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.”

Shocking news out of Hollywood today: a great Director has passed away…

Curtis Hanson, a great Director with a number of great films, has died. The director of “L.A Confidential” won, along with Brian Helgeland, the Adapted Screenplay Oscar for that classic slice of film noir.

According to Variety, Hanson was found dead in his Hollywood Hills home on Tuesday afternoon, a spokesperson with the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed. He was 71.

Variety reports:

“The official said paramedics responded to a call of an unconscious man at Hanson’s home at about 4:52 p.m. on Tuesday. He was pronounced dead at the scene. According to TMZ, which first reported the news, it appears as though Hanson died of a heart attack; while the LAPD spokesperson could not confirm that specific information, he said Hanson died of “natural causes.”

In the 1980’s Hanson directed cult films like the Hitchcock-ian “The Bedroom Window”, starring Elizabeth McGovern and Steve Guttenberg. It’s a great B-movie…

He also made the B-movie classic “The Hand That Rocks The Cradle.” This triller starred Julianne Moore in one of her early breakout hits…he also directed Meryl Streep in an action movie!

After a career making art films and serious dramas, Streep turned to Hanson to direct her in the riveting action thriller “The River Wild.” He gave her a chance to show female empowerment in what could have been a routine “woman in peril” thriller.

Of course, one of the great film noir is the brilliant “L.A. Confidential”, which looked at police corruption in Los Angeles and earned Kim Basinger a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

“The Wonder Boys”

Hanson gave Robert Downey Jr a role in “The Wonder Boys, an insightful drama starring Michael Douglas. Downey was going through personal issues at the time, and this film reminded Hollywood that he was a terrific Actor.

Hanson also directed Eminem’s film debut, “8 Mile.”

As you can see, he was a terrific Director across a wide variety of film genres, and was known to be a great person as well. This is indeed sad news…

RIP Curtis!

If I want more peace in the world
Then I must make peace with myself

Time to look at “2nd Wind”, which was Todd Rundgren’s thirteenth solo studio album, and as always, Todd came up with a unique way of recording the album. It followed the release of one of his most acclaimed records.

Todd’s previous album, “Nearly Human” almost cracked the top 100, and “The Want Of A Nail” was a #15 hit on “Mainstream Rock” charts. It was hailed by critics and fans alike as one of this many masterpieces. Here is a look at that classic:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/26/todd-rundgren-is-nearly-human-todds-6-fingered-masterpiece/

As with its predecessor, “Nearly Human”, Rundgren chose to record “2nd Wind” ‘live’ with a full band, as opposed to playing all of the instruments himself.

That’s right: once again Todd chose a unique recording method for the album – “2nd Wind” was a collection of new songs recorded in studio live.

The album was recorded at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, California. The album kicks off with one of my favorite Todd songs:

“Change Myself”

The album begins with a great song that showcase a more reflective Todd:

“I want to change the world
I want to make it well
How can I change the world
When I can’t change myself
Try again tomorrow
I’d love to change your mind
Capture your citadel
How could I change your mind

If I can’t change myself
Try again tomorrow”

Take a look at the music video:

Thanks to kruegerVP | Visual Production – who posted this on Youtube with this note:

“My first collaboration with Todd Rundgren (1990), this was the first all 3D computer animated music video.”

Todd was really into video and computer animation – and I own one of these!

Yes, a VHS of the recording sessions – a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the album! I also own this, which is a collection that has some of the album’s material on it as well…

And thanks to “HarryRunt danu” for this – the next three songs on the album from that terrific BTS/performance clip!

“Love Science” / “Who’s Sorry Now?” / “The Smell of Money”

Here is a look at these three songs in order – the first two classic Todd songs, the third from a unique source…first, take a look:

Bravo to “HarryRunt danu” for sharing this great BTS/perfomrance video on Youtube! Now, as for “The Smell Of Money”…

The album includes three songs (“The Smell of Money”, “If I Have to Be Alone” and “Love in Disguise”) written for Rundgren’s musical version of the Joe Orton play/screenplay “Up Against It.” Here is the list of songs from that project:

The full suite of Todd’s songs for the musical was released as an album only in Japan. A more upbeat version of the song “Parallel Lines” also appeared on “Nearly Human”.

“If I Have to Be Alone” and “Love in Disguise” are next, both from “Up Against It”…here is a beautiful live version from 2012 of “If I Have To Be Alone”, which begins as a soft ballad and then builds into a mighty crescendo…you can imagine how powerful it would be if performed on a Broadway stage:

“Kindness” and “Public Servant” are next, then a beautiful, spiritual song:

“Gaya’s Eyes”

“Gaya’s crying, cant you hear her crying
Like a whisper, oh so very soft and low
If you listen, underneath the status quo
Will she still be friends and once again
Pardon our ignorance?
Can we make amends so near the end?
Is there no second chance?

No one hears when Gaya cries
No one cares to wonder why
Cant they see the tears in Gaya’s eyes?
Gaya’s crying (yes she is)”

Here is the live version from the recording sessions – audio only – but you can really hear the perfect balance of orchestra and Utopia backup singing….

“Second Wind”

The album ends with the title track, an inspiring song that speaks to his looking forward:

“Old rocking chair
It beckons you like a junkie’s needle
Start thinking feeble
Cowardly lion
The special today is karma yoga
Glued to the sofa
Where was I when we lost power?
Where was I when lies were spoken?
Where was I when evil snuck in?
Where was I when hope was choking?
A spy in the house
Someday one of the kids may catch us cussing
Then turn us in
Family ties
They used to be colors in a rainbow
Now we fly solo
Give me back the passion flower
Give me back the nonconsumer
Give me back my lack of reason
Give me back my sense of humor
Blow like cyclone my second wind
Blow like typhoon my second wind
Blow like tempest my second wind”

Here is Todd performing it live with the Metropole Orchestra in 2012:

Always a believer in cutting-edge technology, Todd used the video for the album’s only single, “Change Myself,” as a showcase for the NewTek Video Toaster, a desktop video card for the Commodore Amiga computer.

