In George Lucas' 1977 sci-fi flick "Star Wars," there is a scene wherein a cadre of Nazi-like bad guys, in the employ of the evil Empire, gather around a boardroom table and mention that the mysterious off-screen Emperor has dissolved the senate and taken absolute control. The military generals are outraged, wondering how the Empire might survive without a bureaucracy in place. In Irvin Kirshner's 1980 sequel "The Empire Strikes Back," it's established that Darth Vader (David Prowse), a mysterious masked warlock, was actually the Emperor's right-hand man, indicating that the Emperor retains control of the Empire through the sheer force of his villainy.
In "The Empire Strikes Back," the Emperor appeared in holographic form to have a powwow with Darth Vader and plan his next move. In the original cut of the movie, the Emperor was played on screen by actress Marjorie Eaton, outfitted with eerie, alien eyeballs. Eaton was a long-working character performer in Hollywood,...
In "The Empire Strikes Back," the Emperor appeared in holographic form to have a powwow with Darth Vader and plan his next move. In the original cut of the movie, the Emperor was played on screen by actress Marjorie Eaton, outfitted with eerie, alien eyeballs. Eaton was a long-working character performer in Hollywood,...
- 3/2/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Something curious happened between the release of George Lucas' "Star Wars" in 1977 and Irvin Kershner's "The Empire Strikes Back" in 1980, and I'm not just talking about "The Star Wars Holiday Special."
In the original "Star Wars," the evil Empire was represented by the cold-eyed general Grand Moff Tarkin, played by one of the film's bigger celebrities, Peter Cushing. One of Tarkin's more threatening lieutenants was a masked, black-clad wizard in a cape named Darth Vader. Darth Vader, while serving the Empire, seemed to operate by his own rules. He wielded a laser sword, something no other Imperial officers did, and he had mysterious psychic powers that give him the ability to choke a man from across the room. Why did he wear that mask? He was very mysterious.
"Star Wars" was an enormous hit, and when it came time to make a sequel, it seemed that Darth Vader's role in the story suddenly expanded.
In the original "Star Wars," the evil Empire was represented by the cold-eyed general Grand Moff Tarkin, played by one of the film's bigger celebrities, Peter Cushing. One of Tarkin's more threatening lieutenants was a masked, black-clad wizard in a cape named Darth Vader. Darth Vader, while serving the Empire, seemed to operate by his own rules. He wielded a laser sword, something no other Imperial officers did, and he had mysterious psychic powers that give him the ability to choke a man from across the room. Why did he wear that mask? He was very mysterious.
"Star Wars" was an enormous hit, and when it came time to make a sequel, it seemed that Darth Vader's role in the story suddenly expanded.
- 4/2/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Somehow, Palpatine returned. Again. Okay, that’s not a real surprise, especially for an animated series like Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, which is set in the Prequel Trilogy era. Created by Dave Filoni and Charles Murray, the Disney+ series tells the story of young Jedi Ahsoka Tano and Count Dooku before he abandoned the Jedi and fell to the dark side. Along the way, Ahsoka and Dooku encounter many familiar faces, including Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, and yes, Senator-turned-Chancellor-turned-Emperor Sheev Palpatine.
As one would hope, the series features a number of fan-favorite actors returning to their signiture roles. Although Rosario Dawson has put her own stamp on the live-action version of Ahsoka, first seen in The Mandalorian, the character will be once again voiced by Ashley Eckstein, who originally played the character for the 2008 movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the subsequent series. While Christopher Lee played Dooku in the movies,...
As one would hope, the series features a number of fan-favorite actors returning to their signiture roles. Although Rosario Dawson has put her own stamp on the live-action version of Ahsoka, first seen in The Mandalorian, the character will be once again voiced by Ashley Eckstein, who originally played the character for the 2008 movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the subsequent series. While Christopher Lee played Dooku in the movies,...
