1985’s Fletch was directed by Michael Ritchie and written by Andrew Bergman. The film is an adaptation of the popular novels written by Gregory McDonald and brings a more comedic and dry approach to its titular character, Fletch, played by Chevy Chase. Fletch is an investigative journalist working the undercover beat as a homeless beach junkie as he tries to uncover the truth behind a kingpin-level drug ring that is looming over greater L.A. While undercover, Fletch is propositioned by a rich man called Alan Stanwick who claims to be dying of bone cancer to kill the man in his upper-class home so that his family can reap the benefits of his life insurance. In exchange, Fletch will receive $50,000 cash and a ticket out of the country.
When this movie was made, Chevy Chase was arguably at the height of his career. While he’d opened the decade with a few horrible flops,...
When this movie was made, Chevy Chase was arguably at the height of his career. While he’d opened the decade with a few horrible flops,...
- 3/25/2024
- by Chris Bumbray
- JoBlo.com
Marcia DeRousse, who came to the aid of the supernatural as Dr. Patricia Ludwig on the HBO drama True Blood, died Saturday in Altadena after a long illness, a publicist announced. She was 70.
She wrote on Facebook in April that a fall in her doctor’s office was going to “lead to my death,” adding that the spill “caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous.”
The 4-foot-4 DeRousse made her big-screen debut alongside fellow little person Billy Barty in the Warner Bros. film Under the Rainbow (1981), also starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher. She also was in the movies Tiptoes (2002) and D.J. Caruso’s The Disappointments Room (2016).
DeRousse appeared on episodes on the Alan Ball-created True Blood during its second, fourth and seventh seasons.
A native of Doniphan, Missouri, DeRousse graduated from the University of Missouri and came to Los Angeles with...
She wrote on Facebook in April that a fall in her doctor’s office was going to “lead to my death,” adding that the spill “caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous.”
The 4-foot-4 DeRousse made her big-screen debut alongside fellow little person Billy Barty in the Warner Bros. film Under the Rainbow (1981), also starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher. She also was in the movies Tiptoes (2002) and D.J. Caruso’s The Disappointments Room (2016).
DeRousse appeared on episodes on the Alan Ball-created True Blood during its second, fourth and seventh seasons.
A native of Doniphan, Missouri, DeRousse graduated from the University of Missouri and came to Los Angeles with...
- 9/5/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marcia de Rousse, who recurred as Dr. Ludwig on HBO’s True Blood and appeared with Kate Beckinsale in The Disappointments Room, has died. She was 70. Her reps at Beverly Hecht Agency said she died September 2 after a long illness.
The diminutive De Rousse got her start in the 1981 Chevy Chase-Carrie Fisher comedy Under the Rainbow and went on to appear in episodes of The Fall Guy and St. Elsewhere during that decade. She had a few roles in the 2000s before being cast in True Blood as Dr. Patricia Ludwig, who treated illnesses acquired by supernatural beings. She appeared in three episodes from the second, fourth and seventh season, last seen fleeing at the mention of Niall Brigant’s name.
In The Disappointments Room, de Rousse played a local historian who informs Blacker Estate buyer Dana (Beckinsale) that her new house’s previous occupants had a secret “disappointments room” in the attic,...
The diminutive De Rousse got her start in the 1981 Chevy Chase-Carrie Fisher comedy Under the Rainbow and went on to appear in episodes of The Fall Guy and St. Elsewhere during that decade. She had a few roles in the 2000s before being cast in True Blood as Dr. Patricia Ludwig, who treated illnesses acquired by supernatural beings. She appeared in three episodes from the second, fourth and seventh season, last seen fleeing at the mention of Niall Brigant’s name.
In The Disappointments Room, de Rousse played a local historian who informs Blacker Estate buyer Dana (Beckinsale) that her new house’s previous occupants had a secret “disappointments room” in the attic,...
- 9/5/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Marcia de Rousse, a veteran actress with a scene-stealing turn on HBO's True Blood, has died.
Variety reports that de Rousse died from a long illness in Altadena, Calif., on Saturday, September 2.
The actress had been vocal with fans on Facebook about her health issues, revealing in April that she'd suffered a fall at her doctor's office.
"Who knew a fall in my doctor's office would lead to my death? It caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous," she wrote.
"Can't eat, can't breathe, just general misery," de Rousse added.
"Palliative care comes soon, and we wait to turn into hospice and then to die."
"Thank you all for being great friends. Love to you."
de Rousse played Dr. Patricia Ludwig on True Blood, a doctor who is called in when there's a medical emergency for supernatural beings.
Her first appearance on True Blood...
Variety reports that de Rousse died from a long illness in Altadena, Calif., on Saturday, September 2.
The actress had been vocal with fans on Facebook about her health issues, revealing in April that she'd suffered a fall at her doctor's office.
"Who knew a fall in my doctor's office would lead to my death? It caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous," she wrote.
"Can't eat, can't breathe, just general misery," de Rousse added.
"Palliative care comes soon, and we wait to turn into hospice and then to die."
"Thank you all for being great friends. Love to you."
de Rousse played Dr. Patricia Ludwig on True Blood, a doctor who is called in when there's a medical emergency for supernatural beings.
Her first appearance on True Blood...
- 9/5/2023
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Marcia DeRousse, best known for playing Dr. Ludwig on HBO’s vampire drama True Blood, has died. She was 70. According to Variety, DeRousse passed away on Saturday, September 2 in Altadena, California, after a long illness. The actress previously opened up about her health issues on Facebook, revealing in April that she’d suffered a fall at her doctor’s office that exacerbated her problems. “Who knew a fall in my doctor’s office would lead to my death? It caused my hiatal hernia to move to an area where it is now dangerous. Can’t eat, can’t breathe, just general misery,” DeRousse wrote in a Facebook post. “Palliative care comes soon, and we wait to turn into hospice and then to die. Thank you all for being great friends. Love to you.” Born in Doniphan, Missouri, DeRousse began her on-screen acting career in the 1980s, making her debut in...