Here’s a look at how Todd created some of Apple’s first graphics!

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/10/todd-rundgrens-early-ipad-invention-todds-itablet-graphic-flowfazer/

Todd spent a lot of time in the 80’s at the forefront of the video revolution. He also turned out great albums as well.

“2nd Wind” was released in 1991 and reached number one-hundred and eighteen on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Reports at the time said that Todd grew tired of the label’s insistence that he include more “single worthy” songs on his albums.

Todd wouldn’t release an album with a record label again for more than a decade, until 2004’s “Liars.”

Instead, Todd continued to explore new musical avenues, including interactivity!

Here is a look at Todd’s “No World Order” album that followed:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/11/07/todd-rundgren-is-the-individualist-todds-no-world-order-tr-i-todd-gets-interactive/

Let me know what your favorite song is from “2nd Wind!”

Behold The “Hamdog!”

If you love hamburgers – AND you love hot dogs – well, then it’s time to bite down hard on this:

This story has broken all over the internet in the past day, and here is how The Huffington Post has reported on it:

Inventor Mark Murray said he had the idea back in 2004 while vacationing with his wife in Nashville.

“I grabbed a burger and a hot dog as I was really hungry. I was sitting in the car eating them both at the same time and my wife was looking at me like I was an idiot,” Mark Murray told CNBC.

The Huffington Post has more:

“Murray, who lives in Perth, Australia, took his idea to the Australian “Shark Tank” show, only to be rejected by investors.

However, social media attention has caused the product to “pretty much explode worldwide,” Murray told CNBC.

The hamdog sells for $8 at fairs in Australia – and her is the easy recipe:

Make a very unique bun and add the beef patty – with space cut out for the hot dog – then load it up with lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, mustard, ketchup and mayonnaise.

Boom!

As you can see, it’s a phenomenon in Australia, and should soon be one in the US as well.

The most amazing thing about the hamdog might be how it’s made.

“At the moment there is a fair bit of labor involved in making the buns because they’re made by people, not machines,” Murray told News.com.au. “We’re still developing a way to semi automate production.”

Here is the video showing you how one is made – enjoy!

Many folks have mashed up a burger and a hot dog, but this is the first time I’ve seen a specially created bun for it!

Now, for lovers of all food mashups, let’s not forget this:

Remember this “hot dog pizza”? Now that’s a mashup you can fall in love with! Check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/08/01/the-garlic-meat-beast-potato-mayonaise-pizzas-wacky-fast-food/

Many lovers of the hot dog were stunned to see KFC get into the game:

KFC “Doubled Down” with their hot dog – served inside of a bent chicken patty bun!

See the recipe here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/01/26/kfcs-unbelievable-double-down-hot-dog-see-the-pictures-double-down-mania-goes-footlong/

Bravo to the “Hamdog” and let’s see when it shows up in the US!

“readin’ writing’ and radiation.”

Bravo to one of the great movie taglines of all time! Exploitation fans are well aware of the cult classic “The Class Of Nuke ’em High”, and you should know that Troma released their latest sequel, “Return To Nuke ’em High” two years ago!

If you need to be reminded of how great it was, here is a trailer in all its wacky glory!

Prepare For ‘Vol. 2’!”

In pure Troma fashion, founder Lloyd Kaufman devised a way to turn his film into a two-part masterpiece, much like “Hunger Games: Mockingjay 1 & 2.”

That’s right: “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2” is almost here! First, let’s tease you a bit. Here is the trailer:

Bring Lloyd Home!

Well, if not your actual house, how about movie theater in your town?

Lloyd wants to come to your city to personally screen his latest opus for you! That’s right, if you can get your local movie theater to screen “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2”, Lloyd’s willing to come to town and watch it with you and all of your Tromatic fans!

UNDATED – Photo of Lloyd and the Cretins, photo from the making of RTNH Vol. 1 Return to Nuke Em High Volume 1-HANDOUT Photo Courtesy of Mayfair Theatre

Support Independent Art!

As always, Troma must kick and scratch their way into movie theaters, because the mega chains are more interested in showing “Suicide Squad” on all twenty screens…but when fans cry out and show their support, Troma gets their due – and don’t you want to see THIS on a big screen?

There are a number of ways you can support Lloyd and his Tromatic bunch…most importantly, go to their website and buy some great movies like this!

You can also subscribe to their youtube channel and get some great movies there as well…see all of your options here:

http://www.troma.com

Don’t forget some of the great films you’ve seen because of Lloyd:

Get Social!

Make sure to follow Lloyd and all of the Troma force on Twitter:

@lloydkaufman

@Troma_Team

@tromacathy

@TromaArmy

Troma is the longest-running independent film company in America – thanks in part to this guy:

“The Toxic Avenger” is Troma’s masterwork…there is no way anyone can make it better….well, unless you happen to have made THIS:

That’s right, “The Toxic Avenger” is being remade by the Co-Director Of “Sausage Party!” Read the entire story here:

http://deadline.com/2016/09/the-toxic-avenger-remake-sausage-party-co-director-conrad-vernon-storyscape-entertainment-1201814509/

Some of you read my story about how my wife, Alex, co-created the Troma character “Dolphinman” with James Gunn, the Director of “Guardians Of The Galaxy”…

We met James at the Cannes Film Festival when he was working with Lloyd, and Dolphinman began as a skit on “Sex On The Riviera” for E! You can read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/04/james-gunn-the-origin-of-tromas-dolphinman-wrestlers-v-zombies-new-tromatic-classics/

If all of this makes you want more Troma movies, well, I’ve got a list of some of the greatest of all time, like this:

Here is my list of Tromatc masterpieces – see how many you already own:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/02/11/tromas-top-ten-the-tromatic-classics-unveiled/

You must click on the story to see if this made the list:

Make sure to reach out to Troma and get “Return To Nuke ’em High Vol. 2” in your town!

