RIP Mario Garbuglia

Production designer Mario Garbuglia died in Civitano Marche, Italy March 31, 2010 after a long illness. Garbuglia was one of the best production designers in the history of Italian and international cinema. He worked for such directors as Luchino, Visconti and Nikita Mikhalkovy. He received awards for the films “Notti bianche”, "La grande guerra" and “The Leopard”. He also received a Donatello Award for his work on “La vera storia della signore delle Camelie” Garbuglia was born on May 27, 1927 in Fontespina, Italy and began his career in 1950 on “Donne senza nome”, his last work was on 1994's “Troublemakers”. Mario Garbuglia was also the production manager on “Chino” (1973)

COMIN' AT YA!

Yendo hacia ti – Spanish title
Kalpea kostaja – Finnish title
Western – French title
Western en relief – French title
La vengeance impitoyable – French title
Alles fliegt dir um die Ohren – German title
Pale Fighter – U.K. title
Devil Rider – English title
Comin’ at Ya! – U.S.A. title

A 1980 Italian, Spanish, U.S.A. co-production [Universum Film (Madrid), CAU Productions (Hollywood)]
Producer: Tony Anthony (Roger Petitto), Bruce Talbot, Stan Torchia
Director: Ferdinando Baldi
Story: Tony Petitto (Roger Petitto)
Screenplay: Esteban Cuenca Sevilla, Ramón Plana Castell, Lloyd Battista, Gene Quintano (Eugene Quintano), Wolf Lowenthal
Cinematography: Fernando Arribas [Technicolor, Dimensionscope 3-D]
Music: Carlo Savina
Running times: 91 minutes

Cast:
H.H. Hart -Tony Anthony (Roger Petitto)
Abeline - Victoria Abril (Victoria Rojas)
Pike Thompson - Gene Quintano (Eugene Quintano)
Polk Thompson - Ricardo Palacios (Ricardo Diez)
old man - Lewis Gordon (Donald Lewis)
Indian - Goffredo Unger
with; Dan Barry (Joaquín Sáinz), Luis Barboo, Charly Bravo (Ramon Bravo)


Two sleazy brothers, Pike and Polk kick in the doors of a church and ruin a wedding ceremony by shooting the Priest. In front of the shocked couple, they shoot the groom, H.H. Hart and then kidnap his bride, Abilene. They put her with other women they have ‘collected’, to be sold into prostitution, or to the rich as servants. What the brothers don’t know however, is that the groom only suffered a flesh wound. He is very much alive, and very angry.

Hart hunts down the fat brother, Polk, and catches him with a whore. After beating the living crap out of Polk, Hart gleans the whereabouts of his wife. Hart travels to Pike’s villa and surprises Pike and his gang while they are attempting to auction off the women, including Abilene. Hart reclaims his wife, and sets free the other young women that the brothers have captured. He tells the women to flee the area, while he holds Pike’s gang at gunpoint. Unfortunately, one of Pike’s gang members manages to slip behind Hart, and attacks him with a whip. Pike’s gang quickly overpowers Hart, and the only thing keeping Hart alive is his refusal to tell Pike the location of his overweight brother.

Pike orders his gang to catch up with the women on horseback. He tells his men to kill the women, but to recapture Abilene if possible. Pike learns the whereabouts of his brother, and sets out to find him. Pike discovers his brother alive in a ghost town; half-eaten by rats. When Pike tells his brother that Hart is his prisoner back at the villa, Poke smiles at the thought of revenge When they return to the villa, Polk starts beating up Hart who is tied down. Polk sets Hart free so he can finish him off, only Hart has other ideas. After beating up Polk and his gang, he escapes.

Meanwhile, Pike’s posse has caught up with the women and executed them. They return to the villa with the recaptured Abilene. Pike keeps her alive because he wants to use her against her husband. Hart heads for a nearby ghost town and begins laying out a plan to reclaim his bride and kill her captors. Pike finds his brother’s dead body and is furious with rage. He assembles his posse and heads for the ghost town, with Abilene in tow. When Pike and his gang get face-to-face with Hart, he pulls out his gun and shoots her in the back. Now, a fighting-mad Hart must go up against an entire gang of gunslingers for his own revenge and survival! - Darren Collette

In May 2009, a new restoration of the film was announced at:
http://www.cominatyanoir3d.com/

Remembering José María Prada

Born José María Prada Oterino on Marche 31, 1925 in Ocaña, Toledo, Spain. He studied acting at the Compañía del Teatro Español while pursuing a degree in medicine. He became a stage actor in such plays as “Tartufo”, “Romance de lobos” and “El emperador de Asiria” and received awards for his performance in “Richard III”. He made his film debut in 1954's “Comedians” by Juan Antonio Bardem. He had a long career with appearances in such films as “La gran familia” (1961), “The Executioner” (1963), “Aunt Tula” (1964) for which he received an award by the Spanish Cinematography Writers Circle. Other films inculded “Hunt” (1965) and “Ana los lobos” (1972). He was also seen regularly on television during the '60s and '70s for which he received several awards. He appeared with Maria Elena Tejeiro in the series “Pili, the Ideal Secretary” (1975). He began his career in voice dubbing in the early 1950s and was the Spanish voice of Tony Curtis in “The Vikings”, and Dennis Hopper in “Giant”. He would appear in three Eurowesterns, “The Coyote” (1954), “Villa Rides!” (1968) and “Pancho Villa” (1971). He dubbed Abel Salazar in 1954's “The Judgment of the Coyote” and Fernando Hilbeck in “Son of a Gunfighter” (1965). Prada died on August 13, 1978 in Bilbao, Spain. Today we remember José Prada on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Remembering Preben Kaas

Danish comedian, actor, singer, screenwriter and director Preben Kaas was born on March 30, 1930 in Aalborg, Denmark. He was the son of conductor Robert Kaas. He appeared in small film roles. At the same time he was also a stage actor, writer and director. He was in demand in the 1960s and '70s. During this time he appeared in 55 films and made two Eurowesterns: “Tough Guys of the Prairie” (1970) and “Gold for Tough Guys of the Prairie” (1971). He was married to actresses Mari Lie (1970-1975) and Lisbet Dahl (1977-1981). He was the father of actors Jeppe and Nikolai Lie Kaas. Kaas comitted suicide on March 27, 1981. Today we remember Preban Kaas on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Remembering Francisco Marin

Francisco Marín Harrada was born on March 30, 1920 in Barcelona, Spain. Marín was a cinematographer on “Alma de Dios” in 1941 and was active in the film industry until 1981. He was involved in over 50 films including ten Euro-westerns including: “A Pistol for Ringo”, “The Return of Ringo” both 1965 “The Texican” (1966) “Professionals for a Massacre” (1967) “Tepepa” (1968) to mention a few. Francisco died on December 17, 1983. Today we remember Francisco Marín on what would have been his 90th birthday.

