Category: Trivia

“Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies” (2001) / Z-View

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Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001)

Director: Ray Greene

Screenplay: Ray Greene

Stars: Ray Greene, Roger Corman, Maila Nurmi, Dick Miller, Samuel Z. Arkoff, Forrest J. Ackerman and Peter Bogdanovich.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Movies that qualify as “schlock” are low-budget, genre films that usually focus on horror, sex and/or violence.  These films were made quickly and usually the second feature on a double bill or drive-in fare.  Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies explores (as the title suggests) the history of these types of movies.  It’s an interesting topic to see how these movies changed over time and influenced popular culture.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you have any interest in schlock cinema, this one is for you.

Schlock! The Secret History of American Movies (2001) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola, starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins & Keanu Reeves / Z-View

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Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

Director: Francis Ford Coppola

Screenplay: James V. Hart, based on DRACULA by Bram Stoker

Stars: Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder, Anthony Hopkins, Keanu Reeves, Richard E. Grant, Billy Campbell, Sadie Frost, Tom Waits, Monica Bellucci, Jay Robinson, Laurie Franks and Cary Elwes.

Tagline: Love Never Dies

The Plot…

1462.  When Vlad Dracula (Oldman) returns from a victorious war campaign, he learns that his defeated enemies sent messages that they had killed Dracula in battle.  His wife Elisabeta became so distraught that she committed suicide.

Vlad Dracula is beside himself.  How could God let this happen?  A Priest tells Dracula that Elisabeta committed a cardinal sin by killing herself.  Her soul will be damned to hell.  Dracula loses it.  He renounces his Christian God and vows to use the powers of darkness to avenge her!  Dracula drives his sword into the chapel’s huge crucifix. When blood begins flowing from the cross, Dracula drinks it.

Four hundred years pass. Feeling the need to leave his homeland, Dracula has settled on London as his new home.  When Dracula sees a photograph of Mina Harker, he is convinced she is the reincarnation of Elisabeta.

Dracula will have her at all costs.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bram Stoker’s Dracula was nominated for four Academy Awards and won three…

  • nominee Best Art Direction-Set Decoration: Thomas E. Sanders, Garrett Lewis
  • winner Best Costume Design – Eiko Ishioka
  • winner Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing – Tom C. McCarthy, David E. Stone
  • winner Best Makeup – Greg Cannom, Michèle Burke, Matthew W. Mungle

Francis Ford Coppola was determined to use only effects available when movies first started (since this was the time period of most of this movie).  He used no CGI.  Coppola made use of forced perspective, rear projection, miniatures, matte paintings and more.  For instance, to create a sense of increasing claustrophobia, he gradually had the walls move in during a scene.  For some vampire scenes the film was run in reverse to make their movements seem off.  One of my favorite of Coppola’s effects is how Dracula’s shadow moves independently of him!

Liam Neeson wanted the role of Van Helsing, but Anthony Hopkins was riding a popularity wave after Silence of the Lambs, so it went to him.  Steve Buscemi turned down the role of Renfield.  Tom Waits was a perfect choice.

Actors who auditioned for the part of Dracula include: Armand Assante, Gabriel Byrne, Antonio Banderas, Viggo Mortensen and Andy Garcia.  Of that group I’d have given the nod to Assante or Banderas.

Coppola wanted Johnny Depp to play Jonathan Harker.  Charlie Sheen auditioned for the role.  The studio wanted an actor more popular with young girls.  Keanu Reeves was awarded the part.

I’m a fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  I love that Coppola swung for the fences.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Driver” (1978) written & directed by Walter Hill, starring Ryan O’Neal and Bruce Dern / Z-View

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The Driver (1978)

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: Walter Hill

Stars: Ryan O’Neal, Bruce Dern, Isabelle Adjani, Ronee Blakley, Matt Clark, Felice Orlandi, Joseph Walsh, Rudy Ramos, Sandy Brown Wyeth, Bob Minor and Nick Dimitri.

