“Pandora’s Box” (1929) starring Louise Brooks / Z-View

Posted on by

Pandora’s Box (1929)

Director:  Georg Wilhelm Pabst

Writer:  G.W. Pabst, Ladislaus Vajda based on Die Büchse der Pandora (“Pandora’s Box”) and Erdgeist (“Earth Spirit”) by Frank Wedekind

Stars: Louise Brooks, Fritz Kortner, Francis Lederer, Carl Goetz, Gustav Diessl  and Michael von Newlinsky

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

Lulu (Brooks) is a beautiful woman who uses her charms to get whatever she wants.  Lulu is currently the mistress of Dr. Ludwig Schön (Kortner).  When Schön announces he is going to marry a woman of his same social class, Lulu’s actions set in motion a tragic series of events that will lead to multiple murders.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Lulu is Louise Brooks most famous role.  The part almost went to Marlene Dietrich.  Brooks was the director’s first choice, but didn’t think he could get her.  Dietrich was in Pabst’s office to sign the contract when word came that Brooks was available.  Years later Dietrich was understandably miffed.

It is easy to see why Louis Brooks created such a sensation in this role.  The camera loves her.  She projected both innocence and sexuality.  Sadly, Brooks would only make 9 more films and she hit hard times in later years.  When Pandora’s Box was rediscovered in the late 70s, Brooks was redisovered as well.

Fritz Kortner reminds me so much of Kelsey Grammer in this film.

SPOILER WARNING:

+
+
+

The ending with Jack the Ripper was a surprising and bold move.

Pandora’s Box (1929) earns 4 of 5 stars.

RIP: Hal Dresner

Posted on by

Hal Dresner died yesterday from cancer.  He was 85.

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

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

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

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

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

CREEPY ARCHIVES VOLUME THREE is Coming!

Posted on by

Creepy Archives Volume Three will drop on September 6, 2023.  It’ll be 288 pages of comic greatness topped by an awesome Frank Frazetta cover.

Cast your bloodshot eyes and feed your fetid imagination on the deliciously deranged tales of terror unearthed from the spine-chilling pages Creepy magazine!

Featuring virtuoso turns by comics legends Archie Goodwin, Frank Frazetta, Steve Ditko, Neal Adams, Gray Morrow and other masters of the macabre, Creepy proves that fear can be fun!

Collects Creepy issues #11–#15 in a value-priced paperback edition and includes original letters pages, text features, and ads.

  Deal me in.  Pre-Orders are available now.

“The Ghost Breakers” (1940) starring Bob Hope & Paulette Goddard / Z-View

Posted on by

The Ghost Breakers (1940)

Director:  George Marshall

Writer:  Walter DeLeon based on the play The Ghost Breaker by Paul Dickey and Charles W. Goddard

Stars: Bob Hope, Paulette Goddard, Richard Carlson, Willie Best, Pedro de Cordoba, Virginia Brissac, Noble Johnson, Anthony Quinn, Tom Dugan, Paul Fix, Lloyd Corrigan  and Robert Elliott

Tagline:  The two stars of “The Cat and the Canary” find love and laughter in a haunted house!

The Plot…

On a voyage to Cuba Mary Carter (Goddard) and Larry Lawrence (Hope) develop a flirtatious relationship.  Mary is going to Cuba to claim an inheritance. Larry ended up on the ship by accident.  When Mary is told about ghosts and zombies on the land and mansion she’s inherited, Larry decides to stick around.  The mansion is just as creepy as she’d been told.  It’s full of secret passageways, walls with hidden panels, and a painting that looks just like Mary. When what appear to be ghosts and zombies show up, it may be time to sell!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Due to the success of The Cat and The Canary, the studio wanted to quickly re-team Hope and Goddard. The Ghost Breakers fit the bill. Although they play different characters, the plots of both films are very similar.

This is the third time the play The Ghost Breakers was made into a film.  The first two versions were silent.  It was remade for a fourth time as Scared Stiff in 1953 with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

The Ghost Breakers (1940) earns 3 of 5 stars.

RIP: Lance Reddick

Posted on by

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“The Gang’s All Here” (1941) starring Frankie Darro & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

Posted on by

The Gang’s All Here (1941)

Director:  Jean Yarbrough

Writer: Edmond Kelso

Stars: Frankie Darro, Marcia Mae Jones, Jackie Moran, Keye Luke, Mantan Moreland, Robert Homans and Paul Bryar

Tagline:  Frankie risks his life for a new sweetie, and then finds out she’s two-timing him for another motor jockey!

