Time To Remind You: John Saxon Kicks Ass!

I watched a documentary recently that reminded me what a great character Actor John Saxon is – I mean, who else can slap around Bruce Lee like this!

Time to acknowledge this great Actor and showcase his latest work! John Saxon was a rising young star in the early sixties, including a supporting part in the James Stewart comedy “Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation”, but he achieved stardom in the late sixties thanks to TV…

From 1969 to 1972 season, he was a star of the TV show “The Bold Ones: The New Doctors”, playing the brilliant surgeon Theodore Stuart.

When the series ended, he took one of his most famous roles – all because he was a black belt in karate, Saxon appeared with the legendary Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon!”

Here is one of the fight scenes from the film:

Make sure to rush out and buy the 40th anniversary blu-ray edition of “Enter The Dragon” with tons of extra features!

And on a side note, if you’ve never seen Bruce Lee play ping pong with nunchucks, click on that story here!

http://johnrieber.com/2012/12/03/bruce-lee-amazing-nunchuck-ping-pong-legendary-martial-arts-battles/

Now, back to John Saxon: another one of his great movies is the 70’s horror classic “Black Christmas!”

Saxon plays a Detective struggling to find a missing college co-ed. “Black Christmas” had a huge influence on John Carpenter’s “Halloween” – it was one of the first true slasher films…and “Black Christmas” introduced the “killer POV” style that became so popular afterwards…

A fascinating fact about “Black Christmas”: it was directed by Bob Clark, who also made a classic holiday comedy: “A Christmas Story” – the exact opposite of “Black Christmas” as well as the iconic 80’s sex comedy “Porkys!”

A truly under-rated Director with a fascinating career. Read all about Director Bob Clark here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/08/08/porkys-peepholes-christmas-horror-fra-gee-lay-director-bob-clarks-enduring-legacy/

John Saxon appeared in dozens of films throughout the 70’s, starring alongside Clint Eastwood in the western “Joe Kidd”, as well as alongside Robert Redford in “The Electric Horseman.”

Saxon’s Italian Phase!

Saxon continued to play a wide variety of roles on television and in motion pictures ever since, including a number of very influential italian crime dramas….since Saxon speaks fluent Italian!

“Euro-Crime” Rules!

Saxon starred in a number of european crime thrillers, and if you want to see the Actor talk about this exciting part of his career, check out this great documentary!

This is a fascinating look at Italian crime dramas…with extensive interview bites with Saxon today, looking back on that period in his career…you can read my story about the documentary here…

http://johnrieber.com/2015/01/19/italian-mobsters-sex-kittens-euro-crime-the-italian-dirty-harry-classic-70s-euro-crime/

Another great part of the film “Enter The Dragon” was Saxon’s co-star, the legendary blaxploitation star Jim Kelly:

Kelly recently died, and you can read about his illustrious career as well by clicking here:

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

It’s great to see Saxon going strong – so check out some of his best roles!

Some of films greatest Directors got their start by making terrific “B’ movies!

“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.”

Martin Scorsese, cinema’s “man behind the curtain”, got his start by directing a drive-in classic, starring a sexy Barbara Hershey!

70’s Sex Kitten Barbara Hershey!

Barbara Hershey was one of Hollywood’s most popular sex kittens in the early 70’s, and “Boxcar Bertha” may just be her masterpiece! Here is the trailer:

Here is how IMDB describes “Boxcar Bertha”:

‘Boxcar’ Bertha Thompson, a woman labor organizer in Arkansas during the violence-filled Depression of the early ’30’s, meets up with rabble-rousing union man ‘Big’ Bill Shelly, played by David Carradine.

The duo team up to fight the corrupt railroad establishment – leading Bertha to team up with his gang and a life of crime…

Directed By Martin Scorsese!

Early in his career, Scorsese directed “Bertha” for legendary exploitation Producer Roger Corman. The Director mixed his love of stylish action with a great sense of humor and “B” movie sensibility!

Scorsese’s Last Drive-In Pic!

Even though the film got good reviews, the Director was given some very sage advice from one of his mentors…

According to IMDB, Martin Scorsese screened the film for Director/Actor John Cassavetes. Cassavetes hugged him and said:

“Marty, you’ve just spent a whole year of your life making a piece of shit. It’s a good picture, but you’re better than the people who make this kind of movie.”

Scorsese must have taken his advice, because his next film was his classic “Mean Streets”!

Barbara Hershey Bares All For Playboy!

Imagine this happening today! To help promote the film, Hershey and Carradine did a nude photo spread for Playboy!

Thanks to the great exploitation website “Beasts In Human Skin”, you can see some of the notorious nudes!

Again, thanks to the terrific exploitation website:

http://www.beastsinhumanskin.com

“Boxcar Bertha” is a drive-in classic, and was just the beginning for Martin Scorsese, who soon directed one of the greatest films of all time:

“Taxi Driver” is a haunting masterpiece – read all about it by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/09/07/new-yorks-gritty-movie-streets-taxi-drivers-subway-hijackings-cop-chases/

Scorsese has a career full of masterpieces: from “Raging Bull” to “GodFellas”, but perhaps his most neglected film is this one:

Rupert Pupkin Lives!

Thanks to blu-ray techologoy, you can see this neglected 1982 masterpiece in its full glory, along with a ton of great extras! Read all about them here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/25/the-king-of-comedy-goes-blu-amazing-extras-scorsese-grills-pupkin/

And of course, Scorsese will always been known for a film that teaches you the right way to slice garlic:

Yes, that’s the “Goodfellas Garlic Slice”, and you can read the entire recipe right here!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/06/17/the-godfather-clemenzas-meatballs-goodfellas-garlic-great-mobster-dinners-and-a-movie/

That made me hungry! And kudos to Scorsese, Hershey and Carradine for the fun classic slice of depression-era sexploitation that is “Boxcar Bertha!”

“The greatest feeling you can get in a gym, or the most satisfying feeling you can get in the gym is… The Pump.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger has spoken! And here is when he first burst onto the scene and “pumped up” Hollywood!

Pumping Iron!

Arnold Schwarzenegger was the world’s most renowned bodybuilder, and a great documentary captured his rise to stardom!

This 1977 documentary shows amateur and professional bodybuilders preparing for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe contests. This is where you can really see how impressive five-time champion Arnold Schwarzenegger was, as he defends his Mr. Olympia title against Serge Nubret and the shy young deaf Lou Ferrigno!

“Pumping Up” The Facts!

There is an updated “special edition” of this documentary that offers a ton of fascinating material! According to IMDB, Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted that he had made up several stories in the movie for attention because the producers told him that without drama it would be boring!

One of the stories made up was the fact that he did not attend his father’s funeral because of a body building competition that was going to happen in a couple of months. Arnold did actually attend his father’s funeral and spoke to him shortly before he passed away.

This is not only a fascinating look at the sport of bodybuilding, but a great look at a young Schwarzenegger! And speaking of that, at an early age he wrote a book all about his life as a bodybuilder!

“The Education Of A Bodybuilder!”

This best-seller from the same year helped make Arnold Schwarzenegger a household name. The book is his story, with a ton of great personal photos, like this one with his parent…

The book is a fascinating, honest look at how this young Austrian became a world champion…here is the opening to the book:

“Arnold! Arnold!”

I can still hear them, the voices of my friends, the lifeguards, bodybuilders, the weight lifters, booming up from the lake where they were working out in the grass and trees.

“Arnold — come on!” cried Karl, the young doctor who had become my friend at the gym…

It was the summer I turned fifteen, a magical season for me because that year I’d discovered exactly what I wanted to do with my life. It was more than a young boy’s mere pipe dream of a distant, hazy future — confused fantasies of being a fireman, detective, sailor, test pilot, or spy. I knew I was going to be a bodybuilder. It wasn’t simply that either. I would be the best bodybuilder in the world, the greatest, the best-built man.

I’m not exactly sure why I chose bodybuilding, except that I loved it. I loved it from the first moment my fingers closed around a barbell and I felt the challenge and exhilaration of hoisting the heavy steel plates above my head.”

I have a signed copy of the book…when I was very young I was fascinated by his story, and so I bought a copy only to discover that Arnold had signed it during a store visit!

I still read the book at times – again, this was a young Arnold, before movies, politics…a much more innocent time that was also captured in an obscure cult film from the 70’s:

“Stay Hungry”!

The world of competitive bodybuilding was used as a backdrop for this gritty tale of Mobsters…with Arnold playing a big supporting role…

This 1976 film starred Jeff Bridges and Sally Field, and it gave Schwarzenegger his first taste of acting…in fact, Arnold won a Golden Globe Award for “Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture”, even though his true film debut was in the obscure camp movie “Hercules in New York” in 1969!

Here is the trailer for “Stay Hungry”:

Here is the plot: a syndicate buys up an entire neighborhood – except for the small gym known as “Olympic”, so they bring in Jeff Bridges as a “cover” to buy the gym cheap.

