THE BIG BUNDLE by Max Allan Collins / Z-View

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THE BIG BUNDLE by Max Allan Collins

Publisher: Hard Case Crime

First sentence…

A middle-aged man taking stock of his life is to be expected.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

When Nate Heller is called in to assist authorities, he has reason for concern.  Six-year-old Bobby Greenlease was kidnapped nearly a week ago.  The kidnappers demanded $600,000 (a record ransom at that time) for the little boy’s safe return.  The ransom amount isn’t the concern.  Bobby’s daddy is a millionaire.  He can easily afford the demand.  Further he’s more than willing to pay for his son’s safe return.  Heller’s concern is the kidnappers are idiots.  They’ve already bungled a drop-off.  Stupid criminals make stupid mistakes.  Heller fears that Bobby is already dead.

Bobby’s dad insists on no F.B.I. or police interference when the cash is dropped off.

I won’t give away the outcome of the case other than to say, when the ransom money is recovered, $300,000 is missing.

Five years later, Heller is called back to revisit the case.  Who ended up with the missing $300,000?  As Heller digs into the evidence he discovers that both Bobby Kennedy and Jimmy Hoffa are interested in his findings.  And not for the same reasons.  People are murdered as Heller get closer to the truth.  He could be next.

+++++

I’m a huge fan of Max Allan Collins’ Nate Heller series.  Heller is a fictional detective who finds himself in the middle of real crimes.  Heller ages in real time as the series progresses. His tales are fiction based on extensive research and historical fact. Heller has been in the mix on everything from the Lindbergh baby kidnapping/murder to the suspicious death of Marilyn Monroe, to the Kennedy assassinations (both Jack and Bobby) and more. It’s fun watching Heller interact with famous (and infamous) folks right out of our history books. Equally enjoyable is Collins’ take on the crimes and what may have really happened.

I’m usually familiar with Nate Heller’s cases.  I wasn’t with this one.  Not knowing how the kidnapping would turn out (and Collins’ excellent writing) kept me turning pages.  Then once the kidnapping is resolved, the mystery of the missing $300,000 comes into play.  THE BIG BUNDLE is like two Nate Heller yarns in one.  It doesn’t get any better.

THE BIG BUNDLE is another great addition to the Nate Heller legacy.  It gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“Lawson” – The Poster and 1st Teaser are Here!

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Here we have the first poster and teaser for Lawson.  I don’t know much about this film but it has me interested.

This is the first official movie teaser for LAWSON, a covert operative for a race of living vampires, as he battles a sinister conspiracy to resurrect an ancient god and an old enemy who resurfaces from his shadowy past in this supernatural espionage film based on the bestselling novel Lawson Vampire series by Jon F. Merz.

Starring Brandon S. Stumpf as Lawson, Shahjehan Khan as Wagner, Liz Eng as Atara, Steven Triebes as Niles, Jose Gonsalves as Arthur, Jam Murphy as Lilith, Jay Street as Newby, Morgan Barnsley as Quinn, Pamela Jayne Morgan as Sari, Logan Raposo as Grom, Christian Carrigan as Welch, Thomas Goze as Stefan, Brian McDonald as the Assassin, and Jon F. Merz as Crawford.

Proteus Entertainment presents: LAWSON, coming in 2024.

“The Greatest Night in Pop: The Untold Story Behind ‘We Are the World'” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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This looks like a winner.

Deal me in.

Premiering January 29th, the untold story of how the global hit “We are the World” almost didn’t happen! 46 of the biggest pop music stars had only one night to turn chaos into magic. As told by stars who were there, this film reveals the rollercoaster ride to write and record the groundbreaking song that would go on to raise millions for famine relief in Africa, win 2 Grammys and become a global sensation.

DON’T LET THE DEVIL RIDE by Ace Atkins is Coming!

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Ace Atkins has a new book coming out June 25th.  Here’s the lowdown…

Addison McKellar isn’t clueless—she knows she and her husband Dean don’t have the perfect marriage—but she’s still shocked when he completely vanishes from her life. At first Addison is annoyed, but as days stretch into a week and she’s repeatedly stonewalled by Dean’s friends and associates, her frustration turns into genuine alarm. When even the police seem dismissive of her concerns, Addison turns to her father’s old friend, legendary Memphis PI Porter Hayes.

Porter and Addison begin to dig deeper into Dean’s affairs and quickly discover that he was never the hardworking business owner and family man he pretended to be. As they piece together the connections between a hook-handed mercenary, one of Elvis’s former leading ladies, and a man posing as an FBI agent, it becomes clear that Dean was deeply enmeshed in a high-stakes web of international intrigue, and Porter and Addison aren’t the only ones looking for him.

Dean angered some very dangerous people before he disappeared—people who have already killed to get what they want—and they won’t hesitate to come after his family to even the score.

Don’t Let the Devil Ride is a thrilling adventure about what can happen when you pull back the curtain on your life. Ace Atkins, long known for gritty Southern noir with a witty edge, has crafted an ambitious, globe-hopping story that comes home to Memphis in explosive fashion.

