Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween 2011

Who are Those Guys? - Dominic Barto


Dominic Barto was born on December 20, 1930 in Pennsylvania. Before entering films he was a professional boxer. Barto entered films in 1969 with an appearance in "Stiletto". His agent was Jack Palance’s brother and advised Dominic to try his luck in European films as that was where the action was. With his very pronounced facial features, he was an excellent villain in Italian crime and western films. Dominic appeared in several Euro-westerns with friend Terence Hill. including the TV series "Lucky Luke". He also is remembered for his appearance in "Rocky IV" as a Russian policeman. Thanks to his acting skills he could easily transform from drama to comedy (such as the bounty killer Mortimer in "Trinity" to bums, or William Dalton, in the TV series "Lucky Luke") obtaining an extraordinary comic edge dictated by the paradox of the opposing characteristics. In the mid 1990s Dominic retired and moved to the Far East.

BARTO, Dominic (aka Dominik Barto) [12/20/1930, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. - ] - boxer, TV actor.
They Call Me Trinity - 1970 (Mortimer)
The Last Rebel - 1971 (stagecoach agent)
Vendetta at Dawn - 1971 (Carl Fargas)
Man of the East - 1972 (Monkey Smith)
Another Man Another Chance - 1977 (wounded man)
Lucky Luke (TV) - 1990-1991 (William Dalton)
Lucky Luke - 1990 (William Dalton)

Sunday, October 30, 2011

JOE DEXTER

Oeste Nevada Joe - Spanish title
Pistoleros en Golden Hill - Spanish title
La sfida degli implacabili - Italian title
Le defi des implacables - French title
Nevada Joe - German title
Nevada Joe - Swedish title
Guns of Nevada - English title
Joe Dexter - U.S.A. title

A 1964 Spanish, Italian co-production [IFISA (Madrid), Cineproduzioni Associati (Rome)]
Producer: Ignacio F. Iquino (Ignacio Ferres Iquino)
Director: Ignacio F. Iquino (Ignacio Ferres Iquino)
Story: Miguel Maria Astrain Bada
Screenplay: Mikky Roberts (Miguel Astrain), Steve McCoy (Ignacio Ferres Iquino)
Cinematography: Giuseppe La Torre, Julian Rosenthal (Julio Perez de Rozas) [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Henry Escobar (Enrique Sotes)
Running time: 98 minutes

Cast:
Joe Dexter - George Martin (Francisco Celeiro)
Laura/Julie Brooks - Audrey Amber (Adriana Ambesi)
Susan Lee/Mary Blue - Katia Loritz
Doc Burton - John McDouglas (Giuseppe Addobbatti)
Jim - Stan Bart (Ángel Lombarte)
John Randolph - Miguel de la Riva
Taylor - Indio González (Gaspar González)
Pete Davy - Rud Fray (Fernando Rubio Peña)
barman - Jack M. Simon (Juan Manuel Simón)
Otto Greer - Ramón Corroto
Mulligan - Antonio Iranzo (Antonio Escorijuela)
with: César Nagan (César Ojinaga), Eduardo Lizarza (Eduardo Lizarraga), Tom Sanchez (Tomas Sancho), José Manuel Pinilla, Moises Rocha


After his release from prison, a lone gunman Joe Dexter, beomes involved with two women, one a scheming saloon owner Susan Lee and the other Julie Brooks, the heiress of a silver mine. Susan enters into a plot with Doc Burton to get possession of Julie’s mine. Thinking Joe is responsible for the plot Julie’s brothers go after Joe with revenge on their minds. In the end Joe meets Burton in a showdown at high noon and everything is resolved for the best and Joe wins the hand of Julie and the silver mine.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Spaghetti Western Locations


Juan and Sean share a meal and Juan tries to convince Sean to join his family and help them rob the Mesa Verde bank. This area is in the location of the coach with the camera turned back towards the road used to arrive at this location. As you can see in the picture above the stake used in planting the new trees on the hillside. How they ever got the coach up there is beyond me. No wonder they decided to blow it up instead of transporting it back down this narrow and winding unpaved fire road.


For a more detailed view of this site and other Spaghetti Western locations please visit my friend Yoshi ‘Garringo’ Yasuda’s excellent website: http://y-yasuda.net

Happy 80th Birthday Franco Interlenghi

Franco Interlenghi was born on October 29, 1931 in Rome. He began his film career in 1946 at the age of 15 in "Sciuscià" by Vittorio De Sica. His career has continued with Franco playing secondary and support roles while also appearing on television and the theater in over 100 roles. In 1955 he married actress Antonella Lualdi [1931- ] and is the grandfather of actress Virginia Sanjust DiTeulada. Interlenghi appeared in one Euro-western "China 9, Liberty 37" (1978) as Hank Sebanek. Today we celebrate Franco Interlenghi’s 80th birthday.

Remembering Fausto Tozi

Fausto Tozzi was born on October 29, 1921 in Rome, Italy. He became a well known Italian filmactor and producer. He appeared in such films as "Im Stahlnetz des Dr. Mabuse" (In the Steel Cabinet of Dr. Mabuse) (1961), "Meraviglie di Aladino, Le" (The Wonders of Aladdin) (1961), "Spadaccino di Siena, Lo" (Swordsman of Siena) (1962), and "The Black Stallion" (1979). Fausto wrote the screenplay for "The Defeated Victor" (1959) which was entered in the 9th Berlin International Film Festival. In his 72 plus film and television career he appeared in six Euro-westerns among them "A Few Bullets More" (1967) as Sheriff Pat Garrett, "The Deserter" (1971) as Orozco and "Chino" (1973) as Cruz. Fausto died from emphysema on December 10, 1978 in Rome. Today we remember Fausto Tozzi on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Remembering Jess Hahn

Jesse Beryle Hahn was born on October 29, 1921 in Terre Haute, Indiana. Although born in the U.S.A. he only appeared in a few U.S. TV shows before moving and living in France in the mid-1950s. He became a fixture in French films often playing American military roles, C.I.A. and F.B.I. agents or expatriates. He was well liked by French and Italian directors and therefore appeared in over 90 European films and television appearances. During this time he appeared in five Euro-westerns including three with Lee Van Cleef, such as "Dynamite Jack" (1960), "Captain Apache" (1970), "Bad Man’s River" (1972) and "The Grand Duel" (1972). When his film career declined he became a theater actor. In the 1970s and his career in further decline he bought a farm near Dinan, Brittany, France and acted only occasionally. On June 29, 1998 he died in Saint-Malo, France basically forgotten by the film industry but thanks to video and DVD he’s well remembered by film fans. Today we remember Jess Hahn on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Guess Who I Am


I’m a Spanish actor born in 1933, Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Andalucía, Spain. Guess who I am.

