Catlow-1971

Not one of the best westerns ever, or even of its era, this 1971 Louis L'amour adaptation is best remembered today as the first big screen film appearance from the post-Spock Leonard Nimoy.

R.I.P. Leonard Nimoy

Mantan Moreland Movies

I guess I first encountered the fast-talking African-American comic Mantan Moreland as Charlie Chan's chauffeur but he was already a vaudeville veteran and, in fact, appeared in more than a few movies as the star! These low budget "race movies" were generally aimed at black audiences only and often gave the performers a chance to avoid the stereotyped characters they were forced to play in major films. Often...but not always. Mantan was always recognizably Mantan, smiling, charismatic and hilarious as always.

My First M-Rated Film--Eye of the Cat

Largely forgotten today, this 1969 movie was--as far as I remember--the first M-Rated feature I ever saw. My friend Terry and I saw it twice and each time the blood and violence squicked us out just as it was intended to do--the way a dark carnival ride would.

I didn't know anyone connected with it at the time. The writer was largely responsible for OUTER LIMITS and PSYCHO. The director would go on to do some enjoyable TV movies and some big screen flops. The composer went on to become my favorite screen composer. The star, Michael Sarrazin, was hot for about 10 years and was said to be the one true love of murdered actress Christa Helm. 

Well It's Groundhog Day...Again.

One of my all-time favorite comedies is 1993's GROUNDHOG DAY. I actually had no intention of seeing it but one night when I went to pick up my wife from work she ended up having to work late. With a couple hours to kill, I remember deciding to see a movie at the theater across the street. 

And I loved every minute! It's one of those I can watch over and over again and not get tired of it...which I guess is the point. 

In fact, someone once suggested that they announce a GROUNDHOG DAY II...and then simply re-release this one! Works!