The body of Sean Flynn may have been found

It has been over forty years since Sean Flynn has gone missing. Sean Flynn, the son of Hollywood icon Errol Flynn, was a photojournalist who covered the war in Cambodia in the early 70's. 37 other journalists went missing during this time, and are believed to have been killed.

The US embassy has dug up the remains of a body that they believe could be Sean Flynn.

"Obviously there is nothing conclusive and tests need to be conducted," Us Embassy spokesman John Johnson said. "Each case is different so it is difficult to speculate on how long the analysis may take."

The search for Sean Flynn, and many of his colleagues, has been a futile one for many years. The search has been through the government, by individuals, and even by freelance bone collectors.

Sean Flynn was 28 when he went missing and his disappearance inspired the making of documentaries, movies, and books, including "Two of the Missing," which was about Flynn and his colleagues.

Sean Flynn starred in three Euro-westerns before his death: The Sign of Zorro (1962), Vengeance Ranch (1965), 7 Magnificent Pistols (1966)

THE COLT IS MY LAW

La Colt è la mia legge – Italian title
Le colt c’est ma loi – French title
La ley del colt – Spanish title
Stirb aufrecht, Gringo! – German title
Stirb aufrecht, Schurke – German title
Der Colt ist Mein – German title
O Ringo tha htypisi appose – Greek title
The Gun is My Law – Norwegian title
Silahim Kanunumdur – Turkish title
My Colt is the Law – U.K. title
My Gun is the Law – U.S.A. title
The Colt is My Law – U.S.A. title

A 1965 Italian, Spanish co-production [U.C.I., Cine 3 (Rome), Procensa, CC Trebol (Madrid)]
Producer: Vittorio Musy Glori, John Stolf
Director: Al Bradley (Alfonso Brescia)
Story: Al Bradley (Alfonso Brescia), Franco D’Este (Franco Cobianchi), Ramón Comas Turner (Ramon Turmes), Peter White (Adriano Micantoni), Mario Musy
Screenplay: Franco D’Este (Franco Cobianchi), Mario Musy, Ramón Comas Turner (Ramon Turmes), Alfonso Brescia
Cinematography: Eloy Mella [Eastmancolor, Widescreen]
Music: Carlos Castellanos Gómez, Carlo Savina
Running time: 92 minutes

Cast:
Peter Webb/George Benson - Anthony Clark (Ángel Merino)
Lupe/Louise/Lisa O’Brien - Lucy Gilly (Luciano Gilli)
George/Peter Clinton - Michael Martin (Miguel de la Riva)
Henry/Sam O’Brien - Peter White (Franco Cobianchi)
Don Esteban - Grant Laramy (Germano Longo)
Stevens - Charles Johnson (Livio Lorenzon)
Doc - Pietro Tordi
O’Brien - Rafael Alcántara
Sam - Franco D’Este
Mark - Jim Clay (Aldo Cecconi)
engineer - José Riesgo (José Cortina)
with; Henry Colt (Enrico Musy), Milo Quesada (Raul Alonso), Nino Nini, Dan Silver, Stella Finney, Billy Ukmar (Bruno Ukmar, Enrico Glori


A stranger arrives in the border town of San Felipe, Texas. The area has been the scene of numerous robberies and assaults and no one is safe traveling the countryside. The stranger turns out to be a federal agent sent to track down and eliminate the lawless element in the territory. He rides around with a mask on (ala Zorro) to conceal his identity in order to help the ranchers and bring an end to the outlaw's rule.

2010 Donatello Awards

Career awards to be handed out during May 7 ceremony

By Eric J. Lyman

ROME -- The David di Donatello awards will present a special career award to screenwriter Tonino Guerra, organizers said Friday, with lifetime achievement awards going to Bud Spencer and Terence Hill, two of the most recognizable Italian figures from the famed Spaghetti Western genre.


Guerra, who will turn 90 on Tuesday, was nominated for three Oscars between 1965 and 1973. He worked with many of the great directors of the Italy's so-called Golden Age of film including Michelangelo Antonioni, Federico Fellini, Francesco Rosi, Paolo and Vittorio Taviani, and Luchino Visconti.


Spencer, 80, and Hill, 71, combined to appear in nearly 200 films, often side by side. Their credits include many of the best known Spaghetti Western films and Italian B-movie titles in careers spanning from the 1950s until the 1990s. Spencer and Hill are the stage names for Carlo Pedersoli and Mario Girotti, respectively,

The Donatello awards, Italy's most prestigious film honors, will take place May 7.


YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5FKympn4ZI&playnext=1&list=PL27F8CAD164A3240E&index=56

Happy 85th Birthday Alberto Grimaldi

Alberto Grimaldi was born in Naples, Italy on March 28, 1925. Originally a lawyer he became the most famous Italian western producer during the Spaghetti Western Era. He produced 15 westerns such as “For a Few Dollars More” (1964), “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966), “The Big Gundown” (1966), “Face to Face” (1967) “The Mercenary” (168), The Sabata trilogy and “Man of the East”. He was still active into the early 2000s producing, along with his son Maurizio, “Gangs of New York” in 2002. Today we celebrate Alberto Grimaldi's 85th birthday.

