Defending Larry Bishop's HELL RIDE

I recently had the pleasure of viewing HELL RIDE, the latest film written, directed and starring a man so well-versed in the hey-day of the biker film trend of the '60s and early '70s, Larry Bishop. Here, it's my belief that, Bishop has succeeded in providing a welcome return to this bygone grungy, fuel-charged film craze.

Despite Bishop's well-intended efforts, there are plenty of naysayers out there, picking and prodding at the film's story, characters, et cetera. Who in the hell cares about these things?! It's a BIKER film! This was never a style of film known for it's complex characterizations or astounding dramatics. A biker film is an acquired taste, and I'm not referring to the most famous film of all, EASY RIDER, the one that broke through those conventions.

The key ingredients to any worthwhile biker flick are: sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Bishop's film contains all of these elements and more, including a great cast of scene-chomping veterans: Michael Madsen, Dennis Hopper, David Carradine and Vinnie Jones. Not to mention, there are several nods to earlier films in the genre, including musical cues from THE WILD ANGELS, HELL'S BELLES, THE SAVAGE SEVEN and "Jenny Take A Ride" by Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, which was featured in the notorious Joe Namath/Ann-Margret biker flick, C.C. & COMPANY. So, I have to ask, what more could a biker film enthusiast want?!

Wait a minute, could it be that none of these naysayers have seen a true biker film, after all? Would they know who Adam Roarke is? How about other genre staples like William Smith, Ross Hagen, Luke Askew or John "Bud" Cardos? I'm sure they're aware of Peter Fonda, Hopper and Jack Nicholson, but I'm sure they'd be hard pressed to name the other biker flicks these actors had done previous to EASY RIDER.

If you are a true biker film fan, then I'm willing to bet you will get a nice jolt of nostalgia from HELL RIDE. Bishop is in top form with this one. Sure, the character's backgrounds may come off a bit hazy and could have been lost in the milieu of creating the film's authentic vibe (enter style vs. substance argument here) but, ultimately, such details are not that big of a concern to the overall experience.

At any rate, the film serves as a nice capsulization of Bishop's involvement in the genre and marks the 40th anniversary of his first cycle flick, THE SAVAGE SEVEN. In fact, HELL RIDE almost serves as a sequel to that film, as links are clearly evident. The pivotal "Cherokee Kisum" character is a perfect example. In THE SAVAGE SEVEN, Adam Roarke portrays the leader of a biker gang who infiltrates a Native American community. His character, "Kisum," falls for a local Indian girl named "Maria". Had the script for HELL RIDE been tweaked a bit, "Cherokee Kisum" could have been the offspring of these characters, adding further substance to her already symbolic role.

Whatever the case, I felt this HELL RIDE was an enjoyable one and I'm a sucker to see these cats on screen together, knowing full-well that they all had a blast making the film. It would be nice if someone out there had the sense to put on a Larry Bishop biker film marathon, showcasing the AIP trinity: THE SAVAGE SEVEN, ANGEL UNCHAINED and CHROME AND HOT LEATHER. Then, top it all off with HELL RIDE as the main attraction. Biker flick Heaven... count me in!

1979: Year of the Vampire

According to the Chinese astrological calendar, 1979 was officially the "year of the ram," but in cinemas and on televised screens worldwide, it most certainly was the "year of the vampire".

Being that it was the end of the '70s, it could be argued that this was the best period for vampires on film. However, spoofs like DRACULA SUCKS and the much more successful LOVE AT FIRST BITE pretty much killed the movement. On with the list...

• THE CURSE OF DRACULA (T.V.)
• DRACULA (John Badham)
• DRACULA BITES THE BIG APPLE
• DRACULA BLOWS HIS COOL
• DRACULA SUCKS
• FASCINATION
• THE HALLOWEEN THAT ALMOST WASN'T (T.V.)
• LOVE AT FIRST BITE
• NOCTURNA
• NOSFERATU, THE VAMPIRE (Werner Herzog)
• SALEM'S LOT (T.V.)
• THIRST
• VAMPIRE (T.V.)

