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in memoriam
Ach. Make this year go away, folks. We've lost so much talent in 2025 ...
I caught the press announcement yesterday regarding the passing of celebrated actor Udo Kier, so I wanted to get up an In Memoriam today. Again, his was a presence known and felt by so many -- some of which relates to the world of genre entertainment -- but the truth is he was probably known far and wide for a diverse catalogue of incredible performances. Drama. Comedy. Thrillers. You name it, and I think Kier probably did it at some point as his resume was fast approaching three hundred different screen roles. Wow. That's astonishing.
And ... I read a few reactions from people in the business who attested to the fact that -- though he might've played heavies here and there -- he was a very nice fellow.
As for his forays into the realms of the Fantastic?
Well, with so many appearances on screens big and small, it's going to be a bit difficult to try to capture it all. I'll try to mention a few of the more notable finds.
According to IMDB.com, it looks like Kier got his 'feet wet' in genre pursuits with a big role aboard Mark Of The Devil (1970) for Aquila Film Enterprises. From what I've read, Devil both built and maintains a cult audience largely owed to the feature's rampant depiction of torture. Google.com states that it was one of those releases wherein producers insisted on providing 'vomit bags' to audience upon its first run through theaters.
A few years later -- in 1973 -- Kier took on one of the screen's oft-repeated roles when he suited up to play 'Baron Frankenstein' aboard Flesh For Frankenstein for Braunsberg Productions. The flick is often referred to as Andy Warhol's Frankenstein; but -- as I've come to understand -- Warhol essentially had nothing to do with the picture other than allowing the producers to use his name, perhaps in an attempt to capture some viral advertising of the era. Flesh, too, is a production often cited for its prevalent violence.
The very next year -- in 1974 -- the actor kinda/sorta flipped the coin and took on Horror's other iconic heavyweight: Blood For Dracula saw the man becoming Count Dracula for a new generation of moviegoers. While it may lack the visceral, gruesome punch long attached to Flesh For Frankenstein, it follows in the same vein (snicker snicker) so far as I've read. It's a picture which I wonder is owed a rediscovery, especially now since its central figure has passed on.
As is often the case, there's a vast amount more to these citations, but with a talent like Kier I've often felt it's best to let the record speak for itself. When such personalities age, they're often shoehorned into roles that kinda/sorta take advantage of their earlier screen personaes; and I suppose the same is true for him. Later in his career, Kier probably found himself cast in projects more for his professional gravitas than anything else -- not to suggest that's a bad turn of events in any way -- and, sadly, I think that hampers any actor or actress' opportunity to keep exploring what can be accomplished with the craft. Still, it's easy to see that the guy knew how to deliver whenever asked; and it's a shame we don't see more of the likes of him these days.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Udo Kier.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
I caught the press announcement yesterday regarding the passing of celebrated actor Udo Kier, so I wanted to get up an In Memoriam today. Again, his was a presence known and felt by so many -- some of which relates to the world of genre entertainment -- but the truth is he was probably known far and wide for a diverse catalogue of incredible performances. Drama. Comedy. Thrillers. You name it, and I think Kier probably did it at some point as his resume was fast approaching three hundred different screen roles. Wow. That's astonishing.
And ... I read a few reactions from people in the business who attested to the fact that -- though he might've played heavies here and there -- he was a very nice fellow.
As for his forays into the realms of the Fantastic?
Well, with so many appearances on screens big and small, it's going to be a bit difficult to try to capture it all. I'll try to mention a few of the more notable finds.
According to IMDB.com, it looks like Kier got his 'feet wet' in genre pursuits with a big role aboard Mark Of The Devil (1970) for Aquila Film Enterprises. From what I've read, Devil both built and maintains a cult audience largely owed to the feature's rampant depiction of torture. Google.com states that it was one of those releases wherein producers insisted on providing 'vomit bags' to audience upon its first run through theaters.
A few years later -- in 1973 -- Kier took on one of the screen's oft-repeated roles when he suited up to play 'Baron Frankenstein' aboard Flesh For Frankenstein for Braunsberg Productions. The flick is often referred to as Andy Warhol's Frankenstein; but -- as I've come to understand -- Warhol essentially had nothing to do with the picture other than allowing the producers to use his name, perhaps in an attempt to capture some viral advertising of the era. Flesh, too, is a production often cited for its prevalent violence.