Happy 90th Birthday Aice Parolin

Aice Parolin was born on March 28, 1920 in Cagliari, Italy. He was an assistant to cinematographer Leonida Barboni and for films directed by Pietro Germi and Renato Castelani in the mid-1950's. He became a director of photography in 1960 with “Giorno di giorno disperatamente directed by Alfred Giannetti. From 1965 until 1975 Parolin photographed five Euro-westerns: “The Sheriff Won't Shoot” (1965), “A Minute to Pray, a Second to Die” (1967), “Carambola!” (1973), “The Crazy Adventures of Len and Coby” (1974) and “Keoma the Avenger” (1975). His last film as cinematographer was in 1991's “L'avvoltoiopuò attendere”. He appeared as himself in the 2009 documentary “Pietro Germi - Il bravo, il bello, il cattivo”. Today we celebrate Aice Parolins 90th birthday.

A COLT IN THE HAND OF THE DEVIL

Una colt in pugno al diavolo – Italian title
Un colt na mao do diabo – Brazilian title
Un colt dans le poing du diable – French title
Pronto Amigo – (Ein Colt in der Hand des Teufels) – German title
Seytanlar Vadisi – Turkish title
An Angel with a Gun is a Devil – English title
Devil was an Angel – English title
A Colt in the Hand of the Devil – English title

A 1967 Italian production [Epoca 67 Film (Rome)]
Producer: Sergio Bergonzelli
Director: Sergio Bergonzelli
Story: Sergio Bergonzelli
Screenplay: Sergio Bergonzelli, Ambrogio Molteni (Palmambrogio Molteni)
Cinematography: Aldo Greci [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Giampiero Reverberi
Song: “The Devil was an Angel” sung by Mino Reitano
Running time: 98 minutes

Cast:
Pat Scott/Scotty - Bob Henry (Robert Hensley)
El Condor/Il Capataz - George Wang (George Yie)
Maya - Marisa Solinas (Maria Solinas)
Janet - Lucretia Love (Lucrezia Love)
Dick Carson/Munoz - Jerry Ross (Gerardo Rossi)
General Scott - Luciano Benetti
Angel - Luciano Catenacci
telegrapher - Renato Chiantoni
El Condor/Il Capataz henchman - Brizio Montinaro,
soldier - Ivan G. Scratuglia
peon - Franco Gulà (Francesco Gulà)
El Condor/Il Capataz’s woman Laila Shed
with; Cam Anell, Artemio Antonini, Attilio Severini, Angelo Ragusa


Ex-Army captain Pat Scotty is hired to eliminate a gang of Mexican bandits led by El Condor. Pretending to be a miner in search of gold, Scotty craftily earns the trust of the bandits. With the help of a Mexican girl who has fallen in love with him, Pat is able to trap the gang and calls in the 7th cavalry for support. During his stay at the camp he has developed a genuine friendship and respect for El Condor. When he sees that El Condor has escaped the trap Scotty pursues him and when they confront each other a final duel takes place.

Guess Who I Am?

I was a sex goddess in the '50s and '60s, can you guess who I am?

Spaghetti Western Locations

In “For a Few Dollars More” when 'The Man With No Name' joins up with Colonel Mortimer they devise a plan to capture El Indio, with one working from the inside and the other working from the outside. No Name is given the inside job as he is unknown to the outlaws. To gain acceptance with the gang Mortimer suggest he break Sancho Perez out of the Alamogordo jail. This location is an out building on the Rommeral ranch halfway between the main dirt road where the windmill from “A Pistol for Ringo” is located and the main hacienda used in the same film. You must look closely as there has been a room added on to the front of this building which covers the wall where the jail cell and window were located in the film.

COLORADO CHARLIE

Un meticcio chiamato cimitero – Italian title
Colorado Charlie – Italian title
La loi de l’ouest – French title
Dernier duel - French title
Charlie – Die Bestie von Colorado – German title
Colorado Charlie – German title
Colorado Charlie – English title

A 1965 Italian production [European Film Productions (Rome)]
Producer: Francesco P. Prestano (Francesco Paolo Prestano), Rolanda Mosca
Director: Robert Johnson (Roberto Mauri)
Story: Nino Stressa (Sigfrido Tomba)
Screenplay: Nino Stressa (Sigfrido Tomba)
Cinematography: Edmondo Affronti [Eastmancolor, Widescreen]
Music: Gioacchino Angelo
Song: “Cita a las tres” sung by Michelangelo Mignano
Running time: 89 minutes

Cast:
Sheriff “Wild Bill” Danders/Carlton - Jack Berthier (Jacques Berthier)
Nora Danders - Barbara Hudson (Brunella Bovo)
Jimmy - Andrew Ray (Andrea Aureli)
Colorado Charlie - Charlie Lawrence (Livio Lorenzon)
Tom Drasler - Luis Chavarro (Luigi Ciavarro)
Nora’s father - Hugo Arden (Domenico Sasso)
Sheriff of Little River - John McDouglas (Giuseppe Addobbati)
barman - Johnny Lerman (Domenico Poli)
saloon singer - Erica White (Enrica Colombatto)
Creonte - Alf Randal (Alfio Caltabiano)
drunk - Alfred Rice (Alfredo Rizzo)
Donna - Gladys Richener (Anna Alberti)
Bill Dander’s son - Roland Wilde (Gerlando Martelli)
wounded bandit - Charles Andersen (Alberto Cevenini)
Pablo - Paul Solvay (Luigi Batzella)
George - Fernand Angels (Ferdinando Angelini)
with; Anthony Ross (Antonio Rosso), Big Matthews, George Cerioni (Giorgio Cerioni), Nino Stressa (Sigfrido Tomba)


An Italian take-off of the American “High Noon” story, Sheriff Wild Bill Danders retires and turns his job over to his deputy. When the deputy is killed by Colorado Charlie and his gang he feels responsible. Against the wishes of his wife he pins the badge back on and goes after the killers.

