS. The series about a group of seven different castaways became an instant hit. Each week fans tuned in to see if the group would ever be rescued.
The show’s success can be attributed to the cast, which featured a mix of TV, film, and theater stars. The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis star Bon Denver portrayed the clumsy first mate Gilligan. Alan Hale Jr., a former child and theater star, took on the lovable but gruff Skipper role.
Jim Backus...
- 3/25/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Gilligan’s Island is a classic 1960s TV sitcom about a group of stranded castaways. The cast featured a unique mix of TV, film, and theater actors. Look at the life and careers of the cast members, and find out who had the highest net worth.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images What is ‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Bob Denver’s net worth?
Before stepping into the shoes of the clumsy first mate, Bob Denver was already a TV star. The actor was best known for his supporting role of Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. One year after the show’s cancellation, Denver was cast as the title character on Gilligan’s Island.
Denver was a hit as the Minnow’s first mate, a role that would become synonymous with his career. After the show ended, Denver landed small roles in TV shows and films like Back to the Beach.
Gilligan’s Island cast I CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images What is ‘Gilligan’s Island’ star Bob Denver’s net worth?
Before stepping into the shoes of the clumsy first mate, Bob Denver was already a TV star. The actor was best known for his supporting role of Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. One year after the show’s cancellation, Denver was cast as the title character on Gilligan’s Island.
Denver was a hit as the Minnow’s first mate, a role that would become synonymous with his career. After the show ended, Denver landed small roles in TV shows and films like Back to the Beach.
- 2/11/2023
- by Carol Cassada
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
I’m not gonna lie, there’s been a lot of debate around here about what the best Christmas specials are and why. In fact, sometimes it’s gotten downright nasty around the office – and by “office,” of course I mean each of our homes, because that’s just how we roll. You can understand how heated discussion like this can get, because even a Jew like me has his favorites. See, even though I was Jewish, my family had Christmas trees and discussion about Santa Claus coming down the chimney and chestnuts roasting and the singing of carols off-key, because we basically secretly (or not so secretly) wanted to be Christian so we wouldn’t have to pretend to be just as happy celebrating Hanukkah and getting socks and coloring books as gifts while all the goyum seemed to be having the greatest time of their lives and so...
- 12/22/2022
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Henry Silva, who starred in Johnny Cool, fought Frank Sinatra in The Manchurian Candidate and was one of Sinatra’s fellow thieves in Ocean’s 11, among dozens of screen roles spanning a half-century, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture and Television Fund Hospital in Woodland Hills, CA. He was 95.
An actor whose distinctive face often led to typecasting as the heavy, his 130-plus film and TV credits also include The Bravados, starring Gregory Peck (1958); Cinderfella, with Jerry Lewis (1960); the Rat Pack-led Western Sergeants 3 (1962); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979); Love and Bullets with Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland and Rod Steiger (1979); the Burt Reynolds pics Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1982); Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy (1990); Steven Seagal’s first film Above the Law (1988); and Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai with Forest Whitaker (1999).
Along with the title role opposite Elizabeth Montgomery in Johnny Cool...
An actor whose distinctive face often led to typecasting as the heavy, his 130-plus film and TV credits also include The Bravados, starring Gregory Peck (1958); Cinderfella, with Jerry Lewis (1960); the Rat Pack-led Western Sergeants 3 (1962); Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979); Love and Bullets with Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland and Rod Steiger (1979); the Burt Reynolds pics Sharky’s Machine (1981) and Cannonball Run II (1982); Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy (1990); Steven Seagal’s first film Above the Law (1988); and Jim Jarmusch’s Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai with Forest Whitaker (1999).
Along with the title role opposite Elizabeth Montgomery in Johnny Cool...
- 9/16/2022
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The big-scale Cinerama fantasy once thought unrecoverable is back — a terrific restoration brings us George Pal’s ode to fairy tales, filmed on Bavarian locations with an international cast. Laurence Harvey and Karl Boehm are the brothers that compiled the famed tales of princesses, witches, magic spells and fiery dragons. Their idealized biography is interspersed with three full fairy tale stories, about a magic cloak of invisibility, a cobbler’s helpful elves, and a pair of fearless dragon slayers. The show has dancing, beautiful locations, a sequence with Puppetoons and a terrific animated dragon. Featured stars are Claire Bloom, Walter Slezak, Barbara Eden, Oscar Homolka, Martita Hunt, Yvette Mimieux, Russ Tamblyn, Jim Backus, Terry-Thomas and Buddy Hackett; a long-form docu goes into fascinating detail explaining how Dave Strohmaier and Tom March accomplished the mind-boggling restoration.
The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1962 / Color / 2:89 widescreen [Smilebox] widescreen / 140 135 min.
The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1962 / Color / 2:89 widescreen [Smilebox] widescreen / 140 135 min.
- 3/15/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Kolchak: The Night Stalker – The Complete Series
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1974/ 1.33:1/ 1,020 Minutes
Starring Darren McGavin, Simon Oakland
Directed by Gordon Hessler. Alexander Grasshoff
“I saw what I saw when I saw it.” That was the mantra of Wilbur Grey, an anonymous shipping clerk who made a habit of bumping into some pretty famous monsters. As with most cautionary tales, no one will believe Wilbur about his strange encounters until it’s too late. Carl Kolchak, a beat reporter for Chicago’s Independent News Service, is stuck in the same boat; it seems that toddlin’ town is not only the City of Big Shoulders but Big Monsters—and they have a habit of playing in Kolchak’s backyard.
The newsman made his debut in the early ’70s when producer Dan Curtis parlayed Jeff Rice’s The Kolchak Papers into two television movies, 1972’s The Night Stalker and 1973’s The Night Strangler.
Blu ray
Kino Lorber
1974/ 1.33:1/ 1,020 Minutes
Starring Darren McGavin, Simon Oakland
Directed by Gordon Hessler. Alexander Grasshoff
“I saw what I saw when I saw it.” That was the mantra of Wilbur Grey, an anonymous shipping clerk who made a habit of bumping into some pretty famous monsters. As with most cautionary tales, no one will believe Wilbur about his strange encounters until it’s too late. Carl Kolchak, a beat reporter for Chicago’s Independent News Service, is stuck in the same boat; it seems that toddlin’ town is not only the City of Big Shoulders but Big Monsters—and they have a habit of playing in Kolchak’s backyard.
The newsman made his debut in the early ’70s when producer Dan Curtis parlayed Jeff Rice’s The Kolchak Papers into two television movies, 1972’s The Night Stalker and 1973’s The Night Strangler.
- 10/26/2021
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Viavision’s second deluxe Film Noir boxed finds real variety in the film style, with entries that range from low-budget efforts to a picture filmed on location in Mexico. Richard Conte solves a notorious movie studio murder in Hollywood Story, Gig Young is a cop who considers going crooked in City that Never Sleeps, Glenn Ford dodges murderous treasure hunters in Plunder of the Sun and Steve Cochran’s cop really does go rogue in Private Hell 36.
Essential Film Noir Collection 1
Blu-ray (Region-Free)
Viavision [Imprint] 18, 19, 20, 21
1947-1957 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 327 min. / Street Date October 28, 2020 / Available from Viavision [Imprint] / 149.99
Starring: Richard Conte, Julia Adams; Gig Young, Mala Powers, Marie Windsor; Glenn Ford, Diana Lynn, Patricia Medina; Ida Lupino, Steve Cochran, Howard Duff.