- 9/5/2023
- TV Insider
Marcia de Rousse, who played Dr. Ludwig on the HBO original series “True Blood,” died in Altadena, Calif., on Saturday from a long illness, her agency told Variety. She was 70.
De Rousse was born in Doniphan, Mo., and graduated from the University of Missouri.
She was known for her role as Dr. Patricia Ludwig, a doctor for supernatural beings, in three episodes of “True Blood.” She first appeared in Season 2 on the episode “Scratches,” and later worked on the drama series’ fourth and seventh seasons. Her other television credits include “St. Elsewhere,” “The Fall Guy” and “Schoooled.”
On the film side, de Rousse worked on the 2003 dramedy “Tiptoes,” starring Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Patricia Arquette, Matthew McConaughey and Peter Dinklage. She played Kathleen in the film.
De Rousse made her feature film debut as a Hotel Rainbow guest in 1981’s “Under the Rainbow,” directed by Steve Rash. Set in 1938, the...
De Rousse was born in Doniphan, Mo., and graduated from the University of Missouri.
She was known for her role as Dr. Patricia Ludwig, a doctor for supernatural beings, in three episodes of “True Blood.” She first appeared in Season 2 on the episode “Scratches,” and later worked on the drama series’ fourth and seventh seasons. Her other television credits include “St. Elsewhere,” “The Fall Guy” and “Schoooled.”
On the film side, de Rousse worked on the 2003 dramedy “Tiptoes,” starring Gary Oldman, Kate Beckinsale, Patricia Arquette, Matthew McConaughey and Peter Dinklage. She played Kathleen in the film.
De Rousse made her feature film debut as a Hotel Rainbow guest in 1981’s “Under the Rainbow,” directed by Steve Rash. Set in 1938, the...
- 9/4/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
The company has boarded star-powered French features ‘Take Me Home’ and ’Under The Rainbow’.
Newen Connect, the international sales arm of the Tfi Group’s Newen Studios, has snapped up rights to star-powered French features Take Me Home and Under the Rainbow and will kick off sales in Cannes. Both will be released in France by Ugc Distribution.
Take Me Home is the first feature from directing duo Karine Blanc and Michel Tavares and stars Clovis Cornillac, alongside Eyé Haïdara in a story about a struggling country singer who moves with her children to a mountain village and turns the...
Newen Connect, the international sales arm of the Tfi Group’s Newen Studios, has snapped up rights to star-powered French features Take Me Home and Under the Rainbow and will kick off sales in Cannes. Both will be released in France by Ugc Distribution.
Take Me Home is the first feature from directing duo Karine Blanc and Michel Tavares and stars Clovis Cornillac, alongside Eyé Haïdara in a story about a struggling country singer who moves with her children to a mountain village and turns the...
- 5/11/2023
- by Rebecca Leffler
- ScreenDaily
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon was announced in 1973 at a press conference held at the London Planetarium, a spectral site which mirrored the album cover’s beam of light refracted through a triangle into a rainbow. Perhaps the iconic prismatic image provided the initial idea for fans to sync the classic film The Wizard of Oz (1939) to the album’s rock soundscape.
The band’s history with movies is vast and varied. They scored films in the aftermath of the demise and departure of the band’s founder, Syd Barrett. The success of Dark Side of the Moon also helped the group become motion picture producers, investing in the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Wall, directed by Alan Parker and starring Bob Geldof, pushed boundaries and redefined a rock opera on film. And while the bassist/vocalist/songwriter Roger Waters didn’t let Stanley Kubrick...
The band’s history with movies is vast and varied. They scored films in the aftermath of the demise and departure of the band’s founder, Syd Barrett. The success of Dark Side of the Moon also helped the group become motion picture producers, investing in the 1975 comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail. The Wall, directed by Alan Parker and starring Bob Geldof, pushed boundaries and redefined a rock opera on film. And while the bassist/vocalist/songwriter Roger Waters didn’t let Stanley Kubrick...
- 3/13/2023
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
On April 14, years after first hinting they were coming, Neil Young is finally releasing two Seventies concert bootlegs. The first one, High Flyin’, is a series of recordings from his 1977 under-the-radar Santa Monica, California summer club tour with the Ducks, a supergroup of sorts featuring bassist Bob Mosley from Moby Grape, guitarist Jeff Blackburn, and drummer Johnny Craviotto. Check out a preview of “Little Wing” right here.
The Ducks never played outside Santa Cruz, and all four members took turns singing lead. Their sets only featured a handful of Young originals,...
The Ducks never played outside Santa Cruz, and all four members took turns singing lead. Their sets only featured a handful of Young originals,...
- 3/3/2023
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Paris-based banner Loco Films will be hitting the European Film Market with mix of French and international movies, including the Berlinale Panorama title “Property,” as well as “Grand Expectations” and “Like An Actress.”
“Property,” which marks the sophomore outing of Brazilian helmer Daniel Bandeira, is a survival thriller lensed Pedro Sotero, the cinematographer of Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “Bacurau” and “Aquarius.” The sole Brazilian movie competing at the Berlin Film Festival, “Territory” follows Teresa, who flees her family estate in an armored car after rebelling workers start occupying it. She’s trapped, but refuses to negotiate, prompting a collision between two universes.
Laurent Danielou at Loco Films pointed Bandeira was part of the collective Recife alongside Mendonça Filho with whom he teamed on his first short film “Little Cotton Girl.” “Property” is produced by Simio Filmes and Vilarejo Filmes whose credits include other politically minded films such as “Aquarius.”
“‘Property...
