Actor who starred in John Cassavetes’s Shadows and gave Michael Caine the plans for the heist in The Italian Job
The lacerating 1959 drama Shadows, a pinnacle of US independent film-making, heralded two striking new talents: the director John Cassavetes and the actor Lelia Goldoni, who was just 20 when she gave a guileless performance combining wistful romanticism and mercurial restlessness. She played Lelia – all the actors in the film share their first names with their characters – who is an African-American woman “passing” for white. Goldoni herself was of Sicilian descent.
When Lelia’s white boyfriend meets one of her darker-skinned brothers (Hugh Hurd) and realises that she is black, his discomfort inflames tensions in the household and sends aftershocks through the rest of the film.
The lacerating 1959 drama Shadows, a pinnacle of US independent film-making, heralded two striking new talents: the director John Cassavetes and the actor Lelia Goldoni, who was just 20 when she gave a guileless performance combining wistful romanticism and mercurial restlessness. She played Lelia – all the actors in the film share their first names with their characters – who is an African-American woman “passing” for white. Goldoni herself was of Sicilian descent.
When Lelia’s white boyfriend meets one of her darker-skinned brothers (Hugh Hurd) and realises that she is black, his discomfort inflames tensions in the household and sends aftershocks through the rest of the film.
- 8/3/2023
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. For daily updates follow us @NotebookMUBI.NEWSEvil Does Not Exist.The Venice Film Festival has unveiled its full lineup, featuring new films from Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sofia Coppola, and Yorgos Lanthimos in competition, alongside buzzy titles like David Fincher’s The Killer and Michael Mann’s Ferrari.There's lineup news from Toronto as well. So far, TIFF has revealed its opening night selection, Hayao Miyazaki’s The Boy and the Heron (better original title: How Do You Live?), as well as its gala, special, Platform, and nonfiction presentations. On the docket are new films from Raoul Peck, Kitty Green, Atom Egoyan, and Richard Linklater, among others. The Platform section will open with Kristoffer Borgli's Dream Scenario, starring Nicolas Cage; he portrays an academic who begins appearing in people's dreams.Dream Scenario.REMEMBERINGPee-wee's Big Adventure.Comedian and actor Paul Reubens—best...
- 8/2/2023
- MUBI
Italian American actor won herself iconic status with the 1959 film where she played a woman ‘passing’ as white
Lelia Goldoni, the actor best known as the female lead in John Cassavetes’ groundbreaking film Shadows, has died aged 86. The news was first reported by the Wrap, who said that her manager Jd Sobol announced that she died on Saturday at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Goldoni had become involved with Shadows as a result of the acting workshop Cassavetes had started in 1956 – before which, according to Cassavetes, she had no professional acting experience. The film itself arose from an improvised audition sketch Cassavetes had performed for acting guru Lee Strasberg about two black siblings who “passed” for white. Having elaborated the idea into a full-length film, Cassavetes asked Goldoni to play the sister to brothers Hugh Hurd and Ben Carruthers; her character became the central figure of the film,...
Lelia Goldoni, the actor best known as the female lead in John Cassavetes’ groundbreaking film Shadows, has died aged 86. The news was first reported by the Wrap, who said that her manager Jd Sobol announced that she died on Saturday at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey.
Goldoni had become involved with Shadows as a result of the acting workshop Cassavetes had started in 1956 – before which, according to Cassavetes, she had no professional acting experience. The film itself arose from an improvised audition sketch Cassavetes had performed for acting guru Lee Strasberg about two black siblings who “passed” for white. Having elaborated the idea into a full-length film, Cassavetes asked Goldoni to play the sister to brothers Hugh Hurd and Ben Carruthers; her character became the central figure of the film,...
- 7/28/2023
- by Andrew Pulver
- The Guardian - Film News
Lelia Goldoni, who was cast in the lead role for John Cassavette’s race-centered film “Shadows,” died over the weekend at the age of 86.
The actress died on Saturday at the Actors Fund Home in Engelwood, New Jersey, Goldoni’s friend, Jd Sobol, told TheWrap on Thursday.
The New York City native was born on Oct. 1, 1936, and got her start in the entertainment business during the 1940s, with one of her first roles being a cameo in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s “House of Strangers” in 1949. That same year she also had a role in John Huston’s “We Were Strangers.”
Martin Scorsese later brought Goldoni on to star as a friend of Ellen Burnstyn’s character in his 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” Her resume also included performing in the original “The Italian Job” (1969), John Schlesinger’s “The Day of the Locust” (1975) and Robert Mulligan’s “Bloodbrothers.”
Goldoni, who...
