Who's Streaming What,Where,When-# 3:Westerns, The Persuaders, Doctor Who, Samurais, Bugs Bunny & Magilla Gorilla, Pam Grier...Can you dig it?
Welcome to another edition of Who's Streaming what, when , when and there is a load of new programming and channels out there and the platforms ...Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PC, Apple TV...etc and for here at Weng's Chop that is a good thing and it's good for you the fans of all that we love; Blaxploitation, Euro Cult- Horror, Peplum, Spaghetti, Giallo and Spies, German Krimis, Anime, Animation, TV & Film. And why do you ask? Well I'll tell you every week it seems there is more of what we love becoming available and if your like me I can never get enough.
Draw- tagline -Spaghetti Westerns and a Whole Lot More! The INC Channel-their newest endeavor- DRAW .makes it their first genre driven channel. This has become one of favorite channels and I find myself tuning in each and every week and you will to,it just can't be helped with such a heaping dose of not just westerns in terms of standard fare, "spaghetti" and b-movies from the 30's and 40's but even the serials like Flaming Frontiers or the very rare Lone Ranger cartoons from 1966 as well as classic TV series including Range Rider featuring actor/stuntman Jock Mahoney(Yancy Derringer and Tarzan Goes to India) and thanks to Draw I can relive those summer mornings when I would sit down to a bowl of Honeycombs or Lucky Charms and dial up Cisco Kid with Duncan Renaldo.
Below: Duncan Renaldo as O'Henry's The Cisco Kid on the left and to the right Leo Carillo as Pancho riding his faithful horse Loco- one of the first TV series filmed in color 1950-1956 Ziv Television produced 156 episodes
Draw subscribers can not only watch but now can listen to various radi shows of their favorite Westerns. A favorite from those yesteryear's of radio & long before it became a long running hit TV series Gunsmoke is among those being offered.
Below: a episode of the radio series Gunsmoke with William Conrad's distinct voice as Marshall Matt Dillon.
Above: cast of Gunsmoke radio show- middle of picture -William Conrad as Marshall Dillon- far left Howard McNear as Doc Adams (Andy Griffith Show) and above-back row-Georgia Ellis as Kitty..these same characters were brought to TV in what would become one of the longest running series in 1955 and featuring James Arness as Marshall Matt Dillon. Arness was the brother of Peter Graves.
Look for B-Movie Westerns with Roy Rogers/Johnny Mack and serials like Flaming Frontier also.
What I really like about Draw is the featured categories, a sub-genre within the Western movie domain - A Man Named Django -are spaghetti westerns with Django in the title. and Western Legends all saluting a specific actor . Currently actors highlighted are Lee Van Cleef (Sabata and Captain Apache), Anthony Steffen, and John Wayne.
Above: the opening title ...a score by Jerry Goldsmith
And in Wayne's section a beautiful letter-boxed HD print of Rio Lobo(1970), directed by the legendary Howard Hawks. Partly filmed in Cuernavaca, Morelos in Mexico and Tucson,Arizona-the film capitalizes on the physical locale of both. A movie that is endearing not only to his fans but all movie fans with a great performance from Wayne himself as ex-Army officer Cord McNally tracking a traitor who operated within the ranks of the Northern forces during the American Civil War and as a result causing the death of one of McNally's troop making this personal. The movie opens up with a geniusly staged train hold-up. The charm of Rio Lobo is that it does not take itself too seriously as Wayne having aged graciously over the years makes fun of his tough persona in the non action scenes.
Below: " I've been called a lot of things before, but never comfortable"
Blessed with quirky supporting characters in the guise of Jennifer O'Neill and a tour de force performance by Jack Elam as a crotchety old codger with a trigger finger seals the deal. As if the cast and crew isn't reason enough to take in this gloriously fun action-adventure romp thru the border towns of the old west throw in a superb score by Jerry Goldsmith, plus having been filmed in Technicolor immediately enhances the experience.
