As the format continues to gain traction, here’s our regularly-updated list of upcoming 4K Ultra HD disc releases in the UK.
Sitting alongside our list of upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases (that you can find here), we’re also keeping a calendar for those who support the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc format. As we learn of new UK releases, we’ll add them to this list.
We have started adding shopping links too. We’d be obliged if you clicked on them, as it really helps us in our quest to make the Film Stories project of magazines, website and podcast profitable. We’re a 100% independent publisher, and we quite like drinking coffee. It’d be lovely to afford some more.
Without further ado, here are the titles we know about…
Out now
5th August: Point Break
5th August: Collateral (Steelbook)
5th August: Anchorman
5th August: The Fall Guy...
Sitting alongside our list of upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases (that you can find here), we’re also keeping a calendar for those who support the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc format. As we learn of new UK releases, we’ll add them to this list.
We have started adding shopping links too. We’d be obliged if you clicked on them, as it really helps us in our quest to make the Film Stories project of magazines, website and podcast profitable. We’re a 100% independent publisher, and we quite like drinking coffee. It’d be lovely to afford some more.
Without further ado, here are the titles we know about…
Out now
5th August: Point Break
5th August: Collateral (Steelbook)
5th August: Anchorman
5th August: The Fall Guy...
- 9/14/2024
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories
The International Film Festival Rotterdam has many international premières for its audiences, one of which was Henrik Martin Dahlsbakken's war drama Konvoi a.k.a. The Arctic Convoy. Solidly researched and excellently executed, Dahlsbakken's film tells a story about the Norwegian ships which supplied the Russian army in World War II. As the East front turned ever more brutal and the battle of Stalingrad was mulching two armies to pulp, the Allied forces decided to help the Russians by sending gigantic convoys travelling from Iceland to the Northwest Russian harbour Murmansk. A typical convoy consisted of 35 freight ships, loaded with guns and ammunition, surrounded by an escort of warships. Whenever the convoys were near Nazi-occupied Norway, the seas got peppered with mines and the convoy would...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/6/2024
- Screen Anarchy
Half a century ago, Universal Pictures hoped to carry over the success of its entries in the short-lived disaster film vogue to naval combat movies, stirring some box office if few other rewards via dullish “Midway” and “Gray Lady Down,” which felt like bloated retro B-movies. Having revived the disaster genre with trilogy “The Wave,” “The Quake” and “The Burning Sea,” their Norwegian producers seem to be going the same route with “The Arctic Convoy,” about the perilous voyage of a freighter delivering supplies to Allies on the eastern front during World War 2.
The fact-inspired story’s central situation is compelling enough. But director/co-writer Henrik M. Dahlsbakken (of recent biopic “Munch”) delivers a middling effort too sparing of excitement to satisfy action fans, and without the character depth or involvement to score as drama instead. Released on the film’s home turf at Christmas, the competent but uninspired Scandinavian...
The fact-inspired story’s central situation is compelling enough. But director/co-writer Henrik M. Dahlsbakken (of recent biopic “Munch”) delivers a middling effort too sparing of excitement to satisfy action fans, and without the character depth or involvement to score as drama instead. Released on the film’s home turf at Christmas, the competent but uninspired Scandinavian...
- 1/31/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
Amanda Elizabeth Davies, the 42-year-old daughter of One Life to Live actress Erika Slezak, has passed away.
The announcement on Slezak’s official website conveyed the news without specifying the cause of death, noting only that it was sudden.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Erika’s daughter Amanda Elizabeth Davies, who died very suddenly,” the statement read.
It continued, “The family is heartbroken and would appreciate privacy now.”
Davies had portrayed the teenage rendition of her mother’s character, Victoria “Viki” Lord, on One Life to Live.
Her appearances on the enduring program occurred in 2003, specifically in flashback scenes.
In the video below, Davies is sitting next to her mother, who won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995.
Amanda Davies is the third One Life to Live actor to die in the last year
Davies has become the third One Life to...
The announcement on Slezak’s official website conveyed the news without specifying the cause of death, noting only that it was sudden.
“It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Erika’s daughter Amanda Elizabeth Davies, who died very suddenly,” the statement read.
It continued, “The family is heartbroken and would appreciate privacy now.”
Davies had portrayed the teenage rendition of her mother’s character, Victoria “Viki” Lord, on One Life to Live.
Her appearances on the enduring program occurred in 2003, specifically in flashback scenes.
In the video below, Davies is sitting next to her mother, who won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1995.
Amanda Davies is the third One Life to Live actor to die in the last year
Davies has become the third One Life to...
- 1/30/2024
- by Frank Yemi
- Monsters and Critics
Burt Young, best known for his riveting portrayal of Paulie in the iconic “Rocky” films, passed away on October 8th in Los Angeles at the age of 83. His passing was confirmed by his devoted daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser.
The actor, originally from Queens, exhibited a rugged charm that landed him roles in more than 160 films and TV shows, from gritty crime dramas like “Chinatown” and “Once Upon a Time in America” to the poignant portrayal of Paulie, the brother of Adrian and Rocky’s loyal friend. This particular role would garner him an Academy Award nomination, showcasing his ability to infuse a tough exterior with a deep-seated vulnerability.
Lee Strasberg, the legendary acting teacher, once described Young as a “library of emotions.” This sentiment perfectly captures the depth and versatility that Burt Young brought to the big screen. Even when he embodied a criminal or thug, Young never settled for one-dimensional characterizations.
The actor, originally from Queens, exhibited a rugged charm that landed him roles in more than 160 films and TV shows, from gritty crime dramas like “Chinatown” and “Once Upon a Time in America” to the poignant portrayal of Paulie, the brother of Adrian and Rocky’s loyal friend. This particular role would garner him an Academy Award nomination, showcasing his ability to infuse a tough exterior with a deep-seated vulnerability.
Lee Strasberg, the legendary acting teacher, once described Young as a “library of emotions.” This sentiment perfectly captures the depth and versatility that Burt Young brought to the big screen. Even when he embodied a criminal or thug, Young never settled for one-dimensional characterizations.
- 10/19/2023
- by Buddy TV
- buddytv.com
Burt Young, the gravely-voiced actor who played Sylvester Stallone‘s brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino, in Rocky, has died at 83. Young became beloved by moviegoers for his interpretation of the down-on-his-luck character who helped champion Rocky Balboa’s rise to boxing stardom. The film franchise would total nine installments over almost 50 years, but how many Rocky movies and sequels did Young appear in?
Burt Young played Paulie Pennino alongside Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’ and its sequels
As Paulie Pennino, Burt Young played the devil character sitting atop one of Rocky Balboa‘s shoulders in the original Rocky film, written and starring Sylvester Stallone. His sister Adrian, played by Talia Shire, was the angel, and both pulled him in different directions emotionally.
Paulie had a temper, drank too much, complained often, and was a pain in the neck. However, he was beloved by Rocky, who could see beyond his tough exterior.
However, the...
Burt Young played Paulie Pennino alongside Sylvester Stallone in ‘Rocky’ and its sequels
As Paulie Pennino, Burt Young played the devil character sitting atop one of Rocky Balboa‘s shoulders in the original Rocky film, written and starring Sylvester Stallone. His sister Adrian, played by Talia Shire, was the angel, and both pulled him in different directions emotionally.
Paulie had a temper, drank too much, complained often, and was a pain in the neck. However, he was beloved by Rocky, who could see beyond his tough exterior.
However, the...
