Category: Movies

“The Sons of Katie Elder” (1966) starring John Wayne & Dean Martin / Z-View

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The Sons of Katie Elder (1966)

Director:  Henry Hathaway

Screenplay:  William H. Wright, Allan Weiss, Harry Essex; based on story by Talbot Jennings

Stars: John Wayne, Dean Martin, Martha Hyer, Michael Anderson Jr., Earl Holliman, Jeremy Slate, James Gregory, Paul Fix, George Kennedy, Dennis Hopper, John Doucette, James Westerfield, Rhys Williams, John Qualen, Rodolfo Acosta and Strother Martin.

Tagline: From the four winds they came, the four brothers, their eyes smoking and their fingers itching…

The Plot…

The year is 1888.  Katie Elder’s four grown sons have come home for her funeral.  Home is the small frontier town of Clearwater.  John (Wayne), the oldest, is an infamous gunfighter. Tom (Martin) is a professional gambler who drifts from town to town.  Matt (Hollimann) is a store owner.  Bud (Anderson) just graduated high school.

The three oldest brothers had left years ago.  They had been sending their mom money since dad died six months ago.  They were unaware that their father had been murdered.  Or that their mom had the family ranch stolen from her.

But they know now.  And they’re going to right those wrongs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

It has always bugged me that Katie Elder had four sons that ranged in age from about 60 to 17. How young was she when she had her first child?  Because her eldest son was about 40 years older than the youngest!?! (The film’s conceit was that her eldest son was in his late 30’s.  John Wayne was in his late 50s when he played the part.)

The Sons of Katie Elder was John Wayne’s first film after surgery for lung cancer.  He had the cancer and two ribs removed just four months earlier.  The production was initially set to film in October of 1964, but was postponed until January 1965!

The hearse used to transport Katie Elder now resides in front of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World.

Tommy (Old Yeller) Kirk was originally cast as the youngest brother.  After Kirk was arrested for possession of marijuana the role was recast.

Three actors played two roles in The Sons of Katie Elder.  Karl Swenson played both Doctor Isdell and the bartender.  Jerry Gatlin is uncredited but played one of the Hasting’s gunmen and the railroad worker.  Boyd ‘Red’ Morgan, also uncredited played a member of the posse and the blacksmith.

Doc Holliday’s woman known as Big Nose Kate sometimes went under the alias Kate Elder.  Her real name was Mary Katherine Horony Cummings.

The Sons of Katie Elder (1966) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“From Darkness to Light” written & directed by Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie / Z-View

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Director:  Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Screenplay: Eric Friedler, Michael Lurie

Stars: Jerry Lewis, Mel Brooks, Martin Scorsese, Harry Shearer and Sarah Silverman.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

In 1971, producer Nat Wachsberger, approached Jerry Lewis about directing and starring in an adaption of THE DAY THE CLOWN DIED by Joan O’Brien.  Lewis knew the story of Helmut, a once famous clown now a prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp.  Nazis see Helmut entertaining the children.  The Nazis then use Helmut to lead the kids to the gas chamber.  Lewis was intrigued.  It would be a fine line to walk — finding humor in a dark story and at the same time present a film that said something about the human condition.  Lewis was told he could tweak the script and would have full control of the film.

Lewis agreed.  He lost 35 pounds preparing for the role.  Lewis cleared his schedule and threw himself fully into the project.  With just a couple of weeks of filming left, Lewis learned the producer’s rights to the film ran out.  The producer couldn’t (or wouldn’t) come up with money to re-secure the movie rights. Further money to complete the film wouldn’t be coming.  Lewis reportedly paid $2 million of his own money to cover costs.

The Day the Clown Cried became a thing of legend.  Never completed. Never released.  A rough cut was seen by just a very few people.  In fact, most folks didn’t know the story behind the story… until now.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I always wondered if The Day the Clown Cried would be released.  Now I know why it wasn’t.  Lewis was questioned about the movie from 1972 to his death.  He refused to show footage and would only say he wasn’t happy with the job that he did.