Double Feature -2 feature length films with the fixins...cartoons ,etc(see below for more info on these wonderful and nostalgic windows on another time & place with in the American movie going public). A delight on Draw is that of well chosen paring of prominent titles ...and each with a cartoon- a real surprise -The Lone Ranger episodes from the 1966. An animated series the ran on CBS on Saturday mornings and are considered rare - color is really superb with the animation equivalent to live pencil drawings that move in avant-garde settings with unique backgrounds, showcasing villains that have enticing lairs.
Below:an episode of Lone Ranger...
Above: The Lone Ranger board game by Milton Bradley based on the 1966 animated series
Not short on plot, packing each story with plenty of action and near escapes all within a 10 minute timeline...
One gem in the Double Feature section is 2 Lee Van Cleef vehicles- Death Rides a Horse(1967) and Grand Duel(1972) ... paired up for a very entertaining feast.
Above: John Phillip Law finds himself in a very precarious situation-let's hope Lee Van Cleef is not too far away because it can get mighty hot in those arid places called the west. Right about now even I would be feeling a mighty thirsty...
The first on the double Death Rides a Horse has everything one could want in a movie let alone a "Spaghetti" Western-an intriguing plot with an unsolved crime, revenge spanning 15 years, double crosses, action, gunfights, an Ennio Morricone score, jaw dropping backdrops and filmed all on location by Cinematographer Carlo Carlini..makes for an exciting and gritty at times pure bliss cinema going experience all in HD and the cast aside from Van Cleef who puts in another stellar performance- a little more wily than For a Few Dollars More which complements John Phillip Law's character of an expert marksman turned personal detective on horseback, who just happens to be a little green when it comes people, especially when dealing with the criminal element. This makes for a really endearing mentorship between them. The scenes when they are together you can tell how much respect they have for each other and the lengths they would go to protect each other's back even when they might disagree about who's motives and needs precedes the other. Rounding out the cast a familiar face in the bad guy department, adept at playing the heavy on screen and does with ease, never over the top-from roles in such classics as Dr No to Dial M For Murder and always fun to watch - Anthony Dawson.
Above: trailer for Grand Duel aka The Big Showdown-long version
Our 2nd feature Grand Duel is a loaded with quirky characters, a "Mexican" standoff in side a canyon , acrobatics, misdirection and plenty of bounty hunters all within the first 10 minutes , music by Luis Bacalov (Django) and Horst Frank as our protagonist. Frank- a German actor who appeared in over 100 films. His most prolific period was during the 60's & 70's and many were co-productions between Spain, Germany and Italy- one giving much exposure in the Europe and the international community and as a result gave him the ability to star in several types of genre pictures...some are considered cult classics, helmed by either directors or featuring other actors who would become part pop culture....Giallo's like Cat-o-Nine Tails (Dario Argento) , So Sweet, So Perverse(Klaus Kinski), War-Desert Commandos(Ken Clark) and Euro Crime -Diamond Safari(Jean-Louis Trintignant). 2 great movies and neither will disappoint...rates 4 Dutch Snyder pretzels and 2 Virgil Root Beers.
Rating ****
Monthly-1.99
Platforms-Roku, Google Play
Independent Network Channels has several channels to choose from all streaming on Roku...including Ten-an action channel, Grind House Grit, Blue Mermaid Drive In. INC launched back in 2015 with one channel that took about year plus to put together from 2 guys who love pop culture,nostalgia,euro cult,classic movies and TV - CEO George Bonilla and President Anthony Hudson, who both wear many hats and with no knowledge of how to enter the streaming world or how to navigate Roku which is the platform they had decided to use. At that time there were no guidelines or a how to book about the industry-so they were pretty much on their own ...and over the last 2 years they have, through trial and tribulations created up to now a total of 7 channels with more to come. In fact now the process and procedures that were used to create or start their channel has been scaled down to 4- 7 months and just getting quicker all the time ...even how George and Anthony determine what type or kind of channel to launch next ... most of the INC channels are tested just by how a certain category may perform on an already existing channel .. for example Draw was created after seeing how people responded to the classic and spaghetti western choices that were offered on INC and TEN TV.
