Anthony Le Duc Mergeay Draws “Rocky 2” Too!
Anthony Le Duc Mergeay draws Rocky 2, too!
Category: Celebs
“Killers of the Flower Moon” (2023) directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Lily Gladstone / Z-View
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Director: Martin Scorsese
Screenplay: Eric Roth, Martin Scorsese; based on KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON: THE OSAGE MURDERS AND THE BIRTH OF THE FBI by David Grann
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, Lily Gladstone, Jesse Plemons, Tantoo Cardinal, John Lithgow, Jason Isbell, William Belleau, Louis Cancelmi, Scott Shepherd, Tatanka Means and Brendan Fraser.
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Early in the 20th century oil was found on the Oklahoma Osage Nation reservation. Members of the Osage tribe shared in the mineral rights. This made the Osage the wealthiest people per capita in the United States. Law required court-appointed guardians to oversee the distribution of money since the Osage were seen as incompetent.
At the end of World War I, Ernest Burkhart arrived at his uncle “King” Hale’s large ranch on the reservation. King was known as a friend of the Osage. He was anything but.
King tells Ernest if he marries an Osage woman, and she dies, he would inherit her oil rights. Her death would make Ernest a wealthy man. Ernest learns that many Osage have died from mysterious illnesses, accidents and suicide.
Ernest meets and woos an Osage named Mollie. They marry. Shortly after, Mollie becomes sick.
As more mysterious deaths occur, the Osage council sends a representative to Washington to request help. Soon FBI agent Tom White arrives on the reservation. White begins his investigation as King sets in motion a plan of his own.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Killers of the Flower Moon was nominated for ten 2024 Academy Awards…
- Best Achievement in Costume Design – Jacqueline West
- Best Achievement in Production Design – Jack Fisk (production designer), Adam Willis (set decorator)
- Best Achievement in Film Editing – Thelma Schoonmaker
- Best Achievement in Cinematography – Rodrigo Prieto
- Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) – Robbie Robertson
- Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) – Scott George
For “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” - Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role – Robert De Niro
- Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role – Lily Gladstone
- Best Achievement in Directing – Martin Scorsese
- Best Motion Picture of the Year – Dan Friedkin, Bradley Thomas, Martin Scorsese, Daniel Lupi
King Hale, Ernest Burkhart, Mollie and Tom White were real people. Records implicate King Hale in the deaths of multiple murders to gain oil rights. While the movie focuses on King/Ernest and Mollie, there were many others like King/Ernest taking advantage of the Osage. Between 1918 and 1931 estimates of up to 150 deaths have been made.
Martin Scorsese met with Osage leadership prior to starting the film. Scorsese cast 40 Osage actors as well as hundreds of Osage as extras.
When the script was first brought to Leonardo DiCaprio, it was written from FBI agent, Tom White’s perspective. DiCaprio suggested that put the focus on an outsider’s perspective. The film would be better served from another view. The script was, as Martin Scorsese say, re-constructed.
Martin Scorsese (81) became the oldest person was 81 nominated for a Best Director Academy Award with this movie.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars
“Revenge” (1990) directed by Tony Scott, starring Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn and Madeleine Stowe / Z-View
Revenge (1990)
Director: Tony Scott
Screenplay: Jim Harrison, Jeffrey Alan Fiskin; based on Revenge by Jim Harrison
Stars: Kevin Costner, Anthony Quinn, Madeleine Stowe, Tomas Milian, Joaquín Martínez, James Gammon, Jesse Corti, Sally Kirkland, Gerardo Zepeda, Miguel Ferrer, Joe Santos and John Leguizamo.
Tagline: A passion that cannot be denied. A betrayal that cannot be forgiven.
The Plot…
Jay Cochran was a Navy jet pilot. He recently retired early. Now Jay’s time is his own.
Jay decides to accept an invitation to visit his wealthy friend Tiburon “Tibey” Mendez in Mexico. Jay is warned that Mendez is a reputed crime boss. Jay isn’t concerned.
When Jay arrives at Tibey’s estate he is met by Cesar, Tibey’s right-hand man. Jay is admonished for being late. Jay responds, that he’s a guest, not an employee. This doesn’t sit well with Cesar. Jay sees armed guards positioned throughout the estate.
Tibey is legitimately happy to see Jay. Although Tibey is much older than Jay, their friendship is genuine. Jay is formally introduced to Mireya, Tibey’s wife. She’s beautiful. And much younger than Tibey.
