Forgot the artist, my apologies.
Yeah, the least remembered Belmont. Had only two games on the Game Boy and a remastered version a few years ago. He's lost the Vampire Killer but was able to find the Cross.
So I'm doing something different with the art jam this year. Instead of updates every day, there's just going to be two every Friday. Mostly due to a bunch of factors that I have zero control over. Please, enjoy the art.
Diary of the Dead (2007), dir. George R. Romero, Artfire Films/Romero-Grunwald Productions
Another zombie film and a new one from the Master himself? There are sayings about sequels and wells children, and one should be mindful of both...
A History of Violence (2005), dir. David Cronenberg, BenderSpink/Media I! Filmproduktion/Munchen & Company
David Cronenberg and DC? Yeah, this was based on a 1997 graphic novel. I wasn't aware of that when I saw this.
The Apartment Complex (1999), dir. Tobe Hooper, Pacific Bay Entertainment/Sterling Pacific Films
Ah, dear Mr. Hooper. His career was not doing great at this point, but thankfully Showtime threw him a bone and on Oct. 31st that year they showed his latest flick. Would it be a nail in the coffin?
Night Visions (1990), dir. Wes Craven, Wes Craven Films/MGM Telecommunications
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Wes Craven's career was full of highs and lows. Which would this one be?
Village of the Damned (1995), dir. John Carpenter, Alphaville Films
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John Carpenter's career was in an odd state in the mid-90s. A few critically acclaimed and few busts in equal measure put him in a kind of grey zone, with this being more contractual obligation than passion.
Innerspace (1987), dir. Joe Dante, Amblin Entertainment
We've talk about nearly everything he did, but we did skip over a few things. Hopefully this rectifies things. By now Jow Dante was riding high thanks to Gremlins, so why not a sci-fi comedy?
Last Woman on Earth (1960), dir. Roger Corman, Filmgroup
Funny enough this predates the Vincent Price film Last Man on Earth by a good four years, although it has more in common with Arch Oboler's Five than the former.
Let's Kill Uncle (1966), dir. William Castle, William Castle Productions
Moving into William Castle's efforts, and yeah, this might be the darkest comedy I've reviewed.
Notorious (1946), dir. Alfred Hitchcock, RKO Radio Pictures/Vanguard Films
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Moving into the director section, and as per tradition we open with a Hitchcock film.
Baron Blood (1972), dir. Mario Bava, Euro America Produzioni/Cinematografiche/Dieter Geissler Filmproduktion GmbH & Co.
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How have we not talked about Mario Bava before? We're also ending our look back at zombies, so why not end with an Italian one?
Isle of the Snake People (1971), dir. Juan Ibanez and Jack Hill, Azteca Films/Columbia Pictures
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Actors rarely go out on a good note. If Targets had been the last film Boris Karloff did, it would be help up as probably the finest film of the 1960s but sadly Mr. Karloff followed that up with a series of four films released after his death. This would be the second to last.
I Eat Your Skin (1971), dir. Del Tenney, Del Tenney Productions
Funny how things work out. I Eat Your Skin was actually made in 1964 but no distributor would touch it. Director Jerry Gross, having just finished I Drink Your Blood, needed a second film for a proposed double feature and thus one name change (it used to be called Zombie) later the most infamous double bill was born.
Night of the Living Dead (1968), dir. George A. Romero, Image Ten
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What can I say that hasn't already been said by far more learned people than myself? Prior to 1968, zombies were still considered a purely folklore monster, a corpse or doomed person drugged into mindlessness for manual labor. Here? The rules changed and the bar was raised.
Revolt of the Zombies (1936), dir. Victor Halperin, Victor & Edward Halperin Productions
The Halperin's had a most unusual trajectory in Hollywood. 1932's White Zombie was a hit and brought the concept of the undead to the American popular culture. 1933's Supernatural was groundbreaking in its own way and might be a review here at some point. So why not look at those two and ignore everything that made them work?
Ouanga (1934), dir. George Terwilliger, George Terwilliger Productions
...And this might be the single most racist thing I've reviewed this year.
Maniac (1934) dir. Dwain Esper, Roadshow Attractions
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As we've done in the past, this section of the month will be focusing on a particular theme. In this case that theme is zombies and brother, what a pick today.
The Leopard Man (1943), dir. Jacques Tourneur, RKO Radio Pictures
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Ending our slasher feature, and we really haven't gotten to the works of Val Guest that much. He worked with RKO throughout the 40's and his output has been studied by intellects far greater than mine. This wasn't one of his, but he did produce it and the direction was handled by his frequent collaborator Tourneur.
Maniac Cop III: Badge of Silence (1992), dir. Alan Smithee, First Look Studios/NEO Motion Pictures
'Directed by Alan Smithee' is always a sign. Rarely a good sign, I mind you. William Lustig wanted his name off. Did he have a good reason?
Halloween Ends (2022), dir. David Gordon Green, Miramax/Blumhouse Productions/Trancas International Films/Rough House Pictures
We're moving into the slasher section and what better way to begin with an ending?
Hands of the Ripper (1971), dir. Peter Sasdy, Hammer Film Productions
And so we end our look back at Hammer Film Productions for this year; Jack the Ripper practically has his own little cottage industry of experts, tell all novels and quite a few films, so it is rather mystifying that Hammer only made one proper Ripper film, the Sister Hyde film that came out in 1971 notwithstanding.
Dr. Jekyll and Sister Hyde (1971), dir. Roy Ward Baker, Hammer Film Productions
We're nearing the end of our Hammer lookback and man. We've talked about Hammer's 1970's output and how they tended to be either poorly thought out or just out there but in a good way. This is defiantly one of the latter.
Prehistoric Women (1967), dir. Michael Carreras, Hammer Film Productions-Seven Arts
Also known as Slave Girls when it was released in the UK, Hammer opted to reuse the sets and costumes from One Million Years, BC, but would the success be repeated?
The Reptile (1966), dir. John Gilling, Hammer Film Productions
Hammer was still going strong in the 1960s, which makes this a rather odd duck as the film is remarkable similar to 1964's the Gorgon only with the some of the deader parts removed.
