Daniel Zirilli, a prolific director, producer and writer of action films and more than 200 music videos including the Rolling Stones’ “Voodoo Lounge,” died April 28. He was 58.
His death was announced by his family. No cause was disclosed, but an Instagram message posted by his daughter Talise Zirilli last weekend indicated that he had been missing since April 24.
Born November 13, 1965, Zirilli founded Popart Film Factory at age 24 after graduating from Pepperdine University in Malibu. In the subsequent years, he would direct and writer more than 30 feature films, most in the action and thriller genres. He was a producer on more than 85 films.
Among his most recent, Zirilli directed, produced and co-wrote Invincible, released by Lionsgate in 2022. Shot on location in Thailand, Invincible starred Johnny Strong, Marko Zaror and Michael Pare, who also appeared in Zirilli’s Hollow Point (2019) along with Luke Goss and Jay Mohr.
Other films credits include Acceleration (2019) starring Dolph Lundgren,...
His death was announced by his family. No cause was disclosed, but an Instagram message posted by his daughter Talise Zirilli last weekend indicated that he had been missing since April 24.
Born November 13, 1965, Zirilli founded Popart Film Factory at age 24 after graduating from Pepperdine University in Malibu. In the subsequent years, he would direct and writer more than 30 feature films, most in the action and thriller genres. He was a producer on more than 85 films.
Among his most recent, Zirilli directed, produced and co-wrote Invincible, released by Lionsgate in 2022. Shot on location in Thailand, Invincible starred Johnny Strong, Marko Zaror and Michael Pare, who also appeared in Zirilli’s Hollow Point (2019) along with Luke Goss and Jay Mohr.
Other films credits include Acceleration (2019) starring Dolph Lundgren,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
In modern world history, few single years have been as tumultuous as 1968. The Vietnam War continued to drag on and had reached an unprecedented level of unpopularity. The assasinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy shocked the world. Protests against the war, for civil rights, and at the Democratic National Convention raged in the streets. On movie screens, another revolution was taking place that reflected the values of the passionate youth movement and rejected the “old ways” of filmmaking. In the years 1967-68, the studio system was taking its last gasping breaths and films like Bonnie and Clyde, The Graduate, Cool Hand Luke, The Producers, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Bullit, and If…. were changing the game in Hollywood and Britain by taking after New Wave movements in France and Italy. The horror landscape was changing as well. Gothic horrors were giving way to modern films both in setting and subject.
- 6/30/2023
- by Brian Keiper
- bloody-disgusting.com
I grew up in Suffolk, UK, one of the old stamping grounds of Matthew Hopkins, the nefarious witch-hunter whose zealotry would one day be captured on screen by Vincent Price in the 1968 horror movie "Witchfinder General." As a fan of legends and lore, I once researched a piece on local witchcraft for my A-Levels, spending many an afternoon in the Suffolk Records Office. It was a delightfully eerie experience, sitting in a darkened room peering down the lens of a microfilm viewer at 300-year-old accounts of bewitchment, familiars, and curses.
One story still sticks in my mind. A witch took a dislike to a man in her village and sent an army of spiders to torment him. Eyewitnesses supposedly saw hundreds of the things swarming his house and weaving their webs. His frightened neighbors responded by burning the place down.
The thing that struck me most about these stories was...
One story still sticks in my mind. A witch took a dislike to a man in her village and sent an army of spiders to torment him. Eyewitnesses supposedly saw hundreds of the things swarming his house and weaving their webs. His frightened neighbors responded by burning the place down.
The thing that struck me most about these stories was...
- 2/20/2023
- by Lee Adams
- Slash Film
To mark the release of Renegades on 13th February, we’ve been given 2 copies to give away on DVD.
Lee Majors plays Carver, a courageous former green beret and true gentleman, who stands by soldiers old and new and helps them in their hour of need. When struggling veteran Nick Moran (Lock Stock) comes to him for support, he does his best to help. Introducing him to his loyal old special forces comrades Peck (Ian Ogilvy), Woody (Billy Murray) and Harris (Paul Barber), they welcome the new-recruit with open arms, living by their ethos of ‘You don’t leave a man behind even when the war is over and done with…’.
When Carver is shockingly murdered, the ex-army Renegades band together to protect his daughter Judy (Patsy Kensit) and exact revenge on those responsible… a vicious international drug gang, led by the fearsome Goram (Louis Mandylor). They’re ready...
Lee Majors plays Carver, a courageous former green beret and true gentleman, who stands by soldiers old and new and helps them in their hour of need. When struggling veteran Nick Moran (Lock Stock) comes to him for support, he does his best to help. Introducing him to his loyal old special forces comrades Peck (Ian Ogilvy), Woody (Billy Murray) and Harris (Paul Barber), they welcome the new-recruit with open arms, living by their ethos of ‘You don’t leave a man behind even when the war is over and done with…’.
When Carver is shockingly murdered, the ex-army Renegades band together to protect his daughter Judy (Patsy Kensit) and exact revenge on those responsible… a vicious international drug gang, led by the fearsome Goram (Louis Mandylor). They’re ready...
- 1/23/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Stars: Lee Majors, Louis Mandylor, Patsy Kensit, Nick Moran, Ian Ogilvy, Billy Murray, Paul Barber, Danny Trejo, Michael Paré, Stephanie Beacham, Michael Brandon, Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister | Written by Tom Jolliffe | Directed by Daniel Zirilli
Renegades is one of those movies that on paper has all the makings of a solid direct to DVD hit. A sizeable cast of mid-tier names that you will not only know but also have a sort of nostalgic endearment toward and that’s a great thing for you guys because they do a huge service in elevating the material and hiding any problems. A story that while not exactly breaking any new ground is just this side of madcap shenanigans so that there’s a slight air of believability to its proceedings. We are talking London gangsters, low budgets and a cast and crew that doesn’t just believe in the project but are doing...
Renegades is one of those movies that on paper has all the makings of a solid direct to DVD hit. A sizeable cast of mid-tier names that you will not only know but also have a sort of nostalgic endearment toward and that’s a great thing for you guys because they do a huge service in elevating the material and hiding any problems. A story that while not exactly breaking any new ground is just this side of madcap shenanigans so that there’s a slight air of believability to its proceedings. We are talking London gangsters, low budgets and a cast and crew that doesn’t just believe in the project but are doing...
- 12/30/2022
- by Kevin Haldon
- Nerdly
Stars: Lee Majors, Louis Mandylor, Patsy Kensit, Nick Moran, Ian Ogilvy, Billy Murray, Paul Barber, Danny Trejo, Michael Paré, Stephanie Beacham, Michael Brandon, Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister | Written by Tom Jolliffe | Directed by Daniel Zirilli
Renegades, not to be confused with the 2017 action film of the same name, starts on a familiar enough note as retired Green Beret Major Carver getting on the wrong side of mob boss Goram. It seems Carver’s daughter Judy is a local politician and has been leading a clean up the streets campaign and making complaints about Goram’s activities. When Goram had his goons threaten her Carver got involved. And ends up beaten to death for his troubles.
When her father’s military buddies Burton, Peck, Woody, and Harris hear about it they know what needs to be done. These old soldiers are about to fight a new war on the streets of London.
Renegades, not to be confused with the 2017 action film of the same name, starts on a familiar enough note as retired Green Beret Major Carver getting on the wrong side of mob boss Goram. It seems Carver’s daughter Judy is a local politician and has been leading a clean up the streets campaign and making complaints about Goram’s activities. When Goram had his goons threaten her Carver got involved. And ends up beaten to death for his troubles.
When her father’s military buddies Burton, Peck, Woody, and Harris hear about it they know what needs to be done. These old soldiers are about to fight a new war on the streets of London.
- 12/7/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
Revenge thriller stars Nick Moran, Lee Majors and Danny Trejo.
Bleiberg/Dimbort has struck deals in multiple territories including the US on Daniel Zirilli’s Renegades, starring Nick Moran, Lee Majors and Danny Trejo.
The revenge thriller has sold to Saban (North America), Spirit Media (German-speaking territories), Eagle Films (Middle East), Daro (English-speaking Africa), New Select (Japan), Lumix (South Korea), MediaSquad (Eastern Europe) and Nos Lusomundo (Portugal).
The film follows a band of former Special Forces comrades who seek to avenge the death of their Green Beret friend after he is murdered by a London drug gang that has been threatening his daughter.
Bleiberg/Dimbort has struck deals in multiple territories including the US on Daniel Zirilli’s Renegades, starring Nick Moran, Lee Majors and Danny Trejo.