- 10/19/2023
- by Lucille Barilla
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Ex-Marine, former boxer, consummate ruffian, beloved character actor, and Academy Award nominee Burt Young has passed away, confirmed The New York Times. He was 83 years old. With a career spanning over five decades, Young's acting resume included over 160 roles, with memorable performances in films like "Chinatown," "Once Upon a Time in America," and "Back to School." Trained by the legendary Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in New York City, Young made a career playing Hollywood tough guys, street-smart cops, relatable working men, and as an Italian-American — of course — a mob boss.
However, it's his role as Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the "Rocky" film series that made him a household name and earned him the coveted Oscar nomination. The role allowed Young to not only shine as a complex, gifted performer but also bring his real-life experience as a professional boxer to the screen.
However, it's his role as Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the "Rocky" film series that made him a household name and earned him the coveted Oscar nomination. The role allowed Young to not only shine as a complex, gifted performer but also bring his real-life experience as a professional boxer to the screen.
- 10/19/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Burt Young, a former boxer who was in Sylvester Stallone’s corner as his brother-in-law Paulie in the six Rocky films and received a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his turn in the original, has died. He was 83.
He died on Oct. 8 in Los Angeles, his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, told The New York Times Wednesday.
A tough guy in real life who usually played tough guys onscreen, Young portrayed a rotten client of gumshoe Jack Nicholson’s in Chinatown (1974), was mobster “Bed Bug” Eddie in The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984) and played Rodney Dangerfield’s protector/chauffeur Lou in Back to School (1986).
Young also appeared in four movies in four straight years with fellow Queens guy James Caan — Cinderella Liberty (1973), The Gambler (1974), The Killer Elite (1975) and Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976) — before they worked together again in Mickey Blue Eyes (1999).
He played a getaway driver in Sam Peckinpah’s The Killer Elite,...
He died on Oct. 8 in Los Angeles, his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, told The New York Times Wednesday.
A tough guy in real life who usually played tough guys onscreen, Young portrayed a rotten client of gumshoe Jack Nicholson’s in Chinatown (1974), was mobster “Bed Bug” Eddie in The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984) and played Rodney Dangerfield’s protector/chauffeur Lou in Back to School (1986).
Young also appeared in four movies in four straight years with fellow Queens guy James Caan — Cinderella Liberty (1973), The Gambler (1974), The Killer Elite (1975) and Harry and Walter Go to New York (1976) — before they worked together again in Mickey Blue Eyes (1999).
He played a getaway driver in Sam Peckinpah’s The Killer Elite,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some unfortunate news to report, folks. Burt Young, the legendary character actor who co-starred with JoBlo’s beloved Sylvester Stallone in Rocky, is dead at 83. Deadline was the first to report the news. Young famously played Rocky’s brother-in-law Paulie, Adrian’s (Talia Shire) brother, a wannabe tough guy who stays in Rocky’s corner despite everything. Young was nominated for an Oscar for the original film, and indeed, Paulie was a complex character. In the first film, he’s Adrian’s abusive older brother. By the third film, his mounting insecurity is confronted by the Italian Stallion, leading to him becoming a corner man for his climactic fight with Mr T’s Clubber Lang in Rocky III. He goes on to back him up for his bout with Ivan Drago in IV before giving power of attorney to a crooked lawyer in V, temporarily bankrupting the family, only for...
- 10/19/2023
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Burt Young, who played Paulie in six of the “Rocky” films starring Sylvester Stallone, drawing an Oscar nomination for supporting actor for his performance in the 1976 original, has died, his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser confirmed to the New York Times. He was 83.
Roger Ebert gave Young his props for his performance in the first “Rocky” film: “And Burt Young as (Adrian’s) brother — defeated and resentful, loyal and bitter, caring about people enough to hurt them just to draw attention to his grief.” The New York Times — in an absolutely scathing, completely dismissive review of the film — nevertheless said: “Burt Young is effective as Rocky’s best friend, a beer-guzzling mug.”
Young’s temperamental, jealous but nonetheless loyal and caring Paulie Pennino was Rocky’s best friend — he would defend the Italian Stallion if someone insulted him. But he was a problematic friend who shouts at Adrian during her pregnancy,...
Roger Ebert gave Young his props for his performance in the first “Rocky” film: “And Burt Young as (Adrian’s) brother — defeated and resentful, loyal and bitter, caring about people enough to hurt them just to draw attention to his grief.” The New York Times — in an absolutely scathing, completely dismissive review of the film — nevertheless said: “Burt Young is effective as Rocky’s best friend, a beer-guzzling mug.”
Young’s temperamental, jealous but nonetheless loyal and caring Paulie Pennino was Rocky’s best friend — he would defend the Italian Stallion if someone insulted him. But he was a problematic friend who shouts at Adrian during her pregnancy,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Garth Craven, the British-born sound and film editor and second-unit director whose credits included six Sam Peckinpah features, as well as Turner and Hooch, My Best Friend’s Wedding and Legally Blonde, has died. He was 84.
A resident of Malibu, Craven died May 20 after he suffered a medical emergency while flying back to Los Angeles from a safari in Namibia, his daughter, Willow Kalatchi, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Craven collaborated with the maverick director Peckinpah on Straw Dogs (1971), The Getaway (1972), Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974), The Killer Elite (1975) and Convoy (1978).
He worked with fellow editor Roger Spottiswoode on the first three of those films, and when Spottiswoode graduated to director, they partnered on the features Shoot to Kill (1988), Turner and Hooch (1989) and Air America (1990) and on two HBO telefilms: 1989’s Third Degree Burn and 1993’s And the Band Played On.
Craven also cut Gaby: A True Story...
A resident of Malibu, Craven died May 20 after he suffered a medical emergency while flying back to Los Angeles from a safari in Namibia, his daughter, Willow Kalatchi, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Craven collaborated with the maverick director Peckinpah on Straw Dogs (1971), The Getaway (1972), Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974), The Killer Elite (1975) and Convoy (1978).
He worked with fellow editor Roger Spottiswoode on the first three of those films, and when Spottiswoode graduated to director, they partnered on the features Shoot to Kill (1988), Turner and Hooch (1989) and Air America (1990) and on two HBO telefilms: 1989’s Third Degree Burn and 1993’s And the Band Played On.
Craven also cut Gaby: A True Story...
- 8/22/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Film and sound editor Garth Craven, who edited films including “Legally Blonde” and got his start in film editing with Sam Peckinpah’s “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” died May 20 in Barcelona. He was 84.
His death was only recently announced by his daughter Willow.
Craven not only worked in the cutting room but also in sound departments and served as second unit director on several films. At the beginning of his career, Craven worked on Federico Fellini’s fantasy drama “Satyricon” (1969) in the sound editing department, which served as his introduction to filmmaking.
Back in England, he continued working on films in London. Resuming his work in the sound department, Craven received a BAFTA for the critically acclaimed romantic drama “The Go-Between” (1971) directed by Joseph Losey.
He eventually became a frequent collaborator and friend of Peckinpah. Craven worked as a sound consultant on “The Getaway,” a sound editor on “Straw Dogs,...
His death was only recently announced by his daughter Willow.
Craven not only worked in the cutting room but also in sound departments and served as second unit director on several films. At the beginning of his career, Craven worked on Federico Fellini’s fantasy drama “Satyricon” (1969) in the sound editing department, which served as his introduction to filmmaking.
Back in England, he continued working on films in London. Resuming his work in the sound department, Craven received a BAFTA for the critically acclaimed romantic drama “The Go-Between” (1971) directed by Joseph Losey.
He eventually became a frequent collaborator and friend of Peckinpah. Craven worked as a sound consultant on “The Getaway,” a sound editor on “Straw Dogs,...
