Haloween 2009

Happy 80th Birthday Bud Spencer

Born Carlo Pedersoli on Ocotber 31, 1929 in Santa Lucia, Naples, Italy he received a law degree and was a swimmer on the Italian Olympic teams of 1952, and 1956. His first film was as a guard in Quo Vadis (1951). He later changed his name to Bud Spencer (Bud for Budweiser beer and Spencer in honor of actor Spencer Tracy), when paired with Terence Hill (Mario Girotti). Bub and Terence became super stars with the success of the Trinity films. They continued making films together and apart. Some of Bud's best films were without Hill. He earned licences as an airplane and helicopter pilot and in 1984 established Mistral Air an air-mail company. He is also an inventor with multiple patents. In 2005 he became a politician. Today we celebrate Bud Spencer's 80th birthday

Remembering Karl Lange

Born Karl Lange on Ocotber 30, 1909 in Flensburg, Germany. He would appear in over 90 films and television appearances starting in 1954 and ending in 1990. Among them were three Euro-westerns “The Desperado Trail” (1965), “Duel at Sundown” (1965) and “The Cry of the Black Wolves” (1972). Karl dies on June 23, 1999 in Ostfildern, Germany. We remember Karl today on what would have been his 100th birthday.

BROTHERS BLUE

Blu gang vissero per sempre felici e ammazzati – Italian title
Blu gang – Italian title
Blu gang – Et ils vecurent longtempte, heureux et…tues – French title
O clã da morte – Brazilian title
Bluen jengi – Finnish title
I epidromi tis agrias symmorias – Greek title
A Vingança dos Irmãos Blue – Portuguese title
Blu gang: Y vivieron para sempre felicesy muertos – Spanish title
Hermanos azules, titre devente – Spanish title
El clan de la muerte – Spanish title
A Few Happy Days of the Brothers Ken – U.K. title
The Short and Happy Days of Brothers Blue – U.K. title
Brothers Blue – U.S.A. Title

A 1971 Italian, French co-production [Felix Film (Rome), PECF (Paris)]
Producer: Franco Rossellini
Director: Marc Meyer (Luigi Bazzoni)
Story: Augusto Caminito
Screenplay: Augusto Caminito, Marco Fenelli
Dialogue: Lewis Cianelli
Cinematography: Vittorio Storaro [Eastmancolor, Panavision]
Music: Tony Renis (Elio Cesari)
Song: “Go Man” sung by Jan Marrow
Running time: 95 minutes

Cast:
Hillman - Jack Palance (Volodymyr Palahnyuk Jr.)
Johnny Blue - Antonio Falsi
Kane Blue - Guido Mannari
Polly - Tina Aumont (Marie Salomons)
Frank - Maurizio Bonuglia
Jenny - Clara Mutschaewski
Mamma Blue - Maria Michi
Alice - Clara Russell (Carla Wittig)
sheriff - Lee Burton (Guido Lollobrigida)
Donovan - Antonio Gradoli
Teddy Fog - Paul Jabara
with; Giancarlo Terzaroli


The ongoing adventures of the Brother Blue, Cane, Johnny and Frank, in their attempt to rob banks and lead a life of crime. This film attempts to keep pace wth the revisionist American films of its day. It explores the meaning of freedom for the Brothers Blue. To them it means robbing banks, womanizing and killing if necessary to protect their carefree lifestyle. Bazzoni tries to incorporate the buddy film like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” which is also reflected in the score by Renis. It incorporates violence as in “The Wild Bunch” and it also incorporates interest in new high-powered rifles as in “The Hunting Party” the later two films are reflected in the appearance of Jack Palance as the bounty hunter who is after the rewards on the Blues. What the result is as in “The Wild Bunch is death. The viewer really has no feeling of remorse for the brothers as they do for Butch and Sundance and even the Wild Bunch. These characters are just outlaws who for whatever reason don't want to be a part of society and work for a living they decide to take the easy way out and become robbers and killers. Although the film fails on most level the attempt to change form and keep up with the newest in film making has to be mentioned and respected.

Remembering Akim Tamiroff

Akim Tamiroff was born on Ocotber 28, 1899 in Tiflis, Georgia. The fiery Armenian came close to greatness as Sancho Panza in Orson Welles’ unfinished "Don Quixote"—unfortunately it’s a performance that no-one will ever see in full. The few scenes available indicate nothing short of a virtuoso turn. Nonetheless, as Uncle Joe Grandi in "Touch of Evil" he is terrific: making full use of his Stanislavski training, he brings to life this sweating, grunting hog of a man—without Tamiroff, this remarkable noir wouldn’t be the threatening pantomime classic it is. His other notable films include: "The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek", "Alphaville", "Lord Jim" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" —for which he received a best supporting actor nomination. His peculiarly broad range resulted in a rather aimless career. Hard to place, Tamiroff brought to the screen a unique and implacable charm, an almost friendly theatrical wickedness. One of his lasting appearances is as Jakob Zouk in "Mr. Arkadin", a jittering, eccentric ghoul whose dying wish is a plate of goose liver—a fittingly obscure demise for a truly original performer. Tamiroff appeared in one Euro-western the 1968's “A Man Called Amen” as Pig Sty/Dean Light. Akim Tamiroff died on cancer on September 17, 1972 in Palm Springs, California. Today we remember him on what would have been his 110th birthday

BROTHER OUTLAW

Rimase uno solo e fu la morte per tutti! – Italian title
Senza Respiro – Italian working title
Irmão Fora da Lei – Brazilian title
Lainsuojaton – Finnish title
Le pistolero de Tombstone – French title
Dakota – Nur der Colt war sein Gesetz – German title
Schwur des Geachteten – German title
Solo y fuera de la ley – Spanish title
La muerta fue para todos – Spanish title
Dakota – English title
Brother Outlaw – English title

