Actually a decent Motorcycle Racing Based Film especially since it was made for TV. All the Racing Sequences were overseen by Real AMA Dirt Track Racers who were Former Grand National Champions (Jay Springsteen,Chris Carr,Gene Romero were Race Sequence Cordinators,so they made the Racing Scenes Look Legitimate. George Roeder II was actually doing the Racing as Frank Shelby. Roeder is the 2nd generation of a famous AMA Motorcycle Racing Family. His Dad George Sr was a well known professional racer going back to the 1950's. George II spent almost 25 yrs on the AMA Pro Racing Circuit carrying National Number 66 starting in 1986-2010. Certainly a more Realistic Film on Dirt Track Motorcycle Racing than the Dated "Pace that Thrills" (1952) which actually put a negative on Racers especially the part played by Actor Bill Williams (Dusty Weston) who did some Stunts in a Race that would have gotten you Banned by the AMA Today. I had forgotten about this Film until I saw Craig T Nelson playing a Character in "Sheldon" and remembered that he did an actually good acting Performance in this made for TV Film.
Reviews
24 Reviews
Filmed in Color but had to watch in B&W
26 February 2022
In Sept 1966, Not that many households had a Color TV. NBC's figure for January 1st, 1966 stood at 5,220,000 Nation Wide, an 85% gain over the January 1st, 1965 number but still only 9.7% of all television households. I was in HS in 66 and we didn't get a Color TV (Zenith 25") until 1967. Although all the ST Episodes were filmed in Color, Not every TV Station in your Smaller Markets had the equipment to transmit Color; so even those Households that had a Color Set in 1966 still might have only seen this Episode in B&W. I don't think it was until 1969/70 that I saw "Man Trap" and a lot of other Programs that had been filmed in color for years in living Color.
So re watching all these Episodes/Programs was a new Experience. All the Bright Different Colored Uniforms of the Crew as well as the Ship's interior and Sets was like seeing the episode for the 1st time again. Today's Generation give you the Odd Look today talking about Color TV, but People of my Generation can still remember when it was a Thrill in the early 60's to watch the NBC Peacock Fan out from B&W to "In Living Color" or watch Tinker Bell produce Color with her wand on Walt Disney's WWOC. Just because you were the Luck Family that had a Color Set in the early 60's; there were on 4 programs that were shown in Color... I still believe IMHO that "Man Trap" was one of the best Episodes of the Series.
So re watching all these Episodes/Programs was a new Experience. All the Bright Different Colored Uniforms of the Crew as well as the Ship's interior and Sets was like seeing the episode for the 1st time again. Today's Generation give you the Odd Look today talking about Color TV, but People of my Generation can still remember when it was a Thrill in the early 60's to watch the NBC Peacock Fan out from B&W to "In Living Color" or watch Tinker Bell produce Color with her wand on Walt Disney's WWOC. Just because you were the Luck Family that had a Color Set in the early 60's; there were on 4 programs that were shown in Color... I still believe IMHO that "Man Trap" was one of the best Episodes of the Series.
A Christmas Story
(1983)
Christmas Story still A BIG HIT 30 years later!
27 December 2013
I never got to see "The Christmas Story" in a Movie theater. It was rushed in and out of theaters at Thanksgiving time in 83;so most people/fans have only seen it on TV. After viewing this movie only once, it instantly became my favorite Christmas Film moving ahead of "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" which I had watched for decades.
Even though I grew up in the 50's I could easily identify with Ralphie.Parents/Santa were still giving BB Guns at Chrismas to young boys. I was 7 years old(can you imagine giving a BB GUN to a 7 yr old today)and actually don't remember even asking for a BB GUN but was more than thrilled when I discovered it under our Christmas Tree.
Billingsley(Ralphie) did such a superb acting performance in this film,it still amazes me. His Facial Expressions without even saying a word were the highlight throughout the movie. The innocent look he tried to portray when he and Schwartz convinced FLICK to put his tongue on the Flagpole after a Triple dog dare yah! When Ms Shields can't get Flick to tattle on who was responsible for his dilemma.She knew it had to be Ralphie and Schwartz but how are you going to prove it if Flick won't spill the beans.
Just a wonderfully entertaining Movie that doesn't really get boring anywhere in the Film. Great performances by the supporting cast also. When you watch a Film like this going on 30 years you can't really see anyone else playing the parts other than the Original Actors. I recently got a glimpse of "CHRISTMAS STORY 2" and just couldn't get into it with Daniel Stern playing the Old Man or any of the other non original cast members. Another instance of Leaving Well Enough alone.