As the athletes train for the championship, Bridges falls for one of the employees, Sally Field…and also strikes up a friendship with a young bodybuilder…Arnold is great in the role, really doing a great job acting, especially when he plays an impromptu duet on violin…

The movie is perhaps best known for a great visual – when the mob and the gym go at it, the bodybuilders decide to take advantage of the mayhem for a very public showing!

“Stay Hungry” has a few gritty scenes, so it’s not for everyone, but it’s a great cast in a neglected 70’s movie…

When I worked at E!, I got to hang out with Arnold many times…

Arnold Schwarzenegger In Cannes!

My Host Michael Castner had the chance to interview Arnold when he was in Cannes to promote the new chain of Planet Hollywood restaurants! Here is that story:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/14/cannes-2014-my-classic-arnold-schwarzenegger-encounter-big-star-planet-hollywood-shenanigans/

I travelled all over the world covering Planet Hollywood openings with Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis, but my favorite was this one!

Yes, I went to the Planet Hollywood openings in Singapore and Bangkok, and my host was Jenna Jameson! You can click here to read all about that adventure:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/31/wild-on-jenna-jameson-my-worldwide-jenna-adventure-starring-bruce-willis-and-sylvester-stallone/

Let me know what you think – leave a comment about Arnold’s book, documentary, movie debut – or our Planet Hollywood adventures!

“You’re my boy, Blue! You’re my boy!”

There are moments in film that become immediately iconic – such as this deadly baby oil wrestling match between “Blue” and two co-eds:

But let’s not forget another “Blue” character….you know:

Hail “Bluto!”

Yes, it’s so much fun to watch as movie stars are born, and from the moment John Belushi put on a toga in “National Lampoon’s Animal House”, he was legendary!

TOGA! TOGA! TOGA!

Time to head back to college for two cult movie comedies!

“Old School!”

An instant classic, this is the story of Mitch, Frank and Beanie – three friends who are all disillusioned with their personal lives. When Mitch’s girlfriend cheats on him, Beanie convinces him to take over an old frat house and re-live their college glory days.

Check out the trailer:

Will Ferrell co-stars and promptly steals the movie, as he joins the group and reverts to his college name of “Frank The Tank!”

The film’s most hilarious moment – in a film with many – takes place at a birthday party, when a despondent Frank grabs a tranquilizer gun to inspect it. What happens next is one of the funniest moments on film:

Peppers: Hey, hey. Careful with that. That’s the most powerful tranq gun on the market. Got her in Mexico.
Frank: Cool.
Peppers: Yeah, it is cool. They say it can puncture the skin of a rhino from…
[Frank shoots himself in the neck with the dart]
Peppers: YES! That’s awesome!
Frank: What?
Peppers: You just took one in the jugular, man.
Frank: What? I did.
[feeling his neck]
Peppers: YES!
Frank: Oh, my God. Is this bad? Is this bad?
Peppers: You better pull that shit out, man. That shit is not cool.
Frank: Wait. What? Pull what out?
Peppers: You got a fucking dart in your neck, man.
Frank: [laughing] You’re… you’re crazy, man. I like you, but you’re crazy.

“You’re My Boy, Blue!”

And of course, there is “Blue”, the oldest “pledge” at the fraternity, and “Blue” became a legend to all…

The late character Actor Patrick Crenshaw will live forever as “Blue”, a hilarious comic turn in one of the best comedies about college!

And speaking of classic comedies about college, there is perhaps no better one that this:

National Lampoon’s Animal House!

Ok, this classic comedy is known for so many iconic moments in film, such as these:

Togas!

“Double Secret Probation!”

NIEDERMEYER!

Check out the trailer:

“Animal House” turned John Belushi into a star, and became one of the biggest comedy hits of the 70’s…it also has the best food fight since the Marx Brothers! It all begins one day in the school cafeteria, when John “Bluto” Belushi takes a slow “stuff your face with food” crawl down the cafeteria line – eating, slurping and pocketing a massive amount of food – and piling up his tray.

He winds up at the table with his buddy Boon and a few of the OTHER Frat guys and Sorority girls. There is an amazing amount of uncomfortableness as Bluto sits and begins to stuff his face…to the point where one of the sorority girls exclaims:

“You are a P-I-G PIG!”

Belushi nonchalantly ignores her. “Guess what I am” he says pointedly before he stuffs his mouth with a jello concoction,then presses his fists into his cheeks and spews it out all over the table. “A zit! Get it?”

Let the food fight begin!

The food fight is just one of the many memorable scenes in a classic cult comedy!

In honor of John Blutarsky – Bluto! – here is the perfect recipe for a “jiggly jello” concoction to use when you replicate this scene for friends and family!

Animal House Jiggly Jello!

8 oz. cottage cheese
1 pkg. jello
2 cups cool whip
1 can mandarin oranges
1 can crushed pineapple

Mix the jello according to instructions, then add the cottage cheese, oranges, pineapple and cool whip. Refrigerate until ready to pop!

This is guaranteed to put you in “double secret probation!”

John Belushi’s performance in the cafeteria scene was entirely improvised. When he began piling food on his tray, Director John Landis urged the camera operator to “stay with him.” The infamous “I’m a zit” gag was also improvised, and the reaction from the cast is completely genuine.

The hole John Belushi makes in the wall with the guitar is the only physical damage to the house the movie-makers made during the entire shoot. Instead of repairing it, the fraternity placed a frame around the hole with an engraved brass tag around the hole commemorating it.

So here’s to two of the greatest college comedies of all time!

Time For An “Ultron” Mix Courtesy Of DJ Bruce Lee!

To promote the release of “The Avengers Age Of Ultron”, Robert Downey Jr has been doing lots of interviews and appearances…so how does that lead to this?

DJ Bruce Lee!

The greatest superhero of all-time was Bruce Lee, cinema’s coolest action star, who never needed special effects to be an amazing avenger!

Why am I making this connection? Well, here is a picture of Downey recently – check out the T-shirt!

Yep, “Iron Man” is sporting a “DJ Bruce Lee” T-shirt – and I love it! Lee is an iconic action figure, and his work will last forever…oh yes, and you can buy one of these as well!

So kudos to Robert Downey Jr. for his good taste, and let me take a moment to remind you of just why Bruce Lee was so cool – with an amazing video you have to see to believe!

“Remember: the enemy has only images and illusions behind which he hides his true motives. Destroy the image and you will break the enemy.”

This philosophy may be from the classic action film “Enter The Dragon”, but it speaks to the life of Bruce Lee, one of the most iconic figures of all time.

Bruce Lee was the founder of Jeet Kune Do, and is widely considered to be the most influential martial artist of all time.

Lee was born in San Francisco to parents from Hong Kong – and was raised in Kowloon, just outside of Hong Kong, with his family until his late teens. Lee moved to the United States at the age of 18 to receive his higher education, and it was during this time that he began teaching martial arts. He trained many celebrities, including James Coburn, and it helped him break into films with this mesmerizing scene from “Marlowe.”

What a movie entrance! Bruce Lee also starred in the TV series “The Green Hornet” as Kato, and then went back to Hong Kong to star in an action movie that would propel him to stardom. “The Big Boss” elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, leading to his masterpiece…

“Enter The Dragon” is the greatest martial arts movie ever made – and it made Lee a superstar. Lee starred in five movies: The Big Boss (1971), Fist of Fury (1972) and Way of the Dragon (1972), directed and written by Lee – this is the film in which he fights Chuck Norris in the Rome Coliseum!

Enter The Dragon Trailer!

Here’s the trailer for the film that made Bruce Lee a super star:

In “Enter the Dragon”, Bruce played an undercover agent who enters a martial arts tournament in order to infiltrate a drug smuggler’s operation. Character Actor and martial arts afficianado John Saxon also starred and showed off his moves, along with the very under-rated action star Jim Kelly.

Jim Kelly went on to star in such grindhouse classics as “Black Belt Jones” – he was a kick-ass action star who never really broke out big…

And then came tragedy. Bruce Lee died in Hong Kong three weeks before the film’s premiere in 1973. He had already finished filming his next movie, called “Game Of Death” before he died of a brain aneurism. The movie, which was completed after his death, includes footage from Lee’s real-life funeral.

Bruce Lee Vs. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar!

“Game of Death” included an amazing fight between Lee and basketball super star Kareen Abdul-Jabbar…here it is:

Nunchuck Ping Pong!

And now, here is another example of just how amazing an athlete Bruce Lee was. Early in his career, to promote a cell phone from Nokia, Bruce Lee was sponsored by Nokia in a Ping Pong tournament. But as a twist:

he plays with his nunchucks!

Check out this amazing video!

Bruce Lee was an amazing Athlete, talented Actor and Director, and an iconic figure…so much so that he lives on today like this!