The actress died on Saturday at the Actors Fund Home in Engelwood, New Jersey, Goldoni’s friend, Jd Sobol, told TheWrap on Thursday.
The New York City native was born on Oct. 1, 1936, and got her start in the entertainment business during the 1940s, with one of her first roles being a cameo in Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s “House of Strangers” in 1949. That same year she also had a role in John Huston’s “We Were Strangers.”
Martin Scorsese later brought Goldoni on to star as a friend of Ellen Burnstyn’s character in his 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” Her resume also included performing in the original “The Italian Job” (1969), John Schlesinger’s “The Day of the Locust” (1975) and Robert Mulligan’s “Bloodbrothers.”
Goldoni, who...
- 7/28/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
Lelia Goldoni, who sparkled as the lead in John Cassavettes’ Shadows and played a friend of Ellen Burstyn’s character in Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, has died. She was 86.
Goldoni died Saturday at The Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, her friend Jd Sobol announced.
Goldoni also appeared in the original The Italian Job (1969), in John Schlesinger’s The Day of the Locust (1975), in Philip Kaufman’s remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and in Robert Mulligan’s Bloodbrothers (1978).
A second cousin of famed New York Yankees shortstop Phil Rizzuto, Lelia Vita Goldoni was born in New York on Oct. 1, 1936. She was raised in Los Angeles, where she was one of the Lester Horton Dancers alongside Alvin Ailey and Carmen de Lavallade.
Goldoni studied acting with Jeff Corey and at age 19 moved back to New York, where she became a student at a drama...
Goldoni died Saturday at The Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, her friend Jd Sobol announced.
Goldoni also appeared in the original The Italian Job (1969), in John Schlesinger’s The Day of the Locust (1975), in Philip Kaufman’s remake of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) and in Robert Mulligan’s Bloodbrothers (1978).
A second cousin of famed New York Yankees shortstop Phil Rizzuto, Lelia Vita Goldoni was born in New York on Oct. 1, 1936. She was raised in Los Angeles, where she was one of the Lester Horton Dancers alongside Alvin Ailey and Carmen de Lavallade.
Goldoni studied acting with Jeff Corey and at age 19 moved back to New York, where she became a student at a drama...
- 7/27/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Michael Caine’s heist comedy has been rated one of the top UK movies ever. It’s a flip Swingin’ England slapstick thriller, lavishly produced and with an emphasis on fancy cars. Caine is a cockney crook with an insane scheme to steal millions in Red Chinese gold in Turin. Slick stuntwork combines with ‘Team Brit’ humor for a wild escape in a rush hour traffic jam. The lavish goes for show-off spectacle — its real stars are a trio of undersized, underdog UK automobiles.
The Italian Job 4K
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1969 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date January 31, 2023 / Available from / 39.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, Margaret Blye, Irene Handl, Michael Standing, Harry Baird, Robert Rietty, Lelia Goldoni, Valery Leon, Lisa Shane.
Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe
Production Designer: Disley Jones
Art Director: Michael Knight
Film Editor: John Trumper
Stunt Driving:...
The Italian Job 4K
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1969 / Color / 2:35 widescreen / 99 min. / Street Date January 31, 2023 / Available from / 39.95
Starring: Michael Caine, Noël Coward, Benny Hill, Raf Vallone, Tony Beckley, Rossano Brazzi, Margaret Blye, Irene Handl, Michael Standing, Harry Baird, Robert Rietty, Lelia Goldoni, Valery Leon, Lisa Shane.
Cinematography: Douglas Slocombe
Production Designer: Disley Jones
Art Director: Michael Knight
Film Editor: John Trumper
Stunt Driving:...
- 1/21/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
This first remake of the 1956 sci-fi classic retains many of the original’s story points, clears up the bio minutiae for literal-minded viewers and adds a fascinating social commentary about ’70s lifestyles that’s almost as depressing as the idea of being ‘replaced’ by an alien simulacrum. Philip Kaufman’s first big hit is a worthy picture that’s maintained its high reputation … and it’s even scarier in today’s socio-political climate.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 115 min. / Street Date November 23, 2021 / available through Kino Lorber / 39.95
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, Leonard Nimoy, Art Hindle, Lelia Goldoni, Kevin McCarthy, Don Siegel, Tom Luddy, Stan Ritchie, David Fisher, Tom Dahlgren, Garry Goodrow, Michael Chapman, Robert Duvall.
Cinematography: Michael Chapman
Production Designer: Charles Rosen
Film Editor: Douglas Stewart
Original Music: Denny Zeitlin
Written by W.D. Richter from a...
