“Hey, Bud, let’s party!”

One of cinema’s greatest one-liners captured perfectly an age when growing up meant hanging out in a suburban shopping mall, trying desperately to impress a girl – or at least get high and cruise through life:

It was a time when getting high led to only one thing:

[Spicoli, talking on the phone, hits his head with a shoe]
Jeff Spicoli: That was my skull! I’m so wasted!

Time to celebrate one of the greatest movies ever about growing up in America…

“Fast Times At Ridgemont High”!

This 1982 film launched the movie careers of many of its young stars, and is one of the best comedies about the angst of growing up in America there has ever been!

“Fast Times At Ridgemont High” was directed by Amy Heckerling, who went on to make the classic teen comedy “Clueless” – she really knew how to capture the humor, warmth, angst and confusion of these “Times” in our lives…

The Movie Is Based On A True Story!

Writer/Director Cameron Crowe actually wrote the book – when he went back to school for a year in order write the real story of students at a high school in Southern California.

The resulting movie is an 80’s classic, introducing us to one of cinema’s most hilarious stoners – first, check out the trailer:

“Hey, Bud, let’s party!”

Sean Penn has never been better as Jeff Spicoli, who is always stoned and hilariously funny! , and the cast include Judge Reinhold, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and a very young Forest Whitaker…

It was also Nicolas Cage’s first film appearance…but it is perhaps Phoebe Cates who made film history thanks to one iconic dream sequence:

The Bikini Shot Heard Around The World!

Phoebe Cates admitted she was nervous to shoot this scene, but it has become an iconic movie moment.

This legendary scene begins when Phoebe Cates and Jennifer Jason Leigh are hanging out by the pool – and when Judge Reinhold comes home from work and goes to the bathroom, he begins to fantasize about Cates – who calls out to him as she gets out of the pool, before removing her top…

That fantasy leads to the moment in real life when she accidentally walks in on him masturbating to her!

“Jeez! Doesn’t anyone fucking knock any more?”

According to IMDB, Reinhold secretly had a dildo in his hand, so Phoebe’s shocked and disgusted reaction was real!

Because this book was written about a year in the life of real high school students, the film deals with real issues about growing up in America. Jennifer Jason Leigh is terrific in the film, baring her soul – and a lot more – as a young woman who feels compelled to lose her virginity to keep up with her more beautiful friend.

This subplot is very serious, and the film doesn’t shy away from any of it.

That said, it’s also one of the funniest films ever, thanks to this guy!

Meet Jeff Spicoli!

Without a doubt, the most legendary character in the film is Jeff Spicoli!

As IMDB says:

“during shooting of the film, Sean Penn got so into character that he only answered as Spicoli. In fact, the door on his dressing room was labeled “Spicoli” instead of ‘Sean Penn’!”

Spicoli meets his match in Mr. Hand, plays beautifully by Ray Walston, who had a long career in movies and TV. Here is how they meet:

Jeff Spicoli: Hey, you’re ripping my card.
Mr. Hand: Yes.
Jeff Spicoli: Hey bud, what’s your problem?
Mr. Hand: No problem at all. I think you know where the front office is.
Jeff Spicoli: [stunned] You dick!

Here’s more from IMDB:

Ray Walston was at the time, best known for his role as Uncle Martin on My Favorite Martian (1963). Unfortunately Walston, like many actors of that era, was typecast in the role and couldn’t book serious roles until the decade ended. Walston said that after the release of this film, he’d be walking down the street and young people would see him and shout “Mr. Hand!”. Walston was grateful for that, as it finally meant that he had torn away from being only associated with playing Uncle Martin.

Even their relationship ends on a warm high note…”Fast Times At Ridgmont High” is one of the greatest “growing up” movies ever…

Crowe would go on to direct his own films, including “Jerry Maguire” and the autobiographical film about his own life, “Almost Famous.”

“Almost Famous” is one of the best films about the impact that music has on young people – and captures a great time in music history – because Crowe wrote for Rolling Stone as a teenager! See more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/12/01/pamela-des-barres-the-groupie-trilogy-almost-famous-the-groupie-life/

Let me know your favorite moments from “Fast Times!”

Meet Action Star Weng Weng!

Can you imagine a new movie starring this action hero? As you can see, he’s a BIT SMALLER than his co-stars:

I have written about this diminutive action star before, but now there is a documentary that tells his whole story!

This terrific new movie tells Weng Weng’s whole story – and has some amazing scenes, like this one, where the documentary Director sits down with Imelda Marcos!

Yes, the wife of the late Dictator Ferdinand Marcos is part of this Weng Weng movie!

Here is my review of this terrific new documentary that tells the story of the world’s most unlikely Action Star: Weng Weng!

Check out my entire story on the terrific website “ActionAGoGo!”

http://actionagogo.com/2016/12/02/5-reasons-weng-weng-is-an-action-star-you-need-to-know/

Thanks to “ActionAGoGo” for asking me to review the film – it really is terrific, as is the website, which is always full of new movie stuff to share with fans!

I love movies like this one: Weng Weng’s story is fascinating, just as his movies are:

Check out his blockbusters – which make great holiday gifts – by clicking on my story here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/06/weng-weng-troma-oz-plo-wacky-movie-lovers-need-a-shocking-stocking-stuffer/

Get yourself a dose of Weng Weng now!

A couple of weeks ago, one of Hollywood’s most legendary Artists – and Ladies Man – released his first film in more than fifteen years.

Yes, LADIES MAN!

“So, Did Warren Beatty Really Sleep With 12,000-Plus Women?”

Recently, US Magazine screamed this question about Warren Beatty, and he spoke about it coyly in a new interview in AARP magazine (note how they describe him on the cover).

As these magazines exemplified, EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE about this Actor/Director’s new film referenced this fact about him.

Here’s how AARP described his reaction to the US magazine article:

“The ‘Bulworth’ actor didn’t downplay his infamous ladies’ man reputation, though. “Look, I never mislead anyone,” he told the publication. “And … and I’m a nice guy.””

Now how do you think this publicity helped his new movie? Did it make ANYONE want to go and see his film? And how much did THIS poster help?

Set in 1958 Hollywood, “Rules Don’t Apply” follows the romantic relationship between a young actress and her driver, which is forbidden by their employer, Howard Hughes.

STOP RIGHT THERE.

First, the poster suggests NOTHING. It looks like a dark film noir..it also looks dramatically different than any other film being shown over Thanksgiving…

One other thing: most people don’t even know who Howard Hughes was. The movie trailer suggested a drama – wait, a comedy – wait, a love story with a mysterious figure lurking around. In today’s Hollywood, this plot and trailer were a recipe for disaster…and guess what? Disaster struck!

It “Rules” For The Wrong Reason…

“Rules Don’t Apply” opened on Thanksgiving weekend nationwide, and as Box Office Mojo describes, it was one of the industry’s worst openings EVER:

“Debuting in 2,382 theaters, “Rules Don’t Apply” delivered an estimated $1.57 million three-day weekend. The three-day result is the worst wide-opening of 2016, averaging just $661 per theater, and the sixth worst opening all-time for a film debuting in 2,000+ theaters.”

On the second weekend, the movie grossed only $230 per theater – that means an average of 15-20 people TOTAL saw the movie in each theater over those three days…

The End Of “Classic” Hollywood…

This is not a knock against Warren Beatty, a true Hollywood legend who has made great films such as “Bonnie & Clyde”, “Shampoo” and “Heaven Can Wait”…he is a Hollywood legend and deservedly so…

But the Hollywood of his era is gone – Beatty himself hadn’t made a film in fifteen years, and that one wasn’t a hit either. Looking at the entertainment industry over the last decade, here’s an even bigger fact: there are no more movie stars in Hollywood, there are only Super Heroes:

I loved “Guardians Of The Galaxy”, as well as many other “popcorn” movies. Animated hits like “Moana” and “Minions” are also huge box-office hit, leaving films like “Rules Don’t Apply” on the outside looking in…

More than that, many of Hollywood’s stars are making films that are being released on demand directly into the home!

Keanu Reeves’ “Man Of Tai Chi” and James Franco’s “As I Lay Dying” are just two of the films that bypassed theaters – other stars like John Travolta and Robert DeNiro have also gone straight to streaming services…here is a look at some of the bigger stars to go this route:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/07/james-franco-keanu-reeves-ondemand-the-new-future-of-film/

The fact is, Hollywood is now focused on animated blockbusters, super heroes, teen dramas and raucous comedies…and even some of those “sure-fire” blockbusters have bombed BIG:

This is just one of 2016’s mega-flops. Want to know how to lose $812-million in the movie business? Click here to see:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/02/how-to-lose-812-million-in-the-movie-business-2016s-tough-tough-year/

Even some of Hollywood’s most dependable box office stars aren’t…the latest Tom Cruise “Jack Reacher” film grossed just over $50-million in the US.

That’s less than half of what Cruise would gross just ten years ago…here is more on the change in Tom Cruise’s box office fortunes, including a film that had a new title added once it went to streaming services:

“Live! Die!” RENAME! The NEW Tom Cruise Film Is The OLD Tom Cruise Film!

This is not a knock against Cruise, who still makes entertaining films that are very popular around the world. I’m just pointing out that Hollywood has changed, and what it means to be a “movie star” has changed as well.