And as I mentioned before, Jim Kelly co-starred with Bruce Lee in “Enter The Dragon” – he was a great star in the world of 70’s blaxploitation action film – here is a look at his great career:

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

The other co-star in “Enter The Dragon” was the great character actor John Saxon…

You can read all about this terrific actor here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/04/06/john-saxon-kicks-bruce-lees-ass-classic-kung-fu-action-euro-crime-master/

So it’s time to get the special edition blu-ray of “Enter The Dragon” – and go out and get some DJ Bruce Lee too!

“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue!”

Of course you know the line, just as you know this classic movie exchange:

And of course, this film is also known for the greatest comedic exchange of all time:

Rumack: “I won’t deceive you, Mr. Striker. We’re running out of time.”
Ted Striker: “Surely there must be something you can do.”
Rumack: “I’m doing everything I can… and stop calling me Shirley!”

Time For The “Oral” History Of “Airplane!”

Whenever you ask people to name the funniest movie of all time, “Airplane” is near or at the top of the list…a non-stop barrage of sight gags, hilariously over-the-top dialogue and genuinely funny scenes performed in perfect deadpan, “Airplane” was directed by the team of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker…

Now, thanks to The Onion’s “A.V. Club”, there is a terrific oral history of the movie! That’s right, The AV Club has a very entertaining look at one of the funniest films ever made….

“Airplane” is actually a comedic remake of the 50’s film “Zero Hour”, but the trio used that plot as the taking off point for their comedic madness….as the oral history says:

“We were so fortunate to have had Zero Hour! as our blueprint, because we really knew nothing about film structure. We were funny guys, but we knew nothing about crafting a movie. The people at Paramount really taught us about making plot points into jokes, about making jokes into plot points, and showed us places where we were probably taking too much time with plot and needed to make cuts.”

There is so much more great stuff, which you can read here:

http://www.avclub.com/article/surely-you-cant-be-serious-oral-history-airplane-218043

Now, let’s take a look at some of the most hilarious moments from “Airplane!”

“Airplane!” – Directed by Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker!

Yes, these are the guys who wrote “Kentucky Fried Movie” – more on that in a moment, but here is the trailer for “Airplane!”

The idea was simple and classic: make a parody of that old movie standard – the disaster film – using “Zero Hour!” as the template – and hit the audience with a non-stop barrage of comedy set pieces – with recognizable Actors who had NEVER done comedy and play the entire movie as a straight drama!

Still craving for the love of his life, Ted Striker follows Elaine onto the flight that she is working on as a member of the cabin crew. Elaine doesn’t want to be with Ted anymore, but when the crew and passengers fall ill from food poisoning, all eyes are on Ted.

Of course, Capt. Oveur is more interested in getting to know Joey…

Captain Oveur: “Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?”

This is the movie that turned Leslie Nielsen into a comic legend…

Rumack: You’d better tell the Captain we’ve got to land as soon as we can. This woman has to be gotten to a hospital.
Elaine Dickinson: A hospital? What is it?
Rumack: It’s a big building with patients, but that’s not important right now.

And what about Barbara Billingsley, the “Leave It To Beaver” Mom in a hilarious cameo as the “Lady Who Speaks Jive”:

Randy: Can I get you something?
Second Jive Dude: ‘S’mofo butter layin’ me to da’ BONE! Jackin’ me up… tight me!
Randy: I’m sorry, I don’t understand.
First Jive Dude: Cutty say ‘e can’t HANG!
Jive Lady: Oh stewardess! I speak jive.
Randy: Oh, good.
Jive Lady: He said that he’s in great pain and he wants to know if you can help him.
Randy: All right. Would you tell him to just relax and I’ll be back as soon as I can with some medicine?
Jive Lady: [to the Second Jive Dude] Jus’ hang loose, blood. She gonna catch ya up on da’ rebound on da’ med side.
Second Jive Dude: What it is, big mama? My mama no raise no dummies. I dug her rap!
Jive Lady: Cut me some slack, Jack! Chump don’ want no help, chump don’t GET da’ help!
First Jive Dude: Say ‘e can’t hang, say seven up!
Jive Lady: Jive ass dude don’t got no brains anyhow! Shiiiiit.

And what about classic Actors Robert Stack and Lloyd Bridges – hilarious by playing the movie as a straight drama…here’s Robert Stack speaking to Ted Striker:

“Do you know what it’s like to fall in the mud and get kicked… in the head… with an iron boot? Of course you don’t, no one does. It never happens. Sorry, Ted, that’s a dumb question… skip that.”

And of course Lloyd Bridges – who ALMOST steals the movie as he continues to lament his decisions that week:

“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit drinking.”

Later:

“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit smoking.”

Later:

“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue.”

And finally:

“Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit amphetamines!”

AND STOP CALLING ME SHIRLEY!

And of course, probably the most well-known line from the movie – a comedy classic…

Rumack: “I won’t deceive you, Mr. Striker. We’re running out of time.”
Ted Striker: “Surely there must be something you can do.”
Rumack: “I’m doing everything I can… and stop calling me Shirley!”

“Airplane” is one of cinema’s funniest films – and it holds up every time you watch – so read The Onion’s terrific oral history – and then check out the trio’s FIRST movie – the brilliant:

Yes, they began as “The Kentucky Fried Theater”, and comedy sketch group whose first film was directed by John Landis, who directed this classic comedy:

Landis then was hired to direct “Kentucky Fried Movie”, a collection of sketches that includes such brilliantly funny gems as:

And the flawless parody of Bruce Lee’s “Enter The Dragon”:

To read all about this cult classic, click on my story here:

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

And make sure you buy the blu-ray versions of both films, which come packed with great extras!

“He’s dead. They stuffed him with pages torn from his favourite book. Could you cook him?”

Ready for a “tasty” cinematic journey into the delicatessen of CRAZY????

Time for some shocking films revolving around FOOD!

Here are two films that take very provocative looks at the relationship between food, sex and death…let’s begin with experimental Director Peter Greenaway’s greatest achievement, with an eye-opening performance by Helen Mirren:

The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover!

This is one of the most shocking films about food ever made, as the wife of a barbaric crime boss takes a secret lover – between meals at her husband’s restaurant!

When the mobster discovers his wife’s secret, things turn VERY NASTY.

“He’s dead. They stuffed him with pages torn from his favorite book. Could you cook him?”

Helen Mirren plays the wife who turns the tables on her husband, and indulges in her own voracious sexual appetite at the same time…

“The Bowel Shot!”

Director Peter Greenaway has made several mesmerizing films, but this is his masterpiece. According to IMDB, the lengthy tracking shot from the restaurant to the toilet is supposed to be symbolic of food passing through the intestinal tract! And the film has an amazing visual style throughout…

What An Ending!

And of course, this movie was rated NC-17 when it was released – for the many scenes of sex and violence throughout…while Helen Mirren won her Oscar by playing The Queen, she is a brave and fearless Actress, as this movie shows:

“Bite Down” On This Ending!

“The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover” is a controversial masterpiece, and nothing tops the “food finale”, which is almost “too much to swallow…”

If you have a fearless appetite for film, check this movie out! And if you aren’t full yet, there’s still time for another bizarre tale of sex and food:

“FEED!”

How can you not be intrigued by a film that begins with this title card:

“Although the events depicted in this film are fictional, they are based on actual behaviours that are happening between consenting adults… right now.”

“Actual behaviors…” between “Consenting adults”…Well then, buckle up, grab a knife and fork and dig into this movie!

“Feed” is a crazy 2005 Australian thriller directed by Brett Leonard. The plot involves a police investigation into the sexual fetish known as “feederism”!

“Feederism!”

Yes, there is a sexual fetish known as “feederism”, where a ‘feeder’ will feed ‘gainers’ – who are woman who get sexual pleasure from eating and fattening up! The film explores this fetish, along with themes of dominance, submission, love, and power.

Here is the very provocative trailer:

“Feed” is very well made, and very disturbing as well. But the plot is interesting and the subject is bizarrely fascinating – yes, this is a very tough movie to watch, but it is extremely well done, and for the adventurous moviegoer, these are two films worth biting down on!

Time To Celebrate Sex Kitten Soledad Miranda!

I’ve written before about movie “sex kittens”, Actresses who used their sexuality to drive their career. Hollywood also “assigns” that moniker as a marketing tool, and talented Actresses like Ann-Margret and the iconic Marilyn Monroe had to fight to earn respect – because their beauty overshadowed their talent.

There are also many stories of “sex symbols” whose careers ended in tragedy…but now, thanks to two new blu-ray releases, cult movie fans can celebrate the life of European sex kitten Soledad Miranda!

Miranda was born in Seville, Spain. She started her career at eight years old as a flamenco dancer and singer, and began making films at the age of sixteen.

Thanks to Severin films, you can see her two greatest achievements!

