RIP Raoul Billerey

His last appearance on stage at the Theatre de Serres, last year, in "Jesus II" as Joseph Delteil, had not gone unnoticed. Raoul Billerey who died July 28, 2010 at the age of 90, played the role of Adam, with Jean-Claude Drouot and Serge Lelay, the role of the patriarch who returned to earth to encourage his fellow inhabitants to transcend their differences and to move forward. "I am happy to have associated with this show," says Jean-Claude Drouot, and very saddened by his departure, we had maintained an unwavering friendship for 50 years. Since filming the television series "Thierry La Fronde" in 1963. "Raoul, who was master of arms, stuntman and actor, was asked to do the fighting. We worked together several times thereafter: "Astrance", "Cyrano de Bergerac" and in other films such as, "The River of Hope" where he played the role of the priest. He had been at the school of Pierre Renoir's brother John, the filmmaker and son of painter Auguste Renoir. "With more than thirty films to his credit, his rich career in films he often made a detour to television and theater, expanding his sphere of action, the measure of a fiery and full actor, working with leading actors and directors of the era. "People were stunned by his generosity and his natural enthusiasm, the quality of his stories, says Jean-Claude Drouot. As in “Shanghai” alongside Marshal, a Chinese version of "3 Musketeers". After living twenty years Lacassaigne near Fanjeaux he retired in Limoux with his wife Claudine, in a house facing the Basilica of Our Lady of Marseilles, which was dear to the heart of Delteil and pilgrims from around the world who visit the Black Madonna. Billerey appeared in the 1956 Euro-western "Fernand Cowboy" and the 1967 French TV western series "Fortune".

RIP Suso Checchi d'Amico

The famous Italian screenwriter, Suso Cecchi d'Amico has died at 96.

The famous Italian writer, Suso Cecchi d'Amico died in Rome, Italy on July 30, 2010. She was 96 years old.

During her prodigious career she worked with all the masters of Italian neorealism Luigi Zampa, Ennio Flaiano, Cesare Zavattini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Giancarlo Rosi. But her association is strongest with Luchino Visconti, with whom she worked for the first time in ”Beautiful” (1951) then “Senso” (1954), “White Nights” (1957) “Rocco and His Brothers” (1960). She could boast of having worked on “Roman Holiday” William Wyler (1953), and “The Usual Suspects” with Monicelli in 1958. With the director Giulio Base she wrote her last film “Desert Roses” in 2006.

In 1994 at the Venice Film Festival Suso was given a Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement. She also won the Davi di Donatello and 7 Silver Ribbons.

Suso Cecchi d'Amico co-wrote the pseudo-Eurowestern "A Man, His Pride, a Vengeance" (1968) starring Franco Nero, Klaus Kinski and Tina Aumont.

DEATH SENTENCE

Sentenza di morte – Italian title
Sentencia de muerte – Spanish title
Sentence de mort – French title
Django – unbarmherzig wie die Sonne – German title
Death Sentence – English title

A 1967 Italian production [B.L. Vision (Rome)]
Producer: Sandro Bolchi, Mario Lanfranchi
Director: Mario Lanfranchi
Story: Mario Lanfranchi
Screenplay: Mario Lanfranchi
Cinematography: Toni Secchi (Antonio Secchi) [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Gianni Ferrio
Song: “The Last Game” sung by Nevil Cameron
Song: “Yes, Sir” sung by Lilian Terry, I Cantori Moderni
Running time: 95 minutes

Cast:
O’Hara - Tomas Milian (Tomás Rodriguez)
Friar Baldwin - Adolfo Celi
Diaz - Richard Conte
Cash/Django - Robin Clarke
Montero - Enrico Maria Salerno
Paco - Luciano Rossi
Sally - Eleonor Brown (Eleonora Brown)
blonde girl - Lilli Lembo
gunman - Gilberto Galimberti
with; Monica Pardo, Glauco Scarlini, George Gruden (Giorgio Gruden), Dony Baster (Donato Baster), Raffaele DiMario, Silvana Bacci, Umberto DiGrazia, Claudio Trionfi, Fortunato Arena, Elio Angelucci


Cash/Django seeks vengeance on four outlaws. The four killed his brother who was a former gang-member like him, because he allegedly wanted to betray them and Cash survived but was badly wounded. Five years later he visits the murderers one after another to execute his revenge: Diaz, now a wealthy and honorable farmer, Montero a professional gambler, Baldwin, a friar, who terrorizes the region with his men in black, and finally the insane O’Hara, an albino, who prefers cuddling with gold and blondes. Cash /Django doesn’t just shoot the delinquents easily, but puts them trough a gauntlet of torture because he savors his reckoning to the last drop of blood.