Anyone that watches this Film and can't come away with some kind of a good feeling or happy memory from their life probably won't like or care for anything worthwhile during their life.Sadly Darren McGavin and Bob Clark are no longer with us;but they both know what this film meant to millions of people...Excellent 5 Star Film in my book...s.m.
Even though I grew up in the 50's I could easily identify with Ralphie.Parents/Santa were still giving BB Guns at Chrismas to young boys. I was 7 years old(can you imagine giving a BB GUN to a 7 yr old today)and actually don't remember even asking for a BB GUN but was more than thrilled when I discovered it under our Christmas Tree.
Billingsley(Ralphie) did such a superb acting performance in this film,it still amazes me. His Facial Expressions without even saying a word were the highlight throughout the movie. The innocent look he tried to portray when he and Schwartz convinced FLICK to put his tongue on the Flagpole after a Triple dog dare yah! When Ms Shields can't get Flick to tattle on who was responsible for his dilemma.She knew it had to be Ralphie and Schwartz but how are you going to prove it if Flick won't spill the beans.
Just a wonderfully entertaining Movie that doesn't really get boring anywhere in the Film. Great performances by the supporting cast also. When you watch a Film like this going on 30 years you can't really see anyone else playing the parts other than the Original Actors. I recently got a glimpse of "CHRISTMAS STORY 2" and just couldn't get into it with Daniel Stern playing the Old Man or any of the other non original cast members. Another instance of Leaving Well Enough alone.
Anyone that watches this Film and can't come away with some kind of a good feeling or happy memory from their life probably won't like or care for anything worthwhile during their life.Sadly Darren McGavin and Bob Clark are no longer with us;but they both know what this film meant to millions of people...Excellent 5 Star Film in my book...s.m.
Still great Universal Horror Cinema !
27 December 2013
Ironic that Bela Lugosi who turned down the Frankstein Monster Role in 1931 because he thought it was beneath his acting skills and that the Monster had no speaking dialog; takes on the Role his one and only time.
Probably the least scary of the three others that did the role(KARLOFF,CHANEY,STRANGE) Even with the built up Boots he still looked small compared to the other Monster Players.If your observant you can see veteran stunt man EDDIE PARKER doing some of the more physical scenes and when the monster is first discovered frozen in the ice.
I first saw this movie on Television in 1957 when Universal was releasing their Horror Films to TV. Unless you were born in the 20's, 30's or had access to a Nostaglia theater you most likely have never seen it on anything but a TV Screen. That why its hard to judge the old horror films when your seeing Dracula, The Wolfman, and The Monster as just being a few inches tall, your not going to get the impact as if you were seeing a life size or larger Figure. After you saw the shark in "JAWS" at a Movie Theater could you possible be as terrified when it came to Television and The 25ft Great White was only a foot long. Of course as a 9 year old I was still scared but I always wondered how much more I would have been Scared seeing it at a theater.
Dwight Frye in a meager role as one of the towns people;this would be his last role in a Monster related film. after three other minor(uncredited) parts in forgotten films he died in 1943 from what Family members say was pure exhaustion from being a workaholic. Still one of the Great Universal Classics,I have it on 16mm film, VHS,and DVD...S.M.
Probably the least scary of the three others that did the role(KARLOFF,CHANEY,STRANGE) Even with the built up Boots he still looked small compared to the other Monster Players.If your observant you can see veteran stunt man EDDIE PARKER doing some of the more physical scenes and when the monster is first discovered frozen in the ice.
I first saw this movie on Television in 1957 when Universal was releasing their Horror Films to TV. Unless you were born in the 20's, 30's or had access to a Nostaglia theater you most likely have never seen it on anything but a TV Screen. That why its hard to judge the old horror films when your seeing Dracula, The Wolfman, and The Monster as just being a few inches tall, your not going to get the impact as if you were seeing a life size or larger Figure. After you saw the shark in "JAWS" at a Movie Theater could you possible be as terrified when it came to Television and The 25ft Great White was only a foot long. Of course as a 9 year old I was still scared but I always wondered how much more I would have been Scared seeing it at a theater.
Dwight Frye in a meager role as one of the towns people;this would be his last role in a Monster related film. after three other minor(uncredited) parts in forgotten films he died in 1943 from what Family members say was pure exhaustion from being a workaholic. Still one of the Great Universal Classics,I have it on 16mm film, VHS,and DVD...S.M.
The Verdict
(1982)
Another Thumbs up for NEWMAN !
26 December 2013
Another outstanding performance from NEWMAN playing the desperate ambulance chasing lawyer(FRANK GALVIN).His changing ethics from being at a funeral of a person he never knew just to get his business card in the hands of the widow;to the change of heart of getting some fast insurance money after seeing a helpless woman in an irreversible coma shows that he still possessed some empathy despite his desperation for some needed Money.
