The Stars Are Shining Bright In Hollywood!

The legendary Chinese Theater is ablaze this weekend with an amazing event – the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival, which is celebrating legendary films from Hollywood, and the legends who made them.

Pete Hammond from Deadline.com posted a terrific story yesterday about the opening night event for 1967’s Best Picture winner, “In The Heat Of The Night.” It’s the 50th anniversary of this classic movie.

This is from Hammond’s story in Deadline.com:

“In a youth obsessed industry, the Turner Classic Movies Classic Film Festival, which runs through Sunday in Hollywood, is an oasis of cinematic treasures in the midst of a business that doesn’t always value its storied past. Once again the brain trust behind this unique orgy of movie magic from another time has created a whirlwind of non-stop cinema of every possible stripe.

Where else will you see 94 year old Carl Reiner get a Chinese Theatre hand and footprint ceremony along with son Rob Reiner (who just turned 70 last month)?”

Hammond is right, our business is youth-obsessed, and these legends don’t get enough acknowledgement, with BOTH Reiner’s being perfect examples.

Here’s a terrific shot of the Reiner ceremony courtesy of Michael Tran with Getty Images:

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

Hammond goes on to explain what happened on opening night Thursday:

“Where else will you see the 5oth anniversary of the Oscar winning “In The Heat Of The Night” celebrated with its producer, director and stars – all in their 90s and all sharp as a tack, recalling every moment of its making?”

Hammond also gives credit to the TCM Execs who have brought this festival to life:

“As usual the powers that be, including programming director Charles Tabesh and Festival director Genevieve McGillicuddy, are pulling out all the stops for this 8th edition of the live and in person version of their popular cable network, which trumpets all things to do with old movies – except don’t call them old. Thursday night’s opener, the aforementioned In The Heat Of The Night simply never looked as good as it did projected on the massive TCL Chinese screen than it did this time. And it certainly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to actually see it with so many of its key creative forces there to watch it including star Sidney Poitier, who just turned 90, and seemed to be having a great time viewing the entire film again as he sat right in front of me with his family, and its 95 year Oscar winning producer Walter Mirisch right there too.”

The 50th Anniversary Screening of “In the Heat of the Night” (1967) Red Carpet & Opening Night at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival In Hollywood, California.

“Poitier didn’t go on stage to participate in the pre-screening Q&A moderated by TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz, but Mirisch did and had total recall of just how the landmark film about race relations came about in the midst of turbulent times for this country, every bit as pertinent today as it was then. A couple of other 90 year olds, director Norman Jewison and co-star Lee Grant (who is also getting a tribute here this weekend) joined them, recalling great stories about the making of the film which was set in the deep South but actually shot in Illinois – Poitier understandably did not want to shoot it in the South at that time. They all received standing ovations, but none so massive as the one accorded the legendary Poitier.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 06: Actor Sidney Poitier attends the 50th anniversary screening of “In the Heat of the Night” during the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival on April 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 26657_005 (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for TCM)

Stefanie Keenan captured this beautiful shot for Getty Images…bravo!

Here is more of Hammond’s story, talking about the age of the participants in the event:

“Co-star Scott Wilson was also there to see it again, as were the writers of the memorable theme song, 91 year old Alan Bergman and his 88 year old wife Marilyn. Quincy Jones, the 84 year old composer of that song and the film’s score, appeared on the red carpet before having to rush off to another current film premiere he was involved with.

At this festival, age is just a number, not an attitude, and the extraordinary work these artists have accomplished over the course of their lives is celebrated in pristine condition even as most of them are still active in the business. It’s heartening. The Graduate and Bonnie And Clyde, two of the films Heat beat at the Oscars a half century ago, are also part of the program here.”

Beautiful writing, and Hammond is making such a strong point – the legends of our business are getting older, and now is the time to show our appreciation for their lifetime of work…bravo to TCM for a festival that is doing just that!

I am also getting updates on social media all day long from my friend Alison Martino…

Alison is reporting from the event, so I have already seen a lot of terrific insight from her on Instagram and her Vintage Los Angeles Facebook page:

Alison has also hosted classic film screenings, including a memorable night celebrating “Bonnie & Clyde” – which as noted above, LOST to “In The Heat Of The Night” in 1967. Read about that event here – and an incredible book that tells the dramatic story of 1967 int he movie industry, through the five films nominated for best picture that year:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/17/bonnie-clyde-vintage-la-screening-amazing-live-guest-pictures-from-a-revolution/

Also, be sure to check out Alison’s website here:

http://alisonmartino.com

As I said, I couldn’t have written anything better on the event taking place, so please click here to read more of the terrific Pete Hammond coverage at Deadline.com here:

http://deadline.com/2017/04/tcm-classic-film-festival-poitier-reiner-brooks-1202065505/

So happy to see classic Hollywood stars being given the respect they deserve!

Generated by IJG JPEG Library

Happy 30th Birthday, Withnail!

It’s the 30th anniversary today of one of the best films ever – the classic cult 1987 comedy “Withnail & I”. Need to remember just how great it is? Let’s begin with the trailer:

Withnail: “I think we’ve been in here too long. I feel unusual.”

Looking for the greatest English comedy of all time? And a “tell all” book by the film’s star? Well, you’ve come to the right place! It makes me think:

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Yes, time to get the film fan in your family a combo pack of Richard E. Grant! This terrific British Actor was not only in one of the funniest films ever – “Withnail & I” – but he was just in “Logan” and also wrote a hilarious insider’s look at the crazy world of Hollywood – “With Nails!”

Let’s begin with one of the best British films of all time – a bold statement, but it is, to me, one of the most perfectly realized comedies ever, and it has just turned 30 years old:

Withnail & I

Here’s the plot: we begin in London 1969 – two unemployed actors, Withnail and Marwood, are freezing in their unheated flat – and they are flat broke. They need a plan, and fast. Here is their discussion about calling to ask someone for money…

Marwood: What about whatshisname?
Withnail: What about him?
Marwood: Why don’t you give him a call?
Withnail: What for?
Marwood: Ask him about his house.
Withnail: You want me to call whatshisname and ask him about his house?
Marwood: Why not?
Withnail: All right. What’s his number?
Marwood: I’ve no idea. I’ve never met him.
Withnail: Well neither have I. What the fuck are you talking about?

And Don’t Forget “Danny!”

One of the funniest supporting characters in the film is “Drug Dealer Danny”, he of the super-sized spiffs and lazy drawl – who just can’t get along with Withnail…oh, and he is CRAZY…

Danny: I don’t advise a haircut, man. All hairdressers are in the employment of the government. Hairs are your aerials. They pick up signals from the cosmos, and transmit them directly into the brain. This is the reason bald-headed men are uptight.

Withnail: What absolute twaddle.

The movie is filled with great scenes – as I said at the beginning, the roommates are freezing in their ice-cold flat…with only one thing to warm them…

Withnail: I must have some booze. I demand to have some booze!

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid to stay warm is a highlight….Withnail has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

Withnail: [after having entirely covered himself in muscle embrocation] Have you been at the controls?
Marwood: What are you talking about?
Withnail: The thermostats. What have you done to them?
Marwood: I haven’t touched them.
Withnail: Then why has my head gone numb?

After a near brawl in a bar, they realize they need to get out of town…

They decide on a holiday in the countryside, courtesy of Withnail’s uncle Monty’s country cottage. But when they get there, it rains non-stop, there’s no food, and their basic survival skills turn out to be somewhat limited.

Matters are not helped by the arrival of Uncle Monty, who shows an uncomfortably keen interest in Marwood…

Uncle Monty: “I adore you. Tell him if you must, I no longer care. I mean to have you even if it must be burglary!”

Sadly, Richard Griffiths just died of complication following heart surgery. He was 65, and although most will remember him for his roles in the “Harry Potter” films, it was his Uncle Monty that I will always remember him for…

There is a book that celebrates this film – filled with:

“Everything You Ever Wanted To Know But Were Too Drunk To Ask”

Here’s one for you: the inspiration behind the name Withnail came from an old friend of the Director’s father, who had the same name and was an alcoholic! When Director Bruce Robinson was eight, he was in the car with him, and as the book states:

“Along the way, Withnail stopped, opened the door of his car and vomited profusely before casually driving off again!”

So there you go!

This movie is hilarious, and a perfect snapshot of life at the end of the 60’s – when hip, mod London turned into the cold, harsh reality of life as a struggling Actor.