Trailer link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VPYeOuKLT4

Happy 75th Birthday Geoffrey Lewis

Geoffrey Lewis was born on July 31, 1935 in San Diego, California. He grew up in Rhode Island for awhile and then the family returned to California. Lewis was attracted to the performing arts in high school. His drama teacher took notice and recommended him to the Plymouth Theater in Massachusetts where he appeared in summer stock programs. He moved to New York City and appeared in several off-Broadway productions. He ventured to Europe for awhile and then returned to the U.S. and made his first film appearance in “The Culpepper Cattle Company” (1972). After a number of other film appearances he became a regular stock player and sidekick of Clint Eastwood. Lewis has also appeared regularly on TV garnishing a Golden Glode nomination for his performance on the series “Flo” (1980). Geoffrey now is a member of the rather unique musical/storytelling "Celestial Navigations," along with award-winning composer songwriter Geoff Levin. Their performances have received terrific reviews from some of Hollywood's top actors and noted musicians. Lewis is the father of a number of acting members of his family including Dierdre, Lightfild, Juliette, Brandy and Matthew Lewis. Geoffrey has appeared in three Euro-westerns: “My Name is Nobody” (1972), “Silver Saddle” (1977) and “Bluberry” (aka “Renegade”) (2002). Today we celebrate Geoffrey Lewis's 75th birthday.

Remembering Jirí Vrstála

Jirí Vrstála was born on July 31, 1920 in Liberec, Czechoslovakia. During Wordl War II he was employed as a forced laborer by the Germans. After the war in 1945 with no training in acting he joined the Theater at Liberec. In the 1950's he moved to Prague and started receiving film offers. Here he created 'Clown Ferdinand' the character he is most associated with and remembered. 'Clown Ferdinand' became the hero of a series of childrens films directed by Jindřich Polák. He was especially loved by the children of Berlin where he put on plays, reuvues and variety shows. His first major film role was “Pâté oddelenie” (1960). In 1966 he married actress Angelica Domröse [1941- ] and moved to East Germany. He emerged as a villain in DEFA films and appeared as 'Clown Ferdinand' on television. He and Angelica divorced in 1975 and Jirí retired in 1983 to devote himself to a literary career. Vrstála appeared in one Euro-western “The Sons of Great Bear” (1965) as Fred 'Red Fox' Clark. Jirí died of cancer on June 10, 1999. Today we remember Jirí Vrstála on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Remembering Percy Herbert

Percy Herbert was born in London, England on July 31, 1920. During World War II Herbert became a prisoner of war when he was captured by the Japanese in Singapore. After the war he was discovered by Dame Sybil Thorndike and launched a stage career. Percy specialized in playing soldiers in such films as “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957), “Tunes of Glory” (1960) and “The Wild Geese” (1978) as well as comedy roles in such films as “Barnacle Bill” (1957), “Call Me Bwana” (1963) and two “Carry On” films. His Euro-westerns consisted of “Carry on Cowboy” (1965), “Captain Apache” (1970) and “Man in the Wilderness” (1971). He was a regular on the TV series “Cimmaron Strip”with “Captain Apache” co-star Stuart Whitman. Herbert died of a heart attack on December 6, 1992 in Kent, England. Today we remember Percy Herbert on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Guess Who I Am

I'm a Spanish actor who has appeared in 12 Euro-westerns starting in 1963. Guess who I am.

Bill Connolly correctly named this week's photo as that of Manuel Zarzo. Excellent!

Spaghetti Western Locations

After 'The Man with No Name' helps Tuco escape the first hanging they ride off and meet in the desert. This location is located in Rambla Alfaro north of Almeria. Take the route A-92 exit from the main freeway and go to the gas station. Follow the service road next to the freeway north about 1300 meters to the Rambla Alfaro coming from the northeast take this road about 300 meters. The location will be above you about 25 meters. It is difficult to actually get under the overhang, maybe this is why the odd looking projectile has not been disturbed.




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

Happy 85th Birthday Jacques Sernas

Jurgis Šernas was born on July 30, 1925 in Kaunas, Lithuania. Jacques was the son of Jokūbas Šernas a signer of the Lithuanian Act of Independence who died when Jacques was a year old. He and his mother moved to Paris where he received his education. He joined the French Resistance during World War II was captured and put under house arrest in Ussel. Later he was sent to Fort Barraux and after an escape attempt was transferred to Buchenwald prison camp. After the war be began a life as a journalist but was sidetracked into acting. He became a popular star in Italy and France. He was signed by Hollywood but only made two films and several TV appearances before returning to Europe and starring in peplum films among them “Helen of Troy”. After his starring years he has continued as a successful character actor and is still appearing in Italian films. He currently lives in Rome. Sernas appeared in one Euro-western as Major Saunders in “Fort Yuma Gold” (1966). Today we celebrate Jacques Sernas' 85th birthday.