“Property,” which marks the sophomore outing of Brazilian helmer Daniel Bandeira, is a survival thriller lensed Pedro Sotero, the cinematographer of Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “Bacurau” and “Aquarius.” The sole Brazilian movie competing at the Berlin Film Festival, “Territory” follows Teresa, who flees her family estate in an armored car after rebelling workers start occupying it. She’s trapped, but refuses to negotiate, prompting a collision between two universes.
Laurent Danielou at Loco Films pointed Bandeira was part of the collective Recife alongside Mendonça Filho with whom he teamed on his first short film “Little Cotton Girl.” “Property” is produced by Simio Filmes and Vilarejo Filmes whose credits include other politically minded films such as “Aquarius.”
“‘Property...
- 2/9/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: George Robinson, the star of Netflix’s Sex Education, is attached to headline the movie Still Life based on the award-winning Texas Monthly 2009 article of the same name written by Skip Hollandsworth.
Still Life tells the true story of John McClamrock, to be played by Robinson, and his mother Ann. The two made a life together within the walls of their small Dallas home after John was paralyzed by an errant tackle on a Dallas high school football field in 1973. John McClamrock’s story garnered worldwide attention and support.
The film will be produced by Jim Whitaker and Jeff Sussman and directed by Samantha Buck and Marie Schlingmann. Scott Brown, Texas Monthly president, Megan Creydt of Texas Monthly, and Kevin James are EPs.
The screenplay, originally by Jon Boyer and rewritten by Buck and Schlingmann, is based closely on the article as well as personal accounts from the McClamrock family.
Still Life tells the true story of John McClamrock, to be played by Robinson, and his mother Ann. The two made a life together within the walls of their small Dallas home after John was paralyzed by an errant tackle on a Dallas high school football field in 1973. John McClamrock’s story garnered worldwide attention and support.
The film will be produced by Jim Whitaker and Jeff Sussman and directed by Samantha Buck and Marie Schlingmann. Scott Brown, Texas Monthly president, Megan Creydt of Texas Monthly, and Kevin James are EPs.
The screenplay, originally by Jon Boyer and rewritten by Buck and Schlingmann, is based closely on the article as well as personal accounts from the McClamrock family.
- 3/9/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Gruff French actor and screenwriter known as the ‘tenderest of our grouches’
Any admirer of French cinema over the past 40 years will have developed a soft spot for the hangdog looks and gruff, rumpled charm of the actor Jean-Pierre Bacri, who has died aged 69 of cancer. In the tradition of Walter Matthau, he brought sympathetic comic shading to even the most irredeemable worrywart or miseryguts. His speciality was a saturnine impatience with life that was nonetheless susceptible to glimmers of optimism; he could mope and hope with equal conviction. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, praised his “laconic and sensitive humanity”, calling him “the tenderest of our grouches”.
Those qualities were present also in Bacri’s award-winning screenplays, written mostly with his longtime partner Agnès Jaoui; their collaboration outlived the end of their relationship in 2012. They co-wrote and starred in a series of urbane and insightful comedies of manners, which Jaoui also directed,...
Any admirer of French cinema over the past 40 years will have developed a soft spot for the hangdog looks and gruff, rumpled charm of the actor Jean-Pierre Bacri, who has died aged 69 of cancer. In the tradition of Walter Matthau, he brought sympathetic comic shading to even the most irredeemable worrywart or miseryguts. His speciality was a saturnine impatience with life that was nonetheless susceptible to glimmers of optimism; he could mope and hope with equal conviction. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, praised his “laconic and sensitive humanity”, calling him “the tenderest of our grouches”.
Those qualities were present also in Bacri’s award-winning screenplays, written mostly with his longtime partner Agnès Jaoui; their collaboration outlived the end of their relationship in 2012. They co-wrote and starred in a series of urbane and insightful comedies of manners, which Jaoui also directed,...
- 1/27/2021
- by Ryan Gilbey
- The Guardian - Film News
Welcome to The B-Side, from The Film Stage. Here we talk about movie stars and not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones they made in between.
Today, we celebrate royalty. Carrie Fisher had an eclectic career, to say the very least. From her tumultuous childhood with mother Debbie Reynolds to her young career defined as Princess Leia to her final stage as an accomplished writer and advocate for those struggling with depression. Conor O’Donnell and I are joined by Courtney Enlow, associate editor of Syfy Wire fangirls and the co-host on podcasts Trends Like These and Strong Female Characters.
The B-Sides discussed include Under The Rainbow, Garbo Talks, Hollywood Vice Squad, The Time Guardian, Appointment With Death, and She’s Back. Carrie had a long, B-Sidey 80s folks! Of course, Postcards From The Edge comes up, as does Carrie Fisher’s final book...
Today, we celebrate royalty. Carrie Fisher had an eclectic career, to say the very least. From her tumultuous childhood with mother Debbie Reynolds to her young career defined as Princess Leia to her final stage as an accomplished writer and advocate for those struggling with depression. Conor O’Donnell and I are joined by Courtney Enlow, associate editor of Syfy Wire fangirls and the co-host on podcasts Trends Like These and Strong Female Characters.
The B-Sides discussed include Under The Rainbow, Garbo Talks, Hollywood Vice Squad, The Time Guardian, Appointment With Death, and She’s Back. Carrie had a long, B-Sidey 80s folks! Of course, Postcards From The Edge comes up, as does Carrie Fisher’s final book...
- 12/19/2019
- by Dan Mecca
- The Film Stage
Chevy Chase celebrates his 75th birthday on October 8, 2018. Known for his smug, bemused sense of humor, the actor has become famous for a series of highly profitable comedies. In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look back at 12 of his greatest films, ranked worst to best.
Born in New York in 1943, Chase turned to comedy after a series of odd jobs. After a short stint with the “National Lampoon,” he shot to stardom in 1975 as one of the original Not Ready for Primetime Players on “Saturday Night Live.” In its first season, Chase became famous both for his pratfalls and his Gerald Ford impersonation. He was also the initial host of “Weekend Update,” starting each week with the catchphrase, “I’m Chevy Chase, and you’re not.”