“Vampyros Lesbos!”

Let’s begin with a cult classic! It may sound like a campy movie based on the title, but this is one of cult Director Jess Franco’s greatest films, Miranda’s greatest achievement, and an atmospheric horror gem!

Here is the trailer:

“Vampires Lesbos” is a great cult film from the early seventies, about a sexy vampiress who seduces and kills women in order to satisfy her insatiable thirst for female blood.

I will share a few links to my stories about Director Jess Franco, perhaps best known for the sex-fueled films he made with his wife, the legendary Actress Lina Romay…

Lina Romay is a cult movie legend, but Franco’s first discovery was Soledad Miranda, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Romay…

Now you can see her greatest film thanks to Severin Films, and the new blu-ray release has a ton of great extras! Here is how Mondo Digital describes them:

“The 20-minute “Interlude in Lesbos” features Franco speaking in his usual heavily-accented English (with welcome subtitles) talking about how he got ‘Vampyros Lesbos’ generous German backing at this point in his career, the reason for the story’s locale, his unorthodox approach to depicting vampires on film, and of course, the considerable star potential and sweet personality of Miranda.”

“I like the lesbian relations between two women,” he explains about his angle on the story, which obviously proved to be a solid foundation. In “Sublime Soledad,” film historian Amy Brown covers the actress’s wide-ranging career for 20 minutes complete with some great rare film and TV clips as well sa samples of Miranda’s lesser-known career as a pop singer.

That alone makes these worth buying, but there is also an 11-minute analysis and history of the film, along with many other extras.

How about this one, the goofy “Jess Is Yoda’ is an interview outtake with the maestro holding a Santa Yoda doll(!) and discussing his favorite makeup effects artist – talk about obscure but very welcome extras!

Another classic Jess Franco film starring Soledad Miranda was also released the same day, with another great title!

First, take a look at the trailer:

Here is the plot: a young doctor kills himself after a medical committee terminates his research into human embryos. His wife then seeks revenge on those who drove her husband to his death by seducing and then killing them one by one!

The extras on this new blu-ray release are also terrific, including a great interview with Franco called “Jess Killed in Ecstasy,” which makes sense since he has a role in the film – look!

According to the great Mondo Digital website, The Director “talks for nearly 17 minutes about the film’s genesis as a successor to Vampyros for the same German financier, the literary genesis of the necrophilic aspect of the story, the reason for all that amazing architecture, the reason for Miranda’s “Susan Korda” screen name in these films, and his recovery from the shocking news of her death.”

Yes, Miranda died a shocking death, which I will get to in a moment, first, kudos to Mondo Digital for a great writeup on the films!

You can read a never-ending list of great cult movie reviews by bookmarking the website – I visit daily!

http://www.mondo-digital.com

And now, here is some information about the legendary sex kitten who starred in these films:

The Tragic Life Of Soledad Miranda!

Miranda began making films in Spain when she was 16, and over the next decade made more than thirty…

Her biggest break came from Director Franco, who cast Soledad in the iconic “Vampyros Lesbos”. The success of the film made her a sex siren in Europe…and there was nothing stopping her!

Then, tragedy struck. Here is the timeline from wikipedia: “In August, 1970, near the end of filming ‘The Devil Came From Akasava’, Soledad and her husband took a short holiday in Portugal. She was looking forward to theatrical performances in Latin America and was thrilled with some news from Jess Franco: his producer wanted to offer her a multi-year film contract that would make her a star. On the morning of 18 August 1970, reportedly on the way to Franco’s hotel to sign the contract, Soledad and her husband went out driving along the Costa do Sol highway between Estoril and Lisbon. They were involved in a collision with a small truck which completely crushed their car. Though her husband, who was driving, only had minor injuries, Soledad received serious fractures to her skull and spine, placing her in a deep coma. She died several hours after the accident at the Hospital of São José in Lisbon, never having come out of her coma. Jesus Franco said it was one of the worst days of his life when he heard on the phone that she had been killed.”

What a tragic end. At least movie fans now have pristine versions of her two greatest films to remember her. Director Jess Franco would go on to discover another young Actress who would became his wife:

Lina Romay is one of cult cinema’s greatest stars…a brave Actress who put “everything” out there for the world to see!

This might be her most controversial film with Franco. To read about Romay and Franco’s notorious “Hot Nights Of Linda”, click here:

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

And “Linda” might be the most shocking of their films, but not by much! Yes, “Lorna The Exorcist” awaits!

Erotic horror was Franco’s specialty! You can reach all about their cult classic “Lorna The Exorcist” by clicking here:

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

Soledad Miranda and Lina Romay are two of Europe’s greatest sex kittens, but they have nothing on what Hollywood had to offer!

Read all about legendary Hollywood sex siren Jayne Mansfield by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

And leave me a comment to let me know what you think of “Lesbos!”

Time To Take A Peek Through A Dirty Peephole!

Sometimes you know EXACTLY what a movie is just by looking at the poster…I have an example for you: does ANYONE wonder what THIS film is all about?

Thanks to the wonders of cinema, there is a “nature camp” on the moon! And it looks like quite the party! I can only imagine the cinematic experience that awaits me on that outer space trip! And how about this “very close family!”

“Sex Was Her Master! Lust Was Her Destiny!”

Yes, I know it’s wrong, but who wouldn’t want to at least find out what was going on in this film? For a time in our country’s cinematic history, it exemplified a type of movie that – for a very select audience – was SO SO RIGHT! Time to peep into an era in movie history when the posters were just about the dirtiest part of the film!

“Keyholes Are For Peeping!”

Let’s go back to the “grind house” era – when films were screened in dingy theaters that catered to “lonely, adventurous men”…because these were made for one reason only: to get a single man’s attention!

The posters were designed to tempt frustrated bachelors with illicit shenanigans that would open their eyes and excite their imaginations!

This World Lives Online!

There are SO many classic sexploitation films from the 60’s and 70’s, it’s impossible to know them all…but there are now people here to help – thanks to the internet!

For example, I missed out on this gem – until “Goregirlsdungeon” helped me discover it!

Here is a review from IMDB, courtesy of Michael Elliott:

“Another mind-number from director Doris Wishman remains mildly interesting for being the last performance by the Jerry Lewis clone Sammy Petrillo who is best remembered today for the cult classic BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA!

Yes, It’s Sammy Petrillo’s Last Movie!

Talk about an obscure movie star! Meet Sammy Petrillo. In this film he plays Stanley, a loser living at home with his mother (also played by Petrillo!) who gets one of those by-mail marriage conciliar licenses and soon he is working with various couples. That’s only “part” of the story as the rest of the film deals with a dirty janitor looking at people through keyholes and of course the real “attraction” are the various sex and nude scenes.”

Here is a scene with the great Sammy Petrillo:

Thanks to “TaylorHamKid” for posting this on youtube…and this is just one of the many classic sexploitation films that GoreGirl “exposes”!

“The Immoral Three!”

Check out this classic sexploitation plotline:

Three young girls must avenge the death of their mother, who was a spy, in order to collect a $3-million inheritance – there’s your plot, enjoy it! It was also directed by Doris Wishman, and was an indirect sequel to her classic Chesty Morgan flicks “Deadly Weapons” and “Double Agent 73″.

Looks like Something Weird has a great triple bill for you! Check out the trailer!

Thanks for sharing this on youtube, “sleaze-o-rama!”

And if you want to see more of Something Weird’s great collection of vintage exploitation, click here for my story on this great company!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

Now, time to check out more of the greatest female Directors of all time – well, in the world of sexploitation that is!

“Lovemaking’s Most Provocative Acts!”

Doris Wishman directed “The Immoral Three” as well as some of the wildest sexploitation films of the 60’s and 70’s…like the trashy “A Taste Of Flesh!”

Posted on youtube by “CinemaTerrorDotCom”…thanks!

And thanks to “Vinegar Syndrome” for bringing classics like this back!

Yes, films like this are being given a chance to entertain a whole new generation, thanks to companies like Vinegar Syndrome…read all about it here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/28/a-saint-a-woman-a-devil-classic-vinegar-from-a-syndrome-you-need-to-control/

I hope you enjoyed this look through the cinema’s seedier side…let me know your favorites! Time for some classic exploitation!

Let’s Make Some ART!

Time to celebrate the wildest, most irreverent and VITAL film company alive today!

Welcome to Troma, where THIS is considered ART!

The wild and wacky crew of Tromaville, led by filmmaker Lloyd Kaufman, have entertained us for a generation – and now Lloyd needs your help to keep the fun alive!

Return To Class of Nuke ’em High Part 2!

Troma released the brilliant “Return To Nuke ’em High Volume 1″ in 2013, to critical and commercial acclaim! But now, Lloyd needs you to “kick in” to his Kickstarter campaign in order for Troma to release the Tromatic sequel!