Tagline: To break the driver, the cop was willing to break the law.

The Plot…

A getaway driver (O’Neal) has a reputation as THE one to use if you’re planning any kind of heist.  Although the driver’s identity isn’t known, a detective (Dern) has become obsessed with catching this wheelman.  The detective is willing to break the law to make the arrest.  The driver is willing to risk his life to prove he’s the best.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Driver is the second film written and directed by Walter Hill.  Hill’s intent was to create a “pure genre” film.  The main characters aren’t given names other than their archetype.

Steve McQueen turned down the lead.  He didn’t want to do another “car picture” after Bullitt and The Getaway.

Charles Bronson, who had starred in Hill’s last film, Hard Times, was then offered the lead.  Bronson didn’t want to work with Hill again.  He felt that Hill’s editing of Hard Times put Jill Ireland (Bronson’s wife) in a bad light.

While Sylvester Stallone was filming F.I.S.T., he was approached about starring.  Stallone ultimately turned down the role.

Ryan O’Neal reached out to Walter Hill.  He wanted to play the Driver.  Hill and O’Neal were on the same page with how the role should be played.  The rest is history.

Walter Hill approached Robert Mitchum about playing the Detective.  Mitchum turned down the offer.

When The Driver was released it didn’t do well at the U.S. box office.  Isabelle Adjani said she felt the film hurt her career. Walter Hill said the studio gave him a six inch stack containing reviews of The Driver.  Only one was positive.  Hill later said in an interview, ” “Had I not been shooting The Warriors at the time, I don’t think my career would have survived.

Over the years, The Driver‘s reputation has improved.  Quentin Tarantino is a fan.  The Driver also served as an influence of other films including Driver and Baby Driver.

Although I’m a Walter Hill fan, The Driver isn’t one of my favorites of his films.  I get what he was going for.  It just doesn’t work as well for me as many of his other films.

The Driver (1978) rates 2 of 5 stars.

RIP: Charles Cyphers

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Charles Cyphers died on August 4, 2024 after a brief illness.  Mr. Cyphers was 85.

Charles Cyphers was a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  He also earned a BA in theatre arts from California State University, Los Angeles.  Although best known for his work in television and feature films, Charles Cyphers was proud of his work in L.A. theater.  Mr. Cyphers won the Los Angeles Drama Critics Award for best performance by an actor for his role in The Caretaker and a dramalogue award for best performance by an actor.

Television projects that feature Charles Cyphers include: The F.B.I.; Cannon (2 episodes); The Manhunter; The Missiles of October; The Six Million Dollar Man (3 episodes); The Bionic Woman; Phyllis; Charlie’s Angels; Roots; Wonder Woman; The Tony Randall Show; Our Town; The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald; Barnaby Jones (4 episodes); The Betty White Show (14 episodes); Alice; Starsky and Hutch (3 episodes); Elvis; Friendly Fire; Lou Grant; Hart to Hart; The Executioner’s Song; The Quest; Benson; Little House: Look Back to Yesterday; The Dukes of Hazzard (2 episodes); Rituals; Airwolf; Matlock; Dallas (2 episodes); Our House; Hill Street Blues (3 episodes); Santa Barbara; Simon & Simon; Night Court; China Beach; 21 Jump Street; Freddy’s Nightmares; Jake and the Fatman; Mancuso, F.B.I.; The Outsiders; Murder She Wrote; Roc; F.B.I.: The Untold Stories; Renegade; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman; California Dreams; SeaQuest 2032; The George Carlin Show (3 episodes); Slider; Deadly Games; Seinfeld; ER; Jag; The George Wendt Show; Murder One (4 episodes); Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (41 episodes); Buffy the Vampire Slayer; Pensacola: Wings of Gold and Any Day Now (2 episodes).