Finally, “Vintage Los Angeles” is a great website that highlights legendary Hollywood haunts – and documents those that are disappearing as well:

The legendary Dominick’s restaurant is an example – some of the most wellknown Hollywood “Haunts” for movie stars are being torn down, and a lot of Hollywood history is being lost forever click here to see more about Hollywood’s disappearing past:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the era of “classic” Hollywood is over…

“So Hot It’s Banned In HELL!”

That has to be one of the most hilariously obvious movie tag lines of all time! This is why I love the internet…someone posted this image, and I just had to share.

I have no idea what the film is about – I can’t find any info about the film online – so it is probably lost to time, as so many films are – but what a funny, over-the-top poster – it’s why I love classic sexploitation movies like that –

and THIS!

“No Car Or Man Was Too Hot To Handle”!

You get the idea: lurid, obvious sexual innuendo – designed to drive young men to the movies – and it worked!

These classic 70’s sexploitation movies were so bad they were great fun. There is a great site that collects and shares these classic movie posters, on twitter as @TheRioTheatre, and you should check out all of these classic movie posters here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/12/22/classic-cult-movie-posters-the-rios-grindhouse-exploitation-art-sexy-double-bills/

Here’s another example of a goofy horror comedy from that era!

These “Bee Girls” Sting!

I know what you’re thinking: can this movie ever be as great as the poster? The answer is, who cares!

These 70’s sex comedies always featured women who were beautiful – and deadly! Check out the trailer:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/06/sexy-bee-girls-campy-cult-cinema-gets-its-buzz-on/

So many classic exploitation movies have been rescued from oblivion by great home video companies like Something Weird:

Their classic documentary “That’s Sexploitation!” looks at this entire genre of cinematic madness:

This is a terrific documentary – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/20/thats-sexploitation-terrific-documentary-captures-the-seedy-majesty-of-grindhouse-cinema/

Enjoy this movie that’s hotter than HELL!

BOW DOWN AND “DIE HARD”!

Time to celebrate the “Citizen Kane” of action movies – and the greatest Christmas movie of all!

You all know the plot: New York City Detective John McClane arrives in Los Angeles to spend Christmas with his wife. Unfortunately, a group of terrorists, led by Hans Gruber, is holding his wife and her co-workers hostage in the Nakatomi Plaza building. Only John McClane can save them….check out the holiday trailer:

As you can see from the poster, the best Christmas movie of all time was released in July!

That said, all of the action takes place on Christmas Eve – so it’s a holiday film. Here are three reasons this is the greatest holiday movie ever…

Reason #1: It Turned Bruce Willis Into An Action Hero – and Alan Rickman Into A Villain!

In the film, when Deputy Chief Robinson says that John McClane “could be a fucking bartender for all we know”, it’s an inside joke, because Willis started in Hollywood as a bartender!

Bruce Willis was in the TV series “Moonlighting”, but this was the film that made him a movie star…he is perfect as the rogue Cop who is fighting against an army of bad guys…including Hans Gruber, played to perfection by the late Alan Rickman.

Rickman’s villain is funny, droll and very evil – sadly, this great Actor died in 2016 – here is a look at his career:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/01/14/rip-alan-rickman-from-die-hard-to-love-actually-a-great-career/

The script for “Die Hard” allowed Rickman plenty of room to give a nuanced, subtle performance as a truly “bad guy” – which is a great balance to Willis and his “bad ass cop” – the film captures their “battle of wits” very well, as when Gruber discovers that McClane is on his walkie talkie channel, so they have a memorable chat…

Hans Gruber: [on the radio] Mr. Mystery Guest? Are you still there?
John McClane: Yeah, I’m still here. Unless you wanna open the front door for me.
Hans Gruber: Uh, no, I’m afraid not. But, you have me at a loss. You know my name but who are you? Just another American who saw too many movies as a child? Another orphan of a bankrupt culture who thinks he’s John Wayne? Rambo? Marshal Dillon?
John McClane: Was always kinda partial to Roy Rogers actually. I really like those sequined shirts.
Hans Gruber: Do you really think you have a chance against us, Mr. Cowboy?
John McClane: Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker.

Reason #2: Yippee-Ki-Yay!

The second reason that “Die Hard” is so classic is the dialogue! Throughout the entire film, Willis and Rickman have a series of conversations that are funny and pointed.

The line “Yippee-ki-yay, motherfucker!” became an immediately catchphrase – an iconic line that shows just how “bad ass” McClane is – the line has been named one of the greatest in movie history…

In fact, the film is full of great character moments, funny one liners, and great twists on action-film convention….like these guys:

MEET FBI SPECIAL AGENTS JOHNSON AND JOHNSON!

“This is agent Johnson. No, the other one.”

Two Agents. One last name. One black, one white. These two FBI agents show up at the hostage scene and immediately alienate everyone on site. They are gruff, profane, and hilarious….and as it turns out one Johnson doesn’t really even like the other Johnson!

After annoying everyone on the ground, they jump in a helicopter and Robert Davi’s Johnson says, “Just like fuckin’ Saigon, eh, Slick?”

Grand L. Bush’s Johnson replies, “I was in junior high, dick-head.”

Being in the helicopter leads to the third reason this is such a great holiday classic!

Reason #3: The Best Character In The Movie: Nakitomi Plaza!

Yes, this office tower in West Los Angeles is so vital to the film that it’s even in the movie’s poster! That’s because Naikitomi Plaza is more than a movie location, it’s a huge part of the film’s plot!

The role of the building begins to take shape as Willis crawls through the air ducts…he uses the building itself as a weapon against the bad guys, who then do the same.

At one point, Hans Gruber knows where McClane is hiding, and sees that he has no shoes on…so he comes up with a way to use the building against him…

Hans Gruber: “Karl, schieß dem Fenster!”
Karl gives Hans a puzzled look. Exasperated, Hans repeats it in English: “Shoot the glass!”

That leads to a very bloody escape for Willis, as his feet are torn to shreds on the broken glass.

As IMDB points out:

“In the scenes where John McClane runs through glass shards in his ‘bare’ feet after glass partitions in the computer room are shattered, Willis is in fact wearing special ‘rubber’ shoes designed to look like his own bare feet. Look closely as his feet appear quite unnaturally large in some of these crucial ‘barefoot’ scenes.”

From then on, Willis must use every part of the building in his fight back against Gruber’s gang.

Thus begins the utter destruction of Nakitomi Plaza from inside and out!

This iconic office building is actually a 20th Century Fox office tower in West Los Angeles – it’s visible for miles and is now called “Nakatomi Plaza” by everyone!

In the film, McClane literally “blows out” an entire floor of the building by dropping a chair down an elevator shaft, wrapped in explosives!

When the bomb in the elevator shaft blows out the side of the building, the effect is amazing. Here is how that effect was accomplished:

The filmmakers collected every camera flashbulb of a particularly powerful type in the Los Angeles area and wired them to the outside of the actual building to simulate the flash, and then superimposed a shot of an actual explosive blowing a hole in the wall of an all-black miniature of the building!

Nakitomi Plaza has become a tourist spot in LA – you can even buy special replicas of the building as well!

There are SO many reasons that “Die Hard” is a classic action film – any time of year, but those are my three reasons it rules the holiday movie season!

OK Buddy, there are a lot of great holiday classics.

Here are nine more holiday movies I love as well:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/11/love-actually-del-griffith-fra-gee-lay-counting-down-the-nine-greatest-holiday-movies/

That said, “Die Hard” rules!

“One of the great Italian American pop crooners…”

It’s An Iconic Al Martino Christmas!

This holiday season I have been sharing some of my favorite holiday music, and I didn’t want to forget this classic holiday album from the iconic Al Martino, who has been described as one of the “great Italian American pop crooners!”

Al Martino’s Decades Of Smash Hits!

Martino was one of the most popular singers in America – decades full of hit albums, TV appearances, tours and movies as well.

Martino’s first #1 hit was “Here In My Heart” in 1952, and in the decades that followed, Martino sold millions of albums – and starred in the greatest film ever made…more on his most famous role in “The Godfather” in a moment…

In 1963, Martino had one of his biggest U.S. chart successes with “I Love You Because”. Martino had four other U.S. top 10 hits in 1963 and 1964 – “Painted, Tainted Rose”, “I Love You More and More Every Day”, “Tears and Roses”, and “Silver Bells”.

Martino’s Platinum “Spanish Eyes”

Martino is also known for the classic song “Spanish Eyes”, which went platinum in the mid-60’s.

Here is a great live performance from German television in 1967:

“You’re All I Want For Christmas”

But now it’s time to talk Santa Claus and more.

I wanted to share some of Martino’s great holiday music – classic songs that are timeless.

This album means so much to his family – as his daughter Alison told me:

“My parents actually met on a plane ride while dad was promoting that record. It was 1964 and my mother was an American Airlines stewardess at the time and he signed her a copy of that LP. It was a short flight, but was love at first “flight”.

Here is the audio-only of Martino’s classic holiday hit “You’re All I Want For Christmas”:

Martino left us with lots of great Christmas classics, like “What Child Is This”:

Martino has a lot of great holiday songs that you can buy, like this holiday classic “White Christmas”:

Alison has posted many great photos of her Mom and Dad. Here she is as a VERY young girl!

She and her Mom love listening to all of her Dad’s music, but the holiday music is also very special to her. As Alison told me:

“Dad’s Christmas album is truly our gift during the holidays. We lost him in 2009, but because of that record we hear him every year.”

