tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91085983881622944992024-03-08T11:52:48.697-05:00Made for TV MayhemAmanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.comBlogger688125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-35657600629926898622019-04-21T12:56:00.000-04:002020-06-21T18:27:27.717-04:00Must See Streaming TV Project: Insight (1960-1985)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow any of my social media, you've probably seen my recent posts on TV movies streaming on Amazon Prime. I have found a gazillion amazing TVMs and the feedback on my posts has been quite positive, so I'm extending this project to cover an intriguing syndicated religious television series called <b>Insight</b>.
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I've been interested in <b>Insight</b> for some time now, and actually did a bit of research on it many years ago, in the hopes I could write something about it. Unfortunately, that research and time have slipped away from me. But recently, I noticed that episodes began appearing on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGoeE2xoH5S6ve-Xd0lOh1g">YouTube</a>, in what looks like legal channels.<br />
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*<i>Just a note: I realize there is an amazing amount of content online, available through many different means, but I only want to promote product I think is being streamed by the proper rights holders. It might stem from working at the Directors Guild for so many years that I've been trained to do this, but I think it's important we support the people who may be in charge of getting these things out into a physical format, properly cleaned up and with extras, if possible. I certainly don't discourage anyone from watching what they can where they can (your passion for classic TV and telefilms is why I'm here), but I will only promote the legal streams.
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That said, OMG, guys! <b>Insight</b> is online and looking great. The YouTube page looks to be run by Paulist Productions and it just appeared recently and is constantly uploading new episodes!
So, I've decided to pick an episode, probably on a bimonthly basis, and do a short capsule review with an image or two. Hopefully I can dig up enough trivia as a way to provide a little production history to this fascinating and long running series.
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I'll be adding every review to this post, and my picks will be random, but I'll list them in alphabetical order. Hopefully I can put together a decent catalog, with access to every episode Paulist Productions uploads. Call me a classic TV freak, but honestly it's exciting.
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So, as I said, my previous research kind of went by the wayside, so let me tell you what little I remember about the show. <b>Insight</b> was created by a priest named Ellwood E. "Bud" Kieser. It's my understanding that he was interested in non-denominational preaching, and this series ran the gamut of episodes that felt either like <b>The Twilight Zone</b> or an <b>ABC Afterschool Special</b>. They could be really surreal, or sometimes they were based in the very real. It could be faith-based, but often it was driven by social issues. And the class of actors was astounding. I think Martin Sheen is in a huge amount of episodes, but you'll also see Bob Newhart, Jack Klugman James Farentino, Bill Bixby, Patty Duke and Cicely Tyson, among many others.
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I'll be researching the series as I go along, and I hope I can dig up some interesting nuggets for everyone.
This is a work in progress, and I'm unsure of the exact layout (i.e. will trivia go with an episode or get its own section, etc.), but I think it will be fun.
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You can always check back here, but you can also find updates at the following:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/madefortvmayhem/">Facebook</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/madefortvmayhem/">Instagram</a><br />
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*<i>One final note: It probably means nothing, but just to clarify, I'm not particularly religious, although I love faith based television. (Confession: I was a die hard <b>Touched by an Angel</b> fan!) I think these kinds of shows are really fascinating, especially when they are more driven by social issues. This is all to say, I won't do any proselytizing here. I only want to look back at the historical and cultural impact of the series. Whatever your belief system, I hope you come along for the ride!
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So let's get started!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNH5my_hops">All the Little Plumes in Pain</a></b> (OAD: September 17th, 1967, episode #193, reviewed June 21, 2020): A young but square attorney finds himself in the middle of the counterculture movement when he attempts to lure his friend Jenny (Celia Kaye) out of Haight-Ashbury. Her friends don't want to let her go, but what looks like a clash of cultures soon becomes an understanding of love, friendship and family as the straight-laced lawyer finds he may have underestimated Jenny's hippie circle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Original newspaper listing</b></td></tr>
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<b>All the Little Plumes of Pain</b> is surprising in how it takes an affectionate view of the hippie movement. While there is talk of drug use (and talk against it), overall the counterculture characters are portrayed as offbeat but good. The lawyer, played by Guy Stockwell (looking so young and dapper!) is also a good person whose main concern is to simply facilitate a young woman's reunion with her parents. However, his tactics are more obvious, and somewhat corrupt. Jenny is underage so he threatens to shut down the printing press she helps to run, which would lead to an eviction of everyone else who lives in that humble space they've carved out for themselves. He also attempts to bribe the group. He is taken aback when he sees them holding a small service dedicated to God, and shocked when they return his threats with love. In the end, the little plumes in pain are Stockwell and others like him, caught up in the monkey-suit-nine-to-five existence that leaves them condemning and community and friendships that seem different from the norm.<br />
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Directed by one of my favorite small screen filmmakers, John Newland (<b>Don't Be Afraid of the Dark</b>), this would be the first time Newland worked with Kaye. She also appears in a <b>Young Lawyers</b> episode he directed, and she is featured in Newland's aforementioned small screen monster classic <b>Don't Be Afraid of the Dark</b>. She's quite lovely and puts in a measured performance as the lonely little girl just looking for purpose and love. However, while Jenny is the central character, this episode belongs to Stockwell and Prine who quietly battle over the young woman. Jenny makes the decision that is right for her needs, but both choices offer hope for her future. The ending shot of one of the hippies playing hopscotch (something they do throughout the episode) is given some depth when Prine explains, "Hopsotch is just a game. A game you play trying to get around the squares." It leaves a sort of eerie open-endedness to the episode I wasn't expecting. Newland does it again! <br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP78xCjF064"><b>Checkmate</b></a> (OAD: November 13th, 1979, episode #421, reviewed May 12th, 2019): <b>Checkmate</b> is a quirky entry into <b>Insight</b>. It's about a guy named Andy (Bruce Davison) looking for the perfect mate (as it were). And, with an emphasis on the word "perfect." So, it might not be a surprise that he turns to a fembot named Gally (Rebecca Balding) in his search for true love. But soon Andy realizes how one-sided love can be when your definition of "perfection" is to have a partner who only lives for you. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Original newspaper listing, a little spicy!</b></td></tr>
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Clearly this is a comedy, and a fun one at that. <b>Checkmate</b> was directed by Jay Sandrich (<b>Mary Tyler Moore</b>, <b>Soap</b>), and written by Lan O'Kun (<b>Love, American Style</b>, <b>Love Boat</b>), It makes its point with both a heavy hand and a light touch. It takes a sweet, offbeat approach, gently guiding viewers to the inevitable, and possibly predictable conclusion. But, it also has characters named T. Lord, and you can see where that is going. God needs to step in and guide Andy... <i>a lot</i>. Still, the message is good. Let go of the idea of perfection, and you may actually find something better. <br />
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<b>Checkmate</b> has a cast so amazing I wouldn't have even cared if there was a story! Davison is one of the greats, always interesting and captivating. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. is cut from a similar cloth, and is a treat. But most importantly, Rebecca Balding is a <i>queen</i>. I have been in love with / terrified of her since I first saw her on <b>Soap</b>. Even as a female cyborg that is supposed to be the perfect woman (by way of a very 1950s ideology of that definition), she's strong and captivating. Sweet, but never empty, Gally is more than just a physically beautiful robot, there is beauty within her. It's easy to understand why Andy falls for her. Her human form is also sweet, but different from her robot form, flawed and challenging but real. And it's simply a lovely performance. This entry into<b> Insight</b> is just delightful!<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aOfZgVf9NY">The Day God Died</a></b> (OAD: July 13, 1969, episode #212, reviewed June 21, 2020): This episode begins with my beloved Lloyd Bochner reporting the news that God has died. While his death didn't create havoc in the streets, there were a number of suicides reported. Those who studied, but didn't necessarily practice religion viewed this "death" as the end of an image, but nothing more than that. A group of these scholars are at a memorial service for God, "celebrating" his image and lamenting what may replace him. During the course of the party, most guests are revealed to be in the midst of different personal crisis, to have a lack in faith, and in general go about acting selfishly. The end reveal suggests that the death of God means the death of humanity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A brief newspaper notice highlighting how The Day God Died </b><br />
<b>opened up a dialogue about the current state of religion</b></td></tr>
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Known for being whimsical, thoughtful and sometimes dark, audiences were
probably never sure what they'd get when they turned into <b>Insight</b> every
week. A large chunk of the episodes didn't mention religion at all, while
others were heavily focused on exploring theological issues that were
relevant to the era. Just based on the title, it is obvious this one is going right for the religious jugular, and does a terrific job of showcasing many different minor storylines while guiding the viewer to the ultimate terrifying conclusion. The excellent screenplay by James E. Moser somehow manages to view these characters and their acts in a non-judgmental way, while also condemning them for letting go of faith.<br />
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The cast is crazy amazing! I've already mentioned Bochner, but you will also feast your eyes on the likes of Diana Muldaur (looking so beautiful I couldn't take my eyes off of her), Mariette Hartley, Beverly Garland, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Carrol O'Connor and Roger Perry, among others. Unlike some of my favorite episodes, this is not an upbeat entry, but it is thoughtful and intriguing and definitely moving into that <b>Twilight Zone</b> structure of storytelling. Dark as night, but also strangely heartfelt and genuine in its attempt to not be overly heavy-handed. Also, there a bit of gruesome imagery at the end. Thoughtful, and worth seeing. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNMgnw2uUJh5Va_dOgepYGE8lZ84BZVD3xHOs-JYiyKdkeIZxqXtFfROv9eRmGGuz2aX2mSxt1-ujOcBHgNtfLgz2r2wmSaIe3sOsyWCw_BRDlmsjqUjpK1Y02Ck7K-WLuNQj19XkySbx/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+7.04.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="555" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNMgnw2uUJh5Va_dOgepYGE8lZ84BZVD3xHOs-JYiyKdkeIZxqXtFfROv9eRmGGuz2aX2mSxt1-ujOcBHgNtfLgz2r2wmSaIe3sOsyWCw_BRDlmsjqUjpK1Y02Ck7K-WLuNQj19XkySbx/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-07-07+at+7.04.55+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtiafKu01LA">Little Miseries</a></b> (OAD: November 15th, 1981, episode #440, reviewed July 7, 2019): I probably don't have to tell you why I chose this episode. Well, I'll give you four words: John Ritter and Audra Lindley! Yes, Jack Tripper and Mrs. Roper joined forces once again to add a little, ummm, insight into the human condition. The story is simple: Ritter is Frankie, a sweet confirmed bachelor who is surrounded by some seriously negative vibes that come in the guise of Aunt Carmela (Lindley) and Uncle Christopher (Edward Andrews). Carmela introduces Frankie to the lovely and seemingly happy Donna (Stephanie Faracy, who played Ritter's ex-wife in the 1990s TVM Thriller <b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/06/tv-spot-tuesday-only-way-out-1993.html">No Way Out</a></b>), and the chemistry seems to be <i>just right</i>, only Donna is dying of leukemia and doesn't have much longer to live.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The casting of John Ritter made the news! (although this was for a 1982 rerun)</b></td></tr>
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I've always be fascinated with the many different ways you can give such dark moments of our lives a lighter touch, and <b>Little Miseries</b>, which was written by Ben Elisco (whose only other writing credit was for <b>WKRP in Cincinnati</b>), manages to tackle a really tough issue with a sense of hope and even sweetness. Frankie's relatives live in a "gloom" (as Frankie puts it), but they think that's helping him prepare for the more difficult moments in life. And that perhaps disappointment will fuel change or at least action. The dialog is a mixture of morbid humor along with some rather poignant thoughts about what the darkness is and that those who live there do so because it's easier to hide. But the introduction of Donna into Frankie's life allows him to finally see a light.<br />
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This is a lovely, but strange episode. There's a twist at the end that makes Carmela seem rather cruel. But, at the same time the discovery and confrontation of her lie allows her to open up and finally reveal why she's trying to harden Frankie. It throws the episode off a bit, but Ritter and Lindley are so good, you just want to sit back and watch. So, not perfect, but pretty darn good and worth seeing just for Ritter, who can never disappoint.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDccf5cAFCU"><b>The Prisoner</b></a> (OAD: May 6th, 1965, episode #140, reviewed May 26, 2019): I chose this episode because of the still image used on the upload, which features Jack Klugman wearing an eye patch and holding a puppy (see image posted above in the intro for a sample)! I guess I couldn't have predicted how moving and harrowing <b>The Prisoner</b> was going to be.<br />
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Klugman plays a man named Weiss, and he's spending a rainy day at the pet shop, buying a puppy. The pet store owner is named Ben (no name given in the IMDb credits), and he has come to loathe rainy days because they remind him of his time in Auschwitz. After getting into a argument with Weiss, Ben finds out that Weiss was also a prisoner at the same camp, and had associated with a man named Maximilian Kolbe (Werner Klemper playing a prisoner about 4 months before he would become Col. Klink on Hogan's Heroes!), a Polish friar who opposes the Nazis at every turn. Kolbe is constantly beaten for his rebelling and his cell mates seem to either love him or hate him for it. He plots an escape for a fellow prisoner, but when it is revealed that someone has fled Auschwitz, the Nazis decide that one of the men left behind should starve to death as punishment. <br />
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This is an intense episode, and based on real events. Kolbe was a real man who offered his life in order to save another. <b>The Prisoner</b> dances fairly elegantly around the question of why a God, who is supposed to be all loving and all knowing, would let something like the Nazi uprising happen under his watch. There are no answers, only a chance to feel hope in the darkest of situations, and to maybe understand that there is still good in the world. Kolbe's ultimate sacrifice at the end allows Weiss to open his mind and heart and to also not let this experience dictate his ability to believe in a God.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>An original newspaper listing for the episode</b></td></tr>
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In lesser hands, this could have been really heavy handed, but the filmmakers don't offer obvious answers. And, the acting is wonderful. Klugman, of course, flourished in these kinds of one-off roles he seemed to often do on TV. Klemper is a bit of a revelation too. I didn't recognize him at first, and I'm not sure I'd really seen him in a drama before. He's deft and subtle, and his scenes with Klugman are just terrific. <br />
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I want to just pull a quote from <b>The Prisoner</b> that I was really taken by, and which expresses why I feel <b>Insight</b> is such an amazing show. At the end of the episode Weiss says to Ben, "No one can alter the truth. All we can do is seek it, find it and try to live it." Great storytelling, and a really wonderful entry into the <b>Insight</b> series. <br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoxoDLYrsNE"><b>When, Jenny? When?</b></a> (OAD: February 1st, 1979, episode #806, reviewed April 21st, 2019): This may be one of the most famous episodes of <b>Insight</b>. I can see why. It's <b>Afterschool Special</b> <i>all the way</i>, and it features Maureen McCormick as a beautiful teenager whose low self-esteem has given her a notorious rep at school. This episode features Jeff East, Clark Brandon and Olive Cole, and was directed by Ted Post (<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/episode-22-small-screen-proto-slashers/"><b>Five Desperate Women</b></a>, <b>The Baby</b>, and lots of other great movies). In terms of episodic television, Post's name is probably more aligned with <b>The Twilight Zone</b>, but he directed several episodes of <b>Insight</b>. Like he did with the 1972 telefilm <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/10/sandcastles-1972.html"><b>Sandcastles</b></a>, Post directs <b>When, Jenny? When?</b> with a lot of sensitivity and tenderness. Aside from tackling self-esteem, this episode also explores peer pressure, self-identity, and my favorite topic, the loneliness of difference. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwiE87WYSRKPzrtFSAD_Br9ACQ_tzsRJysGNmtcazlHkDmXj28SqNmpt027FlrRbaa1YEHdQSgjmkFKiMDXpMA1kaxCdqkvWIrYFx0RjJ8bdHvZ4sqPFsAzZLeFLiu1598Bqsn1EiBp2w/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-21+at+11.38.13+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="547" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwwiE87WYSRKPzrtFSAD_Br9ACQ_tzsRJysGNmtcazlHkDmXj28SqNmpt027FlrRbaa1YEHdQSgjmkFKiMDXpMA1kaxCdqkvWIrYFx0RjJ8bdHvZ4sqPFsAzZLeFLiu1598Bqsn1EiBp2w/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-04-21+at+11.38.13+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Original newspaper listing </b></td></tr>
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The story is told both through Jenny's (McCormick) experiences and how she recounts those experiences with her high school counselor (Cole). What I appreciate about the episode is how it shows how desperate Jenny is to be loved by giving sex freely, but the act itself is not judged (she says sex feels good and she's told she can wear white at her wedding if she wants). But it is analyzed, and Jenny realizes that if she wants to truly be loved, she has to love herself first, and that means standing up for herself. Although it has to be quickly resolved in 22 minutes or so, <b>When, Jenny? When?</b> is handled with taste and thought. Also, Jenny's got a great theme song which helps move things along! Overall, the <b>Afterschool Special</b> approach gave me all the feels. I loved it. <br />
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<br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-17977762538222157422019-03-09T17:44:00.000-05:002019-03-09T17:44:14.038-05:00Hooray! Rondo Nominations and other MFTVM News! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you follow my social media, you may have seen that I was nominated for three <b>Rondo Awards</b> this year! But in case you haven't, I just wanted to spread the word on ye old blog, with a little info on how to vote. <br />
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Let me begin with the nominations themselves. I have to admit, it was really great to wake up last Friday morning and see my name all over the ballot. It means a lot and I feel so honored to be listed in the following categories, because the competition is wonderful!<br />
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<li><b>Best Multi-Media Site</b> (aka podcast): <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/"><b>Made for TV Mayhem Show</b></a></li>
<li><b>Best Commentary</b>: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Last-House-3-Disc-Limited-Blu-ray/dp/B07B16NSDC"><b>Last House on the Left</b></a> (Arrow), which is a nomination I share with my dear friend, Bill Ackerman of <b><a href="http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters">Supporting Characters</a></b></li>
<li><b>Best Event</b>: "<b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2019/02/miskatonic-talk-no-3-list.html">Big Scares on the Small Screen</a></b>," a lecture I conducted for the <b><a href="https://www.miskatonicinstitute.com/">Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies</a></b> at the <b><a href="http://brooklynhorrorfest.com/">Brooklyn Horror Film Fest</a></b></li>
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You can look at the ballot for the <a href="https://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog/?p=741">Rondo Awards</a>, and send your votes to <a href="mailto:taraco@aol.com">taraco@aol.com</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>OK, I haven't won anything, but seriously, thanks to the folks who nominated me! </b></td></tr>
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I won't go into too much about why each nomination is really important to me, but let's just say talking to people (whether in person or even on a podcast) has always been a nerve wracking experience, so to see the support from the horror community that I'm doing OK at some of these things just really means a whole heck of a lot. <br />
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So, big thanks to any and everyone who listens to, or attends anything where you have to hear me jabber for a couple of hours. It's been great and I truly appreciate each and every one of you, even if you don't vote for me (but you know, vote for me). There are so many great podcasts, commentaries and events to choose from, so go look and vote with your heart! <br />
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Also, if you haven't seen, I was recently interviewed by the <b><a href="https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-st-tv-horror-movies-20190301-story.html">Los Angeles Times</a></b> in a piece all about TV movies! You should check it out!<br />
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(The <b>LA Times</b> brought a photographer to my lecture, but the photos didn't make the article. Here's some outtakes my friend took! The second snap is me with the powerhouse we call Kier-La Janisse!) <br />
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One more piece of <b>Made for TV Mayhem</b> news. I've opened up an Instagram account (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/madefortvmayhem/">@madefortvmayhem</a>) which will hopefully allow me to add a more visual aesthetic to what I'm already doing on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madefortvmayhem/">facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/madefortvmayhem">twitter</a>. Come and follow me, please! I'm just getting started, but I have tons of TV Guide ads, as well as some promo pics and screen grabs that I'm dying to share on a more regular basis. Plus, it will serve as another place to update everyone on podcast episodes or new blog posts or any other kind of related news. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Coming soon!</b></td></tr>
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And finally: I think I'm actually almost done with my intro episode to <b>The Trap-Cast</b>, which is just going to be a monthly series of minisodes dedicated to the show <b>Trapper John MD</b>! It's time, guys. <br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone again! I've actually half-written two reviews for this blog, so I hope I can find a little time to finish them. Til then, I have more exciting news coming soon... So please keep tuning in! Thank you! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-46389794847768587742019-02-18T20:28:00.000-05:002019-02-18T20:28:41.884-05:00Miskatonic Talk (No. 3): A list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I just gave my <i>third</i> <a href="https://www.miskatonicinstitute.com/">Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies</a> talk on February 7th. Again, it was all about TV genre movies, but since it was longer than my talk in London, a few things have changed. Also, please note that I DID NOT update this list with my lecture in New York City, so this will be slightly different from that talk, but closer to it than the one in London (following this, cuz I am not sure I am!). Anyway, here's what was discussed and seen. And again, big thanks to Kier-La Janisse and the fine folks at the <a href="https://www.uprs.edu/">Philosophical Research Society</a> for hosting such a great event. And I'm also throwing a lot of gratitude and love towards the audience who have been incredible at all of my talks. <i>Thank you, thank you, thank you</i>!!!! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: TV Movies as an Event
</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<b>Opening Bumper Reel:
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/01/deliver-us-from-evil-1973.html">Deliver Us From Evil</a><br />
KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/02/trackdown-finding-goodbar-killer-1983.html">Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer </a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/episode-4-the-midnight-hour-and-small-screen-scares/">Midnight Hour </a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: An Overview of the History of the TV Movie</b></u></span>
<br />
Maybe I’ll Come Home in the Spring
<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/episode-10-trilogy-of-terror-and-the-strange-possession-of-mrs-oliver/">Strange Possession of Mrs. Oliver</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Subtopic: The Intimacy Aspect</b></u></span><br />
The Astronaut / Capricorn 1<br />
The Spell / Carrie<br />
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<b>Subtopic: The First Made for TV Movies:</b><br />
See How they Run <br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/10/seven-in-darkness-golden-chalice.html">Seven in Darkness</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Popularity of the TV Movie (Nielsens)</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/05/dr-cooks-garden-1971.html">Dr. Cook's Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/08/crowhaven-farm-1970.html">Crowhaven Farm</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/03/girl-most-likely-to-1973.html">The Girl Most Likely To...</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-cry-in-wilderness-1974.html">Cry in the Wilderness</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: So Many Subgenres!
