“Boston Strangler” starring Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon – The Trailer is Here!

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Boston Strangler starring Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon looks good. Since it’s going to be on HULU watching will be a no-brainer.

Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon star in the true-crime thriller Boston Strangler, streaming March 17 on Hulu.

“Boston Strangler” from 20th Century Studios and writer/director Matt Ruskin premieres March 17, 2023, exclusively on Hulu in the U.S., Star+ in Latin America, and Disney+ under the Star banner in all other territories. The trailer for the true-crime thriller about the trailblazing reporters who broke the story of the notorious Boston Strangler murders of the 1960s is available now.

“Boston Strangler” stars two-time Oscar® nominee Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game,” “Pride & Prejudice”), Emmy® nominee Carrie Coon (“Fargo,” “The Gilded Age”), Alessandro Nivola (“Amsterdam”), David Dastmalchian (“Dune”), Morgan Spector (“Homeland”), Bill Camp (“Joker”), and Academy Award® winner Chris Cooper (“Adaptation”). Written and directed by Matt Ruskin (“Crown Heights”), the film is produced by Ridley Scott (“The Martian”), Kevin J. Walsh (“House of Gucci”), Michael Pruss (“American Woman”), Josey McNamara (“Promising Young Woman”), and Tom Ackerley (“I, Tonya”), with Michael Fottrell (“The Fate of the Furious”) and Sam Roston serving as executive producers. Sam Roston is overseeing for Scott Free and Bronte Payne for LuckyChap.

The film follows Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley), a reporter for the Record-American newspaper, who becomes the first journalist to connect the Boston Strangler murders. As the mysterious killer claims more and more victims, Loretta attempts to continue her investigation alongside colleague and confidante Jean Cole (Carrie Coon), yet the duo finds themselves stymied by the rampant sexism of the era. Nevertheless, McLaughlin and Cole bravely pursue the story at great personal risk, putting their own lives on the line in their quest to uncover the truth.

“Goof on the Roof” (1953) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Goof on the Roof (1953)

Director:  Jules White

Writer:  Clyde Buckman

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard

Tagline: The Fix-It Boys…Out-Foxed Again!

The Plot…

When the boys learn their roommate is getting married, they decide to save him some money and install a television antenna themselves.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Goof on the Roof’s story has the boys destroying a house to install a tv antenna.  There’s not much we haven’t seen before and without a cast to interact with, it becomes a bit redundant.  My favorite part is probably the “glug-glug-glug” sounds made when a bucket of water ends up on a Stooge’s head.

Shemp, who had replaced Curly due to his declining health caused by strokes, suffered a mild stroke himself with two weeks of completed filming of Goof on the Roof.

Goof on the Roof earns 3 of 5 stars.

RIP: Barbara Bosson

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Barbara Bosson died on February 18, 2023, at the age of 83.

After her high school graduation Barbara Bosson moved to New York and worked a variety of jobs (secretary, production assistant, Playboy bunny) as she pursued an acting career.

Barbara Bosson’s first acting credit is as a nurse in the Steve McQueen classic, Bullet.  Barbara Bosson would go on to act on television and feature films for the rest of her career.  She was nominated for 5 consecutive (1981 – 1985) Prime Time Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Hill Street Blues.  In 1996, she was nominated for a sixth Prime Time Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her work in Murder One.

Some of Barbara Bosson’s television appearances include: The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (5 episodes); Mannix; Longstreet; Emergency; Alias Smith & Jones; Ironside; McMillan & Wife (2 episodes); Richie Brockelman, Private Eye (5 episodes); Calendar Girl Murders; Hill Street Blues (103 episodes); LA Law (2 episodes); The New Mike Hammer; Hotel; Murder She Wrote; Hooperman (42 episodes); Cop Rock (11 episodes); Star Trek: Deep Space Nine; NYPD Blue; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (2 episodes); Murder One (41 episodes) and Murder One: Diary of a Serial Killer (6 episodes).

Some of Barbara Bosson’s feature film appearances include: Bullet; Capricorn One and The Last Starfighter.

