"THE NUDE BOMB"
Any movie putting the word "bomb" in its title is asking for trouble. And upon its 1980 theatrical release, "The Nude Bomb" (which later aired on NBC as "The Return of Maxwell Smart") was indeed greeted critical derision and box office indifference. However, it has deservedly achieved cult status in the ensuing years. And the new Kino Lorber Blu-ray release makes this the perfect time to rediscover this irreverent comedy.
Though based on the late 60s TV hit "Get Smart," the film doesn't even display reverence for the original series. There's no mention of CONTROL, the agency for which Maxwell Smart worked. Here he toils for PITS (Provisional Intelligence Tactical Service).
In the final seasons of the series, Smart was married to Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon) and they had twins. In the film, 99 and the twins appear to have never existed. Feldon would have been a welcome addition to the cast. She returned in later incarnations of "Get Smart." Actually, the only other cast member from the TV series on view here is Robert Karvelas in the forgettable role of Larabee. Joey Forman, Harry Hoo in "Get Smart," appears in the movie as Agent 13 (who was played by Dave Ketchum in the series).
The PITS Chief is portrayed in the film by Dana Elcar. The CONTROL chief, Edward Platt, had passed away in 1974. Also missing are Dick Gautier (Hymie the Robot) and Bernie Kopell (as Smart's nemesis, the main KAOS baddie).
Steve Carrell played Max in the successful 2008 "Get Smart" reboot. But for fans of the series, there's only one Agent 86 and that's Don Adams. He's what really makes the movie worth watching. His deadpan delivery, mastery of pratfalls and impeccable timing make the character a classic.
His familiar catch phrases crop up in this revival, including "Would you believe...," "the old (fill-in-the-blank) trick," "Sorry 'bout that" and when he accidentally discharges a gun down the front of his pants, "Missed it by that much." Also showing up in the film are the Cone of Silence and the shoe phone.
The crazy plot of the film involves a madman who's threatening to detonate special bombs all over the world that will make all clothing disappear, thus turning the world nude! The movie earned a PG-rating, so the nudity in evidence consists of male bottoms.
With a feature film budget, there are more lavish sets, stunts and effects than on the original series.
Though it was nominated for the first Razzie Award as Worst Film of the Year, "The Nude Bomb" actually offers plenty of goofy fun. There are chuckles aplenty during the snappy 94-minute running time. You'll even enjoy a few full-fledged guffaws. Another plus is the chase through the Universal Studios tour, where the action includes glimpses of the stunt show, as well as the "Jaws" and "Battlestar Galactica" attractions.
The movie, directed by Clive Donner ("What's New Pussycat?"), effectively spoofs the James Bond franchise, particularly the trademark title sequence with the gun barrel, as well as the use of a bizarre, larger-than-life villain. Italian star Vittorio Gassman, an unlikely choice, plays the part with unbridled zeal and the right measure of weirdness. Hitchcock veteran Norman Lloyd also brings an amusing quirkiness to the proceedings.
And while there's a void where Feldon should have been, there are several fabulous females in the cast. Sylvia Kristel (a sensation in the softcore "Emmanuelle" pictures) has a light touch and sexy magnetism that would make her an ideal Bond girl. Also playing PITS agents are Pamela Hensley ("Buck Rogers in the 25th Century," "Matt Houston") and Andrea Howard ("Thank God It's Friday," the soap "Santa Barbara"), who is Smart's romantic interest. You might also recognize Sarah Rush, who had a recurring role on the original "Battlestar Galactica."
Other familiar faces popping up briefly in the movie include 50s star Rhonda Fleming, Vito Scotti and Bill Dana as Jonathan Levinson Seigle. The film was written by Dana and two of the TV writers, Arne Sultan and Leonard Stern. It might have reached a much loftier comedic level, if series co-creators Mel Brooks and Buck Henry had been asked to participate.
Lalo Schifrin ("Mission Impossible," "Bullitt") provides the energetic score and Merry Clayton sings the stirring pop tune over the titles. Unfortunately, the original series theme music isn't heard anywhere in the film.
The Kino release, in addition to presenting a glorious high-definition image, offers loads of great bonus features, including deleted, extended and alternate scenes. There are two audio commentary tracks. Be sure not to miss the one by "Sledge Hammer!" creator Alan Spencer, who truly understands the "Get Smart" comic niche. He delivers tons of terrific trivia.
It's time to go "Nude!"
"THE GREAT WALDO PEPPER"
Where's Waldo? He's high overhead, risking his life to entertain the crowds. The barnstorming pilots of the 1920s are celebrated and romanticized to engaging effect in 1975's "The Great Waldo Pepper." It's now available on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory.
