Category: Humor

“Judge Dredd” (1995) starring Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante & Diane Lane / Z-View

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Judge Dredd (1995)

Director: Danny Cannon

Screenplay: William Wisher, Jr., Steven E. de Souza, story by Michael De Luca, William Wisher, Jr., based on  Judge Dredd by John Wagner & Carlos Ezquerra

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Armand Assante, Rob Schneider, Jürgen Prochnow, Max von Sydow, Diane Lane, Joanna Miles, Joan Chen, Balthazar Getty, Maurice Roëves, Ian Dury, Christopher Adamson, Ewen Bremner, Peter Marinker, Angus MacInnes, Adrienne Barbeau (voice), Mitchell Ryan, James Remar, Scott Wilson and James Earl Jones (voice).

Tagline: In the future, one man is the law.

The Plot…

In the future the world has become a wasteland.  Most of humanity survives in megacities.  The rich live well and far above the riffraff below.  The justice system changed to meet the challenges of an overtaxed judicial system.  Now there are Judges who serve as police officers, judges and executioners.

Judge Dredd (Stallone) is legendary.  Although Dredd trains new recruits, and is respected by the Chief Justice, Dredd prefers to be a street Judge.

Judge Dredd is framed when a reporter is killed and Dredd’s DNA is found on the murder weapon. He’s arrested and sentenced to life in prison.  Unaware of the depths of the conspiracy (by those close to him) Dredd must prove his innocence.  The clock is ticking…

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Sly and the director had different visions for the film.  Sly wanted an action/comedy while the director wanted a darker, more serious approach.  This didn’t make for a smooth running set.

In the comics, Dredd was never seen without his helmet on.  There was no way that the producers were going to pay Stallone’s salary and not have audiences see his face.  This upset many comic “purists”.

The scene where Fergie (Schneider) imitates Dredd (Stallone) was improvised.

John Wagner, the co-creator of Judge Dredd, said, “the story (movie) had nothing to do with Judge Dredd, and Judge Dredd wasn’t really Judge Dredd even though Stallone was perfect for the part.”

This was the second time Sly Stallone and Armand Assante played brothers.  The first time was in Paradise Alley.

Both Adrienne Barbeau and James Earl Jones voices are heard in the film.  James Remar and Scott Wilson appear in the film.  None of these four actors are listed in the film’s credits.

It’s unfortunate that Sly, the director and the screenwriters weren’t on the same page in regard to the tone of the film.  There wasn’t enough comedy for it to be seen as an action/comedy.  The comedy that was there made sure it wasn’t seen as a serious/dark action film.

I’ve enjoyed each new viewing of Judge Dredd a little better as the years go by.

Judge Dredd (1995) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Killer’s Game” – The Trailer is Here!

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This morning we got the poster.  This afternoon, the trailer.

US Release Date: September 13, 2024
Starring: Dave Bautista, Ben Kingsley, Sofia Boutella, Terry Crews
Director: J. J. Perry
Synopsis: In the new action-comedy THE KILLER’S GAME, when top hitman Joe Flood (Dave Bautista) is diagnosed with a terminal illness, he decides to take matters into his own hands – by taking a hit out on himself. But when the very hitmen he hired also target his ex-girlfriend (Sofia Boutella) , he must fend off an army of assassin colleagues and win back the love of his life before it’s too late.

“Fallout”: Season 1 (2024) starring Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten & Walter Goggins / Z-View

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Fallout: Season 1 (2024)

Created by: Graham Wagner, Geneva Robertson-Dworet

Based on Fallout by Bethesda Softworks

Director: Jonathan Nolan (Eps. 1-3); Daniel Gray Longino (Ep. 4); Clare Kilner (Ep. 5); Frederick E.O. Toye (Ep. 6); Frederick E.O. Toye, Clare Kilner (Ep. 7); Wayne Yip (Ep. 8)

Teleplay: Geneva Robertson-Dworet & Graham Wagner (Eps. 1-3); Kieran Fitzgerald  (Ep. 4); Carson Mell (Ep. 5); Karey Dornetto (Ep. 6); Chaz Hawkins (Ep. 7); Gursimran Sandhu (Ep. 8)

Stars: Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Walton Goggins, Sarita Choudhury, Leslie Uggams, Michael Cristofer, Mykelti Williamson, Matt Berry, Zach Cherry, Rodrigo Luzzi, Cameron Cowperthwaite, Michael Emerson, Michael Rapaport, Dale Dickey, Jake Garber, Frances Turner, Glenn Fleshler, Angel Desai, Harry Sutton Jr., Fred Armisen.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

As World War III began, wealthy people who had connections made their way to underground “vaults”.  These fallout shelters were prepped so that the inhabitants could stay underground until it was safe to return to the surface.

