YELLOW SUBMARINE LAUNCH

US Theaters announced! The Beatles classic animated film, Yellow Submarine, will launch again this month on big screens around the country. The theatrical debut is scheduled for New York's Ziegfeld Theater on May 8th, followed by a general release on May 10th.  Screenings are now confirmed at theaters all over the United States. Showtimes are listed on the Yellow Submarine website. Check listings for advance tickets.

The digitally remastered Yellow Submarine will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on June 5th in the United States (June 4th internationally), along with the remastered Songtrack album. Check the Dark Hall Mansion store for licensed merchandise, including limited edition Art! Yellow Submarine has been out of print since the late 1990s and fans are eager to celebrate this hi-def upgrade and rare opportunity to see a Beatles film in theatrical release. Follow updates on the Yellow Submarine Facebook page. Blu-ray available in Spy Vibe's secure Amazon Associates Store.

SPY TOYS

Spy Vibers interested in vintage toys from the 1960s and 1970s based on classics like 007, Man from U.N.C.L.E., and Secret Agent might get a kick out of this 1998 publication, Spy Toys by Cramer Burks. Although some of the black and white images and outdated values may put some off, the book does appear to bring many rare TV and film tie-in toys to our radar. A "look inside" feature reveals a number of those cherished toy-ad pages from the Sears catalog. Used copies are out there for under $10. More info on Amazon. 

MAY FLOWERS

April Showers bring May flowers! Brigitte Bardot peels down to her flower bra in Mademoiselle Striptease (Plucking the Daisy/1956). Image available from Owen's Archive.

007 PROOF

Gathering images over the last couple of years for a book, I've come across some pieces that really appeal to me as a photographer. I still love the look and feel of the darkroom process, so it's no surprise that something like a proof sheet of images taken on-set would thrill me completely. Here is a proof sheet that reveals the photographer's approach and process as they tried to capture Ursula Andress and Sean Connery filming Dr. No. As I would point out to my students, you can tell how the scenes were edited in the frame at a variety of distances, settings, and how they explored a number of ideas for this particular roll of film. You can imagine them thinking through questions, like what is the story, who are the characters, what are the key elements that can be translated in single images? They didn't get much with 007 here, but they sure succeeded in establishing the iconic image for Ursula's character. 

JUDEX POSTER

Our Man Johnny sent in a heads up to all Spy Vibers that a rare Judex poster is up for auction. Details here.

JEREMY DUNS BOOKS

The thrilling Paul Dark series by author Jeremy Duns is currently being re-published in a variety of volumes. In the United States on My 29th, Penguin will release the full trilogy in one omnibus edition with this fantastic cover art. You can find The Dark Chronicles and other essentials in the Spy Vibe Amazon Store. More details at Jeremy's blog.

DAVID McCALLUM MUSIC

Like many stars in the 1960s, Man From U.N.C.L.E.'s David McCallum recorded a number of albums that crossed between easy listening, pop, and rock. As a classically trained musician, he made arrangements of popular songs for oboe, French horn, strings, guitar, and drums. McCallum conducted and contributed his own compositions. Four LPs were made for Capital Records between 1966-1968. A 2001 compilation CD of his first two records, A part of Me and A Bit More of Me is now out of print, but you can still find it as an MP3 download at Amazon and on iTunes. McCallum's face appeared on many picture sleeves of Man From U.N.C.L.E. singles. Here is a cool Japanese release from one of his "solo" projects listed on eBay.

'Communication' was a minor UK hit in 1966 before his first two LPs were released. Speaking to Record Collector Magazine, McCallum said, : "Well, 'Communication' was just a 50's type novelty record, with me talking over the music.  The follow-up was 'In The Garden, Under The Tree', which came from a film called 'Three Bites Of The Apple.'  It was meant to be a comedy with a lot of funny things in it, but the studio took it upon themselves to recut it and make it into a romantic picture." McCallum was then asked to take on the LP projects. "MGM came to me and said, with the success of 'U.N.C.L.E.', you ought to sing a whole album of songs.  I said, I'm an actor, not a singer.  They said, well, just read the telephone book or something and we'll put music to it.  I found that somewhat reprehensible, and suggested that I could do some orchestral arrangements of contemporary pop songs, using woodwind with four French horns as a back up, and rhythm. The idea was to do it with straight orchestral instruments and no guitar or amplification. They gave the idea to David Axelrod at Capitol, who passed it onto H.P. Barnum, the arranger there, who was involved in Motown and rock. When I arrived at the studio they had the finest musicians sitting there, and you can see it was going to be full rock." Asked if he minded the modern instrumentation, McCallaum said. "No, it was great fun doing it.  My father was touring America with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the time, and he came along to a couple of those sessions.  The whole period was very exciting. I'm still listening to those [Pop] songs now.  That early '60's music is unique and very expressive of the emergence of the whole rock thing that followed.  The toughest thing was the selection of the music." And speaking of that exciting period, McCallum's father was a noted classical musician who played on some famous tracks from the SGT Pepper sessions with The Beatles!