</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/07/invitation-to-hell-1984.html">Invitation to Hell</a> (Satanic Panic)
<br />
Legend of Lizzie Borden (True Crime)
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/stranger-within-1974.html">The Stranger Within</a> (Sci-Fi)
<br />
Five Desperate Women (proto-slasher)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2016/06/natures-fury-blogathon-ants-aka-it.html">Ants!</a> (Nature Runs Amok)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/10/happy-birthday-bad-ronald.html">Bad Ronald</a> (Evil Kids)
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Mazes and Monsters (Propaganda)
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Killjoy (Thriller)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Subtopic: That's a Pilot TV Movie?!</span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-classic-tv-blog-association.html">Madame Sin</a><br />
Cover Girls<br />
Velvet<br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/03/ebony-ivory-and-jade-1979.html">Ebony, Ivory and Jade</a><br />
Samurai<br />
Men of the Dragon<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Important Filmmakers:</b></u></span><br />
John Llewellyn Moxey
<br />
Aaron Spelling<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/04/21/episode-11-we-love-dennis-weaver/">Steven Spielberg: Duel</a> <br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/03/isnt-it-shocking-1973.html">John Badham: It's it Shocking?</a><br />
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Someones-Watching-Adrienne-Grainger-Murtaugh/dp/B07BZ5B9CL">John Carpenter: Someone's Watching Me!</a> <br />
David Levinson / William Wiard<br />
Richard Levinson / William Link<br />
Dan Curtis
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/06/richard-matheson-1926-2013.html">Richard Matheson</a><br />
<br />
<b>Clip reel (Curtis/Matheson):</b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/episode-12-the-night-stalker-and-the-norliss-tapes/">Night Stalker</a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/episode-10-trilogy-of-terror-and-the-strange-possession-of-mrs-oliver/">Trilogy of Terror</a><br />
Dracula<br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/01/dead-of-night-1977-and-then-some.html">Dead of Night: Bobby</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Climbing out of the Pigeonhole:</b></u></span><br />
Robert Reed<br />
Elizabeth Montgomery<br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/08/happy-birthday-barbara-eden.html">Barbara Eden</a><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/07/andy-griffith-1926-2012-pure-bad-ass.html">Andy Griffith</a><br />
<br />
<b>Clip reel: </b><br />
Barbara Eden: The Woman Hunter<br />
Robert Reed: Haunts of the Very Rich<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Marketing the Horror Telefilm</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/08/savages-1974.html">Savages</a>
<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/episode-15-is-here-we-love-patty-duke/">Look What Happened to Rosemary’s Baby</a><br />
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<b>Promo clip reel:
</b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/episode-19-born-innocent-and-women-in-chains/">Born Innocent</a><br />
Deadly Lessons
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The Intruder Within
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Someone’s Watching Me!
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/07/invitation-to-hell-1984.html">Invitation to Hell</a><br />
Bad Seed
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<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/episode-15-is-here-we-love-patty-duke/">Look What Happened to Rosemary’s Baby</a>
<br />
<br />
<b>TV Guide Section:
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/06/babysitter-1980.html">The Babysitter</a>
<br />
<a href="http://retroslashers.us/small-screen-slashers-fantasies-1982/">Fantasies</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/dying-room-only-1973.html">Dying Room Only</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/search/label/This%20Blog%20Possessed">This House Possessed</a>
<br />
<a href="http://retroslashers.us/small-screen-slashers-terror-at-the-london-bridge-bridge-across-time/">Bridge Across Time</a> (aka Terror at London Bridge)<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/episode-4-the-midnight-hour-and-small-screen-scares/">Midnight Hour</a>
<br />
No Place to Hide
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-in-house-alone-1978.html">Are You in the House Alone? </a>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Popular Subgenre - Supernatural
</b></u></span><br />
<b>Subtopic: The Haunted House/Ghost Story Telefilm, and the Intimacy of Grief:
</b><br />
Fear No Evil <br />
Daughter of the Mind
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2016/10/tv-terror-blogathon-house-that-wouldnt.html">The House that Would Not Die</a><br />
Don’t Go to Sleep
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/search/label/This%20Blog%20Possessed">This House Possessed</a><br />
She Waits
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(*all of the above had companion clips, with the exception of The House that Wouldn't Die)</span><br />
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<b> </b><br />
<b>Subtopic: The Paranormal TVM and Second Wave Feminism
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/12/must-see-streaming-movie-of-week-spell.html">The Spell</a>
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/08/midnight-offerings-1981.html">Midnight Offerings</a> (included clip)
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/11/must-see-streaming-movie-of-week.html">Initiation of Sarah</a>
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<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-of-fear-1978.html">Wes Craven's Summer of Fear</a><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">TOPIC: Female Ensembles</span></u></b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/episode-22-small-screen-proto-slashers/">Five Desperate Women</a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/episode-22-small-screen-proto-slashers/">She's Dressed to Kill</a><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/01/friendships-secrets-lies-1979.html">Friendships, Secrets and Lies</a><br />
<br />
<b>Clip reel: </b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/christmas-episode-1-is-alive/">Home for the Holidays</a><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/03/big-stars-on-small-screen-blogathon-do.html">Do Not Fold, Spindle or Mutilate</a><br />
She's Dressed to Kill<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Topic: A Small Screen Nasty Moment</b></span></u><br />
Born Innocent<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Topic: Into the Eighties</span></b></u><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/01/17/episode-8-dark-night-of-the-scarecrow-and-revenge/">Dark Night of the Scarecrow</a><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-desire-1982.html">I, Desire</a><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/06/fantasies-1982.html">Fantasies</a><br />
Dark Mansions<br />
A Stranger Waits<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TOPIC: THE 90s and Beyond!</b></span></u><br />
<a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/11/haunted-1991.html">The Haunted</a><br />
<br />
<b>Subtopic: The USA Original Movie</b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2019/01/22/episode-42-michael-parks-is-the-best/">The China Lake Murders</a><br />
Dirty Little Secret<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNxCjr7OrOeGPh-_liYMYaXKqQ9qQfLnP3KwwYlTQp8KbHE7OaMs5ydyDeicUTO84eFp2E1X8GKTWhSQOizg4xVA4_ZkNUZw7J18rOi1W5OB9Xv56Oi3uaZ8-klIRJtWxMbttx8I61FwA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-02-18+at+7.19.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="539" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNxCjr7OrOeGPh-_liYMYaXKqQ9qQfLnP3KwwYlTQp8KbHE7OaMs5ydyDeicUTO84eFp2E1X8GKTWhSQOizg4xVA4_ZkNUZw7J18rOi1W5OB9Xv56Oi3uaZ8-klIRJtWxMbttx8I61FwA/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-02-18+at+7.19.51+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Subtopic: Mother, May I Sleep with Demographics?</b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/tori-spelling-to-the-rescue/">Death of a Cheerleader</a><br />
<br />
<b>Promo reel:</b><br />
Friends til the End<br />
Death of a Cheerleader<br />
A Killer in the Family<br />
Awake to Danger<br />
The Man Who Wouldn't Die<br />
Frankenstein: The College Years <br />
Dark Shadows<br />
Stepford Husbands <br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Topic: You Can't Keep a Good Concept Down:</b></span></u><br />
Sabertooth<br />
The Perfect Neighbor<br />
Spring Break Shark Attack<br />
Rosemary's Baby<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Topic: Monsters!</b></span></u><br />
<b>Promo reel:</b><br />
The Intruder Within<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/10/19/episode-3-dont-be-afraid-of-the-dark-and-crawlspace-are-here/">Don't Be Afraid of the Dark</a><br />
Devil Dog: Hound of Hell<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2018/02/01/episode-31-is-here-snowbound-terror-is-waiting-for-you/">Snowbeast</a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/episode-9-is-here/">The World Beyond</a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/episode-9-is-here/">Gargoyles</a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The End! </b><br />
<br /></div>
Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-2438910557917332132019-01-01T13:04:00.000-05:002019-01-01T13:09:23.770-05:00Hollywood Television Theater: The Scarecrow (1972)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Network: PBS<br />Original Airdate: January 10th, 1972</b><br />
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When Percy MacKaye wrote his play <b>The Scarecrow</b> in 1908, he only meant for his audience to make the loosest connections to its obvious inspiration, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story <b>Feathertop</b>. Admittedly, even MacKaye would have a hard time denying the liberal doses he borrowed from Hawthorne’s story about a witch who creates a man out of a scarecrow, sending him off to woo a wealthy, impressionable young woman. But, it is in the metaphor itself that MacKaye drew on something distinct, softening Hawthorne’s condemnation of the class system and of humanity in general.<br />
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Hawthorne’s work was often heavily tinged in the surreal, and <b>Feathertop</b> is no exception, mixing supernatural mischief and morality in a way that made the story unique and still oh-so-Hawthorne in the commentary. <b>Feathertop</b> sought to expose people for what they were, and to recognize the irony with which they live their own life, as well as how they choose to judge others (Hawthorne uses the word “trash” to compare the makeup of the scarecrow and that of the human race). Ending the tale with Feathertop returning to its original scarecrow form, Hawthorne surmised that an inanimate object was better off in effigy than had it continued to live as a man. However, MacKaye went down a far more sentimental route, making our scarecrow (named Lord Ravensbane in human form) a sympathetic and sad character whose happiness is only derived when he dies a mortal man. The 1972 <b>Hollywood Television Theater </b>production of <b>The Scarecrow</b> upholds the poignancy of MacKaye’s tale. Although, it also highlights some of the whimsical satire Hawthorne embraced and which MacKaye slyly inserted. It is most noted in a party scene where the upper echelon are eager to welcome Lord Ravensbane’s eccentric character into their wealthy fold, but then are just as quick to disown him, even when the truth of his original form leaves him heartbroken and humiliated.<br />
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<b>Hollywood Television Theater</b> was a series that aired on local PBS affiliates throughout the United States from 1970-1978. It was conceived by KCET in Los Angeles and that channel capitalized on its location and accessibility to recognizable faces, casting several high profile actors to appear in their productions. Their debut adaptation of <b>The Anderson Trial</b> starred William Shatner, and Martin Sheen (and was directed by George C. Scott!). Other productions featured Earl Holliman (<b>Montserrat</b>, 1972), Joseph Bottoms (<b>Winesburg, Ohio</b>, 1973) and David Hedison (<b>For the Use of the Hall</b>, 1975). According to Adapting <b>Nathaniel Hawthorne to the Screen: Forging New Worlds</b>, this series sought to give audiences an alternative to the cookie cutter world of television of this era. They brought all kinds of heavy hitting playwrights to the show, including Anton Chekhov (<b>Two By Chekov</b>, 1972) and Arthur Miller (<b>Incident at Vichy</b>, 1973). The directors were often well known journeymen such as Boris Sagal, who directed this entry, but actors, like the aforementioned Scott came into the role too, and prominent performers such as Lee Grant (<b>For the Use of the Hall</b>), and Rip Torn (<b>Two By Chekov</b>) took on the heady productions.<br />
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Sagal was a Russian born filmmaker who moved from theatricals to telefilms to episodics on a regular basis. With this production, he keeps things simple, while adding shades of flair along the way. Since it wasn’t shot in front of a live audience, the director threw in a few simple effects that, along with its muted shot-on-video pallor, give the play a substantial measure of filmic surrealism that keeps the viewer a little off-kilter as the play progresses.<br />
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At this stage in the history of PBS, the network found itself under fire by certain politicians who thought too much government money went into producing television (sound familiar?). So, PBS sought out a mawkish and mainstream title, and <b>The Scarecrow</b> is now considered one of the lesser adaptations to come out of the series. However, it was also a sorely needed entry, balancing out the edgier fare to appease the mostly upper middle class audience’s more conservative ideologies. It’s a bit ironic that this play sometimes lampoons the types of people most associated the PBS viewership, and also most known for condemning it.<br />
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The critics at the time were mixed on their thoughts. Henry Mitchell of the Washington Post wrote, “Nothing in the play is very far developed or very carefully worked out, and the sad result was a shiny-wrapped but none too meaty TV dinner, half-baked.” Conversely, Cecil Smith of the Los Angeles Times quite enjoyed it, calling <b>The Scarecrow</b> a “stunning production” that stepped out of “academic mustiness.” However, Smith also criticized the plush production as maybe a little too expensive for what is intended to be a modest television series, thereby giving greedy politicians a decent arguing point.<br />
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Certainly some good money went into the absolutely magnificent cast, which features Blythe Danner, Will Geer, Norman Lloyd, Nina Foch, Elisha Cook, Sian Barbara Allen and an electrifying Gene Wilder as Lord Ravensbane. Wilder’s physical take on manifesting from his original scarecrow state to that of a man, and learning to grow emotionally in that capacity is spellbinding. The scene where he attempts to call out to his mother is both disturbing and sympathetic. And although Ravensbane is definitely the oddest ball in the house, it’s easy to see how the vulnerable and sensitive Rachel (Danner) could fall for his quirky charms.<br />
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Pete Duel plays Ravensbane’s nemesis Richard Talbot, the man who has already claimed beautiful Rachel’s hand. Duel is the most under-the-radar actor in the cast, and his delivery feels more tailored for television, as compared to the bigger performances. But it is exhilarating in its own way, anchoring some of the play’s more outlandish moments. There’s also a touch of relatable humanity there. Talbot is jealous but logical and thoughtful, and by the conclusion, empathetic towards his enemy, and ultimately there for him at the end. It’s an interesting yin-yang relationship that could have been explored on a deeper level.<br />
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Nevertheless, the end product is both intriguing and delightful. At times a little posh and chaotic perhaps, but also earnestly produced, and extremely well acted. It might lack the morality lesson of a Hawthorne classic, but in an era of unrest and during the Vietnam War, <b>The Scarecrow </b>offers audiences a chance to realize that humanity is a virtue and yes, the scarecrow doesn’t just have a brain, he also has a heart.<br />
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This blog post was inspired by an upcoming Australian film journal from Lee Gambin and his film collective CineManiacs. The first issue is dedicated to scarecrows and I wrote about <b>Dark Night of the Scarecrow</b>, and interviewed Jeff Burr about his direct-to-video slasher <b>Night of the Scarecrow</b>. Keep an eye on my social media channels for updates on the release of the journal! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-39401032159211040412018-06-16T11:39:00.000-04:002018-06-16T11:39:40.098-04:00More News! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGKk75I8var6lG-qV_UTyEWYOybK997b0NAHTjv5H0GOx-9aO2D9wAqnttbW04LcqqavyQ6yZcAXWKFD1FdQqTNx1HNxJDwp3JICv4XmlmkzOw17KXgVmX61TdMpv35eDfrIjtNjQsSMe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+10.08.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="674" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGKk75I8var6lG-qV_UTyEWYOybK997b0NAHTjv5H0GOx-9aO2D9wAqnttbW04LcqqavyQ6yZcAXWKFD1FdQqTNx1HNxJDwp3JICv4XmlmkzOw17KXgVmX61TdMpv35eDfrIjtNjQsSMe/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+10.08.07+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Just popping in a with a little news. Also, do you have a cup of sugar I could borrow?</b></td></tr>
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While it's true I don't want my blog to just become a bookmark for other things, I have been so incredibly busy lately that, well, it's become a bookmark for other things. I really, really want to get back to blogging... but for now here's an update on what's going on in my world:<br />
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Have we talked about the Rondos yet? I can't remember. I didn't win, but did get an <a href="https://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog/?p=741">honorable mention</a>, which was amazing. Thanks to everyone who voted for <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-House-Alone-Compendium/dp/1909394440/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529161867&sr=1-1&keywords=are+you+in+the+house+alone+amanda+reyes"><b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</b></a>. Your support has been amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYHWoVw1SpvNcOjFtIU_K66pVAFBcbxooBp6XLFYgVmfhWgKoAPMEhmr2H1sXGMiDiUDhq3nIYRvjnCyD9zOFrZrk3CzxrJvX7fpXwjyZe7BGt3LndT3_Q1Y_CZQSLkjTxRuOW1yH-OO/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+8.56.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="355" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1PYHWoVw1SpvNcOjFtIU_K66pVAFBcbxooBp6XLFYgVmfhWgKoAPMEhmr2H1sXGMiDiUDhq3nIYRvjnCyD9zOFrZrk3CzxrJvX7fpXwjyZe7BGt3LndT3_Q1Y_CZQSLkjTxRuOW1yH-OO/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+8.56.03+AM.png" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Dat artwork!</b> 😍😍😍</td></tr>
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Hey guys, one of the most exciting things ever has happened! I have provided a commentary track for Scream Factory's upcoming blu ray release of the classic John Carpenter telefilm <a href="https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/someone-s-watching-me?product_id=6768"><b>Someone's Watching Me</b>!</a> Can I say OH. MY. GAWD. I mean, I just did, but OMG. <i>I'm so excited</i>. The release date is July 24th, but you can pre-order through Scream Factory's site and get it a couple of weeks early! I hope everyone enjoys it. I honestly gave it my all. It's not just an important film because it's early Carpenter, but <b>Someone's Watching Me!</b> is also simply just an amazing movie. And one that deserves all of the love in the world. Also, I'm on the same disc as Adrienne Barbeau. That's it, I'm done! My life is complete. Thank you so much Scream Factory for allowing me to be a part of this! The people at Scream Factory are amazing. It's been wonderful. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyk16F7NAYT8zDupQbrJ5IYND5sjHRjtbzILjZb72kZyFHWbw1mqWvVTE3s9MA3lvcDF3Qz36cpTHdKKlCnVXXdGOJmPPWK268hvHcH6wTONra45h8NLoA02Au-v36PzNmlvq_FNTat0_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+8.55.30+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="375" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyk16F7NAYT8zDupQbrJ5IYND5sjHRjtbzILjZb72kZyFHWbw1mqWvVTE3s9MA3lvcDF3Qz36cpTHdKKlCnVXXdGOJmPPWK268hvHcH6wTONra45h8NLoA02Au-v36PzNmlvq_FNTat0_/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+8.55.30+AM.png" width="328" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Turns out the very center of hell is kind of awesome. Wes Craven 4lyfe!</b></td></tr>
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In other amazing Amanda news, Arrow's blu ray release of <b>The Last House on the Left</b> was pushed back by a few weeks, but copies have started trickling in all over the world. As you may recall, my good friend Bill Ackerman from <a href="http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters/"><b>Supporting Characters</b></a> and I contributed a commentary track. The early reviews have been really nice too, which is very exciting. I'm a newbie to the world of commentaries, but I can tell you it's really one of those things you put your heart and soul into because you want to give the film a lot of love and also keep people interested in you for 90s minutes. That's no easy feat, guys. So, even the mild criticism is fine as long as people appreciate the work you put into these things!<br />
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Anyway, that's my roundabout way of saying be kind if you review it on Amazon or anywhere else! We work hard on these things, and I'm honored to be a part of them. You can pick up Last House in the UK via <a href="https://arrowfilms.com/product-detail/the-last-house-on-the-left-blu-ray/FCD1738">Arrow's website</a>, or through <a href="https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/last-house-on-the-left-le-arrow-blu-ray/">Diabolik</a> if you are in the states. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5IGwMia0OpW95FaRYdH1lQBRZ58WOAYQ8K5F0-gVWTOFC9oL4Hu1NdgbieXysCky6dRDUGeuTQVwZqVsyq_5pH5swGaMfRjBnuU6ReqxojxrpAPVNMB0fvQfjMGEbWc9ocNsA0s1RxsU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+9.48.03+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="319" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5IGwMia0OpW95FaRYdH1lQBRZ58WOAYQ8K5F0-gVWTOFC9oL4Hu1NdgbieXysCky6dRDUGeuTQVwZqVsyq_5pH5swGaMfRjBnuU6ReqxojxrpAPVNMB0fvQfjMGEbWc9ocNsA0s1RxsU/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+9.48.03+AM.png" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>More amazing artwork! </b></td></tr>
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I have also contributed the liner notes to Arrow's upcoming blu ray release of <b>Doom Asylum</b>! Super excited about this. My booklet will only be available on the first pressing so grab a copy now. I will say this, writing liner notes for this project was absolutely one of the most fun writing assignments I've ever had. I was surprised by the amount of information I unearthed... turns out <b>Doom Asylum</b> has been well documented over the years, and it has a fascinating history.<br />
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It's also super exciting because <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hysteria-continues/id418884138?mt=2"><b>The Hysteria Continues</b></a> provided the commentary track for this release as well. So, I'm in wonderful company. And, I just want to send a lot of love to Arrow for trusting me with <b>Last House on the Left</b> and <b>Doom Asylum</b>. They are a great company full of great people, and I'm so honored to be included somewhere there in the mix! Again, you can pick up Doom Asylum via <a href="https://arrowfilms.com/product-detail/doom-asylum-blu-ray/FCD1771">Arrow's website</a> if you're in the UK or state-siders can go to <a href="https://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/doom-asylum-arrow-blu-ray-all-region/">Diabolik</a>!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_ZhkPPJKC269eFESAtBTYzM8Xr88SedPy_PBhIckiEn9WbL8NuRxO8uszZQVt8q2ijvSp08ZbbACFttdwNwYuO-KTyqxgkbXytgd_JpEAhNg1r7CDuVTJA7Lp1GwTOS745qRPJtOEmie/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+10.06.07+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="354" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_ZhkPPJKC269eFESAtBTYzM8Xr88SedPy_PBhIckiEn9WbL8NuRxO8uszZQVt8q2ijvSp08ZbbACFttdwNwYuO-KTyqxgkbXytgd_JpEAhNg1r7CDuVTJA7Lp1GwTOS745qRPJtOEmie/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-06-16+at+10.06.07+AM.png" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Ummm, amazing artwork <i>again</i>!!!</b></td></tr>
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And speaking of liner notes, I also provided some for Retromedia's release of <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/SNOWBEAST-TV-Movie-Special-Blu-Ray/dp/B07DF52RDL">Snowbeast</a></b>! So, as a company that doesn't normally do liner notes, it's an extra honor, but also something to note because to fit it properly into the packaging my writing has been placed on the opposite side of the insert, so remove the cover if you want to read about Bigfoot and stuff... Again, this was one of the most fun writing projects I've ever had. I'll tell you, liner notes are just a big ball of awesome to work on. I'll never get tired of documenting lost and/or underrated films. I'm so honored people let me do it too!<br />
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So, thank you, Fred Olen Ray for allowing me to participate in this release! And check out the commentary he does with David DeCoteau! Good times had by all, to be sure!<br />
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By the way, a little while ago I wrote about the blu ray release of <a href="https://diaboliquemagazine.com/master-ninja-blu-ray-review/">The Master for Diabolique</a>. Read it if you are so inclined!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7gs2NJE59D7QpVW5s7DAYLPf0bKEn0wuapHgtkwmhnLU0aUvlg60m3K56DXCU3kNKl9bzzDU65TL6jwC0Nkly_tM5ZywGwU4fSsz2CgT1E57o3k8djx05FtGbAggftxvY90pepki3g8v/s1600/scared_sacred_cover-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1022" data-original-width="723" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7gs2NJE59D7QpVW5s7DAYLPf0bKEn0wuapHgtkwmhnLU0aUvlg60m3K56DXCU3kNKl9bzzDU65TL6jwC0Nkly_tM5ZywGwU4fSsz2CgT1E57o3k8djx05FtGbAggftxvY90pepki3g8v/s400/scared_sacred_cover-1.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wonderfully evocative cover art comes courtesy of the talented Jeremy Thompson</b></td></tr>
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I'm also involved in an upcoming book titled <b>Scared Sacred: Idolatry, Religion and Worship in the Horror Film</b>! I'll be writing about two fascinating telefilms, which will be announced via <a href="https://www.holpublishing.com/">House of Leaves Publishing</a> in the coming weeks. For now, check out the <a href="https://www.rue-morgue.com/21623-2/">Rue Morgue</a> and <a href="https://anatomyofascream.wordpress.com/2018/06/16/exclusive-reveal-scared-sacred-idolatry-religion-worship-in-the-horror-film/">Anatomy of a Scream</a> articles, as well as the <a href="https://www.holpublishing.com/scaredsacred/">HoL page</a> which is set up for Scared Sacred. There will be a crowdfunding campaign opening up in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!<br />
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I'll also be submitting or have submitted several essays for a few more projects to be announced in the future. And I may or may not have more commentary news for you soon! Most of it is TV movie related, so yay! I might not be able to update my blog, but I'm doing my best to keep the TV movie love alive. There's been so much positivity coming from both strangers and friends alike, so I hope everyone knows how much I appreciate every kind word, like and share. Thank you! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-64890745841972121662018-02-26T20:20:00.001-05:002018-02-26T20:26:19.423-05:00News, News, and Some News<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji95IQQQA751GGlAo-UTCZmo2W8Y02m2gi8Wbp-MeRBvNxL8di6i2sgVbPkYqMC4WVVkmiy6cN5s2QUiE5jsr597VMJHuyoXci5KTaetXLHdjIyrOTt9csX98MFs2ysOLy9bwBvZlhl-B3/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-04-15+at+9.48.04+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="460" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji95IQQQA751GGlAo-UTCZmo2W8Y02m2gi8Wbp-MeRBvNxL8di6i2sgVbPkYqMC4WVVkmiy6cN5s2QUiE5jsr597VMJHuyoXci5KTaetXLHdjIyrOTt9csX98MFs2ysOLy9bwBvZlhl-B3/s400/Screen+shot+2014-04-15+at+9.48.04+AM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm exhausted, but undeniably glamorous!</b></td></tr>
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I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep things moving on my blog in the ways I'd like, but I have lotsa news that I'm, like, crazy excited about!