The very next year -- in 1974 -- the actor kinda/sorta flipped the coin and took on Horror's other iconic heavyweight: Blood For Dracula saw the man becoming Count Dracula for a new generation of moviegoers. While it may lack the visceral, gruesome punch long attached to Flesh For Frankenstein, it follows in the same vein (snicker snicker) so far as I've read. It's a picture which I wonder is owed a rediscovery, especially now since its central figure has passed on.
As is often the case, there's a vast amount more to these citations, but with a talent like Kier I've often felt it's best to let the record speak for itself. When such personalities age, they're often shoehorned into roles that kinda/sorta take advantage of their earlier screen personaes; and I suppose the same is true for him. Later in his career, Kier probably found himself cast in projects more for his professional gravitas than anything else -- not to suggest that's a bad turn of events in any way -- and, sadly, I think that hampers any actor or actress' opportunity to keep exploring what can be accomplished with the craft. Still, it's easy to see that the guy knew how to deliver whenever asked; and it's a shame we don't see more of the likes of him these days.
Our warmest prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Udo Kier.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Puppet Master 4 enjoyed its very first release on home video. Directed by Jeff Burr from a story by Keith Payson, Doug Aarniokoski, Jo Duffy, Steven E. Carr, and Todd Henschell, the film starred Gordon Currie, Chandra West, Ash Adams, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young scientist and his friends, upon being attacked by demons, are protected by a gang of animated puppets."
-- EZ
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), Puppet Master 4 enjoyed its very first release on home video. Directed by Jeff Burr from a story by Keith Payson, Doug Aarniokoski, Jo Duffy, Steven E. Carr, and Todd Henschell, the film starred Gordon Currie, Chandra West, Ash Adams, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young scientist and his friends, upon being attacked by demons, are protected by a gang of animated puppets."
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1961 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the big screen theatrical premiere of The Innocents. Directed by Jack Clayton and based on the famous Henry James' novel 'The Turn Of The Screw,' the films tarred Deborah Kerr, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted."
For the record:
-- EZ
On this day in 1961 (in the United Kingdom), the good people of London, England were treated to the big screen theatrical premiere of The Innocents. Directed by Jack Clayton and based on the famous Henry James' novel 'The Turn Of The Screw,' the films tarred Deborah Kerr, Peter Wyngarde, Megs Jenkins, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A young governess for two children becomes convinced that the house and grounds are haunted."
For the record:
- At the 1962 BAFTA Awards, The Innocents received nominations in the categories of 'Best British Film' and 'Best Film From Any Source.'
- At the 1962 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, The Innocents took home top honors in the category of 'Best Motion Picture.'
- In 2010, the film was acknowledged in the Horror category by the UK Guardian on their list of 'The Greatest Films Of All Time.'
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), The Pagemaster delivered a bit of magical Fantasy to interested patrons. Directed by Pixote Hunt and Joe Johnston, the film starred Macaulay Culkin, Kanin Howell, Christopher Lloyd, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cowardly boy, who buries himself in accident statistics, enters a library to escape a storm, only to be transformed into an animated illustration by the Pagemaster. He has to work through obstacles from classic books to return to real-life."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Pagemaster earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
On this day in 1994 (in the U.S.), The Pagemaster delivered a bit of magical Fantasy to interested patrons. Directed by Pixote Hunt and Joe Johnston, the film starred Macaulay Culkin, Kanin Howell, Christopher Lloyd, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A cowardly boy, who buries himself in accident statistics, enters a library to escape a storm, only to be transformed into an animated illustration by the Pagemaster. He has to work through obstacles from classic books to return to real-life."
For the record:
To the film's credit, The Pagemaster earned a wee bit of praise from a screening on the film festival circuit.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1939 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of The Return Of Doctor X. Directed by Vincent Sherman from a story by Lee Katz and William J. Makin, the film starred Rosemary Lane, Wayne Morris, Humphrey Bogart, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A hotshot reporter and a young doctor team up to investigate a series of grisly murders and a mysterious sample of synthetic blood."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, The Return Of Doctor X was included as part of an all-hew home video release -- The Hollywood Legends Of Horror Collection (issued by Warner Archive) -- that received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
Editor's Note:
Purists can assure you that The Return Of Doctor X (1939) is only a sequel to 1932's Doctor X in name only. Otherwise, the film is an entirely new story that producers sought to cash in on the popularity of an original by suggesting a kinda/sorta comeback.