A 1970 Italian production [Trans World Films (Rome)]
Producer:
Director: Edward G. Muller (Edoardo Mulargia)
Story: Alessandro Schirò
Screenplay: Edoardo Mulargia, Alessandro Schirò
Cinematography: Antonio Modica [Eastmancolor, widscreen]
Music: Felice Di Stefano, Gianfranco Di Stefano
Running time: 84 minutes

Cast:
Dakota Thompson - Tony Kendall (Luciano Stella)
Slim Thompson - James Rogers
Jane/Jean - Sophie Kammer (Sofia Kammara)
Alvarez - Celso Faria
Donovan - Omero Gargano
bank director - Mimmo Maggio (Vincente Maggio)
Jackson - Fortunato Arena
Prison warden - Atillio Dotte (Attilio Dottesio)
with; Dean Stratford (Dino Strano), Sergio Sagnotti, Luciano Conti, Michele Branca, Nino Musco, Franco Marletta (Francesco Marletta), Bruno Boschetti, Enzo Pulcrano


When sheriff Dakota Thompson is framed by a gang of outlaws led by Alavrez and sentenced to life in prison. His brother Slim helps breaks him out of jail and the two eliminate the gang and prove Dakota's innocence, which results in his reinstatement as sheriff.


You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsY9bv5sMu8

Remembering Bernhard Wicki

Bernhard Wicki was born on October 28, 1919 in St. Pölten, Austria and studied in Breslau. He then attended drama school in Berlin but spent most of World War II in prison. After the end of World War II, he starred in many films such as “Die letzte Brücke (1953) and “Es geschah am 20. Juli” (1955). He also became a well known photographer. Wicki started as a director in 1958 with “Warum sind sie gegen uns?” He attained International recognition for his anti-war film “Die Brücke”. Bernhard appeared in only one Euro-western “Carlos” (1971). Wicki died of heart failure on January 3, 2000 in Munich, Germany. Today we celebrate what would have been his 90th birthday.

Who Are Those Guys - Elio Angelluci

Almost nothing is known about Italian character actor Elio Angelucci. He seldom had a speaking role and was basically nothing more than a continuously used extra. This heavily bearded actor with dark eyes and heavy eyebrows was usually seen as an occassional bartender, but more often seen as a saloon patron, townsman, gang member or someone seen in background shots. Thanks to Michel Ferguson for supplying information on Elio's real name and additional western film credits.

ANGELUCCI, Elio (Aurelio Angelucci) [Italian]
Adios Gringo - 1965
$7.00 to Kill - 1965 (saloon patron)
The Man from Nowhere - 1966 (townsman)
El Rojo - 1966 (saloon patron)
Renegade Gunfighter - 1966
Ace High - 1967
Adios Hombre - 1967 (townsman)
Black Tigress - 1967 (townsman)
Death Sentence - 1967
Fort Yuma Gold - 1967
The Magnificent Texas - 1967 (saloon patron)
Pecos Cleans Up - 1967 (‘El Supremo’ henchman)
Poker with Pistols - 1967 (roulette player)
The Son of Django - 1967 (old timer at duel)
A Stranger in Town - 1967 (Mexican soldier)
Two Pistols and a Coward - 1967 (saloon patron)
Wanted - 1967
Drop Them or I’ll Shoot - 1968 (townsman)
Execution - 1968 (henchman)
Gun Shy Piluk - 1968 (bartender)
Long Day of the Massacre - 1968
Shotgun - 1968 (bearded peon)
Boot Hill - 1969 (gambling miner)
The Dirty Outlaws - 1969 (soldier)
No Graves on Boot Hill - 1969 (horse buyer)
Sabata - 1969 (saloon patron)
Sartana Angel of Death - 1969
Adios, Sabata - 1970 (bearded villager)
Arizona Returns - 1970 (saloon patron)
Shango - 1970 (Mexican henchman)
Five Man Army - 1970
They Call Me Trinity - 1970 (Mormon)
A Fistful of Death - 1971 (townsman)
He was Called the Holy Ghost - 1971 (convict)
His Name was Pot... They Called Him Allegria - 1971 (saloon patron)
The Return of Sabata – 1971 (saloon patron)
Trinity is Still My Name – 1971 (friar)
Where the Bullets Fly - 1971
Jesse & Lester, Two Brothers in a Place Called Trinity – 1972 (church member)
Man of the East – 1972 (Ebenezer)
They Called Him Amen – 1972
Court Martial – 1973
The Return of Shanghai Joe – 1974
The Genius – 1975 (brothel man)
Keoma - 1975
Red Coat – 1975 (townsman)
White Fang and the Gold Seekers - (saloon patron)
A Man Called Blade – 1977 (townsman)

RIP Guido Zurli

Matt Blake has reported the death of Italian director, screenwriter Guido Zurli who passed away on October 23rd

Guido Zurli has died at the age of 80 on October 23rd. In his career, spanning nearly 50 years, he worked in a variety of genres, from spaghetti westerns to peplum, from horror to porn (he worked on the film debut of Moana Pozzi in "Valentina ragazza in calore" (1981), before leaveing the set). He also directed operas, documentaries and television programs.

Born January 9, 1929, at Foiano della Chiana, Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy Zurli had became especially popular in the Islamic world, after directing "Le verdi bandiere di Allah", which he’d originally scripted for Sergio Leone, and also because he worked regularly in Turkey, where he shot the western "Cowboy Kid" and others. Recently there was talk of him as being the possible director of a film on the life of Licio Gelli.