Renfield (2023), dir. Chris McKay, Universal Pictures/Skybound Entertainment,/Giant Wildcat
Ending our homage section, and why not end on a laugh? With the Mummy reboot being DOA, why not try a comedic take on an old tale?
The Phantom of the Opera (1990), dir. Tony Richardson, Saban Entertainment
Real name: Sean Smith
Years active: 2003-present
One of the few hosts we've mentioned this year who's still broadcasting. Hosting Midnight Massacre Theatre on Vegas 35 KVTE (although I've heard he moved to ROKU), the Sinister Minster along with a bevy of bewitching Altagirls watch the best and the worst.
A unique look, plus he's still active as best as I can tell so that puts him leagues ahead of other hosts.
The Leech Woman (1960), dir. Edward Dein, Universal International Pictures
And now, one for my baby and one more for the road. The lights have been turned off and everyone's gone home. After seeing this, yeah, probably the right call.
Real name: Mike Ward
Years active: 1997-2010
Hosting Cheap Thrills Theatre on SNCAT Channel 16 out of Reno, this might be the most honestly named host and show ever put to air. The show is so cheap the host can't even afford to be a character. Cheap or subtlety brilliant?
Seems to have vanished from the net too, which is a great shame.
Curse of the Undead (1959), dir. Edward Dein, Universal-International Pictures
Real name: Jim Parker
Years active: 1960s-1970
What a character. Former disc jockey and stock car promoter, the Vegas Vampire hosted Shock Theater on KHBV Channel 5 out of Hendersonville.
He would riff on everyone, up and to and including Richard Nixson (which allegedly got him in hot water, as one jabbing literally involved him sticking a bunch of pins into a Nixson voodoo doll). Costumes, puns, and he would end the reader mail segment by torching the mail.
You don't find acts like that anymore.
Monster on the Campus (1958), dir. Jack Arnold, Universal-International Pictures
We've mentioned the creative freedom that comes from the doomed and the occasional diamond in the rough one can find-this isn't one of those gems.
Real name: Wendall J. Brenner
Years active: 1958-1960
Now this was a guy who almost slipped my notice. Hosting Shock on KOLO-TV Channel 8 out of Reno, the Baron seemed to be your standard vampire type host.
Can't seem to find that much else about the fellow, but it is nice that that not all hosts were in Vegas.
The Thing That Couldn't Die (1958), dir. Will Cowan, Universal Pictures
The writing was on the wall for the Universal Monsters, but sometimes you can find some freedom when it doesn't matter anymore.
Real name: Danny Coker
Years active: 1990 to 2000
Moving West, we head to the Silver State and the count of cool himself, Count Cool Rider. Hosting Saturday Fright at the Movies on what was formerly KFBT-TV Channel 33, the Count was half vampire half Elvis.
Suave and actually had some films that weren't always public domain, the Count cracked wise with a bevy of undead beauties in between classic and not so classic.
He's also the same guy from Counting Cars. I didn't know that.
The Monolith Monsters (1957), dir. John Sherwood, Universal-International
Heading into the last roundup for Universal. Yes, the house that horror built had, at this point, regulated the much-vaunted monsters to the B-side; that is when they weren't making high camp of them.
Real name: Niels Erickson
Years active: 1990-1993
After Scarticia, Jackson wouldn't have another host until the 90s and here we go. Hosting Thriller Theatre Staring Margali, airing on WDBD-TV Channel 40 in Jackson, the pale mystic, along with a disembodied hand and unseen werewolf announcer, picked the worst movies.
Actually won a few awards. Seemed to be a pretty standard host, although the white motif was a change from the usual black fright wigs.
The show was also briefly syndicated in Georgia and Alabama but it started in Jackson and thus, a Mississippi host.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968), dir. Charles Jarrott, Dan Curtis Productions
Beginning things this year, per tradition, with a mad scientist yarn and who madder than the tale of Jekyll and Hyde?
Real name: Unknown
Years active: 1971-1975
Kicking off another year of fright and fear and this time out we take a look at the Magnolia State. Yes, Mississippi is kicking things off this year and we look at one of the first hosts, Scarticia.
Her actual name? No idea, but she hosted Horrible Movies WAPT-TV Channel 16 out of Jackson. Not much info but it seems they roped the station secretary into the doing the job, but from all accounts she did a decent job.
Her character seemed a not quite Vampira and not quite Morticia but she was good with the snark. Seems she was replaced as host but a couple of a guys with chainsaws but I was unable to find anything about them.
10-9-1992
Reseda Country Club
Announcers: Craig DeGeorge and Captain Lou Albano
We open with Herb Abrams. He walks out with "Dr. Death" Steve Williams. On Abrams shoulders are two belts.
"Folks, I just want to thank everyone who's stuck with so far. If you recall our last PPV, our champ here" he nods towards Williams, "beat GWF champ Rod Price. So, it is my supreme pleasure to announce that Dr. Death Steve Williams is NO longer the Universal Wrestling Federation North American champion." he pauses.
"Now, and it is an honor to announce this, but as of now Mr. Williams will be announced as the UWF WORLD Champion!" He puts the two belts aside as a leggy blonde in a swimsuit comes out with a briefcase. Abrams pops it open and pulls out a decent sized belt and gives it to Williams.
Williams nods but seems indifferent. He takes the belt, gives a brief wave then walks off. Abrams looks befuddled.
UWF Light Heavyweight title
Lightning Kid (c) VS Fire Cat
Winner. Kid retains. Short but fast. Cat tries to outmaneuver but the Kid takes it to the top rope and pins in 10.
Kevin Von Erich sits down with Captain Lou Albano. He's still having all the other marbles, thus he's still number one contender to every other belt. He has to admit, seeing the Lightning Kid? Darn impressed but he's not sure who's going to be the number 1 contender for that belt. Luna Vachon storms onto the set. Who's going to face her?
Wendi Richter rushes out and the two have a face off. Kevin stands up, pops a marble from the bag and with some showmanship hands the UWF Women's title shot to Richter. The audience goes nuts and so does Luna. She tries to attack but security forms a wall.