- 8/21/2023
- by Jaden Thompson
- Variety Film + TV
In the June 25 2023 episode of 60 Minutes airing on CBS, Scott Pelley reports from Ukraine, shedding light on the plight of children fighting cancer amidst Russian attacks. Additionally, correspondent Jon Wertheim takes us on a journey to Saudi Arabia, examining the controversial world of “sportswashing.” And don’t miss Lesley Stahl’s insightful profile of acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer. Join us as we explore these captivating narratives on 60 Minutes.
Convoy of Life
Scott Pelley’s Eye-Opening Report Scott Pelley takes us to Ukraine, where a dire situation unfolds amidst Russian attacks on hospitals and the power grid. In the face of this turmoil, more than 1,000 children are battling cancer, putting their lives at immediate risk. Discover the remarkable efforts of a renowned American hospital and 21 countries coming together to offer assistance and hope. Join Scott Pelley in this powerful segment that sheds light on the resilient spirit of these young fighters.
Convoy of Life
Scott Pelley’s Eye-Opening Report Scott Pelley takes us to Ukraine, where a dire situation unfolds amidst Russian attacks on hospitals and the power grid. In the face of this turmoil, more than 1,000 children are battling cancer, putting their lives at immediate risk. Discover the remarkable efforts of a renowned American hospital and 21 countries coming together to offer assistance and hope. Join Scott Pelley in this powerful segment that sheds light on the resilient spirit of these young fighters.
- 6/21/2023
- by Alex Matthews
- TV Regular
The prolific Dahlsbakken has previously directed Munch, Possession and Returning Home.
TrustNordisk has boarded international sales for the action drama Convoy (working title), directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken. The project is budgeted at $6.6m (Euros 6m).
The World War 2 naval drama, inspired by real historical events, is produced by Martin Sundland, Catrin Gundersen & Thea Benedikte Karlsen for FanteFilm, which is behind disaster hits such as The North Sea, The Quake and The Wave. Backers include Norwegian Film Institute, Film i Väst and FilmInvest.
The cast is yet to be revealed.
The prolific Dahlsbakken has previously directed Munch, Possession and Returning Home.
TrustNordisk has boarded international sales for the action drama Convoy (working title), directed by Henrik M. Dahlsbakken. The project is budgeted at $6.6m (Euros 6m).
The World War 2 naval drama, inspired by real historical events, is produced by Martin Sundland, Catrin Gundersen & Thea Benedikte Karlsen for FanteFilm, which is behind disaster hits such as The North Sea, The Quake and The Wave. Backers include Norwegian Film Institute, Film i Väst and FilmInvest.
The cast is yet to be revealed.
The prolific Dahlsbakken has previously directed Munch, Possession and Returning Home.
- 5/2/2023
- by Wendy Mitchell
- ScreenDaily
John Wright, the film editor who received Oscar nominations for his work on Jan de Bont’s Speed and The Hunt for Red October, one of six movies he cut for John McTiernan, has died. He was 79.
Wright died April 20 at his home in Calabasas after a battle with prostate and bone cancer, his wife of 57 years, Jane Wright, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Wright’s résumé also included such other high-profile films as Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy (1978), Paul Michael Glaser’s The Running Man (1987), Stan Dragoti’s Necessary Roughness (1991), John Woo’s Broken Arrow (1996), Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000), James Gartner’s Glory Road (2006) and Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk (2008).
He collaborated with directors Mel Gibson on The Passion of the Christ (2004) and Apocalypto (2006); with Graeme Clifford on Frances (1982) and Gleaming the Cube (1989); and with Randall Wallace on Secretariat (2010) and Heaven Is for Real (2014).
Wright was nominated for an Emmy...
Wright died April 20 at his home in Calabasas after a battle with prostate and bone cancer, his wife of 57 years, Jane Wright, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Wright’s résumé also included such other high-profile films as Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy (1978), Paul Michael Glaser’s The Running Man (1987), Stan Dragoti’s Necessary Roughness (1991), John Woo’s Broken Arrow (1996), Bryan Singer’s X-Men (2000), James Gartner’s Glory Road (2006) and Louis Leterrier’s The Incredible Hulk (2008).
He collaborated with directors Mel Gibson on The Passion of the Christ (2004) and Apocalypto (2006); with Graeme Clifford on Frances (1982) and Gleaming the Cube (1989); and with Randall Wallace on Secretariat (2010) and Heaven Is for Real (2014).
Wright was nominated for an Emmy...
- 5/2/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gabrielle Upton, who wrote the screenplay for the classic California surfing movie Gidget, starring Sandra Dee, Cliff Robertson and James Darren, has died. She was 101.
Upton died Sept. 13 in Santa Rosa, California, her daughter, Greer Upton, told The Hollywood Reporter. News of her death had not been reported until now.
A three-time WGA Award nominee, Upton wrote for such network shows as The Alfred Hitchcock Hour/Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Ben Casey, Convoy, One Step Beyond, The Bold Ones: The New Doctors, The Virginian, The Big Valley and The High Chaparral.
She also worked on several daytime soap operas during her career, including Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Edge of Night, Search for Tomorrow, The Secret Storm and Love of Life.
After Frederick Kohner took a crack at adapting his best-selling 1957 novel Gidget, the Little Girl With Big Ideas for Columbia Pictures’ Gidget (1959), Upton came on and received sole screenplay credit.
Upton died Sept. 13 in Santa Rosa, California, her daughter, Greer Upton, told The Hollywood Reporter. News of her death had not been reported until now.
A three-time WGA Award nominee, Upton wrote for such network shows as The Alfred Hitchcock Hour/Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Ben Casey, Convoy, One Step Beyond, The Bold Ones: The New Doctors, The Virginian, The Big Valley and The High Chaparral.
She also worked on several daytime soap operas during her career, including Guiding Light, As the World Turns, Edge of Night, Search for Tomorrow, The Secret Storm and Love of Life.
After Frederick Kohner took a crack at adapting his best-selling 1957 novel Gidget, the Little Girl With Big Ideas for Columbia Pictures’ Gidget (1959), Upton came on and received sole screenplay credit.
- 2/24/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As a journalist covering QAnon and fascism in Los Angeles, I’ve seen a lot in the past couple years. I’ve seen danger and violence, heard crazy conspiracies and angry confrontations, and tracked a movement as it spirals deeper and deeper into insanity. It has worn on me, and there are things I’ve seen that I’d like to forget, like people yelling “save our children,” a chant that drones on and on like an endless scream inside your mind.
I went to see it all again last Sunday,...
I went to see it all again last Sunday,...
- 4/16/2022
- by Eric Levai
- Rollingstone.com
C.W. McCall, best known for his massive 1975 hit Convoy, died Friday in Ouray, Colo. at age 93 from cancer. His death was first reported by the Washington Post.
McCall, real name Bill Fries, was working in advetising when he devised the character of C.W. McCall for a 1973 advertising spot for Old Home Bread. The ad won a Clio award, and it spawned a new career for Fries, who took on the persona of an outlaw trucker.
McCall dominated the county music charts from 1974 to 1978. In addition to his No. 1 hit with “Convoy,” which rode the Cb craze of the era, he charted with “Old Home Filler-Up an’ Keep On-a-Truckin’ Cafe,” “Wolf Creek Pass,” “Classified,” “There Won’t Be No Country Music (There Won’t Be No Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and “Roses for Mama.”
“Convoy” went on to spawn a 1978 film starring Kris Kristofferson, Ali McGraw, and Ernest Borgnine.
McCall...
