THE REDEEMER 1978 (CODE RED) BLU-RAY

Wow, what a film. I reviewed this a long time ago and it's time for a new look as the film is available on Blue-ray now.

This is one weird ass film, and I love it. This bizarre film starts off with a child rising out of a lake and then apparently entering the home of a minister and possessing him. How do we know this? It turns out the the one possessed has two thumbs on one hand! What this really has to do with anything is beyond me.

Then we are introduced to six people of various backgrounds who are all invited to a class reunion. Once gathered there they find they are locked in and soon are being killed in graphic ways one by one.

The main part of the story is by no means original, but the deaths are interesting and the child and possessed minister add some twisted flavor, but as I said, I don't know what they really had to do with the story.

The trapped people are killed for their "sinful" lives and in the end "The Redeemer" returns back to the lake, waiting to rise again. Look, if you want to see something bizarre and unforgettable you gotta check this out.

The print from Code Red is as expected and as I have said many times before, it add to the "drive-in" experience when the film is somewhat worn and a few scratches now and then.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Clint Eastwood is 88, and Brooke Shields is 53.

THE TERRIBLE GIANT OF THE SNOW 1963 (DVD-R)

This is the follow up to "Monster Of The Volcano".

Yes, the first one was popular enough to warrant a follow up, but as is usually the case it can't compare to the original.

This is also known as "Terrible Giant Of The Snow" but believe me it is lackluster. Ana Bertha Lepe returns and she is really not featured much.

It seems the monster didn't die at the end of the last film and is still running around. Also there are some gangsters trying to steal something that belongs to a scientist, that is if I managed to follow the plot without subtitles.

The problem with the film is that the monster isn't shown until about 51 minutes into the film and then very briefly. The film is rare and from South of the Border, which is why I wanted to see it, but it really cannot compare to the first one.

Also, and this is a spoiler, if you all remember the movie from Universal in 1956 called "Curucu Beast Of The Amazon" and how that disappointed all of us monster movie fans, then beware of this film as well, if you ever get a chance to see it that is.

I am pleased to have this in my collection, but I have to admit it's a movie that really didn't need to be made at all. There was really no point.

And the monster costume is even worse than you could imagine.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Jennifer Ellison is 35, Ruta Lee is 83, Stephen Tobolowsky is 67, Michael J. Pollard is 79, Deanna Lund is 81, and Jake Roberts is 63.

BATTLE OF ROGUE RIVER 1954 (MILL CREEK)

George Montgomery returns in another Bill Castle western.

Montgomery stars as Major Frank Archer, a young man sent to an Army outpost in Oregon where the Indians, led by Chief Mike (Michael Granger) have been defeating the Army for years.

At first his orders are to defeat the Indians at all costs, but the orders are changed and he has to make peace with them, which he is very willing to do.

However, there are some people who want to keep the Indian wars going on so that Oregon does not become a state. Of all the wonderful characters in this fast paced film, Richard Denning's portrayal of Stacy Wyatt is by far the best. His character is at first very likable until his hidden agenda is revealed.

The rest of this wonderful cast includes Martha Hyer, John Crawford, Emory Parnell and Steve Ritch. This is a fun and very interesting western and as usual Castle pulls it all off very well. Quality from Mill Creek is excellent and this film should be a welcome addition to your western DVD library.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Anita Strindberg is 80.

COMING ATTRACTION/RAMBLINGS

Well all the liberal hogwash about a "Russian Connection" in our last election has at least brought some good news, at least for people like me, but oh my are the "fanboys" bitching as usual.

On Aug. 7th Bayview Entertainment will be releasing a 4 movie 2 disc set called "The Roger Corman Russian Sci-Fi Collection". This set consists of "Battle Beyond The Sun", "Voyage To A Prehistoric Planet", "Voyage To The Planet Of Prehistoric Woman" and "Planeta Bur".

"Battle Beyond The Sun" and "Voyage To The Planet Of Prehistoric Women" will be in widescreen. "Voyage To A Prehistoric Planet will be in full screen and "Planeta Bur" is presented in Russian with English subtitles.

All of these but "Planeta Bur" have been available in various forms and quality for years, but are finally going to be released on DVD in a much better quality.

