The Intriguing Story of "The Quiet Beatle"

As we look forward to Ron Howard's forthcoming documentary about the Beatles touring years, let's take a glance back at George Harrison: Living In the Material World, an insightful biography of the guitarist & songwriter. It originally aired back in 2011 on HBO. Directed by Martin Scorsese, this two-part documentary traces the life of Harrison from his time as a member of The Beatles through his solo career, up to his death from cancer in 2001. It’s an informative biography, produced with the participation of Harrison’s widow Olivia, and his son Dhani. Through interviews with them, and George’s friends and collaborators, including Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Tom Petty and Eric Clapton, we get an in-depth portrait of the musician and the man, who was known (perhaps inaccurately) as “The Quiet Beatle.” There are some wonderful performance clips of (and a look at the stories behind) classic songs like Something, All Things Must Pass, and Here Comes The Sun. Much of the video footage and photos seen are taken from George’s personal archives, and were released by Olivia for use in the movie. 

Scorsese’s film is a story about Harrison and his music, but it’s also a thoughtful study of the former Beatle’s journey toward spiritual enlightenment and personal growth. There's some great coverage in the film on George's 1971 show, The Concert for Bangladesh, one of the earliest superstar benefit concerts. The movie also features Harrison's comeback in the late 80s & early 90s with the successful solo album Cloud Nine, and as a member of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, along with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Like Scorsese’s 2005 film about Bob Dylan, No Direction Home, the movie examines the contradictions between being a public figure whose music is admired by millions, and the desire to have a private & personal life beyond that world. It's a rich portrait of the man, as well as the rock star, and it succeeds admirably in showing a side of George Harrison we haven't seen in other movies or books. The film is available for online viewing, and has also been released on Blu-ray & DVD. Here’s a link to the film’s trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJh9O8pI4Ck.

Retro Movie: "Jessica" Is An Eerie Chiller

There are numerous versions of the vampire myth in books, movies, theatre and even music. The Twilight craze gave rise to a whole sub-genre of young adult literature featuring supernatural characters, and HBO’s True Blood had a legion of loyal fans. More recently, the excellent Showtime series Penny Dreadful gave us a new spin on Dracula, as well as some other classic monsters. But today let’s look at a different take on this often re-interpreted horror concept. I first saw 1971’s Let’s Scare Jessica To Death on the late show when I was around ten years old, and it definitely left a lasting impression on me. Zohra Lampert (best remembered as “the Goya lady” in commercials, and a frequent TV guest star at the time) stars as the title character, who’s recovering from a nervous breakdown. In order to make a new start, Jessica, her husband Duncan, and their friend Woody travel to a Connecticut farm, where they plan to live off the land. They encounter a woman named Emily, who’s been living in the empty house. They invite her to remain with them, and strike up a friendship with her. Is Emily really as innocent as she seems? She sets her sights on seducing Woody, and later, Duncan. Perhaps there's a dark underside to her free-living, hippie-esque personality.

An uncanny encounter in Let's Scare Jessica To Death

Strange and unexplained things start to happen: Jessica is hearing voices, and keeps seeing a ghostly figure in white. She learns the house was once owned by a woman named Abigail Bishop. The mysterious Abigail drowned, and is rumored to have been a vampire. Is that why so many people in the nearby town seem to have wounds on their throats? Is there really a ghostly presence in the house? Or maybe Jessica is having a relapse. Lampert gives a great performance, skillfully conveying the fragile state of Jessica’s psyche. The rest of the cast, including a young Gretchen Corbett in a key role, are also very effective. Director John D. Hancock slowly builds the level of suspense and terror to a fever pitch. Much like The Haunting (1963), Curse of The Demon (1957) or producer Val Lewton's Cat People (1942) and The Seventh Victim (1943), the horror here is understated, and in most cases, subtly suggested rather than shown.

We hear Jessica’s thoughts throughout the film, in a sort of interior monologue, and we see things as she sees them; but is any of it real? There are several eerie set pieces, including a seance, a haunting scene between Emily and Jessica in a cold lake, and a creepy confrontation in Jessica’s room. In the end, it’s our choice to decide if the events in the movie occurred or not. This atmospheric, well made thriller offers no easy answers. As Jessica says “I sit here and I can't believe that it happened. And yet I have to believe it. Dreams or nightmares, madness or sanity. I don't know which is which."  The film used to be a staple of late night TV back in the pre-cable days. While it may seem a bit dated now, it’s a quietly unsettling horror film that will stay with you long after it's over. The movie deftly combines elements of ghost stories and vampire fiction, and is significantly influenced by J. Sheridan Le Fanu's classic novella Carmilla.