INC, the original channel started off as a mix of various genres including action, westerns , horror, kids ,classic and etc. Then added double features- a salute to the drive-in culture and growing up in the 50's,60's and 70's complete with coming attractions, cartoons, drive-in psa's(public service announcements) and a ten minute intermission with all the fixings- vintage snack bar ads-the clock countdown til the next show. Plus at the end of each double feature an announcement asking to make sure to replace the speaker before driving off to avoid any undo damage to your car and the speakers ...Drive-Ins are still with us and there are over 350 functioning and operating today...
Hot off the Presses*** INC has launched 2 new channels that are live 24/7 streaming - so not on demand - Dynamo is a action channel combining Westerns, Martial arts and Grindhouse fare available both in an ad-supported and commercial free format at 1.99 monthly and Rabbit Ears TV providing for vintage and sometimes rare TV programming ad free and currently at no cost to viewers.., some of the series airing include a young Robert Shaw as Captain Dan Tempest in The Buccaneers and Frontier Doctor.
**** all INC channels debut new product and programming every Monday****
Midnight Pulp:launched a couple of years ago but recently updated to either an ad-supported or premium service at 4.99 monthly with several new genre categories with new product added every Friday...that's approx 8 new titles a week. the films range from Hong Kong Retro, action/kung fu, Grind House 70's, euro skin flicks, Japanese Pink, Samurai and Ninjas, Cult Action and Anime. Some titles streaming now include one film truly a product of the 70's-
Above:1978 Convoy trailer
Convoy and it might not have been the one that started this unique niche or sub-genre but it surely did make everyone stand up and take notice...at least at the box-office. Convoy(1978) stars singer-actor Kris Kristofferson -combining a story about the good ol American trucker and CB culture. Inspired by C.W.McCall's hit song and appearing on the soundtrack. An action -comedy with a long list of character actors and supporting performances. Ernest Borgnine gives one of his best as Lyle, a Sheriff of dubious means who through out the entire movie just wants to nail Kris to the pavement.He just does not like independent truck drivers or the world they live in life on the highway-being their own boss...directed by Sam Peckinpah...
Sleepy Eyes of Death-poster for Trail of Traps
some other titles that might catch your eye no pun intended is a rare sought after movie series right from Japan with flashy sword work and sarcastic attitude .. yes it's the entire 12 "episodes" of Sleepy Eyes of Death starring Raizo Ichikawa as Nemuri -Rogue Samurai, a sword for hire or what is referred to as Ronin...#1 The Chinese Jade starts off with flying shurikens, mini rockets and dueling ninjas and the series just builds from there... all of the 12 films were shot in eye- popping color and scope giving these stories an epic quality with exquisite sound by Westrex and released by Daiei...speaking of food for thought I'll leave you with the desert menu...
Hapkido with the one and only female who definitely lives up to the moniker "deadlier than the male" - Angela Mao a black belt in her own right she spent over a year studying hapkido and this true- she took out her would be attackers on the streets of New York and world headlines back in the day...look it up...
Invasion of the Bee Girls- this ain't your average B-Movie .. it's a real Bee movie...I mean Bees have invaded and their having sex with our men and what are we to do? Well I'll tell you what...it's time to send in the biggest bad a** the cinema screen has ever known yeah that's right, fresh from a run of boot stomping "biker flicks"(The Losers & Run Angel Run) and just out of the saddle,a guy who can anything from gangsters to spies to bare knuckle brawlers(Any Which You Can) and no I'm not talking about Arnold- no it's William Smith( I feel safer already).
Below: Bee Girls beware because there ain't no heavy like William Smith. If he's on the job it's some serious s***!
