Category: Celebs

“Terror By Night” (1946) starring Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce / Z-View

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Terror by Night (1946)

Director:  Roy William Neill

Screenplay:  Frank Gruber based on characters created by Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Alan Mowbray, Frederick Worlock, Billy Bevan, Harry Cording and Renee Godfrey

Tagline: MURDER… at 90 Miles an Hour!

The Plot…

Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) and his assistant, Dr. Watson (Bruce) are hired to travel by train with Lady Margaret Carstairs and her son Roland.  Holmes is there to provide security since Lady Carstairs has the the famous Star of Rhodesia diamond in her possession.  When her son is murdered and the diamond disappears, it is up to Holmes to find the killer… and the diamond.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Terror by Night‘s copyright wasn’t renewed.  This has allowed bootleg and inferior copies to appear on the market.  Buyers should beware.

This is the 13th of 14th Sherlock Holmes films starring Basil Rathbone.

Terror by Night (1946) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Blood for Dust” starring Scoot McNairy, Josh Lucas & Kit Harington – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Deal me in!

If crime pays, then consider it payday. But beware, the currency may just be blood. Watch #ScootMcNairy #KitHarrington and @JoshLucas try to cash in #BloodForDust, full of twists and turns. In select theaters and digital April 19.
Learn More: www.bloodfordustmovie.com

TITLE: BLOOD FOR DUST
IN THEATERS AND ON DIGITAL: April 19, 2024
DIRECTOR: Rod Blackhurst
WRITER: David Ebeltoft
CAST: Scoot McNairy, Nora Zehetne, Ethan Suplee, Amber Rose Mason, Stephen Dorff, Josh Lucas and Kit Harington
SYNOPSIS: Cliff (Scoot McNairy), a former salesman with a checkered past, is pulled back into a life of crime after losing his job. Desperate to keep his family afloat, he’s lured by his old colleague, Ricky (Kit Harington), into trafficking drugs and guns for a cartel. As Cliff delves deeper, his once straight-laced life turns into a high-stakes game of survival in this gripping thriller hailed as “Breaking Bad meets Fargo” (Variety). Also starring Josh Lucas and Stephen Dorff.
RUN TIME: 100 Minutes
RATING: Rated R for violence, suicide, language, some sexual material/nudity and drug use.
GENRE: Action, Thriller
DISTRIBUTOR: The Avenue

“Sing Sing” starring Colman Domingo – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Colman Domingo continues to pick interesting projects and he’s such a good actor… deal me in!

From director Greg Kwedar and starring Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, and Sean San José, and Paul Raci. SING SING – In Theaters July 2024.

RELEASE DATE: July 2024
DIRECTOR: Greg Kwedar
CAST: Colman Domingo, Paul Raci, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José

“The Hound of the Baskervilles” (1939) starring Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce / Z-View

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The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

Director:  Sidney Lanfield

Screenplay:  Ernest Pascal based on THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by Arthur Conan Doyle

Stars: Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill and John Carradine

Tagline: SPINE-CHILLING! The adventures of Sherlock Holmes on the ghostly moor!

The Plot…

The great detective Sherlock Holmes (Rathbone) and his assistant, Dr. Watson (Bruce) are called to the Baskerville Estate.  The Baskervilles seemed to be cursed.  Over the years many family members have died under unusual circumstances.  The estate is said to be prowled by a huge supernatural hound.  When Sir Charles Baskerville’s corpse was found, there was a giant pawprint near the body.  Now Sir Henry Baskerville has been warned he will be next to die.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Hound of the Baskervilles was Basil Rathbone’s first outing as Sherlock Holmes.  20th Century Fox was so unsure of his star power Richard Greene was given top billing!  Rathbone as Holmes with Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson proved so popular that they not only returned for 13 more Sherlock Holmes films, they also appeared together on the radio in The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Sugar” starring Colin Farrell – The Trailer is Here!

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Deal me in.

Los Angeles. Private investigator. Missing person. Mystery person. Colin Farrell is John Sugar. Sugar premieres April 5.

“Sugar” is a contemporary, unique take on one of the most popular and significant genres in literary, motion picture and television history: the private detective story. Academy Award nominee Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, an American private investigator on the heels of the mysterious disappearance of Olivia Siegel, the beloved granddaughter of legendary Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel. As Sugar tries to determine what happened to Olivia, he will also unearth Siegel family secrets; some very recent, others long-buried.

The series also stars Kirby (“The Sandman”), Amy Ryan (“The Wire”), Dennis Boutsikaris, Nate Corddry (“Mindhunter”), Alex Hernandez (“Invasion”), and James Cromwell (“Succession”), with guest stars Anna Gunn (“Breaking Bad”) and Sydney Chandler (“Don’t Worry Darling”).

“Sugar” is created by Mark Protosevich who also executive produces. Audrey Chon and Simon Kinberg executive produce for Genre Films, marking their second series with Apple TV+ under Kinberg’s overall deal following “Invasion.” Colin Farrell, Sam Catlin, Scott Greenberg and Chip Vucelich also serve as executive producers. The series was directed by Fernando Meirelles (“City of God,” “Two Popes”), who also executive produces, and Adam Arkin (“The Offer”), who also co-executive produces.

“Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo” (1937) starring Warner Oland / Z-View

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Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937)

Director:  Eugene Forde

Screenplay:  Charles Belden. Jerome Cady story by Robert Ellis, Helen Logan

Stars: Warner Oland, Keye Luke, Virginia Field and Sidney Blackmer

Tagline: Triple murder for high stakes! A new high in mystery excitement! And laughs, too!

The Plot…

Charlie Chan (Oland) and his son Lee (Luke) are in Monte Carlo.  When their cab comes upon a murder scene, they become involved in the investigation.  A messenger has been killed and the $200,000 in bonds he was delivering is missing.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

This was Warner Oland’s 16th and final outing as Charlie Chan.  It was also Oland’s last film.

Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo (1937) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story” (2019) / Z-View

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Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019)

Director:  Riley Hanlon

Stars: Lee Kemp, William Baldwin (voice), Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, Urijah Faber and Dan Gable.

Tagline: A World Champion Wrestler on the podium of life with one mission despite devastating setbacks; keep WINNING GOLD.

The Plot…

Lee Kemp was arguably the greatest amateur wrestler ever.  He was was a four-time NCAA Division I National finalist.  He was a National Champion his sophomore, junior and senior years.  His freshman year (freshman!) he came in 2nd thanks to a split decision.  He lost just three times during his entire collegiate wrestling career (and all of those losses came his freshman year).

Kemp was America’s first three time World Champion.  He was also America’s youngest World Champion at that time. Kemp was also a four-time World Cup Champion and a 7-time United States Freestyle National Champion.  Olympic Gold Medalist came out of retirement to wrestle Lee Kemp and Kemp won.  Going into the 1980 Olympics, Lee Kemp was favored to win a Gold Medal.

Then Russia invaded Afghanistan.  President Carter decreed that the U.S. would not participate in the Olympics in protest since they were to be held in Moscow.  Kemp’s dream of Olympic Gold was crushed.  Everything he had worked for was taken away with that decision.

Then life got worse.  This is Lee Kemp’s story.  One of a rise to the top and then a hard fall.  But like every true champion, Lee Kemp found a way back.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When I was in high school the two main amateur wrestlers known to the world were Dan Gable, the 1972 Olympic Gold Medalist and Lee Kemp.  Gable lost just once in his college career.  He was a legend.  Then along came Lee Kemp.  I knew that Gable had gone on to become a great college wrestling coach.  I never knew what became of Lee Kemp.  I’m glad Wrestled Away… The Lee Kemp Story tells us.

On a side note, when I was in tenth grade, I attended a Dan Gable wrestling camp.  Gable was impressive.  The highlight for me was when he picked me out of dozens in attendance to come on the mat with him for the demonstration.

Wrestled Away: The Lee Kemp Story (2019) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Bikeriders” starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy – The Second Trailer is Here!

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Deal me in!

Freedom belongs to the fearless. Starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler and Tom Hardy. THE BIKERIDERS is only in theaters June 21. Written and directed by Jeff Nichols.

THE BIKERIDERS follows the rise of a midwestern motorcycle club, the Vandals. Seen through the lives of its members, the club evolves over the course of a decade from a gathering place for local outsiders into a more sinister gang, threatening the original group’s unique way of life.

RIP: Richard Lewis

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Richard Lewis, the stand-up comedian, actor, writer and producer, died of a heart attack on February 27th.

Mr. Lewis began his stand-up career in 1971 while working at an advertising agency during the day.  David Brenner saw Richard Lewis’ act and helped to promote him.  By the mid-70s, Lewis was becoming well-known thanks to his appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and publications such as the New York Daily News.  Richard Lewis made his acting debut in Diary of a Young Comic.  He would go on to act on television, in feature films and stand-up for the remainder of his career.

Some of Richard Lewis’ television work includes: Diary of a Young Comic; The 416th; House Calls; Riptide; Harry (7 episodes); Anything But Love (56 episodes); The Larry Sanders Show; Daddy Dearest (13 episodes); Tales from the Crypt; Hiller & Diller (13 episodes); Rude Awakening (6 episodes); Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm; Alias; Two and a Half Men; 7th Heaven (9 episodes); The Dead Zone; Las Vegas; George Lopez; The Simpsons; Everybody Hates Chris; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; The Cleaner; ‘Til Death (3 episodes); Blunt Talk (6 episodes) and Curb Your Enthusiasm (41 episodes).

Some of Richard Lewis’ feature film work includes: The Wrong Guys; That’s Adequate; Once Upon a Crime; Robin Hood: Men in Tights; Wagons East; Leaving Las Vegas; The Maze and Vamps.

I was a fan of Richard Lewis.  It was always cool to see him show up in a television show or movie. ‘

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Lewis’ family, friends and fans.

“Coded” (2021) / Z-View

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Coded (2021)

Director:  Ryan White

Tagline: Look Between the Lines.