During Jay’s visit, his independent attitude doesn’t sit well with Cesar. At a dinner thrown by Tibey, two of the guests try to provoke Jay. Jay doesn’t back down and his answers could be seen as poking fun. After dinner, Tibey has a private meeting with the two men. They are surprised when Tibey takes Jay’s side. The penalty for insulting Tibey’s friend is severe.
Jay and Mireya begin spending more time together. The attraction between the two is undeniable. As they become closer, the inevitable happens. Shortly after, Jay says that he must go. Mireya begs him to stay. They decide to leave together. Both understand that if Tibey discovers their affair, his revenge would be savage. Tibey’s response to the slightest offense is always extreme. To be betrayed by his wife and best friend would require an unimaginable response of violence.
Jay and Mireya plan their getaway. They’re unaware that Tibey knows everything.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The sex scenes between Costner and Stowe were totally improvised.
Before Tony Scott was brought on to direct, John Huston was considered. Huston didn’t want Costner to star. Huston wanted Jack Nicholson to play Tibey. When Huston left the project, Orson Welles was considered to helm the project. Costner considered directing it himself. Ultimately he served as Executive Producer and star.
Anthony Quinn and Madeline Stowe play husband and wife in Revenge. In 2002, they re-teamed in Sly Stallone’s Avenging Angelo. There they play father and daughter in what turned out to be Quinn’s final film.
Tony Scott said that Revenge was his favorite film that he directed.
James Gammon is memorable in a small but important role. Same for Miguel Ferrer and John Leguizamo.
Revenge is one of my all-time favorite films.
Revenge (1990) rates 5 of 5 stars
“Dope Thief: Season 1” starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura / Z-View
Dope Thief: Season 1 (2025)
Created by: Peter Craig; based on DOPE THIEF by Dennis Tafoya
Director: Ridley Scott (Ep. 1), Jonathan van Tulleken (Eps. 2, 6), Tanya Hamilton (Ep. 3); Marcela Said (Eps. 4-5, 7); Peter Craig (Ep. 8)
Teleplay by: Peter Craig
Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Amir Arison, Nesta Cooper, Kate Mulgrew and Ving Rhames, .
Tagline: No one gets away clean.
The Plot… (beware of spoilers)
Ray Driscoll and Manny Carvalho have been friends since reform school. They’re adults now and still struggling. Then they come up with a plan for easy money.
Ray and Manny use fake badges to pose as DEA agents. They bust into small time drug houses with guns drawn. Wearing DEA jackets, they flash their badges and zip-tie the dealers. Ray and Manny then scoop up the dealer’s cash and disappear.
It’s a good gig. It works every time.
Until Ray and Manny take down the wrong drug house. A house run by a cartel.
Now Ray and Manny are on the run. They and everyone they love are targets to tortured and murdered.
Thoughts…
I could see Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura getting nominations for their acting. Kate Mulgrew is a hoot. Ving Rhames is always a welcome addition.
“Untold: Caitlyn Jenner” (2022) / Z-View
Untold: Caitlyn Jenner (2022)
Director: Crystal Moselle
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Every four years an Olympic athlete earns a gold medal in the decathlon. The decathlon consists of ten events over two days. Day One: 100 meter dash; long jump; shot put; high jump and 400 meter run. Day two: 110 meter hurdles; discus throw; pole vault; javelin throw and 1500 meter run. Because of the variety of events and the different strengths and skills needed, the decathlon gold medalist is considered by many to be the world’s greatest athlete.
In 1976, Bruce Jenner was the Olympic Gold medalist.
This documentary explores Bruce Jenner’s life, his desire to become the World’s Greatest Athlete, and the inner turmoil he faced since childhood. Although a Gold Medal winner, a world famous celebrity, Jenner struggled with identity issues for decades. Bruce ultimately transitioned into Caitlyn Jenner. This is his/her story.
Thoughts…
I was a huge fan of Bruce Jenner. His story to become the world’s greatest athlete was inspiring. He was married to his college sweetheart and she supported his efforts to train daily for the Olympics. They seemed destined to have it all.
I was disappointed when they divorced. Later Bruce had some face work done and a nose job. I thought the nose job made him look too feminine. Also I wondered why such a good looking guy would want to mess with his looks. Why fix something that ain’t broken?
I had no idea of Jenner’s identity issues. This is that story.
Untold: Caitlyn Jenner (2022) rates 3 of 5 stars
“Untold: The Fall of Favre” / Z-View
Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025)
Director: Rebecca Gitlitz
Tagline: None.