William has appeared in over 300 feature films and TV productions. Not only does he have the brawn to fill the bill but William speaks several languages and holds 2 degrees as well records including one for curling his own body weight. Here he plays Agent Neil Agar and this guy can kick doors down. He's up to his neck in honey...or is that hunny as he has to determine who or what is turning innocent girls into killer "bees". Talk about the sting of death and right in throws of...well you know ...whew! What a way to go. So go get'em William, we're counting on ya!
Rating ****
Monthly-4.99
Platform- Roku
Boomerang-your one stop animation destination.Warner Brothers has finally debuted Boomerang- a channel concept that was originally Cartoon Networks makeup over 20 years ago and one that I have been waiting for almost as long join the ranks as a streaming service. have not been able to watch this channel for well over 10 years since I moved to Florida. Having only launching just a couple of months ago, champagne was in order, the bottles uncorked in celebration in what should prove to be a most welcomed edition for your PC,Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast and Apple TV. No commercials just pure animated bliss..starting off with several movies including a rare Hanna Barbera version of Jack and the Beanstalk starring Gene Kelly in a live action/cartoon musical with songs from the talented Sammy Cahn and dance numbers by guess who..truly a joy with Ted Cassidy(Addams Family) voicing The Giant. I can just remember when this first aired back in 1967. Rounding out the list are Hey There, It's Yogi Bear(1964) with several of the more recent Scooby Doo and Tom and Jerry movie adventures.
Above:1964 release poster for "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear"
Boomerang is also the home of some of the most endearing classic cartoon characters to ever appear either on the big or small screen-Bugs Bunny, Fred Flintstone, Atom Ant, Wacky Races-Dastardly and Muttley, Daffy Duck to the Smurfs along with newer stars in their own right.
Catch Juniper Lee a smart/funny teen who it just happens is destined to fight monsters and the school bell ...I mean how do you explain to your teacher well I was late because I was having it out with tentacled creep from another dimension and he spat at my home work? Just not happening that's all I'm saying since she is the only one besides her pain in the neck brother who is able to see these other worldly creatures. The problem is that he actually thinks this stuff is cool-way too cool for comfort. And you know how younger brothers can be ..! All this and a talking dog named Monroe complete with a Scottish accent who is Juniper's guide to mastering her newly found powers.
Above:Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz
Then there's the new original series based on established icon of pop culture: it's first arriving on the scene like the very tornado that started it all, Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. The further adventures of Dorothy and the gang as they thwart the Wicked Witch's niece from absconding with those ever elusive Ruby Red slippers and their magical powers. Yes,yes there will be flying monkeys, wizards, dragons, talking trees...and those ever-lovable munchkins. And in future months to come a brand new take on the Wacky Racers with Dick Dastardly and Muttley making a triumphant return along some old and new faces....
Below: the newest way of wlaking the dog.- looks LA Fitness found a way of getting amn and his best friend back on the treadmill.
plus popping in just a few weeks ago the original 1st family of the future The Jetsons - George(Jane stop this crazy thing), Jane his wife, daughter Judy, his son Elroy, Astro, Rosey the robot, R.U.D.I.- Georges work computer and Mr Spacely of Spacely's Sprockets. Voices - George O'Hanlon, Mel Blanc, Penny Singleton and Daws Butler. It was one the first TV series broadcast in color on ABC back in 1962, originally a prime time series it moved to Saturday mornings in 1964 and remained a Saturday staple for decades. All the series can be found by a clickable likeness of one of the characters from the show. By clicking on the icon it will either lead straight to episodes for the series or it may reveal that there are several series that feature those characters - as in Scooby Doo click on Scooby's picture and there are 4 series featuring the lovable canine superstar including the original Scooby Doo Where Are You ? and the recently added Scooby Doo and Scrappy which introduced the world to that pint sized nephew of Scooby.
Above: the original opening from 1969.
Speaking of classics Scooby has been a fixture of TV since 1969 and been appeared in over 15 full length features made the home entertainment market and even today there is a current show running on Cartoon Network and season 2 is available right here on Boomerangs streaming service. So grab yourself a Scooby snack or a double decker ham/pastrami with mayo, pickles hot sauce,mustard -pie alamode...thank shaggy for that ..ummm umm delish concoction and sit down to the best place to catch up with all your friends from Saturday morning... hey Shaggy did you leave enough for me?