Abrams comes out and makes the match official, next week!
Miss Texas VS Bull Nakano
Winner: Nakano in 8. Miss Texas tries her best but Bull simply overpowers her.
UWF Televison title
Bam Bam Bigelow (c) VS Jason the Terrible
Winner: Bigelow in 15 but it's a bloodbath. Jason doesn't even seem to care. Bigelow is thrown around the ring and left a bloody mess but leaves and gets counted out. Bigelow is stretchered to the back.
Johnny Ace VS the Bounty Hunter
Winner: to the shock of most, the Bounty Hunter in 10. He uses the old fashioned brass knuckles to Ace's head when the ref gets distracted by Colonel Red.
Colonel Red then has a sit down with the newly victorious masked man. He's got a fire under him and he's looking for some gold! "The TV title?" Hell no, he wants gold and serious gold at that! He'll get a marble from Kevin Von Erich even if he has to beat him stupid to do it!
Which prompts the Von Erich to rush the stage and slap the Iron Claw on the masked man's face. Ok, if he can beat him one on one, he'll let him have whatever's left. He chucks the Hunter into an outraged Red and Super Ninja.
UWF World title
"Dr. Death" Steve Williams VS Jerry Lynn
Winner: Williams retains in 35 but Lynn clearly takes him to the limit. After the match, Lynn tries to shake Dr. Death's hand, but the bigger man power bombs him. He takes the belt and leaves to the crowd's boos.
Friz Freleng, the Bugs Bunny Mother's Day Special, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises/Warner Bros. Television
Also known as Bugs Bunny's Baby Boomers
And so we end another feature here, and we go out on a holiday special. Mother's Day doesn't get the quite the love that Halloween or Christmas does but it is nice to see it recongized.
Bugs runs into Granny in the park and they chat about the importance of mothers and motherhood. A certain stork shows up, sober for once and we segue into the various shorts dealing with mothers.
Not awful and they way they handle the shorts is fine, although I was surprised by the amount of Daffy Duck shorts but the focus here is the shorts and not a new narrative. Mostly, while there is new animation it mostly occurs after the shorts with the character commenting and/or setting up the next sequence.
Hal Greer, Bugs Bunny's Valentine, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises/Warner Bros. Television
Also known as Bugs Bunny's Cupid Capers
Nearing the end, and by 1979 rolled on we went back to the specials that were compilations with a few minutes of original animation.
We open with Bugs getting ready for a date with Daisy [Hare Splitter (1948)] when Cupid (Elmer) flies down and makes the pitch that he helps the lonely hearted folks. Bugs disagrees, arguing that with the advent of spring is motivation enough.
Bugs heads to the local racing track [the Gray Hounded Hare (1949)] with Cupid in hot pursuit...
Not bad and while it does handle things better than the Halloween special it is a stepdown from the King Arthur one, but as far as holiday specials go this could have been worse.
Chuck Jones, A Connecticut Rabbit in King Arthur's Court, Chuck Jones Enterprises/Warner Bros. Television
Also known as Bugs Bunny in King Arthur's Court, this would set the standard for most Tv specials.
Bugs is trying to get to a peanut festival in Georgia when he makes a wrong turn and ends up England, circa 526 AD. He runs into Sir Elmer of Fudde, who mistakes him for a transformed dragon. Bugs is captured and dragged before King Arthur (Daffy Duck) and his wizard, Merlin of Monroe (Yosemite Sam).
Bugs is sentenced to be burned at the stake but some quick thinking and a handy eclipse convinces them to let him go. After that, Bugs starts to makes some changes to things, but can he handle the schemes around him?
Pretty darn good and the first special was not just old shorts recycled or edited. Honestly this may have set the bar too high, as we would rarely see the likes again for a while.
Hal Greer, How Bugs Bunny Won the West, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises
With all the other specials going, Warner Bros pressed on and in 1978, we saw another special. The difference this time is while it shows many shorts, the new animation is minimal. Instead, famed Western actor Denver Pyle acts as the narrator as the shorts (mostly focusing on Bugs but a few Daffy ones are featured) play out more or less normally.
Barbary-Coast Bunny (1956) kicks things off, but from the edits the story is now Bugs being a fresh off the boat rube who just happens to ruin a gambling house by winning, with new animation showing him deciding to head over to Sutter's Mill to try some of that prospecting he's head so much about.
The rest of the special goes about the same way. One short segues into another, sometimes with new animation but only a brief scene or two.
Decent and at least it isn't as convoluted as the Halloween one.
David Detiege, Bug Bunny Howl-oween Special, Warner Bros. Animation
Now this is a step up from the space special.
Daffy and his nephew are trick or treating when they encounter Witch Hazel, while at the same time Bugs is dressed the same as Daffy's nephew [or to be more exact, they blended A-Haunting We Will Go (1960) and Broom-Stick Bunny (1956)].
Bugs, after tea with Hazel, leaves to prove that his doc's brew is better [Hyde and Hare (1955)] and drinks it. After Hazel chases him to an ancient ruin [A Witch's Tangle Hare (1960] and fails to bring him down, Hazel opts for a night off and turns a nearby Speedy Gonzales into her exact double.
We also get some of Hyde and Go Tweet (1960) plus a blending of Scaredy Cat (1948) and Claws for Alarm (1954). After all this, Bugs hands over Dr. Jekyll's formula to Witch Hazel, which turns her into Count Bloodcount [Transylvania 6-5000 (1963)].
Finally restored to her proper witchy self, Witch Hazel decides to end things on a permanent note. It looks like curtains, at least until Bugs uses some nearby magic powder [Bewitched Bunny (1954)] and one line reworking later, has a new for Halloween.
Decent but the new animation doesn't blend with the old stuff at all. For all its faults this is what I think of when I think of the Looney Tunes TV specials. A mix of old and new to introduce the characters for a new generation.
Chuck Jone/Friz Freleng, Bugs Bunny in Space, Warner Bros. Television
Star Wars was quite the hit in 1977. Blowing up the box office in May, by the fall 20th Century Fox knew they had something and so did every other studio. Everybody was rushing to put out science fiction be it television, movies, or even comic books.
