Category: Trivia

“Wolf” (1994) starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer / Z-View

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Wolf  (1994)

Director:  Mike Nichols

Screenplay: Jim Harrison, Wesley Strick

Stars:  Jack Nicholson, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Spader, Kate Nelligan, Richard Jenkins, Christopher Plummer, Allison Janey, David Schwimmer, and David Hyde Pierce.

Tagline: The Animal Is Out

The Plot…

Will Randall, Editor-in-Chief of a large New York publishing company, is driving a country road late one night when he hits something.  It appears to be a large dog. Will gets out to check on the animal. It turns out to be an injured wolf.  The beast bites Will before running into the woods.

Not long after Will learns that the publishing house has been bought out by Raymond Alden.  Alden doesn’t know anything about book publishing. But he knows how to make money.  So Will isn’t surprised to learn he’s been demoted. Stuart Swinton, his young former protégé, is now his boss.  Swinton’s attitude changes overnight from smarmy to condesending.

As Will’s wolf bite heals, he feels reinergized.  Colors seem more vivid.  Smells stronger.  As Will’s body improves so does his confidence.  Will visits Raymond Alden at his home.  There Will meets Alden’s adult daughter.  Will is much older than she can’t deny the attraction.

Will knows the wolf bite is causing the changes.  Each day he’s becoming more aggressive and animalistic.  He worries the changes won’t stop.  What then?

The animal is out.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Wolf features Allison Janney’s feature film debut.

David Schwimmer appears as a cop in a very small role.  Just a few months later he would become a breakout star thanks to his role on Friends.

When werewolf movies are discussed, Wolf almost never is brought up.  Interesting to note that the word werewolf is never used in the film either.

I found Wolf to be better than most folks do. As always your mileage may vary.

Wolf presents an interesting take on becoming a werewolf.  Usually the person bitten feels changing is a curse.  Nicholson’s character enjoys the changes… at least at first.

Spader is so good at playing someone easy to dislike.

Wolf (1994) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“La Cage aux Folles” (1978) / Z-View

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La Cage aux Folles (1978)

Director:  Édouard Molinaro

Screenplay: Francis Veber, Édouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, Jean Poiret; adapted from the play La Cage aux Folles by Jean Poiret

Stars:  Ugo Tognazzi, Michel Serrault, Claire Maurier, Rémi Laurent, Benny Luke,  Carmen Scarpitta, Luisa Maneri and Michel Galabru.

Tagline: The comedy that comes out of the closet!

The Plot…

Renato Baldi and Albin Mougeotte are a gay couple. They’ve been together for twenty years and share ownership of La Cage aux Folles, an extremely popular gay night club.  Renato manages the club.  Albin is the star attraction where he performs in drag as Zaza Napoli.

Renato and Albin’s life is turned upside down when Laurent, Renato’s son (from a brief hetersexual fling), comes home to announce his engagement. Laurent wants to marry Andrea. Andrea’s father is a leader in the Union for Moral Order, a super conservative political party.

Because Andrea was afraid that her parents wouldn’t approve of her marriage to Laurent if they knew he was raised by gay parents, she lied.  She told her parents that Laurent’s father was a political attache and his mother was a housewife.

Andrea’s parents are coming to dinner to meet Laurent’s parents — a nice middle-aged heterosexual couple.  Renalto and Albin are going to do their best to not disappoint.  Andrea’s parents will have dinner with – Renalto and Zaza.

Raise the curtain, the show is about to start!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

La Cage aux Folles was nominated for three 1979 Academy Awards…

  • Nominated for Best Costume Design – Piero Tosi, Ambra Danon
  • Nominated for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium – Francis Veber, Édouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, Jean Poiret
  • Nominated for Best Director – Édouard Molinaro

When La Cage aux Folles was released in the United States it became the all-time highest grossing foreign film.

La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway in August 1983.  It went on to win the 1984 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Book and Score.