The Plot…
Brett Favre played 20 seasons as an NFL quarterback. Over the course of his career Favre led his team to a Super Bowl championship, three times was voted the NFL’s Most Valuable Player, once the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, three times voted First-Team All Pro, elven times voted to the Pro Bowl, was twice the NFL’s Passing Leader, and he set the record for most consecutive starts with 297.
Favre was considered a football living legend. On the field he was considered a god. Off the field he was far from it.
Although married, Favre wouldn’t be considered a role-model. It came out later in his career that he was a womanizer. Worse still he repeatedly pursued a woman through intermediaries, and text messages. Each time the woman told him, “No.” But Favre persisted, ultimately sending her pictures of his penis. She rebuffed him at every turn. In fact, she never met him or was in the same room with him, despite both being employed by the New York Jets. At the end of the season, she was fired.
Two years later, the story came out.
Turns out that Favre also was involved in 2022 Mississippi welfare scandal. Money earmarked for the state’s poorest, saw millions diverted to build a volleyball gym at the school where Favre’s daughter attended, and money to other of Favre’s causes. Text messages came to light from Favre asking if the media could find out if he was paid and how much he got. Why would he worry, if everything was on the up-and-up. Making it even worse, Mississippi is the poorest state of our fifty.
This is story of The Fall of Favre.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you wondered why we no longer see Brett Favre making product endorsements, now you know. It’s too bad that Favre wasn’t as good a human being as he was a football player.
Untold: The Fall of Favre (2025) rates 3 of 5 stars
Tim Shinn Draws “Rambo 2” Too!
Tim Shinn draws Rambo, Two, too.
“Lady in the Lake” (1946) directed and starring Robert Montgomery, also starring Audrey Totter and Lloyd Nolan / Z-View
Lady in the Lake (1946)
Director: Robert Montgomery
Screenplay: Steve Fisher; based THE LADY IN THE LAKE by Raymond Chandler
Stars: Robert Montgomery, Audrey Totter, Lloyd Nolan, Tom Tully, Leon Ames, Dick Simmons, Morris Ankrum, Lila Leeds, Charles Bradstreet and Jayne Meadows.
Tagline: YOU AND ROBERT MONTGOMERY STAR IN AN EXCITING AND UNUSUAL MYSTERY-THRILLER -EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS TO HIM HAPPENS TO YOU!
The Plot…
Private Eye, Phillip Marlowe decides to take a shot at writing. When Marlowe is called into the publisher’s office, he thinks they want to buy his story. Adrienne Fromsett, is the publishing editor. She wants to buy Marlowe’s story. She also wants to hire Marlowe to find Chrystal Kingsby. Chrystal is her boss’ wife. She hasn’t been seen for two months.
After some back and forth, Marlowe accepts the job. What sounds like a missing person’s case turns out to be a multiple murder investigation. And Marlowe is the main suspect.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The film is shot from the viewpoint of Marlowe. The only time he is seen is by reflections in mirrors and windows or when he speaks directly to the audience. It’s odd seeing this decades before video games made it popular.
Lady in the Lake (1946) rates 3 of 5 stars
“CAUGHT STEALING” screenplay by Charlie Huston, directed by Darren Aronofsky, starring Austin King, Regina King & Zoe Kravitz – The Trailer is Here!
The trailer for Caught Stealing is here and I am sold.
The film’s based on Charlie Huston’s novel CAUGHT STEALING. I’ve been a fan of the book (and Charlie Huston) since I first read it nearly two decades ago. CAUGHT STEALING is the first of a trilogy that gets my highest recommendation. I hope the movie can match the level of excellence.
He was just supposed to watch the cat. Now he’s running for his f**king life.
Austin Butler stars in Darren Aronofsky’s #CaughtStealingMovie – only in theatres August 29.
Hank Thompson (Austin Butler) was a high-school baseball phenom who can’t play anymore, but everything else is going okay. He’s got a great girl (Zoë Kravitz), tends bar at a New York dive, and his favorite team is making an underdog run at the pennant.
When his punk-rock neighbor Russ (Matt Smith) asks him to take care of his cat for a few days, Hank suddenly finds himself caught in the middle of a motley crew of threatening gangsters. They all want a piece of him; the problem is he has no idea why. As Hank attempts to evade their ever-tightening grip, he’s got to use all his hustle to stay alive long enough to find out…
Caught Stealing is directed by Academy Award® nominee Darren Aronofsky, screenplay by Charlie Huston, based on his book of the same name.