Directed by William Castle, John H. Auer, John Farrow, Don Siegel
Viavision’s noir series throws a wide net, with two debuts on Blu-ray and one full debut on home video.
Essential Film Noir Collection 1
Blu-ray (Region-Free)
Viavision [Imprint] 18, 19, 20, 21
1947-1957 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 327 min. / Street Date October 28, 2020 / Available from Viavision [Imprint] / 149.99
Starring: Richard Conte, Julia Adams; Gig Young, Mala Powers, Marie Windsor; Glenn Ford, Diana Lynn, Patricia Medina; Ida Lupino, Steve Cochran, Howard Duff.
Directed by William Castle, John H. Auer, John Farrow, Don Siegel
Viavision’s noir series throws a wide net, with two debuts on Blu-ray and one full debut on home video.
- 6/29/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
By Lee Pfeiffer
"The High Cost of Loving" is yet another worthy film that has been plucked from obscurity by the Warner Archive. The 1958 comedy offered a rare starring role to Jose Ferrer as well as an opportunity for him to direct a feature film. Ferrer plays Jim Fry, a 15 year veteran of working diligently in the purchasing department for a mid-size company. He is frustrated with the corporate red tape that inhibits productivity but is overall happy in his work as well as with his home life. Why not? He's in his late 40's and his wife Ginny (Gena Rowlands in her big screen debut) is a ravishing blonde beauty twenty years younger than him (though the poster for the film simply ignores this and refers to them as the "young couple".) The film opens on an amusing note that will be familiar to many working couples. We see...
"The High Cost of Loving" is yet another worthy film that has been plucked from obscurity by the Warner Archive. The 1958 comedy offered a rare starring role to Jose Ferrer as well as an opportunity for him to direct a feature film. Ferrer plays Jim Fry, a 15 year veteran of working diligently in the purchasing department for a mid-size company. He is frustrated with the corporate red tape that inhibits productivity but is overall happy in his work as well as with his home life. Why not? He's in his late 40's and his wife Ginny (Gena Rowlands in her big screen debut) is a ravishing blonde beauty twenty years younger than him (though the poster for the film simply ignores this and refers to them as the "young couple".) The film opens on an amusing note that will be familiar to many working couples. We see...
- 4/18/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Lee Pfeiffer
The Warner Archive has released a Blu-ray edition of the beloved 1952 Spencer Tracy/Katharine Hepburn romantic comedy "Pat and Mike". Tracy and Hepburn had gelled with critics and audiences in their previous teamings. The film was directed by the estimable George Cukor, who Tracy and Hepburn had teamed with previously with great success. The screenplay is by Ruth Gordon and her husband Garson Kanin, who also provided the script for the earlier movie. Gordon and Kanin were close friends of Tracy and Hepburn and were inspired by the offbeat nature of their relationship. (Tracy remained married throughout his lifelong romance with Hepburn and he was noted for being short-tempered but charismatic.) They were also impressed by Hepburn's athletic abilities, especially in golf and tennis, and this formed the basis of the screenplay for "Pat and Mike". Indeed, Hepburn performs all of the sometimes incredible athletic feats seen onscreen.
The Warner Archive has released a Blu-ray edition of the beloved 1952 Spencer Tracy/Katharine Hepburn romantic comedy "Pat and Mike". Tracy and Hepburn had gelled with critics and audiences in their previous teamings. The film was directed by the estimable George Cukor, who Tracy and Hepburn had teamed with previously with great success. The screenplay is by Ruth Gordon and her husband Garson Kanin, who also provided the script for the earlier movie. Gordon and Kanin were close friends of Tracy and Hepburn and were inspired by the offbeat nature of their relationship. (Tracy remained married throughout his lifelong romance with Hepburn and he was noted for being short-tempered but charismatic.) They were also impressed by Hepburn's athletic abilities, especially in golf and tennis, and this formed the basis of the screenplay for "Pat and Mike". Indeed, Hepburn performs all of the sometimes incredible athletic feats seen onscreen.
- 1/27/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Hollywood's iconic actress Dawn Wells just breathed her last.
The former beauty queen, who portrayed Mary Ann Summers in the classic CBS sitcom 'Gilligan's Island' passed away on Wednesday morning at age 82.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, her publicist Harlan Boll revealed that she died due to complications related to Covid-19 at a residential facility in Los Angeles.
"There is so much more to Dawn Wells" than the 'Gilligan's Island' character that brought her fame, Boll said in a statement.
Besides TV shows and stage acting credits, Dawn Wells also appeared in several films, including 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Bonanza, reports BBC.
Though she featured in several films and series, Wells will always be remembered for the iconic sitcom which ran between 1964 and 1967.
Many celebs took to social media to pay their last respects to Dawn Wells.
Tina Louise, 86, who is the last surviving member...
The former beauty queen, who portrayed Mary Ann Summers in the classic CBS sitcom 'Gilligan's Island' passed away on Wednesday morning at age 82.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, her publicist Harlan Boll revealed that she died due to complications related to Covid-19 at a residential facility in Los Angeles.
"There is so much more to Dawn Wells" than the 'Gilligan's Island' character that brought her fame, Boll said in a statement.
Besides TV shows and stage acting credits, Dawn Wells also appeared in several films, including 77 Sunset Strip, Maverick, and Bonanza, reports BBC.
Though she featured in several films and series, Wells will always be remembered for the iconic sitcom which ran between 1964 and 1967.
Many celebs took to social media to pay their last respects to Dawn Wells.
Tina Louise, 86, who is the last surviving member...
- 12/31/2020
- by Omkar Padte
- GlamSham
Dawn Wells, the actress best known for playing Mary Ann on “Gilligan’s Island,” has died at the age of 82.
Wells passed away in Los Angeles on Wednesday of complications related to Covid-19, according to a representative for the actress.
A native of Reno, Nev., Wells’ lengthy list of TV credits includes “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” “Bonanza,” “Growing Pains” and “Vegas,” in addition to her role on “Gilligan’s Island” and its various spinoffs and follow-ups. Her film credits include “Winterhawk,” “Super Sucker” and “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”
Wells got her start in Hollywood after being crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and representing the state in the Miss America pageant the following year. Her on-screen debut was a guest role in the 1960s ABC series “The Roaring ’20s.”
She landed the career-defining role of Mary Ann in 1964, beating out 350 other actresses for the part. “Gilligan’s Island” ran for 98 episodes and three seasons on CBS,...
Wells passed away in Los Angeles on Wednesday of complications related to Covid-19, according to a representative for the actress.
A native of Reno, Nev., Wells’ lengthy list of TV credits includes “77 Sunset Strip,” “Maverick,” “Bonanza,” “Growing Pains” and “Vegas,” in addition to her role on “Gilligan’s Island” and its various spinoffs and follow-ups. Her film credits include “Winterhawk,” “Super Sucker” and “The Town That Dreaded Sundown.”
Wells got her start in Hollywood after being crowned Miss Nevada in 1959 and representing the state in the Miss America pageant the following year. Her on-screen debut was a guest role in the 1960s ABC series “The Roaring ’20s.”
She landed the career-defining role of Mary Ann in 1964, beating out 350 other actresses for the part. “Gilligan’s Island” ran for 98 episodes and three seasons on CBS,...
- 12/30/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Dawn Wells, best known for playing the girl-next-door castaway Mary Ann on the iconic CBS comedy series Gilligan’s Island, died Wednesday morning in Los Angeles of complications due to Covid-19. She was 82.