McCall, real name Bill Fries, was working in advetising when he devised the character of C.W. McCall for a 1973 advertising spot for Old Home Bread. The ad won a Clio award, and it spawned a new career for Fries, who took on the persona of an outlaw trucker.
McCall dominated the county music charts from 1974 to 1978. In addition to his No. 1 hit with “Convoy,” which rode the Cb craze of the era, he charted with “Old Home Filler-Up an’ Keep On-a-Truckin’ Cafe,” “Wolf Creek Pass,” “Classified,” “There Won’t Be No Country Music (There Won’t Be No Rock ‘n’ Roll)” and “Roses for Mama.”
“Convoy” went on to spawn a 1978 film starring Kris Kristofferson, Ali McGraw, and Ernest Borgnine.
McCall...
- 4/2/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
C.W. McCall, an adman who found fame as a country music singer with songs about 18-wheelers, including the 1976 crossover No. 1 “Convoy,” has died at 93. According to his son Bill Fries III, McCall had been battling cancer and was in hospice care in his Colorado home when he died Friday, April 1.
“Breaker one-nine, this here’s the Rubber Duck,” McCall intoned in the novelty hit “Convoy,” a song that celebrated Cb radios and the community of long-haul truck drivers who used them. Released in November 1975, the spoken-word saga would top...
“Breaker one-nine, this here’s the Rubber Duck,” McCall intoned in the novelty hit “Convoy,” a song that celebrated Cb radios and the community of long-haul truck drivers who used them. Released in November 1975, the spoken-word saga would top...
- 4/2/2022
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Ange Peters sighs contentedly, bathed in warm light, her skin glowing against her yellow-and-pink striped sweater and flawless ombre highlights. “What a feeling today,” she says to the camera before pausing dramatically. “This was it. This was gonna be it, all along.” She chuckles. “This was the thing that no one anticipated.”
Peters is perhaps best known as the founder and CEO of Hol:fit, a holistic training and nutrition brand that doubles as a vendor for her to sell essential oils marketed by doTERRA, a Utah-based multi-level marketing company. On Instagram,...
Peters is perhaps best known as the founder and CEO of Hol:fit, a holistic training and nutrition brand that doubles as a vendor for her to sell essential oils marketed by doTERRA, a Utah-based multi-level marketing company. On Instagram,...
- 2/9/2022
- by EJ Dickson
- Rollingstone.com
Legendary screenwriter and director Shane Black discusses some of his favorite movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
High and Low (1963)
Hard Times (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Beguiled (1971) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Kino Lorber Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s Twilight Time Blu-ray review
Convoy (1978) – Dennis Cozzalio’s review
8 Heads In A Duffel Bag (1997)
Diner (1982)
The Bodyguard (1992)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Fist of Fury a.k.a. The Chinese Connection (1972) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
The Last Boy Scout (1991)
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
High and Low (1963)
Hard Times (1975) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Good, The Bad And The Ugly (1966) – Ernest Dickerson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s 4K Blu-ray review
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Beguiled (1971) – John Landis’s trailer commentary
Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Kino Lorber Blu-ray review, Glenn Erickson’s Twilight Time Blu-ray review
Convoy (1978) – Dennis Cozzalio’s review
8 Heads In A Duffel Bag (1997)
Diner (1982)
The Bodyguard (1992)
12 Angry Men (1957)
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Fist of Fury a.k.a. The Chinese Connection (1972) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary...
- 8/10/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Hulu’s list of new releases for June 2021 is highlighted by a host of useful library titles and one fascinating original film.
The original film in question is the one that lends its delightful photo of Pierce Brosnan delivering a baby to this post. False Positive stars and was written by Ilana Glazer (Broad City). It sounds like a really fun, creepy time with a synopsis that reads: “After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan). But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle’s gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own “birth story.” Cool!
Hulu’s other original offerings aren’t too inspiring this month. Only Love, Victor season 2 on June 11 moves the needle much.
The original film in question is the one that lends its delightful photo of Pierce Brosnan delivering a baby to this post. False Positive stars and was written by Ilana Glazer (Broad City). It sounds like a really fun, creepy time with a synopsis that reads: “After months of trying and failing to get pregnant, Lucy (Glazer) and Adrian (Justin Theroux) finally find their dream fertility doctor in the illustrious Dr. Hindle (Pierce Brosnan). But after becoming pregnant with a healthy baby girl, Lucy begins to notice something sinister through Hindle’s gleaming charm, and she sets out to uncover the unsettling truth about him, and her own “birth story.” Cool!
Hulu’s other original offerings aren’t too inspiring this month. Only Love, Victor season 2 on June 11 moves the needle much.
- 5/30/2021
- by Alec Bojalad
- Den of Geek
Acclaimed stuntman and action director extraordinaire Jesse V. Johnson joins us to discuss the U.S. based action films and filmmakers that have influenced him the most.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
On The Waterfront (1954)
Fultah Fisher’s Boarding House (1922)
Undisputed (2002)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
Boyka: Undisputed (2016)
The Killer Elite (1975)
Convoy (1978)
The Osterman Weekend (1983)
Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
Le Cercle Rouge (1970)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Birdcage (1996)
Cross of Iron (1977)
Electra Glide in Blue (1973)
Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974)
Easy Rider (1969)
Fail Safe (1964)
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Ride The High Country (1962)
Major Dundee (1965)
Jinxed! (1982)
Beowulf (2007)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
The Girl Hunters (1963)
Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)
Point Blank (1967)
Falling Down (1993)
M (1951)
M (1931)
The Black Vampire (1953)
The Roaring Twenties (1939)
Scum (1979)
Elephant (1989)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), possibly Joe’s favorite John Ford...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
On The Waterfront (1954)
Fultah Fisher’s Boarding House (1922)
Undisputed (2002)
Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)
Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)
Boyka: Undisputed (2016)
The Killer Elite (1975)
Convoy (1978)
The Osterman Weekend (1983)
Bring Me The Head Of Alfredo Garcia (1974)
Le Cercle Rouge (1970)
Straw Dogs (1971)
The Wild Bunch (1969)
Mr. Holland’s Opus (1995)
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
The Birdcage (1996)
Cross of Iron (1977)
Electra Glide in Blue (1973)
Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974)
Easy Rider (1969)
Fail Safe (1964)
The Cincinnati Kid (1965)
Ride The High Country (1962)
Major Dundee (1965)
Jinxed! (1982)
Beowulf (2007)
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
The Girl Hunters (1963)
Los Angeles Plays Itself (2003)
Point Blank (1967)
Falling Down (1993)
M (1951)
M (1931)
The Black Vampire (1953)
The Roaring Twenties (1939)
Scum (1979)
Elephant (1989)
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), possibly Joe’s favorite John Ford...
- 3/24/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Alabama musician, songwriter, and actor Donnie Fritts, an architect of Southern soul music whose songs were covered by dozens of artists from Waylon Jennings to Dusty Springfield, died Tuesday night. His publicist confirmed Fritts’ death at the age of 76.
Fritts’ friend and fellow songwriter Gary Nicholson posted a tribute to Fritts on Facebook early Wednesday morning, writing in part, “There aren’t words to describe what his loving friendship has meant to me through the years, so many songs and stories, it’s gonna take awhile to process this one.
Fritts’ friend and fellow songwriter Gary Nicholson posted a tribute to Fritts on Facebook early Wednesday morning, writing in part, “There aren’t words to describe what his loving friendship has meant to me through the years, so many songs and stories, it’s gonna take awhile to process this one.
