RIP Daniel Martin

Spanish actor Daniel Martin died on September 28th in Zaragoza, Spain, he was 74 years-old. Born José Daniel Martinez Martinez on May 12, 1935 in Cartagena, Murcia, Spain he lived his life in Zaragoza. He entered films in 1962 with an appearance in “La spada del Cid” directed by Miguel Iglesias. He came to the attention of Spaghetti Western fans when he appeared as Julio/Julián in Leone's “A Fistful of Dollars” opposite Clint Eastwood and Gian Maria Volonte. He would go on to appear in over two dozen more Euro-westerns always in supporting roles such as Unkas in 1965's “Last of the Mohicans, Father Santana in 1967's “A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die” and even pop up in Emilio' Estevez's TV western “Dead for a Dollar” as Sterling. He would turn to television later in life in such series as “Medico de familia”, and “The Quijote de Miguel de Cervantes”.

Happy 75th Birthday Udo Jürgens

Composer and singer Udo Jürgens was born Udo Jürgen Bockelmann on September 30, 1934 in Schloß Ottmanach, Carinthia, Austria. He's written over 900 songs. He began his career when he won a composer contest sponsored by Austria's public broadcasting network in 1950. In 1961 he wrote the world famous hit “Reach for the Stars” sung by Shirley Bassey. In the following years, he wrote some of his most famous songs, like Griechischer Wein, Aber bitte mit Sahne, Mit 66 Jahren, and –one of his biggest successes– Buenos Días, Argentina, which he performed together with the German football team in 1978. Because Jürgens, who enjoyed a thorough musical education, always accompanies himself on the piano, he is sometimes compared to Billy Joel, but unlike him is backed not by a rock band, but by a full 18-piece orchestra. His career continues with near-annual tours. His 1992, his concert in Vienna was attended by 220,000 spectators; this is still one of the biggest concerts in Europe ever. He has a son John Jürgens who is a singer, actor and DJ. His daughter Jenny Jürgens is an actress. Udo Jürgens composed the music for the 1975 Euro-western “Montana Trap” starring Hardy Kruger and Stephen Boyd. Today we celebrate his 75th birthday.

BLUE HAWK

Blauvogel – German title
Prietenii mei, indienii – Romanian title
Porwany przez Indian – Polish title
Blue Hawk – English title

A 1979 East German, Romanian production [DEFA (East Berlin), Buftea-Studios (Bucharest)]
Producer: Hans-Erich Busch
Director: Ulrich Weiß
Story: Anna Jürgen (Anna Mujller-Tannewitz)
Screenplay: Ulrich Weiß, Gerd Gericke
Cinematography: Otto Hanish [color]
Music: Peter Rabenalt
Running time: 96 minutes

Cast:
George/Blue Hawk as a boy - Robin Jaeger
George/Blue Hawk as a man - Gabriel Oseciuc (Gabriel Marian)
Mildred Ruster - Jutta Hoffmann
John Ruster - Kurt Böwe
Andrew - Jan Spitzer
Mittagssonne - Ileana Mavrodineanu
Kleinbär - Gheorge Patru
Fuchs - Gheorge Haliu
Malia as a child - Niculina Ursaru
Malia - Anca Szonyi
White Hair - Petrut Traian
Rauchiger Day - Valentin Loghin
Kidnappers - Adrian Mihai, Vasile Popa
Bote - Alexandru Platon
Maler - George Catlin (Jörg Foth)
Archie - Egon Günther
with; Violeta Andrei, Gerd Nissler, Niculae Peniuc, Razvan Vasilescu, Ion Angelescu-Moreni, Anja Scheinert, Marina Krogull, Carl-Hermann Risse, Norbert Speer

Based on the Anna Jürgen novel, George, the ten year old son of English settlers living in Ohio, in midwestern America of 1850 after the conclusion of the French and Indian Wars, is kidnapped by a native tribe and taken to their village. He is raised by the Iriquois chief who has lost his own son. He is stripped, painted black and held under water, as part of his initiation into the tribe. Renamed "Blauvogel" (Blue Hawk), he spends the next several years being raised by the Indians, who prove to be kind and probably more virtuous than the Europeans from which he came. Eventually, he is returned to his English family, but finds the readjustment difficult, particularly as they do not have the same respect for nature as the American natives.

Youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eAKLPS-VDc

Remembering Werner Pochath

Born Werner Pochlatko on September 29, 1939 in Vienna, Austria. Pochath was a former Austrian youth figure skating champion. He learned acting at the Max-Reinhardt-Seminat in Vienna. He made his acting debut in the stage play “The Courage” in 1959. He then became a screen actor under various pseudonyms such as Werner Pocath,Werner Pochlatka and Paul Werner. His first screen appearance was in a 1959 TV film “Der Besuch der alten Dame” He would go on to make over 70 films and TV appearances but continued returning to the stage. Werner moved to Rome in 1967. During his time in Rome he appeared in five Euro-westerns, “Vengeance”, “The Great Silence” both in 1967, “Sonny and Jed” (1972), “Challenge to White Fang” (1974), and “Thunder Warrior III” (1987). In 1990 he opened a film agency and casting office. He died on April 18, 1993 at the age of 51 from complications of AIDS. Today we remember Werner Pochath on what would have been his 70th birthday.

Remembering Marina Berti

Born Elena Maureen Bertolini on September 29, 1924, in London, England. Berti made her film debut in an uncredited role in 1941's “ La Fuggitiva”. Because of her bilingual abilities she appeared in films shown in the U.S. such as “Quo Vadis” (1951), “Ben Hur” (1959) and “Cleopatra” (1963), “If It's Tuesday, This Must be Belgium” (1969). She would go on to appear in over 100 films in character and lead roles. Her last screen appearance was in the Costa-Gavras film “Amen” (2002). Marina was married to actor Claudio Gorra from 1944 until his death in 1998. She was the mother of actor Andrea Giordana and actress Marina Giordana. Marina appeared in two Euro-westerns “The Stranger Returns” (1967) and “Hate is My God” (1969). Marina died on October 29, 2002. Today we celebrate what would have been her 85th birthday.

