P-Z
This is a listing of videos you can check out at the library.
These videos have been reviewed over the last few years by Audio-Visual
staff member, Bob Statzer. List of titles
Back to Reviews listing
PLANET OF THE APES: A Simian Saga
1997 marked the 20th anniversary of
STAR WARS, and 20th Century Fox made the most of the celebration.
However, that year also marked the 30th anniversary of another
landmark science fiction series for that same studio. In 1967,
fact and fiction seemed to be racing against each other as NASA
began reaching out to the moon while television gave us shows
like STAR TREK and LOST IN SPACE. With interest in sci-fi high,
20th Century Fox decided to gamble on a script called PLANET
OF THE APES. Adapted by TWILIGHT ZONE creator Rod Serling from
the Pierre Boulle novel “The Monkey Planet,” the film
showed a future in which the course of evolution is reversed.
As if foreshadowing the success of STAR WARS ten years later,
the studio struck paydirt.
Charlton Heston stars as Taylor, an American astronaut
thrown forward in time, where intelligent, articulate apes rule Earth
and man is a savage beast to be hunted for sport. Imprisoned on this
hostile world, Taylor is regarded as an Ape-pocalyptic presence, especially
by Dr. Zaius, an elderly orangoutang who knows that Earth was once run
by humans...and the good doctor has no desire to see history repeat
itself! The film was such a success that a series of four more movies
followed—BENEATH THE PLANET OF THE APES (1970), ESCAPE FROM THE
PLANET OF THE APES (1971), CONQUEST OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (1972)
and BATTLE FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (1973—an on-going epic depicting
the destruction of future earth, and the events leading up to the initial
downfall of mankind. After the final film was released, drive-ins would
run “Dusk to Dawn Ape Marathons,” showing all five films back-to-back.
But the story continued long after that, with a live-action weekly television
series featuring Roddy McDowall (who had co-starred in the feature films),
as well as an animated Saturday morning cartoon. After the passing of
three decades, it seems as if there is more of the tale to tell: Directors
Oliver Stone and James Cameron are both rumored to be interested in
remaking PLANET OF THE APES, with Arnold Schwarzenegger to take over
the Charlton Heston role.
THE
PRISONER
A British secret agent storms into his
superior’s office, angrily turns in his resignation, and
races back to his London flat. As he packs, a hearse and undertaker
pull in front of the apartment and flood the agent’s rooms
with sleeping gas. When the agent awakes, he finds himself in
an isolated island community known as “the Village.”
While it appears to be a paradise, it is really a prison, where
no one has a name...only a number. Those who run the Village
interrogate and torture this new arrival, trying to find out
why he resigned. But before the Prisoner dares answer their questions,
he must learn if he’s been captured by the enemy...or his
own people!
Although the term “mini-series”
had yet to be coined when this 17-episode epic of intrigue and
espionage was made, it not only broke new ground for a television
format, but for its daring cat-and-mouse approach to the subject.
Series creator Patrick McGoohan produced, starred and even occasionally
directed and (under a pseudonym) wrote the episodes. The complete
series is now available through our Audio-Visual Services Department,
including an episode banned from the original broadcast, as well
as two bonus tapes: An unaired alternate version of the second
episode, as well as a “making of” documentary.
QUARTERMASS
AND THE PIT
While England’s Hammer Studios
are better-remembered for gothic tales of terror featuring Christopher
Lee and the late Peter Cushing, OBE, some of their first explorations
into the fantastic were modest, modern-day science fiction films.
Like their Dracula and Frankenstein sagas, one character from
those early Hammer films proved durable enough to come back for
more: Professor Quartermass. For the first time ever on video,
what many consider to be the best film of the series has finally
been released—QUARTERMASS AND THE PIT, originally shown
in the U.S. as FIVE MILLION MILES TO EARTH (not to be confused
with another sci-fi classic, 20 MILLION MILES TO EARTH).
When a section of subway undergoes renovation,
the fossil remains of prehistoric man are unearthed. As the area
is excavated in hopes of uncovering more artifacts, a startling
discovery is made...buried near the skeletons is the wreckage
of an ancient alien spacecraft, along with evidence that the
evolution of man was not natural, but the product of genetic
engineering by extraterrestrials. As Professor Quartermass and
his colleagues examine the find, they cannot help but wonder
if it is mere coincidence that the insect-like bodies of the
Martian crew resemble the gargoyles and demons of our mythology.