-- EZ
On this day in 1939 (in the U.S.), the good people of New York City, New York were treated to an exclusive theatrical premiere engagement of The Return Of Doctor X. Directed by Vincent Sherman from a story by Lee Katz and William J. Makin, the film starred Rosemary Lane, Wayne Morris, Humphrey Bogart, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"A hotshot reporter and a young doctor team up to investigate a series of grisly murders and a mysterious sample of synthetic blood."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, The Return Of Doctor X was included as part of an all-hew home video release -- The Hollywood Legends Of Horror Collection (issued by Warner Archive) -- that received a nomination in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
Editor's Note:
Purists can assure you that The Return Of Doctor X (1939) is only a sequel to 1932's Doctor X in name only. Otherwise, the film is an entirely new story that producers sought to cash in on the popularity of an original by suggesting a kinda/sorta comeback.
-- EZ
- Published on
So many movies ... so much to celebrate!
Here's the thing, folks ...
As much as I love Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home -- and I do love it very much -- it's far from my favorite Star Trek film. Without opening up that whole can of worms and getting slammed from everyone on the left and right and high and low, let's just say that I've often said that The Voyage Home is the most fun of all the Star Trek movies. It had a great sense of purpose that matched uniquely well with the humor of the script, and I've always appreciated what the cast and crew accomplished with this installment kinda/sorta serving as the end of a loose trilogy of Trek adventures. On that front, it's quite good. But again ... far from my favorite ...
In any event ...
According to release information available on IMDB.com, it was on this day back in 1986 that the motion picture was first screened for audiences ... in Canada, of all places. The movie site lists that Voyage didn't open theatrically in the U.S. until November 26th; and -- for the life of me -- I can't even begin to fathom why or how Paramount Pictures opted to release it earlier ... in Canada, of all places ... as opposed to America. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian release schedules are usually in sync -- meaning that they're coordinated on the same day -- so this could be one of those errors chalked up to a bit of misinformation. Whatever the truth may be, I'm still celebrating it for posterity's sake on this day in Science Fiction history, making the Voyage an incredible thirty-nine years young today.
Believe it or not, Voyage enjoyed an incredible four 1987 Academy Awards nominations (but no wins), scoring nods in the categories of 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography.' That in and of itself is a huge indicator of just how positively Trek (and, perhaps Science Fiction in general) had come a long way, finally garnering some positive praise from members of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences. It used to be, genre films were pretty much ignored; but the tide turned at some point, and even Trek was being acknowledged for its cinematic endeavors.
While Voyage garnered an incredible number of 1987 Saturn Awards nominations (10, by my count), the flick only went home that evening -- curiously enough -- with the trophy for 'Best Costumes.' I don't say that as any measure of disrespect at all -- I'm thrilled to highlight all recognition genre pictures receive -- but Voyage was a bit light creatively (by my estimation) compared to the first three Trek outings on the silver screen. In fact, given the reality that a great deal of the aesthetic took place in present day Earth, I'm not convinced all that much attention was put entirely into costumes. Again: no disrespect or shade whatsoever. It's just a bit odd to me. But what do I know?
So keep those hailing frequencies open today, folks, and tell all of your friends to cheer for The Voyage Home as it celebrates one more (symbolic) year travelling around the sun ... only this time it wasn't catapulted into the past!
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
Here's the thing, folks ...
As much as I love Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home -- and I do love it very much -- it's far from my favorite Star Trek film. Without opening up that whole can of worms and getting slammed from everyone on the left and right and high and low, let's just say that I've often said that The Voyage Home is the most fun of all the Star Trek movies. It had a great sense of purpose that matched uniquely well with the humor of the script, and I've always appreciated what the cast and crew accomplished with this installment kinda/sorta serving as the end of a loose trilogy of Trek adventures. On that front, it's quite good. But again ... far from my favorite ...
In any event ...
According to release information available on IMDB.com, it was on this day back in 1986 that the motion picture was first screened for audiences ... in Canada, of all places. The movie site lists that Voyage didn't open theatrically in the U.S. until November 26th; and -- for the life of me -- I can't even begin to fathom why or how Paramount Pictures opted to release it earlier ... in Canada, of all places ... as opposed to America. Generally speaking, U.S. and Canadian release schedules are usually in sync -- meaning that they're coordinated on the same day -- so this could be one of those errors chalked up to a bit of misinformation. Whatever the truth may be, I'm still celebrating it for posterity's sake on this day in Science Fiction history, making the Voyage an incredible thirty-nine years young today.
Believe it or not, Voyage enjoyed an incredible four 1987 Academy Awards nominations (but no wins), scoring nods in the categories of 'Best Music - Original Score,' 'Best Effects - Sound Effects Editing,' 'Best Sound,' and 'Best Cinematography.' That in and of itself is a huge indicator of just how positively Trek (and, perhaps Science Fiction in general) had come a long way, finally garnering some positive praise from members of the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences. It used to be, genre films were pretty much ignored; but the tide turned at some point, and even Trek was being acknowledged for its cinematic endeavors.
