- Published on
in memoriam
For those of you who weren't there, the 1980's movie scene had a great number of 'sexy moms' finally getting a bit of screen time at the cineplexes. Mind you: they didn't have to parade about in sexy bikini's like Stacy's mom (of the famous tune) because these ladies just exuded a kind of loveliness that goes hand-in-hand with being a confident woman and trying to do their part in bringing the young'uns up with proper manners. Genre queen Dee Wallace properly 'ruled the roost' as the divorced mother who couldn't help but sometimes laugh at the things her kids said in Steven Spielberg's E.T. - The Extraterrestrial; and Lea Thompson brought an unexpected degree of the Oedipal Complexity to silver screens with both her young and old work in Robert Zemeckis' Back To The Future. I could go on, but methinks you get the point.
Somewhere kinda/sorta forgotten in the shuffle -- to a degree -- was Mary Beth Hurt's work in 1985's D.A.R.Y.L. As foster mom 'Joyce Richardson,' she found herself steward to a growing young man whose origins were the stuff of mystery. In spite of the challenges, Joyce blocked out all of the noise and embraced the kid for who he was, never letting a bit of a government conspiracy get in the way of dishing out nothing but love when young D.A.R.Y.L. needed it most.
The actress had some other respectable appearances in the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. A quick glance at her resume shows contributions to such other projects as My Boyfriend's Back (1993), The Family Man (2000), Red Dragon (2002), The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005), and Lady In The Water (2006). While that may not seem like a lot to some, those of us who appreciate talent who are willing to do what they do in the realms of the Fantastic always -- always -- love the contributions.
Alas, none of us lasts forever, and I saw yesterday a news post regarding the woman's passing. There are indications that she endured a decade's long struggle with Alzheimers, a heartbreaking development for her and family. If nothing else, I hope those who knew her best kind find some solace in knowing that she's finally at rest.
Our warmest prayers and extended to the family, friends, and fans of Mary Beth Hurt.
May she rest in peace ...
-- EZ
Somewhere kinda/sorta forgotten in the shuffle -- to a degree -- was Mary Beth Hurt's work in 1985's D.A.R.Y.L. As foster mom 'Joyce Richardson,' she found herself steward to a growing young man whose origins were the stuff of mystery. In spite of the challenges, Joyce blocked out all of the noise and embraced the kid for who he was, never letting a bit of a government conspiracy get in the way of dishing out nothing but love when young D.A.R.Y.L. needed it most.
The actress had some other respectable appearances in the worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy. A quick glance at her resume shows contributions to such other projects as My Boyfriend's Back (1993), The Family Man (2000), Red Dragon (2002), The Exorcism Of Emily Rose (2005), and Lady In The Water (2006). While that may not seem like a lot to some, those of us who appreciate talent who are willing to do what they do in the realms of the Fantastic always -- always -- love the contributions.
Alas, none of us lasts forever, and I saw yesterday a news post regarding the woman's passing. There are indications that she endured a decade's long struggle with Alzheimers, a heartbreaking development for her and family. If nothing else, I hope those who knew her best kind find some solace in knowing that she's finally at rest.
Our warmest prayers and extended to the family, friends, and fans of Mary Beth Hurt.
May she rest in peace ...
-- EZ
- Published on
In memoriam
Over the weekend, word reached the World Wide Web regarding the passing of actor James Tolkan.
A quick glance at the talent's IMDB.com shows that the man enjoyed just over eighty different screen roles, and a good deal of them were the kind of things that genre fans gravitate toward. Granted, there are some conventional titles in there, as well; while those things are all well and good, I don't much cover them as part and parcel of the SciFiHistory.Net tradition. But -- wow -- this guy knew a thing or two about chewing scenery, didn't he? Such an incredible presence when called upon to serve in such a role ...
A brief rundown of his dalliances inside the realms of the Fantastic:
In 1973, Tolkan enjoyed a role aboard the somewhat subversive political satire The Werewolf Of Washington for Diplomat Pictures. I've seen this one, and -- yes -- it is a bit 'out there,' indeed. It's much more of a Horror/Comedy hybrid than it is satirical, but to each his own.