This is a tour de force performance by Richard Grant, who exudes manic, crazy charm at every turn, such as when he storms into a fancy restaurant and demands, well…

Withnail: “We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Richard E. Grant proved to be a hilarious and honest writer as well!

With Nails – The Film Diaries Of Richard E. Grant

If you want to read all about the craziness that goes on when you make a movie – the egos, the out of control Stars, the drugs, booze and everythign else – then this candid and hilarious book is for you!

Here is the original review from BOOKLIST:

Film fans alert to the immense charm of the under-known British film Withnail & I will certainly enjoy the droll autobiography of the actor who played Withnail. Of the film’s script, Grant says “never before or since have I read something that conveys what goes on in my head so accurately.”

The image of the brusque, hilariously overbearing Withnail fits Grant, who has also appeared in “Bram Stoker’s Dracula”, “The Age of Innocence”, and the Robert Altman films “The Player” and “Pret-a-Porter”.

He writes of his passage through the world of the aspiring film stardom wonderfully well, producing a book far superior to the usual movie life story. “Oh up and down and forklifts, this is a dull madness,” he says of the process of landing a role, but his book wittily presenting the madness is never dull.

Let me tell you, his stories about Bruce Willis and the making of “Hudson Hawk” are hilarious – it is “no holds barred” storytelling about the crazy world of movies…check both of these out now, and remember:

“We want the finest wines available to humanity. And we want them here, and we want them now!”

Happy 30th anniversary to a great great film!

The Beatles Get Their “Hippie” On!

Fifty years ago, on April 12, 1967 – Paul McCartney was photographed on a journey back from the world of hippies, which would lead to one of the band’s great albums!

This is Paul in the US fifty years ago, and thanks to a terrific book, we know how this date in Beatles’ history led to “Magical Mystery Tour!”

The book is titled “The Beatles 365 Days” by Simon Wells – I was given it as a gift, and it has been a terrific book to dip into at any time…

It takes a day by day look at their lives, their recordings, their every move – tied to a specific day. Here is what happened on April 12, 1967 – 50 years ago!

Paul arrived at London’s Heathrow airport, after spending eight days in the US. The book points out that he was in Denver to see his girlfriend, Jane Asher, who was celebrating her 21st birthday in Denver, since she was performing on stage there.

Paul McCartney, a member of the famous Beatle singing group, has a few words with Miss Jane Asher at a party in Denver honoring Miss Asher?s birthday on April 6, 1967 in Denver. Miss Asher is in Denver, Colo., with the Bristol Old Vic?s theater group. McCartney arrived in time to help her celebrate her 21st birthday. (AP Photo)

However, Paul was always thinking music, so he was also doing this on his US trip, according to the book:

“Paul would take off in various directions along the West Coast, visiting Jefferson Airplane in Haight Ashbury and recording with the Beach Boys during sessions for their controversial album “Smile.”

Here’s a shot of Paul and Brian from almost a decade later, when Paul celebrated the Beach Boys’ birthday:

According to the book, this trip in 1967 sparked something in Paul:

“It was during this brief sojourn into the hinterlands of California hippiedom that Paul, feeding off the residual energy left by Ken Kesey’s band of psychic trailers, would form ideas that would later see light in the group’s project “Magical Mystery Tour.”

At this time, San Francisco was engulfed in “flower power”, the “free love” era that included the iconic intersection of Haight and Asbury:

It was a fascinating time, but it didn’t last long – see more about this era here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/25/hippies-free-love-flower-power-celebrate-the-groovy-psychedelic-60s/

I love that Paul was a supporter of the “hippie” movement. I guess you could see it in some of his apparel – very of the “moment”:

Paul is quoted as saying at the time:

“I really wish the people that look at the ‘weeds’ at the ‘happenings’, at the psychedelic ‘freak-outs’ would, instead of just looking with anger, just look with nothing; with no feeling, be unbiased about it.”

As always, Paul was open to everyone and everything.

Of course, Paul went on to lead his band on a merry journey of their own, which resulted in an album AND a TV special:

Here is the official Apple trailer for the “Magical Mystery Tour” film:

While it includes two songs recorded during the “Sgt. Pepper” sessions (“All You Need Is Love” and “Baby You’re A Rich Man”), it is a terrific snapshot of the sound of the band at that time…with instant classics like the title track, “I Am The Walrus” and “Fool On The Hill”…

So that was a look at April 12, 1967 – fifty years ago in the life of The Beatles. A couple of years ago I got to celebrate another 50th anniversary event:

Yes, the 50th anniversary of the band performing at The Hollywood Bowl! It was a “unique” night of music, as evidenced by Billy Ray Cyrus leading the capacity crowd through a singalong version of “Hey Jude”:

You can click here to see more clips from that night and my review of the show as well – a surprising paucity of legendary Artists taking part considering the magnitude of the event:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/24/the-beatles-at-the-hollywood-bowl-amazing-50th-anniversary-celebration/

The band also celebrated another 50th anniversary milestone last year:

Here is a look at the album that some consider to be their greatest achievement, and is still timeless 50 years on…

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/06/the-beatles-revolutionary-revolver-50-years-ago-maccas-greatest-writing-john-lennons-near-death-yellow-submarine/

Of course, this is the year for the 50th anniversary of Sgt. Peppers, can’t wait for the special edition that is coming out to celebrate it!

“She Loved Men…To Death.”

If you haven’t heard of this new film, you are missing a classic modernization of 70’s cult horror…time to celebrate this terrific new “Love Witch!”

Meet Elaine, a beautiful young witch, who is determined to find a man to love her. Watch the trailer to really see what kind of retro cult gem this is:

Elaine stays in her gothic Victorian apartment making spells and potions, and then picks up men and seduces them. However her spells work too well, and she ends up with a string of hapless victims. When she finally meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved will drive her to the brink of insanity and murder.

Director Anna Biller also wrote the film, designed the sets and made many of the costumes – with a sharp eye toward classic 70’s exploitation!

The film is a modern twist on classic serial killer films, with a woman’s sexuality being the catalyst for carnage.

“The Love Witch” is one of the last films to cut an original camera negative on 35mm film, and was lit and shot to look like a 1960’s Technicolor film. So a modern take on a classic film genre – bravo!

“The Love Witch” is now on demand, so check it out! This poster and visual style reminded me of another cult classic:

Yes, iconic exploitation Actress Soledad Miranda was stunning in “She Killed In Ecstasy” – exactly the kind of “artsploitation” that “Love Witch” evokes. See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/19/legendary-sex-kitten-soledad-miranda-ecstasy-vampyros-lesbos-new-cult-films-releases/

Speaking of witches:

Yes, “witches” have always been big box office, especially when naked! See more of that malarkey here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/17/bloody-witchcraft-horror-sexy-virgin-witches-halloween-2015-heats-up/

And finally, here’s another “empowered female” horror story for you:

Yes, it’s “The Lure” of zombie mermaid strippers – and it’s a musical! See the trailer and much more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/03/the-empowered-female-lure-of-flesh-eating-stripper-mermaids-get-ready-for-the-wild-musical-yes-musical-movie-the-lure/

Let me know if you’ve checked out “The Love Witch!”

Talk About A Shocking Movie Debut!

Here is one of the most disturbing movie debuts ever: the shocking exploitation revenge classic “Ms. 45!”

“Ms. 45”, also known as “Angel of Vengeance”, is the 1981 cult classic directed by Abel Ferrara and starring Zoë Tamerlis Lund.

This film was Lund’s movie debut – an amazing performance from an Actress who died much too soon…here is the story:

Zoe Lund is mesmerizing as a young woman who decides to fight back against her attackers, in a style and tone that echoes some of the roughest 70’s revenge films made.

Here is how wikipedia describes the film:

Inspired by films such as 1973’s “Thriller – A Cruel Picture” and 1974’s “Death Wish”, the film is a rape and revenge story about Thana, a mute woman who becomes a misandristic spree killer after she is raped twice in one day when going home from work. It was critically maligned on its theatrical release, but is now generally highly regarded among fans of underground and independent film.

Here is the trailer for this powerful exploitation film:

“Ms. 45” was Lund’s acting debut. Amazingly, Zoë was only 17 years old when she starred in the film, and a creative turn away from something she had been involved in all her life: music.

At a young age, she was an accomplished composer/musician – but was always intrigued by film. As she said:

“I could write a concerto with 17 violins that could be very powerful, but film works on a more visceral level where I can go into the collective audience and make sure my point gets across.”

