MEETING DAVID NAUGHTON & THE CREATION OF A FILM SERIES FOR DUMMIES!

GREETINGS and welcome to a brand- new entry from JER’S POINT!!! It has been far too long…many things have come and gone since my last entry in 2013. Personal, professional and other hurdles have really tested just how well these legs can jump over. Well, I can report that all is good and my writing cap is back in place with a new year of topics and subjects to discuss.

So, the question lies…what exactly have you been doing with yourself? My response would reflect the immortal words of Don Adams’ Maxwell Smart in saying… would you believe hosting a film series and schmoosing with actor David Naughton?... I hope I have your attention because this blog entry is dedicated to the interesting, first- hand accounts that occurred between the months of July- September of 2013 in the preparation of an actual theatrical film series and involving David Naughton on a fundraiser quest with me.

the outer theater building

Living in a quasi-small town near the now famous Coachella, CA area (known for its annual music festival with the same name) has its advantages… you can, if you really want, have the opportunity to have your voice heard. Sometimes all it takes is getting the conversation started and hoping that someone will listen and help get things going for you. Through a six- degree- of connection, I began talking to the General Manager of a converted theater just a few blocks away from where I live. The more recent events occurring at the newly refurbished theater consisted of live theatrical shows or plays. The theater is made up of three ‘houses’, if you would. One restored house is dedicated to the live shows, another is under construction for cabaret and live music performances…and the final is a newly restored, to its original theatrical house, complete with stadium seating, surround sound and a movie screen. After about a year of conversations and phone calls, it looked like the deal to begin the planned project was ready to move ahead.

The ‘deal’ in question is to propose a film series, to be presented at the theater and have the films chosen by me, along with having the evenings’ presentations hosted by yours truly! Before the series could come into place, experimentations and quick planning had to come into immediate action. The first major hurdle: What format would the films be presented in?



the inner theater itself

The removal of the age- old 35mm projector was the first step, since one couldn’t really rely on the current state of classic 35mm film prints. It was time to step into the 21^st century and install a combined and tested blu- ray player and 5k projector… hours of tweaking both picture and sound was necessary to get the best presentation for a paying audience. Other hurdles came and went… advertising, rental agreements, keeping the audio/ video guy happy, financing and donation handling… but the most difficult task laid ahead… how does one begin the selection process for a film series and which films to choose? The daunting task began after an agreement of a consecutive twelve week run beginning in July and ending in September to play one film per week every Saturday night. Twelve weeks? No problem…now, to choose only twelve films to play! Oye!!!

I would imagine that, if you have elected to read JER’S POINT (and thank you so much for electing to do so…) that you, the reader, is either a fan of film or find film interesting to some sort of degree. Fine… with that level of interest and knowledge…imagine, if you would, that you were allowed twelve weeks to show twelve films of your choice. Only twelve… no double features, no all- day series runs… nothing more than one feature.. one day per week. The task may sound easy to some, but a wide range of optional emotions carry over and personal feelings had to be put aside, yet considered in selecting the chosen dozen!

"Mother, we didn't make the cut!"

My personal feelings did stand up to the forefront! There were films that I selfishly wanted to place on my roster because, well, damn it… I like them! PSYCHO, STAR WARS, TAXI DRIVER, THE GREAT RACE, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and even my all- time favorite THE TEN COMMANDMENTS had to fall off my list. There were options to consider… could I meet my personal interests and the public's likes at the crossroads and appease all along the way?

Have you ever just sat and made out a list of your top favorite films? Just for fun? My good friend and former COUNTERPOINT critic Johnny Chazz and I used to sit and draw up such lists for fun. What began as a list to help pass the time with would metamorphically grow into a list of the “top 100 films” by our own accord! Now, take that list…observe and dissect each and every title…why did it end up on your list and where did it fall in rank between 1 through 100? Now, break your list down to only twelve and live with your decision with no regrets! Yeah, that’s kinda how it went!

NO MORE!!!

The series, from the beginning, was structured to represent who I am as a film fan and that it would be summed up in one word: eclectic. So, I wanted the series to reflect that right from the very beginning...to be able to see the entire series and see that variety was available to anyone who would want to plan on what film(s) to see throughout its run. The choices were going to be diverse and not something to be expected, yet familiar at the same time. I didn’t want to show films that have been exhausted on late night network or pay cable channels… I mean, do we have to show PITCH PERFECT and HARRY POTTER for yet a 25^th time within a 30 day month period? I wanted to focus my selection of films that a younger generation never got to experience in theaters. This generation feels it is perfectly fine to watch a full length theatrical film on their I-phone. Their I-phone? Are we serious here? This type of entertainment viewing is acceptable? My answer is a definitive NO and that would be the basic foundation for my reasons to create this series. Let’s begin building and weighing out the options. Let’s start at the beginning… the first film had to have some recognition, something that would bring attention to the entire series… be the loudest bang of the series to kick things off on the right foot.

A true lover of film recognizes certain qualities that may not transcend to the average viewer. Ever since I can remember, the presentation was crucial to the performance, based on the scope and ‘event’ of the film in my eyes. For example, several films garnered a special day trip to the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, CA to view such films like THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS, GREYSTOKE: THE LEGEND OF TARZAN, THE COLOR PURPLE and THE GODFATHER III… just to name a few.

No way to watch films!

I couldn’t even start to think about seeing films like AVATAR, STAR WARS, SUPERMAN, ALIENS or BEN- HUR on an I- phone or tablet or even a laptop, especially if it were for the first time. Even the biggest HD TV couldn’t duplicate the experience of a theater. You need the aroma of popcorn in the lobby, the selecting and positioning of a stadium or theater seat, the sensation that comes over one as the lights dim and the buzz of the audience is heard as the screen lights up with the images that will entertain its audience. As aforementioned, the choices of what films should make a return to the silver screen is crucial and many factors had to be taken into consideration.

