In this appearance on "The Dick Cavett Show", director Blake Edwards shows some of his prized bloopers from the set of "A Shot in the Dark" starring Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau. Even the normally dour George Sanders can't resist cracking up!

"RETRO-ACTIVE: ARTICLES FROM THE CINEMA RETRO ARCHIVE"

By Lee Pfeiffer

We must admit that when it comes to showcasing bad movies, Cinema Retro is a bit provincial in that we tend to concentrate on misfires from English language cinema. But why not spread the wealth? After all, there are bad movies being made in every language. The good reaction we got from running the 1959 Mexican "Santa Claus" film has now inspired us to honor a bad Turkish flick, the 1972 crime thriller "Kareteci Kiz", of which we have only seen the death scene depicted here. If there is a worse scene showing the demise of a movie villain, we've yet to see it but your intrepid staffers will keep pursuing the quest. This also has the bonus of including what is probably the worst movie fight scene of all time. It's accompanied in part by some brief snippets from Hugo Montenegro's hot-selling 1966 cover version of "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." theme, thus illustrating the benefits to producers who don't have to worry about such nit-picky aspects of film making such as obtaining intellectual property rights. Enjoy!

British advertisement for the 1961 double feature of "Gold of the Seven Saints" starring Clint Walker and Roger Moore and "The White Warrior" starring Steve Reeves. 

In this memorable scene from the 1969 classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid", Paul Newman makes short work of his seemingly undefeatable opponent, Ted Cassidy. 

The title says it all, describing this delightful tribute to the classic comedies of Grant and Hepburn. 

In 1971, director Don Siegel and Clint Eastwood teamed again for the offbeat Gothic Civil War drama "The Beguiled" which daringly cast Eastwood in a villainous role. Universal wasn't happy with the finished film and launched a deceptive print campaign implying the movie was a typical Eastwood action flick, a tactic that appalled Eastwood and Siegel. Not helping matters was the cornball narration of this original trailer. The film has been re-evaluated over the decades and now ranks as a major achievement in both men's careers. 

Richard Attenborough wins the Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for "Gandhi" at the 1983 Academy Awards. When listening to Walter Matthau and Carol Burnett announce the nominees, try to absorb just how many great films were nominated in this one year. 

Click here to visit the Movie Mags web site, which features an impressive data base of cover illustrations from the legendary ABC Film Review magazine. The now sadly defunct publication entertained British moviegoers for decades with the latest film industry news, reviews and great photos. The site features hundreds of cover illustrations from the 1950s-1972. Click on the thumbnail cover images on the site to enlarge them.

In the 1960s, musicians Ferrante & Teicher were the kings of cover versions of film score soundtracks. n record stores, racks were filled with their albums. In this June, 1964 segment from "The Ed Sullivan" show they perform Riz Ortolani's main theme from director Lewis Gilbert's Cold War political thriller "The 7th Dawn" which starred William Holden, Capucine and Tetsuro Tamba. 

The American Archive of Television presents this marvelous archival interview with Jonathan Harris, who discusses how he came to be cast in Irwin Allen's "Lost in Space". We won't spill the beans but his recollections of meeting with the ingenious but eccentric Allen, who created and produced the series, are hilarious. 

Director Mark Robson's film adaptation of the novel "Von Ryan's Express" is one of the best war films of its era. The trailer is also very good, if you can withstand the hokey, over-the-top narration!

What a year it was! In 1966, you could see the following movies playing locally in Winnipeg, Canada: Dean Martin as Matt Helm in The Silencers, James Coburn as Our Man Flint, The Trouble With Angels, Carry on Cleo, The Sound of Music and a quadruple feature of monsters flicks: Die Monster, Die, Eegah, Tomb of Ligeia and Planet of the Vampires. 

Here's a look at the life and career of Humphrey Bogart illustrated with some great still photos.

From Joe Dante's "Trailers from Hell":

Although Charles Bronson had been making movies for nearly 25 years and was quite popular in Europe, this international smash hit made him a superstar for the rest of his career. Michael Winner's provocative saga of a grieving father's vigilante vengeance became a Nixon-era touchstone that engendered four increasingly exploitative sequels over the next two decades. Hard to imagine what originally slated director Sidney Lumet would have made of this with Jack Lemmon in the lead.