Guido's Euro-westerns - director, screenwriter:
Thompson 1880 – 1966 [director]
A Man Called Amen – 1968 [director, screenwriter]
Zorro the Fox - 1968 [director, screenwriter]
Cowboy Kid – 1972 [director, screenwriter]
Son of Zorro - 1973 [screenwriter]

Broncho

Broncho Pimple – U.K. title
Broncho – English title

A 1914 British production [Folly Films, Phoenix Films (London)]
Producer: ?
Director: Fred Evans (Alfred Evans), Joe Evans
Screenplay: Joe Evans
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: 575’

Cast:
Pimple/Flivver - Fred Evans (Alfred Evans)


A British comedy short spoofing the Broncho Billy Anderson westerns.

Spaghetti Western Locations

The Venta de Canicas location was used for the hold-up in “Duck You Sucker” and for scenes in “Blindman”, “The Ballad of Ben & Charlie” is located next to the expressway leading toward Gergal on the opposite side from where the opening scene from “For a Few Dollars More” is located. When I was there in 2003 only a few remains of the stalls from the main building and the dark round stone base which was used to grind grain. The stones are dark and we actually witnessed a truck that appeared with two workers who started cleaning the stones. This may have been in preparation of them being removed. There is an access road next to the expressway but you have to park and climb the loose gravel embankment that the road takes under the expressway to get to the location.

Remembering Dieter Borsche

Born Dieter Albert Eugen Rolloman on Ocotber 25, 1909 in Hannover, Germany. He was the son of conductor Willi Felix Borsche and singer Anna Freidrike Marie. Dieter's original interest was in dance and he was a ballet dancer from 1930-1935 at the Municipal Opera in Hannover. He then became interested in acting and took acting lessons and appeared on stage from 1935-1944. In 1944 during World War II he was drafted into the army where he was wounded and captured. After the war he returned to the theater and film acting where he became famous. He had acted in film since 1935 in small roles but found fame in 1949's Nachtwache (Night Watch). His film persona was one of heroism and integrity. He began to change this in the 1960s when he took roles as villains. Sometime in the 1950s he began the first signs of muscular dystrophy. He was forced to retire from film and television in the 1970s. Confined to a wheelchair he took roles in radio and stage plays. He was married three times the last to actress Ulla Willick from 1970 until his death in 1982 in Nuremberg, Germany. He is the father of director Kaj Borsche. In 1964 Dieter appeared as Pastor Benson in his only Euro-western “Massacre at Marble City. Today we celebrate what would have been Dieter Borsche's 100th birthday.

New European Western

*Ghost Town – International title

A 2009 U.S.A., Bulgarian co-production [UFO (Hollywood)]
Producer: Jeffery Beach, Phillip J. Roth
Director: Todor Chapkanov
Story: Andy Briggs
Screenplay: Andy Briggs
Cinematography: Anton Bakarski [color]
Music: Claude Foisy
Running time: 90 minutes

Cast:
Jenna - Jessica Rose
Carl 'Rain Man' - Randy Wayne (Randy Frederick)
Stuart - Erbi Ago
Bonesera - Joey Ansah
Dale - Cian Barry
Reb Halland - Billy Drago (William Burrows)
Rachel - Elize du Toit
Preacher McCready - Gil Gerard (Gilbert Gerard)
Josh - Alexander Nikolov
Harvey - Nikolai Nikolov
Bill - Chris Thompson
Katie - Shelly Varod
Ashley - Annabelle Wallis


A group of college kids coming back from a debating competition learn they need to pick up a broken down bus carrying the local hockey team. Upon doing so, they become lost in the desert. The bus finds itself in the deserted western town of Hope Springs, were outlaw cowboy, Reb Halland, weaves his demonic magic. In this town, ghost bandits from the past return to earth every thirteen years to re-fight a shoot-out. As jocks and nerds are picked off one by one, they must work together to fight their way out or they will be stuck in the supernatural town for the next thirteen years.

*This film premiers tonight on the SyFy Channel.

http://video.syfy.com/movies_events/syfy_saturday/promos_trailers_8/syfy-original-movie--ghost-town/v1167450

Die Braut des Cowboy

Die Braut des Cowboy – German title

A 1919 German production [Boston-Film-Co. GmbH (Berlin)]
Producer: ?
Director: Eddie F. Seefield (Eddie Ferrar Seefield)
Screenplay: Eddie F. Seefield (Eddie Ferrar Seefield)
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: 1089 meters

Cast:
Ria Jende, Otz Tollen, Eddie Seefield, Rose Lichtenstein, Astrid Claes, Alex Jankowsky, Arthur Leitner, Erna Sauer, Edmund Heuberger, Jea Nega (Jam Nega)


Story: Unknown

New DVD Release!

Catalogue Number:  7953152
Classification:  TBC
Picture:  1.33:1 / Black and White
Subtitles:  None
Time:  850 mins approx
Number of Discs:  5
Sound:  Mono / English
Region:  2 / PAL
Release Date: 12/7/2009
Special Features:
Extensive Image Galleries
PDF material

Whiplash - The Complete Series [Network]

The only law a gun, the only shelter wild bush…

In August 1851, the discovery of gold in Ballarat, Australia, sent shockwaves across the world. Hordes of adventurers flocked to the new land of the golden dream, encountering a harsh, frequently violent land. Despoiled by bushrangers, brutalised by the old convict system and torn by class conflicts, it took a certain kind of settler to rise to the challenges of the new country. Boston-born Christopher Cobb is one of those people. Seasoned with experience gained in the Californian gold rush, Chris’s job is to find rights of way through the arid terrain of New South Wales, survey new lines of communication, and secure lucrative contracts for his expanding stagecoach business. He is a gentleman, yet no stranger to violence, and possesses an inherent hatred of injustice in any form - a trait that leads him into highly dangerous situations. In a land that has no sympathy for weaklings, Chris becomes whatever man he needs to be to.

