There wasn't a more capable director of massive, widescreen Westerns working in Hollywood during the 1950s and '60s than John Sturges. Whether classical ("Gunfight at the O.K. Corral") or somewhat unconventional ("Bad Day at Black Rock"), Sturges could frame a mountainous expanse or stage a gunfight with the best of them. He thrived when working with big casts and specialized in discovering stirring nuances in characters that would've been walking cliches in more typical genre flicks.
Sturges was also efficient, which came in handy when managing expensive studio productions populated with big egos. His biggest challenge in this department might've been "The Magnificent Seven," the 1960 remake of Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece "Seven Samurai." Yul Brynner, then a hugely popular movie star (largely on the strength of his Academy Award-winning performance in "The King and I" and his portrayal of Ramses in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments"), controlled...
Sturges was also efficient, which came in handy when managing expensive studio productions populated with big egos. His biggest challenge in this department might've been "The Magnificent Seven," the 1960 remake of Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece "Seven Samurai." Yul Brynner, then a hugely popular movie star (largely on the strength of his Academy Award-winning performance in "The King and I" and his portrayal of Ramses in Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments"), controlled...
- 4/28/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Editors note: This is one of those moments when the flow of news seems like an assault on the senses. The Donald trump trial, the student protests, Gaza, the election campaigning — will our trust in the media survive these traumas? Can our pop culture assimilate them? Peter Bart, based on the West Coast, and Ted Johnson, Deadline’s political and media editor in Washington DC, lend their perspectives to these questions.
Ted Johnson: The Trump trial augurs badly for the public paying attention to balanced, in-depth coverage. This is, after all, the first time that a former President has faced a criminal trial and I fear the takeaway will be — well, exhaustion.
With cameras barred, the TV networks are trying to achieve a sort of blanket coverage, with scrolls delivering legal analyses occasionally interrupted by Trump’s bursts of hallway rhetoric. Saturday’s White House Correspondents Dinner will be...
Ted Johnson: The Trump trial augurs badly for the public paying attention to balanced, in-depth coverage. This is, after all, the first time that a former President has faced a criminal trial and I fear the takeaway will be — well, exhaustion.
With cameras barred, the TV networks are trying to achieve a sort of blanket coverage, with scrolls delivering legal analyses occasionally interrupted by Trump’s bursts of hallway rhetoric. Saturday’s White House Correspondents Dinner will be...
- 4/26/2024
- by Peter Bart and Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
British actor Henry Cavill has arrayed a wide range of roles in his screen career, but to the average moviegoer, he is probably best known as the most recent Superman in the four DC Comics films under the tutelage of Zack Synder. Despite his obvious physical strengths, Cavill’s performances in the dual roles of Clark Kent and the “Man of Steel” are considered by many to be more character-based than in other editions that reflects his priorities as an actor.
In fact, Cavill has taken on a number of other iconic characters in his career, from Sherlock Holmes in two “Enola Holmes” films, superspy Napoleon Solo in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and even the mythological Theseus in “Immortals.” And while he usually portrays heroes, he’s not afraid of being a bad guy now and then, most notably as Tom Cruise’s nemesis in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.”
Now...
In fact, Cavill has taken on a number of other iconic characters in his career, from Sherlock Holmes in two “Enola Holmes” films, superspy Napoleon Solo in “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and even the mythological Theseus in “Immortals.” And while he usually portrays heroes, he’s not afraid of being a bad guy now and then, most notably as Tom Cruise’s nemesis in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout.”
Now...
- 2/26/2024
- by Tom O'Brien, Misty Holland and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
English filmmaker Matthew Vaughn has long consolidated himself as one of the top spy/action genre filmmakers in modern Hollywood. His love for the genre has seen him direct several box-office hits throughout his career. Born Matthew Allard Robert Vaughn in Paddington, London, England, on March 7, 1971, Vaughn has worked as a filmmaker for two decades, with eight films to his credit as a director. Besides releasing two feature films in consecutive years, in 2010 and 2011, Matthew Vaughn has a reputation for working on and releasing his films every three years. Vaughn’s latest feature film is the 2024 spy...
- 2/6/2024
- by Onyinye Izundu
- TVovermind.com
Steve McQueen is a name so cool that two famous people have to share it: the American actor and action film icon known for films like “The Great Escape” and “Bullitt” before he died in 1980, and the Oscar-winning British film director behind acclaimed dramas like “12 Years a Slave,” “Hunger,” and “Small Axe.” Now, McQueen the director has revealed that McQueen the actor was part of his formative filmgoing experiences.
In an interview with The Messenger to promote his documentary “Occupied City,” McQueen was asked about his favorite film starring the actor who shares his name. Although McQueen initially hesitated to share, he eventually revealed his favorite to be “The Magnificent Seven.” A western remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic “Seven Samurai” from director John Sturges, the 1960 film focuses on a group of seven American gunslingers hired to protect a Mexican village from terrorizing bandits. McQueen played drifting gambler Vin in the film,...
In an interview with The Messenger to promote his documentary “Occupied City,” McQueen was asked about his favorite film starring the actor who shares his name. Although McQueen initially hesitated to share, he eventually revealed his favorite to be “The Magnificent Seven.” A western remake of Akira Kurosawa’s classic “Seven Samurai” from director John Sturges, the 1960 film focuses on a group of seven American gunslingers hired to protect a Mexican village from terrorizing bandits. McQueen played drifting gambler Vin in the film,...
- 12/29/2023
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
Obliterated is a high-octane action comedy series created by Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald. The Netflix series revolves around an elite team from various branches of the US armed forces in order to stop a terrorist attack that could wipe out Las Vegas. When the team thinks that they have completed their mission, they spend their night celebrating with lots of alcohol and drugs but disaster strikes when they find out that the threat is still active and they only have a day to save Vegas. In the haze of alcohol and drugs, the team gathers and goes on a mission to save Sin City. Obliterated stars Nick Zano, Shelley Henning, Terrence Terrell, and Alyson Gorske. So, if you loved Obliterated here are some similar shows you could watch next.
Archer (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX
Synopsis: The suave, confident and devastatingly handsome Sterling Archer may...
Archer (Hulu & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – FX
Synopsis: The suave, confident and devastatingly handsome Sterling Archer may...
- 11/30/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Exclusive: The first call Stephen Garrett made after acquiring the rights to suspense-fuelled book Culprits: The Heist Was Just the Beginning was to writer and director J Blakeson, who he hailed as “the real deal.”
Blakeson “has seen every crime movie and thriller. You can’t catch him out really,” Garrett pronounced sagely. He was ideal, then, to write and direct the TV adaptation of the multi-layered, heart-stopping anthology, edited by Richard Brewer and Gary Phillips.
The result is Culprits, an eight-part thriller starring Nathan Stewart-Jarrett in a career-changing role, and Gemma Arterton, about the maelstrom that swirls after a gang of ruthless thieves pull off an ingenious heist.
Disney+ streams Culprits in the UK and Ireland on November 8 and in the U.S. on December 8 on Hulu. Garrett is executive producer, as are showrunner, writer and director Blakeson, and Johanna Devereaux. It’s produced by Morenike Williams.
The two men had met 14 years ago,...
Blakeson “has seen every crime movie and thriller. You can’t catch him out really,” Garrett pronounced sagely. He was ideal, then, to write and direct the TV adaptation of the multi-layered, heart-stopping anthology, edited by Richard Brewer and Gary Phillips.
The result is Culprits, an eight-part thriller starring Nathan Stewart-Jarrett in a career-changing role, and Gemma Arterton, about the maelstrom that swirls after a gang of ruthless thieves pull off an ingenious heist.
Disney+ streams Culprits in the UK and Ireland on November 8 and in the U.S. on December 8 on Hulu. Garrett is executive producer, as are showrunner, writer and director Blakeson, and Johanna Devereaux. It’s produced by Morenike Williams.
The two men had met 14 years ago,...