In 1979, Horror came a'knocking, and Tolkan enjoyed another small role, this time in the guise of a coroner for The Amityville Horror for American International Pictures, a popular but flawed adaptation of the best-selling book regarding one of the nation's most haunted houses (alleged).
In 1981, Horror showed that it wasn't yet finished with the man; and he signed up for a role in the award-winning but often overlooked werewolf film Wolfen for Orion Pictures.
1983 saw the actor making not one but two great genre entries: John Badham's WarGames remains one of the great SciFi/Thrillers of the decade while Nightmares is a somewhat forgettable anthology-style chiller that did well on home video but not much else.
In 1984, Tolkan joined the cast of Iceman for Universal Pictures. It's another one of those great 1980's flicks that hasn't quick been yet rediscovered, exploring the dangers of bringing a man from the distant past back to life in the modern era. It's touching and bittersweet. Hopefully it'll get a second look from audiences still willing to explore some of what's come before.
For my money, it was Tolkan's great little role as 'Principal Strickland' in 1985's groundbreaking Back To The Future that truly set the actor's career on fire. Again, I realize he didn't exactly get a vast amount of screen time in the flick, but I'd argue that Hollywood saw what he could do with smartly-written dialogue and a massive screen presence; and the guy never quite looked back.
Indeed, his career continued; and the actor continued to do what only he could do in such projects as Top Gun (1986), Masters Of The Universe (1987), Made In Heaven (1987), Second Sight (1989), Back To The Future Part 2 (1989), Back To The Future Part III (1990), Dick Tracy (1990), Tales From The Crypt, Nowhere Man, Early Edition, Robo Warriors (1996), and The Pretender.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of James Tolkan.
May he rest in peace ...
-- EZ
A quick glance at the talent's IMDB.com shows that the man enjoyed just over eighty different screen roles, and a good deal of them were the kind of things that genre fans gravitate toward. Granted, there are some conventional titles in there, as well; while those things are all well and good, I don't much cover them as part and parcel of the SciFiHistory.Net tradition. But -- wow -- this guy knew a thing or two about chewing scenery, didn't he? Such an incredible presence when called upon to serve in such a role ...
A brief rundown of his dalliances inside the realms of the Fantastic:
In 1973, Tolkan enjoyed a role aboard the somewhat subversive political satire The Werewolf Of Washington for Diplomat Pictures. I've seen this one, and -- yes -- it is a bit 'out there,' indeed. It's much more of a Horror/Comedy hybrid than it is satirical, but to each his own.
In 1979, Horror came a'knocking, and Tolkan enjoyed another small role, this time in the guise of a coroner for The Amityville Horror for American International Pictures, a popular but flawed adaptation of the best-selling book regarding one of the nation's most haunted houses (alleged).
In 1981, Horror showed that it wasn't yet finished with the man; and he signed up for a role in the award-winning but often overlooked werewolf film Wolfen for Orion Pictures.
1983 saw the actor making not one but two great genre entries: John Badham's WarGames remains one of the great SciFi/Thrillers of the decade while Nightmares is a somewhat forgettable anthology-style chiller that did well on home video but not much else.
In 1984, Tolkan joined the cast of Iceman for Universal Pictures. It's another one of those great 1980's flicks that hasn't quick been yet rediscovered, exploring the dangers of bringing a man from the distant past back to life in the modern era. It's touching and bittersweet. Hopefully it'll get a second look from audiences still willing to explore some of what's come before.
For my money, it was Tolkan's great little role as 'Principal Strickland' in 1985's groundbreaking Back To The Future that truly set the actor's career on fire. Again, I realize he didn't exactly get a vast amount of screen time in the flick, but I'd argue that Hollywood saw what he could do with smartly-written dialogue and a massive screen presence; and the guy never quite looked back.
Indeed, his career continued; and the actor continued to do what only he could do in such projects as Top Gun (1986), Masters Of The Universe (1987), Made In Heaven (1987), Second Sight (1989), Back To The Future Part 2 (1989), Back To The Future Part III (1990), Dick Tracy (1990), Tales From The Crypt, Nowhere Man, Early Edition, Robo Warriors (1996), and The Pretender.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of James Tolkan.
May he rest in peace ...