DEATH RIDES ALONE

Con lui cavalca la morte – Italian title
Tödlicher Ritt – German title
Tödlicher Ritt nach Sacramento – German title
En kula for var och er – Swedish title
Yasamak icin dua et! – Turkish title
Pony Express – U.K. title
Death Rides Alone – English title

A 1967 Italian production [Intalcine TV, Piciene (Rome)]
Producer: Franco Palombi, Gabriele Silvestri, Enzo Bulgarelli
Director: Joseph Warren (Giuseppe Vari)
Story: Augusto Caminito, Fernando di Leo
Screenplay: Augusto Caminito, Fernando di Leo, Adriano Bolzoni
Cinematography: Amerigo Gengarelli [Eastmancolor, Cromoscope]
Music: Lallo Gori (Coriolani Gori)
Running time: 92 minutes

Cast:
Bobby 'Idaho' Kent - Mike Marshall (Michael Marshall)
Luke Prentiss - Robert Hundar (Claudio Undari)
Susan - Carole André (Carol Smith)
Bryan Talbot - Andrea Bosic
Dolores Talbot - Hélène Chanel
Kriss - Paolo Giusti
with; Giorgio Gargiullo, Carlo Gaddi, John McDouglas (Giuseppe Addobbati), Paola Natale, Luisa Della Noce (Maria Della Noce), Peter Martell (Pietro Martellanza), Bruno Arié


Bobby 'Idaho' Kent works as an agent for the pony express. He's asked to go to Sacramento with proof to indite, Bryan Talbot, a corrupt political candidate for Senator against Stuart Cooper. Talbot hires a group of henchmen led by Kriss to try and keep Idaho from completing his mission. Kent is ambushed but rescued by pioneers from a wagon train. Kriss tries to stop Kent again but he and two of his men are killed. Talbot's wife Dolores now hires her ex-lover Luke Prentiss to stop the messenger. Prentiss tracks Idaho down disarms him, hits him and watches as he falls over a cliff. Thinking he's accomplished his task Prentiss returns to Sacramento only to find Kent has reached Sacramento and is able to keep Talbot from winning the election. In his place Cooper is elected Senator.

Adidas & Morricone (Fast vs Fast)

Given how many TV commercials are screened in cinemas, the regularity and extent to which ad agency creatives look to the film world for soundbeds should come as no surprise. One such title that was originally featured in a Hollywood blockbuster and was penned by one of the biggest names in the film score business was recently used for an Adidas (Fast vs Fast) shoe commercial shown during the FIFA World Cup soccer matches.
Providing an eerie counterpoint to the high visual stress levels of sports shoe manufacturer Adidas' Fast Vs Fast clip is Ennio Morricone's 'The Man With The Harmonica' theme, from Sergio Leone's 1968 masterpiece “Once Upon A Time In The West”. This is a re-record rather than the OST version but has benefited the spaghetti western composer's publisher Sony/ATV nonetheless.




Adidas You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpyPA-TJzJU

Remembering Rolf Ludwig

Rolf Erik Ludewig was born on July 28, 1925, in Stockholm Sweden. His parents were innkeepers and after he graduated from primary school he became a printer's apprentice. He was a fighter pilot during World War II. Rolf was shot down and was sent to a prison camp in Sheffield, England and became involved in the camp theater. After the war he participated in roles in German theater groups. He joined the Deutsches Theater and remained a member through the rest of his life. He appeared in a number of DEFA films billed as Rolf Ludwig, among which was his only Euro-western playing Kid Kearney in “Fatal Error” (1969). He became a narrator in documentary films and on radio. Ludwig died on March 28, 1999 in Berlin, Germany. Today we remember Rolf Ludwig on what would have been his 85th birthday.

DEATH RIDES A HORSE

Da uomo a uomo – Italian title
Vita, morte e vendetta – Italian title
A morte anda a cavalo – Brazilian title
De hombre a hombre – Spanish title
Kosto odottaa – Finnish title
La mort était au rendez-vous – French title
D’homme à home – French title
Von Mann zu Mann – German title
Die Rechnung wird mit Blei bezahit – German title
Oi 5 simademenoi tou El Viento – Greek title
Śmierć jeździ konno – Polish title
A morte vem a cavalo Portuguese title
Hamndens timme – Swedish title
Viva Django, Man to Man – English title
Two Deadliest Guns Alive – English title
Death Rides a Horse – English title

A 1968 Italian production [P.E.C. (Rome)]
Producer: Al Sansone (Alfonso Sansone), Henry Chorscicki (Henryk Chorscicki)
Director: Giulio Petroni
Story: Luciano Vincenzoni
Screenplay: Luciano Vincenzoni, Giulio Petroni
Cinematography: Carlo Carlini [Technicolor, Techniscope]
Music: Ennio Morricone
Song: “Death Rides a Horse” sung by Raoul
Running time: 120 minutes

Cast:
Ryan - Lee Van Cleef (Clarence Van Cleef Jr.)
Bill Meceita - John Phillip Law
Walcott - Luigi Pistilli
Bert Cavanaugh/Manina/4 Aces- Anthony Dawson
Pedro - José Torres
Betsy - Carla Cassola
Negro soldier - Archie Savage
One-Eye - Mario Brega
Manuel - Guglielmo Spoletini
Paco - Angelo Susani
sheriff - Giuseppe Castellano
Lyndon City Sheriff - Franco Balducci
Lyndon City Deputy - Romano Puppo
Mr. Meceita - Walter Giulangeli
Mrs. Meceita - Elena Hall
bartender - Bruno Corazzari
member of Pedro’s gang - Natale Nazzareno (Nazzareno Natale)
Marita - Felicita Fanny (Felicita Fanni)
minister - Ignazio Leone
minister’s wife - Nerina Montagnani
Holly Spring’s station master - Carlo Pisacane
card player - Nino Vingelli
member of gold escort - Remo Capitani
Cavanaugh henchman - Giovanni Scarciofolo
Walcott henchmen - José Terron (José Penaranda), Mario Mandalari, Ennio Pagliani, Giovanni Petrucci
warden - Claudio Rufini
kindly sheriff - Richard Watson
with; Vivienne Bocca, Richard Watson