Wells, who was Miss Nevada in the 1959 Miss America pageant, beat out 350 actresses for the role of Mary Ann Summers. She also appeared in more 150 series and several movies during her career as well as on Broadway.
Wells’ naive country character on Gilligan’s Island was juxtaposed with that of Tina Louise’s Ginger, a sultry movie star. The rather-stereotyped dueling characters fueled a debate that continues among fans today: Mary Ann or Ginger. They and three other passengers set sail on a “three-hour tour” on the USS Minnow, captained by the Skipper (Alan Hale) with his First Mate Gilligan (Bob Denver). But the weather started getting rough, and the seven became...
Wells, who was Miss Nevada in the 1959 Miss America pageant, beat out 350 actresses for the role of Mary Ann Summers. She also appeared in more 150 series and several movies during her career as well as on Broadway.
Wells’ naive country character on Gilligan’s Island was juxtaposed with that of Tina Louise’s Ginger, a sultry movie star. The rather-stereotyped dueling characters fueled a debate that continues among fans today: Mary Ann or Ginger. They and three other passengers set sail on a “three-hour tour” on the USS Minnow, captained by the Skipper (Alan Hale) with his First Mate Gilligan (Bob Denver). But the weather started getting rough, and the seven became...
- 12/30/2020
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
This CinemaScope musical remake of 1939’s The Women is highly watchable, especially in this flawless digital remaster. The actresses that bare their claws, compete for husbands and just plain cat-fight are a choice batch, with favorites from the ’50s the ’40s the ’30s — plus a few wildflowers that bloomed cinematically for only a few years (Dolores Gray) and one that somehow managed immortality (Joan Collins). It’s highly watchable despite, or maybe because of, its criminally outdated recipe for marital bliss. Did women really go for this fantasy — did anybody ever really live like this?
The Opposite Sex
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1956 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 116 min. / Street Date October 27, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: June Allyson, Joan Collins, Dolores Gray, Ann Sheridan, Ann Miller, Leslie Nielsen, Jeff Richards, Agnes Moorehead, Charlotte Greenwood, Joan Blondell, Sam Levene, Alice Pearce, Barbara Jo Allen, Sandy Descher, Carolyn Jones, Jerry Antes, Harry James, Art Mooney,...
The Opposite Sex
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1956 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 116 min. / Street Date October 27, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: June Allyson, Joan Collins, Dolores Gray, Ann Sheridan, Ann Miller, Leslie Nielsen, Jeff Richards, Agnes Moorehead, Charlotte Greenwood, Joan Blondell, Sam Levene, Alice Pearce, Barbara Jo Allen, Sandy Descher, Carolyn Jones, Jerry Antes, Harry James, Art Mooney,...
- 10/20/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Lori Nelson, the 1950s starlet who was kidnapped by an amphibious monster in Revenge of the Creature and portrayed Barbara Stanwyck’s younger daughter in Douglas Sirk’s All I Desire, has died. She was 87.
Nelson had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years and died Sunday at her home in the Porter Ranch section of Los Angeles, her daughter Jennifer Mann said.
In Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair (1952) and Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki (1955), Nelson played Rosie Kettle, one of the daughters of the characters played by Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride in the Universal series of films.
Nelson also made her mark in I Died a Thousand Times (1955), a remake of the Humphrey Bogart classic High Sierra in which she portrayed the club-footed love interest of Jack Palance’s crook; Pardners (1956), working opposite Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their penultimate film together...
Nelson had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for several years and died Sunday at her home in the Porter Ranch section of Los Angeles, her daughter Jennifer Mann said.
In Ma and Pa Kettle at the Fair (1952) and Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki (1955), Nelson played Rosie Kettle, one of the daughters of the characters played by Marjorie Main and Percy Kilbride in the Universal series of films.
Nelson also made her mark in I Died a Thousand Times (1955), a remake of the Humphrey Bogart classic High Sierra in which she portrayed the club-footed love interest of Jack Palance’s crook; Pardners (1956), working opposite Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their penultimate film together...
- 8/24/2020
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Still one of Tracy and Hepburn’s best, this follow-up to Adam’s Rib works on all levels. It rings the feminist rights gong just hard enough, and drums the notion that women deserve a chance to achieve their potential without sex discrimination getting in the way. Katharine Hepburn is at her most attractive when being athletic. Some fine star-making supporting action adds to the fun, especially the contribution of a young Aldo Ray.
Pat and Mike
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1952 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 95 min. / Street Date August 25, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Aldo Ray, William Ching, Sammy White, George Mathews, Gussie Moran, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Don Budge, Alice Marble, Frank Andrew Parker, Betty Hicks, Beverly Hanson, Helen Dettweiler, Loring Smith, Phyllis Povah, Charles Bronson, Frank Richards, Jim Backus, Chuck Connors, Joseph E. Bernard, Owen McGiveney, Lou Lubin, Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer, William Self, Frankie Darro.
Pat and Mike
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1952 / B&w / 1:37 Academy / 95 min. / Street Date August 25, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Aldo Ray, William Ching, Sammy White, George Mathews, Gussie Moran, Babe Didrikson Zaharias, Don Budge, Alice Marble, Frank Andrew Parker, Betty Hicks, Beverly Hanson, Helen Dettweiler, Loring Smith, Phyllis Povah, Charles Bronson, Frank Richards, Jim Backus, Chuck Connors, Joseph E. Bernard, Owen McGiveney, Lou Lubin, Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer, William Self, Frankie Darro.
- 8/11/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Film scholar, author and obituary writer who addressed some of cinema’s big themes in his work
The film scholar Ronald Bergan, who has died aged 82 after suffering from urosepsis, wrote a number of biographies that revealed a considerable understanding of the cinema both in front of and behind the camera. Key to their success was the passion they conveyed and a prose style that kept the reader simultaneously entertained and informed. He was also a university lecturer and a prolific journalist, notably with obituaries for this newspaper from Jim Backus, the voice of Mr Magoo in 1989, onwards.
He addressed big themes: in his book The Coen Brothers (2000) he took the view that even if Ethan Coen saw a style as just an agglomeration of decisions made along the way, a film such as the brothers’ first, Blood Simple (1984), is postmodernist in the way that it “alludes to 1940s film...
The film scholar Ronald Bergan, who has died aged 82 after suffering from urosepsis, wrote a number of biographies that revealed a considerable understanding of the cinema both in front of and behind the camera. Key to their success was the passion they conveyed and a prose style that kept the reader simultaneously entertained and informed. He was also a university lecturer and a prolific journalist, notably with obituaries for this newspaper from Jim Backus, the voice of Mr Magoo in 1989, onwards.
He addressed big themes: in his book The Coen Brothers (2000) he took the view that even if Ethan Coen saw a style as just an agglomeration of decisions made along the way, a film such as the brothers’ first, Blood Simple (1984), is postmodernist in the way that it “alludes to 1940s film...
- 7/28/2020
- by Clive Hirschhorn
- The Guardian - Film News
The William Castle Classic Crime Double Feature Hollywood Story and New Orleans Uncensored is available on Blu-ray From Mill Creek. Ordering info can be found Here
While legendary Hollywood filmmaker, William Castle, is commonly referred to as The King of Gimmicks, his legacy extended into other film genres, including two crime dramas from the Film Noir era, Hollywood Story and New Orleans Uncensored. This thrilling double feature denotes the high-definition debut of both landmark films filled with danger, death and intrigue.
