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Release Date: November 7, 1961
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After his pioneering independent film Shadows (1960), actor/writer/director John Cassavetes made his major studio directorial debut with this gritty, low-key drama about jazz musicians. Bobby Darin plays John Ghost Walefield, a pianist who scuffles from gig to gig with his band, trying to keep body and soul together without betraying his muse. Ghost's agent Benny (Everett Chambers) introduces him to Jess (Stella Stevens), a would-be singer who looks beautiful, even though her voice is fair at best. Ghost falls hard for her and agrees to put her in the band, though it's hard to say if he believes in her musical talent or just wants her companionship. Ghost and his band score a record deal thanks to Jess' presence, but after a humiliating fight in a pool hall and Ghost's discovery that Jess occasionally turns tricks to pay the rent, he puts his integrity up for sale, fires his band, and starts spending his time with a rich woman who likes to hang out with musicians -- and is willing to pay for the privilege. A number of real-life jazz greats appear onscreen and on the soundtrack, including Slim Gaillard, Benny Carter, and Shelly Manne; the role of Ghost was originally written for Montgomery Clift, who was forced to back out at the last minute, leading to Bobby Darin's casting.~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Starring:
Bobby Darin, Stella Stevens, Everett Chambers, Nick Dennis, Vince Edwards, Val Avery, Marilyn Clark, James Joyce, Rupert Crosse, Cliff Carnell
Directed by:
John Cassavetes
Rating: No Rating
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 103 min
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Let Me In
A young boy has troubles at home and at school. Fortunately for him a little girl who has moved in next door just might be the friend he’s been looking for. Unfortunately for him, that little girl happens to be a vampire. This one’s a remake of a Swedish film – which was based on the Swedish novel “Let the Right One In.” Chloe Grace Moretz (she played the girl in “Kick Ass”) and Richard Jenkins star.
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February 1st, 2011
Conviction
This film is based on the real life case in which Betty Anne Walters, here played by Hilary Swank, put herself through law school to take on the case of her brother Kenny, played by Sam Rockwell, who was convicted of murder. Great performances by these two skilled actors are backed up by a terrific supporting cast that includes Juliette Lewis, Minnie Driver and – Melissa Leo, who just won Golden Globe and SAG trophies for her work in “The Fighter.” In this movie she plays the hard-nosed cop who made it her mission to convict a man of a crime that, as it turns out, he never committed.
Never Let Me Go
This is different kind of movie that takes place in sort of an alternate universe of the late 1970s and 1980s. Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield are best friends who grow up together during this time at an English boarding school. However, the school has a chilling secret - and they find out how it is that people in general have an average lifespan that has now passed 100 years of age. And how they factor into that equation.
1 Disc DVD: Purchase
Welcome To The Rileys
Here is a quirky film about a dark subject. James Gandolfini and Melissa Leo (again!) are two people in a marriage that has been crumbling since the death of their 15-year-old daughter in a car crash. On a business trip to New Orleans, Gandolfini’s character wanders into a strip club and meets a hooker named Malory, played by Kristen Stewart. His intentions, however, are different then she at first guesses. He wants nothing carnal from her – but he does want a daughter! Soon he sells his business and moves into her apartment, paying her 100 dollars a day for the privilege!
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