Double Your Pleasure!

Sometimes, one classic movie just isn’t enough…

Yes, when one great film isn’t enough, it’s time for a double bill! Let’s go back to a simpler time, when most movies were shown in theaters as “double bills”…a main film and a co-feature…that’s right, two great movies for one low admission price!

Kudos To The Rio!

Look at that classic movie poster tagline:

“No car or man was too hot to handle!”

I was inspired to tell this story because of the terrific Rio Theatre social media sites, where they are trying to keep cult cinema alive by sharing classic grindhouse posters for our enjoyment!

“No Man Could Satisfy Her!”

As you can see from this poster for “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me!”, the film is:

“Bolder, franker, more intimate than anything ever seen before on the screen!”

Thanks to The Rio, classic sexploitation movie posters live forever! As they say on their twitter account:

“Original movie posters from Toronto’s last grind house!”

And are they ever!

“Zolton” Commands You!

If you never knew that Dracula had a “hound”, then this movie is for you, and thanks to The Rio, you can enjoy these classic cult movie posters forever!

You can enjoy these great postings of posters by going to The Rio’s twitter account:

@TheRioTheatre

These cult posters would be lost forever except for the hard work of this couple, Mark Ulster and Caroline Kubela. Their whole collection comes from his grandfather’s theatre, which was in downtown Toronto on the Yonge Street Strip – what the Rio folks call Toronto’s version of 42nd street!

Toronto Runs “Amuck!”

Yes, it’s an “explosion of sexual frenzy!”

The Rio theatre was in business from 1915-1991, and this married couple has an incredible collection of original movie posters, which they are willing to share with us!

Check out their Facebook page to see great stuff like this:

Check it out here:

https://www.facebook.com/RioMoviePosters

They also have classic movie posters like this for “Part Time Wife”:

I love the stuff they share on their social media, and as I said, it inspired me to check out double features like this one:

“To Rip Out My Guts Indeed!”

Sometimes films like this were combined to help their box office draw, and they were pretty awful films, but at least you got two of them! And in many cases, while the first movie on the bill was brand new, the second one was a year or two older – and usually they had a similar theme, like these two classic B-movies:

The End Of The Double Feature!

With the release of “Jaws” in 1975, all major Hollywood films started being released as a single feature, and double features moved over to the domain of the drive-in:

Carmen, Baby!

Many of these double bills were low-budget sexploitation shockers like “Carmen, Baby!” Whether in drive-in theaters or America’s seedy grind houses, campy sex shockers like this made tons of money!

Of course, these movies were also playing in legendary grindhouse theaters in New York’s Times Square as well, rows of seedy dives “grinding” out sexploitation movies 24 hours a day like these:

Just like the classic Rio Theatre in Toronto, these New York 42nd street movie houses were the home to many of the classic 70’s sexploitation movies, like Christina Lindberg’s “They Call Her One Eye!”

“Thriller” AKA “One Eye” AKA “Hooker!”

This film was also called “Thriller: A Cruel Picture”, and Lindberg was of course the most famous “artsploitaiton” movie queen of all time…and because this was an era where there were NO rules, a greedy distributor released the same film AGAIN and AGAIN – not only called “They Call Her One Eye” and then “Thriller”, but this time they called it “Hookers Revenge!”

It was, of course, on a double bill!

I have posted about Christina Lindberg before – read all about this amazing “Queen Of Artsploitation” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

And of course, grind house lives forever!

To read all about the classic era of grindhouse movies, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/31/forbidden-flesh-dirty-girls-the-unsatisfied-classic-sexploitation-cinema/

Several years ago Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez paid homage to this era in film by creating two separate movies, and releasing them on one grindhouse double bill!

Thanks to great home video companies like Vinegar Syndrome and Something Weird Video, you can find lots of great double bills to watch at home….and thanks to The Rio Theatre for sharing their bounty of exploitation posters…so it’s always time for some classic sexploitation double bills!

“HELL HOLDS NO SURPRISES FOR THEM…”

What happens when you take one of England’s most controversial Directors, one of their country’s heaviest drinkers, and add that to a volatile mix of possessed Nuns? Something that looks like THIS:

Behold The Controversial and Brilliant Film “The Devils!”

If you haven’t seen this wildly creative and controversial movie, you have missed a forgotten masterpiece! “The Devils” was directed by one of England’s wildest Directors, Ken Russell – and was released by Warner Brothers in 1971.

Talk about controversial! Movie fans around the world are demanding that this little-seen masterpiece finally gets released on DVD or blu-ray in its uncut glory!

First, watch the provocative trailer:

Here is the plot: Cardinal Richelieu and his power-hungry entourage seek to take control of seventeenth-century France, but need to destroy Father Grandier – the priest who runs the fortified town that prevents them from exerting total control.

Oliver Reed stars as Father Grandier – Reed was known as a legendary drinker…and a madman on the set…but with this controversial subject matter, Reed was just what visionary Director Ken Russell needed for this masterpiece…

As Cardinal Richelieu’s thugs take control of the town, Reed is set up as a warlock in control of a devil-possessed nunnery – and let the craziness begin!

Vanessa Redgrave starred as the sex-crazed Nun – who charged Reed with witchcraft…setting in motion a series of controversial scenes that garnered the film an “X” rating when it was released!

Yes, A DEVIL-POSSESSED NUNNERY!

This film was banned from Italy and its stars Vanessa Redgrave and Oliver Reed were threatened with three years’ jail time if they set foot in that country. Reed described this film as his best performance ever…

A major sequence in which the nuns tear down and ravish a life-sized icon of Christ in an orgiastic frenzy was cut from the film and subsequently vanished. Film critic Mark Kermode discovered the footage many years later.

One reason movie buffs are clamoring for a new blu-ray release is that Director Russell was keen to reinstate the scene but found that Warner Brothers were not interested in doing a director’s cut. The footage can be seen in a documentary Kermode made about Russell.

Here’s more great trivia from that documentary: while preparing for the climactic demolition of the city walls, a technician mistook a signal from Ken Russell and detonated the explosives before the cameras were rolling. A large chunk of the set had to be rebuilt.

However, a documentary on the second disk of the 2012 DVD release of the film contradicts this story. In this documentary, Russell states that it was himself that pressed the button which detonated the explosives without communicating this to the camera team. It is also stated that the scene had to be re-shot a month later as a consequence the cameras missing the destruction of the walls.

#FreeTheDevils

And now an online petition has started to “free ‘The Devils'”, and you can take part!

The late Ken Russell’s wife, Lisi Tribble Russell has been leading a campaign to get the film released in its uncut form…you can follow her on twitter at:

@awhitetable

And you can support this cause on Facebook as well! “Like” their page here:

https://www.facebook.com/FreeTheDevils

And help keep the momentum going!

Of course, you can see much more of Ken Russell’s work as well, including his brilliant take on The Who’s “Tommy!”

“Tommy” contained another provocative scene from the Director: he has Actress Ann-Margret “swim” in baked beans! See the whole story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

And of course, read more about legendary Actor Oliver Reed as well!

Oliver Reed was one of film’s most notorious “Hellraisers” – read all about him and the other by clicking here, part of my obituary of Peter O’ Toole, who was also profiled in the book:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/10/peter-otoole-retires-a-look-at-this-hellraiser/

And good luck to everyone fighting to get this masterpiece released in its uncut glory for movie lovers to enjoy!

How do you define a Hollywood Sex Kitten? How about like this?

And how do you become Hollywood’s most notorious blonde bombshell? Well, it doesn’t hurt when you let it all hang out!

Thanks to NationalStereotype.com, which has their picture stamp on this…it’s a classic moment when an Actress becomes a star!

Introducing Iconic Sex Symbol Jayne Mansfield!

One of Hollywood’s great sex symbols has a fascinating story!

Jayne Mansfield was an actress,nightclub entertainer, singer, and one of the earliest Playboy Playmates – an eclectic career that ended tragically…

Jayne Mansfield was a major Hollywood sex symbol of the ’50s and early 1960s – known as a sexy alternative to Marilyn Monroe – in fact, she was known as the “Working Man’s Monroe”. Here is a publicity picture that shows a strong resemblance to Marilyn…

According to her biography on wikipedia, Mansfield was also known for “her well-publicized personal life and publicity stunts, such as wardrobe malfunctions.” Yes, she sure knew how to take a candid photo!

Mansfield is one of the most enduring sex kittens in Hollywood history. She was a huge star who had lots of big star friends. Here she is hanging out with John Lennon…

Mansfield starred in a number of popular films in the 50’s and won a Theatre World Award and a Golden Globe.

She starred in the 1957 smash hit “Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?” Her other major movie performances were for “The Girl Can’t Help It” and “Too Hot to Handle”.

Mansfield also launched a nightclub act and toured the world. However, many remember her for a much more “candid” performance!

“Promises! Promises!”

In 1963, Mansfield starred in the sexploitation film “Promises! Promises!”

Mansfield was the first major American actress to have a nude starring role in a Hollywood motion picture. Here is a short scene from the film with Mansfield taking a sexy bubble bath!

Mansfield appeared nude in the June 1963 issue of Playboy, further cementing her reputation as Hollywood’s sexy movie star…

This was an era when posing nude – and appearing nude in a movie – was a shocking and controversial decision – but it only cemented her reputation as the world’s sexiest woman…

Mansfield was married several times during this period, and also had children…

Mariska Hargitay!

Mansfield was the mother of four children, including Actress Mariska Hargitay, who has had a big career of her own…

A Tragic End…

The Jayne Mansfield story has a tragic end. On June 29, 1967, Mansfield and her Attorney Sam Brody were driving home from a nightclub performance in Mississippi when they crashed into a semi-truck, instantly killing both of them. Jayne Mansfield was only 34 years old at the time of her death…

Hollywood Babylon!

As you can see, Mansfield’s legendary sex kitten pose was used as the cover to Kenneth Anger’s blockbuster book “Hollywood Babylon”, which looked at some of entertainment’s most scintillating stories…

Mansfield remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic sex symbols, and her tragic death has only made her life that much more fascinating…

There have been other sex symbols in Hollywood, and here are a few of the more accomplished Actresses…

Ann-Margret!