- 11/3/2023
- by Baz Bamigboye
- Deadline Film + TV
Freelance is an action comedy film directed by Pierre Morel, from a screenplay by Jacob Lentz. The film revolves around Mason Pettits, a retired Special Forces operator who takes on the job of providing protection to Claire Wellington as she interviews the president of Paldonia Juan Venegas. But things go awry when a military coup breaks out in the middle of the interview and all three of them have to run for their lives. Freelance stars John Cena and Alison Brie in the lead roles with Juan Pablo Raba, Christian Slater, and Alice Eve starring in leading roles. So, if you love the action comedy film here are some similar movies you could watch next.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lionsgate
Synopsis: The world’s top protection agent [Ryan Reynolds] is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen [nm0000168 autoSamuel L.
The Hitman’s Bodyguard (Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Lionsgate
Synopsis: The world’s top protection agent [Ryan Reynolds] is called upon to guard the life of his mortal enemy, one of the world’s most notorious hitmen [nm0000168 autoSamuel L.
- 10/27/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
1957 was a big year for David McCallum, the respected Glasgow-born actor known for “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Great Escape” and his 20-year run on “NCIS” as quirky pathologist Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard.
From the Oct. 23, 1957, edition of weekly Variety
The actor, who died Sept. 25 at the age of 90, logged six mentions in Variety that year, starting with a review in the March 20 edition of weekly that listed him in the cast of the British “crime meller” (aka crime melodrama) “The Secret Place.” From then on, McCallum was a staple in our pages, boarding movies, TV shows and legit stages in the U.S. and U.K. He never stopped working.
Wedding announcement for David McCallum and Jill Ireland from the May 22, 1957, edition of weekly Variety
1957 was also the year McCallum married actor Jill Ireland in London, an event commemorated with a wedding announcement in the May 22, 1957, edition of weekly.
From the Oct. 23, 1957, edition of weekly Variety
The actor, who died Sept. 25 at the age of 90, logged six mentions in Variety that year, starting with a review in the March 20 edition of weekly that listed him in the cast of the British “crime meller” (aka crime melodrama) “The Secret Place.” From then on, McCallum was a staple in our pages, boarding movies, TV shows and legit stages in the U.S. and U.K. He never stopped working.
Wedding announcement for David McCallum and Jill Ireland from the May 22, 1957, edition of weekly Variety
1957 was also the year McCallum married actor Jill Ireland in London, an event commemorated with a wedding announcement in the May 22, 1957, edition of weekly.
- 9/29/2023
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Scottish actor David McCallum, known for his role as a secret agent in the 1960s spy drama ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E.’ has passed away at the age of 90.
The actor is said to have peacefully departed this morning due to natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, with family members by his side. The previously scheduled 20th anniversary NCIS marathon will now feature an ‘In Memoriam’ card in his honour.
The Glasgow-born McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ ‘NCIS’ portraying the eccentric but efficient Chief Medical Examiner Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard.
One tribute came in via social media from the NCIS account “We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humour that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto,”
“David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world,” the NCIS tribute said.
Also in news – Martin Scorsese, Emerald Fennell,...
The actor is said to have peacefully departed this morning due to natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, with family members by his side. The previously scheduled 20th anniversary NCIS marathon will now feature an ‘In Memoriam’ card in his honour.
The Glasgow-born McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ ‘NCIS’ portraying the eccentric but efficient Chief Medical Examiner Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard.
One tribute came in via social media from the NCIS account “We will miss his warmth and endearing sense of humour that lit up any room or soundstage he stepped onto,”
“David was a gifted actor and author, and beloved by many around the world,” the NCIS tribute said.
Also in news – Martin Scorsese, Emerald Fennell,...
- 9/26/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
David McCallum, who rose to fame in the 1960s spy series The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and then won a whole new audience as pathologist Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on long-running US drama NCIS has died. He was 90.
David Keith McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1933. With both parents as musicians, he originally followed in their footsteps pursued a career in music, training on the oboe and studying for a time at the Royal Academy of Music, though he soon left and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After Rada he started performing with repertory theater companies.
He'd already been acting since the age of 12, however, as part of the BBC radio repertory company. McCallum made his screen debut in 1953 on the Beeb's fantasy series The Rose And The Ring.
His big screen career included the likes of The Great Escape, Robbery Under Arms, The Greatest Story Ever Told,...
David Keith McCallum was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1933. With both parents as musicians, he originally followed in their footsteps pursued a career in music, training on the oboe and studying for a time at the Royal Academy of Music, though he soon left and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After Rada he started performing with repertory theater companies.
He'd already been acting since the age of 12, however, as part of the BBC radio repertory company. McCallum made his screen debut in 1953 on the Beeb's fantasy series The Rose And The Ring.
His big screen career included the likes of The Great Escape, Robbery Under Arms, The Greatest Story Ever Told,...
- 9/26/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
David McCallum, the man who brought the sexy to NBC's swinging 1960s superspy series "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and enjoyed an unexpected career resurgence via CBS' long-running procedural "NCIS," has, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, passed away of natural causes at the age of 90.
Although his character Illya Kuryakin was a Russian agent in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," the Scottish McCallum imbued the show with a British Mod-era cool that mashed up Sean Connery's finely tailored James Bond with the youthful insouciance of The Beatles. This wasn't by design. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." was conceived as a vehicle for Robert Vaughn, but it's impossible to imagine the show gaining global traction with his cucumber-cool (occasionally frigid) American agent Napoleon Solo. To be sure, Vaughn had "it." He got the best character arc in John Sturges' "The Magnificent Seven," and died a hero's death.
Although his character Illya Kuryakin was a Russian agent in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," the Scottish McCallum imbued the show with a British Mod-era cool that mashed up Sean Connery's finely tailored James Bond with the youthful insouciance of The Beatles. This wasn't by design. "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." was conceived as a vehicle for Robert Vaughn, but it's impossible to imagine the show gaining global traction with his cucumber-cool (occasionally frigid) American agent Napoleon Solo. To be sure, Vaughn had "it." He got the best character arc in John Sturges' "The Magnificent Seven," and died a hero's death.
- 9/25/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Glasgow-born McCallum moved to America in 1961 and was best known recently for NCIS.
David McCallum, the veteran Scottish-born actor best known for TV hits The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS, has died aged 90.
According to a statement from CBS, the broadcast network that airs NCIS in the US, McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by family at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Born in Glasgow in 1933, McCallum began his career in the UK working on BBC radio and in repertory theatre. He moved to the US in 1961.
His early feature films included Hell Drivers, A Night To Remember, The Greatest Story Ever Told...
David McCallum, the veteran Scottish-born actor best known for TV hits The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and NCIS, has died aged 90.
According to a statement from CBS, the broadcast network that airs NCIS in the US, McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by family at New York Presbyterian Hospital.
Born in Glasgow in 1933, McCallum began his career in the UK working on BBC radio and in repertory theatre. He moved to the US in 1961.
His early feature films included Hell Drivers, A Night To Remember, The Greatest Story Ever Told...
- 9/25/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Sad news to report as it was announced that David McCallum died this morning at New York Presbyterian Hospital at the age of 90. The actor was best known for playing Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, as well as Ilya Kuryakin on The Man from U.N.C.L.E.
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
David McCallum’s son, Peter, released a statement on behalf of the family.
He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of...
- 9/25/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
David McCallum, who starred as Illya Kuryakin alongside Robert Vaughn’s Napoleon Solo in the 1960s hit spy drama “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and had a supporting role as pathologist Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard on the top-rated series “NCIS” decades later, died Monday of natural causes in New York City. He was 90.
His son Peter made a statement on behalf of his family, saying, “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
“He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting...
His son Peter made a statement on behalf of his family, saying, “He was the kindest, coolest, most patient and loving father. He always put family before self. He looked forward to any chance to connect with his grandchildren, and had a unique bond with each of them. He and his youngest grandson, Whit, 9, could often be found in the corner of a room at family parties having deep philosophical conversations.
