Category: TV

Andy Kaufman Soon To Be a WWE Hall of Fame Wrestler!

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Today Joe Otterson at Variety posted  Andy Kaufman to Be Inducted Into WWE Hall of Fame.  Good for Andy and good for the WWE.  I say that without any hint of sarcasm.  While I was never a fan of Kaufman’s comedy, nor a pro wrestling fan when Kaufman’s career led him to the squared circle, I do believe he should be in the WWE Hall of Fame.

Andy Kaufman’s humor was always a bit too bizarre for me.  I hadn’t watched professional wrestling since I was a kid in Indiana.  Yet, when there was an Andy Kaufman / Pro Wrestling crossover, something special happened.  Remember this was a time when everyone involved in professional ‘rasslin’ went to great lengths to make sure fans believed all that happened inside and outside the ring was real.

Andy Kaufman began showing up at professional wrestling arenas where he would declare himself the Women’s Champion of the World.  While one would normally think that was stupid-funny (and it was), what it did was enrage fans.  Kaufman began getting matches against women and of course he beat them, which only made people more upset.

Then Kaufman appeared on David Letterman’s show with Jerry “The King” Lawler.  Lawler was a babyface, aka a favorite of professional wrestling fans.  Kaufman and Lawler got into an argument.  Lawler ending up slapping Kaufman out of his chair.  Letterman appeared to be shocked as Lawler stormed off set and Kaufman needed medical assistance.  The encounter blew up and was reported everywhere. Kaufman actually checked himself into a hospital and stayed there for several days!  Of course this led to a series of sold out arenas where Kaufman and Lawler would battle.  Behind the scenes the two were buddies and raking in bank.

If you talk to professional wrestling fans, probably 99% know about the Andy Kaufman/Jerry Lawler/David Letterman incident.  What’s even crazier is the high percentage of non-wrestling fans who know about it over 40 years later.  So yeah, I say, Andy Kaufman deserves to be in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.  Hats off to the WWE for making it happen.

RIP: Hal Dresner

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Hal Dresner died yesterday from cancer.  He was 85.

Mr. Dresner was a writer and producer of television programs and feature films.  He was an uncredited writer on the Paul Newman classic, Cool Hand Luke.  One of the most famous lines in movie history, “What we have here is a failure to communicate” is attributed to Hal Dresner.

Some of Hal Dresner’s television work includes: Night Gallery (3 episodes); The Harvey Korman Show (creator & writer – 3 episodes); Husbands, Wives & Lovers (creator & writer – 10 episodes) and Poor Richard.

Some of Hal Dresner’s feature film work includes: .Cool Hand Luke (uncredited writer); The April Fools (screenplay); Catch 22 (screenplay); Sssssss (screenplay); The Eiger Sanction (screenplay) and Zorro: The Gay Blade (screenplay).

I probably first saw Hal Dresner’s work on a Night Gallery episode.  My favorite Hal Dresner screenplay is The Eiger Sanction.  It’s interesting to note that if he did nothing more than come up with the Cool Hand Luke line, “What we have here is a failure to communicate”, his place in movie history would be assured.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Hal Dresner’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Lance Reddick

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Lance Reddick died today from natural causes.  He was 60.

In high school Lance Reddick’s focus was on music.  After graduation he attended the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree.  Mr. Riddick later attended the Yale School of Drama where he earned a Master of Fine Arts degree.

Lance Reddick appeared on television and in feature films throughout his career.

Some of Lance Reddick’s television appearances include: New York Undercover; The Nanny; The West Wing; Falcone (3 episodes); Oz (12 episodes); Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (6 episodes); Law & Order: Criminal Intent; Law & Order (3 episodes); CSI: Miami (3 episodes); The Wire (60 episodes); Lost (4 episodes); It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; Fringe (90 episodes); The Blacklist (2 episodes); Intelligence (5 episodes); Quantum Break (4 episodes); American Horror Story (4 episodes); Duck Tales (voice – 5 episodes); Castlevania (voice – 10 episodes); Corporate (18 episodes); Bosch (68 episodes); Young Sheldon and Resident Evil (8 episodes).