200 years have passed.  The vault people have led a sheltered life.  Everyone is polite and kind.  When members of another vault are invited over, it turns out that they are surface dwellers who brutally attack the vault folks.  One of the vault leaders, Overseer Hank MacLean (MacLachlan) is kidnapped.

Lucy MacLean (Purnell), Hank’s young adult daughter ventures to the surface to rescue her dad.  Totally unprepared for the savages, monsters and ghouls living on the surface, Lucy is determined to find her father or die trying.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

I went into season one of Fallout having never played the game or knowing much about it.  My main reasons for watching were Walter (Justified) Goggins and Ella (Army of the Dead) Purnell.  They did not disappoint.

Fallout is an odd mix of futuristic retro, Mad Max-type characters, gore and silliness.  It all comes together pretty well.

I enjoyed Fallout season 1 enough that I’ll tune in if there is a follow-up.

Fallout: Season 1 (2024) rates 3 of 5 stars.

A TROLL WALKS INTO A BAR: A Noir Urban Fantasy Novel by Douglas Lumsden / Z-View

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A TROLL WALKS INTO A BAR: A Noir Urban Fantasy Novel by Douglas Lumsden

Publisher: Independently published (November 17, 2019)

First sentence…

If I had failed to notice that he was packing a quarter of a ton of rock-hard muscle into his seven-and-a-half foot frame, or if I hadn’t observed the loose grayish skin that made his face look as if it were made of wet clay, the large close-set ears that rose to a point next to his hairless skull, his blood-red sunken eyes glowing like half-hidden warning lights beneath a stony brow ridge, his predator teeth behind oversized dark ruddy lips, and his large knobby hands with clawed fingers that extended like eight thorny tendrils, I wouldn’t have known he was a troll.

The Overview:  Beware of Spoilers…

Our story takes place in a world where trolls, gnomes, were-rats, ocean nymphs, adaro, Dragon Lords, elves and other mystical creatures live along side humans.  Alexander Southerland is a human private detective.  He’s getting by (barely), by knowing the players and using his smarts.

One night Southerland is enjoying a quiet drink in a bar.  His peaceful evening is ruined when a seven-and-a-half-foot tall troll pulls up a chair.  The beast is a cop.  Detective Stonehammer provides his credentials and a warning.  He tells Southerland that a sexy dame is going to come to him wanting help.  Southerland is to turn her down.  Southerland asks how much she’s paying.  Stonehammer says it doesn’t matter since Southerland ain’t takin’ the job.  And with that fair warning, the troll leaves.

Against his better judgment, Southerland meets with the woman.  Although he initially turns her down, curiosity gets the best of him.  She may be playing him, but it doesn’t matter once you’re in too deep.  Southerland finds himself in the middle of a gang war, on the run from crooked cops and corrupt politicians… and those are just the humans!  Discovering what is in the locked box will either kill or save him.  The smart money ain’t on him livin’.

+++++

A TROLL WALKS INTO A BAR is my first book by Douglas Lumsden.  Normally, I don’t read fantasy.  If you’re story has elves and mystical creatures, I’m not you’re audience.  Yet something about the opening pages of Lumsden’s story drew me in. (Oh, and let’s not forget the cool cover!)

I love crime, noir and detective stories.  Add the right mix of humor and violence and I’m on board.  I don’t normally read stories with elves, gnomes and fantasy aspects.  Still, I kept thinking about the tale Lumsden set up.  I decided to give A TROLL WALKS INTO A BAR a try.

I’m glad I did.  Alexander Southerland is the type of hero I like in a detective yarn.  Smart, tough and with enough attitude to get him in tight jams as he tries to (mostly) do the right thing.  I even enjoyed the trolls and other creatures.  While I’m not ready for a constant diet of this genre, when I do want another taste, I know Douglas Lumsden is open for business with other tales.

Rating:

RIP: Dabney Coleman

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Dabney Coleman, the award-winning actor of stage and screen, died yesterday. Mr. Coleman was 92.

Dabney Coleman attended both the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Texas at Austin.  Mr. Coleman was drafted and served in the U.S. Army.  After his service, Dabney Coleman attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.