“He was a true renaissance man — he was fascinated by science and culture and would turn those passions into knowledge. For example, he was capable of conducting...
- 9/25/2023
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
David McCallum, the Scottish actor who portrayed the enigmatic Russian-born U.S. secret agent Illya Kuryakin on The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and the chief medical examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard on NCIS, died Monday. He was 90.
McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by family at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, a spokesperson for CBS announced.
McCallum also starred opposite Joanna Lumley for four seasons on the 1979-82 British sci-fi series Sapphire & Steel (she was Sapphire, he was Steel) — a show many see as a precursor to The X-Files — and played a British prisoner of war on the acclaimed 1972-74 BBC drama Colditz.
McCallum was married to British actress Jill Ireland from May 1957 until she left him for brawny actor Charles Bronson a decade later. McCallum rebounded quite nicely, though, quickly marrying model Katherine Carpenter in 1967, and his wife of 56 years survives him.
The boyishly handsome actor spent all 20 seasons...
McCallum died of natural causes surrounded by family at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, a spokesperson for CBS announced.
McCallum also starred opposite Joanna Lumley for four seasons on the 1979-82 British sci-fi series Sapphire & Steel (she was Sapphire, he was Steel) — a show many see as a precursor to The X-Files — and played a British prisoner of war on the acclaimed 1972-74 BBC drama Colditz.
McCallum was married to British actress Jill Ireland from May 1957 until she left him for brawny actor Charles Bronson a decade later. McCallum rebounded quite nicely, though, quickly marrying model Katherine Carpenter in 1967, and his wife of 56 years survives him.
The boyishly handsome actor spent all 20 seasons...
- 9/25/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NCIS veteran David McCallum, also known for his Emmy-nominated role in The Man From U.N.C.L.E., died peacefully this morning of natural causes at New York Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by family. He was 90, having celebrated his birthday less than a week ago.
A fan favorite, McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ NCIS, in which he played Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard, an eccentric but highly efficient investigator with a knack for psychological profiling, for two decades.
David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more.
A fan favorite, McCallum was the last remaining original cast member on CBS’ NCIS, in which he played Chief Medical Examiner Donald “Ducky” Mallard, an eccentric but highly efficient investigator with a knack for psychological profiling, for two decades.
David McCallum as Medical Examiner Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. (Photo by Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images)
“For over 20 years, David McCallum endeared himself to audiences around the world playing the wise, quirky, and sometimes enigmatic, Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard,” said NCIS executive producers Steven D. Binder and David North. “But as much as his fans may have loved him, those who worked side by side with David loved him that much more.
- 9/25/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Months after his life was suddenly cut short, Emmy winner Leslie Jordan has a chance to receive more TV academy love for his final small screen performance as Phil on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” If he does land in this year’s Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, he will join a group of 12 other comedy or drama series regulars who posthumously achieved Emmy recognition. If he scores his second victory, he will make history as the first deceased male actor to win an Emmy for a continuing program.
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
- 5/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Nine years after he won his fourth and final acting Emmy for playing Walter White on “Breaking Bad,” Bryan Cranston has a solid shot at triumphing in the corresponding Best Drama Guest Actor category for reprising the role on the prequel series “Better Call Saul” on AMC. In fact, he has three chances to win at least his fifth acting Emmy this year since he could also earn notices for Best Movie/Limited Actor for Paramount Plus’ “Jerry and Marge Go Large” and for Best Drama Actor for Showtime’s “Your Honor.” If all three nominations come to fruition, he will be only the fourth person and second man to ever compete for three acting Emmys at once.
Cranston’s highly anticipated “Better Call Saul” appearance consists of several flashback scenes in which he reunites with his “Breaking Bad” cast mates Bob Odenkirk and Aaron Paul. His two episodes aired...
Cranston’s highly anticipated “Better Call Saul” appearance consists of several flashback scenes in which he reunites with his “Breaking Bad” cast mates Bob Odenkirk and Aaron Paul. His two episodes aired...
- 5/2/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Peter Kelley, an actor and singer on Broadway who spent nearly two decades as an agent at William Morris, where he repped the likes of Denzel Washington, Gregory Peck, Farrah Fawcett, Joan Crawford and Héctor Elizondo, has died. He was 97.
Kelley died Feb. 28 of natural causes at an assisted living facility in Suffolk, Virginia, his daughter Sara Blessington told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kelley began in show business as a singer at the Boston Latin Quarter, then acted in regional theaters throughout New England. His first New York performance was as a singing Seabee and Lt. Cable in the original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which starred Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza and opened in 1949.
He returned to Broadway in 1952 to play Chick Miller in Joshua Logan’s Wish You Were Here and to appear alongside Bette Davis in Two’s Company, then managed theater companies in and around...
Kelley died Feb. 28 of natural causes at an assisted living facility in Suffolk, Virginia, his daughter Sara Blessington told The Hollywood Reporter.
Kelley began in show business as a singer at the Boston Latin Quarter, then acted in regional theaters throughout New England. His first New York performance was as a singing Seabee and Lt. Cable in the original Broadway production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific, which starred Mary Martin and Ezio Pinza and opened in 1949.
He returned to Broadway in 1952 to play Chick Miller in Joshua Logan’s Wish You Were Here and to appear alongside Bette Davis in Two’s Company, then managed theater companies in and around...
- 3/10/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Back when I worked a desk job, I always looked forward to my business trips to the UK. It was great to have a little jolly on the company's tab and a few days off from regular dad duty. I couldn't wait for that big comfy hotel bed all to myself and get some solid sleep without kids waking me up in the middle of the night.
That was the theory, anyway. When I actually got into that big comfy hotel bed, I couldn't sleep at all. It was just too uncannily quiet and it felt so weird being the only person in the room. So instead of catching up on some sleep, I'd return to my family even more knackered than before.
I faced a similar problem when I separated from my partner and moved out last October. Sleeping by myself again proved a bit tricky after 18 years of living with someone.
That was the theory, anyway. When I actually got into that big comfy hotel bed, I couldn't sleep at all. It was just too uncannily quiet and it felt so weird being the only person in the room. So instead of catching up on some sleep, I'd return to my family even more knackered than before.
I faced a similar problem when I separated from my partner and moved out last October. Sleeping by myself again proved a bit tricky after 18 years of living with someone.
- 3/7/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
Quick question: Have you seen The Man From U.N.C.L.E.?
We don’t mean the popular TV show of the 1960s, in which Robert Vaughn and David McCallum surfed the era’s espionage-a-go-go wave and brought big Bond-style adventure to the little screen every week. We’re talking about the 2015 movie that wanted to replicate the series’ vintage spy-vs.-spy mojo, pairing Henry “Dude Cocks His Arms Like Shotguns!” Cavill and another gent whose name currently escapes us as a next-gen Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, respectively.
We don’t mean the popular TV show of the 1960s, in which Robert Vaughn and David McCallum surfed the era’s espionage-a-go-go wave and brought big Bond-style adventure to the little screen every week. We’re talking about the 2015 movie that wanted to replicate the series’ vintage spy-vs.-spy mojo, pairing Henry “Dude Cocks His Arms Like Shotguns!” Cavill and another gent whose name currently escapes us as a next-gen Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin, respectively.
- 3/3/2023
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
Walter Mirisch, former president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and Oscar-winning producer for In the Heat of the Night, died Friday in Los Angeles of natural causes. was 101. He had been the longest-living Oscar winner.
Mirisch — whose producing credits stretch to the 1940s and also include West Side Story, The Apartment and the 1960 and 2016 versions of The Magnificent Seven — also won a pair of Honorary Oscars: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1978 and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1983. He also received the Producer Guild of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Motion Pictures in 1996.