This is a powerful, raw and gut-wrenching film – directed by Abel Ferrara, who went on to make such provocative films as “Bad Lieutenant” with Harvey Keitel – with tremendous creative input from Lund! More on that in a moment…

“Ms. 45” is a tour de force for Zoe Lund, and she said at the time that she was fully involved in the character’s development:

“In the beginning stages of the film, the only material that existed was vague descriptions of several scenes. Being that my face is on camera, without dialogue, for something like 98% of the time, I was involved very much. As to the film being pro-woman, I go beyond that by saying that the film is as much pro-woman as it is pro-garment worker, whatever.”

Zoe’s “Bad” Behavior!

As I mentioned before, Director Ferrara later made “Bad Lieutenant”, and Zoë Lund collaborated with him on creating that character, one of cinema’s most unforgettable cops – living life on the edge.

Here is the trailer for this film:

In “Bad Lieutenant”, Lund has a small role, and showcases the rawness of her personal life – she was a heroin addict and was open and honest about that fact.

Here is a great interview clip from “Mediafunhouse” on Youtube where Lund discusses the scene in the movie where she shoots up onscreen:

Zoe Lund’s Tragic Heroin Downfall!

Yes, Lund shot up in the film, and was a regular heroin user in real life.

Here is the tragic True Hollywood Story. As wikipedia reports:

“Lund was unapologetic about her heroin addiction. She wrote at length about heroin and advocated it for legal recreational use in the USA, as well as romanticized its effects. “She loved heroin, she was killed by heroin,” Ferrara said on her heroin addiction. “…Zoe was one of these people who thought heroin was the greatest thing in the world, and she did until the day she died. She was down on coke, down on everything, but you know, heroin was the elixir of life for her.”

Yes, Lund was a heroin addict, and it ultimately killed her. She was 37 years old when she died. It’s a sad Hollywood story – but if you want to celebrate her life and career, go to a website in her name to see all that she created in her short life:

http://www.zoelund.com

“Ms. 45” has a lot in common with the sexploitation classic “Thriller: A Cruel Picture” starring Christina Lindberg – a woman who is assaulted decides to fight back…

Christina Lindberg is the “Queen Of Artsploitation” – artistic films that still showcased sex, nudity and violence. Quentin Tarantino is a huge fan and based a character in “Kill Bill Vol. 1” on Lindberg’s character in “Thriller.”

Read more about this iconic “women’s revenge” picture here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/11/christina-lindberg-speaks-the-queen-of-artsploitation-bares-all/

Unfortunately, Hollywood history is littered with stories of great young Actresses who succumb to the “fast lane”:

Cheryl “Rainbeaux” Smith was in a number of great films in the 70’s and early 80’s before the Hollywood lifestyle got the best of her – read her story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/20/hollywood-tragedy-70s-starlet-cheryl-rainbeaux-smith-the-runaways-caged-heat/

Let me know if you’ve seen “Ms. 45!”

Michael Nesmith Has An “Infinite” Present For Fans!

Singer/Songwriter/”The Monkees” TV Star Michael Nesmith has lived an incredible life, and now he has written a book about it – and it involves his Monkee bandmates, Jimi Hendrix, Jack Nicholson and more!

Michael Nesmith was the most accomplished Musician when he was cast in a seminal TV comedy in the late 60’s – but his life is so much more than that!

First, some music: here he is performing one of his great solo songs from the early 80’s: watch the Grammy award winning video for “Cruisin'” – also known as “Lucy And Ramona And Sunset Sam”…

That terrific video is from the first video to win a Grammy, awarded to Nesmith for his hilarious and groundbreaking “Elephant Parts”…and yes, he created a music video show that was the precursor to MTV – here is more detail on this terrific movie:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/11/14/elvis-drugs-michael-nesmith-the-dawn-of-mtv-elephant-parts-the-monkees/

Now, Michael Nesmith is sharing all of his life stories!

“Infinite Tuesday” Is Here!

Nesmith has just released his autobiography, and I ordered it immediately. I can’t wait to read it!

Here is the press release from PenguinRandomHouse:

“Michael Nesmith’s eclectic, electric life spans his star-making role on The Monkees, his invention of the music video, and his critical contributions to movies, comedy, and the world of virtual reality. Above all, his is a seeker’s story, a pilgrimage in search of a set of principles to live by. That search took Nesmith from a childhood in Dallas, where his single mother Bette invented Liquid Paper, to the set of The Monkees in Los Angeles”

Yes, his Mom INVENTED LIQUID PAPER!

Nesmith burst onto the scene when he was cast, along with Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Mickey Dolenz in the Beatlesque TV show “The Monkees.” From this fictional beginning, the band became a real sensation, with Nesmith writing many of the band’s hits…and guess what? On one tour, Jimi Hendrix opened for them!

Yes, they were friends with Jimi Hendrix, and they all toured together – what a show that must have been!

Everyone knows the songs of The Monkees – they have become pop classics: “I’m A Believer”, “Pleasant Valley Sunday”, “Last Train To Clarksville” and of course, their iconic theme song:

“Hey Hey We’re The Monkees!”

The TV show has stayed a cult favorite, and the band still performs – and now, you can read their story through the unique vision of Michael Nesmith…here is more on the book from the LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-michael-nesmith-infinite-tuesday-book-20170316-story.html

Oh, the boys did more than hang out with Jimi Hendrix – they made a movie with Jack Nicholson too!

Yes, Nicholson wrote the script for the surreal comedy “HEAD”, which starred the band in their only big screen outing…

The movie was their attempt to capture the surreal nature of fame – it bombed upon release, but a new Blu-ray release captures the insanity of the film perfectly..see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/07/jack-nicholsons-musical-head-the-monkees-sing-a-jack-nicholson-cult-classic/

Let me know if you plan to have an “Infinite Tuesday!”

Sharing Stories About A Great Hollywood Career!

Sherry Lansing was one of Hollywood’s most powerful Executives, and she has decided to tell some of the wild behind-the-scenes stories from her career!

The Hollywood Reporter’s Stephen Galloway is releasing “Leading Lady”, his biography of Lansing…and THR printed an excerpt to promote the release and it’s a doozy!

This excerpt talks about her run-in with Mike Myers during the planned filming of “Wayne’s World 2.”

Here’s an excerpt from the THR story about the book – when Lansing was in charge of Paramount Studios, and Mike Myers was ready to begin filming the sequel to his massive comedy hit:

“The then-Paramount chairman made an unfortunate discovery weeks before shooting was due to commence: Myers had heavily based the sequel on the 1949 British comedy ‘Passport to Pimlico’ — only nobody had bought the underlying rights.”

“Mike had always wanted to do Passport to Pimlico as the basis of Wayne’s World,” said SNL creator Lorne Michaels, who produced the comedy. “So he went and wrote it. I think he believed the studio understood that, and I think he even believed they had bought the rights to the other movie so that he was free to use it.”
Furious, Lansing summoned Myers to her office and told him exactly that — in much different (and harsher) words. Remembers one participant in the Myers-Lansing meeting: “She said, ‘How dare you? How dare you put us in this position?’ She turned to Mike and said, ‘We’ll sue you. We’ll take your f—ing house. You won’t even own a f—ing home.'”

The story continues:

“The verbal scathing went on, with Lansing adding a special twist, as then-production chief John Goldwyn recalled: “She made up this fabulous story about all of the lawyers sitting with [Paramount Communications executive] Stanley Jaffe. She said, ‘As I’m sitting here with you, there’s a team figuring out how they can take every single thing away from you.'”

Myers believed it, and was so shaken that he curled up in a fetal position on Lansing’s couch.

Said Lansing: “If I were you, Mike, I’d go to Lorne’s office right now and stay there until you come up with a new script. We’ll slide food under the door.”

Wow! She had a reputation for being tough as nails, and I can’t wait to read more stories about her career. Other anecdotes from the book have been released dealing with Mel Gibson’s temper and a real boiled bunny from “Fatal Attraction!”

Here is another book that also has a shocking Mel Gibson story – read about it here – along with MY Mel Gibson encounter:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/14/heaven-and-mel-shocking-mel-gibson-book-my-mel-encounter/

Lansing’s book is sure to be a page turner based on the stories teased so far!

She is also married to one of Hollywood’s greatest filmmakers, William Friedkin. Friedkin of course directed such great films as “The Exorcist”, “The French Connection”, “Sorcerer”, “To Live And Die In LA” and most recently “Killer Joe.”