Courageous or just plain crazy, the daredevil aerialists travel across the country, recklessly soaring, swooping, performing loops and showcasing wing-walkers, all to thrill gasping, gawking onlookers. Flying is still a novelty... and a great adventure.
Robert Redford, at his most dashing, portrays one such pilot, Waldo Pepper, whose escapades eventually lead him to Hollywood, where he wangles a job flying in films. Having served as a flight instructor in WWI, missing out on combat, he longs to test his mettle in a sky battle, even if it's a fictitious one.
Redford gives a winning performance as the glory-chasing Waldo. Fine in support are Margot Kidder, Susan Sarandon and Bo Svenson.
The charming film, enhanced by a wonderfully nostalgic score by Henry Mancini, skillfully shifts moods from merry to moving. The jaunty sense of fun doesn't ignore the tragedies that these pilots may face.
The stunt-flying sequences are spectacular. This was obviously a passion project for director, producer George Roy Hill ("Slap Shot," "The Sting," "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"), who was a Marine Corps pilot during WWII and Korea. He also co-wrote the script with legendary screenwriter William Goldman. In addition to providing visual excitement, it offers intriguing glimpses into the psyches of the barnstormers.
The Shout release also includes the theatrical trailer.
"BILOXI BLUES"
Boot camp has rarely been so entertaining. Neil Simon recalls his military experiences in the amusing and moving "Biloxi Blues." It's the third in a trilogy about his alter ego, Eugene Morris Jerome, which resulted in two other hit plays/films -- "Brighton Beach Memoirs" and "Broadway Bound." "Biloxi" is now available on Blu-ray from Shout! Factory.
In the final year of WWII, 20-year-old Eugene (Matthew Broderick) enters the Army. His main focus is on losing his virginity. But for a naive Jewish kid from Brooklyn, suddenly finding himself in Biloxi, Mississippi, there are a lot of other challenges to face. Having Christopher Walken as his drill sergeant, makes matters even more harrowing.
Simon's screenplay, adapted from his Tony-winning play, intuitively balances comedy and drama. He shapes characters that could easily have become stereotypical and makes them relatable and distinctive. Yes, there's snappy, clever dialogue, but the movie also offers depth. It's all deftly handled by director Mike Nichols. And Broderick's charismatic performance carries the film.
The Shout disc offers bonus features that includes a new interview with actor Corey Parker, who plays Eugene's defiantly principled friend Epstein. You'll also find the original theatrical trailer and TV spots on this release.
CDs
THE DAVE CLARK FIVE - "ALL THE HITS"
With so many terrific guitar-based bands emerging from the 60s British Invasion -- The Beatles, Searchers, Kinks, Stones -- one band took a different sonic path to greatness. The Dave Clark Five rocketed from Tottenham to worldwide fame with a sound that featured blaring sax, surging organ and, of course, thundering drums. Their records were instantly recognizable and remain just as powerful today, half a century later.
"All The Hits" (BMG) marks 60 years since the colossal quintet was formed. Dave Clark, who owns all the masters, has kept the classic songs out of the marketplace much of the time. So this new CD release, offering 16 fabulous tracks, is most welcome. It's also available on vinyl, as well as in digital download format. Dave Clark himself supervised the remastering of the tracks.
This is a group that really knew how to rock. They studied 50s American rock 'n' roll and R&B records and honed their craft during countless pre-stardom gigs. By the time they erupted to the top of the charts with "Glad All Over" in 1964, they had a big, booming sound that proved irresistible.
One of the key elements in the appeal of their records was keyboardist Mike Smith, one of the most dynamic vocalists in the history of rock. He stood behind his Vox Continental and belted out hit after hit. He could shout, scream and croon well enough to make the girls swoon. The other band members chimed in with strong harmonies.
Most of the British bands were covering old R&B numbers, but the Dave Clark Five had a special gift for giving those sorts of songs thrilling new twists. This compilation opens with "Do You Love Me," a Berry Gordy composition that was an early Motown hit for The Contours. The DC5 version ramps up the excitement, edge and energy levels. They succeeded similarly with the Chris Kenner/Allen Toussaint tune "I Like It Like That" and Bobby Day's "Over and Over." One of the later chart champs for the band was 1967's "You Got What It Takes," a horn-driven, churning reinvention of a tune originally recorded as a B-side by Bobby Parker in 1958 and later remade by Marv Johnson.
Smith rocks up a storm with his vibrant vocal on Chuck Berry's "Reelin' and Rockin'." His scorching, Jerry Lee Lewis-style piano work, underlined by Denis Payton's blistering sax, makes this one a real crowd-pleaser.
