Welcome To Times Square!

Yes, it’s America’s most brightly lit playground of fun for the entire family! Times Square is well lit, filled with upbeat tourist attractions and offers all of the big chain restaurants you expect when on vacation – it’s a street filled with fun!

Well, it is NOW – but New York’s Times Square wasn’t always so wholesome…here’s what it looked like just a few decades ago…

This Wasn’t Your Mother’s Times Square!

Folks, these pictures are from Times Square in the 70’s and early 80’s – a seedy strip filled with movie houses that showed exploitation films 24 hours a day – that’s how the term “grindhouse” came to be: theaters that were grinding out cheap “dirty movies” all day and night…

I have posted many stories about this era in the history of Times Square…it’s fascinating because these movie theaters were as dangerous inside as the action onscreen! They also showed films that weren’t being seen in your neighborhood theater:

“A Smell Of Honey! A Swallow OF Brine!”

These films were rough morality tales – in this case, a young woman who likes to tease her suitors gets her comeuppance in a rough rough way…it’s a common theme in these movies: young women who stray into “bad” territory, and of course stupid guys who want a cheap thrill and pay the ultimate price for it…

This is a classic example of early sexploitation – a hint of nudity and sexual situations designed to attract lonely men who wanted a thrill, and they found it on 42nd street…read more about this cult classic – and see the trailer – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/01/26/more-and-wilder-sexploitation-classics/

As the 60’s ended, the films being shown in grind house theaters continued to up the ante…New York’s times Square became even rougher, and the posters for these sexploitation films were more suggestive than ever…

It’s not hard to understand what they are selling here, and that kept dozens of these Times Square theaters in business! “Forbidden Flesh” is a perfect example of an era when the films were beginning to show more, suggestion turning to overt sexuality. and you can see more by clicking here:

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

These films got away with a lot because they were promising an “educational” experience – yes, some of these films skirted obscenity laws by purporting to show a “documentary” aspect to their sexuality – they were showing you shocking perversions going on in your very own country!

“Shocking” Indeed!

Yes, hillbillies were taking “child brides”, and only one film had the nerve to uncover it…and “uncover” they did…this movie poster is as suggestive and exploitive as they come, and you see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/08/29/forbidden-flesh-child-brides-see-how-they-love-in-flaming-hillbilly-color-early-sexploitation-madness/

As the 70’s progressed, many of these movie theaters went hardcore, showing XXX-rated movies…in order to keep up, savvy Producers upped the lurid content of their own software erotic movies as well…

You have to see “Wham Bam, Thank You Spaceman” to appreciate it! It’s as “over the top” as grind house films were…anything to keep the customers satisfied! Here is the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/03/wham-bam-space-sex-cinemas-naked-lust-celebrate-the-sultan-of-sexploitation/

Movies from Europe flooded the US in the early 70’s as well – these films were called “Artsploitation”, because they offered intelligent, moody storytelling – albeit with a lot of nudity – “artistic exploration” – and the best ones featured the “Queen of Artsploitation”, Christina Lindberg!

Lindberg’s most notorious film is called “Thriller: A Cruel Picture”…which also went by this title, because in those days, Producers would simply retitle movies and release them again:

Lindberg inspired Quentin Tarantino to give Darryl Hannah an eye patch in “Kill Bill”…see more about Lindberg by clicking here:

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

Europe’s other “sexploitation superstar” was the iconic Lina Romay:

Romay starred in some of the most outrageous european sex shockers of all time, such as this classic piece of what was known as “euro sleaze”:

“Lorna The Exorcist” took advantage of another popular film of the time of course. Most of her films were directed by her husband, Jess Franco…read all about them here:

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

The US had it’s own iconic, erotic filmmakers well….yes, that would be the legendary Russ Meyer:

Meyer achieved fame for his classic sexploitation film “Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!” He went on to make a number of cult classics such as these:

His films were bright, full of sight gags, ample bosoms, and a sense of humor that was usually lacking in sexploitation films…see more of his work here:

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

There are now many film companies who are trying to keep exploitation alive by releasing classic cult films from that era…

Here is a great new documentary from Something Weird Video that looks at the entire genre, it’s terrific! The documentary “That’s Sexploitation” gives an in-depth look at this era of film making. See the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

I hope you enjoyed your journey into cinema’s dirty bad alley…let me know your favorites!

Paul McCartney At The Speed Of Sound!

It’s an iconic image of Macca, taken from the photo sessions for his fifth Wings album, the terrific “Wings At The Speed Of Sound.”

“At The Speed Of Sound” came at an interesting time for Paul McCartney. Wings was in the midst of their greatest success as a band:

Wings was riding high with “Venus & Mars”, which had been one of the band’s biggest successes – here’s a look at that classic album:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/07/venus-and-mars-paul-mccarneys-classic-rock-show-an-almost-lennon-mccartney-reunion/

McCartney’s Biggest #1!

After “Venus & Mars”, the band went into the studio and recorded “Speed Of Sound” before heading out on the hugely successful “Wings Over America” tour.

I saw that show at Seattle’s Kingdome…here is footage of that concert AND of the iconic Kingdome being imploded!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/12/paul-mccartney-wings-over-seattle-the-kingdome-implosion-seattle-sports-history/

So Paul McCartney and Wings – including wife Linda – were indeed flying high as they headed into the studio to make another album.

“At The Speed Of Sound” was released in March 1976, and included the smash hit ‘Silly Love Songs’- the album was McCartney’s most successful American chart album – seven consecutive weeks at Number One!

I wanted to look at the terrific new special edition of the album, which includes a ton of great new stuff.

Paul personally supervised all aspects of the reissue – he’s been doing that for all of the remastered editions so far. The remastering work was done at Abbey Road by the same team who have worked on all of Paul’s reissues – as well as The Beatles’ catalogue, so you know they are treating this material well!

Here is the promotional trailer that was released to promote the release of this newly remastered expanded album:

This Wings album includes the hit single “Let ‘em In” and one of Macca’s biggest hits ever, “Silly Love Songs.”

Here’s a great behind-the-scenes photo from the recording session I found at lukashaisha.blogspot.com – kudos for this shot:

Let’s take a look “At The Speed Of Sound”, and the extras that are on the remastered special edition – the album kicks off with another McCartney classic:

“Let ‘Em In”

“Someone’s knockin’ at the door
Somebody’s ringin’ the bell
Someone’s knockin’ at the door
Somebody’s ringin’ the bell
Do me a favor
Open the door and let ’em in, yeah, let ’em in

Sister Suzie, brother John
Martin Luther, Phil and Don
Brother Michael, auntie Gin
Open the door and let ’em in, yeah”

Here is a great fact thanks to “Songfacts.com”:

Paul McCartney “shouted out” to several of his relatives and friends in this song: his aunt (“Auntie Gin”) and brother (“Brother Michael”), the Everly Brothers (“Phil and Don”), Keith Moon (“Uncle Ernie”) and his famous former bandmate (“Brother John”). His reference to “Sister Suzie” was a reference to Linda, who once recorded a song under the name “Suzie And The Red Stripes.”

Here is a live version from Wings’ 1976 tour:

Next up is “The Note You Never Wrote”, with lead vocals by Denny Lane, then a song written by Paul for Linda, according to wikipedia:

Former Beatle Paul McCartney and wife Linda on the opening night of his three sold-out concerts at London’s Empire Pool, Wembley on October 19, 1976. (AP Photo/John Glanville)

“She’s My Baby”

As wikipedia notes:

“She’s My Baby” is a love song sung by Paul directed at Linda. Critical opinion of the song has ranged from a description as Paul McCartney’s “sweetest, daftest love song” to a suggestion that it deserves an “honor for sheer awfulness.” In 1998, after Linda’s death, Paul McCartney rearranged the song for string quartet to be played at memorial concerts for his late wife. This version was included on the 1999 album Working Classical.”

I love that Macca turned it into a classical piece.

Up next is one of my all-time favorite rockers from Paul:

“Beware My Love”

This song begins soft and then builds into a crescendo of guitar and scorched Macca vocals. Once again, wikipedia did a great job explaining what makes this song so great:

It is in the key of D minor, although the harmonium and acoustic guitar sections of the prelude are in C major and A major, respectively. The melody of the bridges is based on a descending tetrachord played on the bass guitar. Rodriguez particularly praises Paul McCartney’s bass guitar playing, Joe English’s drumming and Linda McCartney’s and Denny Laine’s backing vocals. The song was recorded in a manner that replicated a live recording set up, with all the players recorded together. McCartney stated that he was looking to achieve “excitement in the backing vocal so it’s human; you can hear we’re all there.”