Yes, there have been some legendary sex kittens in Hollywood – and one of the greatest was Ann-Margret – read all about this amazing actress by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/11/23/hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten-ann-margret-rock-operas-baked-beans-elvis/

And if you want to see who else was America’s sex kitten in the 70’s, look no further than this:

Raquel Raquel!

Raquel Welch is also an amazing Actress, with a great body of work, and in the 70’s she was also the sexiest woman in the world!

Read all about her greatest achievements, including the legendary “C-C-C-Catfight” episode of “Seinfeld” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/13/raquel-raquel-60s-sex-symbol-and-c-c-c-catfight-seinfeld-star-raquel-welch/

I hope you check out some of this classic work from Hollywood’s past!

Need to kick off 2015 with some classic cinema?

Time For A Classic Double Feature!

First, how can you not love a movie with dialogue like this:

Bob Hauk: I’m not a fool, Plissken!
Snake Plissken: Call me “Snake.”

Then, moments later:

Bob Hauk: We’d make one hell of a team, Snake!
Snake Plissken: The name’s Plissken!

And he is, of course, “Snake Plissken!”

Time For The Comic Genius And “Snake Plisskin” Coolness Of Kurt Russell!

Yes, he’s been acting his entire life, but in the 80’s, Kurt Russell made two films that, for me, cemented his reputation as one of the most entertaining Actors around…

In “Used Cars”, he showcased his terrific comic timing as he played off some of the most respected character Actors in film, and in the other, he was – well, “SNAKE PLISSKIN”!

Let’s take a look at two of the greatest films of the 80’s!

“Escape From New York”!

Kurt Russell exudes coolness, attitude and kick assert right off the top, when he is informed of a plane crash…

Bob Hauk: “There was an accident. About an hour ago, a small jet went down inside New York City. The President was on board.”
Snake Plissken: “The president of what?”

The setup is simple but effective: in the future – 1979!- Manahatten is turned into a penal colony, where only the worst criminals struggle to survive …so of course, the President’s plane is hijacked and he is taken hostage. What does the government do? Naturally, they send in Sanke Plisskin.

Here is the trailer:

“Escape From New York” is one of Director John Carpenter’s best moves – a tough, gritty thriller held together by a great Kurt Russell performance. Kurt Russell has stated that this is his favorite of all his films, and Snake Plissken is his favorite of his characters.

It’s his cockiness and attitude that make him a perfect “anti-hero”: of course he has no interest in helping rescue the President, he’s being blackmailed into it.

Cue James Cameron!

There is a shot in the film where a helicopter flies over Central Park – that was actually filmed in San Fernando, California. The buildings in the background were matte-paintings by future director James Cameron!

This is a great action thriller, and Russell is great – it was his idea to give Snake Plisskin an eye patch!

In his next film, Russell starred in one of the funniest, and most criminally neglected films of all time!

Used Cars!

When the owner of a struggling used car lot is killed, it’s up to the lot’s hot-shot salesman to save the property from falling into the hands of the owner’s ruthless brother and used-car rival.

Meet Rudy Russo, the sleaziest used car salesman there is – well, except for all the others. Rudy wants to be a State Senator, and he’ll bribe anyone he needs to in order to achieve his dream of higher office. This hilariously profane comedy was directed by Robert Zemeckis, who went on to make “Back To The Future”.

Along with his partner in crime Gerrit Graham, Russell dreams up a plot to screw his arch enemy Roy Fuchs, played with a deliciousness by veteran character actor Jack Warden.

As Roy Fuchs spits out when he disagrees with the local elected officials:

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Here is some great trivia, courtesy of IMDB: In a scene where Roy Fuchs (Jack Warden) walks up to Rudy (Kurt Russell) and Jeff (Gerrit Graham) – Graham didn’t have any lines and kept pestering Director Robert Zemeckis for something to say. Finally, he just decides to repeat whatever Russell said to Warden. Apparently Warden was unaware of what Graham was doing, thus his line:

“What’re you? A fuckin’ parrot?”

It was Warden’s genuine annoyance at Graham, which worked so well in the scene that it was included in the final cut.

Michael McKean and David Lander (Lenny and Squiggy) have small roles as techno-geeks who jam President Carter’s State of the Union address in order to plug in an ad for the used car lot…by cutting in live from Roy Fuchs’ used car lot across the street, making use of his cars for their “live pyrotechnics”…

[President Carter on TV]
President Carter: -high inflation. What is the solution?
[TV cuts to commercial for Luke’s yard taking place in Roy’s yard]
Jeff: You want the solution to inflation? Hi, friends. Marshall Lucky here for New Deal Used Cars, where we’re lowering inflation not only by fighting high prices, not only by murdering high prices, but by blowing the living shit out of high prices. Yessir. Here’s an example. It’s a 1972 Cadillac Coupe DeVille, for sixty-two ninety-nine. That price is too high.
[shoots car]

Jeff: Yessir. Here’s another one. It’s a Lincoln Continental, Mark IV, 1973. It’s loaded. It’s got air conditioning. It’s got a stereo. It’s got white-wall radial tires. It’s got power steering, power brakes, power seats, power windows. And a price that is just too high.
[shoots car]
Jeff: Yessir.
[Jim appears on car behind him in costume]
Jim: YAAAAAAHHHH.
Freddie: [on microphone] Look out, Marshall Lucky. It’s High Prices.
Jeff: Take this, you dirty ol’ High Prices.
[“shoots” Jim, who puts on a very convincing act]
Jim: AHHHH. Ya got me Marshall. Ahhhhh…
Jeff: [shocked] Jesus Christ!
[winks at screen]

The movie is profane and hilarious, and Russell plays the slimy used car salesman perfectly…

And the film also has a hilarious car chase with a ton of great action scenes….like this one:

So I plan to enjoy this Kurt Russell double bill as a way to kick off a new year on a great cinematic note!

It’s Awards Season!

As Hollywood celebrates the best films of the year, I am reminded of movies that are destined for A DIFFERENT TYPE OF RECOGNITION – um, INFAMY – need proof?

Is This Wrong?

Is there ANY justification for Raquel Welch playing a “sexy” nun? What? You don’t remember this in a Spielberg film? A Kubrick classic? Well, it raises an important question:

When Do You Know A Movie Is A Classic? Hint: When It Comes With THIS:

Yes, “Raider Of The Lost Ark” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” didn’t come with a commemorative vomit bag, but this film did! Enough with the classics: time to have fun with the “other” legendary films! That’s right: imagine a movie SO SHOCKING, SO UNSETTLING, that the film makers offered up a vomit bag for your own protection! Well, the movie did offer this scene:

“Hold Your Tongue, Europe!”

Yes, thanks to our friends “across the pond”, in the early 70’s American moviegoers were treated to some of the wildest and most shocking films ever!

Time to take you back to a time when movies from Europe were more “adult” and “open”, leading to the release of this groundbreaking movie:

When “I Am Curious (Yellow)” beat US obscenity charges, the floodgates were open for a new era in movies – films that were much more explicit and controversial. Look at the line on this poster:

“Whisper to your friends you saw it!”

The reason so many of these sleazy exploitation films showed up in American theaters was that US studios were behind the times, not prepared for the new “relaxed” standards for movies….so the country was flooded with some of the wildest movies Europe had to offer…a brand of film known as:

“Euro-Sleaze!”

What does that mean exactly? Well, you take lots of sex, violence and perversion and wrap it up in a movie with a tag line like this:

“A Young Bride Alone With An Evil Dwarf!”

Yes, it’s as subtle as a smack to your head…but that’s the point – these films LOVED being over-the-top and offensively entertaining – as you can see, it was part of their marketing campaign, which leads us right back here:

Hard to misunderstand the filmmaker’s intentions…this film is:

“Guaranteed To Upset Your Stomach!”

“Mark Of The Devil” was notorious for scenes of torture – the precursor to the modern era of “torture porn” – as it told the story of european witch hunts in the 1600’s – if you aren’t familiar with this film, you have missed out on a “euro-sleaze” classic!

Here is the trailer:

“Rated V For Violence!”

“Mark Of The Devil” advertised itself as the first film “rated V for violence!” There was no such thing, but a great tag line, huh? This was shortly after a new ratings system was enacted to try and guide viewers…it was a time of “anything goes” in movies…

In reality, the film was a standard horror movie from Germany, looking back at the witch trials that terrorized Europe. There was plenty of sex, nudity, blood and torture – which was the main aspect of the film’s promotion…

That’s right, very inventive producers released the film with a “vomit bag” – a great way to promote the film! And it worked as the film was a big “eurosleaze” hit!

Pray For Raquel!

“Mark Of The Devil” was just one of a number of unbelievable european films that showed up on US screens…for example, have you seen the classic film where Raquel Welch struggles being the world’s sexiest nun? You know, the film where Richard Burton seduces the world’s most beautiful women? And then FREEZES THEM?

That’s right, Richard Burton went from co-starring with Elizabeth Taylor in the classic film “Who’s Afraid Of Virginia Wolff” to a “different” one…

Cue The Crow!

Frozen naked actresses? And a crow? Intrigued? I thought so! How can you possibly NOT want to spend time with Richard Burton – just to find out exactly WHY he spends SO MUCH TIME in the movie with a crow on his shoulder?

And Raquel Welch Was, Indeed, “The Nun!”

Yes, this is a movie where the world’s sexiest woman at the time played a Nun!

Behold The Awfulness Of “Bluebeard”!

Time to introduce you to “Bluebeard”, a 1972 thriller starring Richard Burton, Raquel Welch, Joey Heatherton and Sybil Danning. And it is classic “eurosleaze”, since it was filmed in Budapest, Hungary!

“Bluebeard” is a perfect example of the 70’s genre of “euro-sleaze”, which were cheap films full of nudity, sex and violence. That’s why the film was stocked with young starlets like Joey Heatherton!

Richard Burton was clearly slumming in this film, but euro-sleaze fans are all the better for it! Take a look at the movie’s poster!

In case you need this information, here is the plot: A World War I pilot, who everyone envies as a “ladykiller” actually IS one – because after he beds and marries a beautiful woman, he murders them – and keeps them in a freezer!

Here is the trailer:

The film is based on the classic story of “Bluebeard” by Charles Perrault – the story of a wealthy aristocrat (Burton) who has murdered several previous wives. And yes, he seduces the sexy Nun Raquel Welch and kills her too!