La Cage aux Folles was remade as The Birdcage in 1996.  Mike Nichols directed Robin Williams, Nathan Lane, Gene Hackman and Dianne Weist in this Americanized version.

La Cage aux Folles (1978) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Bosch”: Season 1 (2015) starring Titus Welliver / Z-View

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Bosch: Season 1 (2015)

Developed by: Eric Overmyer;  based on the HARRY BOSCH novels THE CONCRETE BLONDE; CITY OF BONES and ECHO PARK by Michael Connelly 

Director:

  • Jim McKay (Ep. 1)
  • Kevin Dowling (Eps. 2-3)
  • Ernest R. Dickerson (Eps. 4-5)
  • Roxann Dawson (Ep. 6)
  • Alex Zakrzewski (Ep. 7; 9)
  • Matt Earl Beesley (Ep.8)
  • Thomas Carter (Ep. 10)

Teleplay by:

  • Eric Overmyer (Eps. 1)
  • Tom Smuts and Eric Overmyer (Ep. 2)
  • Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider (Ep. 3; )
  • George Pelecanos and Michael Connelly (Ep. 4)
  • William N. Fordes (Ep. 5)
  • Jennifer Ames and Steve Turner (Ep. 6)
  • Joel Gonzalez and Eric Overmyer (Ep. 7)
  • William N. Fordes and Tom Smuts (Ep. 8)
  • Michael Connelly and T.L. Lankford (Ep. 10)

Starring:  Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino, Lance Reddick, Annie Wersching, Madison Lintz, Troy Evans, Sarah Clarke, Scott Wilson, Mimi Rogers, Adam O’Byrne, Veronica Cartwright and Jason Gedrick .

Tagline: Based on the best selling novels by Michael Connelly.

The Plot… (beware of spoilers)

L.A. Detective Hieronymus “Harry” Bosch is 47 years old with twenty years on the force.  Before becoming a cop, Bosch served in the Gulf War in the Special Forces.

It’s not been a great year for Bosch.  Although cleared of criminal charges in a shooting, he now faces a civil trial.  Bosch claims the suspect was pulling a gun when Bosch killed him.  The prosecution claims the suspect was unarmed. The gun planted.  The civil trial has created a lot of bad publicity and renewed interest in Detective Bosch by Internal Affairs.

Still dealing with the trail, Bosch responds to a call.  A child’s bones are found in a shallow grave in a wooded area near a nice neighborhood. In short order Bosch discovers leads that implicate several people… including the boy’s father.

The case takes a surprising turn when a routine traffic stop turns out to be anything but.  Raynard Waits is driving a van containing a corpse.  The dead man was tortured before he was killed.  The evidence against Waits is overwhelming.  He is a sadistic sociopath. There will be no deals, no plea bargain.

Then everything changes.

Waits claims that he also killed the little boy whose bones were recently discovered.  Waits says he’s a serial killer of children.  He’ll clear cases and give parents of many missing children peace of mind… but he wants something in return.

Bosch interviews Waits and has several takeaways.  One: Waits is lying. Two: Waits is smart.  Three: Waits is much more clever than he appears.

So when Waits says he will take the police to where he buried the bodies, Bosch is against it.  District Attorny O’Shea (who is up for re-election) approves the field trip.  Waits demands that Bosch be one of the officers in the group.  Again O’Shea approves.

Bosch was right.  Waits had a plan. It results in the murder of the Assistant DA and gravely wounds another officer.  DA O’Shea shifts the blame for the murder and Wait’s escape to Bosch.

As Bosch’s civil trial moves forward, Waits killing spree continues.  As the bodies pile up, Waits publically taunts Bosch.

Did Waits really kill the child?  If not, who did?  If Waits is a serial killer of children why was he found with an adult victim?  Waits is using secrets from Bosch’s past to get under his skin.  How does he know these things?

Bosch needs the answers or more innocent people will die.

