"The Bat" began as a play in 1920, then was adapted into a 1926 silent film. The 1959 version stars Vincent Price. He's a doctor who performs experiments on bats. Could the claws belong to him? We know he's willing to commit murder to get his hands on the missing money.
A special edition Blu-ray of the 1959 movie has been issued by The Film Detective. This new black-and-white release looks great in 1080p HD, thanks to restoration from the original 35mm print. The DTS sound enhances the enticingly eerie score composed by Louis Forbes.
Though campy in spots, the movie, written and directed by Crane Wilbur ("House of Wax" "Mysterious Island," "The Phenix City Story"), manages to be intriguing and entertaining.
The lead roles suit Price and Moorehead's hammier instincts, though Price is a bit more subdued than usual for this period of his career. The supporting cast includes Lenita Lane IWilbur's real-life wife) is droll as Moorehead's dedicated companion/assistant. John Sutton plays the butler. Did the butler do it? Also in the cast is Darla Hood. Yes, that Darla Hood, the adorable tot from the "Our Gang" comedies. Here she's all grown up, in her final film role.
The Film Detective release serves up several notable bonus features. A featurette on Crane Wilbur's remarkable career is definitely worth viewing. He was a silent star, appearing in the "Perils of Pauline" serial. In the 30s, 40s and 50s, Wilbur blossomed into a prolific screenwriter. The disc also offers an audio commentary track. An additional treat is a collection of nine radio broadcasts featuring Vincent Price.
"RAIN" - 90TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION
Having debuted in silent films in 1925, Joan Crawford had climbed to superstardom by 1932, when she was part of the glittering "Grand Hotel" cast. That same year, MGM loaned her to United Artists to tackle the challenging role of Sadie Thompson in "Rain." Her force-of-nature portrayal of the prostitute shines brightly in a new 90th anniversary Blu-ray edition from VCI Entertainment.
The sordid story first shocked audiences as a 1922 smash hit stage play, based on a short story written by W. Somerset Maugham, starring Jeanne Eagels. This 1932, pre-code movie, screenplay by Maxwell Anderson, was also considered scandalous.
A ship is stranded in Pago Pago. The passengers include Sadie and a missionary and his wife (Walter Huston and Beulah Bondi). A marine William Gargan) stationed on the island becomes smitten with Sadie. Her wild ways outrage the self-righteous, intractable missionary. He's determined to wage a battle for her soul before casting her out, even though deportation will mean imprisonment for her.
But who is really the good? Who the evil? Whose power of personality will win out? The vivacious, brazen Sadie's brassiness covers guilt, fear and insecurities. But she has an inner strength that has enabled her to survive so far. The cast includes several prominent character actors who deliver memorable performances -- Bondi, Guy Kibbee and Walter Catlett, among them.
The movie was neither a commercial or critical success. Gargan makes an effective love interest for Crawford. Huston makes the stony missionary formidable. Crawford was unfairly compared, unfavorably so, to Jeanne Eagels, who had created a sensation in the theatre. Gloria Swanson had played the role in a silent film version. Crawford may not have had the acting chops to completely carry off this demanding role, at this early point in her career. But she displays an undeniable presence that proves riveting. Her performance may be flawed, but it's daring and ultimately moving.
For an early talkie, the film demonstrates an amazing fluidity and cinematic flair. That's due to the brilliance of director Lewis Milestone ("All Quiet on the Western Front"). Unlike most of the films of that period, he uses camera motion, imaginative set-ups, close-ups and crisp editing to make the movie involving throughout. The beautiful cinematography by Oliver T. Marsh benefits the film immeasurably.
The 90th anniversary edition is a technical triumph. The film definitely doesn't show its age, courtesy of a new 4k digital restoration. The film elements came from the Mary Pickford collection at the Library of Congress. The images really pop. Sound is also excellent for a film that's nearly a century old.
Bonus features for this edition include two commentary tracks, the original theatrical trailer, plus a peek at the 1938 re-release version, which was trimmed due to the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code. Another delight is the inclusion of a newsreel and a Betty Boop cartoon also from the early 30s.
ALBUMS
JEFF BECK & JOHNNY DEPP - "18"
Guitar icon Jeff Beck, who first shot to fame with The Yardbirds and has immersed himself in countless collaborations over the decades, is currently paired with Johnny Depp. Depp is no dilettante, having sung and played guitar in bands before he found acting stardom.