Let’s Scare Jessica To Death is currently unavailable on DVD (though used copies can be found, if you look around online) However, the film can be viewed online at various sites, including Amazon. The film occasionally shows up on Turner Classic Movies, as well as other cable stations. I think it's one of the best fright films of the 1970s, and it holds up well on repeat viewings. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX4eZD3GiL0. To read more about the film, seek out Rue Morgue, a magazine focused on the horror genre. The December 2016 issue features several articles about Let’s Scare Jessica To Death, including an interview with director John D. Hancock, and an appreciation of the film from author Kim (Anno Dracula) Newman. Here's a link to their website: http://www.rue-morgue.com.

"Stranger Things" Goes Back to the 80s

The year is 1983, and there’s something weird going on in Hawkins, Indiana. After a night of playing Dungeons & Dragons at a friend’s house, Will Byers disappears without a trace on his way home. At a government facility called the Hawkins National Laboratory, strange experiments are taking place, and a scientist runs away from (and is grabbed by) a creepy creature we don't see. A mysterious young girl (who seems to be on the run) with telekinetic powers shows up, and helps Will’s friends as they search for the missing boy. That’s just the beginning of Stranger Things, an entertaining series that's now available via streaming on Netflix. It’s an affectionate homage to genre films, TV shows & fiction of the 1980s with a decidedly Spielberg-esque tone. There are also nods to Stephen King & John Carpenter (dig that synthesizer score) and there’s even a little taste of the 90s, with a slight X-Files feel to the proceedings. But Stranger Things is so much more than just a retread.

As the story continues, the sheriff searches for Will, and finds that not everything is what it seems. Will’s Mom begins to experience odd events, and believes her missing son is trying to communicate with her, though no one believes her…at first. Will's older brother Jonathan gets involved in the mystery, as he helps Mike’s older sister Nancy, whose friend Barb has also disappeared. What will happen to our young heroes? What’s the real story behind Hawkins National Laboratory and Eleven’s strange powers? Who's the white-haired man in charge of the project? Can our heroes solve the mystery & find Will & Barb? You'll be binge watching this terrific 8 episode series to discover the answers to these questions.

The show's most recognizable stars are Winona Ryder (who’s quite good as Will’s Mom) and Matthew Modine, who portrays Dr. Martin Brenner, the lead scientist at the “secret” government lab. But the real stars of the show are the kids; Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin are perfect as Will’s buddies Mike, Dustin & Lucas. They’ll evoke fond memories for fans of films like Stand By Me, E.T., The Goonies, Poltergeist, It and The Monster Squad. Millie Bobby Brown is excellent as Eleven, the young girl with mysterious powers who may hold the key to Will’s disappearance. David Harbour also gives a fine performance as Sheriff Hopper, who is drawn more deeply into the town’s mysteries as the series moves forward; he has his own reasons for finding Will & bringing him home.

The pitch perfect performances are enhanced by the series’ nostalgic look and atmosphere; it’s like someone found a lost TV series from the 80s and added it to Netflix. In addition to the Carpenter-esque score and the 80s pop & rock tunes on the soundtrack, there are a host of Easter eggs & visual shout outs to the era. The series has gained a lot of buzz since it was added to the Netflix lineup, through positive word of mouth & generally good reviews. The Duffer Brothers, best known for their work on the first season of the Fox series Wayward Pines, created the show. It's obvious that they love this material, and they treat it with affection & care; it's never just a carbon copy of what we've seen before in the genre. The series is enjoyable, consistently entertaining, enthralling, atmospheric & well-written. Stranger Things will draw you in, and you’ll find yourself caught up in its appealing retro vibe. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWxyRG_tckY.

A "Hot" Songs Playlist

In honor of the steamy weather we've been having, here's a "hot" summer songs playlist. Try to stay cool, everybody! Feel free to add more songs in the comments section!