- 10/13/2022
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
The tonal diversity within the science fiction genre is what has allowed it to stand the test of time. The term "sci-fi" is a broad one. You may first think of space adventures like the "Star Wars," "Star Trek," "Alien," or "Battlestar Galactica" franchises. However, there's also a subsection of sci-fi movies that are slower and more romantic such as "Her," "About Time," and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." You can find sci-fi fantasy films, sci-fi Westerns, sci-fi comedies, and even sci-fi musicals.
The genre itself encourages experimentation, particularly from actors who choose to add their own perspectives to a film. Not every sci-fi film has to be as grim and emotional as "Interstellar" or "2001: A Space Odyssey." It's always admirable when an actor in a science fiction film truly commits to the absurdity of the material.
Even if they're afraid that they might look silly, these actors...
The genre itself encourages experimentation, particularly from actors who choose to add their own perspectives to a film. Not every sci-fi film has to be as grim and emotional as "Interstellar" or "2001: A Space Odyssey." It's always admirable when an actor in a science fiction film truly commits to the absurdity of the material.
Even if they're afraid that they might look silly, these actors...
- 9/15/2022
- by Liam Gaughan
- Slash Film
The character of Emperor Palpatine first appeared in Irvin Kershner's 1980 sci-fi film "The Empire Strikes Back." In that film, it was revealed that Darth Vader was no mere officer of the Empire, but right hand to its ruler. In a memorable scene, Darth Vader kneeled to an outsize hologram of the Emperor, who informed him that there was a great disturbance in the Force. The Emperor was played physically by actress Marjorie Eaton, who appeared in "Mary Poppins" as Miss Persimmon, and was voiced by British acting veteran Clive Revill.
In 1983, with the release of Richard Marquand's...
The post The Secrets Behind Ian McDiarmid's Transformation into Emperor Palpatine appeared first on /Film.
In 1983, with the release of Richard Marquand's...
The post The Secrets Behind Ian McDiarmid's Transformation into Emperor Palpatine appeared first on /Film.
- 8/3/2022
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
This Star Wars: Obi-wan Kenobi article contains spoilers.
Obi-Wan Kenobi finally returns to Tatooine, but not before pitting two Star Wars greats against each other in a reference-filled finale. Darth Vader and Obi-Wan’s rematch opens up the wounds of their former friendship, while also setting them up for their future roles in the Original Trilogy.
Meanwhile, Reva heads back to the Lars homestead. While she has a big decision to make, it’s inevitable that she comes face to face with a young Luke Skywalker, played by newcomer Grant Feely. The fate of the galaxy is once again at stake!
Here are all the Star Wars references, easter eggs, and cameos we spotted in this episode…
Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine
Iam McDiarmid makes a welcome return to his Original and Prequel Trilogy role as the evil Emperor Palpatine (aka Darth Sidious). Here, he appears as a hologram in Vader’s castle on Mustafar.
Obi-Wan Kenobi finally returns to Tatooine, but not before pitting two Star Wars greats against each other in a reference-filled finale. Darth Vader and Obi-Wan’s rematch opens up the wounds of their former friendship, while also setting them up for their future roles in the Original Trilogy.
Meanwhile, Reva heads back to the Lars homestead. While she has a big decision to make, it’s inevitable that she comes face to face with a young Luke Skywalker, played by newcomer Grant Feely. The fate of the galaxy is once again at stake!
Here are all the Star Wars references, easter eggs, and cameos we spotted in this episode…
Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine
Iam McDiarmid makes a welcome return to his Original and Prequel Trilogy role as the evil Emperor Palpatine (aka Darth Sidious). Here, he appears as a hologram in Vader’s castle on Mustafar.