In order to realize his dream of releasing “Return To The Class Of Nuke ’em High” in two glorious parts, Lloyd needs help in the edit bay!

Lloyd’s Kickstarter campaign has a number of ways you can help support independent art – and get some cool stuff in return! Click here to see how you can be part of Troma’s future – get some cool movie stuff as well – and support independent cinema!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/return2nukeemhigh2/return-to-nuke-em-high-volume-2-by-troma-entertain

And just what are you supporting? Well, check out the trailer!

It’s your chance to help out a great company, and here are some of Troma’s other masterpieces you should buy now, beginning with the original “Nuke ’em High”!

“Readin’ Writin’ And Radiation!

Class Of Nuke ‘Em High!

By 1986, it seems that Lloyd had latched onto a great idea: crazy “over the top” movie titles, and lots of crazy actors acting crazy, tearing off limbs, and going topless, all with a punk rock soundtrack!

The pupils at a high school next to a nuclear power plant start acting and looking strange after buying contaminated drugs from a plant worker. That’s it, a simple plot upon which to hang anarchy in all its forms!

And speaking of anarchy…

All The Love You Cannes! 2002. Full disclosure: I am in this movie. I am. It might be a single b-roll shot while Lloyd mentions me in passing, but hey, I’m a Troma star!

Here we all are in Cannes one year: E! News Host Steve Kmetko, who allowed my wife Alex, along with James Gunn, turn him into “Dolphinman” for “Sex On The Riviera”. Lloyd is on the left, by the way…

Every year I was in Cannes, Lloyd and his Troma team were up for any shenanigans…and their tireless energy is captured in Lloyd’s documentary about life at the Cannes film festival. If you want to see the best documentary about the pomp, circumstance, and sordid underbelly that is Cannes, this is the movie for you!

The Troma Team is willing to try every stunt imaginable to get a little publicity, including walking the streets of Cannes dressed as various Troma heroes, staging lesbian make-out sessions, hilariously crashing Jean-Claude Van Damme’s “press conference,” where JCVD shows up for about 2 seconds.

It’s a great, inside look at the film festival, and includes great stuff with James Gunn, who went on to fame and fortune as Director and visionary behind “Guardians Of The Galaxy!”

Of course, Troma may be best known for the world’s first superhero from New Jersey!

THE TOXIC AVENGER QUADRILOGY! Forget Alien: THIS is the Quadrilogy you need to own! Lloyd created New Jersey’s first Superhero, and 4 films into the story, it just keeps getting better…

Here is the IMDB summary of “The Toxic Avenger”: “This is the story of Melvin, the Tromaville Health Club mop boy, who inadvertently and naively trusts the hedonistic, contemptuous and vain health club members, to the point of accidentally ending up in a vat of toxic waste. The devastating results then have a transmogrification effect, his alter ego is released, and the Toxic Avenger is born, to deadly and comical results. The local mop boy is now the local Superhero, the saviour of corruption, thuggish bullies and indifference. Troma classic with good make-up effects and stunts, a pleasant surprise indeed.”

“Citizen Toxie” is the fourth in the series, and included “Hank The Angry Drunk Dwarf” as GOD – but of course it did. The DVD also includes a full-length documentary on the making of the movie, and a ton of deleted scenes.

In 2006 a novelization of The Toxic Avenger was released. It was co-written by Kaufman and long time Troma employee Adam Jahnke. “The Toxic Avenger” is the movie that is most often mentioned when discussing Troma, but there is one that must be remembered as, I truly believe, a masterpiece of creativity…

Tromeo & Juliet. Behold the most Tromatic masterpiece of all. This was written by James Gunn, Directed by Lloyd, and truly stands as a masterwork. As Variety said, “Shakespeare is transformed into a NO-HOLDS BARD!”

As the poster says so beautifully: “BODY PIERCING. KINKY SEX. DISMEMBERMENT. THE THINGS THAT MADE SHAKESPEARE GREAT!”

When I was in Cannes, my wife Alex was interviewing Kennth Branagh for his 4-hour opus “Hamlet.” She told him he wasn’t the only Shakespeare film in Cannes, and showed him the “Tromeo & Juliet” poster. He read the words above in his classic British accent, then added, “perhaps I can get my soundtrack done by the ASS PONYS!”

Bravo, Lloyd and James, BRAVO! Read all about Lloyd’s cameo in Gunn’s “Guardians Of The Galaxy” here!

http://johnrieber.com/2014/05/08/director-james-gunn-geek-guardian-of-the-galaxy-my-cannes-photo/

And of course, read all about the best Troma films here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

And head on over to Troma’s kickstarter campaign to keep independent art alive!

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

“Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.”

“That Mayor – he don’t know DICK!”

Weekends are for catching up with classic films! Here are the faces of three of the most brilliant, and neglected, comedies of the 1980’s!

Time to celebrate Rupert Pupkin, Withnail AND the best Used Car salesman in the world! Let’s begin with one of Kurt Russell’s greatest comedies ever!

Used Cars!

When the owner of a struggling used car lot dies, 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 – no matter what they have to do!

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.

Roy Fuchs spits out hilarious one-liners like this, 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 Jack Warden argues with Kurt Russell and 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, leading to his hilarious response:

“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!

“Used Cars” is one of the great neglected comedies of the 1980’s…along with this british masterpiece of comedy:

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

Looking for the greatest English comedy of all time? Well, just remember to ask for this:

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

Withnail & I

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

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

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

The scene where Withnail guzzles lighter fluid is a highlight….he does, after all, demand to have his booze…he has also greased his body up with muscle relaxant to get warm…

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

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

From the late 60’s to the early 80’s, let’s go from a struggling Actor to a struggling Comic, who doesn’t think he’s struggling at all…

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. My name is Rupert Pupkin. I was born in Clifton, New Jersey… which was not at that time a federal offense.”

The King Of Comedy

Without a doubt, one of the best films ever made – released in 1982, and imagined a world when ANYONE could become a star…if you are willing to do whatever it takes….

Here is the trailer:

Rupert Pupkin: “The more scribbled the name, the bigger the fame.”

Robert DeNiro has never been better! DeNiro stars as aspiring comic Rupert Pupkin – who wants to achieve success in showbiz, by ANY MEANS NECESSARY.

“You Should Get Cancer! I Hope You Get Cancer!”

The film really digs into the cult of celebrity – and the price you pay for fame…

Jerry Lewis plays Jerry Langford, the kind of late night…who is shown being stopped by a woman talking on the telephone. When Jerry refuses to talk to someone on the phone, the lady says I hope you get cancer. This incident actually happened to Jerry Lewis. According to Scorsese, Lewis directed this segment himself!

Rupert Pupkin: Better to be king for a night than schmuck for a lifetime.

There is a great new blu-ray that gives a ton of behind-the-scenes info on the movie, and includes a reunion too! Check it out here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/03/25/the-king-of-comedy-goes-blu-amazing-extras-scorsese-grills-pupkin/

Enjoy your movie weekend!

Here Is “The Burning Man”!

And Now, Meet “The Wicker Man!”

Hmmm….I see a bit of a resemblance…first, a quick primer on what “Burning Man” is…

Behold “The Burning Man!”

According to wikipedia, “the annual event known as “Burning Man” began as a bonfire ritual on the summer solstice in 1986 when Larry Harvey, Jerry James, and a few friends met on Baker Beach in San Francisco and burned a 9-foot wooden man as well as a smaller wooden dog. Harvey has described his inspiration for burning these effigies as a spontaneous act of ‘radical self-expression’.”

This annual event is hugely popular, and combines unique artistic expression with one really big bonfire…and speaking of bonfires:

Here is perhaps the inspiration for “Burning Man”, although this image is steeped with supernatural horror….as one of the participants says:

“Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.”

The Wicker Man!

One of the most unique horror films of the 1970’s came from England, where acclaimed Writer Anthony Shaffer unveiled the story of a young girl’s disappearance, and one Detective’s efforts to find her…

“FLESH TO TOUCH! FLESH TO BURN! DON’T KEEP THE WICKER MAN WAITING!”

There are times when words simply cannot describe the “power of strange” – this cult classic is simply one of the strangest films ever made – and spawned possibly the worst remake of all time!

First, here is the trailer for the original:

Police Sergeant Howie, played by Edward Woodward, is called to an island village in search of a missing girl whom the locals claim never existed. While conducting his investigation, he uncovers so much more…

Christopher Lee in Robin HardyÕs THE WICKER MAN (1973). Courtesy: Rialto Pictures/ Studiocanal

Veteran horror film Actor Christopher Lee is Lord Summerisle, and as always, Lee is in top form as the leader of this stage island…

Britt Ekland was immediately launched into movie infamy as Willow…a “free spirit” who performs one of the strangest and yes, “most naked” dances in movie history…

Britt Or No Britt?