You can find various tracks, including Communication, on Youtube. Here is the often-sampled song, 'The Edge', from A Bit More of Me (1966) cut to Man From U.N.C.L.E. footage (look for Jack Lord). More McCallum info at the Fans From U.N.C.L.E. website.

EERO SAARINEN

Celebrate the design genius of Eero Saarinen with this introduction to the 2007 exhibit at Cranbrook, Shaping the Future.

APRIL SHOWERS

April showers bring May flowers! 1968 swim wear (Getty Images).

OPERATION KID BROTHER

On our recent outing to see James Bond on the big screen with students, I was telling one of them about Operation Kid Brother (1967) starring Sean Connery's brother, Neil. We've posted about this classic before, and MST3K did a fine send-up, but I thought Spy Vibers might get a kick out of revisiting the trailer. The Soundtrack is available on Amazon under its alternate title, OK Connery.

CINEMA RETRO 23

CINEMA RETRO issue #23 is now shipping in the UK and Europe and will ship to the US in May. These magazines skyrocket in price when they go out of print, so subscribe and make sure you never miss an issue. 


HIGHLIGHTS OF ISSUE #23 INCLUDE: Coverage of the Bond in Motion exhibition in England- the largest single collection of original 007 vehicles ever displayed. We take you inside the gala press event that opened the exhibit. More at Cinema Retro.

KAYO BOOKS

There is a fantastic book shop in San Francisco where Spy Vibe, Double O Section and Bish's Beat like to shop called Kayo Books. They carry an extensive inventory of vintage paperback books and pulps, from TV and film tie-in to detectives, spies, westerns, and erotic novels. If you are looking for something rare, stop in or contact them for mail order. On my last visit, I saw many hard-to-find Man From Uncle editions. And I picked up this release of Funeral in Berlin.

KRIMINAL HAMMOND INFERNO

Check out Kriminal Hammond Inferno, a band from Brussels that fashions themselves after Spy Vibe characters like Diabolik and Kriminal. Our man Agent Jeremy of the Jhalal Drut blog, found this clip from 2007 of the group covering the Danger Diabolik theme song, Deep Deep Down. Kriminal Hammond Inferno has a Facebook page here and it appears that they still do occasional shows covering groovy soundtracks!

AVENGERS INTERVIEW

A rare interview with Patrick Macnee and Diana Rigg of The Avengers on German TV (1967):

BOND AT CASTRO

As reported, the Castro Theater in San Francisco is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films with a three-day marathon of classics. I went today with a couple of my students to see my favorite in the series, On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Although I've watched the film many times in my life- I even made audio cassette recordings off the TV as a kid so I could listen to the film like a radio drama, I had never seen it on the big screen. 

While the world embraces the personal viewing bubble of iPads and streaming content, today was a great reminder of how a shared, cinematic experience can pack a bigger punch. The Castro is screening all eight classics this weekend in glorious 35mm prints and my fave 007 film never looked better. The cinematography was gorgeous! I noticed artful qualities that had never translated onto the small screen. The action seemed hard-hitting, but not gruesome or gratuitous. And the intimate scope of the story really drew us in like an irresistible mystery tale. 

I've always said that the film's pace and soundtrack sets up the viewer for an emotional climax at the end. Bond is not a superman in this story. Rather, he is a talented operative who falls in love and, briefly, imagines that he might grow and redefine his life. It is not to be. The set-piece is his long and desperate escape down a snowy mountain at night. By the time he reaches the bottom, vulnerable and afraid, he is saved by the woman in his life- Diana Rigg (The Avengers). The film ends with a famously down-beat note. I could feel the audience today really sitting with that long and silent tragic ending. I wasn't the only one who choked up. I always felt empathy for the characters in this movie, but the big screen experience brought it to a new level. I was also surprised how moved I was during the wedding scene, where Bond and Moneypenny share an emotional look as he bids her farewell. It's a true moment of friendship and affection that only the big screen can translate effectively.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service was played straight, a choice that makes Bond's eventual revenge during the campy start to For Your Eyes Only ultimately disappointing. I'd love to see more 007 films like OHMSS- beautifully shot, international but intimate, free from empty action and dazzle, and emotionally satisfying. I encourage Spy Vibers to see more of the marathon this weekend if you are in the area. Classic 007 on the big screen is not to be missed! And re-visit On Her Majesty's Secret Service when it comes out on Blu-ray. Castro poster art info here.

