Category: Celebs

“Catlow” (1971) starring Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy / Z-View

Catlow (1971)

Director: Sam Wanamaker

Screenplay: Scott Finch, J.J. Griffith based on CATLOW by Louis L’Amour

Stars: Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna, Leonard Nimoy, Daliah Lavi, Jo Ann Pflug, Jeff Corey, Michael DeLano, David Ladd, Bessie Love, Robert Logan and Dan van Husen.

Tagline: Everyone Wants Catlow Dead and Buried

The Plot…

Catlow (Brynner) is a cattle rustler, a thief and the leader of a band of outlaws.  Now Catlow is heading to Mexico where he plans to steal $2 million in gold.  Marshall Ben Cowan (Crenna) a war buddy of Catlow has been hired by a group of ranchers to bring Catlow back to stand trial.  A bounty hunter named Miller (Nimoy) is also after Catlow.

Who will get Catlow before he gets the gold.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I was in the mood for a good western.  Stars Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy were the reasons I settled on Catlow.  Sadly even their presence couldn’t save Catlow.  I tapped out after 39 minutes.  Quentin Tarantino called it one of the worst westerns made in the 70s.  I wouldn’t argue with QT.

Catlow (1971) rates 1 of 5 stars

“The Accountant 2” starring Ben Affleck & Jon Bernthal – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

The poster and trailer for The Accountant 2 have done their jobs.  I liked the original film and this one looks to be even better.

Deal me in.

Two brothers. One mission. Watch the new trailer for The Accountant 2. See the movie first in exclusive Tax Day screenings, April 15, and everywhere in theaters April 25. Get tickets now: accountant2movie.com

Christian Wolff (Ben Affleck) has a talent for solving complex problems. When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic message to “find the accountant,” Wolff is compelled to solve the case. Realizing more extreme measures are necessary, Wolff recruits his estranged and highly lethal brother, Brax (Jon Bernthal), to help. In partnership with U.S. Treasury Deputy Director Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson), they uncover a deadly conspiracy, becoming targets of a ruthless network of killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.

“The Naked Gun” starring Liam Neeson – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

The Naked Gun starring Liam Neeson – we have the poster and trailer.  I must admit it looks better than expected.

Deal me in.

The single most important #NakedGun movie since the other Naked Gun movies.

Only in theatres August 1st.

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are cast Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.

RIP: Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer died on April 1, 2025. The cause of death was pneumonia.  Mr. Kilmer was 65.

Val Kilmer graduated from Chatsworth High School.  He then became (up to that point) the youngest person accepted into the Juilliard School’s Drama Division.

Val Kilmer would go on to become a star of stage, television and feature films.

Some of the television projects that feature Val Kilmer include: ABC Afterschool Specials; The Murders in the Rue Morgue; The Man Who Broke 1,000 Chains; Billy the Kid; Entourage; Numb3rs; Comanche Moon (3 episodes); XIII: The Conspiracy (3 episodes); Knight Rider (reboot – 18 episodes); Life’s Too Short; Ghost Girls (2 episodes); The Spoils of Babylon (4 episodes) and Psych.

Some of the feature films that Val Kilmer appeared in include: Top Secret!; Real Genius; Top Gun; Willow; Kill Me Again; The Doors; Thunderheart; True Romance; Tombstone; Batman Forever; Heat; The Island of Dr. Moreau; The Ghost and the Darkness; The Saint; The Prince of Egypt; Joe the King; Pollock; Red Planet; The Salton Sea; Wonderland; The Missing; Spartan; Mindhunters; Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; Deja Vu; Felon; Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans; Bloodworth; Kill the Irishman; Standing Up; Cinema Twain and Top Gun: Maverick.