Good overall performances from supporting cast members.This film ranks as a favorite but I still can't rank it with "HUD" and "HOMBRE". It's kind of a toss up between this film and "HARRY AND SON" as my favorite of the two.As always NEWMAN's superb acting skills make you believe he is really the character he is portraying.One of a handful of A Group actors that can play Diverse roles without being stereotyped as one personality.
Makes you believe that not all Lawyers are out there just for the Buck.Maybe if there were a few Frank Galvins out there in the real Judical World,Lawyers might have a better reputation among Most Americans.Excellent Film!...s.m.
Good overall performances from supporting cast members.This film ranks as a favorite but I still can't rank it with "HUD" and "HOMBRE". It's kind of a toss up between this film and "HARRY AND SON" as my favorite of the two.As always NEWMAN's superb acting skills make you believe he is really the character he is portraying.One of a handful of A Group actors that can play Diverse roles without being stereotyped as one personality.
Makes you believe that not all Lawyers are out there just for the Buck.Maybe if there were a few Frank Galvins out there in the real Judical World,Lawyers might have a better reputation among Most Americans.Excellent Film!...s.m.
The Time Machine
(1960)
Time Machine still a Favorite
22 December 2013
I first saw The Time Machine in August 1960 at a local downtown theater. I was 11 years old. Now I'm 64 yrs old and the Movie still fascinates me even if some of the special effects are dated.After seeing the 2002 remake which was disappointing despite modern special effects.It made me appreciate the Original Film even more.These film makers today seem to think they can improve on the Original through Technology advancements and computer generated images. I'm saying the same thing I said about the remake of "Flight of the Phoenix" Sometimes well enough is better left alone...
Rod Taylor was a popular actor in the 60's.His performance in this Film and "The Birds" in 1963 made him one of my favorite actors in the day.The Original TIME MACHINE will be a film seen by future Generations as maybe the way todays generation looks at TV's 60's Star Trek.Dated Technology but still Great Cinema...s.m.
Rod Taylor was a popular actor in the 60's.His performance in this Film and "The Birds" in 1963 made him one of my favorite actors in the day.The Original TIME MACHINE will be a film seen by future Generations as maybe the way todays generation looks at TV's 60's Star Trek.Dated Technology but still Great Cinema...s.m.
Hot Rods to Hell
(1966)
Hot Rods to Heck ???
22 December 2013
This film was released the year I graduated from High School. Shot in 1966 it debuted in theaters in January 1967. Maybe if I had been still 12 or 13yrs I would have thought this movie was cool but by the time your 17 or 18yrs you know it was pretty cornball.
One of my favorite Scenes is where the Highway Patrolman is saying "Putting these cars in the hands of these teenagers is like giving them sticks of Dynamite(or something close to that) I remember laughing at that the 1st time I saw the movie.
Hot Rods to Hell is one of those Films you make fun of but when you see it coming up at the end of the week on a Cable TV Channel; you make sure you watch it again one more time.I'm sure Dana Andrew's isn't going to put it among "The Best Years of our Lives" and "State Fair" as one of his favorite Roles...s.m.
One of my favorite Scenes is where the Highway Patrolman is saying "Putting these cars in the hands of these teenagers is like giving them sticks of Dynamite(or something close to that) I remember laughing at that the 1st time I saw the movie.
Hot Rods to Hell is one of those Films you make fun of but when you see it coming up at the end of the week on a Cable TV Channel; you make sure you watch it again one more time.I'm sure Dana Andrew's isn't going to put it among "The Best Years of our Lives" and "State Fair" as one of his favorite Roles...s.m.
Hombre
(1967)
Oh, about as far as Delgados, will all have some musquel!
22 December 2013
John Russell's reply to thug robber David Canary after he has shot holes in the stage's waterbags and asks Russell how far he's going to go from the robbed and disabled Stagecoach. Canary then realizes this is the same man that smashed him in the face with a Rifle butt after he harassed two of Russell's Indian Friends at Delgados earlier in the film when Russell still looked like an Apache. Bad move on Canary's part as he gets shot in the face by Russell as well as Mitchell's character too.
One of Newman's best performances from a film that didn't get that much attention until it reached the cable TV Market. All great performances from supporting Cast. After watching Richard Boone as PALADIN on TV for years it was quite amusing to see him as the Bad Guy. The scene where he takes the solder's stage ticket and the attempted assault of Maggie Blythe's character lets you know he's not really a nice guy.