I appeared in 10 Euro-westerns from 1967-1976. Guess who I am.

I was honored at the recent 2011 Almeria Film Festival. Guess who I am.

No one guessed today's photo. It's Antonio Pica.

RIP Enrico Luzi

Italian film and voice actor Enrico Luzi died on October 18, 2011 in Rome, Italy. Often appearing as Henry Luzi, he was born in Trieste, Italy on September 27, 1919. He specialized in character roles in film, television, theater and musicals. He became very familiar with Italian audiences when he was a regular on the 1950s radio program "Rosso e nero". He appeared on TV with the singing group Quartetto Cetra in the cast of the Bibloteca di Studio Uno in their presentation of the parody "La storia di Rosella O’Hara" (The Story of Scarlett O’Hara). As a voice actor he gave his voice to several cartoon characters including "Kimba, the White Lion", "The Bear Mysha" and was the Italian voice of Uncle Fester in the TV series "The Addams Family". Luzi appeared in one Euro-western, "A Fistful of Songs" (1966).

Joe Dakota

Spara Joe... e così sia! - Italian title
Un uomo chiamoto Dakota Joe - Italian title
Tire Joe et... Amen! - French title
Einai kairos na pethaneis, Joe - Greek title
Dispara Joe... y asi sea - Spanish title
Joe Dakota - Spanish title
Shoot Joe, and Shoot Again - U.S.A. title
Joe Dakota - U.S.A. title

A 1971 Italian, Spanish co-production [Neptunia (Milan), P.C. Balcázar S.A. (Barcelona)]
Producer: Benito Bertaccini
Director: Hal Brady (Emilio Miraglia)
Story: Jean Josipovici
Screenplay: Jean Josipovici, Hal Brady (Emilio Mirgalia)
Cinematography: Silvio Fraschetti [Eastmancolor, Totalscope]
Music: Vasco & Mancuso (Vasili Kojucharov, Elsio Mancuso)
Running time: 88 minutes

Cast:
Joe Dakota - Richard Harrison
Ted - Antonio Cantafora
Rosy - Franca Polsello
Jack - José Torres (José Medina)
Francis - Indio Gonzales (Gaspar González)
Sam - Vittorio Fanfoni
Chuck - Rick Boyd (Federico Boido)
sheriff - Paolo Magalotti
with: Roberto Maldera, Giulio Bargahini, Claudio Trionfi, Corrado Olmi, Bernard Faber (Bernard Farber), Giulio Battiferi


Ted and his gang pull off a bank robbery and Ted hides the loot. Meanwhile a wounded and dying man hands over a map to buried money to Joe, a poor hunter who has rescued him. Ted’s henchmen find Joe and torture him to try and make him reveal what he knows. The burns inflicted on him make him go blind. The band take advantage of Joe’s weaknesses for Rosy, the madam of the saloon he promises to lead them to the money. When the gang take Rosy and Joe to their hideout he is beaten by robbers, who take the map and go for loot. Joe, who has since regained the use of the eyes, exterminates the bandits but during the fight Rosy takes advantage of their distraction to flee with the money. Recklessly she tries to cross a swollen river and is swept away. Joe, who tries in vain to help Rosy, is left standing alone with nothing.

Happy 75th Birthday Nino Castelnuovo

Francesco Castelnuovo was born in Lecco, Lombardy, Italy on October 28, 1936. After taking lessons in gymnastics and dance Nino moved to Milan where he attended the Piccolo Theatre of Giorgio Strehler. After graduating he began working in television in 1957 and appeared as a mime in "Zurlo il mago del giovedi". He then appeared in a small role in "Un maledetto imbroglio" (1959). His roles grew and the films become more important such as "The Hunchback" and "Rocco and His Brothers" (both 1960). He lands the lead role opposite Catherine Deneuve in "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" (1964) which wins the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film is ignored in Italy and it’s not until Castelnuovo appears on the made for TV film "I promessi sposi" (1967) that he becomes one of Italy’s most popular actors. He continued his career in a few films but mostly in TV. Nino appeared in two Euro-westerns "The Brute and the Beast" (1966) and "The 5-Man Army" (1969). Castelnuovo is retired today after he was stricken with glaucoma in 2005 and is nearly blind in both eyes today. Today we celebrate Nino Castelnuovo’s 75th birthday.

Remembering Carlo Taranto

Carlo Taranto was born on October 28, 1921 in Naples, Italy. He was the younger brother of actor, comedian and singer Nino Taranto [1907-1986]. Through his brother's influence he first appeared on screen in 1949's "I pompieri di Viggiù". He would go on to appear in over 100 films with such well known Italians as Toto, Vittorio De Sica, Franco Franchi, Ciccio Ingrassia and Alberto Sordi. Taranto usually played supporting and character roles in comedies and musicals. He was also active in theatrical productions and television roles. Carlo appeared in one Euro-western "The Nephew of Zorro" (1968). He passed away on April 4, 1986 in Naples from a hemorrhage. Today we remember Carlo Taranto on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

New CD Release

Alla conquista dell’Arkansas
(Massacre at Marble City)
(1964)
Director: Paul Martin (Franz Josef Gottlieb)
Starring: Brad Harris, Mario Adorf, Horst Frank
Composer: Francesco De Masi
Country: Italy
Label BEAT #CDCR94
Tracks: 16
Extras: 8 page booklet
Total time: 33:23
Available: October 31, 2011

Track listing available:
Alla conquista dell'Arkansas - 1:58
Arkansas suspense - 2:32
Scherzo western - 2:54
Arkansas commento n.1 - 2:36
Arkansas commento n.2 - 3:06
Alla conquista dell'Arkansas - 3:22
Yucca theme - 2:37
Arkansas commento n.3 - 2:42
Arkansas commento n.4 - 1:52
Armonica western - 1:30
Arkansas commento n.5 - 1:20
Arkansas commento n.6 - 1:22
Non sparate sul cnatante - 1:05
Arkansas commento n.7 - 2:58
Arkansas commento n.8 - 1:28
Alla conquista dell'Arkansas - 2:01





Trinity's Sausage & Beans Recipe


Here's the cinema recipe of the day, a fast second course directly from the western "They Call Me Trinity" prepared by TV chef Benedetta Parodi. Sausage and beans eaten by Terence Hill.