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I guess we'll do the time sensitive stuff first:
If you are in San Antonio or can get to San Antonio on Saturday, March 3rd, please come see me at the <a href="http://guides.mysapl.org/sapopcon"><b>San Antonio Pop Con</b></a>. I'll be giving a presentation on Made for TV movies at 1:30, and then I'll be signing <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-House-Alone-Compendium/dp/1909394440/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519693483&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=are+you+in+the+houe+alone+amanda+reyes"><b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</b></a> for the rest of the day. It's a free con put on by the local library and it looks amazing. Check out the presentation schedule <a href="http://guides.mysapl.org/c.php?g=754872&p=5445922">here</a>.
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I am thrilled to announce that not only did <b>Are You in the House Alone</b> make <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/blog/sci-fi-fantasy/the-best-horror-books-of-2017/"><b>Barnes and Noble's Best of Horror</b></a> list for 2017 (OMG!), but it has been nominated for <b>Book of the Year</b> at the <a href="http://rondoaward.com/rondoaward.com/blog/?p=741"><b>Rondo Awards</b></a>! <br />
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Confession: I wasn't on the original list of nominees, but a few of you dropped the Rondo folks a line and I'm so touched that anyone took the time out to request that I be added to what is a great list of books written by a group of lovely and talented writers. I'd also like to give a big shout out to Mike White, who mentioned my exclusion on his <a href="http://impossiblefunky.blogspot.mx/2018/02/its-gasp-rondo-boys-club.html"><b>Impossible Funky</b></a> blog. That meant a lot. You can send your votes to taraco@aol.com. (If you want to throw a write-in vote my way for my commentary for <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spell-Blu-ray-Susan-Myers/dp/B072131FZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1519693449&sr=8-1&keywords=the+spell+blu+ray">The Spell</a></b>, I won't stop you)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lzCU6fQNbmvyhX0qbK-lxBksohUgBo1iM1gPMb86Qcptabzu-kSjYfKpxoJ54qpYAeovcABBHsP5BDV-hsN6KKT45lIx309Ra663vpq7Bb6FOAX5HSR_ArNjxf5p-g1c_gMRyyM0pQwR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-02-26+at+6.09.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="325" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5lzCU6fQNbmvyhX0qbK-lxBksohUgBo1iM1gPMb86Qcptabzu-kSjYfKpxoJ54qpYAeovcABBHsP5BDV-hsN6KKT45lIx309Ra663vpq7Bb6FOAX5HSR_ArNjxf5p-g1c_gMRyyM0pQwR/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-02-26+at+6.09.39+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you find you must vote for another book then follow your heart, but I think you should all make sure that you've checked off <a href="http://thetwilightzonepodcast.com/"><b>The Twilight Zone Podcast</b></a> in the <b>Best Multi-Media Horror Site</b> category. Tom always does his best to put together an A+++ show and he deserves an award for all of his hard work (plus, <i>dat</i> voice... **drooling**)! Make sure you vote for the TZ podcast called <b>The Twilight Zone Podcast</b>... there's another TZ show on the list (which I'm sure is wonderful, but still... Tom should win!).
Tom even made a post where you can just <a href="http://thetwilightzonepodcast.com/">cut and paste his entry into an email</a>. Easy peasy. Do it! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_McHB8SdX36AZOB1qBpx-IRf0ICyBYKlgK0JaalH6UcoHP8eTupGSbIdw1s9TZbmmUjIna3VWd5_k_-QpW9MH0sGtb8fQuEIdpV0k8zudcv8lTjpppbKskW-y7IbOuZ03PXKOqDqGQd87/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-06-23+at+12.39.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="460" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_McHB8SdX36AZOB1qBpx-IRf0ICyBYKlgK0JaalH6UcoHP8eTupGSbIdw1s9TZbmmUjIna3VWd5_k_-QpW9MH0sGtb8fQuEIdpV0k8zudcv8lTjpppbKskW-y7IbOuZ03PXKOqDqGQd87/s400/Screen+shot+2014-06-23+at+12.39.46+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hiding from my public</b></td></tr>
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Back to <i>me</i>!<br />
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In non-TV news: <b>Arrow Video</b> announced last Friday that they are releasing a US/UK Blu
Ray of Wes Craven's first horror film, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ArrowVideo/photos/a.157131957654140.32409.124795987554404/1853906061310046/?type=3&theater"><b>The Last House on the Left</b></a>, which my good friend Bill Ackerman (<a href="http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters/">Supporting Characters</a>) and I are providing a commentary
track for! I am still pinching myself. I think many of you know that I'm a
diehard Craven fanatic, so this opportunity has been a dream come true
for me. <b>Last House</b> is due to be released in May, you can pre-order via <b><a href="http://www.diabolikdvd.com/product/last-house-on-the-left-le-arrow-blu-ray">Diabolik</a></b> if you are in the US or through <a href="https://arrowfilms.com/product-detail/the-last-house-on-the-left-blu-ray/FCD1738"><b>Arrow</b></a> for you UK folks. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>That's Joe Ziemba making me sound important</b></td></tr>
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I did my first<b> Made for TV Mystery Movie</b> screening at the Alamo, and it was sold out! The evening and event were so amazing, and I'm beyond grateful for the chance to share my love of TV movies with people.
I'll be doing another one in April and will share the link to buy tickets via my social media when they become available. On March 2nd I'm hosting the <b>AGFA Secret Society</b> screening. It's sold out, and I'm just mentioning cuz I'm excited.
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By the by, if you haven't had a chance to check out the <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/"><b>Made for TV Mayhem Show</b></a>, give us a go. We'll be talking <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/up-next-a-love-letter-to-kathleen-beller/">Kathleen Beller</a> telefilms in March. Join us.<br />
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So, now you can see why I'm not around as much (but did you see I posted a review of <a href="https://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-classic-tv-blog-association.html"><b>Madame Sin</b> </a>as part of a recent <b><a href="http://classic-tv-blog-assoc.blogspot.com/">Classic TV Blog Association</a></b> blogathon?), but I'm doing my best to keep the love alive! You can always visit my social media if you want to talk TV and horror. I'm on twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/madefortvmayhem">@madefortvmayhem</a> and my facebook is simply <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madefortvmayhem/?hc_ref=ARTA7wQ3UllNfNalm1ZbXyF_EIei3MungnSWIXIo_Y5wTXK4uVAMUse3pWXGUwGY4dQ">Made for TV Mayhem</a>. Say hi! <br />
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I may or may not have more news for you in the near future. But hopefully soon (Amy, soon)!!!
Absolutely every single one of you that I've run across in person and online has been so supportive of what I'm doing. Thank you!!!Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-91649876714382066442018-02-18T23:17:00.001-05:002018-02-18T23:17:55.900-05:00The Classic TV Blog Association Presents The Classic TV Villain Blogathon: Madame Sin (1972)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><br />Network: ABC<br />Original Airdate: January 15th, 1972</b><br />
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Sometimes you run into something so (wonderfully) bonkers, you are left a little beyond words. When the thing that is loopy happens to be a TV movie, you can sometimes count on the late great <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Movies-Made-Television-1964-2004-Set/dp/0810851741">Alvin Marill</a> to help clear things up. To quote his entry from Movies Made for Television on the 1972 telefilm <b>Madame Sin</b>:
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<i>In her initial movie for television, Bette Davis is a ruthless, all powerful mystery woman who abducts an ex-CIA agent and forces him to help her steal an ultra-modern Polaris submarine.
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Thank you Alvin, this gets us started.
I mean, sure that description is outlandish, but where does the bonkers come into play, you ask? Well, first of all Davis is a half-Asian evil-doer residing in a Scottish castle. She has holograms of musicians playing enormous round harps, and her underground laboratory looks like the sinister workings of a Progressive auto insurance advert! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Flo from Progressive in 30 years</b></td></tr>
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To help her along the way is the aforementioned CIA agent, Anthony Lawrence (Robert Wagner). He’s kidnapped somewhere in London by two women dressed as nuns who use the aid of a strange sound wave machine to throw Lawrence off his game. Out of sorts, he is flown to the castle, where he’s manipulated by a new programming device that works almost like a dog whistle, but with human-recognizable sounds. Turns out Madame Sin once had a tumultuous affair with Lawrence’s father and feels she can influence him with her familiar ties. To a degree this works, but the wicked Madame can’t stop herself from resorting to even dirtier tricks, which involve manipulations so wonderfully evil that it would impress the likes of the greatest small screen love-to-hate-them villains (JR Ewing, I’m looking at you!). And don’t forget, she delivers these emotional and physical blows to her opponent complete with false eyelashes and the bluest eye shadow I have ever seen! The fab obviously elevates her duplicity another notch.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Evil never looked so strangely fab!</b></td></tr>
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Madame Sin commits all kinds of villainy, from faking deaths, to stealing and selling submarines for 1 billion dollars. But she’s at her best when she’s remembering her love affair with Lawrence’s father. She makes jokes no one quite gets ("we spoke only in Croatian!" har har?) and frankly, gets all bent out of shape that her lover never mentioned Miss Sin to his son. So, what does she do when she gets mad? She renders Lawrence deaf and throws him to the wolves of Scotland, which is really just a bunch of tourists who don’t want to be bothered with helping anyone. Evil, I say! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>I'm here all week, guys. </b></td></tr>
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As mentioned in Marill’s concise review, <b>Madame Sin</b> marked Bette Davis’ small screen movie debut. This TVM has an interesting history in that it was sold as a pilot film for a sadly unrealized US series, but was scheduled to play theaters overseas. Watching the unfortunate fate of Lawrence, one has to wonder if the series was meant to star Wagner at all, or if was going to follow the exploits of the great Madame (OMG. What did we miss out on?!?). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>A board meeting of EVIL! Malcolm must be taking notes off camera</b></td></tr>
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Shooting began in February of 1971 and the film generated some decent attention in England, where part of the film was shot. Bette, like all great divas, seemed to enjoy the response, but was quick to give credit to <b>Madame Sin</b>’s director, David Greene, whom she referred to as “brilliant… but different” in an interview she did for Sight and Sound magazine. She also enjoyed working with Wagner, who was also a producer on the film. In another interview appearing in Variety, Davis said that Wagner was “a very bright lad.” <br />
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Davis also felt that despite forty plus years in the biz, she was working on a role that that was fresh. In her interview with Sight and Sound she said, “This film is a new experience for me. For one thing, it‘s a crime fantasy and usually I like to find some way of relating to my characters. But how can you relate to someone as outrageous as Madame Sin? So I have to invent all the time. It’s fun.”
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Life is good when you're this wicked!</b></td></tr>
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True to her words, Davis looks like she’s having the time of her life. And that sense of fun isn’t just contained by Davis’ extravagant performance (complete with one of the best sashays I’ve seen in a long time. In short, she’s werking!), it can also be seen in the great Denholm Elliot, who plays her right hand man, Malcolm. He actually seems to be having even more fun than Davis (and was probably just giddy being in the same room with her). It’s impossible not to notice that subtle half grin that appears with some of his best dialog delivery! <b><br /><br />Madame Sin</b>: <i>It’s so disappointing to beat men. They never admit when they’ve lost. Unlike myself. But I’m never faced with the problem of losing because I always win.
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<b>Malcolm</b>: <i>Well I’m with you. That is if I understand you correctly, which seems highly improbable.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Evil harpist must be a resume builder...</b></td></tr>
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While the film can seem a bit campy with its strange premise and flamboyant dialog delivery, it had some serious money behind it. Davis’ simple yet outrageously gorgeous wardrobe was designed by the great Edith Head, and aptly places Miss Davis in head to toe villainous glamour! <b>Madame Sin </b>was shot mostly around London and at the famous Pinewood Studios, with some other exteriors shot on the Island of Mull in Scotland. Madame Sin’s gorgeous castle came courtesy of Glengorn Castle (aka Castle Sorn). The acropolis is not just a tourist attraction, it’s now a <a href="http://www.glengormcastle.co.uk/?page_id=1234">bed and breakfast</a>!* In short, this film is an oh-so-70s feast for the eyes, and a mind-blowing treat of strange, and wonderfully bizarre filmmaking. While it isn’t a copycat of Wagner’s 1967 TVM <b>How I Spent My Summer Vacation</b>, that colorful and awfully fun comedic spy thriller would make a fantastic double bill with <b>Madame Sin</b>!
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Location, location, location!</b></td></tr>
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Unfortunately, despite the positive press the film received while it was in production, London critics weren’t so kind with the final product. Richard Combs of London’s Monthly Film Bulletin remarked that <b>Madame Sin</b> suffered from a “dull script, a wooden hero and an abysmal ending.” The film opened at the Astoria in London’s West End and pulled in a respectable but only “Okay” box office of $8,556 (according to Variety). It was the replacement for <b>Anthony and Cleopatra</b>, which had grossed half as much the week before. Therefore, I call it a success!<br />
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Its premiere on American television went over much better critically, although Davis’ TVM debut didn’t set the world on fire (shame on us!). Kevin Thomas of the LA Times said <b>Madame Sin</b> was “lots of fun,” and he enjoyed the “handsome production.” Still, the ratings were average, and the TVM drew an 18.4/24. Not horrible but much like its West End run, it was only OK.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Promotional still used in Sight and Sound magazine</b></td></tr>
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This was actually just one of two pilot movies Davis shot around this time. The other was <b>The Judge and Jake Wyler</b> (NBC, 12/2/1972), which was a Levinson/Link telefilm (they created <b>Columbo</b>). Davis tones down the glamour in the role of “The Judge,” and doesn’t spend much time doing much of anything except talking the phone. Of course, Davis’ star shines in any role, but if I were to pick one show to go to series, it would be hard to turn down Davis’ unforgettable strut as the evil <b>Madame Sin</b>.
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This blog post is part of the <a href="http://classic-tv-blog-assoc.blogspot.com/">Classic TV Blog Association</a>'s Classic TV Villain Blogathon. Get the full list of participants with links to their articles <a href="http://classic-tv-blog-assoc.blogspot.com/">here</a>. And, enjoy! <br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;">And thank you to Gore Blimey from the <a href="http://strangeanddeadly.com/category/trilogy-of-terror/">Trilogy of Terro</a>r podcast for helping me with information regarding Glengorn Castle. You're the best! </span>Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-1639042013479786332017-11-17T10:20:00.000-05:002017-11-17T10:20:32.036-05:00The Alamo Drafthouse's Terror Tuesday Presents The Made for TV Mystery Movie! I'm Co-Presenting Too! Hooray! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />OK, so the title pretty much tells you all you need to know! But just to reiterate, I was asked by Joseph Ziemba of the Alamo Drafthouse if I'd like to help him program some mystery tele-terrors every few months as part of the <a href="https://drafthouse.com/austin/series/terror-tuesday">Terror Tuesday</a> programming (normally held at their <a href="https://drafthouse.com/austin/theater/ritz">Ritz Theater</a> location). Well, of course I would! Our first screening is January 30th, 2018, and you can get all the details <a href="https://drafthouse.com/austin/show/terror-tuesday-made-for-tv-mystery-movie">here</a>. <br /><br />There's not much else to say, except that I'm thrilled and honored. And if you are in the Austin area, please come by and say hello. I can't reveal what the first film will be, but I do think you'll love it! <br /><br />As you were! <br /><br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-9572429000891169222017-10-17T16:52:00.001-04:002017-10-17T16:53:35.335-04:00Let's Talk Summer of Fear: An Interview with Lisa Holmes of Music Box Films/Doppelgänger Releasing<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Lee Purcell as Julia Trent in Summer of Fear. © Micheline Keller/Courtesy of<br />Doppelgänger Releasing</span></b></div>
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Ummm... can we just call 2017 the Year of the TV Movie? With the release of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Spell-Blu-ray-Susan-Myers/dp/B072131FZW"><b>The Spell</b></a>, the announcement of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Bed-Blu-ray-Farrah-Fawcett/dp/B075DXZS8X/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1508202435&sr=1-1&keywords=the+burning+bed"><b>The Burning Bed</b></a> coming out and <b><a href="https://www.musicboxfilms.com/doppleganger-releasing-pages-54.php">Music Box Films/Doppleganger Releasing</a></b>, uh, releasing the most excellent Wes Craven joint <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Wes-Cravens-Summer-Fear-Blu-ray/dp/B071FSP8JL/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1508202530&sr=1-1&keywords=summer+of+fear">Summer of Fear</a></b> on Blu-Ray, it seems that the oft-maligned telefilm genre is getting its due, and with all kinds of neat bonus features... The love! <br />
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Of course, I'm an obvious champion of these movies, and have a particular soft spot for Craven's small screen flicks. I wrote extensively about them in an essay I penned for my book <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-House-Alone-Compendium/dp/1909394440/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1508202598&sr=8-1&keywords=are+you+in+the+house+alone%3F+amanda+reyes">Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</a></b>, and I've also reviewed his big three telefilms here, if you want to read my thoughts on <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/05/summer-of-fear-1978.html"><b>Summer of Fear</b></a> (and <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/07/invitation-to-hell-1984.html"><b>Invitation to Hell</b></a> and <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/02/chiller-1985.html"><b>Chiller</b></a>... and you can listen to a <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-two-is-here-we-love-wes-craven/id1046390878?i=1000353997812&mt=2">podcast episode</a> dedicated to these films as well). I'm so pleased this film is getting a second chance at a new audience, and I should mention it comes with the original Wes Craven commentary conducted on the TV movie's original DVD release from a few years ago. So many great tidbits coming the master himself, a new interview with Linda Blair, and a gorgeous new transfer of a great film! Hooray!<br />
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Lisa Holmes, the Director of Sales, Home Entertainment of Music Box Films/Doppleganger Releasing took some time out to discuss the release, which is <i>today</i>, y'all. Go pick up your copy (link above), and leave a review!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Carol Lawrence as Leslie Bryant and Jeremy Slate as Tom Bryant in Summer<br />of Fear. Courtesy of Doppelgänger Releasing</b></td></tr>
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<b>Amanda Reyes:</b> <b>Why did Music Box/Doppelganger decide to release Summer of Fear</b>? <br />
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<b>Lisa Holmes:</b> We saw it as a diamond in the rough, and a great way to start a new direction for the Doppelganger Releasing label. If you look at our catalog, you’ll see that we gravitate toward what I like to think of as a little interesting and different. <b>Summer of Fear</b> fit that bill for us.
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<b>AR: It's fantastic that you were able to acquire the original commentary that Wes Craven did for the DVD release in 2003. Out of curiosity, I'm wondering if it is difficult to procure previously released extra materials that were done for another distributor? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> We got very lucky in this instance. It always boils down to underlying rights and with older properties in particular, it can be a difficult proposition.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lee Purcell as Julia Trent in Summer of Fear. © Micheline Keller/Courtesy of<br />Doppelgänger Releasing</b></td></tr>
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<b>AR:</b> <b>Wes Craven's TVM work has largely been ignored. I'm wondering if you have any general thoughts on his four telefilms, Summer of Fear, Invitation to Hell, Chiller and Night Visions, and how they fit into his overall filmography? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> I wonder about that too. I’m no scholar on the subject, but as a viewer I’ve always been of the opinion that Wes Craven’s work was smart and well-crafted regardless of the medium. I never feel like he dumbed anything down, which makes it more interesting. He was willing to go against certain horror tropes – and clearly with the <b>Scream</b> films had no problem making fun of them too.
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I think too, unfortunately because he has passed away, people are taking the time to dig in to the broader scope of his work because there won’t be any more. If you want to look at his work completely, the TV films need to have their due as well as the big theatrical releases. On a total side note, one of the things I love about all four of those projects are the casts. It’s totally worth trolling IMDB to see who was in all of those movies. For <b>Summer of Fear</b>, I knew about Linda Blair and Lee Purcell of course, but Fran Drescher and Macdonald Carey were like the cherry on top of the ice cream with the cake. Bobbi Flekman <i>and</i> Dr. Tom Horton in the same movie? My head just exploded.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lee Purcell as Julia Trent in Summer of Fear. © Micheline Keller/Courtesy of<br />Doppelgänger Releasing</b></td></tr>
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<b>AR: I was speaking to a couple of people who work for companies that have released TV movies on DVD/Blu Ray and they said they noticed an uptick in interest in the genre. Have you noticed that as well? If so, why do you think that is? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> I remember when the moniker “Made for TV” had a certain quality to it that people looked down upon. Perhaps in these days of truly excellent, original television content, viewers and labels alike are keeping a more open mind and are looking at previous made for television films with a new perspective as valid works of art. Of course, it may be driven too by people in my generation who are feeling nostalgic as well. Member Berries anyone?
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Linda Blair as Rachel Bryant in Summer of Fear. © Micheline<br />Keller/Courtesy of Doppelgänger Releasing</b></td></tr>
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<b>AR: I don't want you to give away anything in the interview you conducted with Linda Blair, but can you tell us how she generally looks back on the film, and maybe working with Wes? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> Just as a point of clarification, I did not personally conduct the interview. I wish I had! I will say this, when you see the interview I think you cannot be anything but impressed with how professional she is now and how professional she was at such a young age. I wish I could be that professional now. I loved that she spoke of working with Wes Craven as if it were yesterday rather than almost 40 years ago. I hope everyone enjoys the interview!
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<b><br />AR: Do you have plans to release any other TV movies? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> Can I say “stay tuned” here without it sounding like a bad pun?
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<b><br />AR: Do you have a favorite TV movie? </b><br />
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<b>LH:</b> SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM! As a Gemini, I reserve the right to pick two that come to mind right away. <b>The Boy In the Plastic Bubble </b>and <b>KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park</b> left lasting impressions. <b>Salem’s Lot</b>. How do you stop?Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-78518854448747754892017-10-08T19:02:00.000-04:002017-10-08T22:37:44.034-04:00Staying AfterSchool with Lance Guest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's so difficult not to gush here. I'm a life long lover of Lance Guest, having discovered him as a teenager in <b>The Last Starfighter</b>. I remember his stint on <b>Lou Grant</b>, and always love when he shows up in something, like <b>The X-Files</b> (and am unashamedly beyond thrilled when he doesn't die in the <b>Halloween 2</b> TV edit!) I'm so very excited and frankly, a little honored, that Guest took some time out to answer a few questions about working on the <b>ABC Afterschool Special</b> and television in general. He had a lot of interesting things to say about his time on the small screen, and he gave some great insight into the <b>Afterschool Special</b>, which was this month's topic over at my companion podcast, <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/10/08/episode-26-the-abc-afterschool-special/">The Made for TV Mayhem Show</a>! He also name drops some awesome TVM titles at the end! Thank you Lance, and everyone else... enjoy! <br />
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<b>Amanda Reyes: Please Don't Hit Me, Mom was one of the first things you did in film or television. Were you aware of the importance of the Afterschool Specials when you auditioned?