While the Actress achieved notoriety for the naked dance, it was revealed later that the nude scene was a body double…but the dancing is all her…according to IMDB, “a body double was secretly used for the naked rear shots of Willow dancing. The scenes were filmed after Britt Ekland had left the set. The body double was used because Ekland would only agree to topless shots of her body. After shooting was over, not only was Ekland furious to learn she had been doubled in some shots but that she was also a few weeks pregnant in that scene. Director Robin Hardy says it was Ekland herself who did not want her bottom to be filmed, as she did not like it.”

“The Wicker Man” is widely regarded as one of the best horror films ever made. Not bad for a film that was disowned by its makers on release. There is a great blu-ray release that offers a “Director’s Cut” of the film along with a ton of great extras!

Sergeant Howie: Your lordship seems strangely… unconcerned.
Lord Summerisle: Well I’m confident your suspicions are wrong, Sergeant. We don’t commit murder here. We’re a deeply religious people.
Sergeant Howie: Religious? With ruined churches, no ministers, no priests… and children dancing naked!
Lord Summerisle: They do love their divinity lessons.
Sergeant Howie: [outraged] But they are… a-are NAKED!
Lord Summerisle: Naturally! It’s much too dangerous to jump through fire with their clothes on!

The Movie’s Shocking Finale!

If you want to know how this film ties into “Burning Man”, it’s in the shocking finale:

Lord Summerisle: Do sit down, Sergeant. Shocks are so much better absorbed with the knees bent.

And shocks are what you get when the secret of “The Wicker Man” is revealed:

Of course, as with every cult film, a remake was inevitable…but leave it to Nicolas Cage to make it one of the worst films of all time!

A remake with Nicolas Cage was directed by Neil LaBute – and they misjudged every single aspect of the film…which is worth seeing only because of how ill-conceived it is… seek out the original instead – it is a trip that few filmmakers take any longer.

OK, since you asked, here is the trailer for the remake:

Oh my…and speaking of classic films that become horrible remakes:

How did the classic Korean film “Oldboy” become THIS?

This image released by FilmDistrict Pictures shows Josh Brolin in a scene from “Oldboy.” (AP Photo/FilmDistrict Pictures, Hilary Bronmyn Gayle)

Read about Spike Lee’s disastrous remake by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/12/04/oldboy-oh-no-the-worst-remake-ever-film-fight-club-gets-hammered/

And check out “The Wicker Man!”

Chuck Norris! Charles Bronson! Superman!

I love movie history – and here is one of the most fascinating movie documentaries that celebrates the wacky 80’s movie company known as Cannon films!

Time For Some “Electric Boogaloo!”

The new documentary is called “Electric Boogaloo”, and it’s a terrific in-depth look at Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus – two movie-obsessed cousins who launched a film company in the late 70’s that released some of the best B-movies of all time, such as:

“Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo!”

That’s right, the breakdance sensation of the early 80’s “Breakin'” had a sequel with one of cinema’s most ridiculous titles of all time – and of course, it was a Cannon film! Check out the trailer for this new documentary:

Time For Some Cannon Classics!

Cannon Films was known for such b-movie classics as “Enter the Ninja”, “Death Wish 2″ and the legendary Chuck Norris action film “Invasion USA!”

Israeli cousins Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus started Cannon films in 1979, and in the 80’s offered up a never-ending array of low-budget exploitation films and star-studded action movies like Sylvester Stallone’s arm wrestling epic “Over The Top!”

JCVD! JCVD!

The cousins loved action films, which were popular all over the world, so they churned out a lot of them, working with Stallone, Chuck Norris as well as Jean-Claude Van Damme!

The documentary is full of clips from movies such as “Bloodsport” along with interviews with Molly Ringwald, Alex Winter and Dolph Lundgren, who starred in “Masters Of The Universe!”

Golan and Globus were high flyers at the Cannes film festival every year – and legend has it they once signed a deal to do a film on a cocktail napkin at the Carlton Hotel!

Director Mark Hartley has done a great job bringing this story to life…capturing the “anything goes” era of 80’s filmmaking – Cannon never made critically-acclaimed movies, but that wasn’t their goal, and a lot of these movies are still cult hits today!

Probably one of the most fascinating stories about Cannon involves America’s favorite super hero: and how Golan and Globus managed to get the rights to make a fourth “Superman” movie with Christopher Reeve!

There are so many great stories to share and campy movies to celebrate, all thanks to the renegade movie company known as Cannon!

Wait! There Are Even More Great Movie Docs To Share!

I’m now officially a huge fan of Director Hartley, not only for this film but he also made the terrific documentary “Not Quite Hollywood: The Wild, Untold Story of Ozploitation”!

This is also a great inside look at the world of Australian exploitation! “Mad Max” got his start down under, and this documentary shows you some of the wildest movies ever to come out of Australia!

Hartley was also the Director of another fun documentary – that takes you inside the world of exploitation film courtesy of The Philippines!

“Machete Maidens Unleashed!”

This is a great look at low budget cinema from around the world…check out the latest and greatest by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/10/ozploitation-lives-explore-a-wild-trailer-explosion-from-down-under/

And get a look at some classic Cannon films now!

“I don’t even want to say double-D, because they’re even bigger than that.”

Celebrate One Of Hollywood’s Iconic Sex Kittens!

Mamie Van Doren is a Hollywood survivor. She is also one of the town’s most legendary sex kittens, and here’s why!

There have been a number of Hollywood sex kittens over the years: many have become legendary, like Marilyn Monroe:

And there are a number of legendary tinseltown sex symbols who have survived to carve out lucrative careers, like Ann-Margret and this smart businesswoman:

“Untamed” Mamie Van Doren!

Van Doren has been in a number of classic cult movies, and is perhaps best remembered for bringing the rock ‘n’ roll-style of music alive in the B-musical “Untamed Youth” (1957)!

Here is the classic trailer – and tell me they didn’t know what they were selling when they used the word “throbbing!”

Some of Van Doren’s more noteworthy movies include “Teacher’s Pet”, “Born Reckless”, “High School Confidential” and “The Beat Generation”!

But Van Doren was just as well known for her provocative roles, in a classic series of “sex kitten” performances that made her every man’s fantasy.

“Girls Who Grow Up Too Fast!”

Yes, that is the provocative headline in the trailer for “Girls Town” from 1959, which provoked censors with a shower scene where audiences could see Van Doren’s naked back! Here is the trailer:

“Sex Kittens Go to College!”

Look at the words on that poster! This 1960 film cemented Van Doren’s reputation as a “girl gone wild!”

“Fun With The Student Body!”

This was a time when Hollywood was trying to “spice up” the movies without running afoul of stringent censorship laws…and a beautiful, aggressive woman was just the ticket…

The Sex Kitten Years!

Van Doren used her popularity to branch out into other areas as well, including being one of the most popular pin-up models of the 60’s:

As the sexual revolution raged at the end of the 60’s, actresses like Van Doren took full advantage by appearing in a number of men’s magazines…

She posed twice for Playboy in 1963 to promote her movie “3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt”, and became a legend with this quote:

“I don’t even want to say double-D, because they’re even bigger than that.”

Read Her Version Of Events!

This iconic sex symbol has survived Hollywood and released her autobiography, “Playing the Field” in 1987.

Mamie Van Doren
Screen Legend Mamie Van Doren launches Mamietage Wine
held at Eleven Restaurant – Arrivals
West Hollywood, California – 14.11.07
Credit: (Mandatory): Dimitri Halkidis / WENN

Van Doren is very active on Facebook and Twitter today, and her husband Thomas maintains her website where various merchandise and movies are available – so “follow” her here!

https://www.facebook.com/mamie.vandoren

Of course, Van Doren is not Hollywood’s ONLY sex kitten to have a long and commercially successful career:

Ann-Margret went from acting opposite Elvis to writhing in baked beans thanks to The Who!

Read all about her incredible career here:

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

There are, unfortunately, a number of tragic stories about Hollywood sex symbols as well – perhaps none more so than Jayne Mansfield:

This Hollywood sex symbol died tragically, but left behind an incredible legacy – read about her here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/12/28/jayne-mansfield-the-tragic-life-of-hollywoods-legendary-sex-kitten/

And one of the more recent tragedies involved rising star Rainbeaux Smith:

Hers is a Hollywood cautionary tale, but her friends and family are helping keep her legacy alive. Read about here here:

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

Congratulations to Mamie Van Doren for a great career!

Time To Meet A “Supermensch!”

Here is one of the most entertaining entertainment documentaries I’ve seen – and a terrific inside look at Hollywood – and Hollywood excess – it’s the classic story of Shep Gordon, who did indeed wear this T-shirt while managing the group Alice Cooper:

Mike Myers Tells The Story!

In his directorial debut, Mike Myers tells this fascinating story of the astounding career of the ultimate Hollywood insider, Shep Gordon! Here is the trailer:

Myers takes advantage of a ton of great archival footage PLUS great new interviews with a ton of celebrities who worked with Gordon!