A major factor to consider begins with the selection. Would a particular film appeal to a mass group of viewers over another film?  Which films would bring people out of their prospective homes to come down to a theater and pay admission to see a film they can rent on Netflix and enjoy within the comforts of their own personal environment? What genes would have more appeal than others?

I began with the idea of trying to appease to everyone’s pallet, thus the eclectic concept. Both genre and decade of the film’s release were equally important in my decision making. I could easily lean on pure 1980’s films with its large catalog of films to choose from, but I wanted to reach every demographic as best as possible. Here’s how the final twelve came down.

Oddly enough, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW doesn’t get half the respect it should receive within the Palm Springs, CA neck of the woods as one would think it would. We don’t have the midnight theater circuit in my area and I don’t believe too many ‘locals’ have had the chance to see it in an actual theater but maybe more on a home theater version. I wanted to make ROCKY HORROR the film that would kick off the series with an ‘audience participation’ invite to the presentation as well. Come dressed up; bring the props, the rice, the water pistols and your “Time Warp!” On top of the freedom of participation within the theater, I decided I would show the U.K. version of the film. As opposed to the standard American version that has been shown in theaters since that fateful day back in the year 1975, the European version contains the omitted song “Super Heroes” that appears at the near end of the film. No need to try to convince me, the film is now on my final list… one down and eleven more to go.

I won’t bore you with the detailed rundown of each and every film, but using the blu- ray format allowed me to offer alternative versions of films that weren’t shown in theaters. For example, the Academy Award winning AMADEUS alternative version allowed me to screen the Special Edition Director’s Cut that included 20 minutes of new scenes incorporated into the cut. I was able to do the same thing with yet another Academy Award winner, GLADIATOR. These extended versions were never shown in theaters and it was an honor and a special treat to see sights and sounds inhibit the theater in a grandiose way… for the first time. This is especially appealing to fans that knew the theatrical version but weren’t aware or knew of the alternative extended options. Two more to add to the list.

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, The Director’s Cut of both AMADEUS and GLADIATOR have already made the cut. So, now to fill the gaps with a nice bridge built over covering various genres and decades. I wanted to add an intriguing foreign film into my series. I live in a predominately Hispanic valley, so I thought a nice film in Spanish would do well. After much deliberation and a touch of my own personal feelings made me move the contemporary classic PAN’S LABYRINTH to slide into a slot on my list. The Benicio Del Toro film was internationally recognized and well received by both audiences and critics, it appeals to both the foreign- language film fan and covers dramatic and horror/ sci- fi/ fantasy genres that would surely appeal to a larger audience at the same token.

Family films are a great staple to bring everyone out without isolating anyone within the household. So many to choose from… such classic films like MARY POPPINS, BUGSY MALONE and BACK TO THE FUTURE were all considered at one time or another. No, I needed a film that pulled from my mid- teenage years: The 80’s! Again, so many to choose from E.T.: THE EXTRA- TERRESTRAL to THE SANDLOT could be opted as a possible quintessential representation of 80’s family fun… but there was a movie that just spelled out ‘fun’ for anyone who has seen it. Imagination, adventure and a bunch of misguided tikes can only equal out to the 1985 classic hit, THE GOONIES! Think of how glorious the scope, the art direction and the mayhem of this film would look on the big screen…moreover, a whole generation of young fans who would finally get to see this gem on the big screen! Done!

Classics, classics, classics! Who doesn’t like a great classic from the past? This generation may not generally appreciate a black and white film, but there is definitely an audience ready to enjoy an excellent blast from the past in the b/w sense or a fantastic throwback piece! How far back, in terms of decades, should one go? Should I select a great 1950’s film shot in Technicolor and shown in Vista- Vision like OKLAHOMA! or Hitchcock’s VERTIGO? Oddly enough, I have always found it amusing that some film studios (or directors) would decide to use a black and white format to make their films after the use of vibrant colors were made available and enjoyed by audiences. The 50’s truly peaked in the presentation of color motion pictures, yet almost a decade later, would still stray from the format with such early 1960’s films like PSYCHO (1960) and The Beatles’ A HARD DAYS NIGHT (1964). The format may have served many purposes, but 1962’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD’s harsh and intense storyline proved to use the rigid black and white format as a possible metaphor in its story of segregation (whites against blacks) as well and draw major focus to a time forgotten and giving it a classic (maybe historic) visual appearance. To this day, Harper Lee’s novel is read and discussed in schools across the country. It still proves to be an important and educational tool about the society we live in, taking account of our shameful past and recognizing that it still exists in today’s 21^st century. My choice to elect TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is simple: it’s a damn good movie and it’s a damn important good movie!

One good classic film deserves another! I wanted to go deeper into the history of films and possibly choose a silent film. I knew I was stepping out of my comfort zone, since I had personally seen only a handful of soundless films and considered myself to be a novice on the subject. One film that had caught my eye and the attention of film fans from around the world was the film and history of Fritz Lang’s 1927 METROPOLIS. The German classic began unfolding itself in director Fritz Lang’s head after a trip to New York to promote an earlier film he had made in October 1924. While arriving to the Harbor by boat, Lang was stunned with the beauty of the larger than life skyscrapers that had created the man-made skyline before him. Never had he seen such metallic towers rise from the grounds and create a backdrop like he had seen. He became obsessed with the scene and immediately saw a future inhabitance filled with towering buildings and the minuscule of man below it, like army ants running to its mound. Production began in 1925, compiled by a cast of virtual unknowns and following a relentless schedule that went nonstop until its wrap- up one full year later on October 1926. Premiering at a staggering running time of 154 minutes, Having been filmed entirely in Fritz’ homeland of Germany, the film was funded and owned by the German production company of Universum Film AG or UFA. The studio thought the length and storyline was far too exhausting for the average patron and decided to edit a much shorter (and incoherent) version of the film for further distribution purposes, including the highly anticipated release in America. The film had been pared down to the approved 115 minutes.