In August 2015, it was reported that Jerry Lewis donated a copy of The Day the Clown Cried to the Library of Congress.  Lewis stipulated that the unfinished film not be screened until 2024.  In August 2024, a limited screening was held.

From Darkness to Light is a wonderful documentary.  With vintage interviews, footage and stills from the film, viewers are treated to answers to the many mysteries of The Day the Clown Cried.

From Darkness to Light (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Carry-On” (2024) starring Taron Egerton, Sofia Carson, Dannielle Deadwyler and Jason Batemen / Z-View

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The Carry-On (2024)

Director:  Jaume Collet-Serra

Screenplay:  T.J. Fixman

Stars: Taron Egerton, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Danielle Deadwyler, Logan Marshall-Green, Dean Norris, Sinqua Walls, Curtiss Cook, Joe Williamson, Gil Perez-Abraham, Benito Martinez, Adam Stephenson and Theo Rossi.

Tagline: Every holiday season, millions travel safely by air. This Christmas will be different.

The Plot…

Christmas Eve.  Ethan Kopek (Egerton) and his girlfriend Nora (Carson) just found out they’re going to have a baby.  They plan to marry.  Nora is in management for an airline.  Ethan is a TSA agent at the same airport.  Life is good.

Ethan and Nora arrive at the airport full of travelers.  They kiss and head to their jobs.  Ethan talks to his supervisor about a promotion.  Ethan’s boss is open to the suggestion.  He moves Ethan to a new position — running a baggage-scanning lane.  Things are hectic but going well… until Ethan is given an earbud that he’s told to wear.

Ethan hears a voice telling him that him being moved to the new position is unfortunate.  Ethan has a choice, let a specific carry-on case pass through or Nora will be killed.  Ethan is shocked.  How can they know about Nora so quickly?  The voice says that Ethan and Nora are being watched.  Any attempt to contact the authorities or anyone and Nora dies.  The voice tells Ethan, “all you have to do is nothing.”

Ethan quickly learns that they are watching his every move.  When Ethan gets a message to one of his co-workers, the man is killed before he can read it.  Ethan realizes he is in way over his head.

If he doesn’t do as told, Nora dies.  If he allows the carry-on through, an airplane full of Christmas travelers will die.

The clock is ticking.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Carry-On is an intelligent thriller that is well directed and well cast.

Kudos to writer T.J. Fixman for creating an action picture that doesn’t depend on anyone (hero or villain) doing something stupid for the film to work.  This is T.J. Fixman’s first live action script.  I look forward to his next.

Taron Egerton and Jason Bateman make great adversaries.  Kudos also to Danielle Deadwyler and Theo Rossi – they elevate every scene they’re in. It was nice seeing Dean (Breaking Bad) Norris and Benito (The Shield) Martinez is supporting roles.

The Carry-On is surprisingly good.

The Carry-On (2024) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” starring Gerard Butler & O’Shea Jackson – The Final Trailer is Here!

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The Den of Thieves 2 final trailer is here.
Deal me in.

Gerard Butler (Plane, Has Fallen series) and O’Shea Jackson Jr. (Straight Outta Compton, Godzilla: King of the Monsters) return in the sequel to 2018’s action-heist hit Den of Thieves.

In DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA, Big Nick (Butler) is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie (Jackson), who is embroiled in the treacherous and unpredictable world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

“The Woman in the Window” (1944) directed by Fritz Lang, starring Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Massey and Dan Duryea / Z-View

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The Woman in the Window (1944)

Director:  Fritz Lang

Screenplay:  Nunnally Johnson based on ONCE OFF GUARD by J. H. Wallis

Stars: Edward G. Robinson, Joan Bennett, Raymond Massey, Dan Duryea, Edmund Breon, Thomas E. Jackson, Dorothy Peterson, Arthur Loft, Iris Adrian, George “Spanky” McFarland and Robert Blake.

Tagline: It was the look in her eyes that made him think of murder.