Feature films that Charles Cyphers appeared in include: Cool Breeze; Truck Turner; Vigilante Force; Assault on Precinct 13; MacArthur; Coming Home; Gray Lady Down; Halloween; A Force of One; The Onion Field; The Fog; Borderline; Escape from New York; Halloween II; Death Wish II; Honkytonk Man; Grizzly II: The Revenge; Big Bad Mama II; Major League; Gleaming the Cube; Loaded Weapon I; Murder in the First and Halloween Kills.

I probably first saw Charles Cyphers on one of his television guest appearances since he appeared on many of the shows we regularly watched.  I first took notice of him with Escape from New York.  After that I noticed him whenever he popped up in a movie of television appearance.  What a great career Mr. Cyphers had.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Charles Cypher’s family, friends and fans.

“Midnight Run” (1988) directed by Martin Brest, starring Robert De Niro & Charles Grodin / Z-View

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Midnight Run (1988)

Director: Martin Brest

Screenplay:  George Gallo

Stars:  Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano, Richard Foronjy, Robert Miranda,  Jack Kehoe, Wendy Phillips, Danielle DuClos, Philip Baker Hall, Tom McCleister, John Toles-Bey, Scott McAfee and Martin Brest.

Tagline: Monday… Escape with their lives from New York… Tuesday… Impersonate F.B.I. agents in Chicago… Wednesday… Steal plane in New Mexico… Thursday… Almost kill each other by accident… Friday… Almost kill each other on purpose…

The Plot…

Jack Walsh (De Niro) is a bounty hunter hired to bring in Jonathan Mardukas (Grodin).  Mardukas shouldn’t be a problem.  He’s just an accountant who embezzled his employer.  The gig should be easy… a midnight run.

Then Walsh learns that Mardukas’ employer is a Mafia boss.  The amount Mardukas stole was $15 million dollars.  Walsh also discovers the FBI is looking to capture Walsh.  To make matters worse, another bounty hunter is also after the reward.  With the mob, the FBI and a rival bond recovery agent on his trail, this will be anything but a midnight run!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Before Charles Grodin was cast, Cher, Robin Williams, Albert Brooks, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Steve Martin and Bruce Willis were considered.  The film would have been very different if any of them were cast.

Midnight Run would make a great double feature with Planes, Trains and Automobiles.  They are both about two guys who don’t like each other at first who in working together to get somewhere on a tight timeline develop a friendship.

Midnight Run (1988) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Cannonball!” (1976) starring David Carradine / Z-View!

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Cannonball! (1976)

Director: Paul Bartel

Screenplay: Paul Bartel, Donald C. Simpson

Stars: David Carradine, Bill McKinney, Veronica Hamel, Gerrit Graham, Robert Carradine, Belinda Balaski, Judy Canova, Archie Hahn, Carl Gottlieb, Mary Woronov, James Keach, Dick Miller, Stanley Bennett Clay, David Arkin, John Herzfeld, Louisa Moritz, John Alderman, Paul Bartel, Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Martin Scorsese, Don Simpson, and Sylvester Stallone..

Tagline: The annual Trans-American outlaw road race – A cross country demolition derby without rules!

The Plot…

The annual Trans-America Grand Prix is an illegal cross-country road race.

Ex-con Coy “Cannonball” Buckman (Carradine) hopes to win the race. If he does, Coy is guaranteed a spot on the Modern Motors racing team. Coy’s biggest competition in the race is Cade Redman (McKinney) who is also racing for the spot on the Modern Motors racing squad. Other racers include a couple of young lovers, a country western singer, three waitresses, a German racer, a wealthy couple’s driver, and others.

Once the race starts anything goes and it becomes a high speed demolition derby. Not everyone will survive and only one can win.

Start your engines!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

After the success of Death Race 2000, producer Sam Gelfman wanted another, but more realistic car chase movie. Gelfman brought back Death Race 2000 director, Paul Bartel and the movie’s star David Carradine. Bartel was not interested, but needed the money. It was Bartel’s idea to include cameos of his friends who were writers and directors.

Cannonball is Veronica Hamel’s first credited feature film role.

Sly Stallone appears in one scene and is uncredited.