Invasion of the Body Snatchers
4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray
Kl Studio Classics
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 115 min. / Street Date November 23, 2021 / available through Kino Lorber / 39.95
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Brooke Adams, Jeff Goldblum, Veronica Cartwright, Leonard Nimoy, Art Hindle, Lelia Goldoni, Kevin McCarthy, Don Siegel, Tom Luddy, Stan Ritchie, David Fisher, Tom Dahlgren, Garry Goodrow, Michael Chapman, Robert Duvall.
Cinematography: Michael Chapman
Production Designer: Charles Rosen
Film Editor: Douglas Stewart
Original Music: Denny Zeitlin
Written by W.D. Richter from a...
- 11/13/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Hello everyone! We’re back to give you the lowdown on another week of home media releases, and while we don’t have a ton of titles on tap, there are still a few key releases genre fans are going to want to pick up this Tuesday.
If you missed it during its run on HBO, you can finally catch up with the first season of Lovecraft Country, as Warner Bros. is bringing it home on both Blu-ray and DVD. Jay Baruchel’s Random Acts of Violence is also headed to both formats this week, or if you’re in the mood for something a little more old school, both The Unseen and Slithis are getting the Blu-ray treatment on Tuesday as well.
Other home media releases for February 16th include Bad Impulse, Butchers, The Leprechaun’s Game and Mask of Thorn.
Lovecraft Country: The Complete First Season
Based on the 2016 novel by Matt Ruff,...
If you missed it during its run on HBO, you can finally catch up with the first season of Lovecraft Country, as Warner Bros. is bringing it home on both Blu-ray and DVD. Jay Baruchel’s Random Acts of Violence is also headed to both formats this week, or if you’re in the mood for something a little more old school, both The Unseen and Slithis are getting the Blu-ray treatment on Tuesday as well.
Other home media releases for February 16th include Bad Impulse, Butchers, The Leprechaun’s Game and Mask of Thorn.
Lovecraft Country: The Complete First Season
Based on the 2016 novel by Matt Ruff,...
- 2/16/2021
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
John Schlesinger’s adaptation of Nathanael West’s novel is one of the best ‘Hollywood on Hollywood’ pictures ever, even if it soaks everything about The Golden Age of Tinseltown in an acid bath of cynicism. The perverse dystopia of dreams and vice is beautifully rendered in every respect, and culminates in a finale that caught ordinary audiences by surprise. Is this an indictment of the shallow aims of America’s Fantasyland, or one misanthrope’s vision of self-loathing and apocalyptic wish fulfillment? Don’t look for anyone to root for, as even the benign characters are moral freaks. Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, Donald Sutherland and William Atherton give utterly original performances; [Imprint] has a secured a great new interview extra with Atherton.
The Day of the Locust
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 13
1975 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 144 min. / Street Date November 6, 2020 /
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Geraldine Page, Richard Dysart, Bo Hopkins,...
The Day of the Locust
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 13
1975 / Color / 1:78 widescreen / 144 min. / Street Date November 6, 2020 /
Starring: Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Geraldine Page, Richard Dysart, Bo Hopkins,...
- 11/28/2020
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Anthony “Tony” Ray, the actor-producer son of Rebel Without a Cause director Nicholas Ray, died June 29 in Saco, Maine, following a long illness, his family has announced. Ray, who lived in Saco for the last 10 years, was 80.
A graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse and a member of the Actor’s Studio, Ray was on the producing teams of such 1970s hits as The Rose, An Unmarried Woman, Harry and Tonto, and Freebie and the Bean. He was an assistant director throughout the 1960s and into the ’70s on TV series The Iron Horse and Bewitched, films Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Cactus Flower, and, according to his family, Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus and John Huston’s The Misfits, among other credits.
Ray, who often went by the name Tony Ray, also worked as an actor, his credits starting in 1957 with Men In War and an uncredited appearance in...
A graduate of the Neighborhood Playhouse and a member of the Actor’s Studio, Ray was on the producing teams of such 1970s hits as The Rose, An Unmarried Woman, Harry and Tonto, and Freebie and the Bean. He was an assistant director throughout the 1960s and into the ’70s on TV series The Iron Horse and Bewitched, films Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Cactus Flower, and, according to his family, Stanley Kubrick’s Spartacus and John Huston’s The Misfits, among other credits.
Ray, who often went by the name Tony Ray, also worked as an actor, his credits starting in 1957 with Men In War and an uncredited appearance in...
- 7/20/2018
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Anthony Ray, a son of Rebel Without a Cause director Nicholas Ray who appeared in John Cassavetes' Shadows and earned an Oscar nomination for producing An Unmarried Woman, has died. He was 80.
Ray died June 29 in Saco, Maine, after a long illness, his family announced.