Here is the recipe.

Ingredients Sausage and Beans for 4 persons :
1 onion
1 clove of garlic
oil
red wine
1 cup tomato sauce
1 pound of sausage
salt
1 can of pinto beans
chili

Preparating Benedetta Parodi’s recipe for Sausage and Beans
Brown the onion in a frying pan with oil and garlic

Add the sausage, cut into pieces to fry

Sprinkle with red wine (or whiskey).

Add the beans and tomato sauce and stir with a wooden spoon.

Season with salt and pepper and add rosemary.

Continue cooking for about 15 minutes and serve directly in the pan.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011


CineFest 2011
8th International Festival of German Film Heritage
Hamburg: 12 - 20 November 2011


Organized by CineGraph and Bundesarchiv-Filmarchiv

Europe's Prairies and Cañons
Westerns between Siberia and the Atlantic


Film-Europe takes a look across the ocean and over the horizon: As the "flickers" invaded the penny-arcades, the "Wild West" was coming to an end in America. In cinemas, the myths and legends survived and expanded on the big screen. The "Western" quickly evolved into a popular film genre and found enthusiastic audiences all over the world. Stories about the adventures of cowboys, Indians and settlers inspired European directors to create their own re-interpretations, starting a Wild West stampede into new frontiers of the Old World, fighting and shooting its way from the Ural to the Atlantic and from Finland to Sicily.

Cinefest 2011 looks into European filmmakers’ interest and creativity in many facets of the most American of all genres, the Euro-Western: In the silent era, "Texas-Fred" and "Bull Arizona" were the heroes of Bavarian Westerns, while the French Camargue served as a backdrop for the adventures of "Bornéo Bill" and "Jim Crow".

Even during the Nazi era, adventurers like Hans Albers (Wasser für Canitoga) and Hans Söhnker (Gold in New Frisco) marked their claims in the goldrush. The civil unrest following the Russian Revolution was staged as Soviet "Easterns" (Beloe solnce pustyni 1969) while the Mexican Revolution served as a backdrop for the Finish drama Herra ja ylhäisyys (1943).


In the 1960s, Italy and both Germanys corralled the Euro-Western into the popular media. The "Reds" battled the pale-faces in East-German Indian-films that attacked racism and imperialism, while in West-German Karl May adaptations, Pierre Brice and Lex Barker displayed a close harmony between white and Indian nations. Spaghetti-Westerns directed by Sergio Leone, Corbucci und Sollima radically redefined the genre with stars like Clint Eastwood, Franco Nero and Klaus Kinski reeking havoc in bleak landscapes, partnered with Ennio Morricone's innovative musical scores.

New German Cinema directors such as Volker Vogeler, Roland Klick and Hark Bohm use the Western to revitalize the "Heimatfilm" (Jaider – der einsame Jäger), mix in elements of the gangster film (Deadlock) or stage an ethnological youth drama (Tschetan, der Indianerjunge).

The diverse creativity of European directors is exposed through a playful handling of both motifs and conventions of the genre: English comedians as prospectors in Alaska (The Frozen Limits, 1939), Romeo & Juliet on horseback in the Italian parody Il fanciullo del West (1942), and bewildered Frenchmen stumbling through Texas (Fernand cow-boy, 1956). Limonádový Joe aneb Koňnská opera (1964) is a satirical Czechoslovak Western-Musical with political undertones, ČCelovek s bul'vara Kapucinov (1987) a Soviet postmodern deconstruction of Wild West myths, and the British Straight to Hell (1986/87) combining punks and pistols.Documentaries such as Jan Šikls Sejdeme se v Denveru (2007) expose how the "Western" genre has influenced reality.

Among others, we plan to show the following films:
Erblich belastet? (D 1913, Harry Piel)
Feuerteufel (D 1920, Phil Jutzi)
Po zakonu (SU 1926, Lev Kulešov)
Der Kaiser von Kalifornien (D 1936/37, Luis Trenker)
Gold in New Frisco (D 1939, Paul Verhoeven)
Der Schatz im Silbersee (D/YU/F 1962, Harald Reinl)
Die schwarzen Adler von Santa Fe (D/I/F 1964, Ernst Hofbauer)
Limonaden-Joe (Limonádový Joe aneb Koňnská opera) (CS 1964, Oldřrich Lipský)
Per qualche dollaro on più (For a Few Dollars More) (I/D/E 1965, Sergio Leone)
Leichen pflastern seinen Weg (Il grande silenzio) (I/F 1968, Sergio Corbucci)
Weiße Sonne der Wüste (Beloe soltntse pustyni) (SU 1969, Vladimir Motyl)
Deadlock (D 1970, Roland Klick)
Jaider, der einsame Jäger (D 1970/71, Volker Vogeler)
Tecumseh (DDR 1971/72, Hans Kratzert)
Tschetan, der Indianerjunge (D1972, Hark Bohm)
Touche pas la femme blanche (F/I 1973, Marco Ferreri)
Potato Fritz / Zwei gegen Tod und Teufel (D 1975/76, Peter Schamoni)
Keoma (I 1976, Enzo G. Castellari)
Der Wind pfeift unter den Füßen (Talpuk alatt fütyül a szél) (HU 1976, György Szomjas)
The Wolfer (CH 1975-79, Angy Burri)
Blauvogel (DDR 1978/79, Ulrich Weiß)
Wir werden das Kind schon schaukeln (Pruncul, petrolul şsi ardelenii) (RO 1981, Dan Pita)
Der Mann vom Kapuzinerboulevard (ČCelovek s bul'vara Kapucinov) (SU 1987, Alla Surikova)
Soukremé stoleti: Sejdeme se v Denveru (CZ 2006/07, Jan Šikl)
Lucky Luke (F 2009, James Huth)

Jim Crow

Jim Crow - French title
Jim Crow - English title

A 1910 French production [Lux Film (Paris)]
Producer: Jean Durand
Director: Robert Péguy
Story: Robert Péguy
Screenplay: Robert Péguy
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: 281 meters

Cast:
bartender - Charles Vanel
with: Joë Hamman (Jean Hamman), Gaston Modot (Jean-Charles Barniaud)

Story: Unknown

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Who are Those Guys? - John Bartha


János Barta is a Hungarian film actor born in 1920 in Budapest, Hungary. He started his film career in 1951 with an appearance in the Hungarian film "Teljes gözzel". With his friend and fellow actor Tom Felleghy they moved to Italy in the early 1960s. Here Barta’s name was Anglicized to John Bartha and he went on to appear in over 90 films from 1951-1981. His familiar face was seen in over 30 Euro-westerns. Bartha along with Luis Induni were often cast as sheriffs, law officers and military men in the majority of their western films. Bartha’s probably best remembered as the sheriff of Mesilla in the "Good, the Bad and the Ugly". The Man with No Name after capturing Tuco turns him over to Bartha and when the hanging takes place he shoots the hats off the lawman and several spectators before riding out of town and splitting the reward with the now freed outlaw. As far as Bartha’s long time relationship with fellow Hungarian Tom Felleghy, Bartha married singer Erzsi Paál and for reasons only known to Bartha did not invite Felleghy to the wedding and their friendship dissolved at that point. Paál died in 1975 and Bartha’s career ended in 1981. Rumors abounded that he was living in a trailer park and forgotten and abandoned. Where and if he is living today is unknown.