And while these creatures have been entombed in the earth for
thousands of years, is it possible that they might still live
on in some form? Don’t tune out when the end credits roll,
as the feature is followed by the original theatrical and television
trailers. And coming soon to Morrisson-Reeves is the film that
started it all, THE QUARTERMASS X-PERIMENT (aka THE CREEPING
UNKNOWN), with footage never before seen by American audiences.
THE
QUIET MAN
No matter what the season, THE QUIET
MAN remains a Spring-fresh classic, telling the tale of a prizefighter
(John Wayne) who decides to hang up his boxing gloves and return
home to Ireland. Looking for solace after a life of cheering
crowds, and haunted by the memory of accidently killing a man
in the boxing ring, Wayne finds the road to peace can be somewhat
rocky. Nor are the lanes to love any easier, for after meeting
a local lass (Maureen O’Hara), the Duke finds his life in
even more turmoil. In order to court O’Hara, Wayne must
get the permission and blessing of her guardian (Victor McLaglen)...a
man he has just recently engaged in a barroom brawl.
Adapted from the Maurice Walsh novel
“Green Rushes,” THE QUIET MAN was filmed on location
in the Emerald Isles by legendary director John Ford in 1952.
The colorful country scenery, rich and lush in itself, seems
to glow in the vivid hues of Technicolor, giving an almost storybook-look
to the picture. Whether you’re Irish, or merely romantic,
this is one of those rare films that never grows old after repeated
viewings, and seems to constantly find new admirers. (Director
Steven Spielberg even incorporated clips from it into his mega-hit,
E.T..) And our 40th Anniversary version of the video contains
an added bonus: After the feature is a short documentary on the
making of the movie, with commentary from Maureen O’Hara
and others.
REILLY:
THE ACE OF SPIES
A quick-witted rake with a taste for
the good life, a man as ruthless at gambling as he is at espionage,
he drinks too much, smokes too much, and consumes women as if
they were wine. No, this is not the latest exploits of agent
007; rather, it is the real-life story of Sidney Reilly, a British
spy active during the first quarter of this century. Produced
by the BBC, and based on the book “The Ace of Spies”
by Robin Bruce Lockhart, this five video set is comprised of
a feature-length film and nine hour-long episodes. Following
Reilly across Russia, Germany, China and other exotic locales,
we find he is as at home with rogues as he is with royalty. When
Ian Fleming created superspy James Bond for his 1953 novel “Casino
Royale,” he drew inspiration from Reilly (as well as his
own experiences with naval intelligence), and it became a blueprint
for others to follow. However, unlike the glossy, glistening
gadgets of cinema spies, REILLY shows us the grim and gritty
world of real espionage...dark, dirty and very dangerous. Sam
Neill (JURASSIC PARK) stars as Sidney Reilly, with Leo McKern
(RUMPOLE OF THE BAILEY), David Burke (SHERLOCK HOLMES) and John
Rhys-Davies (of the Indiana Jones trilogy) among the supporting
cast.
Roy
Rogers: The Loss of a Legend
On Monday, July 6, 1998, the motion
picture industry lost one of the few people that could justifiably
be called “a living legend.” Born Leonard Slye in Cincinnati,
Ohio, on November 5, 1911, Roy Rogers—the “King of
the Cowboys”—was known to fans around the world, sales
of his merchandise second only to those of Walt Disney. He and
Gene Autry (Republic Pictures’ other singing cowboy) more
often than not played themselves on the silver screen during
countless Saturday matinees. Many of their so-called “B”
films (pictures designed to be the second half of a double bill)
today have a larger following than the main features they supported.
Born of a unique period in Hollywood history, Rogers was a hero
both onscreen and off. It was not uncommon for Roy to take his
horse (Trigger, a palomino almost as famous as its owner) to
visit children in hospitals and orphanages, lifting their spirits
and giving them hope. No star of today could convey the same
code of honor on the silver screen, let alone live up to it once
the cameras had stopped...and none will have the personal impact
and interaction with their fans that Roy Rogers had. His passing
marks the end of an era. For armchair cowboys young and old,
the library’s collection of Roy’s films includes THE
BELLS OF CORONADO, THE GOLDEN STALLION, THE OLD CORRAL, SUSANNA
PASS, TWILIGHT IN THE SIERRAS and UNDER CALIFORNIA STARS, as
well as the A&E Biography, ROY ROGERS: AMERICAN LEGEND.