So why shouldn't Warner Bros. get into the act? They already had hit bringing back the Looney Tunes as TV specials but apparently they felt the spark from Lucas and Co.'s efforts was going to fade.
Thus is the first special with no wraparound or original animation. Nope, they just grabbed some shorts and tossed them together.
The Hasty Hare, Hare-Way to the Stars, Mad as a Mars Hare, His Hare-Raising Tale, and we finally end with Duck Dodgers in the 24th1/2 Century (which we'll get to at some point).
I mean, the shorts still work but it did seem a bit silly not to have something new. Maybe just have Bugs introduce the shorts?
In other news, around the same time there was a live stage show with the same name. Got some interesting results when I went looking for this one.
Friz Freleng, Bugs Bunny Easter Special (1977), DePatie-Freleng Enterprise
So, Bugs was back. Since False Hare, Bugs had been regulated to Kool-Aid ads and Saturday Morning reruns. The last special was a hit, so why not do another one?
The Easter Bunny is down and a replacement is needed ASAP. Granny is on the case-she'll get Bugs Bunny! A quick jaunt over to the Warner Bros lot finds her star, but his contract is apparently ironclad. he's simply booked solid and can't help.
Daffy Duck overhears and tries to offer his services, but his outfits are too weird. We then go through a montage of other Looney Tunes characters but none of them fit the bill. Bugs finally finds a loophole, but he can't begin the work for another week at least.
When the Easter Bunny himself hops in, is the crises over?
Decent. This would be the standard for most TV specials. There would be a wraparound followed by shorts from earlier in the studio's history. Here they just use clips and the difference between the old animation and the new is startling. Not in a good way either, but I suppose by '77 they weren't as picky.
Chuck Jones, Bugs and Daffy's Carnival of Animals, Chuck Jones Enterprises, 1976
1964 would be the last we'd see of Bugs in a short format. Warner Bros by the early 70's had shuttered their animation department; they'd even almost handed the whole thing over to Filmation if you can believe it.
After a few other specials, this would be Bugs's grand return, along Daffy Duck.
This would be primetime however and thus the subject would be weighty.
Bugs and Daffy are conductors, presenting a special performance of Camile Saint-Saens' musical suite "the Carnival of the Animals".
That's about it. Not terribly deep but Bugs and Daffy get up to their usual hijinks as they conduct and the music is a nice feature. Some of the best shorts were music themed and Jones works that connection. Just seeing Bugs in proper primetime animation is a treat in unto itself and the special works well with that.
Robert McKimson, False Hare, USA 1964
Well, this is it. The last Bugs Bunny short.
The Big Bad Wolf, or Uncle Big Bad as he's called here, is hanging out his nephew and pitching him his latest idea; 'Club Del Conejo'. Basically they'll make up a fake club for rabbits and when they signup, BANG-rabbit stew!
Bugs happens by but yeah, he isn't fooled and proceeds to wreck Uncle Big Bad all throughout the picture.
Certainly not the worse short ever but there is a certain element of melancholy. The shorts department would continue on for a few more years but it would finally shutter in 1969. Bugs still had the Bugs Bunny Show but after this it would be a rerun program.
This wouldn't be the final word on Mr. Bunny but we'll get to that later.
Phil Monroe/Maurice Noble, the Iceman Ducketh, USA 1964
And things are nearing the end. This was going to be directed by Chuck Jones but he left Warner Bros by this point (although there was some uncredited work).
This would also be the last official short Bugs would have with Daffy until the 90s.
Up in the Klondike, Daffy notices how much cash trappers earned for pelts. Ignoring the manager's warning that the season is over due to winter, Daffy marches around in the snow for Bugs.
Much to his regret, he finds him.
Bit like watching Sting VS Ric Flair circa the late 1990s. The whole premise is a bit overdone, although I suppose Daffy taking the fight directly to Bugs rather than manipulating Elmer is novel. Some of the gags were clearly lifted from Wile E. and Roadrunner shorts giving it a whole rerun feel.
Decent but they could have gone out on a higher note.
Robert McKimson, Dr. Devil and Mr. Hare, USA 1964
Moving into 1964, this would be the last Merrie Melodie short and the last time Bugs would go up against the Tasmanian Devil.
Honestly just a rehash of the previous Devil shorts. Bugs is in the jungle when the Tasmanian Devil goes on a rampage. All the animals stampede save for Bugs and he outwits the Devil each time. The ending gag is a bit different, in that the Frankenstein Monster that Bugs creates goes on a rampage.
The outwitting gags are just ok. Bugs just slips on a disguise (mostly variants on doctors) and rehashes the same jokes. All told, very weak.
Gerry Chiniquy, Dumb Patrol, USA 1964
Kicking off 1964 and yeah, by this point the writing was on wall. The shorts division at Warner Bros. was shutting down. What could they produce?
Well, this has been called the WORST short Bugs ever did, so there's that.
1917 and World War One rages. The Allies are bedeviled by Baron Sam Von Shpamm. It's so bad that straws are drawn with the winner picked to do early morning battle in the skies. Captain Smedley (Porky Pig) is the lucky winner, but the next day as he readies himself for battle, Bugs opts to smack him over the head with a brick and take his place. "He has a wife and seven piglets!"
Very noble, but on the German front, Baron Sam is refusing to fly anymore. He's been awarded yet another Iron Cross and he's sick of them. He wants to drink Schnapps and make whoopie with frauleins, and he ain't flying until he gets both of those.
He stick by it too, at least until Bugs taunts him. Now it's personal.
I'm not sure I'd call this the WORST but it isn't very good. Bugs and Porky never teamed up that much and this short doesn't really do that much with them. This would also be the last time (in a short) that we see Yosemite Sam, so it is rather fitting he's blown up.
Could and should have been better but it also could have been a lot worse.
Chuck Jones/Maurice Noble, Transylvania 6-5000, USA, 1963
Keeping with our final theme here, we're showcasing the second to last short Chuck Jones did at Warner Bros. and the last one he did with Bugs Bunny during the short era.