BARTHA, John (aka Gian Barta, Gianni Barta, János Barta, John Barth, John Bartho, Barta János, Barto János) (János Barta) [1920, Budapest, Hungary -    ] - TV actor, married to actress, singer Erzsi Paál [192?-1975] (19??-1975).
Man of the Cursed Valley - 1964
Seven Guns from Texas - 1964 (Dan)
Hands of a Gunman - 1965 (Sheriff Fred)
The Relentless Four - 1965 (John)
Son of Jesse James - 1965 (Federal Agent)
The Brute and the Beast - 1966 (Carradine)
El Rojo - 1966 (judge)
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly - 1966 (Marshal of Mesilla)
The Dirty Outlaws - 1967 (Wallace)
El Rojo - 1967 (judge)
If You Want to Live... Then Shoot! - 1967 (merchant)
Killer Calibre. 32 - 1967 (Parker)
Last of the Badmen - 1967 (sheriff)
Ringo and His Golden Pistol - 1967 (Bernard)
The Wild and the Dirty - 1967
And for a Roof a Sky Full of Stars - 1968 (Mr. Lawrence)
A Cry of Death - 1968 (Tex Thomas)
Kill Them All and Come Back Alone - 1968 (prison camp captain)
The Long Days of Hate - 1968 (sheriff)
A Minute to Pray a Second to Die - 1968 (townsman)
No Graves on Boot Hill - 1968 (saloon owner)
Son of Django - 1968 (sheriff)
Sabata - 1969 (sheriff of Daughety City)
Sartana the Gravedigger - 1969 (sheriff)
Fistful of Lead - 1970 (marshal)
Guns for Dollars - 1971 (dead man)
His Name was King - 1971 (Sheriff Roberts)
Jesse and Lester Two Brothers in a Place Called Trinity - 1972 (Carson)
Tequila - 1973 (sheriff)
White Fang - 1973 (Mountie)
Challenge to White Fang - 1974 (colonel)
We are No Angels - 1975 (sheriff)

Remembering Jac Diehl

Jacob Diehl was born on October 25, 1901 in Ludwigshafen, Rhein Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. His first film appearance as Jac Diehl was in the 1935 short "Schnitzel fliegt" and he would go on to appear in over 50 films as a character and supporting actor. His last film appearance was in the 1966 TV film "Oben fährt der große Wagen". During his career he appeared in only one Euro-western as a cowboy in 1936's "The Emperor of California". Diehl died on December 10, 1978 in Rostock, Mecklenberg-Vorpommern, Germany. Today we remember Jac Diehl on what would have been his 110th birthday.

Monday, October 24, 2011

RIP Jean Amadou

French singer and humorist Jean Amadou, 82, well known for his collaboration in the "Bébête Show" on TF1 television in the 80's, died in Paris on Sunday October 23, 2011 officials said to his friend Jacques Mailhot, French theater director.  "Jean was ill for some months. Lately he was silent and very tired. Jean died about 6:00 p.m. at his home. He had been active in plays until 2010. Jean Marius Amadou was born on October 1, 1929 in Lons-le-Saunier, Jura, France and was known as an actor and singer beginning his career on Paris radio in the 1950s. He was a man of the theater, radio, film and the author of several books. He also was a puppeteer who used his puppets, mainly politicians, to comment on the news of the day. Jean appeared as Becker on the French TV western series "Aubrac City" (1971) and was the French voice of Lucky Luke’s horse Jolly Jumper in Terence Hill’s TV series "Lucky Luke" (1990-1991).

JESUIT JOE

Jesuit Joe - International title

A 1991 French, Canadian co-production [Le Studio Canal+ (Paris), Duckster Productions, Cine Cing (Montreal)]
Producer: Joe H. Jaizz
Director: Olivier Austen
Story: Hugo Pratt
Screenplay: Ron Base, Olivier Austen
Cinematography: Eric Dumage [Eastmancolor]
Music: Erik Armand
Running time: 105 minutes

Cast:
Jesuit Joe - Peter Tarter
Captain Fox - John Walsh
Mrs. Thorpe - Laurence Treil
Signor Thorpe - Geoffrey Carey
Dutchess - Chantal Des Roches
Captain Francis - Valerio Popesco
Vito - Guy Provencher
vulture - Mike Marshall (Michael Marshall) [English voice], Jean-Pierre Kalfon [French voice]
with: Jean-Jacques Grimblant, Michael McGill, Clea Pastore (Brigitte Pastore)


In 1911 Canada, a Metis Indian named Jesuit Joe returns to his homeland and in an unorthodox method captures two thieves and turns them over to the Royal Mounted Police for judgment before the court.

Happy 60th Birthday Antonio Ruiz

Antonio Ruiz Escaño was born on October 24, 1951 in Malaga, Spain. In 1965 when the filming of "For a Few Dollars More" was going on in Almeria, Sergio Leone was looking for a young boy to play the role of Fernando, who would assist The Man With No Name in keeping an eye out for strangers who came to El Paso. He discovered Antonio hanging around the Hotel Costasol and he was hired for the role. The good looking young boy became a regular as a child actor for a few years in films made in the Almeria area. He would appear in 8 Euro-westerns over the years as an actor and stuntman, including "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and "A Bullet for the General" (both 1966). He became a stuntman and president of the Asociación de Actores y Especialistas de Riesgo de Alicante who performed stunt shows at both Mini Hollywood, the former set for El Paso and Texas Hollywood. This led to stunt roles in "Rustler’s Rhapsody" (1985) and in the western TV series "Queen of Swords" (2000-2001). Today Antonio is a security guard and author and lives in Caserío El Campello, Valenciana, Spain. Today we celebrate Antonio Ruiz’s 60th birthday.