I have probably watched this Film at least 30+ times and I never get tired of it. Aside from the costcutting phony blood scene coming from Canary's face after being shot by Russell.(which was added optically in post editing) this film has always been one of my Favorites. If HUD had been shot in color I would probably give it the Nod for a slightly better film, but both had outstanding performances by Newman..s.m.
One of Newman's best performances from a film that didn't get that much attention until it reached the cable TV Market. All great performances from supporting Cast. After watching Richard Boone as PALADIN on TV for years it was quite amusing to see him as the Bad Guy. The scene where he takes the solder's stage ticket and the attempted assault of Maggie Blythe's character lets you know he's not really a nice guy.
I have probably watched this Film at least 30+ times and I never get tired of it. Aside from the costcutting phony blood scene coming from Canary's face after being shot by Russell.(which was added optically in post editing) this film has always been one of my Favorites. If HUD had been shot in color I would probably give it the Nod for a slightly better film, but both had outstanding performances by Newman..s.m.
Doom of Dracula
(1966)
Castle Films - Doom of Dracula!
21 December 2013
This approximately 9 minute short was taken from Universal's 1944 "House of Frankenstein" The first half of the film dwells on Count Dracula (john carradine) The second half concentrates on reviving the Frankenstein Monster(Glenn Strange). :Sidenote: Glenn Strange played the Monster in the last 3 Universal Horror Classics;The above mentioned 1944 "House of Frankenstein" 1945 "House of Dracula and the 1948 "Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein" Unlike Karloff's makeup for the 1931 "Original Frankenstein" 1935 "Bride of Frankenstein" and 1939 "Son of Frankenstein" done by legendary Universal Makeup Chief Jack Pierce; Strange's Makeup was done by Bud Westmore of the Famous Westmore Family. Strange was probably more well known in TV's GUNSMOKE as SAM the Bartender of the Longbranch Saloon.
Karloff's last appearance as the Frankenstein Monster was 1939's "Son of Frankenstein" In this Film he plays the evil Dr. Neamaude who has escaped from Prison with the hunchback Daniel(J.Carrol Naish) They end up taking over Lampini's horror show Wagon; eventually bringing both Dracula and the Monster back to Life... Unexpected ending for Karloff in this Universal Classic...Available in Super 8 Magnetic Sound as well as 16mm Optical Sound.It was a popular film among Castle Film Collectors...s.m.
Karloff's last appearance as the Frankenstein Monster was 1939's "Son of Frankenstein" In this Film he plays the evil Dr. Neamaude who has escaped from Prison with the hunchback Daniel(J.Carrol Naish) They end up taking over Lampini's horror show Wagon; eventually bringing both Dracula and the Monster back to Life... Unexpected ending for Karloff in this Universal Classic...Available in Super 8 Magnetic Sound as well as 16mm Optical Sound.It was a popular film among Castle Film Collectors...s.m.
Frankenstein
(1931)
Frankenstein -1931
21 December 2013
The 1931 Classic that started the Ball rolling for the Frankenstein Monster. Karloff played the roll 2 more times(1935-Bride of Frankenstein & 1939-Son of Frankenstein) The Monster was then played by Lon Chaney Jr.(1942-Ghost of Frankenstein) Bela Lugosi (1943-Frankenstein meets the Wolfman) and finally by GlennStrange(Sam the Bartender in TV's Gunsmoke) who appeared in 1944-"House of Frankenstein, 1945-"House of Dracula" and finally in 1948's Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein" Strange's Makeup((Bud Westmore) seemed more scary as the Monster to me growing up as a kid compared to Karloff's and others(Jack Pierce)...Interesting Note Jack Pierce was head of Universal Make up Dept in the 30's but was fired from Universal Thus bringing the famous Westmore Family into Universal's Monsters and Sci-fi creatures.....s.m
The Yearling
(1946)
outstanding performance given by Claude Jarman jr.
9 December 2013
Since I wasn't born until 1949,I never had the opportunity to see this film at a Movie Theater.When it was shown on television I had the same reaction many people had.Tearing up when Jody had to shoot his beloved pet Deer that his Mother had shot and wounded.Knowing how much he had loved this animal and was willing to sacrifice to be able to keep him made me think of how much we get attached to our own pets whether a Dog,Cat,Bird,whatever! Our love and concern for something that doesn't work,doesn't pay rent,sleeps much of the day,sometimes has accidents on the Floor etc. but still gives us indiscribable Devotion and pleasure.
Claude Jarman Jr's performance in this picture can only be rated as outstanding considering this was his very first picture. The emotions he could express on his face through out the movie were riveting and heartwarming.I'm sure many Movie Audiences leaving theaters in 1946 were wiping away tears.I see why he was given a special Academy award for his performance.