Trigger trivia: Roy’s horse was ridden by Olivia
DeHavilland as Maid Marian in the 1938 Errol Flynn classic, THE ADVENTURES
OF ROBIN HOOD.
THE
SHADOW
Having stalked villains across the airwaves
when radio was the main source of home entertainment, the Shadow
attained a fan following much like that of Batman, another hero
who made his debut in the 1930s. And, like the original Batman,
the Shadow operated only at night, when the forces of evil were
abroad. His popularity was such that soon the Shadow appeared
in pulp magazines and even on the silver screen, in cliffhangers
and “B” movies. With Hollywood recently raiding old
titles for “new” ideas, and with the Shadow still active
in the comic book industry, it came as no surprise when Universal
Studios revived the character for this 1994 film.
Wealthy but elusive Lamont Cranston
never seems to be on time for anything. His uncle, New York’s
chief of police, dismisses Cranston as a lazy, leisurely waste...unaware
that much of his nephew’s time and energy is also dedicated
to stamping out the criminal underworld, disguised as a mysterious
figure known only as The Shadow. Making Cranston’s dual
identity even more difficult is the fact that his uncle’s
police force regard the Shadow as a menace to the city. Unlike
Batman or James Bond, this cloaked crimefighter has little need
of gadgets, as Cranston has trained his mind in the mystic arts,
able to control the thoughts of others to do his bidding. But
if fighting common crooks and gangsters isn’t enough, a
new enemy has appeared: Shiwan, the last descendent of Genghis
Khan. Like his ancestor, Shiwan also plots to conquer the world;
like Lamont Cranston, Shiwan also manipulates the minds of men,
bending them to his will. The first step in Shiwan’s plan
is to acquire a new weapon the military is secretly developing...a
device called the atomic bomb.
Choosing to keep the original period
setting of the early Shadow magazines, the filmmakers recreate
an almost mythic New York, a glossy and glorious gotham, with
glistening nightclubs in the midst of mist-shrouded streets.
Actor Alec Baldwin’s portrayal of the Shadow is aided by
his sharp, piercing eyes...and by a bumbling cab driver played
by Peter Boyle. However, unlike most comic sidekicks, this one
avoids being too cute or heavy-handed in the humor department.
Like Disney’s THE ROCKETEER, THE SHADOW is an old-fashioned
fun film for the whole family.
SLEEPING
BEAUTY
Long out of print, Walt Disney’s
1959 adaption of the classic fairy tale finally returns to home
video...even bigger than before! Shot in 70mm, the film is offered
in either the pan-and-scan or letterbox formats, allowing home
viewers to experience the full Technirama widescreen image. At
the birth of Princess Aurora, the wicked and jealous Maleficent
casts a spell on the girl, dooming the princess to fall into
a deep, eternal sleep upon her 16th birthday. Aurora’s only
hope is Prince Philip, who must battle his way through a forest
of thorns and defeat the dragon standing guard over her. Showcasing
the talents of several Indiana-born actors and artists (Bill
Peet, Bill Shirley, Helene Stanley and Bill Thompson), the film
is followed by a “making of” special. Almost a decade
in production (and Disney’s most expensive animated feature
up to that time), SLEEPING BEAUTY has a lavish, stylized look
that has made it the most readily recognizable of the cartoon
classics.
THE
SPIRIT OF MICKEY
On November 18, 1928, the world was
introduced to a little fellow by the name of Mickey Mouse, and
the art of animation has never been the same since. As Walt Disney
once said, “It was all started by a mouse,” and from
the rodent rose an entertainment empire. In honor of Mickey’s
70th birthday, Disney Home Video released a feature-length compilation
of classic cartoons, THE SPIRIT OF MICKEY. Included in the collection
is the first color Mickey Mouse short, “The Band Concert,”
as well as two titles never before available on video, “Mickey’s
Surprise Party” and “Orphan’s Picnic.” But
the fun doesn’t stop with the closing credits; after the
anthology, as an added bonus, the festivities are capped off
with “Steamboat Willie,” the 1928 cartoon which marked
Mickey’s big screen debut (with an introduction by Walt
Disney, himself, in rare film footage). Gather around the television
set, dust off those ears and sit back with a slice of birthday
(cheese)cake to celebrate the magic of the Mouse!