Charlton Heston’s Classic Science Fiction Trifecta!

Movie fans know that one of the industry’s great movie stars was Charlton Heston – everything from “Ben Hur” to a trio of science fiction films that are as great today as when they were released!

Let’s begin with one of the greatest – and most influential – science fiction films ever made!

“Planet Of The Apes!”

This is an enduring classic: Astronauts crash land on a hostile planet – that is run by apes!

Here is the trailer for this 1968 film:

There are so many incredible moments in this film, including one of film’s most shocking endings of all time! You can read more about this classic by clicking here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/10/planet-of-the-apes-classic-science-fiction-charlton-hestons-masterpiece/

Three years later, Heston returned to science fiction with an adaptation of one of the most successful novels of all time:

“The Omega Man!”

In 1971, Heston’s next science fiction classic was released, based on the iconic 1954 novel “I Am Legend” by Richard Matheson.

Check out the trailer:

The plot is a science fiction classic: Dr. Robert Neville is the only survivor of an apocalyptic war waged with biological weapons. The resulting plague leaves him as “the last man alive” – or so he thinks!

Of course, he ISN’T alone – and soon finds himself in a battle with mutated kinda-zombies in a battle to survive…

According to the terrific website IMDB, Charlton Heston had read the original novel on an airplane, and wanted to make it into a new film….without knowing this:

Heston was unaware that the book had already been made into a film in 1964 called “The Last Man on Earth”, starring another movie legend, Vincent Price.

“You know the old song? If you were the only girl in the world, and I was the only boy, well, okay, but until then, don’t bother me? Well, I guess I’m the only boy…”

One of the interesting social aspects of this 1971 film: Heston has a love affair with an African-American woman in the film – another survivor he meets…a love affair that was eyebrow-raising at that time!

Bravo to all concerned for including this socially-daring casting – inter-racial romance was somewhat taboo in 1971, and I like that their race isn’t discussed int he film – it was natural to assume that the last man and last woman would become romantically involved – their race was never discussed – it was treated as normal, which certainly wasn’t the case at the time…

“Soylent Green” – A Pop Culture Icon!

Two years later, Heston starred in one of science fiction’s enduring classics – and a classic punch line!

Here is the classic trailer for the film, showing life in New York City in 2022!

As you saw in the trailer, by the year 2022, Earth is overpopulated and polluted; our nation is kept alive by new kind of food, provided by Soylent Industries. But is this food REALLY plankton from the oceans?

When an Executive is murdered, a tough NY Detective investigates, and discovers the disturbing secret of the ingredient used to manufacture Soylent Green!

Wait, Soylent Green Is WHAT?!?!?!?!?!

Yes, there’s a secret ingredient in this little green wafers…an ingredient that has become a pop culture phenomenon!

“Soylent Green Is People!”

Sorry if you REALLY didn’t already know, but it is one of the funniest punch lines that lives on from this science fiction classic – you find this line used on T-Shirts, restaurant billboards and more – but here is something about the film that you might not know:

“Soylent Green” Is The Origin Of “Green Day!”

A sign saying “Tuesday is Soylent Green Day” appears in the film. Some people suggest that this inspired the name of the rock band Green Day. The font on the store-front window matches the ones that are used on Green Day’s “Uno”, “Dos”, and “Tres” albums!

So there you have it, Charlton Heston’s “perfect storm” of science fiction classics, all available on demand and blu-ray for you to enjoy!

Jennifer Aniston’s Chronic Dry Eye Problem!

I’m not making fun of her at all, but the “dry eye” ad hosted by Jennifer Aniston is SO serious, SO reflective, that I honestly wondered if she was part-owner of the company. WHY would she do a “dry eye” ad, no matter how much it was a problem of her?

The I remembered: MONEY!

“The Soul Is In The Bowl!”

Thanks for that Smokey Robinson, this just proved my point – celebrities have always been willing to endorse products – and since Smokey is a legendary singer, I look to him to guide my packaged food choices as well…especially when it comes to “down home pot roast” – and for a good night’s sleep, look no further than Raquel Welch:

Wacky Celebrity Endorsements!

Well, a Raquel Welch full body pillow that is! I don’t know who comes up with this stuff, but it must work!

Full disclosure: I am doing almost no research here: these are just pictures, found online, of wacky products that have been advertised by celebrities…why they did it is not my concern – it is only the inanity of the promotion itself thats worth sharing…so share I will.

As you can see, this isn’t anything new: even legendary Humphrey Bogart shilled – in this case, for a nice box of chocolates.

And her’s another one of America’s greatest Actors – well, at least when it comes to staying in shape:

It makes sense that Stallone would promote a fitness product – you know, like PUDDING, but another healthy guy, Hulk Hogan, seems to have gone in a different direction altogether:

The Wacky World Of Celebrity Endorsements!

I guess The Hulk needs to do some carbo-loading, so why shouldn’t you?

As you can see, celebrities have endorsed all kinds of things, and you can draw your own conclusions as to their motivation:

This seems to have been the inspiration behind “Lost In Translation”, the brilliant film where Bill Murray is an action star who travels to Japan to do a whiskey ad…nothing wrong with making a few bucks, and there are a lot of celebrities doing just that:

Wait, wait, wait, WHAT? Can that be real? Apparently so, but again, who knows what motivates a celebrity like Ozzy Osborne to stand behind the wonders of fake butter.

Speaking of food, there is also a subset of people online who seem to find celebrities EATING to be a fascinating image to share:

Don’t ask. SERIOUSLY, DON’T ASK. I have no idea why there is a photo of Robert Plant eating messy ice cream cone. but it exists, along with many, many others…

Click here to see more of those wacky photos!

https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/18/hilarious-internet-trend-celebrities-play-with-their-food-sex-bacon-bikinis-elvis-tasty-pics-of-the-stars/

Let me know which of these is your favorite!