Boomerang airs new episodes and/or movies & series every week...
Rating ****
Monthly 4.99 or Yearly 39.99 and a free trial is available
Platform- Roku, Amazon Fire TV and PC
Britbox-
just in time for the summer, actually debuting over the 4th of July holiday - a 1970's fare with bell bottoms or flared pants, lady's cropped shirts tied at the bottom, scarfs of all colors or short tight fitting leather jackets-racing style - it's * The Persuaders*
one of the coolest buddy action adventure series and in fact one of the first in that genre, especially for TV .. not since Crosby and Hope with the "Road" pictures has there been such on-screen chemistry, each trying to one up another but when it comes to righting wrongs and delivering justice to wrong doers well they have each other's backs and don't try and cross them. I can only say thank you Britbox for giving us Curtis and Moore together again- that's Tony and Roger doing what they do best - solving crazy mysteries, industrial espionage and catching crooks, swindlers and even spies who are beyond the law. Two international playboys -Danny Wilde, a self-made millionaire and Lord Brett Sinclair, bouncing from one European city to the next -Rome, Monaco, London and the English countryside with awesome guest stars, cars and a bevy of girls along for the ride.
One episode to look for offering a hilarious "ride in the country" as Brett and Daniel try stop a kidnapping featuring witty one liners as they bopping about and bear in mind if looks a little similar to a scene from For Your Eyes Only. Entitled The Morning After guest starring Catherine Schell (Space 199 2nd season). It's one of those stories where you wake up and can't remember anything from the night before and now your married ...well hello darling...I'm sure it's happened to everyone. What happens in Stockholm stays in Stockholm or anywhere else for that matter. Let's not forget that John Barry, known for his brilliant composing and scoring the majority of the Bond films contributed a kick a** title theme and Ken Thorne(Superman II) provided the back ground music cues for the episodes ..
and for all you Doctor Who fans every classic episode ...this means Tom Baker in Horror of Fang Rock and every Jon Pertwee (shot on 35 mm film due to a TV strike in England at the time) plus specials and behind the scenes from the last 55 years-featuring the series Doctors in Time-each episode discusses a specific actor portraying the Doctor and Adventures in Time and Space.
Britbox offers programming from the BBC/ITV - both classic fare as well as current series, specials and documentaries...spanning over 50 years. Highlights are programming commemorating the Queen's birthday which included a live telecast of this years events in early July now available also on demand. Which means from time to time look for live broadcasts ...
Rating *****
Monthly-6.99
Platform- Roku and PC
Brown Sugar-new and retro: as funky as she is hip ... she's deadly... dressing to the hilt with stomping boots and high heels that will put your lights out, she's got flashy long sexy legs that are capable of all sorts of mayhem -so watch out for those killer kung fu moves they are lethal, more lethal than a deadly china doll, all the while distracting you with her enormously big, beautiful bright...eyes(did you think I was going to say something else?), a smile to melt your heart. Yeah she's the knew kid on the block. Aimed at African Americans. Offering up a buffet of cultural fare from the days when fros, hair pics, bell bottoms pants, Mandarin collars and tied off- waist length shirts were in style. These were the days when cats like Shaft made leather pants and jackets cool and styling. The language of of the times were - "Hey dude where's my ...? " & "chill out man". The Brothers Johnson were singing about *Get the Funk outta My Face*.
Well this was my era too and all I can say to Brown Sugar is it's Dynomite ... so right on brother...This is the coolest streaming channel out there with niche programming that hits the spot .. with black action from the early 70's on up and some of the most iconic stars to ever cruise across the silver screen...
Above : The Muthers just one of the films featured on Brown Sugar and starring Trina Parks(Thumper) of Diamonds Are Forever.