He wrote his autobiography a few years ago – read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/04/22/sorcerer-legendary-lost-classic-is-uncovered-on-blu-ray-the-friedkin-connection-rules/

Of course, one reason that “Wayne’s World” was such a smash hit was their use of the classic Queen song “Bohemian Rhapsody”:

Read all about the creation of that brilliant Queen song here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/02/23/queens-brilliant-night-at-the-opera-freddie-mercurys-musical-madness/

Finally, Mike Myers has been largely absent from movies for a few years, but he did direct a terrific documentary:

Shep Gordon was a legend in Hollywood, handling some of the biggest stars of the 70’s and 80’s…see the trailer for this terrific documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/07/12/rocks-supermensch-mike-myers-brilliant-documentary-on-shep-gordon/

Looking forward to reading this book!

Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

Time to look at one of the most beautiful “Bond Girls” who was also a member of Hollywood Royalty – and just revealed that she is homeless!

Sex kitten Lana Wood wowed 007 fans with her portrayal of “Bond Girl” Plenty O’Toole in “Diamonds Are Forever” – without a doubt one of the more outrageous monikers in the series…

Lana Wood was a hugely successful Actress in the 60’s and 70’s, but she would perhaps be unfairly overshadowed by the superstardom of her older sister, Natalie Wood…

Lana had early stardom thanks to her role in the classic soap “Peyton Place.” Now, a story has broken that says she is homeless, and a fund has been set up to help!

Lana Wood’s Terrible Plight!

Someone pointed this article out to me from Vanity Fair, which tells the tragic story of how Lana is now homeless! Here is a short excerpt from the story, written by Sheila Weller, who had a personal connection to the Actress:

“On Saturday I was able to get Lana on the phone. She had talked to no other members of the media. In the middle of the chaos of packing boxes, crying, and hugging her daughter and grandchildren, she told me, from her Ventura County house, “It’s pretty bad. The landlord wants us out—now—and we don’t have anywhere to go. We are a family of six. My daughter, Evan, who is 42, just got a return of the Hodgkin’s lymphoma she thought she’d beat, and she also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—C.O.P.D. When she walks, she walks around strapped to an oxygen machine. She has a wonderful husband who’s never missed a day of work in 20 years. But he doesn’t work for a big, moneyed company. They have three children—my crying teenage granddaughter is saying she doesn’t know what she’ll do if she doesn’t finish her year at her high school, and the two boys are saying: ‘We don’t want to go!’ to another school, either.”

Confronting her hectic packing, she said, “I’ve got seven years worth of accumulated books and CDs and nonsense. It’s a nightmare.”

“And now—being evicted—we have a black mark against us,” she said.”

Since this story broke, Wood has been interviewed on “Inside Edition” and her story has launched a go fund me site to help her…what a tragedy – but when you don’t work in the entertainment business, it’s easy to think that everyone drives limousines and attends the Oscars…the reality is far different…

Here is the link to the entire article in Vanity Fair:

http://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/03/lana-woods-crisis-and-the-limits-of-hollywood-royalty

Lana Wood was a Hollywood “sex kitten” – and history has shown that it’s difficult to get past that label and build a long career…

This business a cruel in that regard, and now, she needs help. It is great to see the press coverage and the funding site set up by a fan to help her.

Here is the “GofFundMe” site where you can help support her:

https://www.gofundme.com/lanawood

The world of entertainment can be harsh – the recent show “Feud” spent a lot of time talking about the difficulties in “growing old” in the business…

A classic Hollywood sex kitten, Lana posed for Playboy, had a variety of roles, and always was in the shadow of her more famous sister.

In 1971, she was cast as a Bond girl, “Plenty O’Toole”, in the James Bond film, “Diamonds Are Forever.”

The film introduced her with a hilarious double entendre, carried off with perfect timing by Sean Connery:

Plenty O’Toole: “Hi, I’m Plenty.”
James Bond: “But of course you are.”
Plenty O’Toole: “Plenty O’Toole.”
James Bond: “Named after your father perhaps?”

“I Didn’t Know There Was A Pool Down There…”

One of the most memorable scenes in “Diamonds Are Forever” comes when 007 is surprised by mobsters while in his room with her. She is “escorted” semi-nude from the room – in an unusual exit that includes one of the best one-liners in the entire Bond series!

Here is that memorable scene from “Diamonds Are Forever”:

Here is some great trivia: while filming the scene where Plenty O´Toole is found drowned, Wood actually had her feet loosely tied to a cement block on the bottom. Film crew members held a rope across the pool for her, with which she could lift her face out of the water to breathe between takes. The pool’s sloping bottom made the block slip into deeper water with each take. Eventually, she was submerged but was noticed by on-lookers and rescued before drowning for real. Wood, being a certified diver, took some water but remained calm during the ordeal, although she later admitted to a few “very uncomfortable moments and quite some struggling until they pulled me out.”

Over the course of her career, Wood appeared in more than twenty movies and over three hundred television shows – everything from “Bonanza” to “Mission: Impossible”, “Starsky and Hutch” to “Fantasy Island.”

Lana Wood retired from acting in 1982 to concentrate on a Producing career, but has since returned to acting in a number of low-budget films since 2008 – however, that wasn’t enough to keep her financially afloat.

Wood wrote a memoir, “Natalie, A Memoir by Her Sister” in 1984. Her many memorable Hollywood moments have been unfairly neglected because of the tragedy surrounding her sister, and these recent events are even more disturbing – hopefully, the press surrounding her situation will help her…

I have also told the story of a 70’s action star who has also struggled – Jan-Michael Vincent!

He was one of the hottest stars of the 70’s – then things went horribly wrong…here is that story:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/08/31/jan-michael-vincent-from-70s-sexiest-man-to-a-true-hollywood-tragedy/

Good luck to Lana Wood – hope fans continue to step up and help her!

“The Godfather” Reunion! Amazing Event For Movie Lovers!

New York’s Tribeca Film Festival had a terrific reunion panel on April 29th – the cast and crew of “The Godfather!”

This is my favorite film of all time – and won the Best Picture Oscar in 1972. The sequel is the only one to ever win Best Picture as well – this happened in 1974.

Here is how Deadline.com describe the event:

“The day began with an unlikely Saturday double-feature at Radio City Music Hall: Back-to-back screenings of The Godfather (1972) and The Godfather, Part II (1974), followed by a Q&A led by producer and director Taylor Hackford. The one-time-only reunion of the director and many of the original cast members included Coppola, Keaton, Pacino and Shire, along with James Caan (who played Sonny Corleone) and Robert Duvall (who played the consigliere Tom Hagen).”

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 29: Diane Keaton, James Caan, Francis Ford Coppola, Al Pacino, Talia Shire, Robert Duvall and Robert DeNiro take a bow onstage during the panel for “The Godfather” 45th Anniversary Screening during 2017 Tribeca Film Festival closing night at Radio City Music Hall on April 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Tribeca Film Festival)

Bravo to Getty Images for capturing this incredible event. The night was full of great new insight from the cast, including how Diane Keaton felt about the first film:

According to Deadline.com:

“I hadn’t watched it in 30 years,” Keaton said, addressing the director. “It’s so astonishing. Every choice you made, it’s so authentically good. And it had slow, long scenes. I was absolutely blown out of the ballpark, crying. And I was totally surprised because I didn’t expect it, OK? And on my f!cking computer! I’d never paid much attention to The Godfather, because I always felt like I was the most outsider, weird person, and why was I cast in it, and I had no voice in it.”

That’s amazing! However, her character takes on so much more depth in the sequel, especially in the most dramatic scene in the film – which Coppola revealed was because of a suggestion from his sister, Talia Shire!

“Coppola responded by recalling one of the most memorable moments in both films, between Keaton and Pacino. “You know the very important scene where you tell Al that it wasn’t a miscarriage, it was an abortion? That was Talia’s idea.” Coming right after having watched that scene on the huge Radio City Music Hall screen, the revelation registered like a small earthquake: Kay tells Michael she’s leaving him and drops the bombshell about her decision to terminate her pregnancy rather than bring another child into the Corleone clan. Gordon Willis’ camera is focused tightly on Pacino’s face, which fills the screen as his eyes grow wide with pain and fury and his lips stiffen in rage. It’s one of the few times in both films when Pacino allows Michael’s feelings to erupt, making the scene even more devastating.”