The band could write their own smash hits, as well, as evidenced by the iconic "Glad All Over," an irrepressible, joyful noise. You can't help but feel good as you sing and air-drum along to that one. Smith and Clark co-wrote that one and many of the other hits, including "Can't You See That She's Mine" and the stomping "Bits and Pieces." "Try Too Hard" is a distinctive track with infectious rhythm, melodic surprises and cool Lenny Davidson guitar work.
But nothing was more explosive than "Anyway You Want It." That one just rips it up from beginning to end, with no let-up. The intensity could only be matched by a nuclear blast.
Though the band's trademark was explosiveness, they did have a softer side. Smith's singing was equally potent on ballads, such as another of the most popular DC5 songs, "Because." The slow and bluesy "Come Home," one of the group's most unusual singles, gave Smith the opportunity to display the full soulfulness of his voice.
Lead guitarist Lenny Davidson also contributed his songwriting skills on several top album cuts. He's represented here with "Everybody Knows (I Still Love You)" and "Catch Us If You Can," two hit single co-writes with Clark. The latter, an impossibly catchy number, was the title track to their artful, thought-provoking feature film, which was directed by John Boorman. The track has an effective little harmonica solo by Payton.
In the States, the film was retitled "Having a Wild Weekend." That song, written by Smith and Clark, is here, as well, and it's indeed a wild one, a barn burner that ranks among their most rollicking records.
The 16 songs clock in at a total of under 40 minutes. That's how concise the DC5's hard-hitting records are. It's one of the reasons why the tunes invite an infinite number of plays. It only takes about two-and-a-half minutes to grab the listeners, shake them up and make a permanent deposit in the memory banks. "I Like It Like That" delivers in just 1:39!
The set closes with an unreleased track, "Universal Love," a pretty, uplifting number that sees the Five taking on a flower power sort of vibe. With proper promotion, it, too, could easily have been a hit.
The CD collection is comprised, actually, of not "all the hits," but the biggest hits. Among the missing chart tunes are "At The Scene," "Please Tell Me Why," "Satisfied with You," "Nineteen Days," "Look Before Your Leap," "I've Got to Have a Reason," "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby," "A Little Bit Now," "Red and Blue" and another tune with the title "Everybody Knows." But what's included here is more than enough to establish that the DC5 is among the great groups of all time. It's an astounding body of work.
The DC5 was under-appreciated far too long. The band, now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has had a lasting impact on the rock scene. Their influence can be heard distinctly in dynamic groups like Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. There have been numerous cover versions of their hits... but nobody can equal the sheer pop power of their sound.
DC5 fans, be sure to read our vintage interview with the band's Mike Smith:
popcultureclassics.com/mike_smith.html
THE MARSHALL TUCKER BAND - "NEW YEAR'S IN NEW ORLEANS ROLL UP '78 AND LIGHT UP '79!"
Like fellow Southern rock greats The Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Marshall Tucker Band drew upon a mix of genres to create dynamic 70s sounds that profoundly influenced later generations' jam bands. This new release, a two-CD set (also available in digital and vinyl formats) is taken from a live, 1978 concert. It captures the band at the height of its musical power.
You'll hear great live performances of such Marshall Tucker hits as "Fire on the Mountain," "Long Hard Ride" and "Heard it in a Love Song," as well as lesser heralded classics like "Can't You See," "Dream Lover," "Fly Like an Eagle" and "This Ol' Cowboy."
Bluesy passages abound. Steel guitar grounds the music in country traditions on some tracks, though the band takes the roots and drives them in progressive directions. Improvisatory flights assume a jazz sensibility. And a gritty rock feel envelopes the diverse elements. With Toy Caldwell's grabbing guitar riffs and Doug Gray's earnest, earthy vocals leading the way, the band soars.
A joyful New Year's Eve vibe adds to the fun atmosphere of this rockin' set. The band closes with a rousing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," contributing to the timeless nature of the vintage show.
TAMUZ NISSIM - "CAPTURING CLOUDS"
With an exquisite, expressive, entrancing voice, Tamuz Nissim has been building excitement among jazz aficionados. The Israeli-born, New York-based vocalist dazzles on her newly released fourth album. Thanks to her arresting approach, each song becomes a beautiful breath of fresh air.
There's not only a sweetness and delicious delicacy to Nissim's voice, but also a vibrancy and versatility. She finds the true meaning of every word she sings, but can also convey a great deal through vocalese.
Nissim sets a high bar with her vocal instrument and it's met by her talented trio -- guitarist George Nazos, bassist Harvie S and drummer Tony Jefferson.