His latest spouse is sexy Joey Heatherton, who discovers her dead predecessors in a freezer and tries to avoid their fate!

Burton is onscreen with a multitude of beautiful women, such as Sybil Danning, and everyone had to show nudity or at least wear provocative outfits…

Hey! Where’s Raquel?

Before you rush out for this Raquel Welch starring role, know this: even though she was top billed after Richard Burton, Raquel Welch only has 8-minutes of screen time in this two hour long film!

Why I Love Raquel Welch!

“Bluebeard” is just one reason to love Raquel Welch – if you want to see more of her classic roles – including her hilarious appearance on “Seinfeld”, check this out:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/13/raquel-raquel-60s-sex-symbol-and-c-c-c-catfight-seinfeld-star-raquel-welch/

And in case European audiences didn’t understand just HOW sleazy this film was, they made sure to put a crazed Burton staring at a naked woman on the poster as well! Enjoy!

So as you see, “eurosleaze” tackled the issues of sex and violence, but what other “taboo” subjects did they cover?

How About Heroin!

Yes, this classic “eurosleaze” film from Amsterdam tackled the tough subject of substance abuse, as a young “Hanna D” is about to learn the harsh facts of life:

This ain’t no dental exam! “Hanna D: The Girl From Vondel Park” is classic sexploitation from director Rino Di Silvestro – yes, the director of “Werewolf Woman” and “Women In Cellblock 7!”

And see the poster above? That’s for the US market: here is how they promote the same film in Europe:

The documentary feel to the film allows them to show many scenes of drug taking, including a shot of a woman shooting up heroin under her tongue!

The movie begins on the trashiest note and never lets up! We first meet Hanna on a train to Amsterdam from…uh, somewhere, where she’s already selling a peep show starring her body to random passengers!

Hanna quickly meets Miguel, a sleazy playboy who wants to sell Hanna as a porn star, but on her way to her first shoot, she meets Axel on the bus, and falls in love with him instead! Hannah gets around quick!

Torn between the two options placed in front of her, she turns to drugs, and eventually descends into addiction…and learns not only to shoot up under her tongue - BUT IN HER EYELID!

OK, you get it – this cautionary tale was meant to be a shocking – yes shocking! – examination of a young woman in a downward spiral of drug addiction…as the movie begins, Hanna looks so innocent:

And by the end….well, not so much:

These films were designed to shock the audience – supposedly a cautionary tale, but one that revels in the sleaziness of the journey to redemption…

This movie LOVES to drag you into Hanna’s drug-addicted world…but that was a good grindhouse movie is supposed to do, isn’t it?

And now you can find a lot of different “euro-sleaze” collections to buy….like this one that features “Hannah D!”

Yes, “Hannah D” is joined by “The Sister of Ursula” along with what many consider the single greatest slice of “eurosleaze” ever committed to celluloid!

Dare To Touch “The Sinful Dwarf!”

It’s almost beyond words….and certainly the single most exploitative film ever to cross the Atlantic! I have posted about this twisted piece of “eurosleaze” before, and you can read all about it and nine other “sexploitation” classics by clicking my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/10/the-ten-wildest-sexploitation-classics-holiday-gift-guide-exploitation-edition/

And don’t forget one of the era’s most popular and notorious stars!

Read all about Lina Romay’s body of work by clicking here:

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

And don’t forget what many consider the greatest european sexploitation film of all time!

Yes, Christina Lindberg was one of the all-time greats, and you can read all about her classic european sexploitation films by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

There are SO many examples of this unique era in film. I also showed you this classic “eurosleaze” film as well, recently released in a terrific blu-ray edition:

You can read all about this film, and Britain’s battle back against “Video nasties” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/10/14/house-on-straw-hill-video-nasties-documentary-great-blu-ray-release/

Let me know if you are a fan of this unique and outrageous era of movie!

Ready For Some Great Mob Action?

Great gangster films should be cherished and saved for future generations to discover…and guess what? Some of the best have been!

Looking For An Italian “Dirty Harry”?

There is a genre of Italian mobster film that has been pulled out of obscurity for movie lovers to enjoy!

Want A Sexy Strip Tease?

Yes, they are filled with campy fun like this as well!

We’re headed to Italy to celebrate a unique movie genre that kicked some serious ass in the 70’s, some terrific new blu-rays that bring them back to their “bullets, blood and babes” glory, and a new documentary that celebrates them all!

Eurocrime! The Italian Cop and Gangster Films That Ruled the ’70s!

A documentary concerning the violent Italian ‘poliziotteschi’ cinematic movement of the 1970s which, at first glance, seem to be rip-offs of American crime films like DIRTY HARRY or THE GODFATHER, but which really address Italian issues like the Sicilian Mafia and red terrorism.

Check out this incredibly entertaining trailer:

This is a fascinating look at a wildly entertaining genre of film, and a great way to dip your toe into these 70’s italian crime thrillers….

And here is the master of the italian crime drama! If you haven’t heard of Director Fernando di Leo, you have missed out on great movies from an Italian crime master!

The Fernando Di Leo Crime Collection!

Director Fernando di Leo made some of the best italian gangster movies ever, and now you can own them all on blu-ray! Let’s get started with his most famous film:

Caliber 9!

Take a look at this trailer and you’ll get an idea of the tough, gritty world that Di Leo has created:

“Caliber 9″ has great action sequences, tough-as-nails criminals, ruthless cops and includes the legendary strip club dance by sex symbol Barbara Bouchet, which is worth the price of admission alone!

I’ve written about Bouchet before, and if you want to find out more about this sex kitten, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/29/classic-sex-kitten-james-bonds-sexy-co-star-barbara-bouchet/

This movie is wildly entertaining, and as I said, it includes Bouchet’s iconic club scene:

That’s just the tip of the “euro-crime” iceberg! Lots more to have fun with, beginning with this knockoff of “The French Connection!”

The Italian Connection!

Yes, these films are right in line with some of America’s grittiest 70’s crime dramas, but there is something fun about seeing the same type of action taking places on the dirty streets of Milan!

Also included in this great blu-ray box set release are his films “The Boss” and “Rulers Of The City” – so you have four great italian crime thrillers will lots of bonus material!

The success of this release led to another blu-ray with more Fernando di Leo classics!

SHOOT FIRST, DIE LATER: Italian actor Luc Merenda gives the performance of his career as a highly regarded police detective who is taking syndicate money in exchange for departmental favors. And what a title!

This is widely considered one of the 70’s best crime thrillers…and of course, Di Leo had lots more to share:

KIDNAP SYNDICATE: This film tells the story of a regular guy who stands up to kidnappers, and that means blood, bullets, babes and tons of action!

NAKED VIOLENCE: A devastating, brutal, raw example of Di Leo’s early works, Naked Violence is about how a teacher of an evening school for youngsters with social problems is brutally raped and murdered right in her classroom!

Yes, these films were a look at the problems in Italy in the 70’s, and some of the topics were raw.

Check out all of Fernando di Leo’s films, or just dip your movie toes into the water by checking out this incredible entertaining documentary!

And of course, “euro-crime” is just one great style of italian filmmaking…have you watched any classic “giallo?”

This is a uniquely italian form of horror/slasher film – a classic form of cinema with some true classics of the genre like this one:

Read all about the best italian “giallo” films by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/09/time-to-strip-nude-four-flies-and-baba-yaga-to-you-yes-its-classic-italian-giallo/

Ready To Swing?

The best documentaries open a door to a world you never knew existed – or were afraid to explore for yourself. They also shed light on some of your favorite Artists in candid moments:

At times, they even reveal things an Artist, like Mick Jagger, doesn’t want you to see. And finally, the best documentaries introduce you to fascinating people who live uniquely fascinating lives:

Here are three of my favorite documentaries: one looks back at New York in the “swinging 70’s”, one captures a “very raw” Mick Jagger, and the last is a love letter to the power of creativity, no matter how talented those Creators are….

Let’s get started with a look at one of the most legendary legal sex clubs in New York history!

American Swing!

Well, this is without a doubt one of the craziest, dirtiest chapters in American history – the legendary New York “swinger’s club”, Plato’s Retreat!

This is a fascinating look at “Plato’s Retreat”, a LEGAL Manhattan sex club for straight couples that existed in New York from 1977 until the mid 1980s, and Larry Levenson, the club’s impresario.

This documentary is full of great archival material as well as new interviews with Larry’s, writers, reporters, and even former clients of the club. This legal sex club was a phenomenon in its time, and by the late 70s, the club was in “full swing”!

As always, places like this could never survive, and the documentary looks at all of the factors that led to the club’s demise.

RULES FOR THE “MATTRESS ROOM!”

Look at these rules! “No One Admitted Fully Clothed.” Can you believe this was a legal, legitimate business?

This was a public orgy – and this is a fascinating look inside this business, the owner, and the people who participated – like this couple below, now much older, who willingly discuss what went on inside the club!

Here is an IMDB user review, whcih I think does a terrific job summing up the documentary: “American Swing” refers to the “wife-swapping” phenomenon that swept through middle-class suburbia in the 1970s. And no figure did more to popularize that trend than Larry Levenson – the “King of Swing” as he came to be called – whose “live sex club,” Plato’s Retreat, located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, served as the epicenter for so much of the action.

Let it be stated right up front that this eye-opening documentary is not for the prudish or the easily offended, for its footage is graphic and its language raw, often akin in its look to crude 1970’s porn. Directed by Matthew Kaufman and Jon Hart, the film features interviews with many of the now-aging club regulars who happily regale us with tales of their personal escapades there. A number of celebrities who frequented the club, as well as certain reporters and broadcasters who covered the beat at the time are also interviewed.

“American Swing” is most interesting as a social document, showing how the “free love” ethos espoused by the hippies in the 1960’s expanded into the mainstream a decade later.

This is a really fascinating look at a bygone era – not so long ago, when the “sexual revolution” tuned into a sexual free-for-all!

You can see more of these by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/04/06/how-can-i-offend-you-best-documentaries-pt-2/

And speaking of orgies, time to go on tour with The Rolling Stones!