The revenge thriller has sold to Saban (North America), Spirit Media (German-speaking territories), Eagle Films (Middle East), Daro (English-speaking Africa), New Select (Japan), Lumix (South Korea), MediaSquad (Eastern Europe) and Nos Lusomundo (Portugal).
The film follows a band of former Special Forces comrades who seek to avenge the death of their Green Beret friend after he is murdered by a London drug gang that has been threatening his daughter.
- 5/21/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Tara Reid is set to play an MI6 agent in upcoming espionage thriller “Cold Sun,” Variety can exclusively reveal.
Reid will play an inexperienced British spy called Marsha Ravencourt in the film, which has been billed as “Cagney and Lacey with a difference.”
Jason Figgis (“The Ecstasy of Isabel Mann”) will direct the feature, which is set to shoot this summer in the U.K. and Malta.
Reid, who has appeared in the Sharknado and American Pie franchises, is joined by Patrick Bergin (“Patriot Games”), Rita Tushingham (“Last Night in Soho”), Ian Ogilvy (“Death Becomes Her”) and Gabriella Wright (“The Transporter Refuelled”) in the film.
Wright will play an equally green Interpol agent called Cheyenne ‘Chey’ Marchand who joins forces with Reid’s character to take down an international gang of murderous criminals.
“Two inexperienced female operatives are thrust into a violent world, they will have to learn fast if they want to survive,...
Reid will play an inexperienced British spy called Marsha Ravencourt in the film, which has been billed as “Cagney and Lacey with a difference.”
Jason Figgis (“The Ecstasy of Isabel Mann”) will direct the feature, which is set to shoot this summer in the U.K. and Malta.
Reid, who has appeared in the Sharknado and American Pie franchises, is joined by Patrick Bergin (“Patriot Games”), Rita Tushingham (“Last Night in Soho”), Ian Ogilvy (“Death Becomes Her”) and Gabriella Wright (“The Transporter Refuelled”) in the film.
Wright will play an equally green Interpol agent called Cheyenne ‘Chey’ Marchand who joins forces with Reid’s character to take down an international gang of murderous criminals.
“Two inexperienced female operatives are thrust into a violent world, they will have to learn fast if they want to survive,...
- 2/9/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Normal 0 false false false En-us X-none X-none
By Hank Reineke
There’s a telling moment at the dénouement of Thomas Hamilton’s and Ron MacCloskey’s affectionate documentary Boris Karloff: The Man behind the Monster. Sara Karloff, the now eighty-two year old daughter of the beloved actor, opines that her father’s lasting cinematic legacy is due, in part, to the tenaciousness of his devoted fan base. It’s a demographic that we soon discover consists of a number of amazingly creative people: folks whose loyalty to and enthusiasm for Karloff’s work has not wavered over the decades. Sara’s contention is inarguably true. As this ninety-nine minute Voltage Films/Abramorama documentary (presented by Shout! Studios) unspools – crisply narrated by Paul Ryan and featuring commentary by preeminent Karloff scholar and “Biographical Consultant” Stephen Jacobs - we discover the actor’s admirer’s bridge several generations of fans and filmmakers.
By Hank Reineke
There’s a telling moment at the dénouement of Thomas Hamilton’s and Ron MacCloskey’s affectionate documentary Boris Karloff: The Man behind the Monster. Sara Karloff, the now eighty-two year old daughter of the beloved actor, opines that her father’s lasting cinematic legacy is due, in part, to the tenaciousness of his devoted fan base. It’s a demographic that we soon discover consists of a number of amazingly creative people: folks whose loyalty to and enthusiasm for Karloff’s work has not wavered over the decades. Sara’s contention is inarguably true. As this ninety-nine minute Voltage Films/Abramorama documentary (presented by Shout! Studios) unspools – crisply narrated by Paul Ryan and featuring commentary by preeminent Karloff scholar and “Biographical Consultant” Stephen Jacobs - we discover the actor’s admirer’s bridge several generations of fans and filmmakers.
- 10/27/2021
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
International sales agency Bleiberg Entertainment is representing Shogun Films’ action revenge movie “Renegades” and will introduce it to buyers at the online American Film Market (Nov. 1-5).
Directed by action movie veteran Daniel Zirilli, the film recently wrapped in London and stars Nick Moran (“Avengement”), Lee Majors (“The Fall Guy”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Louis Mandylor (“Debt Collectors”) and Ian Ogilvy (“We Still Kill The Old Way”).
“Renegades” follows a group of Special Forces veterans who come together to avenge a fallen comrade – a former green beret, who is murdered in London by a ruthless drugs gang.
The cast also includes Patsy Kensit (“Lethal Weapon 2”), Billy Murray (“Rise of the Footsoldier”), Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott (“Nemesis”), Michael Paré (“Hollow Point”) Paul Barber (“The Full Monty”), Stephanie Beacham (“Dynasty”) and — in one of his last roles — Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (“The Fifth Element”).
The film marks the first in a Zirilli-directed slate of action-based Shogun genre films.
Directed by action movie veteran Daniel Zirilli, the film recently wrapped in London and stars Nick Moran (“Avengement”), Lee Majors (“The Fall Guy”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Louis Mandylor (“Debt Collectors”) and Ian Ogilvy (“We Still Kill The Old Way”).
“Renegades” follows a group of Special Forces veterans who come together to avenge a fallen comrade – a former green beret, who is murdered in London by a ruthless drugs gang.
The cast also includes Patsy Kensit (“Lethal Weapon 2”), Billy Murray (“Rise of the Footsoldier”), Jeanine Nerissa Sothcott (“Nemesis”), Michael Paré (“Hollow Point”) Paul Barber (“The Full Monty”), Stephanie Beacham (“Dynasty”) and — in one of his last roles — Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (“The Fifth Element”).
The film marks the first in a Zirilli-directed slate of action-based Shogun genre films.
- 10/18/2021
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Just when I thought I'd seen it all from Severin, they come through with an even more impressive box set I need to add to my collection! Directed by Kier-La Janisse, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched: A History of Folk Horror has been getting incredible buzz during its recent festival screenings, and Severin and Kier-La have teamed up for All the Haunts Be Ours, a folk horror box set featuring 20 feature films, shorts, commentaries, and much more! Dive into all the details below and learn more at: https://severin-films.com/shop/folk-horror-box/
(Los Angeles, CA) "Hail Behemoth, Spirit Of The Dark!” On December 7th, Severin Films is digging up haunted soil to unearth a truly unprecedented box set – All the Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium of Folk Horror. Curated and produced by acclaimed author and Woodlands Dark And Days Bewitched: A History Of Folk Horror director Kier-La Janisse, this definitive...
(Los Angeles, CA) "Hail Behemoth, Spirit Of The Dark!” On December 7th, Severin Films is digging up haunted soil to unearth a truly unprecedented box set – All the Haunts Be Ours: A Compendium of Folk Horror. Curated and produced by acclaimed author and Woodlands Dark And Days Bewitched: A History Of Folk Horror director Kier-La Janisse, this definitive...
- 8/25/2021
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
For Your Eyes Only, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this week, was a transitional James Bond film. Released in 1981, this 12th entry in the long-running series, and Roger Moore’s fifth outing as the man in the tuxedo, was deliberately styled as a return to the 007’s roots after he went to space in the over-the-top Moonraker (1979): the one where series producers did their best to compete with Star Wars. By contrast Eyes seemed stripped down and also marked the debut of John Glen in the director’s chair—a position he would hold for a series-most five entries. He received that promotion after working on several previous installments as a second unit director.
But Eyes was also meant, at one point, to usher in the most important change in any Bond movie: the introduction of a new actor in the role of 007.
Roger Moore’s original contract was for three films,...
But Eyes was also meant, at one point, to usher in the most important change in any Bond movie: the introduction of a new actor in the role of 007.
Roger Moore’s original contract was for three films,...
- 6/25/2021
- by Don Kaye
- Den of Geek
“Folk horror” is a term of relatively recent vintage — or at least popularity — that only grows more broad as “Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched” spends three and a quarter hours trying to define it. Still, a slippery thesis doesn’t detract from the pleasures of this documentary from genre scholar and programmer Kier-La Janisse. She draws on alluring clips from more than 100 films, plus myriad interviews, to survey an alternately lurid and surreal cinematic (as well as television) field of mostly rural tales inspired by traditional superstitions and lore.
for a long time to come. Production company Severin Films, itself a leading restorer and home-formats distributor of vintage cult movies, should find a ready-made audience in its own customer base—which Janisse’s film will no doubt help expand.