Related Story Happy Birthday, Walter Mirisch: Oldest Living Oscar Winner Turns 100; His Films Include ‘West Side Story’, ‘The Apartment’ & ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ Related Story Oscars: Sofia Carson & Diane Warren To Perform 'Applause' During Ceremony Related Story Tom Whitlock Dies: Oscar-Winning Co-Writer Of 'Top Gun' Hits 'Take...
Mirisch — whose producing credits stretch to the 1940s and also include West Side Story, The Apartment and the 1960 and 2016 versions of The Magnificent Seven — also won a pair of Honorary Oscars: Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1978 and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1983. He also received the Producer Guild of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Motion Pictures in 1996.
Related Story Happy Birthday, Walter Mirisch: Oldest Living Oscar Winner Turns 100; His Films Include ‘West Side Story’, ‘The Apartment’ & ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ Related Story Oscars: Sofia Carson & Diane Warren To Perform 'Applause' During Ceremony Related Story Tom Whitlock Dies: Oscar-Winning Co-Writer Of 'Top Gun' Hits 'Take...
- 2/26/2023
- by Armando Tinoco and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Henry Cavill normally doesn’t have a problem with putting on an American accent in films like Man of Steel. But sometimes he adopts the accent for so long that it’s difficult to switch back to his natural way of speaking.
Henry Cavill once had difficulty switching back to his English accent Henry Cavill | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
There are hardy any traces of Cavill’s English accent in Man of Steel and its sequels. Cavill shared that honing the accent carried the same amount of effort as working out any other muscle in his body.
“If you pick up the heaviest weight possible and try and clean and press it, you’re going to pull something. So, you need to warm it up and then you can go into doing all the heavy weight exercises,” Cavill once told Collider.
But Man of Steel wasn’t the first film Cavill did an American accent for.
Henry Cavill once had difficulty switching back to his English accent Henry Cavill | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
There are hardy any traces of Cavill’s English accent in Man of Steel and its sequels. Cavill shared that honing the accent carried the same amount of effort as working out any other muscle in his body.
“If you pick up the heaviest weight possible and try and clean and press it, you’re going to pull something. So, you need to warm it up and then you can go into doing all the heavy weight exercises,” Cavill once told Collider.
But Man of Steel wasn’t the first film Cavill did an American accent for.
- 2/23/2023
- by Antonio Stallings
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Bryce Dallas Howard to star in ‘Witch Mountain’ (Photo credit: Art Streiber for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment)
Disney+ has greenlit a pilot for Witch Mountain and has tapped Bryce Dallas Howard (the Jurassic World films) to star. Isabel Gravitt (The Watcher), Levi Miller (Streamline), Bianca “b” Norwood (We Crashed), and Jackson Kelly (Straight Man) have also joined the pilot’s cast.
Disney+ is moving forward on what they’re labeling a “modern reinvention” of the Witch Mountain film franchise that kicked off in 1975 with Escape to Witch Mountain. Return from Witch Mountain followed in 1978, and then in 1995 Robert Vaughn and Elisabeth Moss starred in a television remake of the 1975 family-friendly film. Andy Fickman’s Race to Witch Mountain with Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, and Alexander Ludwig debuted in theaters in 2009 and rang up 100+ million at the box office.
Executive producers Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas co-wrote the pilot, with...
Disney+ has greenlit a pilot for Witch Mountain and has tapped Bryce Dallas Howard (the Jurassic World films) to star. Isabel Gravitt (The Watcher), Levi Miller (Streamline), Bianca “b” Norwood (We Crashed), and Jackson Kelly (Straight Man) have also joined the pilot’s cast.
Disney+ is moving forward on what they’re labeling a “modern reinvention” of the Witch Mountain film franchise that kicked off in 1975 with Escape to Witch Mountain. Return from Witch Mountain followed in 1978, and then in 1995 Robert Vaughn and Elisabeth Moss starred in a television remake of the 1975 family-friendly film. Andy Fickman’s Race to Witch Mountain with Dwayne Johnson, Carla Gugino, and Alexander Ludwig debuted in theaters in 2009 and rang up 100+ million at the box office.
Executive producers Travis Fickett and Terry Matalas co-wrote the pilot, with...
- 12/12/2022
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Pairing wine with movies! See the trailers and hear the fascinating commentary for these movies and many more at Trailers From Hell. This week’s wine and cocktail pairings are for three films which require hazmat suits in the screening room.
Virus – known in Japan as Fukkatsu No Hi – is a 1980 sci-fi from the nation that gave Godzilla to the world. This time, nature points out the folly of men via a deadly virus, created by accident in a lab. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The bug – someone dubs it the Italian Flu, but I swear Trump is not in the picture – makes other viruses more deadly by increasing their power. But, this new virus – MM88 – doesn’t work in sub-zero temperatures. Looks like it’s time for an Antarctica vacation.
There are a few big-name Japanese actors in the cast for Virus, alongside Glenn Ford,...
Virus – known in Japan as Fukkatsu No Hi – is a 1980 sci-fi from the nation that gave Godzilla to the world. This time, nature points out the folly of men via a deadly virus, created by accident in a lab. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. The bug – someone dubs it the Italian Flu, but I swear Trump is not in the picture – makes other viruses more deadly by increasing their power. But, this new virus – MM88 – doesn’t work in sub-zero temperatures. Looks like it’s time for an Antarctica vacation.
There are a few big-name Japanese actors in the cast for Virus, alongside Glenn Ford,...
- 12/3/2022
- by Randy Fuller
- Trailers from Hell
Steven Spielberg has found his Bullitt. Bradley Cooper has been cast in the director’s upcoming original film about Frank Bullitt, the character made famous from the 1968 Steven McQueen thriller.
Based on the 1963 novel “Mute Witness” by Robert L. Fish, the original “Bullitt” starred the late McQueen as the title character, a San Francisco Police Department lieutenant seeking to take down Chicago mobster Johnny Ross (Pat Renella). Spielberg will direct the new Warner Bros. film, which will not be a remake of the original movie by Peter Yates, instead telling a completely original story starring Bullitt. Sources close to the project confirmed the news to IndieWire.
Cooper will join Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger as producers on the film — the three also serve as producers on Cooper’s upcoming feature “Maestro,” about the life of Leonard Bernstein. That film, currently in post-production, is set to release on Netflix in 2023. Oscar-winning...
Based on the 1963 novel “Mute Witness” by Robert L. Fish, the original “Bullitt” starred the late McQueen as the title character, a San Francisco Police Department lieutenant seeking to take down Chicago mobster Johnny Ross (Pat Renella). Spielberg will direct the new Warner Bros. film, which will not be a remake of the original movie by Peter Yates, instead telling a completely original story starring Bullitt. Sources close to the project confirmed the news to IndieWire.
Cooper will join Spielberg and Kristie Macosko Krieger as producers on the film — the three also serve as producers on Cooper’s upcoming feature “Maestro,” about the life of Leonard Bernstein. That film, currently in post-production, is set to release on Netflix in 2023. Oscar-winning...
- 11/17/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Indiewire
John Sturges' 1960 western "The Magnificent Seven" was a Yul Brynner vehicle from the jump -- it was he and actor Anthony Quinn who had acquired the rights to remake Akira Kurosawa's "Seven Samurai" epic as a western. To fill out the rest of the hired guns tasked to protect a Mexican village, the "Gunfight at the O.K. Corral" filmmaker would reunite "Never So Few" stars Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson as, respectively, a drifter and a broke mercenary. Robert Vaughn would play a traumatized war veteran, while Brad Dexter and "German James Dean" Horst Buchholz would round out the crew. James Coburn was last to come aboard.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in 2001, Coburn revealed that he was one of the few cast members who had caught the original Kurosawa film beforehand. He would subsequently spend "a week straight" taking friends to see it:
"Cut to a year later,...
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly in 2001, Coburn revealed that he was one of the few cast members who had caught the original Kurosawa film beforehand. He would subsequently spend "a week straight" taking friends to see it:
"Cut to a year later,...