As soon as the news became available of this release the "fanboys" started tearing it apart. I guess these young punks who have never been want for ANYTHING in life will never get it. Damn, just be happy they are being released!!

THE MONSTER OF THE VOLCANO 1962 (DVD-R)

Extremely obscure Mexican horror film.

I heard about this only about two months ago and it took me a while to get a copy, but it finally got here, and here is my verdict.

This is a fun little film that I wish more people could see. A young woman (Ana Bertha Lepe) and her husband run afoul of a bizarre monster that lives in the volcanic region of Mexico.

The creature has the ability to contact the woman thru mental telepathy and he also hypnotizes her. We see later that he has several other women in the cave that are also under his hypnotic control. It's really something to see Lepe traveling what seems like miles in her nightgown when summoned by the monster in the middle of the night.

There are no subtitles on this film as it was never released in the USA and I am not really sure what the hell is going on some of the time, but there are scenes like I just described that are unforgettable.

The monster is also something to see. The monster suit looks like a bunch of furs sewn together and a white hood that reminds me of "Grimace) from the old McDonalds commercials.

But hey, this is the kind of movie I live to see. It's super rare, low budget and Mexican. What more could you ask for. The picture quality is beautiful and I wish someone would put this out. You gotta see it to believe it!! And of course Lepe is gorgeous as always. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Sondra Locke is 74, Carroll Baker is 87, Shane Rimmer is 89, John Karlen is 85, Kevin Van Herntenryck is 65, and Gladys Knight is 74.

THE GUN THAT WON THE WEST 1955 (MILL CREEK)

Fun western starring Dennis Morgan and Richard Denning.

William Castle helmed this fun feature which takes place in 1880's Wyoming. Colonel Carrington (Roy Gordon) and his command is ordered to build a series of forts in Sioux country.

He enlists the aid of Jim Bridger (Dennis Morgan) and his always drunk partner Jack Gaines (Richard Denning) to help get the job done and work with the Indians. Both men are friends with Sioux Chief Red Cloud (Robert Bice).

Theyt work long and hard trying to get a peace treaty and are close to doing so, when all hell breaks loose thanks to a drunken Gaines. His actions lead to a tense situation which could bring war.

In the meantime the cavalry are expecting a load of new guns called Springfield Rifles which they will need if war starts. Add into the mix, Gaine's wife, played by Paula Raymond and you have a damn good film.

In order to enjoy this film you have to throw historical accuracy and everything else out the window, but hey, this is a movie so does it really matter anyway? I think not.

Western fans take note, this is right up you alley. RECOMMENDED!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO....

Lee Meriwether is 83, Linnea Quigley is 60, Kip Niven is 73, Natalie Neidhart is 36, and Eric Bischoff is 61.

LAS VAMPIRAS 1968 (DVD-R)

This will be a slightly different review than most I do.

I had wanted to see this film forever, and still do actually. However, this was not the print to do that with.

I received this movie from a friend and while I enjoyed what I saw the movie was missing 28 minutes!! Why? Because the person who recorded it edited it because of time. I suspect this was because it was on VHS and the person recorded it off of TV and it was close to the end of a tape.

I was disappointed to say the least because this looks like a weird as hell Mexican vampire film starring Mil Mascaras, John Carradine and the lovely Maria Duval.

What was to be seen on this disc proved that once again a masked wrestler vs. monster film was very entertaining, BUT DAMN THE CUTS. Oh well, live and learn.

I will keep the footage I have and will always be looking for a complete version of the film for a much better review.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Pam Grier is 69, and Stevie Nicks is 70.

SEVEN 1979 (KINO) BLU-RAY

The second film in the career of Andy Sidaris.

This is a hugely overlooked film that has finally got as Blu-ray release from Kino, and it looks fantastic.

A Government agent learns that a gangster cartel of seven men is plotting to take over the entire state of Hawaii, and he must stop it along with the help of several others he knows.

William Smith stars as Drew Savano, a man with a deadly past who must hire seven hitmen and women to help[ save the state from violent takeover. There are several assassinations at the very beginning of the film, and it sets up the rest of the action to come beautifully.