Some of Lance Reddick’s feature film appearances include: Great Expectations; The Siege; Don’t Say a Word; Jonah Hex; White House Down; Oldboy; John Wick; John Wick: Chapter 2; John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum; Angel Has Fallen; One Night in Miami; Godzilla vs Kong and John Wick: Chapter 4.

I first saw Lance Reddick in Lost.  He had a unique look and stage presence.  Then I started seeing him more and more in both television and feature films.  Whenever Lance Reddick’s name appeared in the credits, I knew I was in for a treat.  My favorite Lance Reddick role was as Charon in the John Wick films.  Lance Reddick was a special type of actor who could appear in action films, dramas, comedies as well as provide voice work for animated projects.  What a career he had.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lance Reddick’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Robert Blake

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Robert Blake, the actor, writer and producer, died on March 9, 2023, from heart disease.  He was 89.  Robert Blake was born Michael James Vincenzo Gubitosi.  In many of his early roles he was billed as Mickey Gubitosi.

Robert Blake began acting professionally when he was just a child.  He was cast in 40 of The Little Rascals/Our Gang shorts.  In 1942, he took the stage name Bobby Blake.  Mr. Blake played Little Beaver in 23 films in The Red Ryder franchise.  As a child Robert Blake also appeared in The Big Noise with Laurel and Hardy and The Treasure of Sierra Madre with Humphrey Bogart.

Robert Blake said that his childhood was an unhappy one.  He was sexually and physically abused by his parents. At school he was bullied and got into many fights.  At one point he ran away from home.  Robert Blake was drafted into the Army.  When he got out he couldn’t find work and developed a drug addiction.  He focused on acting classes, and got his life back on track.  He would work on television and in feature films for the remainder of his career.

Some of Robert Blake’s feature film appearances include: The Big Noise; The Horn Blows at Midnight; The Treasure of Sierra Madre; Pork Chop Hill; PT 109; The Greatest Story Ever Told; This Property is Condemned; In Cold Blood; Tell Them Willie Boy is Here; Electra Glide in Blue; Coast to Coast, Money Train and Lost Highway.

Some of Robert Blake’s television appearances include: The Cisco Kid (2 episodes); The Roy Rogers Show; Broken Arrow (3 episodes); One Step Beyond; Bat Masterson; Naked City (2 episodes); Wagon Train; Laramie; Ben Casey; Have Gun – Will Travel (3 episodes); The Richard Boone Show (25 episodes); Rawhide (2 episodes); The FBI (2 episodes); Baretta (82 episodes); Of Mice and Men; Blood Feud and Hell Town (tv movie and 9 episodes) and Heart of a Champion.

Robert Blake was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards as an Outstanding Lead Actor, winning in 1975 for his role in Baretta.

Sadly in 1999, Blake met and became involved with Bonnie Lee Blakely.  She had nine previous marriages.  Robert Blake became her tenth husband the following year.  On May 4, 2001, the couple went to dinner. As they prepared to leave, Mr. Blake said that he realized he accidentally left his pistol in the restaurant.  He went in to get it and Ms. Blakely waited in the car.  When he returned to the vehicle, Ms. Blakely was dead, the result of a gunshot to the head.  On April 22, 2002, Blake was charged for the murder of Ms. Blakely.  On March 16, 2005, Blake was found not guilty of murder.  Ms. Blakely’s children sued in civil court and won a judgment of $30 million, which was later reduced to $15 million.  After this Robert Blake filed for bankruptcy and stayed out of the public eye for the remainder of his life.

I was a major Robert Blake fan.  My favorite of his many roles was as Baretta.  He made the series must-see tv.  He is most famous for his role in Cold Blood, but fans shouldn’t sleep on Electra Glide in Blue.  Any time Robert Blake was a guest on a tv talk show, you could be sure it was worth a view.  Mr. Blake was witty, and projected a this is me, this is what you get vibe.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Robert Blake’s family, friends and fans.

“The Last Thing He Told Me” starring Jennifer Garner – The Trailer is Here!

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The trailer to The Last Thing He Told Me starring Jennifer Garner has me interested.

How far would you go for the people you love? Starring Jennifer Garner, The Last Thing He Told Me premieres April 14 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_TheLastThingHeToldMe

This gripping limited series follows Hannah, a woman who must forge a relationship with her 16-year-old stepdaughter Bailey in order to find the truth about why her husband has mysteriously disappeared.