- 6/22/2022
- by Megan Crouse
- Den of Geek
Yes, sometimes a producer could earn ‘auteur’ status making B pictures. A name that’s never going to be uttered in the same breath as Val Lewton is Sam Katzman, who for the 1950s settled into a profitable tenure making Columbia program pictures. They pretty much stayed in the category of ‘obvious junk’ yet include a number of endearing favorites. And Katzman deserved to slip through the pearly gates just for helping get Ray Harryhausen’s feature career into motion. Besides their minimal production outlay, Katzman’s horror/sci fi attractions have one strange thing in common: they don’t carry Columbia torch Lady logos. Part One of this review takes on two of the four features in Arrow’s gorgeously appointed boxed set; reviewer Charlie Largent will follow with a review of the second pair of creature features.
Cold War Creatures: Four Films from Sam Katzman
Part 1: Zombies of Mora Tau...
Cold War Creatures: Four Films from Sam Katzman
Part 1: Zombies of Mora Tau...
- 9/11/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
How can a ‘Z’ horror production so completely absorb the thoughts of this ex- film student? This maladroit 1963 monster mash can’t even tell when it’s doing something good. A capable cast gives their all to a marginal production that, re-titled as The Atomic Brain, became a staple on late-nite TV, where it worked better than a sleeping pill. For extras, the quality disc production taps the one mortal willing to research this film’s murky depths: who else but Tom Weaver, whose original interview research actually makes sense of this screwy picture. Well, a little sense, at least.
Monstrosity
Blu-ray
Moth, Inc / Something Weird
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen + 1:33 open matte full frame / 65 min. / The Atomic Brain / Street Date 2018, 2019? / 24.99
Starring: Erika Peters, Judy Bamber, Marjorie Eaton, Frank Gerstle, Frank Fowler, Lisa Lang, Margie Fisco.
Cinematography: Alfred Taylor
Film Editor: Owen C. Gladden
Makeup: Lou Yates
Electrical effects: Kenneth Strickfaden...
Monstrosity
Blu-ray
Moth, Inc / Something Weird
1963 / Color / 1:85 widescreen + 1:33 open matte full frame / 65 min. / The Atomic Brain / Street Date 2018, 2019? / 24.99
Starring: Erika Peters, Judy Bamber, Marjorie Eaton, Frank Gerstle, Frank Fowler, Lisa Lang, Margie Fisco.
Cinematography: Alfred Taylor
Film Editor: Owen C. Gladden
Makeup: Lou Yates
Electrical effects: Kenneth Strickfaden...
- 2/4/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Night Tide
Blu ray
Powerhouse/Indicator
1960/ 1:85:1 / 86 min.
Starring Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson
Directed by Curtis Harrington
During the early fifties, an anxious era that leaned on fanciful songs like Faraway Places, Beyond the Sea and Robert Maxwell’s Ebb Tide, Curtis Harrington wrote a similarly dreamy fable called The Girl from Beneath the Sea. The 34 year old director’s script was finally produced in 1960 and premiered as Night Tide at the Spoleto Film Festival in 1961. Thanks to Filmgroup, Roger Corman’s distribution company, the movie reached American theaters in 1963. Instead of the windswept romance of Maxwell’s song, ticket buyers were treated to a fatalistic thriller with the unpredictable qualities of a New Wave film.
Dennis Hopper plays Johnny Drake, a navy recruit from the arid climes of Oklahoma. Though he looks seaworthy in his white uniform and cap he still seems pretty landlocked, ambling through the beachfront...
Blu ray
Powerhouse/Indicator
1960/ 1:85:1 / 86 min.
Starring Dennis Hopper, Linda Lawson
Directed by Curtis Harrington
During the early fifties, an anxious era that leaned on fanciful songs like Faraway Places, Beyond the Sea and Robert Maxwell’s Ebb Tide, Curtis Harrington wrote a similarly dreamy fable called The Girl from Beneath the Sea. The 34 year old director’s script was finally produced in 1960 and premiered as Night Tide at the Spoleto Film Festival in 1961. Thanks to Filmgroup, Roger Corman’s distribution company, the movie reached American theaters in 1963. Instead of the windswept romance of Maxwell’s song, ticket buyers were treated to a fatalistic thriller with the unpredictable qualities of a New Wave film.