RIP To “The Godfather Of Gore”!

Just another day on set for Herschel Gordon Lewis! He was a superb Marketer, who published many books on the subject – and yet will always be remembered by exploitation movie fans as “The Godfather Of Gore!”

Why? Well, here’s a clue:

“Nothing So Appalling In The Annals Of Horror!”

Talk about truth in advertising! This film IS appalling – but a milestone in cinema history as well! “Blood Feast” is considered one of the greatest exploitation achievements – daring to shock audiences in a way no one else had at the time!

In 1964, this film SHOCKED the world with its depiction of bloody violence and sexual situations – take a look at the classic trailer, which you are told right at the top, is:

“Truly One Of The Most Unusual Ever Filmed!”

Yep, this is the first time anyone dared to film such mayhem and madness. Flaunting all movie codes, Lewis made “Blood Feast” for around $50,000 – and it grossed millions! Yes, it’s not a great movie, but in a really fun way to watch – and at the time, it really blew the doors off grindhouse theaters across the country!

The plot is simple: A crazy Egyptian caterer named “Ramses” collects body parts from young maidens in order to bring Ishtar, an ancient goddess of good and evil back to life. And he does it with VERY BIG EYES!

This film was a shocking sensation, thanks to some very clever marketing. Legendary Grindhouse Producer David F. Friedman came up with some very effective publicity stunts for “Blood Feast”, which included giving moviegoers vomit bags reading:

“You may need this when you see ‘Blood Feast'”!

Lewis went on to make another classic exploitation film soon after:

“Gruesomely Stained In Blood Color!”

“Two Thousand Maniacs” is also a classic 60’s exploitation film. As you can see, Lewis was a master at marketing shock to audiences across the country – and he built himself a fan base that lasted for decades!

Lewis made a slew of classic exploitation in the 60’s and 70’s – films with titles like “She Devils On Wheels”, “The Wizard Of Gore” and “The Gore Gore Girls”, and even a film called “Something Weird”:

A terrific Seattle-based home video company used that for their business title, and released a number of great Lewis exploitation on home video…see more about that company and their incredible catalog here:

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

Herschell Gordon Lewis wrote dozens of marketing books, was a great success in that field, and was known to be a great person as well, but his crowning achievement will always be “Blood Feast”:

RIP to “The Godfather Of Gore!”

Welcome To The “Tokyo Idol Festival!”

I wanted to share a musical performance phenomenon underway in Tokyo – one that we happened upon!

First, according to wikipedia:

“in Japanese pop culture, “idol” is a term typically used to refer to young manufactured stars/starlets marketed to be admired for their cuteness.”

That “cuteness” is a cultural phenomenon in Tokyo – look at the crowd at this recent Tokyo Idol festival!

Here is a YouTube video from “The Tokyo Idol Project” – and gives you an idea of what this phenomenon looks like up close:

The Making Of A “Pop Idol!”

These young women are terrific dancers, great performers, and upbeat entertainers.

As wikipedia points out:

“Idols are intended to be role models. They are supposed to have a good public image and be good examples to young people. Idols aim to play a wide range of roles as media personalities (tarento), e.g. pop singers, panelists of variety programs, bit-part actors, models for magazines and advertisements.”

My wife Alex and I came across auditions for female “Pop Idols” at a park in Tokyo…it all began when we were wandering in Ueno park and found an amazing water lily pond:

The best part of this pond is when I took a panorama shot on my iPhone – and asked Alex to stand on one side of the pool until she was out of camera shot, then jump to the other side…this is what we ended up with:

At one end of the pond was an outdoor amphitheater, and we heard some very energetic pop music inside:

Our view was partially blocked, but signs were everywhere that there was a TV audition underway, and the stage held a number of excited young contestants as they rehearsed for their live show that was scheduled for later that day.

Apologies for the uneven quality of my filming, but I wanted to capture it on the fly with, as you will see, unpleasant stagehands watching:

The biggest annual idol concert festival is the “Tokyo Idol Festival”, which has been held since 2010. More than 300 idol groups, totaling 1,500 idols performed – to an audience of more than 80,000!

I found something similar when I was in Seoul Soth Korea…watch this video I shot of us walking down a Seoul street at night. I turned a corner and came across this:

Here is a look at that trip to Seoul, including my G4 Host Morgan Webb standing on the infamous “Bridge Of No Return” at the North Korea border:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/10/seoul-food-bacon-hot-dogs-hanging-fish-a-delicious-korean-adventure/

Tokyo was an incredible adventure as well, especially sitting in the iconic “Lost In Translation” bar:

This was the scene where Bill Murray talks to Scarlet Johansson in “Lost In Translation” – see more of the hotel here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/08/28/tokyos-iconic-park-hyatt-hotel-lost-in-the-translation-bar-views-of-tokyo-2016/

That was just one of many great musical adventures to tokyo, like our night singing along with a golden gai bartender/musician:

My son Jeff found this great bar, and the bartender/musician sang an original song for us!

See more of that fun night here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/22/late-night-tokyo-live-music-potatoes-and-bacon-a-golden-gai-tokyo-adventure/

Let me know what you think of the “Tokyo Idol” phenomenon!

“A lot of strange things happen in this world. Things you don’t know about in Grand Rapids. Things you don’t want to know about. Doors that shouldn’t be opened.”

Welcome to the seedy world of “Hardcore.” This riveting thriller from 1979 stars George C. Scott as a religious man from Grand Rapids who heads to Hollywood to search for his missing teenage daughter.

This is a rough, rough movie – that exposed very real XXX-locations in Los Angeles. Here is the trailer, which makes it clear you are in for a provocative movie experience:

“Turn it off! Turn if off! TURN IT OFF!”