Based on the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, the series is created and adapted by author Laura Dave, alongside series co-creator, Academy Award winner Josh Singer. Garner also serves as executive producer alongside Hello Sunshine’s Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter.

“Duel” (1971) directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Dennis Weaver / Z-View

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Duel (1971)

Director:  Steven Spielberg

Writer:  Richard Matheson

Stars: Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, Gene Dynarski, Lucille Benson, Tim Herbert, Charles Seel, Shirley O’Hara and Carey Loftin.

Tagline: A duel is about to begin between a man, a truck, and an open road. Where a simple battle of wits is now a matter of life and death.

The Plot…

David Mann (Weaver), a salesman, is having a bad day.  He had an argument with his wife and she’s still ticked.  He has another stop to make before heading home and it’s a long drive both ways.  Mann’s day is about to get a lot worse when on a remote section of road an old tanker truck is creeping along.  Mann finally gets a chance to pass and does.  Almost immediately the tanker takes the lead back and then quickly slows down.  As Mann tries to pass again, the trucker tries to force him off the road. The trucker makes it clear he plans to kill Mann.  Miles out on a deserted road, what chance does Mann have?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Duel was the tv movie that put Steven Spielberg on the map.  He had directed a some television episodes (Marcus Welby, Night Gallery, The Name of the Game, The Psychiatrist, Columbo and Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law) prior to helming Duel.  The response to Spielberg’s tv movie was so good that Spielberg was brought back to shoot additional scenes to bring the film to feature length.  Duel was given a release in Europe, Australia and even a limited US release.

Richard Matheson provides the screenplay based on his short story of the same name.  Matheson’s resume contains so many winners and Duel is on that list.

Dennis Weaver does an excellent job of acting especially since he’s often the only person on screen.  It’s interesting to note the number of other performers who actually appear in the film because it’s Weaver and the trucker from hell that we remember.

I watched Duel when it premiered.  I was spending the night at my grandparents.  My grandpa and I watched together. (We both liked it a lot.)

Duel earns 4 of 5 stars.

“Silo” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I’m not familiar with the Silo series by Hugh Howey (and why didn’t Howey get credit in the trailer when it said, “based on the best selling book series”).  The poster doesn’t sell the series to me, but that trailer has me wanting to see it!

The truth will surface. Silo premieres May 5 on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_Silo

In a ruined and toxic future, thousands live in a giant silo deep underground. After its sheriff breaks a cardinal rule and residents die mysteriously, engineer Juliette (Rebecca Ferguson) starts to uncover shocking secrets and the truth about the silo.

RIP: Tom Sizemore

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Tom Sizemore died yesterday the result of a brain aneurysm. suffered on February 18, 2023.  Mr. Sizemore remained in a coma and never regained consciousness.  He was 61.

Tom Sizemore acted in feature films and television throughout his career.  His first major role was in Sylvester Stallone’s Lock Up.  That same year Mr. Sizemore also had smaller parts in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July and Penn & Teller Get Mugged.  Over the course of his career Tom Sizemore accumulated well over 200 acting credits.  Although Mr. Sizemore had little trouble getting roles in major features and high profile projects, he sometimes struggled in his personal life.

Some of Tom Sizemore’s feature film appearances include: Lock Up; Penn & Teller Get Mugged; Born on the Fourth of July; Blue Steel; Point Break; Harley Davidson & the Marlboro Man; Passenger 57; True Romance; Striking Distance; Wyatt Earp; Natural Born Killers; Strange Days; Devil in a Blue Dress; Heat; The Relic; Saving Private Ryan; Enemy of the State; Bringing Out the Dead; Get Carter (voice only); Pearl Harbor; Black Hawk Down; Dreamcatcher and Reach Me.

Some of Tom Sizemore’s television appearances include: China Beach (6 episodes); Witness to the Mob; Witness Protection; Sins of the Father; Justice League (2 episodes);  Robbery Homicide Division (13 episodes); Dr. Vegas (6 episodes); Superstorm (3 episodes); CSI Miami; Crash (5 episodes); Southland; Entourage;  It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia;  Hawaii Five-0 (5 episodes); The Red Road (7 episodes); Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2 episodes); Lucifer; Shooter (6 episodes); Twin Peaks (6 episodes) and Cobra Kai.