Bugs is traveling to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania but makes a wrong turn and ends up in Transylvania. Easy mistake, I know. He walks to the castle of Count Bloodcount in search of a telephone but the count insists he spend the night.
To the count, Bugs is an easy meal.
He doesn't know Bugs very well, does he?
A perfect swansong for Jones and a perfect foil for Bugs. Count Bloodcount hasn't been used that much, and that's a pity. He's dangerous enough to be a challenge yet Bugs can still foil him. The battle of magic words is pure genius and one of the better routines Bugs did on camera.
Chuck Jones/Maurice Noble, Mad as a Mars Hare, USA 1963
Keeping with our unintentional theme of endings, this would be the last Marvin the Martian short in the Golden Age.
Marvin is just minding his own business when a rocket nearly takes out his lab. To the shock of no one reading (or viewing), it's Bugs. Seems he got volunteered to be an astronaut, a fact he is most unhappy about. Marvin is most put out as well.
Unwilling to hand over Mars, Marvin busts out the heavy artillery. Since this isn't Duck Dodgers he's facing, things go poorly.
Decent and Jones/Noble are both at the top of their game. The final gag would be reused later this year too, but we'll get to that.
Friz Freleng, the Unmentionables, USA 1963
Always one of my favorites, this sees Bugs tackling hoods Rocky and Mugsy.
As Special Agent Elegant Mess, Bugs is tasked with taking down the mobs. Good use of Rule of 3. Rocky tries to give Bugs some cement shoes but he easily works around that. The second encounter has Bugs going after Rocky at his birthday party whereas the third is Bugs going after Rocky at a cereal factory. The final gag is somewhat of a letdown but still a good short.
Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble, Hare-Breadth Hurry, USA 1963
One of the few co-directed shorts plus the last we'll see of Wile E. VS Bugs.
Honestly the whole short is a mesh. We have Wile E. Coyote tacking on Bugs Bunny like before but the difference here is Bugs is using super speed (using Acme Super Speed pills, natch) plus Wile E. is silent.
Funny enough the pills wear off thus Bugs has to rely on his wits as before. Decent, and you really can't go with an adversary who is so relentless in his pursuit.
Robert McKimson, the Millon Hare, USA 1963
Is there a better pairing than Bugs and Daffy? Here they start out peaceful, to a point. Daffy is watching TV at Bugs' place, who remarks that all Daffy has done is watch TV.
Something he can't do with Bugs yanking all the time.
But before the conversation can continue, it's time for Beat Your Buddy, in which two friends compete for a grand prize of a million bucks. Guess who gets picked?
Wonderful and easily one of the best shorts of the 1960's.
Friz Freleng, Devil's Feud Cake, USA 1962
Oddly appropriate for Friday the 13th
So it's come to this, another clip show. Yosemite Sam robs a bank and hijacks a plane that Bugs happens to goofing off in (Hare Lift) and steals the plane's only parachute; at least he thinks it's the only parachute. Much to his shock it only contains silverware.
So naturally he ends up in Hell. The Devil has had his eye on Bugs for a while, so he offers a trade. If Sam can get Bugs, he'll get a pass. Sam ends up in the desert as Bugs seeks shelter in a fort (Sahara Hare). Sam's stubbornness gets him blown up and sent down, but the Devil gives him another shot.
Sam's back and in modern times. He sees Bugs shooting a Roman empire flick nearby and one costume change later (Roman Legion-Hare), Sam tries to off the rabbit. Will he succeed?
Average, I mean the shorts are certainly good but seeing them again does take away their specialness a bit. The wraparound is good and the final gag is better than the short deserves.
Friz Freleng, Shishkabugs USA 1962'
Back to Sam as the foil, although this time out he's Sam the Cook.
Yes, cook. Serving at the pleasure of the Charles Laughton-esque king, Sam is frustrated when the King complains again. "Everyday the same thing-variety!" what the king wants is hasenpfeffer, and he wants it NOW.
Sam is stumped when Bugs strolls looking for a cup of carrots, then Sam learns that the main ingredient in hasenpfeffer is rabbit...
Decent, but Sam is really the victim here. I'm rather surprised Bugs didn't torment the king instead, since he did start this whole mess.
This is also the shortest Bugs short made too, so there's that.
Robert McKimson, Bill of Hare, USA 1962
Bugs VS the Tasmanian Devil, again. Which isn't a bad match but the plot does feel a bit run through.
Bugs is on the seaside cooking a meal when the Tasmanian Devil escapes his cage. He wants some rabbit for lunch but thankfully Bugs is a bit smarter than old baggy eyes. The gags are still pretty good, with Bugs tricking Tazzy pretty easy (truck crank for a rotisserie, train tunnel for a moose cave, etc.)
Decent but nothing special. We've seen more elaborate gags in other shorts, but Taz is still a decent foil.
Robert McKimson, Wet Hare, USA 1962
Kicking off 1962 and we have the debut of one of Bugs' lesser-known foes: Blacque Jacque Shellacque. The story itself is pretty basic. All Bugs wants to do is take a shower in the nearby river but local lumberjack Blacque Jacque has dammed the water. His reason? So he can bottle up the river and sell the water at an outrageous price!
Naturally Bugs takes this kind of personal.
Decent; Blacque Jacque is more or less an evil Pepe Le Pew, only he's fixated on dam building than romancing a mis painted cat but he does have a bit more bit than Elmer. Yosemite Sam would be a poor fit here, but I could buy him as a lumberjack.
Friz Freleng and Hawley Pratt, Prince Violent, USA 1961
Also known as Prince Varmint, rather odd they'd parody Prince Valiant by this point, but eh, who's complaining?
Sam the Terrible and his elephant are invading whatever country the story is set in, and only Bugs stands a chance of stopping them. Can he stop them? What do you think?
Decent, slight gags are good, if a bit basic. Sam had become a bit cliche by this point but the chemsitry is still there.