The Making Of A “Supermensch!”

Shep Gordon fell into music management by chance after moving to LA after graduating from college in the late 60’s. He immediately became friends with Jim Hendrix and Janis Joplin!

Gordon helped turn Alice Cooper into a superstar, along with a wide variety of musicians and performers. Alice has some great anecdotes to share about their adventures…

Gordon also managed chefs such as Emeril Lagasse, ushering in the era of celebrity chefs on television!

Mike Myers spent twenty years persuading Gordon to let him tell his story. There is a poignant aspect to their relationship that is revealed in the film as well.

Oh, and Shep was a ladies man too…

This is a GREAT movie, and a fascinating look at the world of music, movies and HOLLYWOOD.

And let’s never forget that because of Shep we have this:

I LOVE Alice Cooper, and as a group and a solo performer, I could listen to classic songs like “I’m Eighteen” and “Elected” forever….which leads to this great movie that uses a Cooper tune:

Yes, the cult classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School” includes Alice Cooepr’s incendiary classic, “School’s Out!”

Read all about the classic “blow up your high school” film here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/09/schools-out-rock-n-roll-high-nuke-em-high-and-alice-cooper/

And make sure you check out this classic documentary!

“You Can’t Stop Bruce Jenner!”

Forget the controversy about Caitlyn Jenner: what was Bruce Jenner thinking when he starred in a movie with The Village People?!?!?!?

Hello Boys! Caitlyn Has Arrived!

With all of the Caitlyn Jenner controversy continuing to swirl around us, let’s go back to a time when Bruce Jenner swirled around for an entirely different reason – he was partnered up with The Village People – and Steve Guttenberg!!

Can’t Stop The Music!

As the poster says “The Musical Event Of The 80’s”!

Here’s the idea the flamboyant Producer Allan Carr had. Let’s capture this “disco craze” by doing a big budget musical extravaganza starring Steve Guttenberg, the Village People and Bruce Jenner!

First, check out the trailer!

Go Go Nancy!

Oh, and since it was a lavish musical, they decided to get aging “character actress/never-directed-before so let’s have her do it” Nancy Walker behind the camera to direct it!

Walker was best known for her role as Rhoda’s mother on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”

A1J7KX Can t Stop The Music Year 1980 Director Nancy Walker Village People

“YMCA!”

Yes, the movie stars The Village People, who sang one of disco’s catchiest songs of all time. But it doesn’t end there!

Bruce Jenner (PLAYING A STRAIGHT MAN), runs around New York City in Daisy Dukes and a bare midriff, with a shrunken tee shirt!

CAN’T STOP THE MUSIC, front from left: The Village People: Ray Simpson, Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes, David Hodo, Alex Briley, Felipe Rose, 1980, © Associated Film Distribution

Because it’s a musical – and because it stars the imcomparable Village People, there are a variety of wildly over the top musical sequences!

In fact, “Village People” member David Hodo was the Construction Worker in the group, and he gets a big solo number, “I Love You to Death”. Hodo jumps around in his skintight jeans, while being clawed at by overly-made-up mannequins in Halston knock-offs!

WOW!

And did I mention Steve Guttenberg?

Yes, Steve Guttenberg!

For reasons you will only be able to understand when you see the film, here he is with Actress Valerie Perrine trying to take Bruce Jenner’s pants off:

No matter how you feel about Caitlin Jenner, and let’s be honest – who cares how someone lives their life – remember this: you DO have a say over the type of movie you choose to star in!

Not sure what Bruce was thinking, but THIS is the real scandal!

Run out in a buying frenzy to get your hands on this masterpiece…and if you need more of the worst films ever committed to celluloid, check out my list here:

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

Trust me, when you’ve seen these, you will look like this!

You all know that I am fascinated by an era of filmmaking when movie posters were full of innuendo and suggestion –

JUST LOOK AT WHAT THIS POSTER SAID!

Yes, this is going to be one clean motel! The classic poster for “The Bed And How To Make It” was a pure marketing “come on”, and here are some more GREAT examples of the era! Let’s return to a time of suggestive posters and “not-very-subtle” dialogue like:

“Don’t bite! Pain hurts.”

Yes, there was definitely some “agony” in this love. In an era of “Fifty Shades Of Grey”, let’s look at a time when “sin was simpler”: checkout the poster for the story of a bored housewife and her “temptations!”

Yes, a restless, bored housewife rents an apartment where she indulges in all of her sexual fantasies. Now, since this was the late 60’s, those temptations almost ALWAYS took place off-camera, but her “temptation” was enough to fill grind house theaters with lonely men all across the country!

Exploitation Sex Symbol Pat Barrington!

Legendary sex kitten Pat Barrington stars as a housewife who has an itch she cannot scratch:

And the film includes this classic line, which could have come straight from “Fifty Shades Of Grey”:

“Don’t bite! Pain hurts.”

This was a time when films promised so much more than they ever delivered, which meant the movie posters were hilariously titillating!

Read the entire review of “The Agony Of Love” at the terrific “DVD Drive-In” website….

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/a-d/agonyoflove67.htm

Films like this always sold the same idea: “bored” women who were led down the path into temptation…the classic staples of the “sexploitation” film.

Pat Barrington made one of the all-time great exploitation films:

Yes, the sexy starlet co-stars in this classic slice of sexploitation – read all about it – and about the legendary Producer behind it – by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/04/03/weve-lost-the-king-of-mind-blowing-movies-rip-harry-novak/

And of course, this is my all-time favorite political photo: President Obama and Vice President Biden eating at a burger joint that proudly displays the “Mantis In Lace” poster!

Now of course, there are SO many classics in this genre, with posters that were as hilariously suggestive – like this classic:

As you can see, the “come on” was forbidden sex, dirty secrets and a voyeuristic “Peeping Tom” vibe…and of course, innocent women who really aren’t that innocent…

Here’s what is, to me, the all-time greatest title for a 60’s exploitation movie:

“A Taste Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!”

This was a real movies, folks, and I own it! You can read more about the “dirty” world of early Grindhouse cinema by clicking here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/11/23/sex-violence-grindhouse-have-a-purient-holiday-an-exploitation-gift-guide/

Something Weird is the company that salvaged “Brine” from the movie scrapheap. And of course, you can check out these classic cult double bills thanks to “Something Weird” video:

Read all about this terrific company and their films by clicking on my tribute to Mike Vraney here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

Mike Vraney was one of the great fans of cult movies. Keep buying from Something Weird to make sure they can continue to keep sexploitation alive!

And finally, here is a subtle poster tag line:

“The Motel Had 70 Beds…And She Knew Them All!”

“The Bed And How To Make It!”

Although it suggests much much more, the star of this film actually “makes the beds” in the movie – as a housekeeper!

The poster was clearly promising a lot of “action” in the film, and there is some “boundary pushing” simulated sex and nudity, but this mostly just a classic 60’s sexploitation romp…

The folks at Something Weird have done a great job of keeping these obscure films alive for future generations to study and enjoy! Also, a big kudos to Severin Films as well, a home video company that is also working hard to keep classics like this alive:

“Vampyros Lesbos” and “She Killed In Ecstasy” are amazing new Severin blu-ray releases – with newly remastered versions, lots of extras, and real insight into what makes these films worth preserving! Read all about them here:

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

There you have it, another trip into a fascinating time in movie history!

Ready For Some Obscure Cult Horror?

If you are a cult film lover, you can’t help but admire when a film maker creates a unique vision – especially on a low low budget.

Here’s a very imaginative horror film that was made for almost nothing!

Check out the creepy trailer for this horror film from Norway – “Thale”:

This Norwegian horror film finds a way to be very imaginative on almost no budget. Here is the plot, courtesy of IMDB:

Norwegian folklore turns out to be real when Leo and Elvis encounter “Thale” in a basement. A regular cleaning job turns into a struggle for survival, while they’re trying to figure out what or who “Thale” is.

A 10K Movie!

Reports say that “Thale” was shot on a budget of just $10,000! And here is one reason why: Director Aleksander L. Nordaas was also the film’s writer, co-producer, cinematographer, editor, and set designer! He also built the sets and shot most of the film in his father’s basement!

The film’s reviews were mixed, but I am here to celebrate the ingenuity and creative drive that was behind it..a real labor of love, and worth supporting for that reason…now, this next guy doesn’t need any help at all with his self-confidence:

Meet “The Troll Hunter!”

This Norwegian film is also based on a fairy tale – the story of the monstrous trolls that live in Norway’s wilderness! Check out the trailer:

These films are now available on DVD and blu-ray, so you can check out this imaginative Nordic horror in the privacy of your own home!