Thoughts…

Bosch is excellent in all aspects – writing, directing and acting.

Harry Bosch is a well rounded character brought to life by Titus Welliver who is excellent in the role.  Kudos also to Jason Gedrick who plays Raynard Waits.  Gedrick is perfect.  Other acting standouts include Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino, Lance Reddick, Annie Wersching, Troy Evans, Sarah Clarke and Scott Wilson.

Bosch: Season 1 (2015) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Round Up” (1920) starring Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Wallace Beery and Buster Keaton / Z-View

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The Round Up (1920)

Director:  George Melford

Screenplay: Tom Forman; adapted from the play by Edmund Day

Stars:  Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle, Wallace Beery and Buster Keaton.

Tagline: Nobody loves a fat man.

The Plot…

Slim Hoover is the Sheriff of the frontier town Lonesome Pine.  Although adept with a gun, Slim often uses his quick wit to get the drop on the bad hombres.

Dick Lane is almost ready to head back to Lonesome Pine after success prospecting alone in the desert.  Once home Dick plans to marry Echo Allen.  Unfortunately, that is not to be.  Mexican bandits led by the “half-breed” Buck McKee shoot, rob and leave Dick for dead.

When Dick doesn’t return, Jack Payson tells Echo he will ride out and find him.  As Jack is about to go Buck McKee rides up. Buck says he was prospecting with Dick when they were attacked by Mexican bandits.  He says that he and Dick put up a fight, but there were too many.  Dick was shot.  Before he died, Dick asked Buck to escape and bring word to Echo.

What Buck doesn’t know is that although Dick was near death, Mexican Federales saved him.  It will take years for Dick to recover enough to return home.  Meanwhile Jack and Echo fall in love.  After three years pass, Echo agrees to marry Jack.

On the night Echo and Jack are to be wed, Dick returns.  It turns out the bandits didn’t get all of Dick’s gold.  Dick has enough cash to pay Jack the $3,000.00 he owes him.  Jack and Dick meet.  Jack accepts the $3,000.00.  Dick learns that Echo and Jack are about to be wed.  Since no one else has seen him, Dick leaves.

Meanwhile, Buck McKee decides the wedding will provide cover to rob the express agent’s office which is full of cash. The robbery goes sideways when Buck kills the express agent.  Buck takes the money.  He then heads to the wedding so he will have an alibi.

The robbery and murder are discovered.  The wedding guests are shocked.  Buck falls under suspicion. But Buck has seen the large amount of cash Jack has hidden. Buck tells everyone about it. Suddenly Jack becomes the number one suspect.  Jack can’t explain the cash without admitting that Dick is still alive.  That could cost him Echo.

Buck incites the crowd to get justice NOW.  The mob gets worked up for a necktie party.

It will be up to Sheriff Slim to save Jack and see justice is served.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Round Up was Fatty Arbuckle’s first feature film.  Arbuckle had made over 120 comedy shorts prior to this film.

The Round Up was first a successful Broadway play that starred Fatty’s cousin Macklin Arbuckle.  Tom Forman adapted the play and co-starred as Jack.  Because Fatty’s next comedy wasn’t ready, he was tapped to play Sheriff Slim.  The role earned him some of the best reviews of his career.

The Round Up was the first film to be shot in Lonesome Pine, California.  Over 300 more westerns would use the location.

Buster Keaton appears (uncredited) in two scenes as one of the attacking Indians.

The Round Up (1920) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“An Eastern Westerner” (1920) starring Harold Lloyd / Z-View

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An Eastern Westerner (1920)

Director:  Hal Roach

Screenplay: Frank Terry, H.M. Walker

Stars:  Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davis, Noah Young. 

Tagline: A Riot of Rollicking Fun!

The Plot…

Harold is the son of wealthy parents.  Harold parties all night and sleeps during the day.  In an effort to toughen up his son, Harold is sent to his Uncle’s ranch out west.  Harold arrives in the frontier town of Piute Pass.