Beyond the director herself, the various authorities heard from here (just a couple in archival interviews) include veteran and next-generation filmmakers,...
for a long time to come. Production company Severin Films, itself a leading restorer and home-formats distributor of vintage cult movies, should find a ready-made audience in its own customer base—which Janisse’s film will no doubt help expand.
Beyond the director herself, the various authorities heard from here (just a couple in archival interviews) include veteran and next-generation filmmakers,...
- 3/17/2021
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
“I want friend like me.”
Article by Jim Batts, Dana Jung, and Tom Stockman
No other actor in the long history of horror has been so closely identified with the genre as Boris Karloff, yet he was as famous for his gentle heart and kindness as he was for his screen persona. William Henry Pratt was born on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. He studied at London University in anticipation of a diplomatic career; however, he moved to Canada in 1909 and joined a theater company where he was bit by the acting bug. It was there that he adopted the stage name of “Boris Karloff.” He toured back and forth across the USA for over ten years in a variety of low-budget Theater shows and eventually ended up in Hollywood. Needing cash to support himself, Karloff landed roles in silent films making his on-screen debut in Chapter 2 of the 1919 serial The Masked Rider.
Article by Jim Batts, Dana Jung, and Tom Stockman
No other actor in the long history of horror has been so closely identified with the genre as Boris Karloff, yet he was as famous for his gentle heart and kindness as he was for his screen persona. William Henry Pratt was born on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. He studied at London University in anticipation of a diplomatic career; however, he moved to Canada in 1909 and joined a theater company where he was bit by the acting bug. It was there that he adopted the stage name of “Boris Karloff.” He toured back and forth across the USA for over ten years in a variety of low-budget Theater shows and eventually ended up in Hollywood. Needing cash to support himself, Karloff landed roles in silent films making his on-screen debut in Chapter 2 of the 1919 serial The Masked Rider.
- 11/23/2020
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
London-basted genre outfit Shogun Films has commenced a creative partnership with prolific U.S. director/producer Daniel Zirilli.
The first film to secure funding under the partnership is “Renegades.” Financing has been secured from Insight Media Fund, negotiated by Samahoma Media Advisors, with Bob Clarke and Gareth Jones executive producing, as well as from private equity.
“Renegades” is a London-set revenge movie described by Shogun as “ ‘Harry Brown’ meets ‘The Wild Geese’ ” which sees a quartet of ex-Special Forces vets taking on the Eastern European gang that killed their comrade. The cast includes Lee Majors (“The Six Million Dollar Man”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Michael Paré (“Gone”), Ian Ogilvy (“We Still Kill the Old Way”) and Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (“The Fifth Element”). The lead actor is yet to be announced.
Initial U.S. sequences have already been shot and production now moves to London this winter.
“I feel blessed to be...
The first film to secure funding under the partnership is “Renegades.” Financing has been secured from Insight Media Fund, negotiated by Samahoma Media Advisors, with Bob Clarke and Gareth Jones executive producing, as well as from private equity.
“Renegades” is a London-set revenge movie described by Shogun as “ ‘Harry Brown’ meets ‘The Wild Geese’ ” which sees a quartet of ex-Special Forces vets taking on the Eastern European gang that killed their comrade. The cast includes Lee Majors (“The Six Million Dollar Man”), Danny Trejo (“Machete”), Michael Paré (“Gone”), Ian Ogilvy (“We Still Kill the Old Way”) and Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister (“The Fifth Element”). The lead actor is yet to be announced.
Initial U.S. sequences have already been shot and production now moves to London this winter.
“I feel blessed to be...
- 11/20/2020
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Joseph Baxter Feb 18, 2020
Dexter Fletcher, director of Elton John biopic Rocketman, is set to tackle Paramount’s reboot of classic TV franchise The Saint.
The Saint, and its exploits of Simon Templar, is readying a return with the shiny new halo that is a reboot movie; a notion that just became a lot more real with the appointment of highly-sought director Dexter Fletcher to the picture.
Studio Paramount has officially hired Fletcher to direct its remake of The Saint, according to Variety. The production will see Fletcher – who’s enjoying newfound momentum from acclaimed Elton John biopic Rocketman – work off a script by Seth Grahame-Smith, adapting the classic antihero spy-thief franchise of author Leslie Charteris’s 1928-1963 novels, which, after early film versions, were famously adapted for U.K. television as the 1962-1969 ITV series, The Saint, which starred a future James Bond, Roger Moore. The series managed to be a contemporaneously-rare global hit,...
Dexter Fletcher, director of Elton John biopic Rocketman, is set to tackle Paramount’s reboot of classic TV franchise The Saint.
The Saint, and its exploits of Simon Templar, is readying a return with the shiny new halo that is a reboot movie; a notion that just became a lot more real with the appointment of highly-sought director Dexter Fletcher to the picture.
Studio Paramount has officially hired Fletcher to direct its remake of The Saint, according to Variety. The production will see Fletcher – who’s enjoying newfound momentum from acclaimed Elton John biopic Rocketman – work off a script by Seth Grahame-Smith, adapting the classic antihero spy-thief franchise of author Leslie Charteris’s 1928-1963 novels, which, after early film versions, were famously adapted for U.K. television as the 1962-1969 ITV series, The Saint, which starred a future James Bond, Roger Moore. The series managed to be a contemporaneously-rare global hit,...
- 2/18/2020
- Den of Geek
By Tim Greaves
Writer-director Michael Reeves passed away on February 11th 1969, aged just 25. He had helmed a mere three films in his short lifetime – all of them in various fields of exploitation cinema – the third and last of them, Witchfinder General, now widely acknowledged as a classic of 1960s British cinema. (The film was featured in ‘Cinema Retro’ Vol 2 No 5.)
As I was watching The Magnificent Obsession of Michael Reeves, the new documentary from filmmaker Dima Ballin, I found myself wondering, 50 years on from his death, just how far reaching among movie buffs at large Reeves and his films are. Although I can comprehend that mention of his name might draw a blank with many, it seems inconceivable to me that the title Witchfinder General would do so too. So I put it to the test. My daughter, who’s in her mid-20s and shares my passion for film...
Writer-director Michael Reeves passed away on February 11th 1969, aged just 25. He had helmed a mere three films in his short lifetime – all of them in various fields of exploitation cinema – the third and last of them, Witchfinder General, now widely acknowledged as a classic of 1960s British cinema. (The film was featured in ‘Cinema Retro’ Vol 2 No 5.)
As I was watching The Magnificent Obsession of Michael Reeves, the new documentary from filmmaker Dima Ballin, I found myself wondering, 50 years on from his death, just how far reaching among movie buffs at large Reeves and his films are. Although I can comprehend that mention of his name might draw a blank with many, it seems inconceivable to me that the title Witchfinder General would do so too. So I put it to the test. My daughter, who’s in her mid-20s and shares my passion for film...
- 9/21/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Features: Gavin Baddeley, Tom Baker, Ingrid Cranfield, Kat Ellinger, Steve Haberman, Benjamin Halligan, David Huckvale, Ian Ogilvy | Written by Kat Ellinger | Directed by Dima Ballin
The Magnificent Obsession of Michael Reeves is a documentary film directed by Dima Ballin (A Taste of New Blood: New Directions for Hammer’s Dracula) and written by Kat Ellinger. The two also produced this project, released through Diabolique Films.
The film itself talks about, in some detail, the career of Michael Reeves, the groundbreaking folk horror filmmaker who gave us Witchfinder General and The Sorcerers, and talks about his life, the mark he left as a director and his premature death at the young age of just 25. With a variety of exclusive interviews we learn about the things that Michael loved, his passions in his life, including his obsession with film, as this analysis of his career and the situation surrounding his death are discussed.
The Magnificent Obsession of Michael Reeves is a documentary film directed by Dima Ballin (A Taste of New Blood: New Directions for Hammer’s Dracula) and written by Kat Ellinger. The two also produced this project, released through Diabolique Films.
The film itself talks about, in some detail, the career of Michael Reeves, the groundbreaking folk horror filmmaker who gave us Witchfinder General and The Sorcerers, and talks about his life, the mark he left as a director and his premature death at the young age of just 25. With a variety of exclusive interviews we learn about the things that Michael loved, his passions in his life, including his obsession with film, as this analysis of his career and the situation surrounding his death are discussed.
- 8/25/2019
- by Chris Cummings
- Nerdly
Exclusive: Coming full circle here at Cannes after Deadline reported a few years ago that Nicolas Winding Refn was preparing a remake of historical horror drama Witchfinder General, the project now has a director. John Hillcoat (Lawless) has boarded the production as helmer while the filmmakers are out to cast with a start eyed later this year.