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<b>Lance Guest:</b> First of all, no one ever asks about these shows, which were largely
part of what I remember to be a late 1970's-era attempt to deal with
problems kids might be having in a format that was marketed directly TO
kids. Although I hadn't seen many, as they were a little after my time
as an adolescent, I remember that, for the most part, they tried to
address some serious problems honestly, with a kind of PBS idealism that
was unique to that time period of American TV culture. I believed very
strongly at that time that TV had a huge influence on kids and was
worried that the industry's commercial profit motive would ultimately
overshadow any "message" or "value" that the show may want to put across
if it contradicted the pro-consumer agenda that fuels the TV industry.
It was a transition period from the 70's-era of social commentary,
dominated by the likes of Norman Lear, toward the Reagan-era period of
so-called Conspicuous Consumption, characterized by kitschy primetime
soaps about the particular dramas of wealthy people, which basically
served as its' own commercial for a more material society. <br />
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Yeah - I
wasn't even 21 years old. So, yes, not only was I aware of the
"important" intentions of these pieces, I was very much in favor of
them, as they were right in line with what I felt was the best use of my
skills as an actor. The unfortunately titled <b>Please Don't Hit Me, Mom</b>
was originally penned without the <b>Please</b>, which was later added in an
apparent attempt to avoid sounding unintentionally humorous (the title
was still lampooned by my college friends) but I was proud of what was a
pretty damn good show, and, which was in fact produced by Norman's
company. (I would eventually work on one of these goofy prime time
soaps for almost a year, about 10 years later -which, to its credit,
and in its own way I must admit, tried to address some of the same
social concerns,occurring, as they did, in the early 90's). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOTa9nzLYeSR8dPXAOxepobU6k_3JVyRPvi3IuIB2aqN9csYAktVdMuHZuw8uSeztw6AOrrmnSm3bR4ppKdzq_jKCGJBei-550HEUH92BoIpyu0Ho4FkBFvXA-nEnA4OdjV8L_t1hi_OJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.47.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="516" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpOTa9nzLYeSR8dPXAOxepobU6k_3JVyRPvi3IuIB2aqN9csYAktVdMuHZuw8uSeztw6AOrrmnSm3bR4ppKdzq_jKCGJBei-550HEUH92BoIpyu0Ho4FkBFvXA-nEnA4OdjV8L_t1hi_OJ/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.47.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest in Please Don't Hit Me, Mom</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>AR: That was a really intense episode. Did you do any research on child abuse, and what kind of research would that have entailed? For instance, was there something like a child psychologist on set?
</b>
<br />
<br />
<b>LG:</b> As I remember, there wasn't a psychologist on the set of the show, but
in that day, the issue of child abuse was not a complicated thing to
understand, and sadly did not require a ton of research, especially as
it was presented to young teenagers. Pretty much everyone knew what was
up. Nancy McKeon was about 6 years younger than me, and always seemed to
have a pretty clear grasp of it. She may have done some research, but
as I remember, it was Anna (Patty Duke, Anna was her real name) that did
most of the heavy lifting, as she took a lot of the storytelling and the
presentation of the pathology on herself (as well as the supporting cast
of doctors and parents) I think it was my third or fourth professional job,
so I just concentrated on my own stuff. <br />
<br />
<b>AR: Are you aware if there was any impact on the audience after it aired?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>I don't know if there's a way to gauge the audience impact of something
like that. It's not really an issue that people are known to come
forward with, but our job was to, I guess, raise awareness, so that
people that saw it would come forward. Or a least to recognize behavior
that might point to the protection of another. (I am answering these
questions not having seen it in over 35 years) I think it won an award
or was aired in prime time - much like the one I did later, <b>One Too
Many</b>.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hMKIMkwnU6Ppnrs6NMXyJETGThKOwqh6KCbAbI2G680q8XXdHw4a09MyBc8MEARYz-BYZf0FxwFyqHu1JuiZ_wkqt9OW4Tx2yQB_o8PToYTrV-D1HNn-KoPoYHQyclxDNZ1S8aR3P4Lj/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.22.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hMKIMkwnU6Ppnrs6NMXyJETGThKOwqh6KCbAbI2G680q8XXdHw4a09MyBc8MEARYz-BYZf0FxwFyqHu1JuiZ_wkqt9OW4Tx2yQB_o8PToYTrV-D1HNn-KoPoYHQyclxDNZ1S8aR3P4Lj/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.22.03+PM.png" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>AR: So, of course I have to ask about working with Patty Duke. What was she like?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>Anna was very serious, I should say she took it very seriously, as her
own nine-year-old son Sean played the abused child. I had always thought
she was a tremendous actress, and I very much looked forward to working
with her. As I said, she wanted to be very precise with the pathology
and very honest with the emotion. I don't know what she drew on for this
as she is admittedly a survivor of Manic Depression Disorder and
alcoholism, but I don't believe she had personal experience to draw on
for this show. By the time I met her she was a mother in her early 40's,
and a fairly repentant former wild child, as were many in her
occupation and generation. <br />
<br />
<center>
<b>TV Spot for One Too Many:</b></center>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K_zVDu3NqQs" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>AR: I am going to repeat the first two questions and ask about the Afterschool Special One Too Many. Was there any kind of research or preparation involved for working on a film about drunk driving? And do you think the special had any influence on the teenagers who watched it?</b>
<br />
<br />
<b>LG: One Too Many</b>. I am proud to say that I'd had no experience with drunk
driving personally at the age of 24, and very little experience with
actual drinking. I required very little research to be "the sensible
one" of the duo of Val's character and mine. I'd had best friends that
were "adventurers" in high school and middle school, but I was very much
on the straight side in those years. Also, I don't want to sound as
though I never did any research or back story work on my characters. It
was just after about 1983 when I had studied with a great acting
teacher, Jack Fletcher, who had stressed the importance of research.
Prior to 1983, I just had high school and college theatre, neither of
which had impressed the concept of "research" on me (which it turns out,
is a very creative tool - more than you would think). My biggest acting
challenge on that show was 1) to keep a straight face - believe it or
not, Val Kilmer is one of the funniest individuals I have ever
encountered - and 2) not to fall madly in love with both of my remaining
co-stars Mare Winningham and Michelle Pfeiffer. Besides failing
miserably on all three counts, I was happy with the result. Obviously
the combination of drinking, driving and teenagers has always been a bad
one, and there have been anti-drinking propaganda films for as long as I
can remember, but it still remains a problem. Perhaps in the age of
Uber and Lyft, we will see less incidents. I felt the twist at the end
of our story hit pretty hard, and the acting and writing was overall
pretty damn good. I think the show was not only bumped up to prime time,
but was selected for some US Congress' official film to be presented to
schools. So we were government-approved.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-OEEX80sejOzDZfC4MY53fHpXayw0RRwl7iI2MtFpWWbYob4QQG2m85tmGuvwW_6gvdbhZc93rONSNcxQ6suLId0nE-9N2rBrT2Vx8AFJxg7qGq0xEwaOiP5sPN-AH00O5bvvHX4YnvR/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.07.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="398" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-OEEX80sejOzDZfC4MY53fHpXayw0RRwl7iI2MtFpWWbYob4QQG2m85tmGuvwW_6gvdbhZc93rONSNcxQ6suLId0nE-9N2rBrT2Vx8AFJxg7qGq0xEwaOiP5sPN-AH00O5bvvHX4YnvR/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.07.04+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest and Val Kilmer in One Too Many</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>AR:</b> <b>You were in three Afterschool Specials. Did you have to keep auditioning for the roles, or did they just bring you in when they thought you were right for a part?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>The Director, Peter Horton, had cast Val, Mare, and Michelle, and was
looking for my part when he saw <b>Last Starfighter </b>on an airplane and
called me up. So, I didn't have to audition. My follow-up movie to <b>Last StarFighter </b>was about to shoot, and I was in LA for a few weeks. That follow-up fell
apart financially and sadly never got made. That's when I went up to
Toronto to do [the telefilm] <b>My Father My Rival</b>. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU0TiF4LK5y_s__sFYEzUyP29Veg1xZtvr9rookmXRwiy3B6ohUghI2XryAqeh6vBH-5QJ16UoD-yt1aAy84NaPCpfUoQXWSaxqhyl4W2Uk4M8fvlGvtqbWKR-BRn2UUzB6WaSRzwI0am/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.44.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="238" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHU0TiF4LK5y_s__sFYEzUyP29Veg1xZtvr9rookmXRwiy3B6ohUghI2XryAqeh6vBH-5QJ16UoD-yt1aAy84NaPCpfUoQXWSaxqhyl4W2Uk4M8fvlGvtqbWKR-BRn2UUzB6WaSRzwI0am/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.44.12+PM.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>AR: What was production like? For example, did you get a lot of time to rehearse and work with the other actors and filmmakers or were these very quickly made?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>In general. low budget TV
production - which is always what <b>Afterschool Specials</b> were - is always
fast, which means usually very little rehearsal. That said, I feel like
we got enough, since the object of these shows is not so much profit but
accuracy, so although it was fast and cheap, I always felt properly
rehearsed. Just in general, it felt good to be a part of something that
had as its motive some sort of message or awareness instead of straight
up entertainment. Martin Tahse produced many of them, and on <b>Between
Two Loves,</b> I experienced the joys of video-assist, which meant all takes
were "printed,"meaning that they had a complete record of ALL takes so
they didn't have to print ones they didn't use. Very reassuring to the
actor and very economical, as film was expensive and by editing on tape <i>first</i>, printing costs were limited to the handful of takes actually
used. This was 82 -83(?) - way before the digital camera.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOsq6J2oQb0NqswYXS0gKWHQ6QjUpEh6xrS0DolDrKexmiLTf6f6rNIWhIfMLiIXNVu7yucwYgYdVcc1G5_pcrJy8WTHa_eQiEqwQWuxd3PtSf300wWJNZUH0KnZ7UVMrJz5XmrWoJAQh/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+12.26.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="513" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOsq6J2oQb0NqswYXS0gKWHQ6QjUpEh6xrS0DolDrKexmiLTf6f6rNIWhIfMLiIXNVu7yucwYgYdVcc1G5_pcrJy8WTHa_eQiEqwQWuxd3PtSf300wWJNZUH0KnZ7UVMrJz5XmrWoJAQh/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-06+at+12.26.53+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest and Karlene Crockett lighting my fire in Two Loves for Jenny (aka Between Two Loves)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>AR: In <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/04/made-for-tv-mayhem-abc-afterschool.html">Two Loves for Jenny</a> (aka Between Two Loves) you play the violin quite well. Are you a violinist or did you have to have some training?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>I [have been] a guitar player for almost 50 years, and can pass on drums, piano,
bass, and banjo, but I had to learn to fake the violin. I can do the
fingering pretty convincingly and had to be taught proper bowing
technique, but what they did was loosen the strings and put Vaseline on
the bow, so that it was completely <i>silent</i> and I just memorized the
dynamics and thrashed away to playback. Air-Violin - if you will. I love
the way the violin sounds and I saw my "teacher/coach" play a
Tchaikovsky concerto once that was so outside it convinced me that he
was the Jimi Hendrix of the violin. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh9gwn6b5GrEctue05BfGkIVLkaMpcY5dqmSlEq5ljFSf_kRFzmxqUMvg3W4fc-8mPVEkngG9gkHpOPm3JozVzg6uFaoUAdL3d1lIkraL_6hpbCFHtsighPISpvrxFBO6TJ5b1MszvFLD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.18.36+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="459" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyh9gwn6b5GrEctue05BfGkIVLkaMpcY5dqmSlEq5ljFSf_kRFzmxqUMvg3W4fc-8mPVEkngG9gkHpOPm3JozVzg6uFaoUAdL3d1lIkraL_6hpbCFHtsighPISpvrxFBO6TJ5b1MszvFLD/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.18.36+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest in Two Loves for Jenny</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>AR: I have to tell you, Loves has three of my favorite actors. You, Robert Reed and Karlene Crockett. What was it like working with them? Do you know what became of Karlene?</b>
<br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>It sounds like Karlene still does theatre. Her husband was a teacher and
friend of a bunch of my friends and my cousin Jarion up in Mill Valley.
He sadly passed away recently. I just remember her being very good.
Robert Reed judged/sponsored a Shakespeare competition back when I was
at UCLA which my girlfriend Kerry and I won in 1980 as undergrads. It
was $500 that bailed me out of a jam when I was down to $9. So I was
able to thank him for that. That was fun. <br />
<br />
<b>AR: Having worked on three specials, what was your overall experience on those projects, and being a part of the Afterschool Special legacy?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>As I stated before, it was really more important for me at that time to
be part of something that at least intended to have a positive effect
beyond just entertainment. I thought that <i>everything</i> was political. I was
over-critical of most of Hollywood's output then, and even though we
got paid very little, it made up for a lot of the less noble things that
all young actors have to be a part of. If I saw them all now, I might
find them a bit earnest, but compared to what my friend calls the "Get
the Nerd Laid" movies that ruled the 80's landscape for 20-something
actors, it felt rewarding, probably because I remember seeing the first
good ones when I was younger.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxxyEEqXVIKT8ny9VwHOqsvBm3soYMmC4HZRDuO-GHAHEQLQ3NeMLdtmLUfC308aq4I4gLsDcLTWnriSbqFx35k37uxV-_ALmn2PxMQOesNrFMznvzl7QjauKoBr3VqIQA-UfeCLb83LI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.20.13+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="454" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxxyEEqXVIKT8ny9VwHOqsvBm3soYMmC4HZRDuO-GHAHEQLQ3NeMLdtmLUfC308aq4I4gLsDcLTWnriSbqFx35k37uxV-_ALmn2PxMQOesNrFMznvzl7QjauKoBr3VqIQA-UfeCLb83LI/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+5.20.13+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Making tough teen choices in Two Loves for Jenny</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>AR:</b> <b>Which of the three episodes if your favorite? And why?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>I would say all three have their good and bad points. <b>Please Don't Hit Me, Mom</b> (That
Title!) was probably the most daring subject to tackle, but I was not
that experienced an actor, so I don't remember how great <i>my</i> performance
was, but I respected it a lot. <b>One Too Many</b>: [It] was fun to work with all those great
actors and director, [and] was probably the most comfortably realistic
dialogue for those things, but my role was subdued and the least
colorful, but still fun. And <b>Between Two Loves</b> was the most dynamic character of them
all, but the issue was considerably softer, being just one of jealousy
and competition and love. <br />
<br />
<b>AR:</b> <b>You've worked in both film and television. I know film likes to go big while TV tends to go small. As an actor, do you feel you have to approach your roles differently, depending on the medium?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>Not really, especially between those two. On stage you have to be
bigger, or nobody gets it. I disagree that film requires bigger. A lot
of times film requires you to be smaller because the screen is so big.
TV can be 8 feet wide at the largest and cellphone-sized at the
smallest. Honestly, I don't make any adjustments. I try to be truthful
first and foremost and amp it up if the director asks me to. Which is
most of the time.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8O0aKk-3c0I1k0LV8BLsez7O7BRrYJrkW5MtpBJolPaSHD4ig1BAufdmybQUuD1OQCf0dasVXqnLCrR6XrnY9uHWIV6KpNn6jjWh6JJ2wYdHaO-LA-UwKYCpwJfjpJB2wfgl-c-mgP3h/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.58.16+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="462" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8O0aKk-3c0I1k0LV8BLsez7O7BRrYJrkW5MtpBJolPaSHD4ig1BAufdmybQUuD1OQCf0dasVXqnLCrR6XrnY9uHWIV6KpNn6jjWh6JJ2wYdHaO-LA-UwKYCpwJfjpJB2wfgl-c-mgP3h/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.58.16+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest in Lou Grant</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>AR:</b> <b>The character of Lance Reineicke appeared on several episodes of Lou Grant during the final season. What do you remember about working on that series?
</b><br />
<br />
<b>LG: </b>Again, my very first job (I was Mark the year before, but they just
remember Lance so <i>that</i> guy went into the next season). Talk about
setting the tone for what i wanted to do with my career. Lou Grant was
regarded as having loads of integrity, coming on the heels of <b>All the
Presidents Men</b> in terms of the public's taste for political news
stories. Great writers, directors, and actors. Everything I came to
expect from the industry was introduced to when I did Lou Grant. Most
of the cast was fairly radical politically, and Ed, who was SAG
president at that time came out (as a private citizen) with financial
support for the so-called Marxist rebels in El Salvador, while the US
government was supporting the other side. He got into all kinds of hell
for that, and I was on the show during the time he would show up for
work after having received various death threats. Ed has reconsidered
his behavior some since then, but I thought he was super cool. I was 20
and had just left college. My character was not so much radical as kind of high-energy, dorky and
impulsive. I had some great scenes with Linda Kelsey, Bobby Walden, and
Darryl Anderson, all of whom I really respected. I was totally
intimidated by Ed, who I had practically grown up with, watching the
<b>Mary Tyler Moore Show</b>. It was a great first job. <br />
<br />
<center>
<b>TV Spot for Confessions of a Married Man:</b></center>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sZB-LYsD_2M" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<b>14. So much television seems to be lost. I couldn't locate the telefilms Confessions of a Married Man or My Father, My Rival. What can you tell us about working on telefilms in this era and if you feel there is an importance to making these projects more accessible? </b><br />
<br />
Ok, well, like said before, I think, The writing tended to be better on
TV movies, than on many series. They often tackled important subject
matter. I auditioned for a movie about nuclear holocaust and one about
the nuns who were killed in El Salvador during the Sandinista Rebellion.
I was very excited about them but for the first one, after having a
perfect "nailed it" audition, they cast a guy who looks as much like me
at the time as anyone, so much that I thought they might've thought he
was me) and for the second, they hired my director for <b>One Too Many</b>,
Peter Horton (who is a good actor/director and a cool guy). But
interestingly, the director of that project, Joe Sargent, remembered me
for when he directed <b>Jaws: The Revenge</b>, and offered me a lead part five
years later. So, you never know what happens in an audition.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIazGQ9u5o8X3i4s4f4hEtHyx6m6qnC8PZ_i2qS_7N0_DH9h5oSTBxwmz7pNrwgxjZjbfjtjH3jFG89i28dy-pLntu_vuslTi5IwToUphhyphenhyphenfZL8iRD_hkHphejtA9TOBTrfXAjalHUN2t/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.39.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="592" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIazGQ9u5o8X3i4s4f4hEtHyx6m6qnC8PZ_i2qS_7N0_DH9h5oSTBxwmz7pNrwgxjZjbfjtjH3jFG89i28dy-pLntu_vuslTi5IwToUphhyphenhyphenfZL8iRD_hkHphejtA9TOBTrfXAjalHUN2t/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.39.37+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Promotional still for Confessions of a Married Man (dat cast!)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Confessions of a Married Man</b> originally started as <b>An Affair to
Forget</b> about a middle aged, indecisive, somewhat neurotic intellectual
man who wants to leave his down-to-earth wife and two children for a
more mentally stimulating younger woman. The writer wrote it originally
for John Cassavettes, but the network chose Robert Conrad. Depending on
how old you are, you will either get the irony or not. When you read the
script, you could hear rhythms of Woody Allen or Alan Alda, and Bob
was just not really that guy. Bob Conrad is a macho Old School Hollywood
tough guy from <b>The Wild Wild West</b> and <b>Black Sheep Squadron</b> (who used
to quote Steve McQueen on Hollywood: "Where else can you live this well
without a gun?"). I thought, "Well this is gonna be interesting." I got
along with Bob really well, though and steered clear of any political
discussions.<br />
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
I played a non-intellectual high school football
offensive lineman who has a five page scene at the end of the movie, which
was supposed to bring Bob's character to tears, and convince him not to
leave his family. When we got to the scene, they were going to cover Bob
first, and he announced ,in his Chicago-ese "No way am I cryin' in this
scene. Forget it. You're gettin' <i>one</i> take - and you'll get what you
get!" The director comes up to me and implores me, "We have to get this.
The whole movie doesn't work if he doesn't cry, and he won't take the
drops. It's on <i>you</i>." I was 22 years old. We did the scene and Bob
cried. He was great. Then he just walked off the set. Classic. I'll
always like him for that. Plus he was the star of one of only <i>three</i> TV
shows my <i>actual</i> fighter pilot Dad would watch (<b>Black Sheep Squadron</b>) So
that was fun. I had great scenes with my Mom, played by Jennifer Warren
(who was Awesome). I used those scenes on my demo reel, instead of <b>Last
Starfighter</b> for years. Don't know why. I guess I couldn't decide which
ones to use. I don't know if anyone saw that movie, but I was happy with
how it came out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_dGzpgfozvF9akd60fDrXwNdObY_GzthYO2Q3GljQdjX1-meyQvdc7LnpyCMRJvfEiVHkG-JzplcksmAFigOXCcS09DfpmN_kIz31V5bPME7x5WNJp3CuWC92IZGwAOpRccSLQ_ENIPk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.41.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="251" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_dGzpgfozvF9akd60fDrXwNdObY_GzthYO2Q3GljQdjX1-meyQvdc7LnpyCMRJvfEiVHkG-JzplcksmAFigOXCcS09DfpmN_kIz31V5bPME7x5WNJp3CuWC92IZGwAOpRccSLQ_ENIPk/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.41.32+PM.png" width="223" /></a></div>
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<div>
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<div>
<br />
The same goes for <b>The Roommate</b>, which
wasn't really, by format, a TV movie from the outset. Originally it was
produced for <b>PBS American Playhouse</b>, which had been a pretty
prestigious program during the 80's. It was based on a John Updike short
story from the 50s, and the writer/producer Neil Miller and director
Nell Cox decided they would shoot this low-budget piece in 35mm and try
to make it an indie feature. They already had a deal with PBS but the
extra production value of the time period would kick it up a notch. It
was basically a 1952 college-roommate <b>Odd Couple</b>, Barry Miller played
beatnik purist Ghandi-disciple Hub from Portland OR, and I was uptight, religious, All American weenie Orson from South Dakota. It certainly
played more like a feature than most TV movies, although it had a smaller
"scope" as my screenwriter friend would say. And sadly it was never
released commercially, but we did win the Grand Prize at the LA Indie Film Festival in 1985.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn-gTOB3bCJ24tkJL_Hys4YGwMMvsWXcGCFv430BcXnH2q-v7N-5sS2riwkadUN2UOAYs7eZL7nVuythctKBe51VUCguhkWJPekmvCdnAU03jGQDH9-TGtxNAhbKtoNDNreseNw2vcDrg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.41.51+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="409" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmn-gTOB3bCJ24tkJL_Hys4YGwMMvsWXcGCFv430BcXnH2q-v7N-5sS2riwkadUN2UOAYs7eZL7nVuythctKBe51VUCguhkWJPekmvCdnAU03jGQDH9-TGtxNAhbKtoNDNreseNw2vcDrg/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.41.51+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Roommate</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
As a film experience it was
unlike anything I had ever done, or will ever do. Updike's original
story tended to be heady and deliberately uncomfortable, while the
demands on a college-age target-demographic for a commercial film shared
more with the college memoir comedies of that time, although certainly
not as obvious. Those of us that thought we were making an "art film"
shuddered at the incorrect notion that we would be making another <b>Porky's</b>. We were totally overreacting, but it was often contentious.
