“The Big Heat” Alt Poster by Angora!
The Big Heat is one of my all-time favorite movies. Angora has come up with an alt poster that I hope brings more eyes to the film.
Category: Crime
Marv Profile by Ben Oliver!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Ben Oliver.
“This Side of the Law” (1950) starring Viveca Lindfors, Kent Smith, Janis Paige, Robert Douglas / Z-View
This Side of the Law (1950)
Director: Richard L. Bare
Screenplay: Russell S. Hughes; story by Richard Sale
Stars: Viveca Lindfors, Kent Smith, Janis Paige, Robert Douglas, John Alvin, Nita Talbot,
Michael Mark, Edward Van Sloan and Monte Blue.
Tagline: He’s coming back – the man they thought they double-crossed to death!
The Plot…
David Cummings is going through hard times. Homeless and looking for work, Cummings is picked up on a vagrancy charge. The judge sentences him to “$50 or 30 days.” Cummings is surprised to learn that Philip Cagle, a lawyer in the courtroom, paid his fine.
Cagle then takes Cummings to dinner and offers him a job. It turns out that Cummings looks exactly like one of Cagle’s clients. A rich man who disappeared nearly seven years ago. In fact, in two weeks it will be seven years exactly that the man has been missing. At that point the man will be declared dead and the man’s estate will be divided up among the missing man’s wife, brother and sister-in-law.
Cagle offers Cummings $500 to impersonate the missing man. Cagle hopes that Cummings will then be able to discover the fate of the missing man. Cummings agrees to the job… for $5,000.00 and is surprised when Cagle agrees to the sum.
Cummings is able to fool everyone. He quickly discovers that each member of the missing man’s family had reason to kill him. And now at least one of them has reason to kill him again.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
If you can go along with the conceit that the imposter could fool the missing man’s wife, brother and former lover, then this movie works well. I went with it and enjoyed the ride.
This Side of the Law marks Nita Talbot’s first credited feature film role. Ms. Talbot would go on to accumulate over 150 credits on her acting resume.
This Side of the Law (1950) rates 4 of 5 stars.
“Absolution” (2024) starring Liam Neeson / Z-View
Absolution (2024)
Director: Hans Petter Moland
Screenplay: Tony Gayton
Stars: Liam Neeson, Daniel Diemer, Javier Molina, Jimmy Gonzales, Brian A. White, William Xifaras, John Duddy, Yolonda Ross, Bruce Busta Soscia and Ron Perlman.
Tagline: Everyone pays in the end.
The Plot…
An aging legbreaker learns that he has Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He’s already forgetting things. His diagnosis is fatal. In just a few months he will lose all memory. The thug hopes to reconnect with his estranged daughter and grandson before he dies.
But time is running out… and his crime boss has other plans.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
I was hoping for better. Absolution is, pun intended, forgettable.
A film that had a similar take and was excellent is Knox Goes Away.
Absolution (2024) rates 2 of 5 stars.
“Reservoir Dogs” Alt Poster by Huan Do!
Got to love this creative alt poster for Reservoir Dogs by Huan Do.
“The Undercover Man” (1949) starring Glenn Ford / Z-View
The Undercover Man (1949)
Director: Joseph H. Lewis
Screenplay: Sydney Boehm, Malvin Wald (additional dialogue) based on Undercover Man: He Trapped Capone by Frank J. Wilson from a story outline by Jack Rubin
Stars: Glenn Ford, Nina Foch, James Whitmore, Barry Kelley, David Bauer (as David Wolfe), Howard St. John, Leo Penn, Esther Minciotti, Angela Clarke, Anthony Caruso, Robert Osterloh, Kay Medford, Patricia Barry (as Patricia White) and Peter Brocco.
Tagline: TOLD WITH THE SNARL OF A MACHINE GUN!
The Plot…
US Treasury Agent Frank Warren has been assigned to bring down the mob boss know as Big Fellow. Every witness or informent is terrified from testifying, paid off or found dead. Then Warren gets a lead from an unexpected source.
Now Big Fellow has targeted Frank Warren and his wife to die.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Big Fellow was of course based on Al Capone.
The Undercover Man marks James Whitmore’s feature film debut.
Leo Penn is the father of actors Sean and Chris Penn.
The Undercover Man (1949) rates 3 of 5 stars.
Marv by Alex Ogle!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have a Marv by Alex Ogle.
“The Big Steal” (1949) directed by Don Siegel; starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer and William Bendix / Z-View
The Big Steal (1949)
Director: Don Siegel
Screenplay: Gerald Drayson Adams, Daniel Mainwaring (as Geoffrey Homes) based on “The Road to Carmichael’s” by Richard Wormser
Stars: Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, William Bendix, Patric Knowles, Ramon Novarro, Don Alvarado and John Qualen.