“Son of Frankenstein” (1939) starring Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone & Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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Son of Frankenstein (1939)

Director:  Rowland V. Lee

Screenplay: Wyllis Cooper based on characters created by Mary Shelley

Stars: Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, Bela Lugosi, Lionel Atwill and Josephine Hutchinson.

Tagline: AFTER 20 YEARS Driven by the same crazy ambition that made his father create the terrifying monster that stalks in the night! See his juggernaut of destruction loosed upon the world!

The Plot…

Baron Wolf von Frankenstein (Rathbone), son of Henry Frankenstein, has brought his wife and young son back to live in Castle Frankenstein.  Baron hopes to rebuild the family reputation, but is surprised to find that the villagers still harbor deep resentment.  The haven’t forgotten the murders and destruction brought about by his father’s creation.

Wolf meets Ygor (Lugosi), a strange, deformed man who survived being hung for robbing graves.  When Ygor shows Wolf that his father’s creation lies in a coma below the castle, Wolf decides to revive the creature.  The operation is a success.  Sadly the creature will on follow the commands of Ygor.  Unknown to Wolf, Ygor has scores that he plans to settle using the monster.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Director Rowland V. Lee felt that producers had low-balled Bela Lugosi’s salary.  Since the script wasn’t complete as filming started, Lee continued to pad Lugosi’s part.  This increased Lugosi’s pay and created one of his best non-Dracula roles.

Surprisingly, this is the first Frankenstein film that shows the electrodes in the monster’s neck being hit with electricity to bring him to life.

Son of Frankenstein (1939) earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Cindy Morgan

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It has been reported that Cindy Morgan, born born Cynthia Ann Cichorski, was found dead of natural causes at her home in Lake Worth Beach, Florida, on December 30, 2023.  Ms. Morgan was 69.

While in college Cindy Cichorski was invited by a local station to report news for them.  At that point she took adopted the professional name Cindy Morgan.  After graduation she worked as a weather reporter before deciding to move to LA.  She became the Irish Spring girl in advertisements and soon landed her first feature film role as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  Ms. Morgan would continue to work in feature films and television roles for the remainder of her career.  When she retired from acting, Ms. Morgan could be found making personal appearances at conventions across the country.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s television appearances include: The Love Boat; Vega$; CHiPs (3 episodes); Bring ‘Em Back Alive (13 episodes); The Fall Guy; Amazing Stories; The Magical World of Disney; Falcon Crest (16 episodes); Matlock (3 episodes); Hunter (2 episodes); Harry and the Hendersons and The Larry Sanders Show.

Some of Cindy Morgan’s feature film appearances include: Caddyshack and Tron.

My favorite Cindy Morgan role was as Lacey Underall in Caddyshack.  I met Cindy Morgan at a Tampa Comic Convention back in 2005.  As I said then, Ms. Morgan was humble and polite.  Fans loved her.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Cindy Morgan’s family, friends and fans.

“The Mad Ghoul” (1943) / Z-View

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The Mad Ghoul (1943)

Director:  James P. Hogan

Screenplay: Brenda Weisberg, Paul Gangelin, Hanns Kräly

Stars: David Bruce, Evelyn Ankers, George Zucco, Robert Armstrong, Turhan Bey, Charles McGraw and Milburn Stone.

Tagline: A NEW SENSATION IN HORROR!

The Plot…

Dr. Morris (Zucco) has had success in experimenting with an ancient Mayan gas that makes those exposed to it, obedient and without a will of their own.  When Dr. Morris learns that his lab assistant’s girlfriend, Isabel (Ankers) loves another man, Morris believes it to be him.  Then Morris learns Isabel loves the handsome, Eric Iverson (Bey).

Dr. Morris decides to use the gas on his lab assistant.  Morris will then compel his assistant to kill Iverson.  Then Morris will have Isabel to himself.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

One of the rare times that the wisecracking reporter who breaks the case gets murdered.

The Mad Ghoul (1943) earns 2 of 5 stars.

“Lawman: Bass Reeves” – Season 1 (2023) starring David Oyelowo / Z-View

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Lawman: Bass Reeves – Season 1 (2023)

Created by: Chad Feehan

Director: Christina Alexandra Voros (eps. 1-3, 7 & 8); Damian Marcano (eps. 4-6)

Screenplay: Chad Feehan (ep.1 & 8); Jewel Coronel (ep.2); Jacob Forman & Ning Zhou (ep. 3); J. Todd Scott (ep.4); Terence Anthony (ep.5); Jacob Forman (ep.6); Chad Feehan & K.C. Scott (ep.7)

Stars: David Oyelowo, Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton, Forrest Goodluck, Barry Pepper, Dennis Quaid, Grantham Coleman, Shea Whigham and Donald Sutherland.
.

Tagline: Some legends are true.

The Plot…

Dramatization of the life of Bass Reeves.

Bass Reeves was born a slave, escaped to freedom and became one of the first black Deputy US Marshalls. Over his 30 plus years as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, Reeves arrested approximately 3,000 felons.  He killed 14 men without ever being shot himself.  He was smart, fearless and relentless.