Barry, an outspoken perfectionist, and I were solid with each other and
would often stay up till four in the morning rehearsing, trying to get what
the scenes were about, often suggesting alternate "beats." I must say,
the writer/ producer and the director respectfully listened to our ideas, and sometimes used them, but the overall feeling was that we were all collaborating. It
was the most fun I've ever had making a movie. By the end we didn't
know what we had, but when I saw it, I felt like everyone really got
what they wanted.</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
It won other festival awards, in Chicago and Toronto, I
think, but was never released commercially. It aired on PBS in 1985. My
parents liked it. I was so proud of having done an independent film
that I used <i>only</i> this show on my demo reel for a few years,
inadvertently causing my only auditions to be for solely uptight Midwestern weenies. I was so naively anti-studio and anti-mainstream
that I <i>only</i> wanted to appear in independent films. This was about 3 or 4
years before indies were really hip (in the late 80s early 90s).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIFAKhyRcZIfUk3Ayy3lBDXnx-DF0ZHcdaOtCBwaJuHvbkIbbefl_MC1KeghYptNAyepAWGZQuVykSRibnyRPfKMSxzgvvZRBh7Jq8ssnieu6zba0nOtP20NkbQJVB87uLvN1dyW6_yTZ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.56.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="464" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEIFAKhyRcZIfUk3Ayy3lBDXnx-DF0ZHcdaOtCBwaJuHvbkIbbefl_MC1KeghYptNAyepAWGZQuVykSRibnyRPfKMSxzgvvZRBh7Jq8ssnieu6zba0nOtP20NkbQJVB87uLvN1dyW6_yTZ/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-10-08+at+4.56.49+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Guest in Lou Grant</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next year, after I was told <b>Last Starfighter </b>didn't make any
money at the box office, and a couple weeks after after my follow-up
project (another indie film) fell apart, the newly founded HBO original
programming department offered me what was presented as another <b>Afterschool Special</b>, but was really another TV movie for HBO. The original
title had been <b>Dark But Full of Diamonds</b>, about a kid who loses his
mom at 12 years old and falls in love with his swimming teacher, maybe 6
years his senior, who then starts dating his dad. when my character is 6
years older - so, at 18. My character was a lot of fun to play and I
was working with Wendy Crewson, who I liked a lot as an actor. I played
all the "Pissed off at Dad" notes with all the Freudian indignant
transference and awkwardness, and it ended up pretty well. I had a great
time in Toronto, where we shot it, although the fine director, Claude
Jutra, didn't speak much English. The title was changed to <b>My Father, My
Rival</b>, in my opinion, another title a little too "On the Nose."</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
So that's all I can say about the TV movies (or Movie Of the Week, as they used
to be called) that I had anything to do with. I had been a fan of them
when I was a kid in the 70's: <b>Duel</b>, <b>Tribes</b>, <b>The Night Strangler</b>, <b>Sunshine</b>, <b>Melvin Purvis: G-man</b> are the ones that stick out. But as
the 80's went on, the TV movie demographic was identified as the
"shopping housewife" so, whether that was deserving or not, the content,
as a result, became exclusively stories of divorce, cheating husbands,
murdered girlfriends, rape cases, lost children, poor little rich girls,
etc. And usually by page 75, the leading female character has a
"make-over montage" that is supposed to signify her "moving on,"
conveniently, providing a custom "commercial between commercials" to
satisfy the sponsors. But the original reputation of the TV movie had
been earned by more original content. Nowadays, with a company like HBO,
the content seems less driven by commercial interests, and more pure
story, or niche genres.</div>
<br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-58280488963475985382017-09-27T08:43:00.001-04:002017-09-27T08:43:57.046-04:00Cry Rape (1973)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-YFdBXJKuAq6FvSoj3nv1RM_OjjQw7Mi6ppUT-VnU7tKNZSfRaqLlLR-u52qmwNlTj_nGrr_pHvSalVhO8vbXEIG3wWrYbBN7NgraeUmq4iT8qtmTfrHQjMHNvOe8E-e9V1qOR3MD8g0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.41.38+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="340" data-original-width="613" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic-YFdBXJKuAq6FvSoj3nv1RM_OjjQw7Mi6ppUT-VnU7tKNZSfRaqLlLR-u52qmwNlTj_nGrr_pHvSalVhO8vbXEIG3wWrYbBN7NgraeUmq4iT8qtmTfrHQjMHNvOe8E-e9V1qOR3MD8g0/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.41.38+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Network: CBS<br />Original Airdate: November 27, 1973</b><br />
<br />
Fresh off of the daytime drama, <b>Love is a Many Splendored Thing</b>, Andrea Marcovicci took another dramatic turn in the harrowing but flawed <b>Cry Rape</b>, which predates the better known (and, frankly, better made) <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/04/case-of-rape-1974.html"><b>A Case of Rape</b></a> by mere months. In <b>Cry Rape</b>, Marcovicci is Betty Jenner, an unassuming young woman who comes home from a normal day at work and is attacked by a serial rapist. Mustering up the energy to follow up the assault with police action, Betty is run through a system that seeks to continually victimize the victim. After a man is apprehended, more women step forward, but as the trial and investigation continues it becomes apparent that these women have wrongly accused the defendant. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG24RZbpxOqQwjwQKDy5grnRdlErDD_K_fQU15c7hD57hqXHwkl4X4gFTcXttghc4fdvhenXJTDJ_Ol5gG_SM5quPxABUP_rHalDaF-_wKOMnKc8D7XaUYHifp4_zthwkK2rGFx0aVZKi/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.40.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="621" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG24RZbpxOqQwjwQKDy5grnRdlErDD_K_fQU15c7hD57hqXHwkl4X4gFTcXttghc4fdvhenXJTDJ_Ol5gG_SM5quPxABUP_rHalDaF-_wKOMnKc8D7XaUYHifp4_zthwkK2rGFx0aVZKi/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.40.53+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Both <b>Cry Rape</b> and <b>A Case of Rape</b> landed in the top ten most watched telefilms of the 1973-74 season, with <b>Case</b> coming in at #2, boasting a 33.1/44 rating, and <b>Cry</b> settling in at #8 with a rating of 27.6/43. Almost half of America was finally opening their eyes the problems of a justice system that may have good intentions, but used very poor methods to solve a heinous crime. In this respect, <b>Cry Rape</b> is an essential film. It does indeed offer a fairly realistic look at the system, and does so through a strong character determined to see that justice prevails. Unfortunately, Betty only bookends a movie that is all about the misidentified culprit and his plight to prove his innocence (or more aptly, the police department’s plight). <br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Novelization for Cry Rape</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
In an interview to promote the movie, screenwriter Leonard Freeman stated that he was aware of the production of <b>A Case of Rape</b> and hoped it would change the system. He said, "Look at the newspapers, the news magazines, the legal journals - the concern about the growing incidence of rape, our antiquated laws on rape, the horrible treatment by the police and the courts of women who are willing to press charges... No, I'm not in the least surprised that these two stories would emerge simultaneously. I am surprised that both of them are in prime time where they will be seen by a wide audience - not hidden in some Sunday afternoon ghetto." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZmpaNqyjAAC5o69gwhVmcPJ72xivyRSdqM4kkh7UZagqQM3hODfxLqEvKFSIb4Nr7KaaBJ23RWjOlsmsgN6RIuWculI4D7iKhnOlxDZAa34tW4TQ2dqnImOGyZYVcmqNi6SN5o1_Yf1Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.32.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="607" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZmpaNqyjAAC5o69gwhVmcPJ72xivyRSdqM4kkh7UZagqQM3hODfxLqEvKFSIb4Nr7KaaBJ23RWjOlsmsgN6RIuWculI4D7iKhnOlxDZAa34tW4TQ2dqnImOGyZYVcmqNi6SN5o1_Yf1Z/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.32.03+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In the end, I had very mixed feelings about the way the film played out. I appreciate the effort to bring attention to a sensitive topic that absolutely needed addressing. However, disregarding Betty for more than half of the film is troubling. It reminds me of 1976’s <b>Revenge for a Rape</b> with Mike Connors. In <b>Revenge</b>, the assault takes a backseat to the heady action scene at the end, which features Connors, not the victim, "getting revenge" (and, if memory serves, has a similar twist). With this approach, the survivor is put under question when it’s revealed that she accused the wrong man. In both of these films, rape is merely a plot device.<br />
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At the same time, I did like the ending of <b>Cry</b> because it doesn’t just pat Betty on the back and assume life will resume some kind of normalcy for her. In this respect, it is reminiscent of <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-in-house-alone-1978.html"><b>Are You in the House Alone?</b></a>, which does a better of job of telegraphing that notion, and, of course, that telefilm is told from the female’s point of view, giving it a gravitas and a sense of realism that <b>Cry</b> lacks.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c03gNV98E1IlAlL1OOtm7ue3wLb-RMeHB0C-Tg1j0rMWzN03cRBbqzmruafNQGuO8K5YR1uGhWYNFC8QT_ZDx_tTRMALUuWV74yRuvWyCUF1wC1okBsbgezSyGlYrpN7nJk9F-DJ3MEo/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.32.21+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="301" data-original-width="605" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6c03gNV98E1IlAlL1OOtm7ue3wLb-RMeHB0C-Tg1j0rMWzN03cRBbqzmruafNQGuO8K5YR1uGhWYNFC8QT_ZDx_tTRMALUuWV74yRuvWyCUF1wC1okBsbgezSyGlYrpN7nJk9F-DJ3MEo/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-09-26+at+4.32.21+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is not to say that <b>Cry Rape</b> should be completely disregarded. It’s a very watchable telefilm, with great acting, especially from Peter Coffield and Joseph Sirola (who I know best from his many appearances on <b>Quincy</b>). As a mystery film, it does have its intrigue, and it is an efficient, and sometimes energetic entry into the early days of the telefilm. Mostly though it is an important cultural artifact, because it got to the gate first, and made an honest attempt to depict the horrors of sexual assault. The scenes with Betty are harrowing, and I appreciate that the script makes sure that not every male character is a jerk. It also invites us (all to briefly though) into another survivor’s life, and manages to give viewers something to think about. I just wish those moments were longer, and the mystery aspect played down.
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<br />
<b>Cry Rape </b>is available through <a href="http://www.wbshop.com/product/cry+rape%21+%28mod%29+1000180056.do">Warner Archives</a>! <br />
<br />
<center>
<b>Andrea Marcovicci discussing Cry Rape: </b></center>
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<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4xEKl-G9W8I" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-53448246516022552942017-09-23T15:29:00.003-04:002017-09-23T16:11:59.000-04:00Update! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Here I am, with yet another update, <i>but </i>I will posting a new review soon too! Hooray! I've really missed this place.<br />
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I think the biggest news that I haven't posted here is that I provided the commentary track to Shout! Factory's Blu Ray release of the 1977 telefilm <b>The Spell</b>! <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072131FZW">It's available</a>! Please buy it! You don't have to listen to my commentary (but you know, if so inclined, go for it!), but we need to support the legitimate release of telefilms! This is just one of several TVMs coming out. Exciting times!!! Let's keep this rolling! <br />
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And, I'll be back in England at the end of October to present a short paper at the <a href="https://tvhomeofhorror.wordpress.com/">At Home with Horror</a> conference at Kent University! <br />
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I've been running around the web-o-sphere like the devil! I've guested on a few more podcasts, was interviewed and contributed to an article (or two, I'm forgetting). <br />
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<b><u>PODCASTS:</u> </b><br />
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The Film and Water Podcast invited me on to talk about the small screen giallo <b>Honeymoon with a Stranger</b><br />
<a href="http://fireandwaterpodcast.com/podcast/film-water-110-honeymoon-with-a-stranger/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/film-water-110-honeymoon-with-a-stranger/id463855630?i=1000392472651&mt=2">iTunes</a>
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Just One More Thing had me on in an attempt to figure out all that was wrong with the pilot TVM for <b>Mrs. Columbo</b><br />
<a href="http://thecitydesk.net/justonemorething/2017/09/daddys-here/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/daddys-here/id903744503?i=1000392068263&mt=2">iTunes</a>
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I also talked to the Aussie podcast The Sixth Dimension about the world of the telefilm <br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/sebastian-mittelman/interview-with-amanda-reyes">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/interview-with-amanda-reyes/id1223873691?i=1000385770032&mt=2">iTunes</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The dog-eat-dog world of podcasting... or Hack-o-lantern? </b></td></tr>
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And I got to hang out with more Australians over at the Dr. Snuggles show, where we talked about the direct-to-video erotica flick <b>Emmanuelle Through Time: Sex and Chocolate</b><br />
<a href="http://companeros.libsyn.com/07-get-soft-with-dr-snuggles-sex-chocolate-and-emmanuelle">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/07-get-soft-with-dr-snuggles-sex-chocolate-and-emmanuelle/id1111840990?i=1000390287137&mt=2">iTunes</a> <br />
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I did a couple of guest spots on The Hysteria Continues, where we chatted about the classic telefilm <b>Don't Go to Sleep</b>, as well as one of my favorite late entry slashers, <b>Hack-o-lantern</b>!<br />
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<b>Don't Go to Sleep</b>: <a href="http://www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/139-dont-go-to-sleep-1982/id418884138?i=1000385652638&mt=2">iTunes</a> <br />
<b>Hack-o-lantern</b>: <a href="http://www.hysteria-lives.co.uk/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/146-hack-o-lantern-1988/id418884138?i=1000391764356&mt=2">iTunes</a><br />
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Patreon special episode<b> Humanoids from the Deep</b>: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/TheHysteriaContinues">website</a><br />
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(*btw, Justin mentioned me on The Hysteria Continues commentary track for <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Madhouse-2-Disc-Special-Blu-ray-DVD/dp/B00S8071YM">Madhouse</a></b>! Thank you! That was neat!)<br />
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<u><b>INTERVIEWS:</b></u><br />
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I was interviewed by one of my all time favorite people, Jeremy Richey for his gorgeous print magazine <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1973779382/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1501594702&sr=8-1&keywords=jeremy+richey+art+decades">Art Decades</a>! <br />
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I was interviewed by Samm Deighan on Diabolique Magazine's <a href="https://diaboliquemagazine.com/yuletide-terror-interview-amanda-reyes/">website</a> for the upcoming book <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/store/product/yuletide-terror-christmas-horror-on-film-and-television-2/">Yuletide Terror</a>! There's lots of talk of holiday horror for both the big and small screen. <br />
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<a href="https://www.austinchronicle.com/screens/2017-09-01/a-twofer-of-slashers-that-are-a-cut-above/">The Austin Chronicle</a> conducted a brief interview with me regarding a screening of <a href="http://retroslashers.us/small-screen-slashers-fantasies-1982/"><b>Fantasies</b></a> that I curated and hosted for the Austin Film Society! OMG. That was <i>amazing</i>. And a big shout out to all the people that showed up. We only had a few seats left when the movie started! <br />
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I was also interviewed by Vanessa Morgan on her site <a href="http://www.celluloiddiaries.com/2017/09/are-you-in-the-house-alone.html">Celluloid Diaries</a>. This one is about my book, <b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</b> (which is available on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1909394440/ref=as_at/?imprToken=sd4fcFtij-PVjwvZJO41Og&slotNum=16&ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1909394440&linkCode=w61&tag=kindertrauma-20&linkId=10d10ef902c2e2ef4584901a50c20ddf">Amazon</a>!). I would like to mention that Vanessa published an essay I wrote on the early 70s telefilm <b>Locusts</b> in her excellent book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Animals-Attack-Horror-Movies/dp/9090300287">When Animals Attack</a>!<br />
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<u><b>ARTICLES AND MISC: </b></u><br />
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I co-wrote an article with Lance Vaughan on a slasher I love, <b>The Slayer</b> for <a href="https://www.kindertrauma.com/for-the-love-of-the-slayer-1982/">Kindertrauma</a>! <br />
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I also did a Name that TV Guide Ad for <a href="https://www.kindertrauma.com/name-that-tv-guide-ad-featuring-are-you-in-the-house-alone-a-tv-movie-compendium-1964-1999-edited-by-amanda-reyes/">Kindertrauma</a>. See how many you can identify (answers in the comments section). <br />
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There's been a few absolutely lovely reviews for my book as well: <br />
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<a href="http://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/book-reviews-latest-literary-releases/18408-book-review-are-you-in-the-house-alone">Starburst</a> (OMG!) <br />
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<a href="http://www.filmtrap.com/house-alone-tv-movie-compendium-1964-1999-review/">Film Trap</a><br />
<a href="http://cardrossmaniac2.blogspot.com/2017/07/tv-movie-of-week.html">CardrosManiac2</a><u><b></b></u><br />
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<u><b><br />CAN I BREATHE NOW?</b></u> <br />
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I've got one or two more things coming up, and will post accordingly! Keep an eye on this blog over the next week because... <br />
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As I mentioned, I've got a new review coming (yes, it's true), and... <br />
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<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/">The Made for TV Mayhem Show</a> is going swimmingly (the RSS feed is located on the upper right sidebar). We're reconvening on September 28th to talk about the<b> <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/up-next-were-going-back-to-afterschool/">ABC Afterschool Special</a></b>. The big news is that this space will be hosting an email Q&A I conducted with Lance Guest! He was very kind about taking time out to answer a few questions from a goofy fan. So excited! <br />
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I feel very fortunate to be here right now, and I've gotten so much love and support from a lot of people who were once strangers. Thank you again for your patience with my blog updates and for listening, reading and/or whatever! It means the world to me! <br />
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Finally, I just want to say that I'm absolutely heartbroken over losing Bernie Casey. A wonderful actor, and mascot to this site, and a stalwart small screen companion. Thank you, Bernie. You are loved and missed. Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-57906171628437598452017-08-07T17:42:00.002-04:002017-08-07T17:42:44.736-04:00An Element of Truth (1995)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Network: CBS
<br />Original Airdate: September 26th, 1995
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After taking a couple of years off from her bad girl role as Abby Cunningham Ewing on <b>Knots Landing</b>, Donna Mills revisited her femme fatale roots in the 1995 true crime drama A<b>n Element of Truth</b>. Based on the story of con artist Glenda Elizabeth Bell, Mills is a somewhat fictionalized version named Vanessa Graves. From the start of the film she plays up a sympathy act, claiming on a job interview that her husband and daughter were killed in a car accident and she’s desperate to start over. Later, at an office party the story starts changing. Yes, her husband and daughter were killed in an accident, but this time it’s a plane crash. Sometimes it’s a boating accident. It’s whatever she needs to say to suit the situation. Vanessa visits a video dating service and eyes the kindhearted Sidney Wiltz (Peter Reigert, and I’m wondering if “Wiltz” is a play on his wilting nature?), who, of course, is instantly drawn to the gorgeous but grieving “widow,” taking her in almost immediately. <br />
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Vanessa tells Sidney she works as a secretary at an investment firm, but only holds the lowly position as a way to cover up her real reason for being there: She is, according to her own story, allowed to secretly invest in ventures as long as she does it in cash. So, Sidney starts forking over the big bucks, and Vanessa prints out legitimate looking Word docs indicating great financial growth. Fancy cars, pretty things, big houses, and life in a moderately fast lane seem pretty good and one might even think she actually likes Sidney, but then his garish but handsome (and down on his luck) buddy, Peter (Robin Thomas) shows up and begins an affair with Vanessa. However, it appears the con artist has met her match as he bilks her of all the money she’s collected from Sidney. This means Vanessa has to up her game, and no one is safe from the blonde flimflam as she shakes and shimmies her cold-heart through the rest of the telefilm. And honestly? It’s kind of glorious!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiGFDz31OrrT6eihDBksSWnTFV5_2raWzbGyKmzJ1LiBVz3dkFvCAeBoUl1WFUqOVfza_rbl_LcXo1RVBLlXpLeqKqF8Es8Pf-hJuiA9zhc9PqFgnkmLFw7m6BFFGL6JKNpjT3sSJEdFs/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.45.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="486" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiGFDz31OrrT6eihDBksSWnTFV5_2raWzbGyKmzJ1LiBVz3dkFvCAeBoUl1WFUqOVfza_rbl_LcXo1RVBLlXpLeqKqF8Es8Pf-hJuiA9zhc9PqFgnkmLFw7m6BFFGL6JKNpjT3sSJEdFs/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.45.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Glorious! </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 1990s was an oddball time in the world of the television film. Don’t get me wrong, I love it, and appreciate it more as time passes, but the true crime telefilm of that era seems infinite, and it’s easy to see why <b>An Element of Truth</b> has flown under my radar for the last two decades. There’s not necessarily a lot going for it that helps to distinguish it from similar fare, and there are admittedly more entertaining small screen examples, such as <b>Death of a Cheerleader</b> (Tori Spelling 4lyfe!), and <b>Deadly Vows</b> (John Ritter 4lyfe!), but that’s not to say it’s not a fun little potboiler, with some great photography and a really entertaining performance by Mills, who knows how sink her teeth into hustler roles. She’s captivating, looks ridiculously gorgeous, and despite playing a detestable character remains charming and watchable. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEyemF9caaO8sI1L6iP7Q7by3rpDFP1AghSSAp5PvGQ5hbSKuL6bancDwMmfcqBzwPrChYGu9qvtkDs7mgBdO174A71FsOCkUYecEBbN0mxmUmURYIf8r-8kAisLza4bOYu8POOntOohY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.45.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="588" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEyemF9caaO8sI1L6iP7Q7by3rpDFP1AghSSAp5PvGQ5hbSKuL6bancDwMmfcqBzwPrChYGu9qvtkDs7mgBdO174A71FsOCkUYecEBbN0mxmUmURYIf8r-8kAisLza4bOYu8POOntOohY/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.45.22+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>OK Sidney, you can fall for her. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In fact, the entire cast is quite good with a lovely Perry Reeves putting in an incredibly sympathetic turn as Maizie, Vanessa’s awkward coworker who develops a crush on Sidney. The film has a couple of really sweet moments as we see their relationship develop. Galdarnit! He deserves a good woman! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLV_kxGLnZgxCntLsGydcoK7etXb7iuMPWpb2VpRNtzDxlXcchjqhwBhmSlOLwQcP-0xW94Bki3d87rWnhmasBO2n3y52yLKA5NatISUb-o35Z-DKbiE33SUg55kio3zxWLdsSXEjc7R_/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.44.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="303" data-original-width="484" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTLV_kxGLnZgxCntLsGydcoK7etXb7iuMPWpb2VpRNtzDxlXcchjqhwBhmSlOLwQcP-0xW94Bki3d87rWnhmasBO2n3y52yLKA5NatISUb-o35Z-DKbiE33SUg55kio3zxWLdsSXEjc7R_/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+3.44.49+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Love and money do not go hand in hand with these con artists!</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bell, the real con artist, not only managed to snake over a million dollars from her unsuspecting hubby before running off and remarrying, but she also faked a cancer diagnosis as part of her trickery! But the seedier true life elements of Bell's treachery were removed because the powers that be felt that audiences wouldn’t believe those things really happened! Stranger than fiction, folks!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_CosCcX39jlYn00Z3UCJ-WpEpkCtNZy23uLpv23B8ameUxRbQakKucv9_Tg3Yrh2UeuXLf8aIzoh1BaYjV5F2S3MdjZOflKazYiwWfBWxmQKsOzmCDS9q-N3Of3Yd8iq571vRT-rMr88/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+4.02.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="489" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_CosCcX39jlYn00Z3UCJ-WpEpkCtNZy23uLpv23B8ameUxRbQakKucv9_Tg3Yrh2UeuXLf8aIzoh1BaYjV5F2S3MdjZOflKazYiwWfBWxmQKsOzmCDS9q-N3Of3Yd8iq571vRT-rMr88/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-08-06+at+4.02.28+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Vanessa works the puppy dog eyes. </b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Produced by Miss Mills herself, this was just one of several TV movies the beauty took on after <b>Knots Landing</b> as way to help audiences separate her from her infamous Abby Ewing character. Donna Mills Productions, which was founded in the late 1980s, did quite well for itself, and Mills had 10 projects in development with ABC by 1993 (although not all of them came to fruition). While <b>An Element of Truth</b> puts her closer to Abby than any of the other roles I’ve seen, there’s something more sinister about Vanessa, although she is just as gleefully man-eating! It’s an interesting turn for Mills who manages to make Vanessa unique and even disarming at times. And, it's a decent time waster to boot.
Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-32324394994034381272017-04-28T21:41:00.000-04:002017-04-28T21:54:44.321-04:00Talking TV at the Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies: The Films<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
For those of you interested in what I discussed whilst I was in London last week attempting to sound scholarly (see how I used "whilst"... I've become so British!), or if you came and were interested in checking out some of the titles I mentioned, here is a list of what I discussed, or screened, along with the topic I placed them under (some titles linked to my reviews or episodes of podcasts where we featured that title):
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: TV Movies as an Event
</b></u></span><br />
<br />
<b>Opening Bumper Reel:
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/01/deliver-us-from-evil-1973.html">Deliver Us From Evil</a><br />
KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/02/trackdown-finding-goodbar-killer-1983.html">Trackdown: Finding the Goodbar Killer </a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/episode-4-the-midnight-hour-and-small-screen-scares/">Midnight Hour </a>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: An Overview of the History of the TV Movie</b></u></span>
<br />
Maybe I’ll Come Home in the Spring
<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/episode-10-trilogy-of-terror-and-the-strange-possession-of-mrs-oliver/">Strange Possession of Mrs. Oliver</a><br />
See How they Run <br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/10/seven-in-darkness-golden-chalice.html">Seven in Darkness</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Popularity of the TV Movie (Nielsens)</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/05/dr-cooks-garden-1971.html">Dr. Cook's Garden</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/08/crowhaven-farm-1970.html">Crowhaven Farm</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/03/girl-most-likely-to-1973.html">The Girl Most Likely To...</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-cry-in-wilderness-1974.html">Cry in the Wilderness</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Important Filmmakers:
</b></u></span><br />
Dan Curtis
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/06/richard-matheson-1926-2013.html">Richard Matheson</a><br />
John Llewellyn Moxey
<br />
Aaron Spelling<br />
<br />
<b>Movies discussed (very briefly): </b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/04/21/episode-11-we-love-dennis-weaver/">Duel</a>
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/12/satans-school-for-girls-1973-vs-satans.html">Satan’s School for Girls</a><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/episode-10-trilogy-of-terror-and-the-strange-possession-of-mrs-oliver/">Trilogy of Terror</a><br /><a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/episode-12-the-night-stalker-and-the-norliss-tapes/">The Night Stalker</a><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Marketing the Horror Telefilm</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/08/savages-1974.html">Savages</a>
<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/episode-15-is-here-we-love-patty-duke/">Look What Happened to Rosemary’s Baby</a><br />
<br />
<b>Promo clip reel:
</b><br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/01/28/episode-19-born-innocent-and-women-in-chains/">Born Innocent</a><br />
Deadly Lessons
<br />
The Intruder Within
<br />
Someone’s Watching Me!
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/07/invitation-to-hell-1984.html">Invitation to Hell</a><br />
Bad Seed
<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/10/15/episode-15-is-here-we-love-patty-duke/">Look What Happened to Rosemary’s Baby</a>
<br />
<br />
<b>TV Guide Section:
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/06/babysitter-1980.html">The Babysitter</a>
<br />
<a href="http://retroslashers.us/small-screen-slashers-fantasies-1982/">Fantasies</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/dying-room-only-1973.html">Dying Room Only</a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/search/label/This%20Blog%20Possessed">This House Possessed</a>
<br />
<a href="http://retroslashers.us/small-screen-slashers-terror-at-the-london-bridge-bridge-across-time/">Bridge Across Time</a> (aka Terror at London Bridge)<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/episode-4-the-midnight-hour-and-small-screen-scares/">Midnight Hour</a>
<br />
No Place to Hide
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/03/are-you-in-house-alone-1978.html">Are You in the House Alone? </a>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: So Many Subgenres!
</b></u></span><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/07/invitation-to-hell-1984.html">Invitation to Hell</a> (Satanic Panic)
<br />
Legend of Lizzie Borden (True Crime)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/stranger-within-1974.html">The Stranger Within</a> (Sci-Fi)
<br />
Five Desperate Women (proto-slasher)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2016/06/natures-fury-blogathon-ants-aka-it.html">Ants!</a> (Nature Runs Amok)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/10/happy-birthday-bad-ronald.html">Bad Ronald</a> (Evil Kids)
<br />
Mazes and Monsters (Propaganda)
<br />
Killjoy (Thriller)
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Topic: Popular Subgenre - Supernatural
</b></u></span><br />
<b>Subtopic: The Haunted House/Ghost Story Telefilm, and the Intimacy of Grief:
</b><br />
Fear No Evil <br />
Daughter of the Mind
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2016/10/tv-terror-blogathon-house-that-wouldnt.html">The House that Would Not Die</a><br />
Don’t Go to Sleep
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/search/label/This%20Blog%20Possessed">This House Possessed</a><br />
She Waits
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(*all of the above had companion clips, with the exception of The House that Wouldn't Die)</span><br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<b>Subtopic: The Paranormal TVM and Second Wave Feminism
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/12/must-see-streaming-movie-of-week-spell.html">The Spell</a>
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/08/midnight-offerings-1981.html">Midnight Offerings</a> (included clip)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/11/must-see-streaming-movie-of-week.html">Initiation of Sarah</a>
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/06/tv-spot-tuesday-night-cries-1978.html">Night Cries</a><br />
<br />
<b>Subtopic: Tiny Monsters and the Domestic Space
</b><br />
<br />
<b>Tiny Monster reel:
</b><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/01/dead-of-night-1977-and-then-some.html">Dead of Night</a> segment: Bobby
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/08/dont-be-afraid-of-dark-week-look-into.html">Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark</a>
<br />
Devil Dog: The Hound of Hell
<br />
The Intruder Within<br />
<a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/03/18/episode-10-trilogy-of-terror-and-the-strange-possession-of-mrs-oliver/">Trilogy of Terror</a>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A clip reel I didn't get to show: Big Monsters! </b></div>
<br />
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9dnvzCvK0Yw" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Conclusion: The TV Horror Film from 1985 to Present:
</b></u></span><br />
Kicks (revamp of ABC Movie of the Week)
<br />
Bad Seed (revamp of ABC Movie of the Week)<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-usa-world-premiere-movie-project.html">The Haunting of Sarah Hardy</a> (USA Original)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-usa-world-premiere-movie-project_8.html">Murder by Night</a> (USA Original)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/06/usa-world-premiere-movie-post-tainted.html">Tainted Blood</a> (USA Original)<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/11/haunted-1991.html">The Haunted</a> (included clip)
<br />
Grave Secrets: The Legacy of Hilltop Drive
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/04/mark-of-devil-1984.html">Mark of the Devil</a> (re-purposed Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense)
<br />
Spring Break Shark Attack (revival of the horror movie of the week)
<br />
Locusts (revivial of the horror movie of the week)
<br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/05/rosemarys-baby-2014.html">Rosemary's Baby</a> miniseries remake (the telefilm as an "event" continues)<br />
<br />
The End! <br />
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I'd like to thank <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/">Kier-La Janisse</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/harbottlestores">Jennifer Wallis</a>, as well as my publisher, David Kerekes of <a href="http://www.headpress.com/">Headpress</a>, and the <a href="http://www.miskatonicinstitute.com/">Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies</a> for hosting such an incredible event (the folks at the Horse Hospital were pretty great too). We almost sold out of the book I edited, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-House-Alone-Compendium/dp/1909394440">Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</a> (which is now available through Amazon), and I've had some wonderful feedback. Also, two new real life friends, Tom Elliot from <a href="http://gentlemensgrindhouserecords.com/category/the-strange-and-deadly-show/">The Strange and Deadly Show</a> and Chris Brown from <a href="http://thelasthorrorpodcast.com/">The Last Horror Podcast</a> (along with his gorgeous wife) made the trek from Liverpool to ensure the whole thing was even more memorable. I am so grateful for the last few months, and I hope you continue to join me on this little small screen adventure! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-3243598633751403692017-04-07T19:36:00.001-04:002017-04-17T18:15:59.038-04:00Oh my gosh! Will I ever have time to blog again... is the name of this blog post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here I am, again, writing a post about why I can't write a post. It's a little annoying on this end. But only a little. I have a lot of really great stuff happening, and just wanted to update anyone who doesn't travel along my social medias, in case you are so inclined.<br />
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As many of you know, I have edited and contributed to a book coming out May 1st through <a href="http://www.headpress.com/ShowProduct.aspx?ID=163">Headpress</a> titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-House-Alone-Compendium/dp/1909394440">Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</a>. This has given me a little bit of street cred and I find I've been very busy on the promotion trail. Here's what's up:
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I will be discussing TV horror movies at the <a href="http://www.miskatonicinstitute.com/">Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies</a> in <a href="http://www.miskatonic-london.com/">London</a> on April 20th at the Horse Hospital. My talk is titled <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.miskatonic-london.com/events/tele-terrors/">Tele-terrors: The Real and Imagined Horrors Inside the Made for Television Movie</a>, and it's </span></span>inexpensive and should be fun! I'll be speaking with <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/">Kier-La Janisse</a> and <a href="http://www.history.qmul.ac.uk/staff/profile/dr-jennifer-wallis">Jennifer Wallis</a>, who are two amazing people. So do it for them, if not for me.<br />
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To promote this talk, I recently did a couple of podcast interviews and appearances:
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You can listen to me on the Last Horror Podcast <br />
<a href="http://thelasthorrorpodcast.com/podcast/made-tv-mayhem-chat-writer-podcaster-amanda-reyes/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/made-for-tv-mayhem-chat-writer-podcaster-amanda-reyes/id1155922101?i=1000383706067&mt=2">iTunes</a>
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The Kolchak Tapes Episode 2 (interview with me about TV movies)
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<a href="http://www.kolchaktapes.com/2017/02/episode-2-night-strangler.html">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-2-the-night-strangler-1973/id1183038447?i=1000381430549&mt=2">iTunes</a>
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The Kolchak Tapes Episode 3 (I discuss The Norliss Tapes)<br />
<a href="http://www.kolchaktapes.com/2017/03/episode-3-norliss-tapes-night-killers.html">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-3-the-norliss-tapes-the-night-killers/id1183038447?i=1000383157783&mt=2">iTunes</a>
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Supporting Characters (an interview with me about my writing career and my life in general!)<br />
<a href="http://www.nowplayingnetwork.net/supportingcharacters/episode20">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-20-amanda-reyes/id1092702104?i=1000384212391&mt=2">iTunes</a><br />
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Compañeros (discussion of 1990s horror film The Borrower)<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CompanerosPodcast/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/21-the-borrower/id1111840990?i=1000381200342&mt=2">iTunes</a><br />
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<a href="http://thecitydesk.net/justonemorething/">Just One More Thing</a> (talking about the later entry Columbo episode No Time To Die)<br />
<a href="http://thecitydesk.net/justonemorething/2017/04/i-was-in-the-shower-enjoying-myself-singing/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i-was-in-the-shower-enjoying-myself-singing/id903744503?i=1000384452705&mt=2">iTunes</a><br />
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I'm very honored to be featured on all of these shows, as I adore each of them endlessly. Everyone has been so great about supporting my TV movie love! I want to hug the world!
Big shout out to Bill Ackerman from Supporting Characters who informed me that I was quoted on Shout Factory's DVD double feature TV movie release of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Scream-Factory-Terrors-Initiation-Sarah/dp/B00ESZZOOK">Are You in the House Alone and The Initiation of Sarah</a>! I've owned this double disc since it was released... How did I not know this?<br />
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I also had a short academic piece featured on Georgia State University's <a href="http://mediacommons.futureofthebook.org/imr/">In Media Res</a> page. I spoke a bit about female agency in <a href="http://mediacommons.futureofthebook.org/imr/2017/03/17/power-within-her-reflecting-initiation-sarah-remake">The Initiation of Sarah's 2006 remake</a>.<br />
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I will also be in the upcoming book from Spectacular Optical titled <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/2016/12/new-book-announcement-yuletide-terror-christmas-horror-on-film-and-television/">Yuletide Terror: Christmas Horror on Film and Television</a> (check out Dread Central's article about it <a href="https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/222211/new-contributors-revealed-holiday-themed-book-yuletide-terror/">here</a>). There's a lot of amazing people featured in the book and I'm beside myself with excitement! Check out Spectacular Optical's <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/2016/12/new-book-announcement-yuletide-terror-christmas-horror-on-film-and-television/">dedicated page</a> on their website for more info!
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And my good friend Lee Gambin recently announced that he's putting together a new film journal. TV movies will be included and I'll be in the first issue. Will give more deets as this project moves forward. He's also working on a book that I'm contributing too. Again, more info as I get it.<br />
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So, it's been quite busy. I suspect when I return from London it will quiet down a bit and I can get back to podcasting/blogging and the like. I've been watching tons of fun telefilms to prep for my talk, so I'm ready! But until then, come find me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madefortvmayhem/">facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/madefortvmayhem">twitter</a>, or check out the blog's companion <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/">podcast</a> if you haven't. Our latest double feature is a Tori Spelling Twofer featuring <b>Death of Cheerleader</b> (1994) and <b>Co-ed Call Girl</b>. It's currently on the <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2017/04/07/tori-spelling-to-the-rescue/">website</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/tori-spelling-to-the-rescue/id1046390878?i=1000384157903&mt=2">iTunes</a>! Hooray!
Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-3148426576967458282017-02-19T23:03:00.001-05:002017-02-19T23:03:51.693-05:00The Classic Film and TV Cafe Present a TV Movie Blogathon: Strange Homecoming (1974)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to a fantastic TV Movie Blogathon, hosted by the fine folks at <a href="http://www.classicfilmtvcafe.com/">The Classic Film and TV Cafe</a>! You can check out all of the entries <a href="http://www.classicfilmtvcafe.com/2017/01/the-movie-of-week-blogathon.html">here</a>. And, keep the TV movie love alive, y'all (and enjoy!)!<br />
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<b>Network:
NBC<br />Original airdate:
October 29th, 1974</b><br />
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A mainstay of the 1970s TV movie, Robert Culp was like a really aggressive and somewhat intimidating version of the Everyman. He had a quality that made him feel forceful, while also giving off a vibe that you could get a beer with him after work. It was this contradiction, perhaps, that made him such an intriguing figure during the heyday of the Movie of the Week. He was already a well known face on the small screen having appeared in <b>Trackdown</b> (1957-1959), and the enduring <b>I, Spy</b> from 1965-1968. <b>Spy</b> was a somewhat gritty series (gritty by the standards of the many James Bond riffs that appeared on TV during this era) and it was also unbelievably charming, and it shot handsome Culp to stardom. Afterwards, he was fixture on the telefilm circuit, and turned in some notable cult favorites, including what is arguably his most fondly remembered telefilm, <b>A Cold Night’s Death</b> (aka <b>The Chill Factor</b>, 1973), as well as the outrageously fantastic <b>Outrage</b> (also 1973), and the groovy <b>Spectre</b> (1977). He was also in a few questionable, but arguably entertaining TVMs, including <b>Houston, We’ve Got a Problem</b> (1974), and <b>Flood</b> 1977). And, somewhere in the middle of that spectrum were some really good films that fell by the wayside, including the Levinson and Link drama<b> Cry for Help</b> (1975), and the odd and suspenseful <b>Strange Homecoming</b>, which gave Culp a chance to really tap into his darker side, while still maintaining that air of likability that made us love him.
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Culp is Jack, a globetrotting jewelry thief who finds himself on the run after a botched robbery ends in the death of a wealthy socialite. Jack heads back to his small hometown, where’s he’s seen as a successful and sophisticated businessman. He ends up staying with his brother, Bill who is now the local sheriff, and married to Elaine (the incredibly underrated Barbara Anderson), and their two kids (one of whom is a very young Leif Garrett!). He tries to live his life as the much adored brother/uncle who never visits enough, but cracks in the exterior give way almost immediately, yet seem so insignificant that his family just looks the other way. But Jack can’t seem to stay away from committing more illegal, or at least questionable, acts, and it doesn’t take too long for Bill to put the pieces together.
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Originally titled <b>Everybody Loves Uncle Jack</b>, <b>Strange Homecoming</b> in an absorbing thriller, but more so, it’s a dark character study of a man who may not be the clinical definition of a sociopath, but whose lack of remorse and sense of responsibility really play on the fears that we all have a dark side. Jack is layered and can be seen as both good and bad, and that’s what makes him scary. You want to love him the way his family does, but as we see from the viewer’s perspective, murder is just another bump in the road for good ol’ Jack, and he has no intentions of ever stopping his burglary operation.<br />
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While Glen Campbell was a fixture on the small screen during this era (and beyond), this was his one and only television film. Campbell is obviously better known as a musician, but he puts in an extremely measured and under the radar performance as Bill, the guy who loves his brother, but has to come to terms with the crimes he’s committed. It’s a pity that his filmography as an actor wasn’t longer. What could have easily been a buffoon-ish small town sheriff stereotype is nuanced to great effect by Campbell, and the wonderfully astute writing from the team comprised of Eric Bercovici and Jerrold L. Ludwig, who worked together on everything from <b>Hawaii 5-O</b> to <b>Three the Hard Way</b>! The duo wrote several television films, including <b>The Deadly Hunt</b> (1971) and <b>Log of the Black Pearl </b>(1975), and show an incredible knack for generating suspense in both the quiet and more action packed moments.
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But let’s face it, sure, everyone is fantastic, but this is Culp’s baby. He is at once both terrifying and attractive, and like all good Culp performances (which is to say, everything he’s ever done), when the ball is in his corner, expect the unexpected. And, honestly, that’s what’s so great about this little thriller. It is quietly disarming, <i>and</i> unsettling.<br />
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Kevin Thomas of the LA Times called <b>Strange Homecoming</b>, “a first rate suspense thriller in the Alfred Hitchcock tradition.” NBC was certainly banking on its success, as they put it into their new telefilm program slot that was called the NBC World Premiere Movie. Linda Blair and the notorious <b>Born Innocent</b> had been the first telefilm to play under this umbrella, airing approximately one month earlier, and the network continued to put out some interesting, somewhat high concept heavy hitters for this new season, including <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/08/moxey-twofer-taste-of-evil-1971-and.html"><b>Strange and Deadly Occurrence</b></a>, <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween-countdown-day-8-where-have.html"><b>Where Have all the People Gone</b></a>, and <b>The Dream Makers</b>.<br />
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<b>Strange Homecoming</b> ran against the ABC’s Movie of the Week’s remake of <b>The Mark of Zorro</b>, starring Ricardo Montalban and Frank Langella. What a night for TV!
The NBC World Premiere Movie slightly outranked the popular but waning ABC Tuesday Movie of the Week (both aired on the same night), coming in at number 30 by mid-season, whereas the ABC MOW had dropped to 32, and was on its way to cancellation at the end of the 1974-75 season (sad face). Still, while landing in the 30s for the year may seem mid-range, telefilms continued to air several nights a week, and there was still oodles of original and intriguing content under production. Perhaps it’s this middling, near the end-of-an-era stage that the TVM found itself in 1974 that <b>Strange Homecoming</b> has fallen a bit by the wayside, but it’s due for rediscovery. It’s an absolutely magnificent example of the type of undervalued character driven suspense that was landing in our living rooms almost every night. And viva la Culp, y'all!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Promotional still of Culp and Campbell in Strange Homecoming</b></td></tr>
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Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-37468801068199907662017-01-22T18:53:00.001-05:002017-05-31T19:11:39.848-04:00TV Spot Tuesday: Sharing Richard (1988)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Network: CBS<br />Airdate: April 26th, 1988</b><br />
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To promote the airing of <b>Sharing Richard</b>, the network released a brief statement declaring the film "explores a timely phenomenon: the shortage of single men for women over thirty." To present the issue, <b>Sharing Richard</b> was designed as a "contemporary comedy," in what may have been a sometimes misguided effort to dissect a topic that was on a lot of minds. <br />
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Then, shortly after <b>Sharing Richard</b> originally aired, an angry viewer wrote to the Los Angeles Times, complaining, "The concerns of singles dating are very real and complicated issues. The movie's plot utterly made fools of these four characters whose self-awareness, self esteem and mutual respect seemed to be in the dirt. Women were in their usual role of apologizing for messing things up and the man could somehow spread his "caring" among many women. The movie pretended to have a modern plot but frankly it was a long way from giving any kind of decent message about modern relationships."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This may be an issue... </b></td></tr>
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The TVMs of the eighties often had a weird relationship with the women in them. Recently, I was just considering how the telefilm, as a medium, has proven to be a rather female-centric space, featuring so many actresses that are often aligned with the genre, such as Barbara Eden, Patty Duke and Donna Mills (in fact, you can hear my co-hosts and myself discuss the topic on this blog's companion <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/09/25/round-table-ii-our-favorite-actresses-of-the-telefilm/">podcast</a>). Yet, even with all of those strong women (and I'm talking outside of the Aqua Net and shoulder pads), there was a real tug of war between making female characters independent while having them chase down a hot guy with a good job. The sentimental, Harlequin-esque romance (which I am totally into) sometimes overwhelmed the idea of female independence. This, my friends, is a bit of an issue (although in the context of entertaining fluff like <b>Sharing Richard</b>, a sometimes fun and mostly inoffensive one). It created an uneasy mixture, and it was up to the Eighties Woman (well, really it's up to the actress playing her) to make the whole thing flow and not seem like it was a conundrum at all. Did all of this back and forth confuse my growing brain? Probably, but that's OK. As nostalgic and sappy as I can be, I don't discount that films are time capsules - especially TV movies - that tended to fall on the most prominent contemporary beats to quickly engage the audience - and are sometimes best served by viewing them with a grain of salt. <br />
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In short, unlike the lady who wrote to the LA Times, I make excuses for my romance. So sue me.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Men might be scarce, but there were plenty of 80s sweaters to go around! </b></td></tr>
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<b>Sharing Richard</b>, which is ultimately delightful <i>and</i> flawed, walks this fine line in an attempt to bring all of those modern ideas about love and sex into a story about three best friends who exude independence, but are essentially <i>really</i>, <i>really</i>, <i>really</i> about finding Mr. Right. I won't call them desperate because despite their desire for love and marriage, they also come across as contented with their life as is. Of course, all that goes to hell when they realize they are all falling for the same guy!<br />
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<b>The women: </b></div>
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<b>The man: </b></div>
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Admittedly, that guy is pretty much everything. And when I say <i>everything</i> you know I'm not overstating this because it's Ed Marinaro. <i>Eighties</i> Ed Marinaro, a few years after <b>Police Woman Centerfold</b> (lord help me, I love that movie), and <b>Laverne and Shirley</b> (btw, is it just me, or is it creepy that Ed played Laverne's cousin and then went on to play her boyfriend... yikes!) . Anyway, Richard is a handsome and charming plastic surgeon who just happens to be recently divorced. While somewhat bitter about his marriage breaking up he turns out to be a great date, fulfilling certain individual needs in each woman. So, why not just pass him around like a great sweater (an analogy a character uses)? And they do.