Happy 75th Birthday Brigitte Bardot

She was born Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot on September 28, 1934 in Paris, France. Miss Bardot started out as an aspiring ballet dancer but was soon modeling and appeared on the cover of ELLE magazine and was noticed by director Roger Vadim. Soon she was acting and made her first film “Le Trou Normand” in 1952 after 16 films she became a star after her appearance in “And God Created Woman” in 1952. Bardot would become and international sex symbol and rival Marilyn Monroe and Sophia Loren. She would go one to appear in 48 films and musical theater. She also recorded 80 songs during this time. Brigitte Bardot retired from show business in 1973 and has dedicated her life to animal rights. She has taken the soap box against such subjects as immigration, race-mixing aspects of homosexuality and Islam in France. Her sister of actress Mijanou Bardot is also an actress and Brigitte has been married to director Roger Vadim (1952-1957), actor Jacques Charrier (1959-1962), director Gunter Sachs (1966-1969). During her film career Brigitte appeared in three Euro-westerns, “Viva Maria!” (1965) with Jeanne Moreau, “Shalako” (1968) with Sean Connery and “The Legend of Frenchie King” (1971) with Claudia Cardinale. Today we celebrate Brigitte Bardot's 75th birthday.

Remembering Marcello Mastroianni

Born Marcello Vincenzo Domenico Mastroianni in Fontana Liri, Italy on September 28, 1924. The son of a carpenter he was raised in Turin and Rome. He was captured during World War II and interned in a Nazi prison camp. He was able to escape and hid out in Venice. In 1945 he began working for a film company and took acting lessons. His first film role was in “I Miserabili” (1948). Eventually by the end of the 1950s he was an International star appearing in such films as “La dolce vita” (1960) and “8 ½” both directed by Federico Fellini. Marcello was married to actress Flora Carabella (1948-1996) and they had one child Barbara. Mastroianni fathered a child with actress Catherine Deneuve they named Chiara Mastrianni who was born in 1972 and she became an actress. Mastroianni's brother Ruggero was also in the film industry as a well respected film editor. Mastroianni died on December 19, 1996 in Paris, France from pancreatic cancer. Marcello made only one Euro-western “Don't Touch the White Woman!” (1973) where he played General George Armstrong Custer. Today we remember Marcello Mastroianni on what would have been his 85th birthday.

RIP Timothy Bateson

It has been announced that actor Timothy Bateson passed away on Sep 16th 2009.

Bateson was born on April 3, 1926 in London, England and began his film career on the Ealing production of "Nicholas Nickleby" (1947) playing Lord Frederick Verisopht appearing some other popular films of the late 1940s and early 1950s including the Boulting Brothers' commentary on class "The Guinea Pig" (1948), The Pat Jackson directed NHS embracing feature "The White Corridors" (1951) and Olivier's "Richard III" (1955). He was a favourite of Pat Jackson'; later turning up in "What a Carve Up" (1961), the CFF film "Seventy Deadly Pills" (1964) and his episodes of "Man in a Suitcase" and "The Famous Five".

Film parts flagged in the late 1950s but he became more prominent in the comedies "The Mouse that Roared" (1959) and "The Crooked Man" (1960). His comedy parts in film began to shrink to bit parts in James Robertson-Justice/Leslie Phillips vehicles but he began racking a few appearances in Hammer horror features before embarking on a very prolific TV career appearing in almost every drama series filmed in the 1960s including "The Avengers", "Z Cars", "Gideon's Way" and "Out of the Unknown". He pretty much continued working solidly through the 1970s in television making a couple of film appearances. He became a regular in "Grange Hill" and "Don't Wait Up" in the 1980s as well as the revived "Zorro" TV series shot in Spain. He mostly appeared in television for the rest of his career as well as voice-over work that led to his being cast as the voice of Kreacher in "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", his final film, but was not cast to voice the character in the next instalment of the series in which Kreacher appears.

Timothy Bateson played Padre Benites in six episodes of the 1991-1993 "New Zorro" TV series.

Bloody Hugo

Eastern krvavý Hugo – Czechoslovakian title
Eastern Hugo le sangplant – French title
Bloodthirsty Hugo, an Eastern – English title
Bloody Hugo – English title

A 1997 Czechoslovakian production [Czech TV (FAMU) (Prague)]
Producer: Vojtěch Bernatský
Director: A. Klimt (Aurel Klimt)
Story: A. Klimt (Aurel Klimt)
Teleplay: A. Klimt (Aurel Klimt)
Photography: J. Šimůnek [color]
Music: ?
Running time: 6 minutes

Cast:
Hugo - Štefan Capko
Pradlenka - Denisa Nová
Starenka - Hedvika Krupicková
Holicka - Lucie Stepánková
Muz - Jakub Šimůnek
Zena - Zuzana Veselá
with; David Heger, Vojtěch Bernatský, Aurel Klimt


The notorious criminal Bloodthirsty Hugo has broken out of prison again. He is an arsonist, has no respect for old people and absolutely no maiden in the region is safe with him on the loose. In order to catch him his pursuers set a trap with irresistible bait: a lovely maiden bending over her washing by a stream. . .

New CD Release

10,000 DOLLARS FOR A MASSACRE / 100,000 DOLLARS PER KILLING
Composer: Nora Orlandi / Robby Poitevin
Label: GDM
GDM4127
Tracks 30
Released September 2009
Limited edition of 500 copies
8 full color page booklet
1. 10.000 dollari per un massacro (02:16)
2. Il socio (02:02)
3. Tradimento (01:16)
4. Criminali (00:57)
5. Rapimento (01:46)
6. La figlia (01:05)
7. Il padre (01:22)
8. La promessa (01:21)
9. Django per 10.000 dollari (01:36)
10. Denaro (01:34)
11. La missione (00:49)
12. Pajarito (01:08)
13. Il massacro (02:06)
14. Il socio (01:17)
15. La ragazza (02:04)
16. Il massacro (01:53)
17. Liberazione (04:19)
18. Oro insanguinato (02:07)
(tracks 1-18 from "10.000 Dollari Per Un Massacre")
19. All'ultimo sangue (01:43)
20. Il giorno dell'odio (01:57)
21. Il cacciatore (02:37)
22. L'accusa (02:29)
23. Parricido (01:18)
24. La taglia (01:04)
25. Soldati (03:08)
26. Caccia al fratello (00:59)
27. Il duello (01:05)
28. La taglia (01:18)
29. Parricido (01:16)
30. Il duello (01:39)
31. Infanzia (01:22)
(tracks 19-31 from "Per 100.000 Dollari T'Ammazzo")
Total Duration: 52:53