UNSPECIFIED – CIRCA 1970: Photo of Al Martino Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Martino’s music can be downloaded or purchased from Amazon as well as other outlets – here is a link to his Christmas album…

https://www.amazon.com/Merry-Christmas-Al-Martino/dp/B00006LI14

I love this music – an era when Martino, Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett created a classic “Mad Men” sound, and on these holidays songs his voice is as smooth as silk…he was a huge star, and made his mark in movies as well…

Johnny Fontane Gets Smacked By The Godfather!

Martino famously portrayed washed-up Singer Johnny Fontane in “The Godfather”, and shares a great moment in the film with “Godfather” Marlon Brando.

Martino’s daughter Alison shared this anecdote with me:

“When dad was about to film that scene, he overheard Marlon Brando tell Frances Coppola:

“You better give Al a stiff drink before we shoot that scene”.

You know the moment, right when Johnny makes the mistake of saying “I don’t know what to do” to Don Corleone:

“You Can Act Like A Man!”

As you can see, The Godfather erupts with passion and screams at Fontaine: “you can act like a man!”

He also slaps him – something that wasn’t in the script and Martino had no idea was coming – his reaction is real!

As Alison adds about Brando’s warning to Coppola:

“After the scene was filmed, Dad knew why he said that. It was a hard slap!”

James Caan, who played Sonny Corleone, agreed. According to Caan:

“Martino didn’t know whether to laugh or cry!”

THE GODFATHER, Al Martino, Marlon Brando, 1972

Alison also shared this:

“During ‘The Godfather’, Dad recorded and additional Christmas song for the movie. It was “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and it plays in the scene where Michael sees the news about him pop in the paper being shot! Here’s the scene:”

Alison points out that her Dad’s version of the song has never been released commercially!

Alison’s Effort To Keep Vintage Los Angeles Alive!

Martino’s daughter Alison is an industry professional and entertainment insider who is passionate about saving “classic Hollywood” for future generations to enjoy:

Alison took part in a great “Godfather” screening here in Los Angeles, and she shared this “slap” story with Film Critic Kenneth Turan on stage – and she shows off her Dad’s personal copy of the film’s script!

She also tells a great story about how her Dad got new “Managers” unexpectedly when he was starting out – the Mob!

Check out this fascinating conversation here!

Alison’s terrific website “Vintage Los Angeles” is documenting the history of Hollywood so that it’s not forgotten…check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

There have been so many great Artists who have released holiday music…I’m a Paul McCartney fan, and he wrote one of the most popular songs:

You can see the music video from 1979 here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/17/paul-mccartneys-wonderful-christmastime-maccas-big-money-holiday-hit/

Paul wasn’t the only ex-Beatle to release a holiday tune, but this one was a bit more political in tone:

John and Yoko released the powerful “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in 1971 – here is the music video and some great trivia about the recording of the song:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/06/happy-xmas-war-is-over-john-lennons-powerful-anti-war-christmas-song/

One of the most unique holiday songs is the gorgeous duet between David Bowie and Bing Crosby:

UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: (AUSTRALIA OUT) Photo of Bing CROSBY and David BOWIE; with Bing Crosby, performing Little Drummer Boy (Photo by GAB Archive/Redferns)

Here is my story about the recording of “Little Drummer Boy / Peace On Earth” – and the fact that Bowie didn’t want to sing it! Click here for more:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/10/david-bowie-duets-with-bing-crosby-the-secrets-behind-the-greatest-holiday-song-of-all-time/

Many other performers and great bands also recorded a holiday classic:

Here are some great stories about the recording of this holiday classic:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/02/the-eagles-beautiful-christmas-single-please-come-home-for-christmas-funky-new-year-too/

Happy Holidays From Al!

RIP Carrie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds…

Movie fans around the world are mourning the loss of Carrie Fisher and her Mother, the iconic Debbie Reynolds.

There are so many places to get the official bio material, so I won’t reiterate credits for these two legendary women…

“Bright Lights” On HBO…

For those who aren’t aware, there is a new documentary that captures their life together…”Bright Lights” follows the two as they live next to each other in Beverly Hills…

Here is the reporting from Variety:

“The deaths of Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher over the past 48 hours have left the team behind the upcoming HBO documentary on the mother and daughter reeling from shock.

“Bright Lights: Starring Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher” is a chronicle of the extraordinary bond that mother and daughter forged over six decades in the unrelenting glare of showbiz’s spotlight. Documentary vets Fisher Stevens and Alexis Bloom directed and produced the film, which screened in October at the New York Film Festival and before that in Cannes.

“It’s a love story,” said HBO Documentary Films president Sheila Nevins told Variety Wednesday night after the news broke of Reynolds’ death at the age of 84.

“Carrie wanted to make ‘Bright Lights’ for Debbie and Debbie wanted to make it for Carrie,” Nevins said. The sudden loss of two women only magnify the importance of Fisher and Bloom capturing the material for the movie when they did.

Fisher died unexpectedly Tuesday at the age of 60 following complications from a heart attack suffered during a flight from London to Los Angeles. The twin blows have been overwhelming to all of those involved in “Bright Lights,” Nevins said. “If this was a Hollywood script, no one would believe it,” she said, fighting back tears. “They just loved each other so much. The bond was just unbreakable.”

A formal premiere date has not yet been set. HBO will carefully consider the appropriate timing given the tragic developments, Nevins said.

Much of the footage for “Bright Lights” was shot about a year ago. The movie depicts the intensely close relationship that mother and daughter maintained through all their personal and professional ups and downs. Fisher in the movie is candid about her recent battles with mental illness.

“It’s life with Carrie and Debbie. It’s about both of them trying to stand upright, both having their frailties — age on the one hand and mental illness on the other. It’s a love story about a mother and daughter — they happen to be Carrie and Debbie.”

Fisher’s goal with “Bright Lights” was to document for a younger generation Reynolds’ legacy as an entertainer — from her wholesome image as the star of the “Tammy” films to musicals such as “Singin’ in the Rain” to her cabaret and comedic chops. “She wanted to preserve all of that for her mother,” Nevins said.

Thanks to Variety for that great reporting.

You can read the entire article here:

http://variety.com/2016/tv/news/debbie-reynolds-carrie-fisher-bright-lights-hbo-documentary-1201949513/

Princess Leia’s Final Memoir…

Carrie Fisher had just released an explosive new book about life on the set during the filming of “Star Wars”, and it included some revelations about her and Han Solo.

Here’s how Google described the book:

“When Carrie Fisher recently discovered the journals she kept during the filming of the first Star Wars movie, she was astonished to see what they had preserved-plaintive love poems, unbridled musings with youthful naivet , and a vulnerability that she barely recognized. Today, her fame as an author, actress, and pop-culture icon is indisputable, but in 1977, Carrie Fisher was just a (sort-of) regular teenager.”

Carrie Fisher was already the best-selling Author of books like “Postcards From The Edge”, which was a fictionalized version of life growing up in the shadow of her famous mother.

Original Cinema Quad Poster – Movie Film Posters

That bestselling novel was made into a terrific film starring Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine…Carrie Fisher was an acerbic and candid Writer about life in Hollywood, including this memoir…

I cannot wait to see “Bright Lights”, and losing these two is a horrible way for 2016 to end…

Ready To End Your Holiday 2016 On A Heartburn-ish High Note?

I want to end 2016 on a culinary high – or at least a culinary adventure, so I headed to Napa Valley’s burger shrine, Taylor’s Refresher, so bite down on this:

This is burger perfection, thanks to a long-standing hamburger stand in the heart of California wine country.

Some may know it as “Gott’s”, but it will always be “Taylor’s Refresher” to me…

the reason for the confusion is a burger battle that you must read to believe…here is the story:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/01/15/napas-burger-battle-taylors-gotts-great-burgers-a-mondo-burger-fight/

Once I enjoyed this great bacon cheeseburger, I decided to cruise around the internet to see what everyone else was eating – and to see what was unique, different – yes, WACKY – but edible, and to many, delicious! Here we go:

Sausage-Wrapped Burrito!

Thanks to the website Ranker.com, I found this:

A “Taco Bell Cheesy Double-Beef Burrito” wrapped in a fully cooked Jimmy Dean Premium Pork sausage. I also found it taken one step further – after all of the above, you then wrap it in bacon!

Well, I could see myself digging into this…what, it’s over 1,400 calories and 175g of fat? Oh my…maybe this is better:

Deep-Fried Coke!

Yes, these little nuggets of greatness are actually bite sized portions of deep-fried Coke!

In the past decade, we have heard about state fairs, carnivals and conventions serving up a wide variety of deep-fried goods. Snickers, Twinkies and even Butter have been deep-fried. And now they’ve taken it to a new level. Coke!

Frozen Coca-Cola-flavored batter is deep-fried and topped with Coca-Cola syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, and a cherry.

This was apparently discovered in Texas, and is estimated to have 830 calories per cup and 28 grams of fat…less if you order Diet!

I can’t wait to head to the next state fair to try these wacky inventions…but when do they start?

You’ll never wonder again! It’s easy to keep track of time with this “bacon clock” – and if you want to see more wacky foods from you local state fair, like deep fried bacon, click here:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/10/29/bacon-to-cheer-you-up-chicken-fried-bacon-deep-fried-coke-crazy-fried-state-fair-food/

Now, let’s head overseas to see how they are celebrating the holiday:

Behold The Haggis!

In the mood for something different? Then head to Scotland and dig into some nice Haggis! What is haggis? Well, how about this: oatmeal and spices stuffed tightly inside a sheep’s stomach. You can find Haggis prepared in the traditional way, the stomachs filled with “pluck” (a sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs). The dish is traditionally served with a big glass of scotch and potatoes. Enjoy!