It’s hard for me to say where I first saw Barbara Bosson.  Early in her career she appeared on several shows that I regularly watched.  I can say for sure that my favorite Barbara Bosson role was on Hill Street Blues.  I wasn’t alone.  She was nominated 5 years in a row for a Prime Time Emmy for her performance in that role.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Barbara Bosson’s family, friends and fans.

RIP: Jansen Panettiere

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Jansen Panettiere died yesterday at the age of 28.  No cause of death was announced.

Jansen Panettiere followed his older sister into an acting career.  In addition to television and feature film roles, Mr. Panettiere also did voice work.

Some of Jansen Panettiere’s television appearances include: Third Watch; Blue’s Clues (voice – 4 episodes); Tiger Cruise; The X’s (voice – 15 episodes); Everybody Hates Chris; Major Crimes and The Walking Dead.

Some of Jansen Panettiere’s feature film appearances include: Racing Stripes (voice); Robots (voice); Ice Age: The Meltdown (voice); The Babysitters and The Forger.

The majority of Jansen Panettiere’s resume includes projects not geared to my demographic.  I did hear his voice work in Blue’s Clues (watched with my grandson) and his acting in The Walking Dead.

It’s sad whenever someone dies at such a young age.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jansen Panettiere’s family, friends and fans.

THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL by Laird Barron – The Deal Just Got Even Better!

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The other day I wrote about the deal that Bad Hand Books is running on Laird Barron’s next Isaiah Coleridge tale, THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL.  For the first 30 days (which started February 15th) 100% of profits from pre-orders will go directly to support Laird Barron’s recovery from a serious illness.  How cool is that?  Get an awesome book from an Independent Publisher and help support the author’s recovery – all at the same time.

And like those late night commercials, I get to say, “But wait!  There’s more!”  Laird Barron has agreed to sign all pre-orders!  Wow!  The deal just got even better.  So if you were on the fence, climb on down and get your order in!  

If you’ve never read an Isaiah Coleridge novel, here’s the downlow…

Coleridge is an ex-mob enforcer-turned-private investigator.  So far there have been three Isaiah Coleridge novels: BLOOD STANDARD; BLACK MOUNTAIN and WORSE ANGELS. (Barron writes them so that new readers can jump in at any point)

Coming in late Spring, a new Isaiah Coleridge yarn will become available.  THE WIND BEGAN TO HOWL novella is set after the events of WORSE ANGELS.  Isaiah Coleridge takes on what seems like a simple case, but soon finds himself dragged into a dark world of mayhem, mysticism, music, and movie magic.

I’m in.  I hope you’ll consider joining me.

 

“Accidental Truth” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Accidental Truth looks interesting.  I’ll check it out when it comes to a streaming channel I get.

The truth can no longer be contained by those duty-bound to hide it. The truth about another intelligence engaging humanity becomes undeniably clear. You will witness revelations from true government insiders that have never been shared with the public. From over 15 years of interviews and investigation, Ron James painstakingly connects the dots. Colonel John Alexander, Lue Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, Nick Pope and others help to “accidentally” weave a story that leaves no doubt that another intelligence is somehow operating around us. Dr. Michio Kaku provides scientific analysis and commentary specific to what we know. Never before has a world-class scientist weighed in so deeply on the topic. Until now. A collection of contributors from across the field all come together to settle the question. The subject is no longer up for debate, you will experience the proof. Now we must address the bigger questions: What’s next? What does this information mean to the whole of humanity? What does it mean to you? The acknowledgement of another advanced intelligence is only the beginning. This irrefutable truth creates more questions than you can possibly imagine.

Directed by Ron James
Narrated by: Matthew Modine

Starring: Dr. Michio Kaku, Dr. Gary Nolan, Ralph Blumenthal, Nick Pope,, Col. John Alexander, Lue Elizondo, Christopher Mellon, Richard Dolan, Mike Bara, Katie Cook, Dave McDonald, Ron James, Melinda Leslie, Danny Sheehan, Stephen Bassett, Jimmy Church, Seth Shostak.