Just after he turned 20, Ray appeared on Broadway in the Elia Kazan-William Inge drama The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, which debuted in December 1957 and ran for more than 450 performances.
In Shadows (1958), Cassavetes' admired feature debut, Ray portrayed Tony, a young man who sleeps with a virgin (Lelia Goldoni) and is surprised to ...
Ray died June 29 in Saco, Maine, after a long illness, his family announced.
Just after he turned 20, Ray appeared on Broadway in the Elia Kazan-William Inge drama The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, which debuted in December 1957 and ran for more than 450 performances.
In Shadows (1958), Cassavetes' admired feature debut, Ray portrayed Tony, a young man who sleeps with a virgin (Lelia Goldoni) and is surprised to ...
- 7/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Anthony Ray, a son of Rebel Without a Cause director Nicholas Ray who appeared in John Cassavetes' Shadows and earned an Oscar nomination for producing An Unmarried Woman, has died. He was 80.
Ray died June 29 in Saco, Maine, after a long illness, his family announced.
Just after he turned 20, Ray appeared on Broadway in the Elia Kazan and William Inge drama The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, which debuted in December 1957 and ran for more than 450 performances.
In Shadows (1958), Cassavetes' admired feature debut, Ray portrayed Tony — a young man who sleeps with a virgin (Lelia Goldoni) and ...
Ray died June 29 in Saco, Maine, after a long illness, his family announced.
Just after he turned 20, Ray appeared on Broadway in the Elia Kazan and William Inge drama The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, which debuted in December 1957 and ran for more than 450 performances.
In Shadows (1958), Cassavetes' admired feature debut, Ray portrayed Tony — a young man who sleeps with a virgin (Lelia Goldoni) and ...
- 7/20/2018
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Not everyone owns a Steinmann, or has seen one for that matter. They are an acquired taste, much like doing a deep scrub on your tongue with a Brillo pad, or massaging pickle juice into your eyes. They’re not for everyone, is what I’m saying. I’m of course referring to writer/director Danny Steinmann, former porn auteur (and still quite dead), helmer of Savage Streets (1984), Friday the 13th: Roy’s Boy (‘85), and today’s topic of discussion, The Unseen (1980). To say that a film about a killer inbred man-baby is his subtlest work is testament to his next level commitment for producing entertaining sleaze. Were it not for bad taste, he wouldn’t have shown any at all.
Released in Japan and Denmark in late ’80 with a September ’81 rollout stateside from World Northal, The Unseen came and went, well, unseen by most. Steinmann himself disowned it; he...
Released in Japan and Denmark in late ’80 with a September ’81 rollout stateside from World Northal, The Unseen came and went, well, unseen by most. Steinmann himself disowned it; he...
- 4/28/2018
- by Scott Drebit
- DailyDead
Happy September, guys! This month’s home entertainment releases are wasting no time, as Tuesday looks to be another stellar day of horror and sci-fi titles coming our way. For those of you excited for Blade Runner 2049, Warner Bros. is putting out The Final Cut version of Ridley Scott’s original masterpiece in 4K Ultra HD, and Criterion is giving Alfred Hitchcock’s Rebecca their trademarked HD treatment with a stunning new release.
As far as new indie horror movies go, both A Dark Song and Raw come home this Tuesday and are well worth your time, and for those of you Winchester brothers fans out there, the 12th season of Supernatural is being released this week, too.
Other notable titles for September 5th include The Spell, The Atoning, The Basement, I Saw What You Did, and a 4K Ultra HD release of The Cabin in the Woods.
Blade Runner...
As far as new indie horror movies go, both A Dark Song and Raw come home this Tuesday and are well worth your time, and for those of you Winchester brothers fans out there, the 12th season of Supernatural is being released this week, too.
Other notable titles for September 5th include The Spell, The Atoning, The Basement, I Saw What You Did, and a 4K Ultra HD release of The Cabin in the Woods.
Blade Runner...
- 9/5/2017
- by Heather Wixson
- DailyDead
First there was Carrie, then there was Rita. Both on-screen characters were picked on mercilessly by their classmates, and both sought revenge through their own unique powers. Scream Factory celebrates the latter character with their Blu-ray release of The Spell (1977) on September 5th, and we've been provided with three Blu-ray copies to give away to lucky Daily Dead readers.
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Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Blu-ray copy of The Spell.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “The Spell Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on September 9th.
---------
Prize Details: (3) Winners will receive (1) Blu-ray copy of The Spell.