American actor Peter Graves (Mission: Impossible) brought his sun-bleached good looks to this joint venture between ATV/ ITC and the Australian Seven Network, with input from an American production crew and writers, Whiplash transposed the frontier drama of the classic western to the heat and dust of the bush and Cobb defended himself with a bullwhip rather than a pistol. First broadcast in the UK in 1960, Whiplash features fast-moving scripts, including several by future Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and a memorably rousing theme composed by Edwin Astley and sung by international star Frank Ifield. This complete series is released here for the very first time.

Remembering James Philbrook

I always thought of James Philbrook as a poor man's Rod Cameron. Both were large in stature with deep voices and pretty wooden in performances. Born on October 22, 1924 in Davenport, Iowa, Philbrook started out as a leading actor in two Susan Hayward films “I Want to Live” (1958) and “A Woman Obsessed” (1959). He had a leading role on the TV series “The New Loretta Young Show” (1962) where he played the role of Paul Belzer a magazine editor who courted and finally married Loretta Young's character in the final episode. He then starred in the 1962 film “The Wild Westerners” and then he travelled to Europe in hopes of capitalizing on his name recognition and revitalize his sagging film career and appeared in seven Euro-westerns such as “Finger on the Trigger” (1965) with Rory Calhoun and “Son of a Gunfighter” (1966) with Russ Tamblyn. Successive roles became smaller and smaller. His final film appearance was in “El asesino no está solo” in 1975. He returned to the U.S and died in relative obscurity on October 24, 1982 in Los Angeles at the young age of 58. Today we remember James Philbrook on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Braccati

Braccati - Italian title

A 2001 Italian production [Mesa Verde, Stars Film (Rome)]
Producer: Gabriele Albanesi, Sergio Centioni
Director: Gabriele Albanesi
Story: Gabriele Albanesi
Screenplay: Gabriele Albanesi
Cinematography: Giacomo Cimini [color]
Music: Silvio Villa
Running time: 23 minutes

Cast:
John Baxter - Gennaro Diana
Ben Baxter - Mauro Santopietro
George Baxter - Giuliano Calandra
Grandfather Baxter - Michele Calabro
One-armed man - Gregory J. Rossi
with: Marco Santilli, Gianfranco Guglielmotti, Sandro Agnelli


A horror western short where a family of cowboys, holding out in a shack under siege by a sheriff’s posse, must face the assault of a mysterious presence during the night.

Who Are Those Guys - Nando Angelini

Born Ferdinando Angelini on August 17, 1933 in Monteprandone, Acoli Piceno, Marche, Italy he would first appear on screen in the 1958 film “Il segreto delle rose” directed by Albino Principe. He would continue to act in films until the late 1960's. During this time he appeared in six Euro-westerns including his biggest role as George in “Colorado Charlie” using the alias Fernand Angels. Most of his parts were character roles as henchmen and gang members seldom given a name for the character he played.


ANGELINI, Nando (aka Nik Angel, Fernando Angeli, Fernand Angels) (Ferdinando Angelini) [8/17/1933, Monteprandone, Acoli Piceno, Marche, Italy - ] – assistant director.
A Dollar of Fear – 1960 (Spiritual)
The Magnificent Three – 1961
Colorado Charlie – 1965 (George) [credited as Fernand Angels]
Mutiny at Fort Sharp – 1965
Renegade Gunfighter - 1965
The Sheriff with the Gold - 1966

RIP Joseph Wiseman

Joseph Wiseman, a longtime stage and screen actor most widely known for playing the villainous title character in “Dr. No,” the first feature film about James Bond, died on Monday October 19 at his home in Manhattan. He was 91.

Mr. Wiseman gained recognition for his role as Dr. Julius in the 1962 James Bond film “Dr. No” starring Sean Connery. Mr. Wiseman’s other film credits include “Detective Story” (1951); “Viva Zapata!” (1952); “The Garment Jungle” (1957); “The Unforgiven” (1960); “The Night They Raided Minsky’s” (1968) and “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz” (1974). He had guest roles on many television shows, among them “Law & Order,” “The Streets of San Francisco,” “The Untouchables” and “The Twilight Zone.” In the late 1980s, he had a recurring role as the crime boss Manny Weisbord on the NBC drama “Crime Story.”

Joseph Wiseman was born in Montreal on May 15, 1918, and moved to the United States with his family when he was a boy. His first Broadway role was in the company of “Abe Lincoln in Illinois” (1938). Among his many other Broadway credits are “Joan of Lorraine” (1946), “Antony and Cleopatra” (1947), “Detective Story” (1949); “The Lark” (1955) and the title role in “In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer” (1969).

Mr. Wiseman appeared in one European western as Lucas in 1971's “Lawman” starring Burt Lancaster.

LUCKY LUKE

Lucky Luke – International title

A 2008 French, Argentina co-production [UGC (Paris), K&S Film (Buenos Aires)]
Producers: Saïd Ben Saïd, Óscar Kramer, Yves Marmion
Director: James Huth
Story: Morris, René Goscinny
Screenplay: James Huth, Sonja Shillito
Cinematography: Stéphane Le Parc [color]
Music: Bruno Coulais
Songs: “So toi aussi tu m'abandonees”, “High Noon (Do Not Forsake Me)” “Mon Lonesome Cowboy” sung by Terez Montcalm
Song: “The Bandit Manchot” sung by Freddie Meyer
Song: “Lonesome Cowboy” sung by Calvin Russell
Running time: 104 minutes

Cast:
Lucky Luke - Jean Dujardin
Jesse James - Melvil Poupaud
Calamity Jane - Sylvie Testud
Belle - Alexandre Lamy
Billy the Kid - Michaël Youn
Pat Poker - Daniel Prévost
Hank - Carlos Kaspar
Cavalier McStraggle - Yann Sarfati
Governor - Jean-Francoise Balmer
Jolly Jumper - Bruno Saloomone (voice)
with; Claudio Brusca


A new Lucky Luke starring Jean Dujardin as the fastest gun in the West opens tomorrow Ocotber 21st in France. The president of the United States orders Lucky Luke to clean up Daisy Town. When he arrives he must cross the paths of Jesse James, Billy the Kid, Pat Poker, Calamity Jane and Belle.




YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LtTcTxeXw4

A BOUNTY KILLER FOR TRINITY

Un bounty killer a Trinità – Italian title
Tueur a cages a trinita – French title
Bounty Killer a Trinita – French title
Un bounty-killer en Trinita – Spanish title
Un asesino en Trinidad – Spanish title
Kopfgeld – German title
Kopfgeld für einen Killer – German title
Bounty Hunter in Trinity – U.K. title
A Bounty Killer for Trinity – U.S.A. title

A 1972 Italian production [Transglobe Italiana (Rome)]
Producer: Oscar Santaniello
Director: Oscar Faradine (Aristide Massaccesi)
Story: Joe D’Amato (Aristide Massaccesi), Romano Scandariato
Screenplay: Joe D’Amato (Aristide Massaccesi), Romano Scandariato
Cinematography: Joe D’Amato (Aristide Massaccesi) [Telecolor, CinemaScope]
Music: Vassil Kojucharov (Vassili Kojucharov)
Running time: 87 minutes

Cast:
Alan Boyd - Jeff Cameron (Goffredo Scarciofolo)
Pizzaro - Attilio Dottesio
Ramon Sancho - Paul Cren (Enzo Pulcrano)
Annie - Carla Mancini
Pablo Sancho - Ted Jones (Calogero Caruana)
Sam’s daughter - Pati Minar (Marina Rabbissi)
sheriff - Emanuele Seguino
town council member - Antonio Cantafora
gravedigger - Ari Hanow
dunken thug - Xiro Papas
with; Silvio Klein, Gilberto Galimberti


The town of Trinity is invaded by Mexican bandits led by the Sancho brothers, Ramon and Pedro, who rob, kill and terrorize the town. Aided by their informer and accomplice Pizzaro, who runs the local saloon but who wants to run the rest of the town. The local sheriff is inept to handle the situation and when a federal marshal is sent in to help he is ambushed and killed. Desperate, the town folk of Trinity hire a notorious bounty killer to rid a town of a gang of Mexicans. Alan Boyd is more of a killing machine than a bounty hunter and one who enjoys his profession to the hilt. He demands money up front plus the rewards on all the gangs heads. The tricks of his tread are a crossbow mounted with a telescope and of course the always efficient dynamite which he has attached to some of his arrows. When the job is completed he's contacted by a neighboring town who need him to rid their village of a band of Mexicans.

Youtube link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvFSwzho3ao

Spaghetti Western Locations

At a location designated as “Los llanos del duque" which is further down on the service road to Gergal at the Tabernas exit from Autovia 92 at the Tabernas exit. This location is on the same road as the gate to El Condor about 2.5 miles further north.

There is a pullout where you can park your car and then you climb to the top of a small hill which has a camera location and overlooks the farmer's field below. Little has changed since this location was used in the opening scene of “For a Few Dollars More” before and during the opening credits. If you listen closely you may still here the whistling and humming of Sergio Leone as it blows by on the wind.

Remebering Georges Géret

Born Georges Géret on October 18, 1924 in Lyon, France, and raised by his mother. He became involved in theater after his studies. He would go on to be a supporting and character actor in over 80 films and television appearances. He is probably best remembered for his role as the gardener in Louis Bunuel's “Journal de chambre” (Diary of a Chamber Maid) in 1964. He also made an impression as Roger in the 1969 film “Z”. He sometimes used the alias Alan Leroy. Géret made one Euro-western “Massacre at Fort Holman” starring James Coburn, Telly Svalas and Bud Spencer. His part was as Sergeant Spike, who made friends with Spencer once he was inside Fort Holman. The coroporal kept quizzing Spencer because he thought he knew him from a past meeting. Georges died on April 8, 1996 in Paris, France. Today we remember Georges Géret on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Borneo Bill

Bornéo Bill – International title

A 1910 French production [Lux Films (Paris)]
Producer:
Director: Jean Durand
Story:
Screenplay:
Cinematography:
running time:

Cast:
Joë Hamman (Jean Hamman), Gaston Modot


Story: Unknown

RIP Rosanna Schiaffino

Italian actress Rosanna Schiaffino died of cancer in Milan, Italy today October 17th. She was born in Genoa, Italy on November 25, 1939 and won the Miss Liguria beauty contest in 1953 at the age of 14. She immediately started playing small roles in Italian, French and later British films as well as appearing on a number of magazine covers. By the end of the decade she had become famous for her appearances and termermental performances. Schiaffino refused to appear nude in any of her films even though it was in vogue at the time. Her career ended in 1977 and she became rather reclusive. She was married to producer for a time in the 1960's and seventies divorcing in 1977. She married Giorgio Falck in 1977.

Rosanna appeared in one Euro-western 1973's “A Man Called Noon” starring Richard Crenna as Fan Davidge

Spaghetti Western Eats

Spaghetti Western
59 Reade St.
New York City, New York 10007
Phone: (212) 513-1333

Spaghetti Western: 
Except for the Italian movie posters decorating the walls, there’s nothing too spaghetti or western about this TriBeCa eatery. There’s pasta on the menu, but the real focus is on the meat dishes, which are simply prepared and well-spiced, and priced under $15. The bar is small and standard, offering a few specialty cocktails (like the lurid Electric Lemonade), but beer buyers beware; even though it’s listed with the other brews, the ginger beer contains no alcohol. It is, however, sweet and delicious. The young professionals drinking here like to get sloshed before 9pm, and their celebration can take over the entire place. The dining room might be unassuming, but the quality of the food indicates that Spaghetti Western is really a neighborhood restaurant disguised as a happening bar.