Almost immediately Harold becomes smitten with a beautiful woman.  The girl, along with her father are seeking work from Tiger Lip Tompkins.  He’s the hardcase that runs the town.  When the girl refuses Tiger Lip’s advances, he kidnaps her father.

Meanwhile Harold is literally dealing with cardsharps, roughnecks and gunslingers.  When Harold learns of the girl’s problem, he decides to win her over, by saving her dad.

Mount up!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Harold Lloyd made this film after an accident that cost him his right thumb and index finger.  For the rest of his career Lloyd wore a flesh-colored prosthetic glove.  Despite the loss of fingers, Lloyd was able to continue his acrobatic stunts.

This film is made in 1920, but it’s obvious that Cowboy movies had already established many of the troupes we expect to see: evil gunslinger who runs the town, damsel in distress, saloon card games and card sharks, barroom brawls, etc.

One of the John Wick 2 posters pays homage to the poster for An Eastern Westerner.

An Eastern Westerner (1920) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“The Immigrant” (1919) directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin / Z-View

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The Immigrant (1917)

Director:  Charlie Chaplin

Screenplay: Charlie Chaplin, Vincent Bryan, Maverick Terrell

Stars:  Charlie Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Eric Campbell. 

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Charlie, The Little Tramp, is on a freighter to America.  On the journey Charlie sees a young woman traveling with her mother.  He’s attacted to her.  She seems interested in him.  Perhaps a new life together in America is in their future.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In The Immigrant Chaplin creates a nice mix of humor and romance.  Highlights include the Little Tramp in a card game with roughnecks, Charlie helping the woman and her mother by secretly slipping money into her belongings but being caught with his hand in her stuff and then accused of attempting to steal, plus an extended bit coming up short of cash in a restaurant.

Because The Immigrant wasn’t properly copyrighted, many inferior copies are out there.  Be aware!

The Immigrant (1917) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“Massacre Mafia Style” (1974) written, directed and starring Duke Mitchell / Z-View

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Massacre Mafia Style (1974)

Director:  Duke Mitchell

Screenplay: Duke Mitchell

Stars:  Duke Mitchell, Vic Caesar, Lorenzo Dodo, Peter Milo, Louis Zito, Cara Salerno, Jimmy Williams and George ‘Buck’ Flower. 

Tagline: You’re IN… or… you’re IN THE WAY!

The Plot…

Mimi Miceli’s father known as The Padrone, was once a powerful and respected mafia crime boss.  That was before The Padrone was tried, convicted and deported.  Mimi tried to live a good life.  But when Mimi’s wife unexpectantly dies something in him snaps.

Mimi decides to get back into “the life”.  He heads to LA where he reconnects with his old time crime partner Jolly Rizzo.  Together Mimi and Jolly plan a move to take over west coast organized crime.  Step one: kidnap west coast Godfather Chucky Tripoli.

After that it’s top of the world, ma!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Duke Mitchell co-produced, wrote, directed and starred in Massacre Mafia Style.  Before this, Mitchell was best known as the cartoon singing voice of Fred Flinstone or one half of the Mitchell / Petrillo nightclub act.  Mitchell and Petrillo were a knockoff of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.  Mitchell sang and Petrillo acted goofy.  Mitchell and Petrillo appeared with Bela Lugosi in the low-budget Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla.

Mitchell went on to have a solo nightclub career.  Mitchell often crossed paths with many celebrities including Frank Sinatra.  Mitchell would use money he saved from singing in an attempt to make low-budget movies.  Most were never completed or released.  Massacre Mafia Style was the exception.

Duke Mitchell died in 1981.  In 2011, a work print of Mitchell’s next film Gone with the Pope, was discovered.  It was restored and released on dvd by Grindhouse Releasing.  Grindhouse Releasing was co-founded by Academy Award winner Bob Murawski and Sage Stallone (Sylvester Stallone’s son).  Grindhouse Releasing also remastered and released Massacre Mafia Style in 2011.