The
Sting of the Black Scorpion
Idolizing her policeman father, Darcy
Walker (Joan Severance) carries on the family tradition by becoming
a detective with the LAPD. But her faith in the force is shattered
when her father is gunned down in cold blood, and a legal loophole
allows the killer to go free. Embittered by the experience, Darcy
becomes the vengeful vigilante known as the Black Scorpion, a
costumed crimefighter with an arsenal of high-tech weaponry provided
by her sidekick, master mechanic Argyle (Garrett Morris), an
ingenious automotive expert. If waging war on the underworld
wasn’t enough to keep her busy, the police also want the
Black Scorpion, viewing her as a threat to public safety...and
the officer most obsessed with her capture just happens to be
Darcy’s boyfriend. Not to be confused with the classic 1950s
big bug flic of the same name, THE BLACK SCORPION and its follow-up,
BLACK SCORPION II: AFTERSHOCK (aka BLACK SCORPION: GROUND ZERO),
provide fast-paced comic book adventure, pitting star Joan Severance
(who did double duty as co-producer on the sequel) against such
villains as the Breathtaker, Gangster Prankster and Professor
Undershaft, a geologist who turns her talents to terrorism after
her work is ridiculed. Although created by drive-in king Roger
Corman, the Black Scorpion is no bargain basement Batman, and
the legendary producer has announced plans to develop the concept
into a new weekly series.
Superman
is 60!
For someone “born” six decades
ago, Superman (and his alter-ego, Clark Kent) is in pretty good
shape, both physically and financially. With plans underway for
Tim Burton to bring Superman back to the big screen (much like
he did Batman in 1989), the Man of Steel shows no signs of slowing.
His first screen appearance (in fact, the first film adaption
of a comic book hero ever) came hot on the heels of his 1938
debut, from Popeye and Betty Boop creators Max and David Fleischer,
in a series of 17 lavish animated Technicolor shorts during World
War II. Quickly following those came two classic cliffhangers,
SUPERMAN and ATOM MAN VS. SUPERMAN, both starring Kirk Alyn as
the first actor to appear as the Man of Steel, with Noel Neill
as Lois Lane. Then, in the 1950s, a modest “B” film
called SUPERMAN AND THE MOLE MEN introduced audiences to a new
Superman and Lois: George Reeves and Phyllis Coates. Audience
response was strong enough that the film kicked off a long-running
television series with the two co-stars. (Coates would later
leave Lois Lane behind, and her predecessor, Noel Neill, returned
to the role.) A collection of the show’s most memorable
moments can be found on four volumes of TV’S BEST ADVENTURES
OF SUPERMAN. In 1978, Superman got a big-budget face lift when
Christopher Reeve starred in SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, which spawned
three sequels, all co-starring actress/director Margot Kidder
as the latest Lois. (A spin-off film, SUPERGIRL, unfortunately
failed to fly.) And after their recent success with a cartoon
incarnation of Batman, Warner Bros. has launched a new feature,
SUPERMAN: THE LAST SON OF KRYPTON, with an all-star cast voicing
the animated adventure. At an age when many would begin thinking
about retirement, at 60, Superman is still flying high.
Surf’s
Up!
If you’re in need of a warm weather fix, or simply
want to relive those lazy days of summer cinema fare, it’s time
to take a look at some original drive-in classics. Frankie Avalon and
former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello captured kids’ attention from
coast to coast in 1963 with AIP’s BEACH PARTY. This mix of music,
mirth and romance was such a hit on the teen scene that it spawned numerous
sequels, and created a whole new genre (even if the plots often seemed
similar). Frankie, Annette and friends are having a blast spending summer
vacation at the beach, only to have leather-clad bikers or evil executives
show up, threatening their idyllic existence. If that weren’t enough
to bum you out, there was always another gal pal plotting to pluck Frankie
out of Annette’s arms. But all was not lost, Annette overcame the
odds and won Frankie back, just in time for us to catch the California
sounds of the latest hot wax hits by the movie’s guest group. The
film formula continues in 1964’s MUSCLE BEACH PARTY, 1965’s
BEACH BLANKET BINGO and 1987’s nostalgic BACK TO THE BEACH, which
reunited all the gang one last time. So turn back the clock for fun
in the sun with Annette, Frankie and guest stars like Stevie Wonder,
Buddy Hackett, Don Rickles, Buster Keaton and Indiana’s own Rock
Stevens (better known as Peter Lupus, co-star of television’s original
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE).