In 1961, Dabney Coleman made his Broadway debut in A Call on Kupri.  That same year, Mr. Coleman appeared in an episode of Naked City.  For the rest of his career Dabney Coleman would appear on television and in feature films.

In 1987, Dabney Coleman won a Primetime Emmy as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for his role in Sworn to Silence.  Mr. Coleman was nominated for five other Primetime Emmys: 1983 and 1984 – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Buffalo Bill; 1988 – Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for Baby M; 1988 – Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for The Slap Maxwell Story and 1991 – Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for Columbo.

Television appearances of Dabney Coleman include: Naked City; Armstrong Circle Theater (3 episodes); Alcoa Theater; Ben Casey; Breaking Point; Arrest and Trial; The Movie Maker; Kraft Suspense Theater (2 episodes); Dr. Kildare; The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (2 episodes); The Outer Limits (3 episodes); Bob Hope Presents Chrysler Theater (2 episodes); Hazel; The Donna Reed Show; 12 O’Clock High (2 episodes); The Fugitive (4 episodes); Please Don’t Eat the Daisies; Run for Your Life; That Girl (8 episodes); I Dream of Jeannie (2 episodes); The Flying Nun; The Invaders (2 episodes); Iron Horse; Judd for the Defense; Death Valley Days; Mod Squad; Then Came Bronson; Bonanza (2 episodes); Dan August; Nanny and the Professor; The Bold Ones: The New Doctors; Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law; Banyon; Room 222 (2 episodes); Ironside; Search; Savage; Kojak; The FBI (7 episodes); Mannix (3 episodes); Medical Center; McMillian & Wife (2 episodes); The Mary Tyler Moore Show; Cannon (2 episodes); Switch; The Streets of San Francisco (2 episodes); Police Story (2 episodes); Petrocelli; Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (148 episodes); Fernwood Tonight (2 episodes); Quincy (2 episodes); Forever Fernwood (130 episodes); The Love Boat; Apple Pie (8 episodes); Diff’rent Strokes (2 episodes); Barnaby Jones (5 episodes); Buffalo Bill (26 episodes); Fresno (6 episodes); Dolly; The Slap Maxwell Story (22 episodes); It’s Gary Shandling’s Show (2 episodes); Columbo (2 episodes); Drexell’s Class (18 episodes); Lincoln; Madman of the People (16 episodes); The Wonderful World of Disney; Recess (14 episodes); The Guardian (67 episodes); Courting Alex (13 episodes); Heartland (6 episodes); Boardwalk Empire (24 episodes); Pound Puppies (4 episodes); Ray Donovan; NCIS and Yellowstone.

Feature film appearances of Dabney Coleman include: The Slender Thread; The Scalphunters; The Trouble with Girls; Downhill Racer; Cinderella Liberty; The Towering Inferno; Black Fist; Bite the Bullet; Midway; Viva Knievel!; Rolling Thunder; Go Tell the Spartans; North Dallas Forty; How to Beat the High Cost of Living; Melvin and Howard; 9 to 5; On Golden Pond; Modern Problems; Tootsie; War Games; Cloak and Dagger; The Muppets Take Manhattan; The Man with One Red Shoe; Dragnet; Amos & Andrew; The Beverly Hillbillies; Clifford; You’ve Got Mail; Inspector Gadget; Where the Red Fern Grows and Domino.

The first time I saw Dabney Coleman on screen was probably in The Fugitive or Invaders.  But man, he sure did appear in many other shows I regularly watched.  My most memorable performance by Dabney Coleman is from 9 to 5.  He was perfect.  Of course that’s not surprising because any time you saw Dabney Coleman, you knew the program/movie would be better because of him.  It’s evidence of his talent that he could move from television to feature films or drama to comedy with ease.

Out thoughts and prayers go out to Dabney Coleman’s family, friends and fans.

“Plan 9 From Outer Space” (1957) written & directed by Ed Wood Jr., featuring Bela Lugosi / Z-View

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Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957)

Director: Edward D. Wood Jr.

Screenplay:  Edward D. Wood Jr.

Stars: Gregory Walcott, Tom Keene, Tor Johnson, Lyle Talbot, Conrad Brooks, Maila Nurmi, Bela Lugosi, Edward D. Wood Jr. and Criswell.

Tagline: Unspeakable Horrors From Outer Space Paralyze The Living And Resurrect The Dead!