According to some sources, VAMPIRE HOOKERS and DRACULA'S LAST RITES might have been included in that same year of release, however, both films have conflicting release dates accredited to them. (1978 & 1980, respectively.)

"42nd Street Forever, Vol. 3"

If you know me, then you know that I love movies. And, if you know me more than those who only know that I love movies, then you also know that I love movie trailers. And, if you know all (both) of those wonderful facts about me, then you are holding the very knowledge that very few can claim to have held. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement. Perhaps not. I might be giving too much credit. You might know this, simply from reading my "about me" bio. If that is the case, then, you must be an acquaintance! Nice try, deep fry. I'm onto your shifty business and kuh-niving ways!

Anyway, with that said, I L-O-V-E the 42ND STREET FOREVER series of DVDs from Synapse Films. Yesterday, upon my DVD buying travels, I finally came across the latest volume entitled EXPLOITATION EXPLOSION. After reading the contents on the back of the case, I could hardly wait to get home and pop the disc in my player, thereby losing myself in an array of movie trailer madness. It's as if the good folks at Synapse have harnessed the ability to read my mind. "Hey, hasn't Nathan been longing to see some of these trailers and/or TV spots since the dawn of his existence?" "Yes, Synapse Films, I have!" It's as if Synapse is the Superman to my Lois Lane. "Can You Read My Mind?" reference. You're welcome.

In addition to reading my thoughts, Synapse also has a know-how on when to release a trailer that has not been previously released on the respective DVD of the film in question. One example from the previous volume is the inclusion of the trailer to Abel Ferrara's vigilante classic, MS. 45, a feature which is sorely lacking from the DVD released by Image Entertainment (yet another reason not to buy the disc, the other is that the film itself is NOT uncut). Synapse has done the same good deed once again here on Vol. 3, by adding the trailer to Jeanott Szwarc's BUG. Paramount released the film to DVD years ago, and we all know those mountain folk be skimpin' on the extras, especially in the theatrical trailer department.

Here is the "track listing" in the order they appear on the DVD (titles ending with an asterisk are those which I was particularly excited about, having not seen them before)...

Theatrical Trailers:

• SUDDEN DEATH
• THE ONE-ARMED EXECUTIONER *
• JAGUAR LIVES!
• ENTER THE NINJA *
• LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH
• FIVE FINGERS OF DEATH
• THE STRANGER AND THE GUNFIGHTER
• BEYOND THE DOOR
• DEMONOID *
• THE NIGHT CHILD
• DEVIL TIMES FIVE
• PATRICK
• JENNIFER *
• PHASE IV *
• BUG *
• THE UNCANNY *
• THE PACK *
• ALLIGATOR
• KILLER FISH *
• SHARK'S TREASURE *
• BLOOD BEACH *
• HOT T-SHIRTS *
• CHEERLEADERS' WILD WEEKEND *
• SUMMER SCHOOL TEACHERS *
• GORP *
• KING FRAT *
• PRISON GIRLS
• 1000 CONVICTS AND A WOMAN
• CHAIN GANG WOMEN
• THE PENTHOUSE
• THE HOUSE BY THE LAKE *
• NIGHT CALL NURSES
• THE YOUNG NURSES
• CANDY STRIPE NURSES
• THE LIFE AND TIMES OF XAVIERA HOLLANDER
• THE HAPPY HOOKER GOES HOLLYWOOD *
• SURVIVE! *
• GUYANA: CULT OF THE DAMNED *
• SEVEN
• SCORCHY *
• SAVAGE STREETS *
• CONVOY *
• HIGH BALLIN' *
• FROM NOON TILL THREE *
• TELEFON *
• LIES
• TATTOO *

Vintage Television Spots:

• JAGUAR LIVES!
• HIGH BALLIN' *
• CHAMPION OF DEATH
• THE SENIORS *
• THE LAST SURVIVOR
• THE JESUS TRIP
• NAKED ANGELS
• BILLY JACK *
• GOLDEN NEEDLES

Of course, I can't wait for Volume Four! Keep 'em comin'!

Mashed Potatoes!

Here's my latest nod. A "mash-up" (that's what the kids call 'em, these daze) of movie trailer moments that are all movie, all from trailers and are all actual moments! Would you believe?