Titanic
Tales
After action/adventure director James
Cameron first announced he was going to make TITANIC, the most
optimistic reaction was that the finished film might be the ultimate
disaster flic. Few, if any, suspected that Cameron’s vision
was that of a sweeping, character-driven study in passion, focusing
on the star-crossed lovers played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate
Winslet. It has been many years since Hollywood produced a film
of this scale, with an intensity of emotion equally as epic.
When the film opened in late 1997 to sold-out audiences, and
continued to sell out for months afterwards (setting world-wide
records), a number of critics lost their credibility after having
predicted the TITANIC would sink at the box office. Since then,
many have gone on to list it alongside GONE WITH THE WIND, as
a grand romance not seen since the Golden Days of Hollywood...when
pictures had personality.
For those who cannot get enough of the
legendary ocean liner, our video collection also includes the
1953 classic TITANIC, with Barbara Stanwyck and Indiana-born
Clifton Webb; the 1958 British production A NIGHT TO REMEMBER;
as well as the 1997 mini-series TITANIC, co-starring George C.
Scott and Catherine Zeta Jones (co-star of THE MASK OF ZORRO),
and S.O.S. TITANIC, with David Janssen, Helen Mirren and David
Warner (who also appeared in Cameron’s blockbuster).
Tricky
Treats
Let’s take a leering look at creature
features with three color classics, each one containing a climactic
twist.
DOCTOR X startled audiences in 1932,
not just with the onscreen antics of the mysterious murderer,
but for being the first all-color horror film of the sound era.
A fiendish killer, who only strikes when the moon is full, leaves
a trail of corpses which lead police to a medical school. An
investigation into the strange experiments conducted at the college
convince the authorities that one of the professors is a madman.
When all the suspects are trapped in a seaside manor, they have
48 hours to unmask the murderer.
THE MYSTERY OF THE WAX MUSEUM (1933)
reunited DOCTOR X stars Lionel Atwill and Fay Wray with that
film’s director, Michael Curtiz. Once more the studio decided
to spare no expense, and this classic tale was presented in the
early Technicolor format. When a sculptor’s hands are damaged
by fire, he is no longer able to sculpt the magnificent statues
on display in his famous wax museum, and must rely on other means
to create realistic images. Curiously, the new statues all bear
a striking resemblance to people who have mysteriously vanished.
This recently restored film—long thought to have been lost
except for a battered black and white print—was remade in
3-D nearly a quarter of a century later with Vincent Price, under
the title HOUSE OF WAX.
And speaking of Vincent Price, few people
excelled as well at walking the fine line between humor and horror.
Just as Lugosi was forever linked with Dracula, and Karloff with
Frankenstein, Price’s portrayal of THE ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES
(1971) created a character that will always be his. This art-deco
horror film keeps a twinkle in its eye (and a tongue in its cheek)
as a series of amusing murders baffle Scotland Yard. The demented
doctor’s deeds were so popular with audiences that a sequel,
DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN, appeared the following year.
Turtle
Tales
Although inspired by a popular comic
book, the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES’ initial live-action
feature—mirroring it’s source material—never intended
its target audience to be adolescents. The hip humor appealed
as much to parents as it did to the kids. Leonardo, Raphael,
Michaelangelo and Donatello are four everyday turtles exposed
to toxic waste, transforming them into masters of the martial
arts who carry on such ancient traditions as looking for the
perfect pizza by day and fighting crime by night. The action
continues in TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES II: THE SECRET OF THE
OOZE, which has our heroes trying to prevent an evil experimenter
from creating a race of mutated criminal creatures. In TEENAGE
MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III, the four friends are accidently sent
back to 17th century Japan, and must save a kingdom from treachery
before they can return to their own time. The boys are back,
older and wiser, in EAST MEETS WEST (aka NINJA TURTLES: THE NEXT
MUTATION), where a trip to China brings them face-to-face with
a new foe, the Dragon Lord. However, hope lies in a new discovery,
for the four learn that a fifth turtle had been exposed to the
radiative waste all those years ago, and her name is Venus de
Milo, a new ally against their ominous opponent. Pop in a pizza,
make up some popcorn, and get ready to rock with these radical
reptiles!