Refn and Rupert Preston, through their new production ventures Bynwr.com and Sunrise Films, together with Hillcoat’s Blank Films, are producing the update. All developed the project which is written by Jon Croker (Woman In Black 2).
The original Witchfinder General starred Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy and Hilary Dwyer and was based on Ronald Bassett’s novel. Set in 1645 Norfolk, England, it was a fictionalized study of real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War. Torture and violence featured heavily in the original film, which stirred controversy,...
Refn and Rupert Preston, through their new production ventures Bynwr.com and Sunrise Films, together with Hillcoat’s Blank Films, are producing the update. All developed the project which is written by Jon Croker (Woman In Black 2).
The original Witchfinder General starred Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy and Hilary Dwyer and was based on Ronald Bassett’s novel. Set in 1645 Norfolk, England, it was a fictionalized study of real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War. Torture and violence featured heavily in the original film, which stirred controversy,...
- 5/18/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The Amicus Collection
Blu-ray
Severin
1972, ’73, ’74/ 1:85 / 88 Min., 91 Min., 93 Min. / January 16, 2018
Starring Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom, Patrick Magee, Calvin Lockhart
Cinematography by Denys Coop, Jack Hildyard
Written by Robert Bloch
Music by Douglas Gamley,
Produced by Milton Subotsky, Max Rosenberg
Directed by Roy Ward Baker, Paul Annett
Released in 1956, Rock, Rock, Rock was a bantamweight jukebox musical bolstered by the presence of three indelible signifiers of 50’s pop culture, rabble-rousing DJ Alan Freed, Hollywood’s perennial Lolita Tuesday Weld and guitar slinging provocateur Chuck Berry. Produced by Milton Subotsky and Max Rosenberg, the movie’s success inspired the New York-born duo to pack up shop and move to England where they founded Amicus Productions.
Hedging their bets, the fledgling company followed in the footsteps of both Aip and Hammer, putting one foot in teensploitation and the other into a line of shockers with a supernatural bent. To their credit their initial...
Blu-ray
Severin
1972, ’73, ’74/ 1:85 / 88 Min., 91 Min., 93 Min. / January 16, 2018
Starring Peter Cushing, Herbert Lom, Patrick Magee, Calvin Lockhart
Cinematography by Denys Coop, Jack Hildyard
Written by Robert Bloch
Music by Douglas Gamley,
Produced by Milton Subotsky, Max Rosenberg
Directed by Roy Ward Baker, Paul Annett
Released in 1956, Rock, Rock, Rock was a bantamweight jukebox musical bolstered by the presence of three indelible signifiers of 50’s pop culture, rabble-rousing DJ Alan Freed, Hollywood’s perennial Lolita Tuesday Weld and guitar slinging provocateur Chuck Berry. Produced by Milton Subotsky and Max Rosenberg, the movie’s success inspired the New York-born duo to pack up shop and move to England where they founded Amicus Productions.
Hedging their bets, the fledgling company followed in the footsteps of both Aip and Hammer, putting one foot in teensploitation and the other into a line of shockers with a supernatural bent. To their credit their initial...
- 1/30/2018
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Welcome back for another week of horror and sci-fi home entertainment releases, readers! January 16th features plenty of intriguing offerings, from cult classics to sequels of cult classics to even a few recent films as well. If you happened to miss Blade Runner 2049, Happy Death Day, or The Snowman in theaters, all three are making their way home this Tuesday. Severin Films has put together The Amicus Collection (which features Asylum, And Now The Screaming Starts and The Beast Must Die), and Scream Factory is giving Eye of the Cat the Blu-ray treatment as well.
Beyond Skyline is also coming to Blu on January 16th, and for all you Joe Dante fans out there, Shout Select has put together a Collector’s Edition release of Matinee that looks like it’s a must-have.
The Amicus Collection (Severin Films, Blu-ray)
Known as The Studio That Dripped Blood, the British film...
Beyond Skyline is also coming to Blu on January 16th, and for all you Joe Dante fans out there, Shout Select has put together a Collector’s Edition release of Matinee that looks like it’s a must-have.
The Amicus Collection (Severin Films, Blu-ray)
Known as The Studio That Dripped Blood, the British film...
- 1/16/2018
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
With Christmas now only a week away, there’s a big day of genre-related home entertainment releases to look forward to in the meantime, just in case you were in need of some last-minute gift ideas (or if you were looking to spoil yourself, which is totally cool). Easily my most anticipated Blu-ray release for all of 2017, Synapse Films' stunning 4K restoration of Suspiria gets the royal treatment via an incredible three-disc limited edition Steelbook set this Tuesday, and Severin Films is also keeping busy with their HD upgrade of The Amicus Collection, which includes Asylum, And Now The Screaming Starts, and The Beast Must Die.
Other notable Blu-ray and DVD releases for December 19th include American Gothic, Leatherface, mother!, and the limited edition Steelbook for Donnie Darko.
American Gothic (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
A new tale of terror from the director of The Legend of Hell House and The Incubus.
Other notable Blu-ray and DVD releases for December 19th include American Gothic, Leatherface, mother!, and the limited edition Steelbook for Donnie Darko.
American Gothic (Scream Factory, Blu-ray)
A new tale of terror from the director of The Legend of Hell House and The Incubus.
- 12/19/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Severin Films will bring horror to the holidays this December with their box set of three 1970s movies from Amicus Productions, aka "The Studio That Dripped Blood."
Slated for a December 5th release, Severin Films' The Amicus Collection includes Blu-rays of Asylum, And Now the Screaming Starts, The Beast Must Die, and a bonus disc of interviews, trailers, and more.
Each remastered Blu-ray is packed with new special features that offer insights into the making of the movies and the creative minds behind each effort.
The Amicus Collection box set is priced at $54.99, and it's also available in a special bundle that includes a T-shirt, enamel pins, book, and artwork (for an overall price of $129.00). You can also pick up And Now the Screaming Starst and Asylum as individual Blu-rays for $24.99 apiece).
For more information about The Amicus Collection, we have the full release details, cover art images, and...
Slated for a December 5th release, Severin Films' The Amicus Collection includes Blu-rays of Asylum, And Now the Screaming Starts, The Beast Must Die, and a bonus disc of interviews, trailers, and more.
Each remastered Blu-ray is packed with new special features that offer insights into the making of the movies and the creative minds behind each effort.
The Amicus Collection box set is priced at $54.99, and it's also available in a special bundle that includes a T-shirt, enamel pins, book, and artwork (for an overall price of $129.00). You can also pick up And Now the Screaming Starst and Asylum as individual Blu-rays for $24.99 apiece).
For more information about The Amicus Collection, we have the full release details, cover art images, and...
- 10/24/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Stars: Adam Rayner, Eliza Dushku, Roger Moore, James Remar, Thomas Kretschmann, Enrique Murciano, Sammi Hanratty, Kirsty Mitchell, Yani Gellman, Greg Grunberg, Beatrice Rosen, Ian Ogilvy, Alec Secareanu, Sonalii Castillo, Christopher Villiers | Written by Jesse Alexander, Tony Giglio | Directed by Ernie Barbarash
An expanded version of a failed TV pilot, whose first trailer debuted waaay back in 2013, this iteration of The Saint is already on the backfoot before it begins. You have a rejected pilot, “fixed” with reshoots, Twice(!) – which is why Ernie Barbarash is now the credited director and not Simon West (Con Air, Tomb Raider) who is now credited as Executive Producer instead – and featuring not one but Two previous Saints in the cast, Roger Moore and Ian Ogilvy, just to remind you of how good both actors were in the role… Oh, and then there’s memories of the Val Kilmer movie to sour the audiences view...
An expanded version of a failed TV pilot, whose first trailer debuted waaay back in 2013, this iteration of The Saint is already on the backfoot before it begins. You have a rejected pilot, “fixed” with reshoots, Twice(!) – which is why Ernie Barbarash is now the credited director and not Simon West (Con Air, Tomb Raider) who is now credited as Executive Producer instead – and featuring not one but Two previous Saints in the cast, Roger Moore and Ian Ogilvy, just to remind you of how good both actors were in the role… Oh, and then there’s memories of the Val Kilmer movie to sour the audiences view...
- 9/18/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Horror Channel has eight prime-time weekend film premieres in June including the UK premieres of Retreat, Carl Tibbets’ ‘ménage a trois of terror’ starring Thandie Newton, Cillian Murphy and Jamie Bell and R.D. Braunstein’s smartly gripping I Spit On Your Grave 3: Vengeance Is Mine – widely seen as the best of the series.