Midnite On A Tuesday Morning

Tuesday is DVD new release day and this particular Tuesday marks a special occasion: the return of MGM's Midnite Movies! The usual Midnite Movies ritual began at 8:05 am at Fry's Electronics (my seemingly home away from home). I decided earlier that I would pass on any of the higher priced releases, such as "From Beyond" and "The Return Of The Living Dead" Special Edition (both were $14.99) and "The Fly" Collection at $29.99(!), and shop strictly for all the MGM/Fox titles at $9.99 each.

I was in and out within fifteen minutes and got everything I had planned on. Mission accomplished!

Midnite Movies (MGM):

"L'Ultimo Horror Philm"

Here's the opening title sequence from my final horror compilation (the sixth in a series; produced in 1996) featuring dozens of film clips. Vintage nathanville entertainment! Pleasant screams!

Film House Fever (1979-1995)

To appease myself, I've opted to compile a growing list of all the films I've seen theatrically (yes, I was bored when I came up with the idea). Since I've had a mental block (i.e. 1982), I might occasionally update with further specifics, such as: actual theaters, multiple screenings and Disney re-releases (saw a ton in the '80s, just not sure what year), et cetera. Most all titles are first-run, unless otherwise indicated.

The list is divided by year from 1979 (my first theatrical experience) to 1995 (my theorized cut off, since I actually enjoyed everything I saw theatrically up to that point).

1979

• THE MUPPET MOVIE

1980

• THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
• POPEYE
• NINE TO FIVE *
• SMOKEY AND THE BANDIT, PART II *
• STAR WARS (Re-release)

1981

• CLASH OF THE TITANS
• THE FOX AND THE HOUND
• THE GREAT MUPPET CAPER
• THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING WOMAN *
• THE LEGEND OF THE LONE RANGER
• SUPERMAN II

1982

• ANNIE
• E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL

1983

• A CHRISTMAS STORY
• THE CURSE OF THE PINK PANTHER
• JAWS 3-D
• RETURN OF THE JEDI ***
• SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS
• STAYING ALIVE *
• THE TOY *

1984

• CITY HEAT
• GHOSTBUSTERS
• INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM
• THE MUPPETS TAKE MANHATTAN
• PINOCCHIO
• ROMANCING THE STONE
• STAR TREK III: THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK

1985

• BABY: SECRET OF THE LOST LEGEND
• BACK TO THE FUTURE
• THE COLOR PURPLE
• E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL (Re-release)
• FLETCH
• RETURN TO OZ
• ROCKY IV
• A VIEW TO A KILL

1986

• THE GOLDEN CHILD
• THE GREAT MOUSE DETECTIVE
• HOWARD THE DUCK *
• THE KARATE KID, PART II
• LABYRINTH
• LADY AND THE TRAMP (Re-release)
• LEGAL EAGLES ***
• POLICE ACADEMY 3: BACK IN TRAINING
• SHORT CIRCUIT
• STAND BY ME
• STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME ***
• TOUGH GUYS

1987

• *batteries not included
• BLIND DATE
• BORN IN EAST L.A.
• DIRTY DANCING
• HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS
• JAWS: THE REVENGE
• LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
• MANNEQUIN
• MOONSTRUCK
• OVERBOARD
• THE PICK-UP ARTIST
• POLICE ACADEMY 4: CITIZENS ON PATROL
• PROJECT X
• ROXANNE
• SPACEBALLS
• TEEN WOLF TOO
• THREE MEN AND A BABY

1988

• ARTHUR 2: ON THE ROCKS
• BEETLEJUICE
• BIG
• BILOXI BLUES
• CROCODILE DUNDEE II
• LICENSE TO DRIVE
• THE MILAGRO BEANFIELD WAR
• SWITCHING CHANNELS
• TEQUILA SUNRISE
• THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN
• TWINS
• VICE VERSA
• WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT?
• WILLOW