BORN TO KILL

Nato per uccidere – Italian title
Django nato per uccidere – Italian title
Né pour tuer – French title
Django macido para matar – Spanish title
För en handfull bly – Swedish title
Born to Kill – English title

A 1967 Italian production [International Movie Enterprises (Rome)]
Producer: Antonio Mollica
Director: Tony Mulligan (Antonio Mollica)
Story: Tony Mulligan (Antonio Mollica)
Screenplay: Tony Mulligan (Antonio Mollica)
Cinematography: Oberdan Troiani [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Felice Di Stefano
Running time: 100 minutes

Cast:
Rod Gordon - Gordon Mitchell (Charles Pendleton)
Lorie/Flory Waldmore - Femi Benussi (Eufemia Benussi)
Dodge/Dudgett - Aldo Berti
Mr. Tyson - Tom Felleghy (Tamás Fellegi)
John Storm - Franco Gulà (Francesco Gulà)
saloon owner - Gualtiero Rispoli
Smith - Nino Musco
Rose - Giovanna Lenzi
saloon girl- Angela Portaluri
crooked gambler - Alfredo Rizzo
poker player - Fulvio Mingozzi
Bill - Fred Coplan (Fabio Coplan)
Tiny - Vladmiro Picciapochi
Sheriff - Claudio Ruffini
Dodge henchman - Giuseppe Castellano
with; Enrico Canestrini



Gordon Mitchell plays the hero, a gunfighter who gets involved with a ruthless town boss /land baron named Tyson. When Gordon wins a large sum of money in a poker game with Dodge he tries to get the money back by force, along with several of his henchmen. Gordon reacts by killing a dozen of Dodge's men. Eventually they kidnap a saloon girl and try to take control of the entire area including the town of Tree Crossing for their own personal gain. After seeing a small ranch owned by Flory Waldmore, almost burned to the ground Gordon decides he'll take sides and joins the townspeople in fighting the crooked land baron and Dodge and after being captured and beaten he finally faces Dodge in a showdown while Tyson manages to escape. For his heroism Gordon is named the sheriff and marries Flory.



Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYcS9scfJCE

RIP Martyn Sanderson

Martyn Sanderson, one of the founders of Downstage Theatre, died overnight at his home in Otaki, New Zealand. Downstage Director Hilary Beaton praised the director's positive influence on the theatre: "Martyn was one of several visionary Wellingtonians who worked together in 1963 and 1964 to start Downstage, New Zealand's first professional theatre, I would like to pay tribute to Martyn for his tireless support for our work and for the principles on which we depend.." Sanderson was still producing theatre when he died. Martyn Sanderson appeared in 1969's "Ned Kelly" starring Mick Jagger.

Who Are Those Guys - Enzo Andronico

Born Vincenzo Andronico on May 13, 1930 in Palermo, Sicily Enzo had a long career in Italian B films in supporting roles in Franco & Ciccio films, before breaking into larger mainstream films. He was featured in small roles in the Franco & Ciccio westerns and as a villain in Italian crime and action films. His last screen appearance was in the 2003 film Andata e ritorno (Roundtrip). Enzo passed away on September 26, 2002 in his hometown of Palermo, Italy.

ANDRONICO, Enzo (Vincenzo Andronico) [5/13/1930, Palermo, Sicily, Italy - 9/26/2002, Palermo, Sicily, Italy] – stage, TV actor.
Two Mafiamen in the Far West – 1964 (prosecuting attorney)
The Two Sergeants of General Custer – 1965 (spy)
Dead for a Dollar – 1966
Two Sons of Ringo – 1966 (lawyer)
The Handsome, the Ugly and the Stupid – 1967 (2nd sheriff)
Two R-R-Ringos from Texas – 1967 (Confederate soldier)
The Longest Hunt – 1968 (Gunther)
The Nephews of Zorro – 1968 (kleptomaniac)
Alleluia and Sartana, Sons of God – 1972 (Reverend O'Connor)
Trinity & Sartana Those Sons o’ Bitches – 1972 (Maribel’s brother)

Guns for San Sebastian showing Ocotber 23

"Guns for San Sebastian" will be showing at the Trash Palace in Toronto, Canada on October 23rd. Tickets for the showing of the 16mm print can be purchased in advance at Eyesore, 801 Queen St. - 2nd floor for $5.00
Trash Palace link: trashpalace.ca

New CD Release

THE FIVE MAN ARMY
Label: Film Score Monthly
Number: FSM1216
Composer: Ennio Morricone
Tracks: 19



Track listing:
1.Un Esercito di Cinque Uomini (Main Title, stereo) 2:53
2.Un Esercito di Cinque Uomini (The Chicken Farm/The Mining Colony) 2:04
3.Un Esercito di Cinque Uomini (The Circus/To Morales) 2:42
4.Muerte Donde Vas? (The Execution) 2:32
5.I Bambini e i Fiori (Flowers and Food) 1:17
6.A Cinque Amici, Cinque Eroi (Introductions) 2:18
7.Muerte Donde Vas? (The Journey) 2:49
8.A Cinque Amici, Cinque Eroi (Interrogation)/Muerte Donde Vas? (Captured) 1:46
9.Tension Theme (Escape) 3:31
10.Un Esercito di Cinque Uomini (Maria’s Goodbye/Pursuit) 2:13
11.Muerte Donde Vas? (Rebel Aid) 1:23
12.Heroic Theme (The Train) 0:33
13.Comic Theme (Ambushing the Truck) 0:12
14.Harmonica Source (To the Station House) 0:42
15.A Cinque Amici, Cinque Eroi (Already Dead) 2:17
16.Un Esercito di Cinque Uomini (Departure/Army in Disguise/Underneath the Train) 1:57
17.Comic Theme (Close Call)/Tension Theme (The First Move)/Tension Theme (The Next Move) 2:51
18.Una Corsa Disperata (Samurai Runs) 4:14
19.Contro il Tempo (Surprise Guests)/Contro il Tempo (Mesito Prepares) 0:58

Columbus Day 2009!