- 11/10/2022
- by Anya Stanley
- Slash Film
Director Richard Lester, prior to his work on "Superman II" (1980) and "Superman III" (1983), was better known as a director of musical films. His first feature, 1962's "It's Trad, Dad!" was a youthsploitation picture about hip British teens getting into the underground Dixieland jazz scene and featured 27 songs. He followed that with a sequel to the Peter Sellers comedy "The Mouse That Roared" (about the world's smallest nation unwittingly conquering the United States in war), a space race farce called "The Mouse on the Moon." This led directly to two film collaborations with The Beatles, including "A Hard Day's Night," one of the best films ever made, and "Help!," which is quite silly but rather enjoyable. Lester also directed the utterly hilarious film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" with Zero Mostel, before moving into a series of frothy swashbuckling blockbusters like...
- 10/20/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
If one were to remove Akira Kurosawa's 1954 film "Seven Samurai" from cinema history, the entire medium would look different. "Seven Samurai" is one of the linchpins in action cinema, codifying the language of an entire genre. Additionally, its premise -- a helpless village is beset by bandits, requiring the starving citizens to hire a small, affordable, and ill-equipped gang of scrappy defenders -- is universally applicable to any genre. A keen observer might see the "Seven Samurai" story repeated frequently across film history; "Galaxy Quest," "A Bug's Life," "Battle Beyond the Stars," "The Invincible Six," and the fourth episode of "The Mandalorian" all repeat Kurosawa's film openly.
The most famous "Seven Samurai" retelling, however, is probably John Sturges' 1960 Western remake "The Magnificent Seven." The story between the "Sevens" is identical, with the samurai replaced by horse-riding cowboy archetypes, played by a cadre of internationally recognized movie stars. Charles Bronson,...
The most famous "Seven Samurai" retelling, however, is probably John Sturges' 1960 Western remake "The Magnificent Seven." The story between the "Sevens" is identical, with the samurai replaced by horse-riding cowboy archetypes, played by a cadre of internationally recognized movie stars. Charles Bronson,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
By Lee Pfeiffer
The Sony Choice Collection has rescued another long forgotten TV movie from obscurity and released it as a burn-to-order title. "Kiss Me...Kill Me" is a crime thriller that was originally telecast in 1976. Compared to similar fare from that era, the film is fairly routine, though it might well be more appreciated today than it was at the time of its original airing. This is due to the fact that it boasts a strong cast of seasoned veteran actors- something that was relatively common in the 1970s, when the concept of TV movies became very popular. Most of these productions had star power and audiences enjoyed seeing some of their favorite movie stars on the small screen. "Kiss Me...Kill Me" stars Stella Stevens as Stella Stafford, an L.A-based investigator for the District Attorney's office. She is assigned to an especially disturbing murder case involving Maureen Coyle...
The Sony Choice Collection has rescued another long forgotten TV movie from obscurity and released it as a burn-to-order title. "Kiss Me...Kill Me" is a crime thriller that was originally telecast in 1976. Compared to similar fare from that era, the film is fairly routine, though it might well be more appreciated today than it was at the time of its original airing. This is due to the fact that it boasts a strong cast of seasoned veteran actors- something that was relatively common in the 1970s, when the concept of TV movies became very popular. Most of these productions had star power and audiences enjoyed seeing some of their favorite movie stars on the small screen. "Kiss Me...Kill Me" stars Stella Stevens as Stella Stafford, an L.A-based investigator for the District Attorney's office. She is assigned to an especially disturbing murder case involving Maureen Coyle...
- 4/28/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
By Lee Pfeiffer
Few actors had the screen and stage presence of Yul Brynner. There never was an actor quite like him and there hasn't been since. Like most thespians, Brynner had his share of good movies as well as those that fell considerably short of their potential. Nevertheless, the man never gave a false performance. He came across as supremely self-confidant even when he must have suspected the material he was given proved to be far below his considerable talents. Much of his self-confidence seemed to stem from an inflated ego. Robert Vaughn once told me that when Brynner arrived on the set of "The Magnificent Seven" in Mexico, he was still firmly in the King of Siam mode that had seen him win an Oscar. Vaughn said he carried himself as though he were real life royalty at all times. You didn't chat with him casually. Rather, he would grant you an audience.
Few actors had the screen and stage presence of Yul Brynner. There never was an actor quite like him and there hasn't been since. Like most thespians, Brynner had his share of good movies as well as those that fell considerably short of their potential. Nevertheless, the man never gave a false performance. He came across as supremely self-confidant even when he must have suspected the material he was given proved to be far below his considerable talents. Much of his self-confidence seemed to stem from an inflated ego. Robert Vaughn once told me that when Brynner arrived on the set of "The Magnificent Seven" in Mexico, he was still firmly in the King of Siam mode that had seen him win an Oscar. Vaughn said he carried himself as though he were real life royalty at all times. You didn't chat with him casually. Rather, he would grant you an audience.
- 3/19/2022
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
After the success of his “West Side Story” remake, Steven Spielberg is continuing to mine the canon of 1960s cinema for inspiration. According to a new report from Deadline, the Oscar winner is attached to direct an action film based on “Bullitt,” the 1968 film starring Steve McQueen. Rather than a remake, the project is reportedly a new original story featuring the character of Frank Bullitt, originally played by McQueen.
“Spotlight” scribe Josh Singer is set to write the script, and Steve McQueen’s son Chad and granddaughter Molly McQueen will board the film as executive producers. Spielberg has been eyeing the project for years, but drawn-out negotiations with the McQueen estate over the character have caused him to prioritize other films. However, it appears that the two sides have reached an agreement and are ready to move forward with the film.
The original “Bullitt,” directed by Peter Yates, stars McQueen...
“Spotlight” scribe Josh Singer is set to write the script, and Steve McQueen’s son Chad and granddaughter Molly McQueen will board the film as executive producers. Spielberg has been eyeing the project for years, but drawn-out negotiations with the McQueen estate over the character have caused him to prioritize other films. However, it appears that the two sides have reached an agreement and are ready to move forward with the film.
The original “Bullitt,” directed by Peter Yates, stars McQueen...
- 2/26/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Director Ron Underwood discusses a few of his favorite westerns with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
Speechless (1994)
Heart and Souls (1993)
Stealing Sinatra (2003)
City Slickers (1991)
Tremors (1990) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Tourist Trap (1979) – David DeCoteau’s trailer commentary
The Seduction (1982)
Puppet Master (1989)
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd (1952)
Capricorn One (1977) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Panic In The Streets (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Back When We Were Grownups (2004)
Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018)
Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Red River (1948) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Johnny Guitar (1954) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Searchers (1956)
Seven Samurai (1954) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Westworld...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Pearl Harbor (2001)
Mighty Joe Young (1998)
Speechless (1994)
Heart and Souls (1993)
Stealing Sinatra (2003)
City Slickers (1991)
Tremors (1990) – Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
Tourist Trap (1979) – David DeCoteau’s trailer commentary
The Seduction (1982)
Puppet Master (1989)
The Boondock Saints (1999)
Abbott and Costello Meet Captain Kidd (1952)
Capricorn One (1977) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Panic In The Streets (1950) – John Landis’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Back When We Were Grownups (2004)
Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018)
Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020)
The Howling (1981) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Red River (1948) – Allan Arkush’s trailer commentary
Johnny Guitar (1954) – Michael Lehmann’s trailer commentary, Glenn Erickson’s Blu-ray review
The Searchers (1956)
Seven Samurai (1954) – Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Magnificent Seven (1960) – Jesus Treviño’s trailer commentary
The Magnificent Seven (2016)
Westworld...
- 2/1/2022
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
If you haven't subscribed for Season 17 of Cinema Retro, here's what you've been missing:
Issue #49
Lee Pfeiffer goes undercover for Robert Vaughn's spy thriller "The Venetian Affair" .