Better yet, thanks to the UK Handmade Burger Co., you can now have a “Stuffed Haggis” Burger!

A Haggis burger, or even these Haggis sliders, will no doubt satisfy your “unique food” need for the holiday.

But what if it doesn’t? Want something “hotter?”

Bite Down On The World’s Hottest Burger!

It may not look it, but this is a XXX-rated burger from England – XXX for hot hot hot!

So what makes the burger so deadly? The beef patty is topped with a sauce “based on a Piri Piri chilli concentrate.” Apparently it ranks 9.2 million on the Scoville scale, which is higher than pepper spray. Gambardella says that of the 3,000 who have tried to eat the burger, only 50 have finished it!

I would head overseas to WATCH someone eat this, but I wouldn’t go near it! See someone try to consume this baby here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/12/the-worlds-hottest-burger-xxx-hot-chilli-burger-madness-fire-up-your-meat/

You can wash this “bad boy” down with my favorite new drink:

Bacon Wine!

Yes, I found this “bacon wine” online – no idea who makes it or how good it is, but I’d try it for sure – right?

If all of this food and drink leaves you feeling bit “unwell”, perhaps a bacon drink tablet will help!

Yes, effervescent bacon tablets should have you feeling top notch….see all of my favorite bacon products here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/02/bacon-mona-lisa-bacon-caviar-bacon-seltzer-brackets-of-bacon-madness/

I know who to count on when my stomach is upset:

Sammy Davis Jr.!

Sammy knows what you need – check out some of the other gift ideas from his fellow celebrities by clicking on vintage movie star holiday ads here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/12/classic-celebrity-holiday-ads-frankfurters-cigarettes-vintage-stars-selling-smokes/

And remember, if you have too much to eat, then just take one of these and all is going to be just fine!

Goodbye To The Legendary Formosa Cafe…

Alison Martino, who created the great website “Vintage Los Angeles”, posted this on Instagram tonight:

“Well, it’s unfortunately official. @theformosacafe has closed and the building is for lease.”

Alison told me that “Esotouric’s Secret Los Angeles” broke the story, but once she shared it on her website, it went viral.

Alison has spent so much of her time trying to keep vintage Hollywood alive, and this is just more awful news…but the building owners are apparently looking for new tenants – so there is hope!

If there is someone who can step up, we can save this legendary Hollywood haunt!

Hollywood’s Legendary Formosa Cafe!

Here’s the history of the restaurant, according to wikipedia:

“The Formosa was founded in 1925 by 1920s prize-fighter Jimmy Bernstein. Bernstein operated his establishment initially in a Red Car trolley located just east of The Lot Studios.

Generations of movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable have eaten meals at The Formosa. Frank Sinatra is reputed to have spent many nights at the Formosa in the 1950s, pining over Ava Gardner.

In the 1991, the restaurant was threatened with demolition when its lease expired as plans evolved for, first, The Lot, the soon-to-be renamed Warner Bros studio lot parking lot, and later what would become The Lot shopping center. Due to concerted citizen and preservationist efforts, the restaurant was preserved in its present location as a landmark.”

Unfortunately, that didn’t help save this landmark, which was used brilliantly in the film “LA Confidential.”

In that classic scene, Guy Pearce confronts Lana Turner in the bar, thinking she is a prostitute “cut” to look like a movie star…

This scene was shot at The Formosa, so at least we will always be able to go back one more time to see this classic location…because it has been designated a historic landmark, the building may not be at risk, but a ill-advised interior remodel has destroyed much of what made the space unique…we’ll see what happens now…

CALL TO ACTION!

The owners are apparently looking for new tenants, so perhaps a great Restauranteur will step up….if you know of someone who has a vision for The Formosa, let them know that the building owners want to save it….I will update as more is known…

Destroying Hollywood’s Past…

This is just the latest example of a classic Hollywood institution closing…just last year, Dominick’s in West Hollywood closed its doors…

Here’s a look at this legendary celebrity haunt:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

You can still see landmarks Hollywood locations, like Hollywood’s “Hightower” apartment…

This location has been used in many films, see them here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/14/hollywoods-hightower-movie-past-vintage-los-angeles-climbs-these-legendary-stairs/

Journalist / TV Producer Alison Martino is fighting to save these local hangouts for future movie lovers to enjoy…

Check out my story about her website Vintage LosAngeles here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/20/vintage-l-a-noir-celebrate-las-heritage-amazing-website-and-classic-70s-noir/

Make sure to follow this great site at:

http://alisonmartino.com

A sad day to have to say goodbye to The Formosa Cafe…makes me want to watch “LA Confidential” with a nice cold drink in my hand…

Clint Eastwood – And One Incredible Year For Film!

Clint Eastwood has, over his career, had many incredible films – beginning with his “man with no name” character from early iconic westerns like this:

Eastwood has become an accomplished Director as well, with classic films like his Oscar-winning Best Picture winner “Million Dollar Baby”:

In 1971, Eastwood’s acting career slammed full on into his directing debut, and along with his close friend Director Don Siegel, he made three films that are, as a triple bill, a film lovers dream come true.

One was a smash hit, one was a cult classic, and one was a roadmap for “Fatal Attraction” to follow years later…let’s begin with the box office smash, and one of the greatest action films ever made:

Dirty Harry!

Eastwood teamed up with Director Siegel on this gritty action classic. San Francisco faces the terror of a maniac known as Scorpio – who kills innocent people and demands the city pay him a ransom to stop him from killing again.

Here is the gritty trailer:

Against this straightforward plot, Director Siegel and Eastwood paint a picture of the times: 1971 was a polarizing time of police brutality and anti-war protests. The film takes a strong view that police brutality is warranted because the “system” favors criminals over victims. It was, and still is, a polarizing argument played out in the film….no more so than in the early iconic scene when Callahan taunts a bleeding criminal…after having his hot dog lunch interrupted…

DO YOU FEEL LUCKY, PUNK?

It’s one of the most iconic scenes in movie history – when Harry disrupts a bank robbery and shoots one of the bad guys, leading to this legendary dialogue:

That scene is one of the most well known of all time, and establishes Harry’s personality and anti-establishment attitude…that said, the film is also very funny early on, when Dirty Harry explains to the Mayor why he shot a man who was going to rape a woman. The Mayor wanted to know how Harry could have known that.

Harry: “Well, when an adult male is chasing a female with intent to commit rape, I shoot the bastard. That’s my policy.”
The Mayor: “Intent? How did you establish that?”

Harry: “When a naked man is chasing a woman through an alley with a butcher’s knife and a hard-on, I figure he isn’t out collecting for the Red Cross!”

Harry then dramatically walks out of the room…there’s a pause, then they cut to the Mayor, who says:

“He’s got a point.”

Another great scene has Harry using a fire department ladder to be taken up five stories and rescue a suicide jumper.

According to terrific trivia on IMDB, Clint Eastwood directed the scene. However, it was said he directed the scene because Director Don Siegel was ill. This is inaccurate. Siegel was indeed ill, and wasn’t on the set, but Eastwood had always been scheduled to direct that scene, due to the difficult logistics of getting the actors, director, camera-man and sound-man all together on the top of a small ledge. In the shooting schedule, 6 nights had been set aside for the shooting of the scene. Eastwood told the studio he could shoot it in two nights. In the end, he shot the entire scene in one night!

Here is that terrific scene:

“Dirty Harry” is a brilliant movie, a great action thriller with iconic dialogue and a compelling social argument underway throughout the film…oh, and Siegel and Eastwood used the film to promote Eastwood’s directorial debut as well…check out what’s the marquee as Dirty Harry is walking the streets of San Francisco:

1971 would be a year that Director Siegel and Eastwood would never duplicate – they worked together THREE times, including Eastwood’s terrific directorial debut:

“Play Misty For Me!”

Clint starred in this classic thriller, and also made his directorial debut…check out the trailer:

Eastwood plays a Jazz DJ, who makes a BIG mistake when he picks up on of his fans – at a bar that is tended by Director Don Siegel!

Siegel is clearly having a blast in this scene, but for Jessica Walter, her fascination with Eastwood turns deadly in a hurry…

Watch this 1971 thriller, and you will notice that “Fatal Attraction” uses many of the same ideas…Clint’s directorial debut is a lean and clean thriller…and yes, it was just the second film of 1971 for him, because he and Siegel still had one more cult classic to come:

The Beguiled!

This is an unknown cult classic – with Eastwood playing a wounded Civil War soldier who seeks refuge in a girl’s convent…

Of course, they do a lot more than just “dress his wounds”, and the film – directed by Don Siegel of course – becomes a gothic horror film…

This is a cult classic, and if you want to see more about the film, you can read it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/04/04/man-eager-girls-take-on-clint-eastwood-the-obscure-cult-classic-the-beguiled-sophia-coppolas-remake-on-the-way/

So 1971 was an amazing year for these two guys: Cline Eastwood and Don Siegel – bravo!

Jon Peters Speaks!

Bravo to Tatiana Siegel and The Hollywood Reporter, for this fascinating exclusive interview with the legendary Hollywood Producer Jon Peters!

“And With A Loaded Gun On The Coffee Table…”

How is this for a setup to the article?

“In his first interview in 10 years, and with a loaded gun on the coffee table, the legendary former hairdresser turned producer and studio chief opens up about voting for Donald — kept secret from “love of his life” Barbra Streisand — his feud with Peter Guber and how it feels to collect huge paychecks on Superman movies for doing nothing.”