Their new album, "18," was so named, because playing music with one another made them feel like teens again. The youthful exuberance will spread to listeners.
Beck and Depp open the diverse and dynamic set with a beautiful interpretation of Irish musician Davey Spillane's moving "Midnight Walker." The duo quickly change the pace and mood with an unnervingly intense cover of Killing Joke's "Death and Resurrection Show." What follows is a sincere and sumptuous rendition of the gorgeous "Time," written by Dennis Wilson, cool, tragic and underrated Beach Boy. (His wife Karen Lamm-Wilson co-wrote it). Also here is "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder," which was written by Wilson's genius brother and bandmate Brian (with Tony Asher).
Rap and rock collide on a Depp/Beck original, "Sad Motherfuckin' Parade." Depp's poignant, lush "This is a Song for Miss Hedy Lamarr," pays tribute to the legendary actress whose stunning physical beauty prevented her from being taken seriously as a brilliant inventor. The song was co-written with Tommy Henriksen of Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires renown.
Depp's sweet falsetto, backed by smooth harmonies, elevate The Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby." They stay in a soulful spirit for Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." Depp and Beck give an appropriately eerie and foreboding feel to Velvet Underground's "Venus in Furs," before embracing the tender nostalgia of the Everly Brothers' classic "Let It Be Me." The latter offers some of Depp's best vocalizing.
They find the poignance and pain of John Lennon's "Isolation," another of Depp's penetrating vocals, and Janis Ian's "Stars," which underscores the downside of fame, something to which Depp can surely relate. The album ends on a sublime note with the Beck/Depp instrumental version of Brian Wilson's exquisite "Caroline, No."
Beck's guitar work is melodic, expressive, fluid and creative. Depp complements him well with supportive guitar and pleasing vocals. He also played a bit of keyboards and drums for the project. Beck began during the original 60s British Invasion and, nearly 60 years later, he still has the goods. His teaming withe Depp proves consistently entertaining.
VICKI BURNS - "LOTUS BLOSSOM DAYS"
Happy days are here again for jazz aficionados, thanks to "Lotus Blossom Days," the warm and winning new album by Vicki Burns. Her vocals, subtle, sophisticated and appealing, achieve a rare level of intimacy and relatability. Her tone is engaging; her phrasing inventive, yet natural.
Burns gets sultry on "Close Your Eyes" (written by Bernice Petkere, whom Irving Berlin called "the Queen of Tin Pan Alley"). She gently swings on tunes like "If You Never Fall in Love With Me/Del Sasser" and "It's Over Now/Well You Needn't," (Thelonious Monk) which includes some scintillating scat. She shines on the rhythmic "Watch Out/The Sidewinder." Burns is enthralled and enthralling on Harold Arlen and Johnny Mercer's "Out of This World." She also deftly handles Arlen & Mercer's "This Time The Dream's on Me." She brings a captivating wistfulness to the album's title track, "Lotus Blossom Days" (a Billy Strayhorn tune with lyrics by Roger Schore and Carol Sloane).
"Bittersweet" (another Strayhorn tune) lives up to its title, as Burns gives a lovely performance, her emotion convincing. She also stands out on "A Long Way to Go/Equinox," (John Coltrane, lyrics by Chris Caswell), as well as the undulating "You Don't Have to Believe," a Tessa Souter composition. Burns demonstrates her own highly honed songwriting skills, as on "Love Spell" and the seductive "Siren Song"
Many of the songs here were originally instrumental tunes and are beautifully transformed into vocal gems with lyrics added. Burns benefits from an exceptional backing group that complements her vibrant vocals perfectly. The lineup consists of pianist Art Hirahara, drummer Billy Drummond, saxophonist Dayna Stephens, trumpeter Josh Deutsch, trombonist Nick Vayenas and Mas Koga on flute and baritone sax. San Bevan plays bass and contributed fabulous arrangements.
With the first notes she sings, Burns will have you hooked and when you've reached the end of these delicious dozen tunes, you'll still be craving more.
GYPSY SOUL - "COVER STORY"
Gypsy Soul finds the magic in every song they perform. With Cilette Swann's spectacular voice and Roman Morykit's magnificent guitar playing, they invariably prove spellbinding.