Chuck Jones/Maurice Noble, Compressed Hare, USA, 1961
Bugs VS Wile E. Coyote; I know, again? But while this doesn't break any new ground we still have Wile E. at his arrogant best trying to have Bugs for lunch. The end gag is wonderful bit of escalating madness.
I always enjoyed the few interactions Bugs and Wile E had. Bugs wasn't the Roadrunner but that was what worked, plus Wile E. only talking with Bugs gives him another dimension.
Chuck Jones, The Abominable Snow Rabbit, USA 1961
Kicking off 1961, we see the last time Chuck Jones would handle Daffy Duck (at least in the theater shorts).
Bugs and Daffy are taking a vacation, and wouldn't you know it, Bugs missed that turn in New Mexico and took them to the Himalayan Mountains. Daffy is rather put out and tries to leave, but on his travels, he runs into Hugo...better known to the world at large as the Abominable Snowman.
And there's nothing Hugo wants more in this world than a little baby bunny rabbit of his own. Pity he can't quite tell the difference between a rabbit and a duck with some misplaced sleeves.
Easily one of Jones' best, especially during this period. Hugo is a slight reworking on Lenny from Of Mice and Men but he still manages to provide some needed danger to the plot.
Friz Freleng, Lighter Than Hare, USA 1960
So we end 1960, with yet another Bugs/Sam short and also one written by Freleng.
Bugs is just trying to enjoy his day when Yosemite Sam of Outer Space drops by. Sam has his orders but Bugs has his wits. Which one will prove superior?
Decent. Honestly this could have stared Marvin; Sam isn't quite a fit for sci-fi but the gags are decent enough.
Friz Freleng, From Hare to Heir, USA, 1960
One of the better shorts from the 60's I think, plus one of the better Yosemite Sam roles.
Sometime in the past, Sam, Duke of Yosemite, is having a slight cash flow problem. His uncle the king has cut off his allowance and the books are no longer balanced. In walks Bugs Bunny and with him a deal-one million pounds, provided Sam can prove himself a model of good manners.
The catch is for every display of temper, Bugs deducts from that million. "Blow your stack, blow some dough". Bugs then moves in and proceeds to drive Sam slowly insane.
Wonderful. Sam is utterly perfect as the short-fused noble and Bugs as the instigator of everything. Freleng really was the best guy to handle Sam, as this was one of the few shorts Frelenfg wrote and directed.
Chuck Jones, Rabbit's Feat, USA, 1960
Chuck Jones plus Wile E. Coyote plus Bugs Bunny? Heck, one could end the review right there.
Seriously though, Wile E. decides to match wits with Bugs. The gags are wonderful and Wile E. provides a perfect foil to Bugs with his supposed intellect proving no match against Bugs and his general trickery.
Friz Freleng, Person to Bunny, USA 1960
Bit of a sad note here, as this would be the last time Arthur Q. Bryan would voice Elmer Fudd.
Bugs is being featured on the TV show People to People, with the host Cedric R. Burrows via live remote. Daffy Duck, on the other hand, figures he would be a vastly more entertaining subject.
Elmer comes a calling, shotgun in tow but when Daffy slips into a rabbit costume, things start to get a bit silly.
Decent, although Daffy is more 'jealous' rather than crazy. He's not even the usual Primadonna he was usually portrayed as at the time.
Bugs is a bit passive but he does mess with Daffy in ways both subtle and overt.
Friz Freleng, Horse Hare, USA, 1960
Moving into the 1960s, and yeah, this isn't one of the shorts that gets a lot of play nowadays.
1886, and Sgt. Bugs Bunny of the US Calvary is ordered to guard a fort. The only issue is Renegade Sam (Yosemite Sam in a poorly thought out idea) but thankfully Bugs is still Bugs and he quickly gets the little nimrod crushed by two armies.
Yeah, this didn't age well even by the 60's standards. Sam is still Sam but there's no reason why he couldn't be a cowboy.
Robert McKimson, People are Bunny, USA 1959
And so we bring back June Bugs and we end 1959 with a Bugs and Daffy team-up.
Mostly a spoof of People are Funny (ask your grandparents kids), this sees Daffy trying to drag Bugs to the local TV station to win a thousand bucks for bringing a rabbit to a taping of the QTTV Sportsman Hour.
Bugs isn't interested but a shotgun to the back is rather convincing. Bugs quickly turns the tables and has fun with Daffy and the TV trappings of the studio.
Decent and a perfect use of Daffy and Bugs. Daffy is a greedy little jerk who is easily manipulated and Bugs is a perfect foil.
Greg Gagne
Real name: Greg Gagne
Hometown: Mound, MN
A.K.A.: N/A
Membership: High Flyers (w/Jim Brunzell)
Finishing move: Sleeperhold
Background: Verne Gagne was a man. A dragon? No, just a man. He altered reality, you know. Split everything, world got split into different dimensions.
In the new scheme of things, Verne oversaw a team of heroes based out of Minnesota. Greg was set to inherit the whole thing. Pity he lacked pretty much everything his old man had.
His efforts at being a hero? He formed a super team! Of himself and one other guy, who did most of the work. He trained under Sgt. Slaughter! Who declared him a buck private for life.
He even made his way to New York, but after a few fights couldn't cut the mustard and left. Not that he was even on Titan Inc's radar anyway.
So yeah, went home to Minnesota and stayed there til the 90s, then retired. Some stories are epic and some aren't; you can't win every time.
Peter Maivia
Real name: Fanene Maivia
Hometown: The Isle of Samoa
A.K.A.: Prince Peter Maivia
Membership: Titan, Inc.
Background: All dynasties start somewhere.
Before the Rock or even the Soulman, we must look back to the island of Samoa. Much has been written about the culture and its heroes.
One of the biggest was the prince and yes, that was his persona as he arrived in America. He was royal and he loved to fight. He even joined the Superstars, but formerly quit in 1978 when he attacked Bob Backlund.
His tenure in the 80's was brief as he officially retired in 1982 but he lived long enough to see his family grow and flourish.