Rudy Ray Moore rhyming and jiving, kicking and spinning, big Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Billy Dee Williams, Ron Van Clief- The Black Dragon, Richard Pryor, Gloria Hendry, Trina Parks, Rosalind Cash, Donna Summers, Isaac Hayes, Sidney Portier appearing films like .. The Hit , Melinda, Thank God It's Friday, Car Wash, The Organization, Hell Up in Harlem, Slaughter, Dolemite, Savage Sisters and Cotton Comes to Harlem, Hickey and Boggs( a gritty private eye flick with superb performances by Robert Culp and Bill Cosby) and many more.
Above : still from Savage Sisters- Gloria Hendry in action
But for desert there is the queen of the screen, making you scream, licking your lips as well as your finger-tips,clenching your fists and snapping your chains as you reel in pain because she is a one man wrecking machine .. she's Pam Grier. The one and only Sheena of the urban jungle she'll knock your lights and put you out before she puts out. Just sit back and be entertained as Brown Sugar is highlighting over 10 of her movies-spanning 4 decades: Original Gangstas, Jackie Brown, Scream Blacula Scream, Sheba Baby, Black Mama-White Mama...Foxy Brown.
Brown Sugar is a treasure trove of hidden trivia housing some of the most prolific B-Movie character actors within the very confines of the films being featured on this channel. What's really unique is that these films really were multicultural even just for the casting involved and the production crews considering that several were produced and shot outside the US. Here's a challenge to all as you are watching these great films from 70's see if you can spot these names either on the "screen" or in the credits... with all the movies that were turned out during that period many of these actors made cameos or were in supporting roles and along with them some very talented behind the scenes genius' that were incredible with pulling off some movie magic with very small budgets. Some to look out for:
Above:Sid Haig as a modern day pirate in Savage Sisters
Sid Haig(Jason of Star Command, Diamonds Are Forever & Coffy), John Ashley(Beach Party & The A-Team-Executive Producer), Eddie Romero( the Roger Corman of the Phillippines), Cheri Caffaro(Ginger), Jack Hill( The Big Doll House), Vic Diaz(The Big Bird Cage & The Boy's in Company C, Les Baxter(known for exotica and lounge music). So I hope your up for this and good luck. All films offered are commercial free, unedited and when available extras including the original theatrical trailers and release posters.
But that's not all, turning to the small screen Brow Sugar has unearthed a rare long sought after series from the early 70's including the pilot - a "movie of the week" on ABC (January of 1974)-along with several fo the 23 that were produced. The series ran from Setember 1974 to April of 1975. And if Pam Grier is the queen well then, she is the princess. Keep a watch out because everyone wants to *Get Christie Love*..starring Theresa Graves. Theresa had an appealing, very cute- charming personality and a smile that could get you to do just about anything and that was incorporated into the character. Christie had tenacity and never let up if she had a hunch about a case and she was usually right ..sometimes to the dismay of her superiors.. her captain included. She went through 3 different Captains during the course of the series. played in order by Harry Gaurdino, Charles Cioffi and Jack Kelly (Maverick). The series was graced with a funky upbeat theme song that was used in the opening titles for about 1/2 of the episodes and then replaced by an instrumental for the remaining episodes, featured excellent supporting characters -some quirky .. like her partner who is trying to write a book about his experiences as a police officer, always has Christie's back, no matter what . So fly the straight and narrow because as Christie says .." you're under arrest Sugah!"