Naming my favorite Val Kilmer role is easy.  I think Mr. Kilmer turned in one of the all-time greatest acting performances with his portrayal of Doc Holiday in Tombstone.  It is a shame that Val Kilmer didn’t win an Academy Award for that performance, and a disgrace he wasn’t even nominated.  Other Val Kilmer films that I recommend are Top Secret! (Sadly it took a long time for me to give it a go.  Don’t make the same mistake.  It is funny,), Top Gun (10 minutes of screen time and it made him a star), Willow, True Romance, Heat (a classic!), The Salton Sea (very underrated), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Top Gun: Maverick.

Val Kilmer was an actor’s actor.  Mr. Kilmer’s health cut his career short and he left us far too soon, but what a legacy he created while he was here.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Val Kilmer’s family, friends and fans.

“Neighborhood Watch” starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

I like the looks of the poster and trailer for Neighborhood Watch starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman.

Deal me in.

When Simon (Jack Quaid) thinks he witnesses an abduction and the police refuse to believe him, he reluctantly turns to his next-door neighbor Ed (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) – a bitter, retired security guard – to help him find the missing woman.

Director: Duncan Skiles
Starring: Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Malin Akerman

“Fighting Trouble” (1956) starring Huntz Hall and the Bowery Boys / Z-View

Fighting Trouble (1956)

Director: George Blair

Screenplay: Elwood Ullman

Stars: Huntz Hall, Stanley Clements, Adele Jergens, Queenie Smith, David Gorcey, Laurie Mitchell, Thomas Browne Henry, Tim Ryan, William Boyett, Michael Ross and Paul Brinegar.

Tagline: They’re KEYHOLE SNOOPERS with a CRAZY CAMERA!

The Plot…

Behind on their rent and in desperate need of quick cash, Sach (Hall) and Duke (Clements) take a dangerous job.  They’ve agreed to get a photo of Frankie Arbo (Henry).  Arbo is a gangster and a killer.

The plan is to pose as a gangster that is coming from out of town to join Arbo on a job.  Arbo’s never meet the guy, so this plan, as dangerous as it is, may work.  Wait a minute, we’re talking about Horace Debussy ‘Sach’ Jones convincing anyone he’s a dangerous gangster?  Not in a million years.

Let the hijinks begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This is the first Bowery Boys film made without former lead, Leo Gorcey.  Huntz Hall was promoted to the lead and Stanley Clements as Stanislaus ‘Duke’ Coveleskie become the co-star.  This pairing works well.  (Although some Bowery Boys fans didn’t/don’t the films made without Gorcey true Bowery Boys films.

Fighting Trouble (1956) rates 3 of 5 stars

“Beau Hunks” (1931) starring Laurel & Hardy / Z-View

Beau Hunks (1931)

Director: James W. Horne

Screenplay: H.M. Walker

Stars: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, James W. Horne, Charles Middleton.

Tagline: They Lost in Love and Joined the Foreign Legion to Forget It!

The Plot…

When Ollie’s girl leaves him, he decides to join the French Foreign Legion.  He takes Stan with him. The boys make the kind of soldiers you’d expect.  When the fort is attacked by Riffian tribesmen, it will be up to Ollie and Stan to save the day!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Beau Hunks is the longest of the Laurel and Hardy shorts.  It also one of their most popular.  Producer Hal Roach, who made over 100 films, said that Beau Hunks was the favorite of the films he produced.

Jean Harlow allowed her photo to be used as the girl who jilted Ollie.

The film’s director, James W.  Horne plays the leader of the attacking tribesmen.

Beau Hunks (1931) rates 5 of 5 stars

RIP: Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain died on March 29, 2025, just two days short of his 91st birthday.  The cause of death was complications from a stroke.

Mr. Chamberlain graduated from Beverly Hills High School.  He then attended Pomona College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in art history and painting.  Richard Chamberlain was drafted and served two years in the army.  He attained the rank of sergeant before his discharge.