007 SCREENINGS START TODAY

Spy Vibers in the Bay Area are in for a treat when the famous Castro Theater celebrates James Bond's 50th anniversary with three days of 007! See Ian Fleming's larger-than-life action hero the way he was meant to be seen- on the big screen in glorious 35mm! During the three-day marathon, fans have a rare chance to see many of the classics staring Sean Connery, George Lazenby, and Roger Moore. The screening schedule:

Friday April 20

Dr. No 2:00, 7:00

On Her Majesty's Secret Service 4:10, 9:05

Saturday April 21

From Russia With Love 2:30, 9:30

Diamonds Are Forever 4:45

The Spy Who Loved Me 7:05

Sunday April 22

Thunderball 1:00, 8:15

Live and Let Die 3:30

For Your Eyes Only 5:50

PIERO UMILIANI PARTY 2

Piero Umiliani's scores! Spend the week grooving with classic Italian soundtracks. Today: Night in Algeria (I believe the jacket image below is not a match, but from the 1963 documentary, I Piaceri Proibiti).

PIERO UMILIANI PARTY

Piero Umiliani's scores! Spend the week grooving with classic Italian soundtracks. Today: Topless Party from Sweden Heaven and Hell (1968).

McGOOHAN PLAY

A new play opened today based on the life of Patrick McGoohan (The Prisoner, Danger Man). More details at Cinema Retro.

SPY TOYS

After some requests to see more vintage spy toys, I check back on some of our spy-toy posts from 2009. A number of videos are no longer available on Youtube, so I thought I'd put a collection together here for folks who missed the original run. Check out young Kurt Russell starring in these commercials for Mattel's Agent Zero M gadgets. Those were the days!

TRUE AVENGER

The only kind of Avenger I'm really interested in!

JAMES BOND SCREENINGS

Spy Vibers in the Bay Area are in for a treat when the famous Castro Theater celebrates James Bond's 50th anniversary with three days of 007! See Ian Fleming's larger-than-life action hero the way he was meant to be seen- on the big screen in glorious 35mm! During the three-day marathon, fans have a rare chance to see many of the classics staring Sean Connery, George Lazenby, and Roger Moore. The screening schedule:

Friday April 20

Dr. No 2:00, 7:00

On Her Majesty's Secret Service 4:10, 9:05

Saturday April 21

From Russia With Love 2:30, 9:30

Diamonds Are Forever 4:45

The Spy Who Loved Me 7:05

Sunday April 22

Thunderball 1:00, 8:15

Live and Let Die 3:30

For Your Eyes Only 5:50

TOY SPY CASE

We ran a number of vintage toy commercials in the past, but I think this one slipped by our radar. I love the way they filmed his organization, Them. Does Sears even still offer a toy catalog during the holidays?

HAPPY EASTER

HAPPY EASTER from Spy Vibe!

ASTON MARTIN COVERS LELOUCH

Aston Martin recently posted a short film for the new 2012 V8 Vantage on their YouTube channel. In the film, images of a gorgeous car making its sleek way through the evening are intercut with images of a lovely woman walking through the city. As the soundtrack lulls you into the cinematic experience, the purr of gears shifting keeps one on edge to see the pictures culminate into a cohesive narrative. The mood is anticipatory and sensual, but the fading light and the brand of the car suggest mystery. Finally, the intercutting reveals that she is ascending the steps to a meeting place. The Aston Martin comes to a stop at a high landmark looking over the city. And this is when the cinemaphiles in the audience suddenly know what this is about: In a perfect homage to Claude Lelouch's classic film, C'etait un Rendezvous, shot in Paris with a Ferrari in 1976, the Aston's driver climbs out of his car just as his lover enters the frame. There is a moment of relief and excitement as they run to each other. And like Lelouch's iconic film, the short ends with the lovers in an embrace. Although it does not get the heart pumping like Lelouch's first-prerson pov with the sound of that famous Ferrari engine, Aston Martin's promotional film is quite a nice modern interpretation. Maybe it is because each film was inspired by different goals, but I do detect a noticeable change in focus from the thrill of the journey toward love in the past vs the celebration of image and product in the present. Take a look at both below and see what you think. The original is available from Spirit Level Films. Thanks to Theo Wenner for introducing me to C'etait un Rendezvous years ago when we were swapping great cinema!