Hollywood Story (1951) stars Richard Conte as a stage producer with dreams of being in the movie business who decides to shoot a documentary about the mysterious death of a silent film director only to find himself in danger of suffering a similar fate. The film is loosely based on the real-life murder of film director William Desmond Taylor in 1922.
Stars Richard Conte, Julia Adams, Richard Egan, Henry Hull, and...
While legendary Hollywood filmmaker, William Castle, is commonly referred to as The King of Gimmicks, his legacy extended into other film genres, including two crime dramas from the Film Noir era, Hollywood Story and New Orleans Uncensored. This thrilling double feature denotes the high-definition debut of both landmark films filled with danger, death and intrigue.
Hollywood Story (1951) stars Richard Conte as a stage producer with dreams of being in the movie business who decides to shoot a documentary about the mysterious death of a silent film director only to find himself in danger of suffering a similar fate. The film is loosely based on the real-life murder of film director William Desmond Taylor in 1922.
Stars Richard Conte, Julia Adams, Richard Egan, Henry Hull, and...
- 6/21/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Romantic comedies became coy sex chase comedies in the early 1960s, once Doris Day made ‘professional virgin’ a Hollywood career. This mistaken identity/crossed prevarications farce is better than most, thanks to charming performances by Jane Fonda and Rod Taylor, and a fine script by Norman Krasna, from his play. The story doesn’t dance around the issue of should she or shouldn’t she — the frustrated young heroine asks the question right out loud: ‘Am I supposed to sleep with a steady boyfriend?’
Sunday in New York
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 105 min. / Street Date May 19, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Jane Fonda, Rod Taylor, Cliff Robertson, Robert Culp, Jo Morrow, Jim Backus, Peter Nero, Jim Hutton, Alvy Moore, Teru Shimada.
Cinematography: Leo Tover
Film Editor: Fredric Steinkamp
Original Music: Peter Nero
Written by Norman Krasna from his play
Produced by Everett Freeman
Directed by Peter Tewksbury...
Sunday in New York
Blu-ray
Warner Archive Collection
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 105 min. / Street Date May 19, 2020 / available through the WBshop / 21.99
Starring: Jane Fonda, Rod Taylor, Cliff Robertson, Robert Culp, Jo Morrow, Jim Backus, Peter Nero, Jim Hutton, Alvy Moore, Teru Shimada.
Cinematography: Leo Tover
Film Editor: Fredric Steinkamp
Original Music: Peter Nero
Written by Norman Krasna from his play
Produced by Everett Freeman
Directed by Peter Tewksbury...
- 6/16/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Jane Fonda and Rod Taylor in Sunday In New York is available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering info can be found Here
Before she became a great star and two-time Academy Award® winner*, Jane Fonda was a screen ingenue who sent a string of bubbly romantic comedies soaring, including this charmer from the prolific pen of Norman Krasna. Fonda portrays a virginal miss blessed with long limbs and a knockout profile who runs from her fianc� (Robert Culp) to the swingin’ pad of her brother (Cliff Robertson) and then into the arms of a guy she meets on the Fifth Avenue bus (Rod Taylor) — all the while trying to decide if she’ll say “yes” before she says “I do.” Filmed on location, Sunday in New York is a fun, sophisticated romp set to a hip Peter Nero score that features Mel Torm� singing the title tune.
Swinging sixties...
Before she became a great star and two-time Academy Award® winner*, Jane Fonda was a screen ingenue who sent a string of bubbly romantic comedies soaring, including this charmer from the prolific pen of Norman Krasna. Fonda portrays a virginal miss blessed with long limbs and a knockout profile who runs from her fianc� (Robert Culp) to the swingin’ pad of her brother (Cliff Robertson) and then into the arms of a guy she meets on the Fifth Avenue bus (Rod Taylor) — all the while trying to decide if she’ll say “yes” before she says “I do.” Filmed on location, Sunday in New York is a fun, sophisticated romp set to a hip Peter Nero score that features Mel Torm� singing the title tune.
Swinging sixties...
- 6/4/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Why did you shoot those puppies, John?”
Webster University presents “The Other St. Nick”, a six-film Nicholas Ray Film Festival that runs December 27th-January 5th at the University’s Moore Auditorium(470 E Lockwood Ave). The films screen Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:00pm the weekends of Dec 27-29th and Jan 3-5th. The series continues Saturday, January 4th at 7pm with Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Admission is:
$7 for the general public
$6 for seniors, Webster alumni and students from other schools
$5 for Webster University staff and faculty
Free for Webster students with proper I.D.
The theme of teen-age alienation received brilliant treatment in 1955 at the hands of director Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. Rebel Without A Cause was a poignant melodrama that made James Dean a household word. Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s I saw Rebel Without A Cause...
Webster University presents “The Other St. Nick”, a six-film Nicholas Ray Film Festival that runs December 27th-January 5th at the University’s Moore Auditorium(470 E Lockwood Ave). The films screen Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7:00pm the weekends of Dec 27-29th and Jan 3-5th. The series continues Saturday, January 4th at 7pm with Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Admission is:
$7 for the general public
$6 for seniors, Webster alumni and students from other schools
$5 for Webster University staff and faculty
Free for Webster students with proper I.D.
The theme of teen-age alienation received brilliant treatment in 1955 at the hands of director Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. Rebel Without A Cause was a poignant melodrama that made James Dean a household word. Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s I saw Rebel Without A Cause...
- 1/2/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In 2018, Charles Dickens’ classic novella “A Christmas Carol” turns 175, but its utility as a springboard for movie and TV adaptations shows no signs of slowing down. It’s a classic story of regret and redemption, and its lead character Ebenezer Scrooge offers an arc from misery and cruelty to love and kindness that’s catnip for any actor or actress. (I watched a sleighful of Scrooges for my book “Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas” and am doing you the service of keeping the Barbie and “All Dogs Go to Heaven” versions off this list.)
Here’s a look at 20 performers who have put their own unique spin on “Bah! Humbug!”
Seymour Hicks, “Scrooge” (1935): There were a few silent versions, but this was the screen’s first talking Scrooge, in a version that’s early-talkie through and through, from the technical limitations to the big, theatrical performances, Hicks’ included.
Here’s a look at 20 performers who have put their own unique spin on “Bah! Humbug!”
Seymour Hicks, “Scrooge” (1935): There were a few silent versions, but this was the screen’s first talking Scrooge, in a version that’s early-talkie through and through, from the technical limitations to the big, theatrical performances, Hicks’ included.
- 12/13/2019
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Now that we can read the real story of the great silent actor and makeup magician Lon Chaney, the inaccuracies are fairly glaring in this well-received biopic about his career heights and difficult personal life. But it remains a compelling James Cagney movie, allowing the actor to try on different acting styles (and even a dancing style). The dramatic conflicts may be invented, but they’re compelling just the same. The movie works even as it represents Chaney’s original fantastic makeup creations with a series of ever-worsening rubber masks. Excellent supporting performances from Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer and Celia Lovsky. This one carries a good Tim Lucas commentary as well.
Man of a Thousand Faces
Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1957 / B&w / 2:35 anamorphic widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date October 29, 2019 / Available from Arrow Video / 34.95
Starring: James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, Robert Evans, Celia Lovsky, Jeanne Cagney, Jack Albertson.
Man of a Thousand Faces
Blu-ray
Arrow Video
1957 / B&w / 2:35 anamorphic widescreen / 122 min. / Street Date October 29, 2019 / Available from Arrow Video / 34.95
Starring: James Cagney, Dorothy Malone, Jane Greer, Marjorie Rambeau, Jim Backus, Robert Evans, Celia Lovsky, Jeanne Cagney, Jack Albertson.