Throughout the years, many have tried to piece the film together to its original Lang version, with the unfortunate destruction of negatives and original copies, it became impossible… it came close, but not fully completed. On July 2008, a damaged, but original negative version of the film, rose from Buenos Aries, Argentina when a copy of the original cut had been sent for distribution purposes in Argentina and subsequently landed in the hands of a private collector.  The print was acquired, digitally copied and restored to its new 148 minute version… the most complete edition available since its original Berlin release on January 10, 1927. This particular edition was released by Kino International as a special edition on both DVD and Blu- Ray formats as: THE COMPLETE “METROPOLIS”. This was the edition I would show on the big screen in my film festival. This version had not been viewed by the general public and I felt a personal obligation to make it available to the film lovers who would come.

Although ROCKY HORROR is clearly defined as a ‘cult’ film, it is also categorized as a musical as well. There are two genres being covered, but that doesn’t mean that the lover of one would love the other. There might be people who like peanut butter and chocolate but won’t eat a Reese’s peanut butter cup! So, I needed to separate the peanut butter from the chocolate and enjoy both as they stand alone!

Let’s start with the cult film that doesn’t have to be a musical. There is a wide range of various interpretations to what defines a cult film. This genre is not black and white…(although there are some cult films that are black and white, but I’m trying to be humorous now!). REPO MAN, THE LOST BOYS, PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, SUPERFLY, ERASERHEAD and BLOODY MAMA are all examples of films that have been labeled as “cult” films. Some are dramas, actions, horror films, b- movies and other types that differ from the other but all slip nicely under the “cult” umbrella. One of my greatest memories of a definitive cult film occurred at the age of 13 when I snuck a copy of this film, on VHS, to a friend’s house for both of us to see for the first time… the film was A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and I wasn’t the same ever since! Call it what you want and turn it around and dissect it into fours, CLOCKWORK is all the trappings of a traditional cult film. It’s ‘ultra- violent’, sex- filled, rude and perverse. In other words: perfect! The combination of the classic soundtrack that includes the works of Beethoven and Strauss, along with the rich colors and cinematography that the film presents itself with makes this a great film to visually be stimulated with by watching it on the silver screen again.

 

Now, the musical. THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE KING AND I, SOUTH PACIFIC…even PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE or JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR… any and all are worthy options and all appeared on my list at one point or another. I wanted to be somewhat contemporary, yet classic. My choice needed music but not put an audience to sleep. A film that is recognizable but maybe not seen or heard of as often as it should… be stimulating in both the visuals as well as by its musical soundtrack. A personal favorite of mine that would make the cut is THE WHO’S: TOMMY. A rock opera is perfect, there is no spoken dialog and filled with music from the opening scene right down to the end credits. An assortment of recognizable actors and musicians including Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Ann Margaret, Jack Nicholson, Elton John and Roger Daltrey would play a huge part in my selection just for name recognition. Director Ken Russell definitely created a world around Pete Townsend’s music and lyrics and they are images that are inerasable once they are experienced. The scenes are burned into the back of your brain and your ears ring through the power of the music and the performances of the musicians and singers. TOMMY is clearly a movie that needs to unveil in the darkness of a theater and be seen and heard!

Now, I completely understand that TOMMY or THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE show isn’t everyone’s cup of tea… they are of the acquired taste, putting it mildly! Now, as the Project Director, my initial rule was to try to please an eclectic audience, giving them a large buffet to which they opt whatever their palate requests. I grew up watching a lot of musicals on television and I know that those experiences heavily influenced two choices thus far. However, aside from THE GOONIES, I have inadvertently ignored the ‘family’ film to which mom, dad, brother and sister can come together as a unit and enjoy a film together. Another musical? Hell, why not? We just don’t see musical films in theaters like we used to. But you know what sounds even better than that? How about a ‘sing- along’? Oh man, I might be really pushing the envelope here but I saw how popular THE SOUND OF MUSIC sing- alongs are when they play at the Hollywood Bowl. The Hollywood Bowl, for crying out loud! This is where The Beatles and The Doors played! The frigging sing- alongs actually sell out! I didn’t want to infringe on the Bowl’s good thing so I had to devise my own alluring music- filled treat. Before I could go further with a possible selection, I had to research which musicals had sing- along editions available with lyrics that would appear on the screen for the novice as much as for the viewer who had sung along on its umpteenth time. MARY POPPINS came pretty close a number of times…very close. I had to think… would MARY POPPINS be a little too sweet? Now, once I discovered that this particular film I chose had a sing- along edition available, it just had to be my obvious choice. There are certain films that just become an overnight classic, no matter how you slice it. Let’s look at the ingredients involved: a soundtrack that has sold over 40 million copies, starred two of the hottest young talents of its decade, received a family- friendly PG rating and it’s all summed up with one single word… GREASE, is the word! Who wouldn’t want to sing along to the theme song performed by Frankie Valli? Ladies, you would be teary- eyed over a rendition of “Hopelessly Devoted To You’… guys, you’d love “Greased Lightin’” (c’mon, you know you would!) and many other great sign- along gems! Plus, you have an audience of familiar ‘greasers’ like yourselves doing their best Travolta or Newton- John singing! It’s on the books!