A group of bandits invade the Meceita ranch after following a stagecoach that is transporting $200,000 which has been secured at the ranch for the night during a thunderstorm. The bandits steal the money and massacre the family and guards. Hiding in a corner young Bill Meceita sees the massacre of this family and picks out and remembers certain features of each outlaw, a scar, an earing, a necklace, a spur etc. The house is set afire and another outlaw arrives in time to save Bill before riding away to join the others.

Fast-forward to 15 years later and we see Bill now a grown man practicing his six-gun and rifle with deadly accuracy on targets set up at the ranch. A stranger, Ryan, recently released from prison stops by the ranch to pay his respects. The day after Ryan leaves the sheriff shows up with a spur which matches one left from the massacre. Bill trails Ryan and after a cat and mouse game the two join forces to eliminate the gang for their own reasons. In the end Bill learns that Ryan was a member of the gang, the one who saved his life during the attack on the ranch. The two face each other in a final duel but Ryan refuses to fight sacrificing himself for the wrongs committed.




You Tube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p17i0CoHBUU

Remembering Elio Scardamaglia

Elio Scardamaglia was born on July 27, 1920 in Amelia, Italy. Elio was a producer of more than 30 films from 1956 until his final TV production in 1977. He founded Leone Films for which he produced a half-dozen Spaghetti westerns: “The Man from Nowhere” (aka “Arizona Colt”) (1966), “The Dirty Outlaws” (1967) for which he also was a co-writer on the story, “The Wrath of God” and “The Wild and the Dirty” (aka Johnny Hamlet) both 1968, “$20,000 for Seven” and “A Bullet for Sandoval” both 1969. He is the father of producer, director, screenwriter Francesco Scardamaglia [1945- ]. Elio died on March 16, 2001 in London, England during a spinal operation. Today we remember Elio Scardamaglia on what would have been his 90th birthday.

Remembering Hilde Sessek

Hilde Sessak was born on July 27, 1915 in Berlin, Germany. She received acting lessons from Julia Serda and her husband Hans Junkermann. Hilde made her acting debut at the Municipal Theater in Guben in 1934. She made her first film appearance the following year in 1935. Her career was as a supporting actress and during this time she made her only Euro-western “Water for Canitoga” (1939). After World War II she played more villainous roles especially in three Edgar Wallace films. She then appeared on television and in theater roles concluding her career with a final appearance on TV in 1987. Hilde died on April 17, 2003 in Berlin, Germany of natural causes. Today we remember her on what would have been her 95th birthday.

Remembering Erich Dunskus

Erich Dunskus was born on July 27, 1890 in Pillkallen, East Prussia but emigrated to the United States after an apprenticeship as an apothecary's assistant in early 1914. He returned to Germany at the outbreak of World War I and following his training as a medic he was sent to the Western Front, where he served until the war ended. In 1918 he took acting lessons at the Reicherschen School of Dramatic Art and appeared at the State Theatre in Eisenach. Later he appeared on different stages until he acted under Gustaf at Berlin's Schillertheater. Besides his stage work he also appeared in leading and supporting roles for Ufa films. Among his 130 films were two Euro-westerns “The Emperor of California” (1936) and “Sergeant Berry” (1938). In later life he turned to voice dubbing and appeared in more than 600 film and television productions. After retiring from the industry he retired with his wife to Lübeck and then to Hagen, Germany where he died on November 25, 1967. Today we remember Erich Dunskus on what would have been his 120th birthday.

RIP Mia Oremović

Mia Oremović, a prominent Croatian theater, television and film actress, died today July 24, 2010 in Krizevci, Croatia according to a report released by her family.

One of the most prominent of Croatian actresses, she was born in Slovanoska, Pozega, Austria-Hungary in 1918 and completed acting school in 1942 in Zagreb.

She won numerous awards among them the Vladimir Nazor award for lifetime achievement in filme, lifetime achievement award Fabian Sovagovic Association of Croatian film directors for 50 years outstanding service.

Among her long list of films was one Euro-western 1960's "The Taste of Violence" with Robert Hundar.

Happy 60th Birthday Susan George

Susan Melody George was born on July 26, 1950 in London, England. She's been acting since the age of four in both film and television. Some of her most memorable roles include “Straw Dogs” (1971) and “Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry” (1974). In 1988 she turned to producing for her own production company Amy International with “Stealing Heaven”. George has been married to actor Simon MacCorkindale [1952- ] since 1984. Susan appeared in one Euro-western with Tomas Milian and Telly Savalas in “Sonny & Jed” (1972). Today, looking much like she did in 1970, she breeds Arabian horses on her stud farm called Georgian Arabians, and sells a line of equine therapeutic products. Today we celebrate still beautiful Susan George's 60th birthday.