Happy 85th Birthday Corrado Olmi

Corrado Olmi was born on October 24, 1926 in Jesi, Ancona, Marche, Italy. He was involved in some local amateur drama plays while attending high school. He then moved to Rome and obtained a law degree. Olmi then attended the Sharoff Academy and was very active in theate appearing in over one hundred plays. Staqrting in the mid-1950s Corrado then made appearances on television and small roles in films. He appeared in over 60 films including "Wake and Kill" (1966), "Cat O’ Nine Tails" and "4 Flies on Grey Velvet" (both 1971). During this time he appeared in four Euro-westerns including "Ace High" (1967), "A Stranger in Paso Bravo" (1968), "Joe Dakota" (1971) and "Apache Woman" (1976). In 1998 he appeared in "Dinner" directed by Ettore Scola and won a Silver Ribbon for Best Supporting Actor. He retired in 2000 and now is active as a caricaturist and painter. His paintings have been published in two books entitled "Over the Scene" and "Beyond the Screen". Today we celebrate Coorado Olmi’s 85th birthday.

Remembering Rafael Azcona

Rafael Azcona Fernández was born on October 24, 1926, in Logroño, La Rioja, Spain. He was regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters of the Spanish cinema. He began his career as a novelist and wrote humorous stories for the magazine La codorniz. In 1959 with the collaboration of Italian director Marco Ferreri they adapted his novel El pisito into a screenplay and Azcona entered the world of cinema which he never left exclaiming, "I write scripts because it is easier then writing novels." During his film career he also became a director and an actor. He wrote the screenplays for three Euro-westerns: "It Can be Done Amigo", "Massacre at Fort Holman" (both 1972) and "Don’t Touch the White Woman" (1973). Rafael developed lung cancer and died in Madrid, Spain on March 23, 2008. Today we remember Rafael Azcona on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Spaghetti Western Locations


Continuing with locations for "Duck You Sucker". After Sean and Juan’s tit-for-tat feud of shooting and blowing things up, we see the coach sitting in the mountains and Juan tries to persuade Sean to join him in robbing the Bank of Mesa Verde. Sean, a devoted revolutionary, has been hired to kill a wealthy landowner and declines the invitation. This scene is located in the hills behind today’s Mini-Hollywood theme park. If you follow the road past the park and zoo and continue past the employee parking lot you will go through a small forest of trees and on the left you will see a road that is chained off. This road will take you past several Leone locations from "Duck You Sucker" and "For a Few Dollars More. The road is basically a one lane dirt and gravel fire road. If you follow it up around several bends and turns you will see where young trees have been planted and you will see the vista shown above. If you look around you can still find pieces of the coach left in piles that were raked up when the trees were planted. When I visited this location in 2003 and 2005 I wondered what was going through the crews mind when they had to bring the coach up that road when the actual filming was done.



For a more detailed view of this site and other Spaghetti Western locations please visit my friend Yoshi ‘Garringo’ Yasuda’s excellent website: http://y-yasuda.net

Remembering Mike Monty

Michael O’Donahue was born on October 23, 1946 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In the early 1960s Mike left the United States for Italy and an acting career. In Rome he found work as an extra and character actor in War Film, Horror Films and Spaghetti westerns. He was billed as Mike Monti, Michael Monty, Mike Monte and Mike Monty. One of Mike’s bigger roles was in the war film "Achtung! The Desert Tigers" with Richard Harrison and Gordon Mitchell directed by Paolo Solvay. He appeared in an unknown number of Euro-westerns including "Thompson 1880" (1968), "A Fistful of Death" (1971) and "Man of the East" (1972), When the film industry started to dry up in Italy during the late 1970s Monty followed the industry to the Philippines and the many action films being filmed there. His career almost came to an end with the end of these type of films being made there and was only seen in Japanese productions shot in the Philippines. Mike died from a heart attack suffered on August 4, 2006 in Rome, Italy while doing post production work. Today we remember Mike Monty on what would have been his 75th birthday.

Remembering Diana Dors

Born Diana Mary Fluck on October 23, 1931 in Swindon, England. She studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and at 16 was put under contract by The Rank Organization. She quickly became a sex symbol under the name Diana Dors, and was often referred to as the British Marilyn Monroe. Although she had a significant acting ability as shown in "Yield to the Night" (1956) it was never fully utilized and she was placed in sex-themed comedies and then cast as repulsive characters in such films as "The Unholy Wife" (1957) and "The Amazing Mr. Blunden" (1972). Diana also was a recording artist and appeared on several TV shows over the years. Dors had one appearance in a Euro-western as The Madame in 1971's "Hannie Caulder" with another sex symbol Raquel Welch. Dors passed away from stomach cancer on May 4, 1984 in Windsor, England. Today we remember Diana Dors on what would have been her 80th birthday.

Remembering Bruno Corbucci

Bruno Corbucci was born on October 23, 1931 in Rome, Italy. Bruno was the younger brother of producer, director, screenwriter Sergio Corbucci. Maybe not as well known as his brother he shared his passion for film and entertainment. Bruno began as a screenwriter and wrote many films specializing in comedies with Toto and followed it throughout his career. His directing debut was with "James Tont operazione U.N.O." in 1965. He was involved in over 135 films in his career among them 13 Euro-westerns including "Django" (1966), "$4.00 for Revenger", "The Great Silence" (both 1968) and finishing with "Bad Kids of the West" in 1973. Corbucci used the aliases Frank B. Corlish, and Dean Whitcomb. In the 1980s he directed Bud Spencer in such films as ""Dog and Cat" (1983), "Miami Supercops" (1985) and "Superfantagenio" (1986). Bruno drifted into television direction before his death on Saeptember 7, 1996 in Rome. Today we remember Bruno Corbucci on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

RIP Gene Luotto

From John Gayford comes word on the death of screenwriter, dubbing director Gene Luotto. "To all of you who were here in Rome, caught up in the dubbing racket, today is a sad day. Gene Luotto, daddy of us all, the one who taught us how to dub, has passed away. That'll never sound right, even if you pull it up two frames. I will never forget his kindness and his gentle, effective directing technique. He will be remembered with love and respect. Ciao, Gene." 10/21/2011.