In 1959, Ricard Chamberlain co-founded Company of Angels, a LA-based theater group.  Mr. Chamberlain also began to get acting roles on television.  Richard Chamberlain’s breakout role came in 1961 when he was cast in the starring role on Dr. Kildare.  For the rest of his career Richard Chamberlain alternated between television, the stage and feature films.

Some of the television projects that feature Richard Chamberlain include: Alfred Hitchcock Presents; Rescue 8; Bourbon Street Beat; Gunsmoke; Mr. Lucky; Thriller; Riverboat; The Deputy; Whispering Smith; Dr. Kildare (191 episodes); The Red Skelton Hour; The Portrait of a Lady (6 episodes); Petulia; Hold On: It’s the Dave Clark Five; The Woman I Love; The Lady’s Not for Burning; The Count of Monte-Cristo; The Christmas Messenger; The Slipper and the Rose: The Story of Cinderella; The Man in the Iron Mask; The Last Wave; Great Performances; The Good Doctor; Centennial (12 episodes); Shogun (movie); Shogun (5 episodes); The Thorn Birds (4 episodes); Wallenberg: A Hero’s Story; The Miracle; Dream West (3 episodes); Alfred Hitchcock Presents; The Bourne Identity (4 episodes); Island Son (19 episodes); Night of the Hunter; The Thorn Birds: The Missing Years; Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke (2 episodes); Touched by an Angel; The Drew Carey Show (2 episodes); Will & Grace; Hustle; Blackbeard (3 episodes); Nip & Tuck; Desperate Housewives; Brothers & Sisters (5 episodes); Thundercats; Leverage (2 episodes); Justice League: Gods and Monsters (video) and Twin Peaks.

Some of the feature films that Richard Chamberlain appeared in include: A Thunder of Drums; Twilight of Honor; The Eleventh Hour; Julius Caesar; The Music Lovers; The Three Musketeers; The Four Musketeers: Milady’s Revenge; The Towering Inferno; The Swarm; King Solomon’s Mines; Alan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold;  The Return of the Musketeers; Bird of Prey; We Are the Hartmans and Finding Julia.

Although I was too little to watch Dr. Kildare, I do remember the popularity of the show with mothers in the neighborhood (including mine). My favorite Richard Chamberlain performance is in Shogun.  

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Chamberlain’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Bruce Glover

Bruce Glover died on March 12, 2025of natural causes.  Mr. Glover was 92.

Mr. Glover is best known for his role in Diamonds Are Forever.  He played Mr. Wint, a professional assassin who attempted to kill James Bond.   The role of Mr. Windt was just one of the over 100 credits on Bruce Glover’s resume for a career that lasted over 60 years!

Some of the television projects that feature Bruce Glover include: The Verdict is Yours; Car 54, Where Are You?; The DuPont Show of the Week; Route 66 (2 episodes); The Doctors and the Nurses; 12 O’Clock High; Perry Mason; My Favorite Martian; Hawk; The Danny Thomas Hour; Rat Patrol; Run for Your Life; The Good Guys (3 episodes); The Big Valley; The Guns of Will Sonnett (2 episodes); The Outsider; The Over-the-Hill Gang; Adam-12; Paris 7000; Bonanza; Mission Impossible (2 episodes); Mod Squad (2 episodes); Yuma; The Psychiatrist; Bearcats; The Partners; Gunsmoke (2 episodes); This Is The West That Was; The Blue Knight (3 episodes); S.W.A.T. (2 episodes); Harry O; Kojak; Switch (2 episodes); The Streets of San Francisco (2 episodes); The Six Million Dollar Man (4 episodes); Barney Miller; Battlestar Galactica; Police Story (2 episodes); Big Shamus, Little Shamus; CHiPs (3 episodes); Vega$; The Magical World of Disney; B.J. and the Bear (2 episodes); Hart to Hart; No Soup, Radio (2 episodes); Benson; The Dukes of Hazard; TJ Hooker; The Facts of Life; The A-Team; Santa Barbara; Murder, She Wrote; 

Some of the feature films that Bruce Glover appeared in include: Never Steal Anything Small; Frankenstein Meets the Spacemonster; The Thomas Crown Affair; CC and Company; Bless the Beasts and the Children; Diamonds are Forever; Walking Tall; One Little Indian; Chinatown; Hard Times; Part Two: Walking Tall; Final Chapter: Walking Tall; Big Bad Mama II; Ghost World and Scammerhead.