The “unofficial” Rolling Stones documentary: “Cocksucker Blues”

“Cocksucker Blues” is the legendary, unreleased documentary film directed by the noted still photographer Robert Frank chronicling The Rolling Stones’ North American tour in 1972 in support of their album “Exile on Main St.” It is notorious for many reasons, which we will get into here…

The cameras follow The Stones from the stage to the tour bus – and as you see here, it goes along with Mick Jagger and his then-girlfriend Bianca, as they take a limo to a show…

After the documentary was finished, The Rolling Stones saw some of the decadence that was captured, and they refused to release the final product. After all of these years, you can see why: there are many shots of the band in the midst of things that – well, show what it like to be on the road with the greatest rock-n-roll band in the world at the time: when the road was filled with sex, drugs, rock-n-roll – and more sex and drugs.

“Cocksucker Blues” is also the commonly recognized name of a Rolling Stones song – which is officially called “Schoolboy Blues” – that was recorded in 1970. Mick Jagger wrote this song to be the Stones’ final single for Decca Records.

The Rolling Stones were upset by the film’s portrayal of them and sued to prevent its release. According to wikipedia, the film is under a court order that only allows it to be shown once a year with the film’s director, Robert Frank present in person.

There are places online that will sell copies – I cannot attest to whether this is a legal practice or not, but when you see the candid, authentic scenes backstage, you can understand why it isn’t on Netflix – most legendary is a scene when Keith Richards is dozing off backstage – and you don’t need to be a great Detective to understand WHY he’s “nodding off” –

Also shown are scenes of the rest of the entourage enjoying the fruits of the band’s success – and there isn’t anything that fun about watching “roadies” hanging out backstage – but this is rock at its rawest…

If you chance upon this documentary in its uncut form, it’s worth a look – it’s not a great movie, but a fascinating one for the decadent world it captures…

The Rolling Stones were a great band of course, and now let’s look at a movie that tells the story of the next generation of “Artist”:

American Movie!

Behold America’s next great Horror film Director, Mark Borchardt!

On the northwest side of Milwaukee, Mark Borchardt dreams the American dream: for him, it’s making movies. Using relatives, local theater talent, slacker friends, his Mastercard, and $3,000 from his Uncle Bill, Mark strives over three years to finish “Covan,” a short horror film.

His own personal demons (alcohol, gambling, a dysfunctional family) plague him, but he desperately wants to overcome self-doubt and avoid failure. In moments of reflection, Mark sees his story as quintessentially American, and its the nature and nuance of his dream that this film explores.

Here he is relaxing with his best friend, Mike Schenk…

Mark: Do you think this is a little bit cathartic for you?
Mike: Uh, very cathartic, Mark.
Mark: Do you know what cathartic means?
Mike: No.

This is the story of a guy with a dream: to make a horror film. The only problem is, he has no money…

Mark Borchardt: [Reacting to an IRS notice threatening a lien on personal property for delinquent funds due] Luckily it’s just $81.00. What are they gonna take, ya know, like my “Night of the Living Dead” book?

Mark Borchardt: “Coven,” man, we gotta get this sucker done, though. Seriously. Last night, man, I was so drunk, I was calling Morocco, man. Calling, trying to get to the Hotel Hilton at Tangiers in Casablanca, man. That’s, I mean, that’s, that’s pathetic, man! Is that what you wanna do with your life? Suck down peppermint schnapps and try to call Morocco at two in the morning? That’s senseless! But that’s what happens, man. ”

I was lucky enough to work with Mike and Mark on a project….G4 showed “Night Of The Living Dead” on Halloween night, and staged the whole thing live from Wisconsin…

The culmination of the live broadcast was Mark directing a 4-minute live horror sequence. It was amazing, he pulled it off, and we all had a great time…and they were terrific to work with!

I wish Mark and Mike the best, and you should check out this documentary to see how the love of film permeates every scene – a real slice of true Americana!

Read about more fascinating documentaries by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/25/killer-fish-kids-who-paint-and-mid-west-horror-best-documentaries-pt-1/

And if you want to see how Australians are “down under”, then check out these documentaries that are more outrageous by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/04/06/how-can-i-offend-you-best-documentaries-pt-2/

Enjoy some truth in storytelling today!

“Rated ‘X’ By An All-White Jury!”

At a time when Hollywood is under scrutiny for for what some as as Oscar failing to adequately acknowledge the film “Selma”, it’s important to remember “The Godfather of Blaxploitation”, the brilliant Melvin Van Peebles – and his epic battle with Hollywood!

“YOU BLED MY MAMA, YOU BLED MY PAPA, BUT YOU WON’T BLEED ME!”

The Legendary Battle Over “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song!”

In 1971 – a micro-budgeted film was – ready for this – written, produced, scored, directed, and starring Melvin Van Peebles! It is a breakthrough accomplishment for African Americans in Hollywood, from the legendary “Godfather of Blaxploitation!”

Here is the trailer:

“Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song” is the gritty story of a African American man and his fight back against white authority! The timing couldn’t have been more topical: the country was in the midst of racial tension as well as civil unrest over the Vietnam War.

No studio would finance the film, so Van Peebles funded the film himself, shooting it independently over a period of 19 days. He received a $50,000 loan from Bill Cosby in order to complete the project.

“Sweetback”‘s Legendary Impact!

“Sweet Sweetback” was released during a time of intense race problems, as well as anti-war sentiment about our role in Vietnam. It was a time of protests, riots and insurrection, and the film spoke to a black community that was tired of oppression.

The film exploded onto the scene at a time of major change in film, and the movie’s fast-paced montages and jump-cuts were unique features in American cinema at the time. “Sweet Sweetback” was a provocative, explosive independent film that lead to an amazing fight between Van Peebles and the Motion Picture Association of America!

“Rated X By An All-White Jury!

A fascinating aspect of the film is how Van Peebles took on the mainstream movie establishment over his film’s rating, including a very public standoff over the new ratings system imposed on films.

The era of blaxploitation began with Melvin Van Peebles’ incendiary film, and when it was submitted to the ratings board, it came back “X-rated.” That could prove to be commercially disastrous for the film maker, and after fighting with the board to no avail, he started a publicity campaign calling them out!

By the time he released the film independently, he was proud to say on the lower right of his poster that his movie was “rated X by an all-white jury!”

The film’s underlying message of black empowerment was at a time of great civil unrest in the country, and the “rated X by an all-white jury!” was a provocative statement to put on the poster – while it seems a lifetime ago, this major battle was only 44 years ago!

“Sweet Sweetback” is rough, unpolished and very raw, but it speaks in an authentic voice that was rarely heard at the time…and kudos to Melvin Van Peebles for putting it all on the line to deliver a blaxploitation classic!

In 2003 Melvin’s son, Actor Mario Van Peebles, made a film that looked at the battle his father endured to get “Sweet Sweetback” made…a “love story” to his father about the impact he had on black cinema…

Blaxploitation Lives On!

The 70’s era was known for many great sub-cultures of film, but I think my favorite is “blaxploitation!”

I have written about a number of the best films of this genre. See more classic blaxploitation films by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/04/25/the-mack-sweet-sweetback-blacula-blaxploitation-lives/

And The Ladies Kick Ass Too!

And the kick ass women of blaxploitation deserve a big hand as well…

“Foxy Brown” was a smash hit, and ushered in an era of female empowerment as well…check out the ladies of blaxploitation here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/02/foxy-brown-cleopatra-jones-blaxploitations-kick-ass-women/

Pam Grier is a legend of the genre, as is this guy:

And of course, the legendary Jim Kelly was one of the era’s greatest stars, and his recent death is a sad reminder that he never got the respect he deserved. Read about his greatest films by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/06/30/rip-jim-kelly-bruce-lees-kung-fu-partner-blaxploitation-master/

And the genre was full of some amazingly colorful characters, like this guy:

Dolemite!

If you haven’t seen any of the “Dolemite” films, you are missing a great time!

Check them out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/23/dolemite-hit-man-shaft-iconic-blaxploitation-stars/

And of course, the brilliant Richard Pryor was also a star of the genre:

Pryor starred with Max Julien in the seminal blaxploitation film “The Mack:”

Read more about Richard Pryor by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/05/28/richard-pryor-brilliantly-funny-violently-dramatic-his-most-incendiary-work/

Take a trip down blaxploitation lane and appreciate a brilliant style of filmmaking!

Cult movie fans, REMAIN UNAPOLOGETIC. EVEN IN THE FACE OF THIS:

Before you judge me, consider this: there is a place where, in a movie sense, ANYTHING GOES. There are no rules other than being wildly entertaining, like this:

Cue The Karaoke!

And of course, there will be some singing and dancing as well:

OK, I think that, if you are still here, you will stay for the rest of this wild, wild ride through the legendary film genre known as “J-sploitation”…I’ve written about it before, but I wanted to celebrate it one more time with three incredibly entertaining examples of the genre….and if you are hungry, we’ll begin with:

Behold the “Citizen Kane” of killer sushi movies!

“DEAD SUSHI!”

“Dead Sushi”is a “Japanese splatter action comedy” about “flying killer sushi monsters,” and it’s on blu-ray for you to enjoy!

“Dead Sushi” stars Japanese Actress Rina Takeda, who has a ball in this film, which is directed by Noboru Iguchi – who is quickly becoming the Lloyd Kaufman of Japan!

Director Noboru Iguchi Does It Again!

I have posted about Director Noboru Iguchi’s movies before, and have a recap and trailers of some of his previous work below. Now his new “J-sploitation” masterwork is here – this style of Japanese exploitation film is crazy, uninhibited, and campy beyond belief!

“Dead Sushi” Trailer!

Check out the trailer:

What can you say about THAT? As I have posted before, this new wave of Japanese horror film is called “J-spolitation”, and it involves young women who are abused or mistreated in some way, and they fight back in the most incredible manner possible, as you can see!

In this case, sushi has gone out of control – and with that as the simple setup, let the fun begin!

As always, there will be a lot of over-the-top bloodshed before the killer sushi is defeated…but that is how these movies play out…and you either accept them for what they are or not…but really, how can you take this TOO seriously?

To see more of this Director’s work, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/30/killer-sushi-the-robogeisha-director-is-back-with-more-fried-shrimp-death-and-japanese-mayhem/

And don’t think our Japanese friends have forgotten the zombie genre…in fact, they’ve taken it to a whole new level!

“Zombie Ass: Toilet Of The Dead!”