It’s time his story was told.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Way back in 2013, I did a post called The Life and Times of Deputy U.S. Marshall Bass Reeves.  At that time I called for a movie or tv series about Bass Reeves.  I’m happy to report that Lawman: Bass Reeves was worth the wait.  Everything about the series is first rate.

The writing and direction are top notch.  All of the characters are well cast.  David Oyelowo who plays Bass Reeves was nominated for a Critics Choice and Golden Globe Award.  He deserves every honor available – he’s amazing in this role.  Dennis Quaid and Barry Pepper have never been better.  Let’s not forget to mention the talents of Lauren E. Banks, Demi Singleton and Shea Whigham.

Bring on season 2.

Lawman: Bass Reeves – Season 1 (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: David Soul

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David Soul died yesterday.  Mr. Soul was 80.]

David Soul began performing as a founding member of the Firehouse Theater in Minneapolis.  In 1967, Mr, Soul had guest appearances on Flipper, I Dream of Jeannie and Star Trek.  In 1968, he landed a co-starring role on the series Here Come the Brides.  When the series ended, David Soul continued to act in movies and television roles.  In 1975, David Soul became a household name with his co-starring role in the hit series Starsky and Hutch.  His popularity allowed him to return to his love of singing (in addition to acting).  David Soul’s release of “Don’t Give Up on Us” hit number 1 in the US.  He also had 5 singles in the top twenty in the UK.  During his hiatus from filming Starsky and Hutch and after the series ended, David Soul would perform concerts in the US and around the world.

For the rest of his career, David Soul would perform as a singer, actor and director.

Some of David Soul’s television appearances include: Flipper; I Dream of Jeannie; Star Trek; Here Come the Brides (52 episodes); The Young Rebels; Dan August; Ironside; All in the Family; The FBI; The Streets of San Francisco; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (7 episodes); Cannon (2 episodes); The Rookies; McMillan & Wife; Medical Center; Gunsmoke; Starsky and Hutch (92 episodes); Salem’s Lot; The Manions of America (3 episodes); World War III (2 episodes); Casablanca (5 episodes); The Yellow Rose (22 episodes); The Key to Rebecca; Crime Story; Secret of Sahara (4 episodes); Unsub (8 episodes); The Young Riders (2 episodes); Jake and the Fatman (2 episodes); Murder She Wrote (2 episodes) and Sandra the Rebel Princess (7 episodes);

Some of David Soul’s feature film appearances include: Johnny Got His Gun; Magnum Force and Appointment with Death.

I first remember seeing David Soul in Here Come the Brides.  However, I may have seen him first in Flipper,  I Dream of Jeannie or Star Trek since I regularly watched these shows as a kid.  When I was in high school Starsky & Hutch premiered and it was must-see tv.  I’m also a fan of David Soul in Salem’s Lot.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to David Soul’s family, friends and fans.

“Bye Bye Barry” (2023) / Z-View

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Bye Bye Barry (2023)

Director:  Paul Monusky, Micaela Powers. Angela Torma

Stars: Barry Sanders, Tim Allen, Jeff Daniels, Eminem, Jemele Hill, Calvin Johnson, Dan Patrick, Rodney Peete, Jalen Rose, Emmitt Smith and Bill Belichick.

Tagline: The Greatest Mystery in Sports History.

The Plot…

Barry Sanders played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.  In his junior year, Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games.  He was a unanimous choice for the All American team and he won the Heisman Trophy.

The following year, Barry Sanders went into the NFL draft and was selected by the Detroit Lions.  Sanders made an immediate impact and was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.  Barry Sanders went on to play ten years for Detroit.  He led the league in rushing four times and in rushing touchdowns once.  Barry Sanders was selected for the Pro Bowl every year that he played.  He was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player (1997), the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997), and led the league in rushing touchdowns (1991).

Barry Sanders had earned 15,269 rushing yards (the most ever by any NFL player in a 10-year span).  He was just 1,457 rushing yards short of Walter Payton’s career rushing record.  Fans everywhere knew that if Sanders had a healthy year, he would become the new NFL rushing king.  But just one day before the Lions opened their training camp, Barry Sanders announced his retirement.

By a fax.

Barry Sanders was healthy and in the prime of his career.  Yet, he walked away from his multimillion dollar contract and never looked back.

Why?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Barry Sanders is arguably the best running back to ever play the game.  He was humble and cared more about the team than individual records.  Although I’m a lifelong Chicago Bears fan, I always enjoyed watching Barry Sanders play.  He was so good.  And so likeable.

After watching Bye Bye Barry, I found reasons to admire him even more.

Bye Bye Barry (2023) earns 5 of 5 stars.

“Death and Other Details” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Death and Other Details looks like fun.

Deal me in.

Set amidst the glamor of the global elite, Death and Other Details centers on the brilliant and restless Imogene, who finds herself in the wrong place/wrong time (okay, it was kinda her fault) and becomes the prime suspect in a locked room murder mystery.

Watch Death and Other Details on Hulu!

ABOUT DEATH AND OTHER DETAILS
Imogene Scott finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time and becomes the prime suspect in a locked-room murder mystery; to prove her innocence, she must partner with a man she despises, Rufus Cotesworth, the world’s greatest detective.