Bloody Heart

Blutiges Herz – German title
Gefährliche Nähe – German title
Окровавленное сердце – Russian title
Опасна близость – Russian title
Dangerous Proximity – English title
Wounded Knee – English title
Bloody Heart – English title

A 1986 East German, Russian co-production [DEFA (Babelsburg), Mosfilm (Moscow)]
Producers: Gerrit List, Lilija Liepinia
Director: Dean Reed, Günter Reisch
Story: Gerd Gericke
Screenplay: Dean Reed, Günter Reisch
Cinematography: Helmut Bergmann [color]
Muisc: Karel Svoboda
Song: “Wounded Knee ‘73” sung by Dean Reed
Running time:

Cast:
Dave Miller - Dean Reed
Jane Gonzales - Renate Blume-Reed
with; Dieter Knust


Wounded Knee 1973 brings back memories if the original encounter in 1890, set against a love story between a reporter and her photographer. Reed never completed the film about the uprising, because of his death, but the theme song was eventually released with the title “Wounded Knee ’73.”

RIP Hans-Werner Bussinger

The German actor and voice dubber Hans Werner Bussinger died on Saturday, September 19th in Berlin at the age of 68 years. Bussinger was among other things the German voice of Lee Majors in " A Colt for all Fälle" and John Forsythe in " Denver Clan" , in " Totally Recall" it dubbed Michael Ironside's voice, in " Transformers" he was the German voice of Jon Voight. The list of his work as a voice dubber covers several dozen features and much TV work. He was the voice of John De Lancie as Q in the new "Star Trek" - Series. On television he was usually seen in various roles, among other things in " Tatort" and in " Our Charly". As far as Euro-westerns go, Bussinger was the German voice of Gian Maria Volonte in the re-release of "Fistful of Dollars" (1964) and "For a Few Dollars More" (1965). He was the voice of Carlos 'East' Ismael in the 2006 film "Bandidas".

Remembering Nuria Torray

Born Nuria Torra Resplandi in Barcelona, Spain on September 24, 1934. She combined her studies with amateur performances in Teatro Espanol Universitario. She was soon discovered by stage manager Jose Tamayo and she soon began her professional career in “Las brujas de Salem” in Madrid and later starred in “Irma, la dulce”.

Shortly after he professional debut she became involved with producer Juan Guerrero Zamora who would become her husband. She became a regular face on Spanish TV in the sixties and seventies and had a leading role in the series “Myths” (1979) and “La Celestina” (1983).

Her film debut occurred in 1956 but she failed to become a star in the cinema leaving the medium in 1971 with her last film “La casa de las muertas vivientes”. During this time she appeared in five European westerns such as “Apache Fury” (1963), “Ballad of a Bounty Hunter” (1965), “Django Does Not Forgive” and “Vengeance of Pancho Villa both in 1966. She finished her western career with an appearance in 1970's “Django and Sartana are Coming…it’s the End”

She would devote her remaining years to the stage where she would win a number of acting awards before her last appearance in 1995's “Mi querida familia” and awarded the Premio Ercilla. Nuria Torray died of colon cancer on June 7, 2004 in Madrid, Spain. We remember her today on what would have been her 75th birthday.

RIP Victor Israel

Veteran Spanish actor Victor Israel passed away on Saturday September 19, 2009 in Spain. His funeral was held on Sunday. Born José María Soler Vilanova on June 13, 1929 in Barcelona, Spain. The impish actor with the bad eye which reminded many fans of Jack Elam and Marty Feldman was a mainstay in the Spaghetti western and horror genres for more than three decades. His first Euro-western was in “Savage Guns” (1961) and he continued acting in westerns until his last appearance in “Al este del oeste” (1983). Seldom did he have more than a few lines of dialogue and often he appeared in uncredited roles, but his face was so easily recognizable that you knew him in a heartbeat. One of his best and important roles was as the Confederate sergeant in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966). Angel Eyes played by Lee Van Cleef goes to a Confederate field hospital and talks with Israel about Bill Carson and where if captured he might turn up. This scene was cut from the U.S.A. print and most of us never saw the scene until it was inserted in the restored DVD version released several years ago. It's sad to see one of the best of the Spanish character actors leave us as quietly as most viewers were aware of his long career.

Bloody Fox, the White Chief

Die Todesfahrt, des weißen Häuptlings – German title
Blood Fox, the White Chief – English title

A 1920 German production [Eduard Film (Munich)]
Producer: ?
Director: Joe Stöckel (Josef Stöckel)
Screenplay: Josefa Karma, Joe Stöckel (Josef Stöckel)
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: ?

Cast:
Joe Stöckel (Josef Stöckel)


Story unknown.

RIP John Hart

John Hart, the other 'Lone Ranger,' dies at 91. The actor took over the TV role for 52 episodes when Clayton Moore walked out in a pay dispute. John Hart, 91, the handsome and athletic actor who also starred in the 1940s movie serial "Jack Armstrong: The All-American Boy" and the 1950s TV series "Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans," died Sunday, September 20th at his home in Rosarito Beach in Baja California, Mexico, said his wife, Beryl. The Los Angeles native, born December 13, 1917, launched his Hollywood career with a bit part in Cecil B. DeMille's 1938 film "The Buccaneer," Hart played small roles in a string of films before being drafted into the Army in 1941. After Moore returned to "The Lone Ranger," Hart went on to star in the 1955 Columbia serial "The Adventures of Captain Africa." He also starred in "Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans," a 1957 syndicated TV series shot in Canada with Lon Chaney Jr. as Chingachgook. While shooting the series in Canada, Hart met his Canadian-born actress wife, then known as Beryl Braithwaite, when she landed a three-day acting job on the series. Ten days later, the 20-year-old Braithwaite and the 39-year-old Hart were married. According to the IMDb John Hart appeared in the Euro-western “Django Shoots First” (English version). I don't know what that refers to unless he was a voice actor for one of the actors in the English dialogue release. Problem with that theory is he has no other credits as a voice actor. I'm open to any and all theories.