- 8/28/2019
- by Stephen L. Betts
- Rollingstone.com
Prolific actor Seymour Cassel, who received an Academy Award nomination for “Faces” and appeared in Wes Anderson films including “Rushmore,” died Sunday in Los Angeles of Alzheimer’s disease. He was 84.
Cassel was a veteran of dozens of independent films, appearing in multiple roles in films directed by John Cassavetes and Anderson. In addition to playing Bert Fischer in “Rushmore,” he appeared in “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.”
Cassel was born in Detroit on Jan. 22, 1935. His early career was tied to Cassavetes and he made his movie debut in an uncredited role in Cassavetes’ first film, “Shadows,” in 1958 and became an associate producer on the project. He co-starred with Cassavetes in “Too Late Blues” and “The Webster Boy” and appeared on “The Lloyd Bridges Show” in the episode “A Pair of Boots” directed by Cassavetes. His early TV credits included “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Combat!,...
Cassel was a veteran of dozens of independent films, appearing in multiple roles in films directed by John Cassavetes and Anderson. In addition to playing Bert Fischer in “Rushmore,” he appeared in “The Royal Tenenbaums” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.”
Cassel was born in Detroit on Jan. 22, 1935. His early career was tied to Cassavetes and he made his movie debut in an uncredited role in Cassavetes’ first film, “Shadows,” in 1958 and became an associate producer on the project. He co-starred with Cassavetes in “Too Late Blues” and “The Webster Boy” and appeared on “The Lloyd Bridges Show” in the episode “A Pair of Boots” directed by Cassavetes. His early TV credits included “Twelve O’Clock High,” “Combat!,...
- 4/8/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Pepsi’s commercials featuring NBA star Kyrie Irving as the elderly basketball superstar Uncle Drew have become so popular that they decided to make a full-length movie out of it. Turning an idea for a 30-second advertisement into the basis for a full-length movie or TV series is the Hollywood equivalent of alchemy. But in our modern age of high-concept filmmaking, that hasn’t stopped studios from trying if they think an ad has a strong enough premise. Here are seven commercials that became something much more before “Uncle Drew.”
“Cavemen”: Probably one of the most infamous examples of commercials becoming a TV show. “Cavemen” was based off a series of Geico ads about modern-world cavemen insulted by the insurance company’s slogan “So easy a caveman could do it.”
The commercial’s creator, Joe Lawson, turned it into a sitcom in 2007 that aired on ABC, and it is...
“Cavemen”: Probably one of the most infamous examples of commercials becoming a TV show. “Cavemen” was based off a series of Geico ads about modern-world cavemen insulted by the insurance company’s slogan “So easy a caveman could do it.”
The commercial’s creator, Joe Lawson, turned it into a sitcom in 2007 that aired on ABC, and it is...
- 6/27/2018
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
The track record of movies inspired by songs is not great, since taking an entertaining three-minute story and stretching it out to feature length usually results in renewed appreciation for the tuneful tightness of pop music. The song always wins, and that goes for “White Christmas,” “Alice’s Restaurant,” and especially the mid-70s novelty boom that gave us “Convoy” and “Harper Valley PTA.” But a case could be made that MercyMe’s 2001 hit “I Can Only Imagine,” the biggest-selling contemporary Christian song of all time, was ripe for narrative expansion, in that songwriter Bart Millard’s soaring worship ballad established a base...
- 3/16/2018
- by Robert Abele
- The Wrap
The United States is “my country, right or wrong,” of course, and I consider myself a patriotic person, but I’ve never felt that patriotism meant blind fealty to the idea of America’s rightful dominance over global politics or culture, and certainly not to its alleged preferred status on God’s short list of favored nations, or that allegiance to said country was a license to justify or rationalize every instance of misguided, foolish, narrow-minded domestic or foreign policy.
In 2012, when this piece was first posted, it seemed like a good moment to throw the country’s history and contradictions into some sort of quick relief, and the most expedient way of doing that for me was to look at the way the United States (and the philosophies at its core) were reflected in the movies, and not just the ones which approached the country head-on as a subject.
In 2012, when this piece was first posted, it seemed like a good moment to throw the country’s history and contradictions into some sort of quick relief, and the most expedient way of doing that for me was to look at the way the United States (and the philosophies at its core) were reflected in the movies, and not just the ones which approached the country head-on as a subject.
- 7/2/2017
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
(This is the first in an occasional series in which I remember some of the best double features I’ve been lucky enough to see projected in a theater.)
The New Beverly Cinema, the oldest surviving revival theater in Los Angeles, has this week dished up a time-capsule glimpse into America’s popular obsession with Cb, or citizen’s band, radio and the largely mythological outlaw trucker culture through which it crackled. If you’re of a certain age (mine), and you ever cruised around town or down the highway jabbering to friends and strangers on an open channel frequency (I did—my handle was The Godfather!), given the opportunity I don’t see how you could possibly resist the chance to see the ultimate trucker-cb action-comedy pairing, Hal Needham’s Smokey and the Bandit and Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy. (I couldn’t!) As of this writing, the morning of...
The New Beverly Cinema, the oldest surviving revival theater in Los Angeles, has this week dished up a time-capsule glimpse into America’s popular obsession with Cb, or citizen’s band, radio and the largely mythological outlaw trucker culture through which it crackled. If you’re of a certain age (mine), and you ever cruised around town or down the highway jabbering to friends and strangers on an open channel frequency (I did—my handle was The Godfather!), given the opportunity I don’t see how you could possibly resist the chance to see the ultimate trucker-cb action-comedy pairing, Hal Needham’s Smokey and the Bandit and Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy. (I couldn’t!) As of this writing, the morning of...
- 3/12/2016
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
'Affliction' movie: Nick Nolte as the troubled police officer Wade Whitehouse. 'Affliction' movie: Great-looking psychological drama fails to coalesce Set in a snowy New Hampshire town, Affliction could have been an excellent depiction of a dysfunctional family's cycle of violence and how that is accentuated by rapid, destabilizing socioeconomic changes. Unfortunately, writer-director Paul Schrader's 1998 film doesn't quite reach such heights.* Based on a novel by Russell Banks (who also penned the equally snowy The Sweet Hereafter), Schrader's Affliction relies on a realistic wintry atmosphere (courtesy of cinematographer Paul Sarossy) to convey the deadness inside the story's protagonist, the middle-aged small-town sheriff Wade Whitehouse (Nick Nolte). The angst-ridden Wade is intent on not ending up like his abusive, alcoholic father, Glen (James Coburn), while inexorably sliding down that very path. Making matters more complicated, Wade must come to terms with the fact that his ex-wife, Lillian (Mary Beth Hurt), will never return to him,...
- 8/25/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Above: Jerzy Flisak’s 1972 poster for The Ballad of Cable Hogue (Sam Peckinpah, USA, 1970)To coincide with the complete retrospective of the films of Sam Peckinpah currently running at the Locarno Film Festival, I thought I might try to select the best posters of one of my favorite directors. But when I looked at all the posters for Peckinpah’s films it was clear that the best Peckinpah posters were made in Poland. There are a couple of great American one sheets from the 1970s—those stark black and white photographs for Straw Dogs and The Getaway—but nothing quite matches these six Polish designs for visual panache. Jerzy Flisak’s typically witty and playful poster for the most light-hearted of Peckinpah Westerns, The Ballad of Cable Hogue, is one of Flisak’s greatest designs and one that beautifully encapsulates the story of an old prospector exploiting a well in the Arizona desert.