As always, you can find more commentaries, more reviews, more podcasts, and more deep-dives into the films you don't know you love yet over on the Trailers From Hell mothership: http://www.trailersfromhell.com

Here's a wonderful blast from the past: the 1983 TV telecast of "All Star Party for Frank Sinatra". 

Here's a blog devoted entirely to director William Friedkin's 1977 masterpiece "Sorcerer". The film bombed with critics and the public when first released but has acquired an enthusiastic following over the decades. Friedkin told Cinema Retro that it was his favorite among all of his films. (See issue #29 for an exclusive interview with Friedkin about the film.) The web site showcases a really cool "Sorcerer" T shirt. 

If the 1960s was the era of spy movie mania, the 1970s was an era of "rogue cop" movies. Seemingly everyone was in on the act and that included John Wayne, who teamed with director John Sturges for the first and only time for "McQ". The Duke played a Seattle detective who is combating corruption in the police department. The film boasted a good script and a fine supporting cast. Here's a highlight from the film. (Lee Pfeiffer)

Click here to order the Blu-ray from Amazon. 

Retro movie historian Mike Malloy presents some vintage interviews in which Henry Silva and Fred Willilamson share their memories of working with Lee Van Cleef.

In this classic clip from the 1967 WWII film "The Dirty Dozen", the late, great Jim Brown shows he could command the big screen with the same assurance that he commanded the football field with as a legendary athlete.

This episode of the marvelous web series "Behind the Stunts" looks at producer Euan Lloyd's classic 1978 British adventure film "The Wild Geese" starring Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy Kruger and Stewart Granger, who was lured out of retirement for the movie. The film is one of the best macho flicks of its era and boasts incredible stunts, which are recounted here by some of the people who performed them.

Here's a blast from the past:  In August, 1966, Boxoffice magazine reported on the opening of a new, state-of-the-art 900+ seat movie theater: the Winchester in Lubbock, Texas. The description reads:

"It was constructed at a cost of about $250,000...Exterior finish of the the theatre is of face brick, Egyptian stucco and glass. From the 400-vehicle paved parking area, lighted and supervised, at the front of the Winchester, patrons enter the theatre under the canopy protection of a drive-through portico. (There is) an elaborate box office, with inside and outside service windows for convenience and a refreshment center highlights the foyer. Year around air-conditioning comfort-controls the entire structure. The projection room, with an all-transistor Century sound system, is equipped for all processes, including Cinerama. Projectors are Century with Strong Futura lamps...The 1,820- square-foot screen measures 28 x 65 feet. There is no stage. Invitational previews of the theatre and showings of the premiere attraction, "Doctor Zhivago", were held on August 16 and 17 and formal opening for the general public-a sellout- was held on August 18. A full house of dignitaries and opinion-makers, industry representatives, and Lubbock press, radio and television people were guests for the Tuesday affair."  

Here's one of many memorable scenes in director Robert Rossen's 1961 classic "The Hustler" with Paul Newman as "Fast Eddie" and Jackie Gleason (a real life billiards pro) as Minnesota Fats. The film is a downbeat look at a gritty world most people never see and the sub-culture of those who inhabit it. The performances are brilliant, including those by Piper Laurie and George C. Scott. 

Click here to order Blu-ray from Amazon.

By Lee Pfeiffer

In this interview, Steven Spielberg recalls meeting John Ford when he was a young, aspiring filmmaker and the advice Ford gave him that resonated throughout his career. He also extols Ford's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" for being the classic that it is, even if it was underappreciated back in the day. The fact that the film was shot mostly in a studio led some viewers to express disappointment that it lacked Ford's signature grandeur and magnificent vistas. But the story still resonates today, making poignant observations about courage, cruelty, love and cowardice society, as well as the value of a free press. Indeed, the lessons of "Liberty Valance" are as timely today as they ever were.

In this fascinating short, songwriter Carol Connors recalls the strange way that "Gonna Fly Now" became the signature song for the "Rocky" film series. 

Here's some interesting insight into the filming of a scene from The Beatles' 1965 movie "Help!" in which they appeared with legendary British comedic actor Frankie Howerd. Actress Wendy Richard, who was also in the scene, explains how the experience went from being a joy to heartbreaking.

They couldn't sing or dance- which is why it was so amusing to see Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas engage in both activities on the 1958 Oscars broadcast!