DEATH ON HIGH MOUNTAIN

La morte sull alta’collina – Italian title
Sin aliento – Spanish title
Sol fiato sospeso – Spanish title
Les pistoleros del’Ouest – French title
Der Tod droben auf dem Hugel – German title
Death on High Hill – German title
Die Rechnung zahlt der Bounty-Killer German title
Matar não Matar – Portuguese title
Death on High Mountain – English title

A 1969 Italian, Spanish co-production [Concord Film (Rome), Copercines (Madrid)]
Producer: Bruno Turchetto, Ignacio Gutierrez
Director: Fred Ringold (Alfredo Medori)
Story: Enzo Cicea (Vincenzo Gicca Palli)
Screenplay: José Mallorquí Figuerola, Eduardo Manzanos Brochero
Photography: Julio Ortas Plaza [Eastmancolor, Cinemascope]
Music: Luis Enríquez (Luis Enríquez Bacalov)
Running time: 102 minutes

Cast:
Loring Vanderbuilt - Peter Lee Lawrence (Karl Hirenbach)
Mark Harrison/Francis Parker - Louis Dawson (Hector Gonzalez)
Braddock - Antonio Gradoli
General Valiente - Tano Cimarosa (Gaetano Ciseo)
Miss Braddock - Barbara Carrol
Stevens - Silvio Bagolini
sheriff - Giampiero Littera
pool player - Giovanni Pazzafini
Daphne - Agnès Spaak
Agustine - Jesús Guzmán (Jesús Areta)
Captain Young - Frank Braña (Francisco Perez)
Curling - Rafael Hernández
deputy - Romano Puppo
with; Empedocle Buzzanca, Josef Marco (José Rosello), Juan Antonio Elices, Alberto Plebani, Natale Nazzareno (Nazzareno Natale), Rufino Inglés (Rufino Garcia), Manuel Segura, Ricardo Valle, Antonio Pica (Antonio Serrano)


Mexican Revolutionary General Valiente and his gang try to rob the bank of Two Arrows while the town is attending a wedding. Two bystanders, Loring Vanderbuilt and Mark Harrison/Francis Parker, who are unknown to each other, trail the gang and recover the money, they then decide to keep the loot for themselves. Braddock who planned the robbery has Valiente arrested in order to find out where Vanderbuilt and Harrison/Parker may be hiding the loot.

National Day of the American Cowboy 2010

Who Are Those Gals? - Tina Aumont

Born Maria Christina Salomons on February 14, 1946 in Beverly Hill, California. She was the daughter of actress Maria Montez [1912-1951] and actor Jean-Pierre Aumont [1911-2001], later the stepdaughter of actress Marisa Pavan [1932- ]. She was known to film-goers as Tina Aumont and made her film debut in 1966's “Modesty Blaze”. She had earlier married actor and director Chritian Marquand in 1963 at the age of 17. Tina appeared in several Italian films including “A Man, His Pride, a Vengeance”, “Satyricon” both in 1968 “Salon Kitty” (1975), “Fellini's Casanova (1976), and her only Euro-western “The Brothers Blue” as Polly in 1971. Most of her portrayals were of sultry vixens with child like innocence. Tina Aumont died on October 28, 2006, the result of a pulmonary embolism. She was only 60.


AUMONT, Tina (aka Tina Marquand) (Maria Christina Salomons) [2/14/1946, Beverly Hills, California, U.S.A. – 10/28/2006, Port-Vendres, Pyrénées-Orientales, France (pulmonary embolism)] – TV actress, daughter of actress Maria Montez (1912-1951) and actor Jean-Pierre Aumont [1911-2001], married to actor, director Christian Marquand [1927-2000] (1963-1967), stepdaughter of actress Marisa Pavan [1932- ], stepsister of cinematographer Jean-Claude Aumont [1967- ], aunt of actress Marie Trintignant [1962-12003], assistant director Vincent Trintignant [1973- ], niece of actress Julia Andre, director, screenwriter François Villiers [1920-2009], cousin of director, assistant director, screenwriter Aruna Villiers.

Brothers Blue – 1971 (Polly)

Guess Who I Am

I am pictured on the right in the photo above. I was a child actor at the time I made my only Spaghetti western. Guess who I am.

I would go on to appear in 7 more films. Guess who I am.

My last appearance was on a 1993 Spanish TV series. Guess who I am.

No winner this week. The photo is of Fredy Arco who played Jesus in "Fistful of Dollars" (1964).

RIP Alex Green

Canadian stuntman and actor Alex Green died on Tuesday, July 20th. He was 68.

Born in Australia in 1942, Green always dreamed of being a stuntman in western films. Moving to Vancouver, British Columbia and then took off for Hollywood, where he fought, fell and played with fire in productions such as “Superman”, “Death Hunt”, “First Blood”, “Shanghai Noon” and more. He doubled for such Hollywood stars as Jack Lemmon, Omar Shariff, Oliver Reed, Christopher Plummer and Peter Falk. In 1968 he founded Stunts Canada.

“He loved the film industry. He loved cowboys”, said James Bamford the current president, “He always kept the attitude of a child, based on his love for film and television.” Green was a expert whip artist and cracked the whip for Anthony Hopkins in the 1998 film, “The Mask of Zorro”.