Remembering Manuel Guitián

Spanish character actor Manuel Guitián Salgado was born on March 25, 1900 in Madrid, Spain. I could not find any more biographical information on Manuel other then he appeared in more than 145 films and televsion programs. Among these films were four Eurowesterns: “The Treasure of Padre O'Hara” (1966), It Can be Done Amigo” (1972), “Shoshena” and “Too Much Gold for One Gringo” both 1973. Manuel died on January 24, 1992. Today we remember Manuel Guitián on what would have been his 110th birthday.

RIP Robert Culp

Robert Culp of television's "I Spy" and "Greatest American Hero" dies after fall at his home.

Actor Robert Culp, whose signature roles were on two especially heroic television shows, "I Spy" and "The Greatest American Hero," has died.

Actor Robert Culp, best known for his role as an international tennis star and globe-trotting secret agent in the hit 1960s television series "I Spy," died this morning, March 24, 2010 after a fall at his Hollywood home, authorities said.

The 79-year-old actor was rushed to Queen of Angels hospital shortly after 11 a.m. after hitting his head while taking a walk outside his home in the 1800 block of El Cerrito Place, said LAPD Lt. Bob Binder. He was found by a jogger who called 911, and paramedics, patrol officers and detectives responded to the scene.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital a short time later. A preliminary investigation found "that his death is accidental and there appears to be no sign of foul play," Binder said. An autopsy by the Los Angeles County Coroner's office is pending.

Culp starred as Thomas Luther Price along side of Raquel Welch in "Hannie Caulder" (1971).

Who Are Those Gals? - Alice Arno

Born Marie-France Broquet on June 29, 1946 in France. Alice Arno is the sister of actress Chantal Broquet. Alice was originally a model who appeared in several magazines including 'Pop', 'Men' and “Topfilm', before appearing in 38 films between 1967 and 1979 most were erotic or soft-porn. She worked for directors such as Claude Pierson and Jess Franco. Among her films were four Euro-westerns. She left the film industry in 1971 after purchasing a villa in Southern France and became a nudist. She returned to films in the 1980s before retiring for good.


ARNO, Alice (Marie-France Broquet) [6/29/1946, France - ] – model, sister of actress Chantal Broquet.
Red Hot Zorro – 1972
The Girls of the Golden Saloon – 1973 (Heplabelle)
Convoy of Women – 1974
Gunfight at OQ Corral – 1974 (Lulu)

Remembering Richard Conte

Born Nicholas Peter Conte on March 24, 1910 in Jersey City, New Jersey the son of an Italian-American barber. He held several jobs, such as truck driver, singing waiter and Wall Street clerk before becoming discovered by Elia Kazan and John Garfield and given work in stage plays. He earned a scholarship to study at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. He made his Broadway debut in 1939 and later that year on film in “Heaven With a Barbed Wire Fence under the name Nicholas Conte. His career rose during World War II when many of the actors were in the military. In '42 he signed a long term contract with 20th Century Fox and changed his name to Richard Conte. He specialized in crime dramas such as “Cry of the City” and “Call Northside 777” both 1949. In the 1950s and his contract having expired he acted in independently for various studios. With the crime films decline in the 1960s so did Conte's career. He took supporting roles in “Tony Rome” (1967) with Frank Sinatra and “Lady in Cement” (1968). He then went to Europe and extended his career and acted in his only Eurowestern “Death Sentence” (1974) with Robin Clark and Tomas Milian. In 1972 he appeared in “The Godfather”. He continued to act in European films until his death on April 15, 1975 in Los Angeles, California. Today we celebrate what would have been Richard Conte's 100th Birthday.

RIP Lauretta Masiero

Italian actress of the '50s and '60s Lauretta Masiero died March 23 in a Rome hospital of Alzheimer's. She was 81. Lauretta was born on October 25, 1929 in Venice, Italy. She worked with such stars as Totò, Ugo Tognazzi, Dorelli, Raimondo Vianello and Oreste Lionello. She later entered television in such series as “The Adventures of Laura Storm” “The Musichiere” and “Canzonissima”. In the theater she received rave reviews for her appearances with Ernesto Calindri, Volonghi Linen, Arnoldo Foà, Andreina Pagnani, Garinei and Giovannini. Maiero is the mother of actor Gianluca Guidi from a relationship with Johnny Dorelli. Lauretta appeared in one early Eurowestern “Il bandolero stanco” (1952).

RIP Günter Grabbert

German actor Günter Grabbert died in Leipzig Germany on March 13, 2010. He was born on January 15, 1931 in Schwerin, Germany He studied drama in Weimar and became a member of the Leipzig Playhouse. He became a voice dubber and dubbed German voices including Daniel Michev for the 1970 East German western “Osceola”. Later he became reciter of poems and stories appearing with guitarist Franz Fröhlich.

GBU article by Howard Hughes

'To accompany the publication of Aim for the Heart: The Films of Clint Eastwood, Howard Hughes traces the UK release history of one of Eastwood's most famous films, The Good, the Bad and ther Ugly, which will be issued in the UK on Blu-ray in June 2010':

http://www.ibtauris.com/howardhughes09.asp?TAG=&CID=

Happy 100th Birthday Ugo Sasso

Ugo Sasso was born Domenico Pasquale Giuseppe Sasso on March 23, 1910. He moved to Rome in the 1930s and attended the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. In 1935 he made his film debut in Alessandro Blasetti's “Old Guard”. He then appeared in a long series of films from 1935's “Tre fratelli in gamba” to 1945's “L'ospite di una notte”. He appeared in 8 Eurowesterns often being billed as Hugo Arden. beginning with “Buffalo Bill in Rome” (1949) to “A Winchester Does Not Forgive” (1967). Others were “The Sign of Zorro” (1963), Colorado Charlie”, “Mutiny at Fort Sharp” both (1965), “Ramon the Mexican” (1966), “Buffalo Bill, Hero of the West”, “Shotgun” (1967) . Other aliases used were Hugh Arden, Steve Gordon, Hugo Harden, Gordon Steve and Gordon Stevens. He retired from film in 1973. Today we celebrate Ugo Sasso's 100th birthday.