It’s one of his great songs! Here’s a live version of this classic song from their terrific 1976 tour of America:

“Wino Junko” ends side one of “Speed Of Sound, a fun caribbean-influenced song that was written by Jimmy McCulloch, then up next is side two, which opens with the album’s mega-single:

“Silly Love Songs”

This is a real “love it or hate it” song for many McCartney fans. What can you say? He directly confronts those who say his music is too maudlin and sappy…

It’s not a favorite of mine, but it’s certainly catchy!

Here is the great promo film put out to support the single:

Next up is “Cook Of The House”, a fun mini-rocker sung by Linda and the band, that shows them having a good time together – then next up is Denny Laine’s song:

“Time To Hide”

This is the only Wings album where every band member sings lead vocal on a song. Denny Laine also wrote this song, which is a good addition to the Wings catalog. Here’s Laine performing the song live on the 1976 tour:

After this Wingsrocker, he finishes the album with three softer songs…you can sense the band was relaxed and having fun during the recording of the album, which to me explains the overall softer vibe than the previous “Venus & Mars”…

“Must Do Something About It”

Drum Joe English sings the lead on this song, although there is a great McCartney rehearsal version on this remastered edition of the album.

Here’s a fan video with Joe English on drums, also doing vocals:

Thanks to “Laserdisc70” for posting this on youtube.

“San Ferry Anne” and “Warm And Beautiful” wrap the album up, as I said, on a soft note, but “Warm And Beautiful” is one of McCartney most melodic songs, very much like “The Lovely Linda” on “McCartney”.

This soft ballad ends the album on a beautiful relaxed note, here is the audio-only version:

As I said, I love the remastered, expanded version of the album.

Here is a look at the bonus audio on the expanded edition:

1. Silly Love Songs [Demo]
2. She’s My Baby [Demo]
3. Message To Joe
4. Beware My Love [John Bonham Version]

Yes, a version of the song with Led Zeppelin’s maniac drummer on drums!

5. Must Do Something About It [Paul’s Version]

This rare out-take is Paul’s version of the song – his vocals instead of Joe’s…

6. Let ‘Em In [Demo]
7. Warm And Beautiful [Instrumental Demo]

DVD – Here is the bonus film that was included:

1. Silly Love Songs Music Video
2. Wings Over Wembley
3. Wings In Venice

I’m glad Paul released a lot of the rehearsal material, especially when you can find bootleg material like this on the internet:

Let me know what your favorites are on this album, and if you missed it, I posted a story about Paul being in a recent Q magazine:

Macca talks about The Beatles, Kanye West and his Nirvana stint – you can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/03/paul-mccartney-on-the-beatles-last-song-playing-with-nirvana-kanye-maccas-greatest-hits/

What’s interesting to me about Paul McCartney And Wings is that the band was a mega-success in the mid-70’s, but boy did they get off to a disastrous start!

I took a look at the debut album from the band, which is certainly ragged, but also a great look at McCartney trying to move forward with his sound – see some great promo videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/13/paul-mccartneys-wild-life-the-disastrous-debut-of-wings-mccartneys-plea-to-john-lennon/

Leave a note with your favorite Macca moments!

What a year so far at the movies…hundreds of films released in theaters all across the US…with many becoming smash hits…so how has it added up for Hollywood?

Caucasian woman watching move in empty theater

The Answer: A Ghost Town!

2016 has been brutal to some very highly anticipated films – moviegoers said “NO THANKS” in a very loud voice…I rounded up some of the year’s biggest disappointments and here is how it adds up:

$812-million In The Hole….Ouch!

I added up the production costs for some of Hollywood’s biggest 2016 releases so far – and then looked at the US box office. The difference in box office gross and the film’s production costs adds up to a loss of more than $800-million dollars!

For many movie studios, the international market is where these films will make their money back – but the fact is, the financial hole dug by a poor theatrical release in the US makes it very tough to get back to break even…let’s take a look at some of the films that struggled in the US this year:

We begin in the with a “prequel” that nobody wanted:

The Huntsman: Winters War
Cost: $115-mil, US gross: $48-mil

Offering up images that looked like a live-action “Frozen” didn’t help…we are being inundated with superhero films, and this is the result….another genre failing badly:

Moviegoers have clearly said they are NOT interested in “sword and dragon” epics any more – they can see it on TV – “Gods Of Egypt” was one of the year’s biggest flops – look at these numbers:

Gods of Egypt
Cost: $140-mil, US gross $31-mil

Even one of Hollywood’s legendary Directors made a rare mis-step:

Disney was unable to convince moviegoers that Steven Spielberg’s latest film was worth seeking out – even with stellar reviews:

The BFG
Cost: $140-mil, US gross $54-mil

But one of the biggest mistakes made in 2016 was taking a Hollywood classic and trying to remake it for a modern audience:

This was probably the biggest bomb of the summer – even with an attempt to tell the story through a religious lens – look at these numbers:

Ben-Hur
Cost: $100-mil, US gross $20-mil

Films with “swords, sandals and sand” have under-performed for several years now.

Even animated sequels had a difficult time bringing back their loyal audience:

Ice cold box office greeted these animated characters this time out:

Ice Age: Collision Course
Cost: $105-mil, US gross $62-mil

Which leads to the question: what if you bring back a movie franchise – that no one asked for?

Here was the sequel that NOBODY wanted:

Independence Day: Resurgence
Cost: $165-mil, US gross $103-mil

The original is iconic, and without Will Smith, it was the kiss of death – or maybe it was the horrible reviews.

And turning popular video games into big screen entertainment failed again big time:

The worlds of video game and film have rarely meshed, and here is another example. Talk about a battle lost quickly!

Warcraft
Cost: $150-mil, US gross $47-mil

This next film will no doubt make up its deficit overseas, but it was another “summer blockbuster” that failed to excite moviegoers:

The Legend of Tarzan
Cost: $180-mil, US gross $126-mil

The reviews were strong for “Tarzan”, and as I said, it has been well-received overseas, but in the US, it failed to ignite enough interest to justify the price.

Sometimes, the personal life of a star can wreck havoc on their films:

What was behind this bomb of a sequel? Was it the bad press over Johnny Depp’s split with Amber Heard, or could it have been that no one really seemed to like the first film much!

Alice Through The Looking Glass
Cost: $170-mil, US gross $77-mil

Another sequel couldn’t get moviegoers to come out of their shells:

This came and went with a shrug – it felt like a movie no one asked for.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows
Cost: $135-mil, US gross $82-mil

Another film tried to take viewers back in time to a heroic rescue effort:

Unfortunately, nobody cared: this period action adventure didn’t resonate at all.

The Finest Hours
Cost: $80-mil, US gross $27-mil

Finally, the comedian behind “Borat” and “Bruno” tried to create a new character:

This had one of the lowest box office grosses of any film released widely in theaters:

The Brothers Grimsby
Cost: $35-mil, US gross $7-mil

Add this all up, and these films were more than $800-million in the red after their US release! Yes, like pouring money down a black hole!

Actual box office for 2016 is holding up, thanks to smash hits like “Finding Dory”, “Captain America: Civil War” and “Zootopia”, and if you want to see how much international box office helps a movie, check out this great list on “Box Office Mojo”:

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/?view2=worldwide&yr=2016&p=.htm

The film business is always “hit or miss”, but some of the bombs this year have been brutal! We have also seen some big names star struggling at the box office in the last few years as well:

Here is a look at the box office fall of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone – two of the world’s biggest movie stars now finding it more difficult:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/05/the-action-80s-are-over-sly-and-arnolds-action-disasters-stallone-and-schwarzenegger-bomb/

I also took a look at Tom Cruise – one of his most recent films actually changed its title when it came out on home video to try and get people to watch!

This is actually the movie “Edge Of Tomorrow!” Read about this unique marketing effort here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/17/live-die-rename-the-new-tom-cruise-film-is-the-old-tom-cruise-film/

Let me know what you think!

The Beatles Are Going On Tour!

Well, some never seen material from the early days of Beatlemania has been included in a great looking new documentary coming to America’s HULU on demand service – as well s movie theaters around the world – a documentary that looks at their first tour of America!

Here is the trailer:

The Beatles Are On Tour!

Fans of The Beatles have enjoyed so much great new material released over the past few years, and this new documentary promises so much new stuff, such as their fight against segregation in the US, and how Paul and Ringo reflect back on that time in their life.

Director Ron Howard, along with his Producing partner Brian Grazer, sat down with Deadline.com to talk about this highly anticipated look at The Beatles first tour of America, beginning with Ron Howard explaining what fascinated him about the early days of “Beatlemania”:

“They pioneered a lot of aspects of what a mega rock career is, now. This came to me as Jeff Jones and the team at Apple Records collected more and more footage from fans and some bootleg soundboards that they believed could be used to enhance the live performance footage that had been seen before. That is how it came to me through Nigel Sinclair, who they’d talked to about producing it. They wanted to focus on the touring years. At first I thought that was going to be a disadvantage, but as I researched it, it became a huge narrative advantage. That point in their career was like an odyssey, an adventure story. The more I understood it, it became more like a survival story. Along the way, it became a coming-of-age story. Them, as men, and unbelievable artists who evolved from pop stars to musical mavericks who redefined the medium.”