I am definitely touching on all subjects: Drama, Comedy, Family, Foreign/ Horror/ Sci- Fi (yeah, PAN’s LABYRINTH is a triple- header), Musical and Cult are covered. One specific genre not touched but rings true within my heart is the Western. My late father was an urban cowboy, of sorts. I wrote about him and dedicated my blog about Westerns to him, so I needed to put his favorite film back on the screen in his honor… the classic 1969 Sam Peckinpah western, THE WILD BUNCH. Controversial for its time and considered a very bloody and brutal film, WILD BUNCH grew in both reputation and popularity overnight! Spearheaded by a cast of talented actors including William Holden and Ernest Borgnine, the story of a band of aging outlaws heading from Texas to Mexico is a story that clutched the heart of men (and women) throughout its original run and ever since. Dad loved it, I love it… it’s on my list.

Well, there it is, the list is complete…the list is good! The final twelve are:

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, AMADEUS (Director’s Cut), The Complete METROPOLIS, GREASE: the Sing- Along Edition, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, PAN’S LABYRINTH (subtitled in English), THE GOONIES, GLADIATOR (Director’s Cut), TOMMY: The Movie, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD and THE WILD BUNCH.

Any good presenter always tries to outdo him or herself whenever possible. Histories of various athletes, performers, singers and actors have all tried to outdo and stretch the talents they are recognized for. Even The Great Houdini would try to top the last thrilling death- defying act with something more harrowing the next time! I see myself as a presenter… a performer, if you would. Afterall, I would be standing in front of my paying patrons and plan on doing a small introduction to each film. A mini- monolog describing the film’s unique characteristics that may include some trivia pieces, a look into the director or actor’s career and maybe a pivotal observation… anything to enhance the appreciation of the film and giving the viewers something they wouldn’t expect when they buy a ticket to a film. Would that be enough to outdo the general viewership? There is always room for more.

DAVID NAUGHTON and JER!

The Palm Springs area is notorious for the hob-knobbing of the Hollywood elite. Some come for its seclusion and others have come to simply retire. Others come to play, including partaking in one of the Valley’s most popular pastime: golf.. and is there a fair- share mount to choose from!  A neighboring friend of mine works at such a resort and has met many celebrities throughout his career. In a passing conversation with him, the subject about films (surprise, surprise) came up and then the question was rung: “Hey Jer, do you know the movie AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON?” My thoughts went into a defensive mode… are you kidding me? The film alone still stands as a definitive landmark for its time in both the unique creation of mashing both comedy and horror genres as well as beingsolely responsible for introducing the Best Special Effects Academy Award category. My friend continues to go on about knowing actor David Naughton, who portrayed the doomed protagonist David Kesler, due to his occasional visits to the golf course. The casual invitation kind of slides in as he informs me that he could arrange for David to come by the course one of these afternoons, putt a round  and have me meet him afterwards! I know that I would have so much to say since my discovery of the film at the age of 13 when in 1981 I actually had the chance to see the monster movie in its premiere theatrical showing. My interests in both film making and special effects were most heightened at that age and my impressionable state thought it to be the best film to come along (it still has held the test of time as is still widely respected, in my eyes). Yes, of course I agreed to the potential meeting, so within a matter of days the possible suggestion would become a reality as I was informed that Mr. Naughton would be thrilled and a day and time would be in order as to when I should stop by the golf resort for the meet and greet.

"Be A Pepper"

That day soon came. I was there and prepared to meet Mr. David Naughton. Coming off the fairway in casual golf attire was the (wolf)man himself. It was a nervous and exhilarating moment for me, to say the very least. We had a moment to sit down inside the clubhouse’s lounge area and chat about the film and his career. This man was a triple threat between singing, dancing and acting beginning as the Dr. Pepper man between the very late 1970’s and early 80’s! He later had a disco chart- topper with his hit “Makin’ It” and finally crossing over to film. I had an internet printed photo for David to sign, which he graciously did. He then opens up a magazine he had been carrying around with him and he showed me about five or six different stills he had brought from his own collection and asked if I wanted any of them signed. I greedily asked for three and he signed them with a smile! We took a couple of photos outside and almost went our separate ways with a handshake.

“Mr. Naughton, can I ask you a question?”, I proposed at the last minute. “I am putting together a film series and I would love to have you showcase AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and maybe be available for either a Q&A, an opportunity to meet and greet with you or sign autographs.” David asked me to contact our mutual friend and he would see what he could do.

At that moment I thought that I was maybe being given the brush- off and I should be happy to have had the chance to meet him and leave it at that. I did contact my neighboring friend and he would communicate the details, as the liaison he would become. Surprisingly enough, less than a week later, I get the confirmation and David’s personal phone number so that we could work out the details at our own time…exit my neighbor, enter moi! 

Jer (l) with David Naughton (r)

By Mr. Naughton’s request, he would move ahead with an appearance only if a fundraiser could be incorporated to assist an organization of some sort. We decided that the very theater I was going to conduct my film series from was ideal, since they are a non- profit operation and desperately in need of financial assistance. The date selected would be, oddly enough, September 13, 2013…Friday the 13^th! So, on one hand I had my film series list in order and on the other hand I was able to secure a legit celeb that would personally introduce his own film and meet and greet an audience. I felt I was sitting on top of the entertainment world.