Nissim puts her disarming imprint on such classics as Jimmy McHugh's "On the Sunny Side of the Street," George Harrison's "Here Comes the Sun" and Nick Drake's "Saturday Sun." There are many "sun" references on the album and Nissim brings to the music her own special radiance. She also charms with the Tom Waits tune "I Don't Wanna Grow Up."
For "Rhapsody for Trane," the adventurous Nissim took John Coltrane's solo from "I Hear a Rhapsody" (on the "Lush Life" album) and plugged in her own lyrics.
Nissim's original songs prove to be just as delightful as her interpretations of familiar numbers. "Ray of Hope" and the title track, "Capturing Clouds," are particularly pretty and pleasing.
In many of her lyrics, you'll hear notes of optimism and resilience. In "Listen," Nissim sings, "Open your ears, open your heart, and live and love and learn."
It's definitely worth opening your ears and heart to the lively Ms. Nissim. You'll instantly fall in love with that extraordinary, unique voice and style.
"SHARON & BRAM AND FRIENDS"
It's been more than 40 years since Sharon, Lois and Bram teamed up in Toronto to create endearing music. A TV series aired on Nickelodeon, hugely expanding their popularity. Their songs have been cherished by several generations of families.
Lois Lillienstein passed away in 2015, at the age of 78. But her musical comrades, Sharon Hampson and Bram Morrison have released a new album. Their first in more than 20 years, it bubbles with all the charm of their previous records.
Pre-schoolers will have fun hearing about the spectrum of hues in "The Colour Song" and beating out a rhythm for "The Drum Song." Other warm and winning numbers include "Everybody Talks," "Old Coat," "The Hug Song," "Different" and "Talk About Peace." Sharon and Bram also revisit one of their classic tunes with "Skinnamarinky Two."
Sharon's husband Joe Hampson wrote much of the material with their daughter Randi contributing additional music.
Today's tots will eagerly sing along to these appealing tunes, just as their parents were captivated by earlier Sharon and Bram music.
BOOKS
I AM C-3PO: THE INSIDE STORY
By Anthony Daniels [DK]
"Oh, dear!" Just when you thought there couldn't possibly be another "Star Wars" book that could add any new perspective on the franchise, along comes this memoir by Anthony Daniels. It's a must-read for any fan of this pop culture phenomenon.
Daniels' sparkling portrayal brought to life one of the screen's most endearing and enduring characters, C-3PO (to whom he refers as See-Threepio).
Robby the Robot was the most iconic AI creation on film until audiences fell in love with C-3PO and his companion, R2-D2. And we have remained enamored for more than 40 years.
With every nuanced movement and each elegantly expressed bit of dialogue, Daniels fleshed out his metallic, prim and proper character. Tall, slender and rather elegant, the golden C-3PO fussily and reluctantly achieved heroic status. And he wouldn't have been quite as memorable with any other actor handling the unique demands of the role.
The English actor immerses readers in his "Star Wars" experience in "The Inside Story," from his initial audition through the making of the movie and each subsequent related project. With his interpretation, he added the magic to the simply divine droid. It's a remarkable journey.
Daniels shares not only the triumphs, but the trials and tribulations. He details the physical challenges of donning the suit, as well as the frustration of languishing in relative anonymity while his co-stars achieved instant stardom, when the first film became a sensation.
The "Star Wars" story is told here from an insider's point of view, as Daniels takes readers on the set, describing the shooting process and his relationships with fellow cast members and filmmaker George Lucas.
Daniels' wittily recounted anecdotes and previously unseen photos mean this book must be given a prominent place in every "Star Wars" aficionado's library.
ME & MR. CIGAR
By Gibby Haynes [Soho Teen]
If you were guessing what might be the latest creative project from Gibby Haynes, frontman of the renowned punk/metal band Butthole Surfers, Young Adult author probably wouldn't have been at the top of your list. Nevertheless, he has indeed just unleashed on the world a new YA novel, "Me & Mr. Cigar," and it's the most unusual coming-of-age tale you're likely to ever come across.
Drawing from his own background, it's about a teen growing up in North Texas and a beloved canine friend, Mr. Cigar, a dog imbued with supernatural powers. Haynes proves to be a compelling storyteller, while dreaming up a wild, surreal ride that takes the reader to the most unexpected plot places.
Despite the fact that the tale is supremely strange, it manages to also be, from the opening pages onward, immensely involving and often poignant. Smirking with a dark sense of humor, the book turns out to be freaky fun. For those seeking something completely different, "Me & Mr. Cigar" totally rocks.