Ox Baker
Real name: Douglas Baker
Hometown: Waterloo, IA
A.K.A.: The Friendly Arkansas Ox
Membership: Titan, Inc., partners with the Grand Wizard
Finishing move: Heart Punch
Background: Ox started out as good as one could be. Back in the 60's, the Friendly Arkansas Ox was a proud member of the Superstars and was on his way to build his own legend alongside the greats.
Something happened though. The bespectacled youth went out to the woods. What came back was bald and ornery. He left New York and wandered the world, battling anything and everyone.
In 1980 he came back and was given to the Grand Wizard, who promptly dropped him as a client after one fight where Ox should bloodlust more akin to an animal than a human. Ox didn't care. He lit out and was never seen in New York again, although rumors and sighting would continue well into the Twenty-First Century.
Jimmy "the Mouth of the South" Hart
Real name: James Hart
Hometown: Memphis, TN
A.K.A.: the Strapmaster, the Colonel, the Memphis Chicken
Membership: Titan, Inc., the Gentrys
Finishing move: N/A
Background: A loudmouth, but an entertaining one.
Jimmy, if fate had gone another way, would probably have remained a member of a half-way decent rock and blues band, touring medium sized clubs.
That didn't happen; instead he ran into Jerry Lawler and figured "Hey, I want to see someone knock the hell out of that guy. Why don't I make that happen?" and thus the First Family was born. This got him on Titan's radar and soon he was pushed alongside Slick and Captain Lou. Hart first worked with Greg Valentine, but it was his mentoring of the Hart Foundation that cemented his role as a manager.
For most of the 80s he was there, usually out in front and causing a distraction while his boys were up to no good. He had the best of the best, even the Missing Link but when the 90s came, things changed.
Earl Hebner
Real name: Earl Hebner
Hometown: Richmond, VA
A.K.A.: Dave Hebner
Membership: City of New York Judicial Branch
Finishing move: N/A
Background: Once there were two brothers. One, the bane of his father's eye, cheated his way through school and graduated barely, eventually becoming an ambulance chaser
When there is a fight, an impartial figure to often called upon to render a judgement. Earl knocked out Dave and took his place, ensuring that Hulk Hogan lost. His deception was quickly uncovered and Earl quickly figured that maybe committing identity theft was a bad idea.
Of course, when his tried to fly on the straight narrow that somehow screwed him worse than being crooked, but that's a story for another day.
Dave Hebner
Real name: David Hebner
Hometown: Richmond, VA
A.K.A.: N/A
Membership: City of New York Judicial Branch
Finishing move: N/A
Background: Once there were two brothers. One, the apple of his father's eye, worked hard and graduated school, eventually becoming a judge with a reputation of calling it fairly and right down the middle.
When there is a fight, an impartial figure to often called upon to render a judgement. Dave was one of the best; when you're that high up that paints a target on you. When Ted DiBiase wanted to make a hundred percent that his man Andre would win a fight against Hulk Hogan, he found an interesting tidbit.
Dave had a brother...an identical brother...
Craig DeGeorge
Real name: Craig Minervini
Hometown: Miami, FL
A.K.A.: N/A
Membership: Titan Inc.
Finishing move: N/A
Background: He didn't have a great catchphrase or witness the most epic of battles, but from 1987 to 1989 he was there.
He didn't do a whole heck of a lot but he was there. He later went back to local sportscasting and found his niche there.
Lord Littlebrook
Real name: Eric Henry Edward Tovey
Hometown: Tottenham, London, UK
A.K.A.: Roger Littlebrook
Membership: Partners with Little Tokyo, King Kong Bundy
Finishing move: Giant Swinger
Background: Staying on the straight and narrow isn't always the easiest.
Eric was a clown. Not a put down either, no, he wore the greasepaint, tumbled, magic tricks, the whole nine yards. He might have even found success; but the circus went bust. Trapped in a foreign country with no prospects, why not turn to crime?
Thus the lower class Tovey became first Roger Littlebrook then LORD Littlebrook, a displaced nobleman with a penchant for highway robbery. His biggest moment was teaming up with his student and King Kong Bundy to take on Hillbilly Jim. They lost.
He did pretty for himself, slowly retiring into a trainer (see Little Tokyo or Colonel DeBeers) before retiring in the late 90's.
Little Tokyo
Real name: Shigeru Akabane
Hometown: Tokyo, Japan
A.K.A.: Tokyo,
Membership: Partners with Lord Littlebrook, King Kong Bundy
Finishing move: N/A
Background: Sometimes you get epic and sometimes you bump into a guy in the john.
Akabane was a fighter but more or a bottom of the card kind of guy. That's when he bumped into the infamous Lord Littlebrook and thus a partnership was born.
That's about it. They traveled, fought, and travled some more. They tried to shake down Hillbilly Jim, earned a country boy ass whuppin. Tokyo split after that, but drifted around a bit. He retired in 1997.
Sean Mooney
Real name: Sean Mooney
Hometown: Rochester, NY
A.K.A.: N/A
Membership: Titan News
Finishing move: N/A
Background: Just a guy named Sean
Craig DeGeorge had split and there was someone needed to replace him. He wasn't given the main chair but he was there for the syndication packages and home video releases, which earned him a decent sized audience.
So yeah, from 1988 to about 1993 there was a guy. Not huge, rarely on the front line where the action was but he was there.
He mostly does regional news now.
Lord Alfred Hayes
Real name: Alfred George James Hayes
Hometown: Windermere, England
A.K.A.: Judo Al Hayes, the White Angel
Membership: Partners with Les Thornton, Ricky Romero, and Roger Kirby
Finishing move: The Tower of London
Background: You can get away with quite a bit with just an accent.
Young Hayes was solidly middle class, but he had eyes for higher. First as the white clad hero the White Angel, he did pretty well in France but when he tried to take down the infamous Australian crook Dr. Death he was not only beaten but unmasked.
After that and during a brief stint in politics, he went to America. He opted for the career as a villain and did a right decent job of it but retired in 1982. He got into the managing game and also did a decent job; not upper echelon but a nice run all the same.
He took the name "Lord Alfred" and nobody bothered to check. When Titan Inc. switched owners in the 80's, he was hired not as a villain or hero, but rather in the news, often working alongside Gorilla Monsoon and Bobby Heenan.