After winning Emmys for writing and performing in 1976, Chase left “SNL” after one year to pursue a movie career (he was...
Born in New York in 1943, Chase turned to comedy after a series of odd jobs. After a short stint with the “National Lampoon,” he shot to stardom in 1975 as one of the original Not Ready for Primetime Players on “Saturday Night Live.” In its first season, Chase became famous both for his pratfalls and his Gerald Ford impersonation. He was also the initial host of “Weekend Update,” starting each week with the catchphrase, “I’m Chevy Chase, and you’re not.”
After winning Emmys for writing and performing in 1976, Chase left “SNL” after one year to pursue a movie career (he was...
- 10/8/2018
- by Zach Laws and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Actress Debbie Lee Carrington, a little person who appeared in the original Total Recall as part of the Martian rebels and in Star Wars as an ewok, among other TV and film appearances, has died. She was 58 and died in her sleep from undetermined causes, according to her sister, Cathy Ellis.
Carrington was born on December 14, 1959 in San Jose, California. Standing just 3 feet, 10 inches tall upon maturity, Carrington was a cheerleader in high school and played Sancho Panza in a production of Man of La Mancha her junior year, igniting her passion for acting.
While attending the University of California-Davis, she saw an ad in the Little People of America magazine about the search for extras for Chevy Chase’s Under the Rainbow, a film which was loosely based on the little people who auditioned for roles as Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.
Carrington scored a role, and...
Carrington was born on December 14, 1959 in San Jose, California. Standing just 3 feet, 10 inches tall upon maturity, Carrington was a cheerleader in high school and played Sancho Panza in a production of Man of La Mancha her junior year, igniting her passion for acting.
While attending the University of California-Davis, she saw an ad in the Little People of America magazine about the search for extras for Chevy Chase’s Under the Rainbow, a film which was loosely based on the little people who auditioned for roles as Munchkins in The Wizard of Oz.
Carrington scored a role, and...
- 3/30/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Deborah Carrington, an actress and stuntwoman who appeared in “Men in Black” and “Total Recall,” died on March 23 at her parents’ home in Pleasanton, Calif. She was 58.
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Carrington, whose stage name was Debbie Lee Carrington, may be best known for her performance as Thumbelina in 1990’s “Total Recall,” where she played a prostitute. In one of the film’s more violent scenes, she stabbed one of the villains before shooting at police with a machine gun. As a little person, she often played a stuntwoman for child actors, including in “Titanic” and the “Child’s Play” series. Carrington also took on a number of costumed roles across film and TV, from characters in several “Star Wars” films and “Men in Black.”
Born in San Jose, Calif., in 1959, Carrington attended University of California, Davis until she answered a casting advertisement by Little People of America...
The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Carrington, whose stage name was Debbie Lee Carrington, may be best known for her performance as Thumbelina in 1990’s “Total Recall,” where she played a prostitute. In one of the film’s more violent scenes, she stabbed one of the villains before shooting at police with a machine gun. As a little person, she often played a stuntwoman for child actors, including in “Titanic” and the “Child’s Play” series. Carrington also took on a number of costumed roles across film and TV, from characters in several “Star Wars” films and “Men in Black.”
Born in San Jose, Calif., in 1959, Carrington attended University of California, Davis until she answered a casting advertisement by Little People of America...
- 3/29/2018
- by Kirsten Chuba
- Variety Film + TV
2016 claimed a long list of entertainers, but the grim reaper’s most unexpected one-two punch came between the final two holidays with the death of movie icons Carrie Fisher on December 12 and her mother Debbie Reynolds a mere 36 hours later. With the premiere of the documentary about the pair, “Bright Lights” on HBO this weekend, we at the Geeks site thought we should take a look at their considerable contributions to film.
Let’s start with Carrie, who was born in Hollywood, USA on October 21, 1956, the daughter of Debbie and singer/actor Eddie Fisher. She appeared on stage with her mother throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s, even getting her first small screen credit in the 1969 TV movie “Debbie Reynolds and the Sound of Children”. It wasn’t until 1975, when she would make her big screen debut opposite Warren Beatty (quite an arrival) in Hal Ashby’s hit Shampoo.
Let’s start with Carrie, who was born in Hollywood, USA on October 21, 1956, the daughter of Debbie and singer/actor Eddie Fisher. She appeared on stage with her mother throughout the late 60’s and early 70’s, even getting her first small screen credit in the 1969 TV movie “Debbie Reynolds and the Sound of Children”. It wasn’t until 1975, when she would make her big screen debut opposite Warren Beatty (quite an arrival) in Hal Ashby’s hit Shampoo.
- 1/8/2017
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
It’s been two weeks since the mysterious rainbow lights appeared above America’s strangest small town, but with Sammy and Ben experiencing one of the weirdest nights in King Falls yet, the UFOs are only one of several startling topics covered in the latest broadcast of King Falls Am.
Hosted by Sammy Stevens and Ben Arnold, King Falls Am is a late-night radio talk show that broadcasts out of small-town America and covers a wide range of strange topics that are right at home on Daily Dead. Expect to hear new broadcasts of the show around the 1st and 15th of every month, and you can listen to the latest broadcast right now!
Don’t live in King Falls? No worries. You can listen to Sammy and Ben discuss the eerie events of their supernatural-charged town on both the audioBoom Network and iTunes.
Episode Twenty-Two – “Somewhere Under The Rainbow...
Hosted by Sammy Stevens and Ben Arnold, King Falls Am is a late-night radio talk show that broadcasts out of small-town America and covers a wide range of strange topics that are right at home on Daily Dead. Expect to hear new broadcasts of the show around the 1st and 15th of every month, and you can listen to the latest broadcast right now!