The Plot…

Aliens are worried that humans will produce a doomsday bomb that could destroy the universe.  To stop them, the aliens put into motion Plan 9.  They resurrect the recent dead.  Humans will be so horrified that they will follow the aliens’ directives.  If not, the aliens will use the zombies to destroy them!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Plan 9 From Outer Space is Bela Lugosi’s last film.  Ed Wood and Lugosi were friends.  They had filmed snippets of scenes for an Ed Wood movie in development.  Bela Lugosi died and Ed Wood decided to incorporate these clips into Plan 9.  Wood also used the fact that Plan 9 would be Lugosi’s last film to induce some of the actors to join the project.

It’s funny to note that scenes featuring Lugosi’s character not played by Lugosi were completed by Wood’s wife’s chiropractor.  He was much taller and looked nothing like Bela Lugosi.  So Ed Wood told him to hunch over and always keep the cape in front of his face.  Problem solved.

The film was made on a miniscule budget.  Tor Johnson’s home was used as a location.  Johnson’s son was a San Fernando Police officer.  They got use of the police car and uniforms through him.  The alien’s flying saucer was adapted from a popular UFO model kit.  Bela Lugosi supplied his own cape (from playing Dracula on stage). The gravestones were made of cardboard or styrofoam and can be seen wiggling when actors brushed against them.

Harry Thomas did the make-up for Plan 9.  He become upset and asked his name be removed from the credits.  Thomas wanted the aliens to have elongated chins using appliances he would make, cat’s eye lenses (special contacts) and green hair (wigs). Ed Wood said that those ideas would be too expensive.  Ironically, the year before Henry Thomas worked on Cecil B. DeMille’s The Ten Commandments which was the most expensive movie ever made to that time.

Plan 9 From Outer Space gained popularity after being named The Worst Film Ever Made.  It is a bad film, but far from the worst ever made.  The low budget, bad script, Lugosi stand-in, wooden performances, outlandish idea for a movie and more make for a humorous viewing, especially with friends.

Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 2 (1973) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 2 (1973)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Peter Baldwin (Eps. 15, 19-20, 22-24, 28, 35-36, 38); Rick Edelstein (Eps. 16, 21, 25, 27, 34); Jack Shea (Eps. 17-18, 26, 29-32, 37); Sid McCoy (Ep. 33)

Teleplay: Terry Ryan (Ep. 15); Allan Katz & Don Reo (Eps. 16, 22-24, 30, 34); Richard Pryor & Paul Mooney (Eps. 17, 25); Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell (Ep. 18, 37); Ilunga Adell (credited as Adell Stevenson) (Eps. 19, 21, 26, 31, 38); Lloyd Garver & Ken Hecht (Ep. 27, 32); Lee Kalcheim and Aaron Ruben (story by Lee Kalcheim) (Ep. 28); Odie Hawkins and Aaron Ruben (story by Odie Hawkins) (Ep. 29); Aaron Ruben (story by : Ray Galton & Alan Simpson) (Ep. 33, 35-36)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, LaWanda Page, Don Bexley, Beah Richards, Hal Williams, Nathaniel Taylor, Noam Pitlik, Dick O’Neill, Gregory Sierra, Slappy White, Davis Roberts, Marguerite Ray, Roscoe Lee Browne, Lynn Hamilton, Thalmus Rasulala, Ron Glass, William Hansen, Larry J. Blake, Howard Platt, Roger E. Mosley, Vernon Weddle, Ja’net DuBois, Liam Dunn, Kim Hamilton, Mary Wickes, Gabriel Dell, Lena Horne, John Amos, Joan Prather, Paula Kelly, Alma Beltran, James Wheaton, Maida Severn, Burt Mustin, Jonathan Harris, Herb Voland, Lincoln Kilpatrick Jr., Jack DeLeon and Kelly Thordsen.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its second season Sanford and Son became the 2nd highest rated show on television.  Also in its second season, Sanford and Son earned two Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

Season two saw the first appearance of semi-regulars Bubba (Don Bexley), Rollo (Nathaniel Taylor), Julio (Gregory Sierra), and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Season two notable guest stars include: Roscoe Lee Brown (The Cowboys); Ron Glass (Barney Miller); Gregory Sierra (Barney Miller); Roger E. Mosley (Magnum PI); Ja’Net DuBois (Good Times); Lena Horne; John Amos (Good Times) and Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space).

Richard Pryor co-wrote two episodes.