FANTOMAS SPEAKS

If you are a Spy Viber who prefers to hear books read out loud, check out the LibriVox website. I was surprised to see that one of the Fantomas titles is available (it is also available as a podcast from iTunes). Although the dramatic quality of recordings depends on who volunteers to read specific titles, LibriVox appears to be a great service for those who enjoy or rely on hearing texts. You can find Fantomas DVDs in the Spy Vibe Amazon Store.

COMIC REPRINT SERIES

Many of us who grew up in the pre-video era know the thrill of finally being able to create libraries of our favorite programs and films on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital files. Those rare treasures that came along every few years on TV are now cataloged and enjoyed from our own shelves. And by the great efforts of a few publishers, we are now in an era of archival re-print collections of classic comic strips. If you missed those few 1980s printings that soared in value, your time has come! On the heels of Fantagraphics' on-going mission to print the entire run of Peanuts, Prince Valiant, Krazy Kat, and Popeye, other publishers have stepped into the fold. Hermes Press is currently releasing complete runs of The Phantom (strips and comics), Buck Rogers, Brenda Starr Reporter, and comic re-prints of Dark Shadows, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants, Time Tunnel, I Spy, and others. IDW has been printing the complete Dick Tracy, Little Orphan Annie, X 9 Secret Agent Corrigan, and Terry & the Pirates. Titan Books, celebrated among Spy Vibers for re-prints of the James Bond and Modesty Blaise comic strips, will begin to release the complete Flash Gordon by Alex Raymond in June! Don't miss these collections while they are in print.

HIGH & LOW

How high/low can you go? A cameraman stoops low to record the sensationally rising hem of these Playboy Jet Bunny mini skirts.

AGENT J

One of my students, Our Man Carlos, is working on a new photography series based on music. One of the pieces needed to have a classic crime drama feel, so I posed for him holding one of our movie prop guns. Agent J on a mission!

MAN FROM UNCLE COMICS

Open Channel D! Here are some cool foreign editions of The Man From U.N.C.L.E. comic to start your week. Spy Vibers can see more covers at the gallery site here.

YELLOW SUB SAILS SEA OF BLU

1968 was an interesting year in entertainment, as storytellers and designers began to assimilate psychedelia into the Mod, mysterious, and madcap forms of the times. The spy genre got a groovy, sci-fi twist in the likes of Danger Diabolik, Barbarella, and The Prisoner. It was also the time for a new Beatles movie, which took the fabs on an animated, psychedelic journey through the imaginary world of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The feature film, Yellow Submarine, has been a classic ever since, and has often been the gateway experience for young kids to discover The Beatles. Out of print since it's 1999 release on DVD and VHS, The Beatles announced today that Yellow Submarine will be out on Blu-ray and DVD in May. The launch will also include a new release of the excellent songtrack.



Here is the full story from The Beatles website:

Once upon a time…or maybe twice…there was an unearthly paradise called Pepperland…

London – March 20, 2012 – The Beatles’ classic 1968 animated feature film, Yellow Submarine, has been digitally restored for DVD and Blu-ray release on May 28 (May 29 in North America). The film's songtrack album will be reissued on CD on the same date.

Currently out of print, the film has been restored in 4K digital resolution for the first time by Paul Rutan Jr. and his team of specialists at Triage Motion Picture Services and Eque Inc. Due to the delicate nature of the hand-drawn original artwork, no automated software was used in the digital clean-up of the film’s restored photochemical elements. This was all done by hand, frame by frame.

Bonus features for the Yellow Submarine DVD and Blu-ray include a short making-of documentary titled “Mod Odyssey” (TRT: 7:30), the film’s original theatrical trailer, audio commentary by producer John Coates and art director Heinz Edelmann, several brief interview clips with others involved with the film, storyboard sequences, 29 original pencil drawings and 30 behind-the-scenes photos. Both Digipak packages will include reproductions of animation cels from the film, collectible stickers, and a 16-page booklet with a new essay by Yellow Submarine aficionado John Lasseter (Chief Creative Officer, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios). Lasseter writes in his essay, "As a fan of animation and as a filmmaker, I tip my hat to the artists of Yellow Submarine, whose revolutionary work helped pave the way for the fantastically diverse world of animation that we all enjoy today."

Directed by George Dunning, and written by Lee Minoff, Al Brodax, Jack Mendelsohn and Erich Segal, Yellow Submarine began its voyage to the screen when Brodax, who had previously produced nearly 40 episodes of ABC’s animated Beatles TV series, approached The Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein with a unique vision for a full-length animated feature.