1.     The Heat Is On by Glenn Frey

2.     Hot Hot Hot by Buster Poindexter

3.     Hot Child in the City by Nick Gilder

4.     Hot Stuff by Donna Summer

5.     Summer in The City by The Lovin’ Spoonful

6.     Hot Love, Cold World by Bob Welch

7.     Hot Fun In The Summertime by Sly & The Family Stone

8.     Heat of the Moment by Asia

9.     Heatwave by Martha & The Vandellas

10.  The Boys of Summer by Don Henley

11.  Hot Blooded by Foreigner

12.  In The Summertime by Mungo Jerry

13.  Too Hot by Kool & The Gang

14.  Hot N’ Cold by Katy Perry

15.  Some Like it Hot by The Power Station

16.  Hot in the City by Billy Idol

17.  Hot in Here by Nelly

18.  Hot Legs by Rod Stewart

19.  I’m On Fire by Bruce Springsteen

20.  Disco Inferno by The Trammps

21.  Hang Fire by The Rolling Stones

22.  Fire by The Pointer Sisters

23.  Summer by War

24.  Hot Summer Nights by Night

25.  Summertime, Summertime by The Jamies
26. California Girls by The Beach Boys
27. Wipeout by The Surfaris
28. Summer Nights by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John
29. Soak Up The Sun by Sheryl Crow
30. Summertime by Billy Stewart
31. Under The Boardwalk by The Drifters
32. Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
33. Hot for Teacher by Van Halen
34. Cruel Summer by Bananarama
35. Burnin' For You - Blue Oyster Cult
36. Hot Line - The Sylvers
37. Fire - Ohio Players
38. The Fire Down Below - Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band
39. Fire Woman - The Cult
40. Summer Breeze - Seals & Crofts

Eric Burdon Roars At Town Center Park

As Eric Burdon walked onto the stage at Hamden’s Town Center Park for his performance on Friday, June 15, the band was playing the intro to “Spill The Wine” his flavorful 1970 hit with War. Burdon launched into the song, and from then on it was a musical journey through his catalog of hits with The Animals, as well as a couple of surprises. His gruff, bluesy voice is still powerful, if a bit rough at times. The early part of the set featured deeper cuts like “When I Was Young” and “Monterey,” as well as a more recent Burdon penned tune called “Bo Diddley Special.” Burdon also did some interesting covers, including the Ian Drury & The Blockhead’s new wave track “Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick” and a very cool version of singer-songwriter Randy Newman’s “Mama Told Me Not To Come,” originally a hit for Three Dog Night. He also did a tribute to the late David Bowie, performing “Space Oddity” in a medley with The Animals 1968 psychedelic opus “Sky Pilot.”

But it was the latter part of the show that brought the crowd to their feet, as Burdon and the band grooved into the hit “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood, which was followed by “Don’t Bring Me Down” and, of course, the classic “House of the Rising Sun.” After that, it seemed the all too brief concert was over, but the group returned for an encore which included “We’ve Gotta Get Out of This Place” and a rousing version of the Sam & Dave classic “Hold On, I’m Comin” to climax the show. The talented band, including Davey Allen on piano, Johnzo West on guitar and Ruben Salinas on sax, were excellent, and had some powerful interplay with Burdon. Kudos also go out to local rockers The Doug Wahlberg Band, who opened the show with an excellent set of tasty, guitar driven rock & roll. All in all, it was an entertaining, enjoyable night of music.

Set list:

Spill the Wine 


When I Was Young


Monterey


Anything

Bo Diddley Special

In the Pines (Leadbelly cover)

Mama Told Me Not to Come (Randy Newman cover)             

Space Oddity / Sky Pilot (Bowie tribute)

Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick (Ian Drury & The Blockheads cover)

Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood

Don't Bring Me Down 


The House of the Rising Sun

Encore:

We've Gotta Get Out of This Place                 

It's My Life

Hold On, I'm Comin'

The Game's Afoot...in Two Different Eras

Graham Moore’s novel The Sherlockian (2011) is an excellent “what if?” historical mystery. As a society of Holmes scholars called The Baker Street Irregulars gathers at their annual meeting, one of their members is found dead. The victim, Alex Cale, had found a previously missing portion of Arthur Conan Doyle’s diary, and was about to present his findings to the group; but the diary is now missing, and Alex has been murdered. Newly inducted member Harold White investigates Alex’s death, and finds out there’s more to the story than just a missing diary.

Author Moore alternates this present day story with a tale set in Victorian London; Holmes’ creator, Arthur Conan Doyle, has killed off his famous detective in a tale entitled “The Final Problem,” and a firestorm of public controversy is the result.  Readers blame Doyle for depriving them of new stories starring their hero. When Doyle receives a letter bomb, Scotland Yard does little to solve the crime. The author starts his own investigation, aided by his friend, Bram Stoker (the author of Dracula). As they follow the trail of clues, Doyle finds himself trying to solve the murders of several young women involved in the cause of women’s suffrage.

Moore guides the parallel stories to a satisfying conclusion, and provides his own answers to some questions that have intrigued literary scholars over the years. Why did Doyle resurrect his famous creation after killing him off a few years earlier? What was contained in the missing portion of the author’s diary, and did it have any bearing on Doyle’s decision? This neat, well-plotted tale is a lot of fun for mystery buffs. The author does a great job balancing the two stories, and throws in a lot of Holmes trivia & period detail for fans. It's a fast-moving, well-written mystery tale.