First Day of Autumn 2009

Who Are Those Gals? - Carole Andre

Born Carole André Smith on March 11, 1953, in Paris, France she is the daughter of actress Gaby Andre. She appeared in more than 30 films and television appearances between 1967 and 1991 acting in her first film at the age of 13 and working under such director as Visconti and Dino Risi Her parts were typical ingenue roles in which she was used for window dressing. Her most famous role was as Pearl of Labuan in the 1976 TV version of “Sandokan” In her European western roles she played young women with few lines of dialogue. She quit acting and attended Harvard Business School in the United States then opened a public relations agency in Rome. Today Carole Andre Smith is the International Marketing Adviser at Cinecitta Studios.

ANDRE, Carole (aka Carol André) (Carole André Smith) [3/11/1953, Paris, Ile-de-France, France - ] – TV actress, daughter of actress Gaby Andreu (1920-1972).
Death Rides Alone – 1967 (Susan)
Face to Face – 1967 (Cattle Annie)
Another Try, Eh Providence? – 1973 (Countess Pamela De Ortega)
White Fang – 1973 (Krista Oatley)

BLOOD RIVER

Dieci bianchi uccisi da un piccolo indiano – Italian title

Pasión salvaje – Spanish title

Venganza Apache – Spanish poster

Verano sangriento – Spanish title

10 Bleichgesichter und ein Indianerjunge – German title

Zehn Cowboys un dein Indianerboy – German title

10 White Victims of the Little Indian – English title

Blood River – English title

A 1973 Italian, Spanish co-production [Filmar Compagnia Cinematografica (Rome), Procensa Films (Madrid)]

Producer: Gino Rossi, Giuseppe Maggi

Director: George W. Breakston (Gianfranco Baldanello Merano)

Story: Mario Damiani, Juan Antonio Verdugo

Screenplay: Gianfranco Baldanello (Gianfranco Merano), Mario Damiani, Juan Antonio Verdugo (José Torres)

Cinematography: Leopoldo Villaseñor Barco [Technicolor, Techniscope]

Music: Piero Umiliani (Romano Ferrera)

Song: “Blood River” sung by Shirley Harmer

Running time: 95 minutes

Cast:

Ringo - Fabio Testi

Abel Webster - John Ireland

Catherine Webster - Sara Bay (Rosalba Neri)

John - Luis Induni (Luigi Radici)

Ben Webster - Michael Riviere (Miguel de la Riva)

Condor - Daniel Martin (José Martinez)

squaw - Luisa Rivelli (Rosella Lanfranchi)

maid - Maria Teresa Zago

Webster ranch hand - Attilio Dottesio

with; José Canalejas, Bruno Arié, Vittorio Richelmy, Sergio Sagnotti, Altiero Di Giovanni, Angelo Dessi (Angelo Desideri), Giovanna Lenzi, José Manuel Martin (José Perez)

The film focuses on the problems of a rich rancher named Able Webster. His son's wife is halfbreed named Catherine who is in love with a stranger named Ringo. Able also finds out he is not to be, as expected, the inheritor of the Webster fortune. 30 years ago he and 9 of his neighbors and friends massacred an Indian village in order to obtain the tribe's land. One problem, a small boy named Condor escaped the massacre and has now grown into a vengeful warrior out to kill the 10 men who were responsible for the annihilated his family and tribal members. Condor is helped in his revenge by Indians from the afterlife.

Happy 75th Birthday to Sophia Loren

Born Sofia Scicolone on September 20, 1934 in Pozuoli, Italy, Sophia Loren grew up in the slums just outside of Naples. After insignificant parts in “Luci del variet” (1950) and “Quo Vadis (1951), she met movie director Carlo Ponti, some 22 years her senior, whom she later married in 1957. Perhaps he was the father figure she never experienced as a child. In 1961, she received an Academy Award for “La ciociara” (aka “Two Women”) (1960). This beautiful lady became one of the major sex symbol of the sixties, competing with Marilyn Monroe, and Brigitte Bardot.

She gained wider respect with her later movies like “The Cassancdra Crossing” (1976), “Una giornata particolare” (1977) and “Prêt-à-Porter” (1994). Many of her films were producer by her husband. She is the mother of actor Carlo Ponti Jr and director, screenwriter Edoardo Ponti. Under her real name she appeared in two early Euro-westerns “The Return of Pancho Villa” (1950) and “The Dream of Zorro” (1951). Today we celebrate the 75th birthday of Sophia Loren.

Spaghetti Western Locations

Rio Bravo Canyon is located near Aldea Del Fresno. It was the river scene used in “Fistful of Dollars” where the massacre of the American army patrol took place. The river are has also been used in countless other Spaghetti Westerns, usually as a symbol of the Rio Grande river which separates the United State and Mexico. When Silvanito and The Man with No Name are lying on the rise overlooking the river this is actually the highway and a small parking area is the location where they ride up to the location. You can find the exact spot by finding the small bridge opening connecting the parking area with the park by the river. Many Poplar trees have been planted in the area so it no longer resembles the sand river bank featured in the film. I've been to this location twice and the the first time the river was low but still full of water. The second time I walked across to the other side and never got my feet wet.

For a more detailed view of this site and other Spaghetti Western locations please visit my friend Yoshi “Garring” Yasuda’s excellent website: http://garringo.cool.ne.jp/

Blood Red Rose

Angélica – French title
La Rosa de sang – French title
Rosa de sangue – Italian title
Veriruusu – Finnish title
Die Nacht der Vergeltung – German title
To rodon tou aimatos – Greek title
Rosa de sangue – Spanish title
En Farlig kvinna – Swedish title
Blood Red Rose – English title

A 1939 French, Italian, co-production [Scalera Film (Rome)]
Producer: Georges Lampin
Director: Jean Choux
Story: “Les compagnons d’Ulysse” by Pierre Benoît
Screenplay: Maria Basaglia, Fabien Frachat
Dialogue: René Jolivet
Cinematography: Ubaldo Arata, Giorgio Orsini [black & white]
Music: Jacques Ibert
Running time: 95 minutes