“Rhythm and Weep” (1946) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Rhythm and Weep (1946)

Director:  Jules White

Writer:  Felix Adler

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard and Jack Norton

Tagline: None

The Plot…

When the boys are unable to find work for their vaudeville act, they decide to end it all.  They go to the roof of a skyscraper prepared to jump.  Once there, our guys are surprised to find three woman dancers with the same idea.  It’s love at first sight.  The boys and the women decide to put together a comedy/dancing act.  And just like that a millionaire offers to sponsor the show.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sadly, due to a series of strokes, Rhythm and Weep would be Curly’s second to last Stooges’ feature. Accommodations had to be made on set for Curly’s scenes due to his inability to remember lines.  That could also be one of the reasons there is an emphasis on dancing in Rhythm and Weep.  Despite his health, Curly still provides laughs, especially when he pulls a Michael Jackson Smooth Criminal move while on the ledge of a skyscraper.

Larry breaks the fourth wall with a funny comment when after hugging a girl, looks directly into the camera and says, “This I like! And I get paid for it, too!”

Rhythm and Weep earns 4 of 5 stars.

RIP: Richard Belzer

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Richard Belzer, the comedian, actor and author, died today.  He was 78.  No cause of death was given.

Richard Belzer began his entertainment career as a stand-up comedian.  He appeared in the low-budget film The Groove Tube in 1974.  He was also a featured comedian on the National Lampoon Radio Hour along with John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Harold Ramis.  Richard Belzer would go on to be the audience warm-up comedian for Saturday Night Live.  Mr. Belzer would go on to make three guest appearances on the show.  In addition to stand-up, Richard Belzer appeared in television and movies throughout his career.

Some Richard Belzer appearances in feature films include: The Groove Tube; Fame; Author! Author!; Night Shift; Scarface; Fletch Lives; The Bonfire of the Vanities; A Very Brady Sequel; Species II and The Comedian.

Some of Richard Belzer’s television appearances include: Sesame Street (2 episodes); Saturday Night Live (3 episodes); Moonlighting; Miami Vice; The Flash (10 episodes); Hart to Hart: Crimes of the Hart; Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (4 episodes); The Invaders (2 episodes); The X-Files; Mad About You; Homicide: Life on the Street (122 episodes); Homicide: The Movie; Law & Order (4 episodes); South Park; 3rd Rock from the Sun; Law & Order: Trial by Jury; The Wire; 30 Rock (2 episodes); Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (326 episodes) and American Dad.

Richard Belzer also wrote four books on conspiracy theories.

I first saw Richard Belzer in The Groove Tube.  Who could have imagined that the young comedian would go on to have a distinguished acting career, and author several books!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Richard Belzer’s family, friends and fans.

“Horses’ Collars” (1935) starring The Three Stooges / Z-View

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Horses’ Collars (1935)

Director:  Clyde Bruckman

Writer:  Felix Adler

Stars: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Curly Howard

Tagline: The 3 lunatics are on the loose again!

The Plot…

Our guys are detectives in the wild west.  They are sent to a frontier town to help a young woman get her farm back from the ruthless killer Double Deal Decker.  What could go wrong?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Curly has a condition where every time he sees a mouse, he goes insane attacking anyone near him.  The only cure is for Larry and Moe to feed him cheese.  What brought about this condition, you ask?  “Because Curly’s father was a rat.”  Curly also has a unique way of getting through a boring meeting.

Horses’ Collars earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Gerald Fried

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Gerald Fried, the composer, conductor and musician died yesterday from pneumonia.  He was 95.

Mr. Fried attended attended The Juilliard School of Music.  He became friends with Stanley Kubrick and scored short, Day of the Fight.  He also Kubrick’s Fear and Desire; Killer’s Kiss; The Killing and Paths of Glory.  Mr. Fried would spend his career alternating between feature films and television.

Some of Gerald Fried’s films include: Day of the Fight; Fear and Desire; Killer’s Kiss; The Killing; Paths of Glory; Machine-Gun Kelly; I Bury the Living; Terror in a Texas Town; Birds Do It, Bees Do It and Star Trek: The Final Darkness.