How can you argue with a film that has a plot that revolves around this image!

Prepare yourself for the majesty of “Zombie Ass!” Here is the trailer:

“We are going to flush you! The most crap-tastic zombie movie ever to emerge from Japan’s cinema sewer is finally upon us, and it’s from the twisted mind of cinematic madman and legendary ass-fetishist Noboru Iguchi, creator of THE MACHINE GIRL, ROBO-GEISHA and KARATE-ROBO ZABORGAR!”

The terrific Japanese Director Iguchi has created a splatter comedy guaranteed to warm the bowels of those with the stomach for it… while more sensitive viewers may want to plug their noses and flee in disgust!

The plot is simple: pretty young karate student Megumi accompanies a group of older friends on a trip into the woods.

Things start to go badly when Maki finds a parasitical worm inside a fish they catch – and wolfs it down alive, in the hope that it’ll help keep her skinny! And then… zombies!

The group is attacked by a crowd of poop-covered undead who emerge from an outhouse toilet, and seek refuge at the home of strange Dr. Tanaka and his daughter Sachi – and it just gets even crazier from there!

The Liberating Power Of Farts!

This is what makes J-sploitation so unique – this plot asks the question: can Megumi’s karate alone help them escape, or will she have to rely on the liberating power of farts to save the day?

That’s a question not asked nearly enough in film these days!

Finally, you need to remember that these films usually have a underlying message about society…and none more so than this classic:

Karaoke Terror!

This 2003 drama from Japan is a very interesting hybrid: it’s a serious dramatic look at the social upheaval in Japan – and it is an over-the-top gore fest, with one of the most unbelievable endings you will ever see! And of course, you will see things like THIS:

The basic premise of the film deals with two very different groups; one are the Midoris, named so because all the middle-aged and divorced women share the name Midori, and a group of young college-aged men.

Both groups live separate lives until the day one of the boys murders a member of the Midoris, because she rejected a sexual advance.

So the concept is simple: two warring factions battle it out, with their love of karaoke the only bond between them. The movie showcases how middle-aged women in Japan are considered worthless, outcasts in their own country.

As they battle back and forth, the stakes escalate until you have the most amazing ending to a movie ever – and of course, lots of karaoke!

This is not a perfect movie to be sure, but what a great way to expand your movie-going horizons – let me know what you think about j-sploitation!

Let’s Not Waste Time! It’s A WILD, “You Must See It To Believe It” Cult Classic!

This is a story that could ONLY come from Hollywood! You are about to meet:

“The King Of Palm Springs!”

Time to celebrate the amazing career of Duke Mitchell, an actor, slapstick comedian, crooner and independent film director. Mitchell often performed his nightclub act in and around Palm Springs and called himself the “King of Palm Springs!”

Oh, and he directed these two classic cult films:

Here is Duke’s fascinating story. In 1951, Mitchell teamed with teenaged comic Sammy Petrillo for a nightclub act. Mitchell’s cabaret-style crooning and Petrillo’s manic, rubber-faced clowning were clearly based on the then red-hot team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis.

The duo made one of the strangest cult films of all time, with the wild name of:

“Bela Lugosi Meets a Brooklyn Gorilla!”

OK, we are just getting warmed up! After this comedy duo broke up, Mitchell performed a nightclub act in Palm Springs and gave himself the name of “King Of Palm Springs!”

Duke Mitchell, Film Maker!

Even though “The King” was having a successful singing career, he also turned to movies once again – and this time, NO ONE would get in his way! Mitchell wrote, produced, directed and starred in his version of the classic movie “THE GODFATHER”, and he paid for it by himself!

Behold The Cult Majesty Of “Gone With The Pope”!

First, check out this review:

“Gloriously, hilariously offensive…an incredible hybrid, with Mitchell’s decidedly dated sensibility delivered in a modern, masterfully quick-cut package.”

-Karina Longworth, LA Weekly

Thought lost to time, “GONE WITH THE POPE” now lives for all to enjoy, and stars Duke Mitchell as Paul, a paroled gangster with an unholy scheme: to kidnap the Pope and charge as a ransom:

“a dollar from every Catholic in the world!”

Check out the trailer:

Shot in 1975, “GONE WITH THE POPE” was unfinished at the time of Duke Mitchell’s death in 1981. Sage Stallone and Bob Murawski of Grindhouse Releasing rediscovered “GONE WITH THE POPE” in 1995 and vowed to save it from obscurity. Academy Award-winning film editor Murawski (THE HURT LOCKER, ARMY OF DARKNESS) spent 15 years completing this film using the surviving film elements!

And now it is on blu-ray, with in-depth interviews with stars Jim LoBianco and John Murgia, cinematographer Peter Santoro, editors Bob Leighton and Robert Florio, and legendary exploitation producer/director Matt Cimber!

And in keeping with the cult nature of the film, they even released it to a rabid moviegoing public, with collectible T-shirts too!

The blu-ray release includes footage from the 2010 Hollywood World Premiere, along with deleted scenes and bloopers!

And there’s more!

Time for “Massacre Mafia Style!”

Yes, the Duke made another film, this time playing the ruthless son of a Mafia kingpin who blasts his way through Hollywood on a bloody crime spree. Check out the trailer!

“It’s a great thing for my Dad’s legacy for his movie to be released on Blu-ray,” says Jeffrey Mitchell, who co-produced the Blu-ray with Academy Award winning editor Bob Murawski of Grindhouse Releasing.

According to Murawski: “We have put in years of work restoring MASSACRE MAFIA STYLE and gathering an amazing selection of bonus material on Duke Mitchell. We think fans will agree it was worth the wait.”

This blu-ray release includes a treasure trove of goodies, like interviews with Jeffrey Mitchell, Frankie Ray, George Jacobs, Jim LoBianco, and exploitation legend Matt Cimber, along with almost an hour of never-before-seen Duke Mitchell home movies!

Hear “The King Of Palm Springs!”

The blu-ray includes a “lost” audio recording of Duke Mitchell Live in Concert from 1960.

And as for the reviews:

“Duke Mitchell delivers an eccentric, impassioned, unpredictable performance unlike anything else ever committed to film. You’ve never seen another gangster movie like this.”- Nathaniel Thompson, Mondo-Digital

So there you have it, a pair of cult films that have been lovingly restored for your enjoyment!

Kudos Grindhouse Releasing!

Congrats to a great home video company for keeping these classics alive! And they have an amazing line up of films to enjoy, like this!

Yes, see “psycho hippies” and more by reading my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/11/16/crazy-cult-cinema-hippies-in-israel-cats-in-the-brain-mind-expanding-brain-melting-time/

And see all of their releases at their website:

http://grindhousereleasing.com

These films remind of of another “cult classic”:

Yes, Tommy Wiseau also wrote, produced, directed, edited and starred in a film – the legendary “The Room!”

Read all about it here:

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

And buy these films to help keep cult cinema alive!

“Fifty Shades” Of Controversy!

“Fifty Shades of Grey” was a literary sensation, and now there has been a film made from the book, which opens Valentine’s weekend. The film’s release is now being attacked by domestic violence activists, who say there’s an underlying “violence against women” theme attached to the film.

Here is how Time magazine is reporting the controversy: “A social media campaign with the hashtag ‘#50dollarsnot50shades’ asks people to donate $50 to a domestic violence shelter rather than spending it on movie tickets and popcorn, reports Mashable.”

“People are really upset about this movie and its potential for glamorizing stalking and abusive behavior, so they’re happy to have the chance to do something positive to help offset the damage,” the organizers of the movement told the Washington Times.

The First Reviews Are In!

And they may be as painful as the S&M action in the film. Here is a great article from Huffington Post that recounts the best ones:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/10/fifty-shades-of-grey-reviews_n_6655044.html

Whether this controversy hurts the film or just helps keep it in the public eye, it’s not a new refrain – movies have a long history of courting controversy with their depiction of love, sex and relationships….especially in book form. There have been a number of controversial erotic novels that have been made into equally controversial films.

The Love Machine!

Remember, before “Fifty Shades” there was Jacqueline Susann!

Don’t forget the Queen of erotic fiction. Jacqueline Susann stunned the literary world with her first novel, “Valley of the Dolls”, which sold 30 million copies!

This controversial drama about young Actresses in Hollywood was followed up with two other erotic novels, “The Love Machine” and “Once Is Not Enough!”

As you can see, Susann was serving up erotic fiction to an audience of women who were tired having guys get all the thrills…and no more so than with her epic erotic drama:

“The Love Machine” looks very similar to the powerful lead character in “Fifty Shades”. Both novels feature women who are seduced by a powerful man. And of course, controversy is never far away when you see how these films are marketed. Read all about “The Love Machine” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/07/24/fifty-shades-of-grey-trailer-how-about-love-machines-the-50-shades-erotic-precursor/

So as you see, controversy is nothing new when it comes to sex and romance! And don’t forget another one of publishing’s biggest scandals:

“Naked Came The Stranger!”

One of the biggest book scandals of the 60’s followed the publication of the erotic novel “Naked Came The Stranger” – because it was later revealed it had been written as a joke!

That’s right, a group of advertising professionals each wrote a chapter of the book on a dare to see if they could write the worst novel of all time!

Read all about this fascinating story by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/01/08/before-50-shades-there-was-naked-came-the-stranger-publishings-biggest-hoax-undressed/

So, long before “Fifty Shades Of Grey” there were many controversial erotic novels…

Let me know what you think about this!

Some of the greatest horror films of all time were made in the ’70’s: “The Exorcist” and “Carrie” were mainstream blockbusters, while low-budget shockers like “Last House On The Left” and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” showed audiences a raw, stark look at the real-life psychopaths around us.

Meet The “Scream Queen!”

Jamie Lee Curtis became America’s “Scream Queen” thanks to the classic horror film “Halloween”, which signaled a move form supernatural horror to bloody, horrific slasher film.

“Halloween” was a perfect blend of fantastical evil played out in an everyday world.

In the 80’s, this bloody genre exploded with massive hits like “Friday The 13th” and “Nightmare On Elm Street”, which mixed evil killers with a gloosy 80’s look. Here is one of my favorite examples, starring Jamie Lee Curtis:

It was a decade of ever-increasing carnage and blood, with the most popular films always targeting teens who made the mistake of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, usually while having sex…

Here are a few of the more interesting examples of this era, beginning with a movie that ushered in the “splat-facular 80’s” with a plot that paid serious “homage” to “Halloween”:

Sorority House Massacre!