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1969 (in Italy), Top Sensation created a sensation all of its own with the film's box office release. Written (in part) and directed by Ottavio Alessi, the film starred Maud Belleroche, Maurizio Bonuglia, Edwige Fenech, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hoping to sway her unbalanced son into losing his virginity, an oil baroness takes him and several of her decadent friends on a cruise, culminating in an orgy of lust and murder."
-- EZ
On this day in 1969 (in Italy), Top Sensation created a sensation all of its own with the film's box office release. Written (in part) and directed by Ottavio Alessi, the film starred Maud Belleroche, Maurizio Bonuglia, Edwige Fenech, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Hoping to sway her unbalanced son into losing his virginity, an oil baroness takes him and several of her decadent friends on a cruise, culminating in an orgy of lust and murder."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Top Sensation (1969), also known as The Seducers, is an Italian exploitation film (Eurotrash) directed by Ottavio Alessi, starring cult icons Edwige Fenech and Rosalba Neri. The plot follows a wealthy, decadent woman who brings a prostitute (Fenech) on a yacht cruise to "cure" her mentally disturbed, virginal son, leading to a mix of murder and sexual exploitation.
Key details about the film include:
The movie is often cited as a prime example of late 1960s Italian exploitation cinema that focuses on decadent, wealthy characters, notes The Spinning Image.
Top Sensation (1969), also known as The Seducers, is an Italian exploitation film (Eurotrash) directed by Ottavio Alessi, starring cult icons Edwige Fenech and Rosalba Neri. The plot follows a wealthy, decadent woman who brings a prostitute (Fenech) on a yacht cruise to "cure" her mentally disturbed, virginal son, leading to a mix of murder and sexual exploitation.
Key details about the film include:
- Plot: The cruise turns chaotic as the party stops at an island, leading to sexual games, psychological abuse, and tragedy, according to IMDb and Wikipedia.
- Cast: The film features prominent Euro-exploitation actresses Edwige Fenech, Rosalba Neri, and Eva Thulin.
- Reception: It was considered scandalous upon release, with a 1970s review calling it "garbage" and a "poor man's version of La Dolce Vita," notes B&S About Movies.
- Style: It features a score by Sante Maria Romitelli, described as both kitschy and groovy.
- Censorship: The film was refused a UK certificate in 1970, though later released uncut in 2016, according to IMDb trivia.
The movie is often cited as a prime example of late 1960s Italian exploitation cinema that focuses on decadent, wealthy characters, notes The Spinning Image.
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Detour enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by William Dickerson, the film starred Neil Hopkins, Brea Grant, John Forest, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trapped inside his car by a mudslide, smooth talking Jackson Alder suddenly finds himself in a situation he can't talk his way out of. With no hope of rescue, he must defy the odds; battling Mother Nature for his survival."
-- EZ
On this day in 2013 (in the U.S.), Detour enjoyed a limited theatrical release. Written (in part) and directed by William Dickerson, the film starred Neil Hopkins, Brea Grant, John Forest, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Trapped inside his car by a mudslide, smooth talking Jackson Alder suddenly finds himself in a situation he can't talk his way out of. With no hope of rescue, he must defy the odds; battling Mother Nature for his survival."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Detour (2013) is an American psychological thriller film that focuses on a high-stakes survival story told from a single, claustrophobic location. Directed by William Dickerson, it is often compared to other "trapped" films like Buried or 127 Hours.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Jackson Alder (played by Neil Hopkins), a smooth-talking advertising executive who is driving along a California coastal highway for a business meeting.
Key Features:
Critical Reception:
The film received mixed reviews, currently holding a "Rotten" status on Rotten Tomatoes.
Detour (2013) is an American psychological thriller film that focuses on a high-stakes survival story told from a single, claustrophobic location. Directed by William Dickerson, it is often compared to other "trapped" films like Buried or 127 Hours.
Plot Overview:
The story follows Jackson Alder (played by Neil Hopkins), a smooth-talking advertising executive who is driving along a California coastal highway for a business meeting.
- The Incident: A massive mudslide suddenly sweeps his SUV off the road and completely buries it under tons of earth.
- The Ordeal: Jackson awakens trapped in the dark with limited oxygen, a dying cell phone, and only a half-bottle of water.