Tombstone

I'll be heading to Tombstone, Arizona today for a vacation returning next Tuesday.

Happy 65th Birthday Bobby Solo

Singer Bobby Solo was born Roberto Satti March 18, 1945 in Rome, Italy. He became a teen idol during the 1960s with his debut singles “Ora Che Sei Gia Una Donna” and “Blue é Blue” in 1963. He's been called the 'Italian Elvis' participated in the 1964 Sanremo Music Festival by singing “Una lacrima sul viso” but was disqualified because of the use of playback which was against the regulations. The song became an international hit and the following year Bobby won the festival with the song “Se piangi, se ridi”. He then participated in the Eurovision Song Contest with the same song and placed fifth. He won again in 1969 his version of Gianni Morandi's “Zingara”. His career faded in the '70s but he made a comeback in 1978 with “Una Lacrima Sul Viso”. He continued to participate at San Remo until 2003. During the height of the Spaghetti Westerns he recorded lead vocals for twon films: “Renegade Gunfighter” (1966) he sings “My Gun is Fast” and for “$100,000 for Ringo” (1966) he sings “Ringo, Came to Fight”. Today we celebrate Bobby Solo's 65th birthday.

St. Patrick's Day 2010

COLD MOUNTAIN

Ritorno a Cold Mountain – Italian title
Retour a Cold Mountain – French title
Unterwegs nach Cold Mountain – German title
Wzgórze nadziei – Polish title
El regresso a Cold Mountain – Spanish title
Cold Mountain – English title

A 2003 U.S.A. Romanian co-production [Miramax Films, Mirage Enterprises (Hollywood), Bona Fide Productions (Romania)]
Producer: Albert Berger, William Horberg, Sydney Pollack, Ron Yerxa
Director: Anthony Minghella
Story: “Cold Mountain” Charles Frazier
Screenplay: Anthony Minghella
Cinematography: John Seale [color]
Music: Gabriel Yared
Songs: “Wayfaring Stranger” “Sittin’ on Top of the World,” “Never Far Away,’ “Christmas Time Will Soon be Over,” “Great High Mountain” sung by Jack White
Song: “You Will Be My Ain True Love” sung by Sting * 2003 Best Song Academy
Award nomination
Song: “Like a Songbird that has Fallen” sung by Reeltime Travelers
Song: “I Wish My Baby was Born” sung by Tim Eriksen, Riley Baugus & Tim O’Brien
Song: “The Scarlet Tide,” “You Will be My Ain True Love” sung by Alison Krauss
Song: “The Cuckoo” sung by Tim Eriksen & Riley Baugus
Song: “Am I Born to Die?” sung by Tim Eriksen
Song: “I’m Going Home,” “Indumea” sung by The Sacred Harp Singers
Song: “Ruby with the Eyes that Sparkle” sung by Stuart Duncan & Dirk Powel
Song: “Lady Margret” sung by Cassie Franklin
Running time: 155 minutes

Cast:
W.P. Inman - Jude Law (David Law)
Ada Monroe - Nicole Kidman
Ruby Thewes - Renée Zellweger
Sara - Natalie Portman (Natalie Hershlag)
Stobrod Thewes - Brendan Gleeson
Reverend Monroe - Donald Sutherland
Teague - Ray Winstone (Raymond Winstone)
Reverend Veasey - Philip Seymour Hoffman
Sally Swanger - Kathy Baker
Esco Swanger - James Gammon
Junior - Giovanni Ribisi (Antonio Ribisi)
Rourke - Ben Allison
DollY - Jen Apgar
Maddy - Eileen Atkins
Bosie - Charlie Hunnam
Ferry Girl - Jena Malone
Pangle - Ethan Suplee
Oakley - Lucas Black
wounded soldiers in camp - J. Damon Hendrix (Jared Damon Hendrix), Bruce Williamson
Confederate officer - William Boyer
Acton Swanger - Chris Fennell (Christopher Fennell)
Bardolph - Cillian Murphy
Nym - Richard Brake
Pistol - Sean Gleeson
Rebecca - Rasool J’han
Brown - Hank Stone
Joshua - Afemo Omilani
Butcher - Trey Howell
Grace Inman - Kristen LaPrade
Mae - Katherine Durio
Mo - Martin Pemberton
Jo - Leonard Woodcock
Graylin - William Roberts
Shyla - Taryn Manning
Sheffield - Mark Jeffrey Miller
Mrs. Morgan - Emily Deschanel
Mrs. Castlereagh - Robin Mullins
Ellis Swanger - Erik Smith
Swimmer - Jay Tavare
Lila - Melora Walters
Georgia - Jack White (John Gillis)
doctor - James Rebhorn
blind man - Tom Aldredge
orderly - Alex Hassell
Veasey town guard - Chet Dixon
guard - Jamie Lee
barber - Dean Whitworth
Cold Mountain villager - Alex Layton
Civil War soldieR - Robert Rice


"Cold Mountain" tells the story of a wounded Confederate soldier named Inman who struggles on a perilous journey to get back home to Cold Mountain, North Carolina as well as to Ada, the woman he left behind before going off to fight in the Civil War. Along the way, he meets a long line of interesting and colorful characters, while back at home, Ada is learning the ropes of managing her deceased father's farm with Ruby, a scrappy drifter who assists and teaches Ada along the way.

Happy 85th Birthday Gabriel Ferzetti

He was born Pasquale Ferzetti on March 17, 1925, in Rome, Italy. He's better known as Gabriele Ferzetti, stage and screen actor. He is best known for three film appearances: “L'avventura” (1960), the James Bond film “On Her Majesty's Secret Service” (1969) but most of all to Spaghetti Western fans “Once Upon a Time in the West” (1968) as Morton the railroad baron who is obsessed with building his railroad line to the Pacific Ocean before his death. Today we celebrate Gabriele Ferzetti's 85th birthday.