A brand new blu-ray has bought back this 80’s slasher fest with this great tagline:

“A Slash Course In Absolute Terror!”

Check out the trailer:

In the 70’s classic “Halloween”, a young boy murders his entire family, except for his sister. He escapes the mental asylum to kill her as well. In this 80’s film, a little girl’s brother kills the whole family except for his sister. He is committed, she grows up, and eventually goes to college, where she joins a sorority.

Yes, that’s a SERIOUS “homage” to “Halloween” alright!

Here is the classic plot twist: because of her traumatic past, she blocks out the fact that the sorority house was her childhood “death house!”

Of course, once her brother senses that she is back in the house, he escapes to kill her too!

So away we go: sexy negligee clad sorority sisters, crazy killers on the loose….it was a popular trend that latest a decade!

Another popular slasher film from the 80’s included a star from the scariest film ever made!

Hell Night!

Welcome back Linda Blair, you’ve been missed since the days of “The Exorcist”! Check out the trailer:

It’s a classic 80’s horror plot: four college pledges spend the night in a deserted old mansion where they get killed off one by one by the monstrous surviving members of a family massacre years earlier!

This one had the honor of starring Linda Blair, who hadn’t had much of a career since “The Exorcist” shocked America a decade earlier…

Horrific Holidays!

There were films that covered every holiday and special occasion, like these classic 80’s slashers:

Happy Birthday To Me!

This 1981 Canadian slasher classic was directed by J. Lee Thompson, best known for making 1962′s “Cape Fear”!

The film was advertised with the marketing campaign “six of the most bizarre murders you will ever see”. The series of deaths include, death by shish kebab, death by weight lifting and death via a scarf and motorcycle chain!

The film is worth recommending on the overwrought climactic birthday sequence along along with the many twists and turns.

Here’s a less-known cult classic from that era:

Curtains!

“Behind every curtain, someone is waiting…something is watching.”

This 1983 horror gem was long forgotten, but a new blu-ray release with tons of extras brings it out from behind the curtain…

An unbalanced Atress crashes a “casting” session that a big Director is holding at his secluded mansion. Yes, he’s got a bevy of hot young actresses camping out at his mansion – except someoine begins butchering them all.

That was the trend in the 80’s – lots of sex and nudity followed by bloody retribution…

“Curtains” had a troubled production history, which gets a good recounting in new commentaries and featurettes on the blu-ray release.

Check it out!

And here are two twin Sisters who are keeping the 80’s style of horror alive!

Hail The Soska Sisters!

If you don’t know Jen and Sylvia Soska, you are missing out on two twin sisters who are directing films that keep the “slashing 80’s” alive!

The recent “See No Evil 2″ is just their latest example, but read all about there here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/17/see-no-evil-2-the-soska-sisters-strike-blood-again-great-halloween-horror/

And of course, never forget the one, the only:

Read all about the legendary scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis by clicking on my link here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/21/jamie-lee-curtis-a-scream-queens-terror-trilogy-great-halloween-horror/

Let me know what your favorite 80’s horror film is – leave a comment!

To honor Darrell Hammond’s spot on SNL 40th Anniversary impression of a dirty Sean Connery, I offer you this:

Yes, this is the former 007 – wrapped up in a red loincloth – in one of the craziest films of all time – seeing double?

And it just gets “wilder and wilder” from there. I’ve got some of the “wildest” films ever committed to celluloid….from a “dirty 007″ to this:

When an entire film revolves around a naked woman being hunted by another naked woman with a bow and arrow, does that make it “wild?” I think we are getting close to an answer here. And if by “wild” you are referring to this guy:

One definition of “wild” could be what someone looks like then they’ve been locked in a room for 15 years and then given a ballpeen hammer…what follows is “wild” by any standard…

Finally, is a movie “wild” because of a singular cinematic performance that transcends space and time, and includes movie dialogue that can never be forgotten:

Time For A “Wild” Film Fight Club!”

Let’s not waste any more time, and get into what I think are the wildest movies ever put on celluloid!

I know what you are thinking: let’s stop the debate right now because NOTHING is wilder than this movie! A giant mask roams the Scottish countryside leading an Army of killers. What? You’ve never heard of “Zardoz?”

Well, this may be the “wildest” film ever committed to celluloid! This is ACTUAL dialogue from the film!

“The Penis is evil! The Penis shoots Seeds, and makes new Life to poison the Earth with a plague of men, as once it was. But the Gun shoots Death and purifies the Earth of the filth of Brutals. Go forth, and kill! Zardoz has spoken!”

Yes, “Zardoz” has spoken!

Sean Connery shows off much more than his “007” in this movie, and it is a twisted science fiction masterpiece as a result!

To find out what is behind this madness, click on my story about film’s wackiest “one word” wonders by clicking here:

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

Remember that once you see “Zardoz” you can never UNSEE it, but that’s what makes it so “wild!” I’m not sure that Sean Connery talks about “Zardoz” much, but boy is it a “wild wild” ride!

Speaking of which, let’s not forget this guy:

“Oldboy!” Descent Into Madness!

Another one word title is “Oldboy!” This journey involves more than just distance, it includes a trip into the darkness of the human soul.

Imagine being locked up in a hotel room for fifteen years – without any explanation – then suddenly set free with two weeks to uncover who did it and why – that is the simple and brilliant set up of “Oldboy” – and includes one of the greatest “single take” scenes of all time!

A brutal film about betrayal, love, murder and redemption, it is also one “wild wild” cinematic trip that you can read all about here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/06/30/killer-assassins-hard-boiled-killers-death-by-hammer-classic-asian-thrillers/

I think “Oldboy” is one of the greatest films ever made – but it is also “crazy insane” from beginning to end…but not all movies are “wild” because they are brilliant – some of our nominees for “wildest” film might be legendary for a different reason – like this Actor, who burst onto the film scene and became an immediate movie legend:

Tommy Wiseau Rules!

“The Room” is as much a “must see” as any film ever made! Once you’ve seen Tommy Wiseau chew up the scenery – and the screen, the front row of seats, and perhaps even the refreshment stand in the lobby, you will believe he is a “wild wild” man!

Read all about the majesty of “The Room” – and co-star Greg Sestero’s brilliant book about the making of the film – by clicking here:

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

I cannot wait to see what Tommy Wiseau has for us next…and millions of “The Room” fans agree with me! Unfortunately, our next nominee died recently and can no longer offer up “wild” movies like this:

“Hunting Humans Was Her Favorite Game!”

How can you argue with that? Legendary Sexploitation Director Jess Franco loved to make “wild” films like this, mostly starring his always naked wife, cult Actress Lina Romay:

Director Jess Franco directed a ton of films – most you’ve never heard of, some you are glad you haven’t – but he just kept chugging along, making crazy film after crazy film highlighting his “always naked” wife. There are SO many “wild” Jess Franco films…here are just a few examples:

Click here to see all of Franco’s “Wild” movies starring his wife Lina Romay – each one is wilder than the other:

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

You have to give it to Franco – he had a unique artistic vision and he stuck to it!

Nominate your own “wild” film by leaving me a message! Tell me if you can top THIS!

Here Is An Important Message For You:

Time to head back to the seventies, a more innocent time that could be exploited by shrewd film Producers, who went through a phase where they loved to exploit:

The Cheerleaders!

As you can see from the poster, this movie was X-rated when released in 1973, a time when grind house movie theaters and drive-ins were flooded with wild, sexy movies…

It was a wild time in film, thanks in part to films like this – which clearly exploited “cheerleaders” and that time in high school when the best guys were the jocks and all the sexy girls were cheerleaders….such an innocent time as well though, as you will see from the trailer:

Talk about a “sexy fun” plot! A group of cheerleaders from the local high school decide to show their school spirit for their football team by sleeping with the opponents the night before the game so that they can be so worn out the opposition won’t be able to play!

These films evoke a more innocent time – even though there is lots of nudity and simulated sex, it’s presented as a “rite of passage” – this film is really a “naked American Graffiti.”

And of course, it was a HUGE success, leading to a sequel:

Revenge of the Cheerleaders!

The sequel offers up more of the same, but this time with an “R” rating, drawing in even more teenagers across the country. Check out the trailer:

And don’t forget this:

David Hasselhoff is “Boner!”

The plot is the same: feuding Cheerleaders try to set each other up as the big game approaches…but it has a lot of fun, goofy antics, and as IMDB so cleverly stated:

“Worth the rental price just so if you ever meet David Hasselhoff, you can say ‘Hey, I loved your work as Boner’!”

And since “The Hoff” says it OK, then the cheerleader floodgates opened!

There are more “cheerleader” comedies than I can mention here, but none are more goofy and “good clean naughty fun” than this:

“The Swinging Cheerleaders!”

Take a look at the trailer:

Classic Exploitation Director Jack Hill delivers again! Hill was a master at films that had beautiful women and tons of kick ass action, with a twisted sense of humor as well!

Here’s a quick summation of the plot: In order to write an article on how cheerleading demeans women, a reporter for a college newspaper infiltrates the cheerleading squad. While doing so, she uncovers unscrupulous dealings!

Cheryl ‘Rainbeaux’ Smith starred in this film – a young Actress who had a sad life and died too young…she also starred in Jack Hill’s sexploitation classic “Caged Heat”…

Smith has a tragic life unfortunately…you can read all about this young star by clicking on my story here…

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

Director Hill also made a number of classic exploitation films, like “Foxy Brown” and “Coffy”, and you can read all about those classics right here!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/02/foxy-brown-cleopatra-jones-blaxploitations-kick-ass-women/

And finally, here’s another 70’s sexy comedy that jumped on the “Cheerleader” bandwagon and provided an early role for Robert “Revenge Of The Nerds” Carradine!

The Pom Pom Girls!

More classic comedy from Crown International Pictures:

“Hey, Duane! That crease, down the middle of your face – is that your asshole?”

The trailer says it all:

Thanks to “JohnnyStanwyck” for sharing this on Youtube…

The plot is simple: jocks go after the Pom Pom Girls, which leads to a lot of making out, rampant nudity, and the big game at the end.