1989

• BATMAN
• BLACK RAIN
• GHOSTBUSTERS II
• HER ALIBI
• HIGH SPIRITS
• LETHAL WEAPON 2
• LOOK WHO'S TALKING
• NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION ***
• PARENTHOOD
• UNCLE BUCK

1990

• AIR AMERICA
• ARACHNOPHOBIA
• AWAKENINGS
• DANCES WITH WOLVES
• DICK TRACY
• EDWARD SCISSORHANDS
• GHOST
• HOME ALONE
• THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER ***
• LIONHEART
• OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
• PRESUMED INNOCENT
• STANLEY & IRIS
• TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: THE MOVIE
• THREE MEN AND A LITTLE LADY
• YOUNG GUNS II

1991

• THE ADDAMS FAMILY
• CITY SLICKERS
• DOC HOLLYWOOD
• THE FISHER KING
• FREDDY'S DEAD: THE FINAL NIGHTMARE
• HOOK
• HOT SHOTS!
• JFK
• THE LAST BOY SCOUT
• PROBLEM CHILD 2
• ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES
• SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY
• STAR TREK VI: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY
• TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY
• WHAT ABOUT BOB?

1992

• ALIEN³
• BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA
• HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK
• HOUSESITTER
• LADYBUGS
• MO' MONEY
• MY COUSIN VINNY
• SCENT OF A WOMAN
• UNDER SIEGE
• UNFORGIVEN
• UNLAWFUL ENTRY
• WAYNE'S WORLD ***

1993

• CARLITO'S WAY
• CLIFFHANGER
• DRAGON: THE BRUCE LEE STORY
• FALLING DOWN
• THE FIRM
• GRUMPY OLD MEN
• JASON GOES TO HELL: THE FINAL FRIDAY
• LAST ACTION HERO
• LETHAL WEAPON 3
• NATIONAL LAMPOON'S LOADED WEAPON 1
• THE PROGRAM (Uncut)
• RISING SUN
• SCHINDLER'S LIST
• SOMMERSBY
• SPLITTING HEIRS
• WAYNE'S WORLD 2
• WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S II

1994

• ACE VENTURA: PET DETECTIVE
• THE CROW ***
• DUMB AND DUMBER ***
• KILLING ZOE
• MAJOR LEAGUE II
• THE MASK
• MONTY PYTHON'S THE MEANING OF LIFE **
• NATURAL BORN KILLERS
• PULP FICTION ***
• STAR TREK: GENERATIONS
• TRUE LIES

1995

• BATMAN FOREVER (OR.)
• CONGO (OR.)
• DESPERADO (TX.)
• DIE HARD WITH A VENGEANCE (OR.)
• FATHER OF THE BRIDE, PART II (TX.)
• GOLDENEYE (TX.)
• GRUMPIER OLD MEN (OR.)
• HACKERS (TX.)
• HALLOWEEN ** (OR.)
• HALLOWEEN: THE CURSE OF MICHAEL MYERS (TX.)
• HEAT (TX.)
• LORD OF ILLUSIONS (TX.)
• MORTAL KOMBAT (OR.)
• OUTBREAK *** (OR.)
• THE PROPHECY (TX.)
• PSYCHO (1960) ** (OR.)
• SPECIES (OR.)
• TANK GIRL (OR.)
• UNDER SIEGE 2: DARK TERRITORY (OR.)
• VIRTUOSITY (I actually despised this one.) (OR.)
• WATERWORLD (I initially enjoyed this one, but my belief is that I was desperate for another "Mad Max" clone, and it had been a while since my last viewing of "Exterminators In The Year 3000". ACK!) (OR.)
  
  * Midway Drive-In
  ** OSU Campus Screening
  *** Multiple Screening

Mansion Of The Doomed

Nothing quite says love and devotion like MANSION OF THE DOOMED. No, I'm not suggesting a future Valentine's gift for that special someone (although, the DVD did come out recently and it might get you more sugar than a previously viewed Bingo brand VHS could).