Never-Seen Beatles Material!

Here is the exchange where Howard discusses the newly discovered material that is in the film:

DEADLINE: Biggest surprise?

HOWARD: I learned so much about them. There is seven or eight minutes of new footage but because I’m not encyclopedic about The Beatles, that’s not what meant the most to me. What excited me was this period of growth and what it said about that period in our history and the upheaval of the cultural revolution that was going on, and their role in it. And the way they were affected and the way they affected it…the biggest surprise? The integrity they had, as artists and individuals, and how they applied it.

Paul And Ringo Were Involved!

The two surviving band members were active participants in the creation of this new film. Here is how Howard describes working with Paul and Ringo:

HOWARD: I think this film came along at a time in the lives of Paul and Ringo where they could look at this with a kind of perspective they hadn’t been willing to, before. We did two different interviews and I noticed a real change from the first interview to the second one, with both guys. They saw the cut footage, they began to see the approach I was taking, and the kind of insight I was looking for, and they really opened up in the second interview. Talking quietly to Paul, after, he said, “You know, I usually resist talking about The Beatles. It was a time in my life I was proud of, but it was a time in my life. Now, I finally feel like I’m entitled to celebrate that.” In a way, that reluctance was a way of looking forward, and Ringo has that same thing. I was very fortunate that I could interview them at a moment when they were more open than ever to giving us honest answers. Sometimes, it seemed honestly thrilling to them and sometimes it was daunting and exhausting and even frightening. The interviews reflect that in very specific ways that hadn’t been so much, before.

You can see the entire story at “Deadline.com”.

The Beatles Battle Segregation!

Here’s a great story from the LA Times, who sat down with Howard, McCartney and Ringo – and they reveal how there is a section of the film that discusses the rider in the Beatles’ concert contracts specifying that they refused to perform in segregated venues while touring the U.S.

Here is the writeup in the LA Times:

“One of the great things for me” about the film, McCartney, 74, said, “was all the civil rights things that we’d always naturally had an empathy with, just because we had loads of black friends and of all our [musical] heroes, many of them were black. To see in the film that we actually put it in our contracts … we didn’t remember that. I was very impressed with that. It was very cool.”

It was a revelation to Howard as well.

“I didn’t know anything about that,” said Howard, who also is one of the film’s producers along with Brian Grazer, his Imagine Entertainment production company partner, Concord Bicycle Music CEO Scott Pascucci and Sinclair. “One of the big surprises to me was how clear they were about it, how matter of fact. I knew about their anti-war stances later. But I had no notion [about their position on racial equality]. That was courageous stuff at that time.”

FILE – In this Feb. 18, 1964 file photo, boxer Cassius Clay lifts Beatles member Ringo Starr while the singers visited Clay’s camp in Miami Beach, Fla. Others from left are Paul McCartney, George Harrison and John Lennon. A few days earlier the British musicians had appeared for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show. A week later, Clay would beat Sonny Liston and go on to even greater things as Muhammad Ali. (AP Photo)

I posted a story about the Fab Four meeting Muhammad Ali when he was still Cassius Clay – what a huge pop culture event that had to have been at the time – here is a story about those photos:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/23/the-beatles-go-fishing-muhammad-ali-knocks-the-beatles-out-amazing-beatles-pictures/

And you can read the entire LA Times article by clicking on their story here – it is a great article!

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-beatles-documentary-ron-howard-20160819-snap-story.html

This isn’t the first look at the band’s first US tour – I own this laser disc release that captures the band on their first US visit, which is terrific, and I look forward to seeing this new documentary as well…

The Fab Four look so young and innocent, but within three years, they would release an album that still stands tall fifty years later…

Here is a look at this classic Beatles album:

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

I was also able to attend the anniversary of The Beatles’ 50th anniversary concert at The Hollywood Bowl:

It was a unique night for many reasons, and you can read my review here:

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

There are plans to release their 1964 concert at The Hollywood Bowl on home video, which I’d love to see…and the band continues to release other great material as well:

Amazing music videos from the 60’s were all released in a new blu-ray package, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/18/the-beatles-exclusive-new-release-incredible-beatles-music-videos-the-beatles-1-is-here/

Let me know what you think of the new HULU movie when it premieres on Sept. 15!

When Is A Film Horrific Because Of A Cast Member? When Orson Welles Is In It!

Orson Welles may have made one of the greatest films of all time, “Citizen Kane”, but he was anything but a model citizen in person!

Here is Welles interacting with a radio Producer as they attempt to record a “Findus Frozen Pea” commercial in the 70’s!

“EVerything’s OK” With Orson’s Head!

And now, there is a new web series that uses Welles in a unique way! Imagine a world where fracking has turned New York City into a desolate wasteland – and one girl learns to fight the power with help from Orson Welles’ revived head.

That’s the new web series “Everything’s OK!” Read all about it here:

http://www.avclub.com/article/orson-welles-disembodied-head-stars-dystopian-webs-242202

If you want to hear more about Orson’s aggressive meanness, you can start here:

Lunching With Orson!

Another independent filmmaker, Henry Jaglom, published a book of his lunches with the legendary Welles – lunches full of catty commentary by the iconic Director!

As described in a story on Dailymail.com:

“Here is Welles as he has never been seen before: talking intimately, disclosing personal secrets, reflecting on the highs and lows of his astonishing Hollywood career, the people he knew—FDR, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin, Marlene Dietrich, Laurence Olivier, David Selznick, Rita Hayworth, and more—and the many disappointments of his last years. This is the great director unplugged, free to be irreverent and worse—sexist, homophobic, racist, or none of the above— because he was nothing if not a fabulator and provocateur.”

Here is a link to a story about the book:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2359143/New-book-reveals-Orson-Welles-thought-Laurence-Olivier-idiot-Richard-Burton-joke-celebrity-wife.html

And now, let’s hear from one of Hollywood’s sex kittens, Pamela Franklin, as she discussed working with Welles on a film in the 70’s – or was it two? And how was the experience? Here is the answer:

A Cult Movie So Good It Has Two Titles!

One of the great things about the movie industry is how “industrious” Producers were at times – like this, a film so good it got released twice – under two different titles!

This Is “Necromancy” Starring Orson Welles!

OK, I know you’ve NEVER heard of this film. That’s because it was barely released in 1972, and yes, the grumpy Orson Welles starred in this occult horror film – and guess what? He also starred in this film as well!

That’s Because “The Witching” IS “Necromancy!”

Cinema history is littered with films that were re-released under different titles, and that was the fate for this cult horror gem.

Orson’s An Ass!

As we’ve discussed, there is much evidence that points to Mr. Welles NOT being the nicest person on the set – we will look at additional evidence of that after we dive into the nutty horror of “Necromancy” aka “The Witching!”

Orson Welles was near the end of his career, and he stars here as the head of a witches’ coven, who needs the powers of Actress Pamela Franklin to raise his son from the dead.

But of course he does!

Thanks to Mondo-Digital, here is the story:

1972’s “Necromancy” was released briefly by Cinerama Releasing. However, as the website reports:

“The Director’s original version was suppressed after its initial release in favor of a radically reworked version in the early ‘80s for the VHS market called “The Witching”, with the story severely reworked, extended scenes of fully nude coven worship added (including a young Brinke Stevens), and an entirely new, senseless ending replacing the original one.”

Here is the trailer for “The Witching”:

The source for this fun trivia is the terrific website “Mondo-digital.com”, which always has the latest in cult film releases and reviews…see more of their review of the movie by clicking on the site here:

http://www.mondo-digital.com/necromancy.html

As for “Necromancy”, it showcased the acting talent of a young sex kitten named Pamela Franklin…

British Actress Pamela Franklin received great acclaim for her work in “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” in 1969, winning the National Board of Review award for Best Supporting Actress.

Franklin ended up in horror films, including the occult thriller “The Legend of Hell House” in 1973, as well as “The Food of the Gods” in 1977.

The Good And Bad Of “Necromancy!”

The website “DVDdrive-in” also has a great review of the film, and the site points out that the new blu-ray release of “Necromancy” includes a recent audio interview with Pamela Franklin, who says that meeting her husband (actor Harvey Jason) was the only good thing to come out of the movie!

The Actress speaks of working with Welles, and says on the audio interview that she felt Welles was dismissive of other actors, saying very succinctly:

“He was not a nice person”.