A terrific writeup from Deadline.com – see more of it here:

http://deadline.com/2017/04/pacino-copolla-godfather-cast-tribeca-film-festival-1202079761/

And look at THIS reunion!

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 02: Robert De Niro and Al Pacino attend the SeriousFun Children’s Network Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 2, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

Yes, that’s Al Pacino posing with his Dad – DeNiro was the young Don Corleone of course, but even though they didn’t act together in the sequel – they shared great stories as well.

DeNiro DID audition for the role of hot-headed Sonny Corleone in the original film, here is that audition video!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/19/the-godfather-screen-tests-robert-deniro-is-sonny-corleone-godfather-trivia/

Of course, there is so much great “Godfather” trivia:

Yes, the horse head was real! But the Actor wasn’t warned, so that is his real reaction to seeing it in his bed!

Here is even more great trivia as well:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/20/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories/

Bravo to the Tribeca film festival for this important event!

The Amazing Story Of One Man “Becoming Bond!”

Fans of the James Bond 007 series have their favorite films – and favorite Bonds – but here is the amazing true story of one very unique 007 – in a great new documentary “Becoming Bond!”

This new Hulu documentary has the incredible story of the only man to ever play 007 – once! Yes, here is the trailer for the story of George Lazenby, who made his motion picture debut in the most coveted role in the world – James Bond!

I can’t wait to see this documentary – although as the trailer shows, there are plenty of re-enactments as well. The Daily Mail has lots of inside stories to dish – like these:

“‘Becoming Bond’ details how his sex-fueled life helped him bluff his way into getting the role. Lazenby heard about the role from a girl he and his best friend, another Australian model, were having a threesome with – one of dozens he enjoyed in the London of the swinging 60s – and bluffed his way into playing the role Sean Connery had abandoned. It found him fame and he slept with a series of women on set but he walked away from the role because of a contract he thought made him a ‘slave’. Now 77 he says in the documentary: ‘It was the craziest sexual time I’ve ever had. I lived my life the way I wanted to.'”

The film that Lazenby starred in, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” is widely considered one of the best Bond films ever – even though his acting is noticeably dicey at times…

The film, however has depth, emotion and a great love story between
Bond and Diana Rigg, who is one of the best “Bond girls” ever…

If you want to see more on the most memorable “Bond girls”, here is my story on that subject:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/07/00-7-great-bond-girls-brains-brawn-beauty-oh-james/

“OHMSS” is still the only Bond film where 007 gets married, and the only one to have a tragic ending…the film is a GREAT 007 film, and Lazenby should always be proud of that…

Downhill Racer!

“OHMSS” holds up for its terrific action scenes as well, especially the numerous skiing sequences – and Lazenby gets in several great 007 quips – the script is smart, with the usual touch of humor and “larger than life” elements that make the 007 films so great…

While the film was critically acclaimed and did brisk box office, it was a case of “one and done” for Lazenby.

The Daily Mail goes on to report that being the most famous Actor in the world didn’t mean a thing to Lazenby.

“Then he threw it all away by refusing a then unheard of $1million offer to do six more Bond films because he did not like being told what to do by the studio.After appearing in just one Bond film Lazenby’s name became a punchline and ‘the George Lazenby of’ became a gag for late night TV shows.”

The now 77-year old Actor says in the documentary that he doesn’t regret his decision…but imagine being the star of the biggest action franchise in the world…and just walking away…

In “Becoming Bond” Lazenby also reveals he was broke for a while – but then got into real estate, and says he’s had a comfortable life.

Here’s the whole story from The Daily Mail, full of lots more stories of swinging 60’s, threesomes and much much more:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4452610/Sex-secrets-let-George-Lazenby-James-Bond.html

Lazenby didn’t act much after his stint as James Bond, but he did make a short appearance in the hilarious 70’s film “Kentucky Fried Movie.”

You can read more about this hilarious comedy from the makers of “Airplane” by clicking on my link here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/06/03/big-jim-slade-fistfuls-of-yen-its-the-kentucky-fried-movie/

Finally, if you want to argue about who was the best and worst Bond, knock yourself out…I love talking about the best and worst Bond theme songs!

OK, we all know that Paul McCartney wrote the greatest Bond them of all time, but what are some of the others? Check them out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/05/rock-on-007-the-best-and-worst-james-bond-theme-songs/

Let me know what you think of the revelations in the new Bond doc!

Another Great Film Starring Lina Romay!

I’ve posted about this iconic European Actress before – who starred in dozens of films, mostly for her longtime partner and film Director Jess Franco.

She had great screen presence – like this scene from “Night Has A Thousand Desires” – a hauntingly framed shot of her staring off into space – lost in the midst of her own madness – the shot lasting for almost a minute…

She commands the screen, baring her soul in so many movies like this one from the early 80’s.

Bravo to Mondo Macabro for releasing “Night Has A Thousand Desires” in such a beautifully remastered presentation – check out the trailer:

NIGHT HAS A THOUSAND DESIRES, a film by Jess Franco – coming soon to Blu-ray from Mondo Macabro on Vimeo.

Mondo Macabro has done it again with this great blu-ray release!

Bravo to Mondo Macabro for releasing this lavish blu-ray special edition of the film.

For exploitation film buffs, to know Jess Franco is to love him – everything from his meandering storytelling, his love of “tentative zooms” – and his love of his wife’s body – yes, his longtime partner and ultimately wife Lina Romay starred in dozens of his movies, and was always VERY VERY naked!

Romay is actually nude for more screen time in “Desires” than she is clothed, always willing to give a raw portrayal. The plot of “Thousand Desires” is simple: Lina stars as a clairvoyant, working with a partner in a lounge act – when she begins being hypnotized – and while in this trance, she is murdering people! Or is she?

What is real, and what is fantasy? Lina dreams of sexual encounters and murder – but is it really happening?

Well, as the film progresses, the dream sequences become more erotic and lurid, culminating in a group sex scene that leaves little to the imagination. Franco frames the shot from above and lets his cast get into the action before cutting to many closeups of sexual activity of all kinds – while this isn’t XXX-rated, it comes close:

Director Franco was working in Spain at the time, after the era of General Franco’s regime had ended, and he was given license to do anything he wanted – as long as there was sex and nudity in the movie – and boy, did he deliver!

Eurotika!

Mondo Macabro’s terrific Blu-ray release includes an episode of a show called “Eurotika!” which profiles Franco and includes great interview material with him. Was he the world’s most prolific Director?

Franco has small parts in many of his films, including “Desires” – and the TV episode makes a compelling case that Franco may have been the world’s most prolific Director – more than two hundred films!

Both Franco and Romay have died, but thanks to great film companies, we get to experience their greatest work – like this!

This is another wild Romay / Franco collaboration, with a new blu-ray that has the “notorious banana scene” in it – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/11/lindas-shocking-hot-nights-lina-romays-classic-sexploitation/

If you want a Lina Romay marathon, then this is another of their films to buy:

Yes, they made a lot of shockers, and Lina was naked in all of them! Check out “Lorna The Exorcist” and more Franco films here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/17/countess-perverse-lorna-the-exorcist-jess-francos-naked-masterpieces/

Bravo again to Mondo Macabro for a terrific blu-ray!

All Hail The King!

Yes, the “King” of winged serpents, killer babies AND blaxploitation! Yes, one Director has delivered a number of exploitation classics for cult movie buffs, and now there’s a documentary that celebrates this wild wild career!

Larry Cohen is a legendary B-movie Producer, Director, and Screenwriter – who had some of the best cult movies of the 70’s and 80’s…shown here with some of his favorite “stars”….we’ll talk about a few in a moment, but first, check out this wild trailer!

Well, I can’t wait to see this!

Cohen’s first big hit was the classic low-budget horror film “It’s Alive”, about a mutant monster baby that embarks on a killing spree. It has one of the best tag lines for any movie – check out the poster:

“There’s Only ONE Thing Wrong With The David Baby…It’s ALIVE!”

I mean, c’mon, this is one of the greatest tagline ever! And the film delivers as well – a low-budget shocker with a great hook!

He followed this hit up with a sequel, as well as making great blaxploitation films like “Hell Up In Harlem”:

Cohen was known to break a lot of rules when making his movies, and the documentary gets into some of those wacky stories of truly independent filmmaking.

This is the poster for his science fiction classic “Q The Winged Serpent.” It’s a terrific monster movie – a “winged serpent” terrorizes a very 70’s New York City….check out the trailer:

Cohen was a “down and dirty” filmmaker – no muss, no fuss, he just made his wildly entertaining films in a straightforward manner.