Alexia (Barbara Leigh), Cowboy (Guich Koock), T.K. (Christopher Joy), Kincella (Art Metrano), Ed Parker (Ed Parker) and Professor (Richard LePore) are the ones hired to kill the men of the gangster cartel.

The film is very detailed in the explanation of who these people and their adversaries. There is a ton of action and incredibly sexy women, as usual in a Sidaris film. William Smith carries the film as usual in his low key but forceful way. The gangster cartel is made up of some of the most interesting characters I have ever seen in a film.

I can't say enough good things about this movie...it got action. some comedy, outrageous situations and some death scenes you won't soon forget. I am very glad this has been put out and am now waiting for the first film Andy ever did which is entitled "Stacy". This is a highly recommended film and a top release of the year.

The rest of the cast for this gem includes Reggie Nalder, Seth Sakai, Martin Kove, Lenny Montana, and the simply delicious Susan Kiger.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Leslie Uggams is 75, Ann Robinson is 89, and Reiko Ike is 65.

KLONDIKE KATE 1943 (MILL CREEK)

The weakest film in the 8 film collection of William Castle westerns from Mill Creek.

Ann Savage and Tom Neal star in this oddball film from William Castle.

Savage plays Kathleen O'Day who arrives in a small Alaskan town called Klondike to start running a saloon that was willed to her by her late father.

She soon discovers that the saloon is owned by a slick businessman named Jefferson Braddock (Neal) who has intention of giving it up. She and Braddock come to an agreement on the saloon for a while, but soon Braddock is framed for murder and must prove his innocence.

Although it's a good time waster, this film is by far the weakest of the entire set of William Castle films from Mill Creek. There are too many songs, and it plays much more like a comedy than anything else.

I am not really sure which genre they were shooting for here. All of the cast members do a great job and the print is beautiful, but I wouldn't own this film if it wasn't in a set.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Sybil Danning is 66.

RIP VINCENT MCEVEETY 1929-2018

A very prolific director of hundreds of TV shows and movies has died.

McEveety began his directing career in the early 60's with three episodes of "The Untouchables". He moved on to directing chores on other shows such as "Rawhide", "Perry Mason", "The Tammy Grimes Show", "Star Trek" and many more.

Some of the movies he helmed include "Police Story" which was a TV movie, "The Million Dollar Duck", "Strongest Man In The World" and "Wonder Woman" in 1974 starring Cathy Lee Crosby.

McEveety got the best out of every actor he worked with and it showed in his work. Look for his name on episodes of "Kolchak The Night Stalker" and "Airwolf" as well. He passed away at the age of 88.

CONQUEST OF COCHISE 1953 (MILL CREEK)

An Indian war is brewing in this well done western.

John Hodiak is cast as Cochise the Apache leader and does a very good job with the role. I always enjoyed Hodiak and his work and it's sad his career and life were cut short at the age of 41.

Robert Stack stars as Maj. Tom Burke, a man who is trying to stop a potential Indian war. It seems the Gadsden Purchase, which has brought part of Mexico into the USA, is the problem.

Burke has been sent to make peace with the Indians and he succeeds with Cochise, however Cochise cannot convince the Comanches to be peaceful. Burke also discovers that a mysterious "someone" wants an Indian war as their is plenty of profit to be made.

Again, as usual, this film really packs in the action and plot twists in 70 minutes. Stack and Hodiak make a great combination but I think it is Joy Page who silently steals the show. Her portrayal of Consuelo de Cordova, the Hispanic woman Burke loves and that Cochise keeps hostage is so well done...it's amazing.

The rest of the cast of this top notch western includes Steven Ritch, Robert Griffin, and Rodd Redwing. RECOMMENDED!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Joan Collins is 85.

RIP CLINT WALKER 1927-2018

One of my favorite actors had passed away.

The 6' 6" actor will forever be associated with the TV show "Cheyenne". Clint Walker started his acting career in the 1954 Bowery Boys film "Jungle Gents" as a Tarzan type character and never looked back.

He easily has a commanding screen presence whether it was on the small or large screen. After a few movies Walker hit it big with TV as Cheyenne Bodie in the classic show "Cheyenne" which ran for 7 years.

Some of his many memorable movies appearances include ""Gold Of The Seven Saints", "Night Of The Grizzly", "The Dirty Dozen" "Killdozer", "Snowbeast", "The White Buffalo" and "Scream Of The Wolf".