- Survival: The film depicts his desperate and inventive attempts to escape using "MacGyver-style" ingenuity with the few tools available in his car, while grappling with the realization that no one knows where he is.
Key Features:
- Cast: While Neil Hopkins carries the vast majority of the film as a solo performance, Brea Grant appears in flashbacks as his wife, providing context to his life before the accident.
- Atmosphere: Reviewers from The Hollywood Reporter note that the film excels at conveying a "nerve-wracking" sense of claustrophobia through authentic sound design and tight camera work.
- Themes: Beyond the physical escape, the movie explores the protagonist's emotional journey—from panic and denial to a "race-against-the-clock" resolve.
Critical Reception:
The film received mixed reviews, currently holding a "Rotten" status on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Pros: Critics praised Neil Hopkins’ performance and the technical proficiency of the filmmaking despite its micro-budget.
- Cons: Some viewers found the pacing "monotonous" or felt it lacked the depth of its predecessors in the survival genre.
- Published on
So many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 1963 (in Turkey, Canada, and the U.S.), The Birds flew the coup and took to the silver screen for a flight of terror. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a story by Daphne Du Maurier and Evan Hunter, the film starred Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Birds enjoyed an Academy Award nomination in 1964 in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Visual Effects.'
-- EZ
On this day in 1963 (in Turkey, Canada, and the U.S.), The Birds flew the coup and took to the silver screen for a flight of terror. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock from a story by Daphne Du Maurier and Evan Hunter, the film starred Rod Taylor, Tippi Hedren, Jessica Tandy, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Birds enjoyed an Academy Award nomination in 1964 in the category of 'Best Effects - Special Visual Effects.'
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Released in March 1963, Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is a landmark horror-thriller where thousands of birds inexplicably attack the residents of Bodega Bay, California. Starring Tippi Hedren (in her debut) and Rod Taylor, it follows a socialite whose romance is interrupted by surreal avian assaults. The film is famous for using real birds alongside mechanical ones.
Key Aspects of the 1963 Film:
Released in March 1963, Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds is a landmark horror-thriller where thousands of birds inexplicably attack the residents of Bodega Bay, California. Starring Tippi Hedren (in her debut) and Rod Taylor, it follows a socialite whose romance is interrupted by surreal avian assaults. The film is famous for using real birds alongside mechanical ones.
Key Aspects of the 1963 Film:
- Plot: Wealthy San Francisco socialite Melanie Daniels (Hedren) pursues lawyer Mitch Brenner (Taylor) to his hometown, where bizarre, violent, and unexplained bird attacks begin.
- Director: Directed and produced by Alfred Hitchcock, who makes a cameo appearance walking his dogs out of a pet shop.
- Production: The film used real gulls, sparrows, and ravens, along with mechanical models costing over. The iconic attic scene took a full week to shoot, severely taxing actress Tippi Hedren.
- Tone: It combines a 1960s romantic drama in the first half with intense psychological horror, notably refusing to provide a clear explanation for the birds' behavior.
- Legacy: The movie is part of the National Film Registry for its cultural significance and is recognized for its technical achievements in, and reinvention of, the natural horror genre.
- Adaptation: It is loosely based on a 1952 story by Daphne du Maurier.
- Published on
scifi reflection
Look! Up in the sky! It’s … Captain Marvel?!?!
As SciFiHistory.Net prides itself on showcasing the actual past, present, and future history of genre entertainment, March 28th gives our audiences yet one more surprising first: on this day back in 1941 (in the U.S.), the very first superhero ever depicted on film – well, the very first live-action superhero adaptation, that is – was released in 12-chapter serialized format when Adventures Of Captain Marvel soared onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here’s the plot summary:
“To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: ‘Shazam!’”
Directed by John English and William Witney with a story from Ronald Davidson, Norman S. Hall, Arch Heath, Joseph F. Poland, Sol Shor, C.C. Beck, and Bill Parker, the film starred young Frank Coghlan Jr. in the role of equally young Billy Batson with Tom Tyler assuming superhero status when called upon in the guise of the mighty Captain Marvel. Also starring in big roles were William Benedict, Louise Currie, Robert Strange, and Harry Worth.