The film stars Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Griffin Dunne, Benito A Martínez Ocasio, and Carol Kane.
Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Screenplay by: Charlie Huston
Based on the book by: Charlie Huston
Produced by: Jeremy Dawson, Dylan Golden, Ari Handel, Darren Aronofsky
Executive Producers: Charlie Huston, Ann Ruark
Cast:
Austin Butler
Regina King
Zoë Kravitz
Matt Smith
Liev Schreiber
Vincent D’Onofrio
Griffin Dunne
Benito A Martínez Ocasio
Carol KaneCredits not final
“Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man” (1951) starring Bud Abbott & Lou Costello / Z-View
Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951)
Director: Charles Lamont
Screenplay: Robert Lees, Frederic I. Rinaldo, John Grant; story by Hugh Wedlock Jr., Howard Snyder; based THE INVISIBLE MAN by H.G. Wells
Stars: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Arthur Franz, Sheldon Leonard, Sam Balter, John Daheim, Bobby Barber and William Frawley.
Tagline: AS PRIVATE EYES…they’re getting an Eyeful!
The Plot…
Bud and Lou get their first case after graduating from Detective School. Tommy Nelson, a middleweight boxing contender on the lam from the cops after being accused of killing his manager, wants their help. Tommy’s plan is to take a potion his fiancée’s uncle invented. The drink will turn him invisible. Tommy believes that once no one can see him, he can sneak around and get the evidence on the real killer.
Bud and Lou agree to help. Let the good times roll!
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
The plot of this film (minus the Abbott & Costello comedy) was to be a sequel to The Invisible Man. The success of Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein caused the studio to reformat the idea to fit the comedy of A & C.
The final scene of this movie has Lou briefly turning invisible. As he reappears his legs appear to be on backwards. While it makes no sense, it probably got some laughs.
Don’t Touch the Loot aka Grisbi (1954) rates 3 of 5 stars
RIP: George Wendt
It was announced today that George Wendt died today. No cause of death was given. Mr. Wendt was 76.
George Wendt graduated from Rockhurst College in Kansas City, Missouri, with a B.A. in economics. After seeing The Second City, Mr. Wendt became motivated to try his hand at comedy. In 1975, he became a part of The Second City troupe.
In 1978, Mr. Wendt appeared in his first feature film. It was an uncredited role in Robert Altman’s A Wedding. His next role didn’t come until 1980, but that year he appeared in Bronco Billy, My Bodyguard, Avery Schreiber Live from Second City and The Gift of the Magi. The roles just kept coming for the rest of his career.
George Wendt was best known for his role as Norm Peterson on Cheers. Mr. Wendt appeared in all 269 episodes. Each year from 1984 – 1989, George Wendt was nominated for a Primetime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Norm.
If the only role George Wendt ever played was Norm on Cheers, he would still be an important (and loved) part of television history.
Some of the television projects that feature George Wendt include: Avery Schreiber Live from Second City; Hart to Hart; Soap; Taxi; Alice; Making the Grade (6 episodes); Cheers (269 episodes); Cheers: Uncle Sam Malone; M*A*S*H; Likely Stories, Vol. 4; Garfield Specials; Garfield in the Rough; St. Elsewhere; The Twilight Zone; The Tortellis; Mickey’s 60th Birthday; Arena; The Magical World of Disney; Disneyland’s 35th Anniversary Special; Wings; Tales from the Crypt; Michael Jackson: Black or White; Roc; Seinfeld; Bob; The Edge; The Building; The Larry Sanders Show; The Martin Short Show; The Simpsons; Columbo: Strange Bedfellows; The George Wendt Show (8 episodes); Good Company; Spin City; The Naked Truth (13 episodes); The List; Madigan Men (4 episodes); TV Funhouse; Strange Relations; Becker; Sabrina the Teenage Witch (6 episodes); Frasier; Saturday Night Live (8 episodes); George Lopez (2 episodes); Modern Men (7 episodes); Masters of Horror; Guy Walks into a Bar; The Green Grass; Family Guy (2 episodes); Less Than Kind; Ghost Whisperer; The Stay-at-Home Dad; Hot in Cleveland; Harry’s Law; The Seven Year Hitch; Kickin’ It; Portlandia; Franklin & Bash; Clipped (10 episodes); Children’s Hospital; Fresh Off the Boat; Your Pretty Face is Going to Hell; The Goldbergs; Christmas 9 to 5 and Fancy Nancy (11 episodes).