The website also has this great anecdote about the making of the film:

“Welles was notorious for being difficult on the set. In his autobiography The Amazing Colossal Worlds of MR. BIG, Gordon feared he would have problems with the actor when Welles’ secretary informed him that he didn’t work before 10AM or after 4PM. But Gordon appeased Welles with a gourmet chef and all his favorite foods and drinks, and the larger-than-life thesp then agreed to be at his director’s disposal!”

This great trivia comes from a great website, “DVDdrive-in.com” – see their entire review here!

http://www.dvddrive-in.com/reviews/n-s/necromancyblu72.htm

OK, so we can all agree that working with Orson Welles wasn’t easy for many people, but thanks to great home video companies, we can still enjoy some of his work, like in the classic “Necromancy!”

If you love finding obscure cult horror films like this, check out both websites I linked to, and also, check out this film:

“Girly” is so bad it’s fun!

Check out the campy horror fun of “Girly” by reading my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/15/killer-girly-sex-kitten-vanessa-howards-neglected-british-horror-thriller/

And if your idea of horror involves lesbians – and why not – then you should check this film out:

Yes, legendary cult Director Jess Franco’s lesbian vampire masterpiece is now out on a remaster blu-ray – read all about it here:

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

Let me know if you fancy “Necromancy!”

Elton John’s Towering Inferno Of Hits!

Time to celebrate a period of time in the 70’s when one Artist ruled the charts – usually wearing some of rock’s wildest outfits!

There was no one more flamboyant on stage than Elton John in the early 70’s – but he had the smash hits to back it up – beginning in the early 70’s with “Your Song”, and then this smash hit:

“Rocket man burning out his fuse up here alone…”

Here is a live TV appearance from 1972, with Elton announcing that this new song is about to be released as a single…

Thanks to “Philip Anness” for posting this on youtube!

Elton’s String Of Hits!

“Rocket Man” was the beginning of a massive onslaught from the Singer/Songwriter – who wrote most of his material with Bernie Taupin. check out these facts, courtesy of wikipedia!

“The singles discography of British musician/singer-songwriter Elton John consists of 128 official singles and 17 as featured artist, as well as 40 other non-single guest appearances. Across his career, John has yielded 57 top 40 hits in the United States, only second to Elvis Presley in total,[1] with 27 of those hitting the top ten and 9 achieving number-one. In his native United Kingdom, he has accumulated 69 top 40 singles, including 32 top tens and 7 number-ones!”

Elton Crocodile Rocks To #1 Around The World!

His statistics are mind-boggling, and the songs are just great pop hits, like “Crocodile Rock”, which was a worldwide smash…here he is performing it live:

Thanks to “SteelheartMike” for posting on youtube!

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road!”

In 1973, Elton John stunned the world with his masterpiece – and as you can tell by his shoes, he’s not afraid to show off as well!

From “Bennie And The Jets” to “Goodbye Norma Jean”, his heartfelt ode to Marilyn Monroe, Elton was on fire, with a double album full of incredible music. Pop hits, instrumentals, gritty rockers like “Your Sister Can’t Dance (But She Can Rock n’ Roll)”, and my favorite:

Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)!

This is a terrific rocker, full of the energy of youth:

“Well they’re packed pretty tight in here tonight
I’m looking for a dolly who’ll see me right
I may use a little muscle to get what I need
I may sink a little drink and shout out she’s with me

A couple of the sound that I really like
Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike
I’m a juvenile product of the working class
Whose best friend floats in the bottom of a glass, oh

Don’t give us none of your aggravation
We had it with your discipline
Saturday night’s alright for fighting
Get a little action in”

Just terrific songwriting from his writing partner Bernie Taupin. Here is a great live version from the 70’s:

Thanks to “bccsrox’s channel” for uploading this terrific version on youtube!

“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me”, “The Bitch Is Back” and “Philadelphia Freedom” were just a few of his mega-hits that followed, but if you want to see just how wild Elton got, then check out his outfit as he performs “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” on Cher’s TV show:

Thanks to “EltonJohnVideos” for posting this on youtube!

Then there is this version of the same song from England’s “Top Of The Pops” in 1974 – you must see it just for his glasses!

Thanks to “exclusivevids1000” for posting this gem!

Elton’s A “Pinball Wizard!”

It all culminated in John’s raucous performance in The Who’s “Tommy” film, directed by flamboyant British Director Ken Russell!

Check out this raucous performance in very very VERY big boots!

Go out and buy this film – it’s amazing!

There’s no doubt that the films’ release coincided with the height of Elton John’s popularity…

Ann-Margret Rocks Too!

Iconic Hollywood Actress Ann-Margret also had a memorable turn in the movie “Tommy” as well, thanks to a room full of baked beans…

Yes, she rolled around in them! See that iconic scene here:

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

One of Elton John’s most memorable songs from “Yellow Brick Road” has become the best selling song of all time…

Here is what wikipedia reports:

“In 1997, John released the double A-side single “Something About the Way You Look Tonight”/”Candle in the Wind 1997″ in dedication to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. It subsequently hit number-one in every country that it charted in and became the biggest selling single of all-time since the UK and US charts began in the 1950s, with sales of 33 million.”

Here is that haunting performance from her funeral:

Elton John has continued to release terrific new music since the 70’s, with smash hits and brilliant albums…bravo to him for his talent – and his choice of eyewear!

From “O” To “007”!

Meet Corinne Clery – who went from not”O”rious to 007! Some of the best “Bond girls” from the past were outstanding Actresses with a fascinating body of work – and Clery is no different!

“O” My!

Cléry first came to prominence in the controversial movie “The Story of O” in 1975. The original book was published decades early, and is a notorious erotic novel about submission – the “50 Shades Of Gray” of its time…

She also modelled for the cover of French magazine Lui – holding a huge copy of the novel upon which the film is based! She was one of the most popular models in the 70’s…

A “Bond Girl” Too!

Cléry is also noted for playing Bond girl Corinne Dufour, antagonist Hugo Drax’s assistant, in the 1979 James Bond film “Moonraker.”

More Bond Connections!

She also starred with another Bond girl, Barbara Bach (who played Anya Amasova in “The Spy Who Loved Me”) and another Bond villain Richard Kiel (who played Bond villain Jaws) in the 1979 film “The Humanoid”.

Corinne graced the cover of many magazines in the 70’s, including one of Playboys international editions…and she was fearless in her movie choices, including this brutal thriller from 1977:

“Hitch Hike” also stars Franco Nero, and is an intense thriller about a couple who pick up the wrong hitchhiker…it’s a European film, and some of the foreign advertising was shocking for its time!

“Hitch Hike” is a great action film from he 70’s, but is full of graphic sexuality, including many shots of Clery like this:

You can read more about this obscure thriller by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/05/thumbs-up-knives-out-cult-classic-hitchhiking-exploitation/

One of Clery’s later roles was in the 1983 film “Yor, the Hunter from the Future” –

Clery hasn’t made a film in more than twenty years, but managed to achieve iconic status for her wide range of great work – in some very controversial movies…

Let me know how many of her films you’ve seen, and bravo to her for a terrific body of work!

If you want to see more “Bond girls”, how about this terrific Actress?

Caroline Munro was a great “Bond girl”, and you can see her great body of work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

Of course, the first “Bond girl” set the standard for great performances in 007 films:

Ursula Andress set the standard when she stepped out of the ocean in “Dr. No”…read all about her work here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/28/ursula-andress-or-undress-007s-first-bond-girl-60s-sex-kitten-frolicked-with-nature/

Let me know your favorite Bond girl!

Paul And Ringo’s Mini-Beatles Reunion!

This funny image is from the music video for “So Bad”, one of the playful songs from “Pipes Of Peace”. Ringo and Paul recorded together again after years apart. “Pipes” is a “debated” entry in the McCartney solo canon – some like it for the collection of pop hits it contains, while others decry the saccharine nature of some of the music…so which is it?

Let’s take a listen!

Analyzing Paul’s “Pipes!”

“Pipes Of Peace” was released in 1983, and was the follow-up to Paul’s popular “Tug of War” album, which included Paul’s poignant song to John Lennon, “Here Today.”

“Pipes” has many similarities to “Tug” – partly because some of the songs were recorded during the “Tug Of War” sessions!

More “Tug Of War” Comparisons!

As I said, many of the songs were actually recorded during the “Tug” sessions, and was originally considered for a double album release. “Pipes” was produced by George Martin, and both albums featured Paul singing two songs with other Artists. On “Tug” is was Stevie Wonder, and on “Pipes”, Paul sang twice with Michael Jackson.