Here are a few more movies he directed in the 70’s and 80’s…

Cohen finished the 1980’s with “Wicked Stepmother” – which was the legendary Bette Davis’s last role…he has many more credits in his career, including screenwriting the Joel Schumacher thriller “Phone Booth” from 2002.

I look forward to seeing more of his films, to fully appreciate this renegade filmmaker…and speaking of legendary exploitation Directors, one of the first was Director Jack Hill, who made this cult classic:

Hill went on to work with Pam Grier among many others – you can see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/03/18/cult-actress-jill-banner-from-spider-baby-web-to-marlon-brandos-arm-a-true-hollywood-tragedy/

Some cult Directors just make one classic film and then disappear…

Tommy Wiseau became a legend after just one film, the cult classic “The Room.” Now, it MAY be due to the fact it is considered the worst film ever made – but who’s to judge?

See the trailer for “The Room” here and judge for yourself!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/27/tommy-wiseaus-classic-the-room-now-a-book-tommys-secrets-revealed/

Let me know how many Larry Cohen films you’ve seen!

Alec Baldwin IS Al Pacino!

Alec Baldwin was on Conan O’Brien’s show the other night and was talking about the recent “Godfather” reunion…it results in his “spot on” impersonations of Robert DeNiro, James Caan, and a long riff on the many voices of Al Pacino…hilarious!

Of course, this was all due to the recent “Godfather” reunion event at the Tribeca Film Festival..

This amazing event brought Francis Ford Coppola and his cast to the stage to discuss the movie and the legacy – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/30/tribecas-the-godfather-reunion-great-film-trivia-deniro-pacino-keaton-coppola/

Of course, Baldwin had a memorable cameo in the Al Pacino film “Glengarry Glen Ross”…we all remember that!

Here’s great trivia: this scene wasn’t in the play, Mamet wrote it for Baldwin!

See it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/25/a-b-c-always-be-cheering-glengarrys-brightly-burning-movie-addition-alec-baldwin/

Bravo Alec!

My Movie Alphabet!

Yes, the poster art says “Vol. 2” – because I missed the first “go-round” on this fun exercise in cinema! A movie for every letter of the alphabet – who can refuse?

For many of us, this is our great escape – a movie auditorium where magic happens – I have seen so many incredible films in my life…oh, outside too!

I love this idea – thanks to “MettelRaySe7en” for doing this, here is the link to see how you can participate:

https://mettelray.wordpress.com/2017/05/01/mettelrayse7en-my-movie-alphabet-vol-2-blogathon-announcment/#comment-10520

Let’s get started with a film that, while fictional, captured one of the most exciting and influential pop culture changes in our nation’s history!

A – A Hard Day’s Night

Hard to imagine how culturally significant “Beatlemania” was in today’s social media world, but this film captures the pop culture impact of The Fab Four through a hilariously droll, fictional film the band starred in – how did they know to make this film so it would come out as they were taking over the world – what an achievement! If you want to see just how wild their first trip to the US was, check out the terrific documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/06/the-beatles-first-us-tour-new-movie-the-fab-fours-segregation-battle-ron-howards-fascinating-new-beatles-documentary/

Next up is one of my top ten films of all time:

B – Boogie Nights

Paul Thomas Anderson shows the birth of adult cinema in LA’s San Fernando valley through the fictional story of Dirk Diggler…one of the greatest cinematic achievements ever, and career bests for the entire cast – see the “oral” history here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/11/dirk-digglers-livin-thing-70s-sex-80s-excess-the-oral-history-of-boogie-nights/

Here is another film from my “top ten of all time”:

C – Chinatown

This lost Best Picture in 1972 to the greatest film of all time – more on that in a minute, but Roman Polanski’s story of Los Angeles in the 40’s, as seen through our thirst for water – and power – still resonates today – read more about this classic film noir here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/19/forget-it-jake-its-chinatown-cynical-attitudes-and-sexual-motivations/

Ok, these were all fairly well known, let’s get obscure:

D – Darker Than Amber

This very obscure action film from 1970 has one of the most brutal – and REAL – onscreen fights ever captured – yes, the two main actors got carried away and the Director captured it all – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/01/darker-than-amber-film-noirs-legendary-fight-scene-a-brutal-hidden-gem/

Next up is one of the most hypnotic films I’ve ever seen…

E – Enter The Void

Argentinian Director Gasper Noe uses “2001: A Space Odyssey” as his inspiration to tell the story of a young man killed in Tokyo, who floats over the city to observe life after his death – see the hypnotic trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/01/audacious-mind-blowing-cinema-enter-the-void-vanishing-waves-and-holy-motors/

Need some 70’s horror? Great, let’s head to France!

F – Fascination!

French Horror Director Jean Rollin made moody, cerebral horror films filled with nudity, blood and amazing images like this one:

See all of his incredible work from the 70’s here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/13/bloody-fascination-sexy-shockers-wildest-cult-horror-directors/

Now, time to celebrate the greatest film ever made:

G – The Godfather

For me, it is simply the greatest cinematic achievement in film history – beautifully acted, lyrical, violent and multi-layered to reveal something new each time I see it – and of course, Brando read from cue cards held by Robert Duvall!

One last bit of trivia – the horse’s head was real! Here is more on that:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/02/15/brandos-cue-cards-real-horse-heads-the-godfathers-best-stories-2/

Now, a film that was so good it had three different names!

H – Hookers Revenge!

I HAD to get a Christina Lindberg film on this list! She is the “Queen of Artsploitation”, and this one was so good they kept releasing it to grindhouse theaters with different titles! Officially known as “Thriller: A Cruel Picture” – it’s also AKA “They Call Her One Eye” and also AKA “Hooker’s Revenge” – even thought she doesn’t play a hooker in the movie!

She may have been mute in the film, but she really kicks some ass, and recently Christina spoke about her career – see that interview here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/11/christina-lindberg-speaks-the-queen-of-artsploitation-bares-all/

Christina Lindberg is my “grindhouse guilty pleasure”, but the next film is serious, compelling and vital:

I – The Island President

This documentary tells the story of one person trying to save his country from drowning – and the politics of climate change…so powerful and important, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/07/the-island-president-a-tragic-compelling-documentary-a-nation-underwater/

The next film on my list is one of those “movie theater experiences” I will never forget…

J – Jackie Brown

Some Quentin Tarantino was overdue, but more importantly, some Pam Grier! He wrote it with her in mind, and she stars with a timeless swagger…just one of her great films, like “Black Mama White Mama” and the blaxploitation classic “Foxy Brown”…see her here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

I was inspired by my friend Pete from Beetley, England…he is counting down his movies as well – you can follow along with them here:

https://beetleypete.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/a-z-film-challenge-day-ten/

Next up, a cerebral thriller with a very young Donald Sutherland…

K – Klute

A somewhat forgotten film from 1971, Jane Fonda won an Oscar for her portrayal of a lonely prostitute who is being watched by one of her clients…a young Donald Sutherland is also great…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/01/klute-the-late-show-electra-glide-in-blue-three-obscure-film-noir-70s-classics/

Now, one of my top 5 favorite movies…

L – The Last Of Sheila

This terrific mystery puzzle of a film was written by Stephen Sondheim and “Psycho” Anthony Perkins! An all-star cast including James Mason James Coburn, Raquel Welch, Richard Benjamin and Ryan Cannon make this a must see – here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/29/psycho-and-sondheim-the-last-of-sheila-classic-hollywood-murder-mystery-richard-benjamin-rules/

Time for one of America’s greatest Actors to lighten up…

M – Midnight Run

“Why are you unpopular with the Chicago Police Department?” The greatest buddy/action film of all, the first time we discovered that Robert DeNiro could do comedy! See the new blu-ray here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/11/28/fistophobia-the-brilliant-but-neglected-buddy-action-comedy-midnight-run/

Next up, a European Actress from the 70’s who was naked in every single film she made!

N – Night Of A Thousand Desires!

I love Lina Romay – her haunting beauty and willingness to put it ALL out there – I mean, she is naked in every single film she made, and most of it was lovingly captured by her partner/husband Jess Franco – this is a great example of her hypnotic appeal, with a great blu-ray thanks to Mondo Macabro – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/06/night-has-a-thousand-desires-lina-romays-cult-classic-jess-francos-sex-shocker/

Next up, my second favorite film of all time…

O – O Lucky Man!