Some of George Wendt’s feature film appearances include: A Wedding; Bronco Billy; My Bodyguard; Jekyll and Hyde… Together Again; Airplane II: The Sequel; Dreamscape; Fletch; House; Gung Ho; Forever Young; The Little Rascals; The Prime Gig; Wild About Harry; Garage: A Rock Saga; Edmond; Saturday Morning; The Independents and I Lost My Body.
It’s impossible for me to pinpoint when I first saw George Wendt, but I do know that he was a HUGE part of Cheers’ success. Mr. Wendt was perfectly cast as Norm Peterson and his one-liners as he entered the bar each week were a highlight.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to George Wendt’s family, friends and fans.
“Don’t Touch the Loot” aka “Grisbi” (1954) directed by Jacques Becker, starring Jean Gabin / Z-View
Don’t Touch the Loot aka Grisbi (1954)
Director: Jacques Becker
Screenplay: Jacques Becker, Albert Simonin, Maurice Griffe; based Touchez pas au grisbi by Albert Simonin
Stars: Jean Gabin, René Dary, Dora Doll.
Tagline: From the demi-mondes of Paris…with its pimps, its pushers, its passions, from the world of “RIFIFI” and “RAZZIA”…an electrifying adventure in suspense!
The Plot…
Max has beaten the odds. He’s a criminal who reached middle age without going to prison or worse getting killed. What’s better is that Max and Riton, his trusted crime partner, recently pulled off a heist of gold bars worth millions. More than enough for both Max and Riton to give up their life of crime and retire.
One night shortly after the heist, Max meets Riton at a nightclub. Riton has brought along Josy, his latest girlfriend. Josy’s a dancer half Riton’s age. Later that evening Max spots Josy making out with a young man.
When Max is heading home for the night, he notices he’s being followed. He gets the drop on the thugs and sends them running. Max calls Riton to warn him. Max then picks up Riton and takes him to a safe house. Riton admits that he told Josy about their latest score to impress her. They realize that Josy has sold them out.
The next day Max meets with his uncle who will fence the gold. When Max calls to update Riton, he learns that Riton has been kidnapped. The thugs want the gold bars in exchange for Riton’s safe return.
Max is promised a simple trade and nobody will get hurt. Don’t count on it.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
It’s interesting that Jacques Becker doesn’t focus on the theft of the gold bars (in fact it happens prior to the start of the film). I like the pace of the film. Jean Gabin is perfect as Max, the world weary criminal who is so close to living the dream. Max reminded me a bit of Mike McClusky (Mayor of Kingstown) and Harry (Mobland) in his ability/ways to deal with situations/people.
Don’t Touch the Loot aka Grisbi (1954) rates 5 of 5 stars
“Compulsion” (1959) directed by Richard Fleischer, starring Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, Diane Varsi and Bradford Dillman / Z-View
Compulsion (1959)
Director: Richard Fleischer
Screenplay: Richard Murphy; based on COMPULSION by Meyer Levin
Stars: Orson Welles, Dean Stockwell, Diane Varsi, Bradford Dillman, E.G. Marshall, Martin Milner, Richard Anderson, Robert F. Simon, Edward Binns, Robert Burton, Louise Lorimer, John Alban, Don Anderson, Terry Becker, Russ Bender and Gavin MacLeod .
Tagline: You know why we did it? Because we damn well felt like doing it!
The Plot…
Judd Steiner and Artie Straus are best friends. It’s only natural. They have much in common. Both are from wealthy families. They travel in the most elite social circles. Both Judd and Artie have superior intellects. Although still in their late teens, they’re law students.
Judd and Artie see everyone as less than them. They feel because they are so intellectually superior laws don’t apply to them. To that end, they have been committing small crimes just to prove they’re are so smart that they would never be caught.
Then they decide to commit the ultimate crime.
Murder.
They pick a young boy at random and kill him.
They’re confident that they left no clues. And even more sure that if they did, with their superior intellect, no one could trip them up.
The best laid plans…
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Compulsion is based on the real life murder trial of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Leopold and Loeb kidnapped and murdered a fourteen year old boy. They did it to prove to themselves their superior intellect would allow them to commit the perfect crime. Their families hired Clarence Darrow to defend them. At the time, the case was considered the trial of the century.
When the film came out, Leopold sued for invasion of privacy. Because he had written a book about the crime himself, he didn’t prevail. (Loeb wasn’t involved in the lawsuit. He had been killed by another prison years before.)