Well, that grabs hold of you and never lets go, right?

This is the Jon Peters who was Barbra Streisand’s hairdresser, then Movie Producer of films like “A Star Is Born.”

The article quotes him this way regarding Barbra:

“She was probably the love of my life. Yeah. She was the most captivating, interesting, creative person I have ever met,” he says. “I owe her. I will always owe her for giving me the life that I’ve had.”

This is the Jon Peters who, along with Peter Gruber, produced the “Batman” films then ran Columbia Pictures for a time in the 80’s.

The nonfiction book “Hit & Run” details that wild era – a terrific book by Nancy Griffin & Kim Masters that is a must read as well.

Finally, this is the Jon Peters who makes millions and millions of dollars for NOT actively producing “Superman” films.

Yes, he has made a fortune for staying away from the “Superman” movies!

According to the article:

“One of the first questions he answers is about his cut on Superman films. He says he took home $80 million to $85 million combined for 2006’s Superman Returns and Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel thanks to backend granted for his role in jumpstarting the franchise in the ’90s. Warners declined to comment. “I have 7.5 percent of the gross,” says Peters. “Together they did [more than] a billion.” He adds he was banned from the set of Man of Steel at the behest of producer Christopher Nolan: “My reputation scares these guys.”

This is a great article, and Tatiana Siegel weaves an amazing story of Hollywood, and of a man who has become a legend for so many reasons! He has also been out of the limelight for a decade.

According to the article:

“The biggest reason Peters has eschewed the press for the past decade is due to what he calls a mischaracterization of his contributions, perpetrated by the Hollywood press.”

Until now. A fascinating read and again, bravo to Tatiana Siegel and The Hollywood Reporter. These two short highlights are just the beginning of a fascinating read, so please click to see the entire article here at TheHollywoodReporter.com:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/i-am-trump-hollywood-reclusive-outrageous-jon-peters-is-still-rich-rich-963537

Again, a terrific article with an amazingly candid Peters.

I love stories of classic Hollywood, and my friend Alison Martino documents them as well on her “Vintage Los Angeles” website….see some here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/15/destroying-hollywoods-soul-goodbye-dominicks-vintage-los-angeles-alison-martino-fights-to-save-tinseltowns-iconic-past/

Alison is sharing great stories about Hollywood, its iconic locations, and more important, the legendary people who have made the entertainment industry what it is…

The industry was stunned when Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds both died, and their story is worth hearing over and over again…check out the new HBO special here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/29/rip-carrie-fisher-rip-debbie-reynolds-hbo-bright-lights-documentary-captures-their-life-together/

These two women were incredible Talents, with great inside stories of this wacky business…

I mean, only in Hollywood could I add up $812-million dollars in losses from a handful of films in 2016 – see those numbers here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/02/how-to-lose-812-million-in-the-movie-business-2016s-tough-tough-year/

Let me know what you think of the Jon Peters story!

A “Monster” Box-Office Meltdown!

This past weekend saw the release of the big-budget action film “Monster Trucks” – and it bombed, barely grossing $10-million dollars in nationwide release.

The problem was well known. Before Paramount even released this movie, their parent company Viacom wrote off $115-million, meaning they knew it wouldn’t make any money, so they took the loss on their 2016 taxes!

This is not an indictment of the film – as with every movie that fails, the intent was to create an entertaining piece of fiction for audiences to enjoy in theaters, but it’s is SO tough to know – two years in advance, when a film goes into production – what audiences will respond to, and they clearly DIDN’T respond to this. “Monster Trucks” is only the latest example of some wildly unsuccessful films being released!

2016’s $812-Million Writedown!

I posted a story showing how a handful of films in 2016 grossed $812-million LESS than they cost to make!

This disastrous remake of “Ben Hur” was one of many big $$$ debacles in 2016.

Click here to see the entire list of box-office bombs:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/09/02/how-to-lose-812-million-in-the-movie-business-2016s-tough-tough-year/

There are films that were legendary flops, like “The Adventures of Pluto Nash” with Eddie Murphy, and “Cutthroat Island” with Geena Davis – these films wrote off $100 million or more – huge amounts of money spent to make the films, with little in return. Even some of Hollywood’s legends took a big fall in 2016:

This article says “Beatty Is Back!” but Warren Beatty’s film “Rules Don’t Apply” was virtually ignored when it was released on Thanksgiving weekend – one of the worst opening weekends for a wide film release in history…here is the whole story:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/09/the-death-of-classic-hollywood-ladies-men-streaming-stars-and-warren-beattys-rules-dont-apply/

The business is certainly changing, and for the last decade, movie stars who were traditionally “box office gold” suddenly weren’t:

Arnold Schwarzenegger used to be the biggest star in the world, but after several post-Governor films tanked, he ended up hosting “The Celebrity Apprentice”…here is a look at stars like Arnold, Sylvester Stallone and their declining box office:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/02/05/the-action-80s-are-over-sly-and-arnolds-action-disasters-stallone-and-schwarzenegger-bomb/

Again, the nature of the movie business has changed, and movie stars are no longer guaranteed to generate big $$$. I wish the best for anyone releasing a movie these days: the business has changed so much that many big stars are now debuting their movies on demand!

Keanu Reeves made a great action movies called “Man Of Tai Chi”, which premiered on demand…and he’s not alone: James Franco, Brian DePalma, John Travolta and many more are doing the same – see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/10/07/james-franco-keanu-reeves-ondemand-the-new-future-of-film/

There is now a financial opportunity to release movies directly into the home, saving millions in marketing costs.

In many cases, these are really good films, and this new trend could actually help filmmakers get their movies in front of an audience.

As I’ve said, the business is changing so much: isn’t an indictment of “Monster Trucks” or the filmmakers at all – everyone WANTS to make a successful film, but the marketplace is so difficult to judge, and who knows? The film could be a huge hit overseas…time will tell.

“Maximum Security Has Just Gone To Hell!”

How can you argue with a tagline like that? It’s from the trailer to one of the most outrageous “women in prison” films of the 80’s, called, naturally:

“Women’s Prison Massacre!”

Folks, this is classic “euro-sleaze.”

A group of women are kidnapped by guerrillas and forced to serve as prostitutes for them in a jungle brothel. The sadistic female warden decapitates uncooperative girls – of COURSE she does!

Here is the trailer:

Director Bruno Mattei is known for such classic exploitation as “Hell of the Living Dead” a.k.a. “Night of the Zombies”, as well as “Rats: Night of Terror” – so you know it’s going to be a classic!

This is a classic genre of exploitation film: women in prison, fighting to survive in hellish conditions – and ALWAYS turning the tables on their captives in terrifically entertaining and vengeful ways!

By the way, the US had plenty of these films as well, some of the most entertaining exploitation movies of the 70’s and 80’s!

How can you not love this poster for Pam Grier’s women-in-prison classic “Black Mama White Mama?”

See the best the US has to offer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/21/black-mama-white-mama-queen-of-blaxploitation-pam-grier-naked-showers-women-in-prison-classics/

Classic “Euro-Sleaze!”

These films reached their zenith in the wild and wacky days of the 70’s and 80’s, when filmmakers with no budget and lots of cheap Actors routinely offered up lots of nudity and cheap stunts to entertain the masses…and now terrific home video companies are bringing these sexploitation classics back for us to enjoy.

So just what IS “Euro-Sleaze”, anyway?

Well, it’s a lost genre of film from Europe – sleazy and exploitive…

Here are some examples:

As you can see, this genre covered ALL kinds of wacky cinema, some starring very big stars like Richard Burton!

“Bluebeard” is a cheesy and sleazy as “The Sinful Dwarf”, even with big names stars like Raquel Welch, who plays the world’s sexist Nun!

There is so much that is so, so wrong about this film – see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/08/richard-burton-freezes-raquel-welch-bluebeards-classic-euro-sleaze/

“Euro-sleaze” was different than European exploitation known as “Artsploitation” – films with lots of sex and violence, but presented in an artful, independent film style…

Christina Lindberg was the “Queen Of Artsploitation” – here is a look her work:

https://johnrieber.com/2012/05/21/swedish-sex-kitten-christina-lindberg-the-original-queen-of-artsploitation/

The French also had a number of highly erotic thrillers that were a big step above “euro-sleaze”…

Director Jean Rollin made some of the best in the 70’s, check out my list here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/04/23/arty-blood-arty-nudity-classic-artsploitation-the-films-of-jean-rollin/

Let me know your favorite euro-sleaze classics!

This House Has A New Tenant!

Yes, we have a new President, who has taken up residence in the most famous “rental property” in the world!

I have been lucky enough to go to Washington DC a few times, and it is a city rich with history. It also has a new tenant, who is one of the most polarizing Presidents in modern American history.

I’m not really here to discuss that – there is plenty of it all over social media. I wanted to share some interesting things about the Presidency in general – so let’s begin where I love to begin – with food.

Yes, you can bite down on a Trump burger! This was actually created in the UK, but I can imagine there are many others underway here in the states as well. The ingredients will vary, from items that are complimentary to The President, and many that are not.

And in Japan, an enterprising fast food chain offered you the chance to vote with your mouth! You could buy a Trump Burger or a Clinton Burger, and whoever sold the most was the winner!

I never heard who won, but you can see the ingredients for both burgers here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/01/u-s-election-burgers-from-japan-donald-trump-burger-hillary-clinton-burger-vote-with-your-mouth/

The election of 2016 is behind us now, but it was a decisive campaign that has polarized much of our country.