He was let go from Titan in 1995 and despite a brief comeback attempt in Chicago he opted to retire.
Sir Oliver Humperdink
Real name: John Jay Sutton
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
A.K.A.: The Big Kahuna, Rooster Humperdink, Big Daddy Dink
Membership: Partners with the Army of Darkness, the Fabulous Freebirds, the House of Humperdink
Background: John Sutton came from the humblest beginnings. Much like Captain Lou Albano, he quickly saw profit coming from not running around in bright tights but arranging the fights. In the Midwest and Canada he made a small name for himself.
Heading south, he ran afoul of Lord Alfred Hayes and ending up the servant of Dusty Rhodes (who dubbed him Rooster)
He moved back North and became friends with Bam Bam Bigelow although the partnership wasn't a terribly profitable one. Humperdink split after a year with Titan after trying to managed Paul Orndorff back to stardom.
He formerly retired in 1995.
Donna Christanello
Real name: Mary Alfosi
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
A.K.A.: Princess White Cloud
Membership: Partners with Toni Rose
Background: Sometimes a goon is a goon. Trained under the infamous Fabulous Moolah, tried to be a hero with a Native American gimmick. Didn't exactly set the world on fire, fell into crime.
Mostly regional but did have a shot at the big time briefly in the mind 80's. Didn't exactly set the world on fire there either, and she retired in 1991.
Dawn Marie
Real name: Dawn Marie Johnston
Hometown: Newington, CT
A.K.A.: N/A
Membership: Superstars
Background: Not everyone gets a chapter. Heck, sometimes the best you can manage is a footnote.
Dawn was a fighter, a proper one at that having battled her way across Japan. Titan was looking to increase their ladies division, so Dawn Marie was brought on, mostly working as a hanger on to Sherri Martel. She lost in her big match and split for Florida.
Ted Arcidi
Real name: Ted Arcidi
Hometown: Buffalo, NY
A.K.A.: Boss of the Benchpress
Membership: Superstars
Finisher: Bear hug
Background: He found his niche, what can I say?
Ted was a pretty straight forward guy. He wanted to be strong, so he worked out. Probably too much, as by the time he was finished, Ted was now the strongest man on the planet. Seriously, dude could shatter diamonds just using his deltoids.
Naturally Vince came calling but they quickly a found a problem. Ted was strong-WAY too strong. One slap could cripple. The strongest blows barely registered with him. How could you build a fight around that? It would be like watching an adult fighting in a child's karate tournament. Sure, funny the first time but only a psycho would watch a second time.
So Ted was quietly retired in 1990.
The Haiti Kid
Real name: Raymond Kessler
Hometown: New York City, NY
A.K.A.: Little Mr. T
Membership: Superstars
Background: If you know a fool, can you truly pity him? Kessler was a guy who just wanted to make a difference, maybe get paid while doing it. He tried out for the Superstars in back in '71. Made a junior member. He wasn't happy, but a paying gig is better than nothing.
He was regulated to background roles mostly but his fortunes turned when Mister T took notice. He even changed his name, but all that got him was a shaved head. He tried make a go of things as a serious hero, but he formerly retired in 1994.
"The Natural" Butch Reed
Real name: Bruce Reed
Hometown: Kanases City, MO
A.K.A.: Doom#2, "Hacksaw" Butch Reed
Membership: Doom, Soul Patrol
Finisher: Elbow Drop
Background: Not the first dude to fall prey to flattery
Reed was looking to make a difference, really, but when the Doctor of Soul, Slick, came in and promised him wealth and respect...
Reed dyed his hair and started his public debut by knocking the hell out of Tito Santana. Other victories followed, including taking down former BMOC "Superstar" Billy Graham but he just never seemed to connect. The money also wasn't quite what was promised either.
After a bit, Reed headed South but those adventures are recorded elsewhere.
Matt Borne
Real name: Matthew Osborne
Hometown: Ellwood City, PA
A.K.A.: Doink the Clown, Borne Again, Big Josh, Reborne Again, Sgt. Kruger
Membership: Destruction, Inc., the House of Humperdink, Legion of Doom, the Rat Pack
Finisher: Nothern Light Suplex
Background: "What could have been" might be the cruelest way to begin a story.
Young Matt Borne certainly had plenty going for him. Son of legend Tony Borne, Matt seemed destined to end up a Superstar. One fight with Ricky Steamboat later and that dream was deader than a dodo. Matt just didn't click with people, or at least no one in management.
He left the Northeast and went first to Texas. Did alright for himself, had some success doing the costumed bit in the Southeast, but it was his run in the 90's that would cement his page in history.
"Rugged" Ronnie Garvin
Real name: Roger Barnes
Hometown: Charolette, NC
A.K.A.: Mr. Knoxville
Membership: Superstars, the 4X4s, the Garvin Brothers
Finisher: Knockout Punch
Background: A hero in one place can be a zero somewhere else.
Ronnie Garvin had been a local legend down south, often fighting Ric Flair and the Four Horsemen; even beating the former briefly. Hoping to find a place where the fighting was good and Flair free, Garvin headed north.
He was in the big city about five minutes before he picked a fight with Greg "the Hammer" Valentine. He had a few big moments but for the most part he was regulated to the back of group shots. He formerly resigned from the Superstars in 1990.
Tom Magee
Real name: Tom Magee
Hometown: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
A.K.A.: Mega Man
Membership: N/A
Finisher: Canadian Backbreaker
Background: Who?
At a glance, Tom should have had a place among the great. Bodybuilder, boxer, karate, he excelled in every field he entered. He was even a hero in Canada and Japan.
What happened?
That may never be known. A fight between him and Bret "the Hitman" Hart happened, allegedly. The fight quickly gained urban legend status, with more than a folk claiming it never happened.
Magee did pop up throughout the 80s. Jimmy Hart expressed interest in him, according to a few coffee stained memos that have been unearthed. He was to be given a name of Mega Man, no word on his costume.
He quietly left in 1990, assuming he was there at all.
