By Lee Pfeiffer

Based on Richard Matheson's classic sci-fi novel I Am Legend, the 1971 film The Omega Man was actually the second big screen adaptation of the story. In 1964, Vincent Price starred in a low-budget Italian version titled The Last Man on Earth. In 2007, Will Smith had a blockbuster hit with I Am Legend, though that film, like the ones that preceded it, was only loosely based on the novel. Each is effective in its own way, but for pure sentiment I prefer The Omega Man, which I saw during its initial run during my high school years. The film made a major impression on me and although time has undoubtedly diminished its impact, the movie still makes some poignant observations about human nature, as well as providing Charlton Heston with one of his most memorable roles. Heston is Robert Neville, a scientist who finds himself the only person immune from the biological agents that have seemingly wiped out the rest of the human race. The best parts of this film are the early scenes in which Neville is seen trying to keep his sanity amidst the crumbling infrastructure of Los Angeles (the film is set in the "future" year of 1975).

Kastner with Clint Eastwood on the set of the 1969 MGM epic Where Eagles Dare. (Photo: Cinema Retro Archives)

By Lee Pfeiffer

Producer Elliott Kastner has died at age 80. Known for his humorous personality and penchant for off-color jokes, Kastner was a larger-than-life character. Although born in America, he made England his home through much of his career and maintained an office at Pinewood Studios until the end of his life. Kastner moved from the music industry into film production with his first credit as producer on the 1965 film Bus Riley's Back in Town. He was one of the first producers to secure independent financing for his films, then sell the distribution rights to major studios. Kastner had many high profile films to his credit including Harper with Paul Newman, The Missouri Breaks and The Nightcomers- both with Marlon Brando, and perhaps most notably the 1969 MGM WWII film Where Eagles Dare with Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. The film was based on a story by Alistair MacLean and Kastner went on to adapt other works by the author for the screen including Breakheart Pass, Fear is the Key and When Eight Bells Toll. He also brought the character of detective Philip Marlowe back to the screen in the 1970s with The Long Goodbye, The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely, the latter two starring Robert Mitchum.

Perhaps inspired by Helen Mirren's Oscar-winning turn as Queen Elizabeth, producers of a big screen biopic of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher are wooing Meryl Streep to take on the role. Ordinarily, the idea of an American actress playing an icon of British politics would seem to be absurd, but there is no doubt that Streep could do justice to the role. Lady Thatcher, who served as PM from 1979-1990, has been in declining health for years, however, so there might be some sensitivity about bringing the film to fruition, particularly if it is a "hit piece" on Britain's Iron Lady. For more click here

Gibson: on the warpath once again.

By Lee Pfeiffer

One would think that after years of trying to rehabilitate his image after spewing anti-Semitic rants during a drunken driving arrest, Mel Gibson would learn to keep the ugly side of his personality to himself. However, Gibson is proving to be just another Hollywood airhead who thinks it's a brilliant move to make sure his worst behavior is preserved for the ages through  the wonder of tape recording. Gibson has been battling his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva over custody issues relating to their infant daughter. Things must not be going Mad Mel's way, given the tirade he was allegedly spewed, which was recorded by Grigorieva. Among the bon mots reported by Radar-On-Line, which has heard the recordings, are threats to burn her house down, insults about her looks and a  wish to have her gang-banged. We won't dignify the actual quotes here, but if you want to read the transcripts click here. Suffice it to say, Gibson leaves few stones unturned in utilizing the kinds of language that would make a longshoreman blush. Speaking personally, I'm generally able to overlook the actions and words of certain stars relating to their behavior or politics, if I admire their skills as actors. Jane Fonda was too left-wing for me and John Wayne was too right-wing, but I always enjoyed their films. However, if these allegations prove to be accurate, Gibson's latest tirade indicates his initial scandal was no fluke. A man who can wish violence on a woman who bore his child, and make racial slurs in the process, may be fairly deft at playing heroes on screen, but he isn't much of a man in real life. I've always enjoyed Gibson's performances and many of his films. However, unless this scandal proves to be erroneous, I've spent my last hard-earned dollars patronizing his movies. While I never wish ill of anyone else, I do hope that Gibson will become obscure enough for people to someday ask, "Whatever happened to that guy whatsisname from the Lethal Weapon series?"  (Note: As of this writing, Gibson has not commented on these specific allegations, but he has not denied them, either) For more click here