Green was associated with several Euro-westerns during his career. He was a double for Oliver Reed in “The Trap” (1965), “Bordertown” TV series (1990-1991), “BloodRayne: Deliverance” (2007) as stuntman. Green would become world known for his Western gun-spinning and bullwhip-cracking, performing in more than 2,500 shows around the world.

He had been fighting liver cancer for the past year.

DEATH IS A LONELY HUNTER

Døden er en ensom jeger – Norwegian title
Morgan Kane: Døden er en ensom jeger – Norwegian title
Death is a Lonely Hunter – English title

A 2001 Norwegian production [Morgan Kane Productions A.S. (Oslo)]
Producer: Frank Iversen, Kjell Hallbing, Knut Ivar Grønli
Director: Frank Iversen
Story: Louis Masterson (Kjell Hallbing)
Screenplay: Frank Iversen
Cinematography: ? [color]
Music: ?
Running time: 55 minutes

Cast:
Morgan Kane - Frank Iversen
Jenkins - Frank Krog
outlaw leader - Knut Husebø
outlaws - Jan Grønli, Mads Ousdal
prostitutes - Hanne Rekkedal, Line Verndal


Morgan Kane, out hunting, is suddenly caught in bad weather and takes refuge at Fort Collins where three outlaws try and murder him.

New DVD Release!

“Minnesota Clay”
Starring: Cameron Mitchell
Label: VCI Entertainment
Aspect ratio: 1,85:1 (16x9), NTSC
Region: region free
Language: English mono
Extras: Italian alternate ending, trailer
Avaiable: May 25, 2010

Spaghetti Western Locations

When Clint Eastwood first appears in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” Tuco has just had his horse shot out from under him and he has been surrounded by three bounty hunters, one holds a wanted poster showing Tuco wanted for $2,000. At this point Clint appears and tells the three that yes, but they won't be the ones who will collect it. This shot and hundreds more were filmed at a location called Manzanares El Real north of Madrid. This open valley was used in countless Spaghetti westerns. This is the same location that Jonathan Corbett comes riding into the widow's ranch and demands the ranch hands turn Cuchillo over to him. Today the valley is surrounded by new homes and most likely this valley will be a housing track soon.




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

Remembering Anthony Steffen

Born Antonio Luiz de Teffè von Hoonholtz was born in Rome, Italy on July 21, 1930. His father, Manoel de Teffè von Hoonholtz was a Brazilian diplomat and ex-Formula 1 driving champion. Raised by his mother he remained in Rome and fought with the Italian Resistance during World War II. After the war he worked for Victorio de Sica as a messenger and became a camera operator and assistant director before making his first film appearance in 1955's “Gli sbandati” directed by Francesco Maselli. He continued to appear in several films including his role as Strongheart in the German production “The Last Tomahawk” before becoming Anthony Steffen in 25 Spaghetti westerns. Often appearing with him was Spanish actor Eduardo Fajardo. Steffen, often called the Italian Clint Eastwood, was criticized for being wooden and stiff but his films were full of action and the usual severe beating of our hero. Some of his best remembered Euro-westerns were “A Coffin for the Sheriff” (1965), “Blood at Sundown”, “A Few Dollars for Django”, “$7.00 to Kill” all in 1966, “Killer Kid” (1967) “A Train for Durango” (1968), “Garringo” (1969), “Shango” (1970) and “Dallas” (1974). His most memorable appearance was in “Django the Bastard” released in the U.S. as “The Stranger's Gundown” which he co-wrote and was the inspiration for Clint Eastwood's “High Plains Drifter”. After the Spaghetti western genre faded Steffen continued to appear in crime and adventure films until the late 1980s. Steffen retired to Rio de Janeiro where he lived with his wife in relative obscurity until discovered by Daniel Camargo and Fabio Velozo who were able to write his biography and show him he was still remembered fondly and admired by thousands of film fans around the world before his death from cancer on June 4, 2004. Today we celebrate what would have been Anthony Steffen's 80th birthday.


Steffen's autobiography is being translated into English and will hopefully be available at a later date.

Remembering Velemir Chytil

Velemir Hitil was born on July 21, 1925, in Koprivnica, Croatia. Velemir was a puppeteer and became a stage and film actor where he was known to the fans of the Winnetou films as Velemir Chytil. He made over 15 films starting with “Three Girls Named Anna” in 1959. His last listed film was in 1990's “Captain America”. He appeared in two Euro-westerns “Treasure of Silver Lake” (1962) as Woodward and “Last of the Renegades” (1964) as Carter. Chytil was married to writer Višnje Stahuljak [1926- ]. Chytil died on April 9, 2009 in Zagreb, Croatia. We remember Velemir Chytil today on what would have been his 85th birthday.