Tagline: It’s a tough, terrific adventure in grand larceny! But, there’s more than money on his mind…when he mixes with this gal with the million dollar figure!
The Plot…
$300,000 was robbed from a U.S. military payroll. Army lieutenant Duke Halliday wants the money. He knows Jim Fiske has it, but Fiske is on the lam. Duke is in pursuit. Duke’s superior, Captain Blake is after both Duke and Fiske. Blake intends to get the money back.
Fiske makes it across the US/Mexican border with both Duke and Blake not far behind. In Mexico, Duke meets Joan Graham. Fiske scammed her for $2,000.00. Duke and Joan reluctantly agree to work together.
Fiske is desperate. He’s come too far to lose the money. And he’ll kill anyone who gets in his way. Duke and Joan are in his way.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Don Siegel, who would go on to helm classics such as Dirty Harry and Invasion of the Body Snatchers does a fine job in his third outing as a feature film director.
The film’s shooting schedule was disrupted by Robert Mitchum’s 50-day prison sentence for marijuana possession.
Jane Russell was up for the female lead, but Howard Hughes was worried that Mitchum’s marijuana arrest would reflect badly on her. Russell was RKO Studios biggest female star and Hughes nixed her for the role. Lizabeth Scott refused the part, because she was also afraid it would tarnish her career. Jane Greer, who had worked with Mitchum in Out of the Past, got the role.
The Big Steal is the 1940s version of a chase movie.
There’s a couple of unexpected twists at the end. The Big Steal is a fun ride.
The Big Steal (1949) rates 4 of 5 stars.
Sly Stallone as Dwight Manfredi, The Tulsa King by Tony Nasa Gramegna!
Sly Stallone as Dwight Manfredi, The Tulsa King by Tony Nasa Gramegna.
“Laws of Man” (2024) written & directed by Phil Blattenberger; starring Jacob Keohane, Jackson Rathbone, Dermot Mulroney, Harvey Keitel, Keith Carradine and Graham Greene / Z-View
Laws of Man (2024)
Director: Phil Blattenberger
Screenplay: Phil Blattenberger
Stars: Jacob Keohane, Jackson Rathbone, Dermot Mulroney, Harvey Keitel, Keith Carradine, Richard Brake, Forrie J. Smith, James Urbaniak, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Johnny Hoeft, Greg Kriek, David DeLao, Ashley Gallegos, Alaina Warren Zachary and Graham Greene.
Tagline: No One Is Innocent
The Plot…
1963. US Marshalls Frank Fenton and Tommy Morton are sent to Nevada to bring in some bad hombres. Frank is straight-laced and uptight. His partner, Tommy is younger and hip. While their outlooks on life are different they make a good team. During the course of an assignment to bring in a murderer they stumble on to a conspiracy.
Outgunned and over-their-heads, the pair refuse to back down.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Laws of Man plays out like a low-budget Tarantino movie. Interesting and outlandish characters in over-the-top conflicts and a twist that takes the danger to the extreme. The plot plays out like a fever dream set in 1963.
Jacob Keohane and Jackson Rathbone are excellent as the mismatched US Marshalls. Dermot Mulroney, Harvey Keitel, Keith Carradine and Graham Greene led a supporting cast with the ability to play unbridled scenes straight.
While Laws of Man isn’t a great film, it is a fun one. I enjoyed the characters and outlandish plot… even the twist at the end. As always, your mileage may vary.
Laws of Man (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.
“Detective Story” (1951) directed by William Wyler; starring Kirk Douglas, Eleanor Parker, William Bendix and introducing Lee Grant / Z-View
Detective Story (1951)
Director: William Wyler
Screenplay: Robert Wyler, Philip Yordan based on Detective Story (1949 play) by Sidney Kingsley
Stars: Kirk Douglas, Eleanor Parker, William Bendix, Cathy O’Donnell, George Macready, Horace McMahon, Gladys George, Lee Grant, Gerald Mohr, Frank Faylen, Michael Strong, Luis Van Rooten, Bert Freed, Warner Anderson, Grandon Rhodes and Joseph Wiseman.
Tagline: The love story of a man whose wife was more woman than angel!
The Plot…
New York City Detective Jim McLeod has no tolerance for law-breakers. McLeod’s dad was one and it literally drove McLeod’s mother insane. McLeod’s tough on everyone. Everyone except his beautiful wife, Mary.
One night, as other cops work their cases in the station house, McLeod has a breakthrough. The other officers are dealing with shoplifters, burglars and even a potential psycho-rapist. McLeod has been working a case involving Dr. Karl Schneider. Schneider is a black market doctor who is responsible for at least one death.