If all animal owners showed the love,care,devotion,empathy, that Jody had for his beloved pet deer; we wouldn't need organization like the ASPCA...Great Heartwarming Film that all should see at least once...s.m.
Claude Jarman Jr's performance in this picture can only be rated as outstanding considering this was his very first picture. The emotions he could express on his face through out the movie were riveting and heartwarming.I'm sure many Movie Audiences leaving theaters in 1946 were wiping away tears.I see why he was given a special Academy award for his performance.
If all animal owners showed the love,care,devotion,empathy, that Jody had for his beloved pet deer; we wouldn't need organization like the ASPCA...Great Heartwarming Film that all should see at least once...s.m.
Oysters and Muscles
(1948)
Oysters and Muscles
8 December 2013
This is one of two Castle Film Shorts from the 1945 Universal Feature "Here come the Coeds" A condensed version in both 8mm & 16mm intended for the home film market.Abbott & Costello representing a Women's College(Bixby)who are in financial trouble,need to obtain quick money to save the college from closing...
Bud cons Lou(Oliver) into a supposedly fixed wrestling match against the Masked Marvel who is a friend of Bud's character(Slatts).When the masked marvel(McGurk) becomes ill before the match and is substituted by another wrestler unaware to Lou,then all hell breaks loose as Lou realizes he isn't wrestling the right man...
Very entertaining Short Subject usually paired with the other related Castle A&C Short "Fun on the Run" from the same feature "Here come the Coeds".Both A&C short films were among the most popular ever distributed by Castle Films...
Bud cons Lou(Oliver) into a supposedly fixed wrestling match against the Masked Marvel who is a friend of Bud's character(Slatts).When the masked marvel(McGurk) becomes ill before the match and is substituted by another wrestler unaware to Lou,then all hell breaks loose as Lou realizes he isn't wrestling the right man...
Very entertaining Short Subject usually paired with the other related Castle A&C Short "Fun on the Run" from the same feature "Here come the Coeds".Both A&C short films were among the most popular ever distributed by Castle Films...
Fun on the Run
(1949)
Fun on the Run
8 December 2013
This 1949 Castle Films Home short version is from the 1945 Universal Feature "Here come the Coeds" it was available in both 8mm & 16mm formats for the home film market in Headline Editions(3 minutes)and Complete Editions(9 minutes).It stars Abbott and Costello working at a women's college(Bixby College)...
The Plot is Bixby College Coeds playing Basketball and getting involved in a rigged game where a professional women's basketball team is brought in at halftime and told to hurt the star players for Bixby so they can easily win the championship game. Bud & Lou get caught up in the scam and try and save Bixby college.Lots of Funny scenes in this entertaining short.One of the most Popular A&C Castle Films to come out of their Home Catalog...
The Plot is Bixby College Coeds playing Basketball and getting involved in a rigged game where a professional women's basketball team is brought in at halftime and told to hurt the star players for Bixby so they can easily win the championship game. Bud & Lou get caught up in the scam and try and save Bixby college.Lots of Funny scenes in this entertaining short.One of the most Popular A&C Castle Films to come out of their Home Catalog...
The Flight of the Phoenix
(1965)
Still a top notch film even today!
7 December 2013
When I see popular films remade and then expect them to be as good or better than the original;then you realize that the original couldn't have been improved on and the remake was forgettable.This is the case of 1965's "Flight of the Phoenix". Simple plot of diverse characters aboard an Oil Company owned airplane caught up in a sandstorm that forces them to crash in the desert.
My favorite character is the arrogant German Model Plane designer DORFMANN who comes up with the plan of turning the Twin engine aircraft into a single engine plane that will fly the remaining survivors back home.His arrogance and superior feeling over the other stranded passengers made you have a Love/Hate relationship with him.Even Stewart's character who really couldn't stand the man, knew he was their only real hope of survival so he had to humble himself to the wishes of Dorfmann...
The film's cinematography was spectacular despite being just desert and a wrecked airplane.The diverse passenger characters all gave good performances especially the mentally challenged BORGNINE character "Trucker Cobb"...
The only disappoint of the film is the ending.Veteran Aerial Stunt Pilot Paul Mantz who had done Aerial stunt work in movies going back to the 30's;was fatally injured toward the end of shooting and crashed the remade Phoenix Airplane. The last shot you see of the plane is in the air after passing over an oil crew below.You never see the plane landing because it had been destroyed upon Mantz's Crash.The final scene is the survivors walking/running to the water spring they had passed over...
Although it was never really brought out Mantz was a known Drinker and had flown stunts under the influence more than once.No one really knows if it was pilot error or aircraft malfunction or Mantz may have even had a heart attack. However he still goes down in history as one of the Greatest aviator stunt pilots in Cinema History.EXCELLENT FILM!...s.m.