To read the article printed in the "PALM SPRINGS LIFE" magazine, go to the following link: http://www.palmspringslife.com/Palm-Springs-Life/Desert-Guide/September-2013/Horror-Classics-Return-Features-Appearance-by-David-Naughton/

David greets my mom at the fundraiser

Fast- forward into the date of July 2013. The film series would be a large learning tool, but arguably, a success in many aspects. I had never conducted such a series and experience was now listed on my resume for future references. The audiences ranged in demographics and obviously noticed that both the showings of the GREASE Sing- Along and THE GOONIES were the most successful of the program. Note to self: more blockbuster family films! Each film pulled its own crowd of interested patrons and feedback was important. Hearing that such a series was much needed made me feel very happy and gave me a sense of accomplishment. The AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON fundraiser was a very personal experience to myself and to the addition of  the program! To view how our guests were treated to hor d’oeuvres and beverages while being given a chance to schmooze with David Naughton was an accomplishment I was able to see happen from my own conception.. and the fact that it worked out how I wanted it to. He made everyone feel welcomed and his introduction before the film started was a well- rehearsed kick- off from a man who has obviously done this a number of times before.

The audience awaiting GREASE: the sing- along!

And so, my friends, this is how yours truly spent last summer…away from the blog world and exploring another uncharted world. One that can now be said has been visited and one that will be seen again soon… very soon.

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THE STAR WARS LORE: THE COMPROMISE OF THE ORIGINAL TRILOGY

On a creative aspect, an artist may never feel completely satisfied with what eventually ends up on canvas or sculpted from marble. A writer may feel that characters need to be continually fleshed- out or developed entirely different from what ends up as the written form. It must be fair to say that a filmmaker has to feel the same way about what ends up on film as well. Why does the creative mind wrestle with the sense of uncompleted dissatisfaction? Maybe it’s the never- ending imagination that continually builds on the visual or the creator’s mind’s eye, the literal or the expressive side of the creator. Walt Disney said that Disneyland would never be finished… it is a place in which trees would continue to grow and flowers would blossom as well as  attractions will be constructed and created to meet the needs of the guests’ demands. Borrowing a page from Disney’s philosophy, could the same be said of how director George Lucas originally saw STAR WARS when it was released on May 25, 1977? Is it a project that will not stop growing or changing? 

Here is the first trailer seen in 1977 for STAR WARS

Director GEORGE LUCAS on the set of  STAR WARS

Initially, STAR WARS was originally budgeted at $11 million with a very limited resource of visual and special effects that literally had to be created from the ground up because of the lack of existing departments or companies in Hollywood at the time. Without realization of what was going on at the time, George Lucas and his team were seeing the birth of his visual effects company, Industrial Light and Magic. Lucas expressed regret and that sense of dissatisfaction with its original release because the visual world created by Lucas’ mind’s eye didn’t translate as he’d hoped for at the time of production: mainly due to constraints in budget, technology and time. Over the years, Lucas has created a momentum of controversy with the ever- changing additions and removals of scenes, effects and sounds with the advancements in computer- animated software and special and visual effects and the continued growth and expansion of his company. Changes that have made the original hardcore fans huff in disagreement!  

In the wake of celebrating its 36^th Anniversary on May 25^th this year and the ever- building news and the excitement of a new EPISODE VII installment to be directed by wunderkind J.J. Abrams with announced returns from original cast members Mark Hamil (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Lea Organa) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo)… I felt the topic needed to be brought to light… did the lore of STAR WARS go a little too far?

Early news of ABRAMS directing STAR WARS VII

The original "Early Bird Package" from Kenner Toys in 1977

This might get me in trouble with some of the hardcore fans, so let me list my personal credentials as to why I feel engaged on the subject. I consider myself to be an OG (Original Goer or Geek) of the STAR WARS trilogy! I actually got to see the original theatrical release of STAR WARS back in 1977 right before turning nine years old. Old enough to remember the anticipation and the wonderment of seeing the original cut on a big screen. I was one of the very first to send off for the first four Kenner action figures with the special “Early Bird Certificate” package, making me the first on my block to own Luke, Lea, Chewbacca and R2-D2 before anyone else could. I tried to see the original trilogy as often as I could in theaters as often as possible and catch the ‘Returning Engagements’ as well. I am not trying to bash any of the current youths’ interest and love for the saga and the various storylines and structures, I am saying that the original trilogy of STAR WARS, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and RETURN OF THE JEDI is all the series really needed and without needing to be retouched!

The ‘signs of things to come’ began in 1978 when science- fiction author Alan Dean Foster penned the novel “Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye.” Neither the story or plotline were officially brought upon or masterminded by creator George Lucas and the novel was considered the first story line to retroactively make it one of the earliest Expanded Universe works. The story’s timeline apparently takes place between what is STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and none of the events of the novel are ever referred to or mentioned in any of the films. The book is one that I avoided because it was an imaginary work of science fiction that didn’t reference the worlds Lucas had created on film. The novel, respectfully, was merely a proposed possible “what- if” of events until a captive audience of film- goers awaited the release of the true STAR WARS sequel, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK.

If you have noticed, I must make note that to this date I still refer to the 1977 film as STAR WARS and not the recently- dubbed and long- winded title of STAR WARS IV: A NEW HOPE! Who is with me on this?

One of my major gripes were my wrestled feelings about the long- awaited prequel trilogy of Episodes I, II and III (THE PHANTOM MENACE, ATTACK OF THE CLONES and REVENGE OF THE SITH). Here’s my gripe… a new generation of blu- ray babies will watch the prequels first before, because they are going to follow numerical suit, to only be huffing and puffing over the poorly plotted and visually- disappointing IV, V and VI. I say this only from my personal observations: a new generation notices the difference in production value (or lack of) and don’t care for them, thinking they don’t stack- up to the overly- visual effects- heavy prequel trilogy. Another gripe involves the line of plots that were carefully placed in a particular order to grow awareness and suspense between IV, V and VI. Plot surprises will now be pre- maturely given away in the first three films that originally left audiences gasping with surprise within the original trilogy! Can we name a few? WARNING: Do not read- on if you have been living under a rock and not seen the STAR WARS six- pack! 