Here are some uncredited home movies from the set of director Martin Ritt's "The Molly Maguires", filmed in eastern Pennsylvania in 1969. Whoever shot the silent footage did a good job of capturing some interesting visuals from behind the scenes, including candid shots of stars Sean Connery, Richard Harris and Samantha Eggar.

An eclectic selection of films playing in New York City during a particularly eclectic era of filmmaking. 

Watch the 1989 documentary "Steve McQueen: Man on the Edge", narrated by James Coburn.

Female directors in the film industry are still very much a minority. However, in decades past, the situation was even more frustrating when studios imposed an unofficial "glass cieling" that precluded most women from advancing their careers unless it was in front of the cameras. There were some brave exceptions, however. One of those women to break barriers was actress Ida Lupino, who not only had a successful career as a leading lady but who also helped pioneer public acceptance of female directors. In this 2021 clip from Turner Classic Movies, she is paid tribute to by another acclaimed actress/director, Oscar winner Lee Grant.

Enjoy this presentation by Warner Home Video of the 1978 promotional TV special "The Making of 'Superman:The Movie'".

Here's the original trailer for "The Devil's Brigade", a production inspired by actual WWII events. Released in 1968, many people felt it was rushed into production to capitalize on the similarly-themed blockbuster "The Dirty Dozen", which was released the year before. In fact, producer David L. Wolper had the movie on his planning board for many years. The film has a sensational cast, fine direction by Andrew V. McLaglen and a stirring score by Alex North. 

Here's the original 9-minute promotional featurette for the 1979 sci-fi flick "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century"!

Here is a wonderful documentary about Walter Matthau from The Hollywood Collection:

"Walter Matthau was barely three when his father deserted the family. Subscribe for more Hollywood biographies and stories! http://bit.ly/HollywoodCollectionSub Poverty and New York street smarts produced a self-deprecating humor that never left. The G.I. Bill let him study acting and by 1951 he earned a New York Drama Critics Award. Television dramas followed and then came Hollywood. When director Billy Wilder cast him opposite Jack Lemmon, a classic partnership was created. In Lemmon, Matthau found an enduring friend and frequent co-star. Matthau’s real-life combination of cynicism and gruff sentimentality was reflected in the performances that brought him to major stardom. Two-time Academy Award winner, Matthau’s fifty years of show business have earned him the love of millions and the admiration of fellow professionals. Clips used include: A Face in the Crowd, Charade, The Fortune Cookie, The Odd Couple, Cactus Flower, The Sunshine Boys, Hopscotch, Grumpy Old Men and I’m Not Rappaport. In addition to Walter Matthau himself, on-screen interviewees include actors Jack Lemmon, Julie Harris, Ozzie Davis and Roddy McDowell, directors Herbert Ross, Edward Dmytryk, writer Neil Simon and Walter’s son, director Charles Matthau."

(To watch in full screen mode, click on "Watch on YouTube".)

By Lee Pfeiffer

Here's a bizarre scenario: a group called Tommy McCook and the Supersonics released a track called "Our Man Flint" on  Jamaican labe Treasure Isle, which was owned by Duke Reid, a larger-than-life record producer. Wikipedia describes him thusly:

" He was dressed in a long ermine cloak and a gilt crown on his head, with a pair of Colt 45s in cowboy holsters, a cartridge belt strapped across his chest and a loaded shotgun over his shoulder. It was not uncommon for things to get out of hand and it was said that Duke Reid would bring the crowd under control by firing his shotgun in the air."

Research shows the record was released in 1968. As for this track, aside from McCook, a well-known jazz artist, shouting out "Our Man Flint!" at the beginning of the song, there is no reference to the main theme from the film. In fact, as one YouTube commentator points out, the song on the record is actually "Sway", a lounge hit for Dean Martin. The record label also doesn't list the requisite credits for the composer and songwriter. However, it is a good, funky version of the song. 

Here's an original production featurette from the 70's kid's classic "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" that concentrates on Art Director Harper Goff's incredible creations. 

Here's a blast from the past: an assortment of American movie T.V. spots from the 1970s, with a few from the late 1960s included.