- 10/12/2019
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
More than 60 years after it dazzled audiences, Rebel Without a Cause returns to the big screen this September as part of the year-long TCM Big Screen Classics series, accompanied by specially produced commentary before and after the feature by TCM Primetime Host Ben Mankiewicz. Rebel Without a Cause set the tone for films exploring teenage angst and rebellion, and remains an iconic classic to this day.
The 1955 movie is a legend for many reasons: Released one month after James Dean’s untimely death, it offered an unadulterated – and unprecedented – look at the ups and downs of suburban teen angst; it featured stunning performances by Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo; and it contained stunning CinemaScope visuals by director Nicholas Ray and cinematographer Ernest Haller. But above all, its story endures: The tragic tale of three teenagers who all suffer from problematic home lives, and act out with devastating, fatal consequences.
The 1955 movie is a legend for many reasons: Released one month after James Dean’s untimely death, it offered an unadulterated – and unprecedented – look at the ups and downs of suburban teen angst; it featured stunning performances by Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo; and it contained stunning CinemaScope visuals by director Nicholas Ray and cinematographer Ernest Haller. But above all, its story endures: The tragic tale of three teenagers who all suffer from problematic home lives, and act out with devastating, fatal consequences.
- 9/6/2018
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Wash your face, brush your teeth, and say your Prayers.” Marilyn Monroe’s first plunge into a dramatic starring role casts her as a dangerously unstable babysitter in a hotel-set suspense thriller co-starring Richard Widmark and Anne Bancroft. Ms. Monroe may not be Ethel Barrymore (thankfully) but the role suits her well — to play a woman unhinged by low self-esteem and melancholy romantic reveries, she may have tapped personal experience.
Don’t Bother to Knock
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1952 / B&W / 1.37 Academy / 76 min. / Street Date March 20, 2018 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Richard Widmark, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Bancroft, Donna Corcoran, Jeanne Cagney, Lurene Tuttle, Elisha Cook Jr., Jim Backus, Verna Felton, Willis Bouchey.
Cinematography: Lucien Ballard
Film Editor: George A. Gittens
Written by Daniel Taradash from a novel by Charlotte Armstrong
Produced by Julian Blaustein
Directed by Roy (Ward) Baker
Although she rates second billing below Richard Widmark,...
Don’t Bother to Knock
Blu-ray
Twilight Time
1952 / B&W / 1.37 Academy / 76 min. / Street Date March 20, 2018 / Available from the Twilight Time Movies Store / 29.95
Starring: Marilyn Monroe, Richard Widmark, Marilyn Monroe, Anne Bancroft, Donna Corcoran, Jeanne Cagney, Lurene Tuttle, Elisha Cook Jr., Jim Backus, Verna Felton, Willis Bouchey.
Cinematography: Lucien Ballard
Film Editor: George A. Gittens
Written by Daniel Taradash from a novel by Charlotte Armstrong
Produced by Julian Blaustein
Directed by Roy (Ward) Baker
Although she rates second billing below Richard Widmark,...
- 4/7/2018
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
In this edition of Canon Of Film, we look at the James Dean classic, ‘Rebel Without a Cause‘. For the story behind the genesis of the Canon, you can click here.
Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Director: Nicholas Ray
Screenplay: Stewart Stern; adapted by Irving Shulman, from a story by Nicholas Ray
When I was 12-years old, I don’t know exactly what it was that possessed me to do so, but I sat down one night and watched ‘Rebel Without a Cause.’ I was into old-time 50s nostalgia, such as ‘Grease,’ and ‘Happy Days,’ and decided to see this movie and the James Dean persona/image that influenced many of that decade. Yet, what I found was something else that day. the realization that a film could reveal hidden messages, meanings, and metaphors that aren’t just what the film is about. I remember it distinctly, Jim Backus, who you...
Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
Director: Nicholas Ray
Screenplay: Stewart Stern; adapted by Irving Shulman, from a story by Nicholas Ray
When I was 12-years old, I don’t know exactly what it was that possessed me to do so, but I sat down one night and watched ‘Rebel Without a Cause.’ I was into old-time 50s nostalgia, such as ‘Grease,’ and ‘Happy Days,’ and decided to see this movie and the James Dean persona/image that influenced many of that decade. Yet, what I found was something else that day. the realization that a film could reveal hidden messages, meanings, and metaphors that aren’t just what the film is about. I remember it distinctly, Jim Backus, who you...
- 10/25/2017
- by David Baruffi
- Age of the Nerd
Crazy Mama screens Saturday, June 10th at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium (470 East Lockwood). This is the second film in their ‘Tribute to Jonathan Demme’ The movie starts at 8:00pm.
A band of beauty shop desperadoes cartoonishly plunder their way from California to Arkansas to reclaim the old family farm in the 1975 hillbilly masterpiece Crazy Mama directed by Jonathan Demme and produced by Roger Corman, who made a whole series of these backwoods desperadoes flicks in the ’70s.
Cloris Leachman stars as Melba Stokes, who runs a beauty parlor in Long Beach, California with her mother Sheba (Ann Sothern) and her daughter Cheryl (Linda Purl). When the shop is repossessed by banker Jim Backus (aka Thurston Howell III in a great little cameo) Melba and the ladies head back to Arkansas and the family farm which was stolen away from them when shea was a girl. Along for the ride is Cheryl’s boyfriend,...
A band of beauty shop desperadoes cartoonishly plunder their way from California to Arkansas to reclaim the old family farm in the 1975 hillbilly masterpiece Crazy Mama directed by Jonathan Demme and produced by Roger Corman, who made a whole series of these backwoods desperadoes flicks in the ’70s.
Cloris Leachman stars as Melba Stokes, who runs a beauty parlor in Long Beach, California with her mother Sheba (Ann Sothern) and her daughter Cheryl (Linda Purl). When the shop is repossessed by banker Jim Backus (aka Thurston Howell III in a great little cameo) Melba and the ladies head back to Arkansas and the family farm which was stolen away from them when shea was a girl. Along for the ride is Cheryl’s boyfriend,...
- 6/8/2017
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s time to head back to Twin Peaks, salute some major names (Gus Van Sant, James Cameron, Hal Ashby, Guillermo del Toro, Orson Welles), icons (James Dean), and (former) power players (Mike Ovitz). Plus, Harry Potter, Seinfeld, and McDonald’s! Let’s start with a loving look back at 50 years of the starship Enterprise.
Star Trek: 50 Artists 50 Years (Titan Books)
There have been a number of interesting books released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, but there’s no question that 50 Artists 50 Years is the handsomest. As the title makes clear, the premise is simple: 50 respected artists, all with wildly unique styles, were tasked with creating a work of art highlighting some element of the Trek universe. There’s plenty of original series — Glen Brogan’s jaunty representation of the bridge of the Enterprise is my personal favorite — and lots of Spock. Plus, Leonard Nimoy himself...
Star Trek: 50 Artists 50 Years (Titan Books)
There have been a number of interesting books released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, but there’s no question that 50 Artists 50 Years is the handsomest. As the title makes clear, the premise is simple: 50 respected artists, all with wildly unique styles, were tasked with creating a work of art highlighting some element of the Trek universe. There’s plenty of original series — Glen Brogan’s jaunty representation of the bridge of the Enterprise is my personal favorite — and lots of Spock. Plus, Leonard Nimoy himself...