For whatever reason, I really dig this bizarre film. The late, great Richard Basehart stars as Dr. Chaney, an eye surgeon determined to make medical history by restoring eyesight to the blind, with the help of some unwitting and unwilling donors. His blind daughter is his test subject. The first surgery goes alright, except that her vision cuts off shortly after, provoking Chaney to seek another donor. Needless to say, the following surgery has the same side effect, causing the determined Chaney to prey upon nearly every acquaintance he meets, subjecting his daughter to countless additional surgeries. Soon he has a collection of "the eyeless" in his laboratory. Clearly Chaney doesn't follow the wisdom of the great W.C. Fields. "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There's no sense making a damn fool of yourself!" So many victims, so little eyesight, what to do, what to do, tisk, tisk...

SEE Lance Henriksen get his eyeballs "lanced," and therefore he can no longer SEE!
HEAR the continual moaning of Dr. Chaney's eyeless prisoners!
SEE an escapee hit by a passing motor vehicle. They can't see, remember?!
HEAR an unauthorized cue from Pink Floyd's "Welcome To The Machine" in an early nightmare sequence!

FEEL cheated by the fact that exploitation film goddess Marilyn Joi bares no extra skin!
KNOW that actor Michael Pataki directed this film and also collaborated with producer Charles Band again on ZOLTAN... HOUND OF DRACULA!

DIG the entire affair from beginning to end!

PLEASE be KIND and REWIND!

USA Network Memories

A long time ago, from a cable box and/or satellite far, far away...
Back in the day, the USA Network had to be one of the best cable networks around. This channel provided so much in genres of horror, sci-fi and exploitation. Basically, films you may never see on television again, severely truncated or not. Honestly, what other network had the nerve to air Paul Morrisey films, such as FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN and BLOOD FOR DRACULA? Sure, they were edited beyond recognition at points, packed with re-composed shots of an actor's face being super-zoomed-in on during a moment of bodily torment. Imagine the shot in "Frankenstein" when Udo Kier's hand is severed or the moment when his character meets it's demise in a "dis-heartening" (Spoiler alert... Ah, too late!) form of punishment. "What's happening to Udo?! He looks constipated!"
My point is that commercial television won't pay these films such consideration, ever again. And, that's a shame, considering how such airings broadened my film tastes and influenced me to seek out the uncut versions to these classic and not-so classic films.

For what it's worth, here's a brief list of some of the films I had the pleasure to witness on vintage USA, circa 1987-1991...

As seen on COMMANDER USA's GROOVIE MOVIES:

• AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
• THE BLOOD BEAST TERROR
• C.H.U.D.
• DEMONOID
• DEVIL'S NIGHTMARE
• DOCTOR DRACULA
• THE FINAL TERROR
• FRANKENSTEIN AND THE MONSTER FROM HELL
• LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH
• NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Colorized)
• A POLISH VAMPIRE IN BURBANK
• THE SWARM
• TOXIC ZOMBIES

As seen on USA SATURDAY NIGHTMARES:

• AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON
• THE APPOINTMENT
• BASKET CASE
• BLOODBATH AT THE HOUSE OF DEATH
• THE BROOD
• THE CHILDREN
• DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS
• DAY OF THE DEAD
• DEADLY EYES
• DEVIL TIMES FIVE
• DREAM SLAYER (BLOOD SONG)
• THE EXORCIST
• EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC
• GROTESQUE
• THE HAND
• HELLO, MARY LOU: PROM NIGHT II
• IT'S ALIVE
• IT LIVES AGAIN (IT'S ALIVE 2)
• LASERBLAST
• THE LONG DARK NIGHT (THE PACK)
• NEON MANIACS
• NIGHT OF THE CREEPS
• NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Colorized)
• OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN
• THE POSSESSION OF JOEL DELANEY
• Q - THE WINGED SERPENT
• RABID
• RAIDERS OF THE LIVING DEAD
• RAZORBACK
• SHOCK WAVES
• SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT 4: INITIATION
• SLUGS
• TOURIST TRAP
• THE UNSEEN
• THE VIDEO DEAD
• ZOLTAN... HOUND OF DRACULA
• ZOMBIE NIGHTMARE

Not to mention all of the great films, horrorific or not, appearing late nite on Friday and Saturday's installments of USA UP! ALL NIGHT, hosted respectively by Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried. Good times.