The Plot…

Frankie (Darro) and Jefferson (Moreland) get jobs driving for The Overland Transport Company, unaware that Overland’s trucks have been the targets of several hijackings that left the drivers dead.  When Frankie and Jefferson survive an attempt to drive them off the road, they decide to find out who is behind the attacks.  As they get closer to the truth, the targets on their backs grow bigger.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

My main interest in The Gang’s All Here was Mantan Moreland. He’s the bright spot in the movie, and I wish he was given more to do.

It was interesting that in such a low budget production would feature so many actors that would have long careers and even appear in some classic films:

Frankie Dario played Robby the Robot in Forbidden Planet!  Marcia Mae Jones had a role in The Way We Were. Jackie Moran was in Gone with the Wind! Keye Luke had a long career but is best known as Charlie Chan’s #1 son. Robert Homans was in The Grapes of Wrath.  Paul Bryar had a small role in Butch Cassady and the Sundance Kid.

The Gang’s All Here (1941) earns 2 of 5 stars.

“Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022)” written & directed by Elvis Mitchell

Posted on by

Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022)

Director:  Elvis Mitchell

Writer: Elvis Mitchell

Stars: Elvis Mitchell (voice), Margaret Avery, Harry Belafonte, Suzanne De Passe, Antonio Fargas, Laurence Fishburne, Sheila Frazier, Whoopi Goldberg, Samuel L. Jackson, Glynn Turman, Mario Van Peebles, Billy Dee Williams  and Zendaya

Tagline: Is That Black Enough For You?!? How One Decade Forever Changed the Movies (And Me)”

The Plot…

Elvis Mitchell, the writer and director of Is That Black Enough for You?!?, is a film scholar and film critic.  Here he explores the history and impact that African-American cinema had on all films and American culture.  There is an emphasis on the 1970s.  The film makes use of film clips as well as interviews with many of the artists who lived through this period.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I greatly enjoyed Is That Black Enough for You?!?.  The two hours and 15 minutes flew by.  It was interesting to see the history of how African-Americans were portrayed in movies and the impact the late 60s and early 70s had when more black artists were able to take control of their films.  The interviews are the glue that holds it all together,  The film clips reminded me of many movies I’d seen in my youth and many more I’d like to see.

When the film was over, it left me wanting to dig deeper into the history of black artists such as Paul Robeson, Mantan Moreland (who sadly wasn’t mentioned), Oscar Micheaux and many others.  The topic is so huge it would be hard to cover in just one film and I’m sure that fed in to Mitchell’s decision to focus on the late 60s though the mid 70s.  I would love to see a streaming series that took a deeper look.  Elvis Mitchell, are you listening?

Is That Black Enough for You?!? (2022) earns 4 of 5 stars.

CAIN by Walter Hill, Mike Benson, Beni R. Lobel, Jordi Escuin Llorach & Frank Cvetkovic is Coming!

Posted on by

CAIN coming from Dark Horse this November sounds very interesting.

Legendary filmmaker Walter Hill and award-winning television and comic writer Mike Benson bring their neo-noir thriller to Dark Horse

Dark Horse is proud to team up with film legend Walter Hill and award-winning television and comic writer Mike Benson to present Cain, a thrilling neo-noir tale of a blind hitman operating in the gritty world filled with crime and violence. Hill and Benson are joined by interior artist Beni R. Lobel, colorist Jordi Escuin Llorach and letterer Frank Cvetkovic, with Lobel also providing the cover art for this original graphic novel.

Meet Cain, born blind, but with a unique ability to sense the world around him. Raised from birth by a rogue CIA agent, he’s grown into a borderline alcoholic and sex addict who travels the globe, living off the grid and taking out gangsters, deviants, and corrupt politicians—all while engaging in his own hedonistic pursuits as a hitman.

Cain is a thrilling and mysterious neo-noir tale of a blind professional hitman, operating within a relentless underworld environment of criminal violence, sex, betrayal, and death.

CAIN: Once you’re in the dark – I’m the boss.

“The War of the Gargantuas” (1966) / Z-View

Posted on by

The War of the Gargantuas (1966)

Director:  Ishirô Honda

Writer: Ishirō Honda, Takeshi Kimura, Reuben Bercovitch (story)

Stars: Russ Tamblyn

Tagline:  Can a Country Survive When Two Gargantuas Battle to Death?