Happy 70th Birthday Bernardo Bertolucci

Bernardo Bertolucci was born on March 16, 1940 in Parma, Italy. His father Attilio was a poet, art historian and film critic. Bernardo started writing at the age of fifteen and with his father's background was able to get Bernardo a job with Piero Paolo Pasolini, whom Attilio helped get his first novel published. Pasolini hired Bernardo as an assistant for his 1961 film “Acccattone”. Sergio Leone was aware of Bertolucci's talent and asked him and Dario Argento to write the storyline for “Once Upon a Time in the West”. Bernardo would go on to direct several well known films such as “The Conformist” (1970), “Last Tango in Paris” (1972), “The Last Emperor” (1987) and “The Dreamers” (2003). At the present time Bernardo is working on several upcoming projects. Today we celebrate Bernardo Bertolucci's 70th Birthday.

Happy 85th Birthday Alessandro Alessandroni

Alessandro Alessandroni was born on March 16, 1925 in Rome, Italy. An accomplished musician, he plays multiple instruments including guitar, mandolin, sitar, banjo, accordion and piano. A childhood friend of composer Ennio Morricone he was one of the key ingredients to the soundtracks of many of Morricone;s scores as well as his own compositions. His guitar playing and whistling were key to the success of the soundtracks for the Dollar series of Sergio Leone. He is also a singer and choir director for I Cantori Moderni which is also heard on numerous Euro-western scores. Alessandro is still active and gives occasional concerts all over Europe. Today we celebrate Alessandro's 85th birthday.

THE COLD KILLER

Uccideva a freddo – Italian title
Tué à froid – French title
Mataba a sangre fria – Spanish title
The Killer – English title
The Cold Killer – English title

A 1966 Italian production [Palinuro Film (Rome)]
Producer: Guido Celano
Director: William First (Guido Celano)
Story: “La montagna spaccata” by W. Charlie Reed
Screenplay: George W. Ballor, George Molten (Palmambrogio Molteni), Amid Trail (Amedeo Trilli)
Cinematography: Angelo Baistrocchi [Eastmancolor, Panavision]
Music: The Wilder Brothers (John Ireson, Wayman Parham, John Balfour)
Songs: “He Wore a Silver Star” sung by The Wilder Brothers (John Ireson, Wayman Parham, John Balfour)
Running time: 92 minutes

Cast:
Bill McGregor/Walcom - Dan Harrison (Bruno Piergentili)
José Desmont - Philip March (Aimé de March)
Helena/Ellen - Rita Farrel
Miss Becket - Lilian Faber
minstrels - The Wilder Brothers (John Ireson, Wayne Parham (Wayman Parham), John Balfour
with; Luis Barber (Luigi Barbieri), Guy W. Ceylon (Guido Celano), Claude Mealli (Claudio Mealli), Mario Feliciani, Giorgio Bandiera, Luciano Odorisio, Billy Reed, Amid Trail (Amadeo Trilli), Ennio Pagliani, Attilio Dottesio, W. Thomas Green


A butler named Jose Desmet, has killed his employer, a former District Judge, who at one time years before, condemned Desmet's father, a famous outlaw, to death. Then Desmet tries to seduce a miner named Salazar's daughter, who is heir to a goldmine. He also kills another woman and the town doctor because they have found out that he was selling weapons to the Indians. A government investigator, Bill McGregor/Walcom, together with the local sheriff, sets out to put an end to Desmet's atrocities and outlawry once and for all.

Remembering Karl Löb

Karl Löb was born on March 15, 1910 in Teplice, Austria-Hungary the son of a cinema owner. He became an assistant cameraman in 1928 and became the assistant of Willy Winterstein and later Carl Hoffman. He photographed German propaganda films during World War II and after the was was over founded a photography studio with Leo White. He became a camera operator and cinematographer again in 1950 and worked on over 80 films during his career from 1931 until 1972. He was cinematographer on four Euro-western films: “The Last Ride to Santa Cruz” (1964), “Frontier Hellcat” (1964), “Flaming Frontier” (1965) and “Thunder at the Border” (1966). Karl died on January 20, 1983 in West Berlin, Germany. Today we remember Karl Löb on what would have been his 100th birthday.

RIP Peter Graves

Actor Peter Graves was found dead Sunday at his home in Pacific Palisades, according to law enforcement sources. Graves, who stared in "Mission: Impossible," "Airplane!" and Billy Wilder's "Stalag 17"--apparently died of natural causes most likely a heart attack, the sources said.

Graves was 83, according to a biography on the website IMDB.com and is the brother of actor James Arness who played Matt Dillion on TV's long running "Gunmoke".

In an Los Angeles Times story late last year, Graves said he initially turned down the role for "Airplane!" because he thought it was in poor taste--until actors Robert Stack, Lloyd Bridges and Leslie Nielsen signed on to the cast. "They say you are supposed to stretch as an actor, so let's go stretch it," he told The Times' Susan King.

Peter Graves starred as the Dutchman along with Bud Spencer in "The Five Man Army" (1969).

Spaghetti Western Locations

When Sean and Juan travel together towards Mesa Verde they follow the railroad tracks. This location is outside of Gaudix and the railroad tracks are still in place.


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/

Daylight Savings Time Begins

A COFFIN FOR THE SHERIFF

Una bara per lo sceriffo – Italian title
Una tumba para el sheriff – Spanish title
Un ataud para el sheriff – Argentinean title
Um caixão para o xerife – Brazilian title
Un cercueil pour le sheriff – French title
Eine Bahre für den Sheriff – German title
Joe Logan rechnet ab – German title
Ena feretro gia ton serifi - Greek title
Joe Logan sieht rot – Dutch title
En Kista för Sheriffen – Swedish title
Tomb for the Sheriff – U.K. title
Dollars to Die For – English title
A Lone and Angry Man – U.S.A. title
A Coffin for the Sheriff – U.S.A. title