How to Enter: We're giving Daily Dead readers multiple chances to enter and win:
1. Instagram: Following us on Instagram during the contest period will give you an automatic contest entry. Make sure to follow us at:
https://www.instagram.com/dailydead/
2. Email: For a chance to win via email, send an email to contest@dailydead.com with the subject “The Spell Contest”. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
Entry Details: The contest will end at 12:01am Est on September 9th.
- 9/2/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Scream Factory will release Lee Philips' The Spell on Blu-ray on September 5th. A list of final special features have been revealed, and fans can look forward to a high-definition transfer of the movie, a new audio commentary, and more.
From Scream Factory: "The 1977 Carrie-esque TV movie gets a considerable upgrade from its only-released-on-vhs-format days! Our final specs:
- New High-Definition Transfer Of The Rarely-Seen 86 Minute Cut Of The Film (Taken From Best Available Elements)
- New Audio Commentary By Made-For-tv-Movie Historian and Author Amanda Reyes
- New Interview With Writer Brian Taggert
Official street date is Sept 5th. Pre-order now @ https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/the-spell… for early shipping.
Synopsis: Her thoughts cast a deadly spell of terror!
15-year-old Rita lives in an ordinary town, attends an ordinary high school and wants to lead an ordinary life … but Rita is far from an ordinary teenager. Overweight and self-conscious,...
From Scream Factory: "The 1977 Carrie-esque TV movie gets a considerable upgrade from its only-released-on-vhs-format days! Our final specs:
- New High-Definition Transfer Of The Rarely-Seen 86 Minute Cut Of The Film (Taken From Best Available Elements)
- New Audio Commentary By Made-For-tv-Movie Historian and Author Amanda Reyes
- New Interview With Writer Brian Taggert
Official street date is Sept 5th. Pre-order now @ https://www.shoutfactory.com/product/the-spell… for early shipping.
Synopsis: Her thoughts cast a deadly spell of terror!
15-year-old Rita lives in an ordinary town, attends an ordinary high school and wants to lead an ordinary life … but Rita is far from an ordinary teenager. Overweight and self-conscious,...
- 7/26/2017
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
As special guests on the Shock Waves podcast, the fine folks at Scream Factory just gave horror fans four big reasons to look forward to September, as they announced Blu-ray releases for The Spell (September 5th), Dan O'Bannon's The Resurrected, aka Shatterbrain (September 12th), After Midnight (September 26th), and A Quiet Place in the Country (September 26th).
From Scream Factory: "We just announced four new upcoming titles on the Shockwaves podcast (which you can listen to and hear a lot more Scream Factory scoop @ http://www.blumhouse.com/podcast/ ). Here’s are the early details!
The Resurrected (also known as Shatterbrain) (1991) – Since the beginning of time, man has struggled with death. Now Charles Dexter Ward (Chris Sarandon, Fright Night), a wealthy scientist, may have found a way to beat it. Using an ancient diary and human remains, Ward begins a terrifying and bloody pursuit for immortality. By the...
From Scream Factory: "We just announced four new upcoming titles on the Shockwaves podcast (which you can listen to and hear a lot more Scream Factory scoop @ http://www.blumhouse.com/podcast/ ). Here’s are the early details!
The Resurrected (also known as Shatterbrain) (1991) – Since the beginning of time, man has struggled with death. Now Charles Dexter Ward (Chris Sarandon, Fright Night), a wealthy scientist, may have found a way to beat it. Using an ancient diary and human remains, Ward begins a terrifying and bloody pursuit for immortality. By the...
- 5/26/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Chicago – It’s rare that I feel comfortable using this kind of hyperbole in a Blu-ray review but here it goes — having watched it again on Criterion Blu-ray, after not seeing it in years, I’m more convinced than ever that John Cassavetes’ “A Woman Under the Influence” is one of the best films ever made. Maybe it’s because I’m older now and have a family of my own, but my most recent viewing of this masterpiece was heartwrenching in a totally different way. It’s stunning.
And the Criterion remaster of it, accompanied by four other of the most important films in the history of the independent film movement in “Cassavetes: Five Films” is a beauty. Oh, yeah, “Shadows,” “Faces,” “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” and “Opening Night” are damn good too. This is one of the best possible gifts you could pick up for the...
And the Criterion remaster of it, accompanied by four other of the most important films in the history of the independent film movement in “Cassavetes: Five Films” is a beauty. Oh, yeah, “Shadows,” “Faces,” “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” and “Opening Night” are damn good too. This is one of the best possible gifts you could pick up for the...