Sandford and Son: Season 2 (1973) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Sanford and Son”: Season 1 (1972) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View

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Sanford and Son: Season 1 (1972)

Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)

Director: Bud Yorkin (Eps. 1-4); George Tyne (Ep. 5); Coby Ruskin (Ep. 6); Bob LaHendro (Ep. 7); Peter Baldwin (Ep. 8, 11 – 13); Charles S. Dubin (Eps. 9 – 10); Bruce Bilson (Ep. 14)

Teleplay: Aaron Rubin, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson (Eps. 1 – 11, 13 – 14); Everett Greenbaum, James Fritzell, Ray Galton (Ep. 12)

Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Hal Williams, Noam Pitlik, Lynn Hamilton, White, William Lanteau, Paulene Myers, Lillian Randolph, Stanley Bennett Clay, Leonard Stone, Judyann Elder, Dick Van Patten, James Wheaton, Peter Bonerz, Gabriel Dell, Florida Friebus and Rick Hurst.

Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock

The Plot…

Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers.  Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business.  Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

In its first season Sanford and Son became the 6th highest rated show on television.  Also in its first season, Sanford and Son earned three Primetime Emmy nominations:

  • Outstanding Comedy Series
  • Outstanding New Series
  • Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx

One of the running gags of the series is that in each episode Fred Sanford would find a reason to clutch his chest as if having a heart attack and proclaim, “Hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!”  Sadly, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991.

Fred Sanford was supposed to be 65 years old.  Redd Foxx was just 49 during filming of the first season.

Sanford and Son‘s theme music is by Quincy Jones and it is titled The Streetbeater.

Sandford and Son: Season 1 (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.

“Mars Attacks” (1996) directed by Tim Burton / Z-View

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Mars Attacks (1996)

Director: Tim Burton

Screenplay: Jonathan Gems, Tim Burton (uncredited) based on Topps Mars Attacks! trading cards

Stars: Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Jessica Parker, Annette Bening, Glenn Close, Danny DeVito, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Rod Steiger, Lukas Haas, Natalie Portman, Jim Brown, Lisa Marie, Sylvia Sidney, Paul Winfield, Pam Grier, Jack Black, Joe Don Baker, Christina Applegate  and Tom Jones.

Tagline: Nice planet. We’ll take it!

The Plot…

An armada of Martian ships have come to Earth.  At the first meeting between the Martian and US Ambassador and accident makes the Martians think that they are under attack.  The aliens then decide to take over the Earth.

Let the fun begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tim Burton directs an all-star cast.

Tim Burton pitched the idea by showing Warner Bros. the Mars Attacks! trading cards released in 1962.  The cards featured art by Wally Wood and Norman Saunders.  The card set told of a Martian invasion of Earth.  Because the cards were aimed at the kiddie market, many parents felt that the violence was too graphic.  This led to a limited distribution.  The Mars Attacks! cards have become collector’s items.  In the 1980s, Topps revisited the Mars Attacks! by re-releasing the card set, new Mars Attacks! cards and comic books.

Mars Attacks! marks Sylvia Sidney’s final film appearance.

Although Tim Burton co-wrote the film with Jonathan Gems, but gave Gems full credit.  Jonathan Gems wrote the Mars Attacks! novelization and dedicated the book to Tim Burton.

Mars Attacks (1996) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Tango & Cash” (1989) starring Sylvester Stallone & Kurt Russell / Z-View

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Tango & Cash (1989)

Director: Andrei Konchalovsky, Albert Magnoli (uncredited)

Screenplay: Randy Feldman

Stars: Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell, Teri Hatcher, Jack Palance, Brion James, James Hong, Marc Alaimo, Philip Tan, Michael J. Pollard, Robert Z’Dar, Lewis Arquette, Edward Bunker, Roy Brocksmith, Susan Krebs, David Byrd, Richard Fancy, Michael Jeter,  Patti Davis, Billy Blanks, Geoffrey Lewis, Benny Urquidez and Clint Howard.

Tagline: Two of L.A.’s top rival cops are going to have to work together… Even if it kills them.

The Plot…

Detectives Ray Tango (Stallone) and Gabriel Cash (Russell) are two of LA’s top narcotic cops. They have a friendly rivalry and different styles.  They don’t work together but their busts have put a dent in drug kingpin, Yves Perret’s (Palance) operation.

Perret has Tango and Cash framed, convicted and sent to prison.  Now he plans to have them murdered.