Massacre Mafia Style was released under the following titles: The Executioner, Massacre Mafia Style and Like Father, Like Son.  Mitchell preferred Massacre Mafia Style.

Frank Sinatra reportedly responded to Mitchell’s request to appear in his film by saying, “Duke, I love you, but I get real money to make real films.”

Massacre Mafia Style (1974) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“High and Dizzy” (1920) starring Harold Lloyd & Mildred Davis / Z-View

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High and Dizzy (1920)

Director:  Hal Roach

Screenplay: Frank Terry, H.M. Walker

Stars:  Harold Lloyd, Mildred Davis. 

Tagline: The Cleverest and Most Rollicking Comedy Ever Produced

The Plot…

Harold is a young doctor with a new practice.  He goes to great lengths to appear busy.  When an older man brings his grown daughter in, Harold is smitten. So is the young lady.   She needsa cure for sleepwalking.   Unfortunately her father isn’t impressed with Harold.  Dad and his daughter leave.

Harold decides to take out his frustration with a few (too many drinks).  After a few close calls with a cop, Harold ends up in a high rise.  Wouldn’t you know it, the sleepwalking beauty lives there.

Rise and shine!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Harold Lloyd and his co-star, Mildred Davis were married three years after the release of High and Dizzy.  They would have three children and remain married until her death on August 18, 1969.  Harold Lloyd died on March 8, 1971.

High and Dizzy (1920) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Marathon” (1919) starring Harold Lloyd, Bebe Daniels, ‘Snub’ Pollard and Bud Jamison / Z-View

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The Marathon (1919)

Director:  Alfred J. Goulding

Screenplay: H.M. Walker

Stars:  Harold Lloyd, Bebe Daniels, ‘Snub’ Pollard, Bud Jamison. 

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A rich young woman has her pick of possible suitors.  Her stern father, a retired heavyweight boxer, oversees her choices.  When a slick potential boyfriend butters up to her daddy, he becomes the father’s choice.  Harold, another suitor, is willing to fight for his chance to date the young lady.

Put up your dukes and may the funniest man win!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The mirror gag appears in this film.  Harold and his brother Gaylord (who also plays the Chief of Police) pull off the famous routine.  It’s interesting to note, that Charlie Chaplin was the first to do the mirror comedy skit on film in Floorwalker (1916).  But it was Duck Soup starring The Marx Brothers that made the routine famous.

Bud Jamison, co-star of dozens of Three Stooges shorts, appears uncredited as The Rich Girl’s Father.  Jamison was just six years older than Bebe Daniels, the actress who played his daughter.

The Marathon (1919) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Bumping into Broadway” starring Harold Lloyd / Z-View

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Bumping Into Broadway (1919)

Director:  Hal Roach

Screenplay:  Hal Roach, Harold Lloyd; titles by H.M. Walker

Stars:  Harold Lloyd, Bebe Daniels, ‘Snub’ Pollard.

Tagline: Two thousand feet of girls and giggles with a kick like moonshine.

The Plot…

A “girl” dreams of being an actress.  The “boy” in the room next door dreams of being a playwright.  Neither have found success.  When the boy learns that the girl is going to be evicted for not paying her rent, he gives her the last of his money.  All he has to do now is avoid his tough landlady and her big bouncer until he can raise the cash for his rent.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Bumping into Broadway is the final film made/released before the accident that cost Harold Lloyd is right thumb and forefinger.  During a photo shoot a prop bomb exploded causing Lloyd’s injury.  In his future films Lloyd wore a glove or keep his right hand hidden.

Bumping into Broadway is the first two-reel film that featured Lloyd’s “glasses” character.

