February 28, 2019

HAUNTED MAN BLU

New release: Kino Lorber continues its wave of cool cult classics (see the OSS 117 and Fantomas collections) with the upcoming blu-ray release of The Man Who Haunted Himself. Based on the novel The Strange Case of Mr. Pelham by Anthony Armstrong, this 1970 film starring Roger Moore centers around a man whose life fractures in terrifying ways ala Jekyll and Hyde (or Fight Club) after a high-speed car accident. Moore essentially played two roles -conflicting versions of the same man- that are thrown into a savage and suspenseful crisis. Spy Vibers who are used to seeing Moore as The Saint and James Bond will enjoy watching him stretch into deeper emotions on screen  The story was originally adapted as an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents in 1955, starring Tom Ewall as both victim and doppelgänger. For the 1970 film, Roger Moore worked with Basil Dearden, who also directed The League of Gentlemen (1960), All Night Long (1961) -the Jazz adaptation of Othello starring Patrick MacGoohan, and The Assassination Bureau (1969) starring Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas, and Oliver Reed. Look for The Man Who Haunted Himself on region 1 DVD and Blu-ray from Kino on May 7th. Enjoy!


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: George DayFantomas BluDark Shadows DocBedazzled Blu-rayMary Quant ExhibitLaika CalypsoLost in Space JapanSpy Dust CalypsoAtomic CafeJohn Barry MonoInterview: John Barry BookLand of the Giants ScoreSkyfall ConcertDearest EmmaSpy Vibe Radio: UppersevenOgilvy at ElstreeMabuse PropagandaBond Beatles DaySpy Vibe Radio: LiquidatorDiabolik LPFab DressesEurospy Music CollectionBeetle Bailey in West BerlinWhy Mort Walker?Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical GuideThe SpotnicksBenny SpiesJames Pond 0017'Satire StonesAnnette Andre BookCat DaySpy Vibe Radio: Get SmartCaine: My GenerationInterview: Ian OgilvyHorror of Party BeachSylvie Vartan RenownRingo At 78Dark Shadows StripsSpy Vibe Radio: FlintArchie Batman 66Paul at 76Beatles Pac-ManSpy Vibe Radio: Jerry CottonThe Invaders007 Horowitz Book TourMcGoohan/Prisoner Event at ElstreeThe Prisoner Interviews Vol 1British Underground PressInterview: Fab4 ManiaBond Cocktail BookBond at BletchleySpy SmasherSpy Vibe Radio: Peter GunnAgent Zero MNew Prisoner ComicDr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger DiabolikDr. No 60thOy-Oy-SevenSpy Vibe Radio (UFO)Cold War Comic StripsThunderball EventMission to IndiaMort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde CelebrationBatman 66 ExhibitPrisoner Fifty EventIan Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

February 25, 2019

GEORGE DAY

George Harrison was born today in 1943! I was teaching at The Putney School when he passed away in 2001. I'll never forget standing up during morning assembly to announce that I'd heard the news- oh boy. When I began to speak my throat closed with emotion and it was hard to get the words out. George was a special person to many of us and for many different reasons. Here are a few thoughts in celebration of his birthday. He was the young lad who obsessively doodled guitars in his school notebooks and brought iconic hooks, solos, and songs to Beatles records. He also played a large role in bringing Indian music and culture to mainstream radar. Inspired by a sitar player on the set of Help! (1965), George went on to study with sitar master, Ravi Shankar, who became a kind of adopted father to the young Beatle. A wonderful box set came out a while back called Collaborations, which included all of the music released by George and Ravi, as well as some video performances. George explored music, meditation, and spirituality throughout his life, and he produced records by Indian musicians and spiritual groups (as well as many Apple artists). He also helped to establish the Bhaktivedanta Manor as the UK center of the Hare Krishna movement. The manor sports a beautiful garden devoted to George with areas named after many of his songs (well worth a visit!). His family announced last April the launch of Harisongs, a label devoted to George's personal archive of classical Indian and world music. George is also remembered today for the role he played in producing Monty Python's Life of Brian and other great independent film projects. Through his company, Hand-Made Films, Harrison was the executive producer of cult classics such as Mona Lisa, How to Get a Head in Advertising, Withnail and I, and two personal faves, Powwow Highway and Time Bandits. The Beatles grew up to the music and humor of UK stage-sensation, George Formby, and Harrison was especially drawn to the ukulele. Since George's passing in 2001, Paul McCartney has included a ukulele tribute to his old buddy in each of his concerts with a performance of the powerful Harrison classic "Something" from Abbey Road (1969). In the clip below, Paul mentions that his old friend was even a member of the Formby fan club. So sweet. I really appreciated George for his music, his thoughtful contemplation, for introducing me to Indian music, and ultimately for his quirky humor. I had a chance to visit the childhood homes of each of The Beatles in Liverpool about two years ago, with special visits inside John and Paul's homes. I was only able to view George and Ringo's places from the outside. My impression in each case was one of very humble beginnings, but I also got the sense that their lives were filled with family and friendships. Liverpool is a fantastic city and I urge Spy Vibers to make the trip if they haven't already. Check out Paul's tribute below. I've also added some George images, including some that illustrate his other huge hobby: sports cars (note the DB5, XKE, and the in-dash record player!), and nice moments with Ravi and with Eric Idle (Monty Python). Top image by Richard Avedon. Enjoy! Related posts: Baby You Can Drive my DB5.









Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Fantomas BluDark Shadows DocBedazzled Blu-rayMary Quant ExhibitLaika CalypsoLost in Space JapanSpy Dust CalypsoAtomic CafeJohn Barry MonoInterview: John Barry BookLand of the Giants ScoreSkyfall ConcertDearest EmmaSpy Vibe Radio: UppersevenOgilvy at ElstreeMabuse PropagandaBond Beatles DaySpy Vibe Radio: LiquidatorDiabolik LPFab DressesEurospy Music CollectionBeetle Bailey in West BerlinWhy Mort Walker?Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical GuideThe SpotnicksBenny SpiesJames Pond 0017'Satire StonesAnnette Andre BookCat DaySpy Vibe Radio: Get SmartCaine: My GenerationInterview: Ian OgilvyHorror of Party BeachSylvie Vartan RenownRingo At 78Dark Shadows StripsSpy Vibe Radio: FlintArchie Batman 66Paul at 76Beatles Pac-ManSpy Vibe Radio: Jerry CottonThe Invaders007 Horowitz Book TourMcGoohan/Prisoner Event at ElstreeThe Prisoner Interviews Vol 1British Underground PressInterview: Fab4 ManiaBond Cocktail BookBond at BletchleySpy SmasherSpy Vibe Radio: Peter GunnAgent Zero MNew Prisoner ComicDr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger DiabolikDr. No 60thOy-Oy-SevenSpy Vibe Radio (UFO)Cold War Comic StripsThunderball EventMission to IndiaMort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde CelebrationBatman 66 ExhibitPrisoner Fifty EventIan Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.

February 12, 2019

FANTOMAS BLU

New release: The 1960s Fantomas films starring Jean Marais are heading to Blu-ray on April 30th! Kino Lorber has announced a new hi-res set featuring all three of these groovy French classics, Fantomas (1964), Fantomas Unleashed (1965), Fantomas vs. Scotland Yard (1967). Film historian Tim Lucas (Video Watchdog) has provided a series-spanning commentary to the first film. From the press release: "Pierre Souvestre’s FantĂ´mas was originally adapted for the screen by legendary filmmaker Louis Feuillade (Les vampires) in 1913. AndrĂ© Hunebelle (OSS 117: Mission for a Killer) introduced a revamped and modernized version of FantĂ´mas to the 1960s OSS 117 and 007 audience. All three films starred the great Jean Marais (Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast) as FantĂ´mas, a criminal mastermind and man of a thousand faces. The three films co-starred Louis de Funès as Le commissaire Juve, Mylène Demongeot as HĂ©lène, Jacques Dynam as L’inspecteur Bertrand and Robert Dalban as Le directeur du journal. The first film, Fantomas (FantĂ´mas), was released in 1964, followed by Fantomas Unleashed (FantĂ´mas se dĂ©chaĂ®ne) in 1965 and Fantomas vs. Scotland Yard (FantĂ´mas contre Scotland Yard) in 1967. All three films were beautifully shot in ’Scope, the first two in Eastmancolor and the finale in Technicolor." Pre-order at Amazon. I'm super psyched to see this set! For years fans have only had access to French sets and some snowy bootlegs. The Kino set will also include trailers for the OSS 117 Eurospy films (also released by Kino). In other news, I have a new book out (over 700 pages!) about one of America's legendary cartoonists. Check it out! Enjoy! Related posts: Fantomas DesignFlying Citroen DSFantomas comics 1Fantomas comics 2Fantomas Kindle CollectionDiabolikal Villain ArchiveFantomas Blu-rayPrada VillainsCatsuitsLes Vampires Blu-rayFantomas KindleLes VampiresMacabre Mystery WeekRichard Sala, Magritte Fantomas


Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Dark Shadows DocBedazzled Blu-rayMary Quant ExhibitLaika CalypsoLost in Space JapanSpy Dust CalypsoAtomic CafeJohn Barry MonoInterview: John Barry BookLand of the Giants ScoreSkyfall ConcertDearest EmmaSpy Vibe Radio: UppersevenOgilvy at ElstreeMabuse PropagandaBond Beatles DaySpy Vibe Radio: LiquidatorDiabolik LPFab DressesEurospy Music CollectionBeetle Bailey in West BerlinWhy Mort Walker?Spy Vibe radio: The Beatles Help!, Avengers Critical GuideThe SpotnicksBenny SpiesJames Pond 0017'Satire StonesAnnette Andre BookCat DaySpy Vibe Radio: Get SmartCaine: My GenerationInterview: Ian OgilvyHorror of Party BeachSylvie Vartan RenownRingo At 78Dark Shadows StripsSpy Vibe Radio: FlintArchie Batman 66Paul at 76Beatles Pac-ManSpy Vibe Radio: Jerry CottonThe Invaders007 Horowitz Book TourMcGoohan/Prisoner Event at ElstreeThe Prisoner Interviews Vol 1British Underground PressInterview: Fab4 ManiaBond Cocktail BookBond at BletchleySpy SmasherSpy Vibe Radio: Peter GunnAgent Zero MNew Prisoner ComicDr. No Villains Edition,  Spy Vibe Radio: Danger DiabolikDr. No 60thOy-Oy-SevenSpy Vibe Radio (UFO)Cold War Comic StripsThunderball EventMission to IndiaMort Walker Celebration,  Peter Wyngarde CelebrationBatman 66 ExhibitPrisoner Fifty EventIan Fleming Publications 2017-2018Interview: Ed Hulse PulpAvengers Audio DramaInterview: Callan At 50Interview: Playboys, Spies, Private EyesTWA ReturnsSpy Vibe Radio 8Interview: Ryan HeshkaMid-Century Modern SchulzAgent WerewolfMata Hair ExhibitJohnny Sokko 50thInterview: Trina RobbinsEddie IzzardThe Prisoner Capt Scarlet 50thHugh Hefner R.I.P.Jack Good R.I.P.Interview: Shaken Not StirredCallan 50thSpy Vibe Radio 7The Prisoner 50th EventSpy-Fi EventKaho Aso 007Two MillionBo DiddleyCarnaby PopLe Carre EventsBilly Bragg SkiffleElvis 68Jack Kirby The PrisonerCasino Royale ConcertReview: The Prisoner Vol 2Interview: The Prisoner Essential GuideMaud Russell MottisfontSpy Vibe Radio 4Batman GallantsAdam West R.I.P.Village TriangleRoger Moore R.I.P.Spy Vibe Radio 3Sgt Pepper 50thSatanik Kriminal OST60s OverdriveMake Love in LondonSpy Vibe Radio 2Spy Vibe Radio 1James Bond StripsPropaganda MabuseInterview: Police SurgeonXTC Avengers1966 Pep SpiesBatman Book InterviewExclusive Fleming InterviewAvengers Comic StripsRobert Vaughn RIPUNCLE FashionsThunderbirds Are Pop!, Interview: Spy Film GuideLost Avengers FoundThe Callan FileMission Impossible 50thGreen Hornet 50thStar Trek 50thPortmeirion Photography 1Filming the PrisonerGaiman McGinnins ProjectIan Fleming GraveRevolver at 50Karen Romanko InterviewMod Tales 2Umbrella Man: Patrick MacneeNew Beatles FilmThe Curious CameraEsterel Fashion 1966Exclusive Ian Ogilvy Interview007 Tribute CoversThe Phantom Avon novels returnIan Fleming FestivalArgoman DesignSylvia Anderson R.I.P.Ken Adam R.I.P.George Martin R.I.P.The New Avengers ComicsThe Phantom at 80007 MangaAvengerworld BookDiana Rigg Auto ShowThe Prisoner Audio Drama Review.