I first became aware of Tom Sizemore is in Lock Up with Sylvester Stallone.  It was also Mr. Sizemore’s first major film role.  He would “appear” with Sly Stallone in two other films: Get Carter and Reach Me.  I put appear in quotes since Tom Sizemore was a voice on the phone in Get Carter.  Although you didn’t see him, his distinctive voice added gravitas to the role.  My favorite Tom Sizemore role was Sergeant Horvath in Saving Private Ryan, but he was also so good in so many other parts.  For a period of time it seemed Tom Sizemore was part of every big movie I was excited to see.  And he always made them better.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom Sizemore’s family, friends and fans.

“Florida Man” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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I like the poster and trailer for Florida Man.  Since it is on Netflix, checking it out will be a no-brainer.

Murder. Manhunts. Manatees. FLORIDA MAN, a new Netflix limited series from creator Donald Todd (Ugly Betty, This Is Us), follows a struggling ex-cop (Edgar Ramírez) who is forced to return to his home state of Florida to find a Philly mobster’s runaway girlfriend. What should be a quick gig becomes a wildly spiraling journey into buried family secrets, and an increasingly futile attempt to do the right thing in a place where so much is wrong.

Also starring Abbey Lee, Anthony LaPaglia, Otmara Marrero, Lex Scott Davis, Emory Cohen, Clark Gregg, Isaiah Johnson, Paul Schneider and Lauren Buglioli.

“AGENT ELVIS” – The Official Trailer is Here!

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I absolutely love the look of Agent Elvis.  Deal me in.

He’s Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll by day, and Agent Elvis, a spy vigilante saving the world, by night.

FULL CAST:  Matthew McConaughey, Kaitlin Olson, Johnny Knoxville, Niecy Nash, Tom Kenny, Don Cheadle, Priscilla Presley, Jason Mantzoukas, Asif Ali, Ed Helms, Christina Hendricks, Kieran Culkin, Fred Armisen, Chris Elliott, George Clinton, Craig Robinson, Simon Pegg, Ego Nwodim, Gary Cole, Jamie Costa, Tara Strong, Dee Bradley Baker, Jim Meskimen, Carlos Alazraqui, Cree Summer, Ilia Volok, Tony Cavalero, Michael Leon Wooley, and Eric Bauza.

MORE INFO ON AGENT ELVIS: This ten episode, Netflix adult animation series from Sony Pictures Animation is an irreverent action comedy starring Matthew McConaughey as Elvis Presley and follows Elvis as he lives a double-life as a secret agent. The show was created by Priscilla Presley and John Eddie, and was developed by Co-Showrunners Mike Arnold and John Eddie, who also serve as Executive Producers along with Executive Producers Kevin Noel, Matthew McConaughey, Priscilla Presley, with Fletcher Moules serving as Co-Executive Producer and Seranie Manoogian as Producer. Jamie Salter, Corey Salter, and Marc Rosen with Authentic Brands Group also served as Executive Producers. Vancouver-based Titmouse served as the animation studio with Chris Prynoski, Shannon Prynoski, Antonio Canobbio, and Ben Kalina serving as Executive Producers and Gary Ye as Supervising Director, Chris Thompson as Art Director, and Josue Sanchez as Editor. Robert Valley created original character designs, and Agent Elvis’ wardrobe was designed by John Varvatos. Music and original score was composed by Tyler Bates and Timothy Williams.

RIP: Ricou Browning

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Ricou Browning died on February 27, 2023, from natural causes.  He was 93.

Best known as the actor who played The Creature from the Black Lagoon in all of the movie’s underwater scenes, Mr. Browning was much more.  Over the course of his career Ricou Browning was an actor, stunt man, writer, producer and director.

Ricou Browning was born in Fort Pierce, Florida and he majored in physical education at Florida State University. Mr. Browning worked as a performer at both Wakulla Springs and Weeki Wachee Springs.  When a camera crew came to Weeki Wachee it was Mr. Browning who showed them around and swam underwater for their test shots.  They liked what they saw and Ricou Browning was offered the part of the Creature for all underwater filming.  Mr. Browning could hold his breath for extended periods of time and that was a plus for the role.  Mr. Browning was brought back to play the Creature in both sequels, Revenge of the Creature and The Creature Walks Among Us.