Thank You VHS!

Cheryl ‘Rainbeaux’ Smith also co-stars in “The Pom Pom Girls” as well…these films were popular when they were released, but really became iconic thanks to the revolutionary “VHS” format, which brought these movies into every teenaged boy’s bedroom!

So make sure you check out this collection of “Cheerleader” films, and say hello to Boner!

Grab Some Classic 70’s Sideburns And Buckle Up For Fun!

“You two are more fun than going to an all-night dentist!”

Thanks to our good buddy Burt Reynolds, it’s time for some of the greatest action “hicksploitation” films of the 70’s!

Weeeeeee-Haaaahhhhhh!

Yes, when you see a car flying out over a whole bunch of nothing, you can only think of one person:

That’s right, when it comes to fun loving, hard drinking, hard charging entertainment, there was no one having more fun that Burt Reynolds!

Here are two of his greatest “hicksploitation” films of the 70’s!

“If You Haven’t Seen ‘White Lightning’, You Haven’t Seen Burt Reynolds!”

And with that, you need to check out the legendary Burt Reynolds “good ol’ boy” double feature of “White Lightning” and “Gator!”

First, let’s watch the trailer for the fun login’ majesty that is “White Lightning!”

Yes, there is a plot: An ex con teams up with federal agents to help them with breaking up a moonshine ring.

Cue The “Moonshine!”

That’s all you need to know: Burt is having a ball brewing up some action, and so you know, “White Lightning” means “moonshine”…and it leads to a hard-charging ball of fun! Or as Gator McClusky says:

“You two are more fun than going to an all-night dentist!”

Here is some great trivia, thanks to IMDB: this was originally slated to be Steven Spielberg’s first theatrical feature and he spent months on pre-production!

Spielberg went on to make “The Sugarland Express” instead and that’s a terrific movie, but he would have brought an interesting sensibility to this, and the huge success of “White Lightning” led to more Burt in the Bayou!

Having created the character of Gator McKlusky in 1973’s “White Lightning”, Burt Reynolds reprises the role in the appropriately titled “Gator!”

And this time, Burt directed the film as well!

Once again, ex-convict McKluskey is strong-armed into helping the feds nab a dangerous criminal, who turns out to be an old high-school chum (Jerry Reed).

Check out the “Gator” trailer:

How can you NOT love a movie with dialogue like this!

Bama McCall: [Bama is introducing Gator to his seven-foot-tall bodyguard] Ask him why they call him “Bones.”
Gator McKlusky: Why they call you “Bones?”
Bones: Because I TELL them to!

Burt Reynolds was arguably the biggest star of the 70’s, and these movies are proof why…the best part is that both films are now on blu-ray!

And of course, this should just wet your whistle for Burt…there are SO many great Burt Reynolds films to watch!

He was brilliant in the classic film “Deliverance”, and he was the coolest guy in the 70’s in such films as “The Longest Yard”:

You can read about all of his greatest films by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/03/26/long-yards-squealing-pigs-boogie-nights-burt-reynolds-greatest-roles/

And if you want to hear more about what it’s like to work with Burt, here is my story about the “oral” history of “Boogie Nights!”

Click on the entire fascinating story here:

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

And of course, don’t forget he made some great action comedies as well, such as this neglected classic:

Oh, and don’t forget that Raquel Welch HATED working with him…find out why by clicking on my story about this legendary sex symbol:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/13/raquel-raquel-60s-sex-symbol-and-c-c-c-catfight-seinfeld-star-raquel-welch/

Stand up for yourself, Raquel!

Um, Marlon Brando Seems To Be Having A VERY BAD DAY…

When one of the world’s most difficult Actors decides he’s not happy with a film, you can only imagine how disastrous the result will be…well, imagine no more!

“Lost Soul: The Doomed Journey of Richard Stanley’s Island of Dr. Moreau”

I love stories ABOUT the movies, and this documentary takes a very revealing behind the scenes look at one of the world’s worst movies EVER!

Marlon Brando and Val Kilmer starred in the 1996 film “The Island Of Dr. Moreau”, widely considered one of the biggest disasters ever released! Now, there is a documentary that looks at how the clash of visions, bad creative decisions, lack of interest by the Actors and really bad weather plagued the film. Check out the trailer:

It all began when Brando showed up to the film’s set looking like this – and it just went downhill from there. As the trailer pointed out, Brando’s demand to have a diminutive co-star with him at all times made life miserable for Director Richard Stanley…

It’s almost his bizarre parody of “Apocalypse Now”…anyway, the documentary tells one horrible behind-the-scenes story after the other…Brando was impossible to work with…but at least he had his makeup done cheap…

The story of the film was simple: a mad Doctor turns his private island into a laboratory, where he creates a new super species…and goes mad in the process:

This documentary look s at all of the problems making the film, not helped by Val Kilmer’s on set antics as well…

I can’t wait to see this movie, as I love the “behind-the-scenes” stuff that goes down on film…and Brando has some of the best stories of all!

Read all about “The Godfather” trivia by clicking here:

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

and of course, Brando clashed with Coppola again, on the set of the greatest anti-war film of all time:

There is a brilliant documentary that captures all of that conflict as well…Eleanor Coppola’s terrific “Hearts Of Darkness:

In the case of “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now”, the brilliant ends justified the means…but what if a troubled film ends up turning out – LIKE THIS?

Hard to believe, but “Troll 2″ is often mentioned in the same breath as “Dr. Moreau” for worst film ever made…and now there is a documentary that looks at the cult that has sprung up around it!

“Best Bad Movie!”

This great documentary looks at the making of “Troll 2″ in 1990, and its journey from being crowned the “worst film of all time” to a cherished cult classic.

Check out the trailer:

“Best Worse Movie” was made by the child actor from the movie! He interviews the cast about how the movie changed their lives. He also interviews the Director, who insists that “Troll 2″ is a great film!

There have been a number of great documentaries that look at the film making process – here is another favorite of mine:

American Movie!

If you haven’t seen the movie that introduces you to “Mark and Mike”, then check out my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/03/25/killer-fish-kids-who-paint-and-mid-west-horror-best-documentaries-pt-1/

And here is a book that chronicles a modern masterpiece!

The Room!

Yes, “The Room” is legendary for so many reasons, and Greg Sestero’s terrific book chronicles it all form the inside…read all about it here:

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

Tommy Wiseau made one of the greatest, most inept films ever, and that’s what makes “The Room” so entertaining!

Sometimes films are so bad they are good – and sometimes you watch them with THIS look on your face:

Here is a list of some of the most astoundingly bad films ever unleashed on the public:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/03/from-the-beatles-to-flying-severed-heads-five-mesmerizingly-bad-films/

Let me know if you’ve ever seen Brando like this!

This Is A Picture From A Revolution!

One of the greatest – and most influential films ever made – is being shown on the big screen on March 21 in Los Angeles – with an amazing special guest!

Warren Beatty is Clyde Barrow, and Faye Dunaway is Bonnie Parker – and together they star in one of the most influential films of all time – a movie that was part of a revolution! More on that in a moment, but first, here is the trailer for Director Arthur Penn’s 1967 classic:

Vintage Los Angeles Scores Again!

Kudos once again for Alison Martino, the mastermind behind “Vintage Los Angeles”, a website she created to keep the vintage pieces of Tinseltown alive! One way she is doing that is showing vintage Hollywood films in a “million dollar” theater!

The marquee is up for this special event screening – one night only – in classic downtown LA!

“Hello C.W!”

Veteran character Actor Michael J. Pollard stars int eh film as well – a memorable role in a movie full of them!

“Vintage LA’s screening of “Bonnie and Clyde” is on March 21 at 8pm!! And Actor Michael J. Pollard, who played C.W. Moss PLANS BE IN ATTENDANCE TO SEE THE FILM ON THE BIG SCREEN AS WELL! The California Feetwarmers will be performing Jazz and Ragtime music directly next door at the Grand Central Market AND make sure to put on your best Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow inspired fashions to be part of our costume contest for prizes!!!”

What a great night! Read more about it and get your tickets by going to the official website here:

http://www.grandcentralmarket.com/events/443/bonnie-and-clyde-screening-at-the-million-dollar-theatre

This is a great opportunity to see one of Hollywood’s most “revolutionary” films on the big screen!

Gene Hackman and Estelle Parson were both oscar-nominated for their roles…as my friend Jamie Klein reminded me, one of Hackman’s best lines is “whatever you do, don’t sell that cow!”

“Bonnie & Clyde” is violent, funny, emotional, shocking and revolutionary – the film ushered in a new era of screen violence in America.

Audiences at the time were stunned by the film’s climax – this had NEVER been seen onscreen before! “Bonnie & Clyde” was one of five films nominated for Best Picture in 1967 that defined a revolution in Hollywood, and there is a brilliant book that tells the whole story:

Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood by Mark Harris

This is a terrific story about Hollywood, Oscars, the end of one era in film, and the launch of a new way of making movies that changed Hollywood forever…

It’s the epic story behind the making of the five movies nominated for Best Picture in 1967 – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Graduate, In the Heat of the Night, Doctor Doolittle, and Bonnie and Clyde – and through them, the larger story of the cultural revolution that transformed Hollywood, and America, forever!

It’s the mid-1960s, and westerns, war movies and blockbuster musicals like Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music-dominate the box office. Meanwhile, Warren Beatty wonders why his career isn’t blooming after the success of his debut in Splendor in the Grass – and even though Sidney Poitier has just made history by becoming the first black Best Actor winner, he’s still feeling completely cut off from opportunities other than the same “noble black man” role.

“Bonnie & Clyde” showcased brutal violence never seen before on-screen, along with Faye Dunaway’s unabashed sexuality – and great fashion:

And in a year of seismic change int he country, one film had the audacity to ask this question:

“Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” tackled a virtually taboo subject at the time: inter-racial marriage – subjects that “mainstream” Hollywood would never tackle before…but a sea change was coming to Los Angeles…

This was explosive material for the movies, in this case helped by having the parents portrayed by Hollywood legends Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy:

“Are you trying to seduce me, Mrs. Robinson?”

And then, how about the “original MILF?”

Another of the Best Picture nominees of 1967 was “The Graduate”, which featured a young man having an affair with his girlfriend’s MOM!