There are also network premieres for Jennifer Lynch’s uncompromising and dark chiller Chained, William Malone’s gruesome cyber thriller Feardotcom, starring Stephen Dorff and Natascha McElhone and Michael Reeves’s highly acclaimed Witchfinder General, starring Vincent Price.
In a deadly virus catching month, other highlights are first channel showings for John Pogue’s [Rec] inspired scareline Quarantine 2: Terminal, Breck Eisner’s critically-acclaimed remake of George Romero’s 1973 movie, The Crazies and James Cameron’s directorial debut Piranha 2: The Spawning starring Lance Henriksen and plenty of flying killer fish.
Fri 2 June @ 21:00 – Quarantine 2: Terminal (2011) *Network Premiere*
A bizarre disease,...
There are also network premieres for Jennifer Lynch’s uncompromising and dark chiller Chained, William Malone’s gruesome cyber thriller Feardotcom, starring Stephen Dorff and Natascha McElhone and Michael Reeves’s highly acclaimed Witchfinder General, starring Vincent Price.
In a deadly virus catching month, other highlights are first channel showings for John Pogue’s [Rec] inspired scareline Quarantine 2: Terminal, Breck Eisner’s critically-acclaimed remake of George Romero’s 1973 movie, The Crazies and James Cameron’s directorial debut Piranha 2: The Spawning starring Lance Henriksen and plenty of flying killer fish.
Fri 2 June @ 21:00 – Quarantine 2: Terminal (2011) *Network Premiere*
A bizarre disease,...
- 5/18/2017
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Horror and sci-fi home entertainment titles are really picking up this week, as we have almost 20 different Blu-rays and DVDs coming home this Tuesday. Universal is keeping themselves busy with several notable releases including Death Race 2050, Ouija: Origin of Evil, 12 Monkeys: Season Two, and a Ouija double feature.
Scream Factory is dusting off two cult classics, Slumber Party Massacre II and III for a special Blu-ray featuring the slasher sequels, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is getting you guys pumped for the upcoming release of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter with several new Blu-ray releases for the franchise's first four films.
Other notable releases for January 17th include Revenge of the Blood Beast, 24 Hours to Die, Wolf House, Mountain Devil, and Space Clown.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Blu / DVD / Digital HD & DVD)
It was never just a game. Inviting audiences again into the lore of the spirit board,...
Scream Factory is dusting off two cult classics, Slumber Party Massacre II and III for a special Blu-ray featuring the slasher sequels, and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment is getting you guys pumped for the upcoming release of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter with several new Blu-ray releases for the franchise's first four films.
Other notable releases for January 17th include Revenge of the Blood Beast, 24 Hours to Die, Wolf House, Mountain Devil, and Space Clown.
Ouija: Origin of Evil (Universal Studios Home Entertainment, Blu / DVD / Digital HD & DVD)
It was never just a game. Inviting audiences again into the lore of the spirit board,...
- 1/17/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
Revenge of the Blood Beast
Blu-ray
Rarovideo
1966 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 79 min. / Il lago di Satana, La sorella di Satana, The She-Beast / Street Date January 17, 2017 / 29.95
Starring: Barbara Steele, John Karlsen, Ian Ogilvy, Mel Welles, Lucretia Love
Cinematography: Gioacchino Gengarelli
Film Editor: Nira Omri
Original Music: Paul Ferris
Produced by: Paul Maslansky, Michael Reeves
Written and Directed by Michael Reeves
It’s back into the genre argument pits with the interesting director Michael Reeves. Reeves has persisted as a cult figure far longer than most directors with only three credited feature films. The movies are uneven but promising, and certainly the artistic equal (or better) than most of the work being turned out at the time by American-International and the majority of the Euro-horror crowd. The second half of the 1960s saw a general depression in the horror field, with Hammer losing touch with its audience and continental fare turning to sex content to generate interest.
Blu-ray
Rarovideo
1966 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 79 min. / Il lago di Satana, La sorella di Satana, The She-Beast / Street Date January 17, 2017 / 29.95
Starring: Barbara Steele, John Karlsen, Ian Ogilvy, Mel Welles, Lucretia Love
Cinematography: Gioacchino Gengarelli
Film Editor: Nira Omri
Original Music: Paul Ferris
Produced by: Paul Maslansky, Michael Reeves
Written and Directed by Michael Reeves
It’s back into the genre argument pits with the interesting director Michael Reeves. Reeves has persisted as a cult figure far longer than most directors with only three credited feature films. The movies are uneven but promising, and certainly the artistic equal (or better) than most of the work being turned out at the time by American-International and the majority of the Euro-horror crowd. The second half of the 1960s saw a general depression in the horror field, with Hammer losing touch with its audience and continental fare turning to sex content to generate interest.
- 1/13/2017
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Cinema Retro issue #35 has now shipped to our subscribers worldwide. No other magazine centers specifically on the great Golden Age of film making: the 1960s and 1970s. Every issue is packed with exclusive interviews, rare photos and insightful columns about classic and cult movies that virtually no one else covers in this kind of detail. Please support classic cinema in the print format by subscribing or renewing today!
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder General and his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll, which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The...
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder General and his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll, which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The...
- 5/23/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Acclaimed filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn has scored the remake rights to Michael Reeves' 1968 cult historical horror tale "Witchfinder General" (aka. "The Conqueror Worm").
Based on Ronald Bassett's novel, Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy and Hilary Dwyer starred in the acclaimed original which was set in Norfolk, England in 1645 and follows real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War.
Refn will produce, but Not direct, this new $5-10 million budgeted adaptation alongside Rupert Preston through their Space Rocket Nation and Sunrise Films labels. Vertigo Releasing will handle UK distribution.
The plan is to go into production next year with a view to bringing a new audience to the story, but the decision about whether to completely contemporize the story has not yet been decided.
Refn has "The Neon Demon" playing at Cannes and is producing another horror remake, "Maniac Cop," which is...
Based on Ronald Bassett's novel, Vincent Price, Ian Ogilvy and Hilary Dwyer starred in the acclaimed original which was set in Norfolk, England in 1645 and follows real-life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins and the heinous crimes he committed during the English Civil War.
Refn will produce, but Not direct, this new $5-10 million budgeted adaptation alongside Rupert Preston through their Space Rocket Nation and Sunrise Films labels. Vertigo Releasing will handle UK distribution.
The plan is to go into production next year with a view to bringing a new audience to the story, but the decision about whether to completely contemporize the story has not yet been decided.
Refn has "The Neon Demon" playing at Cannes and is producing another horror remake, "Maniac Cop," which is...
- 5/17/2016
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Article by Jim Batts, Dana Jung, and Tom Stockman
No other actor in the long history of horror has been so closely identified with the genre as Boris Karloff, yet he was as famous for his gentle heart and kindness as he was for his screen persona. William Henry Pratt was born on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. He studied at London University in anticipation of a diplomatic career; however, he moved to Canada in 1909 and joined a theater company where he was bit by the acting bug. It was there that he adopted the stage name of “Boris Karloff.” He toured back and forth across the USA for over ten years in a variety of low-budget Theater shows and eventually ended up in Hollywood. Needing cash to support himself, Karloff landed roles in silent films making his on-screen debut in Chapter 2 of the 1919 serial The Masked Rider. His big...
No other actor in the long history of horror has been so closely identified with the genre as Boris Karloff, yet he was as famous for his gentle heart and kindness as he was for his screen persona. William Henry Pratt was born on November 23, 1887, in Camberwell, London, England. He studied at London University in anticipation of a diplomatic career; however, he moved to Canada in 1909 and joined a theater company where he was bit by the acting bug. It was there that he adopted the stage name of “Boris Karloff.” He toured back and forth across the USA for over ten years in a variety of low-budget Theater shows and eventually ended up in Hollywood. Needing cash to support himself, Karloff landed roles in silent films making his on-screen debut in Chapter 2 of the 1919 serial The Masked Rider. His big...
- 11/23/2015
- by Movie Geeks
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Highlights of this issue include:
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder Generaland his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll,which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The Art of Deception"- a look at the use of matte paintings in famous films. Michael Commes takes a fun filled visit to The House of Bare Mountain, the infamous nudie monster flick Esteemed photographer Keith Hamshere shares his memories and photos from The Living Daylights, Murphy's War and Death on the Nile. Raymond Benson's Ten Best Films of 1954 Patrick Cooper pays tribute to Robert Mitchum and The Friends of Eddie Coyle Lee Pfeiffer's "Take Two" column examines Assignment K starring Stephen Boyd and Camilla Sparv Brian Hannan looks at what was hot at the boxoffice in 1966 Sheldon Hall reviews a video release of Jacques Rivette's films Daniel D'Arpe celebrates the cult sci-fi flick Starcrash starring Caroline Munro and David Hasselhoff. Adrian Smith joyfully uncovers the 007 sexploitation spoof Bonditis Plus Darren Allison's latest soundtrack news and reviews, Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column and the latest movie book and DVD reviews.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 $15.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £12.00 Gbp...