A deep dive into the project via Google.com indicates that the film – while based on the popular comic strip – actually involved an entirely original story, one that had our dynamic duo battling a villain known as The Scorpion (alias Professor Luther Bentley). From what I’ve read, The Scorpion sought to gain ultimate power of the universe by securing the five lenses of an ancient idol called the Golden Scorpion: when combined, these lenses could be used as a death ray powerful enough to destroy all matter. Naturally, Captain Marvel poses the greatest obstacle to this dastardly mission, leaving The Scorpion no choice but to have him eliminated.
This being the first authentic superhero adaptation, Republic Pictures knew it was taking a risk; but the success of such other comic strip properties such as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers proved that such editions could work. They were proven right when the serial went on to achieve not only commercial rewards but also critical acclaim. It’s been stated that film historians consider it the best serial ever produced, and it’s often cited as the personal favorite of many serial enthusiasts. I’ve read that there are some who assert that Captain Marvel’s stunt work and special effects – particular the film’s flying sequences – are better than those that just over a decade later would bring Superman to live for audiences on television.
As happens with many older films, Adventures Of Captain Marvel did eventually fall into public domain, and this fact alone does allow for the picture to be exhibited for free viewing across the Information Superhighway. Regardless, Google.com reports that in September of 2017 Kino Lorber released an all-new 4K rendering of the classic production; and those in the know cite this as the best way to experience the first time Captain Marvel soared for modern audiences.
-- EZ
As SciFiHistory.Net prides itself on showcasing the actual past, present, and future history of genre entertainment, March 28th gives our audiences yet one more surprising first: on this day back in 1941 (in the U.S.), the very first superhero ever depicted on film – well, the very first live-action superhero adaptation, that is – was released in 12-chapter serialized format when Adventures Of Captain Marvel soared onto the silver screen. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here’s the plot summary:
“To protect a magic talisman from being used for evil, a teenage boy named Billy Batson is given the power to become an adult superhero, Captain Marvel, with a single magic word: ‘Shazam!’”
Directed by John English and William Witney with a story from Ronald Davidson, Norman S. Hall, Arch Heath, Joseph F. Poland, Sol Shor, C.C. Beck, and Bill Parker, the film starred young Frank Coghlan Jr. in the role of equally young Billy Batson with Tom Tyler assuming superhero status when called upon in the guise of the mighty Captain Marvel. Also starring in big roles were William Benedict, Louise Currie, Robert Strange, and Harry Worth.
A deep dive into the project via Google.com indicates that the film – while based on the popular comic strip – actually involved an entirely original story, one that had our dynamic duo battling a villain known as The Scorpion (alias Professor Luther Bentley). From what I’ve read, The Scorpion sought to gain ultimate power of the universe by securing the five lenses of an ancient idol called the Golden Scorpion: when combined, these lenses could be used as a death ray powerful enough to destroy all matter. Naturally, Captain Marvel poses the greatest obstacle to this dastardly mission, leaving The Scorpion no choice but to have him eliminated.
This being the first authentic superhero adaptation, Republic Pictures knew it was taking a risk; but the success of such other comic strip properties such as Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers proved that such editions could work. They were proven right when the serial went on to achieve not only commercial rewards but also critical acclaim. It’s been stated that film historians consider it the best serial ever produced, and it’s often cited as the personal favorite of many serial enthusiasts. I’ve read that there are some who assert that Captain Marvel’s stunt work and special effects – particular the film’s flying sequences – are better than those that just over a decade later would bring Superman to live for audiences on television.
As happens with many older films, Adventures Of Captain Marvel did eventually fall into public domain, and this fact alone does allow for the picture to be exhibited for free viewing across the Information Superhighway. Regardless, Google.com reports that in September of 2017 Kino Lorber released an all-new 4K rendering of the classic production; and those in the know cite this as the best way to experience the first time Captain Marvel soared for modern audiences.
-- EZ
- Published on
So many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), Horror Island proved to be a destination ... for Horror! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Maurice Tombragel, Victor McLeod, and Alex Gottlieb, the picture starred Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Fuzzy Knight, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A down-on-his-luck businessman organizes an excursion to Sir Henry Morgan's Island for a treasure hunt only to encounter a mysterious phantom and murder."
