“Winchester ’73” (1950) starring James Stewart, Shelley Winters & Dan Duryea / Z-View

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Winchester ’73 (1950)

Director: Anthony Mann

Screenplay: Borden Chase, Robert L. Richards story by Stuart N. Lake

Stars: James Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Stephen McNally, Millard Mitchell, Charles Drake, John McIntire, Will Geer, Jay C. Flippen, Rock Hudson, John Alexander, Steve Brodie, Abner Biberman, Tony Curtis and James Best.

Tagline:  The Gun That Won The West!

The Plot…

Lin McAdam (Stewart) and Dutch Henry Brown (McNally) are sworn enemies.  Each would kill the other on sight.  When Lin and his buddy, High Spade Frankie Wilson (Mitchell) ride into Dodge City, they learn two things: 1) Dutch Henry is there and 2) the town is holding a shooting contest for a Winchester 1873 repeating rifle.

The only thing that stops Lin and Dutch Henry from shooting it out is the town’s Marshall, Wyatt Earp (Geer).  The shooting contest comes down to Lin and Dutch Henry.  After several shoot-offs, Lin wins the rifle.  It’s a beauty.  Lin turns down cash offers to buy it.  When Lin takes the rifle to his room, he is jumped by Dutch and two of his buddies.  The only thing that stops Dutch from killing Lin is Wyatt Earp and High Spade come running.

Dutch and his crew make their getaway with Lin and High Spade on their trail. Before the final showdown there will be card sharks, saloon girls, Indian attacks, run-ins with a gunfighter, a stagecoach robbery and a reveal of why Lin and Dutch are mortal enemies.

Saddle up.  This is a good one!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Jimmy Stewart’s agent worked out a deal for Stewart to make Harvey and Winchester ’73 for a percentage of the profits (50%) on both films rather than his normal $200,000 salary.  Stewart ended up making a reported $600,000 for Winchester ’73 because it was so successful.  This deal was the first time since sound pictures that a star was given points as part of his/her salary.

Will (Grandpa Walton) Geer seems a bit old to be playing Wyatt Earp. Geer himself felt he was miscast.  What makes the part work is the respect Stewart and Mitchell’s characters give Earp.

Dan Duryea, pardon the expression, kills it as Waco Johnny Dean.

Winchester ’73 was a comeback film of sorts for Jimmy Stewart.

It’s interesting to note that the rifle becomes the real star of the film.  We follow it as it changes hands in many exciting scenes all in support of Lin McAdams’ journey to get revenge.

Winchester ’73 (1950) rates 4 of 5 stars.

SGT. ROCK VS the ARMY OF THE DEAD by Bruce Campbell and Eduardo Risso!

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Bruce Campbell teamed with Eduardo Risso to create SGT. ROCK VS the ARMY OF THE DEAD.  Here’s the lowdown…

Berlin, 1944. The Nazis are besieged on all fronts by the Allied forces. Defeat is inevitable. But Hitler and his team of evil scientists attempt a last-ditch effort that may turn the tide of the war and rewrite history itself: a serum that resurrects their dead soldiers, stronger than they were in life, and sends them back into the battlefield.

Now Sgt. Frank Rock and Easy Company have been dispatched into enemy territory to face off against the strangest, most horrific enemies they’ve ever encountered: Nazi zombies!

Sgt. Rock and Easy Company are behind enemy lines, armed to the teeth, and ready to go up against the strangest-and deadliest-enemies they’ve ever encountered: zombies, and a whole lot of ’em! Strap in, soldiers, it’s you against the world…of the dead!

Horror icon Bruce Campbell and comics legend Eduardo Risso bring you a terror-soaked Sgt. Rock tale like no other!

Collects DC Horror Presents: Sgt. Rock vs. The Army of the Dead #1-6.

“Blazing Saddles” (1974) directed by Mel Brooks, starring Cleavon Little & Gene Wilder / Z-View

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Blazing Saddles (1974)

Director: Mel Brooks

Screenplay: Mel Brooks, Norman Steinberg, Andrew aBergman, Richard Pryor, Alan Uger story by Andrew Bergman

Stars: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens, Harvey Korman, Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks, Burton Gilliam, Alex Karras, David Huddleston, Liam Dunn, John Hillerman, George Furth, Jack Starrett, Richard Collier, Dom DeLuise, Richard Farnsworth, Sally Kirkland, Hal Needham, Rodney Allen Rippy  and Count Basie.