Cast:
Angélica - Viviane Romance (Pauline Ortmanns)
Don Manrico Ruiz Detto/”El Salvador” - Georges Flamant (Georges Francois)
Iramundi - Paul Amiot
Ramirez - Raymond Galle
Domingo - Maupi (Marcel Barberin)
Diaz - Guillaume de Sax
Alvarez/Salazar - Geo Bury
Yacca - Marcelle Yrven
officer - Pierre Labry
Manuela - Monique Thibaut
with; Camillo Apolloni, Clelia Bernacchi, Yves Deniaud, Fedele Gentile, Elodia Maresca, Arlette Redon (Arlette Bloch), Fernand Squinquel, Raimondo Van Riel, Regina Bianchi (Regina D’Antigny), Oreste Bilancia, Carlo Chertier, Stefano Daffinà, Enzo De Felice, Robert Favart (Marc Riguez), Maria Pia Fonzi, Stella Gaipo, Olga Vittoria Gentilli, Zara Lammarì, Fernando Mochetti, Renato Nardi, Amalia Pellegrini, Bruno Persa, Robert Pizani, Emi Rai, Ermete Tamberlani, Amedeo Vecci, Giuseppe Zago


A girl leads a rebellion against a tyrannical general in South America.

Remembering José Suárez

Born José Suárez Sánchez on September 19, 1919 in Trubia, Spain. He was working as a train conductor when he was noticed by director Gonzalo Delgrás who cast him in his next film “Altar Mayor” in 1944. He would appear in two more Delgrás directed films before becoming a leading man in 1948. He became a Spanish heartthrob in the 1950's along with such Spanish actors as Francisco Rabal, Jorge Mistral and Alfredo Mayo. He would star in such films as “Condenados” (1953) and “Calle Mayor” (1956). Suárez became the president of the Spanish Actors Guild and then went to work in Italian films with such directors as Luigi Zampa and Francesco Rosi where he attracted a new following of fans. He returned to Spain in the 1960s and made several Spaghetti Westens including “Texas Addio” (1966), “The Forgotten Pistolero” (1969), “The Price of Power” (1970), and “A Reason to Live, A Reason to Die” (1972). His last film appearance was in 1975's “La trastienda”. José Suárez died on August 6, 1981 in Madrid. We remember him today on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Happy 75th Birthday Ángel Aranda

Ángel Pérez Aranda was born in Jaén Andalusia Spain on September 18, 1934 and appeared in 48 films between 1955 and 1980. Among those films was 6 Spaghetti westerns. His most remembered roles were as George Clanton in “Bullets Don't Argue” with Rod Cameron in 1964 and as Nat in the 1966 film “The Hellbenders” with Joseph Cotten. He some times was billed under the aliases Angelo Aranda and Ángel Miranda. He was also a screenwriter and appeared in numerous TV programs. Today we celebrate Ángel Aranda's 75th birthday.

Here's a recent photo of Ángel Aranda.

Eduardo Fajardo to be honored

Eduardo Fajardo who has lived in Almeria, Spain for more than two decades will receive a great tribute with an homage in his name during the la Semana Internacional de Cine de Autor de Lugo from September 20 – 26. The 85 year-old actor appeared in 183 Spanish films, 75 stage plays and over 2,000 television appearances and in most he was the villain
The name of Eduardo Fajardo are written in gold letters in the history of Spanish and Mexican film, theater and television. - D. Martinez, Almeria, Canal Empleo (9/17/2009)

Bloodrayne 2: Deliverance – German title
Blod Rayne 2: Deliverance – Argentinean title
BloodRayne 2 – Greek title
BloodRayne II: Deliverance – English title

A 2007 German, Canadian co-production [Boll Kino Beteiligungs GmbH & Co (Berlin), Brightlight Pictures (Toronto)]
Producer: Dan Clarke, Shawn Williamson
Director: Uwe Boll
Story: Masaji Takei
Screenplay: Christopher Donaldson, Neil Every
Cinematography: Mathias Neumann [color]
Music: Jessica de Rooij
Running time: 99 minutes

Cast:
Rayne - Natassia Malthe (Linn Malthe)
Billy the Kid - Zack Ward
Muller - Brendan Fletcher
Newton Pyles - Chris Coppola
“The Preacher” - Michael Eklund (Michael Ekland)
Bernadette - Carrie Genzel
Martha - Sarah-Jane Redmond
Sheriff Cobden - John Novak
Pat Garret - Michael Paré
Mayor Holden - Michael Robinson
Vince - Jamie Switch
Slime Bag Franson - Michael Teigen
Moffat - John Tench
Jessie - Aidan Williamson
Bob - Chris Spencer
Fleetwood - Tyron Leitso
Sally - Joselle Ferland
Flintlock Hogan - Mike Dopud
Mick - Vincent Gale
Mary - Taya Calicetto
gatling gunner - Arash Freedom Virani
Kentucky - Steffen Mennekes
bordello woman - Alana Drozduke
William - Cole Heppell
old woman - Doris Blomgren
Marcus Vonpat - Hawk Youkins
cowboy - Kirk McKeekan
cowgirl - Tasha Moth


Newton Piles (Chris Coppola), a reporter on assignment for the Chicago Chronicle, has come to the town of Deliverance, Montana, to record tales of the Wild West. The peaceful and quiet town is expecting the arrival of the first Transcontinental Railroad in one week. Along with the railroad however, arrives an unwelcome and deadly guest, a vampiric Billy the Kid. Using the railway, the 357-year old Transylvanian vampire is building an army of cowboy vampires to take over the country and create a vampire kingdom in the New World. Billy and his horde go on a rampage, slaughtering townspeople and rounding up children. Billy spares Newton’s life and promises Newton the greatest story ever told.

Billy's plans hit a snag when Rayne arrives in town. Rayne is a Dhampir the product of an unnatural union between a vampire and a human: she wields all the powers of a vampire, yet none of the weaknesses. Born over a century earlier in Romania, Rayne has hunted vampires for a long time and now she sets her sights on Billy.