-- EZ
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), Horror Island proved to be a destination ... for Horror! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Maurice Tombragel, Victor McLeod, and Alex Gottlieb, the picture starred Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Fuzzy Knight, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A down-on-his-luck businessman organizes an excursion to Sir Henry Morgan's Island for a treasure hunt only to encounter a mysterious phantom and murder."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Horror Island (1941) is a 60-minute Universal Pictures B-movie that blends comedy, mystery, and light horror, often described as a "Scooby-Doo" style adventure without the dog. It follows a cash-strapped entrepreneur (Dick Foran) who runs a fake treasure-hunting cruise to a "haunted" castle he owns, only to face a real killer known as "The Phantom".
Key Details of Horror Island (1941):
Horror Island (1941) is a 60-minute Universal Pictures B-movie that blends comedy, mystery, and light horror, often described as a "Scooby-Doo" style adventure without the dog. It follows a cash-strapped entrepreneur (Dick Foran) who runs a fake treasure-hunting cruise to a "haunted" castle he owns, only to face a real killer known as "The Phantom".
Key Details of Horror Island (1941):
- Plot: To escape creditors, Bill Martin (Foran) turns a fraudulent treasure hunt into a business venture. The trip to an isolated island off Florida turns dangerous when a hooded figure, "The Phantom," threatens the group to locate a hidden fortune.
- Tone: The film features a lighthearted, comedic first half, focusing on character relationships, before moving into a more suspenseful second half set in a spooky castle.
- Cast: The film stars Dick Foran, Peggy Moran, Leo Carrillo, and Fuzzy Knight.
- Production: Directed by George Waggner, it is noted for its quick production, using standing sets from other Universal films to create the haunted atmosphere.
- Reception: While sometimes deemed formulaic, it is enjoyed as a fast-paced, atmospheric, and campy thriller.
- Villain: The main antagonist is a villain known as "The Phantom" or "Panama Pete".
- Published on
So many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 1961 (in West Germany), Dead Eyes Of London finally shone on interested audiences. Directed by Alfred Vohner from a story by Edgar Wallace, Egon Eis, and Wolfgang Lukschy, the film starred Joachim Fuchsberger, Karin Baal, Dieter Borsche, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wealthy, heavily-insured men are being murdered at an alarming rate. Scotland Yard investigates and finds clues that lead to a ring of blind men, led by a mysterious "reverend.""
-- EZ
On this day in 1961 (in West Germany), Dead Eyes Of London finally shone on interested audiences. Directed by Alfred Vohner from a story by Edgar Wallace, Egon Eis, and Wolfgang Lukschy, the film starred Joachim Fuchsberger, Karin Baal, Dieter Borsche, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Wealthy, heavily-insured men are being murdered at an alarming rate. Scotland Yard investigates and finds clues that lead to a ring of blind men, led by a mysterious "reverend.""
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Dead Eyes of London (German: Die Toten Augen von London) is a 1961 West German black-and-white krimi thriller directed by Alfred Vohrer, based on Edgar Wallace's novel. It follows Inspector Larry Holt (Joachim Fuchsberger) investigating a series of murders involving wealthy men, a mysterious home for the blind, and a blind, monstrous killer.
Key details of the film include:
The film is noted for being quite violent for its time, featuring scenes such as a man shot through a keyhole and a woman threatened with a blowtorch.
Dead Eyes of London (German: Die Toten Augen von London) is a 1961 West German black-and-white krimi thriller directed by Alfred Vohrer, based on Edgar Wallace's novel. It follows Inspector Larry Holt (Joachim Fuchsberger) investigating a series of murders involving wealthy men, a mysterious home for the blind, and a blind, monstrous killer.
Key details of the film include:
- Plot: The murders are linked to an insurance fraud scheme run through a home for the blind, managed by the sinister Reverend Dearborn (Dieter Borsche).
- Atmosphere: The film is characterized by "pea-souper" London fog, Gothic elements, high-contrast cinematography, and intense, sometimes brutal scenes.
- Characters: Key roles include Karin Baal as Nora Ward, Klaus Kinski as a slimy assistant named Judd, and Ady Berber as the terrifying blind murderer, "Blind Jack".