Tagline:  Mel Brooks and the West! Together for the last time!

The Plot…

Quicksand forces the new railroad to change its route.  When the dastardly Hedley Lamarr (Korman) learns the railroad will have to go through the town of Rock Ridge, he sees an opportunity to get rich.  If Lamarr can get the town’s citizens to leave, he will become owner of all the land.

Lamarr sends his thugs to scare the people into leaving.  Instead, they wire the Governor that they need a Sheriff to protect them.  Lamarr tricks the Governor into sending an African American who was about to be hung.  Lamarr figures that a black Sheriff won’t be much protection and will upset some town folk enough to leave.

Boy, was Lamarr wrong.

Let the fun begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Blazing Saddles was nominated for six Academy Awards:
Nominated for
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Madeline Kahn)
Best Film Editing (John C. Howard, Danford B. Greene)
Best Music, Original Song (John Morris – music, Mel Brooks – lyrics, for the song “Blazing Saddles”)

Blazing Saddles wouldn’t be made today.  It almost wasn’t in 1973.  John Wayne turned down the Waco Kid role.  Wayne thought it would tarnish his image.  Gig Young was hired but collapsed during the first scene.  It was later discovered Young suffered from alcohol withdrawal.  Gene Wilder was brought in to replace Young.  Richard Pryor was the first choice to play Bart.  The studio wouldn’t hire Pryor due to previous drug arrests.  Cleavon Little got the role.

The film makes fun of classic western troupes, breaks the fourth wall, features sight and verbal gags.  It is all over the place.  Everything is fair game.  Blazing Saddles isn’t for those easily offended.  Everyone else is in for a comedy guaranteed to entertain.

Blazing Saddles (1974) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Gangnam Zombie” – The Poster and Trailer are Here!

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Here we have the poster and trailer for Gangnam Zombie.  I’m always down for a good drive-in movie.  Gangnam Zombie looks to fit the bill.

Zombies done Gangnam Style.  ; )

GANGNAM ZOMBIE:
Soon after previously normal people begin viciously attacking other citizens in Seoul’s wealthy Gangnam district, the zombie population grows exponentially and spreads throughout the region. Now, long after injuries forced him to quit the national taekwondo team, an elite former athlete is given one more opportunity to use his talent on behalf of his country as he takes on one final match—this time, against terrifying hordes of the undead.

Directed by: Lee Su-seong
Cast: Ji Il-ju, PARK Ji-yeon, CHO Kyung-hoon

“Justified: City Primeval” – The Season 1 Finale Trailer is Here!

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Raylan and Carolyn cross the line, as Raylan attempts to make it out of Detroit alive.

Starring Timothy Olyphant, Aunjanue Ellis and Boyd Holbrook. Raylan Givens left the hollers of Kentucky and is balancing life as a U.S. Marshal with being a part-time father. A chance encounter sends him to Detroit and on a collision course with a violent sociopath and a formidable defense attorney.

“High Noon” (1952) starring Gary Cooper / Z-View

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High Noon (1952)

Director: Fred Zinnemann

Screenplay: Carl Foreman based on The Tin Star short story in Collier’s by John W. Cunningham

Stars: Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Otto Kruger, Lon Chaney Jr., Harry Morgan, Morgan Farley, Harry Shannon, Lee Van Cleef, Sheb Wooley and Jack Elam.

Tagline:  Simple. Powerful. Unforgettable.

The Plot…

Will Kane (Cooper) and hi bride are ready to start a new life.  It’s their wedding day. Kane is retiring as Marshal of a small western town.  He and his young wife Amy (Kelly) are moving to another town to open a store and raise a family.

Shortly after Will and Amy are married, they learn that Frank Miller is set to arrive on the noon train. Miller is a killer that Kane sent to prison.  Miller’s trial resulted in a death sentence. Miller swore he would return to kill Kane.  Instead of being hung, Miller’s death sentence was commuted.  Now Miller is on his way to keep his word.  Things get worse when Kane learns that three of Miller’s gang are already in town..