Trivia Break: Theresa Graves was the only Black Female lead in a dramatic TV series between 1975 until Kerry Washington of Scandal (2012)
Above: The talented cast of In The Cut-from left to right - Kelitta Smith, John Marshall Jones(the ever lovable Smitty), Dorien Wilson, Laura Hayes(Mable who has the best pies in town), Ken Lawson(Kenny)
Rounding out the programming is some current original shows from Bounce TV network- hit series Saints and Sinners, Mann and Wife and a very funny sitcom In The Cut(in it's 3rd season & is the most watched series on Bounce TV) populated by a quirky cast of barbers/salon specialists as well as some very talented comedians with Dorien Wilson(The Parkers) as Jay the owner of a barber shop who has the gift of gab .but less skills when it comes to a haircut but thanks to the arrival of a son Kenny(rapper Ken Lawson) he never knew he had. Kenny just happens to be a whiz with clippers and shears. Mean while the salon next door which is currently run by his girlfriend Cheryl played by Kellita Smith(The Bernie Mac Show) who is paying rent to Jay for the salon.. The comedy spurs from the fact that Jay has never had to raise any kids and tends to say things that get him in the dog house- hence 4 marriages, but he has a good heart. Let's be honest here the way we phrase our statements and verbalize our thoughts the opposite sex does not always understand. Let's face it we have all been in the dog house ...I'm still in there and let me tell you there is not a lot of room in here. I actually lost count how long it's been. The comedy that transcends from these type of situations is something we all can relate to no matter what side of the fence your on or dog house.
Special Bonus-just added
Cleopatra Jones and The Casino of Gold with Tamara Dobson reprising her role as the title character. Co-produced between Shaw Brothers and Warner Bros. A cash in on the kung fu craze that was sweeping the world. Boasting exotic Hong Kong locations and Stella Stevens as the Dragon Lady. International intrigue is on high as Cleo tries to shut down a massive herion pipeline that reaches deep into the states. Check out the wild pad that Cleo's opposite number with the Hong Kong Secret Service Tanny calls home. Comes complete with a mirrored wall that at the press of a button starts the mirrors revolving and revealed behind are throwing/shooting targets. Every home should have one. Casino is nothing short of fun and does not pretend to be anything else, so plan a night of popcorn and funky clothes, high heels and lots of action.
Below: Tamara in print ad for Custom Blend Cosmetics
Tamara Dobson stood an impressive, one might even say intimidating 6 foot 2 - I can only say I think anyone would think twice before trying to mess Tamara. Thanks the to her amazing stature she holds the Guinness book of world records as the "Tallest Leading Lad in Film". Now being extremely photogenic, she modeled for Vogue and Essence magazines besides appearing in commercials for Revlon, Faberge' and Chanel. She also held a degree in Fashion Illustration…Tamara had the brains to back up the brawn. Smart and sexy.
Oh one last thing, an awesome surprise included with your subscription- Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce.
I highly recommend Brown Sugar for not only being again unique but for Bounce putting together a channel that has created a warm spot in my heart for providing me an opportunity to reconnect with some of my favorites films,TV series, actors/actresses and more importantly heroes and for me I don't care what shape, size, male or female or color they come in, we all bleed one color. My heroes have guts, not afraid to show a little bit of fear, compassion. But most of all know what is fair & how to deal out justice when they have to bring the "man" down. And have an awesome theme song. Doing it all in style and dressed ready to make a fashion statement. So my man, have a a glorious day just trippin on the back side-give me five and slide it on down with a slap for some change. Just groovin for another day.
Rating- ****
Platforms- Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and PC
Monthly- 3.99 with a 7 day free trial
Streaming updates-
Warner Archive:
Eight is Enough
just added -one of the best comedy dramas of the late 70's and early 80's- Eight is Enough, loaded with warmth and charm starring Dick Van Patten as Tom Bradford, the head of the Bradford household and some of the actors along for the ride were Grant Goodeve as David the oldest, Susan Richardson,Willie Ames(Zapped and Charles in Charge), Adam Rich as Nicholas-the youngest of the crew...The show was actually based on Tom Braden a newspaper columnist who had written a book about his real life family ..his wife and there 8 children... the series was a hit for ABC and ran 5 seasons .. .Eight is Enough is a classic and a show that I diligently watched each and every week ...I couldn't wait to see what Nicolas was going to ask next .. most episodes opened with a pre-title sequence featuring Nicholas asking someone usually Tom for some advice or what appeared to be a harmless question but usually leads to some very funny lessons in growing up.One of the funniest and a favorite deals with the family being quarantined for what might be 3 weeks- good old Tom is so positive that it will bring the family even closer, however the tension thru out mounts with an not-so-welcomed blind date who gets stuck at the house and a possible shoplifting cover up by Nicholas. Then throw in things like limited bathrooms and how to get food in without putting anyone else at risk . David to the rescue since he was the only one not exposed ... see how this family comes together in a pinch, proves their mantle and what being there for each other is really all about...