Of course, the father is stunned when he finds out what happened to his daughter, and this moment in the movie theater, when he see the stag film she’s in, is shocking.

Now of course in this modern era of the internet, this scene was shared for a very different reason a few years ago: someone posted it claiming that it was showing the reaction of a viewer watching the new Adam Sandler film “Jack And Jill!” Bravo, internet, bravo!

“Hardcore” Goes Hardcore!

The production filmed on-location at actual real-life sex shops, strip clubs, porno theaters, massage parlors and adult film studios in LA and San Francisco in the late 70’s – all of which are seen in the movie.

“Oh my God, that’s my daughter!”

That is certainly a compelling movie poster – powerful, controversial, shocking. Except that George C. Scott NEVER SAYS THOSE WORDS IN THE FILM!

Great ad though!

Director Paul Schrader Gets Dirty!

The Director of “Hardcore” was Paul Schrader, who wrote “Taxi Driver” about the very seedy streets of New York. This film continued his look at the seamy side of the 70’s.

According to the great movie website IMDB.com:

“George C. Scott and director Paul Schrader did not get along, so much so that at one point Scott refused to come out of his trailer and threatened to quit the film. Scott only agreed to come out after forcing Schrader to promise that he would never direct again!”

Schrader did, of course direct again, but how hilarious is that story?

The picture above also shows Actress Season Hubley, who plays an adult movie performer who helps Scott look for his daughter. Here is a very raw scene where he wants to talk to her at her “job”:

He’s in a “peepshow” room with a metal door that slides up to reveal Hubley – once he has paid his money, here is what he sees:

Peter Boyle also stars in the film – it’s not a perfect movie, but it is raw, gritty and fascinating to watch – all of those massage parlors and adult theaters were real!

Twilight Time just released a great Blu-ray – a pristine copy of the film along with a couple of audio commentaries, including one from the Director!

Read a great review of the film, and an in-depth look at the audio commentary with Director Paul Schrader, by clicking here:

http://trailersfromhell.com/hardcore/#.V98UPzv5Pwx

I look forward to watching this again while listening to the commentary…and if you forgot just how provocative Schrader is, remember that he wrote THIS:

The brilliant “Taxi Driver” is forty years old! Read about the great reunion that was held by clicking here:

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

Schrader continues to make films – in fact, he waded into the “hardcore” pool again:

Schrader directed Lindsay Lohan, along with controversial Adult performer James Deen, in “The Canyons”…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/15/lindsay-lohan-from-mean-girl-to-the-canyons/

If you want to see 70’s films that are shocking and provocative, here’s another film from that era that was controversial:

Al Pacino cruised New York’s underground gay S&M clubs in the 1980 thriller “Cruising” – see why “Bad Moms” has made it relevant again by clicking here!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/13/cruising-the-bad-moms-al-pacinos-christina-applegate-cruising-connection-explained/

Let me know what you think of “Hardcore.”

Warren Zevon NEVER Threw Up His Hands!

No, he was too busy playing piano and writing some of music’s most memorable songs!

Yes, of course there is this one:

“Werewolves Of London” is his signature song, from the classic album “Excitable Boy”, which also gave us “Lawyers, Guns & Money”:

Zevon’s brilliant album may be considered a career highlight, but there is so much more to Zevon – you can read my review of “Excitable Boy” AND see Zevon’s poignant final appearance on David Letterman here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/14/warren-zevon-werewolves-of-london-brilliant-letterman-final-appearance-musics-mutineer/

But his followup album also included some classic Zevon songs, along with a growth in his writing – always acerbic, now even more nuanced and playful….time to get some “Bad Luck!”

“Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School!”

“Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School” was Warren Zevon’s fourth studio album, released in 1980.

According to wikipedia, there were three singles released from the album, one of which charted, with “A Certain Girl” – a song previously recorded by Ernie K-Doe and The Yardbirds – reaching #57 on the Billboard Hot 100.

About the title: the term “dancing school” has been used as a euphemism for a brothel since the mid-17th century. That’s right: Warren is singing about his bad luck in a brothel!

With the back of the album as your guide, let’s take a look at some of the album highlights, beginning with the title track:

“Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School”

The album gets off to a strong start with this crunchy rocker – a feisty, catchy song that has some great Zevon vocals, and short but sweet lyrics:

“Pauline, don’t make me beg
Bad luck streak in dancing school
Down on my knees in pain
I’ve been acting like a fool
Pauline I swear I’ll change
Down on my knees in pain”

Here is a great live version from 1980:

“A Certain Girl”

Zevon’s cover is upbeat, fun and feisty in equal measure, and here is a great live version from 1982:

The crunchy rocker “Jungle Work” is next, with a hard driving beat throughout, followed by the beautiful ballad “Empty-Handed Heart”:

“All these empty places
I try so hard to fill
Will I find another love?
I pray to God I will
Girl, we had some good times
But time does not stand still
It’s rolling like a rockslide down a hill

I’ve met someone I care for
I know she cares for me
Will I fall in love again?
It’s a possibility
Girl, we had some good times
That time cannot undo
No one will ever take the place of you”

The short “Interlude No. 1” leader to one of his greatest songs:

“Play It All Night Long”

“Play It All Night Long” is a commentary on those who listen to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama.” Wikipedia says that Zevon supposes these people only listen to the song because country life is so intolerable!

“Grandpa pissed his pants again
He don’t give a damn
Brother Billy has both guns drawn
He ain’t been right since Vietnam

“Sweet home Alabama”
Play that dead band’s song
Turn those speakers up full blast
Play it all night long”

Here’s a great live version from 1993 that I found on youtube:

“Jeannie Needs a Shooter”

Bruce Springsteen shows up as co-songwriter for this great song, and you can see Bruce’s influence on the lyrics:

“From the first time I laid eyes on her I know that she’d be mine
Her father was a lawman, he swore he’d shoot me dead
‘Cause he knew I wanted Jeannie and I’d have her like I said
Jeannie needs a shooter
Shooter like me”

Here is the great live version from 1982:

A second short “Interlude No. 2” leads into the short “Bill Lee” – and then, another of his masterworks…

“Gorilla, You’re a Desperado”

Another Zevon gem: acerbic lyrics with a great chorus!