TWISTER
Take a script by Michael Crichton (JURASSIC
PARK), give it to director Jan de Bont (SPEED), and that alone
should be enough to equal a fast and furious hit. But cast action
actor Bill Paxton (ALIENS), and offset him with warm and witty
Helen Hunt (MAD ABOUT YOU), and the result is more than just
a quickly-forgotten rollercoaster ride. Haunted by the death
of her father in a twister when she was a child, Hunt has spent
her entire life trying to find what makes tornadoes tick. Helping
her in this war on the weather is her soon-to-be ex-husband Paxton...and
his new fiancée. As this band of professional tornado
chasers races after a massive series of funnel clouds in hopes
of launching a probe into the storm to monitor it, the relationship
between Paxton and his fiancée grows stormy when he realizes
he’s still in love with his wife. But the competition isn’t
all emotional; another team of scientists are closing in to launch
their probe into the twister...a probe prototype stolen from
Hunt and Paxton.
With computer-generated effects from
the crew that created the dinosaurs for JURASSIC PARK, two Hollywood
studios—Warner Bros. and Universal—teamed up to deliver
a disaster film on an epic scale. And the same attention for
the special effects was lavished on the soundtrack, making this
an incredible experience for viewers with a Surround Sound system.
The video release of TWISTER is available in the regular pan-and-scan
format, or in letterbox for those who want widescreen thrills.
2001:
A SPACE ODYSSEY
Even with the millennium rapidly approaching,
it is hard to believe that the year 2001 is soon to be at our
doorstep. Yet just over three decades ago, when filmmaker Stanley
Kubrick premiered his motion picture 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY to
audiences, it seemed a very remote future (especially since it
would not be until the following year that man first set foot
on the moon). As the film celebrates its 30th anniversary, 2001’s
visuals still remain amazingly fresh, in spite of the digital
leaps in special effects technology that have been made since
its original release. Inspired by the Arthur C. Clarke story
“Sentinel,” the journey begins with the discovery of
an alien artifact by primitive primates on prehistoric earth...a
black monolith that begins to accelerate their evolution. Jump
cut to the future, as mankind has evolved to the point of colonizing
space. A similar alien artifact has been discovered at an excavation
on the moon. Deliberately buried beneath the lunar surface, the
device is a beacon to let those who left it know when man has
progressed enough to reach out to other planets. After waiting
thousands of centuries, the monolith can finally fulfill its
purpose, sending a shrieking signal deep into space. Tracking
the signal, an expedition is launched to discover if humanity’s
past, as well as its future, lies beyond the stars. But a saboteur
threatens the mission...the ship’s computer, HAL.
UFO
Over 20 years before THE X FILES, British
television showed us another top-secret government project created
to deal with the possibility of an alien invasion—UFO. This
sleek, sexy sci-fi series of the ’60s and ’70s chronicled
the activities of “S.H.A.D.O.” (the Supreme Headquarters
Alien Defense Organization), a military unit whose forces include
bases on the moon, space fighters and rocket submarines. Created
by Gerry Anderson (THUNDERBIRDS, FIREBALL XL-5 and SPACE: 1999),
UFO sports special effects by a team of technicians who would
go on to work on the STAR WARS trilogy, SUPERMAN and many of
the James Bond films. But not all the battles are fought in the
atmosphere; sabotage, political intervention, as well as the
stress and paranoia of their job prove just as deadly to the
S.H.A.D.O. agents as alien attacks...and, as in life, sometimes
the good guys don’t always win. UFO is available as a four
volume video set, with two episodes on each tape (“Exposed”/”A
Question of Priorities,” “Conflict”/”The
Dalotek Affair,” “Confetti Check A-OK”/”Sub-smash”
and “The Psychobombs”/”Court Martial.”) In
addition, a feature film, INVASION UFO (made from the pilot episode
and unaired footage), is on the way.
