Category: Z-View

“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.

EVERYBODY KNOWS by Jordan Harper / Z-View

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EVERYBODY KNOWS by Jordan Harper

First sentence…

Los Angeles burns.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Mae Pruett is a “black-bag” publicist working for Mitnick & Associates, the most powerful PR firm in LA.  Her job is not to spread positive news about clients. It’s to make sure that harmful, incriminating items about clients don’t get out.  Hollywood insiders call her PR firm “The Beast”.  Everyone working there is good.  Mae is one of the best.

Mae learned early on that it’s not that the truth is unimportant — it’s that the truth doesn’t matter.

Dan Hennigan, Mae’s mentor, gives Mae a cryptic message.  Dan wants to meet with Mae away from the firm.  Before they can meet Dan is gunned down in a failed car jacking.

Or so it seems.

Mae believes that Dan’s murder was anything but random.  If Dan was killed for what he knew, those behind Dan’s murder might believe Dan passed the information on to Mae.  Mae needs to know, so she begins an off-the-books investigation.

Chris Tamburro used to be Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department deputy.  Chris lost his badge after a controversial shooting.  Truth is, Chris and many on his squad could have been fired over other brutal and unethical activities.  Chris now works for Black Guard, a security firm that has ties to “The Beast”.  Chris is the perfect hire.  He’s an ex-cop, unafraid to use his tactical training, knowledge of the law, and willingness to bust heads as needed.

When Black Guard sends Chris to investiage Dan Hennigan’s murder, he crosses paths with Mae.  Chris and Mae had history, but it’s been a few years.  As Mae and Chris follow leads, they discover they still have chemistry… and Dan’s murder wasn’t random.

Now Mae and Chris have a choice. Walk away and go back to their lives protecting wealthy executives, celebs, politicians and influencers who feel they are above the law.  Or follow their leads and try to take down a powerful cabal behind human trrafficking,  blackmail, murder and more.

Mae and Chris aren’t going to walk away.

+++

Jordan Harper has another winner.  EVERYBODY KNOWS is fast paced and well written.  Harper spins a tale that takes us behind the curtain and could have come from today’s headlines.  EVERYBODY KNOWS gets my highest recommendation.

Rating:

“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.

“Take a Chance” (1918) starring Harold Lloyd, Bebe Daniels and ‘Snub’ Pollard / Z-View

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Take a Chance (1918)

Director:  Alfred J. Goulding

Screenplay: Alfred J. Goulding

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

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Harold sees a girl (Bebe) and is smitten.  Before he can make any headway, Bebe’s boyfriend, Snub, pulls up. She gets in the front seat while Harold sneaks in the back.

Harold secretly influences Bebe and Snub into an argument. They arrive at the park. Harold continues to try to woo Bebe.  When two escaped convicts show up, one knocks Harold out and exchanges clothes with him as well.  Then the police chasing the escaped cons show up, they see Harold in prison clothes.

The chase is on!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Don’t go in to Take a Chance looking for a sensible story… even by early film standards.  Take a Chance feels like two partial films stuck together.  The first, a romantic comedy and the second, a slapstick chase.  It’s not Harold Lloyd’s finest but at this stage in his career, Harold Lloyd wasn’t yet Harold Lloyd the silent film star.

Take a Chance (1918) rates 3 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.

“The Hollow Point” (2016) starring Patrick Wilson, Ian McShane, Lynn Collins, Jim Belusia and John Leguizamo / Z-View

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The Hollow Point (2016)

Director:  Gonzalo López-Gallego

Screenplay: Nils Lyew

Stars:  Patrick Wilson, Lynn Collins, Ian McShane, John Leguizamo and Jim Belushi.

Tagline: Good men can do bad things

The Plot…

Wallace returns to his hometown of Leland on the Mexico/Arizona border. Wallace comes back as the new Sheriff. Leland, the former Sheriff, was forced out of office after a routine stop ended in tragedy.

What Wallace doesn’t know, but will soon learn, is Atticus, one of the cartel’s deadliest hitmen is coming to town.  Atticus has his machette and a list.  Everyone on the list is marked for death.

As Wallace tries to figure out who was involved in the event that triggered the hitman’s arrival, Wallace learns his estranged girlfriend, Lynn’s name is on the list.

Leland, the former Sheriff who is old and drinks too much, offers help.  But can Leland be trusted?

Atticus has his list.  He’s killing people and checking off names.  Soon Atticus will come to Lynn’s name.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

John Leguizamo is good as Atticus the relentless killer.

There’s a pretty shocking scene fairly early on.  It was a pretty bold choice.

The Hollow Point (2016) rates 4 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.

“Trap House” starring Dave Bautista, Jack Champion, Sophia Lillis, Whitney Peak, Kate del Castillo and Bobby Cannavale / Z-View

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Trap House (2025)

Director:  Michael Dowse

Screenplay: Gary Scott Thompson, Tom O’Connor; story by Gary Scott Thompson.

Stars:  Dave Bautista, Jack Champion, Sophia Lillis, Tony Dalton, Whitney Peak, Inde Navarrette, Zaire Adams, Kate del Castillo and Bobby Cannavale.

Tagline: This isn’t a raid, it’s a reckoning.

The Plot…

Ray Seale is a DEA Agent.  On one of his drug house raids, they encountered heavy resistance.  One of his agents was killed.  Ray’s son, Cody, attended high school with the killed agent’s son.  Cody was upset that his friend’s family would now face financial hardship and the DEA wasn’t doing anything to help.

When Ray takes Cody to an active crime scene, Cody gets an idea.  He and his high school friends will use DEA info and equipment to rip off cartel drug houses.  They will give the drug money they steal  to his friend’s family.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I like Dave Bautista and Bobby Cannavale.  Bautista and director, Michael Douse worked together on Stuber, which I rated 3 of 5 stars.  Unfortunately Trap House fell short.  I tapped out early on.

Bautista takes his son to an active crime scene and let’s him walk around?  The high school kids are smarter than the DEA agents?  They are easily able to get DEA equipment?  Without any experience they are able to take down cartel houses?  Yeah, no.

As always, your mileage may differ.

Trap House (2025) rates 1 of 5 stars.