And it was a “double bill” year for Poitier, as he also starred in the brilliant film “In The Heat Of The Night!”

“They Call Me MR. Tibbs!”

Poitier starred as Virgil Tibbs, a Philadelphia cop who finds racism everywhere in a redneck south that refuses to think modern, and as the poster warned “this was adult” stuff! Poitier fights racism at every turn, not helped by the racist Police Chief played by Rod Steiger:

These four films were culture shocks to Hollywood, which at the time was still trotting out films like the 5th nominee in 1967 for Best Picture: the bloated, out of touch musical fiasco “Dr. Doolittle.”

This is a terrific book about a Hollywood being torn apart…check it out….and don’t forget to support “Vintage Los Angeles” and Alison Martino’s efforts to keep classic Tinseltown alive!

Here is a look at one of her previous screenings, the classic “Sunset Boulevard!”

http://johnrieber.com/2014/06/02/nancy-olsons-sunset-boulevard-screening-hollywoods-classic-tale-discussed-live/

Kudos, Alison Martino!

Ready For Jail?

One of the most hilariously offensive genres of film in the 70’s involved this:

No, it’s not a film about hygiene…this is something far more subversive and perverse: it’s the legendary “women in prison” genre!

“Some jive-ass revolution don’t mean shit to me!”

That’s just a hint of the great dialogue from this exploitation classic:

I love any films that calls itself “Black Mama White Mama!” Here is the plot: a radical revolutionary teams up with a “kept” woman when they find themselves shackled together in prison…check out the trailer:

The chained sex kittens are the legendary Blaxploitation star Pam Grier and Margaret Markov – and, after a much necessary shower…

Yes, the movie is FULL of shower scenes…after the shower, they are shackled again and taken to another prison – and of course they get away and bicker while staying ahead of the incompetent cops…

This is dialogue right after the hound dogs have been stolen:

Guard #1: “How are we gonna find them now?”
Guard #2: “Well, asshole, why don’t you get down on all fours and we’ll follow you!”

As you can see from this international poster, they highlighted just one of the many “naked shower” scenes…because the key to the success of the “women in prison” genre was to NEVER have them free for too long – because in prison, they make you shower naked all the time!

These films were hugely popular at drive-ins and grind house theaters across America – and thanks to Pam Grier, also fits as the genre of “Blaxploitation” as well!

All Hail The “Queen Of Blaxploitation!”

Pam Grier is the reigning “Queen of Blaxploitation”, thanks to movies like “Black Mama White Mama” and “Foxy Brown!”

Read about all of her classic movies here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/02/foxy-brown-cleopatra-jones-blaxploitations-kick-ass-women/

And the US wasn’t the ONLY country that was obsessed with women in prison!

Yes, the Philippines also was a “hotbed” for sexploitation – and if you need proof, here’s a picture from the classic sexploitation film “Virgins From Hell!”

Read all about this film, plus some other classics of the era, by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/07/11/virgins-from-hell-plus-dead-virgins-too-oh-and-hannas-hooked-on-smack-exploitation-lives-on/

And bravo once again to Pam Grier for her incredible career!

James Taylor’s ONLY Movie Role!

There is nothing more exhilarating for a movie buff than finding an obscure masterpiece – especially when it stars James Taylor AND the late Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson!

Time to celebrate one of the greatest films of a lost era….this one line sums up the entire film:

“Make it three yards motherfucker, and we’ll have an automobile race!”

Here is the plot: “The Driver” and “The Mechanic” are two car freaks driving a 1955 Chevy throughout the southwestern U.S. looking for other cars to race.

Here is the trailer:

“Two Lane Blacktop” was directed by Monte Hellman, one of that era’s great young independent film makers, who shared a unique vision of America at a time of great civil unrest. What makes this film unique is that, while the stars are indeed “hippies”, they also share an “All-American” passion for cars…

James Taylor and Dennis Wilson literally talk about NOTHING but cars…it’s hilarious how much they love their car and how much they love to race, especially when they can take local drivers for big bucks….as James Taylor says in the film when challenged:

“Make it three yards motherfucker, and we’ll have an automobile race!”

Early on, they pick up “The Girl”, who exemplifies the newly modern young woman, carefree and hitchhiking across America, a modern woman breaking free from the chains of the past…

The Legendary Warren Oates!

At a gas station, the trio meet “G.T.O”., a middle-aged man who fabricates stories about his exploits. Warren Oates, one of Hollywood’s greatest and most under-appreciated Actors, plays GTO to the hilt!

They decide to have a race to Washington, D.C., where the winner will get the loser’s car. The journey is full of situations that showcase the way America was changing, the anti-hippie sentiment in the country, and the “about to explode” power of the youth movement….

The Mechanic: “You’d have yourself a real street-sweeper here if you put a little work into it.”
G.T.O.: “I go fast enough.”
The Driver: “You can never go fast enough.”

Warren Oates is hilarious as GTO – chewing every single scene he’s in – it’s a master class of Acting. His character GTO begins as a straightforward middle-aged guy…but every time he talks to someone new, he rattles off completely different stories of his life…and after you realize how his entire story is a lie…you realize, in the best way, that he is crazy!

G.T.O.: “If I’m not grounded pretty soon, I’m gonna go into orbit!”

His character gives the film a real “weight”, and Director Hellman helps with some stunning imagery…

Esquire magazine declared the film its movie of the year for 1971, and even published the entire screenplay in its April 1971 issue, but that seems to have backfired, and the film bombed upon release.

The film has since become a counterculture classic, and thanks to home video, there is now a brilliant Criterion Collection that includes a ton of great extras…

The “Cannonball Run” Effect!

Yes, “Cannonball Run” was inspired by “Two Lane Blacktop!” According to wikipedia, Brock Yates, organizer of the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash (better known as the Cannonball Run) cites Two-Lane Blacktop as one source of inspiration for the creation of the race, and commented on it in his Car and Driver column announcing the first Cannonball!

Harry Dean Stanton, Hitchhiker!

Legendary character Actor Harry Dean Stanton, a regular in many of Hellman’s films as well as the classic “Alien”, has a great role as a hitchhiker picked up by GTO….but things go quickly astray after Stanton lets his hand “drift” over onto Oates’s knee…:

G.T.O.: “I’m not into that!”
Stanton: “I just thought it might relax you while you drive.”
G.T.O.: “This is competition, man. I’ve got no time.”

It’s a funny yet oddly touching scene as Stanton makes a play for Warren Oates, who says simply:

“This is competition, man. I’ve got no time.”

This is the only time that James Taylor ever acted in a movie, apart from cameos as himself. On the Criterion edition, there is an interview with Taylor. Strangely, as of the 2007 Criterion DVD release, James Taylor had never seen the film. He says he would now like to see it!

In 2012, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

This was Laurie Bird’s film debut. The young Actress holds the screen well against her male co-stars, especially since she brings most of the personality into the film…capturing the restlessness and free spirit of her character…

Sadly, she would only star in two more films before taking her own life in New York in 1979. She’s not the only star of the film who would die a sad, unnecessary death.

Pacific Ocean Blue!

Dennis Wilson was much more than the drummer in his brother’s band. Aside from starring in “Two Lane Blacktop”, he released a commercial and critical solo album in 1977 called “Pacific Ocean Blue”…here is “River Song”, written with his brother Carl…

The album is sad, honest and full of regret, a beautiful and haunting piece of work that is still available today.

Equally sad is Dennis Wilson’s death in 1983 from drowning…it’s always been frustrating to me that writers make a joke about a Beach Boy drowning. He was a great talent who deserved more respect than that.

The Beach Boys also deserve more credit for the amazing amount of songs they created…here is a story about the band:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/10/god-only-knows-all-star-bbc-music-video-summers-gone-for-the-beach-boys-classic-surfs-up/

Nothing like a Beach Boys song to put a smile on your face….and finally:

“Sweet Baby James!”

To end on a more upbeat note, let’s also celebrate James Taylor, who is one of America’s greatest Singer/Songwriters, and he still records and tours today. He has always been amazingly open about his life, and his music will live forever…here is just one example…

“Sweet Baby James” from 1970:

If you are a film buff, you need to see this film!

Behold The Drive-In Movie Experience!

One of the greatest ways to see a movie is in the privacy of your own car! It’s a uniquely American pastime, and I hope it never goes away!

I wanted to share a website that celebrates the drive-in movie culture…by hosting a weekend of drive-in horror!

April Ghouls Drive-In Monster-Rama!

Yes, there is such a thing as the “April Ghouls Drive-In Monster-Rama!”

The line-up for the event, which takes place on April 24 and April 25 is: (Friday) THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE, THE EVIL DEAD, NIGHT OF THE DEMONS and DEMONS and (Saturday) DAWN OF THE DEAD, ZOMBIE, THE HOUSE BY THE CEMETERY and TOXIC ZOMBIES.

Check out more information on their Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/383440118494899/

Angie Shepler DeAngelo posted this picture on the page from last year’s event:

This looks like such a fun night….as a kid, my friends and I would grab submarine sandwiches and six packs of beer, then head to a drive-in to see horror and/or exploitation double bills like these:

You can keep up on all of these great events by reading the classic website, “DVD Drive-In”…check it out here:

http://www.dvddrive-in.com

And if you need to learn more about the wild world of drive-in movies, check out this documentary!

“Going Attractions” Documentary!

This 2013 documentary tells the definitive story of the drive-in theater…here is how they describe the film:

“Once a vibrant part of American culture, drive-ins reached their peak in the late 50s with almost 5,000 dotting the nation. Although drive-ins are experiencing a resurgence, today less than 400 remain. In a nation that loves cars and movies, why haven’t they survived?”

This movie is offered for sale on Amazon, and I got myself a copy – it’s a terrific “love letter” to a classic way to see movies – in a car!

Check out the documentary, the website, and head to Monster-Rama! And if you love drive-ins, then you must love the era of classic “double bills!”

Read all about the “double bill” by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/22/classic-cult-movie-posters-the-rios-grindhouse-exploitation-art-sexy-double-bills/

The best films to see at a drive-in are classic sexploitation movies like this!

Read all about the “Cheerleader” genre in movies by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/02/19/cheerleaders-pom-pom-girls-david-hasselhoff-as-boner-cult-classics-rah-rah-rah/

And let me know if you love drive-in movies!