It’s hard to say where I first saw Bruce Glover perform because he appeared in so many shows I watched as a kid.  If I had to bet it was probably Car 54, Where Are You? or Route 66.  I do know that I began to recognize Mr. Glover when he’d show up.  I also knew that his appearance often meant trouble for the series or movie’s star… which was fun for the audience.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Bruce Glover’s family, friends and fans.

“The Earth Dies Screaming” (1964) directed by Terence Fisher, starring Willard Parker & Virginia Field / Z-View

The Earth Dies Screaming (1964)

Director: Terence Fisher

Screenplay: Harry Spalding (as Henry Cross)

Stars: Willard Parker, Virginia Field, Dennis Price, Thorley Walters, Vanda Godsell and Anna Palk.

Tagline: Why Were They Out To Kill Every Living Thing On Earth?

The Plot…

Jeff Nolan (Parker) is an American test pilot working in England.  When Jeff lands after a test run, he finds everyone on the ground is dead.  The airport is littered with bodies.  People seem to have suddenly died where they stood.

Nolan heads to a nearby small village.  Again, the streets are littered with the dead.  Nolan finds a small group of survivors.  Television and radio stations are playing nothing but static.  As Nolan and his group decide their next move they spot two beings in spacesuits moving slowly through the village.  It’s obvious the aliens intend to kill any person still alive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The two stars of The Earth Dies Screaming, Willard Parker and Virginia Field were married from 1951 until her death in 1992.

The Earth Dies Screaming was Virginia Field’s final film.

The Earth Dies Screaming felt like it could have fit in as an episode of The Twilight Zone.  With a running time of 62 minutes, it was just a bit longer than some of the episodes.

The Earth Dies Screaming (1964) rates 4 of 5 stars

“I Married a Monster from Outer Space” (1958) starring Gloria Talbott and Tom Tryon / Z-View

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958)

Director: Gene Fowler Jr.

Screenplay: Louis Vittes

Stars: Tom Tryon, Gloria Talbott, Peter Baldwin, Robert Ivers, Valerie Allen, Ty Hardin, Ken Lynch, John Eldredge, Alan Dexter, James Anderson, Jean Carson, Steve London and Maxie Rosenbloom.

Tagline: Is it possible? Is it true? Can humans mate with MONSTERS?

The Plot…

Marge Farrell (Talbott), a newlywed bride, begins to suspect that something is strange about her husband, Bill (Tryon).  He’s become distant, cold even.  Tom loved dogs and now any dog that comes near him begins to growl and bark.  Things that Tom should know, he has forgotten.

Then Marge begins to notice changes in other men in Tom’s social circle.  Marge follows Tom one night and discovers an alien has taken Tom’s identity.  Marge realizes that aliens are planning a takeover.  But who will believe her before it is too late?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John P. Fulton who did the special effects for I Married a Monster from Outer Space was well known and respected for his work.  Over the course of his career, Mr. Fulton was nominated for 8 Academy Awards for Special Effects and won three.

Tom Tryon retired from acting in 1969 and began a writing career.  He is best known for his novel THE OTHER.  Mr. Tryon wrote the screenplay for the feature film adaptation.

I’m surprised I Married a Monster from Outer Space isn’t as popular as other horror pictures of the era.  It is definitely an underrated gem.  Perhaps the title hurts the film from being given a chance.

I Married a Monster from Outer Space and the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers makes a great double feature!

I Married a Monster from Outer Space (1958) rates 4 of 5 stars

“Fight or Flight” starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran – New Poster & Trailer are Here!