Will Kane knows it’s too late to run. Nobody in town is willing to help Kane face down the killers.  What chance does one man alone have against four gunslingers?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

High Noon was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won four:
Nominated for…
Best Picture
Best Director (Fred Zinnemann)
Best Writing Screenplay (Carl Foreman)
Won for…
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Winner – Gary Cooper)
Best Film Editing (Winner – Elmo Williams, Harry Gerstad)
Best Music Original Song (Winner – Dimitri Tiomkin: music, Ned Washington: lyrics, for the song “High Noon aka Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin'”)
Best Music, Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture (Winner – Dimitri Tiomkin)

John Wayne hated High Noon.  Every time I revisit the film, I like it better.  It’s a great film, expertly directed, with a first rate cast and a story that rings true.  At first Will Kane is willing to leave before the train arrives.  Then he realizes that Miller and his gang will track him down.  Kane thinks it’s better to meet them head on. Kane is sure that he will get support from some of the town members.

It’s interesting the way each person he approaches finds a rationale to not help.

Standouts in the cast include Gary Cooper, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Lon Chaney Jr., Lee Van Cleef and Harry Morgan.  High Noon was a comeback film for Gary Cooper.  Lloyd Bridges is great as the cocky, immature Deputy who wants to be Marshal. Katy Jurado owns every scene she’s in.  In High Noon, Lon Chaney Jr. gives the finest performance of his career.  Harry Morgan is a coward doing his best to not appear so to his wife. High Noon was Lee Van Cleef’s feature film debut! Look for Jack Elam in a cameo as a drunk. His part was supposed to be bigger, but it was determined it took away from the suspense of the impending gunfights.

High Noon (1952) rates 5 of 5 stars.

RIP: Terry Funk

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Terry Funk died today.  Mr. Funk was 79 years old.

Terry and his older brother, Dory Jr., were the sons of Dorothy and Dory Funk.  Their father, Dory Funk Sr. was a high school state and college champion amateur wrestler.  After a stint in the Navy, Dory Sr. became a professional wrestler and later a wrestling promoter.  So both Funk boys grew up in a professional wrestling family and both would become professional wrestlers.

Terry Funk began his professional wrestling career in 1965, competing in his father’s Western States Sports Promotion.  His older brother, Dory was already an established wrestler.  They made a formidable team.  Terry would go on to wrestle and win championships for all the major promoters as well as on the independent circuit.  Later in his career when many wrestlers contemplate retirement, Terry Funk excelled as a hardcore champion, participating in extremely violent matches.

Terry Funk won multiple championships in promotions across the country.  Mr. Funk is in the following Professional Wrestling Halls of Fame:

  • Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame (1995)
  • Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum (2004)
  • Hardcore Hall of Fame (2005)
  • NWA Hall of Fame (2009)
  • WWE Hall of Fame (2009)
  • St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame (2010)
  • George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2010)
  • International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame (2021)

Terry Funk also branched out into acting.  His first role was a major one in Sylvester Stallone’s Paradise Alley.  Mr. Funk would go on to act in television and feature films.

Some of Terry Funk’s television appearances include: Wildside (6 episodes); Timestalkers, Swamp Thing; Quantum Leap; Tequila and Bonetti (11 episodes); The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. and Thunder in Paradise.

Some of Terry Funk’s feature film appearances include: Paradise Alley; Over the Top; Road House; Rambo III (stunts) and Rocky V (stunts).

I was familiar with Terry Funk’s wrestling as a kid growing up in Indiana.  Then when we moved to Florida, Terry Funk was a popular bad guy for years.  My favorite Terry Funk role, by far, is when he played Frankie the Thumper in Paradise Alley.  Mr. Funk and Sylvester Stallone got along well as evidenced by Terry Funk’s appearances in Over the Top, stunt work for Rambo III and Rocky V.

The fact that Terry Funk was able to wrestle for decades is evidence that he was a legitimate tough guy.  It’s impressive that everywhere Mr. Funk wrestled, he excelled.  Look at the number of Wrestling Hall of Fames feature him.  He was one of a kind.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry Funk’s family, friends and fans.