Regular readers know that every Christmas, Cinema Retro pays homage to Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, the Citizen Kane of all movies relating to Santa Claus battling creatures from other planets. The 1964 $20,000 wonder has been a cinematic legend among bad movie lovers. We're happy to present the entire film for your (guilty) viewing pleasure.

Wishing our readers worldwide a happy and healthy holiday season!

In this 1986 classic sketch from "Saturday Night Live", the "lost ending" of Frank Capra's Christmas classic "It's a Wonderful Life" is presented...and shows Jimmy Stewart in a new light!

Here is Kirk Douglas appearing as the mystery guest on the popular game show "What's My Line?". Based on the fact that he mentions his new movie is "Act of Love", we can pin the date of this broadcast to 1953.

Joe Dante's "Trailers from Hell" site features Marlon Brando trailers this week, including director Sidney J. Furie's sadly neglected 1966 Western "The Appaloosa", with trailer commentary by film director Daniel Kremer, who authored a book about Furie. Kremer makes the most of the trailer's limited running time, providing fascinating and amusing insights into Brando's bizarre behavior on the set. The reluctant superstar had a bad attitude about making the film, which he had to do to satisfy a long-time contractual commitment to Universal. The film is not a classic, but like most of the movies Brando made in the 1960s, it is underrated. 

Click here to order the Blu-ray of the film with commentary track by Cinema Retro's Lee Pfeiffer and film historian Paul Scrabo.

Here's the original New York Times advertisement for "The Poseidon Adventure" announcing its premiere in Manhattan on this date in 1972.

Note that in those days, big budget movies didn't usually open "wide" to neighborhood theaters. Instead, they played in select theaters in big cities for quite some time before being released in a large number of venues nationally.

Here's a vintage public service announcement in which John Wayne promotes the American Cancer Society. Strangely, the spot has some factual errors. The Duke says he went for a check up after completing his 199th film...which may be accurate if you count every chapter in the old serials he made as a separate movie. The segment shows him in "North to Alaska", which was released in 1960. In fact, Wayne came down ill while filming "In Harm's Way" in 1964 and had a lung removed shortly thereafter which did save his life. The spot goes on to have him show a clip from the 1969 movie "True Grit" which he says was seven years after his diagnosis. In fact, the film came out only five years after his cancer surgery. Well, at least the spot was well meaning and did cause a spike in people getting cancer screenings.

Here's a vintage behind-the-scenes featurette on the making of the 1968 western "Guns for San Sebastian" which had Anthony Quinn squaring off against villain Charles Bronson in an underrated gem from the era. Click here to order Blu-ray from Amazon.

If you're of a certain age and grew up in the New York City area, then you know that WPIX TV used to show Laurel and Hardy in "Babes in Toyland", otherwise known as "March of the Wooden Soldiers", every Thanksgiving. If you remember those days, then here's pleasant blast from the past.

(To view in Full Screen Mode, click on "Watch on YouTube.)

Writing on the TCM web site, Raquel Stecher looks back at the connection between Warner Bros. boss Jack Warner and Frank Sinatra and how it resulted in several of the Rat Pack motion pictures, though Sinatra would ultimately discard old pals Joey Bishop and Peter Lawford due to personal disputes. The crime classic "Oceans Eleven" featured the full Rat Pack but by the time "4 for Texas" was made, only Sinatra and Dean Martin appeared together. Click here to read.

We love these vintage studio production featurettes and here's a good one: Irwin Allen's 1973 blockbuster "The Poseidon Adventure".

From a 1974 issue of Boxoffice magazine, though the photos are from at least a couple of years previous to this issue with the exception of the depiction of the Colorado 4 Cinemas in Denver, which was an artist's concept drawing. The Alameda Theatre in San Francisco is showing "Pete 'n Tille" with Carol Burnett and Walter Matthau, while the Americana 5 multiplex in Panorama City, California is showing "The Graduate", "Doctor Zhivago", "The Dunwich Horror", "The Brain" and "Take the Money and Run". The photos were from an advertisement promoting theater chains.  

Here is an official 2008 Warner Bros. video documentary about the making of the 1967 Paul Newman classic "Cool Hand Luke".

Click here to order 4K+Blu-ray+digital code special edition

For those readers of a certain age who have retained fond memories of the laser disc era, here are a couple of treats: two 1990s ads promoting laser discs of "Dances with Wolves" and "Terminator 2:Judgment Day".