Universal
Gothic
In 1931, in response to the tremendous
theatrical success of the play “Dracula,” Universal
Studios decided to share in the profits by producing a film adaption.
Cast in the title role was a Hungarian actor who had been touring
in the stage version, Bela Lugosi. As they say, the rest is history.
DRACULA proved to be such an overwhelming success, Universal
quickly looked around for a follow-up. After much debate and
discussion, FRANKENSTEIN was selected. (It’s hard to realize,
from today’s perspective, that back in the early 1930s these
titles were not readily recognized as “name brands.”)
Released just in time for the holidays in late 1931, FRANKENSTEIN
turned yet another unknown actor into a household word: Boris
Karloff. While other studios would eventually jump on the bandwagon
and try their hand at horror, Universal became a fear factory.
Foreshadowing today’s trend of sequels, it didn’t take
long for the studio to produce a steady stream of screen screams:
THE MUMMY (1932), THE INVISIBLE MAN (1933), THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN
(1935), THE WEREWOLF OF LONDON (also 1935) and DRACULA’S
DAUGHTER (directed by Indiana-born Lambert Hillyer, 1936). Deciding
to market their monsters to really pack the theaters, the studio
began to pit Karloff and Lugosi opposite each other in a series
of thrillers, such as THE RAVEN, THE BLACK CAT and THE INVISIBLE
RAY (also directed by Hillyer). The ploy would be taken even
further with 1943’s FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN. This
terror team-up would lead to even more multiple monster movies,
such as HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1944) and HOUSE OF DRACULA (1945),
in which Frankenstein, the Wolf Man and Dracula would all vie
for victims. Often only seen in chopped up prints on late night
TV, now—thanks to video—these restored tales of terror
(many of which include censored footage long thought to be lost)
can thrill and chill audiences anew.
Wallace
& Gromit
For many years, the term “Claymation”
brought to mind visions of California Raisins dancing and singing
Motown tunes. But then two new characters appeared on the scene:
an eccentric inventor named Wallace, and his long-suffering dog,
Gromit. The two made their debut in a 30 minute movie called
A GRAND DAY OUT (1989), in which Wallace builds a rocket in his
basement with plans to visit the moon to see if—like the
old adage says—it really is made of cheese. While what Wallace
and Gromit find on the lunar expedition isn’t very tasty,
audiences and critics alike ate the adventure up, and the film
earned an Oscar nomination.
1993 saw the return of Wallace and Gromit,
in THE WRONG TROUSERS. In this spoof of Hitchcock films, Wallace
builds a pair of mechanical legs (called techno-trousers) to
take Gromit for “walkies,” freeing up time for the
inventor to devote his attention to other things. Unknown to
man and beast is that an evil penguin has designs on this latest
invention, and hijacks the robotic legs to pull off a jewel heist.
As usual, it’s up to Gromit to save his master from another
perilous predicament, resulting a climactic confrontation as
wild as a Warner Bros. Looney Tune. Unlike most sequels, this
film was even better than the first, winning series creator Nick
Park an Academy Award for best animated short subject.
Although they had braved the hazards
of outer space and foul fowls, nothing could prepare our two
heroes for their next CLOSE SHAVE (1996). In this latest outing,
it’s Wallace’s turn to save Gromit, who has been framed
for sheep-rustling. Once more, fantastic gadgets and diabolical
plots are inter-woven with outrageous gags, ending in a final
show-down to rival even THE TERMINATOR. And once more, animator
Nick Park walked away with an Academy Award on Oscar night for
his efforts.
All three volumes of these animated
antics are available for check-out, with an audience of adults
competing with the kids to get their hands on them.