Fight or Flight starring Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff and Charithra Chandran looks like a fun ride.

Deal me in.

A mercenary takes on the job of tracking a high-value asset known only as The Ghost on an international flight. Realizing the plane is filled with assassins assigned to kill them both, the pair must work together in a fight for their lives.

Starring: Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackhoff, Charithra Chandran
Directed by: James Madigan
Release Date: May 9th, 2025

“Clash by Night” (1952) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas and Marilyn Monroe / Z-View

Clash by Night (1952)

Director: Fritz Lang

Screenplay: Alfred Hayes; based on Clash by Night by Clifford Odets

Stars: Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Paul Douglas, Marilyn Monroe, J. Carrol Naish, Keith Andes, Albert Cavens and Charles Cirillo.

Tagline: They called it love! But that isn’t what the whole town whispered…nor the ugly name the husband gave it when he found out…too late!

The Plot…

Mae Doyle (Stanwyck) left Monterey for a glamourous life.  Now, ten years later she’s returned.  The rich man she was seeing died.  He left Mae some money, but the man’s wife and family took her to court.  They won and Mae got nothing.  Now she’s ten years older and back in the same small town she hoped to never see again.

Mae moves into the family home now owned by her younger brother, Joe (Andes).  Joe isn’t happy to see Mae back.  Joe knows she’s a gold digger and is worried Mae will be a bad influence on his girl, Peggy (Monroe).

Mae begins to date Joe’s boss, Jerry.  Jerry owns a boat and makes a modest living leading a fishing crew.  Jerry falls for Mae but thinks he’s not in her league.  Mae hoped for a better life, but Jerry is the best she’ll find in this town.  They continue to date with Jerry hoping to win her over.

Jerry introduces Mae to his best friend, Earl (Ryan).  Earl is rough around the edges, and like Mae had hoped for a better life than he has.  Mae can’t stand Earl and the feeling is mutual.

Jerry proposes to Mae.  She warns him that she’s no good for him.  Jerry doesn’t see it that way.  Mae realizes that although Jerry isn’t her type of man, he could provide her with security.  Mae agrees to marry Jerry, maybe she will come to love him.

A year into the marriage and Jerry and Mae have a baby girl.  Small time life isn’t what Mae wanted.  And the way Earl is looking at her and talking to her.

Mae knows it’s wrong and someone could end up dead, but…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Clash by Night features one of Marilyn Monroe’s first starring roles.  During filming, news of Monroe’s nude calendar photos became public knowledge.  The news created quite a distraction for the film’s production.  Barbara Stanwyck advised Marilyn to admit the truth and say that she posed for the photos when she was younger and needed the money. (Much as Stanwyck did when she was younger.)

Stanwyck, Ryan and Monroe get well deserved praise for this film.  And rightly so.  Paul Douglas shines as well.

Clash by Night deals with a mature theme and is well directed and well cast.  I felt the ending wrapped things up too nicely.  Interestingly enough, the play on which the film is based had a different ending.  One of the main characters is murdered.  Director Fritz Lang wanted to keep that ending, but the studio forced a more positive outcome.  I wish Lang had gotten his way.

Clash by Night (1952) rates 3 of 5 stars

“John Wick: Chapter 4” (2023) starring Keanu Reeves / Z-View

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

Director: Chad Stahelski

Screenplay: Shay Hatten, Michael Finch; based on characters created by Derek Kolstad

Stars: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, George Georgiou, Lance Reddick, Clancy Brown, Ian McShane, Marko Zaror, Bill Skarsgård, Donnie Yen, Aimée Kwan, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Rina Sawayama and Scott Adkins.

Tagline: No Way Back. One Way Out.

The Plot…

Recovered from wounds that should have left him dead, John Wick (Reeves) is ready to take his vengeance on the High Table.  He plans to “kill them all.”  Very quickly Wick learns that his actions have consequences.  If not on him, then on those few that he cares for.