Some television series that feature music by Gerald Fried include: M Squad (3 episodes); Wagon Train; Riverboat (15 episodes); Shotgun Slade (23 episodes); Ben Casey (3 episodes); Rawhide; Gunsmoke: T.H.E. Cat (3 episodes); My Three Sons (2 episodes); It’s About Time (26 episodes); Gilligan’s Island (51 episodes); Mr. Terrific (17 episodes); The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (45 episodes); Star Trek (4 episodes); Lost in Space (2 episodes); Family Affair (2 episodes);  Mission Impossible (6 episodes); Mannix; Police Story; Roots (4 episodes); Police Woman (4 episodes); Rescue from Gilligan’s Island;  Roots: The Next Generations (7 episodes); The Castaways of Gilligan’s Island; Emergency (2 episodes); Flamingo Road (9 episodes); The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island; The Return of the Man from U.N.C.L.E.: 15 Years Later; Roots: The Gift and Star Trek: Phase II; 

Gerald Fried was nominated for 5 Prime Time Emmy Awards; winning one – Outstanding Achievement in Music Composition for a Series (Dramatic Underscore) for “Roots” (Part I) (1977) (shared with Quincy Jones)

Mr. Fried was nominated for one Academy Award for Best Music, Original Dramatic Score for Birds Do It, Bees Do It.

Mr. Fried worked on many of my favorite shows of my youth and with Kubrick on some of my favorite crime films. What a career he had!

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Wood’s family, fans and friends.

RIP: Oliver Wood

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It was announced today that Oliver Wood, cinematographer on many Hollywood hits died on February 13, 2023.  The cause of death was cancer.  He was 80.

Mr. Wood’s career began in 1969 on the low budget feature Popdown.  In 1970, he served as Director of Photography on The Honeymoon Killers.  Oliver Wood caught Hollywood’s attention after he served as director of photography for 53 episodes of Miami Vice.  For the rest of his career Mr. Wood worked on major Hollywood films.

Some films featuring Oliver Wood include: Die Hard 2; The Adventures of Ford Fairlane; Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey; Rudy; Mr. Holland’s Opus; 2 Days in the Valley; Face/Off; Mighty Joe Young; The Bourne Identity; The Bourne Supremacy; Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby; The Bourne Ultimatum; Step Brothers; Safe House; Two Guns; Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues; Child 44; Jack Reacher: Never Go Back; The Equalizer 2 and Morbius.

Oliver Wood had an amazing career.  His ability to work in features of all genres is impressive.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Wood’s family, fans and friends.

RIP: George T. Miller

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George Miller, best known as the director of The Man from Snowy River, died today the result of a heart attack.  He was 79.

Mr. Miller was born in Edinburgh, Scotland but spent most of his career as an Australian film director.  He worked in both television and feature films.  His career began in 1970 director episodes of different Australian television series.  George T. Miller helmed The Man from Snowy River and the success of that film brought him to Hollywood.  There he directed The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter,  In the Nick of Time and Zeus and Roxanne.

George T. Miller often joked that he and George Miller, another Australian film director best known for the Mad Max franchise were often confused.

My favorite George T. Miller film is The Man from Snowy River.  I’ll even admit that at first I thought that he was also the director of Mad Max and The Road Warrior.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Miller’s family, fans and friends.

PAST TENSE by Jason McNamara and Alberto Massaggia is Coming!

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Past Tense by Jason McNamara (writer) and Alberto Massaggia (artist) looks interesting.  See what you think…

Ashley is a tour guide at PAST TENSE, a company that sends camera drones into the past to view history’s most depraved events.

When Ashley discovers Silas Green, an unknown serial killer working in the past, she begins hosting “exclusive” tours of his murders. The only problem? Silas is still alive in the present. And when he learns of his newfound infamy, he is inspired to come out of retirement to make Ashley his final victim: Now and forever.

There is no time to hide in this neo-noir thriller from indie comic veterans Jason McNamara (The Rattler), Alberto Massaggia (Hotline Miami), and Paul Little (Bomb Queen).

Pre-Orders are available now for a June 20, 2023 release.