My favorite character is the arrogant German Model Plane designer DORFMANN who comes up with the plan of turning the Twin engine aircraft into a single engine plane that will fly the remaining survivors back home.His arrogance and superior feeling over the other stranded passengers made you have a Love/Hate relationship with him.Even Stewart's character who really couldn't stand the man, knew he was their only real hope of survival so he had to humble himself to the wishes of Dorfmann...
The film's cinematography was spectacular despite being just desert and a wrecked airplane.The diverse passenger characters all gave good performances especially the mentally challenged BORGNINE character "Trucker Cobb"...
The only disappoint of the film is the ending.Veteran Aerial Stunt Pilot Paul Mantz who had done Aerial stunt work in movies going back to the 30's;was fatally injured toward the end of shooting and crashed the remade Phoenix Airplane. The last shot you see of the plane is in the air after passing over an oil crew below.You never see the plane landing because it had been destroyed upon Mantz's Crash.The final scene is the survivors walking/running to the water spring they had passed over...
Although it was never really brought out Mantz was a known Drinker and had flown stunts under the influence more than once.No one really knows if it was pilot error or aircraft malfunction or Mantz may have even had a heart attack. However he still goes down in history as one of the Greatest aviator stunt pilots in Cinema History.EXCELLENT FILM!...s.m.
Here Come the Co-eds
(1945)
Here come the Coeds produced two Castle Film Shorts in 1949!
24 November 2013
Castle films extracted the best scenes from this feature and made two 8mm/16mm shorts "Fun on the Run" and "Oysters and Muscles" for the home film market.This was done in 1949 and both titles were among the most popular of all the A&C Castle shorts.If you look up on Ebay you can see both titles listed numerous times during the year.Most are regular 8mm,as 16mm sound was usually to expensive for the average home market user.
I have collected 16mm Castle Films since the 1960's.Before VHS & DVD,s came along, 16mm optical sound track was basically the only format for showing sound edition prints. When super 8mm came on the scene in the later 60's you could buy magnetic sound super 8 prints...
It was reported that after A&C had split up and weren't under contract to Universal pictures any longer;Lou Costello sued Castle Films for unpaid royalties he believed were due him from Castle's Home Market sales.I believe it was never settled as Costello died in 1959 and Castle Films continued on well into the 70's before becoming Universal 8...s.m.
I have collected 16mm Castle Films since the 1960's.Before VHS & DVD,s came along, 16mm optical sound track was basically the only format for showing sound edition prints. When super 8mm came on the scene in the later 60's you could buy magnetic sound super 8 prints...
It was reported that after A&C had split up and weren't under contract to Universal pictures any longer;Lou Costello sued Castle Films for unpaid royalties he believed were due him from Castle's Home Market sales.I believe it was never settled as Costello died in 1959 and Castle Films continued on well into the 70's before becoming Universal 8...s.m.
Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein still fun to watch!
22 November 2013
My favorite A&C film,I first saw it in the 50's when it was released to television. Even as I grew up realizing it was corny,dumb,etc.it still has always stayed with me.Perhaps because I was also a Universal Horror film fan of the 30's & 40's and this picture was more or less the closing chapter for the Universal Monster pictures.
I was still so fascinated with it I bought the condensed 16mm Castle film version and then when the advent of Beta & VHS came on the scene in the late 70's early 80's I remember paying around 50 bucks for a VHS video which I still possess today. Of course when DVD's came along I had to buy those also. The DVD was especially cool because it had all the extras that never came on VHS tapes. Lobby Cards,cut scenes,narration by people that worked on the film, etc.Now with the Digital technology that has come about you can probably see a better quality image than theater audiences saw back in 1948.
I even like the colorized version. It's kind of sad when you go into the IMDb site and look up the film actors from the film and discover that they are all Dead now....
One thing about film is it keeps these actors with us as if they were still alive on this earth, entertaining us and not growing old as we all eventually do and staying the way we visualized them when we were kids....s.m.
I was still so fascinated with it I bought the condensed 16mm Castle film version and then when the advent of Beta & VHS came on the scene in the late 70's early 80's I remember paying around 50 bucks for a VHS video which I still possess today. Of course when DVD's came along I had to buy those also. The DVD was especially cool because it had all the extras that never came on VHS tapes. Lobby Cards,cut scenes,narration by people that worked on the film, etc.Now with the Digital technology that has come about you can probably see a better quality image than theater audiences saw back in 1948.
I even like the colorized version. It's kind of sad when you go into the IMDb site and look up the film actors from the film and discover that they are all Dead now....