Yellow Submarine, based upon a song by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is a fantastic tale brimming with peace, love, and hope, propelled by Beatles songs, including "Eleanor Rigby," "When I’m Sixty-Four," "Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds," "All You Need Is Love," and "It’s All Too Much." When the film debuted in 1968, it was instantly recognised as a landmark achievement, revolutionising a genre by integrating the freestyle approach of the era with innovative animation techniques.

Inspired by the generation’s new trends in art, the film resides with the dazzling Pop Art styles of Andy Warhol, Martin Sharp, Alan Aldridge and Peter Blake. With art direction and production design by Heinz Edelmann, Yellow Submarine is a classic of animated cinema, featuring the creative work of animation directors Robert Balser and Jack Stokes with a team of animators and technical artists.

"I thought from the very beginning that the film should be a series of interconnected shorts" remembers Edelmann. "The style should vary every five minutes or so to keep the interest going until the end." These styles included melding live-action photography with animation, 3-dimensional sequences and kaleidoscopic "rotoscoping" where film is traced frame by frame into drawings. The entire process took nearly two years, 14 different scripts, 40 animators and 140 technical artists, ultimately producing a groundbreaking triumph of animation.

On April 24, Candlewick Press will release a new, compact hardcover edition of the Yellow Submarine picture book, a read-aloud journey for the whole family. Featuring the lighthearted wit of the film's script alongside original artwork from the movie that has charmed children and adults through several generations, the beautiful, 40-page book will be sold by retailers everywhere and on the Beatles Store (www.thebeatles.com). An interactive digital version of the book is also available as a free download on Apple's iBookstore for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch at www.iTunes.com/TheBeatles

CARTOON PROJECTS

It's been a busy period for me as an artist and writer over the past couple of years. Creating Spy Vibe, working on a new non-fiction book, and composing a song re-mix- then a film- for Yoko Ono have all been fun and rewarding. Although it's been mostly film and writing news lately, I have also been savoring a return to my original love- cartooning! There are a couple of cartoon projects in the works that I look forward to sharing when the time is right. And I have been enjoying getting to know fellow artists in the area and spending time at the Charles Schulz Museum and the Disney Family Museum (both are must-see destinations if you are in the Bay area). Today I had the pleasure of visiting with Charles Schulz's wife, Jeannie Schulz, who gave cartoonist/writer, Brian Fies, and I a tour of Sparky's studio. Sitting at his drawing board, I felt like a pilot given an opportunity to sit in Charles Lindbergh's plane! Thrilling and inspiring. Here I am, the kid in me beaming (thanks to Brian for the photo and Jeannie for the lovely visit). More info over at my website, jasonwhiton.com. Spy Vibers, what were some of your favorite comics growing up?

AVENGERS AD

Although I've posted many vintage advertisements and newsreel footage of The Avengers in the past, I've never come across this Perrier ad from France. In keeping with the tone of the series, there is a wonderful blend of playful action and charm. Though, I am surprised that they had Pat land a direct punch, rather than dispatching the baddie with the cork. The cast and crew of The Avengers celebrated their 50th anniversary last summer.

JUDEX POSTER

I am enjoying a passionate reconnection with Feuillade's Judex and Fantomas ever since I saw Hugo and The Artist. If you are riding the same wave, join me in drooling over this neat Yugoslavian poster for the 1963 Judex film by Fanju listed on eBay. What are the disadvantages of living in a glass lair on a hill? Not many, but I wish I had acres of wall-space to exhibit retro posters like this.

HOLMES AND JUDEX

It's been a busy time in the Spy Vibe lair. The teaching schedule is more demanding as the end of the school year approaches. In addition to my studio classes in Film, Photo, and Drawing, I have also been teaching fun classes in Beatles history and in low-budget/high-concept movies (which allows for some fun days with the likes of Dr No, Lancelot Link, and Diabolik!). I have also been spending more time with a lifelong passion for cartooning. Although this has left us with less news or features for Spy Vibe lately, it has allowed me to start penciling my first graphic novel! I'm making a transition from strips and single-panel work, so it's pretty fun to have a new challenge.

In the wake of Hugo and The Artist, which have re-opened a door into the magic of the silent era, I'm enjoying a revisit with old favorites by Feuillade, Melies, Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Fritz Lang. I just saw Buster Keaton's Sherlock Jr recently on Netflix and really enjoyed it! Like Melies, he used the illusion of linear time that film offers to create some memorable visual gags. I also just saw the John Barrymore Sherlock Holmes film (its restoration was funded by Hef!). Although it dragged a bit in the middle, I have to say that I enjoyed the casting a lot (both Holmes and Moriarty were great!). And the film had enough mystery conventions, like trap doors, signals, and secret hiding places to keep me entertained. Hats off to Kino films for making these classics available.