Bootle Saddles (TV)

Bootle Saddles – U.K. title

A 1984 British TV production [British Broadcasting Corporation (London)]
Producer: David Askey
Director: David Askey
Teleplay: Ray Mansell, Paul Benn
Photography: [color]
Music:
Running time: 6 episodes x 30 minutes

Cast:
Percy James - Kenneth Cope
Isobel James - Anne Carroll
Betty James - Debbie Arnold (Jeanette King)
Tom Henderson - John Normington
Rita Henderson - Shirley Stelfox
“The Kid” - Gordon Rawlings (Gordon Rollings)
Cyril - Robert Owen
Bert - Mike Walling
with; Joe Gladwin, Jack Russell


A group of Mancunians and a Welshman start up a Wild West theme park/club with costumes, blank firing six-shooters and caravans with plywood fronts on them for buildings.

Once Upon a Time in the West

Ray Watts has informed me of a sensational Youtube link to location scenes from "Once Upon a Time in the West". With the Morricone score in the background this is the best Now & Then location video I've ever seen.

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

Who Are Those Guys? - Simón Andreu

Born Simón Andreu Trobat on January 11, 1941 in Sa Pablo, Spain. He began dramatic lessons but never finished them when offered a role in the 1961 film “Siempre es domingo” directed by Fernando Palacios. He took the stage name Simón Andreu as most of his film career was spent in French films. He has appeared in over 135 films and television productions. Simón appeared in eight Euro-westerns usually as the brother of a leading character or in supporting roles as Mexicans. Now in his 60s he's still active mainly in TV productions and just finished a role in the 2010 British, Canadian, Spanish production of “Ben Hur” to be released on TV.


ANDREU, Simón (aka Sam Alston) (Simón Andreu Trobat) [1/11/1941, Sa Pablo, Mallorca, Spain - ] – TV actor.
Ballad of a Bounty Hunter – 1965 (Jimmy Patterson) [as Sam Alston]
I Do Not Forgive… I Kill! – 1967 (Stuart)
Bad Man’s River – 1972 (Angel Santos)
Those Dirty Dogs – 1972 (Angel Sanchez)
Dollar for the Dead (TV) – 1997 (Lopez/Akers)
Triumphs of a Man Called Horse – 1982 (Gance)
Outlaw Justice (TV) – 1997 (Colonel Lupo)
The Return of El Coyote – 1997 (Luis Montalban)


[Simón Andreu today]

BOOT HILL

La collina degli stivali – Italian title
La colina de las botes – Spanish title
Halleluja voor een paar vuisten – Dutch title
De blodiga stövlarnas kulle – Finnish title
Veristen saappaiden kukkula – Finnish title
La colline des bottes – French title
L’or de Liberty-ville – French title
Trinita va tout casser – French title
Les mines d’or de Liberty-ville – French title
Griffe pour griffe – French title
Hügel der Stiefel – German title
Hügel der blutigen Stiefel – German title
Zwei hau’n auf den Putz – German title
O lofos tis ekdikiseos…kai i sfaliara peftei synnefo – Greek title
A csizmadombi fenegyerek – Hungarian title
A Colina dos Sarilhos – Portuguese title
De blodiga stövlarnas kulle – Swedish title
Trinity Rides Again – English title
Boot Hill: Trinity Rides Again – U.S.A. title
Boot Hill – U.S.A. title

A 1969 Italian, Spanish co-production [Crono Cinematografica (Rome), San Marco (Madrid)
Producer: Enzo D’Ambrosio, Giuseppe Colizzi, Silvio Clementelli, Bino Cicogna.
Director: Giuseppe Colizzi
Story: Giuseppe Colizzi
Screenplay: Giuseppe Colizzi
Cinematography: Marcello Masciocchi [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Carlo Rustichelli
Running time: 106 minutes

Cast:
Cat Stevens - Terence Hill (Mario Girotti)
Hutch Bessy/Arch Hutch - Bud Spencer (Carlo Pedersoli)
Miami/Mimmi/Mamy - Lionel Stander
Thomas - Woody Strode (Woodrow Strode)
Baby Doll - George Eastman (Luigi Montefiore)
Frank “Honey” Fisher - Victor Buono (Charles Buono)
Hans/Hank - Alberto Dell’Acqua
Sharp - Enzo Fiermonte (Vincenzo Fiermonte)
Franz/Frank - Neno Zamperla (Nazzareno Zamperla)
Commissioner Boone - Edward Cianelli (Eduardo Cianelli)
Finch - Glauco Onorato
John - Leslie Bailey
Joe - Maurizio Manetti
Sammy - Luciano Rossi
Mr. Collins/Trouble - Raffaele Mottola
midget clowns - Adriano Corneli, Antonio DeMartino
Nano - Arnaldo Fabrizio
ballerina - Mirella Pompili (Mirella Pamphili)
Fisher’s lawyer - Dante Cleri
Fisher henchman - Romano Puppo, Paolo Magalotti, Tito Garcia (Pablo Gonzalez), Remo Capitani (Renato Capitani), Joaquín Parra, Dino Strano, Gaetano Imbró
miners - Dan Sturkie (Daniel Sturkie), Wilbert Jones, Fortunato Arena
gambling miner - Elio Angelucci
with; Antonio Molino Rojo, Franco Gula (Francesco Gula), Brizio Montinaro, Angelo Boscariol

Running from his pursuers, a wounded Cat Stevens hides in a circus where Thomas is working. Cat manages to escape, but Thomas' son is killed by a murderous gunman. Seeking revenge, Thomas searches for Cat, and then together they go to meet with Hutch Bessy and his mute friend Baby Doll. Here Cat explains to Hutch the situation in which their friend Sharp is found. A gold mining community is oppressed by a criminal organization who claim the gold and property for themselves when a yearly visit from Commissioner Boone arrives. Aided by Mami's circus, the four manage to finish off the criminals and inform the judge of the situation.

Youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbxj7WBEPDI

Happy 60th Birthday Ottavia Piccolo

Ottavia Piccolo was born on October 9, 1949 in Alto Adige, Italy. She appeared in her first film “Le notti bianche” in 1962 and has been acting ever since on stage, film and television. She is also a voice dubber and was the voice of Princess Leia in the “Star Wars” trilogy. Ottavia appeared in one Euro-western 1975's “Zorro” as Contessina Ortensia Pulido starring Alain Delon. Today we celebrate Ottavia Piccolo's 60th birthday.

Bonanca & C.a.

Bonança & C.a - Portuguese title
Bonança e Companhia – Portuguese title

A 1969 Portuguese production [Internacional Films (Lisbon)]
Producer: Jorge Gonçalves, Felipe de Solms
Director: Pedro Martins
Story: Francisco Nicholson
Screenplay: Jorge Gonçalves
Dialogue: Francisco Nicholson
Cinematography: João Moreira [color/black & white]
Music: Eugénio Pepe
Running time: 100 minutes

Cast:
Bento - Eugénio Salvador
Adão - Nicolau Breyner (João Lopes)
Bina - Mariema
Mariana - Manuela Maria
José - Orlando Fernandes
Tina - Natalina José
Osso - Victor Mendes
Lina - Célia De Sousa
Teles - Francisco Nicholson
with; Max, Armando Cortez, Óscar Acúrcio, Helena Isabel


Portuguese comedy western where a man daydreams about adventures in the Wild West.

Spaghetti Western Locations

La Fortalenza is the site of the massive fort used in “El Condor”, ”A Reason to Kill a Reason to Die” and “Scalps” to name a few. What is left of the fort's location is easy to spot but tricky to actually get to. If you visit Western Leone walk to the opposite side of the street from the entrance. You must stop at a rope forbidding you to go any further. If you look about a quarter of mile straight ahead you will see a huge pile of rubble bleaching in the sun. This is what is left of the fort. If you leave Western Leone and follow the road that parallels the expressway you will come upon a white gate. You can park your car here climb around the gate and walk down the winding road to the location. The tricky part is avoiding the workers at Western Leone who keep an eye on the El Condor location. There's not much left of the once impressive fort but it's still possible to stand on the spot Marianna Hill did her famous striptease to distract the guards attention while Lee Van Cleef, Jim Brown and Iron Eyes Cody and there Apache warriors scaled the walls.




















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/

RIP Claude d'YD

French actor Claude d'Yd died in Saint Maurice, France on September 25th of natural causes. Born Raymond Jean Claude Perret on September 16, 1922 in Paris, he was the son of actor Jean d'Yd. Claude was a stage, film and TV actor but was best known in France as a voice dubber and is best associated for dubbing the voice of William Devane. Claude appeared in one European Western as McGregor in "Dynamite Jack" (1961) with French actor Fernandel.

THE BOLDEST JOB IN THE WEST

El más fabuloso golpe del Far West – Spanish title
Nevada – Italian title
Hold-Up à Sun Valley – French title
O golpe mais fabuloso do oeste – Brazilian title
Suuri pankkiryöstö - Finnish title
Det stora bankrånet – Swedish title
The Boldest Job in the West – English title

A 1971 Spanish, Italian, French co-production [Promofilm (Barcelona), Action Film (Rome), Les Films Number One (Paris)]
Producers: José María Caracasoma, Pierre Kalfon
Director: José Antonio (José Hernandez)
Story: José Antonio de la Loma (José Hernandez)
Screenplay: José Antonio de la Loma (José Hernandez)
Cinematography: Hans Burmann (Hans Sánchez), Antonio Millan (Antonio Albinana) [Eastmancolor]
Music: Stelvio Cipriani
Song: “They Call it Gold” sung by Don Powell
Running time: 101 minutes

Cast:
Michigan - Mark Edwards
Marion - Carmen Sevilla (Maria Galisteo)
El Reyes - Fernando Sancho (Fernando Les)
Poldo - Charley Bravo (Ramon Bravo)
Jeremiah - Piero Lulli (Giusva Lulli)
Budd - Yvan Varella
Sophia - Barbara Carrol
Lupe - Patty Shepard
Sergeant Jess Calloway - Frank Braña (Francisco Pérez)
Deputy Ronny - Poldo Bendandi
Changito - Juanito Santiago
Little Steve – Fernando Bilbao
with; Ivan Roberto, Mercedes Linter, Jaime Picas, A. Lintermans (Aurelien Lintermans), Osvaldo Genazani

A gang of seven outlaws devise a plan to rob the bank of Sun Valley. Their intention is to blow out the floor of the bank from a tunnel dug under the street to retrieve the safe. To accomplish this they blow up several of the town's buildings as a diversionary tactic. Each gang member has a specific task to do during the robbery and everything goes as planned. The gang rides off to their hideout cabin in the nearby snowy mountains. Then the tension starts and one of the outlaws gets greedy and steals the loot. A shootout between the gang ensues and the horse carrying the bank money returns to Sun Valley. Reyes, one of the bandits, follows the horse trying to retrieve the money but when he's seen in town he's given a hero's welcome for getting the money back.

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

Vacation

I'll be going on vacation to Sedona, Arizona taking my folks over from Northridge, California to visit my sister. We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning and coming back on Monday stopping in Laughlin, Nevada and getting home on Tuesday. I'll try and make a late post on Tuesday and then back to normal on Wednesday. Until then this is one of the views we look at from my sister's back yard.