You Tube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0y-NFUHRmHM

Remembering Lawrence Dobkin

Lawrence Dobkin was born on September 16, 1919 in New York City, New York at first was a child actor who worked in radio to pay for his studies at Yale University's School of Drama. He was one of the voice of radio's “Ellery Queen” and was also heard on “The New Adventures of of Nero Wolfe”, “Gunsmoke”, “Escape” and “The Lux Radio Theater”. Continuing voice acting he narrated films and video games. He began his television work in 1946 as a narrator, director and actor. In films he was a reliable character actor in such films as “Twelve O'Clock High” (1949), “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951), “Julius Ceaser” (1953), “The Ten Commandments” (1956) and “Patton” (1970). Dobkin married actress Joanna Barnes in 1962 but they had no children. He married actress Anne Collings in 1970 and they had three children. Lawrence Dobkin appeared in only one Spaghetti Western “Johnny Yuma”, but it was a memorable performance as Lawrence Jerome Carradine. Larry died on October 28, 2002 in Los Angeles, California. We remember Lawrence Dobkin today on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Remembering Attilio Dottesio

Attilio Dottesio was born July 16, 1909 and had a screen career that spanned almost 50 years. He began his show business career in France as a singer. He later returned to Italy and attended the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia First appear on film in 1940 in “La peccatrice” (aka The Sinner) directed by Amleto Palermi he would go on to be a reliable character actor especially during the Spaghetti Western era appearing in over three dozen films. He sometimes used the alias William Burke, Arthur Dotte, Atilio Dotte, Dan Reese, Dean Reese, Don Reese during these years. He even took a turn at directing a documentary which was never released. Attilio died on Feberuary 12, 1989 in Rome, Italy. We remember Attilio Dottesio belatedly on his 100th birthday celebrated July 16.

New CD Release

Johnny Yuma
Composer Nora Orlandi
Label: GDM
GDMCLUB7063
Tracks 36 including vocals
Limited Edition of 500
Released April 2009

Track listing:
1. Johnny Yuma (Title song) # 01
2. Where is your gun
3. A guitar for Johnny
4. Johnny Yuma (Title song reprice) # 02
5. Johnny Yuma # 03
6. Johnny Yuma # 04
7. Johnny Yuma # 05
8. War and rememberance
9. Loaded guns
10. Johnny Yuma # 06
11. That silent man
12. Fog of time
13. Johnny Yuma # 07
14. Johnny Yuma # 08
15. Johnny Yuma # 09
16. Johnny Yuma # 10
17. Johnny Yuma # 11
18. Johnny Yuma # 12
19. Trumpet for a silent man
20. A long time ago
21. Johnny Yuma # 13
22. A long time ago # 02
23. Johnny Yuma # 14
24. Johnny Yuma # 15
25. Hidden past
Mix stereo versions
26. Johnny Yuma (Title song) # 01
27. Where is your gun # 02
28. Sudden sadness
29. A guitar for Johnny # 02
30. Loaded guns # 02
31. That silent man # 02
32. War and rememberance # 02
33. Fog of time # 02
34. Trumpet for a silent man # 02
35. A long time ago # 03
36. Hidden past # 02
Total time 74:32

Who Are Those Gals? - Susy Andersen

Although Italian actress Susy Andersen had only a short six year career in films where she appeared in a dozen or so features, her striking good looks made her a star for quite a few fans. Suddenly in 1969 she left films and disappeared. Susy was also a model during her acting career and appeared on the magazine covers of “Tempo” in 1965.

ANDERSEN, Susy (aka Suzy Andersen, Suzy Andersson, Susy Golgi) (Maria Antoinetta Golgi) [4/20/1940, Pola, Istria, Italy - ] – model, TV actress.
Two Violent Men – 1964 (Mary Sheridan)
15 Scaffolds for a Killer – 1968 (Barbara Ferguson)

Ennio Morricone at Hollywood Bowl!

"ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD" Academy Award-winning composer Ennio Morricone to make Los Angeles debut at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Legendary Italian maestro Ennio Morricone will conduct the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra in an evening of music drawn from his most famous film scores -- including The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; The Untouchables; Cinema Paradiso; Once upon a Time in America; The Mission; Once upon a Time in the West; A Fistful of Dollars; Sacco and Vanzetti; The Battle of Algiers; A Fistful of Dynamite; and U Turn -- at Hollywood Bowl on Sunday October 25. The evening, which also includes participation by the Angeles Chorale, is billed as "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," and will be Morricone's only U.S. concert appearance of the year.

Tickets for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" go on sale through Ticketmaster on Sunday, September 20 at 10am. Prices range from $15 to $295.

Doc West, Part 2

Doc West (Part 2) starring Terence Hill is being shown on Italian TV Canale 5 on Monday September 14th. The producers have already been given the green light to film 4 more episodes this fall in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

BLOOD FOR A SILVER DOLLAR

Un dollaro bucato – Italian title
Le dollar troué – French title
Un dólar marcado – Argentinean title
Dollari hengestä – Finnish title
Ein Loch im Dollar – German title
Ena trypio dollario – Greek title
One Silver Dollar of Wilderness – Japanese title
Um dólar furado – Portuguese title
Un dólar agujereado – Spanish title
Den Genomskjutna Dollarn – Swedish title
One Silver Dollar – U.K. title
Die Now Pay Later – English title
Blood on a Silver Dollar – English title
Blood for a Silver Dollar – English title

A 1965 Italian, French co-production [Dorica Film/Explorer ‘58/Fono Film (Rome), Les
Films Corona (Paris)]
Producer: Bruno Turchetto, Dario Montanari, Federico Galliani, Giulio Sbarigia, Alberto Dionisi, Robert Dorfmann
Director: Kelvin Jackson Padget (Giorgio Ferroni)
Story: George Finley (Giorgio Stegani)
Screenplay: George Finley (Giorgio Stegani), Calvin Jackson Padget (Giorgio Ferroni)
German dialogue: Horst Sommer
Cinematography: Tony Dry (Antoni Secchi) [Eastmancolor, Cinemascope]
Music: Gianni Ferrio (Giovanni Ferrio)
Song: “A Man…A Story” sung by Fred Bongusto (Alfredo Bongusto)
Song: “Give Me Back” sung by Lidia MacDonald (Lydia McDonald)
Running time: 96 minutes