A trailer for the Prequel STAR WARS Trilogy

Who can ever forget the theatrical showing of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK and witnessing the first time Darth Vader delivered the “I am your father” line as a reply to Luke Skywalker’s thoughts that Vader had murdered his father? I can still remember a sense of disbelief… wait a minute… maybe it’s Vader’s way of deceiving Luke to believe a lie to play with his emotions or pull him to The Dark Side? Could there really be such a connection from the apprentice Jedi and the soulless Sith Lord? The suspense and surprise is now ruined do to the fact that we are not only are introduced to Anakin Skywalker (with the last name giving things away) but we also see Anakin father the twins and become the evil Sith Lord Darth Vader within Episode III: REVENGE OF THE SITH. Speaking of the twins… how about the confirmation that Luke and Lea were siblings? We caught a bit of bait when, towards that heightened moment in Episode V: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK that we witness apprentice- in- training Luke prematurely leave the planet of Dagobah due to a premonitioned cry for help from Han and Lea. As Luke departs, the apparition- version of Obi- Wan Kenobi states, “That boy is our last hope” only to have Master Jedi Yoda reply, “No, there is another.” An audience was left bewildered with guesses… who are they referring to? Han? Lea? R2- D2??? Thus, we would find true confirmation within Episode VI: RETURN OF THE JEDI. Well, that moment has been trampled with the premature telling of the secret shrouded within, yet again being revealed within the finale of Episode III: REVENGE OF THE SITH as it reveals mother Padme birthing the twins and literally calling them by their names,” Luke….Lea” as they are being pulled out of her! Did she really have to do that? Or…did Lucas really have to do that? Couldn’t we had been left with an unseen birth and be left to our devices whether it was one child or twins or triplets and find out later on throughout the series what significance it might have? 

A trailer for the Original STAR WARS Trilogy

Let’s talk about the Expanded Universes that have been created and embraced by the “STAR WARS fans.” This is where I have issues and problems, on a variety of different levels. To begin with, there are far too many Expanded Universes to keep track of with too many different characters and galaxies and plotlines to keep in order… there are too many novels to even mention here with the stretched- out worlds built from the original lore. To add more expansion, the world of computer technology has introduced a series of video and/ or computer games including THE FORCE UNLEASED and the recently released THE OLD REPUBLIC. Both games, respectfully, open gamers to even more newly- created worlds and characters than what some novelists have yet to touch. Some familiar characters or worlds still are very much present in the telling, for lore sake, but the stories are shaped differently with only the imagination left as a possible limitation.

One of the biggest  and most recent creations brought forth within the Expanded Universe submissions is the very popular 3D computer- animated STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS series. Like the novel, “Splinter Of The Mind’s Eye” that takes a narrative look at what might have occurred between STAR WARS and THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS is a series of stories that chronologically takes place between the prequel’s trilogy storylines of THE CLONE WARS and REVENGE OF THE SITH. It covers a three- year period of events never covered in the films. What makes the series ideally special is that it was produced in association with Lucasfilm Ltd. The animation is a characterization of familiar characters in itself. We are surrounded by the day- to- day threats and adventures of a young Obi- Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, as well other STAR WARS prequel trilogy characters like Jedi Master Mace Windu. Although never mentioned within the films’ lore, the animated series has Anakin himself taking on his won apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. The Emmy- award winning series went into five seasons before ending.

An exciting trailer for STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS

It is perfectly acceptable and welcomed to have creative people come up with imaginative ideas and express them, but fans have literally accept anything into their own perspective of the STAR WARS lore without question! Moreover, it has also been intertwined within our pop culture as well. On a recent reality series that based itself on who was considered the biggest of all geeks called KING OF THE NERDS, a challenge had been brought forth to pit two of its geek contestants in a STAR WARS trivia contest. From the ten questions asked, I could honestly recall only two of them being film lore and the rest dealt with novelizations, video games or God knows what else! I call my ruling as unfair! What the hell was all that about? I consider myself an expert on the films and trivia in general, especially when it deals with the latter trilogy, but this was out of control! I felt like I been knocked- off my A- game and that doesn't sit right for me or my ego!

Director JJ ABRAMS: STAR WARS VII

At this time, a barrage of serious geeks are rejoicing with the recent announcements within the STAR WARS universe. Only a select few can genuinely know what and where the STAR WARS lore will go next. As mentioned before, the Walt Disney Company has bought the rights to the STAR WARS name and will be producing and presenting the heavily- guarded Episode VII into the world of geekdom! What we do know is that the announcement J.J. Abrams (STAR TREK, SUPER 8) has been named as Director with a script treatment being written by Lawrence Kasdan, who penned THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK screenplay. Speculation can only predict that the new story will pick up some fifteen years after the events from which RETURN OF THE JEDI took place. One can only also guess that Han and Lea have married and possibly raising a family of some sort as well as focusing on the strengths of Luke’s Jedi abilities that have grown and matured within the years. Could we possibly see Lea embrace her Jedi heritage and learn the proper ways of the Force as well? What evil foes will our Rebel friends be presented to deal with this time? The possibilities are endless, but faith in the well- structured ensemble of a production team  and studios’ blessings can only mean that we will have not only have our expectations met, but exceeded through to the finale.

What are your thoughts of the ever- growing STAR WARS lore? Are you a follower of all or a devoted fan of the films alone? What are your thoughts of another sequel and the direction the story and plots might go?