I shared this story about the massive protests I saw outside my apartment – massive crowds that clogged Chicago’s Lakeshore drive the night after the Presidential election of Donald Trump:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/09/massive-chicago-anti-trump-protest-post-election-tumult-nationwide/

This isn’t a post about Republicans or Democrats; it’s a story about how politics has been in the forefront of our consciousness many times before.

Hmmmm. come to think of it, the White House has a long history of scandal – and wacky inhabitants – perhaps none more so than the guy you see above – America’s “horniest” Commander In Chief!

President Warren G. Harding had a love child AND a mistress in the White House – he really was a “corndog” and a scoundrel – read about him here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/07/31/sexy-presidential-sugar-pie-scandalous-president-john-tyler-sexy-presidents-who-are-hot-in-the-kitchen/

There have also been shocking scandals in the White House, like the tragic story surrounding the great President Rutherford B. Hayes:

His Assassin didn’t kill him – the White House Doctors did! It was a shocking time in our nation’s history, and you can read an incredible book that tell the entire story, including how Thomas Edison was part of the team! Read about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/24/shocking-presidential-history-the-destiny-of-the-republic/

As a nation, we have endured good times and bad, and 2017 is just the next phase in our country’s history, being written as we speak.

I travelled through rural Oklahoma in 2015, and it allowed me to see a part of the country that has felt “left behind” – small ghost towns barely hanging on, and certainly nothing to look forward to:

These rural, deserted towns were, in large part, what fueled Trump’s victory – his message promised a change…here is a look at my visit to this dying part of our country…

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/12/morning-in-red-state-america-how-the-dying-towns-of-oklahoma-help-explain-election-2016/

These small towns exist in every single state in our country, and these people want to contribute to our country. We will see how President Trump acts to help them.

2016 will go down as the most unique Presidential election of our time – fakes news, foreign involvement, two deep polarizing candidates…but now matter how much the “swamp is drained”, Washington DC is a town where politics is big big business!

This book takes an inside look at the “business of politics”, and boy, it’s wild!

Read all about it here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/31/political-chaos-2016-network-and-broadcast-news-nailed-it-this-town-confirms-the-shenanigans/

No matter how you feel about the election of 2016, it’s now time to try and heal our country’s wounds and move forward in a way that benefits all of us – and remember, at some point this “rental property” will become available again!

Prepare To Be Inspired!

I love to share positive stories like this – there is a quiet “phenomenon” underway in our country for the terrific historical drama “Hidden Figures”, which could result in a nomination for Best Picture of the year!

Oscar nominations are revealed Tuesday, January 24th, and there is a sense in Hollywood that “Hidden Figures” is going to surprise everyone!

The story of “Hidden Figures” is inspiring: it reveals the role that three African-American women had in the launch of America’s space program, at a time of segregation in our country.

Here is the trailer:

When the film opened, expectations were “normal” – meaning that if it received good reviews and world of mouth, it might do well…but there was no sense that a groundswell of support would occur…

Toppling Darth Vader!

Entertainment industry experts were surprised when “Hidden Figures” soared past “Star Wars: Rogue One” to become America’s most popular film, and this revealing look at one aspect of America’s “race to space” just keeps building momentum…

Since opening, “Hidden Figures” has continued to grow in popularity – usually a film will open and then slowly fade – the opposite is happening here. Here is an excerpt from a terrific article on the film in The Atlantic:

“Since it expanded nationwide, it has spent two weeks at the top of the box office, ahead of big-budget films like Monster Trucks, Patriots Day, Live By Night, and Oscar frontrunner La La Land. Made for a comparatively small $25 million, the film is essentially guaranteed to gross at least $100 million in the United States alone, posting a very healthy profit for its studio, 20th Century Fox. The viewing public’s desire for a film like Hidden Figures is indisputable. So why does Hollywood make so few of them?”

The Atlantic article is a great read about how movie studios need to tell more stories like this – see the whole article here:

https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/01/hidden-figures-box-office-success/513332/

The article goes on to ask why so few films are made that take on important stories like this…what’s great is that the box office success of “Hidden Figures” will help studios make the decision to tackle more diverse stories.

“Hidden Figures” Plays “Hardball!”

I love “Hardball” on MSNBC, and Host Chris Matthews had the entire cast and creative team on his show to discuss the film – it was a spirited, upbeat and insightful conversations nd I’m so happy that the segment is available online to see.

Here is a terrific interview segment with Chris Matthews on “Hardball”:

The phenomenon that is “Hidden Figures” is exciting: the film tells a story that was neglected for so long…and people are responding to it.

That is is stark contrast to another film that recently opened:

“Monster Trucks” bombed when it opened in movie theaters – in fact, the parent company behind the film wrote off $115-million dollars before it even opened!

Here is that story:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/16/monster-trucks-meltdown-115-million-write-off-before-it-even-opened-disastrous-movie-performances/

Bravo to the entire cast and crew for shedding light on a woefully neglected part of history!

Time To Shock Yourself Through The 80’s!

If you love movie trailers, AND you love cult horror films of the 80’s, well it’s time to get this new blu-ray and have a ball!

Here is how the great home video website “10Kbullets.com” describes the set:

“Trailer Trauma 3: 80s Horror-Thon is Garagehouse Pictures third installment to their Trailer Trauma series. The other two installments in this series include, Trailer Trauma and Trailer Trauma 2: Drive-In Monsterama. And this latest installment like its predecessors does superb job when it comes to picking trailers that have not been in other trailer collections.”

“Where previous installments featured a variety of genres. This latest installment is all about 1980’s Horror cinema. With the first Disc covering 1980 and 1981 and the second disc covering 1982 through 1989. At just under seven and ½ hours. There are two hundred and fifty-four trailers. Needless to say, there is a wealth of content included for this mammoth release”.

Bravo To Garagehouse Pictures!

Talk about a trip down a horrific memory lane!

Cult gems as diverse as “Children Of The Corn” and “Igor And The Lunatics” are included, along with 80’s classics like “The Fly” and yes, “The Slumber Party Massacre!”

Also included are lots of mainstream movies like “Jaws 3D” and “Dressed To Kill”. This collection is amazingly extensive, and reminds us of the wide variety of horror films on the 80’s, including such prescient movies as John Carpenter’s “They Live.”

Carpenter’s subversive horror film is as relevant today as when it was made – check out the story of this terrific thriller here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/09/13/they-live-john-carpenters-80s-cult-classic-google-glass-warning/

Garagehouse Pictures has done a terrific job showcasing these 80’s horror films with beautiful new restorations of the original movie trailers.

Highlights include cult classic from the entire decade, like 1980’s “Don’t Answer The Phone”, “Night Of The Comet” from 1984, along with “The Toxic Avenger” from the same year…

I love the wacky world of Troma, and while their iconic superhero from New Jersey is certainly worth celebrating, they have so much more as well – check it out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

As we get later into the 80’s the trailers just get better and better:

From of the best movie titles comes from 1987: the classic “Hello Mary Lou: Prom Night II” – and the collection ends in 1989 – including the amazingly obscure shocker “Society”…

Thanks to the website “10kbullets.com” for their review of the entire set – see it here:

http://10kbullets.com/reviews/t/trailer-trauma-3-80s-horror-thon/

Another great place for cult movie reviews, including this trailer compilation, is “Mondo-digital.com” – see their review here:

http://mondo-digital.com/trailertrauma80s.html

Let me know your favorite 80’s horror!

“I’ve seen enough fake blood to know the real thing when I see it.”

A troubled wannabe Filmmaker stalks the Actress he wants to star in his “horror masterpiece” in the cult classic “The Last Horror Film.”

Legendary Character Actor Joe Spinell Is A “Fanatic!”

“The Last Horror Film” is a great low-budget cult film that was also known as “Fanatic” – a 1982 horror film starring the great character Actor Joe Spinell and iconic sex kitten Caroline Munro.

Yes, Caroline is sporting a VERY early 80’s hairstyle, and yes, it is several different colors at the same time!

The director, David Winters, filmed on location at the Cannes Film Festival. Check out the trailer:

Joe Spinell plays a New York City taxi driver who is obsessed with the international cult actress Jana Bates – played by the great Actress Caroline Munro.

If you are unfamiliar with Munro’s work, she’s done a number of great movies, including her turn as a “Bond Girl.”

Here is a look at Caroline Munro’s career:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/06/19/caroline-munro-from-sex-kitten-to-vincent-price-to-bond-girl-a-maniac-too/

Joe Spinell was a great character Actor, with roles in classic movies like “The Godfather”, as one of Michael Corleone’s hit men.

Spinell acted in dozens of great films. He chewed out a young Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver”, and he was Rocky Balboa’s first boss in “Rocky”.

“The Last Horror Film” was Spinell and Munro’s third time working together, after “Starcrash” from 1978 and “Maniac” in 1980.

Spinell fantasizes about becoming a great Director, so he follows Munro to the Cannes Film Festival, where she is promoting her new film “Scream.”

What is fascinating to watch are all of the shots of official 1981 film festival activities, with recognizable stars walking through the festival – of course, this film was shot guerrilla style without permits!