I was first introduced to Mr. Walker when I was a child and my mom and I watched "Night Of The Grizzly" together. Walker was an all around nice guy and one of the few conservative Republicans in the acting business.

Walker's portrayal of Cheyenne Bodie was an excellent role model for kids like me growing up on TV westerns. Walker passed away on May 21st, 2018 just 9 days short of his 91st birthday.

COMING ATTRACTIONS...

Some very interesting things coming to DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

Kino has announced that the fun little adventure film entitled "Jivaro" starring Fernando Lamas, Lon Chaney, Jr., Brian Keith and the gorgeous Rhonda Fleming will be arriving on Blu-ray. No date has been released as of yet.

Kino is also releasing "Tiger By The Tail" which is a stunning crime drama starring Christopher George, Dennis Patrick and Tippi Hedren. Release date is July 24th.

Warner Archive is bringing "Super Fly" to Blu-ray in early summer. An urban classic with a great soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield. Ron O' Neal stars as the title character in this wonderful action film.

A lastly, we go back to Kino for their release of the film noir gem "A Strange Adventure". This film is about criminals and the hostages they take in a mountain cabin while on the run. It's being released on Blu-ray with a new 4K scan from the Paramount vaults! The stellar cast includes Ben Cooper, Joan Evans, Jan Merlin, Nick Adams and the stunningly beautiful Marla English.

COP KILLERS 1973 (CODE RED)

Ultra low budget thrills in a somewhat forgotten film.

Two men on their way from delivering drugs find them selves stopped at a small police barricade and that's when the trouble begins.

They kill the cops and suddenly find themselves on the run. They, Alex (Bill Osco) and Ray (Jason Williams) go on a crime spree that includes killing every cop they see.

Ray starts to go completely over the top and he has Alex under his complete control. As things start closing in on the two, they kidnap a young woman named Karen (Diane Keller) and plan to use her as a hostage to escape the police.

All does not end well as the cops finally catch up to the wanted men. There are a couple of shocking scenes at the end of this film that I really wasn't expecting and it is pulled off very well.

One of the highlights of this film is the two main characters and their hijacking an ice creme truck with an ice creme man you'll never forget!! James Nite plays the ice creme man and all I can say is see it to believe it.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Barbara Parkins is 76, Marilyn Joi is 73, and Ashley Renee is 54.

COFFINS ON WHEELS 1941 (TCM VIEWING)

This is the first time I have ever reviewed a TCM short.

This is part of the MGM "Crime Does Not Pay" series. It runs 17 minutes and tells the story of crooked used car dealers who are selling dangerous automobiles to many unsuspecting customers.

A young man named Billy Phillips (Darryl Hickman) buys a used car and has a tragic accident that kills his younger brother. A detective, played by Allen Lane investigates.

This is a very well made and interesting little short film that really manages to hold your attention. I haven't seen many of these short films on TCM and I hope they are all like this.

If you come across this little gem, check it out. The rest of the cast includes Roy Gordon, Tom Baker and Cy Kendall.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...

Leo Sayer is 70.

RIP PATRICIA MORISON 1915-2018

Very prolific actress who entertained my generation has died.

Morison was born on March 19th, 1915 and entered films in 1935. For bizarre movie buffs like myself Morison was a very welcome face and a very alluring woman.

I was first introduced to her in the 1946 Sherlock Holmes film "Dressed To Kill" and from her performance in that film alone, I never forget her. She also starred in such low budget fun as "Queen Of The Amazons" (a personal favorite), as well as "Tarzan & The Huntress".

She also had a classic role in the wonderful film noir gem "Kiss Of Death" but because her character kills herself by putting her head in an oven, the entire scene was cut from the film. Although she is niot in the movie, her name remains in the opening credits.

Her non "fantastic films" roles included such fare as "Kiss Me Kate", "Song Without Sound" and "Sofia" among many, many others. Morison lived a very long and wonderful life. She had a mezzo-soprano singing voice and believe it or not she never married. She died May 20th 2018 from natural causes at the age of 103.

She is gone now, but she has left us a great legacy of films and TV appearances that will live on much longer.