I look forward to your comments and will post and reply to all! Keep checking back for the next blog topic installment set to be posted on SATURDAY JUNE 1st, 2013. As always, thank you for your comments and for reading!

ALFRED HITCHCOCK: THE DARK SILHOUETTE OF THE MAN

The name alone conjures up a variety of different images to different people. Genius. Visionary. Perfectionist. Mogul. Bully. Misogynist. His stature and physique is just as widely recognizable to who he is as his name is known by anyone. His silhouette alone would become his calling card and the introduction of every “ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS” episode that originally aired on NBC between 1955 through 1962. But there was more to the man who spoke slowly and selectively that some knew of but many kept a secret for a very long time…

ALFRED HITCHCOCK

Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock is deemed by many to be one of the greatest film directors that came out of the twentieth century. Others consider him to be the “Master of Suspense” and will always be recognized and synonymous with the works of such directorial classics as NORTH BY NORTHWEST, THE BIRDS and PSYCHO. A certain belief of the image that is Hitchcock has been fabricated… either by scrupulous Marketing execs within the film studios, self created or placed upon by on- lookers… is one that shows a quiet man of a few words and an atonement for getting what he wants, both on the screen or in his personal life.

INGRID BERGMAN

Latest discoveries and recent interviews and literature have collectively unveiled that many new layers have been peeled back to reveal a darker side of Hitchcock that were carefully hidden from the public’s eye for many, many years until now. The more notable ‘layer’ to show some true colors was a tell- all book written by author Donald Spoto entitled “Spellbound By Beauty: Alfred Hitchcock and His Leading Ladies” released in October of 2009. The book focuses its attention on three of Hitchcock’s most famous leading ladies: Ingrid Bergman (SPELLBOUND, NOTORIOUS), Grace Kelly (DIAL M FOR MURDER, REAR WINDOW, TO CATCH A THIEF) and ‘Tippi’ Hedren (THE BIRDS, MARNIE) to which some would describe as an obsessive behavior with his main actresses, respectfully, during production of each film.

GRACE KELLY

Ingrid Bergman was said to had ignored the advances by Mr. Hitchcock, however, the pair did develop a long- lasting friendship. Leaving Hollywood at the peak of her career, Grace Kelly left acting behind in order to marry Prince Rainier III of Monaco, leaving Hitchcock in need of finding a replacement. Enters newcomer Nathalie Kay ‘Tippi’ Hedren.

‘Tippi’ Hedren was discovered by Hitchcock when he saw her in a 1962 TV commercial as a cover girl. He immediately contacted her to star in his next project, THE BIRDS (1963), in which he placed her under personal contract. She was 33; he was 64 during the time of production. A made for cable film entitled THE GIRL was released in October 2012 starring Sienna Miller as Tippi and Toby Jones as Hitchcock. The film, based on Spoto’s book (he shares co-writing credit on the teleplay) illustrates the escalating and obsessive behavior Hitchcock blatantly thrusted upon the frail Hedren.

Toby Jones and Sienna Miller in THE GIRL

It is only now, after 50 years of silence, that Ms. Hedren is finally putting closure to her dark past by interviews, talks and the release of THE GIRL. As what had occurred in real life and passages from the “Spellbound By Beauty” book and the film it’s based from, she finally finds the voice to say that Hitchcock’s sexual harassment of her, both physical and verbal, is now being told. Hedren said that there were two sides to Hitchcock that is a contrast… one being the director, or ‘artist’, as she refers him as. This is was the side that she enjoyed working with as both her directorial director and as a ‘drama coach’ that presented itself with memorable moments. Hitchcock was well respected in Hollywood and would constantly have visitors on the set: various actors, directors and other Hollywood elite was an overwhelming sight for the newcomer! The other side of ‘Hitch’ was the darker side… as she referred to as being ‘evil’ because a sense of obsession was placed on her. Feeling locked into a seven year contract, Hedren couldn’t work with other studios or directors. He would remind her that she needed to abide by the drawn contract to help support her and her daughter, Melanie Griffith, who was six years old at the time THE BIRDS was being filmed. 

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE CLASSIC 1963 FILM: "THE BIRDS"

"TIPPI" HEDREN

At one point during the filming of THE BIRDS, Tippi walked into Hitch’s office and asked for two days off to fly to New York to receive an award on television’s late- night talk show THE TONIGHT SHOW. Hitch called the request ‘outrageous’ and said that he would ruin her career if she decided to leave against his wishes. Her reply was, “do what you have to do” and she walked out the door. Hitchcock would make do of his promise to Tippi.

Upon arriving back from New York, a pivotal screen was being set up for filming and Tippi was asked to immediately report to wardrobe and make- up. Arriving onto the set, Hitchcock had devised a scene in which Tippi’s character was being attacked by various birds with different angles and shots included. The impression that Hitch made was that mechanical birds were going to be used… that was not the case. As Tippi crawled into a mesh- wired room that had a couple of hired bird wranglers, Hitch would cue the wranglers to throw live birds at her face for a realistic close- up effect. The scene was relentlessly shot in two extensive days with actual abrasions to Tippi’s face. Not to mention the emotional anguish and continual birds flying at her. A doctor had to be brought onto the set and production shut down for a couple of days while Tippi was placed on bed rest. Hitch would continue shooting other scenes without her as to not slow down principal photography.

HITCH and TIPPI at CANNES for THE BIRDS

Shortly after production had wrapped- up on THE BIRDS, Tippi had to play- off to photographers and the press. What was it like to work with the legendary director? What’s next for the newly- found leading lady? Are you signed- on to star in Hitchcock’s next project? Hedren was taught to smile and answer with carefully devised replies… everything the press loved to gobble- up! At a budget of an estimated $2,500,000.00, the film grossed over $11 million dollars… another success for Hitchcock. It was now time to plan his next film.