And if you are in the mood for more “nordic” horror, then check this out:

Yes, the Norwegians were also behind the hilariously over-the-top Nazi Zombie movies known as “Dead Snow”, and of course:

There’s a sequel too! These two movies are actually critically-acclaimed! Check these out by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/10/07/nazi-zombies-dead-snow-2-the-five-wildest-zombie-movies-ever/

The Norwegians seem to have a sense of bad taste humor AND a ton of creativity, and they have some great cult horror films of you to discover!

And speaking of cult horror, sometimes the Brits really know how to do it right:

Meet “The Wicker Man!”

Here is one of cinema’s strangest and most iconic horror films from he 1970’s…read all about this cult horror classic – and its disastrous remake – by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2015/06/23/burning-man-inspiration-the-wicker-man-naked-cult-horror/

More recently, an inventive Director named Ben Wheatley has a great moody horror film for you as well:

Check out “A Field In England” by clicking on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/08/20/a-field-in-england-new-modern-horror-master-ben-wheatley/

And if you like your cult horror a bit more contemporary – and wildly “out there”, then it’s time to head to Japan!

“J-sploitation Lives!”

Yes, the world of “japanese exploitation” is fascinating – known as “J-sploitation”, and it offers up some of the most imaginative and over=the-top movie making in the world today!

“RoboGeisha” is just one of the crazier films in the genre – to see more of the wildest horror films ever, just click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2012/05/31/mutant-girls-pinky-violence-sex-fury-and-lady-snowblood-too-japanese-sexploitation-lives/

Time to explore the wild world of cinema! Leave me a note and let me know what you think!

“Nothing is sweeter than the taste of…”

In the 60’s, smart theater owners made a fortune by peddling movies that promised lots of “adult erotic action” to lonely men looking for a thrill.

These films were pretty clear in their intentions:

“There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

An “Adult Experience” Indeed!

Yes, it’s time to go back to the movies, down ‘n’ dirty style! Before the sexual revolution, you had to venture into the more dangerous parts of town to get your movie kicks, such as in New York’s legendarily dangerous Time Square “grindhouses” like these:

The movies were rough, the audiences even rougher! In movie theaters like these, the action on screen was rarely as exciting as what was going down in the seats!

It was an era of cheap tricks and dirty movies – even if the films were mostly full of “shocking” moments like this!

Enter a world where just drinking a bottle of coke seems wrong! And words like “Honey” meant a whole lot more than sweetness!

This “Honey” double bill is a prime example of how Movie Producers took “cautionary tales”, sexed them up a bit, and made a fortune…let’s start with the sweet and sinful:

“Honey!”

The poster says it all, but look at this plot! Honey runs away from home and meets Ray, a carnival barker who offers her a job in his “girlie revue.” Honey accepts, unaware that Ray is a pimp!

But of course! So you see what is going on here: wanton women led down a path of moral destruction by evil men…it’s a formula that works every time…check out this classic sexploitaiton trailer:

Thanks to “Mick’s Public Domain Movies” site on youtube…check Mick out for great exploitation classics!

“Honey” was directed by Jerry Denby, and stars 60’s sex kitten Peggy Steffans. She made several more exploitation films like….

Under the name Cleo Nova, she also did “The Love Merchant” and “The Sex Cycle” among others…

these are classic cult movies that deserve to live on. Thanks goes to @trashcompactorX on twitter for sharing this movie poster!

There are a number of people who are keeping cult cinema alive, so keep it up! For, for the second “honey” feature, time for “an adult experience!”

A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine!

Let’s pause for a moment to LOOK AT THAT TITLE! And what about that tagline! “There is an expression for girls like her…you see it scrawled on walls!”

I mean, C’MON, MAN! This is sexploitation at its finest!

Welcome To The Black ‘n’ White World Of “Nudie Cuties!”

The era of “sexploitation” was full of movie like this, and posters that promised rampant nudity and sexual situations – but the movies barely had either! Grindhouse cinemas were an easy way to make money off of “lonely” young men…without ever really showing anything “dirty”…staying just on the right side of the law!

“I May Be A Bitch, But I’ll NEVER Be A Butch!”

Check out this classic moment from “Brine”:

So what exactly is “A Smell Of Honey, A Swallow Of Brine” about? Well, the poster suggests it’s every young man’s fantasy: AN ADULT EXPERIENCE! Look at what it says at the bottom right: “The cunning young cannibal who devoured everything that fell into her soft warm trap…”

Sexy Stacey Walker, with her arched eyebrows, wicked smile and heavily sprayed hair, burns up the screen as Sharon Winters, a character who gets her kicks seducing men, then crying “Rape!” (In his commentary, Producer Friedman tells how he considered calling the movie “C.T.”, but figured no one would get it.)

Shot in black and white, “A Smell of Honey” has a deliciously tawdry look, yet shows some artful flourishes- likely attributed to the early worked of legendary Cinematographer Laszlo Kovacs. Even when the actors are clothed, our imaginations are nudged into the gutter – here are some examples: Walker and her “victim” framed in a tree that looks like spread thighs – and of course, THIS:

It’s the classic moment when Walker suggestively drinks from a Coke bottle while the camera periodically cuts to the thrusting, bulging crotch of her boyfriend singing in a bar. In a world when nudity in a film was an invitation to being busted by the vice squad, this kind of stuff worked!

According to the Producer, Walker could’ve easily gone on to stardom, in either exploitation or even mainstream movies (she reportedly was courted by Paramount). But, as pointed out on the film’s entertaining DVD commentary track, she married “some gazoony” and moved back to her home state of Texas after only making two feature-length movies. Folks, THIS is what you call an audio commentary worth listening to!

The Producer Of “Scum!”

If you want to read more behind the mad genius who pushed the boundaries of sexploitation, click on my story here:

http://johnrieber.com/2013/02/27/nudie-cuties-a-swallow-of-brine-the-defilers-meet-the-producer-of-scum/

Let’s not forget there is a home video company that has done a lot to keep this genre alive as well:

All Hail “Something Weird!”

Something Weird Video still offers a great way to keep this genre alive: buy their special edition videos!

The late Mike Vraney was the man behind this genre – read all about him here:

http://johnrieber.com/2014/01/07/something-weird-wild-wild-cinema-celebrating-a-weird-genius-rip-mike-vraney/

So much exploitation, so little time!

Here’s a credit for you:

That’s right: a two minute scene in one of the early 70’s wildest counter-culture films lead to stardom for one VERY naked motorcylcle rider, also known as Gilda Texter!

Hollywood Gets “Naked” On Wheels!

Here is a fascinating piece of Hollywood trivia: a young Actress who makes her movie debut by riding naked on a motorcycle – and turned it into a movie career!

Here is the story: Gilda Texter was a young starlet in Hollywood in the early 70’s, when fame called on the back of a Harley! She got a very memorable role: she played a nameless, naked motorcycle rider in the cult classic “Vanishing Point!”

Texter was “discovered” when she rode this motorcycle naked across the desert for a few minutes in the film…a film that became a cult hit in 1971 – a classic cult film that celebrated hippies and outcasts at a time of civil disobedience in the US!

Here is the trailer for “Vanishing Point”, with a noticeable segment with Gilda:

From that one scene, Texter became a star, as “Vanishing Point” became a rallying cry against the establishment – a political anti-war, anti-police film that resonated with a young audience…oh, and it had a naked girl on a motorcycle as well!

Soon , Gilda Texter became the “IT” girl, a sex symbol getting tons of attention, which led to her acting in a film that had a poster that promised wild wild things on screen!

PLEASE NOTE: If you are shocked or embarrassed by total nudity and sexual activity, you are urged NOT to attend.”

I mean, C’MON…this movie poster is full of the craziest claims – and guess what? It worked! “The Runaway” was released the same year as “Vanishing Point”, and if to make sure that EVERYONE knew who Gilda Texter was, she had a THIRD film released that year as well!

“Angels Hard As They Come!”

Gilda was in another anti-establishment film in 1971, with a movie poster that was as exploitative as you can get! And the best part of this is that while Gilda Texter was promoted as a sex symbol, and achieved her greatest claim for a nude scene, she ended up with a great career in the costume and wardrobe departments of over 40 movies and television productions!

Texter was Costume Supervisor on a number of movies, such as “Romancing The Stone”, Brian DePalma’s “Snake Eyes”, and “The Green Mile” with Tom Hanks.

Yes, she was a Costumer Supervisor even thought her breakout role had her completely nude!

This is what makes the movie business so endlessly fascinating. Gilda Texter had a great career in the entertainment business, with a unique entree into it….and if you look at “The Runaway”, you will see that she worked with one of the greatest character Actors of all time:

William Smith has been in a ton of movies – a great character Actor who commanded the screen. He not only co-starred with Gilda Texter, but he also starred in one of the grittiest movies of the early 70’s:

Read all about the classic “Darker Than Amber” by clicking on my story here:

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

And kudos to Gilda Texter for her career both in front of and behind the camera!