The Plot…

Richard Wanley is a mild-mannered, middle-aged college professor.  While his wife and kids are away, Wanley decides to meet some friends at a club.  In the store window next to the club is a large painting of a beautiful woman.  Wanley stops to admire it before heading into the club.

During a conversation with his friends, the painting is brought up.  All of the men agree that the woman is beautiful.  At the end of the evening as Wanley leaves the club, he decides to look at the painting one more time.  The woman IS beautiful.  Wanley is surprised to see a woman watching him stare at the portrait.  He is even more surprised to see it is the woman from the painting.  Her name is Alice Reed (Bennett).

Wanley and Alice engage in small talk.  She invites Wanley to her place for a nightcap.  Wanley agrees.  As they are talking, a man bursts into the room.  The intruder is Alice’s lover who believes Alice is cheating.  The man attacks Wanley.  In the struggle Wanley kills the man in self-defense.

Wanley and Alice decide the best thing is to dispose of the body and act like nothing ever happened.  Of course neither Wanley nor Alice are professional criminals.  They make mistakes and leave behind clues.  As the police begin to close in, a crooked ex-cop sees an opportunity for blackmail.

Wanley has no idea how to escape this nightmare.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Woman in the Window was nominated for one Academy Award: Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture – Hugo Friedhofer, Arthur Lange

Director Fritz Lang and three of his stars (Edward G. Robinson, Dan Duryea, and Joan Bennett) from The Woman in the Window reteamed in Lang’s next film: Scarlet Street.

George Spanky McFarland and Robert Blake (both former child stars of the Our Gang series) have uncredited cameos.  McFarland would not appear in another film until 1986’s The Aurora Encounter (which was his last film appearance).

The original film ending was very bleak.  Director Fritz Lang came up with the new ending and the inventive way it was shot.

The Woman in the Window (1944) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Electric State” starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The Electric State starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

Deal me in.

In the aftermath of the robot war, the only path forward is into THE ELECTRIC STATE.

Starring Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci and directed by the Russo Brothers, only on Netflix MARCH 14.

Set in a retro-futuristic past, this blockbuster adventure from filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager who traverses the American West in search of her younger brother. Joining her on the journey is a sweet but mysterious robot and an eccentric drifter (Chris Pratt). The film also stars Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo and Alan Tudyk join the cast in voice roles.

THE ELECTRIC STATE premieres globally on Netflix MARCH 14.

“Black Gravel” (1961) directed by Helmut Käutner / Z-View

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Black Gravel (1961)

Director:  Helmut Käutner

Screenplay:  Helmut Käutner, Walter Ulbrich

Stars: Helmut Wildt, Ingmar Zeisberg, Wolfgang Büttner, Anita Höfer and Peter Nestler.

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Post-World War II West Germany.  The population struggles with shortages of jobs, and life’s necessities such as food, water and housing.  The major source of revenue for the small village of Sohnen is the nearby American Air Force base.  The soldiers spend their money on booze and broads.  The black market flourishes.

Robert Neidhardt has always made his way on the outskirts of the law.  Now he owns a huge truck and drives for Air Base construction projects.  Neidhardt makes extra cash working with a group diverting black gravel from the construction sites to a private buyer.

One evening Neidhardt  stops to assist (for a price) a couple stranded on the side of the road. The car belongs to American Air Force Major John Gaines.  Neidhardt offers to tow the car into town for ten bucks.  Major Gaines agrees.  He and his wife get into Neidhardt’s truck.  Neidhardt is shocked.  The Major’s wife, Inge, is Neidhardt’s former lover.  She left one day with no explanation.

The next morning Neidhardt calls on Inge.  Although they are still attracted to each other, Inge wants no part of Neidhardt.  She knows they’re bad for each other.  But the attraction is too strong.

Soon Neidhardt’s affair, his illegal trucking activities, and the death of two young lovers will put his life at risk.  Despite his best efforts, the noose is tightening…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Black Gravel is extremely dark.  It features adult themes.  Black Gravel was edited and shown with a more upbeat ending during the initial release.  In 2009, the film was restored to the version shown now.  It’s hard hitting and not for everyone.