Walt
Disney’s ZORRO
One of the first major studios to tackle
television, Walt Disney had acquired the rights to Johnston McCulley’s
Zorro stories, and knew the adventures of the masked avenger
would be perfect for a small screen series. Cast in the lead
was Guy Williams (prior to his portrayal of Professor Robinson
on LOST IN SPACE), who soon became a hero across the country
when the show debuted. Walt Disney Home Video has released seven
tapes showcasing the best of Zorro, beginning with THE SIGN OF
ZORRO. Co-written and co-directed by Richmond native Norman Foster
(who also penned the lyrics to the theme song used throughout
the series), the feature was cut together from the initial episodes,
showing the origin of the suave swordsman. The action continues
in six more volumes, THE SECRET OF EL ZORRO, ZORRO AND THE MOUNTAIN
MAN, ZORRO AND THE MYSTERY OF DON CABRILLO, INVITATION TO DEATH,
ZORRO THE GAY CABALLERO and THE MAN FROM SPAIN, featuring such
guest stars Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, Cesar Romero, Gloria
Talbot and Jonathan Harris (who would be cast against series
star Guy Williams once again, in the role of snivelling Dr. Smith
in LOST IN SPACE).
THE
X-FILES
Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana
Scully (Gillian Anderson) are two FBI agents who specialize in
unsolved cases...cases that were meant to be left unsolved. And
it’s a little disturbing at just how many such incidents
have been knowingly allowed to accumulate over the years. These
cases, dubbed the “X Files,” involve unexplained phenomena—UFOs,
extra-terrestrial intelligence and military experiments gone
awry. Unfortunately for agents Scully and Mulder, many government
factions would prefer these cases be locked up rather than cleared
up, making it difficult at times to know who their real enemy
is. “The truth is out there...trust no one!”
A science fiction series that is something
of a phenomenon in itself, THE X FILES have become an overnight
sensation, rapidly accumulating the cult following that STAR
TREK has developed, with merchandise and conventions to meet
fan demand. Each video volume comes with commentary from series
creator Chris Carter, who revealed his inspiration came from
an earlier TV series called KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER, about
a journalist also specializing in the unknown and unexplained.
With twelve volumes (each containing two episodes) currently
available, this collection should provide plenty of controversy
for X-philes everywhere.
THE
XENA TRILOGY
One of the highest-rated syndicated
series ever, XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS began her life as a guest
villain on an episode of HERCULES: THE LEGENDARY JOURNEYS. Response
to the Warrior Princess was strong enough to bring her back for
a return appearance, but when the writers decided to develop
the character, allowing her to grow emotionally, Xena threatened
to overshadow the heroic Hercules. The end result was a wildly
successful spin-off series. While Xena continues to occasionally
appear on HERCULES, these original episodes have rarely been
seen since their initial broadcast.
Volume 1: “The Warrior Princess”—Hercules’
best friend, Iolaus, finds himself the object of desire for Xena,
a bewitching warrior who may be using his affections to force
the two comrades into a duel to the death.
Volume 2: “The Gauntlet”—When
her own army turns against her because she upholds the warrior’s
code of honor, Xena finds herself an outcast whose only friend
may be the one person who has the most reason to hate her...Hercules.
Volume 3: “Unchained Heart”—An
uneasy alliance between Hercules and Xena makes the Warrior Princess
realize her life has been an empty existence. Compassion replaces
contempt as the two must face the forces of darkness together
if either of them are to live.
Z
Marks the Spot
As Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins
ride onto video in the new MASK OF ZORRO, let’s look back
at earlier big-screen adventures of the original caped crusader
available on tape.
Created by Johnston McCulley, Zorro
appeared in numerous short stories and novels before debuting
in silent cinema. Continuing to appear in films after the advent
of sound (even showing up in an early color feature, THE BOLD
CABALLERO), it was with the release of 1940’s THE MARK OF
ZORRO that the masked man became a permanent part of pop culture.
Tyrone Power stars as Don Diego Vega, a gentleman of leisure
by day and an avenging angel by night. In the guise of Zorro,
Don Diego matches wits with the evil Alcalde, who has enslaved
the people of California. When the captain of the Alcalde’s
guards (Basil Rathbone) decides Don Diego is an obstacle that
must be overcome, the film climaxes in one of the deadliest duels
ever filmed. (Rathbone and Power were both accomplished swordsmen,
and brought their skill to the screen.) Also on hand for Zorro
fans are two classic cliffhangers, ZORRO’S FIGHTING LEGION,
and ZORRO’S BLACK WHIP (featuring Linda Stirling as a descendant
of the hero, carrying on the family tradition and showing how
lethal a lady with a lash can be). Finally, capping off the collection
is the A&E Biography, ZORRO: MARK OF THE Z, tracing the history
of the character through books, comics, movies and television.
