Great news crossed my radar yesterday from
The Unmutual. UK distributor
Network is preparing to release Blu-ray editions of two Patrick McGoohan classics:
Hell Drivers and
All Night Long! Descriptions from Network: "When ex-con Tom (Stanley Baker -
Zulu, The Guns of Navarone) signs up as a driver for a dodgy road-haulage company, he uncovers shady dealings going on between Red, the viciously ambitious foreman (Patrick McGoohan -
The Prisoner, Danger Man) and Cartley, the sly, devious manager (William Hartnell -
Doctor Who, The Army Game). The drivers are paid per job, a situation which encourages reckless and dangerous driving, and the stakes are raised when a fatal accident has Tom vowing revenge. A gritty classic,
HELL DRIVERS was directed with verve by Cy Endfield (
Zulu) who also co-wrote the BAFTA-nominated screenplay with John Kruse (
The Saint). As well as top-flight performances from both Baker and McGoohan, the leads are ably supported by Herbert Lom (
The Pink Panther), Peggy Cummins (
Night of the Demon), Sid James (
Carry On), Gordon Jackson (
The Professionals), David McCallum (
Sapphire and Steel) and Sean Connery (James Bond).
All Night Long: Set amongst London’s Easy End Jazz clubs of the sixties,
ALL NIGHT LONG tells the story of Johnny Cousin (Patrick McGoohan -
The Prisoner), a manipulative and treacherous drummer with his eye on drawing a Jazz diva out of retirement for his own ends. Jealousy, passion and brooding menace all feature heavily in this moody classic which co-stars an impressive ensemble cast including Keith Michell (
The Six Wives of Henry VIII), Betsy Blair (
Marty) and Richard Attenborough (
The League of Gentlemen), as well as showcasing premiere Jazz musicians of the fifties and sixties, including Johnny Scott, John Dankworth, Tubby Hayes and the legendary Charles Mingus." This Jazz adaptation of
Othello also features a performance by Dave Brubeck, folks! Below:
Hell Drivers poster and some images from
All Night Long. Related posts: my photography series from
Portmeirion,
Rare Danger Man Comics,
Pirate Radio,
Agente Secreto Comics,
John Drake Comics,
Prisoner and Captain Scarlet,
Brubeck Thorne Modern,
Danger Man Comics 2.
Selected Spy Vibe Posts: Argoman Design, Sylvia Anderson R.I.P., Ken Adam R.I.P., George Martin R.I.P., The New Avengers Comics, Trina Robbins Interview, The Phantom at 80, 007 Manga, Avengerworld Book, Diana Rigg Auto Show, The Prisoner Audio Drama Review, David McCallum novel, Andre Courreges R.I.P., Who's Talking on Spy Vibe, UFO Blu-ray, Avengers Pop Art Interview, Fergus Fleming Interview, Avengers: Alan Hayes Interview, Jaz Wiseman Interview, Diana Rigg BFI Interview, Casino Royale Interview: Mike Richardson, Lost Diana Rigg Interview, Honor Blackman at 90, UNCLE School, Ian Fleming Memorial, Portmeirion Photos, Doctor Who Exhibit, Farewell Steed, Pussy Galore Returns, Diana Rigg birthday, Sherlock at 221B, Invisible Agent, Saint Interview: Ian Dickerson, Saint Doppelgänger, Fleming's Typewriter, Rare Fleming, Fleming's Music, Ian Fleming's Japan, Jim Wilson Corgi Interview, Fantomas Design, John Buss interview, Saint Volvo, Mod Tales Interview, Agente Secreto Comics, Danger Man Comics 2, Danger Man Comics, John Drake Comics, Der Mann Von UNCLE, Golden Margaret Nolan, Man From UNCLE Rocksteady, Pussy Galore Calypso, Cynthia Lennon R.I.P., Edward Mann Fashion, Leonard Nimoy Tribute, Shatner at 84, Bob Morane series, Thai Bond Design, Bond vs Modernism, Tokyo Beat 1964, Feraud Mod Fashion, Green Hornet Manga, Avengers Interview: Michael Richardson, Ian Fleming: Wicked Grin, Jane Bond Hong Kong Records, Ryan Heshka Interview, Comics Week: Man From R.I.V.E.R.D.A.L.E., Comics Week: Archie, Comics Week: Robots, Comics Week: Cold War Atomic, Comics Week: SPYMAN, Comics Week: Jimmy Olsen, Shakespeare Spies: Diana Rigg, Shakespeare Spies I, Rodney Marshall Avengers Interview, Richard Sala: Super-Enigmatix, Cold War Archie, Playboy Bunny Interview, The 10th Victim Japanese and Kindle, U.N.C.L.E. Japanese Books, Catsuits, Batman '66 Green Hornet Interview: Ralph Garman Ty Templeton.