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At first it's fairly innocent, but then this thing called love gets involved and the trio of lifelong BFFs find themselves sneaking around each others' backs and growing more and more jealous of whichever friend has Richard on any particular night.
Despite the oogie factor that creeps in when two of the friends start having sex with Richard, the film does its best to keep the women likable, and even to a certain degree, Richard, who probably should have been more honest about his dating schedule, but who is also unaware that these women are friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Potential mic drop moment... </b></td></tr>
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Of course, marriage and family were, and remain an important core goal for many, female and male. Still, the women in the TV movies of this era are often obsessed with finding the perfect husband, and having babies (see <b>Babies</b> for a more than obvious example). All of this would happen with characters who were also portrayed as independent and career driven. Certainly, you can have both (and hats off to those who do), but inevitably <b>Sharing Richard</b> is a reflection of the eighties (by way of the fifties) American Dream, which includes the white picket fence and 2.5 kids, but with a dose of second wave feminism that mirrored the career woman who "wanted it all." And, the result is that characters can come across as more pathetic than focused or ambitious.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Well, currently 1/3 of him is focused</b></td></tr>
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Luckily, this telefilm goes for the light touch, and has genuinely funny moments, using humor to examine the issues.
The trio of leading ladies are amazing, and I was especially pleased to see Hilary Smith, best known to me as Nora from <b>One Life to Live</b>, showing off her adept comic timing. Her character is a bit grating, but the one liners are choice, and her delivery perfect. Eileen Davidson is great as well, and looks amazing (and pretty much the same as she does now). I was not as familiar with Nancy Frangione, and while I feel her character is the weakest of the bunch, the actress does a good job of making her likable.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Buds before duds... </b></td></tr>
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When these characters become hostile towards each other over a man, it is apparent that the message is mixed and muddled. But some of the humor is timeless, the actresses are warm and Ed... well, he's hot. Despite its flaws, <b>Sharing Richard</b> is worth a watch, mostly for the actors... and shoulder pads, but its also just so damn amiable and more charming than it has any right to be.<br />
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<b>The TV spot for Sharing Richard:</b></center>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cKxMXONpJ3g" width="560"></iframe></center>
Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-74376118651230451102017-01-14T11:42:00.001-05:002017-01-24T21:33:40.784-05:00City Killer (1984)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Network: NBC<br />Original Airdate: October 28, 1984</b><br />
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As a genre that sort of falls somewhere in the middle of highbrow and lowbrow entertainment, the made for television movie was able to play around with expectations and the types of stories it could bring to viewers. But then somewhere in between the betweens of <b>The Burning Bed</b> and <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/diary-of-teenage-hitchhiker-1979.html"><b>Diary of Teenage Hitchhiker</b></a> lies another middle, where films that set out to entertain weren’t sure if they should aim for that high or low bar. One of those films, <b>City Killer</b>, which is somewhat befuddling and perhaps overly ambitious, is also, for the most part, high entertainment, thanks to an extremely engaging Terence Knox and some decent special effects.<br />
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And, then there’s that common trope of 1980s TV. <i>We all loved Heather Locklear</i>. Circa early – mid 1980s, Locklear was all over the, ahem, boob tube, appearing as a series regular on the popular <b>T.J. Hooker</b>, while also showing up periodically to stir the pot at the Carrington mansion in <b>Dynasty</b>. She also somehow managed to appear on things such as <b>Love Boat</b> and even <b>Firestarter</b>. So it’s no shock that the indefatigable charmer found the time to star in a Movie of the Week, although it is really what the MOW is about that makes <b>City Killer</b> so interesting (Sorry Heather, you’ve been upstaged by a mad bomber!).<br />
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Locklear is Andrea McKnight, a general workaholic who has a dog she never walks, and who also enjoys slightly warm relationships with her co-workers. But she tends to be a tad aloof, choosing to keep herself in a self-imposed state of solitude in her airy apartment (she could walk that dog once in a while though). Things take a weird turn when she comes home late one night to find an attractive, but creepy man waiting for her. He’s Leo (Terence Knox), an ex who would prefer to be a current. But considering how he picks locks and waits in the dark for pretty blondes, he's not made of great boyfriend material. Even worse, when Andrea flat out refuses his advances, he decides to blow up buildings to get her attention! Nicknamed The Love Bomber, Leo joyfully sets explosives throughout the city, eventually targeting Andrea’s job amongst other random buildings.<br />
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Enter Lieutenant “Eck” Eckford (Gerald McRaney), a handsome but humorless cop who is assigned to protect Andrea and bring Leo to justice. Mostly though, he seems almost as sinister as Leo, constantly telling Andrea that she’s a target because she’s “a very nice person,” who understands when a guy can't get an erection. Then he quietly ogles her. In short, I was sort of rooting for Leo.<br />
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<b>City Killer</b> is, pardon the expression, a blast. Locklear and McRaney seem to be phoning it in, but the supporting cast, especially Todd Susman, John Harkins (best know to me for playing Ham Lushbough on an episode of the <b>Golden Girls</b>), and Harkin’s little rodent co-star, not to mention the lovably weird Knox are up to the task of making the ridiculous material work. Knox in an absolute joy as crazy Leo and if anyone can make terrorism adorable, it’s this guy.<br />
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The screenplay was written by one of the stalwarts of the Movie of the Week, Michael Wood, who was responsible for the excellent telefilms <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/08/savages-1974.html"><b>Savages</b></a>, <b>Haunts of the Very Rich</b>, <b>Outrage</b> and <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/12/death-car-on-freeway-1979.html"><b>Death Car on the Freeway</b></a>. By the 1980s, Wood was still penning some interesting fare, including <b>The Execution</b> and <b>The Penthouse</b>, but <b>City Killer</b> honestly seems a little below him. Don’t get me wrong, it is a fun film, but considering how small scale and intimate most of his TVMs are, it felt as though Wood was dipping into his <b>Death Car</b> repertoire and perhaps overshot expectations.<br />
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Director Robert Michael Lewis (<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/08/pray-for-wildcats-1974.html"><b>Pray for the Wildcats</b></a>, y'all!) moved predominately to TV movies by the 1980s, and this was just one of eight films he directed between 1983-1985! It appears some of the explosions were done with miniatures with the rest comprised of footage of actual demolitions, all to decent effect. Things go boom quite nicely, and you quickly understand that Leo isn't joking around! He pulverizes the city, and kills several people along the way… all in the name of <i>amore</i>. Awwww, ain’t love grand? <br />
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As entertaining as <b>City Killer </b>is, it may be worth noting that it can be an uncomfortable viewing in our post 9-11 world. It’s mostly a flight of fancy and is so gloriously over the top that it’s 99% inoffensive, but (and maybe this is just me) it can be difficult to watch buildings pancake, even all these years later. At the same time, it also sadly recalls a bygone era of innocence adding a nostalgic flavor to the proceedings… but Heather’s intense feather cut basically does the same thing without making you feel bad.<b> City Killer</b> is worth a watch. You’ll fall in love with Leo and root for the bad guy. It’s a good time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>US VHS release</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Promotional still</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_CPNpRs-AcIfHIDppDhnAQcX-ixLsrstQx0grfvMHcS4YcsWlCGBMkskXCqIzpM09ro_h_ybKNFyGhwgFCMekHphGXCiCgTeqS1nf5z-FAL0o20nNXgVTg2-tpfVZh58oHdznG3Up5be/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-01-05+at+8.09.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_CPNpRs-AcIfHIDppDhnAQcX-ixLsrstQx0grfvMHcS4YcsWlCGBMkskXCqIzpM09ro_h_ybKNFyGhwgFCMekHphGXCiCgTeqS1nf5z-FAL0o20nNXgVTg2-tpfVZh58oHdznG3Up5be/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-01-05+at+8.09.08+PM.png" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Who cares?!? I love it! </b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Incredible foreign VHS art (image from <a href="http://www.rarecultcinema.com/2011/11/02/classic-vhs-cover-art-homeselectintervideojeljbj-norway/city-killer/">Rare Cult Cinema</a>)</b></td></tr>
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<br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-13448228731712022022016-12-22T21:51:00.000-05:002016-12-22T21:51:15.981-05:00End of Year Stuff... and 2017 Goals!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJtsknN-mZQG335yZ2h9a6gxz8WpF7NqE5FBL7IAQA2TCTNPFtyvajqt810p_Di1HcaZ_pLJV2XsMexE7JKc2DTg5LUEozswMkxcxALHH0PmILDCXtD9HWJmUjKf07bkm8qef_nC2KDB9/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-21+at+8.31.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJtsknN-mZQG335yZ2h9a6gxz8WpF7NqE5FBL7IAQA2TCTNPFtyvajqt810p_Di1HcaZ_pLJV2XsMexE7JKc2DTg5LUEozswMkxcxALHH0PmILDCXtD9HWJmUjKf07bkm8qef_nC2KDB9/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-21+at+8.31.01+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Sometimes you can't go Home for the Holidays again!</b></td></tr>
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So, for the last 100 years or so I've been writing at least one annual holiday post for my blog. I do it because it gets me in the spirit and because it gives me an excuse to watch <b>Petticoat Junction</b> and <b>Vega$</b>. But, life as a social media mogul sometimes has to take a backseat when reality gets in the way... and like sands through the hourglass, so our the days of our lives. <br />
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In short, time got the best of me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>One day I'll stop posting pics of this... but it's so cool!</b></td></tr>
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As you may have seen in one of my recent posts, my forthcoming book, <b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</b> had its launch at <b>Monster Fest</b> in Melbourne, Australia. So, off I went to worlds down under to participate in a very fun panel about made for television movies. I made a ton of great friends, put some faces to a lot of people I've been talking to in the online world, and in general, I had a blast.<br />
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(Btw, <a href="http://birth.movies.death/">Birth.Movies.Death</a> gave the book an excellent review. I have no words, just a lot of gratitude and thanks.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUHlFmO6fkrOSGw8xCqEw8zyVM8KG163aqMvzYt_Wyocmu6P3prs4daciN92ZlTJGJr_9STLpaU94JvD15WDvBq0p-mRUiK4FwfgWoHKgABsE-ftY-Z938vYePYwhdEP8Fgs0EjSFMxjJ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-03+at+5.00.37+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUHlFmO6fkrOSGw8xCqEw8zyVM8KG163aqMvzYt_Wyocmu6P3prs4daciN92ZlTJGJr_9STLpaU94JvD15WDvBq0p-mRUiK4FwfgWoHKgABsE-ftY-Z938vYePYwhdEP8Fgs0EjSFMxjJ/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-03+at+5.00.37+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Here's a peek at what the giant theater screen behind the panelists look like! </b></td></tr>
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My first thought when I returned was, "Hey, I am going to get some down time and can go back to blogging and maybe even sleeping!" But I forgot that the fine folks at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheHysteriaContinues/?fref=ts"><b>Hysteria Continues</b></a> asked me to join them for their Christmas horror episode, so we could dish on the holiday slasher <b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/132-to-all-a-goodnight-1980/id418884138?i=1000378745533&mt=2">To All a Goodnight</a></b>. Good times were had by all. <br />
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And, then I got a request to do an interview for my publisher, <a href="http://worldheadpress.com/amanda-on-tv-movies-322">Headpress</a>' website. That was a lot of fun as well and when I finished I thought, "OK, I have some time to decompress and maybe watch a TV movie and write about it!" <br />
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Around this time, I also got the news that my essay on the made for television movie <b>Locusts</b> has been published in the amazing nature-gone-crazy tome <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/When-Animals-Attack-Horror-Movies/dp/9090300287">When Animals Attack</a></b>! So, I spent some time perusing the material and it's absolutely fantastic! Editor Vanessa Morgan did an incredible job. Grab a copy! When I finished looking at the book, I let out a satisfied sigh of relief and declared: "Here's my chance... watch <i>something</i>, Amanda!"<br />
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<i>Then</i>, I found out that Kier-La Janisse, she of <b>Monster Fest,</b> was hoping to put together something about TV movies to help promote the book (and TV movies in general, cuz she's cool that way) at her <b><a href="http://www.miskatonic-london.com/">Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies in London</a></b>, which I sort of volunteered for and which she was kind enough to accept! That event, titled <b><a href="http://www.miskatonic-london.com/events/tele-terrors/">Tele-terrors: The Real and Imagined Horrors Inside the Made for Television Movie</a></b> will be held April 20th, 2017. If you are in the area, please mark your calendars and stop by for all kinds of small screen goodness!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbQczVOio8VtaenV1C10NlR3m6GJcalybI1Z72zdJC7vaktDVdKWaAV1zf3wEQtLM3P99eTJizdTTP7eqICHUIw6V0cXnIJWXnLYzb3BZuNSbsXiNV_Wmj0kqkDP4jWMdsuLpKFBLTCiy/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-12-21+at+8.28.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbQczVOio8VtaenV1C10NlR3m6GJcalybI1Z72zdJC7vaktDVdKWaAV1zf3wEQtLM3P99eTJizdTTP7eqICHUIw6V0cXnIJWXnLYzb3BZuNSbsXiNV_Wmj0kqkDP4jWMdsuLpKFBLTCiy/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-12-21+at+8.28.35+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>This is essentially me pouting when I realized I was running out of blogging time... if I were glamorous</b></td></tr>
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And, before I knew it, it was late December and I hadn't had time to watch a single thing. I did, however, record a holiday-themed podcast with the usual crew, and returning guest, the wonderful Joanna Wilson of <b><a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/">Christmas TV History</a></b>. Finally, I decided to just make a list of links to all of my previous Christmas TVM/specials reviews and holiday-themed podcasts. If you haven't had a chance to check any of these out, and think they may get you in the holiday spirit, please clickity click click and/or download and enjoy! <br />
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Free stuff is fun. <br />
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Read my Very Merry MeTV Blogathon posts:<br />
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-very-merry-metv-blogathon-kojak-how.html"><b>Kojak: How Cruel the Frost, How Bright the Stars</b></a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2015/12/a-very-merry-me-tv-blogathon-father.html"><b>Father Dowling Mysteries: A Christmas Mystery</b></a><br />
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And check out my holday reviews: <br />
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<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/12/mouse-mystery-and-me-1987.html"><b>A Mouse, a Mystery and Me</b></a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/12/must-see-streaming-tv-american.html"><b>An American Christmas Carol</b></a><br />
<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/12/must-see-streaming-tv-movie-of-week.html"><b>A Very Brady Christmas</b></a><br />
<b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/12/bernard-and-genie-1991.html">Bernard and the Genie </a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/12/ebbie-1995.html">Ebbie </a></b><br />
<b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2012/12/petticoat-junction-cannonball-christmas.html">Petticoat Junction: A Cannonball Christmas </a><br /><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas-kinda-terror-on-40th.html">Terror on the 40th Floor</a></b><br />
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Here's a guest review from Joanna Wilson of <b><a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/">Christmas TV History</a></b>: <b><br /><br /><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/07/christmas-in-july-gathering-1977.html">The Gathering</a></b><br />
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I returned the favor with a guest review for Joanna: <br />
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<a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2010/07/guest-post-nestor-long-eared-christmas.html"><b>Nestor, The Long Eared Christmas Donkey</b></a><br />
I also joined her for the <b><a href="http://www.christmastvhistory.com/2014/07/christmas-tv-party-2014-amanda-by-night.html">2014 Christmas TV Party</a></b>! <br /><br />
Finally, The Made for TV Mayhem Show has recorded a total of three holiday podcasts. You can check them out on here:<br /><br /><b>Home for the Holidays</b> and <b>A Very Brady Christmas</b>: <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/christmas-episode-1-is-alive/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/christmas-episode-1-is-alive!/id1046390878?i=1000358958854&mt=2">iTunes</a><br /><b>Bernard and the Genie</b>: <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2015/12/21/happy-holidays-part-two-of-our-christmas-television-retrospective-is-here/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-holidays!-part-two-our/id1046390878?i=1000359314738&mt=2">iTunes</a><br /><b>The Christmas TV Movie Game Show</b>: <a href="https://tvmayhempodcast.wordpress.com/2016/12/19/its-the-christmas-tv-movie-game-show/">website</a> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/its-christmas-tv-movie-game/id1046390878?i=1000379139447&mt=2">iTunes</a><br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Happy New Year? </b></td></tr>
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So, what does all of this mean for 2017? Well, there should be a lot of good stuff happening outside of my blog during the first half of the year (or at least the first third), and I'm so excited about it. I can't even tell you how whirlwind and exciting the last few months have been. But, in the end I just really want those who are interested in TV movies to enjoy the book. The promotional end of things is definitely fun because I have been meeting a lot of telefilm fans, and just some genuinely awesome people. But I miss my blog. <br />
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I miss it so much. <br />
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Before I can jump back in though, I need a small break. I mean a real one. And I'm hoping the time between... uh... today and the beginning of 2017 will give me a chance to become one with the couch. If I don't gain 5 pounds, I've failed. As the cobwebs disintegrate I plan to get back on that horse and do a bit of blogging. <br />
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Not sure why it's so important to me, but it is and if I'm gonna make a resolution, it might as well be to do something I love anyway! <br />
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In short, everyone have an amazing holiday and see you in 2017! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-42034618253163230442016-11-18T09:22:00.003-05:002016-11-18T09:22:44.567-05:00Monster Fest is right around the corner! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nh-0hqLbWk9NltYDF6he5rFyqiHj3XIqjqUKpTMgp7aV6YdSr0Ga1f93WVN45woioPJ8nM6Jc8U4SctWHE2QI7pcI0_BrkOks60aBqMAfMNh__L2rFrn4y-k8qUu34HIk78Ru7E_QDhD/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-11-18+at+12.01.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nh-0hqLbWk9NltYDF6he5rFyqiHj3XIqjqUKpTMgp7aV6YdSr0Ga1f93WVN45woioPJ8nM6Jc8U4SctWHE2QI7pcI0_BrkOks60aBqMAfMNh__L2rFrn4y-k8qUu34HIk78Ru7E_QDhD/s320/Screen+Shot+2016-11-18+at+12.01.38+AM.png" width="212" /></a></div>
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So, like, as you probably already know (cuz I've said it a thousand times and I apologize for that), I have a book coming out titled <b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium: 1964-1999</b>! And to celebrate, <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/">Monster Fest</a> is hosting an amazing book launch next week to help spread the TV movie love through the streets of Melbourne Australia!<br />
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Damn nice of those folks, ain't it?
It is and I'm beyond excited.<br />
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On <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/program/made-for-tv-mayhem-panel-bad-ronald/">Saturday, November 26th at 7 pm</a>, I will be part of a panel discussing all things TV movie related, but especially telefilms dealing with monsters, the occult, bad kids, and actual issues, such as domestic violence, abuse and other cultural moments that became water cooler talk thanks to television's wide reach. You can get a sneak peak of our discussion on my blog's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madefortvmayhem/">facebook page</a>.<br />
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Joining me on the panel is festival director (and all around cine-fabulous) <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/about/">Keir-La Janisse</a>, freelance writers <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/guest/lee-gambin/">Lee Gambin</a> and <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/guest/john-harrison/">John Harrison</a>, as well as stuntwoman/actress <a href="http://monsterfest.com.au/2016/guest/marneen-lynne-fields/">Marneen Lynne Fields</a>. She was in <b>The Spell</b>, and tons of other stuff.<br />
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Afterwards, Monster Fest is screening <b>Bad Ronald</b>! ZOMG! You read that R.I.G.H.T.<br />
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The book will be on sale at the festival and should be available through the publisher's website shortly thereafter. Then it will be widely available in April 2017.
I really hope if you are in the area, you can make it. Would love to meet you and discuss all things small screen.
Until then, G'day. Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-11532172864565430702016-10-30T10:44:00.001-04:002016-10-30T10:44:20.158-04:00TV Terror Blogathon: The House that Wouldn't Die (1970)<br />
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Just in time for Halloween, this post was part of the Terror TV Blogathon hosted by the <a href="http://classic-tv-blog-assoc.blogspot.com/">Classic TV Blog Association</a>. There are tons of creepy reads ahead, so check out what's scary to others in the association by clicking <a href="http://classic-tv-blog-assoc.blogspot.com/2016/09/terror-tv-blogathon.html">here</a>. Oh, and enjoy! Let's roll... <br />
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N<b>etwork: ABC <br />Original Airdate: October 27th, 1970</b><br />
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Although it has been many years since I read Barbara Michael’s excellent <b>Ammie, Come Home</b>, which <b>The House that Would Not Die </b>(aka <b>The House that Wouldn't Die</b>) is based on, I remember it as a chilling and fascinating novel. Michaels, whose real name was Barbara Mertz, earned a PhD in Egyptology from the University of Chicago before becoming a best selling author, writing under the names of Michaels, and Elizabeth Peters. As Michaels, she often dove into Gothic ghost stories, brilliantly weaving her knowledge of the research process she had developed while acquiring her doctorate, incorporating the fascinating “brick and mortar” historical interrogation methods into the mystery solving her characters engaged in. The ABC Movie of the Week adaptation, written by Henry Farrell (a fellow novelist who also penned the screenplay for the excellent TVM <b>The Eyes of Charles Sand</b>) somehow manages to maintain some of the authenticity of that process while also indulging in the many supernatural thrills that made the novel so compelling.<br />
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<b>A look at a similar(ish) color scheme used in the TVM's foreign artwork and a later release of the novel: </b></div>
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Barbara Stanwyck makes her telefilm debut as Ruth Bennett, an elegant and independent woman who inherits a beautiful but remote house from a distant relative. Taking her lovely niece, Sara (Kitty Winn) along for the ride, the duo decides to set up house for a bit, but soon find out something is already living there. <br />
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That’s the basic premise of this simple but suspenseful ghost tale that also interweaves some charming romance elements (along with a few rapey ones, but we’ll get to that) for Ruth, and a professor named Pat (Richard Egan, also making his TV movie debut), as well as for Sara with a cutie pie named Stan (Michael Anderson Jr., and his moustache). Following the original storyline beats of <b>Ammie</b>, <b>House</b> kicks of quickly with a nifty séance, before embarking on a slow burn film about possession, lost love, and grief, leading to a surprisingly moving ending.<br />
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The hauntings, which are classic even by the standards of 1970, begin early on, as a male voice cries “Ammie, come home,” in the wee hours of the night. Soon after, Sara takes a peculiar turn, becoming terrified of Pat, who is also acting curiously, and sometimes violently when inside the house.