- 11/1/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Reviewed by Chris Wright, MoreHorror.com
“The Unseen” (1981)
Directed By: Danny Steinmann
Written By: Danny Steinmann & Michael L. Grace
Starring: Sydney Lassick (Ernest Keller), Barbara Bach (Jennifer Fast), Stephen Furst (Junior Keller “The Unseen”), Karen Lamm (Karen Fast) Lelia Goldoni (Virginia Keller), Douglas Barr (Tony Ross), Lois Young (Vicki Thompson), Maida Severn (Solvang Lady)
“The Unseen” gave me “Psycho” vibes because of the moodiness of the film. It also has backwoods overtones with this messed up family as well. I came across this movie randomly and liked it much better than I thought. This is seemingly an unknown early 80s horror film that deserves some lime light as it is quite sad and disturbing to watch at times.
The story involves three female reporters who are offered cheap room and board by shady museum owner Ernest Keller (Sydney Lassick) since all the local motels are full. This house isn’t...
“The Unseen” (1981)
Directed By: Danny Steinmann
Written By: Danny Steinmann & Michael L. Grace
Starring: Sydney Lassick (Ernest Keller), Barbara Bach (Jennifer Fast), Stephen Furst (Junior Keller “The Unseen”), Karen Lamm (Karen Fast) Lelia Goldoni (Virginia Keller), Douglas Barr (Tony Ross), Lois Young (Vicki Thompson), Maida Severn (Solvang Lady)
“The Unseen” gave me “Psycho” vibes because of the moodiness of the film. It also has backwoods overtones with this messed up family as well. I came across this movie randomly and liked it much better than I thought. This is seemingly an unknown early 80s horror film that deserves some lime light as it is quite sad and disturbing to watch at times.
The story involves three female reporters who are offered cheap room and board by shady museum owner Ernest Keller (Sydney Lassick) since all the local motels are full. This house isn’t...
- 9/12/2013
- by admin
- MoreHorror
Blu-ray Release Date: Oct. 22, 2013
Price: Blu-ray $124.95
Studio: Criterion
John Cassavetes—genius, visionary, and the progenitor of American independent film—receives some high-definition respect from Criterion in the John Cassavetes: Five Films collection.
A former theater actor fascinated by the power of improvisation, Cassavetes brought his search for truth in performance to the screen. The five films in this anthology of dramas—all of which the director maintained total control over by financing them himself and making them outside the studio system—are electrifying and compassionate creations, populated by all manner of humanity: beatniks, hippies, businessmen, actors, housewives, strippers, club owners, gangsters, children.
Cassavetes has often been called an actor’s director, but this body of work—even greater than the sum of its extraordinary parts—shows him to be an audience’s director.
Here’s a breakdown of the movies:
Lelia Goldoni and Anthony Ray star in John Cassavetes' 1959 directorial debut Shadows.
Price: Blu-ray $124.95
Studio: Criterion
John Cassavetes—genius, visionary, and the progenitor of American independent film—receives some high-definition respect from Criterion in the John Cassavetes: Five Films collection.
A former theater actor fascinated by the power of improvisation, Cassavetes brought his search for truth in performance to the screen. The five films in this anthology of dramas—all of which the director maintained total control over by financing them himself and making them outside the studio system—are electrifying and compassionate creations, populated by all manner of humanity: beatniks, hippies, businessmen, actors, housewives, strippers, club owners, gangsters, children.
Cassavetes has often been called an actor’s director, but this body of work—even greater than the sum of its extraordinary parts—shows him to be an audience’s director.
Here’s a breakdown of the movies:
Lelia Goldoni and Anthony Ray star in John Cassavetes' 1959 directorial debut Shadows.
- 9/6/2013
- by Laurence
- Disc Dish
Considered one of the fathers of American indie cinema, John Cassavetes would have been 81 years young today, were he still alive.
Why not celebrate his birthday by watching his directorial debut, Shadows, the improvisational film that revolves around an interracial romance between Lelia (Lelia Goldoni), a light-skinned black woman living in New York City with her two brothers, and Tony (Anthony Ray), a white man, who isn’t aware of her true racial heritage. The relationship crumbles when Tony meets Lelia’s brother Hugh (Hugh Hurd), a dark-skinned jazz singer struggling to find work, and learns that the woman he’s been involved with is actually black.
The film was shot on location in New York City, with a cast and crew made up primarily of amateurs. Shadows is widely considered a visionary work, and the forerunner of the American independent film movement.
Netflix carries it as an “Instant Watch” title,...
Why not celebrate his birthday by watching his directorial debut, Shadows, the improvisational film that revolves around an interracial romance between Lelia (Lelia Goldoni), a light-skinned black woman living in New York City with her two brothers, and Tony (Anthony Ray), a white man, who isn’t aware of her true racial heritage. The relationship crumbles when Tony meets Lelia’s brother Hugh (Hugh Hurd), a dark-skinned jazz singer struggling to find work, and learns that the woman he’s been involved with is actually black.