Over the years, the couple has gifted fans with a wealth of dazzling original material. But their latest album, "Cover Story," is an homage to the music that influenced or inspired them.
Swann's soul-stirring vocals make numbers like Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic," Stevie Wonder's "Higher Ground" and Carole King and Gerry Goffin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" truly soar. Slide guitar gives the latter track a beguiling, lilting flavor. The duo's soft and sensitive renditions of the Tears for Fears number "Mad World and Duran Duran's "Ordinary World" captivate.
Gypsy Soul's rendering of the oft-covered "What a Wonderful World" is the prettiest you'll ever hear. Also in the lineup are enchanting versions of The Beatles' "Day Tripper," Peter Gabriel's "Don't Give Up" and Stephen Stills' "For What It's Worth. The album closes with a gorgeous instrumental, richly layered "Circle of Life."
Throughout, Swann's elegantly expressive, spine-tingly, acrobatic singing, filled with genuine emotion, will leave listeners in awe. Morykit's versatility is equally impressive. With his resplendent tones, he achieves melodic and harmonic majesty.
You're sure to find some of your favorite classic tunes in this collection. And you'll be won over by Gypsy Soul's fresh and exciting new interpretations. The material is imaginatively arranged and beautifully performed.
Visit https://gypsysoul.com
THE SMITHEREENS - "THE LOST ALBUM"
Rock 'n' roll lives! In the late 80s and early 90s, New Jersey band The Smithereens proved that real, honest-to-goodness, hard-driving rock was not extinct. Lead singer/guitarist/main songwriter Pat DiNizio passed in 2017, at age 62. But the music lives on.
In fact, there's a new release, "The Lost Album," that will absolutely thrill fans. Recorded in 1993, when the band was between label deals, it delivers potent, powerful, pleasing material that's as grabbing as anything in The Smithereens' body of work.
DiNizio was a master of the hook, whether with a slashing guitar riff or a harmony-accented, instantly unforgettable chorus. Joining him in reaching righteous rock heights were guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Mike Mesaros. The group's playing was consistently tight and terrific. And it shines on these songs, almost all of which have never previously been released.
With the band's unwaveringly potent rhythm section fueling his compositions and guitars meshing magnificently, DiNizio conjured 60s British Invasion energy, Elvis Costello & the Attractions cleverness and an edge that would soon explode into the grunge movement. Even though the lost album may have been unfinished to the extent that it might be missing some additional overdubs and a more polished mix, it packs a wallop. Each of the dozen tracks is a genuine prize.
The irresistible rockers include "Out of This World," "Don't Look Down," "A World Apart," "Monkey Man," and the gritty metal of "Stop Bringing Me Down." Then there are mid-tempo marvels like "Everyday World," "Dear Abby" and "Pretty Little Lies." There's a Beatle-ish verve to "Face The World with Pride." The band is equally effective taking a tender tone on the lovely, gentle "Love Runs Wild." "I'm Sexy" delivers a defiant message by an angry, but defiant, rebuffed lover. The Smithereens closing number is the melodic and memorable "All Through The Night," with its message of comfort.
There is not one weak track here. From the opening notes of each song, you'll be enthusiastically tapping your toes and nodding your head. Midway through, you'll be singing along. Don't miss this newly unburied treasure.
BOOKS
ROCK AND ROLL WARRIOR:
My Misadventures with Alice Cooper, Prince, George Clinton, Living Colour, the Runaways, and More…
By David Libert [ Sunset Blvd Books]
David Libert's life has been one long, wild and wonderful rock 'n' roll adventure. He shares his exciting experiences in the fun and fascinating new memoir, "Rock and Roll Warrior."
Spanning more than half a century, Libert gives readers an all-access pass, taking us behind the scenes of pop, rock and funk stardom. With candor and humor, he relates his colorful story.
A talented keyboardist and vocalist, Libert kicked off his musical career as a performer. He was an original member of the hit-making The Happenings. He arranged the group's splendid harmonies. They had several smashes in the 60s, including "See You in September," "I Got Rhythm" and "Go Away Little Girl." As pop-oriented sounds gave way to psychedelia, the group tried to adapt, leading to conflicts.
As The Happenings, began to fall apart, Libert grabbed an opportunity to become the Alice Cooper Band's road manager. The group excelled at music, showmanship and partying. Libert had to make sure that nothing derailed the Cooper express. The tons of gear traveling with them didn't consist solely of instruments and amps, but also such accoutrements as gallows and guillotines, not to mention Alice's pet boa constrictor/ co-star Eva Marie Snake.