I was lucky enough to attend the festival for years – here is a look at some of my unique celebrity encounters, including Arnold Schewarzennegger, Joan Rivers and adult film star Jenna Jameson!

https://johnrieber.com/2016/05/08/cannes-2016-remembering-joan-rivers-jenna-jameson-my-seven-greatest-cannes-film-festival-moments-arnold-schwarzenegger-jcvd-my-favorite-cannes/

“The Last Horror Film” isn’t an award-winning movie, but it’s a unique low-budget horror film and character study, and worth checking out – the entire creative team gave it their all and told a unique story…

If you love Spinell’s other movie work, take a look at some fascinating trivia around “The Godfather”:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/07/19/the-godfather-screen-tests-robert-deniro-is-sonny-corleone-godfather-trivia/

My friends at Troma were behind the first release of “The Last Horror Film”…a terrific blu-ray release includes a new and “as always wacky” introduction from Troma Maestro Lloyd Kaufman, plus a bunch of other goodies…

Troma is the leading independent movie studio in America, and have a long list of great cult classics…check them out here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/12/03/exploitation-nazis-shakespeare-tromas-tromatic-holiday-gift-guide/

Let me know if you’ve seen “The Last Horror Film!”

Deadline.com just posted this story about a public memorial now planned for Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher on Saturday, March 25 at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

The post reads: “We will be celebrating their lives with friends, family members, and the people who loved them, you. The service will begin at 1:00 PM and immediately afterwards, those who want to walk to their final resting place are welcome to do so.”

“There are a limited number of seats available, and it will be on a first come first come, first seated basis, There are no tickets, it is first come, first seated. There will be room for overflow in the huge lobby as well as the outside with screens to watch and hear the service.”

Carrie’s brother Todd posted this on Twitter:

“Memorial for Debbie & Carrie set for 3/25 @1pm Forrest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Hall of Liberty Theater, Info at:

http://hollywoodmotionpictureexperience.com/news/

Fans were stunned by the deaths of Fisher and her mother Reynolds – HBO rushed onto air the candid and poignant documentary “Bright Lights” that told their story:

You can read about that documentary here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/12/29/rip-carrie-fisher-rip-debbie-reynolds-hbo-bright-lights-documentary-captures-their-life-together/

I can’t wait to see how many people turn out to honor these two legends…

“Son, whatever you do, don’t sell that cow!”

Happy Birthday Gene Hackman!

One of America’s greatest Actors is celebrating a birthday, so it’s time to share trivia, trailers and ten of his greatest roles….

Time To Celebrate The Legendary Gene Hackman!

January 30th is the Actor’s birthday – he was born in 1930.

His career spanned five decades – and resulted in a ton of awards, including two Oscars. He won the Best Actor award in 1971 for his portrayal of “Popeye” Doyle in “The French Connection”, and the Best Supporting Actor award for “Unforgiven” in 1992.

His First Roommate Was Dustin Hoffman!

First, a few bio tidbits: In 1956, Hackman began pursuing an acting career; he joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, where he made friends with another aspiring actor, Dustin Hoffman. Already seen as outsiders by their classmates, Hackman and Hoffman were later voted “The Least Likely To Succeed.”

FYI, the two Actors remained lifelong friend, and they finally acted together in the film “The Runaway Jury.”

“FATHER BRADY?????”

How about this?!?!?! Gene Hackman nearly accepted the role of Mike Brady in the TV series, “The Brady Bunch”, but was advised by his agent to turn it down – he was almost Marcia Brady’s Dad!

Author Hackman!

Did you know that Hackman has teamed with undersea archaeologist Daniel Lenihan, and written a number of novels, including Wake of the Perdido Star (1999), Justice for None (2004), Escape from Andersonville (2008) and Payback at Morning Peak (2011).

It was in 2008, while promoting his third novel, that Hackman confirmed that he had retired from acting.

Director Alexander Payne specifically wanted to make his movie “Nebraska” just so he could work with Hackman, but the Actor declined the offer to come out of retirement…so the role went to Bruce Dern, who got an Oscar-nomination for the role!

Could you imagine how great Hackman would have been in the movie? It was a tailor-made role for him – and he is, without a doubt, one of film’s all time greatest…

Here now is my list of the top ten Gene Hackman performances, beginning with one that you may not even remember – his comedic cameo for Mel Brooks:

10-Young Frankenstein!

Yes, it was only a cameo, but Hackman proved he could do comedy with the best of them – popping up halfway through this classic Mel Brooks comedy, as a lonely Monk looking to share a meal and a cigar with the Frankenstein monster.

Hilarious.

You never think of Hackman as a comedic Actor, but he had perfect comic timing, shown off no better than here, in a comedy masterpiece…and there are more great comedic examples to come, but first, one of the his best roles is also a favorite for all sports film lovers:

9 – Hoosiers!

In 1986, Hackman played a coach with a checkered past who teams up with a local drunk played by Dennis Hopper to train a small town high school basketball team to become a top contender for the championship.

His performance is understated, and he gives Hopper plenty of room to shine in the smaller role – a great example of his generosity as an Actor.

He burst onto the movie scene, however, with his mesmerizing role in a modern classic:

8 – Bonnie & Clyde!

Hackman exploded on movie screens as Buck Barrow, part of the most legendary gang in history. As Clyde says, “this here’s Miss Bonnie Parker. I’m Clyde Barrow. We rob banks.”

Hackman was oscar-nominated for his performance in this groundbreaking action thriller from 1967. You could see from this performance that he had “star quality”…especially when he tells a joke while they are driving – with the classic punchline:

“Son, whatever you do, don’t sell that cow!”

He was simply mesmerizing in the scene…

Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway head up an outstanding cast directed by Arthur Penn, who also directed another classic Hackman film, “Night Moves” – more on that in a moment……

“Bonnie & Clyde” is one of the most important films of the 60’s – ushering in a new era of violence and frankness in movies…read more about that era here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/17/bonnie-clyde-vintage-la-screening-amazing-live-guest-pictures-from-a-revolution/

Hackman could play a tough guy very well, but here is one of his most popular roles – again, many forget this one, since he was playing a comic villain in a beloved Superhero movie!

7 – Superman!

In 1978, Hackman entertained a whole new generation with his portrayal of Lex Luthor, the Superman’s nemesis, and he did it with a comedic flair that has been missing in re-boots of the franchise…

It was unexpected casting – considering that Hackman was an Oscar-winning Actor at the time – serious, tough as nails, not known for a comedic touch…yet in the film, he acts in such a fun, carefree way that it forever changed his reputation as a serious, tough as nails Actor!

As Lex Luthor says to his idiotic accomplice Otis, played beautifully by Ned Beatty:

“Do you know why the number two hundred is so vitally descriptive to both you and me? It’s your weight and my I.Q.”

And Hackman’s comic timing was showcased once again in this film that skewers Hollywood!

6-Get Shorty!

This is one of the best films about Hollywood. John Travolta starred as mobster Chili Palmer, who travels to Hollywood to collect a debt and discovers that the movie business is much the same as his current job: a non-stop hustle. Hackman has a terrific role as Harry Zimm, a low-rent, low-budget movie Producer who gets caught up in Travolta’s Hollywood adventures, and pays a painfully funny price.

The late James Gandolfini also has a great part in the film, but Hackman nailed the sleazy Producer role.

As Zimm says of Chili Palmer:

“The guy’s been in town two days, and already he thinks he’s David O. Fucking Selznick.”

Lots of great acting in this hilarious movie from 1995.

Now, back to a classic film noir from he 70’s…

5-Night Moves.

I’ve written about “Night Moves” before, but now that it has been released on DVD and Amazon streaming, it’s a great film to check out.

Here is the film’s trailer:

It’s a terrifically moody film noir – Hackman plays private detective Harry Moseby, who gets hired for a standard missing person case, as an aging Hollywood actress wants him to find her stepdaughter. The stepdaughter is played by Melanie Griffith, in her first movie role.

As Private Detective Harry Moseby travels to Florida to find the missing girl, he begins to see a connection between the runaway girl and a suspicious mechanic when an unsolved murder comes to light.

As with all great film noir, the story takes many twists and turns as the true motives of the cast become clear…and a great cast including the young Griffith and a young James Woods as well.

You can see more about this film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2013/11/14/the-limey-night-moves-classic-action-noir/

Hackman starred in a number of action films, but perhaps the most deliriously entertaining is this gritty “B” movie from the early 70’s:

4-Prime Cut!

Lee Marvin was one of film’s all-time tough guys, but Gene Hackman stood toe-to-toe with him in this gritty thriller…here’s a teaser:

Lee Marvin plays his toughest role ever, as an “Enforcer” for the Mob, who heads to Kansas City to get the money that Gene Hackman owes the Mob…

Hackman plays a cattle rancher who not only grinds his enemies into sausage, but sells women as sex slaves. The movie was considered highly risqué for its time based on its level of violence, as well as its graphic depiction of female slavery, including a scene depicting the auctioning of young women in the manner of beef cattle.

Gene Hackman digs into his role as the bad guy, but it’s Marvin to kick ass and takes no prisoners. There is a scene where Marvin and Sissy Spacek are chased through a wheat field by a shredder…a great action sequence.

This was Sissy Spacek’s feature film debut – and involves a lot of nudity for the young Actress….

Marvin and Gene Hackman have a number of great scenes together, a couple of tough guys chewing up the scenery in a great B-movie – here is more trivia on the film:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/03/23/prime-cut-grindhouse-classic-gene-hackman-vs-lee-marvin/

One of the my favorites of all-time includes a performance by Hackman that is one of his best:

3-Scarecrow.

“A crow isn’t afraid of a scarecrow. It laughs.”