The film was shot on location in New York City, with a cast and crew made up primarily of amateurs. Shadows is widely considered a visionary work, and the forerunner of the American independent film movement.
Netflix carries it as an “Instant Watch” title,...
- 12/9/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Netflix has once again added several films available in the Criterion Collection, to their streaming “Watch Instantly” line-up. While their additions over the past few months have been few and far between, they have nevertheless been consistently great choices.
Over the past few days they have been adding the various John Cassavetes films that are available in the “Five Films” box set, save the documentary “A Constant Forge.” You can now watch Shadows, Faces, A Woman Under The Influence, The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night through their web interface, or through their various other devices (Roku boxes, the Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, or select Blu-ray players).
With Redbox ramping up plans to implement a streaming service, Netflix continues to show it’s dedication to expanding it’s library of important films available at a minimal cost to it’s customers.
To see all of the Criterion Collection films available on Netflix Watch Instantly,...
Over the past few days they have been adding the various John Cassavetes films that are available in the “Five Films” box set, save the documentary “A Constant Forge.” You can now watch Shadows, Faces, A Woman Under The Influence, The Killing Of A Chinese Bookie, and Opening Night through their web interface, or through their various other devices (Roku boxes, the Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, or select Blu-ray players).
With Redbox ramping up plans to implement a streaming service, Netflix continues to show it’s dedication to expanding it’s library of important films available at a minimal cost to it’s customers.
To see all of the Criterion Collection films available on Netflix Watch Instantly,...
- 8/6/2010
- by Ryan Gallagher
- CriterionCast
While MGM’s recent Pumpkinhead DVD celebrates one of Stan Winston’s greatest triumphs outside of his usual role of FX creator, this new disc reveals a chapter in his filmmaking history that has gone, if not unseen, than largely unacknowledged. One reason for that is the fact that while Winston shares a story billing on the actual movie with fellow makeup master Tom Burman and director Peter Foleg, the writing credits in The Unseen’s ad and press material, and thus almost all of the film’s reviews, and even the billing block on the DVD case cite Foleg and three different co-scribes (among them Texas Chainsaw Massacre veteran Kim Henkel). Add the fact that “Foleg” himself is actually a pseudonym for Danny Steinmann, who would go on to direct the fifth Friday The 13th, and there’s the clear suggestion of a creative history as tortured as any of the onscreen victims,...
- 3/24/2009
- Fangoria
Chicago – Entries number 251 and number 252 in the most important and impressive series of DVDs in the history of the format, The Criterion Collection, come from the same influential writer/director, one of the godfathers of the independent film industry, John Cassavetes. Both are worthwhile additions to any serious film collector’s shelf.
DVD Rating: 4.5/5.0 The first of the pair is the half-century old “Shadows,” Cassavetes’ directorial debut. As the credit so perfectly says “Improvised/Directed by John Cassavetes”. These visionary films were the forerunner of the American independent film movement - creative people getting together with a camera to create art.
Shadows was released on DVD on February 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection Those creative people in “Shadows” were headed by Lelia Goldoni and Anthony Ray. Goldoni plays a character of the same name, a light-skinned black woman living in New York City with her two brothers.
DVD Rating: 4.5/5.0 The first of the pair is the half-century old “Shadows,” Cassavetes’ directorial debut. As the credit so perfectly says “Improvised/Directed by John Cassavetes”. These visionary films were the forerunner of the American independent film movement - creative people getting together with a camera to create art.
Shadows was released on DVD on February 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection Those creative people in “Shadows” were headed by Lelia Goldoni and Anthony Ray. Goldoni plays a character of the same name, a light-skinned black woman living in New York City with her two brothers.
- 2/26/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Strike Zone: Latest on WGA talks
UPDATED: 12:15 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007
The WGA rolled out pickets on two coasts Monday, after Sunday's last-ditch bargaining session failed to mark sufficient progress to prevent the first Hollywood writers strike in 19 years.
In the Los Angeles area, the WGA West's well-rehearsed strike captains marched out troops to populate picket lines at 14 studio and network sites starting at 9 a.m.
Fox
"The Simpsons" executive producer James L. Brooks, a strike sign in hand, was among the 200 or so writers walking the picket line in front of the 20th Century Fox lot in West Los Angeles.
Marching on the sidewalk of one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles, Pico Blvd., the strikers that included "Shark" creator-executive producer Ian Biederman, "Bones" exec producer Stephen Nathan and "American Dad" producers Jim Bernstein and Nahnatchka Khan enjoyed the support of motorists driving by -- mostly truck drivers --who honked in solidarity. The writers were joined by a few SAG members, including Lelia Goldoni.