Cast:
Gary O’Hara - Montgomery Wood (Giuliano Gemma)
Judy O’Hara - Evelyn Stewart (Ida Galli)
McCory/Max Cory/McCoy/Aloysius MacKenzie - Peter Cross (Pierre Cressoy)
Buddy - Alfredo Rizzo
Phillip/Phil “Blackie” O’Hara - Nicholas St. John/Nick Anderson (Nazzareno Zamperla)
Peter - Tor Altmayer (Tullio Altamura)
Brad - Max Dean (Massimo Righi)
Sheriff George Anderson - Frank Farrel (Francisco Fantasia)
Slim - Andrew Scott (Andrea Scotti)
Donaldson - John MacDouglas (Giuseppe Addobbati)
Jim - Benny Reeves (Benito Stefanelli)
henchmen – Peter Surtess (Giovanni Pazzafini), Sal Borgese (Salvatore Borgese), Pedro Sanchez (Ignazio Spalla), Jack Rocha (Moisés Rocha), Jean/John Martin (Gino Marturano), Frank Liston (Franco Lantieri)
with; Benny Farber (Bernard Farber), Luigi Tosi, Pietro Ceccarelli, Bruno Arié, Fortunato Arena, Giulio Maculani, Osiride Pevarello

Former Confederate Army Captain, Gary O'Hara, is sent home after the end of the Civil War with the barrel of his gun cut off. This joke by the Union soldiers will become a vital part of the story later on in the film. O'Hara now wants to start a new life in the West with his wife Judy but has a difficult time finding a job. Gary stumbles into the town of Yellowstone, where he's offered a job by McCory/McCoy who in the sheriff's absense wants Gary to bring in a an outlaw named Blackie. When the two meet O'Hara recognizes the outlaw to be his own brother Phil. Too late he is shot but saved from death by a silver dollar he was carrying in his breast pocket. Blackie is then gunned down by Mc'Coy's henchmen. When the smoke clears Gary learns Blackie wasn't a criminal but had been hired by the local townspeople to protect them from McCoy and his henchmen. Returning home to recover from his wound he learns his wife has fallen into the hands of McCory/McCoy. He tries to get the sheriff to help but finds out he is just another henchman of McCory/McCoy's. Gary on his own cleans-up the town, faces off in a duel with the ringleader and this is were the sawed-off gun barrel comes into play. O'Hara gains the respect of the town and is able to begin that new life with his wife by his side.


Youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ7JtVGV6Ys

Remembering Mike Marshall

Born Michael Marshall on September 13, 1944 in Hollywood, California he was the only son of actor, director William Marshall and actress Michèle Morgan. Mike had a small career in French films as a character actor, appearing in over 50 films. Among his six children is actress Sarah Marshall. Mike starred in two above average Spaghetti Westerns “Death Rides Alone” and “I'll Sell My Skin Dearly” both 1972. Later he would lend his voice as the vulture in the film “Jesuit Joe” (1991). Mike died on natural causes at 60 on June 1, 2005 in Caen, France. We remember him today on what would have been his 65th birthday.

Remembering Maurice Jarre

Maurice Alexis Jarre was born on September 13, 1924 in Lyons, France. Although he composed several concert works he'll always be remembered as a composer for film scores. He worked quite often with David Lean for which he composed scores for “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), “A Passage to India” (1984) for which he won Academy Awards. His biggest single record was “Somewhere My Love” which was recorded by Michael Sammes Singers which reached number 14 in 1966. Jarre composed three European western scores, “Villa Rides” (1968), “El Condor” (1970) and “Red Sun” (1971). Jarre was married to actresses Dani Saval from 1965-1967 and Laura Devon (1967-1984. He is the father of composer Jean Michel Jarre and screenwriter Kevin Jarre. Maurice died on March 29th of this year in Los Angeles, California. Today we remember Maurice Jarre on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Der Schuh des Manitu, Part 1: The Story

The Michael "Bully" Herbig film "Der Schuh des Manitu is now a stage play appearing at the Theatre des Westens in Berlin. For the complete article please refer to the following link:
http://livedesignonline.com/theatre/0910-designing-der-schuh-des-manitu-set/

Spaghetti Western Eats

NAVAJO JOE
34 King St., Covent Garden, London WC2E 8JD
Telephone: 020 7240 4008
Cuisine: American, Mexican fusion
Hours of operation: Mon – Sat 12:00 – 24:00, Sun 12:00 – 23:00
Navajo Joe is the perfect way to enjoy great food, perfect cocktails and funky music in the heart of Covent Garden.
The atmosphere is a careful combination of music and dining, with a cocktail dining area overlooking the Covent Garden foot traffic, and a larger dining area and mezzanine level for experiencing their blend of world cuisine.
Voted best Martinis by London and New York Cosmo, and boasting the largest selection of Tequilas outside of Mexico the emphasis is on a multi dimensional atmosphere aimed at young professionals, pre-post theatre audiences as well as the mature business sector.
Slightly set-off from the busy main floor dining, the mezzanine is ideal for private dining in groups of 40 or less. It provides a full view of the main dining and bar area of Navajo Joe. Serviced by a full cocktail and wait staff, guests reserving this area are treated to personal attention and complete access to the food and wet menus.
Joe's bar is Navajo Joe's most personalised and energetic space. With suspended decks and autonomous sound system, this underground room has taken on an identity all its own, attracting a young and assertive crowd who enjoy relaxed conversation and dancing in a space allocated for the bar-goer who expects a little bit more.