Cannonball! (1976) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Child 44” (2015) starring Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace & Joel Kinnaman / Z-View

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Child 44 (2015)

Director: Daniel Espinosa

Screenplay: Richard Price, based on  CHILD 44  by Tom Rob Smith

Stars: Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Noomi Rapace, Joel Kinnaman, Mark Lewis Jones, Karel Dobrý and Jason Clarke.

Tagline: How do you find a killer who doesn’t exist?

The Plot…

Leo Demidov (Hardy) was a Russian hero in World War II. After the war Leo became an Agent for Russia’s Ministry of State Security. When a child is found dead by railroad tracks, Leo’s investigation points to murder. But in Stalin’s Russia, murder only occurs in capitalistic societies. Leo is told to list the cause of death as accidental and move on.

Leo digs deeper and discovers many children have been murdered along the train line. All of the killings have been listed as accidents. A serial killer is actively preying on children. Leo is warned to drop his investigation. Failure to follow orders will make Leo an enemy of the government. But if he complies more children will be slaughtered.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Child 44 is based on Tom Rob Smith’s awesome novel of the same name.

The film was banned in Russia.

The first cut of Child 44 was reportedly five and a half hours long. I think the material might have been better served as a limited series. The movie is still good, but I think that there might have been an even better one with the additional footage.

Child 44 (2015) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“In Search of the Last Action Heroes” (2019) / Z-View

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In Search of the Last Action Heroes (2019)

Director: Oliver Harper

Screenplay: Oliver Harper, Timon Singh

Stars: Scott Adkins, Shane Black, James Bruner, Ronny Cox, Boaz Davidson, Steven E. de Souza, Bill Duke, Mark Goldblatt, Jenette Goldstein, Jeffrey Greenstein, Mario Kassar, Al Leong, Mark L. Lester, Sheldon Lettich, Peter MacDonald, Eric Roberts, Cynthia Rothrock, Paul Verhoeven, Vernon Wells, Michael Jai White and Graham Yost.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A look at the action films of the 80s and 90s featuring interviews with some of the folks who made them.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

If you’re a fan of action movies, especially those made in the 80s and 90s, this one is for you. The filmmakers cover the whole action movie range from big budget franchise flicks to low budget direct to video movies. Interviews with writers, directors and some of the best known “B” movie stars.

In Search of the Last Action Heroes (2019) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987) written & directed by John Hughes, starring Steve Martin & John Candy / Z-View

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Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Director: John Hughes

Screenplay: John Hughes

Stars: Steve Martin, John Candy, Laila Robins, Michael McKean, Carol Bruce, Olivia Burnette, Martin Ferrero, Larry Hankin, Richard Herd, Susan Kellermann, Matthew Lawrence, Edie McClurg, George Petrie, Gary Riley, Charles Tyner, Diana Castle, Ben Stein, Troy Evans, Richard Fike, William Windom and Kevin Bacon.

Tagline: What he really wanted was to spend Thanksgiving with his family. What he got was three days with the turkey.

The Plot…

Advertising executive, Neal Page (Martin) is beat. A boring business trip to New York City has left Neal ready for family time.  Thanksgiving is in a couple of days and Neal is flying home tonight.

Or so he thinks.

An accidental encounter with shower curtain salesman, Dell Griffith (Candy) costs Neal his cab.  Which is par for the course for Neal going forward.  Once on the plane he finds himself squeezed in next to Dell.  When their plane is diverted because of weather, Neal discovers no other flights are scheduled.  To make matters worse all hotels are sold out.  So when Dell offers to share the room he was able to book, Neal agrees.

The next morning, they discover weather has grounded all flights.  Neal just wants to get home.  Dell suggests that they forget the plane and take a train.  Neal agrees.

Neal and Dell are just two guys who want to get home in time for Thanksgiving.  What else could go wrong?

Everything.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Planes, Trains and Automobiles’ leads are perfectly cast and features my favorite John Candy role.

“Those aren’t pillows!” is the first thing I think of when someone mentions this film.