If you are a fan of the wonderful mystery/adventure serials Fantomas, Judex, and Les Vampires, join me in celebrating the new English translation of this Judex novel from Black Coat Press. Rick Lai has written about The Shadow in the past, so I'm intrigued by the section about The Shadow and Judex listed in the contents. Black Coat has also published many Fantomas titles. I'm looking forward to checking out the whole series and talking with the publisher about some details. I will post my findings on Spy Vibe when I get a chance. In the meantime, here is more info from the publisher's website:

In 1917, silent film director Louis Feuillade and writer Arthur Bernède created the character of a mysterious avenger, wearing a slouch hat and a dark cloak -- Judex! His name means "Judge," and he has sworn to mercilessly punish criminals!

Judex appears and disappears like a living shadow. Trained by the vindictive Woman in Black, he is a master of disguise and an excellent fighter. His loyal followers include a female athlete, a reformed ex-convict and a pack of vicious bloodhounds. Beneath the ruins of a castle is his secret lair, where he interrogates his prisoners through a "television" screen. His nemesis is Favraux, a corrupt banker who has left a trail of ruin and misery in his wake.

In this epic saga, Judex not only challenges Favraux, but also the evil Diana Monti, Favraux's fiancée who is as ruthless and powerful as he is. But as our hero struggles against the villains, he falls in love with Favraux's daughter, the beautiful, innocent Jacqueline...

Contents:
Introduction
JUDEX (1917)
Part One: The Mysterious Shadow
Part Two: The Atonement
Part Three: The Amazing Dogs
Part Four: The Secret of the Tomb
Part Five: The Mill of Misery
Part Six: The Licorice Kid
Part Seven: The Woman in Black
Part Eight. The Caverns of the Chateau Rouge
Part Nine: When the Child Appeared
Part Ten: The Heart of Jacqueline
Part Eleven: The Water-Sprite
Part Twelve: Love's Forgiveness
The Continuity and Chronology of Judex
Judex and The Shadow
A List of Judex Pastiches

Arthur Bernède (1871-1937) was a renowned playwright, journalist, screenwriter and the author of numerous popular novels. His best-remembered creations are the mysterious avenger known as Judex (co-created with, and for, filmmaker Louis Feuillade who directed the first Fantômas serials), and the villainous Belphégor, the so-called "Phantom of the Louvre." In 1919, Bernède joined forces with actor René Navarre, who had played Fantômas in the Feuillade serials, and writer Gaston Leroux, the creator of Rouletabille, to launch the Société des Cinéromans, a production company that would produce films and novels simultaneously.

The absolutely brilliant 1963 version of Judex by Franju, available from Amazon for $8.99!

NEW SOUNDTRACKS

Screen Archives Entertainment has announced their new soundtrack releases. With The Ipcress File topping the list for me, there are a number of titles that should appeal to Spy Vibers. From Screen Archives:


The Ipcress File by John Barry

"If you want to see an example of what music does for a movie, go and see 'THE IPCRESS FILE'. Then you'll understand what John Barry's all about." - Michael Caine

CD re-issue of one of John Barry's most memorable film scores from the 1960's composed for the seedy and realistic spy thriller starring Michael Caine as Len Deighton's great anti-hero, Harry Palmer.

For his inspiration for the music John Barry looked to one of his favourite films "THE THIRD MAN" and its famous solo zither score by Anton Karas. With THE IPCRESS FILE he wanted to achieve an equally distinctive, repetitive yet haunting sound. In this he chose the Hungarian cimbalom as his lead instrument for his "Man Alone Theme" backed by an orchestra in a series of swing, jazz and blues variations.

Michael Caine made the first of three appearances as novelist Len Deighton's bespectacled British-spy Harry Palmer in "The Ipcress File". Palmer has no real love of espionage, but he doesn't really know any other life. With studied insolence, he takes on the case of locating missing doctor Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), who has in his possession a valuable file that would prove injurious to the Free World should it fall in the wrong hands. The government also fears that Radcliffe will be brainwashed by the enemy, as has happened to two previous British scientists. While Palmer is off doing everyone else's dirty work, his superior, Nigel Green, is making a deal with duplicitous information "broker" Frank Gatliff to win Radcliffe's release. The price for this would seem to be Palmer, who is captured by the enemy and subjected to a grueling brainwashing session. Palmer escapes, whereupon he confronts a traitor in his midst in the climactic exchange of gunfire. Advertised as the thinking man's "Goldfinger", "The Ipcress File" offered a far more realistic view of the morally ambivalent world of espionage than did the James Bond films. Also stars Gordon Jackson (Hudson, the butler from "Upstairs, Downstairs"). 1965

The H-Man, Secret of Telegian, The Human Vapor

Three Complete original soundtracks from TOHO's transformed sci-fi horror movie series on triple disc!