The Plot…

Two giant gargantuas have appeared.  The green one is evil, attacking, killing and eating people.  The brown gargantua is gentle.  Both are believed to be causing the havok.  When the military is called out to kill both, the battle is on… man vs gargantuas and gargantua vs gargantua.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Russ Tamblyn reportedly didn’t get along with Ishirô Honda and often ignored his directions.  Tamblyn also improvised many of his lines.  This created a problem with Tamblyn’s audio track had to be re-recorded and he didn’t remember exactly what he said in each scene.  Plus Tamblyn took a real laidback attitude in each scene.  All of this adds up to Russ Tamblyn being the weakest part of the movie.

The movie is at it’s best when the gargantuas are battling with each other, the military or attacking people (whether on land or at sea).  Seeing the monsters crashing through buildings, throwing ships or using full grown trees as clubs will bring out the kid in you.

There are a couple of truly creepy scenes: one is when the sailor is looking down into the ocean water and a gargantua is looking up at him, the other is when the gargantua is up to his shoulders walking in the ocean preparing for his next attack.

The War of the Gargantuas (1966) earns 2 of 5 stars.

“The Phenomenon” (2020) / Z-View

Posted on by

The Phenomenon (2020)

Director: James Fox

Writers: Marc Barasch, James Fox

Stars: Peter Coyote (narrator)

Tagline:  None.

The Plot…

The Phenomenon explores the possibility that aliens have been visiting our planet and there is a deep state cover-up.  Included is archival news footage/interviews with  Major Jesse Marcel discussing the Roswell event, Kenneth Arnold, the pilot who coined the term flying saucers after viewing them, students and a teacher witnesses at the Ariel School Incident and other eye witnesses from reported documented UFO sightings.  Current interviews include Navy pilots, NASA astronauts and government officials with high ranking security clearance all indicating they have witnessed UFOs and/or there is more going on than we are being told.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Phenomenon presents a strong case for the belief that we are being visited by intelligent beings from outer space, another dimension or the future.  Some of the evidence presented may not be new to those interested in UFOs, but to see it all laid out in this film is impressive.

The Phenomenon (2020) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Jade Mask” (1945) starring Sidney Toler & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

Posted on by

The Jade Mask (1945)

Director:  Phil Rosen

Writer: George Callahan based on characters created by Earl Derr Biggers

Stars: Sidney Toler, Mantan Moreland, Edwin Luke, Frank Reicher, Janet Warren, Cyril Delevanti, Edith Evanson and Edith Evanson

Tagline:  A MYSTERY MANSION…Where death lurks in every dark corner and a mad genius runs loose!

The Plot…

Charlie Chan (Toler), aided by his #4 son Edwin and Birmingham Brown (Mooreland) are called in to solve a case where an eccentric scientist was killed in his spooky old mansion while hosting a dinner party.  As it turns out the scientist wasn’t well liked.  Everyone in attendance had motive to kill him!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Jade Mask has all the elements you’d want in a Charlie Chan mystery.  An unusual murder.  Plenty of viable suspects.  Charlie Chan’s humorous pearls of wisdom.  A spooky mansion with hidden passageways and wall panels.  Mantan Mooreland!

This is the first and only appearance of Chan’s #4 son Edwin, played by Edwin Luke, the real-life younger brother of Keye Luke who played Chan’s #1 son in previous films.

The addition of the old country sheriff’s interactions with Chan provides humor.

The Jade Mask earns 3 of 5 stars.

“The Shanghai Cobra” (1945) starring Sidney Toler & Mantan Moreland / Z-View

Posted on by

The Shanghai Cobra (1945)

Director:  Phil Karlson

Writer: George Callahan, George Wallace Sayre based on characters created by Earl Derr Biggers

Stars: Sidney Toler, Mantan Moreland, Benson Fong, Janet Warren, Gene Roth, James Flavin, George Chandler  and Cyril Delevanti

Tagline:  Charlie Chan at his best in his most thrilling adventure!

The Plot…

Charlie Chan (Toler) is brought in to work on a case where cobra venom is used as a murder weapon.  Chan solved a case ten years prior, but the alleged murderer’s face was badly burned in his escape.  Because of plastic surgery Chan won’t be able to recognize him from the several suspects he’s watching.  As Charlie Chan closes in on the killer, his #3 son Tommy (Fong) and Birmingham (Moreland) follow leads of their own.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

A highlight is Mantan and Fong performing a bit explaining how they received a traffic ticket. “You said, ‘No, you turn here.” “No, I said, no u-turn here.”

Charlie Chan has his usual (humorous) pearls of wisdom including when his son says, “Pop, I want to talk to you as man to man” and Chan responds with, “I am ready, but you still have few years to go.”

The Shanghai Cobra earns 3 of 5 stars.