even more breaking news ****
right from their previous engagement on a near- by passing asteroid those cool, cruel one eyed tentacled creatures with the avacado complexion and electric personality - The Green Slime(1969) with a cast of character actors Richard Jaeckle, Robert Horton, the ever lovely Luciana Paluzzi and great Toho special effects and please don't get any on ya...asta lasagna...
Rating ****
Platform- Roku and PC
Monthly-9.99
Classic Reel:
just added Tony Rome in HD . This movie kicked off the short lived Tony Rome film series that should have produced more than 2 entries... Frank Sinatra really nailed the private eye character based on a few novels by Marvin H. Albert in the 1960's ...and features a killer title song by Frank's golden voiced daughter Nancy. and an original score by legend Billy May (Green Hornet).A who's who supporting cast including Simon Oakland, Jill St. John and Richard Conte.
Above : rare insert poster for Tony Rome
Frank plays Rome cool as a cucumber. What is refreshing about this flick is that Rome isn't some billionaire playboy detective..who doesn't really have to put the time ...Tony works for every dollar and sometimes he's not even sure where the next one is coming from ..he likes the horses, loves to gamble, lives on a houseboat and loves the single life , but when you need something investigated, researched and found out he's the guy to go to. He does not give up -quitting is not an option no matter how tough it gets and Rome has a bloodhound nose and is tough as nails.
Also making it's debut on Classic Reel is The Ambushers based on the novel by Don Hamilton. and the 3rd in the Matt Helm film series starring one of my top favorite entertainers-actors...Dean Martin as spy turned pin-up calendar photographer..who just happens to be on the active reserve list for I.C.E. I wish I could this guy's job...
Below: confirmation that I'm in the wrong line of business...
Above: Janice Rule -publicity pic for The Ambushers
Aside from the action on screen, let your ears soak in this hip, bouncy soundtrack all set to the tune of a 60's lounge score by one of my favs maestro-composer/arranger -Hugo Montenegro(The Man From Uncle-TV series).
Below: trailer for The Ambushers-see if can identify the crooner who is singing the title song within the trailer ... not the same artist for the films theatrical release..hint: a long running joke within the Matt Helm-Dean Martin series...see answer at end of article...
Rating *****
Monthly 1.99
Platform- Roku
*** one last important note- and I may not have pointed this out in the past editions but each app behaves differently based on the platform/device example PC vs Tablet or Amazon Fire TV vs Roku vs Apple TV and can be even something as simple as how the menus function to different content choice not all titles may not be available. So far though none have been drastic. All the services try to have the apps operate as closely as possible to each other. That may change in the future as in the delivery of the content and how it is applied: for example as in Hulu on Amazon Fire compared to Hulu on Roku- Roku may offer DVR for live broadcasts - reminder again this is just an example not a reality ( Fubo TV offers DVR for live sporting events )
As they say parting is such sweet sorrow.. but you need to go watch some of these movies and after an exhaustive run at the type writer has a well deserved double cheeseburger and a coffee fair shake or a root beer float calling me along with some sweet potato fries...that's it til next time so keep the home fires burning and a space next to your bed for your favorite Cinema Mag-Weng's Chop...this is Doc saying adios and like Bruce Lee said "Be water my friend"...
Answers for trivia questions-
The Ambushers- answer Frank Sinatra-thru out the films Franks songs would pop up in some scene on the audio track and Dean would always make some sarcastic remark ..all in fun... Frank and Dean were the best of friends ...