- Significance: It is considered a premier example of the German Wallace film genre and a key early role for Klaus Kinski, whose performance gained significant attention.
The film is noted for being quite violent for its time, featuring scenes such as a man shot through a keyhole and a woman threatened with a blowtorch.
- Published on
So many movies ... so much to celebrate!!!
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the Man Made Monster! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Harry Essex, Sid Schwartz, and Len Golos, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, Anne Nagel, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
-- EZ
On this day in 1941 (in the U.S.), audiences were treated to the Man Made Monster! Directed by George Waggner from a story by Harry Essex, Sid Schwartz, and Len Golos, the SciFi/Fantasy starred Lionel Atwill, Lon Chaney Jr, Anne Nagel, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A mad scientist turns a man into an electrically-controlled monster to do his bidding."
-- EZ
From Google.com:
Man-Made Monster (1941) is a Universal B-horror sci-fi film, notable for being Lon Chaney Jr.'s first major horror role before The Wolf Man. It follows Dan McCormick (Chaney), a carnival "Electric Man" who becomes a murderous, glowing, electrically-charged zombie controlled by a mad scientist, Dr. Rigas (Lionel Atwill).
The film is generally characterized by strong performances from Atwill and a "tragic" portrayal by Chaney, despite being a lower-budget production.
Man-Made Monster (1941) is a Universal B-horror sci-fi film, notable for being Lon Chaney Jr.'s first major horror role before The Wolf Man. It follows Dan McCormick (Chaney), a carnival "Electric Man" who becomes a murderous, glowing, electrically-charged zombie controlled by a mad scientist, Dr. Rigas (Lionel Atwill).
- Plot: After surviving a bus crash into high-voltage lines, McCormick is studied by Dr. Rigas, who boosts his electricity immunity into a deadly dependency.
- The Transformation: McCormick is turned into an obedient, glowing, "super-charged" creature who kills by touch.
- The Climax: After murdering a colleague, McCormick is tried and convicted, surviving the electric chair, escaping, and eventually dying after a fence rips his protective suit, causing his electricity to drain.
- Impact: The film is considered a significant stepping stone for Lon Chaney Jr. in becoming a Universal monster icon.
- Alternative Titles: The film was released under different titles, including The Electric Man, The Mysterious Dr. R, and The Atomic Monster.
The film is generally characterized by strong performances from Atwill and a "tragic" portrayal by Chaney, despite being a lower-budget production.
- Published on
scifi reflection
Reflecting upon “Starship Mine”:
“I enjoyed the episode enormously. It’s now in my top half a dozen episodes.”
Captain Jean-Luc Picard?
An action hero?
The truth is that each iteration of the Gene Roddenberry franchise has its own track record with action-centric episodes. Actor William Shater’s Captain James T. Kirk rather famously had his shirt torn in several classic Star Trek fisticuffs, so why shouldn’t his TV successor get the chance to swap a few blows with bad guys here and there? Maybe even tear a shirt or two? Well, the 1993 episode titled “Starship Mine” amped up the idea to noticeably degree, pitting the Starfleet captain in a cat-and-mouse match-up aboard an evacuated Enterprise where galactic terrorists who’d stop at nothing to obtain enough Trilithium resin – a substance that could be refined into a dangerous explosive – to sell on the black market.
Fans of this sixth season installment noticed the rather obvious similarities between “Starship Mine” and the hugely successful Die Hard, a 1988 blockbuster film that saw Bruce Willis first play John McClane, a New York City cop trying to save his wife and her work colleagues at the worst holiday work party imaginable. In the picture, terrorists seized the Nakatomi Building and took everyone inside hostage, unwittingly leaving one man – McClane – on the loose after hours so that chaos between the good guy and the bad guys ensued throughout its two-hour run-time. To Star Trek’s credit, screenwriter Morgan Gendel’s script trimmed everything down to a manageable 45 minutes; and the comparisons were valid.
Some fans dubbed it: “Die Hard In Space.”
Others called it: “Die Hard Picard.”