Dr. Schneider’s lawyer warns McLeod to back off or else. McLeod refuses. He doesn’t know what the lawyer’s threats hold. But he’s going to find out.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Detective Story was nominated for four 1952 Academy Awards…
- Nominee for Best Writing, Screenplay – Philip Yordan, Robert Wyler
- Nominee for Best Director – William Wyler
- Nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Lee Grant
- Nominee for Best Actress in a Leading Role – Eleanor Parker
In the original play, Dr. Schneider’s crimes were explicitly stated. Due to Film Production Codes, in Detective Story they code only be hinted at. Audiences could read between the lines.
Detective Story features Lee Grant’s film debut and she was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance!
Detective Story is one of the best play adaptations I’ve ever seen. Lee Grant is superb. William Bendix is always awesome. Kirk Douglas was the perfect choice to play the hard-nosed Detective McLeod.
Detective Story (1951) rates 5 of 5 stars.
Cool “Pulp Fiction” Alt Poster by Nino Cammarata!
Check out this cool alt Pulp Fiction poster by Nino Cammarata.
Marv by Keith Browning!
Marv from Frank Miller’s Sin City is one of my all-time favorite characters. I love seeing artists do their “take” on the big lug. Today we have Marv by Keith Browning.
“Task” Season One (2025) starring Mark Ruffalo / Z-View
“Task: Season 1” (2017)
Created by: Brad Ingelsby
Teleplay by:
- (eps. 1-3; 7) Brad Ingelsby
- (ep. 4-6) Brad Ingelsby; story by Brad Ingelsby & Dave Obzud
Directed by:
- Jeremiah Zagar (eps. 1-2; 5; 7)
- Salli Richardson Whitfield (eps. 3-4; 6)
Stars: Mark Ruffalo, Emilia Jones, Fabien Frankel, Thuso Mbedu, Silvia Dionicio, Ben Lewis Doherty, Tom Pelphrey, Alison Oliver, Sam Keeley, Martha Plimpton, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Raúl Castillo and Jamie McShane.
Tagline: Every force has its equal.
The Plot…
Tom Brandis hasn’t fully recovered from his wife’s murder at the hands of their adopted son. When a series of violent drug house robberies continue, Tom is called back to duty. Tom will lead a cross-agency task force made up of county Detective Anthony Grasso, State Trooper Lizzie Stover and city detective Aleah Clinton. What Brandis doesn’t know is there is a traitor among them.
The drug houses taken down are run by the Dark Hearts biker gang. The Dark Hearts are notorious for their brutality. Perry Dorazo, the Dark Hearts Chapter President is getting heat because of the robberies. Dorazo wants the thieves caught so he can make an example of them.
Unknown to either Brandis’ task force or the Dark Hearts, the robberies are the work of Robbie Prendergrast and his friend Cliff Broward. Robbie’s wife left him a year ago. Before he started the robberies. Robbie needs the cash to support his two young children as well as his dead brother’s daughter. Robbie and Cliff aren’t criminal masterminds. They’ve been lucky with inside information.
Then their luck runs out.
During a drug house robbery, an unexpected biker shows up. A gunfight ensues. Robbie and Cliff survive. A friend they brought along to assist is killed. So are three Dark Hearts. Robbie and Cliff are about to leave with the cash when the young son of one of the murdered bikers walks in. Refusing to kill a child, they take the kid, the drugs and the cash.
The murders and kidnapping are all over the news. The heat is on Brandis’ task force to resolve the case. The Dark Hearts have made finding Robbie and Cliff top priority. Robbie and Cliff know their time is running out. They need to fence the drugs. They’ll then use the cash to get far away with the kids.
It’s now a race. Will Robbie and Cliff escape? If they Dark Hearts get to them first, they will suffer a slow tortuous death. If the task force captures them, it’ll be prison and the Dark Hearts will still get to them.
The clock is ticking.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
Task is well done. It’s got interesting subplots and twists that will keep the viewer on edge.
Mark Ruffalo has never been better. Jamie McShane is always excellent.
I look forward to season 2.
“Task: Season 1” (2025) earns 4 of 5 stars.
Sly Stallone as Freddy Hefflin from “Cop Land” by Rich Hennemann!
Rich Hennemann is an amazing freelance artist. A few years ago I picked up his sketchbook and a sketch and I was hooked. Since then I’ve gotten several sketches from Rich.
Heading in to October each year, Rich takes sketch suggestions. He then picks one a day to draw. The person who suggested the piece has first dibs. I sugested Sly Stallone from Cop Land and it was picked for the 20th. Of course I purchased the piece. I couldn’t be more pleased. There will be more art from Rich in my future. If you’re a sketch collector, you owe it to yourself to get a piece as well.