- 11/10/2016
- by Christopher Schobert
- The Film Stage
Richard Brooks' exciting Humphrey Bogart picture is one of the best newspaper sagas ever. An editor deals with a gangster threat and a domestic crisis even as greedy heirs are selling his paper out from under him. Commentator Eddie Muller drives home the film's essential civics lesson about what we've lost -- a functioning free press. Deadline - U.S.A. Blu-ray Kl Studio Classics 1952 / B&W / 1:37 flat Academy / 87 min. / Street Date July 26, 2016 / available through Kino Lorber / 29.95 Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ethel Barrymore, Kim Hunter, Ed Begley, Warren Stevens, Paul Stewart, Martin Gabel, Joe De Santis, Audrey Christie, Jim Backus, Willis Bouchey, Joseph Crehan, Lawrence Dobkin, John Doucette, Paul Dubov, William Forrest, Dabbs Greer, Thomas Browne Henry, Paul Maxey, Ann McCrea, Kasia Orzazewski, Tom Powers, Joe Sawyer, William Self, Phillip Terry, Carleton Young. Cinematography Milton Krasner Film Editor William B.Murphy Original Music Cyril J. Mockridge Produced by Sol C. Siegel...
- 9/2/2016
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The icon-establishing performances Marilyn Monroe gave in Howard Hawks’ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and in Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (1959) are ones for the ages, touchstone works that endure because of the undeniable comic energy and desperation that sparked them from within even as the ravenous public became ever more enraptured by the surface of Monroe’s seductive image of beauty and glamour. Several generations now probably know her only from these films, or perhaps 1955’s The Seven-Year Itch, a more famous probably for the skirt-swirling pose it generated than anything in the movie itself, one of director Wilder’s sourest pictures, or her final completed film, The Misfits (1961), directed by John Huston, written by Arthur Miller and costarring Clark Gable and Montgomery Clift.
But in Don’t Bother to Knock (1952) she delivers a powerful dramatic performance as Nell, a psychologically devastated, delusional, perhaps psychotic young woman apparently on...
But in Don’t Bother to Knock (1952) she delivers a powerful dramatic performance as Nell, a psychologically devastated, delusional, perhaps psychotic young woman apparently on...
- 4/11/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
Merle Oberon films: From empress to duchess in 'Hotel.' Merle Oberon films: From starring to supporting roles Turner Classic Movies' Merle Oberon month comes to an end tonight, March 25, '16, with six movies: Désirée, Hotel, Deep in My Heart, Affectionately Yours, Berlin Express, and Night Song. Oberon's presence alone would have sufficed to make them all worth a look, but they have other qualities to recommend them as well. 'Désirée': First supporting role in two decades Directed by Henry Koster, best remembered for his Deanna Durbin musicals and the 1947 fantasy comedy The Bishop's Wife, Désirée (1954) is a sumptuous production that, thanks to its big-name cast, became a major box office hit upon its release. Marlon Brando is laughably miscast as Napoleon Bonaparte, while Jean Simmons plays the title role, the Corsican Conqueror's one-time fiancée Désirée Clary (later Queen of Sweden and Norway). In a supporting role – her...
- 3/26/2016
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
'Broadcast News' with Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter: Glib TV news watch. '31 Days of Oscar': 'Broadcast News' slick but superficial critics pleaser (See previous post: “Phony 'A Beautiful Mind,' Unfairly Neglected 'Swing Shift': '31 Days of Oscar'.”) Heralded for its wit and incisiveness, James L. Brooks' multiple Oscar-nominated Broadcast News is everything the largely forgotten Swing Shift isn't: belabored, artificial, superficial. That's very disappointing considering Brooks' highly addictive Mary Tyler Moore television series (and its enjoyable spin-offs, Phyllis and Rhoda), but totally expected considering that three of screenwriter-director Brooks' five other feature films were Terms of Endearment, As Good as It Gets, and Spanglish. (I've yet to check out I'll Do Anything and the box office cataclysm How Do You Know starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson.) Having said that, Albert Brooks (no relation to James L.; or to Mel Brooks...
- 2/7/2016
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The gaudy MGM musical bio gets one last go-round, gathering an all-star cast to illustrate the songbook of composer Sigmund Romberg. Gene Kelly dances with his brother Fred, and Cyd Charisse does a hot number with James Mitchell, while star José Ferrer goes on stage to perform with his wife Rosemary Clooney. Deep in My Heart Blu-ray Warner Archive Collection 1954 / Color / 1:37 flat Academy / 132 min. / Street Date November 10, 2015 / available through the WBshop / 17.95 Starring José Ferrer, Merle Oberon, Helen Traubel, Doe Avedon, Walter Pidgeon, Jim Backus, Rosemary Clooney, Gene Kelly, Fred Kelly, Jane Powell, Ann Miller, Cyd Charisse, Howard Keel, Vic Damone, Tony Martin, Joan Weldon, Fred Kelly, Russ Tamblyn. Susan Luckey, Robert Easton, Barrie Chase, Douglas Fowley. Cinematography George J. Folsey Film Editor Adrienne Fazan Original Music Alexander Courage, Adolph Deutsch Written by Leonard Spigelgass from a book by Elliott Arnold Produced by Roger Edens Directed by Stanley Donen
Reviewed...
Reviewed...
- 11/3/2015
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Now that Halloween is out of the way (any candy left? mail it to us!) it's time to get serious about holiday programming. For some people "holiday" may suggest Christmas, but nobody puts Thanksgiving in the corner. The CW just released its list of upcoming holiday specials and they were wise enough to include one of the great T-Day comedy classics, "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," as well as more wintry fare, including "Kung Fu Panda Holiday" and "Merry Madagascar."
Here's The CW holiday schedule:
Tuesday, November 24
"Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown" - (8:00-9:00 p.m. Et)
A Celebration Of The Best Holiday Commercials From Around The World - Kevin Frazier ("Entertainment Tonight") and Keltie Knight ("The Insider") host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever - one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.
Here's The CW holiday schedule:
Tuesday, November 24
"Greatest Holiday Commercials Countdown" - (8:00-9:00 p.m. Et)
A Celebration Of The Best Holiday Commercials From Around The World - Kevin Frazier ("Entertainment Tonight") and Keltie Knight ("The Insider") host this holiday celebration with a countdown of the 12 best holiday commercials ever - one for each of the 12 days of Christmas. In addition to the top 12, the special features other great commercials from both the U.
- 11/2/2015
- by Gina Carbone
- Moviefone
José Ferrar stars in his second dramatic feature as director, teamed with newcomer Gena Rowlands as a married working couple. Ferrar's executive assistant isn't on the list of those invited to meet the new corporate bosses, which everyone knows means he's a dead employee walking. Things are looking darkest just as his loving wife is bringing news of a baby on the way. The show builds up a terrific critique of anxiety in the Rat Race, but then... The High Cost of Loving DVD-r The Warner Archive Collection 1958 / B&W / 2:35 enhanced widescreen / 87 min. / Street Date July 16, 2015 / available through the WBshop / 21.99 Starring José Ferrer, Gena Rowlands, Joanne Gilbert, Jim Backus, Bobby Troup, Philip Ober, Edward Platt, Charles Watts, Werner Klemperer, Malcolm Atterbury, Jeanne Baird, Nick Clooney, Abby Dalton, Richard Deacon, Nancy Kulp, Lucien Littlefield. Cinematography George J. Folsey Film Editor Ferris Webster Original Music Jeff Alexander Written by Rip Van Ronkel,...