Patriot Day 2009 - Remembering 9/11/2001

10,000 Ways to Die

10,000 Ways to Die
Author: Alex Cox
Publisher: Kamera Books
Pages: 336
Photos: minimal


Some generous British friends of mine sent me Alex Cox's new book “10,000 Ways to Die” in June as it was released in England 3 months before it was made available here in the U.S. On September 1st. I was holding off on purchasing it because the shipping charges alone were almost as much as the book. If I had waited it still would have been well worth the wait. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject. I've seen Cox enough to know and appreciate his insight and humor. In this revised edition of a book he wrote some 40 years-ago as a graduate student at U.C.L.A. He spent quite a lot of time watching some 200 films in preparation of writing this new book, and he gives the reader an exciting ride through the genre. Told from his viewpoint as a director and a fan of the genre you will see some of these films from a different perspective and whether you agree or disagree with the assessment you will come away with an insightful knowledge not touched on by other previous writers. Cox pulls no punches so be forewarned he tackles Corbucci, Eastwood and Leone, Sabata and Sartana. If he doesn't like a film, director, story or character, whatever he'll say so. Alex dislikes comedy Spaghetti's, children, supposedly funny old-timers and cute characters. He covers the major films year by year and also brings up the rest which were released during the same time. This is an essential addition to your library and a fun read at the same time. I don't know when I've enjoyed a book so much and it was the best read of the summer. It's now available through U.S.A. Amazon for under $18.00

Remembering Wayde Preston

Born William Erskine Strange on September 10, 1929 in Denver, Colorado and raised in Laramie, Wyomiong. He was a football and track star in high school and drafted into the Army during the Korean War. After the service he became a park ranger and then took a job as a pilot with TWA. He took up acting and appeared in a “Maverick” episode as Waco Williams. It drew more viewers than any other episode. He was then given his own Warner Brothers series “Colt .45”. Wayde appeared as Christopher Colt, a government agent posing as a gun salesman traveling throughout the West. Like James Garner and Clint Walker, Preston walked out on Warner Brothers and was replaced by Donald May in 1959 and 1960. Preston would star in over 20 films and TV series from 1957-1991. After the end of “Colt .45” Wayde went to Europe where he would appear in over a half-dozen Spaghetti Westerns such as “Today We Kill... Tomorrow We Die!” (1967) with Brett Halsey, “A Long Ride from Hell” (1968), with Steve Reeves (1970) and “A Man Called Sledge” with James Garner (1970). Preston would return to the United States in the early 1970s and became a flight instructor at Van Nuys, California. He passed away on February 6, 1992 at a hospice in Lovelock, Nevada. Today we remember Wayde Preston on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Spaghetti Western Locations

Western Leone is the last of the three tourist attractions in Tabernas. It is north of Mini Hollywood on the same expressway. Look for the billboards directing you to the location. The owners have added a set of buildings and a small Indian village to make it a viable tourist attraction. The only building worth seeing is the house used in “Once Upon a Time in the West”. It has been converted into a saloon and you can buy a beer or a soda and sit at a table and look at the binders they have of photos taken of different films which used this location. They also have a stunt show and when I was there in 2003 it was the exact show used at Texas Hollywood. Still it's a thrill to walk through the same door as Charles Bronson, Jason Robards and Claudia Cardinale. Infact what looks like the original stove Jill and Cheyenne prepared coffee over sits on the front porch.

BLOOD CALLS TO BLOOD

Sangue chiama sangue – Italian title
Le sangre reclame le sang – French title
El Sancho…c’est le temps de mourir – French title
Sangue chama sangue - Portuguese title
Blood Calls to Blood – English title

A 1968 Italian production [Zalo Foroproduzione (Rome)]
Producer: Felice Zappulla
Director: Lewis King (Luigi Capuano)
Story: Fulvio Pazziloro
Screenplay: Fulvio Pazziloro
Cinematography: Tino Santoni (Clemente Santoni), Pablo Ripoll [Eastmancolor, Panavision]
Music: Frank Mason (Francisco De Masi)
Running time: 97 minutes

Cast:
Angel - Stephen Forsyth
Sancho Rodriguez - Fernando Sancho (Fernando Les)
Michaela - Antonella Judica
padre - German Cobos
with: Frank Farrel (Francisco Fantasia), Léa Nanni, Rick Palanse, Francesco Porzi, Vittoria Solinas, Claudio Lo Cascio


In a frontier town between the USA and Mexico, Sancho and his gang assault a monastery, kill a few monks who try to oppose the invasion of the sacred building, and go away with a precious loot, including the sacred custody, a work of art in gold and diamonds. Andrej, a lonesome cowboy, is informed of his brother's death - one of the monks - and starts a search for the gang, and to find who the murder of his brother was. Among the lawless and godless men, a fight for getting the better part of the loot is taking place - and blood is flowing as much as bullets. The infighting ends was Sancho kills his own second-in-command, and rests the only gangster alive, owner of the sacred, and valuable relic. It's then that Andrej confronts him, and once again blood calls to blood, before the precious loot can be returned to the surviving monks.

RIP Mike Bongiorno

Mike Bongiorno has died. The King of Italy's TV hosts since the 1950s, was born in New York on May 26, 1924, had a heart attack around noon today while he was in Monte Carlo. Nothing could have predicted his death, the popular television host left yesterday morning from Milan, to spend a short vacation in Monte Carlo before diving into a new television adventure, a quiz show on the Sky Network, that would have brought back the lucky series "Rischiatutto". Mike Bongiorno appeared in one European western 1972's "They Call Me Providence" as Mike Goodmorning.

Who Are Those Guys - Leo Anchóriz

Born Leopoldo de Anchóriz Fustel in Almeria, Spain on September 22, 1932. He was friends with director, screenwriter José María Forqué and Jaime de Armiñán with whom he either collaborated on screenplays with or acted under. He entered films in the late 1950s and acted until the late 1970s making over three dozen appearances on film and TV. Although he would play various characters during his Spaghetti Western career, he was best as a villain resembling a Mexican Frank Wolff. One third of his films were Spaghetti Westerns yet I feel he could have been used in even more films as he had a great screen presence. Anchóriz was only 54 when he passed away on February 17, 1987 in Madrid, Spain.


ANCHORIZ, Leo (aka Leo Anchoris) (Leopardo de Anchóriz Fustel) [9/22/1929, Almeria, Andalucía, Spain – 2/17/1987, Madrid, Madrid, Spain] – screenwriter.
7 Guns for the MacGregors – 1965 (Santillana)
Up the MacGregors – 1966 (Maldonado)
Finger on the Trigger – 1967 (Ed Bannister)
I Came, I Saw, I Shot – 1968 (Garrito)
Kill Them All and Come Back Alone – 1968 (Deker/Dexter)
Western, Italian Style – 1968 [himself]
A Bullet for Sandoval – 1969 (Friar/Father Converso)
The Magnificent Bandits – 1969 (Colonel Minas)
What Am I Doing in the Middle of a Revolution? – 1971 (Carrasco)
Three Musketeers of the West – 1973 (Cabezon)
Spaghetti Western – 1974 (sheriff)