The first cut of the film was reportedly over three hours long.  John Hughes then edited it down to two hours.  Some of the scenes from that cut (that didn’t make the final film) appear in trailers.  The released cut of Planes, Trains and Automobiles was one hour and 33 minutes.

Michael McKean and Kevin Bacon are the fourth and fifth credited stars.  Both appear in just one scene.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Fast Charlie” (2023) starring Pierce Brosnan / Z-View

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8Pierce Brosnan, Morena Baccarin, James Caan, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Christopher Matthew Cook, Toby Huss, Fredric Lehne, David Kallaway, Anissa Matlock and Sharon Gless.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

For years Charlie Swift (Brosnan) has been a fixer and friend of mob boss Stan Mullen (Caan).  When a young gangster sees an opportunity to move up, he has Mullen and his crew wiped out.

Only one problem.

Charlie Swift survived.  Now Charlie’s out for vengeance.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Fast Charlie is based on Victor Gishler’s crime novel GUN MONKEYS. (Highly recommended!)

This is James Caan’s last role. Mr. Caan had late-stage COPD and was confined to a wheelchair for his performance.

Pierce Brosnan played James Bond in four films.  In Fast Charlie, one of Charlie’s guns is a a Walther PPK, which was James Bond’s weapon of choice.  When Charlie is about to kill Benny, he is in front of a cabinet labeled number 7.  Bond, of course was 007.

Fast Charlie (2023) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Hudson Hawk” (1991) starring Bruce Willis / Z-View

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Hudson Hawk (1991) 

Director: Michael Lehmann

Screenplay: Steven E. de Souza, Daniel Waters story by Bruce Willis, Robert Kraft

Stars: Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, Andie MacDowell, James Coburn, Richard E. Grant, Sandra Bernhard, Don Harvey, David Caruso, Andrew Bryniarski, Lorraine Toussaint, William Conrad (voice) and Frank Stallone.

Tagline: Catch the excitement. Catch the laughter. Catch the Hawk.

The Plot…

Eddie “Hudson Hawk” Hawkins, the semi-famous cat burglar, was just released from prison.  One his first day out, Hawk’s parole officer and others want to blackmail Hawk into stealing a few famous pieces of art.  The final thefts will involve creations made by Leonardo da Vinci.

Hawk doesn’t want to go back to prison or be killed so he reluctantly agrees.  Little does he know the motives behind the blackmailers are nothing short of world domination!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Hudson Hawk performed poorly at the box office and with critics.  Part of the problem was the marketing.  It was advertised as an action film.  Audiences expected something along the lines of Die Hard.  What they got was more of a live action Looney Toons.

This marks William Conrad’s last outing as a narrator.

Hudson Hawk isn’t a great film.  It’s a screwball action comedy.  Yeah, it’s over-the-top.  It’s unrealistic.  But if you go in with the understanding that what you’re watching takes place in a cartoon-like world, you should have a fun ride.

Of course your mileage may differ.

Hudson Hawk (1991) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“House of Usher” aka “The Fall of the House of Usher” (1960) directed by Roger Corman, written by Richard Matheson, starring Vincent Price / Z-View

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House of Usher aka The Fall of the House of Usher (1960) 

Director: Roger Corman

Screenplay: Richard Matheson based on “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe

Stars: Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey and Harry Ellerbe.

Tagline: He buried her alive… to save his soul!

The Plot…

Philip Winthrop (Damon) travels to the remote Usher estate.  Philip intends to leave with his fiancée Madeline Usher (Fahey) so they can be married.  Madeline’s brother Roderick (Price) warns Philip that the Usher bloodline is cursed.  All of the Usher ancestors went mad and committed evil deeds.  Roderick wants the Usher bloodline to end.  If Philip and Madeline marry, Roderick feels that the curse will continue.

Both Philip and Roderick are determined to have their way… only one will.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Prior to House of Usher, American International Pictures (AIP) focused on low budget black and white films destined to be second (or third) features at drive-ins.  The demand for these type of films was in decline so AIP rolled the dice.  House of Usher was given a higher budget and made in color.  The gamble paid off.