Mike Siegel's 12 page in-depth report on the tragedy and triumph in the making of Bruce Lee's last film, Enter the Dragon Mark Mawston's exclusive interview with Ian Ogilvy, who talks about filming She Beast, Witchfinder Generaland his close call with playing James Bond Extensive report from Tim Greaves on the underrated Alistair MacLean spy thriller When Eight Bells Toll,which afforded young Anthony Hopkins an early starring role. Peter Cook pays tribute to "The Art of Deception"- a look at the use of matte paintings in famous films. Michael Commes takes a fun filled visit to The House of Bare Mountain, the infamous nudie monster flick Esteemed photographer Keith Hamshere shares his memories and photos from The Living Daylights, Murphy's War and Death on the Nile. Raymond Benson's Ten Best Films of 1954 Patrick Cooper pays tribute to Robert Mitchum and The Friends of Eddie Coyle Lee Pfeiffer's "Take Two" column examines Assignment K starring Stephen Boyd and Camilla Sparv Brian Hannan looks at what was hot at the boxoffice in 1966 Sheldon Hall reviews a video release of Jacques Rivette's films Daniel D'Arpe celebrates the cult sci-fi flick Starcrash starring Caroline Munro and David Hasselhoff. Adrian Smith joyfully uncovers the 007 sexploitation spoof Bonditis Plus Darren Allison's latest soundtrack news and reviews, Gareth Owen's "Pinewood Past" column and the latest movie book and DVD reviews.
USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 USA/ Canada : Cinema Retro Issue #35 $15.00 Usd UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 UK : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £8.50 Gbp Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Europe : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £10.50 Gbp Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 Rest Of The World : Cinema Retro Issue #35 £12.00 Gbp...
- 10/19/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Born in St. Louis on May 27, 1911, iconic actor Vincent Price retained a special fondness for his place of origin, and that love was reciprocated with Vincentennial, a celebration of his 100th birthday in his hometown back in May of 2011 (for summary of all the Vincentennial activities go Here). One of the guests of honor at Vincentennial was Vincent Price’s daughter Victoria Price. Because of their close relationship and her access to his unpublished memoirs and letters, Victoria Price was able to provide a remarkably vivid account of her father’s public and private life in her essential book, Vincent Price, a Daughter’s Biography, originally published in 1999. .In 2011, her biography of her father was out of print. but now it’s been re-issued and Victoria will be in St. Louis this weekend (October 9th – 10th) for three special events. In addition to the biography, she will also be signing...
- 10/6/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Cinema’s Hidden Pearls – Part II
By Alex Simon
One of nature’s rarest items, a pearl is produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. Truly flawless pearls are infrequently produced in nature, and as a result, the pearl has become a metaphor for something rare, fine, admirable and valuable.
Hidden pearls exist in the world of movies, as well: films that, in spite of being brilliantly crafted and executed, never got the audience they deserved beyond a cult following.
Here are a few more of our favorite hidden pearls in the world of film:
1. Massacre at Central High (1976)
Dutch director, and former cameraman for the legendary Russ Meyer, Rene Daalder was hired by producers to direct an exploitation...
By Alex Simon
One of nature’s rarest items, a pearl is produced within the soft tissue (specifically the mantle) of a living shelled mollusk. Just like the shell of a clam, a pearl is composed of calcium carbonate in minute crystalline form, which has been deposited in concentric layers. Truly flawless pearls are infrequently produced in nature, and as a result, the pearl has become a metaphor for something rare, fine, admirable and valuable.
Hidden pearls exist in the world of movies, as well: films that, in spite of being brilliantly crafted and executed, never got the audience they deserved beyond a cult following.
Here are a few more of our favorite hidden pearls in the world of film:
1. Massacre at Central High (1976)
Dutch director, and former cameraman for the legendary Russ Meyer, Rene Daalder was hired by producers to direct an exploitation...
- 6/29/2015
- by The Hollywood Interview.com
- The Hollywood Interview
It's been long in the works, but ITV has now confirmed that it's ordered a pilot for a revival of The Saint.
Set to go into production in 2016, this new take from writers Ed Whitmore (Arthur & George) and Chris Lunt (Prey) promises to bring Simon Templar - a roguish Robin Hood for the modern day - to a whole new audience.
But who could possibly follow in the esteemed footsteps of Sir Roger Moore (and Ian Ogilvy... and, erm, Val Kilmer) in bringing Leslie Charteris's gentleman thief to life? Digital Spy has picked out 12 potentials.
1. James Norton
Last year, Norton delivered two spectacularly disparate performances - as reprehensible Tommy Lee Royce on BBC One's Happy Valley and as 'sexy vicar' Sidney Chambers on ITV's Grantchester. Take a little of Royce's edginess, add a dash of Chambers's charm and you might just have yourself the perfect Saint.
2. Matthew Goode...
Set to go into production in 2016, this new take from writers Ed Whitmore (Arthur & George) and Chris Lunt (Prey) promises to bring Simon Templar - a roguish Robin Hood for the modern day - to a whole new audience.
But who could possibly follow in the esteemed footsteps of Sir Roger Moore (and Ian Ogilvy... and, erm, Val Kilmer) in bringing Leslie Charteris's gentleman thief to life? Digital Spy has picked out 12 potentials.
1. James Norton
Last year, Norton delivered two spectacularly disparate performances - as reprehensible Tommy Lee Royce on BBC One's Happy Valley and as 'sexy vicar' Sidney Chambers on ITV's Grantchester. Take a little of Royce's edginess, add a dash of Chambers's charm and you might just have yourself the perfect Saint.
2. Matthew Goode...
- 2/25/2015
- Digital Spy
Outside of his stint as James Bond, Roger Moore's most iconic other role was that of the well dressed Simon Templar, the titular hero of the 1960s TV series "The Saint".
Today, The Radio Times reports that ITV is planning to reboot the franchise with a pilot being ordered for a modern day incarnation of the series. Leslie Charteris created the original novels that inspired the series which produced 118 episodes and was popular in over sixty countries.
Ed Whitmore ("Waking the Dead") and Chris Lunt ("Prey") are penning the pilot for the new version which aims to go into production next year. Whittier says the aim is to produce a show that explores the morals of a man who both fought and committed crimes to do what's right: "There is a post-Breaking Bad appetite for morally grey characters... Simon Templar is a kind of Robin Hood figure, he's timeless.
Today, The Radio Times reports that ITV is planning to reboot the franchise with a pilot being ordered for a modern day incarnation of the series. Leslie Charteris created the original novels that inspired the series which produced 118 episodes and was popular in over sixty countries.
Ed Whitmore ("Waking the Dead") and Chris Lunt ("Prey") are penning the pilot for the new version which aims to go into production next year. Whittier says the aim is to produce a show that explores the morals of a man who both fought and committed crimes to do what's right: "There is a post-Breaking Bad appetite for morally grey characters... Simon Templar is a kind of Robin Hood figure, he's timeless.
- 2/25/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Exclusive: Vampire action film written by Danny King (Wild Bill).
UK production outfit Evolution Pictures is readying a number of features including actor Jason Flemyng’s directorial debut Reign Of Blood, a vampire action film written by Danny King, BAFTA-nominated in 2011 for drama Wild Bill.
Production is set to begin in summer 2015 with casting currently underway.
Flemyng is best known for roles in Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, blockbusters including X-Men: First Class and Clash of the Titans, and more recent features Gemma Bovary and Sunshine on Leith. He also starred in Will Bill.
Also on the slate for Evolution, run by COO Rod Smith, is We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to last year’s crime-thriller We Still Kill The Old Way, directed by Sacha Bennett.
A number of the original cast, which included Steven Berkoff, Ian Ogilvy and Dani Dyer, are set to...
UK production outfit Evolution Pictures is readying a number of features including actor Jason Flemyng’s directorial debut Reign Of Blood, a vampire action film written by Danny King, BAFTA-nominated in 2011 for drama Wild Bill.
Production is set to begin in summer 2015 with casting currently underway.