This obscure British masterpiece was written by and starring Malcolm McDowell – right after “A Clockwork Orange” – it is a brilliant satire of a world gone mad with an equally brilliant soundtrack – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/03/22/o-lucky-man-malcolm-mcdowells-seinfeld-connection/

Time for more 70’s stuff, this time a grindhouse classic:

P – Prime Cut

The “grindhouse” era of the 60’s and 70’s allowed studios to make gritty B-movies like this one, with lots of sex, nudity and violence, and many big stars willing jumped in! “Prime Cut” stars Gene Hackman, Lee Marvin and a VERY naked Sissy Spacek in her movie debut – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

Need more obscure classics?

Q – Q! The Winged Serpent

Legendary Exploitation Director Larry Cohen made this film about a “winged serpent” terrorizing New York – one of many great movies he made…here is a documentary about his life – and his wild wild work!

https://johnrieber.com/2017/05/08/king-cohen-exploitation-director-larry-cohen-killer-babies-winged-serpents-exploitation-master-dynamite-new-documentary/

I think a musical is in order….

R – Rude Boy

I grew up loving The Clash – but did you know they made a film? “Rude Boy” is the story of a roadie who dreams of success while following The Clash on their REAL tour of the UK at the end of the 70’s – and the birth of punk rock! This is terrific stuff – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/09/the-clash-is-live-rude-boy-iconic-punk-music-meets-classic-cult-movie/

Another from my top twenty is next:

S – The Shawshank Redemption

One of the most inspiring movies ever made – brilliant from start to finish – Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman was flawless – click here to see the real “Zihuatanejo”:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/05/18/zihuatanejo-the-inspiring-greatness-of-the-shawshank-redemption/

Here is #3 on my list of greatest films:

T – Taxi Driver

Martin Scorsese and Paul Schrader capture the gritty streets of New York perfectly – as seen through the eyes of Travis Bickle – this masterpiece is still topical forty years on – see the anniversary reunion here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/21/travis-bickle-turns-40-taxi-driver-tribeca-screening-3-reasons-to-love-him-one-big-reason-to-hate/

OK, from masterpiece to Russ Meyer!

U – Up!

Need a break from the seriousness of the list – well, how about some Russ Meyer? The man who gave us “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” also got us “Up!” See how here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/03/16/sexploitation-classics-the-russ-meyer-edition/

Need more grindhouse?

V – The Virgin Witch

I love the sexploitation era of the 60’s and 70’s as you can see, and films like “The Virgin Witch” are the reason why…virgin witches baring all for our pleasure – see how here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/17/bloody-witchcraft-horror-sexy-virgin-witches-halloween-2015-heats-up/

Another from my top twenty is next:

W – Withnail & I

Simply the greatest British comedy ever – Richard E. Grant is brilliant, and the film is acerbic, insightful, and hilariously funny – read more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/04/10/withnail-i-30th-anniversary-classic-80s-cult-comedy-richard-e-grant-tell-all-book-with-nails/

Some letters of the alphabet are better sung than spoken…

X – Xanadu

What, you don’t want an 80’s musical with a rollerskating Olivia Newton-John? I included “Xanadu” because it’s so “of its time”, and because it also has a terrific soundtrack from The Electric Light Orchestra! Here’s proof:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/02/25/elo-rocks-the-grammy-awards-brilliant-70s-orchestra-rock-jeff-lynnes-beatles-love/

Mel Brooks was a brilliant filmmaker, and here is one example:

Y – Young Frankenstein

The funniest film ever? Well, argue amongst yourselves, but Brooks competes with himself for that title (“Blazing Saddles!”), and this film gives Gene Hackman – yes, GENE HACKMAN! A chance to show how funny he is! To celebrate this legendary Actors birthday, I highlighted his ten best roles:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/30/happy-birthday-gene-hackman-ten-roles-that-defined-a-hollywood-legend/

Finally, I leave you with Bond, James Bond…well, this next film is a 007 you’ve never seen before!

Z – Zardoz!

Yes, that’s 007 in a bright red loincloth! But WHY? The answer lies in one of the wackiest films ever committed to celluloid – the lunacy of “Zardoz.” Click to see some of the hilariously “WTF” dialogue and trailer!

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/01/suspiria-caligula-zardoz-wacky-one-word-movie-wonders/

Well, I tried to showcase movies you knew and many you didn’t, so let me know what you think!

Do You Have “The Thirst” For More Harry Hole?

One of my favorite Authors, Jo Nesbo, is back with the latest in his series of Detective Harry Hole thrillers!

Welcome to the world of “nordic noir” – moody crime thrillers from Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

“The Thirst” is the latest in the series of Hole novels – this “Dirty Harry” is plunged into the world of Tinder dating – because one psychopath is killing his dates!

These are terrific thrillers – I’ve read that “The Snowman” – book #7 in the series – is being made into a film – but read these in order to really understand the psychology behind Harry Hole – and meet a great cast of characters around him!

It’s been several years since the last Harry Hole book “Police”, so if you need help remembering all of them – here they are in order!

Click on my story to see the entire series!

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/16/jo-nesbo-police-brilliant-new-nordic-noir-harry-hole-novels-in-order/

Nesbo also wrote a great thriller called “Headhunters” – you can read about that book here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/02/jo-nesbos-dirty-harry-hole-is-back-the-phantom-plus-bonus-nesbo-headhunters/

Equally as impressive are the series of “Department Q” thrillers as well:

This series of thrillers involves Detective Carl Morck…he’s a grizzled Copenhagen Cop who’s been put out to pasture in a new “department Q” – ice cold cases nobody wants to be bothered with…so of course he cracks them in a terrifically entertaining way…see these books in order here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/21/classic-nordic-noir-terrific-crime-fiction-from-department-q-jo-nesbos-harry-hole-novels-rock/

Let me know if you are a Harry Hole fan!

“It’s my money,” he said on April 25. “If I want to buy 15,000 cotton balls a day, it’s my thing.”

Yes, Johnny Depp recently said that, and his “thing” has erupted into a fascinating and sad legal battle!

First, bravo to Journalists Stephen Galloway and Ashley Cullins – they have the inside story of Johnny Depp’s legal battle over his finances – a long, in-depth story in The Hollywood Reporter (THR).

The THR story laid out in detail the money problems that Depp is facing, and the lawsuits resulting from it. A huge legal battle has erupted between Depp and his financial advisors, and the stories coming out show a wildly out-of-control lifestyle…here is an excerpt from the story:

“There just wasn’t enough liquid money to cover Depp’s $2 million in monthly bills.
Without a fire sale, Depp — then arguably the biggest star in Hollywood and certainly one of the best paid, thanks to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise — would never be able to meet his obligations. Not the payments on his portfolio of real estate around the world. Not the impulse purchases such as the three Leonor Fini paintings he had bought from a Manhattan gallery (the first two for $320,000, the third as a $245,000 gift for then-girlfriend Amber Heard). Not the $3.6 million he paid annually for his 40-person staff. Not the $350,000 he laid out each month to maintain his 156-foot yacht.”

As you can see, a huge monthly “nut” came back to haunt the Actor!

Johnny Depp’s $30k Wine Tasting!

That’s right: according to the article, Depp routinely spends $30,000 a month on wine! I can understand that for sure, but it is another example of spending that was out of control for the Actor…

Jack Sparrow Returns!

The lawsuit – and these stories – have all come out right as Johnny Depp is returning to movie screens with his biggest hit ever: the character Jack Sparrow and “Pirates Of The Caribbean 5: Dead Men Tell No Tales!”

The THR article reports on issues related to the filming in Australia – specifically that Depp was routinely late to set.

Here is what the article says about his tardiness – and how the production dealt with it:

“Often, sources say, a production staffer was stationed in an unmarked car outside the Coomera, Queensland, compound that Depp had rented from Grand Prix champion Mick Doohan so that the sentinel could alert everyone the second a light was switched on in the morning (or afternoon).

“When he got up, he’d turn on the light, and the moment the light went on they’d call the line producer, who would then call the directors [Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg]: ‘He’s up! He’s getting ready!’ ” says an on-set source. “They even had a special code term, like ‘The eagle has landed.’ Johnny had no idea this was going on.”

EXCLUSIVE

Picture by: Splash News

Splash News and Pictures

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Welcome To “Fuck Off Island”!

Thanks to Splash News! This is a picture of one of Depp’s properties: 45-acre Little Halls Pond Cay in the Bahamas, which he has referred to as “Fuck Off Island.”