A 1965 Italian, Spanish co-production [Nike Cinematografica (Rome), Estela Film (Madrid)]
Producer: Luigi Mondello, Roberto Santini, Eduardo Manzanos
Director: William Hawkins (Mario Caiano)
Story: David Moreno, James Reed (Guido Malatesta)
Screenplay: David Moreno, James Reed (Guido Malatesta)
Cinematography: Julio Ortas Plaza [Eastmancolor, Panavision]
Music: Francesco De Masi
Song: “A Lone and Angry Man” sung by Peter Tevis
Running time: 95 minutes

Cast:
Sheriff “Texas” Joe Logan/Shenandoah - Anthony Steffen (Antonio de Teffe)
Russell Murder/Murdock/Banner - Eduardo Fajardo
Wilson - George Rigaud (Pedro Delissetche)
Miss Jane Wilson - Luciana Gilli
Red Wolf/Lupe Rojo - Armando Calvo (Armando Gespier)
Lulu Belle - Fulvia Franco
Jerry Krueger - Arthur Kent (Arturo Dominici)
Wolf/Rojo henchman - Tomás Torres, Miguel de la Riva, Lucio de Santis, Francisco Braña (Francisco Pérez)
Wolf’s/Rojo’s woman - María Vico
Sheriff Gallagher - Miguel Del Castillo
banker - Santiago Rivero
piano player - Saturno Cerra (Saturnino Cerra)
Slim - Jesús Tordesillas (Jesús Fernandez)
with; Bob Johnson, Rafael Vaquero, Francisco Alacid, Antonio Orengo (Antonio Alonso), Rafael Hernández (Esteban Herrero), Rafael Ibáñez, Luis Barboo, Gonzalo Brano


A mysterious gunman named Joe Logan/Shenandoah joins a gang of outlaws lead by Lupe Rojo. He's put to the test immediately by told to hunt down a member of the gang who has twelve bullets while Joe only is permitted two. Joe succeeds and is permitted to accompany the gang in their attempt to rob a wealthy rancher. Joe knows the rancher and warns him of the plot. Lupe now suspects Joe has warned the rancher and he is beaten up in hopes he will reveal his true identity. Joe tells them his real reason fro joining the gang. It seems one of the gang members killed his wife and he is there seeking revenge.

Happy 55th Birthday Ottaviano Dell'Acqua

Ottaviano Dell'Acqua was born on March 13, 1955 in Rome, Italy and is the brother of actors/stuntmen Alberto Dell'Acqua, Aldo Dell'Acqua, Roberto Dell'Acqua and actress Fernanda Dell'Acqua. He began his career in 1968 at the peak of the Spaghetti Western era in such films as “A Minute to Pray, A Second to Die” (1967) as Clay McCord as a boy, “They Call Me Providence” (1972), “Buddy Goes West” (1980), “Buck at the Edge of Heaven” (1991), “Gunslinger's Revenge” (1998) and “Troublemakers” (1999). He's appeared in over 250 film and TV productions as an actor, stuntman and stunt coordinator. Since the early 1980s he's acted under the name Richard Raymond and continues his stunt work as a stunt coordinator. Today we celelbrate Ottaviano Dell'Acqua's 55th birthday.

Happy 60th Birthday Joe Bugner

József Kreul "Joe" Bugner was born on March 13, 1950 in Szoreg, Hungary. Bugner and his family fled Hungary after the 1956 Russian invasion and settled in England. Joe became a boxer and twice held the British and British Commonwealth heavyweight title. He was also three time European heavyweight champion and was ranked among the top ten heavyweights in the world during the 1970s. He fought such boxers as Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, Jimmy Ellis, Henry Cooper and Ron Lyle. He fought for the heavyweight title in 1975, but lost on points to Muhammed Ali.

After retiring from boxing in 1976 he made sporadic comebacks and then moved to Australia in 1986. Now known as “Aussie Joe” he finally retired after losing to Frank Bruno in 1987 on a TKO. He made one more comeback in 1995 winning the Australian heavyweight title and the WBF Heavyweight Championship in 1998. Finally retiring in 1999 with an overall record of 69 wins, 13 losses and 1 draw.

During the 1980's Joe started a film career making several films with Bud Spencer among them “Buddy Goes West” in 1980 playing sheriff Bronson. Today we celebrate Joe Bugner's 60th birthday.

Guess Who I Am?

I was an actor and stuntman in over 20 European westerns. Guess who I am?

Congratulations to Adrian who answered correctly it's Alberto Dell'Acqua!

Remembering Serge Marquand

Serge Marquand was born on March 12, 1930 in Marseilles, France. He was the brother of actor, director, Christian Marquand [1927-2000] and director Nadine Trintignant [1934- ] and the uncle of Marie Trintignant. Because of his coarse features he is well remembered for his roles in “Wanted” (1966), “Cemetery Without Crosses (1968) and “Le Specialist” (1968) among his six Euro-westerns. Serge was also a producer and assistant director. In his free time he was a race car driver and participated in the 1993 Gentleman Drivers Series driving a Ford Shelby Mustang. Marquand died of leukemia on September 4, 2004. Today we remember Serge Marquand on what would have been his 80th birthday.

Remembering Georges Delerue

George Delerue was born Georges Henri Jean-Baptiste Delerue on March 12, 1925, in Roubaix, Nord, Nord-Pas-de-Calais, France. He was a composer who gained a vast amount of film composing experience over several decades. He studied at the Paris Conservatoire under Darius Milhaud and went on to score for French television programs and documentary films before making the transition to cinema music. Relatively early in his career he established a partnership with director Francois Truffaut starting with "Shoot the Pianist" and "Jules et Jim", which continued over an extended period. Similarly he worked several times with the director Philippe de Broca, with Gérard Oury on "Le Corniaud" (The Sucker) and "Le Cerveau" (The Brain) and with Jean-Luc Godard. Although the composer's prior experience was widely-based stylistically, from ballets and operas to these documentaries, many (though not all) of his early films were either comedies or satirical in nature, and Delerue's music of the period reflected this with a light touch and a whimsical tone - the French equivalent of the music of Nino Rota for Italian director Fellini. Nevertheless the worldwide reputation earned by these directors resulted in their films being dubbed into English and contributed to establishing the name of Georges Delerue among filmmakers.