If they are to survive Tango and Cash will have to work together, escape prison and find evidence to clear their names.  Let the fun begin!

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

Tango & Cash had two directors.  Andrei (Runaway Train) Konchalovsky helmed most of the film. Producers wanted a lighter, funnier film.  Konchalovsky and Stallone felt a serious film with some humor would work better.  Disagreements were constant, but Konchalovsky refused to give in.  This and the movie going over-budget led to him being fired.  Albert (Purple Rain) Magnoli was brought in to finish the film.

Jeffrey (Lethal Weapon 2 & 3) did uncredited re-writes on the film.

Patrick Swayze was originally cast as Cash.  He dropped out to do Road House.

Sly’s character is asked if he stopped for “coffee and a Danish”.  He replies, “I hate Danish.” This is an in-joke as Sly had recently divorced Danish actress Brigitte Nielsen.

Both Brion James and Robert Z’Dar originally had smaller parts, but they impressed enough folks that their roles were expanded.

Geoffrey Lewis has an uncredited cameo.

Tango & Cash (1989) rates 4 of 5 stars.

“The Crooked Circle” (1932) starring Zasu Pitts & James Gleason / Z-View

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The Crooked Circle (1932)

Director:  H. Bruce Humberstone

Screenplay: Ralph Spence (original screenplay), Tim Whelan (additional dialogue)

Stars: Zasu Pitts, James Gleason, C. Henry Gordon, Raymond Hatton, Berton Churchill, Spencer Charters, Robert Frazer, Frank Reicher and Christian Rub.

Tagline: WHAT TIME IS IT WHEN THE CLOCK STRIKES 13? THRILLS will creep on you-LAUGHS will leap on you! IN ZASU PITTS FIRST FEATURE PICTURE

The Plot…

The Crooked Circle, a secret group of criminals, has vowed to kill Colonel Theodore Walters.  Walters is a member of the Sphinx Club, a group of amateur detectives.

When the Sphinx Club meets at a creepy, old mansion, the Crooked Circle plan to make good on their vow.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Crooked Circle is a variation on “The Old Dark House” movies that were popular in the era.  Hidden passageways, ghosts, bad guys and a touch of comedy are staples of this genre.

Zasu Pitts and James Gleason were the top billed stars, but their characters aren’t the main focus of the film.

Zasu is her real name.  Her mother made it up taking the last two letters of Eliza and the first two letters of Susan.  Her mother’s sisters were named Eliza and Susan.

Zasu Pitts was the inspiration for Popeye’s girlfriend, Olive Oyle!

The Crooked Circle (1932) rates 3 of 5 stars.

“Plane Nuts” (1933) starring Moe Howard, Larry Fine & Curly Howard / Z-View

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Plane Nuts (1933)

Director:  Jack Cummings

Screenplay: Ted Healy, Matty Brooks, Moe Howard

Stars: Larry Fine, Moe Howard, Ted Healy, Curly Howard.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

Ted Healy and His Stooges perform vaudeville routines with MGM dancers performing between acts.

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Three Stooges before they became famous as The Three Stooges.  For die-hard Stooges fans only.

Plane Nuts (1933) rates 2 of 5 stars.

“The Black Raven” (1943) / Z-View

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The Black Raven (1943)

Director:  Sam Newfield

Screenplay: Fred Myton

Stars: George Zucco, Charles Middleton and Glenn Strange.

Tagline: None.

The Plot…

A terrible thunderstorm is raging when five people arrive at The Black Raven motel seeking shelter.  A gangster, a young couple planning to elope, the girl’s father who plans to stop the wedding, and a bank employee (with $50,000.00 that he embezzled).  In short order, the girl’s father is murdered.  The hotel’s owner, Amos Bradford (Zucco) works to solve the crime aided by his not-too-bright employee, Andy (Strange).  Andy is a huge man afraid of his own shadow.  When the Sheriff arrives looking for an escaped convict, he learns of the murder and is ready to bring in anyone to resolve the case.

Can Mr. Bradford find the killer before he strikes again?

Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…

The Black Raven is an old spooky house-type story popular at the time.  It’s supposed to be a thriller/comedy.  Unfortunately it’s not that thrilling or funny.  I will give Glenn Strange (who would later play Frankenstein and even later play the bartender in the long-running series Gunsmoke) credit for giving it his all as Andy.

The Black Raven (1943) rates 2 of 5 stars.