The mood on the picket line in the muggy air was mostly somber, with strikers talking quietly amongst themselves between strike chants.
"We're scared; I'd be the first to admit that I'm scared," said "Shark" producer Bill Chais, the designated spokesman and only writer allowed to talk to the press.
While speaking to The Reporter, Chais was getting thumbs up from his boss, Biederman, who was walking the line. Biederman was one of many showrunners who didn't report to work Monday despite talk that showrunners could perform some non-writing duties during a strike.
"Ian is not gonna cross", Chais said, adding that the guild shouldn't leave such decision to people's consciousness. "There should be a set of rules", he said.
Most writers didn't know until past midnight if there will actually be strike Monday as rumors of some progress in the negotiations between the WGA and the studios trickled out during the day Sunday.
"Last night was crazy -- we were burning up the phones, exchanging gossip," Chais said. "We had hope, but I'm not totally surprised I'm here today. It speaks to the fact that it's a monumentally important issue to everyone."
Maybe it was the false hope on Sunday, but strike organizers were not fully prepared Monday morning. By 9:30 a.m., they ran of picket signs and red T-shirts at Fox.
"We've got to get it together", Chais said. "We will".
Warner Bros.
Striking writers took to the main gates at Warner Bros. in Burbank, crossing traffic, shouting chants and waving their signs to passersby.
Picket coordinator Brian Hartt said he expects at least 300 writers, actors and other supporters to walk the picket lines at each of the main entrances throughout the day.
"I have no idea what (the AMPTP) is thinking," Hartt said. "From Day 1, it's been very confusing. I hope they realize we are serious about our future and we'll stay out as long as we need in order to get a fair deal."
Many others echoed Hartt's sentiments, including one showrunner, John, who stood outside the studio's main gate.
UPDATED: 12:15 p.m. Nov. 5, 2007
The WGA rolled out pickets on two coasts Monday, after Sunday's last-ditch bargaining session failed to mark sufficient progress to prevent the first Hollywood writers strike in 19 years.
In the Los Angeles area, the WGA West's well-rehearsed strike captains marched out troops to populate picket lines at 14 studio and network sites starting at 9 a.m.
Fox
"The Simpsons" executive producer James L. Brooks, a strike sign in hand, was among the 200 or so writers walking the picket line in front of the 20th Century Fox lot in West Los Angeles.
Marching on the sidewalk of one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles, Pico Blvd., the strikers that included "Shark" creator-executive producer Ian Biederman, "Bones" exec producer Stephen Nathan and "American Dad" producers Jim Bernstein and Nahnatchka Khan enjoyed the support of motorists driving by -- mostly truck drivers --who honked in solidarity. The writers were joined by a few SAG members, including Lelia Goldoni.
The mood on the picket line in the muggy air was mostly somber, with strikers talking quietly amongst themselves between strike chants.
"We're scared; I'd be the first to admit that I'm scared," said "Shark" producer Bill Chais, the designated spokesman and only writer allowed to talk to the press.
While speaking to The Reporter, Chais was getting thumbs up from his boss, Biederman, who was walking the line. Biederman was one of many showrunners who didn't report to work Monday despite talk that showrunners could perform some non-writing duties during a strike.
"Ian is not gonna cross", Chais said, adding that the guild shouldn't leave such decision to people's consciousness. "There should be a set of rules", he said.
Most writers didn't know until past midnight if there will actually be strike Monday as rumors of some progress in the negotiations between the WGA and the studios trickled out during the day Sunday.
"Last night was crazy -- we were burning up the phones, exchanging gossip," Chais said. "We had hope, but I'm not totally surprised I'm here today. It speaks to the fact that it's a monumentally important issue to everyone."
Maybe it was the false hope on Sunday, but strike organizers were not fully prepared Monday morning. By 9:30 a.m., they ran of picket signs and red T-shirts at Fox.
"We've got to get it together", Chais said. "We will".
Warner Bros.
Striking writers took to the main gates at Warner Bros. in Burbank, crossing traffic, shouting chants and waving their signs to passersby.
Picket coordinator Brian Hartt said he expects at least 300 writers, actors and other supporters to walk the picket lines at each of the main entrances throughout the day.
"I have no idea what (the AMPTP) is thinking," Hartt said. "From Day 1, it's been very confusing. I hope they realize we are serious about our future and we'll stay out as long as we need in order to get a fair deal."
Many others echoed Hartt's sentiments, including one showrunner, John, who stood outside the studio's main gate.
- 11/6/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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