Cai Ross goes to hell for "Damien- Omen II"
Ernie Magnotta continues our "Elvis on Film" series with "Elvis: That's the Way It Is"..
Robert Leese scare up some memories of the cult classic "Carnival of Souls"
Dave Worrall and Lee Pfeiffer look back on the 1976 Sensurround sensation "Midway"
Remembering Sir Sean Connery
James Sherlock examines Stanley Kramer's pandemic Cold War classic "On the Beach".
Dave Worrall goes in search of the Disco Volante hydrofoil from "Thunderball"
Raymond Benson's Cinema 101 column
Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column
Darren Allison reviews the latest soundtrack releases
Issue #50
50th anniversary celebration of "The French Connection" : Todd Garbarini interviews director William Friedkin
"Scars of Dracula": Mark Cerulli interviews stars Jenny Hanley and...
Issue #49
Lee Pfeiffer goes undercover for Robert Vaughn's spy thriller "The Venetian Affair" .
Cai Ross goes to hell for "Damien- Omen II"
Ernie Magnotta continues our "Elvis on Film" series with "Elvis: That's the Way It Is"..
Robert Leese scare up some memories of the cult classic "Carnival of Souls"
Dave Worrall and Lee Pfeiffer look back on the 1976 Sensurround sensation "Midway"
Remembering Sir Sean Connery
James Sherlock examines Stanley Kramer's pandemic Cold War classic "On the Beach".
Dave Worrall goes in search of the Disco Volante hydrofoil from "Thunderball"
Raymond Benson's Cinema 101 column
Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column
Darren Allison reviews the latest soundtrack releases
Issue #50
50th anniversary celebration of "The French Connection" : Todd Garbarini interviews director William Friedkin
"Scars of Dracula": Mark Cerulli interviews stars Jenny Hanley and...
- 11/26/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Corporate CEOs hate political noise. Comedians thrive on it.
Did Netflix’s co-CEOs sense that they would be stirring both noise and protest rallies when they signed onto Dave Chappelle? Or when they then defied CEO precedent by publicly defending him –then, in a blur of counter-transphobic rhetoric, suggested that they had “screwed up” their defense.
Walt Disney used to boast that no journalist (or activist) ever coaxed a political opinion from him (I once tried). The CEOs of the moment, on the other hand, are increasingly being lured into political combat on issues like abortion (Texas), voting rights (Georgia) or vaccine mandates (the major airline CEOs).
Stars, too, are joining the fray: Matthew McConaughey, having written a goofy bestselling memoir, may now run for governor of Texas. More and more stars and producers are expressing strong views on the “cancel culture.” It’s as though Warren Beatty and Gary Hart had retaken center stage.
Did Netflix’s co-CEOs sense that they would be stirring both noise and protest rallies when they signed onto Dave Chappelle? Or when they then defied CEO precedent by publicly defending him –then, in a blur of counter-transphobic rhetoric, suggested that they had “screwed up” their defense.
Walt Disney used to boast that no journalist (or activist) ever coaxed a political opinion from him (I once tried). The CEOs of the moment, on the other hand, are increasingly being lured into political combat on issues like abortion (Texas), voting rights (Georgia) or vaccine mandates (the major airline CEOs).
Stars, too, are joining the fray: Matthew McConaughey, having written a goofy bestselling memoir, may now run for governor of Texas. More and more stars and producers are expressing strong views on the “cancel culture.” It’s as though Warren Beatty and Gary Hart had retaken center stage.
- 10/21/2021
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
By Lee Pfeiffer
Ed Asner, the seven-time Emmy winner who specialized in playing gruff-but-likable characters, has died at age 91. Asner, a Missouri native, served in the military in the 1950s before pursuing acting as a career. He broke into the profession in the late 1950s and appeared in scores of major television programs, generally cast in dramatic roles. He made his big screen debut in an uncredited role in the 1962 Elvis Presley movie "Kid Galahad" starring Elvis Presley. He went on to play a detective in "The Slender Thread" (1966), a nemesis of John Wayne in Howard Hawks' "El Dorado" (1966) and Robert Vaughn's shady C.I.A. boss in "The Venetian Affair" (1966). Asner's distinctive style led him to work almost non-stop between the feature film and television mediums. In 1970, his career skyrocketed when he was cast as Lou Grant, the grumpy boss of Mary Tyler Moore in her iconic TV sitcom.
Ed Asner, the seven-time Emmy winner who specialized in playing gruff-but-likable characters, has died at age 91. Asner, a Missouri native, served in the military in the 1950s before pursuing acting as a career. He broke into the profession in the late 1950s and appeared in scores of major television programs, generally cast in dramatic roles. He made his big screen debut in an uncredited role in the 1962 Elvis Presley movie "Kid Galahad" starring Elvis Presley. He went on to play a detective in "The Slender Thread" (1966), a nemesis of John Wayne in Howard Hawks' "El Dorado" (1966) and Robert Vaughn's shady C.I.A. boss in "The Venetian Affair" (1966). Asner's distinctive style led him to work almost non-stop between the feature film and television mediums. In 1970, his career skyrocketed when he was cast as Lou Grant, the grumpy boss of Mary Tyler Moore in her iconic TV sitcom.
- 8/30/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
George Segal with Ben Gazzara and Robert Vaughn during the filming of "The Bridge at Remagen" in 1968.
By Lee Pfeiffer
Actor George Segal has passed away at age 87. Segal became a rising young star in the 1960s and went on to enjoy success in both feature films and television. He made his big screen debut in "The Young Doctors" in 1961 and within a few years had appeared in "Ship of Fools" and his first starring role in "King Rat". The 1965 adaptation of James Clavell's novel found Segal as an American prisoner in a Japanese P.O.W. camp in WWII. He uses his guile and survival skills to not only stay alive but to thrive, much to disgust of British P.O.W.s who think his actions border on collaboration with the enemy. Segal's biggest break came the following year when he was cast in Mike Nichols' screen...
By Lee Pfeiffer
Actor George Segal has passed away at age 87. Segal became a rising young star in the 1960s and went on to enjoy success in both feature films and television. He made his big screen debut in "The Young Doctors" in 1961 and within a few years had appeared in "Ship of Fools" and his first starring role in "King Rat". The 1965 adaptation of James Clavell's novel found Segal as an American prisoner in a Japanese P.O.W. camp in WWII. He uses his guile and survival skills to not only stay alive but to thrive, much to disgust of British P.O.W.s who think his actions border on collaboration with the enemy. Segal's biggest break came the following year when he was cast in Mike Nichols' screen...
- 3/24/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
2021 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Stuntmen’s Association.
Founded in 1961 by Loren Janes, a stunt double for Steve McQueen, and Richard Geary, a double for Robert Vaughn, the idea was to professionalize the world of stunts.
Janes and Geary wanted a space for stunt performers to speak with a single voice and share ideas and concerns. Soon, 50 stuntmen gathered and the Stuntmen’s Association was born.
Bob Herron, one of the charter members with over 342 credits to his name, joined Alex Daniels, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, Terry Leonard and Conrad Palmisano to celebrate 60 years of stunts, reflect on the impact of the association and discuss awards recognition.
Bob, you are a charter member of the Stuntmen’s Association. Take us back to why you started the association?
Bob Herron: I started it because there wasn’t a network for the stuntmen to organize with each other; we were all separate.
Founded in 1961 by Loren Janes, a stunt double for Steve McQueen, and Richard Geary, a double for Robert Vaughn, the idea was to professionalize the world of stunts.
Janes and Geary wanted a space for stunt performers to speak with a single voice and share ideas and concerns. Soon, 50 stuntmen gathered and the Stuntmen’s Association was born.
Bob Herron, one of the charter members with over 342 credits to his name, joined Alex Daniels, president of the Stuntmen’s Association, Terry Leonard and Conrad Palmisano to celebrate 60 years of stunts, reflect on the impact of the association and discuss awards recognition.