While chaos and craziness could easily have prevailed, Libert kept this circus running smoothly. Of course, that doesn't mean he didn't enjoy indulging in the flood of drugs and groupies.
One of Libert's key mentors was Shep Gordon, subject of Mike Myers' documentary, "Supermensch." Building his skills as booker and manager, Libert brought his invaluable services to such artist as George Clinton, The Runaways, Living Colour, Carmine Appice and Sheila E. He serves up memorable anecdotes about each of those artists.
Libert took the highs and lows of the music industry in stride, always finding a note of optimism. At a nadir, a lack of funds forced him to pass up a golden opportunity to manage a rising young band called Guns N' Roses.
When his income dried up and he couldn't maintain his lavish lifestyle, he dabbled in dealing cocaine to friends. That landed him in prison. Libert gives us a glimpse into life behind bars. He bounced back, however, and continued to help artists fulfill their recording and touring dreams.
Many intriguing personalities pop up in these pages, Prince, Ryan O'Neal, Bill Graham, David Keith and Kim Fowley among them.
In addition to chronicling the sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, Libert delves into the enormous challenges that face a road manager -- overseeing rowdy musicians, crew, sets, props, all manner of equipment. It's not a job for the disorganized, the thin-skinned or the faint of heart. But the energetic, enthusiastic Libert, a true warrior, relished the work... and the play. His memoir is not to be missed.
AS IT TURNS OUT: THINKING ABOUT EDIE AND ANDY
By Alice Sedgwick Wohl [Farrar, Straus and Giroux]
Edie Sedgwick, tragic 60s icon, served as Andy Warhol's muse, creative collaborator and kindred spirit. For decades, her life has been exhaustively examined in films and books. But it has never been written about in a more intimate, intriguing and illuminating manner than in a new memoir by her older sister, Alice Sedgwick Wohl.
Sedgwick Wohl, an independent scholar and translator who has written extensively about great painters, brings a clear-eyed, compelling perspective to Edie's complex story. The author begins with a deep dive into the family background and that provides context and a richer understanding of Edie's personality, her magnetism, her vulnerability and her flaws.
Edie was the seventh of eight children. Because of their age difference, the two saw little of each other once Edie reached her late teens, but Sedgwick Wohl remained haunted by her charismatic sister, long after the actress/model/artist's 1971 suicide at age 28. Now 91, the writer still wrestles with Edie's enigmatic existence.
Mental illness plagued several members of the family. One of their brothers had committed suicide. Another's reckless lifestyle led to a fatal motorcycle crash.
The Sedgwicks were of old New England stock. But they migrated west. Edie was born on the family's California ranch. She needed psychiatric help early in her life. It didn't help that their father was domineering, cruel and possibly incestuous. The mother enabled his destructive parenting.
Edie, who alternated between boarding school and mental institutions, suffered from bulimia. She would order three dinners, consume them, then casually saunter to the restaurant restroom to purge. She often didn't pay her bills. Yet she enchanted everyone who ventured into her orbit, including Bob Dylan. Edie wanted to experience everything, to live life to its fullest, not wasting a moment. She partied tirelessly. No one was more mesmerized by her aura than Warhol.
The shy, awkward, insecure Warhol, who came from working-class roots, was inextricably drawn to the beautiful, glamorous wild child Edie, whose family was wealthy, with a rich history. But the Sedgwicks' familial relationships were undeniably damaged.
With her look, aesthetic and zest, in their brief, but vital time together, Edie helped to shape Warhol's revolutionary pop art and his own eccentric persona. She became the star of his films... and his New York Factory scene, expediting the merging of the gay and underground worlds into more mainstream pop culture. Sedgwick Wohl details the strange electricity between her sister and Warhol.
Sedgwick Wohl paints a vivid portrait of Edie, colored with love, admiration, empathy, disappointment, puzzlement and more than a hint of sibling envy. While trying to make sense of her free-spirited sister's life -- a volatile mix of pleasure, pain and the piteous -- Sedgwick Wohl also offers insights into the nature of celebrity, art and the darker side of family bonds. It's a spellbinding experience for readers.
Contact Paul Freeman at paul@popcultureclassics.com