Gene co-wrote the screenplay for Guy Madison’s "Gunmen of the Rio Grande" (1964) as well as the English dialogue for "They Call Me Trinity" (1970), "Trinity is STILL My Name" (1971) and "Buddy Goes West" (1981). He is the father of actors Steve Luotto and Andy Luotto.

JESSE AND LESTER, TWO BROTHERS IN A PLACE CALLED TRINITY

Jesse e Lester: due fratelli in un posto chiamoto Trinita - Italian title
Due fratelli - Italian title
Jesse & Lister, twee broers in Trinity - Dutch title
Trinity-veljekset, Lännen voittamattomat - Finnish title
Jesse et Lester deux freres au lieu-dit Trinita - French title
Deux freres Appeles Trinita - French title
Ein Halleluja für zwei linke Brüder - German title
Imoun, eimai kai tha eimai Trinita - Greek title
Oi dyo yperanthropoi - Greek title
Dois Irmãos Num Lugar Chamado Trinitá - Portuguese title
Dos hermanos y una mula - Spanish title
De vilda bröderna i Trinity - Swedish title
Jesse & Lester - Swedish title
3 Cilgin Serseri - Trinita Kardesler - Turkish title
Trinity - English title
Jesse and Lester - U.K. title
A Place Called Trinity - U.S.A. title
Two Brothers in Trinity - U.S.A. title
Jesse and Lester, Two Brothers in a Place Called Trinity - U.S.A. title

A 1972 Italian production [H.P. International Film (Rome)]
Producer: Richard Harrison, Fernando Piazza
Director: James London (Richard Harrison)
Story: Richard Harrison
Screenplay: Renzo Genta
Cinematography: Antonio Modica [Eastmancolor]
Music: Carlo Savina
Song: "Glory, Glory" sung by chorus
Running time: 97 minutes

Cast:
Jesse Smith - Richard Harrison
Lester O’Hara - Donald O’Brien (Donal O’Brien)
‘Poker’ - Gino Marturano (Luigi Marturano)
banker - Aldo Cecconi
Elena Von Schaffer - Anna Zinnemann
Thompson - Fernando Cerulli
Paco - Salvatore Baccaro
Pablo - Lino Caruana (Calogero Caruano)
Chinaman - George Wang (Wang Yie)
Blondie - Rick Boyd (Federico Boido)
stagecoach robber - Luciano Rossi
Carson - John Bartha (Janos Barta)
outaws - Fortuanto Arena, Osiride Peverello, Renzo Peverello
miners - Claudio Ruffini, John Dulaney
poker players - Emilio Messina
doctor - Galliano Sbarra
church member - Elio Angelucci
fat woman - Franca Hass (Franca Itor)
with: Rod Licari (Rodolfo Licari), Daniela Meroni, Alba Bonfatti, Ada Pometti (Ada Nunzia), Goffredo Unger


 
Heirs of land in the town of Trinity, the two stepbrothers Jesse and Lester start off together to take possession of their claim. During the trip they already have different attitudes: Jesse, quickly uses his gun and kills four bandits who try and rob them, the second, Lester a Mormon preacher of moderation and non-violence, scolds Lester harshly. With the proceeds from the sale of the land, Lester would like to build a church, Jesse wants to build a house of pleasure. Nevertheless, the two, along with a friendly lawyer, reach Trinity, but are welcomed by bandits who put them to flight. The attempt to establish a mine in the area where gold has been discovered, proves to be slow and difficult, and this leads to Jesse splitting with Lester. After various adventures and misadventures, Jesse is able to open, along with Elena (a prostitute) and with other friends, his house of pleasure. Business is booming, until Lester arrives, who Jesse had left in the care of a physician. Lester’s arrival causes a riot and a fire. Again the brothers must deal with a band of bullies, who attempt to kill Lester. To heal one and with the gratitude of the other, the two brothers eventually founds Lester’s church.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VS-Ad3mEEeQ

Friday, October 21, 2011

Guess Who I Am


I was born in Madrid, Spain in 1949 and appeared in over 25 films. Guess who I am.

I appeared in mostly Horror films but only two Euro-westerns. Guess who I am.

I received an award in Zaragosa, Spain in June in honor of the 40th anniversary of a Horror Film I appeared in in 1971. Guess who I am.

No one guessed this week's photo. It's Lone Fleming.

Happy 50th Birthday Marina Krogull

Marina Krogull was born on Ocotber 21, 1961 in East Berlin, East Germany and is an actress and voice actress. Krogull is the daughter of teahcers and early on wanted to become a dancer or anarchaeologist. When she was four years old, she attended ballet school and was already in the 70s, a ballerina at the Staatstheater in Schwerin. From 1968 to 1976 she was in the state ballet school in Berlin and could thus show her talent in various parts, as in classical and contemporary ballets and musicals, operas and operettas. Since 1970, Marina has been dubbing, film and television, advertising, radio play ("Bibi", "Alfred J. Kwak ') as well as documentaries. Krogull attended the Academy of Dramatic Arts "Ernst Busch" in Berlin from 1977 1979 and she landed her first role as an actress in the classic "Intrigue and Love". She belonged to the ensemble of the Maxim Gorki Theater from 1979-1985, the ensemble of the East German television. Working at DEFA films she was then known in Germany for her film and television work. In October 1985 she went on a tour through Germany and did not return to the former GDR. The transition into the Federal Republic worked out very well and she received several guest roles in films and TV series. Krogull is also in demand as a voice actor. Marina is married to actor Udo Schenk. Krogull appeared in one Euro Western "Blue Hawk" (1979) in the role of Elizabeth. Today we celebrate Marina Krogull’s 50th birthday.

Happy 75th Birthday Jack Taylor

George Brown Randall was born on October 21, 1936 in Oregon City, Oregon. He relocated to Mexico in the late 1950s and then moved to Spain. Working as Jack Taylor he’s specialized in working in low budget horror and exploitation films for such directors as Jess Franco, Amando de Ossorio, Javier Aguirre, Juan Piquer Simon, Leon Klimovsky, Carlos Aured and Jose Ramon Larraz. He’s co-starred with many of the top actors of Mexico, Spain and the U.S.A. such as Paul Naschy, Christopher Lee, German Robles, Howard Vernon, Ray Milland, Soledad Miranda, Janine Reynaud, Lina Romay, Klaus Kinski, Adrian Hoven, Helga Line, Herbert Lom and Maria Rohm. Among his more then 120 film appearances were 6 Euro-westerns such as "Billy the Kid" (1963), "Tomb of the Pistolero" (1964), "Fall of the Mohicans" (1965), "The Christmas Kid" (1966), "Custer of the West" (1967) and "The Sons of Trinity" (1995). Today we celebrate Jack Taylor’s 75th birthday.