- 10/27/2015
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Notice: The Royal Laemmle Theatre In L.A Has Announced That This Screening Has Been Cancelled! Click Here
Jonathan Demme’s 1975 film Crazy Mama, which stars Cloris Leachman, Stuart Whitman, Ann Southern, and Jim Backus, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The Royale Laemmle Theater in Los Angeles will be holding a special one-night-only showing of the 83-minute film on Thursday, September 24th, 2015 at 7:30 pm.
Actress Cloris Leachman is scheduled to appear at the screening and is due to partake in a post-screening Q & A for a discussion on the making of the film.
From the press release:
Crazy Mama was one of the early movies directed by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, Melvin and Howard, Married to the Mob, Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married). Produced by Roger and Julie Corman, the film follows three generations of women (played by Cloris Leachman, Ann Sothern as her mother,...
Jonathan Demme’s 1975 film Crazy Mama, which stars Cloris Leachman, Stuart Whitman, Ann Southern, and Jim Backus, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. The Royale Laemmle Theater in Los Angeles will be holding a special one-night-only showing of the 83-minute film on Thursday, September 24th, 2015 at 7:30 pm.
Actress Cloris Leachman is scheduled to appear at the screening and is due to partake in a post-screening Q & A for a discussion on the making of the film.
From the press release:
Crazy Mama was one of the early movies directed by Oscar winner Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs, Melvin and Howard, Married to the Mob, Philadelphia, Rachel Getting Married). Produced by Roger and Julie Corman, the film follows three generations of women (played by Cloris Leachman, Ann Sothern as her mother,...
- 9/23/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Lee Pfeiffer
Released in 1962, Boys' Night Out was considered to be a rather racy comedy that touched upon sexual infidelity in the era when June and Ward Cleaver represented the average American household. The story centers on four businessmen- James Garner, Tony Randall, Howard Duff and Howard Morris- who indulge in a weekly night out that consists of nothing more daring than having some drinks and discussing sex. In a moment of deviancy, they decide to chip in and rent a plush Manhattan apartment, with Garner- the only bachelor of the group- acting as the beard and putting the lease in his name. They then intend to hire a hot blonde to service them on different nights of the week. The plan seems to work swimmingly. The apartment is rented and the requisite blonde (Kim Novak) appears ready, willing and able to indulge. What they don't know is...
Released in 1962, Boys' Night Out was considered to be a rather racy comedy that touched upon sexual infidelity in the era when June and Ward Cleaver represented the average American household. The story centers on four businessmen- James Garner, Tony Randall, Howard Duff and Howard Morris- who indulge in a weekly night out that consists of nothing more daring than having some drinks and discussing sex. In a moment of deviancy, they decide to chip in and rent a plush Manhattan apartment, with Garner- the only bachelor of the group- acting as the beard and putting the lease in his name. They then intend to hire a hot blonde to service them on different nights of the week. The plan seems to work swimmingly. The apartment is rented and the requisite blonde (Kim Novak) appears ready, willing and able to indulge. What they don't know is...
- 3/31/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Cast
Captain T. G. Culpeper Spencer Tracy J. Russell Finch Milton Berle Melville Crump Sid Caesar Benjy Benjamin Buddy Hackett Mrs. Marcus Ethel Merman Ding Bell Mickey Rooney Sylvester Marcus Dick Shawn Otto Meyer Phil Silvers J. Algernon Hawthorne Terry-Thomas Lennie Pike Jonathan Winters Monica Crump Edie Adams Emeline Finch Dorothy Provine Cabdriver Eddie “Rochester” Anderson Tyler Fitzgerald Jim Backus Man driving in the desert Jack Benny Union official Joe E. Brown Biplane pilot Ben Blue Police sergeant Alan Carney Detective Chick Chandler Mrs. Halliburton Barrie Chase Mayor Lloyd Corrigan Police chief William Demarest Sheriff of Crocket County Andy Devine Ginger Culpeper (voice) Selma Diamond Cabdriver Peter Falk Detective Normal Fell Colonel Wilberforce Paul Ford Deputy sheriff Stan Freberg Billie Sue Culpeper (voice) Louise Glenn Cabdriver Leo Gorcey Fire chief Sterling Holloway Mr. Dinckler Edward Everett Horton Irwin Marvin Kaplan Jimmy the Cook Buster Keaton Nervous motorist Don Knotts Airport...
Captain T. G. Culpeper Spencer Tracy J. Russell Finch Milton Berle Melville Crump Sid Caesar Benjy Benjamin Buddy Hackett Mrs. Marcus Ethel Merman Ding Bell Mickey Rooney Sylvester Marcus Dick Shawn Otto Meyer Phil Silvers J. Algernon Hawthorne Terry-Thomas Lennie Pike Jonathan Winters Monica Crump Edie Adams Emeline Finch Dorothy Provine Cabdriver Eddie “Rochester” Anderson Tyler Fitzgerald Jim Backus Man driving in the desert Jack Benny Union official Joe E. Brown Biplane pilot Ben Blue Police sergeant Alan Carney Detective Chick Chandler Mrs. Halliburton Barrie Chase Mayor Lloyd Corrigan Police chief William Demarest Sheriff of Crocket County Andy Devine Ginger Culpeper (voice) Selma Diamond Cabdriver Peter Falk Detective Normal Fell Colonel Wilberforce Paul Ford Deputy sheriff Stan Freberg Billie Sue Culpeper (voice) Louise Glenn Cabdriver Leo Gorcey Fire chief Sterling Holloway Mr. Dinckler Edward Everett Horton Irwin Marvin Kaplan Jimmy the Cook Buster Keaton Nervous motorist Don Knotts Airport...
- 1/22/2015
- by Sam Moffitt
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Why did you shoot those puppies, John?”
Rebel Without A Cause will screen in 35mm at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium Friday January 16th at 7:30pm. The screening will be introduced by We Are Movie Geek’s own Tom Stockman (aka: me)
The theme of teen-age alienation received brilliant treatment in 1955 at the hands of director Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. Rebel Without A Cause was a poignant melodrama that made James Dean a household word. Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s I saw Rebel Without A Cause several times on 35mm at The Tivoli (usually double-feature with East Of Eden) back when it was a true repertory cinema, showing different classic double-bills every night. Movie lovers will get a chance to experience Rebel Without A Cause in all of its 35mm glory when it screens next Friday, January 16th at...
Rebel Without A Cause will screen in 35mm at Webster University’s Moore Auditorium Friday January 16th at 7:30pm. The screening will be introduced by We Are Movie Geek’s own Tom Stockman (aka: me)
The theme of teen-age alienation received brilliant treatment in 1955 at the hands of director Nicholas Ray and stars James Dean, Natalie Wood and Sal Mineo. Rebel Without A Cause was a poignant melodrama that made James Dean a household word. Back in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s I saw Rebel Without A Cause several times on 35mm at The Tivoli (usually double-feature with East Of Eden) back when it was a true repertory cinema, showing different classic double-bills every night. Movie lovers will get a chance to experience Rebel Without A Cause in all of its 35mm glory when it screens next Friday, January 16th at...
- 1/8/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
CW has updated their Christmas Eve schedule about a week ahead of their December 24th day. The network decided to add some more festive specials for the night with Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol and Merry Madagascar for the holiday evening. They will be aired during 8:00 8:30 Pm Est. They luckily released a description of the episodes for those who want to know what they are about. Here is what their press release said on the subject.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol — (8:00-9:22:57 p.m. Et) (TV-g) (HDTV)
Mr. Magoo Stars As Ebenezer Scrooge In The Classic Dickens Tale — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was...