Flemyng is best known for roles in Guy Ritchie films Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch, blockbusters including X-Men: First Class and Clash of the Titans, and more recent features Gemma Bovary and Sunshine on Leith. He also starred in Will Bill.
Also on the slate for Evolution, run by COO Rod Smith, is We Still Steal The Old Way, a sequel to last year’s crime-thriller We Still Kill The Old Way, directed by Sacha Bennett.
A number of the original cast, which included Steven Berkoff, Ian Ogilvy and Dani Dyer, are set to...
- 1/28/2015
- by andreas.wiseman@screendaily.com (Andreas Wiseman)
- ScreenDaily
Ian Ogilvy in his latest film, "We Still Kill the Old Way", now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
Ian Ogilvy: Saints, Sorcerers and Secret Agents
Cinema Retro's Mark Mawston recently caught up with the legendary Ian Ogilvy to discuss projects past and present.
Mark Mawston: Ian, your film career began in the mid 60’s with The She Beast, directed by Michael Reeves. You had a great relationship with him. How did that come about?
Ian Ogilvy: Well, when we were 15 years old we made a couple of amateur movies together after we were introduced by a mutual friend and we became great friends. I used to stay at his mother’s house with him in Norfolk and over two years we made these two little amateur movies. I then lost contact with him as I went off and did different things like attending drama school and he went...
Ian Ogilvy: Saints, Sorcerers and Secret Agents
Cinema Retro's Mark Mawston recently caught up with the legendary Ian Ogilvy to discuss projects past and present.
Mark Mawston: Ian, your film career began in the mid 60’s with The She Beast, directed by Michael Reeves. You had a great relationship with him. How did that come about?
Ian Ogilvy: Well, when we were 15 years old we made a couple of amateur movies together after we were introduced by a mutual friend and we became great friends. I used to stay at his mother’s house with him in Norfolk and over two years we made these two little amateur movies. I then lost contact with him as I went off and did different things like attending drama school and he went...
- 1/15/2015
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
★★★☆☆Respect is a funny old thing. In order to get a little, you also have to give a little. What Sacha Bennett's sixth full feature, We Still Kill the Old Way (2014), stylishly and cheekily showcases the ramifications of children not seeing their way to respecting their elders. It knows when to have fun and sits easily between gritty gore and being irreverent to a fault, meanwhile the ganglands of East London have never looked more enticing. When aging gangster Charlie Archer (Steven Berkoff) is murdered by a group of hubristic criminal upstarts, led by upstart Aaron (Danny-Boy Hatchard), it is up to his brother Richie (Ian Ogilvy) to exact vengeance.
- 1/11/2015
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
We’ll be celebrating the 5th year anniversary of Super-8 Movie Madness at The Way Out Club in St. Louis on Tuesday October 7th with an encore performance of our most popular show. It’s Super-8 Vincent Price Movie Madness in 3D, the show that we took on the road to promote Vincentennial back in 2011. We’ll be honoring the hometown horror hero by showing condensed (average length: 15 minutes) versions of several of Price’s greatest films on Super-8 sound film projected on a big screen. They are: Master Of The World, War-gods Of The Deep, Pit And The Pendulum, The Raven, Witchfinder General, Tim Burton’s Vincent, Two Vincent Price Trailer Reels, Abbott And Costello Meet Frankenstein and The Mad Magician in 3D (We’ll have plenty of 3D Glasses for everyone)
The non-Price movies we’re showing October 7th are The Three Stooges in Pardon My Backfire...
The non-Price movies we’re showing October 7th are The Three Stooges in Pardon My Backfire...
- 10/1/2014
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“They don’t write them like this any more, they really don’t” says a grinning Ian Ogilvy, sitting back casually in his dressing room on the set of Sacha Bennett’s dark crime thriller We Still Kill the Old Way. The actor, now in his 70s, once starred alongside the likes of Meryl Streep and Bruce Willis in Death Becomes Her, and Christopher Plummer and Orson Welles in Waterloo – yet the talented performer admits that work tends to dry up, in what can be a shrewd and unforgiving business.
“Men and women of my age don’t work that much any more, and in Hollywood, we work even less,” he said. “So I’ve done other things – I’ve been writing books, plays, I teach, I direct – I’ve found alternative ways of making a living. Which was lucky, because the business dries up for you. If you rely on acting at my age,...
“Men and women of my age don’t work that much any more, and in Hollywood, we work even less,” he said. “So I’ve done other things – I’ve been writing books, plays, I teach, I direct – I’ve found alternative ways of making a living. Which was lucky, because the business dries up for you. If you rely on acting at my age,...
- 6/9/2014
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Some quick sales news has hit our desks coming out of Cannes 2014. The Highland Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to work together on several titles including the long talked about World War Dead. Read on for details.
From The Press Release
Highland Film Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to introduce three genre titles to international buyers at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. The slate of UK produced titles includes World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki (28 Days Later), Wendy Glenn (You’re Next) and Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil) and is about a TV documentary team travelling to the Somme to uncover new mysteries in relation to World War I. However, what they unearth is far from a new story, but an army of the undead and a brand new war.
From The Press Release
Highland Film Group has joined forces with Anchor Bay UK to introduce three genre titles to international buyers at the upcoming Marché du Film at Cannes. The slate of UK produced titles includes World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki (28 Days Later), Wendy Glenn (You’re Next) and Kacey Barnfield (Resident Evil) and is about a TV documentary team travelling to the Somme to uncover new mysteries in relation to World War I. However, what they unearth is far from a new story, but an army of the undead and a brand new war.
- 5/13/2014
- by Steve Barton
- DreadCentral.com
Exclusive: Highland Film Group has teamed up with Anchor Bay UK to handle sales on three genre titles on the Croisette.
The films are World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki, Wendy Glenn and Kacey Barnfield in the tale of a TV documentary crew who uncover an undead army while shooting on the site of the notorious Wwi battle the Somme.
Revenge thriller We Still Kill The Old Way from director Sacha Bennett follows a group of London gangsters on a vigilante killing spree when one of their own ends up dead. Ian Ogilvy, James Cosmo, Nicky Henson, Adele Silva and Dani Dyer lead the cast.
Age Of Kill centres on a disgraced black ops sniper with six hours to eliminate six targets in order to prevent the death of his kidnapped son. Martin Kemp stars and Jonathan Sothcott is the producer.
“We couldn...
The films are World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki, Wendy Glenn and Kacey Barnfield in the tale of a TV documentary crew who uncover an undead army while shooting on the site of the notorious Wwi battle the Somme.
Revenge thriller We Still Kill The Old Way from director Sacha Bennett follows a group of London gangsters on a vigilante killing spree when one of their own ends up dead. Ian Ogilvy, James Cosmo, Nicky Henson, Adele Silva and Dani Dyer lead the cast.
Age Of Kill centres on a disgraced black ops sniper with six hours to eliminate six targets in order to prevent the death of his kidnapped son. Martin Kemp stars and Jonathan Sothcott is the producer.
“We couldn...
- 5/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Highland Film Group has teamed up with Anchor Bay UK to handle sales on three genre titles on the Croisette.
The films are World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki, Wendy Glenn and Kacey Barnfield in the tale of a TV documentary crew who uncover an undead army while shooting on the site of the notorious Wwi battle the Somme.
Revenge thriller We Still Kill The Old Way from director Sacha Bennett follows a group of London gangsters on a vigilante killing spree when one of their own ends up dead. Ian Ogilvy, James Cosmo, Nicky Henson, Adele Silva and Dani Dyer lead the cast.
Age Of Kill centres on a disgraced black ops sniper with six hours to eliminate six targets in order to prevent the death of his kidnapped son. Martin Kemp stars and Jonathan Sothcott is the producer.
“We couldn...
The films are World War Dead, We Still Kill The Old Way, and Age Of Kill.
World War Dead stars Ray Panthaki, Wendy Glenn and Kacey Barnfield in the tale of a TV documentary crew who uncover an undead army while shooting on the site of the notorious Wwi battle the Somme.
Revenge thriller We Still Kill The Old Way from director Sacha Bennett follows a group of London gangsters on a vigilante killing spree when one of their own ends up dead. Ian Ogilvy, James Cosmo, Nicky Henson, Adele Silva and Dani Dyer lead the cast.
Age Of Kill centres on a disgraced black ops sniper with six hours to eliminate six targets in order to prevent the death of his kidnapped son. Martin Kemp stars and Jonathan Sothcott is the producer.
“We couldn...