(FILES) Photo dated on December 19, 1983 shows British singer Paul McCartney and US pop star Michael Jackson (R). Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world and tributes pouring for the tortured music icon revered as the “King of Pop.” AFP PHOTO (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Here are the songs on “Pipes Of Peace”, beginning with the title track:

“Pipes of Peace”

The lyrics offer up a straightforward call to peace:

“All’round The World
Little Children Being Born To The World
Got To Give Them All We Can ‘Til The War Is Won
Then Will The Work Be Done

Help Them To Learn (Help Them To Learn)
Songs Of Joy Instead Of Burn, Baby, Burn (Burn, Baby Burn)
Let Us Show Them How To Play The Pipes Of Peace
Play The Pipes Of Peace”

Here is the official music video, with Paul playing a World War 1 soldier:

Next up is the album’s biggest hit single, the duet with Michael Jackson:

“Say Say Say”

The music video was directed by Bob Giraldi, and the song became a number one hit in the US after its release in 1983.

Watch Linda ask the crowd to “step right up!” to open the video:

“The Other Me” and “Keep Under Cover” are next – two mid-tempo pop songs that are clearly album tracks but nice to listen to, then comes a song that speaks to what divides fans about this album:

“So Bad”

Some fans love the beautiful melody of “So Bad”, while others have posted comments against the song, which explodes into a syrupy sounding chorus that is highly orchestrated and very saccharine…watch the music video and decide for yourself:

Side two is up next, and it begins with the other Michael Jackson collaboration:

“The Man”

“The Man” is also a great melody that is very heavily produced.

Here is the song’s music video, covered with a lot of great home video footage. As noted on YouTube:

“Michael Jackson was invited to stay with the McCartney family during 1981, during which time he and Paul wrote ‘Say Say Say’. Rare and previously unreleased home movie footage filmed by Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney, Sussex 1981.”

Check it out:

Bravo to “JThrillington” for sharing on Youtube…fascinating behind-the-scenes material of Paul and Michael, as well as Macca’s family.

“Sweetest Little Show” and “Average Person” are next, more catchy pop clocking in under three minutes each.

“Average Person” reminds me of Paul’s standard groove – a slice of pop with a catchy beat.

“Hey Hey”

This is a song that, to me, showed Paul’s interest in experimentation, something he has done throughout his career.

This track begins with a somewhat raucous instrumental, which wouldn’t be out of place on “Back To The Egg” or “McCartney 2” – and then at 1:24 into the song, it shifts to a soft melodic groove, then back to the crunchy rock groove….

As I said, I like this kind of experimentation, which Macca had just done a couple years earlier with his electronic “McCartney 2” – also polarizing when released, now considered a masterpiece…see some of those incredible videos here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/28/mccartney-ii-paul-mccartneys-experimental-masterpiece-the-secret-stories-of-mccartney-ii/

This leads to McCartney’s unique “mashup” of “Tug Of War” AND “Pipes Of Peace”:

“Tug of Peace”

This song begins with an audio montage of voices and beats, suggesting another instrumental with a jazzy funk to it – then jumps into a “It’s a Tug Of War” chant – and Paul raps!

“It’s a tug of war
No no, your troubles cease when you learn to play the pipes of peace”

Yes, Paul talks over the chanting of the opening track to his previous album! It’s offered up with a funky bass line laid down underneath…a very unique song.
On the next track, “Tug Of Peace” Paul is clearly rapping some of the lyrics – in 1983!

“Through Our Love”

The album ends with a big love song, pure McCartney, but as with the other songs on the albums, barely three-and-a-half minutes…all of the songs are economical – set up the chorus, knock it out of the park, go home!

No “Peace” From The Critics!

While “Tug Of War” was given strong reviews, Critics didn’t feel the same way about “Pipes”:

The British magazine NME called it:

“a dull, tired and empty collection of quasi-funk and gooey rock arrangements … with McCartney cooing platitudinous sentiments on a set of lyrics seemingly made up on the spur of the moment.”

Time Has Been More Kind:

Paul released a special edition of the album in 20915, and Pitchfork Media notes that at the time of the original release:

“Some critics derided McCartney for aging gracelessly”, yet “a good listen to the album today reveals some ways it was ahead of its time.”

“Pipes Of Peace” came close to matching the commercial success of “Tug Of War”, and had two big hit singles: “Say Say Say” and the title track.

McCartney went right from recording the album to working on “Give My Regards To Broad Street”, his movie musical.

That movie didn’t do well, but Paul just kept on making music: however, next up, Paul made one of his rare mis-steps: an album with no hit singles, a very 80’s sound that for many felt out of touch with who Paul is as an Artist, and it bombed:

“Press To Play” sounds very much like the 80’s, and for some fans, didn’t sound enough like Paul.

Read all about “Press To Play” by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/24/paul-mccartneys-press-to-play-disaster-a-critical-re-examination/

Paul never slowed down, even with failure, continuing to record music – and next, he took on a writing partner as well!

Take a look at his triumphant return to form with “Flowers In The Dirt” – and his musical collaboration with Elvis Costello – by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/28/paul-mccartney-meets-elvis-costello-raucous-macca-ensues-on-flowers-in-the-dirt/

Let me know what you think of “Pipes Of Peace.”

“Nudge Nudge Wink Wink…Say No More, Say No More…”

One classic genre of movie that needs to be embraced is “Brit-sploitation” – comedies that make fun of – and embrace – the very British take on sex – because they are coming back, thanks to the digital revolution!

The Brits had a steady stream of comedic sex comedies in the 70’s, including a series that was based on books by Timothy Lea. That’s right, our friends in England grew up with a series of “sex comedies” that were based on all sort of dirty “confessions”!

In the US, the early wave of sexploitation always involved murder and mayhem, along with tons of nudity. For the Brits, their 70’s sexploitation films were comedies!

Confessions Of A Driving Instructor

This “confessions” series saw star Timothy Lea always get involved in “randy” sex romps, like this one, when he and his brother-in-law Sidney decide to open a driving school as their latest get-rich-quick scheme.

“Hey, Is That A Stick Shift, Or…?”

Cue just about any sexual innuendo you like, because that is what drove these films to success! Though he sincerely wants to teach, young Timmy finds that his female students are far more interested in keeping their eyes on him than on the road! Of COURSE they are!

Check out this vintage trailer:

See more classic clips and pics here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/09/30/confessions-of-the-sex-obsessed-british-70s-cult-sex-comedies-are-back/

And if you want to keep it “naughty” – check this out!

“We guarantee a laugh a minute in the zaniest film you’ve EVER seen!”

How can you argue with a “laugh a minute?” Especially when it’s from one of James Bond’s best Directors!

Time to look at a classic British sex comedy, shaken NOT stirred!

Here’s the plot: a scriptwriter, a producer and a director are called in by Benny Murdoch, an exotic movie producer. He wants to make a new erotic movie starring a big woman – “Eskimo Nell!”

As with all classic sex farces, there are plenty of problems. The scriptwriter is a virgin, and each of the three main big $$$ Investors want a different type of movie – one wants a western, another demands an erotic drama, and the last wants a kung-fu movie!

This is classic British sex farce, which means Monty Python-type comedy and lots of nudity! It was directed by Martin Campbell, who went on to make the great /bond film “GoldenEye”!

See more of the “Eskimo Nell” craziness here:

Sexy “Eskimo Nell”! Erotic “Keep It Up Downstairs”! Classic British Sex Comedies! James Bond’s Naughty Director!

Not all of England’s “brit-sploitation” films were comedies – one was a campy horror story!

Wait until you uncover the wacky antics of this campy cult horror class known as “Girly!” I mean, you have to celebrate a neglected horror movie that had the audacity to originally be called:

“MUMSY, SONNY, NANNY AND GIRLY!”

Yes, “Girly!” is obscure cinema of the highest order – and time to also acknowledge and appreciate British sex kitten Vanessa Howard!

Vanessa Howard starred in a number of acclaimed horror films in the early 70’s, but never achieved mainstream success…

Her big hit was the wacky film “Girly”, which Variety described as:

“A macabre combo of Disney and Hammer films!”

Adolescent brother and sister Girly and Sonny live in a decaying countryside mansion run by their Mumsy and their maid-attired Nanny – hence the original wacky title!

See more of this wackiness here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/10/15/killer-girly-sex-kitten-vanessa-howards-neglected-british-horror-thriller/

Let me know your favorite campy Brit-sploitation movies!

Shocktober Gets Bloody Naked!

As we head into day #5 of our “Shocktober” fun, I need to share a warning:

NUDITY AND CULT EROTIC HORROR AHEAD!

Yes, I need to warn you that some of the images to follow include nudity – because this story is about a time when movie studios were desperate to keep up with the times, and if a horror film was going to connect with an audience, it had to look current even if it took place in the past!