Orson Welles received top billing but doesn’t appear on screen until 65 minutes into the 99 minute film.
It’s hard for me to believe that Compulsion wasn’t nominated for a single Academy Award. I could see nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Direction, Best Actor (Dean Stockwell and Bradford Dillman) and Best Supporting Actor (Orson Welles).
Alfred Hitchcock did his own loose adaption of the Leopold-Loeb murder with his film Rope.
Compulsion (1959) rates 5 of 5 stars
“Curse of Frankenstein” (1957) directed by Terence Fisher, starring Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee / Z-View
Curse of Frankenstein (1957)
Director: Terence Fisher
Screenplay: Jimmy Sangster; based on FRANKENSTEIN by Mary Shelley
Stars: Peter Cushing, Hazel Court, Christopher Lee.
Tagline: PLEASE TRY NOT TO FAINT. Not recommended for people of nervous disposition.
The Plot…
As he waits for his execution, Victor Frankenstein recounts how he ended up headed to the gallows. Frankenstein was obsessed with bringing the dead back to life since he was a boy. Working with Paul Krempe, another scientist, the two achieved success with reviving a dead dog.
Krempe wanted to share their results with the world. Frankenstein wanted to keep their success a secret and begin experimenting with reviving dead humans. Very quickly Krempe sees that Frankenstein is obsessed. Frankenstein robs graves, pays for body parts and even resorts to murder to get the parts he needs.
When his creature comes to life, Frankenstein is shocked to learn he cannot control it. And the monster isn’t happy.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Curse of Frankenstein was a huge box office success. Over the years, the film’s reputation has grown. I’m in the minority, because the movie just doesn’t resonate with me. I hate the creature’s design. It reminds me of a bad attempt to monsterize Cesare the the somnambulist from 1920’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Dr. Frankenstein is totally unlikable, so who cares if he hangs?
Christopher Lee (who plays the monster) reportedly complained to Peter Cushing during the start of filming, that he had no lines. Cushing replied, “You’re lucky. I’ve read the script.” If this isn’t true, it should be.
As always, your mileage may vary but for me…
Curse of Frankenstein (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars
RIP: Joe Don Baker
It was announced today that Joe Don Baker died on May 7, 2025. No cause of death was given. Mr. Baker was 89.
Joe Don Baker was a high school standout in football and basketball. He attended North Texas State College on a sports scholarship. Mr. Baker graduated with a BA in Business Administration. Joe Don Baker then served two years in the US Army. After his enlistment, Mr. Baker moved to New York City to attend the Actors Studio.
Joe Don Baker began getting stage work as well as guest appearances on television shows. Mr. Baker’s big break came when he played Buford Pusser in Walking Tall. By this point, Joe Don Baker was alternating between feature films and television roles, but Walking Tall was the film that made him famous.
Some of the television projects that feature Joe Don Baker include: Honey West; Iron Horse; Judd for the Defense; The Felony Squad; Bonanza; Gunsmoke (2 episodes); The Big Valley; Mod Squad; Bracken’s World; Lancer (3 episodes); The F.B.I.; The Most Deadly Game; The High Chaparral; Mission Impossible; Welcome Home Soldier Boys; Ironside; That Certain Summer; Doc Elliott; The Streets of San Francisco; To Kill a Cop; Power; Eischied (13 episodes); Edge of Darkness (6 episodes); In the Heat of the Night (4 episodes); Citizen Cohen; The Wild West; Traps; The Siege at Ruby Ridge; George Wallace; Poodle Springs and The Cleaner.
Some of Joe Don Bakers’ feature film appearances include: Cool Hand Luke; Guns of the Magnificent Seven; Wild Rovers; Junior Bonner; The Valachi Papers; Walking Tall; Charley Varrick; The Outfit; The Natural; Fletch; The Living Daylights; Cape Fear; Reality Bites; Congo; Goldeneye; Mars Attacks!; Tomorrow Never Dies; Joe Dirt; The Commission; The Dukes of Hazzard and Mud.
It’s impossible for me to pinpoint when I first saw Joe Don Baker because he appeared in so many of the shows I watched as a kid. I do remember how much buzz he got for starring as Buford Pusser in Walking Tall. I always enjoyed seeing Joe Don Baker show up in a show or movie, because he made everything he was in better.
Out thoughts and prayers go out to Joe Don Baker’s family, friends and fans.