House of Usher was the first of eight films based on Edgar Allan Poe short stories directed by Roger Corman.

House of Usher aka The Fall of the House of Usher (1960) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“1917” (2019) directed by Sam Mendes / Z-View

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1917 (2019) 

Director: Sam Mendes

Screenplay: Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns

Stars: Dean-Charles Chapman, George MacKay, Daniel Mays, Colin Firth, Andy Apollo, Billy Postlethwaite, Gabriel Akuwudike, Andrew Scott, Robert Maaser, Benedict Cumberbatch and Mark Strong.

Tagline: Time is the enemy.

The Plot…

The year is 1917.  World War I rages.  Officers on the British front lines are surprised to see German troops withdrawing.  The British mistakenly believe that the Huns are retreating.  They’re not.  What the Germans are actually doing is a systematic extraction.  They want the British to believe that they’re on the run.  They know the British will believe the time to attack is now.  What the British on the front don’t realize is they’re being tricked into running headlong into a trap.

British officers away from the front get aerial evidence of the trap.  Unfortunately communication to the front is down.  Two young British corporals are selected to slip behind enemy lines with orders to the British officers stand down.  Time is of the essence.  The errand is a suicide mission, but if the message isn’t delivered, thousands of British soldiers will be massacred.

Time is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

1917 was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning three

  • winner Best Achievement in Cinematography – Roger Deakins
  • winner Best Achievement in Visual Effects – Guillaume Rocheron, Greg Butler, Dominic Tuohy
  • winner Best Achievement in Sound Mixing – Mark Taylor, Stuart Wilson
  • nominee Best Motion Picture of the Year
  • nominee Best Achievement in Directing – Sam Mendes
  • nominee Best Original Screenplay – Sam Mendes, Krysty Wilson-Cairns
  • nominee Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling – Naomi Donne, Tristan Versluis, Rebecca Cole
  • nominee Best Achievement in Production Design – Dennis Gassner, Lee Sandales
  • nominee Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Score) – Thomas Newman
  • nominee Best Achievement in Sound Editing – Oliver Tarney, Rachael Tate

Sam Mendes and his editor, Lee Smith worked together to make the film appear as if it was shot in one continuous take.  It works.

1917 is based on director Sam Mendes’ grandfather’s experiences in World War I.  The film is dedicated to Mendes’ grandfather.

1917 (2019)  rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Lonesome Dove” (1989) starring Robert Duvall & Tommy Lee Jones / Z-View

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Lonesome Dove (1989) 

Director: Simon Wincer

Teleplay: William D. Wittliff based on LONESOME DOVE by Larry McMurtry

Stars: Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Danny Glover, Diane Lane, Robert Urich, Frederic Forrest, D.B. Sweeney, Ricky Schroder, Anjelica Huston, Chris Cooper, Timothy Scott, Glenne Headly, Barry Corbin, William Sanderson, Barry Tubb, Gavan O’Herlihy, Frederick Coffin, Lanny Flaherty, David Carpenter, James Terry McIlvain, Sonny Carl Davis, Nina Siemaszko and Steve Buscemi.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Augustus “Gus” McCrae (Duvall) and Woodrow Call (Jones) are legendary Texas Rangers.  But their legends were made years ago.  Now they live quiet lives running a tiny ranch outside the small town of Lonesome Dove. Joshua Deets (Glover) and Pea Eye Parker (Scott), men that rode with them in their Ranger days, help with the ranch.  Also assisting is Newt Dobbs (Schroder), a young man Gus and Woodrow took in when Newt’s prostitute mother died years ago.

Gus and Woodrow couldn’t be more different.  Gus loves life, women, gambling and fun.  Woodrow is a workaholic who seldom laughs. Despite these disparities, Gus and Woodrow couldn’t be better friends.  And they both miss their wild days as Rangers.  When a friend passing through tells them about the beauty and opportunities in Montana, it isn’t long before Woodrow dreams of one last adventure.