Remembering Andrea Checchi

Andrea Checchi was born on October 21, 1916 in Florence, Italy. At 18 he moved to Rome and attended the Centro Sperimentale de Cinematografia under the direction of Alessandro Blasetti. In less then a year he appeared in the film "Vecchia guardia" which was directed by Blasetti. This was followed by a career as a supporting actor inover 175 films and television appearances including in such films as "The Brothers Karamazov" (1947) and "Two Women" (1960). Among his many films were two Euro-westerns "A Bullet for the General" (1966) where he played Don Felipe and the TV Film "The Jack London Story" (1973) as Matt Goodman which was later released as a film. During his career he also became an accomplished painter and had many exhibitions of his work. Andrea was married and is the father of assistant director Enrico Checchi. Cheechi dien on March 29, 1974 of periathritis in Rome. Today we celebrate what would have been Andrea Checchi’s 95th birthday.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

New CD Release

La Colt era il suo Dio
(God is My Colt .45)
(1972)
Director: Luigi Batzella
Starring: Jeff Cameron, Esmeralda Barros
Composer: Vasili Kojucharov
Country: Italy
Label GDM #GDM4147
Tracks: 10
Total time: 39:05
Available November 8, 2011

Track Listing:
1. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 1 - titoli) 3:12
2. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 2) 4:11
3. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 3) 2:18
4. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 4) 4:30
5. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 5) 3:14
6. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 6) 3:22
7. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 7) 2:54
8. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 8) 4:00
9. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 9) 9:19
10. LA COLT ERA IL SUO DIO (seq. 10 – finale) 2:05

Jack, Sam and Pete

Jack, Sam and Pete - U.K. title

A 1919 British production [Pollock-Daring Productions, British and Colonial Kinematograph Co. (London)]
Producer: Leon Pollock
Director: Jack Daring (Percy Moran)
Story: S. Clarke-Hook (Samuel Clarke-Hook)
Screenplay: S. Clarke-Hook (Samuel Clarke-Hook)
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: 5000 feet

Cast:
Jack - Percy Moran
Sam - Eddie Willey
Pete - Earnest Trimingham
Cyril Danvers - H. Manning Haynes (Horace Manning Haynes)
Violet Danvers - Enid Heather
‘The Scorpion’ - Captain Jack Kelly (Cornelius Keefe)
‘The Boy’ - Garrick Aitken
‘The Ferret’ - Jack Harding


[Earnest Trimingham (far left) and Percy Moran (center) in "Jack, Sam and Pete (1919) from Stephen Bourne, Black in the British Frame]

In "Jack, Sam and Pete" (1919), based on the popular boys’ stories by S. Clarke Hook, three cowboys rescue a kidnapped child. It was a starring vehicle for Percy Moran, the pre-war star of the stirring "Lieutenant Daring" adventure series, who clearly hoped to create a new character to excite a young audience. One of the trio in the title, Pete, was played by Ernest Trimingham, Britain’s first black actor.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

New CD Release

Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato
(Fast Hand is Still My Name)
(1973)
Director: Mario Bianchi
Starring William Berger, Alan Steel
Composer: Gianni Ferrio
Country: Italy
Label GDM #GDM4146
19 tracks
Total time: 45:56
Available November 8, 2011

Track Listing
1. That man (titoli vocal) 3:05
2. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.1) 3:18
3. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.2) 0:58
4. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.3) 1:47
5. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.4) 1:46
6. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.5) 2:05
7. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.6) 2:08
8. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.7) 4:35
9. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.8) 3:46
10. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.9) 2:18
11. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.10) 1:25
12. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.11) 1:56
13. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.12) 2:23
14. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.13) 1:20
15. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.14) 3:34
16. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.15) 0:52
17. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.16) 1:41
18. Mi chiamavano Requiescat... ma avevano sbagliato (seq.17) 3:53
19. That man (titoli instr.reprise) 3:06

Happy 55th Birthday Glynnis O'Connor

Glynnis O’Connor was born on October 19, 1956 in New York City. Her father is producer Daniel O’Connor and her mother is actress Lenka Peterson [1925- ], her brother Darren O’Connor is also an actor and SFX specialist. Glynnis is perhaps best-known for her work in the mid-1970s, including her lead actress roles in the TV version of "Our Town" and the films "Ode to Billy Joe" and "Jeremy", all of which co-starred Robby Benson.She also appeared in the 1976 tear-jerker, the John Travolta - Diana Hyland feature film, "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble". Glynnis appeared in only one Euro-western "Kid Vengeance" (1977) with Leif Garrett, Lee Van Cleef and Jim Brown. As of the late 1990s and continuing into 2004, she has had a recurring role as Anne Paulsen on TV’s "Law & Order". In 2007, she starred in the independent feature film "P.J." co-starring with John Heard, Vincent Pastore and Robert Picardo, and is also appearing in the film "Our Last Days As Children". Today we celebrate Glynnis O’Connor’s 55th birthday.

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

RIP Poul Glargaard

Danish actor Poul Glargaard died yesterday October 17, 2011 in the town of Frederiksberg, Denmark. He was 69. Born on April 11, 1942, Poul was a stage actor who joined the Aalborg Theater in 1966. He entered films in 1968 and was seen on various Danish TV shows and series. He was known for among other things his roles as Severinsen in "Christmas in Gammelby" and the dank stepfather in "Everybody Loves Debbie" series. His daughter Mette Andersen Glargaard confirmed his death today. Glargaard appeared in two Euro-westerns "The Tough Guys of the Prairie" (1970) and "Gold for the Tough Guys of the Prairie" (1971)

IT CAN BE DONE AMIGO

Si può fare... amigo - Italian title
En el Oeste se puede hacer... amigo - Spanish title
Seamos amigos - Spanish title
...Y asi sea - Spanish title
Amigo!... Mon colt a deux mots à te dire - French title
Assim é Que se Faz Amigo - Brazilian title
Assim é Que se Faz um Amigo - Brazilian title
Duelo Contra a Morte - Brazilian title
Inimigos Inseparáveis - Brazilian title
Que Assim Seja... Trinity - Brazilian title
Hallelujah Amigo - Danish title
Komt voor elkaar, Amigo - Dutch title
Dynamiittia nyrkeissä... amigo! - Finnish title
Halleluja... Amigo - German title
Die Brillenschlange und der Buffel - German title
Der Dicke in Mexiko - German title
Ta pallikaria tis Dyseos - Greek title
Vadnyugati Casanova - Hungarian title
Chega-lhe Amigo - Portuguese title
Den våldsamma fighten - Swedish title
Halleluja amigo! - Swedish title
Avantura jednog gorostasa - Yugoslavian title
Saddle Tramps - Canadian title
The Big and the Bad - U.K. title
Bulldozer is Back Amigo - English title
Hands Up Amigo - English title
Can be Done, Amigo - English title
It Can be Done... Amigo! - U.S.A. title