Don’t live in King Falls? No worries. You can listen to Sammy and Ben discuss the eerie events of their supernatural-charged town on both the audioBoom Network and iTunes.
Episode Twenty-Two – “Somewhere Under The Rainbow...
- 3/16/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Quick…name a favorable film where the landscape is run by (or at least partially include) the demographic of little people as part of the instrumental storyline? C’mon…it should not be that difficult, okay? If you want to mention say Darby O’Gill and the Little People then that would fine. How about Bad Santa or Poltergeist for that matter?
In That’s Good Enough, Short Stuff: Top Ten Films Featuring Little People we will take a look at some of the mini megastars that inhabited these movies and contributed their fair share of entertainment value to the on-screen proceedings. The debate as to whether some of these selected films featuring these pint-sized performers are considered positive, exploitative or dismissive are not up for discussion (although one of these considerations could apply in the minds of a few folks). Instead, we want to celebrate the inclusion of...
In That’s Good Enough, Short Stuff: Top Ten Films Featuring Little People we will take a look at some of the mini megastars that inhabited these movies and contributed their fair share of entertainment value to the on-screen proceedings. The debate as to whether some of these selected films featuring these pint-sized performers are considered positive, exploitative or dismissive are not up for discussion (although one of these considerations could apply in the minds of a few folks). Instead, we want to celebrate the inclusion of...
- 1/26/2015
- by Frank Ochieng
- SoundOnSight
★★★☆☆A Parisian romantic comedy sprinkled with more than a touch of whimsy, Agnès Jaoui's Under the Rainbow (2013) reaches for an Allen-like vibe amongst its array of love-starved characters but only partly succeeds in achieving this. Laura (Agathe Bonitzer) has a reoccurring dream where she is living a fairytale existence which ends with a Prince Charming figure waiting for her. That longing to be swept up in a full-blown romance is sated in meeting young composer Sandro (Arthur Dupont). The extent of their whirlwind courtship is revealed to family members on both sides during a soirée at Laura's father's luxurious home, where the story splinters and we meet Laura's aunt Marianne (Jaoui), an actress.
- 8/12/2014
- by CineVue UK
- CineVue
Ruth Robinson Duccini, the last of the original female Munchkins from the 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz, has died. She was 95. With her death, only one actor who played one of the original 124 Munchkins in the movie remains alive. Duccini died of natural causes in Solari Hospice Care Center in Las Vegas on Thursday. Her death was confirmed by Stephen Cox, author of The Munchkins of Oz. He says he learned of it from Duccini's son. Duccini, born in Rush City, Minn., traveled to California with a troupe little people, and was cast in the MGM fantasy movie starring Judy Garland.
- 1/17/2014
- by Associated Press
- PEOPLE.com
Las Vegas (AP) - Ruth Robinson Duccini, the last of the original female Munchkins from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz," has died. She was 95.
With her death, only one actor who played one of the original 124 Munchkins in the movie remains alive.
Duccini died of natural causes in Solari Hospice Care Center in Las Vegas on Thursday.
Her death was confirmed by Stephen Cox, author of "The Munchkins of Oz." He says he learned of it from Duccini's son.
Duccini, born in Rush City, Minn., traveled to California with a troupe little people, and was cast in the MGM fantasy movie starring Judy Garland. Duccini was 4 feet tall.
Cox provided a recent statement made by Duccini about her time on the movie set.
"It was long hours and heavy costumes. We didn't have much time for ourselves. It was all new to me then, and I loved being a...
With her death, only one actor who played one of the original 124 Munchkins in the movie remains alive.
Duccini died of natural causes in Solari Hospice Care Center in Las Vegas on Thursday.
Her death was confirmed by Stephen Cox, author of "The Munchkins of Oz." He says he learned of it from Duccini's son.
Duccini, born in Rush City, Minn., traveled to California with a troupe little people, and was cast in the MGM fantasy movie starring Judy Garland. Duccini was 4 feet tall.
Cox provided a recent statement made by Duccini about her time on the movie set.
"It was long hours and heavy costumes. We didn't have much time for ourselves. It was all new to me then, and I loved being a...
- 1/17/2014
- by The Associated Press
- Moviefone
So it’s a bit early, but if any motion picture deserves a year-long celebration it’s this one. This weekend, film goers are getting a true treat. The 1939 (August to be exact) classic The Wizard Of Oz is back on Imax screens and in 3D for the very first time. Sure most of you have seen it on cable TV or on home video, but an opportunity to see this gem on the big screen should not be passed up. I mean this is a film that has become a huge part of our culture . The movie itself is legendary as are the stories about its making. There’s even a feature film comedy (Under The Rainbow) that’s set backstage (but I wouldn’t consider that Chevy Chase flick a classic).
Since I’m sure you’re familiar with the plot, lets’ talk about some of the backstage stories.
Since I’m sure you’re familiar with the plot, lets’ talk about some of the backstage stories.
- 9/20/2013
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Chicago – The 2013 Chicago International Film Festival is almost here and the programmers have unveiled their first slate of titles, including hits from other festivals like “Blue is the Warmest Color,” “Heli,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.” The 49th annual fest runs from October 10-24, 2013. Official, Ciff-provided descriptions below of what we know will play there so far:
Big Bad Wolves (Directors: Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado • Israel): When the lead suspect in a brutal child murder is released due to a police blunder, a vigilante police detective and a grieving father take the law into their own hands in this fantastically intense, darkly funny revenge thriller from one of the pioneers of Israeli horror cinema.
Blue is the Warmest Color (Director: Abdellatif Kechiche • France): Teenager Adèle’s life is turned upside down the night she meets blue-haired Emma in this scandalous winner of the top prize at Cannes.
Big Bad Wolves (Directors: Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado • Israel): When the lead suspect in a brutal child murder is released due to a police blunder, a vigilante police detective and a grieving father take the law into their own hands in this fantastically intense, darkly funny revenge thriller from one of the pioneers of Israeli horror cinema.