While Voyage garnered an incredible number of 1987 Saturn Awards nominations (10, by my count), the flick only went home that evening -- curiously enough -- with the trophy for 'Best Costumes.' I don't say that as any measure of disrespect at all -- I'm thrilled to highlight all recognition genre pictures receive -- but Voyage was a bit light creatively (by my estimation) compared to the first three Trek outings on the silver screen. In fact, given the reality that a great deal of the aesthetic took place in present day Earth, I'm not convinced all that much attention was put entirely into costumes. Again: no disrespect or shade whatsoever. It's just a bit odd to me. But what do I know?
So keep those hailing frequencies open today, folks, and tell all of your friends to cheer for The Voyage Home as it celebrates one more (symbolic) year travelling around the sun ... only this time it wasn't catapulted into the past!
As always, thanks for reading ... thanks for sharing ... thanks for being a fan ... and live long and prosper!
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1987 (in Canada and the U.S.), Flowers In The Attic had a popular bestseller blooming on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Jeffrey Bloom, the film starred Kristy Swanson, Louise Fletcher, Victoria Tennant, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Children are hidden away up in an attic by their conspiring mother and grandmother."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards, actress Louise Fletcher received a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in the picture.
-- EZ
On this day in 1987 (in Canada and the U.S.), Flowers In The Attic had a popular bestseller blooming on the silver screen. Written (in part) and directed by Jeffrey Bloom, the film starred Kristy Swanson, Louise Fletcher, Victoria Tennant, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Children are hidden away up in an attic by their conspiring mother and grandmother."
For the record:
At the 1988 Saturn Awards, actress Louise Fletcher received a nomination in the category of 'Best Supporting Actress' for her work in the picture.
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1987 (in Canada and the U.S.), Teen Wolf Too tried to sink its teeth into the box office. Directed by Christopher Leitch from a story by Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman, and Tim Kring, the film starred Jason Bateman, Kim Darby, John Astin, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Todd Howard is a struggling college student. Nothing seems to be going very well for him, until he turns into a wolf."
-- EZ
On this day in 1987 (in Canada and the U.S.), Teen Wolf Too tried to sink its teeth into the box office. Directed by Christopher Leitch from a story by Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman, and Tim Kring, the film starred Jason Bateman, Kim Darby, John Astin, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Todd Howard is a struggling college student. Nothing seems to be going very well for him, until he turns into a wolf."
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), the big city of Los Angeles, California played host for an exclusive theatrical screening of The Black Castle. Directed by Nathan Juran from a story by Jerry Sackheim, the film starred Richard Greene, Boris Karloff, Paula Corday, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Man investigates the disappearance of two of his friends who were the guests of a sinister Austrian count."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, The Black Castle was included as part of an all-new home video release -- The Boris Karloff Collection -- that was nominated in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
-- EZ
On this day in 1952 (in the U.S.), the big city of Los Angeles, California played host for an exclusive theatrical screening of The Black Castle. Directed by Nathan Juran from a story by Jerry Sackheim, the film starred Richard Greene, Boris Karloff, Paula Corday, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Man investigates the disappearance of two of his friends who were the guests of a sinister Austrian count."
For the record:
At the 2007 Saturn Awards, The Black Castle was included as part of an all-new home video release -- The Boris Karloff Collection -- that was nominated in the category of 'Best DVD Collection.'
-- EZ
- Published on
site update
So many movies ... so little time ...
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the Addams Family returned to the silver screen with the theatrical release of Addams Family Values. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld from a script by Charles Addams and Paul Rudnick, the film starred Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Addams Family try to rescue their beloved Uncle Fester from his gold-digging new love, a black widow named Debbie."
For the record:
-- EZ
On this day in 1993 (in the U.S.), the Addams Family returned to the silver screen with the theatrical release of Addams Family Values. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld from a script by Charles Addams and Paul Rudnick, the film starred Anjelica Huston, Raul Julia, Christopher Lloyd, and others.
According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"The Addams Family try to rescue their beloved Uncle Fester from his gold-digging new love, a black widow named Debbie."
For the record:
- At the 1994 Academy Awards, the film received a nomination in the category of 'Best Art Direction - Set Decoration.'
- At the 1994 Saturn Awards, the film received an incredible seven nominations across a variety of categories; but -- at the end of the evening -- only 'Best Make-Up' went home with the big trophy.
-- EZ