As an actor Ricou Browning appeared in: Creature from the Black Lagoon; Revenge of the Creature; The Creature Walks Among Us; Sea Hunt (tv – 1 episode); Flipper’s New Adventure and Flipper (tv – 2 episodes).

Ricou Browning wrote or co-wrote: Flipper; Flipper’s New Adventure; Flipper (tv – 33 episodes); Salty; Island Claws; Flipper (1996) and Flipper (tv – 34 episodes).

Ricou Browning severed as director for: Flipper (tv – 37 episodes); Thunderball (2nd unit – underwater sequences); Around the World Under the Sea (underwater sequences); Gentle Ben (tv – 14 episodes); Off to See the Wizard; Island of the Lost (underwater sequences); Hello Down There (underwater sequences); Primus (2 episodes); Joe Panther (2nd unit); Hot Stuff (2nd unit); Caddyshack (2nd unit);  Salty; Mr. No Legs; Nobody’s Perfekt (2nd unit) and Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach (2nd unit).

Ricou Browning performed stunt work for: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (stunt diver); Don’t Give Up the Ship (Jerry Lewis’ underwater swimming double); The Heavenly Kid (stunt coordinator); Opposing Force (stunt coordinator).

Ricou Browning will forever be linked with one of the Classic Universal Movie Monsters, The Creature from the Black Lagoon.  If that was the only thing he ever did, Mr. Browning’s legend would live forever.  As you can see from his resume, he was a rare talent who could do it all.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ricou Browning’s family, friends and fans.

“Fubar” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger – The Teaser is Here!

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The teaser for Fubar starring Arnold Schwarzenegger is below.  Because it come from Nick Santora, stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and is on Netflix, checking it out will be a no-brainer.  I just hope it has the right mix of action and comedy.

ARNOLD. IS. BACK. MAY 25. And starring in his first series ever: FUBAR – Everything else is top secret, except for that ice pack he’s gonna need. To receive classified updates click here: https://netflix.com/FUBAR

Also starring Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Fortune Feimster, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Andy Buckley, Aparna Brielle, Barbara Eve Harris, Fabiana Udenio and Gabriel Luna.

From creator Nick Santora (Reacher, Prison Break): A CIA operative on the verge of retirement discovers a family secret. Forced to go back into the field for one last job, FUBAR tackles universal family dynamics set against a global backdrop of spies, action and humor.

RIP: Barbara Bosson

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Barbara Bosson died on February 18, 2023, at the age of 83.

After her high school graduation Barbara Bosson moved to New York and worked a variety of jobs (secretary, production assistant, Playboy bunny) as she pursued an acting career.

Barbara Bosson’s first acting credit is as a nurse in the Steve McQueen classic, Bullet.  Barbara Bosson would go on to act on television and feature films for the rest of her career.  She was nominated for 5 consecutive (1981 – 1985) Prime Time Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Hill Street Blues.  In 1996, she was nominated for a sixth Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Murder One.

Some of Barbara Bosson’s television appearances include: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (5 episodes); Mannix; Longstreet; Emergency; Alias Smith & Jones; Ironside; McMillan & Wife (2 episodes); Richie Brockelman, Private Eye (5 episodes); Calendar Girl Murders; Hill Street Blues (103 episodes); LA Law (2 episodes); The New Mike Hammer; Hotel; Murder She Wrote; Hooperman (42 episodes); Cop Rock (11 episodes); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; NYPD Blue; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (2 episodes); Murder One (41 episodes) and Murder One: Diary of a Serial Killer (6 episodes).

Some of Barbara Bosson’s feature film appearances include: Bullet; Capricorn One and The Last Starfighter.

It’s hard for me to say where I first saw Barbara Bosson.  Early in her career she appeared on several shows that I regularly watched.  I can say for sure that my favorite Barbara Bosson role was on Hill Street Blues.  I wasn’t alone.  She was nominated 5 years in a row for a Prime Time Emmy for her performance in that role.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara Bosson’s family, friends and fans.