Blue is the Warmest Color (Director: Abdellatif Kechiche • France): Teenager Adèle’s life is turned upside down the night she meets blue-haired Emma in this scandalous winner of the top prize at Cannes.
- 8/19/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Title: Au bout du conte (Under the rainbow) Director: Agnès Jaoui Starring: Agnès Jaoui, Agathe Bonitzer, Arthur Dupont, Jean-Pierre Bacri, Agnes Jaoui, Benjamin Biolay Fairytales can be mocked, warped and actualised, leading to outstanding results. The ultimate movie shot by Oscar-nominated Agnès Jaoui attempts to play around with these archetypes, but the results aren’t so successful. ‘Au bout du conte’ – which literally means at the beginning of a tale, but has been translated to ‘Under the rainbow’ (probably to tease the ‘Over the Rainbow’ fantastic interregnum) – opens with a dream sequence that sets the stage for its fantasy-tinged storyline about an innocent twenty year old sophisticated girl, Laura (Agathe [ Read More ]
The post Au bout du conte (Under the rainbow) Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Au bout du conte (Under the rainbow) Movie Review appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 5/31/2013
- by Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
- ShockYa
With Oz: The Great and Powerful hitting movie theaters today and having just remembered one of the all time greats The Wizard of Oz with the season premiere of "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" I thought we'd honor the land of Oz, the now 113 year old creation of L Frank Baum with this week's edition of Posterized.
The Wizard of Oz (1939), Journey Back to Oz (1974), The Wiz (1978)
Under the Rainbow (1981), Return to Oz (1985), Wild at Heart (1990)
Wicked (stage musical, 2004), The Muppets Wizard of Oz (2005), Tin Man (miniseries, 2011)
I'm sure I'm missing some titles that spin heavily from the Oz myth but I came up with nine entertainments, preceding Oz: The Great and Powerful so let's discuss. (If you can think of more like Wild at Heart or Under the Rainbow that trade heavily on Oz imagery or history, without being 'Land of Oz' films, do share.)
How many have you seen?...
The Wizard of Oz (1939), Journey Back to Oz (1974), The Wiz (1978)
Under the Rainbow (1981), Return to Oz (1985), Wild at Heart (1990)
Wicked (stage musical, 2004), The Muppets Wizard of Oz (2005), Tin Man (miniseries, 2011)
I'm sure I'm missing some titles that spin heavily from the Oz myth but I came up with nine entertainments, preceding Oz: The Great and Powerful so let's discuss. (If you can think of more like Wild at Heart or Under the Rainbow that trade heavily on Oz imagery or history, without being 'Land of Oz' films, do share.)
How many have you seen?...
- 3/8/2013
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Writer/Director: Pablo Berger
Featuring: Maribel Verdú, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ángela Molina, Sofia Oria, Macarena Garcia
Blancanieves, Pablo Berger's silent, black-and-white adaptation of "Snow White," is everything Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is not: funny and poignant by turns, equal parts grotesque and romantic, visually enthralling, with a sting in the tail. There's passion and magic in every crisply composed 1:33 frame. Forget CGI witches, leather jerkins and steampunk pistols, this is the way a Brothers Grimm fairy tale should be brought to the screen.
In this iteration, Snow White is Carmen, born as the only child of a champion bullfighter and a beautiful flamenco dancer in 1920s Andalusia. A dramatic accident in the arena leaves her mother dead and her father, Antonio (Daniel Giménez Cacho), comatose. Enter Encarna (Maribel Verdú), an ambitious nurse who sets her sights on becoming the bullfighter's next wife. She bullies him into...
Featuring: Maribel Verdú, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Ángela Molina, Sofia Oria, Macarena Garcia
Blancanieves, Pablo Berger's silent, black-and-white adaptation of "Snow White," is everything Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters is not: funny and poignant by turns, equal parts grotesque and romantic, visually enthralling, with a sting in the tail. There's passion and magic in every crisply composed 1:33 frame. Forget CGI witches, leather jerkins and steampunk pistols, this is the way a Brothers Grimm fairy tale should be brought to the screen.
In this iteration, Snow White is Carmen, born as the only child of a champion bullfighter and a beautiful flamenco dancer in 1920s Andalusia. A dramatic accident in the arena leaves her mother dead and her father, Antonio (Daniel Giménez Cacho), comatose. Enter Encarna (Maribel Verdú), an ambitious nurse who sets her sights on becoming the bullfighter's next wife. She bullies him into...
- 1/16/2013
- by Karina Wilson
- Planet Fury
Because, looking forward, 2013 promises to be such a fruitful cornucopia of cinema, we were excited to be able to easily list an additional 100 titles we are eagerly looking forward to catching in the new year. From these 200-101 titles, we’re happy to list several projects featuring the extremely busy Isabelle Huppert, include two English language projects, Ned Benson’s split film project The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby His/Hers and the Niels Arden Oplev film, Dead Man Down (and don’t forget her French projects, a starring turn in Serge Bozon’s followup, Tip Top as well as Guillaume Nicloux’s The Religious).
Additionally, the horror genre should be extremely noteworthy in the coming year, with new projects from Neil Marshall (The Descent), Alexandre Aja (High Tension), Fabrice Du Welz (Calvaire), Lucky McKee (May) and directing team Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury (Inside). We’ve got two Australian beauties playing...
Additionally, the horror genre should be extremely noteworthy in the coming year, with new projects from Neil Marshall (The Descent), Alexandre Aja (High Tension), Fabrice Du Welz (Calvaire), Lucky McKee (May) and directing team Alexandre Bustillo & Julien Maury (Inside). We’ve got two Australian beauties playing...