Happy 60th Birthday Tantoo Cardinal

Rose Marie Cardinal was born on July 20, 1950 in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. She is a member of the Cree/French tribe of Native Americans. She has appeared in over 75 films and television appearances since her first film “Marie Ann” in 1978. She got into acting through her involvement in political activism. She worked to get Canada's Content Rule established which stated that any film, TV, radio presentation or printed story having to do with Native Americans had to have a certain percentage of Native Americans present in the production. Her first work was in radio and today she is easily the most recognized Native American actress in films today. She's probably best known for her role as Black Shawl, wife of Kicking Bird (Graham Greene), in “Dances with Wolves” (1990). Her Euro-western “Silent Tongue” (1993) starred the late River Phoenix. She was at one time married to actor John Lawlor from 1988-2000. Today we celebrate Tantoo Cardinal's 60th birthday.

RIP Renato De Carmine

Italian actor and voice dubber Renato De Carmine died in Rome today July 18, 2010 of anemia. He was 87 years old. Renato was born January 25, 1923 and was a theater, film and TV actor since the late 1940s. He also appeared on radio after attending the National Academy of Dramtic Arts in Rome. De Carmine appeared in only one Euro-western “Challenge to White Fang” (1974) as Lieutenant Charles Leclerc. He was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by Giorgio Almirante in 2001.

DEATH FOR ZAPATA

Trini – German title
Stirb für Zapata – German title
Blesky nau Mexikem – Polish title
Zapatta i djecak Trini – Yugoslavian title
Death for Zapata – English title

A 1976 East German production [DEFA (East Berlin)]
Producer: Alexander Lösche
Director: Walter Beck
Story: ‘Trini’ by Ludwig von Renn
Screenplay: Margot Beichler
Cinematography: Horst Hardt [color, widescreen]
Music: Günther Fischer (Gunter Fischer)
Song: ‘Trini’ sung by Gisela May
Running time: 88 minutes

Cast:
Trini - Gunnar Helm
Jeronimo/Geronimo - Giso Weißbach
Ambrosia - Dimitrina Savova
Paco - Gunter Friedrich
Emiliano Zapata - Ivan Tomow
Mario Puente - Michael Kann
Lieutenant Mendoza - Klaus Bamberg
Margarito - Eckhard Bilz
Doctor Leon - Holger Mahlich
Ines - Mariana Mitrowitsch (Mariana Mitrovich)
Fernando - Hans-Jürgen Müller-Hohensee
Ariola - Leon Niemczyk
Sancho - Naitscho Petrov (Naicho Petrov)
Torres - Helmut Schreiber
Gräfin Ariola - Gianina Gilge
Kutscher - Kurt Götz
Elena - Freya Klier
Hernán Alonso - Jörg Knoche
Pablo - Heinz Lyschik
Diener Manuel - Nico Turoff
Carlos - Ljubomir Dimov
Rodrigo – Wolfgang Kühne
Gonzales - Bruno Carstens
Balthasar – Georgi Rositsch
Thomas – Georgi Bakschepanow
Gräfin Ariola – Gianina Gilde
Carlota – Karin Gregorek
Eugenia – Jutta Woytasseki
Elena – Freya Klier
Hernán Alonso - Jörg Knoche
Pablo - Heinz Lyschik
Diener Manuel - Nico Turoff
Gonzales - Bruno Carstens
Torres' son - Günter Herbrich
Carlos - Ljubomir Dimov
Rodrigo - Wolfgang Kühne
Hernán Alonso - Jörg Knochee
Enrique - Angel Stojanov
Ottanez - Pedro Hebenstreit
Rosario - Ludmila Kucharcewskaja
Miguel - Otto Dierichs
Juan - Fred Alexander
Mariana - Christa Pasemann
Manuel - Nico Turoff
Braulio - Olaf Buder
Panfilio - Horst Töllner
Robena - Lydia Toschkowa
Victor - Aleko Kolschew
Alberto - Kiril Iwanow Petrow
Lorenzo - Nicolai Gospodinow
Father Benjamin - Alfred Steinbrenner
Adolfo - Uwe Wardeck
Valentin - Walter Lendrich
Joaquin - Michael Dejak
Joaquin's wife - Edith Tschammer
José - Jürgen Huth
Nicolas - Alfred Lux
Rosa - Sewerin Tenewa
Sancho's wife - Rosemarie Herzog
Francisco - Walentin Jakinow
Porfirio - Juri Sawtschew
Sergeant Fierro - Joachim Schönitz
Raffael Köhler - Fred Ludwig
Fidencio Köhler - Iwan Arschinkow
Domingo - Marin Mladenow
Brigida - Monica Bielenstein
Gomez - Gerd Funk
Lusito - Iwan Popandrejew
Elisabeta - Christina Sotirowa
Victorianu - Wladimir Arnaudow
Primitiwo - Walscho Karmaschew
Isidro - Stefan Banowski
Pablo - Heinz Herbert Lyschik
Pasqual - Max Klingberg
Kutscher - Kurt Götz
Luisa - Milka Popantonowa
officers - Hans-Joachim Leschnitz, Günter Schwaack
Hirsch's - Axel Meiners, Fred Glowacki, Fernando Cangemi


Trini is the son of a Mexican farmer from San Bartoldo. His Uncle Jeronimo is cruelly tortured by the sons of land owner Torres. Trini and the farmers from the village take revenge and destroy the land owner’s house who takes refuge on a neighbor’s estate. The local Indians defeat the master’s soldiers even before Zapata’s peasant army comes to their aid. When Trini hears of a conspiracy against Zapata, he tries to warn him. But he is too late.