Dennis Hopper plays Johnny Drake, a navy recruit from the arid climes of Oklahoma. Though he looks seaworthy in his white uniform and cap he still seems pretty landlocked, ambling through the beachfront...
- 1/21/2020
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Ian McDiarmid is returning to the Star Wars universe this winter for The Rise of Skywalker, and it seems Lucasfilm has used the opportunity to get him to redub an old episode of Star Wars Rebels.
The franchise legend voiced Emperor Palpatine for season 4 of the Disney Xd animated series, but for the villain’s sole appearance in season 2 he was voiced by Sam Witwer, who typically plays Darth Maul on the show. In the latest version of the episode, however, the past has been corrected by having McDiarmid redo the lines.
The change was noticed by Reddit user u/darthzepp and is just the latest example of the old Star Wars tradition of performances being replaced to better fit continuity. In fact, it’s not even the first time McDiarmid has redubbed another actor’s lines. In the first version of The Empire Strikes Back, Palpatine was voiced by...
The franchise legend voiced Emperor Palpatine for season 4 of the Disney Xd animated series, but for the villain’s sole appearance in season 2 he was voiced by Sam Witwer, who typically plays Darth Maul on the show. In the latest version of the episode, however, the past has been corrected by having McDiarmid redo the lines.
The change was noticed by Reddit user u/darthzepp and is just the latest example of the old Star Wars tradition of performances being replaced to better fit continuity. In fact, it’s not even the first time McDiarmid has redubbed another actor’s lines. In the first version of The Empire Strikes Back, Palpatine was voiced by...
- 9/27/2019
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Thanks to the mind-blowing first trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, we know that Emperor Palpatine is set to make his shock return in the upcoming Episode IX. Ian McDiarmid’s creepy laugh heard in the preview is so ingrained in Star Wars fans’ minds that we all instantly knew that the sound of it meant that Darth Sidious would be making a comeback.
As we await the conclusion of the Skywalker saga, then, it’s interesting to look back at how the character could’ve been completely different. Most fans will know that McDiarmid didn’t play the role in the theatrical cut of The Empire Strikes Back, with Marjorie Eaton appearing under the mask and Clive Revill providing the voice. It was only for the Emperor’s increased part in Return of the Jedi that McDiarmid was hired and the rest is cinematic history.
However, ScreenRant...
As we await the conclusion of the Skywalker saga, then, it’s interesting to look back at how the character could’ve been completely different. Most fans will know that McDiarmid didn’t play the role in the theatrical cut of The Empire Strikes Back, with Marjorie Eaton appearing under the mask and Clive Revill providing the voice. It was only for the Emperor’s increased part in Return of the Jedi that McDiarmid was hired and the rest is cinematic history.
However, ScreenRant...
- 7/12/2019
- by Christian Bone
- We Got This Covered
Kino Lorber makes an exciting restoration this month with the 1961 directorial debut of genre favorite Curtis Harrington, Night Tide, which starred a nubile and then unknown Dennis Hopper in an early lead role. An independently financed film, Harrington’s atmospheric and moody debut feels like a Val Lewton production transposed onto the carnivalesque dread of the Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach, where the specter of metamorphosis haunts the narrative into an ambiguous fever.
Johnny Drake (Dennis Hopper) is a sailor on shore leave and almost immediately while on break he spies a beautiful woman named Mora (Linda Lawson) and he offers to buy her a drink. She lives above the merry-go-round at or around the Santa Monica Pier and she professes to like the music as it reminds her of childhood. It turns out that Mora headlines the sideshow act titled Mora the Mermaid, where she dons a tail...
Johnny Drake (Dennis Hopper) is a sailor on shore leave and almost immediately while on break he spies a beautiful woman named Mora (Linda Lawson) and he offers to buy her a drink. She lives above the merry-go-round at or around the Santa Monica Pier and she professes to like the music as it reminds her of childhood. It turns out that Mora headlines the sideshow act titled Mora the Mermaid, where she dons a tail...
- 10/15/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
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