- 5/12/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
As the undisputed king of American gothic, Vincent Price holds a unique position regarding his association with British horror. From the mid sixties, nearly all his films were made in the UK, and while not as distinguished as The House of Usher (1960), Tales of Terror (1962) and The Raven (1963), they are not without interest. As an actor perfectly suited to English gothic, Price’s output includes two career-defining performances. In a nutshell, he had the best of both worlds.
Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The British phase of his career began with a bang. After directing all of Price’s Poe chillers for American International Pictures, Roger Corman wanted to give the formula a fresh approach by making his next film in England. Aip’s Samuel Z Arkoff and James H Nicholson had already produced several European films, so the next step was to establish a London base with Louis M Heyward in charge.
Masque of the Red Death (1964)
The British phase of his career began with a bang. After directing all of Price’s Poe chillers for American International Pictures, Roger Corman wanted to give the formula a fresh approach by making his next film in England. Aip’s Samuel Z Arkoff and James H Nicholson had already produced several European films, so the next step was to establish a London base with Louis M Heyward in charge.
- 4/11/2014
- Shadowlocked
Reviewed by Kevin Scott, MoreHorror.com
She Beast (1966)
Written and Directed by: Michael Reeves
Cast: Barbara Steele (Veronica), John Karlsen (Count von Helsing), Ian Ogilvy (Philip) Mel Welles (Landislav Groper)Richard Watson (Comrade Police Lieutenant)
This week I’m going really old school with a British Italian horror classic, “The She Beast”. There’s the strong possibility that I have seen this movie in the past maybe on a local channel from back in the day, but I don’t recall it if I did. I should have though, because, it’s definitely an important film in the history of horror. It won’t change your life if you watch it now, but I bet it inspired some horror filmmakers early on, whose work we enjoy today.
“The She Beast” tells the story of the evil witch Vardella, who is terrorizing villagers in 18th century Transylvania. Finally, the townspeople have had enough,...
She Beast (1966)
Written and Directed by: Michael Reeves
Cast: Barbara Steele (Veronica), John Karlsen (Count von Helsing), Ian Ogilvy (Philip) Mel Welles (Landislav Groper)Richard Watson (Comrade Police Lieutenant)
This week I’m going really old school with a British Italian horror classic, “The She Beast”. There’s the strong possibility that I have seen this movie in the past maybe on a local channel from back in the day, but I don’t recall it if I did. I should have though, because, it’s definitely an important film in the history of horror. It won’t change your life if you watch it now, but I bet it inspired some horror filmmakers early on, whose work we enjoy today.
“The She Beast” tells the story of the evil witch Vardella, who is terrorizing villagers in 18th century Transylvania. Finally, the townspeople have had enough,...
- 3/25/2014
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Although Hammer Films will always be associated with British horror, the studio did have stiff competition. Amicus specialised in the successful horror anthologies and Us counterparts American International Pictures established a permanent UK base in the mid sixties. Other smaller independents took their own bite from the cherry tree of horror with some success, the best known being Tigon Films.
Tigon has received some belated recognition in recent years. Andy Boot’s book on British horror Fragments of Fear devotes a chapter to the company while John Hamilton’s excellent book Beast in the Cellar covers the varied career of Tigon’s charismatic founder Tony Tenser.
Like Hammer’s Sir James Carreras, Tenser was one of the British Film Industry’s great entrepreneurs. Born in London to poor Lithuanian immigrants and a movie fan since childhood, he was an ambitious man with a natural talent for showmanship. Combining shrewd business...
Tigon has received some belated recognition in recent years. Andy Boot’s book on British horror Fragments of Fear devotes a chapter to the company while John Hamilton’s excellent book Beast in the Cellar covers the varied career of Tigon’s charismatic founder Tony Tenser.
Like Hammer’s Sir James Carreras, Tenser was one of the British Film Industry’s great entrepreneurs. Born in London to poor Lithuanian immigrants and a movie fan since childhood, he was an ambitious man with a natural talent for showmanship. Combining shrewd business...
- 2/18/2014
- Shadowlocked
The sad passing of actress Alexandra Bastedo earlier this month saw many recalling and celebrating her work on '60s spy-fi series The Champions - just one entry in the canon of cult programme makers Itc Entertainment.
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
Though it also branched out into film production - with the likes of 1976's The Eagle Has Landed and 1982's The Dark Crystal - Itc was best known throughout the 1960s and '70s for its raft of cult TV programming, with shows like The Champions making an indelible screen icon of Bastedo and others like her.
These shows are now world-renowned - The Saint, The Prisoner, Thunderbirds - but the team behind them still go sadly unsung.
This week, the Week in Geek is looking to redress the balance with a fond tribute to Itc Entertainment - one of the UK's very best, most influential production teams.
Sherlock: The Problem of the Vanishing Detective
Doctor Who,...
- 1/21/2014
- Digital Spy
Chicago – Scream Factory continues to impress with one of the most essential box sets of 2013 for horror fans — “The Vincent Price Collection,” featuring complete remasters of six of the legendary actor’s most beloved films along with hours of archival and new special features. The bonus material is cool but, as with a lot of these Scream Factory releases, it’s the HD remastering that is truly breathtaking. I don’t believe “The Pit and the Pendulum” looked this well-mixed in terms of color and shadow when it was released fifty years ago. It’s a great holiday season option for horror fans.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Most of the films in the collection are from Price’s Poe period with Roger Corman, including one of his absolute best, 1961’s “The Pit and the Pendulum.” It’s the stand-out in this release but every film gets the same HD treatment and the special features are excellent,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Most of the films in the collection are from Price’s Poe period with Roger Corman, including one of his absolute best, 1961’s “The Pit and the Pendulum.” It’s the stand-out in this release but every film gets the same HD treatment and the special features are excellent,...
- 11/11/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Scream Factory will be releasing The Vincent Price Collection this week and we thought it would be a great opportunity to give our readers a look at vintage trailers featuring the horror icon. To kick things off, we have the original trailer for 1968′s Witchfinder General, also known as The Conqueror Worm:
“A 17th-century British witch hunter during the time of Cromwell’s reign travels the English countryside as he does his dirty work for the strict purpose of lining his pockets. Completely taking advantage of the civil strife, he terrorizes people and bends them to his will, forcing confessions from witches” until a military officer risks treason to seek revenge against him.”
Witchfinder General Bonus Features:
Vintage and rare Introduction and final words from Vincent Price Audio Commentary with producer Philip Waddilove and actor Ian Ogilvy Witchfinder General: Michael Reeves’ Horror Classic Vintage Interview with Vincent Price...
“A 17th-century British witch hunter during the time of Cromwell’s reign travels the English countryside as he does his dirty work for the strict purpose of lining his pockets. Completely taking advantage of the civil strife, he terrorizes people and bends them to his will, forcing confessions from witches” until a military officer risks treason to seek revenge against him.”
Witchfinder General Bonus Features:
Vintage and rare Introduction and final words from Vincent Price Audio Commentary with producer Philip Waddilove and actor Ian Ogilvy Witchfinder General: Michael Reeves’ Horror Classic Vintage Interview with Vincent Price...
- 10/21/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Scream Factory has officially announced The Vincent Price Collection, providing us with information on bonus features for the upcoming Blu-ray set that includes The Fall of the House of Usher, The Haunted Palace, The Masque of the Red Death, The Pit and the Pendulum, Witchfinder General, and The Abominable Dr. Phibes:
“On October 22, classic film aficionados, horror fans and collectors will relish the 4-Disc Blu-ray™ release of The Vincent Price Collection from Scream Factory. An essential collection for every home entertainment library, this extraordinary collector’s set brings together Six Vincent Price masterpiece classics, featuring the first-ever Blu-ray movie presentation of Fall Of The House Of Usher (1960), The Haunted Palace (1963), The Masque Of The Red Death (1964), The Pit And The Pendulum (1961), Witchfinder General (1968) and The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). Brimming with a bevy of chilling bonus content including interviews with producer/director Roger Corman, audio commentaries, original theatrical trailers, still galleries and archival materials,...
“On October 22, classic film aficionados, horror fans and collectors will relish the 4-Disc Blu-ray™ release of The Vincent Price Collection from Scream Factory. An essential collection for every home entertainment library, this extraordinary collector’s set brings together Six Vincent Price masterpiece classics, featuring the first-ever Blu-ray movie presentation of Fall Of The House Of Usher (1960), The Haunted Palace (1963), The Masque Of The Red Death (1964), The Pit And The Pendulum (1961), Witchfinder General (1968) and The Abominable Dr. Phibes (1971). Brimming with a bevy of chilling bonus content including interviews with producer/director Roger Corman, audio commentaries, original theatrical trailers, still galleries and archival materials,...
- 8/27/2013
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
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