I’m surprised Black Gravel is better known among fans of noir.

Black Gravel (1961) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Gunga Din” (1939) directed by George Stevens, starring Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and Sam Jaffe / Z-View

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Gunga Din (1939)

Director:  George Stevens

Screenplay:  Joel Sayre, Fred Guiol; story by Ben Hecht, Charles MacArthur; based on Gunga Din from BARRACK ROOM BALLADS by Rudyard Kipling

Stars: Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine, Victor McLaglen, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Sam Jaffe, Eduardo Ciannelli, Montagu Love, Robert Coote, Abner Biberman and Lumsden Hare.

Tagline:  Armies and elephants!…Love and laughter!…Breathless adventure inspired by Kipling’s heroic odyssey of fighting in India!…Astride its eye-staggering scenes, three lusty sons of the sword…reckless in love, ruthless in war and dauntless in peril!

The Plot…

In the 1880s, India’s Northwest frontier was dangerous in the best of times.  When all contact is lost with the Tantrapur British outpost, a squad of  25 soldiers is sent to investigate.  The colonel includes his three best men: Sergeant Archibald Cutter (Grant), Sergeant MacChesney (McLaglen) and Sergeant Ballantine (Fairbanks).  The three are cutups, and discipline problems, but veterans that can be counted on when things go sideways.  Also accompanying the squad is Gunga Din (Jaffe).  Din is of low status regulated to carrying water or other such menial tasks.  Din dreams of someday being a soldier.

The squad finds the outpost deserted.  Before they can fix the telegraph, they are attacked.  Although most of the team is wiped out, the three Sergeants, Gunga Din and a few others escape.  They are shocked to learn that a murderous cult known as the Thuggee have returned.  Thought to have been wiped out decades ago, the Thuggee have secretly been organizing.

The Thuggee plan to kill all nonbelievers.  They are on the move.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Only Gone with the Wind earned more at the box office in 1939 than Gunga Din.

The giant gong used in the opening sequence was the same gong used in King Kong.

Gunga Din was the most expensive film RKO had produced up to that point.  Even still it went over budget by a half a million dollars.

The Thuggees were an actual religious cult.  They would gain the confidence of travelers.  Later they would strangle the poor soul and steal their good. Thuggees were the inspiration for the word “thug”.

Gunga Din (1939) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Warfare” directed by Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Warfare directed by Ray Mendoza & Alex Garland – The poster and trailer are here.

Deal me in.

Written and directed by Iraq War Veteran Ray Mendoza and Civil War’s Alex Garland, and starring D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Will Poulter, Cosmo Jarvis, Kit Connor, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, Michael Gandolfini, Adain Bradley, Noah Centineo, Evan Holtzman, Henrique Zaga, with Joesph Quinn, and Charles Melton.

WARFARE – In Theaters 2025.

“Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane” (2007) / Z-View

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Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007)

Director:  Scott Thomas

Screenplay: Scott Thomas, Mark Onspaugh, Sidney Iwanter

Stars:  David Chisum, Kristen Kerr, Kevin J. O’Connor, Richard Tyson, Todd Babcock, Derek Webster, Siena Goines, Mieko Hillman, Raymond J. Barry, Serah D’Laine, Brian Ames, Ashley Bashioum, Laura Cayouette, Dale Midkiff, Brian Thompson, Tucker Smallwood and Erick Avari.

Tagline:  If it’s in your blood, you’re just plane dead!

The Plot…

The Concorde is full of passengers flying from LA to Paris.  Also onboard in the cargo hold is an armed guard sitting by a refrigerated tank.  The scientists responsible for the experiment in the hold are topside.  These renegade researchers have created a virus that reanimates the dead.  Once revived the corpses are stronger, faster and more durable.  The idea was to create a super-soldier who could fight even after dead.  The scientists succeeded with one drawback.  Once the dead come back, they have an insatiable thirst for human blood.

What could go wrong.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane was originally titled Plane Dead.  Both aren’t bad titles considering the film.  I prefer the one they went with.