It’s just one of many properties the Actor owns around the world, indulging a 5-house compound at the top of Sweetzer Avenue in Hollywood.

The Actor clearly has great taste, and lavishing spending habits as well, and this article gives an in-depth look into the world of celebrity that we rarely see…

Bravo to The Hollywood Reporter and Stephen Galloway and Ashley Cullins for their amazing story….I just gave a couple of highlights, but the story is so much more – read it all here:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/johnny-depp-a-star-crisis-insane-story-his-missing-millions-1001513

My wife Alex interviewed Depp at the Cannes Film Festival one year, and he was articulate, friendly and very professional…unfortunately, we spoke to him about his biggest film debacle ever!

This very offbeat film was received so poorly in Cannes that it saw unreleased for years…read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/08/ten-most-misguided-movies-of-all-time/

It will be interesting to see how this story plays out, and once again, bravo to THR!

“Alien: Covenant” Is Here!

The latest in the series of outer space shockers is hitting theaters – if you haven’t seen the latest trailer, feast your eyes on it now:

I can’t wait to see the new film, which clearly wants to ensure us that lots of monster stuff is on the way…so let’s take a quick trip down memory lane…

Meet The Crew Of The “Nostromo!”

Here they are: crew members on a transport freighter who are asked to make a detour in outer space.

In 1979, Director Ridley Scott shocked moviegoers with a futuristic sci-fi horror film that used that simple premise – and the film became an instant classic.

With the latest installment on the way, here are five reasons I love the original “Alien”.

5- The Who!

Yes, the seminal rock band had a role in creating the moody atmosphere of the film.

The blue laser lights that were used in the alien ship’s egg chamber were borrowed from the band, who were testing out the lasers for their stage show in the soundstage next door.

4 – The Face Hugger!

The first look at the “alien” takes place when unfortunate Astronaut Kane and the others visit The Who’s moody egg chamber – when he leans over an alien “egg” he gets a big surprise: the face hugger!

Here is why this baby alien looked so creepy. The dead face hugger that is autopsied after being pried off Kane’s face was made using fresh shellfish, four oysters and a sheep kidney to recreate the internal organs. Yum!

This all leads to the next reason I love this film:

3 – The Bursting Chest!

Yes, after Kane has the face hugger pried off, he is seemingly OK again. Well, at least until he attempts to eat a meal, and the crew discover that the alien was inside him!

Here’s a fun fact: the chest bursting scene was filmed in one take with four cameras.

This scene was voted the second most shocking moment in movie history, right before “The Exorcist”…and even before moviegoers made it to the theater, there was a palpable sense of dread, thanks to the next reason this film is a classic:

2 – The Poster!

As you can see from the one sheet, the poster offers haunting imagery with one of the greatest tag lines ever:

“In space no one can hear you scream.”

The egg with the green sizzling crack is such an unsettling image, it really sets the viewer up for the great horror film that awaits.

It’s one of the most iconic movie posters ever – here are some more:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/16/red-lips-alien-eggs-all-white-juries-and-deep-throat-too-iconic-movie-posters/

Finally, there is one scene in “Alien” that all fanboys remember:

1- Sigourney Weaver In Her Underwear!

Yes, she looks great, but this scene is so great because it occurs after she thinks she has killed the alien creature, only to discover after waking up that she isn’t alone on the freighter. This raw vulnerability sets up another great action sequence, and cements Weaver as a classic Action Hero!

I can’t wait for the new “Alien” installment, but let’s remember the simple majesty of the first one – check out this classic trailer:

What a classic! In fact, I’m going to celebrate with THIS CAKE!

Welcome To The Hotel Du Cap – Cannes’ Most Exclusive Hotel!

With the Cannes film festival underway, great stories are being told about this fabled area – the French Riviera…including one hilarious story about the Hotel Du Cap, an ultra-exclusive and expensive resort for only the biggest stars and Executives at Cannes…

Director Brett Ratner has been to Cannes many times, and he recounts his first attempt to stay at the exclusive Hotel – a disaster that is not only a hilarious story but a great inside look at what this festival is like!

The Price Of Fame!

The Director shared his Hotel du Cap story years ago, and he discusses again in Deadline.com, who is giving a lot of coverage of course to the festival. The Hotel Du Cap is twenty miles from Cannes, which helps it have a legendary exclusivity.

As Ratner notes in the story, the hotel is legendary for not only how expensive it is, but it had a history of being very difficult to pay for!

Here’s an excerpt from his story, where he explains the cost of the hotel and the methods of payment that used to be allowed:

“The cost is 33,600 Euros for the 14-day duration of the festival — gone, though, are the days when they wouldn’t take credit cards, when it was cash or wire transfers only. If one wanted a TV in the room, it came with a 500 euros a night price tag, again, payable only by cash or wire.”

We learned early on that the Hotel was legendary for only accepting cash!

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jens Hartmann/REX/Shutterstock (453478i)
Serena Williams and boyfriend Brett Ratner
THE AMFAR AIDS CHARITY GALA DINNER AT LE MOULIN DE MOUGINS RESTAURANT, CANNES, FRANCE – 20 MAY 2004

This photo by Jens Hartmann/REX/Shutterstock shows Ratner and then girlfriend Serena Williams at a Cannes event in 2004….and there is a reason she is there – the Director was treated horribly when he arrived at the hotel for the first time, and Ratner was desperately trying to upgrade his coffin-like room! In his story, Ratner relates how he tried to use her name to get his room upgraded:

“I namedropped that my girlfriend and the reigning French Open champ would come—and train on the hotel courts, because I asked her to. I said her luggage wouldn’t fit in my room, and asked for something bigger. “I will do my best, Monsieur Ratner,” he said in his heavy French accent.

By the time I returned from the Croisette one day, Serena was playing her part: training on the clay courts. The entire hotel seemed to be watching. Did this sway the management into moving me? No way. Not even close. “Brett, you did it again,” Serena told me. “These people hate you. I had to walk down a back stairwell to find a room with a window that faces a brick wall. I have to crouch just to get under the shower head.”

This story is a hilarious look at Hollywood, the Cannes system, and the entertainment industry in general…especially because Ratner ended up banned for life from the hotel!

Yes, Banned For Life!

Ratner resorts to a very funny “loophole” in the hotel’s reservation system, which did in fact get him banned from the property for life.

It’s a very entertaining story, and if you want to find out how it ends, read the entire thing at “Deadline.com” – here is the link:

http://deadline.com/2017/05/brett-ratner-cannes-hotel-du-crap-controversy-1202091929/

My wife and I were lucky enough to attend the festival for years – many of them in a fairy nice hotel, albeit NOT the Hotel du Cap!

Here we are with E! Host Michael Castner, one of our many pictures of our wacky Cannes adventures…if you want to see Michael interviewing Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Jean-Claude Van Damme at the Hotel du Cap, click on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/08/cannes-2016-remembering-joan-rivers-jenna-jameson-my-seven-greatest-cannes-film-festival-moments-arnold-schwarzenegger-jcvd-my-favorite-cannes/

We also got to spend time in Cannes with a comic legend:

Here is my story about how gracious, warm and welcoming Robin Williams was when we met him at the film festival:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/12/rip-robin-williams-class-act-a-cannes-encounter/

It’s an amazing experience to attend the Cannes film festival, and I only wish we had ever been able to stay at the Hotel du Cap!

007’s Classiest – And Longest Running Bond Has Died!

Sad news to report: Roger Moore, the third Actor to play James Bond 007 in the legendary action series, has died at the age of 89.

Moore achieved stardom as Simon Templar in classic action TV series “The Saint” from 1962-69.

Moore Was 007 Seven Times!

Moore took over the role of Bond from Sean Connery in the 1973 film “Live and Let Die”. He holds the record as the longest serving Bond to date, playing 007 in seven films: “The Man with the Golden Gun” was next in 1974, followed by “The Spy Who Loved Me” in 1977…

These were some of the most popular Bond films of all time: “Moonraker” in 1979 was next, then “For Your Eyes Only” in 1981, “Octopussy” in 1983, and finally “A View to a Kill” in 1985.

Moore wrote a humorous and insightful autobiography, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991. Moore was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for “services to charity”.

Many fans grew up with Moore as their 007 – and there’s a great documentary that looks at all of the Bonds…

You can see more about this great documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/24/his-name-is-bond-james-bond-the-best-007-ever-the-worst-film-fight-club-begins-now/

RIP Roger, you will be missed!