“Big gorilla at the L.A. zoo
Snatched the glasses right off my face
Took the keys to my BMW
Left me here to take his place

I wish the ape a lot of success
I’m sorry my apartment’s a mess
Most of all I’m sorry if I made you blue
I’m betting the gorilla will too

They say Jesus will find you wherever you go
But when He’ll come looking for you, they don’t know
In the mean time, keep your profile low
Gorilla, you’re a desperado”

Here is a rare TV clip from the show “Fridays”, with Zevon performing it live:

Thanks to the great youtube channel “WarrenZevonAddict” for sharing this rare clip!

The album ends with “Bed of Coals”, co-written with T-Bone Burnett – an anthemic, powerful song that brings the album to a majestic close…and then “Wild Age”, which is also hypnotic and anthemic – here is “WarrenZevonAddict”‘s shared live version – audio only – from 1982:

“Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School” is a great album, and deserves more time on everyone’s iPod…let me know what you think!

“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!

Counting down the 31 days of “Shocktober” horror – on day #2, a veteran Oscar-winning Actor takes us on a “haunted house” thrill ride!

“That house is not fit to live in. No one’s been able to live in it. It doesn’t want people.”

Here’s a great poster from Japan!

George C. Scott Takes On “The Changeling!”

This is one great horror film! Nothing elevates a scary movie more than adding an acclaimed Actor who never does horror…in this case, Oscar-winning Best Actor George C. Scott!

Check out the dynamite trailer!

After a freak automobile accident claims the lives of his wife and daughter, the distraught husband and father retreats to grieve in private. Consumed by grief, he rents an old turn of the century house.

Of course, something isn’t quite right with the house…that is, after all, why it’s a HORROR FILM…

Scott does not realize that he is not alone in the house. Well, he comes to find out – the scary way!

Cue The Dead Child!

That’s right, this grieving widower discovers that he’s not alone in the house: he shares it with the spirit of a murdered child who has honed in on John’s despair and uses him to uncover decades of silence and deceit.

Stephen King Loves It!

Most horror films don’t get much critical acclaim, but Stephen King praised it, and “The Changeling” was the first film to win best picture at Canada’s Genie Awards!

This is only day #2 of “Shocktober 2016” – if you want to see how we kicked off the month, well, raise your chainsaws up high:

Yes, one of the most shocking horror films ever released was the first day of “Shocktober 2016” – check it out here:

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

Haunted house movies can spend way to much time showing an eerie house, but not much horror – this film has the right thrills, so check it out!

Iconic Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis Loves Shock-tober!

Day three of our countdown of 31 shocking horror films to celebrate “Shocktober 2016” – the greatest horror films of all time!

Jamie Lee Curtis will forever be our favorite “Scream Queen” – because she had to take on THIS GUY!

Jamie Lee Curtis has made a lot of good movies over the years, but she got her start in the horror slasher genre, and those films are great as well! Let’s take a look at three of her best horror films – beginning with Jamie Lee’s first feature film – when she was paid a reported $8,000 for her efforts!

Halloween!

“The Night HE Came Home!”

A classic tagline for what many consider the best “Halloween” movie of all time!

Director John Carpenter’s horror masterpiece just keeps getting better over time.
The plot is a masterclass in simplicity: After killing his older sister, a young boy is institutionalized – but when psychopath Michael Myers escapes, he returns home to terrorize a babysitter and her friends!

Here is the trailer:

“Halloween” is, without a doubt, one of the most terrifying slasher films ever, and the film’s success in 1978 opened the door to a wave of slasher films that changed horror forever…

“Halloween” was Jamie Lee’s movie debut, and Director John Carpenter considered hiring her as the ultimate tribute to Alfred Hitchcock – since Hitchcock cast Jamie Lee’s Mother, Janet Leigh, in his horror classic “Psycho”.

Now you can see where Jamie Lee got her “scream queen” title from! The young Actress became so well known as America’s newest scream queen that she even had a book written about it!

William Shatner, Psycho Killer!

Here is some great trivia, provided by IMDB: Due to “Halloween”‘s shoestring budget, the prop department had to use the cheapest $2 mask that they could find in the costume store: a Star Trek (1966) William Shatner mask. They later spray-painted the face white, teased out the hair, and reshaped the eye holes!

Shatner admitted that for years he had no idea his likeness was used for this film. It was only during an interview that someone mentioned his mask was being used. He has since stated that he is honored by this gesture!

Michael Myers is one of cinema’s great psychos, and what makes “Halloween” work so well is that you truly root for Jamie Lee to survive – a tribute to how well she acted in her movie debut – which IMDB says paid her $8,000 for starring in the film!

Among the great bits of trivia about this film, Director Carpenter also wrote the haunting score! The “Halloween” theme is written in the rare 5/4 time signature. John Carpenter learned this rhythm from his father!

So “Shocktober 2016” is off to a bloody start…and if you missed the beginning, it all begins here:

Yes, hold your chainsaws high as “Shocktober 2016” kicked off with the classic horror of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” – see that vintage trailer here:

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

Day two took us on a tour of a VERY haunted house:

Check out legendary Actor George C. Scott in this great haunted house film – see more here:

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

Bravo to John Carpenter and Jamie Lee Curtis for delivering one of Shocktober’s great horror films ever!

Eli Roth Welcomes You To Shocktober Day #4!