Yes, the 70’s were a time when all rules were thrown out the window as movie studios struggled to stay current…and this was how one iconic horror studio took timeless horror stories and sexed them up!

It’s Hammer Time!

Hammer films became legendary in the 50’s and 60’s by offering up vintage horror tales with Dracula, Frankenstein, and lots of medieval atmosphere!

However, by the 70’s, movie studios were amping up the sex and violence, and that meant taking a classic horror genre and spicing it up!

And guess what? It worked! Let’s look at some of Hammer’s best erotic horror films from the 70’s – the golden age of naked horror!

Celebrate Shocktober With The Karnstein Trilogy!

If you want a bit of sex and nudity along with your shocks and scares, then I have just the trilogy for you!

The Karnstein Trilogy was based loosely on J. Sheridan Le Fanu’s early vampire novella Carmilla. These three films were a major step forward for Hammer – as they showed some of the most explicit scenes of lesbianism yet seen in mainstream English language films!

The Vampire Lovers (1970) – “Taste The Deadly Passion Of The Blood-Nymphs!”

First, check out this classic movie trailer!

Here’s the simple plot: The Countess is called away to tend a sick friend – so she asks her friend the General to let her daughter Marcilla stay as a house guest. Of course, soon villagers begin dying, and the General’s daughter Laura gets weak and pale – but Marcilla is there to comfort her. Like I said, Hammer went lesbian!

Of course the villagers rebel, more people die, and there is a lot of nudity and female-on-female vampire action, thanks to Marcilla…

Marcilla: You must die! Everybody must die!

Legendary Horror Actor Peter Cushing starred in the film as well, and got to hold some fun props:

Baron Joachim von Hartog: They were all evil and remain evil after death!

They sure are…and, in trying to be more contemporary, there were plenty of scenes that allowed the Actresses the chance to “work” together:

I love the posters of this era, including this one from overseas:

After the success of “The Vampire Lovers”, another film in the series quickly followed…

Lust for a Vampire (1971)

“Welcome To The Finishing School – Where They Really DO Finish You!”

How can you argue with THAT? Check out the trailer:

In 1830, forty years to the day since the last manifestation of their dreaded vampirism, the Karnstein heirs use the blood of an innocent to bring forth the evil that is the beautiful Mircalla – or as she was in 1710, Carmilla.

The nearby Finishing School offers rich pickings not only in in the blood of nubile young ladies but also with the headmaster who is desperate to become Mircalla’s disciple. Again, lots of beautiful women taking their clothes off for the sake of horror.

The film has a cult following, and its most famous scene shows Actress Yutte Stensgaard drenched in blood and partially covered by blood-soaked rags…a good look for a horror film…

Hammer films began to showcase much more flesh to go along with the blood, which was their only way to compete against the more modern films of the time…

As good as “The Vampire Lovers” and “Lust For A Vampire” were, the masterpiece of the three was the final film in the trilogy…and as you can see from the poster, they were selling it on explicitness!

Twins of Evil (1971) – AKA “Twins Of Dracula!”

“In Old Gothic Europe They Had Two Burning Passions: Witch Hunting and Devil Worship!”

They sure do, no matter which title you use – because they used them both! Let’s check it out:

“Twins of Evil” starred Peter Cushing, along with the real-life twins and former Playboy Playmates Mary and Madeleine Collinson. Yes, the twins had been in Playboy in October, 1970 – and Hammer saw a smart commercial idea when they saw one – put them in a horror movie and make them wear lots of lingerie!

It is the third film of The Karnstein Trilogy, based on the vampire tale Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu. The film has the least resemblance to the novel and adds a witch hunting theme to the vampire story.

Much of the interest of the film revolves around the contrasting evil and good natures of two beautiful sisters, Frieda and Maria Gellhorn. Of course, all of the publicity shots focused on the twins in all their sexy glory…

The plot allowed plenty of opportunity for the girls to undress – and of course, for one of them to be EVIL…

As you can see, the twins were front and center for nudity and bloodletting…

While I love a good “nude Shocktober”, let’s not also forget it is a month for shocks, shocks, SHOCKS!

Luckily, Eli Roth remembers that, and delivered a shocking tale of cannibal horror – which was day #4 of Shocktober:

Check out this master of horror here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/04/shocktober-day-4-goes-cannibalistic-enter-the-green-inferno-ei-roths-cannibal-holocaust-homage/

And never forget that this is one of the most iconic images in horror history:

I began “Shocktober 2016” with a look at one of the most horrific movies ever made – check out the story behind “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

On this 5th day of “Shocktober 2016” – enjoy this trilogy of blood and lust as we countdown the best of “Shocktober!”

“I’m every nightmare you’ve ever had. I’m your worst dream come true. I’m everything you ever were afraid of.”

Who Likes Clowns? NO One!

It’s a very unsettling time right now, as new stories from a ross the country are reporting strange Clowns terrorizing people – is it a prank gone bad – or something worse?

News reports from all across the country are telling of bizarre and unsettling clown sightings – and pictures are all over the internet – like this:

Which brings us to Shocktober day #6 – which celebrate all the evil that Clowns represent – beginning with this guy!

It: “I’m every nightmare you’ve ever had. I’m your worst dream come true. I’m everything you ever were afraid of.”

Stephen King’s “It!”

Halloween season wouldn’t be complete without a visit from one of Stephen King’s greatest monsters!

There have been many great Stephen King movie adaptations: everything from “Carrie” to “The Shining”, and a whole bunch in between…but, with creepy clowns in the news every day, we should give credit where credit is due – King gave us the creepiest all!

In 1960, a group of social outcasts who are bullied by a gang of greasers lead by Henry Bowers are also tormented by an evil demon who can shapeshift into a clown and feed on children’s fears and kill them. He is known as Pennywise…

STEPHEN KING’S IT, Tim Curry, 1990

After defeating the demonic clown as kids, it resurfaces 30 years later and they must finish it off as adults once again. Of COURSE they do!

Tim Curry IS Pennywise!

Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role in “The Rocky Horror Show”, steals this show as well…check out the trailer…

It: “Let go. Be afraid. You all taste so much better when you’re afraid.”

On the DVD commentary track, the actors note that Tim Curry’s characterization of Pennywise was so creepy and realistic that everyone avoided him during the filming.

Tim Curry was reluctant to take the role of Pennywise initially because he didn’t relish the thought of being buried under so much makeup. When he played Darkness in Legend, it was a difficult and demanding role, and the hours in makeup was still fresh in his mind. To compromise, Tommy Lee Wallace minimized the amount of makeup on Curry, and a lot wasn’t necessary anyway because Curry’s performance was so strong.

Everyone I ask goes right to Tim Curry’s performance in “It” as one of the most unsettling they have seen…

Now, time for a different kind of KLOWN:

Killer Klowns from Outer Space!

What a camp classic! Check out the trailer!

When a small town is invaded by aliens from outer space who are capturing and killing the townspeople, no one takes them seriously. Why? The aliens all look like circus clowns, use weapons that look clown like, and all have painted on smiles!

This is a feisty little thriller with tongue in bloody cheek!

How can you argue with dialogue like this:

Debbie Stone: “We were up at “the top of the world” and we saw this shooting star and we decided to go look for it. But instead of finding the shooting star we saw this… this circus tent. And that’s when we went inside, and that is when we saw those people in those… those pink, cotton candy cocoons. Dave, it was not a circus tent. It was something else.”
Dave Hanson: “What? What?”

Mike Tobacco: “It was a space ship. And there was these things, these killer clowns, and they shot popcorn at us! We barely got away!”
Curtis Mooney: “Killer clowns, from outer space. Holy shit!”

And it’s got Dean Wormer from “Animal House!”

Campy, fun and timeless, and these clowns still look like Klowns you don’t want to wake up to!

“Killer Klowns From Outer Space” is regarded as a cult classic for campy clown films.

Of course, there is so much more to enjoy in “Shocktober”, like this classic haunted house movie! See the trailer for “The Changeling” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

If you like your horror with more of an “erotic” twist, well I have you covered – in blood!

See this incredible trilogy of erotic horror here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/05/shocktober-day-5-gets-bloody-and-naked-lust-for-a-vampire-erotic-horror-trilogy/

Finally, if you need a little cannibal action this Halloween, I’ve got you covered as well:

Enter Eli Roth’s shocking “Green Inferno” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/04/shocktober-day-4-goes-cannibalistic-enter-the-green-inferno-ei-roths-cannibal-holocaust-homage/

Enjoy Shocktober day #6 – Pennywise demands it!

Meet The Fiery Horror Of “The Wicker Man!”

As The Beatles once said: “number nine, number nine, number nine…”

On this 9th day of Shocktober 2016, let’s celebrate the Halloween season with a horrific story of sacrifice – “Wicker Man” style!

“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!