One thing about film is it keeps these actors with us as if they were still alive on this earth, entertaining us and not growing old as we all eventually do and staying the way we visualized them when we were kids....s.m.
On Any Sunday
(1971)
On any Sunday still Good Today!!!
21 November 2013
Although 40+ years old now OAS still holds up well for racing enthusiasts.The Bike that Lawwill was racing;the HD IRON XR750 produced in 1970-71 is only a year older than the ALLOY XR750 first mfg in 1972 and still raced today in AMA GRAND NATIONAL DT RACING in revised format,but essentially the same engine design from 1972.In the complete racing history of HD they have never had a Previous Race bike engine design(i.e.WR,KR,IRON XR)ever go longer than 17 yrs (KR 52-68) The currently raced HD XR is coming upon it's 42nd year in DT Racing...
Keen observers will notice in the final scenes where Mert,Malcohm,and Steve McQueen are playing in the Sand;That Lawwill's motorcycle isn't a Harley Davidson even though the HD gas tank says it is.It was actually a GREEVES CHALLENGER that belonged to a relative of Mert.Being that Lawwill was a fully sponsored Factory HD rider, it wouldn't have been good advertising to be on a non HD product...Still a Great Film!!!
Keen observers will notice in the final scenes where Mert,Malcohm,and Steve McQueen are playing in the Sand;That Lawwill's motorcycle isn't a Harley Davidson even though the HD gas tank says it is.It was actually a GREEVES CHALLENGER that belonged to a relative of Mert.Being that Lawwill was a fully sponsored Factory HD rider, it wouldn't have been good advertising to be on a non HD product...Still a Great Film!!!
Corvette Summer
(1978)
corvette summer ???
21 November 2013
Being a corvette owner at the time this movie came out in 1978;I had to see what it was going to be about.The movie is OK but a little far fetched plot wise.The Mark Hamill character was a little too infatuated with a car that in essence was a project for a whole class of Auto shop students.The film was entertaining though and I have watched it a number of times over the years...
One fact that has been disputed over the years is the Car itself.More than one source has credited Custom car Godfather "George Barris" as the builder of the custom 73 stingray;when in fact it was a custom car business called "KORKY's.They specialized in corvettes and custom fiberglass parts.
The vette is pretty dated by today's standards but looked pretty sweet back in 1978.The one part that I personally loathed on the car was that Hood...It made me think it was something that belonged in the old David Carradine film "Death Race"....s.m.
One fact that has been disputed over the years is the Car itself.More than one source has credited Custom car Godfather "George Barris" as the builder of the custom 73 stingray;when in fact it was a custom car business called "KORKY's.They specialized in corvettes and custom fiberglass parts.
The vette is pretty dated by today's standards but looked pretty sweet back in 1978.The one part that I personally loathed on the car was that Hood...It made me think it was something that belonged in the old David Carradine film "Death Race"....s.m.
The Birds
(1963)
major goof that should have been caught in Dailies!
20 November 2013
At Cathy's birthday party, when Mitch and Melanie climb the small hilltop to chat;you can see the Brenner Dock without any water around it and dry ground a good 100yds or more away from the dock. How in one day could that much water disappear when the day before Melanie brings the rented rowboat right up to the dock to deliver Cathy's love birds and the water level is close to the height of the Dock.
Unless a major sink hole opened up during the night and swallowed probably mega tons of water its highly unlikely you would have that much water disappear.I'm surprised that a perfectionist like Hitch wouldn't of caught that and did some background reshooting...Still a great movie...s.m.
Unless a major sink hole opened up during the night and swallowed probably mega tons of water its highly unlikely you would have that much water disappear.I'm surprised that a perfectionist like Hitch wouldn't of caught that and did some background reshooting...Still a great movie...s.m.
The Missouri Breaks
(1976)
Brando and Nicholson get thrown out of local Bar!
15 November 2013
I remember this Movie well; Mostly filmed in Billings, Mt.,Brando and Nicholson one afternoon while off set went to a well known local Beer Bar called "GRAMMA'S".After about an hour of drinking Both Brando and Nicholson were fairly intoxicated and thought throwing their Beer Glasses up in the air and having them crash on the floor was OK, after all we are Movie Stars, Wrong! The Bar owner Mr. Staley literally threw them out into the Parking Lot;Saying I don't care how big of hotshots they think they are,Their not going to disrespect my Bar or Me. It was classic to say the least.
The Movie was alright but never close to "LITTLE BIG MAN" shot here in 1969.Sometimes even High Profile Celebrities make forgettable Films.,,S.M.
The Movie was alright but never close to "LITTLE BIG MAN" shot here in 1969.Sometimes even High Profile Celebrities make forgettable Films.,,S.M.