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol — (8:00-9:22:57 p.m. Et) (TV-g) (HDTV)
Mr. Magoo Stars As Ebenezer Scrooge In The Classic Dickens Tale — This animated musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ beloved Christmas ghost story stars the nearsighted Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge. Featuring the voice of Jim Backus as Magoo, with voice-over appearances by Paul Frees, Morey Amsterdam, Joan Gardner and Jack Cassidy, this original version of the 1962 special was...
- 12/21/2014
- by Sarah Peel
- Boomtron
CW has officially announced how they will be celebrating Christmas week, which starts December 22. The tee network will be airing the super, iHeartRadio Jingle Ball show on December 22. However, they will be also airing the Mr. Magoo’s Christmas and Merry Madagascar. This will be mixed in the regular scheduled series hat will mostly be reruns due to mid-season finales. Here is the official listing that they have released for that week.
Monday, December 22
90-minute Special
The iHEARTRADIO Jingle Ball 2014 — (8:00-9:30 p.m. Et) (Content Rating Tbd) (HDTV)
Taylor Swift, Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5 And Many More In An All-star Holiday Concert Event — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes, Charli Xcx, Rita Ora and Nick Jonas.
Monday, December 22
90-minute Special
The iHEARTRADIO Jingle Ball 2014 — (8:00-9:30 p.m. Et) (Content Rating Tbd) (HDTV)
Taylor Swift, Iggy Azalea, Maroon 5 And Many More In An All-star Holiday Concert Event — The star-studded concert from Madison Square Garden is hosted by Elvis Duran of Clear Channel’s Z100, New York’s Hit Music Station. Additional musical performers include Ariana Grande, Sam Smith, Pharrell, OneRepublic, Meghan Trainor, 5 Seconds of Summer, Jessie J., Shawn Mendes, Charli Xcx, Rita Ora and Nick Jonas.
- 12/4/2014
- by Sarah Peel
- Boomtron
CW is on a roll when it comes to releasing their holiday schedule, as they released the holiday schedule for the week of December 15th. This includes mid season finales and the return of Hart of Dixie. It is also sprinkled with a few holiday specials for those who miss the classics that we grew up watching. Now they get a chance to share less popular shows. Here is the official listing for that week.
Season Premiere
Hart Of Dixie
“Kablang” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. Et) (Content Rating Tbd) (HDTV)
Second Chances — Zoe (Rachel Bilson) is excited that Wade (Wilson Bethel) has decided to stay in BlueBell. However, she is struggling with getting him to notice her attempts at romantic gestures. Brick (Tim Matheson) is surprised when he gets a knock on his door from someone from his past. Meanwhile, George (Scott Porter) and Lavon (Cress Williams) are on...
Season Premiere
Hart Of Dixie
“Kablang” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. Et) (Content Rating Tbd) (HDTV)
Second Chances — Zoe (Rachel Bilson) is excited that Wade (Wilson Bethel) has decided to stay in BlueBell. However, she is struggling with getting him to notice her attempts at romantic gestures. Brick (Tim Matheson) is surprised when he gets a knock on his door from someone from his past. Meanwhile, George (Scott Porter) and Lavon (Cress Williams) are on...
- 11/30/2014
- by Sarah Peel
- Boomtron
Warner Archive, the really cool digital library for Warner Bros and its vast array of titles, has a series of new DVD releases coming this fall for the discerning comic book fan and the lover of old school television fare.
Pre-orders are now open for Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray™ release of Beware The Batman: Dark Justice. Featuring the final 13 episodes of the groundbreaking, all-new CGI series’ first season, the single-disc Blu-ray™ will be released on September 30. Beware The Batman: Dark Justice pits Batman, Alfred and swordstress Katana against the underworld likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Over the final 13 episodes, the rogues gallery expands with appearances by Killer Croc, Man-Bat, Deathstroke and more. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a ‘Batman show.”
Here’s a glance at other animated offerings now available...
Pre-orders are now open for Warner Archive Collection’s Blu-ray™ release of Beware The Batman: Dark Justice. Featuring the final 13 episodes of the groundbreaking, all-new CGI series’ first season, the single-disc Blu-ray™ will be released on September 30. Beware The Batman: Dark Justice pits Batman, Alfred and swordstress Katana against the underworld likes of Anarky, Professor Pyg, Mister Toad and Magpie. Over the final 13 episodes, the rogues gallery expands with appearances by Killer Croc, Man-Bat, Deathstroke and more. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, this action-packed detective thriller deftly redefines what we have come to know as a ‘Batman show.”
Here’s a glance at other animated offerings now available...
- 9/23/2014
- by ComicMix Staff
- Comicmix.com
James Garner movies on TCM: ‘Grand Prix,’ ‘Victor Victoria’ among highlights (photo: James Garner ca. 1960) James Garner, whose film and television career spanned more than five decades, died of "natural causes" at age 86 on July 19, 2014, in the Los Angeles suburb of Brentwood. On Monday, July 28, Turner Classic Movies will present an all-day marathon of James Garner movies (see below) as a tribute to the Oscar-nominated star of Murphy’s Romance and Emmy-winning star of the television series The Rockford Files. Among the highlights in TCM’s James Garner film lineup is John Frankenheimer’s Monaco-set Grand Prix (1966), an all-star, race-car drama featuring Garner as a Formula One driver who has an affair with the wife (Jessica Walter) of his former teammate (Brian Bedford). Among the other Grand Prix drivers facing their own personal issues are Yves Montand and Antonio Sabato, while Akira Kurosawa’s (male) muse Toshiro Mifune plays a...
- 7/25/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Now what would the movies be like if everybody on the big screen was a conformist and blandly played by the rules? Every now and then it can be quite therapeutic to have a bad apple shape our rigid outlook with a dosage of cynicism in cinema. Whether intentionally unruly or merely questioning the status quo movie rebels can be compellingly entertaining for various reasons.
So who are your choice big screen rabble-rousers that like to stir the pot and cause dissension in the name of justice or just plain anti-establishment? In Trouble With a Cause: The Top 10 Movie Rebels let us take a look at some of the on-screen troublemakers with a taste for colorful turmoil, shall we?
The selections for Trouble With a Cause: The Top 10 Movie Rebels are (in alphabetical order according to the film titles):
1.) Brad Whitewood, Jr. from At Close Range (1986)
In director James Foley...
So who are your choice big screen rabble-rousers that like to stir the pot and cause dissension in the name of justice or just plain anti-establishment? In Trouble With a Cause: The Top 10 Movie Rebels let us take a look at some of the on-screen troublemakers with a taste for colorful turmoil, shall we?
The selections for Trouble With a Cause: The Top 10 Movie Rebels are (in alphabetical order according to the film titles):
1.) Brad Whitewood, Jr. from At Close Range (1986)
In director James Foley...
- 6/28/2014
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
Comedy is subjective, we all know that. Comedy from back in the 40’s and 50’s? That’s an acquired taste. I grew up with Mr. Magoo reruns on television and even though back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I understood that the animation was antiquated, I still enjoyed the hell out of the guy’s adventures. It also helped that I grew up watching It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World with my dad, which also starred the amazing Jim Backus. When I heard him speak, I knew that he was Mr. Magoo. It made sense. Playing the drunken pilot in that amazing film while also playing the bumbling, stumbling Magoo just instantly clicked for me.
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- 4/26/2014
- by Robert Ottone
- JustPressPlay.net
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