Woodrow wants to drive a huge heard of cattle to Montana.  There they’ll start a big ranch in pristine country.  Gus surprisingly has a practical attitude.  They’re no longer young bucks.  They’re not cattlemen.  The territory is wild and full of hostile Indians.  Woodrow holds firm.  The more Gus thinks about it, the more he likes the idea of one last hurrah.

Gus and Woodrow are joined by Deets, Pea, Newt, and a few folks from town who decide to join the cattle drive.  They’ll face inhospitable land, drought, cattle thieves, Indian war parties and challenges they never dreamed of.  Not everyone will survive.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lonesome Dove was nominated for 19 Primetime Emmy Awards, winning seven

  • winner Outstanding Achievement in Casting for a Miniseries or a Special
  • winner Outstanding Achievement in Makeup for a Miniseries or a Special
  • winner Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Miniseries or a Special (Dramatic Underscore) 
  • winner Outstanding Costume Design for a Miniseries or a Special
  • winner Outstanding Directing in a Miniseries or a Special 
  • winner Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries or a Special
  • winner Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Miniseries or a Special

Larry McMurtry originally wrote a feature film screenplay. His dream cast was John Wayne (Woodrow), Jimmy Stewart (Gus) and Henry Fonda (Spoon).  I think McMurtry was lucky that it wasn’t made.  The story is big and features a huge cast.  It needed the extra time that the mini-series provided.

Lonesome Dove features such a strong cast and no matter who he was paired with Robert Duvall owned the scene.

Lonesome Dove (1989)  rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Another 48 Hrs.” (1990) directed by Walter Hill, starring Eddie Murphy & Nick Nolte / Z-View 

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Another 48 Hrs. (1990) 

Director: Walter Hill

Screenplay: John Fasano, Jeb Stuart, Larry Gross; story by Fred Braughton; based on characters by Roger Spottiswoode, Walter Hill, Larry Gross. Steven E. de Souza

Stars: Eddie Murphy, Nick Nolte, Brion James, Kevin Tighe, Ed O’Ross, David Anthony Marshall, Andrew Divoff, Bernie Casey, Ted Markland, Felice Orlandi, Page Leong, Hoke Howell, Frank McRae and Tisha Campbell.

Tagline: The Boys Are Back In Town

The Plot…

San Francisco Detective Jack Cates (Nolte) on the trail of a big-time drug dealer known as the Iceman, kills a man in self-defense. Because no one could find the dead man’s gun Cates is now under investigation by Internal Affairs. Cates did find evidence that the Iceman has targeted Reggie Hammond (Murphy) for execution.

With outlaw bikers and the Iceman‘s hitmen targeting them, Cates and Hammond must stick together to survive.

The Boys Are Back in Town!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The original cut was 2 hours and 25 minutes.  It was then cut to 2 hours and finally one hour and 35 minutes.  Frank McRae and Brion James had their roles substantially reduced.  McRae now only appears in the background of a scene and is uncredited.  James said at the time, “I was the third lead and now I looked like a dressed extra.”  In the trailer Cates tells Reggie that he’s on a deadline to catch Iceman, that was cut — so now there’s no mention of 48 hours.

In a scene when Reggie calls old friends, one is named Willie Biggs.  That was originally Murphy’s character’s name, but he thought it sounded like a typical Hollywood black man’s name.

The story is credited to Fred Braughton.  That is the pen-name Eddie Murphy used when writing it.

Tisha Campbell is listed in the credits as Amy Kirkland.

For the first film Nick Nolte was paid one million dollars and got top billing.  Eddie Murphy made $450,000.00.  For this one Murphy got top billing and seven million dollars, while Nolte made three million dollars.

I loved 48 Hrs.  I like Another 48 Hrs.  It could be because of the major cuts to the finished film.  I’d love to see a director’s edition.

Another 48 Hrs. (1990) rates 3 of 5 stars.