The film builds tension and horror throughout, until the fiery shock ending is revealed…bravo “Wicker Man!”

During this “Shocktober” season, let’s celebrate this incredible bizarre and creepy thriller – and remember:

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

Bravo to “The Wicker Man” – and if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

Enjoy your Shocktober!

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

Shocktober 2016 is off to a great start!

Thanks everyone for reading my first ten posts of the month – it’s Halloween season, and every day I am sharing another “Shocktober” classic!

Day #1 got off to a rousing start with “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – you can read some great trivia about this seminal film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

For day #2, I offered up the legendary Actor George C. scott is a terrific haunted house movie:

See the classic spooky trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

I kept it on the classics the first few days, which leads to America’s favorite “Scream Queen!”

Jaime Lee Curtis starred in what many feel is the greatest “Halloween” movie ever – because, well it is called “Halloween!”

I offered up some fun trivia on the film, which you can see here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/03/shocktober-day-3-screams-halloween-scream-queen-jamie-lee-curtis/

Eli Roth paid homage to one of the world’s most shocking films on day #4 – the “under-stated” horror classic:

Read about Roth’s terrific “The Green Inferno” AND the court case brought against the makers of “Cannibal Holocaust” all right here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/04/shocktober-day-4-goes-cannibalistic-enter-the-green-inferno-ei-roths-cannibal-holocaust-homage/

I needed a break from “shocking” – so I went with a different kind of Halloween thrill:

Yes, there are some great Halloween movies that also featured naked Vampires! See all you need to see right here!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/05/shocktober-day-5-gets-bloody-and-naked-lust-for-a-vampire-erotic-horror-trilogy/

This Halloween season, a real life creepiness is underway – real creepy clown sightings!

I look at this troubling phenomenon – as well as the greatest clown horror films around – right here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/06/real-shocking-creepy-clowns-killer-klowns-shocktober-day-6-is-it-pennywise-is-torn-from-todays-headlines/

Of course, some movies are “great” films, but boy, are they wildly entertaining!

“Pieces” is certainly not a perfect film, but the blu-ray includes a bonus documentary about New York’s notorious 42nd street of the 70’s – see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/07/shocktober-day-7-pieces-of-cult-80s-bloody-halloween-2016-horror/

Back to some classic horror films – one of the best is this one:

“Rosemary’s Baby” is also known as the movie Frank Sinatra divorced Mia Farrow over! Find out why here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

For day #9 of Shocktober, I decided to highlight one of the most iconic – and bizarre – horror films from the early 70’s:

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

Yes, Christopher Lee has a really big “Wicker Man” behind him – and click on my story to find out why:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/09/shocktober-day-9-the-burning-horror-of-the-wicker-man/

Finally, on day ten I celebrated my friend Sasha Grey’s bloody horror thriller:

Spend The Night With Count Dracula!

Don’t wait, you can win a night at Vlad’s place! Yes, Dracula’s castle – the real life home to Vlad the Impaler, will have overnight guests this Halloween, the first time since 1948 that anyone has slept in the Transylvanian fortress!

According to the Associated Press:

“The site’s actual name is Bran Castle, and two people will get to sleep there Oct. 31 thanks to a promotion by Airbnb. The guests will be wined and dined, then left alone to lie down in red velvet-trimmed coffins just as Dracula did in the Bram Stoker horror novel that popularized the legend.

The castle is famous for its connection to Vlad the Impaler, a real-life prince who stayed there in the 15th century and had a cruel habit of using stakes to impale his victims. Vlad inspired Stoker’s story of Count Dracula.”

I came across this great contest at the website for the Napa Valley Register newspaper, which really does “cover the world!”

Read the whole story here:

http://napavalleyregister.com/travel/here-s-how-you-can-win-a–night-stay/article_7e8e85eb-4e8f-5a24-9e43-80545c0e0e0a.html

How much fun would it be to see Translyvania from this place:

If it makes you yearn for some good “Dracula” movies, well I have a bit of a sexy twist for you!

Countess Dracula!

Here is an example of a modern take on a classic tale, and all ready of you to view on this 18th day of Shocktober!

Like all vintage Hammer horror, the plot is simple but effective: In medieval Europe aging Countess Elisabeth rules harshly with the help of lover Captain Dobi. Hammer scored big with sex kitten Ingrid Pitt, who was not only a great actress but a great beauty as well!

So an evil Countess – how to make it erotic? Easy! The Countess realizes that washing in the blood of young girls makes her young again!

“Washing In The Blood Of Young Girls” Indeed!

“Erotic horror” was Hammer’s attempt to stay relevant, and “Countess Dracula” and was a big hit that offered up lots of nudity and gore! All of this led to what many consider to be Hammer’s greatest achievement:So enter to spend the night in Dracula’s castle, enjoy some “Countess Dracula”, and see all of my first ten films of Shocktober by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/12/the-first-ten-days-of-shocktober-chainsaws-naked-vampires-scream-queens-clowns-galore/

I love the Halloween season – so many great horror films to enjoy – and some unique ones as well:

“Fascination” is just one of French Director Jean Rollin’s unique shockers – check them all out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/15/living-dead-girl-shocktober-day-15-swings-a-bloody-scythe-a-shocking-fascination/

Enjoy your halloween – and sweet dreams!

Here is the new look of horror – and a great way to celebrate “Shocktober 2016!”

All Hail New Horror Master Ben Wheatley!

If you don’t know Director Ben Wheatley, you need to in a hurry! His fourth film just won a special jury prize, and it’s a new way to make an unsettling horror film!

First, a bit about the Director:

British Director Ben Wheatley got his start doing commercials and music videos, then made several acclaimed viral videos for the web. That led to him getting the opportunity to direct features. He is a bold new talent emerging from the UK, with a distinctive style, and a twisted sense of humor!

Let’s look at his first three films quickly – all are largely overlooked here in the US, but were critical hits in England: In May 2009 he directed the feature film “Down Terrace” in eight days; it won the Next Wave prize at Fantastic Fest in Austin and Best UK Feature at Raindance in London.

Here’s the trailer:

The plot is very straightforward: A crime family looks to unmask the police informant in their midst who threatens to take down their business. It’s to Wheatley’s credit that he created a critically-acclaimed film with no time or money…

Next up is a very dark and twisted tale of revenge, murder and madness!

Kill List

“I fucking hate dirty soap.”

Nearly a year after a botched job, a hit man takes a new assignment with the promise of a big payoff for three killings. What starts off as an easy task soon unravels, sending the killer into the heart of darkness.

Here’s the trailer!

This film was released “unrated” for a reason – it’s a violent, dark and twisted thriller that doesn’t pull a punch!

It is also a horror movie of incredible intensity – see more about the film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/19/kill-list-director-ben-wheatleys-shocking-thriller-brilliant-hit-man-horror/

And speaking of not pulling punches:

Sightseers

“Police are pursuing a ginger-faced man and an angry woman…”

Boy, are they ever! Check out the trailer!

His next movie was a perverse black comedy about two lovers who travel the British countryside, killing anyone who gets in their way…as you can see by the trailer, it’s a British “Badlands meets Natural Born Killers!”

All of this led to his next film = a low budget, black-and-white meditation on horror:

A Field In England!

Friend: You think about a thing before you touch it, am I right?
Whitehead: Is that not usual?
Friend: Not in Essex.

Check out the trailer!

Here’s the plot: fleeing for their lives, a small party abandon their Civil War confederates and escape through an overgrown field. Thinking only of what lay behind, they are ambushed by two dangerous men and made to search the field.

Psychedelia, madness and chaotic forces slowly overtake the group as they question what treasure lies within the malignant field.

Wheatley’s latest movie was the terrific “High Rise” – which is currently available on demand and Blu-ray – another terrific thriller.

if you are in the mood for more classic horror, then nothing beats this:

Yes, the film that made Frank Sinatra divorce Mia Farrow! Check out the story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/08/shocktober-day-8-satans-spawn-rosemarys-baby-shocks-mia-farrows-marriage/

It’s been a full “Shocktober 2016” already, and if you missed any, head to my home page to find all of them, like this subtle shocker:

Yes, one of the cinema’s most shocking films – with very little blood! Read the behind-the-scenes stories of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/01/shocktober-is-here-31-days-of-horror-day-1-slices-up-the-texas-chainsaw-massacre/

There are more subtle films as well, still effective horror films, like this one:

Legendary Actor George C. Scott brings gravitas to this great horror film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/02/shocktober-2016-haunted-house-the-changeling-spooks-day-2/

If you want something more shocking, I’ve got a good for you as well:

Try this great modern horror film, “High Tension”, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/23/shoctober-day-23-stabs-you-with-high-tension-and-a-switchblade-romance/

Lots of great horror for Halloween, including many from Ben Wheatley!