Yes, Director Roth could be on this list many times – for the classic “Hostel”, his debut “Cabin Fever” – even for his terrific thriller “Knock Knock” with Keanu Reeves – but I chose his homage to the legendary shocker “Cannibal Holocaust!”

“Have you ever had fantasies of saving a tribe?”

Great question! It’s the stuff of horror legend: eager young environmentalists go into the Amazon with the best intentions: to save noble tribes…but things never go as planned, do they?

And for our latest Shocktober film, Roth proves that “good intentions” are NEVER appreciated – especially in the cannibalistic Amazon!

Director Eli Roth delivered a vicious little horror film last year that paid homage to one of the most controversial movies ever made!

Here is the trailer for Eli Roth’s “The Green Inferno”:

This is going to be one shocking trip up river! It’s the story of young activists who travel deep into the Amazon to save the rain forest…

This is extreme horror from a Master of the genre, and Roth is leaning on some of the most shocking influences in film. Here is some great behind-the-scenes info on the movie.

Director Roth filmed “The Green Inferno” in an Amazonian village with no electricity or running water, only accessible by motorboat. The village was so remote the natives had never before seen a movie or television.

To get permission to film with them, Roth’s producers brought a generator, television and DVD player in order to show the tribe what a movie was!

And What Did Roth Show Them? Home Movies!

Eli Roth is known for “Cabin Fever” and “Hostel” – aggressively shocking films – so what does he show these tribal folks? How about a film that shows them as savage cannibals! Yes, Roth showed them “Cannibal Holocaust!”

More on this shocking film in a moment. According to the great website IMDB, when Roth shows them the movie – the first film they EVER saw – the natives thought it was a comedy and agreed to let Roth and crew film there. Nearly the entire village signed up after the screening to play cannibals!

“The Green Inferno” was filmed in some of the most remote locations in the world.
All of the cast agreed to get yellow fever vaccinations before filming, and agree to make the film in the deepest amazonian jungle, surrounded by tarantulas, snakes, and venomous frogs!

Eli’s “Cannibal” Homage!

The plot of “Green Inferno” is heavily influxes by 1980’s “Cannibal Holocaust”…

According to IMDB: “in addition to being one of Eli Roth’s favorite horror films and one that inspired his directing career, “The Green Inferno” was actually the working title that Director Ruggero Deodato used when he was making that movie; it was changed to something more bluntly descriptive and shocking (particularly with the use of the word “Holocaust”).”

And thanks to “Popcorntaxi” on YouTube, here is a great conversation with Roth where he discusses “Inferno” along with his previous films, “Holocaust” and horror in general:

Kudos to Roth for taking extreme cinema back into the jungle, inspired by:

“The Most Controversial Film Of All Time!”

WARNING! THIS FILM IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

If you do not know about “Cannibal Holocaust”, maybe you should stop right here. It is known as the most controversial film ever released, and there are good reasons for it!

The plot is simple: A New York University professor returns from a rescue mission to the Amazon rainforest with the footage shot by a lost team of documentarians who were making a film about the area’s local cannibal tribes.

WARNING! The trailer is somewhat graphic!

Yes, “Cannibal Holocaust” is one of the first “found film” movies ever released! The shocking aspect of the film begins with this Professor finding footage showing what happened to a film crew that disappears in the Amazon.

It’s difficult to shown most of the images from the film, it is just that shocking. But it is also a film that has been rescued from infamy with a new blu-ray release that puts the movie in context.

I am not going to show the front cover of the blu-ray release, as the imagery is just too shocking – and that led to a fascinating story at the time of the film’s release in Italy:

Here is a great fact about the movie from the “UnbelievableFacts” blog:

Here is how IMDB describes what happened:

“Ten days after its premiere in Milan, the film was seized by the Italian courts, and director Ruggero Deodato was arrested and charged with obscenity. He was later charged with murdering several actors on camera, and faced life in prison. The cast had signed contracts requiring them to disappear for a year after shooting, to maintain the illusion that they’d died. Deodato contacted Luca Barbareschi and told him to contact the three other actors who played the missing film team. When the actors appeared in court, alive and well, the murder charges were dropped!”

That’s right, he had to bring the movie’s cast into court to prove he hadn’t killed them on camera!

Whether you ever want to see this film, or likely NOT – you have to understand the role that “Cannibal Holocaust” played in horror film history, and why Eli Roth is paying homage to it!

And here is the best fact of all:

“In actuality, there are no cannibalistic tribes in the Amazon!”

Ha!

“The Green Inferno” will speak to horror aficionados who are willing to go to the edge of the cinematic cliff: films that are shocking and NOT for everyone…if you want a fun thriller that is less edgy, then try this:

Last year Roth also delivered “Knock Knock”, a fun thriller starring Keanu Reeves…read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/08/knock-after-sexy-knock-keanu-reeves-halloween-horror-sex-charged-death-game-eli-roths-erotic-thriller/

Bravo to Eli Roth on this 4th day of Shocktober 2016 – for delivering lots of great thrills!

And don’t forget to check out the other films being highlighted this Shocktober 2016 – beginning with scream queen Jamie Lee Curtis!

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

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!

You Don’t Have To Go To Texas For A Chainsaw Massacre!

Well, that’s helpful to know. It also helps to know this:

“While we out fiddling with that music, the lousy bastard was in there killing her! BASTARD! BAAAAASTAAARD! BASTAAARD!”

And with that classic dialogue, it is time to celebrate day #7 of “Shocktober 2016” with the incredible over-the-top bad taste and great grind house entertainment that is:

“Pieces!” It’s Exactly What You Think It Is!

How can you go wrong with a poster like that! And look at this one, which includes a special line underneath the title on the left:

“AN IMPORTANT FILM”

Indeed!

“Pieces” is a notorious shocker from 1981 that was banned in several counties, and included some of the bloodiest scenes in motion picture history! In fact, look how they chose to promote the film:

It always begins with a young boy who is traumatized…flash forward to college, when young co-eds are being cut up by a chainsaw killer! The madman is attempting to put together a human jigsaw puzzle made from body parts – “PIECES!”