Even actor Patrick Stewart is alleged to have loved the episode, largely because it gave the classical-trained Shakespearean actor a chance to step outside the box of so much of what he’d usually been asked to do as the veteran Starfleet captain. Gone were the speeches about galactic injustice. Gone were the usual Trek technobabble on science and morality. Gone were the dialogue-heavy sequences that had the man proving his intellectual mettle. In its place were TV-grade throwdowns with guest stars, a bit of gunplay, and even the chance to put to use a Vulcan nerve pinch he had learned from a previous mind-meld with Sarek – the famed Vulcan ambassador – back in season 3. Star Trek once again delivered the kind of small screen adventure that Roddenberry envisioned on its wagon train to the stars, and here was the next generation showing they, too, were unflinching unafraid to go where no one had gone before.
A citation about the episode’s enduring popularity posted to Memory Alpha claims that even veteran Star Trek producer Rick Berman thought that the chapter was inspired. He called it a ‘bravura role’ for Stewart within a premise that a tone uniquely its own. Screenwriter Gendel took a bit of convincing, having to watch the completed dailies a second time in order to be certain that director Cliff Bole and all involved had fully captured what he was trying to accomplish with the script.
While the original airdates for syndicated television shows vary widely across U.S. markets, “Starship Mine” – the eighteenth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s sixth season – was first broadcast on this day back in 1993 as according to IMDB.com.
-- EZ
“I enjoyed the episode enormously. It’s now in my top half a dozen episodes.”
- Patrick Stewart (Source: Memory Alpha)
Captain Jean-Luc Picard?
An action hero?
The truth is that each iteration of the Gene Roddenberry franchise has its own track record with action-centric episodes. Actor William Shater’s Captain James T. Kirk rather famously had his shirt torn in several classic Star Trek fisticuffs, so why shouldn’t his TV successor get the chance to swap a few blows with bad guys here and there? Maybe even tear a shirt or two? Well, the 1993 episode titled “Starship Mine” amped up the idea to noticeably degree, pitting the Starfleet captain in a cat-and-mouse match-up aboard an evacuated Enterprise where galactic terrorists who’d stop at nothing to obtain enough Trilithium resin – a substance that could be refined into a dangerous explosive – to sell on the black market.
Fans of this sixth season installment noticed the rather obvious similarities between “Starship Mine” and the hugely successful Die Hard, a 1988 blockbuster film that saw Bruce Willis first play John McClane, a New York City cop trying to save his wife and her work colleagues at the worst holiday work party imaginable. In the picture, terrorists seized the Nakatomi Building and took everyone inside hostage, unwittingly leaving one man – McClane – on the loose after hours so that chaos between the good guy and the bad guys ensued throughout its two-hour run-time. To Star Trek’s credit, screenwriter Morgan Gendel’s script trimmed everything down to a manageable 45 minutes; and the comparisons were valid.
Some fans dubbed it: “Die Hard In Space.”
Others called it: “Die Hard Picard.”
Even actor Patrick Stewart is alleged to have loved the episode, largely because it gave the classical-trained Shakespearean actor a chance to step outside the box of so much of what he’d usually been asked to do as the veteran Starfleet captain. Gone were the speeches about galactic injustice. Gone were the usual Trek technobabble on science and morality. Gone were the dialogue-heavy sequences that had the man proving his intellectual mettle. In its place were TV-grade throwdowns with guest stars, a bit of gunplay, and even the chance to put to use a Vulcan nerve pinch he had learned from a previous mind-meld with Sarek – the famed Vulcan ambassador – back in season 3. Star Trek once again delivered the kind of small screen adventure that Roddenberry envisioned on its wagon train to the stars, and here was the next generation showing they, too, were unflinching unafraid to go where no one had gone before.
A citation about the episode’s enduring popularity posted to Memory Alpha claims that even veteran Star Trek producer Rick Berman thought that the chapter was inspired. He called it a ‘bravura role’ for Stewart within a premise that a tone uniquely its own. Screenwriter Gendel took a bit of convincing, having to watch the completed dailies a second time in order to be certain that director Cliff Bole and all involved had fully captured what he was trying to accomplish with the script.
While the original airdates for syndicated television shows vary widely across U.S. markets, “Starship Mine” – the eighteenth episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s sixth season – was first broadcast on this day back in 1993 as according to IMDB.com.
-- EZ