- 8/9/2015
- by Adrian Curry
- MUBI
Hong Sang-soo's Right Now, Wrong Then.The lineup for the 2015 festival has been revealed, including new films by Hong Sang-soo, Andrzej Zulawski, Chantal Akerman, Athina Rachel Tsangari, and others, alongside retrospectives and tributes dedicated to Sam Peckinpah, Michael Cimino, Bulle Ogier, and much more.Piazza GRANDERicki and the Flash (Jonathan Demme, USA)La belle saison (Catherine Corsini, France)Le dernier passage (Pascal Magontier, France)Der staat gegen Fritz Bauer (Lars Kraume, Germany)Southpaw (Antoine Fuqua, USA)Trainwreck (Judd Apatow, USA)Jack (Elisabeth Scharang, Austria)Floride (Philippe Le Guay, France)The Deer Hunter (Michael Cimino, UK/USA)Erlkönig (Georges Schwizgebel, Switzerland)Guibord s'en va-t-en guerre (Philippe Falardeau, Canada)Bombay Velvet (Anurag Kashyap, India)Pastorale cilentana (Mario Martone, Italy)La vanite (Lionel Baier, Switzerland/France)The Laundryman (Lee Chung, Taiwan)Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, USA) I pugni ni tasca (Marco Bellocchio, Italy)Heliopolis (Sérgio Machado, Brazil)Amnesia (Barbet Schroeder,...
- 7/20/2015
- by Notebook
- MUBI
I interviewed James Coburn in late 1998 for the cover story of the February 1999 issue of Venice Magazine. I had grown up watching Coburn on the late show, but also seeing him on the big screen, first-run. Meeting him was a thrill as he entered the living room of his manager, the late Hilly Elkins', home in Beverly Hills. Coburn was elegant, charming and had the grace of a cat. The only thing that revealed the health problems that had nearly done him in were his gnarled hands, the result of severe arthritis. We spoke about his role in Paul Schrader's newest film, "Affliction," which would earn him a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award. Later, as I walked Coburn to his Acura Nsx sport coupe, he bid me a warm farewell.
Several months later, I encountered him again at The Independent Spirit Awards, in Santa Monica. I went up...
Several months later, I encountered him again at The Independent Spirit Awards, in Santa Monica. I went up...
- 7/15/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
The United States is “my country, right or wrong,” of course, and I consider myself a patriotic person, but I’ve never felt that patriotism meant blind fealty to the idea of America’s rightful dominance over global politics or culture, and certainly not to its alleged preferred status on God’s short list of favored nations, or that allegiance to said country was a license to justify or rationalize every instance of misguided, foolish, narrow-minded domestic or foreign policy.
And now more than ever we seem to be living in a country poised at the edge of some sort of transition, with all the attendant tension and conflict and intense conviction that can be expected on either side of the chasm that prevents us from a true state of national togetherness. Just last week we celebrated a Supreme Court decision that finally offered legality (and legal protection) to the...
And now more than ever we seem to be living in a country poised at the edge of some sort of transition, with all the attendant tension and conflict and intense conviction that can be expected on either side of the chasm that prevents us from a true state of national togetherness. Just last week we celebrated a Supreme Court decision that finally offered legality (and legal protection) to the...
- 7/2/2015
- by Dennis Cozzalio
- Trailers from Hell
★★★☆☆
Based on the popular song of the same name by C. W. McCall (yes, really), Hollywood hell-raiser Sam Peckinpah's Convoy (1978) gets an unexpected DVD and Blu-ray rerelease this week through StudioCanal, presumably opening up this kitsch cult truck-a-long to a slightly wider - and younger - demographic. Starring Kris Kristofferson as the ridiculously monikered Martin 'Rubber Duck' Penwald, Ali MacGraw as his 'girl', Melissa, and the late Ernest Borgnine as pantomime villain Sheriff Lyle 'Cottonmouth' Wallace, there's more than a dusting of camp kudos to this throwaway guilty pleasure.
As foreshadowed in McCall's seventies pop hit, Convoy follows an enormous, snaking congregation of dust-raising truckers as they heads for the State line following a diner brawl with the dastardly Sheriff Lyle and his posse of slimy cronies. Led by legendary road warrior 'Rubber Duck' (a particularly blue-eyed Kristofferson), this vast mobile army gather together in protest against local police corruption and trucker persecution,...
Based on the popular song of the same name by C. W. McCall (yes, really), Hollywood hell-raiser Sam Peckinpah's Convoy (1978) gets an unexpected DVD and Blu-ray rerelease this week through StudioCanal, presumably opening up this kitsch cult truck-a-long to a slightly wider - and younger - demographic. Starring Kris Kristofferson as the ridiculously monikered Martin 'Rubber Duck' Penwald, Ali MacGraw as his 'girl', Melissa, and the late Ernest Borgnine as pantomime villain Sheriff Lyle 'Cottonmouth' Wallace, there's more than a dusting of camp kudos to this throwaway guilty pleasure.
As foreshadowed in McCall's seventies pop hit, Convoy follows an enormous, snaking congregation of dust-raising truckers as they heads for the State line following a diner brawl with the dastardly Sheriff Lyle and his posse of slimy cronies. Led by legendary road warrior 'Rubber Duck' (a particularly blue-eyed Kristofferson), this vast mobile army gather together in protest against local police corruption and trucker persecution,...
- 10/1/2013
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
To mark the digitally restored version of the 35 year old classic movie Convoy on DVD and Blu-ray, we’ve been given three copies to give away on Blu-ray! “Looks like we got ourselves a convoy!”
A mighty convoy of dust-raising trucks heads for a State line in South-West America, led by legendary trucker Martin Penwald, Aka “Rubber Duck” (Kris Kristofferson), who has gathered a vast army together in protest against police corruption and shady politicking. Inspired by C.W. McCall’s hit song of the same name and brilliantly scripted by Bill L. Norton this iconic American film is a pulsating, action-packed tale about freedom and the war of independence being waged on the American highways.
From maverick American director Sam Peckinpah (Cross Of Iron, Straw Dogs, The Wild Bunch) Convoy has been fully restored to celebrate its 35th anniversary release and is now available for the first time uncut and on blu-ray.
A mighty convoy of dust-raising trucks heads for a State line in South-West America, led by legendary trucker Martin Penwald, Aka “Rubber Duck” (Kris Kristofferson), who has gathered a vast army together in protest against police corruption and shady politicking. Inspired by C.W. McCall’s hit song of the same name and brilliantly scripted by Bill L. Norton this iconic American film is a pulsating, action-packed tale about freedom and the war of independence being waged on the American highways.
From maverick American director Sam Peckinpah (Cross Of Iron, Straw Dogs, The Wild Bunch) Convoy has been fully restored to celebrate its 35th anniversary release and is now available for the first time uncut and on blu-ray.
- 9/13/2013
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Bizarrely based on the 1975 country and western song of the same name, Convoy (1978) is late period Peckinpah and not his finest work by any stretch. This rambling tale of Cb radio-toting truckers and corrupt lawmen in New Mexico still bears the unmistakable hallmarks of a Sam Peckinpah film, though, despite significant on-set difficulties (due to the director's multi-substance abuse) and a tamer subject matter than most of his canon. Put aside your preconceptions and it's an enjoyably daft, if slight, romp for anyone that found Smokey and the Bandit just a little too chirpy. Kristofferson is highly watchable as 'Rubber Duck' and Magraw does her thing as well as you'd expect (or indeed, not expect). There's a hugely entertaining turn from Ernest Borgnine as corrupt sheriff Lyle 'Cottonmouth'...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 9/4/2013
- Screen Anarchy
Even though Destroy the Brain is based out of St. Louis and we love to share with our local readers what’s going on around town, we also know that some of you don’t live in the “Gateway to the West.” As a result we do tend to cover horror and cult events outside of our hometown as well. And this time, boy do we have a not to miss event if you can make it to the “Windy City.” The weekend of March 8th and the 9th is a big one for genre fans living in Chicago. If you tend to go on long movie binges without any sleep then you may want to check out the massive Sci-Fi Spectacular going on March 9th. The mega movie marathon is happening all day at the Portage Theater and will include screenings of Matinee, Soylent Green, In The Mouth of Madness,...