- 1/10/2013
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Shorts Program 8: Horror Shorts includes 8 individual short films of various styles, for a total running time of 95 minutes. Played consecutively, these films offer a broad and entertaining showcase for independent horror filmmakers in the St. Louis area.
The Cask Of Amontillado (13 minutes)
Directed by Hugo Fleming, The Cask Of Amontillado is a tale of revenge, based on the story by Edgar Allen Poe. Two men (Mark Bunch and Billy Benner), with their minds altered by the effects of Budweiser 40s, wander deep into a subterranean realm, whereas only would may ultimately return. The film is more of a operatic ode to Poe, that a traditional narrative film. The Cask Of Amontillado contains no dialogue, instead told entirely by the very words of Poe himself. Illustrated by a haunting piano and vocal score (Somewhere Under the Rainbow, written and performed by Heather Rice) that draws on the dark heart of Poe’s literary horror.
The Cask Of Amontillado (13 minutes)
Directed by Hugo Fleming, The Cask Of Amontillado is a tale of revenge, based on the story by Edgar Allen Poe. Two men (Mark Bunch and Billy Benner), with their minds altered by the effects of Budweiser 40s, wander deep into a subterranean realm, whereas only would may ultimately return. The film is more of a operatic ode to Poe, that a traditional narrative film. The Cask Of Amontillado contains no dialogue, instead told entirely by the very words of Poe himself. Illustrated by a haunting piano and vocal score (Somewhere Under the Rainbow, written and performed by Heather Rice) that draws on the dark heart of Poe’s literary horror.
- 8/16/2011
- by Travis Keune
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Fred Weekend Shopping Guide - your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Like Citizen Kane and Casablanca, the original King Kong (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 Srp) is one of the many gems in the Warner Bros. library. While we don’t have our high definition Kane yet, the restoration and mastering done on this new Kong is simply breathtaking, and give me high hopes for their treatment of Welles’ legendary flick. Bonus features on this new edition include an audio commentary,...
(Please support Fred by using the links below to make any impulse purchases - it helps to keep us going…)
Like Citizen Kane and Casablanca, the original King Kong (Warner Bros., Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$34.98 Srp) is one of the many gems in the Warner Bros. library. While we don’t have our high definition Kane yet, the restoration and mastering done on this new Kong is simply breathtaking, and give me high hopes for their treatment of Welles’ legendary flick. Bonus features on this new edition include an audio commentary,...
- 10/1/2010
- by UncaScroogeMcD
I saw Carrie Fisher's one woman show Wishful Drinking on its closing weekend so I didn't write about it. I didn't want to recommend something that was unable to be seen. However, if you're in the New York/New Jersey area, you have one last chance to see it live. She's filming it for posterity in June.
Here's the info.
No word yet on exactly what it's for. I suspect some sort of pay cable airing. Maybe short theatrical?
The show is very funny whether you're into self-deprecated celebrity wit, Old Hollywood lore or Star Wars trivia. The highlight of the show for me was an absurd celebrity genealogy chart that springs from one of Hollywood's most legendary scandals: the breakup of Carrie's parents Eddie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds ("America's Sweetheart") once La Liz wanted Eddie for herself.
Fisher also picks at Princess Leia like a scab. I'm sure the...
Here's the info.
No word yet on exactly what it's for. I suspect some sort of pay cable airing. Maybe short theatrical?
The show is very funny whether you're into self-deprecated celebrity wit, Old Hollywood lore or Star Wars trivia. The highlight of the show for me was an absurd celebrity genealogy chart that springs from one of Hollywood's most legendary scandals: the breakup of Carrie's parents Eddie Fisher & Debbie Reynolds ("America's Sweetheart") once La Liz wanted Eddie for herself.
Fisher also picks at Princess Leia like a scab. I'm sure the...
- 5/16/2010
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Horror fanatics are still buzzing like chainsaws over the Academy Awards’ genre montage. Anywhere there could be a conversation about it online, there was one. Many were upset over the Twilight ‘tweens’ participation, as if their mere presence sent a message about the state of scary in Hollyweird, USA.
A few seemed happy, though, to just get a glimpse of their beloved Evil Dead and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 if only for a few seconds. But many called the selections generic and thoughtless, demanding the likes of Demons and TerrorVision instead (well, maybe not TerrorVision; that was just me).
How about Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer? Re-Animator? It’s Alive? Tombs of the Blind Dead? Coffin Joe? No list is perfect, but with a bit more care and a phone call to any one of us, the Oscars could have elevated that section into a real scream. Or maybe they...
A few seemed happy, though, to just get a glimpse of their beloved Evil Dead and Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 if only for a few seconds. But many called the selections generic and thoughtless, demanding the likes of Demons and TerrorVision instead (well, maybe not TerrorVision; that was just me).
How about Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer? Re-Animator? It’s Alive? Tombs of the Blind Dead? Coffin Joe? No list is perfect, but with a bit more care and a phone call to any one of us, the Oscars could have elevated that section into a real scream. Or maybe they...
- 3/9/2010
- by Heather Buckley
- DreadCentral.com
Character actress Zelda Rubinstein was best known for her role in the 1982 horror film Poltergeist. She starred as psychic Tangina Barrons, who’s small stature and childlike voice added more chills to the 1982 horror film about demonic forces at a suburban home. She reprised her role in the two sequels Poltergeist II: The Other Side (1986) and Poltergeist III (1988).
Rubinstein was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 28, 1933. She worked as a medical technician, before embarking upon an acting career in the early 1980s. the 4′3″ actress was cast in the 1981 film Under the Rainbow, and she became an outspoken critic of the way little people portraying Munchkins in the film were depicted. She soon formed the Michael Dunn Memorial Repertory Theater Company in Los Angeles to give acting opportunities to other little people.
Though of small size, she also made a large impression in the films Anguish (1987), Teen Witch (1989), Guilty as Charged...