Hackman starred with a very young Al Pacino in Director Jerry Schatzberg’s brilliant “Scarecrow”…here is the trailer:

Talk about an acting master class! Gene Hackman was just a year past his Oscar-Winning Best Actor role in “The French Connection” Here he plays Max, an ex-con who’s been saving money to open a car wash in Pittsburgh.

Max: “For every car, there is dirt.”

Max is hitch-hiking across country, and on the way he meets Al Pacino…

Gene Hackman is brilliant as a tough, tough TOUGH ex-con who has a plan, and NOTHING is going to get in his way…he also has a few hilarious quirks, such as what he likes to eat:

Max: [at the lunch counter] “Gimme a chocolate doughnut and a bottle of beer.”

This is a real “road” movie. Before shooting, Gene Hackman and Al Pacino both dressed as hobos and hitchhiked through California to get into their characters.

Hackman’s Favorite Role!

Gene Hackman has stated that his performance in “Scarecrow” is his personal favorite. For Pacino, this film followed “Needle Park” and “The Godfather”, and led right into “The Godfather Part 2″…what a run of masterful acting performances for both of them!

Next up is one of the most under-rated movies of the 70’s, even though it was nominated for a slew of Oscars, including Best Picture:

2-The Conversation.

“I’m not afraid of death, but I am afraid of murder.”

In 1974, Francis Ford Coppola made this outstanding drama about Harry Caul, an expert in the art of listening in on others…but his specialty comes back to haunt him when he hears a murder…or does he?

Hackman controls himself throughout the film, giving a nuanced performance that is in stark contrast to his other roles of the time…and the film is an acknowledged masterpiece.

“The Conversation” was nominated for Best Picture in 1974, losing to Director Coppola’s other masterpiece that year, “The Godfather Part 2”.

Here is the trailer for this masterful thriller:

Now, don’t laugh…but tied for #2 on my list is a big-budget action movie that is great!

2-The Poseidon Adventure!

“Hell, Upside Down.”

That was the tagline for the greatest disaster movie of all time. And you know why it’s just a timeless action thriller? Because of Hackman!

It is the gravitas of Hackman that holds the film together – a testament to his powerful screen presence…

Gene Hackman plays Reverand Scott, who must help a small group climb up to the bottom of the overturned luxury cruise ship. This is the gold standard for disaster films, and it took a great actor like Hackman to give the premise weight – to make their adventure seem real.

Look at the cast of classic Hollywood names populating this film: Stella Stevens, Ernest Borgnine, Shelley Winters, just to name a few of the ton of recognizable faces that populate this 1972 smash hit.

This is a classic 70’s disaster film, see the trailer here:

https://johnrieber.com/2014/06/18/celebrity-smackdowns-hell-upside-down-the-disastrous-duo-of-poseidon-adventure-and-towering-inferno/

I love all of these movies, but this is the one that cemented Hackman’s reputation:

The French Connection!

It was the Academy Award-winning Best Picture of 1971, the true story of “Popeye” Doyle, a NY cop determined to bust a heroin smuggling ring…

He is, of course, a cop willing to break all the rules in order to get his man – and that includes one of the most amazing car chases ever filmed…beautifully directed by legendary Director William Friedkin, who went on to make “The Exorcist”, “To Live And Die In LA”, “Sorcerer” AND “Killer Joe”!

The Legendary Car Chase!

Thanks to the terrific website IMDB, here are some amazing anecdotes about the filming of the legendary car chase through the streets of New York in “The French Connection.”

The car crash during the chase sequence, at the intersection of Stillwell Ave. and 86th St., was unplanned and was included because of its realism. The man whose car was hit had just left his house a few blocks from the intersection to go to work and was unaware that a car chase was being filmed. The producers paid the bill for the repairs to his car!

According to IMDB, the car chase was filmed without obtaining the proper permits from the city! Members of the NYPD’s tactical force helped control traffic. But most of the control was achieved by the assistant directors with the help of off-duty NYPD officers, many of whom had been involved in the actual case.

A camera was mounted on the car’s bumper for the shots from the car’s point-of-view. Hackman did some of the driving but the extremely dangerous stunts were performed by Bill Hickman, with Friedkin filming from the backseat.

Friedkin operated the camera himself because the other camera operators were married with children and he was not. The mjaority of the chase was, however, very well choreographed, but it is that realism in the filming that makes the scene itself so heart-pounding!

The film spawned a sequel, as Hackman goes to Marseilles to track down his nemesis…this is also a great film with a dynamite performance by Hackman…

Hackman’s Oscar-winning role included memorable dialogue such as this:

“All right! You put a shiv in my partner. You know what that means? Goddammit! All winter long I got to listen to him gripe about his bowling scores. Now I’m gonna bust your ass for those three bags and I’m gonna nail you for picking your feet in Poughkeepsie!”

Interestingly, the creative team behind the Oscar-winning Best Picture “The Artist” re-told “The French Connection” – from the french point of view!

You can see more about this new film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/03/09/the-french-connection-an-exciting-new-take-on-the-william-friedkin-oscar-classic/

As for Gene Hackman, he excelled in every film he made, even “B” movies like this one:

This early 70’s western starred Hackman alongside Oliver Reed and Candace Bergen – a gritty film about kidnapping and revenge…see more here:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/03/02/grab-your-six-shooter-true-grit-clint-eastwood-bob-dylan-classic-westerns/

There you have it – enough great Gene Hackman movies to keep you busy for the next year! Tell me what I missed – although I already have an idea – I mean, he was great in “The Firm”, The Royal Tanenbaums” and of course, “Unforgiven”…so much stuff to share – and celebrate…

Happy birthday, Gene!

Talking About A “Massacre…”

There is lots of social media reaction today to Kellyanne Conway’s “Bowling Green Massacre” comment, which she clarified later. There WASN’T a massacre at Bowling Green University, and #bowlinggreenmassacre has become a joke online.

However, I am a student of political history, and recent protest marches, and the reaction of the new administration, remind me of an era of political activism more than 45 years ago. One of the most disturbing photos in modern political history resonates even more today…

“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We’re finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.”

The “Kent State Massacre”:

It was a shocking headline: four college students gunned down by the National Guard during an anti-war protest at Kent State University in Ohio in 1970.

As wikipedia states:

“The Kent State shootings (also known as the May 4 massacre or the “Kent State Massacre”) occurred at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, in the United States and involved the shooting of unarmed college students by the Ohio National Guard on Monday, May 4, 1970.

An anti-war protest on the campus of Kent State University turned violent when soldiers fired on the students. As wikipedia reports:

“There were 28 soldiers who admitted to firing on top of the hill, 25 of these soldiers fired 55 rounds into the air and into the ground, two of the soldiers fired .45cal pistol shots, three into the crowd, and three into the air…”

The National Guard soldiers fired 67 rounds of bullets in only 13 seconds, killing four students and wounding nine others, one of whom suffered permanent paralysis.

The most shocking image of this massacre was the photo of Mary Ann Vecchio, shown weeping over the body of Jeffrey Miller, a student shot by the National Guard. This Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph was taken by photojournalism student John Filo in the immediate aftermath of the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970.

This photograph was seen around the world, and immediately afterwards, four million student protestors took to the streets and closed college campuses across the country.

I was too young at the time, but I found photos of the protestors who shut down Seattle’s freeway to protest the murders:

“Four Dead In Ohio…”

This galvanizing moment in our country’s history was pivotal in turning the nation against the war in Vietnam.

Neil Young saw the headlines about the Kent State massacre and immediately sat down to write his brilliant protest song. Within weeks, the song was released and became an anti-war anthem.

“What if you knew her
And found her dead on the ground
How can you run when you know?”

Here is a great video from YouTube by “Mitch Mumby”, taking the song and covering it with stills and videos from those turbulent times.

“Tin soldiers and Nixon coming,
We’re finally on our own.
This summer I hear the drumming,
Four dead in Ohio.”

The song immediately became an anti-war anthem…here is a live performance from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 1971:

During the same session they recorded another song as the B-side, Stephen Stills’s powerful ode to everyone killed in the war, “Find the Cost of Freedom”.

“Find the cost of freedom
Buried in the ground
Mother Earth will swallow you
Lay your body down”

Here is Stephen Stills performing the song live:

Recent protest marches across the country have galvanized people – I took part in the march recently in Chicago:

This women’s march became a global event, with people participating around the world…see more photos from the Chicago rally here:

https://johnrieber.com/2017/01/21/womens-march-on-chicago-250000-strong-american-democracy-at-work/

This is just the latest in a series of marches, rallies and protests since the 2016 Presidential election. In fact, here is a shot of the protest that erupted in Chicago on the night after the election:

“Taking to the streets” is a time-honored tradition: Americans have the right to gather, peacefully march, and protest against the government. Here is more from that night:

https://johnrieber.com/2016/11/09/massive-chicago-anti-trump-protest-post-election-tumult-nationwide/

Unfortunately, as the Kent State tragedy showed, there is always the danger of violence whenever there are protests. In fact, there is a film that captured police violence as it was happening:

The brilliant film “Medium Cool” was filmed during the summer of 1968, when Chicago protestors descended on the Democratic National Convention, where this happened:

Anti-war protestors were attacked by police, and the “Medium Cool” filmmakers captured it in their movie…see more about this incredible film here:

https://johnrieber.com/2015/12/28/rip-legendary-haskell-wexler-his-prescient-medium-cool-1968-chicago-riots-americas-political-turmoil-captured-on-film/

As political dissent continues, there is always the danger of things getting out of control, and I hope that we can learn from past tragedies so that history doesn’t repeat itself…