Bob, you are a charter member of the Stuntmen’s Association. Take us back to why you started the association?
Bob Herron: I started it because there wasn’t a network for the stuntmen to organize with each other; we were all separate.
- 2/27/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Sometimes a long-running TV show finds itself linked to a certain holiday. Community had Christmas. The Simpsons has Halloween. Brooklyn 99 had Halloween, then changed it to Cinco de Mayo for scheduling reasons. Saturday Night Live has…Election Day, I guess? I probably should have thought this through a bit more.
While Mystery Science Theater 3000 has done a handful of Christmas-themed episodes, the series has a much deeper relationship with Thanksgiving. Turkey Day is essentially its legacy. It started on Thanksgiving and it always comes back to that one Thursday in late November, whether the show is on the air or not.
Back in 1988, Joel Hodgson created a new show idea inspired by a random image from the liner notes of an Elton John album, wherein a couple of silhouettes sit in front of a movie screen. He and some robot puppets would watch bad movies and crack jokes. While the...
While Mystery Science Theater 3000 has done a handful of Christmas-themed episodes, the series has a much deeper relationship with Thanksgiving. Turkey Day is essentially its legacy. It started on Thanksgiving and it always comes back to that one Thursday in late November, whether the show is on the air or not.
Back in 1988, Joel Hodgson created a new show idea inspired by a random image from the liner notes of an Elton John album, wherein a couple of silhouettes sit in front of a movie screen. He and some robot puppets would watch bad movies and crack jokes. While the...
- 11/25/2020
- by Gavin Jasper
- Den of Geek
Today marks the birthday of Fred MacMurray. Writer Joe Elliott provides a fitting tribute to the late actor.
By Joe Elliott
Classic Hollywood actor Fred MacMurray is probably best remembered today as the easy-going father in the popular, long-running 1960s family sit-com “My Three Sons.” As the head of the growing Douglas clan, the pipe-smoking, sweater-clad MacMurray each week dispensed his gentle blend of wisdom and humor to the delight of American television audiences. One might have thought this was the kind of role MacMurray had always played. Not so, a fact that was first brought home to me by my mother. I recall as a kid hearing her say she didn’t much care for him. Not like Fred MacMurray??? “But why?” I asked. “Because of the jerks he played in the movies,” she told me. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered what she meant. As many CinemaRetro readers will know,...
By Joe Elliott
Classic Hollywood actor Fred MacMurray is probably best remembered today as the easy-going father in the popular, long-running 1960s family sit-com “My Three Sons.” As the head of the growing Douglas clan, the pipe-smoking, sweater-clad MacMurray each week dispensed his gentle blend of wisdom and humor to the delight of American television audiences. One might have thought this was the kind of role MacMurray had always played. Not so, a fact that was first brought home to me by my mother. I recall as a kid hearing her say she didn’t much care for him. Not like Fred MacMurray??? “But why?” I asked. “Because of the jerks he played in the movies,” she told me. It wasn’t until much later that I discovered what she meant. As many CinemaRetro readers will know,...
- 11/5/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Beginning at 9:00 Est on Thursday, November 5, Turner Classic Movies (North America) will present three films starring Robert Vaughn. Things kick off with "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." feature film "One Spy Too Many", followed by the 1967 spy thriller "The Venetian Affair" (which will be the cover story of our next Cinema Retro issue) and then wrap up with another U.N.C.L.E. feature film "How to Steal the World".
- 11/4/2020
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Pairing wine with movies! See the trailers and hear the fascinating commentary for these movies and many more at Trailers From Hell. Crime is a hot topic in the movies, but be careful – you don’t always know who the criminals are.
Clay Pigeon didn’t exactly set 1971 on fire, but if it had it would have been liable for more serious crimes than artistic ones. Plus, in the pairing-wine-with-movies biz, it’s always touch-and-go when dealing with a movie involving substance abuse. The laughs don’t exactly fall out of the balcony.
This movie starred Tom Stern, who also co-directed with Lane Slate. You may know Stern as the one-time husband of Samantha Eggar, or he may be on your radar for being what IMDb calls the “Orson Welles of ‘60s biker movies.” Citizen Knucklehead, anyone?
In Clay Pigeon, he was a Vietnam vet who wanted to kick hard drugs.
Clay Pigeon didn’t exactly set 1971 on fire, but if it had it would have been liable for more serious crimes than artistic ones. Plus, in the pairing-wine-with-movies biz, it’s always touch-and-go when dealing with a movie involving substance abuse. The laughs don’t exactly fall out of the balcony.
This movie starred Tom Stern, who also co-directed with Lane Slate. You may know Stern as the one-time husband of Samantha Eggar, or he may be on your radar for being what IMDb calls the “Orson Welles of ‘60s biker movies.” Citizen Knucklehead, anyone?
In Clay Pigeon, he was a Vietnam vet who wanted to kick hard drugs.
- 10/14/2020
- by Randy Fuller
- Trailers from Hell
It’s not part of our Movies You Never Heard Of series but Tom Stern and Lane Slate’s Clay Pigeon certainly qualifies. This low budget indie about a Vietnam vet-turned undercover informer has more than enough quirky qualities to recommend it. Stern also stars as the shaggy-haired decoy and Telly Savalas is the manipulative agent who masterminds the scheme. A terrific supporting cast seals the deal: Burgess Meredith, Robert Vaughn and Ivan Dixon.
The post Clay Pigeon appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
The post Clay Pigeon appeared first on Trailers From Hell.
- 10/12/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Legendary stuntman Buddy Joe Hooker joins Josh and Joe to discuss the movies that made him.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Harold And Maude (1971)
White Lightning (1974)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
White Line Fever (1975)
Bound For Glory (1976)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Outsider (1980)
Freebie And The Bean (1978)
Sharky’s Machine (1981)
First Blood (1982)
Night Shift (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983)
Against All Odds (1984)
To Live And Die In L.A. (1985)
F/X (1986)
Tucker The Man And His Dream (1988)
Sea of Love (1989)
Miami Blues (1990)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Demolition Man (1993)
The Crow (1994)
Waterworld (1995)
From Dusk Till Dawn(1996)
Grosse Point Blank (1997)
Django Unchained (2012)
Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park (1978)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Kagemusha (1980)
Ran (1985)
The Fugitive (1993)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Casino Royale (2006)
Quantum of Solace (2008)
The Fast And The Furious (2001)
The Strongest Man In The World (1975)
The War of the Worlds (1953)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Bullitt (1968)
Robbery (1967)
S.O.B. (1981)
Vanishing Point...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Harold And Maude (1971)
White Lightning (1974)
Blazing Saddles (1974)
White Line Fever (1975)
Bound For Glory (1976)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
The Outsider (1980)
Freebie And The Bean (1978)
Sharky’s Machine (1981)
First Blood (1982)
Night Shift (1982)
Rumble Fish (1983)
Against All Odds (1984)
To Live And Die In L.A. (1985)
F/X (1986)
Tucker The Man And His Dream (1988)
Sea of Love (1989)
Miami Blues (1990)
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Demolition Man (1993)
The Crow (1994)
Waterworld (1995)
From Dusk Till Dawn(1996)
Grosse Point Blank (1997)
Django Unchained (2012)
Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park (1978)
Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)
Seven Samurai (1954)
Kagemusha (1980)
Ran (1985)
The Fugitive (1993)
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
The Bourne Identity (2002)
Casino Royale (2006)
Quantum of Solace (2008)
The Fast And The Furious (2001)
The Strongest Man In The World (1975)
The War of the Worlds (1953)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Bullitt (1968)
Robbery (1967)
S.O.B. (1981)
Vanishing Point...
- 8/11/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
“Come on, now. Don’t be naive, Lieutenant. We both know how careers are made. Integrity is something you sell the public.”