New DVD Release!

“Tequila Joe” / “A Hole Between the Eyes”
Starring: Anthony Ghidra
Label: Wild East
Aspect ratio: 16x9, Anamorphic
Region: NTSC Region free
Language: English
Extras: Trailers, photo galleries
Limited Edition First time available on DVD in the U.S.A.
Available: Now!
Wild East Productions link: http://www.wildeast.net/

DEATH AT OWELL ROCK

La morte non conta i dollari – Italian title
La muerte no cuenta los dolares – Spanish title
Quand l’heure de la vengeance sonnera – French title
Quand la vengeance sonnera – French title
Le tueur frappe trois fois – French title
Der Tod zählt keine Dollar – German title
Grav forst, do sen – Finnish title
Death Does Not Count the Dollars – English title
No Killing Without Dollars – English title
Death at Owell Rock – USA title

A 1966 Italian production [Cinecidi (Rome)]
Producer: Enrico Cogliatti
Director: George Lincoln (Riccardo Freda)
Story: Giuseppe Masini
Screenplay: Riccardo Freda, Ian Danby, Giuseppe Masini
Cinematography: Gábor Pogány [Cinemascope, Cromoscope]
Music: Nora Orlandi, Robby Poitevin
Song: “Danny” sung by Raoul
Running time: 93 minutes

Cast:
Harry Boyd - Mark Damon (Alan Herskovitz)
Lawrence White - Stephen Forsyth
Jane White - Luciana Gill (Luciana Gilli)
Lisabeth - Pamela Tudor (Pamela Eddy)
Doc Lester - Giovanni Pazzafini
Judge Warren - Allan Collins (Luciano Pigozzi)
Pablo/Pedro Rodriguez - Pedro Sanchez (Ignacio Spalla)
with; Lidia Biondi, Aldo Cecconi, Renato Chiantoni, Spartaco Conversi, Mariella Palmich, Hardy Reichelt, Dino Strano, Francesco Tensi, Maurizio Tocchi, John Gotlief (Alessandro Gottlieb)


A retired army officer,Major White, is killed in the small western town of Owell Rock but an eye witness has evidence that the murderers were led by Doc Lester,eldest son of a neighbouring family. However while on the way to the judge the witness is caught by Lesters men who force the towns doctor to cut out his tongue.

Fifteen years later the Major's son Lawrence and Lisabeth,the beautiful daughter of Colonel Pearson arrive at Owell Rock having just survived an attack from Lesters men enroute. There savior is a quick draw drifter named Harry Boyd. Lawrence learns from his sister Jane that their father was murdered by the Lesters for his land, and that the murder had been pinned on a Mexican named Rodriguez who has fled. Reluctantly the seemingly cowardly Lawrence pursues getting Judge Warren to re-open the case but the odds are not in his favor as the Lesters now rule the town and Colonel Pearson, the town doctor and sheriff are all murdered. However Harry Boyd is still in town and causing all sorts of problems with Lester's henchmen. The twist here is that Lawrence White is not who he seems to be.

Guess Who I Am

I was offered the role of “The Man With No Name”, but turned it down. Guess who I am?

Bill Connolly guessed correctly that it is Stuart Whitman.

RIP James Gammon

Gravely voiced and rugged looking American character actor James Gammon passed away today July 16, 2010 at his home in Costa Mesa, California after a long battle with cancer. He was 70. Born on April 20, 1940 in Newman, Illinois. He broke into the entertainment industry as a cameraman but his tough as nails look, attitude and that patented gruff voice got him work in front of the camera. He made his first appearance on the TV series “Wild Wild West” starring Robert Conrad in 1967. He'd go on to appear in over 130 films and TV appearances, among them 34 westerns. He was a natural for the genre and was one of it's best character actors. He made three Euro-westerns “One Mans Hero” (1999), “Cold Mountain” (2003), “Don't Come Knocking” (2004). His last western was “Appaloosa” (2008) and last film appearance was in “The New Daughter” 2009.

New DVD Release!

The Man Called Noon
Origin: U.K.
Label: Odeon Entertainment digitally remastered edition
Stock #: ODNF186
Region: 2 PAL
Running time: 98 minutes
Dolby Sound
Extras: Stills gallery, trailers, booklet
Release date: August 23, 2010

RIP Peter Fernandez

Actor and voice dubber Peter Fernandez died today July 15th in Pomona, New York, after a long battle with cancer. He was 83. Best known as the voice of the cartoon character 'Speed Racer', Fernandez wrote the scripts and the score for the 1967 animated TV series. Born January 29, 1927 in New York City, he had a career on radio and Broadway before joining the Army during World War II. His radios shows included “Superman”, “Suspense”, “Gangbusters”, “Mr. District Attorney” among others. Among his work on Euro-westerns he dubbed English voices to various actors in “Apache Gold” (1963), “Last of the Renegades” (1964), “For a Few Dollars More” (1965), and was the English voice for Kurt Zips the hotel owner in “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly” (1966).