Bumping Into Broadway (1919) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“A Night in the Show” (1915) written, directed & starring Charlie Chaplin / Z-View

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A Night in the Show (1915)

Director: Charlie Chaplin

Screenplay:  Charlie Chaplin

Stars:  Charlie Chaplin, Charlotte Mineau, Dee Lampton, Edna Purviance, Leo White and

Tagline: Uproariously Funny Charley Chaplin As a Dude and a Bum A Double Portion of Comedy

The Plot…

A Night in the Show follows two theater-goers: Mr. Pest and Mr. Rowdy (both played by Charlie Chaplin).  Mr. Pest is well-dressed man who has a great seat right up front.  Pest is rudely oblivious to all around him.  Mr. Rowdy watches from a cheap balcony seat.  Rowdy has had too much too drink and disrupts in his own way.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Chaplin adapted A Night in the Show from one of his stage plays.

Bud Jamison who appeared in nearly 40 Three Stooges shorts appears uncredited in the balcony.

A Night in the Show (1915) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Captain Kidd’s Kids” (1919) starring Harold Lloyd and Bebe Daniels / Z-View

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Captain Kidd’s Kids (1919)

Director: Hal Roach

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Harold Lloyd, Bebe Daniels, “Snub” Pollard

Tagline: THERE ARE BARRELS OF LAUGHTER TO BACK UP THE SPECIAL $100,000 HAROLD LLOYD TWO REEL COMEDY “CAPTAIN KIDD’S KIDS

The Plot…

A wealthy young man discovers that his fiancé ‘s mother is taking her on a cruise so that she cannot marry.  The young man boards a ship and heads off to catch up with his bride-to-be.  As the ship sails, the young man dreams… he’s on an all woman pirate ship…

… and they want to hang him!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Harold Lloyd and Bebe Daniels made nearly 100 short films together.  This was their last together.

Captain Kidd’s Kids (1919) rates 2 of 5 stars.

THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN by Stephen Hunter

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THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN by Stephen Hunter

First sentences…

The sun was a blowtorch, scorching the Arizona Territory crisp.  Sagebrush, some living, some dead, bounced indifferently about the raw landscape.  While most of America prospered in the wonderful year of 1897, here vegetation turned brittle while the once abundant and variegated cacti had retreated within themselves, their spindly arms forming structures more appropriate to crucifixion than blossom.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

1897.  The Arizona Territory.  Due to a prolonged draught survival is tough.  Homes and even towns are left abandoned when residents left for a better climate.  Only rare rough railroad construction towns called railheads and Colonel Callahan’s massive ranch thrive.

Railheads are not towns really.  More like flophouses, whorehouses and taverns clustered together.  They’re inhabited by the lawless, rough railroad construction workers who come in to spend their week’s pay.

Colonel Callahan’s ranch prospers.  It’s the largest spread in the Arizona territory.  Callahan makes a good living raising and marketing his cattle. But cattle isn’t all Callahan deals in.  He’s also has secret (and illegal) dealings across the border in Mexico.  Callahan employs ranch hands, cowboys, but most importantly gunmen.  The only job these gunfighters have is to protect all that Callahan owns.  Callahan’s top man and best with a gun is Tom Voth.

When a cowboy rides in looking for work, Voth is ready to send him on his way.  The stranger says his name is Jack.  Jack looks like a drifter.  Hardened, yes.  Tough looking yes.  But old.  Jack must be pushing sixty.  Voth says, unless Jack is good with a gun, they can’t use him.    Jack says he’s good with a gun and calm when bullets fly.  Voth is doubtful.  Jack doesn’t wear a gun.  Turns out Jack pawned his guns to survive.

Voth calls for a rife.  Jack takes the carbine and proceeds to amaze Voth with his shooting accuracy.  Voth takes Jack to Mr. Callahan for a final interview.  Callahan is impressed and hires Jack.

What they don’t know is the drifter Jack is actually Jack Swagger a feared gunfighter and he’s come to Callahan’s ranch on a personal mission.

Saddle up!

+++

I’m a fan of Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novels.  It is such a cool idea to follow the Swagger family tree.  It allows Hunter to write novels in different eras that are anchored by the Swagger family.