Steve McQueen in Bulitt screens Sunday Night July 13th at the Sky View Drive-in in Lichtfield, Il. (1500 Historic Old Route 66) This is part of the Sky View’s ‘Throwback Sundays’. The second Sunday of the month, they screen a classic movie. Admission is only $7 (free for kids under 5). The movie starts at dusk (9:00-ish). The Sky View’s site can be found Here.
It’s fast, it’s furious and 52 years ago Bullitt set the standard for cinematic car chases. The 10-minute, adrenaline-pumping pursuit through the streets of San Francisco became the blueprint for almost every car chase that came afterward, fueling high-octane action films for decades.
he “King of Cool” Steve McQueen stars as the film’s namesake Frank Bullitt, a sharp-dressing, gutsy police lieutenant. Bullitt...
Steve McQueen in Bulitt screens Sunday Night July 13th at the Sky View Drive-in in Lichtfield, Il. (1500 Historic Old Route 66) This is part of the Sky View’s ‘Throwback Sundays’. The second Sunday of the month, they screen a classic movie. Admission is only $7 (free for kids under 5). The movie starts at dusk (9:00-ish). The Sky View’s site can be found Here.
It’s fast, it’s furious and 52 years ago Bullitt set the standard for cinematic car chases. The 10-minute, adrenaline-pumping pursuit through the streets of San Francisco became the blueprint for almost every car chase that came afterward, fueling high-octane action films for decades.
he “King of Cool” Steve McQueen stars as the film’s namesake Frank Bullitt, a sharp-dressing, gutsy police lieutenant. Bullitt...
- 7/1/2020
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Movies which centre their stories on competitive sports will always find an eager audience at the cinema. They are often filled with drama, heart-stopping action, and perfectly capture the ever swinging emotional pendulum of hope and fear.
And whether the sports are played in a high school gym or a stadium filled with thousands and millions more watching on at home, the conflict and fortitude necessary to win against the odds will always resonate with us. This is exactly what excites sports fans too, with the online sports betting community at an all-time high with NBA odds being constantly updated.
Here we celebrate the some inspirational Basketball movies.
Hoop Dreams
Few documentaries have captured the rawness of hope better than Steve James and Frederick Marx’s Hoop Dreams. Originally planned as a half hour PBS special on two African-American Chicago high schoolers as they chase their dreams of playing professional basketball,...
And whether the sports are played in a high school gym or a stadium filled with thousands and millions more watching on at home, the conflict and fortitude necessary to win against the odds will always resonate with us. This is exactly what excites sports fans too, with the online sports betting community at an all-time high with NBA odds being constantly updated.
Here we celebrate the some inspirational Basketball movies.
Hoop Dreams
Few documentaries have captured the rawness of hope better than Steve James and Frederick Marx’s Hoop Dreams. Originally planned as a half hour PBS special on two African-American Chicago high schoolers as they chase their dreams of playing professional basketball,...
- 12/15/2019
- by Michael Walsh
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Gavin Jasper Nov 27, 2019
In 1988, an oddball comedy experiment hit a certain Uhf station on Thanksgiving and as it grew, so did the MST3K connection to the holiday.
Sometimes a long-running TV show finds itself linked to a certain holiday. Community had Christmas. The Simpsons has Halloween. Brooklyn 99 had Halloween, then changed it to Cinco de Mayo for scheduling reasons. Saturday Night Live has...Election Day, I guess? I probably should have thought this through a bit more.
While Mystery Science Theater 3000 has done a handful of Christmas-themed episodes, the series has a much deeper releationship with Thanksgiving. Turkey Day is essentially its legacy. It started on Thanksgiving and it always comes back to that one Thursday in late November, whether the show is on the air or not.
Back in 1988, Joel Hodgson created a new show idea inspired by a random image from the liner notes of an Elton John album,...
In 1988, an oddball comedy experiment hit a certain Uhf station on Thanksgiving and as it grew, so did the MST3K connection to the holiday.
Sometimes a long-running TV show finds itself linked to a certain holiday. Community had Christmas. The Simpsons has Halloween. Brooklyn 99 had Halloween, then changed it to Cinco de Mayo for scheduling reasons. Saturday Night Live has...Election Day, I guess? I probably should have thought this through a bit more.
While Mystery Science Theater 3000 has done a handful of Christmas-themed episodes, the series has a much deeper releationship with Thanksgiving. Turkey Day is essentially its legacy. It started on Thanksgiving and it always comes back to that one Thursday in late November, whether the show is on the air or not.
Back in 1988, Joel Hodgson created a new show idea inspired by a random image from the liner notes of an Elton John album,...
- 11/24/2019
- Den of Geek
Evans (right) with Robert Shaw on the set of "Black Sunday" in 1977.
By Lee Pfeiffer
Robert Evans has passed away at age 89. The former actor-turned-studio head had a long, dramatic career that saw him appointed to run Paramount Pictures at the tender age of 36 when the studio was bleeding red ink. Under Evans' management, the studio rebounded, releasing such classics as "Chinatown", "Rosemary's Baby", "The Odd Couple", "True Grit" and, most notably, "The Godfather". Even Evan's non-blockbusters became cult classics. Among them: "Harold and Maude" and "The Italian Job". Other hits brought to the screen by Evans include "Marathon Man" and "Black Sunday". His tumultuous private life was the stuff of Hollywood lore including his seven marriages. Evans' producing career started modestly when he bought the screen rights to the crime thriller "The Detective" by Roderick Thorp. He successfully brought it to the screen in an acclaimed 1968 film starring Frank Sinatra.
By Lee Pfeiffer
Robert Evans has passed away at age 89. The former actor-turned-studio head had a long, dramatic career that saw him appointed to run Paramount Pictures at the tender age of 36 when the studio was bleeding red ink. Under Evans' management, the studio rebounded, releasing such classics as "Chinatown", "Rosemary's Baby", "The Odd Couple", "True Grit" and, most notably, "The Godfather". Even Evan's non-blockbusters became cult classics. Among them: "Harold and Maude" and "The Italian Job". Other hits brought to the screen by Evans include "Marathon Man" and "Black Sunday". His tumultuous private life was the stuff of Hollywood lore including his seven marriages. Evans' producing career started modestly when he bought the screen rights to the crime thriller "The Detective" by Roderick Thorp. He successfully brought it to the screen in an acclaimed 1968 film starring Frank Sinatra.
- 10/28/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Issue #46
Highlights Of Issue #46 (2020) Include:
John Wayne and Rock Hudson are "The Undefeated"
Unpublished 1974 interview with Albert Finney
Don Siegel's "Madigan" starring Richard Widmark and Henry Fonda
Interview with writer/director Michael Armstrong
The making of the epic film "Waterloo" starring Rod Steiger and Christopher Plummer
Hammer Films Actor John Richardson interview Part II
Vietnam Before and After: "Go Tell the Spartans" and "Rolling Thunder"
Brian Keith in "The McKenzie Break"
Plus review of DVDs, soundtracks and film books.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro #46 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro #46 $12.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #46 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #46 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #46 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £12.00 Gbp
Issue #47
Nick Anez covers "Flaming Star", the Elvis Presley drama that remains an overlooked gem.
Director John Stevenson's tribute to...
Highlights Of Issue #46 (2020) Include:
John Wayne and Rock Hudson are "The Undefeated"
Unpublished 1974 interview with Albert Finney
Don Siegel's "Madigan" starring Richard Widmark and Henry Fonda
Interview with writer/director Michael Armstrong
The making of the epic film "Waterloo" starring Rod Steiger and Christopher Plummer
Hammer Films Actor John Richardson interview Part II
Vietnam Before and After: "Go Tell the Spartans" and "Rolling Thunder"
Brian Keith in "The McKenzie Break"
Plus review of DVDs, soundtracks and film books.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro #46 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro #46 $12.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #46 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #46 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #46 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #46 £12.00 Gbp
Issue #47
Nick Anez covers "Flaming Star", the Elvis Presley drama that remains an overlooked gem.
Director John Stevenson's tribute to...
- 10/12/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
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