BIJO TO EKITAI NINGEN (aka THE H-MAN, BEAUTY AND THE LIQUIEDMAN): When a narcotics deal goes sour and a suspect disappears, leaving only his clothes, Tokyo police question his wife and stake out the nightclub where she works. His disappearance stumps the police - until a young scientist appears who claims that H-Bomb tests in the Pacific, evidenced by a ''ghost ship'' that has turned up in the harbor, have created radioactive creatures - ''H-Men'' - who ooze like slime and dissolve anyone they touch. Director: Ishiro Honda, Stars:Yumi Shirakawa, Kenji Sahara and Akihiko Hirata. Music by Masaru Sato.1958 TOHO.

DENSO NINGEN (aka THE SECRET OF THE TELEGIAN): Detectives must stop a homicidal madman called the ''Telegian'' from his killing rampage, while trying to save the intended victims and solve the mystery of the madman's true intentions and origin. The Telegian uses a mind-transmitting machine to teleport himself to his victims, whom he is out for revenge. Director: Jun Fukuda, Stars:Koji Tsuruta, Akihiko Hirata and Yoshio Tsuchiya. Music by Sei Ikeno. 1960 TOHO.

GASU NINGEN DAI ICHIGO (aka THE HUMAN VAPOR): A librarian is subject to a scientific experiment which goes wrong and transforms him into 'The Human Vapour'. He uses his new ability to rob banks to fund the career of his girlfriend, a beautiful dancer. The Human Vapour is ruthless in his quest for money and kills anyone who stands in his way, especially police. He soon becomes Tokyo's most wanted criminal. Can he be stopped before he kills again? Director: Ishiro Honda, Stars:Tatsuya Mihashi, Kaoru Yachigusa and Yoshio Tsuchiya. Music by Kunio Miyauchi. 1960 TOHO.

Sherlock Series Two by David Arnold

Screen Archives carries the first season soundtrack to this incredible series, as well. See a complete list of their complete Sherlock Holmes-related titles here.


Gungala La Pantera Nuda

The music of "Gungala La Pantera Nuda" uses a wide range of sounds, which makes us to a score rich in musical ideas as well as varied and suggestive. The work is dominated by the beautiful Gungala’s theme that appears over the edition with different arrangements, including superb vocal version, which this edition is included in English and Italian versions. Special importance is the careful orchestration of the string used to accompany the loveliest sublimely Africans music, the lounge themes and the melodic jazz tracks.


The Mechanic by Jerry Fielding

La-La Land Records presents composer Jerry Fielding’s (STRAW DOGS, THE ENFORCER, THE GAUNTLET, SEMI-TOUGH) classic original action score to the legendary 1972 MGM action-thriller THE MECHANIC, starring Charles Bronson and Jan-Michael Vincent and directed by Michael Winner. An atmospheric marvel of sonic textures and experimental approaches, Fielding’s chilling score truly is the stone-cold-heart of this classic hitman/apprentice tale. Aside from perfectly capturing action and suspense, Fielding’s score gives the film a depth and resonance beyond its celluloid. Aside from some audio enhancements, a slightly different track order and new packaging and liner notes, the audio content is the same as the Intrada release, so this re-issue is geared for fans who do not currently own that previous release. Produced by Ford A. Thaxton and mastered by James Nelson, this release features in-depth, exclusive liner notes by film music writer Randall D. Larson. Limited to 1200 units.

GEORGE HARRISON

George Harrison was born today in 1943. In celebration, here is a re-post of our Harrison celebration. In the past year, Martin Scorsese released his documentary film about George, Living in the Material World. A companion book was published by Olivia Harrison. And George's son, Dhani, created an iPad app that offers a multi-media history tour through George's collection of instruments (NY Times review here). Image below by Richard Avedon.