- 2/27/2013
- by Michael Haffner
- Destroy the Brain
Stocky supporting actor who won an Oscar when he was cast against type as a lonely butcher in Marty
With his coarsely podgy features, bug eyes, gap-toothed grin and stocky build, Ernest Borgnine, who has died aged 95 of renal failure, seemed destined to remain one of nature's supporting actors in a string of sadistic and menacing parts. Instead he won an Oscar for a role which was the antithesis of all his previous characters.
In 1955, the producer Harold Hecht wanted to transfer Paddy Chayefsky's teleplay Marty to the big screen, with Rod Steiger in the title role, which he had created. But Steiger was filming Oklahoma! so was unavailable. Borgnine was offered the role after a female guest at a Hollywood reception quite disinterestedly remarked to Hecht that, ugly as he was, Borgnine possessed an oddly tender quality which made her yearn to mother him. "That," Hecht said later,...
With his coarsely podgy features, bug eyes, gap-toothed grin and stocky build, Ernest Borgnine, who has died aged 95 of renal failure, seemed destined to remain one of nature's supporting actors in a string of sadistic and menacing parts. Instead he won an Oscar for a role which was the antithesis of all his previous characters.
In 1955, the producer Harold Hecht wanted to transfer Paddy Chayefsky's teleplay Marty to the big screen, with Rod Steiger in the title role, which he had created. But Steiger was filming Oklahoma! so was unavailable. Borgnine was offered the role after a female guest at a Hollywood reception quite disinterestedly remarked to Hecht that, ugly as he was, Borgnine possessed an oddly tender quality which made her yearn to mother him. "That," Hecht said later,...
- 7/9/2012
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Ernest Borgnine has died at the age of 95. We look back over his career in clips
Borgnine's first screen credit was, somewhat improbably, as a Chinese gambling-den operator called Hu Chang in a studio thriller called China Corsair. After more bit parts as racketeers, heavies and gun-toting villains, Borgnine put himself on the map with the memorably-named nasty Fatso Judson in From Here to Eternity. The aggressive, loutish Judson, quick with a switchblade, is the guard sergeant in the stockade, where he eventually does for the mercurial Angelo Maggio (played by Frank Sinatra).
Borgnine progressed to a string of more visible henchman roles – in Johnny Guitar, Vera Cruz, The Bounty Hunter – but probably his best from this period is another fight-picking bruiser from Bad Day at Black Rock – "I'm half horse, half alligator. You mess with me and I'll kick a lung outta' ya'."
Bad Day at Black Rock was...
Borgnine's first screen credit was, somewhat improbably, as a Chinese gambling-den operator called Hu Chang in a studio thriller called China Corsair. After more bit parts as racketeers, heavies and gun-toting villains, Borgnine put himself on the map with the memorably-named nasty Fatso Judson in From Here to Eternity. The aggressive, loutish Judson, quick with a switchblade, is the guard sergeant in the stockade, where he eventually does for the mercurial Angelo Maggio (played by Frank Sinatra).
Borgnine progressed to a string of more visible henchman roles – in Johnny Guitar, Vera Cruz, The Bounty Hunter – but probably his best from this period is another fight-picking bruiser from Bad Day at Black Rock – "I'm half horse, half alligator. You mess with me and I'll kick a lung outta' ya'."
Bad Day at Black Rock was...
- 7/9/2012
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Legendary film and television actor Ernest Borgnine has died this afternoon from kidney failure, he was 95. His wife, Tova, and children were at his side at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles reports CNN.
After serving in the U.S. Navy in the Second World War, the gap-toothed Borgnine made the move into television and then film, forging out a six decade long career as a widely liked and respected character actor.
His first big break was the role of the cruel Sgt. 'Fatso' Judson in 1953's "From Here to Eternity" along with a few villain roles in films like "Vera Cruz" and "Bad Day at Black Rock". In 1955 though came "Marty" in which he played a lovelorn butcher, a performance that won him the Best Actor Oscar over the likes of James Cagney, James Dean, Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy.
He worked with filmmaker Sam Peckinpah on both the...
After serving in the U.S. Navy in the Second World War, the gap-toothed Borgnine made the move into television and then film, forging out a six decade long career as a widely liked and respected character actor.
His first big break was the role of the cruel Sgt. 'Fatso' Judson in 1953's "From Here to Eternity" along with a few villain roles in films like "Vera Cruz" and "Bad Day at Black Rock". In 1955 though came "Marty" in which he played a lovelorn butcher, a performance that won him the Best Actor Oscar over the likes of James Cagney, James Dean, Frank Sinatra and Spencer Tracy.
He worked with filmmaker Sam Peckinpah on both the...
- 7/9/2012
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
"They're all following you." "No they ain't. I'm just in front." Convoy looks like something a longtime heavy smoker might cough up on a particularly bad morning. Reportedly, Sam Peckinpah was at a low point, suffering from the effects of alcoholism and drug abuse, and could barely function as a filmmaker. Friends stepped in to help out; James Coburn is credited as one of the second unit directors, and according to David Weddle's 1994 book If They Move...Kill 'Em!, he shot much of the film while Peckinpah remained in his on-location trailer. Debatably, then, the final product may be viewed more as a pastiche than the singular work of a genuine auteur. Yet, even though Convoy fails to congeal into a satisfying whole, individual...
- 6/25/2012
- Screen Anarchy
Of the two biggest franchise-launchers of 1977, one involved a pair of rebellious outlaws with a shaggy sidekick, a runaway heroine, a Mutt-and-Jeff pair of tall-short comic relief characters, epic-length chases, spectacular stunts, and endless vehicular mayhem. The other was "Star Wars." Yep, we're talkin' "Smokey and the Bandit," which opened 35 years ago this week (on May 27, 1977) and wound up grossing more money than any movie that year except for George Lucas' interstellar road adventure. It also launched a truckload of sequels on film and TV, gave Burt Reynolds his most iconic role, helped make movie stars out of country guitarist Jerry Reed and TV sitcom starlet Sally Field, provided a career comeback for Jackie Gleason, and sent Pontiac Trans Am sales soaring. Still, as popular as Reynolds and his muscle car were, there's plenty about "Smokey and the Bandit" that you may not know. Read on to learn Bandit's real name,...
- 5/28/2012
- by Gary Susman
- Moviefone
We know they can sing, but can they act? With Dolly Parton’s return to the big screen in “Joyful Noise,” NextMovie was inspired to take a look at some of country music’s biggest stars who’ve transferred their talents from the recording studio to the screen.
They may be the toast of the town in Nashville, but do they make the grade in Hollywood? These nine crooner-thespians have had varying degrees of success, from “um, you should probably keep your day job” to starring roles that garner great reviews.
9. Faith Hill
In real life, this country queen is married to Nashville superstar Tim McGraw, and her one turn on the big screen was also as a wife -- one of the Stepford Wives -- in the 2004 film that costarred Nicole Kidman, Glenn Close and Bette Midler.
Hill’s infamous scene as the brainwashed Sarah Sunderson involves her having loud,...