Now looking back at the next collaborative effort by director/ leading lady, there are some very noticeable elements of frustration on Hitchcock’s behalf that are evident in MARNIE (1964). The underlining rejections from Hedren of Hitchcock’s advances show his frustrated obsession and her cold anguish.

The key plot point presented in MARNIE is to keep a dark secret away from the eyes of the law. Tippi’s character is a kleptomaniac who relies on her looks to deceive and allure the unsuspected. Let’s stop right here for a moment and analyze that sentence… could Hitchcock feel a ‘victim’ of sorts to the alluring beauty that Hedren naturally was? Remember, Hitch discovered her when she was a cover girl modeling. What could have been going through his head and he hoped for a chance to become intimate with a model, especially a man of his age and repulsive physique? When he couldn’t be physical with her, because of the numerous rejections, Hitchcock found other means to torment and get a rise from her. 

THE 1964 TRAILER FOR HITCHCOCK'S "MARNIE"

On the set of both THE BIRDS and MARNIE, Hitch was infamous for reciting dirty limericks and crude jokes. It was an act that Hedren found to be repulsive and sounds that she didn’t want echoing in her head as he continuously drew from the approvals and laughs from the crowds consisting of his production staff and actors alike.

ALMA HITCHCOCK

But wait…stop the presses! What about Alma, Hitchcock’s wife who was known to be around the sets periodically and his personal assistant, Peggy Robertson? Surely, they had to have witnessed many kinds of tries with his various leading ladies… if so, was there an acceptance (or fear) surrounding the possible approach and making the awareness evident?

Hedren would quote Alma as an ‘enigma’ claiming that no one knew exactly what kind of relationship came from their union. Tippi recalls a point in which Alma approached her and said, “Tippi, I’m so sorry you have to go through with this.” Hedren looked her in the eyes and replied, “But you could stop it”, Alma’s eyes glazed over and she merely walked away without a reply.

Another view point to account for is the time and place that these incidents occurred from. It’s Hollywood 1962- 1964. The age of sexual awareness is beginning to peak. The Playboy magazine celebrated its 10^th anniversary of publication and with sex goddesses the likes of Marylyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Mamie Van Doren and Bettie Page already gracing the tabloids or silver screen, men had become the gentleman’s gentleman. He was James Bond or Spencer Tracy when it came to putting a woman in her place and reminding her that she was there to his service! Sexual harassment 1963 is not anywhere as close to what it is today in 2013.

TIPPI HEDREN: 2013

Again, it took 50 years for the silence to seize. But was it even worth it now to talk about Hitchcock this way and not being able to defend himself since his death in 1980? What, if any, is Hedren’s ulterior motive in releasing damaging information that alters his reputation as a sex- obsessed monster and not the revered Hollywood director that has become such an icon?

It comes to the attention of this critic that things happen and that we are allowed many choices in life to decide the path that should be followed. Could Hedren find a voice to confront Hitchcock and walk away from an illustrious career? The answer is YES because she did do just that. She found the voice and stood up to the powerful giant and walked away from his advances and a promising career. However, others may not have the same gusto, ‘balls’ or cajones to do the same. Fear takes over and reputations, careers and lives play a key point in what chess move is made next. The power to appose such behaviors does exist in the 21^st century and laws are governed, based on the state or country you live in. Find the voice to speak, be it your own or a legal mouthpiece, use it wisely and swiftly. The more refusals and rejections brought forth will tear down the fabric of such behaviors and will make the wrong- doer stand down and cease with no remorse. Bravo to you, Ms. Hedren. 

AN INTERVIEW WITH TIPPI ABOUT HITCHCOCK

MY PERSONAL VIEWPOINT: I am apposed by the behaviors of Mr. Hitchcock towards women. No one person should ever have to suffer such mental and emotional deconstruction. I consider myself a fan, however, of the man who is the ‘artist’, as Ms. Hedren stated. I would and could separate the man from the monster and admire the works of his directorial classics as well as any film fan should. Keep in mind that the man is mortal and with flaws… the ones that do not show its ugly blemishes when projected in abnormal sizes onto the silver screen. ‘Let those without sin cast the first stone’ was quoted by a Man who knew mortality and the sins of being human… for He too was of flesh and blood. 
No one can truly explain why people do what they do... what sets someone out to ruin the life of another because of rejection? What causes obsession? Could wealth and power be the added keg- powder that may had pushed Hitchcock into the explosive reactor he was or were their deeper issues that we may never know about? We could ponder plenty but it is the revealed truth that we have to focus on instead. 

I met Tippi Hedren during a Las Vegas Convention back in the early 1990's. She was very classy in both appearance and demeanor. She graciously signed an autograph and even drew little gulls floating around her name. Perhaps Ms. Hedren feels that 'the birds' will always circle her name and being for the rest of her life. Perhaps it symbolizes the over- night success that a model was given by the appearance and guidance of a Mogul who wanted the attention that couldn't be returned!

My autographed photo of TIPPI HEDREN

What are your thoughts about this week's blog topic? What are your feelings about Tippi's coming out with the truth and your viewpoints on Alfred Hitchcock? Does it change anything for either or does knowing the truth shift your ideals of either?

This is a topic that I would love to hear different opinions on and I welcome all remarks and comments.

I look forward to hearing from you and all remarks shared will be posted and replied with within a day. Thank you so much for visiting and please look forward to the next topic coming at you on FRIDAY MARCH 12th!

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