“EXPEND4BLES” (2023) – The Official Red Band Trailer is Here!

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EXPEND4BLES – Only In Theaters September 22. Starring Jason Statham, Sylvester Stallone, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, with Andy Garcia.

A new generation of stars join the world’s top action stars for an adrenaline-fueled adventure in Expend4bles. Reuniting as the team of elite mercenaries, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Randy Couture, and Sylvester Stallone are joined for the first time by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia. Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on and the skills to use them, The Expendables are the world’s last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table. But new team members with new styles and tactics are going to give “new blood” a whole new meaning.

“Extraction 2” directed by Sam Hargrave, starring Chris Hemsworth / Z-View

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Extraction 2 (2023)

Director: Sam Hargrave

Screenplay: Joe Russo based on Ciudad by Ande Parks, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Fernando León González

Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa, Idris Elba and Daniel Bernhardt.

Tagline:  Prepare for the ride of your life.

The Plot…

Tyler Rake barely survived his last mission.  For nine months he’s been in physical therapy.  When Rake learns that his ex-wife’s sister Ketevan and her two children are being held in foreign prison, he is determined to break them out.  Ketevan’s husband, Davit Radiani, is a high ranking member of the Nagazi, one of the most powerful crime syndicates in the country.   If Rake can break into the prison and get them out, the Nagazi will go to the ends of the earth to kill Rake and bring them back.

Cue the action!!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)

Sam Hargrave (director), Joe Russo (writer) and Chris Hemsworth (star) return from the original.  There is talk of them reteaming for a third Extraction film. Fingers crossed.

Although Extraction 2 doesn’t start as quickly with action as the original, there is a “one take” action sequence that runs over 20 minutes in the first act.  Once the action starts, it doesn’t let up.

The extended prison break scene is getting a lot of positive buzz (and rightly so), but my favorite scene is a fight that takes place on the glass overhang of a skyscraper.

I would love to see a third Extraction film.

Extraction 2 (2023) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein” – The Trailer is Here!

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Wow!  Original recordings of Ed Gein interviews.  Deal me in.

Psycho: The Lost Tapes of Ed Gein premieres September 17th, 2023- only on MGM+

This MGM+ original docuseries follows the horrifying grave robber and serial killer Ed Gein whose crimes inspired such iconic films as Psycho and The Silence of the Lambs. With new reveals and never-before-heard recordings, viewers will be transported to late-1950s Middle America and submerged in Gein’s perverse mind. The series explores Gein’s upbringing and twisted relationship with his mother, his early grave robbing and murders, and the police’s discovery of his terrifying house of horrors.

“Rebel Moon” – The Official Teaser Trailer is Here!

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A new universe awaits on Netflix, starting December 22. From Zack Snyder, the filmmaker behind 300, Man of Steel, and Army of the Dead, comes REBEL MOON, an epic science-fantasy event decades in the making. When a peaceful colony on the edge of a galaxy finds itself threatened by the armies of a tyrannical ruling force, Kora (Sofia Boutella), a mysterious stranger living among the villagers, becomes their best hope for survival. Tasked with finding trained fighters who will unite with her in making an impossible stand against the Mother World, Kora assembles a small band of warriors — outsiders, insurgents, peasants and orphans of war from different worlds who share a common need for redemption and revenge. As the shadow of an entire Realm bears down on the unlikeliest of moons, a battle over the fate of a galaxy is waged, and in the process, a new army of heroes is formed.

RICAHRD STARK’S PARKER THE COMPETE COLLECTION by Dawyn Cooke

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Richard Stark’s Parker The Complete Collection by Dawyn Cooke gets my highest rating.  If you’re a fan of great crime fiction, then this is for you!

The groundbreaking and multiple award-winning graphic novels by Darwyn Cooke, collected in their entirety for the first time in one softcover volume.

Collecting the four Parker graphic novels (The Hunter, The Outfit, The Score, and Slayground) as well as two shorts (The Man with the Getaway Face and The Seventh). These stories encompass all Darwyn Cooke’s sequential stories of Parker.