Little Big Man
(1970)
Little Big Man partly filmed in Billings,Mt.
15 November 2013
I remember very well Little big man being shot here in July 1969.Hoffman rented a house from a prominent local doctor.Went out one evening to where they were shooting and got a first hand look at why these Big Budget Movies cost so much to shoot,One scene that's in the movie that lasts about 8 seconds took over 4 hrs to get right.Veteran Stuntman Loren Janes and J,N.Roberts came over to our Motorcycle Dealership one evening and showed behind the scenes footage of Jane's stuntwork on movies like "How the west was Won" and Nevada Smith. He stunt doubled for Steve McQueen in almost all his Films.
Movie was good but I thought it was too long needed some cutting.One local resident here that was a wagon driver had numerous scenes and thought he was going to have a good amount of screen time. Every scene he was in ended up on the cutting room floor. He was pretty devastated to say the least..s.m.
Movie was good but I thought it was too long needed some cutting.One local resident here that was a wagon driver had numerous scenes and thought he was going to have a good amount of screen time. Every scene he was in ended up on the cutting room floor. He was pretty devastated to say the least..s.m.
I Was a Teenage Frankenstein
(1957)
Teenage Frankenstein!!!
15 November 2013
Saw this movie back in 1957 when I was 8 yrs old.I remember hiding under my bed that night. All I could remember was that horrible looking face of Conway's character after the car crash.These old American Internationl pictures where they used color towards the end of the film for emphasis was another old 50's gimmick.
It's funny when you grow older and watch it again it becomes laughable and you wonder what you were scared about in the 1st place.That's the way our minds mature during our lifetime.I remember always wanting that mask of Conway's for Halloween trick or treating.Was usually paired with "I was a Teenage Werewolf" for Saturday afternoon kids matinées back then....s.m.
It's funny when you grow older and watch it again it becomes laughable and you wonder what you were scared about in the 1st place.That's the way our minds mature during our lifetime.I remember always wanting that mask of Conway's for Halloween trick or treating.Was usually paired with "I was a Teenage Werewolf" for Saturday afternoon kids matinées back then....s.m.
Warpath
(1951)
Warpath 1951! shot in my city!!!
15 November 2013
Much of this film was shot here in my town(Billings,Montana).They converted the 4H display barns at our fairgrounds for the Calvary fort.Other footage was shot where Montana's State Championship motorcycle Hillclims takes place twice a year. The male actors when not on set like to hang out at a local night spot called "The Elmo Club". Edmond O'Brien like to drink and it sometimes got him in trouble when he tried to flirt with the local women of Billings.Their husbands didn't take kindly to his behavior even if he was a quote "Moviestar"
The film had it's premiere here in Billings in August 1951 at the FOX Theater(now the ALBERTA BAIR THEATER)..They built a stage in front of the theater and the Stars and many cast members were present for the premiere. My Mother told me that she had taken me to this premiere in 1951.I don't recall being there;maybe because I was only 2 yrs old then.
Although probably not the most noteworthy picture that was shot here in Billings or Montana,it was shot in 3 strip Technicolor and had beautiful background shots.Most of the main Actors aside from Polly Bergen are gone now.It is still shown occasionally on Turner Classic Movies(TCM)...S.M.
The film had it's premiere here in Billings in August 1951 at the FOX Theater(now the ALBERTA BAIR THEATER)..They built a stage in front of the theater and the Stars and many cast members were present for the premiere. My Mother told me that she had taken me to this premiere in 1951.I don't recall being there;maybe because I was only 2 yrs old then.
Although probably not the most noteworthy picture that was shot here in Billings or Montana,it was shot in 3 strip Technicolor and had beautiful background shots.Most of the main Actors aside from Polly Bergen are gone now.It is still shown occasionally on Turner Classic Movies(TCM)...S.M.
Father Knows Best
(1954–1960)
Father Knows Best???
15 November 2013
I owned a 16mm Film Library for over 45 years.I have a number of FTB episodes in my collection.Growing up in the 50's it was one of my favorite TV shows.Bud(Billy Gray) was my favorite character on the show. Had a chance to meet Laurin Chapin(KATHY) when she came to our town for a Christian Womens Club function. I even got her to autograph one of my 16mm print episodes in which she was the main focus "ADOPTED DAUGHTER"..She was a very Nice and Cordial person.
I know kids today look at these old TV episodes and laugh and think they are cornball. That's too bad;cause maybe if Television shows of today still had some morals and ethics our youth of today would also have the same...S.M.
I know kids today look at these old TV episodes and laugh and think they are cornball. That's too bad;cause maybe if Television shows of today still had some morals and ethics our youth of today would also have the same...S.M.
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