They may be the toast of the town in Nashville, but do they make the grade in Hollywood? These nine crooner-thespians have had varying degrees of success, from “um, you should probably keep your day job” to starring roles that garner great reviews.
9. Faith Hill
In real life, this country queen is married to Nashville superstar Tim McGraw, and her one turn on the big screen was also as a wife -- one of the Stepford Wives -- in the 2004 film that costarred Nicole Kidman, Glenn Close and Bette Midler.
Hill’s infamous scene as the brainwashed Sarah Sunderson involves her having loud,...
- 1/10/2012
- by Hillary Atkin
- NextMovie
This article originally ran here at We Are Movie Geeks in October 2009. I’m re-posting it to help promote Super-8 Lee Marvin Movie Madness September 6th at The Way Out Club here in St. Louis.
Only in the 1970.s could Hollywood have turned its attention to the subject of racism in the deep south and come up with something so jaw-dropping in it.s political incorrectness as The Klansman. On the surface the 1974 film is a serious depiction of the bigotry and the racial confrontations that tear apart an Alabama town in the 1960.s, but watching it today The Klansman comes off at times serious, laughable, meanspirited, sleazy, and racist. I.m sure the movie wasn’t meant to be racist, but it is filled with characters mouthing so many racist beliefs and committing so many racist crimes that the movie seems to gloat gleefully in its outrageous depiction of bigotry and delivers one ham-fisted,...
Only in the 1970.s could Hollywood have turned its attention to the subject of racism in the deep south and come up with something so jaw-dropping in it.s political incorrectness as The Klansman. On the surface the 1974 film is a serious depiction of the bigotry and the racial confrontations that tear apart an Alabama town in the 1960.s, but watching it today The Klansman comes off at times serious, laughable, meanspirited, sleazy, and racist. I.m sure the movie wasn’t meant to be racist, but it is filled with characters mouthing so many racist beliefs and committing so many racist crimes that the movie seems to gloat gleefully in its outrageous depiction of bigotry and delivers one ham-fisted,...
- 8/23/2011
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Is there a Peckinpahlooza breaking out in Hollywood? EW has confirmed reports that Warner Bros. is in talks with Tony Scott (Top Gun, Unstoppable) to direct a remake of The Wild Bunch, the notoriously bloody and totally classic 1969 Western about aging outlaws originally helmed by the legendary Sam Peckinpah. News of the re-do comes as Screen Gems prepares to release the James Marsden/Kate Bosworth thriller Straw Dogs, another remake of an equally controversial Peckinpah flick starring Dustin Hoffman and Susan George. Peckinpah’s filmography is peppered with pulpy cult classics beloved by cineastes and geeks, including The Osterman Weekend,...
- 8/19/2011
- by Jeff Jensen
- EW - Inside Movies
The biggest news in movie posters this past week seems to have been the release of the striking series of Saul Bass-inspired duo-chrome posters for the Alamo Drafthouse’s 2010 Rolling Roadshow series. As readers of this column will know, the Alamo Drafthouse in Austin, TX has in recent years become the patron saint of movie poster design, commissioning insanely talented illustrators to design new posters for retro screenings. With the Rolling Roadshow, they take their show on the road, screening films in the places they were shot, starting with Jackie Brown in the shadow of Lax (not the Del Amo Fashion Mall in Torrance as originally planned), and ending on a rooftop near Little Italy, NYC, with The Godfather Part II.
The 2010 posters were all designed by Olly Moss, a young British designer/illustrator with top-notch skills and heaps of wit. Check out the tire treads on his poster for Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy,...
The 2010 posters were all designed by Olly Moss, a young British designer/illustrator with top-notch skills and heaps of wit. Check out the tire treads on his poster for Sam Peckinpah’s Convoy,...
- 8/6/2010
- MUBI
Attention outdoor film screening enthusiasts! The Alamo Drafthouse and Levi's announced their 2010 Rolling Roadhouse tour today. The Roadshow is a nationwide tour of free outdoor 35mm screenings that pairs cinephile's favorite films with the famous locations in which they were shot or set.
This year's theme, “We Are All Workers,” salutes cinema's greatest workers across all genres -including films like "There Will be Blood," "RoboCop," "The Blues Brothers," "Dirty Harry," "Jackie Brown," and "Rocky."
"These films are some of our most beloved cinematic treasures and the screenings themselves are large-scale parties at the very sites which symbolize what makes them so great,” said Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse CEO in a statement. “The Rolling Roadshow is an extension of our unique programming philosophy at the Alamo Drafthouse, which continually seeks to find creative ways to celebrate our love of film.”
See the full Rolling Roadhouse line-up after the jump.
· August 6 – Jackie Brown in Los Angeles,...
This year's theme, “We Are All Workers,” salutes cinema's greatest workers across all genres -including films like "There Will be Blood," "RoboCop," "The Blues Brothers," "Dirty Harry," "Jackie Brown," and "Rocky."
"These films are some of our most beloved cinematic treasures and the screenings themselves are large-scale parties at the very sites which symbolize what makes them so great,” said Tim League, Alamo Drafthouse CEO in a statement. “The Rolling Roadshow is an extension of our unique programming philosophy at the Alamo Drafthouse, which continually seeks to find creative ways to celebrate our love of film.”
See the full Rolling Roadhouse line-up after the jump.
· August 6 – Jackie Brown in Los Angeles,...
- 7/14/2010
- by Kara Warner
- MTV Movies Blog
'I know that's ambitious,' writer/director says of working on his hockey-themed 'Hit Somebody.'
By Larry Carroll, with reporting by Anya Zadrozny
Kevin Smith
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
As we chronicled earlier this week, Kevin Smith is going through a time of transition on two fronts: establishing himself as a non-writing director and pulling back his media presence, which makes some recent comments on his next directorial effort all the more intriguing.
After he opens "Cop Out" on Friday, the groundbreaking indie-filmmaking legend has plans to once again work with someone else's material — quite a departure from his self-referential classics like "Clerks" and "Chasing Amy." Although Smith has spoken sparingly with the media over the last several weeks, our compatriots at MTV Radio recently got the filmmaker to spill some details on his Seann William Scott vehicle "Hit Somebody," a movie we first broke the news on a few months ago.
By Larry Carroll, with reporting by Anya Zadrozny
Kevin Smith
Photo: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images
As we chronicled earlier this week, Kevin Smith is going through a time of transition on two fronts: establishing himself as a non-writing director and pulling back his media presence, which makes some recent comments on his next directorial effort all the more intriguing.
After he opens "Cop Out" on Friday, the groundbreaking indie-filmmaking legend has plans to once again work with someone else's material — quite a departure from his self-referential classics like "Clerks" and "Chasing Amy." Although Smith has spoken sparingly with the media over the last several weeks, our compatriots at MTV Radio recently got the filmmaker to spill some details on his Seann William Scott vehicle "Hit Somebody," a movie we first broke the news on a few months ago.
- 2/25/2010
- MTV Movie News
Kevin Smith has revealed that he is planning to write a screenplay inspired by a song. The Cop Out director told WENN that he is working on a script based on the late rocker Warrne Zevon's track 'Hit Somebody', composed by writer Mitch Albom, which is about an ice hockey star with a penchant for fighting. The single was released in 2002, less than 12 months before Zevon died, aged 56, after losing his battle with cancer. Lifelong hockey fan Smith said he would both write and direct the project, which is expected in 2011. He said: "I never would've gotten my head around adapting a song particularly because it's never really worked out; I mean look at Convoy [a Kris Kristofferson movie based on a Paul Brandt (more)...
- 2/23/2010
- by By Oli Simpson
- Digital Spy
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