The Plot…

J.C. Leyendecker was arguably the most popular artist of his time.  He worked professionally the mid-1890s until his death in 1951.  Leyendecker is most famous for his run of Saturday Evening Post covers that covered a 44 year span.  He also was known for his Arrow Shirts commercial art.

J.C. Leyendecker was gay and although closeted (due to prejudice of the time), some aspects of his lifestyle came through subliminally in his art.  Coded explores Leyendecker’s career and subliminal messages in commercial art then and now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Although I’m a fan of J.C. Leyendecker’s art, I didn’t know much about his life or career.  It was interesting that Leyendecker mentored Norman Rockwell who went on to be the next “Leyendecker”.

Coded gets my highest recommendation.

Coded (2021) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Watchers” written & directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan – The Trailer is Here!

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I’m not completely sold, but will keep an eye out for more of The Watchers.

From producer M. Night Shyamalan comes “The Watchers,” written and directed by Ishana Night Shyamalan and based on the novel by A.M. Shine. The film follows Mina, a 28-year-old artist, who gets stranded in an expansive, untouched forest in western Ireland. When Mina finds shelter, she unknowingly becomes trapped alongside three strangers who are watched and stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

You can’t see them, but they see everything.

“The Watchers” stars Dakota Fanning (“Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “Ocean’s Eight”), Georgina Campbell (“Barbarian,” “Suspicion”), Oliver Finnegan (“Creeped Out,” “Outlander”) and Olwen Fouere (“The Northman,” “The Tourist”). The film is produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan and Nimitt Mankad. The executive producers are Jo Homewood and Stephen Dembitzer.

Joining writer/director Shyamalan behind-the-camera are director of photography Eli Arenson (“Lamb,” “Hospitality”), production designer Ferdia Murphy (“Lola,” “Finding You”), editor Job ter Burg (“Benedetta,” “Elle”) and costume design by Frank Gallacher (“Sebastian,” “Aftersun”). The music is by Abel Korzeniowski (“Till,” “The Nun”).

New Line Cinema presents “The Watchers,” set to open in theaters internationally beginning 5 June 2024 and in North America on June 7, 2024; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

“Revolution in the Ring” (2017) / Z-View

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Revolution in the Ring (2017)

Director:  Jason Sklaver

Writer: Jason Sklaver

Tagline: None

The Plot…

Teófilo Stevenson was a Cuban amateur boxer who won Gold Medals in the 1972, 1976 and 1980 Olympics.  Because Cuba outlawed professional sports in 1962, Stevenson was never allowed to turn pro.  With Stevenson’s Gold Medal wins, many wondered how he would fare against the best heavyweight boxers in the world.  Several promoters offered Stevenson one million dollars to challenge Muhammad Ali for the title.  The fight never happened.  Revolution in the Ring is that story.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A couple of times it appeared that the Ali vs Stevenson fight would be made.  Fight aficionados still debate who would have won. Ali fought the best professionals in the world in battles that went 15 rounds.  Stevenson fought the world’s best amateurs in matches that lasted 3 rounds at most.  The edge would go to Ali in a professional fight.  Yet, if the fight was held in 1977, Ali was past his prime and Stevenson was still in his.  So maybe Stevenson would have the edge.  The fight never happened but the debate will never end.

Revolution in the Ring (2017) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“MLK/FBI” (2020) / Z-View

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MLK/FBI (2020)

Director:  Sam Pollard

Writers: David J. Carrow, Benjamin Hedin, Laura Tomaselli

Stars:  Martin Luther King, J. Edgar Hoover, Andrew Young, James Comey, Merv Griffin, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy  and Coretta Scott King

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

MLK/FBI chronicles the attempts made by the FBI through wiretaps and surveillance to discredit and ruin Martin Luther King, Jr..  Using newly declassified files coupled with news reports and film from the time period, we are given insight into the methods and extreme steps taken.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

MLK/FBI does an excellent job of presenting the civil unrest and movement for equal rights that brought Martin Luther King to the attention of our nation. The film’s biggest shocker is the lengths J. Edgar Hoover, the Director of the F.B.I. took to discredit Martin Luther King, Jr..

When phone wiretaps proved Martin Luther King, Jr. was having affairs with multiple women, this information was used in an attempt to blackmail MLK into committing suicide!  The film says that Martin Luther King was worried that the information would become public knowledge.  It didn’t.  But Martin Luther King’s wife, Coretta Scott King was sent copies of the tapes.  So were church and civic leaders.  At the end of the film there is brief discussion that confirmed MLK did have affairs.  I would have liked to have heard more about how these revelations were received when the tapes were delivered.  Were these folks already aware?  What was the plan if the tapes became public knowledge?

Martin Luther King was a flawed human being.  He wasn’t perfect.  But who is?  The lengths the F.B.I. went to discredit him are shameful.  And we haven’t heard the full story yet.  Perhaps we never will.  Even with the full weight of the government working to take him down, Martin Luther King continued to speak out for equal rights for all and a future that we have yet to achieve.

MLK/FBI (2020) earns 3 of 5 stars.