Wick then decides to use a High Table tradition against them.  Wick will challenge the Marquis (Skarsgård) to a duel.  But to do this, John Wick must be a part of one of the crime families.  Reinstatement will come at a bloody cost.  But once in and if he wins the duel, John knows he will be free of all obligations to the High Table.

The Marquis learns of Wick’s plan and sets in motion all of the worldly resources he controls.  Wick must be killed at all costs.

Let the fun begin.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lance Reddick died a week before John Wick 4 was released.  Although he filmed some scenes for Ballerina, John Wick 4 contains Lance Riddick’s final completed film role.  The movie is dedicated to his memory.

As in previous chapters, Keanu Reeves did most of his own stunts.

Each new John Wick chapter expands his world.  Chapter 4 is no exception.  The new characters keep the movie fun.  Favorites this time out include Tracker (Shamier Anderson) and Killa (Scott Adkins).  It was nice to see roles for Donnie Yen, Clancy Brown and Bill Skarsgård.  It was also cool to see Laurence Fishburne, Lance Reddick and of course, Ian McShane back.  Sven Marquardt is memorable in his role as Klaus.

If you’re a fan of John Wick’s previous outings, you should greatly enjoy Chapter 4.  I wouldn’t mind a Chapter 5, if they can come up with a new twist.  I also wouldn’t mind seeing Tracker get a film of his own.  More tales from the World of John Wick would also be welcomed.  Then again, if this is the last Keanu Reeves outing as John Wick, I’m okay with that too.  It’s been a truly fun ride.

John Wick: Chapter 4 rates 4 of 5 stars.

“War of the Worlds” (1953) starring Gene Barry and Ann Robinson / Z-View

War of the Worlds (1953)

Director: Byron Haskin

Screenplay: Barré Lyndon; based on THE WAR OF THE WORLDS by H.G. Wells

Stars: Gene Barry, Ann Robinson, Les Tremayne, Robert Cornthwaite, Sandro Giglio, Lewis Martin, Vernon Rich, Henry Brandon, Jack Kruschen, Cedric Hardwicke, Edgar Barrier, Carolyn Jones and Paul Frees.

Tagline: Amazing! terrifying! The most savage spectacle of all time!

The Plot…

When a meteor impacts near a small California town it generates a lot of attention.  The attention turns to fear when the meteor turns out to contain an alien ship. The ship goes airborne and begins destroying everything in it’s path.  Things go from terrible to devastating when it is learned that hundreds of these “meteors” have landed around the world.

Armies across the globe attempt to take down the alien invaders with no success. Cities are being wiped out.  Dr. Clayton Forrester (Barry) and Sylvia Van Buren (Robinson) find themselves on the run searching for safe haven.  As the aliens close in, reports from around the world show that no weapon works against the alien’s technology.

Humankind will be wiped out in weeks…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

War of the Worlds was nominated for three 1954 Academy Awards and won one…

  • Nominee for Best Sound, Recording – Loren L. Ryder (Paramount Sound Department)
  • Nominee for Best Film Editing – Everett Douglas
  • Winner for Best Effects, Special Effects

The alien craft in H.G. Wells novel walk on tripod legs.  Unsure of how to make this work on screen, George Pal opted to give the craft the ability to fly.

H.G. Wells’ estate was so pleased with The War of the Worlds, that George Pal was offered any other H.G. Wells story to adapt.  Pal chose and made The Time Machine.

Paul Frees plays a radio reporter and uses his voice impersonation of Orson Welles as a homage to Welles’ War of the Worlds radio broadcast.

Gene Barry and Ann Robinson, the stars of this version appear as grandparents of Tom Cruise’s character’s children in Steven Spielberg’s 2005 War of the Worlds.

War of the Worlds is a classic.

War of the Worlds (1953) rates 5 of 5 stars.