Flight of the Living Dead is a low budget fun ride that throws logic out the window (with some of the victims).  I’ve never seen so many people firing guns, setting off explosions and starting fires on a plane.  Also the air vents are large enough to easily crawl through.  Even the airplane bathroom ones.  If you’re willing to just sit back and go with the flow, Flight of the Living Dead might be for you.

Flight of the Living Dead: Outbreak on a Plane (2007) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Devil and the Daylong Brothers” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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The Devil and the Daylong Brothers — we have the poster and trailer.  This is one I want to see.

Deal me in.

The Daylong Brothers are on a quest to reclaim their souls, sold to the Devil by their father. When the Devil’s broker, offers them a deal in exchange for their father’s whereabouts they hunt the wicked across the South.

Cast: Brendan Bradley, Nican Robinson, Jordon Bolden, Rainey Qualley, Keith Carradine

The Devil and the Daylong Brothers in select US theaters and VOD starting January 31st, 2025

“Speak No Evil” (2024) starring James McAvoy / Z-View

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Speak No Evil (2024)

Director:  James Watkins

Screenplay: James Watkins; based on Speak No Evil by Christian Tafdrup and Mads Tafdrup

Stars: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler and Dan Hough.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

The Daltons, Louise, Ben and their daughter Agnes are on vacation in Italy.  The family has gone through a rough patch and needed a break.  While there they meet Paddy, Ciara and their son Ant.

Ant and Agnes are both pretty shy, so their parents are happy to see how well the kids get along.  Ben and Paddy really hit it off as well.  The families end up spending time together.  When vacations are over and everyone is to return home, Paddy invites the Dalton’s to come visit any time.

Back at home things aren’t improving for the Dalton’s.  So when they get a postcard invite from Paddy, they decide to take the offer.  Louise isn’t big on the idea, but agrees because Ben really wants to go.

At Paddy and Ciara’s house, Louise gets vibes that things aren’t right.  She feels uneasy but says nothing.  As the weekend progresses, Louise and Ben realize coming was a mistake.

But it is too late.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Based on the 2022 Danish film of the same name.

James McAvoy is perfect as the alpha male. Mackenzie Davis is believable as the mother who slowly realizes the danger that her family is in. When she turns into mama bear it works.  She’s tough but not a superhero. Dan Hough (in his feature film debut) more than holds his own.

Speak No Evil is a fun ride.

Speak No Evil (2024) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Mask of Dimitrios” (1944) starring Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet and Zachary Scott / Z-View

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The Mask of Dimitrios (1944)

Director:  Jean Negulesco

Screenplay: Frank Gruber; based on THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS by Eric Ambler

Stars: Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Steven Geray, Eduardo Ciannelli, Kurt Katch, John Abbott, Monte Blue, David Hoffman and Vince Barnett.

Tagline: Thrilling successor to “The Maltese Falcon”

The Plot…

Cornelius Leyden, a mystery writer, is spending a night in Istanbul.  Leyden meets Colonel Haki, a Turkish police offical.  Haki is a fan of Leyden’s books.  Haki shares the story of Dimitrios Makropoulos, a famous international criminal who was recently found murdered.  Leyden is intrigued.  Colonel Haki allows Leyden to see Makropoulos’ corpse.  Haki also gives Leyden background info on the dead man.

Leyden decides to interview those who knew Dimitrios Makropoulos and perhaps write a book about the criminal mastermind.  As Leyden digs deeper he learns just how cunning and brutal Dimitrios Makropoulos was.

Maybe cunning enough to fake his own death.  Maybe cunning enough to kill anyone looking into his life.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Peter Lorre had the most screen time of anyone in the film.  Yet, he was given fourth billing.  Lorre was listed behind Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott (in his first feature film) and Faye Emmerson (who had a small role).  Lorre felt that his lowered status was because Jack L. Warner (one of the studio heads) was not a fan.

Orson Welles played Colonel Haki in Journey into Fear.

The Mask of Dimitrios (1944) rates 3 of 5 stars.