In the 80’s, horror films turned very violent, with slasher movies turning screens blood red:

This era may not have produced great films, but they were shocking and fun to watch, perhaps no more so that this classic:

Linnea Quigley was a big star of 80’s horror, and you can read more about her here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/10/28/scream-queen-linnea-quigley-naked-graveyard-dancing-horror-demons-too/

If you love this era of film, then the newly remastered Blu-Ray version of “Pieces” is for you!

Grindhouse Releasing has a great special edition of “Pieces” on Blu-Ray, including the U.S. theatrical and Spanish versions of the film, and a bonus video of American horror director Eli Roth presenting a theatrical screening of Pieces to a Los Angeles cult audience!

Roth most recently directed his homage to the 80’s cannibal films, “The Green Inferno.” You can read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/09/05/enter-the-green-inferno-eli-roths-homage-to-shocking-cannibal-holocaust/

Perhaps the greatest extra bonus on the new “Pieces” release is this:

42ND STREET MEMORIES: All-new feature-length documentary about the legendary “Grindhouse” era of New York’s 42nd street, including interviews with Bill Lustig, Larry Cohen, Frank Henenlotter, Buddy Giovinazzo, Jeff Lieberman, John Skipp, Lynn Lowry, Terry Levine and other exploitation icons!

This was a fascinating era in movie history: Time Square lit up with theaters playing the wildest sexploitation movies of the time, suavely 24 hours a day!

I can’t wait to see this new documentary, and if you want to see some of the greatest “grind house” films of the era, you can check out my story here:

Sexy “Honey”! Dirty “Brine!” Grindhouse Classics, “Prurient” Style!

Folks, these were some wild wild films!

42nd Street was a seedy, dangerous place in the 70’s and 80’s, and the movies had to deliver!

Here are some more of the classic movies of that era:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/06/12/dirty-keyholes-immoral-wives-the-naked-truth-about-cult-grindhouse-cinema/

You see, the films were full of sex and violence, and legend has it that the movie theaters of Times Square were as well! That meant you need films like this to keep the customers satisfied:

Lurid, pandering, and usually hilariously bad, these films are worth checking out just to see how gullible the public was at the time! Here are a few more great examples:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/07/02/70s-sin-ema-massage-parlor-murders-ursula-gets-naked-gritty-grindhouse-classics/

So much scary stuff to share, but perhaps nothing as shocking as this:

Yes, “real life” clowns are terrorizing America! It’s one of the most unsettling things to happen right now – read about it here:

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

I prefer my horror to be confined to a movie or TV screen – not outside my door!

So celebrate the month of “Shocktober” – let me know if you are falling to “Pieces!”

Rosemary Woodhouse: What have you done to him? What have you done to his eyes, you maniacs!
Roman Castevet: HE HAS HIS FATHER’S EYES…

Talk about horror!

Time To Get Shocktober’d By Satan!

The 8th day of “Shocktober” is here – time to celebrate one of the greatest horror films ever made – the classic shocker:

Rosemary’s Baby!

This CLASSIC horror film offers up the tag line:

“Pray For Rosemary’s Baby…”

First, check out the trailer, which sets up the premise of this classic horror film well:

Mia Farrow is Rosemary, and John Cassavetes is her husband Guy Woodhouse – they move into an apartment in a building with a bad reputation. Their neighbors are a very friendly elderly couple named Roman and Minnie Castevet…yes, VERY FRIENDLY, and Guy begins to spend a lot of time with them.

Strange things start to happen: a woman Rosemary meets in the laundry dies a mysterious death, Rosemary has strange dreams and hears strange noises and Guy becomes remote and distant. And of course, there is that horrifying dream about lovemaking she can’t shake…

Then Rosemary gets pregnant and begins to suspect that her neighbors have special plans for her child. Oh, she also has the WORST pregnancy of all time!

Roman Polanski’s City Horror!

Director Roman Polanski uses the city of New York as a character – every building looks evil, and the city in a sense swallows Farrow up and is part of the conspiracy against her…

When Farrow was reluctant to film a scene that depicted a dazed and preoccupied Rosemary wandering into the middle of a Manhattan street into oncoming traffic, Polanski pointed to her pregnancy padding and reassured her, “no one’s going to hit a pregnant woman”. The scene was successfully shot with Farrow walking into real traffic and Polanski following, operating the hand-held camera since he was the only one willing to do it.

Cue Evil Frank Sinatra!

It was on the set of this film that Mia Farrow received divorce papers from then-husband Frank Sinatra. He was angry that filming was taking too long and demanded she quit the film. When she didn’t, he divorced her!

Back to the horror onscreen –

This movie build to a shocking climax, as Rosemary knows that something is wrong – very wrong, with her baby…

Rosemary Woodhouse: What have you done to him? What have you done to his eyes, you maniacs!
Roman Castevet: He has his father’s eyes.

The Criterion Collection has a special release including the following:

New high-definition digital restoration, approved by director Roman Polanski, with uncompressed monaural soundtrack on the Blu-ray edition

New interviews with Director Roman Polanski, actor Mia Farrow, and producer Robert Evans

What a great way to celebrate Shocktober 2016! If you need more proof, I have a few “PIECES” of information to share:

Yes, this classic 80’s shocker will fill your Shocktober nicely – see the original shocking trailer here:

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

If you like your Halloween a bit less bloody, but still full of great scares, check this out:

This great “haunted house” film stars the iconic George C. Scott – you can see the trailer here:

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

And recently, America has been “spooked” by the appearance of real evil clowns:

Wow! There are a few great Halloween “evil clown” films to check out, and you can see them here:

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

Let me know if you are planning to invite “Rosemary” to your house this Shocktober!