Rubinstein was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on May 28, 1933. She worked as a medical technician, before embarking upon an acting career in the early 1980s. the 4′3″ actress was cast in the 1981 film Under the Rainbow, and she became an outspoken critic of the way little people portraying Munchkins in the film were depicted. She soon formed the Michael Dunn Memorial Repertory Theater Company in Los Angeles to give acting opportunities to other little people.
Though of small size, she also made a large impression in the films Anguish (1987), Teen Witch (1989), Guilty as Charged...
- 2/12/2010
- by Harris Lentz
- FamousMonsters of Filmland
Actress Zelda Rubinstein, best known for her role as a psychic "house cleaner" in Tobe Hooper's Poltergeist and its sequels, passed away Wednesday at the age of 76. Rubenstein also had a memorable role on TV's "Picket Fences" and appeared in films like Sixteen Candles, Teen Witch, Southland Tales, and Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
According to the La Times, Rubinstein died from natural causes at Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles. She had been suffering health issues since at least December, when she was reportedly taken off of life support.
The diminutive actress had enjoyed a steady career in television and film, although she didn't make her acting debut until 1980, when she was already in her 40s. Her first film role was in Under the Rainbow, a comedy about aspiring little people actors starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher. The film earned pans and two Razzie nominations,...
According to the La Times, Rubinstein died from natural causes at Barlow Respiratory Hospital in Los Angeles. She had been suffering health issues since at least December, when she was reportedly taken off of life support.
The diminutive actress had enjoyed a steady career in television and film, although she didn't make her acting debut until 1980, when she was already in her 40s. Her first film role was in Under the Rainbow, a comedy about aspiring little people actors starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher. The film earned pans and two Razzie nominations,...
- 1/28/2010
- by Jen Yamato
- Cinematical
She was only 4ft 3 inches, but made a great impact as the medium in Tobe Hooper’s Poltergeist way back in the early 1980s. Her role as the psychic helping the family appeared in the two sequels, also. The actress suffered a heart attack and died at L.A.’s Barlow Respiratory Hospital. She was 76 years old.
Her other screen appearances included Sixteen Candles and Southland Tales. Coming to the public’s attention later on in her life – she made her debut in 1981’s Under the Rainbow – her distinct squeaky, yet, calm voice and small height made her instantly recognisable. She was even parodied by Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
But it will always be her role as Tangina in the Poltergeist movies that people will remember her by. Her other interests including campaigning and charity work for a range of causes in including AIDS awareness and setting...
Her other screen appearances included Sixteen Candles and Southland Tales. Coming to the public’s attention later on in her life – she made her debut in 1981’s Under the Rainbow – her distinct squeaky, yet, calm voice and small height made her instantly recognisable. She was even parodied by Jim Carrey in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective.
But it will always be her role as Tangina in the Poltergeist movies that people will remember her by. Her other interests including campaigning and charity work for a range of causes in including AIDS awareness and setting...
- 1/28/2010
- by Martyn Conterio
- FilmShaft.com
Zelda Rubinstein, best known for her role as Poltergeist's diminutive psychic, has died in Los Angeles. She was 76. The actress, who died at Barlow Respiratory Hospital after suffering a recent heart attack, made her screen debut in Chevy Chase's 1981 screwball farce Under The Rainbow. It was a year later, though, that she landed the part she'll be best remembered as Tangina Barrons, the Freeling family's guide to the spirit world in Poltergeist.The New Yorker's Pauline Kael enthused that Tangina "gives the movie new life, and she makes a large chunk of it work. . . . She emanates the eerie calm of someone who is used to dealing with tricky, deceiving ghosts."Rubinstein went on to reprise the role in Poltergeist 2: The Other Side and Poltergeist 3. She also appeared in John Hughes' coming-of-age comedy Sixteen Candles, Teen Witch and most recently Southland Tales. The character actress was...
- 1/28/2010
- EmpireOnline
Zelda Rubinstein, the actress best known for her portrayal of Tangina Barrons Poltergeist has passed away at the age of 76. Rubinstein was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center about two months ago after suffering a mild heart attack, and taken off of life support just prior to New Years. Zelda worked as a medical lab technician before launching her acting career in her 40s, and made her film debut in the 1981 Chevy Chase comedy Under the Rainbow . The prolific actress accumulated a huge list of film credits which included Frances , Sixteen Candles , Teen Witch , Anguish and most recently Behind The Mask: The Rise Of Leslie Vernon and Southland Tales . She was also involved in plenty of activist work, such as forming the nonprofit Michael Dunn Memorial...
- 1/27/2010
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Victor Fleming directed two of the greatest films ever, The Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind. Yet he has rarely been given credit for their success. As the first critical biography of him is released, Philip French reassesses the legacy of the combative and intruiging director who created film magic with Judy Garland, Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh
Seventy years ago, on 15 December 1939, one of Hollywood's most legendary movies, Gone With the Wind, a celebration of what the American South endured as a result of the Civil War, had its whites-only world premiere in Atlanta, Georgia. Its stars were there – Vivien Leigh, who played the brave, capricious, head-strong, thrice married heroine Scarlett O'Hara, and Clark Gable, Hollywood's democratically elected king, who played the handsome, pragmatic hero Rhett Butler; and also present, of course, was its producer, the "boy wonder" David O Selznick, who had been developing the film for three years,...
Seventy years ago, on 15 December 1939, one of Hollywood's most legendary movies, Gone With the Wind, a celebration of what the American South endured as a result of the Civil War, had its whites-only world premiere in Atlanta, Georgia. Its stars were there – Vivien Leigh, who played the brave, capricious, head-strong, thrice married heroine Scarlett O'Hara, and Clark Gable, Hollywood's democratically elected king, who played the handsome, pragmatic hero Rhett Butler; and also present, of course, was its producer, the "boy wonder" David O Selznick, who had been developing the film for three years,...
- 12/27/2009
- by Philip French
- The Guardian - Film News
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