Delerue then worked on a number of Hollywood productions, winning an Oscar for "A Little Romance" and gaining nominations for "Ann of a Thousand Days", "The Day of the Dolphin", "Julia" and "Agnes of God". His music of the period became less European but retained its warm lyrical nature. His work in Hollywood tended to be for Romantic and Sentimental dramas, so those few films which show a darker more complex side seem surprising in contrast. As has happened with many other film composers, there are at least two instances where Delerue's music for a film was either largely or completely replaced and, perhaps coincidentally, they are not typical of the composer's romantic output. With "Platoon", Oliver Stone had used Barber's "Adagio for Strings" as his temporary or "temp track" and commissioned Delerue to compose music in this style. In the end Stone kept Barber's moving music and this rather overshadowed the remaining parts of Delerue's score. However the composer's original music was recorded and has been released on CD together with another of Delerue's wartime scores from 1986, "Salvador". In the case of "Something Wicked This Way Comes" Delerue's music was completely replaced by an alternative from James Horner. Delerue scored only one Euro-western the 1965 film “Viva Maria”. Georges Delerue died on March 20, 1992. We remember this great composer today on what would have been his 85th birthday.

New CD Release

Two Mafiamen in the Far West
Composer Giorgio Fabor
2 Sergeants of General Custer
Angelo F. Lavagnino
Label: Digitmovies CDDM156
2 CDs
Tracks: 50
Release date March 11, 2010


Track listing: Two Mafia Men in the Far West
1)Fuoco Nel Cielo (Titoli vocal) 2:30
2)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West 2:05
3)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 2) 3:03
4)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#2) 4:57
5)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 3) 3:39
6)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#3) 1:14
7)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 4) 1:09
8)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 5) 1:55
9)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 6) 4:15
10)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 7) 5:50
11)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 8) 0:57
12)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 9) 2:20
13)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq 10) 1:15
14) Fuoco Nel Cielo (#4) 3:01
15)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 11) 1:21
16)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 12) 3:29
17)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 13) 1:33
18)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 14) 1:40
19)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#5) 1:28
20)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 15) 3:53
21)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 16) 3:10
22)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#6) 2:15
23)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 17) 2:14
24)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 18) 3:15
25)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#7) 1:01
26)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (seq. 20) 1:14
27)Fuoco Nel Cielo (#8) 2.21
28)Due Mafiosi Nel Far West (vocal) 1:59
Total time Disc 1 70:00 minutes

Track Listing: 2 Sergeants of General Custer
1)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (Titoli seq. 1) 1:57
2)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 2) 1:52
3)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 3) 1:56
4)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 4) 1:03
5)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 5) 2:45
6)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 6) 2:13
7)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 7) 1:01
8)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 8) 1:38
9)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 9) 1:40
10)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 10) 1:27
11)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 11) 4:53
12)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 12) 2:08
13)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 13) 0:53
14)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 14) 4:16
15)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 15) 4:12
16)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 16) 1:11
17)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 17) 2:31
18)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 18) 3:15
19)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 19) 2:51
20)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 20) 3:59
21)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (seq. 21) 1:51
22)I Due Sergenti Del Generale Custer (Finale seq. 22) 2:28
Total time disc 2 51:05

Total Duration both discs 121:05

Le coeur d’un pere

Le coeur d’un pere – French title

A 1914 French production [Eclipse (Paris)]
Producer: ?
Director: Joë Hamman (Jean Hamman)
Story: ?
Screenplay: ?
Cinematography: ? [black & white]
Running time: ?

Cast:
Joë Hamman (Jean Hamman), Gaston Modot, Joachim Renez, Gustave Hamilton, Berthe Dagmar (Albertine Dagmar)

Happy 75th Birthday Sandra Milo

Born Elena Liliana Greco on March 11, 1935 in Tunis, Tunisia, she is the cousin of actor Yves Montand [1921-1991]. Now known as Sandra Milo she made her first film role was in 1955's “The Bachelor” directed by Alberto Sordi. For the next 10 years the sensuous actress would stimulate and delight male audiences in both Italian and French productions. After marrying Moris Ergas she wanted to retire but Federio Fellini convinced her to appear in his film “8 1/2” (1965) and “Juliet of the Spirits” (1966) to great reviews even winning the Italian Silver Ribbon Award for Best Supporting Actress for both films. Sandra appeared in two Euro-westerns “Bang Bang Kid” (1967) and “Dead for a Dollar” in 1968. She retired again in 1968 but made a comeback in 1979. Now working on stage she toured Italy in 2006-2007 in the stage play “8 Women”. Today we celebrate Sandra Milo's 75th birthday.

RIP Giuseppe Castellano

Caratteristi Commedia Italiana, Nocturno and Matt Blake are reporting that Italian character actor Giuseppe Castellano passed away on March 1, 2010. Further information will be posted when available.

CASTELLANO, Giuseppe (aka Giuseppe Castellani, G. Castellano, Thomas Kerr) [19??, Italy – 3/1/2010, Italy]
Beyond the Law – 1967 (red-bearded miner)
Born to Kill – 1967 (Dodge henchman)
The Dirty Outlaws – 1967 (one-armed Confederate soldier)
Django, the Last Killer – 1967 (Barrett henchman)
Pecos Cleans Up – 1967 (‘El Supremo’ henchman)
Poker With Pistols – 1967 (Masters' henchman)
The Son of Django – 1967
Ciccio Forgives…I Don’t – 1968 (sheriff)
Death Rides a Horse – 1968 (sheriff)
Gun Shy Piluk – 1968 ( blacksmith)
A Hole in the Forehead – 1968 (padre)
Adios, Sabata – 1970 (Graduato) [credited as Thomas Kerr]
Gunman in Town – 1970 (Warden Hanson)
Drummer of Vengeance – 1971 (Deputy Bill Jenkins)
The Last Traitor – 1971 (Slim)
The Price of Death – 1971 (Grant)
Return of Sabata – 1971 (priest)
Macho Killers – 1977 (Ross)