So check out this “Field In England” and get your experimental Shocktober going!

Having A Good Shocktober 2016?

As you can see, Ernest Borgnine doesn’t like rats, but he’s just frightened by how much fun this Halloween season has been so far!

Shocktober 2016 is counting down to Halloween night, and here is a look at some of this month’s movies:

“Godzilla” Is Back!

Yep, the new “Godzilla: Resurgence” film is out, so you can see the big guy on the big screen! Check out the new trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/11/shocktober-day-11-godzilla-is-back-with-a-resurgence-new-monster-go-go-godzilla/

If you want to see some classic cult horror, then gnaw on this film:

Not only was “Willard” a big hit, but Michael Jackson sang the theme song for the sequel “Ben!”

See Jackson’s live performance on the Academy Awards by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/12/willard-shocktober-day-12-smells-a-rat-ben-gnaws-at-your-horror-bone/

On the 13th day of Shocktober, I naturally focused on the most famous “13” of all:

See the trailer for the first “Friday the 13th” film – with a very young Kevin Bacon, by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/13/friday-the-13th-shocktober-day-13-goes-to-bloody-crystal-lake-friday-the-13th-monster-jason-voorhees/

On the 14th day of Shocktober, I took you overseas for some bloody Italian “gallo” films:

These slasher films are bloody good fun for Halloween – here are a bunch of options:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/14/shocktober-day-14-is-a-locked-room-of-slashing-giallo/

I also stopped by France to share with you a moody, nudity-drenched horror film:

French Director Jean Rollin made some great horror films, see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/15/living-dead-girl-shocktober-day-15-swings-a-bloody-scythe-a-shocking-fascination/

Back in the US, I took a bloody good ride on the “Terror Train”:

This early 80’s classic stars scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis – check out the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/16/shocktober-day-16-rides-a-bloody-terror-train-scream-queen-jamie-lee-curtis-slices-the-rails/

Here’s a different kind of scream queen – a naked one with a tail!

This dark norwegian horror film is a gem – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/17/shocktober-horrific-day-17-with-a-tail-shocking-thale-and-bonus-troll-hunter/

Also, a big contest this Halloween season – want to spend Halloween night in Dracula’s castle?

Fill up these caskets, thanks to a great AirBNB contest to stay overnight in Vlad the Impaler’s castle! Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/18/win-the-chance-to-sleep-in-count-draculas-castle-countess-dracula-bites-on-shocktober-day-18/

If creepy accommodations are your thing, then you’ll want to hang out with Jessica, who has some “wet” friends coming over to visit her:

See the creepy “Let’s Scare Jessica To Death” trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/19/shocktober-day-19-scares-jessica-to-death-eerie-psychological-horror/

Now, from the sublime to the raucous!

Checkout Linnea Quigley and “Hollywood Chainsaw Hookers!”

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/20/shocktober-20th-linnea-quigleys-naked-living-dead-dance-plus-chainsaw-hookers/

If you missed any of the first ten days of Shocktober, then see the list here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/10/12/the-first-ten-days-of-shocktober-chainsaws-naked-vampires-scream-queens-clowns-galore/

Happy Halloween!

Goodbye Uwe!

Uwe Boll, the legendary Director behind several video game-to-film adaptations – like “Alone in the Dark”, “Postal” and “BloodRayne” – has shocked the movie world by announcing that he’s retiring from filmmaking!

Umm….that’s right, Boll left the Director’s chair with a one-fingered salute to the movie business!

Boll is a true renegade – a feisty filmmaker who has battled critics and fans over the years – for what many say are among the worst movies ever made.

And when I say “battled”:

Yes, the Director actually challenged Critics to a boxing match to settle their differences, and ended up knocking out four of them! He’s a guy who likes to fight back, as evidenced by his last film:

Rampage: President Down!

According to Metro News, Boll’s last film will be “Rampage: President Down”, with the director saying his politically-minded films just aren’t making an impact.

“Rampage 3 will be watched on Netflix, DVD or iTunes or whatever,” he said.

Check out the trailer:

Toronto’s Metro News also reports:

“Boll went so far as to say the “market is dead,” noting that “with streaming everywhere there is just a big wave of movies flooding around and you have no impact.” He also highlighted the drastic decline in DVD and Blu-ray sales over the past few years as “the real reason” he’s retiring, adding, “I just cannot afford to make movies.”

The director also addressed how he has been self-financing for over a decade now, saying “I never had people giving me money.” Last year Boll launched his third crowdfunding campaign, which failed to get the support he was seeking.”

The Human ATM!

The Toronto Metro goes on to report that the Director was funding all his movies!

“I’ve been using my money since 2005 and if I hadn’t made the stupid video game based movies I would never have amalgamated the capital so I could say, ‘Let’s make the Darfur movie,'” he added. “I don’t need a Ferrari, I don’t need a yacht. I invested in my own movies and I lost money.”

Boll said he hopes more people will discover and watch his prior films, which he believes “made sense and said a point about things” and “deserve to be discussed bigger than they were.”

With that in mind, time to discover THIS Uwe Boll film:

Bloodrayne!

Boll had a good run by adapting vieogames into awful films….check out the trailer:

Boll continued his streak with the horrific adaptation of “Alone In The Dark:”

Alone In The Dark

As you can see, Boll had movie stars in his films, and many of them were successful…check out the trailer:

Unfortunately, many Critics called these among the worst films of all time.

If you really want to see the full scope of Uwe Boll’s work, then this is the film you must see:

Blubberella!

Um….look at the trailer:

Well then….

As you can see, Boll is an aggressive, “in your face” Filmmaker who isn’t afraid to offend. So, are his films as bad as many have said?

Sure, but he directed dozens of movies, some of which got some good reviews, and he just kept rolling film on dozens of films, so let’s give him credit.

His independent filmmaking will be missed!

We should celebrate those renegade moviemakers who bring their passion projects to life – like this!

The Legendary Andy Milligan!

Sure, this Director was behind the classic “Fleshpot On 42nd Street” – and this classic as well:

These are films that MUST BE EXPERIENCED! Check them all out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/13/fleshpots-rats-cranium-cleaving-color-meet-andy-milligan-sexploitations-ed-wood/

Was Milligan the worst film Director of all time? Well, the maker of this film would choose to differ:

“Hands! The Hands Of Fate!”

What? Well, “Manos” means “hands”, so the film is indeed titled…well, you get it. A truly awful film that you can see here:

“Manos: Hands Of Fate” Is Here! Celebrate The Worst Of The Worst Films!

Finally, another film was released recently that also laid claim to “worst of all time”:

The amazing “Birdemic” is also “worst film of all time”contender, and you can see it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/15/birdemic-brilliant-shocker-or-worst-movie-ever-who-will-survive-watching-it/

And even some great people get involved in really bad films – say for example, Steve Martin:

No matter how much he yells, Martin can never erase that he was in this movie:

Ouch! The Beatles were not honored by this film! See it here:

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

Let me know your favorite Uwe Boll movie!

Time To Grab A Book And Read!

I spent the entire month of October highlighting horror films, so let’s get into November with some great Writers who deserve to get some attention as well!

Time For Great “Nordic Noir!”

Norwegian Author Jo Nesbo has published a number of best-selling novels, but his series of Harry Hole Detective novels are classic “Nordic Noir”: dark, moody thrillers with a flawed Protagonist…Harry Hole is his version of “Dirty Harry.”

Here is a look at all of Nesbo’s great work:

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

Jussi Adler-Olsen is a terrific Danish Writer, who created a series of great crime novels around “Department Q”:

These novels are terrific – with lots of interesting political insight into that part of the world…take a look at his Department Q thrillers here:

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

Time to share my favorite Author of all time – the mad Hippie of the 60’s who delivered decades of wonderful books like this:

“Trout Fishing In America” is Richard Brautigan’s masterpiece, but he did so much more…here is a look at some of his greatest work:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/22/watermelons-babylon-and-trout-fishing-in-america-the-brilliant-richard-brautigan/

Another legendary Writer is the iconic Charles Bukowski, who used his real life as a postal worker – and notorious drinker – to his advantage:

Bukowski’s book are profane, angry, and brilliant….see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/09/barfly-tales-of-sex-alcohol-the-post-office-brilliant-writer-charles-bukowski/

Oh, and speaking of profane and brilliant:

Yes, the master of them all: the late Hunter S. Thompson! He not only wrote the seminal “Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas”, he lived the wildest life a Writer could hope for – oh, and he interviewed fellow wild man Keith Richards!

Thanks to the internet, this mad exchange exists to watch! Check out the whole story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/02/08/amazing-gonzo-tv-the-legendary-hunter-s-thompson-keith-richards-interview/

There you go, now READ!