So far we have…

  • Jackson Swagger: a cowboy in the 1890s
  • Charles Swagger: a World War II sniper
  • Earl Swagger: a famous Arkansas State Trooper and Charles’ son
  • Bob Lee Swagger: a legendary sniper in Viet Nam pulled in to several adventures after the war.  He is Earl’s son.
  • Ray Cruz: a FBI agent and Bob Lee’s son.

Stephen Hunter’s Swagger novel are instant purchases for me.  I’ve loved every one.  THE GUN MAN JACKSON SWAGGER: A WESTERN is another winner.

Rating:

“The Dead Zone” directed by David Cronenberg; starring Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst and Martin Sheen / Z-View

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The Dead Zone (1983)

Director: David Cronenberg

Screenplay:  Jeffrey Boam; based on THE DEAD ZONE by Stephen King

Stars:  Christopher Walken, Brooke Adams, Tom Skerritt, Herbert Lom, Anthony Zerbe, Colleen Dewhurst and Martin Sheen.

Tagline: In his mind, he has the power to see the future. In his hands, he has the power to change it.

The Plot…

Everything is going great for Johnny.  He’s got a job teaching at a local school.  He’s in love with Sarah, a teacher at the same school and she’s in love with him.  Soon they will be married.

After a date with Sarah, as Johnny is driving home, a freak auto accident occurs.  Johnny survives, but is left in a coma.  When Johnny wakes up…

… FIVE YEARS HAVE PASSED.

Johnny has lost more than time.  He learns Sarah is married and has a child.  The wreck left him with a limp.  His full physical recovery will take time.  Yes, Johnny lost a lot.  But he also gained a power.  When Johnny makes physical contact with a person, he sometimes sees glimpses of their future.

Rumors spread about the man who cheated death who can now see the future.  Some people are doubtful.  Others think Johnny has been granted evil powers.  Still others want Johnny to see their future so they can gain from the insight.

Sheriff Bannerman is skeptical, but has nothing to lose.   A serial killer continues to kill and leaves no clues.  Johnny reluctantly agrees to assist Bannerman.  Along the way, Johnny discovers something even more deadly than a sadistic killer.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

When Johnny first discovers his new power, he sees a child trapped in a burning room.  As Johnny witnesses this vision, sweat breaks out all over his face.  The “sweat” is actually a flame retardant put on Christopher Walken to protect him from the flames.  It turned out to be a happy accident since it created a cool effect that wasn’t intentional.

THE DEAD ZONE  was the first Stephen King novel to reach #1 on the best selling hardcover list.

Christopher Walken was an excellent choice to play Johnny.

Martin Sheen plays Greg Stillson, a shyster politician running for President. Sixteen years later, Sheen began playing President Josiah Bartlet on the West Wing.

The Dead Zone is my favorite film directed by David Cronenberg.

The Dead Zone (1983) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Assistant Wives” (1927) starring Charley Chase / Z-View

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Assistant Wives (1927)

Director: James Parrott

Screenplay:  H.M. Walker

Stars:  Charley Chase, Edna Marion, Anita Garvin.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Charley and his bride are just getting by.  Charley needs a raise and figures if he can buddy-up to his boss, it will come.  He invites his boss to dinner.  Because of a misunderstanding, the boss thinks a waitress at the diner across the street is Charley’s wife.

Charley figures this could work to his advantage.  Since the boss likes the waitress, Charley offers her a payday if she acts as his wife over dinner.  Things go sideways when Charley’s wife and the waitress’ boyfriend see Charley and the waitress getting chummy.

Dinner is served!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Charley Chase was an writer, director and actor.  Although he died at a relatively young age (46), his resume includes 282 acting roles, 174 films as a director and 37 as writer.

Assistant Wives was directed by Charley Chase’s brother.

Assistant Wives (1927) rates 3 of 5 stars.