A 1972 Italian, Spanish, French co-production [Sanscrosiap, Terza Produzione Indipendente (Rome), Atlántida Films Films S.A. (Madrid), Les Productions Jacques Roitefeld (Paris)]
Producers: Chroscicki (Enrico Chroscicki), Sansone (Alfonso Sansone)
Director: Maurice Bright (Maurzio Lucidi)
Story: Ernesto Gastaldi
Screenplay: Rafael Azcona (Rafael Fernandez)
Dialogue: Albert Kantoff [French dialogue]
Cinematography: Aldo Tonti [Technicolor, CineScope]
Music: Luis Enriquez Bacaloc, Sergio Bardotti
Song: "Can be Done" sung by Rocky Roberts (Charlie Roberts)
Running time: 109 minutes

Cast:
Hiram Coburn - Bud Spencer (Carlo Pedersoli)
Sonny Bronston - Jack Palance (Volodymyr Palahnyuk, Jr.)
Chip Anderson - Renato Cestiè
Sheriff Franciscus - Francisco Rabal (Francisco Valera)
Mary Bronston - Dany Saval (Danielle Saval)
deputies - Sal Borgese (Salvatore Bogese), Margello Verziera (Marcello Verziera)
Big Jim - Luciano Catenacci
Mole - Roberto Camardiel (Roberto Escudero)
Big Jim’s henchmen - Riccardo Pizzuti, Franco Ukmar, Giancarlo Bastianoni
widow Warren - Serena Michelotti
bank teller - Raffaele Mottola
professor - Franco Giacobini (Francesco Giacobini)
Chip’s uncle - Manuel Guitián (Manuel Selgado)
with: Dominique Patual, Cleri Dante (Dante Cleri), Allan Collins (Luciano Pigozzi), Dalila de Lamar (Dalila di Lazzaro), Luciano Bonanni, Franca Viganò, Nello Pazzafini (Giovanni Pazzafini), Arrigo Peri


Hiram Coburn is a big man who lives by his wits. During his wanderings he witnesses the death of the old-man Anderson, who before taking his last breath entrusts his grandson Chip and deed of ownership of his house. Coburn agrees to defend the child, but must deal with Sonny who is on his trail to force him to marry his sister Mary whom Coburn is accused of previously dishonored. Sonny has in mind a plan of revenge and to kill Coburn with his hands just after the shotgun marriage. In the meantime Coburn receives multiple offers to purchase the home of Chip, but when Coburn refuses to sell the child becomes the prey of violent assaults, which Coburn is able to save Chip with the help of Sonny.

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZmwxu1GgdY

Remembering Klaus Kinski

Nikolaus Gunther Nakszynski was born on October 18, 1926 in Zoppot, Free City of Danzig. His father was a pharmacist and was unable to make a living in Danzig so he moved the family to Berlin in 1931. In 1936 Kinski attended the Prinz-Heinrich-Gymnasium in Schoenberg. In 1943 he was drafted into the army but saw no action until 1944. He was either captured by the British or as he says deserted, was captured by the Germans, tried for desertion, sentenced to death but escaped and hid in the woods until he could surrender to a British patrol. He was wounded in the arm and was transferred to a British prisoner of war camp in Essex, England. While at the camp he appeared in several stage roles. Returning to Berlin in 1946 he found his father had died and his mother had been killed in an Allied air attack. He turned to acting and toured with a small theatre group from Offenburg as Klaus Kinski. His unconventional behavior resulted in his working with several theatre groups. Once he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for three days and twice tried to commit suicide. Finding himself without a job he turned to being a monologist and recited prose and poetry which resulted in him becoming well known in Austria, Germany and Switzerland. His first film role was in "Morituri" (1948) and then several of the German Edgar Wallace films and small bits parts in American war films such as "Decision Before Dawn" (1951). In the 1960s he appeared in many exploitation films as well as small role in "Dr. Zhivago" (1965). He relocated to Italy and here appeared in 24 Euro-westerns. Kinski was a working actor who lived an extravagant lifestyle. He was only concerned about making money, living in luxury and sex. He accepted any role if the money was right, so for many of his roles he never read the script. Memorable western roles were in "A Few Dollars More" (1965), "A Buller for the General" (1966), "The Ruthless Four" and "The Great Silence" (both 1968), "And God Said to Cain" (1970), "Clint the Loner" (1972) and "The Genius" (1975). In the 1970s he formed an uneasy working relationship with director Werner Herzog and the duo made five films together which were the higlight of Kinski's career. Klaus wrote an autobiography  All I Need is Love (1988) which after its release was recalled and later re-released in 1996  as Kinski Uncut. Klaus died from an apparent heart attack on November 23, 1991 in Lagunitas, California. Married three times his two daughters Pola [1952- ] and Nastassia [1961- ] and son Nikolai [1976- ] all became actors. Today we remember one of the great actors of the Euro-western genre Klaus Kinski on what would have been his 85th birthday.


Remembering Anthony Dawson

Anthony Dawson was born on October 18, 1916 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He made his film debut in 1943's "They Met in the Dark" and went on to appear in such British films as "The Way of the Stars" (1945), "The Queen of Spades" (1948) and "The Wooden Horse" (1950), before he moved to the United States in the early 1950s. While there he appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder" (1954) playing A. Swann/Captain Lesgate. He had other memorable roles after he returned to England in Hammer's "The Curse of the Werewolf" (1961) and as Professor Dent in the first James Bond film "Dr. No" (1962). Throughout his career he could be found in several Terence Young films including two more Bond Films, "From Russia With Love" (1963) and "Thunderball" (1965). During his career Dawson appeared in five Euro-westerns including his most memorable parts as Bert Cavanaugh/4 Aces in "Death Rides a Horse" (1967) and as Hyatt in "Red Sun" (1971). Dawson died of cancer on January 8, 1992 in Sussex, England. Today we remember Anthony Dawson on what would have been his 95th birthday.