Happy Birthday to George Harrison (1943-2001). George played a large role in bringing Indian music and culture to the radar of 1960s pop culture. Inspired by a sitar player on the set of Help! (1965), George went on to study with master, Ravi Shankar, who became an adopted father to the Beatle. George pursued a life-long study of meditation and spirituality and helped to produce records by Indian musicians and spiritual groups. A wonderful box set came out recently called Collaborations, which includes all of the music George and Ravi recorded together, as well as some video performances. George is also remembered today for the role he played in producing Monty Python and other independent film projects. Through his company, Hand-Made Films, Harrison was the executive producer of Mona Lisa, How to Get a Head in Advertising, Powwow Highway, Withnail & I, Times Bandits, Life of Brian, and others.


Harrison was celebrated in the all-star Concert For George at the Royal Albert Hall in 2002. The program included Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, Dhani Harrison, Ravi Shankar, Tom Petty, Monty Python, and others. Fans can see the entire film in a free streaming event today on the George Harrison website. A Blu-ray [was released] on March 22nd.

In connection to our post yesterday about instruments and the James Bond Theme, it's worth noting that Harrison was also a big ukulele fan! The Beatles grew up with the sound and humor of UK stage-sensation, George Formby. During the Beatles Anthology project (1995), George, Paul, and Ringo re-visited one of their first recordings, Ain't She Sweet, on a sunny day with ukuleles. Since Harrison's passing in 2001, Paul McCartney has included a ukulele tribute to George in all of his concerts with a performance of the powerful, Harrison classic, Something (Abbey Road/1969). Here is Paul playing the song during the Concert For George with Eric Clapton below.

Spy Vibers can also visit my YouTube channel to see my experimental film for Yoko Ono (now on the festival circuit), and a 75th anniversary film/sound collage I made for John Lennon.

KNOLL SALE

Ready to revamp your secret lair? Check out the Knoll sale at Design Within Reach, where you can pick up classic furniture by Eero Saarinen and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. For more Mid-Century Modern delights, check out our review of the Dieter Rams gadget exhibit at SFMOMA here.

EARLY CINEMA

Anyone who has been fortunate to see the film, Hugo, has probably been inspired by Scorsese's love letter to early cinema to explore the works of Melies and other imaginative pioneers. The 5-dvd set of Melies work from Flicker Alley is definitely the place to turn. The distributor will also release a remastered Blu-ray edition of a few of his major works, including Trip to the Moon, on March 27th. As my imagination relishes a revisit to Melies's wonderful magic, I can't help but feel a tug back to the incredible mystery/adventure cliffhanger serials that Feuillade made in 1913-1914. Kino released his original Fantomas films on DVD last year, which are thrilling and visually exciting- as this trailer illustrates.

"Based on the phenomenally popular French pulp novellas, Louis Feuillade's outrageous, ambitious FANTÔMAS series became the gold standard of espionage serials in pre-WWI Europe, and laid the foundation for such immortal works as Feuillade's own Les Vampires and Fritz Lang's Dr. Mabuse films.

René Navarre stars as the criminal lord of Paris, the master of disguise, the creeping assassin in black: Fantômas. Over the course of five feature films (which combined to form a 5 1/2-hour epic), Fantômas, along with his accomplices and mistresses, are pursued by the equally resourceful Inspector Juve (Edmund Bréon) and his friend, journalist Jerôme Fandor (Georges Melchior)."



I love the movie poster that Kino chose as its DVD cover. From what I understand, the image above was originally the cover illustration for one of the novels. The bloody dagger that Fantomas holds in the original image was edited out when made into the film poster below. Despite that sinister detail, I enjoy how he is portrayed with top hat and mask- perhaps a precursor to the eccentric, well-dressed adventure we enjoy from the space age of the 1960s and programs like The Avengers. You can buy the poster image from AllPosters.com.

If you have not seen Hugo, by the way, make sure you see it on the big screen. I'm not usually a fan of 3D, but this is one film where it adds some beautiful (and humorous) elements to the experience. And you will see this Fantomas movie poster in the film!

I SPY COMIC BOOKS

Coming soon from Hermes Press, the complete I Spy comic book run from Gold Key! After publishing many successful comic reprint collections, including Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Time Tunnel, Land of the Giants, Dark Shadows, The Phantom, Buck Rogers, and other classics, I Spy: The Complete Series will be released on June 19th.


From Hermes Press: "One of the greatest spy shows from the 1960s, I Spy, returns with Hermes Press’ new deluxe reprint of all six Gold Key comics’ issues of the feature. Included in this complete reprint are informative essays about the creative team behind the comic book and loads of never-before seen publicity photographs featuring stars Robert Culp and Bill Cosby. Artwork by Al McWilliams (issues #1-5) and Mike Roy (issue #6); scripts by Western Publishing mainstay Paul S. Newman." Pre-order at Amazon.