The Sherlockian is an entertaining journey; the reader becomes as invested in Harold’s modern day quest as we do in Doyle’s investigation in the past. And Moore makes some neat observations on just how much fans treasure their favorite characters, and their unwavering devotion to (and belief in) them. It’s part historical thriller, part modern day literary thriller, and an enjoyable read. With the resurgence of interest in the Holmes canon due to the BBC's successful Sherlock series, now's a good time to check out some other adventures related to the deerstalker wearing detective. By the way, Moore also wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for the 2014 film The Imitation Game, which starred Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch as Alan Turing. His new novel, The Last Days of Night, will be published later this summer.

Godzilla's Part Of An "All Out Attack"

If you grew up as a monster loving kid during the late 60s and the early 70s (in the New York area), you probably remember programs like Chiller Theater and Creature Features. These shows would showcase old horror, fantasy and science fiction films (some classic and some not so classic), and you’d sit down with your popcorn and snacks for some sci-fi, horror, or monster movie fun. In those pre-streaming, pre-cable/satellite and pre-VHS/DVD days, these shows would likely be your only chance to see your favorite genre films. You could do an entire article on those shows alone, many of them regional in nature, with different "hosts" like The Creep or Zacherle. Those shows are where I first got to see the one and only Godzilla's fantastic film adventures.

You remember the Big G, don't you? The giant lizard (resembling a T-Rex) was awakened as a result of nuclear testing. He started out as a destructive force that would stomp through Tokyo, wreaking havoc and breathing radioactive fire. The original film, Gojira (1954) was re-cut with footage featuring Raymond Burr and released here in 1955 as Godzilla, King of the Monsters, the version we all remember from countless TV showings. In subsequent films in the series, such as 1968's Destroy All Monsters, he turned into a good guy, and teamed up with other giant monsters like Rodan and Mothra against threats like Ghidorah (the three headed-dragon) who was often controlled by evil aliens out to invade the earth. These films became a genre all their own, called kaiju movies. Toho has produced 28 films in the series over the years (the less said about the 1998 American remake with Matthew Broderick, the better). In 2004, they temporarily retired the character after the release of Godzilla: Final Wars. 

Today, I’d like to look at one of the later films in the Toho series: 2001’s Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. This is an interesting re-invention of the kaiju concept, co-written and directed by Shusuke Kaneko. In the mid 90s, he directed a well-regarded trilogy of films starring Gamera, that giant turtle who's "a friend to all children," originally created as a competitor to Godzilla by rival studio Daiei in the 1960s. Kaneko was brought in by Toho to re-energize the Godzilla series. Essentially, his film ignores all of the sequels, and is a direct follow-up to the original movie. As the film opens, strange events, including the destruction of a U.S. nuclear sub, lead the Japan Self-Defense forces to believe that Godzilla has returned. Everyone believed that Godzilla was destroyed back in 1954. But evidence of Godzilla (and other giant creatures) begins to pile up, and Japan prepares for another attack by these monsters. The clever twist here is that Godzilla is the villain, and more of a dark, elemental force of destruction, closer to his portrayal in the original film. While he is still the product of nuclear testing, he is also an amalgam of the tormented souls of WWII victims, which is his true source of power.

Meanwhile, Mothra, Baragon and Ghidorah (here re-cast as a good guy) are introduced as the Guardian Monsters, ancient creatures who can be awakened to defeat great threats to humanity like Godzilla. The guardians team up to take on our favorite fire-breathing monster, who's on a terrifying rampage through Japan. Of course, the expected free for all melees occur, and our heroes (both monster and human) must work together to defeat this meaner, tougher Godzilla. The monster battles are exciting and well staged, and the mystical origin given to the creatures adds a new wrinkle to the story. The human characters, including an Admiral in the Self-Defense Forces, and his daughter Yuri, a reporter for a reality TV show, are more involved in the proceedings than usual for these stories. This time, Godzilla is more dangerous than ever. Can he be stopped?

Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack is an action-filled and well produced entry in the long running series. It delighted the ten year old kid still inside me, and I’m sure it’ll be enjoyed by monster fans of allergies. It’s available on DVD and Blu-ray, though, sadly, there are no extras. You can choose to watch the film with an English dubbed audio track, or in Japanese with English subtitles. Fans can also check out Classic Media’s DVD re-releases of several of the earlier Godzilla films, including Mothra vs Godzilla (1964) and Invasion of Astro-Monster (1965). These discs are highly recommended, and feature both the original Japanese versions of the films as well as the American cuts, along with commentaries and featurettes. Godzilla is still going strong on the big screen as well: Godzilla, a successful American re-make/re-imagining of the character, directed by Gareth Edwards, was released in 2014, and a sequel to that film is in the works. And this summer, Toho is releasing their first Godzilla film since Final Wars, entitled Godzilla: Resurgence. So there's a lot more Godzilla stomping our way.