Based on my memory, the novel and film depart mostly in terms of the location. <b>Ammie</b> takes place in the busy and stately D.C. neighborhood of Georgetown, where the neighbors are literally yards away from the chaos. <b>House</b> is out in the middle of no man’s land, where help isn’t simply a scream away, feeding into a real sense of seclusion. While the more urban setting of <b>Ammie</b> works wonderfully in the novel, I really like the isolated locale in <b>House</b>.<br />
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Like most telefilms, <b>House</b> is not overtly violent, but manages to bring on the creep factor in several scenes. One of the most jaw dropping ones occurs relatively early when Pat forces himself on Ruth. It is an uncomfortable moment meant to express that Pat is no longer himself, but it does tap into some very real fears of that pushy date you dread but have probably encountered. Ruth somehow manages to forgive Pat, and that he is being taken over by a spirit helps the audience also come back to loving him, but that scene still stands out as a realistically terrifying moment.<br />
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And, <b>House</b> has atmosphere to spare. Going back to the location, the howling winds that rattle around the house give the film a sense of unease. The séance is, like all séances are in my opinion, awesome, and Winn is excellent as the possessed victim.
There are a few supporting characters, but <b>House</b> relies heavily on the four leads to carry the film. Stanwyck and Egan are the standouts as the couple fighting off ghosts while sometimes fighting off their feelings for each other, but with pros like that, can anyone else expect to upstage those two? Well, Stanwyck’s gorgeous oh-so-seventies wardrobe almost does. It’s the height of middle aged glamour and she looks beautiful showing off one majestic frock after another. <br />
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<b>Majestic frocks: </b></div>
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Spelling and Stawyck actually had a long and fruitful history together, beginning in 1968 with the <b>Zane Grey Theater </b>episode <b>Trail to Nowhere</b>, which Stanwyck appeared in and which Spelling produced. Afterwards, the two worked on <b>The Dick Powell Theatre</b> episode <b>Special Assignment</b> (1962), before Stanwyck made her telefilm debut in <b>House</b>. Afterwards she got a bit more sinister in the 1971 TVM <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/08/moxey-twofer-taste-of-evil-1971-and.html"><b>A Taste of Evil</b></a>, and then in 1973 starred in <b>The Letters</b>. She also played Toni in the gender bending <b>Charlie’s Angels</b> episode <b>Toni’s Boys</b> and then took a gig as Constance Colby on both <b>Dynasty</b> and in <b>The Colbys</b>. Stanwyck had already put in years of spellbinding professional work, but her more fanciful gigs with Spelling are memorable and wonderful. TV looked<i> so</i> good on her, and Spelling loved working with classic Hollywood, and did right by them (if I do say so myself).<br />
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But let's not forget the other man behind the camera, John Llewellyn Moxey, who also directed Stanwyck in <b>A Taste of Evil</b>. The journeyman director knew how to make more out of less, and he maintains an economical but genuinely claustrophobic ambiance, especially in the possession scenes. There is something so charming about <b>House</b>, but in all honestly, it isn't just nostalgia that makes this film a true ABC Movie of the Week classic, it's just really simple and solid, almost perfecting that dark and stormy night watching that made so many of the MOWs so damn entertaining. In short, the goods are for real. <br />
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I was surprised to read that <b>Ammie</b> is actually a part of a trilogy of novels Michaels wrote, which is known as the Georgetown trilogy. According to this <a href="http://www.pretty-terrible.com/2012/12/17/the-georgetown-trilogy-barbara-michaels/">great article</a> by Natalie Luhrs on <a href="http://www.pretty-terrible.com/">Pretty Terrible</a>, in the follow up, titled <b>Shattered Silk</b>, Michaels brings back Pat and Ruth, although the novel now follows another one of Ruth’s nieces named Karen who finds herself solving an old murder mystery. The third novel, <b>Stitches in Time</b> doesn’t keep it in the family, instead making the protagonist a friend of Karen's named Rachel, and involves a cursed quilt. Honestly, you can't go wrong with the novel or its small screen adaptation. It's creepy good times for the Halloween season! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Newspaper promo for The House that Wouldn't Die</b></td></tr>
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<br />Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-40668966643511676502016-10-23T10:24:00.001-04:002016-10-23T10:24:47.712-04:00Must See Streaming Movie of the Week: Mind Over Murder (1979)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeapItxNnYhfFk7OjQecZGCVUCmrwBcCIOK_W4wAd74pEhm95mGGV7GmPrX_ASQYfCzgPTfcrm8q0C0AEu9tiExtOrbQGGu7PnP9UuqEbtW0jfjdyRPBk5Ls1_QjM6kuvnTykYh0ENR8nA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-10-22+at+6.24.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeapItxNnYhfFk7OjQecZGCVUCmrwBcCIOK_W4wAd74pEhm95mGGV7GmPrX_ASQYfCzgPTfcrm8q0C0AEu9tiExtOrbQGGu7PnP9UuqEbtW0jfjdyRPBk5Ls1_QjM6kuvnTykYh0ENR8nA/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-10-22+at+6.24.12+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Network: CBS </b><br />
<b>Original Airdate: October 23rd, 1979 </b><br />
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In 1979, the Golden Age of made for television horror movies was arguably in the rearview mirror, but that’s not to say that good genre TVMs weren’t on the horizon. We still had a few years to go until one of the ultimate small screen chillers, <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2009/08/dont-go-to-sleep-1982.html"><b>Don’t Go to Sleep</b></a> (1982) traumatized anyone with a pizza cutter. And somewhere in between the classic ABC Movie of the Week and the unexpected post-seventies classics like <b>Sleep</b> were some solid genre entries, many of which seemed to have fallen off the radar. Of course, incredible telefilms such as <b>Salem’s Lot</b> (1979), and 1981’s <b>Dark Night of the Scarecrow</b> are bona fide classics, but there’s plenty of little films that aired during this declining era that seem all but forgotten. Good but not great films like <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2013/06/tv-spot-tuesday-night-cries-1978.html"><b>Night Cries</b> </a>(1978) and <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/06/babysitter-1980.html"><b>The Babysitter</b></a> (1980) were finding their way to the networks, and <b>Mind Over Murder</b> actually falls somewhere closer to the greats, despite its relatively obscure status.<br />
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Deborah Raffin is Suzy, a model, dancer and a somewhat popular commercial actress known for her dancing hamburger spots! She’s also a touch psychic and things go all weird when she meets a friend for a drink and finds the world going hazy, eventually coming to a complete stop… except for one menacing figure who eyes her creepily from a bar stool.
Mostly shrugging off the weirdness, Suzy has another “vision,” later that same night, this time while watching an egg slowly roll out of the fridge, smashing on the kitchen floor. The voices and rumbling sounds accompanying the cracking egg eventually leads her to believe she predicted the terrible plane crash that becomes front page news on the next day’s morning paper.<br />
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Her arguably adorable boyfriend (and live in mate) Jason (Bruce Davison) becomes far less loveable when he refuses to put any weight into Suzy’s creepy phantasms, even after she’s able to prove that the voices she heard during the infamous egg incident belong to the doomed crew in the cockpit. Luckily, she’s met Ben (David Ackroyd), a handsome flight investigator who sends her to Dr. Povey (Christopher Cary). His psychic research suggests that Suzy is somehow going to make a physical connection with whoever sabotaged the plane… and maybe he’s creepy and bald, just like the guy Suzy saw at the bar. What she doesn’t know is that the killer is as in tune to her as she is to him, and he’s getting closer to her each day.<br />
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Shot under the title <b>Are You Alone Tonight</b>, <b>Mind Over Murder </b>is <i>weird</i>. The psychic visions are off-putting and eerie, and Andrew Prine as the above referenced crazy guy is freaking terrifying. When a very sweaty and crazy-eyed Prine, listed in the credits as the “Bald Man” kidnaps Suzy and attempts to entice her by flexing his wiry and lean muscles (no joke), it’s strangely effective in its gross factor (and I <i>never</i> thought I find Mr. Prine icky). In fact, the kidnap scenes make up most of the last quarter of the film, and there are near rapes, punchings and other uncomfortable moments that could have very well derailed an effective thriller but work because the talented actors put you in a terrifying world without resorting to exploitation tactics.<br />
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Yes, as this is a TV movie, it is (thankfully) quite restrained, although it remains gripping throughout. The overall film is suspenseful and unsettling and written in a way that makes Suzy incredibly likeable and reasonable despite her outrageous situation.
The late Raffin was always a strong leading lady, and she brings just as much sympathy to her character here as she did in <b>Nightmare in Badham County</b>, both of which feature the actress in really dark and seemingly impossible situations.<br />
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Ackroyd is fantastic as well, and makes a great love interest for Raffin. Their blossoming romance doesn’t deter from the psychic focus of the film, but it provides a nice break between all the bleak and peculiar. Also, Robert Englund shows up as Ackroyd’s workmate, making me wonder if The Bald Man vs. Freddy Kruger could ever be a thing. Ah, to dream!<br />
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Director Ivan Nagy also made the excellent but also difficult to watch <b>A Gun in the House </b>(1981), and the decent thriller <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2008/09/jane-doe-1983.html"><b>Jane Doe</b></a> (1983) before he moved into adult films with titles such as <b>Trailer Trash Teri </b>and <b>Izzy Sleeze’s Casting Couch Cuties</b>. Oh my! He was also associated with Heidi Fleiss and served time for bookmaking. His infamy might outlive his small screen merits, but he did turn in some solid little TVMs in his day. <b>Mind Over Murder</b> is one such film.<br />
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Mind Over Murder is currently streaming on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Murder-Deborah-Raffin/dp/B01C033WE0/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1477180318&sr=1-1&keywords=mind+over+murder">Amazon Instant Video</a>. Watch it!!! Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-63556146572724198132016-10-16T16:18:00.000-04:002016-10-16T16:18:06.084-04:00Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium, 1964-1999... Edited by Yours Truly! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anyone who visits Made for TV Mayhem certainly has a deep affection not just for retro television, but also for the classic Movie of the Week. In the 1970s, the ABC MOW was churning out film after film, and while that phenomenon only lasted for a few years, the idea of the TVM as an event, as something to stay home for, remained through the rest of the seventies, well into the nineties. Part of the love for the made for TV movie is, of course, nostalgia, but telefilms also tapped into current issues, and brought them into our living rooms night after night. Some movies were forgotten about, while others became fondly remembered classics. British publisher <a href="http://www.headpress.com/">Headpress</a> seeks to reconcile our memories of the obscure, as well as the bona fide hits in their new book <b>Are You in the House Alone? Growing up with Gargoyles, Giant Turtles, Valerie Harper, the Cold War, Stephen King, and Co-ed Call Girls: A TV Movie Compendium, 1964-1999</b>, which I edited. <br />
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<b>Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium, 1964-1999</b> (its truncated title) is a book of reviews and essays about network made for television movies. Essays span several topics, ranging from reunion TVMs to the telefilm’s response to sexual assault. And, there are hundreds of reviews covering the most talked about TV movies to some of the most obscure titles. The contributing authors are passionate about the topic, and we did our best to uncover as many of the dusty corners of the small screen as we could.<br />
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The book’s official street date is April 6th, 2017, but there will be a special launch for <b>Are You in the House Alone?</b> in November at <a href="http://www.monsterfest.com.au/">Monster Fest</a> in Melbourne, Australia. The film festival will be held between November 24th-27th, and I will be there, along with some of the book’s contributors, including Kier-La Janisse, who is the director of MF, and a noted film programmer, writer, and Editor-in-Chief of <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/">Spectacular Optical</a>, as well as authors <a href="http://john-harrison.blogspot.com/">John Harrison</a> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hip-Pocket-Sleaze-Vintage-Paperbacks/dp/1900486482">Hip Pocket Sleaze: The Lurid World of Vintage Adult Paperbacks</a>), and <a href="http://www.spectacularoptical.ca/2016/02/interview-lee-gambin-on-we-can-be-who-we-are/">Lee Gambin</a> (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Massacred-Mother-Nature-Exploring-Natural/dp/1936168308">Massacred By Mother Nature: Exploring the Natural Horror Film</a>). Also joining us will be John’s wife, stuntwoman and actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0276312/reference">Marneen Fields</a>, who has appeared in everything from <b>The Spell </b>to <b>The Calendar Girl Murders</b>! We’ll be discussing the enduring legacy of the made for television movie and capping off the evening with a screening of <a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2014/10/happy-birthday-bad-ronald.html"><b>Bad Ronald</b></a>! You can read more about Monster Fest <a href="http://www.monsterfest.com.au/">here</a>, and their press release for their events can be found <a href="http://www.monsterfest.com.au/monster-fest-announces-opening-film-raw-frequencies-sidebar-celebrating-genre-small-screen/">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Here's a peek at the cover of Are You in the House Alone? A TV Movie Compendium, 1964-1999: </b></center>
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After Monster Fest, a hardcover version of the book will be immediately available through Headpress’ website (link to come), but it will not be obtainable through general retailers until April 6th, 2017.
This book has been a labor of love, not just for me, but for all of the writers as well as Headpress. I, of course, will keep everyone up to date on any events or signings, but please mark your calendars for April 6th, or if you are in Australia, come to Monster Fest, pick up the book and say hello! Would love to meet you!
Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-58449554953154849632016-10-10T07:47:00.000-04:002016-12-07T08:54:46.440-05:00Visions... (1972)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Network: CBS<br />Original Airdate: October 10, 1972</b><br />
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On the surface it would seem Professor Mark Lowell (Monte Markham) has an enviable life. He’s a well to do academic with a gorgeous and doting girlfriend named Susan (Barbara Anderson). Unfortunately, he’s also haunted by disturbing psychic visions that he cannot control. Things take a turn for the worse when he unwittingly taps into a mad bomber who is terrorizing Denver. Mark goes to the police with his visions and concerns, only to find he’s been named Suspect No. 1. The skeptical Lt. Phil Keegan (Telly Savalas) is certain Mark is toying with authorities while he lays giant bomb devices throughout the city. But, the story takes an interesting twist when Mark is cleared early on, and begins collaborating with Keegan in an effort to stop a reign of terror.<br />
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Shot on location in Denver, Colorado, and using many recognizable locales as potential bombing sites, <b>Visions</b> is a stylish and suspenseful television movie. Directed by Lee H. Katzin (<a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2011/02/black-history-month-voyage-of-yes-1973.html"><b>The Voyage of the Yes</b></a>, and the theatrical <b>What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice</b>), this TV movie is refreshing because it strategically sets up a fairly standard thriller, and then twists it around early on when Mark is cleared of the crimes. Aside from it decidedly trying to move away from what outwardly looks like a customary police procedural where the cops are looking in the wrong place, it also allows Savalas a chance to show a little range as a hard-boiled cop who becomes sympathetic to Mark’s plight.<br />
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Strangely, while I was watching <b>Visions</b>, the telefilm <b><a href="http://madefortvmayhem.blogspot.com/2010/11/beg-borrow-or-steal-1973.html">Beg, Borrow or Steal</a></b> kept popping up in my head. But it was really not so strangely, it turns out, because both films were written by Paul Playdon, who has a real knack for ramping up these little films until they reach an almost nail biting apex.<br />
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The always-reliable Markham is very good, although he admitted to struggling a bit with the role, stating, “I’m trying to show someone actually undergoing a frightening psychic experience. I don’t want to overdo it but I want to communicate a measure of a man’s terror… One part of you is always waiting for the unknown terror… You have this powerful contrast of police frantically trying to avert a disaster on the basis of wispy clues from a guy they’re not sure is all there himself.”<br />
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While the reason for the Mark’s connection to the bomber is never made clear, there are similarities between the characters. Markham presents Mark as an even-keel but troubled character. His visions are mostly out of his control, and he hides his extrasensory perceptions from his girlfriend. But he’s also compassionate, and perhaps that’s why he’s able to tap into the madman’s mind, because he too is struggling with a pain he’s let fester inside of his gut.<br />
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Although <b>Visions</b> was shot before Savalas would make his debut as <b>Kojak</b> in 1973, the actor was quite busy shooting films in Europe, and landed in Denver, during a whirlwind era of work. He had just completed <b>Reason to Live, Reason to Die</b> and then headed back to Rome after shooting <b>Vision</b>s to begin work on <b>The Devil is Taking Away the Dead</b> (which is presumably the working title for <b>Lisa and the Devil</b>). He doesn’t show one ounce of fatigue, giving audiences a good glimpse at what the charismatic actor was going to do with the soon-to-be-legendary <b>Kojak</b>.
Markham would also take on a new series in 1973, when he was cast as the <b>New Perry Mason</b>. Unfortunately, it did not last long, and was cancelled in 1974 (Confession: I thought it was a good show, but I did miss Mr. Burr immensely).<br />
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<b>Visions</b> ran against another really good small screen thriller, <b>Night of Terror</b>, starring Donna Mills and Martin Balsam, as well as a run of a 1965 theatrical film with Sean Connery titled <b>The Hill</b>. What to choose, what to choose?
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Visions was released on DVD as <b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Visions-Death-Monte-Markham/dp/B017TJXMZ4">Visions of Death</a></b>. Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9108598388162294499.post-8871597674769378412016-09-28T08:04:00.000-04:002016-09-28T08:04:00.864-04:00Book Review! The Case of the Alliterative Attorney: A Guide to the Perry Mason TV Series and TV Movies <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I admit that I have a mostly casual relationship with the long running <b>Perry Mason</b> TV series. This association was so informal, in fact, that the only guest star I could rattle off the top of my head was Bert Convy, which is a surprise to no one, I’m sure. However, when MeTV began re-airing the <b>Mason</b> movies in 2013, I fell hard for the telefilms (and a handsome bearded Burr), even though I think they may be a bit like the 90s <b>Columbo</b> reboot in terms of being considered a step down in quality. <i>But</i>, there was drama, mystery and intrigue, William Katt <i>and</i> William Moses, and a whole lot of Raymond Burr commanding the screen. In short, I couldn’t get enough!<br />
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There’s been a few books on the <b>Perry Mason</b> television series, but to the best of my knowledge, there is little writing about the run of telefilms that graced our small screens from 1985-1995. C’mon, that’s ten years of courtroom shenanigans, and oodles of amazing guest stars. I’m still working through those TVMs, but was thrilled when I saw that someone had included them in their <b>Mason</b> book. And spoiler free, no less, so I could sit down and read about a TVM without worrying about it taking away from what I had not seen yet. This awesome tome is titled <b>The Case of the Alliterative Attorney: A Guide to the Perry Mason TV Series and TV Movies</b>. When I recently acquired my copy, I couldn’t wait to dive in. But then, like any good <b>Perry Mason</b> mystery, there was a twist – I could barely turn myself away from the section about the original series, even though it was originally of secondary interest to me.<br />
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OK, not the most suspenseful twist, but work with me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Perry Mason and Hamilton Burger working with me.</b></td></tr>
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That’s just a long way of saying <b>The Case of the Alliterative Attorney</b> is an immensely enjoyable, page-turning read. The amount of research that co-authors Bill Sullivan and Ed Robertson put into this book is head spinning! There is not only <i>lots and lots</i> of fantastic trivia, but there’s quotes from those who were there to help make the series and films a success, including the incomparable Barbara Hale, and actress turned producer Gail Patrick (an intriguing woman who deserves her own book!), as well as a fairly in-depth look at how the show was put together, while also working as a tribute to the profound friendship Hale and Burr enjoyed until his passing in 1993.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>These are my people.</b></td></tr>
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And, for the record, this book is <i>huge</i>! At well over 600 pages, the authors incorporate as much as they can into each episode synopsis, spotlighting guest stars, important dialog quotes, and pieces of interviews with some of the people who worked on that episode. And, as mentioned earlier, all spoiler free.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Monte Markham > Not a terribly great idea for a series</b></td></tr>
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Also, working like a good commercial break, there are sections titled Exhibits located throughout the book, highlighting interesting aspects or themes from the show. For instance, there is a list of episodes featuring jury trials, as well as a compilation of episodes where the court meets in a non-traditional location.
In short, you are bound to be a <b>Mason</b> expert by the time you finish the book. Despite the fact that it’s throwing loads of info in the reader’s direction, Sullivan and Robertson's style is casual, energetic and breezy. The authors really go the extra mile too, and <b>Mason</b> gets his full small screen due, so expect a section on <b>The New Perry Mason Mysteries</b> too! Go Monte!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Hal Holbrook, the badass.</b></td></tr>
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As a newbie to the main content of the book, I can say that it has a little something for everyone, and may well bring in new fans (i.e. me).
My one minor nitpick is that the four <b>Perry Mason Mysteries</b>, filmed after Burr’s passing in 1993, deserve more attention. They can be looked at as a simple novelty to keep a brand going, but they are also entertaining in their own right and wonderfully preserve <b>Mason</b> and Burr while attempting to develop their own cozy mystery niche. Also, seeing a pushing-70 Hal Holbrook riding a Harley is just the best. True story.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlplCPrZSgpVdbADiuBe4TvgkaXIBabEXFldXn9HfY4kPw_oW_JHmIN3N_iAqh_FgDLQLPL0X-TzSYzltnu0NFntoy9Ab5RPvrtZvYZBoMzE6kPIYFlZ_j47v9hCih4FlHfahyphenhyphenWXj-2yQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-26+at+7.28.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlplCPrZSgpVdbADiuBe4TvgkaXIBabEXFldXn9HfY4kPw_oW_JHmIN3N_iAqh_FgDLQLPL0X-TzSYzltnu0NFntoy9Ab5RPvrtZvYZBoMzE6kPIYFlZ_j47v9hCih4FlHfahyphenhyphenWXj-2yQ/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-09-26+at+7.28.50+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The verdict is in: The Case of the Alliterative Attorney wins! </b></td></tr>
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But as I said, that’s just a TV movie freak being a bit fussy, and perhaps that just comes from wanting the book (and the <b>Mason</b> telefilms) to go on forever. I highly recommend <b>The Case of the Alliterative Attorney</b> to anyone with even a passing interest in the show who is also drawn to getting a deeper behind the scenes perspective on a golden age of television.<br />
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Available through <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Case-Alliterative-Attorney-Guide-Movies/dp/1517356768">Amazon</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZpkwhdpUvPIQyp67IEAz7BzFQ9vILMmHUXZ8QTV9xro1TmXtEslmMcY7XukMhLqeuPXh-2xcoImFVkqtaQC7WUFVGfpQHvuKOWDRKCnX0NNxUMSC7wud45xoze2atV3pFX0FgaJ5pdM1/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-09-26+at+7.19.04+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaZpkwhdpUvPIQyp67IEAz7BzFQ9vILMmHUXZ8QTV9xro1TmXtEslmMcY7XukMhLqeuPXh-2xcoImFVkqtaQC7WUFVGfpQHvuKOWDRKCnX0NNxUMSC7wud45xoze2atV3pFX0FgaJ5pdM1/s400/Screen+Shot+2016-09-26+at+7.19.04+PM.png" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>PS: Raymond Burr is <i>everything</i>. </b></td></tr>
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Amanda By Nighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01910620012465381103noreply@blogger.com3