An Actor's Notebook by Mark Redfield

SAG-AFTRA MERGER? BORIS KARLOFF WOULD APPROVE.

2012-02-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Remembering Boris Karloff today, who passed away on this date in 1969, and looking forward to voting "yes" on the ballot that merges two US actor unions into one, strengthened, new union to serve and protect us, I wondered what Boris Karloff would think of it...

Boris Karloff 23 November 1887 – 2 February 1969

Karloff was one of the courageous founding members of the Screen Actors Guild, and attended early meetings of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

He struggled in his early years, and yet, when a small measure of success and stability had come into his working life as an actor, he struggled to help form SAG in 1933, and fought until it was recognized by the producers in Hollywood.

Karloff was known to always look-out for and help his fellows. He would've seen the value in merging these two unions.

I'm convinced he'd throw his support behind us today.

-Mark Redfield

Get the facts on merger HERE.

My article, Boris Karloff and the Creation of SAG is in the premiere issue of Monsterpalooza Magazine. You can order a copy HERE.

SAG APPROVES MERGER WITH AFTRA!

2012-01-27T19:20:00.000-08:00

Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors Approves Merger Package with AFTRA

LOS ANGELES (January 27, 2012)

The Screen Actors Guild National Board of Directors today voted overwhelmingly to approve and recommend a plan to merge with AFTRA. The board met in a regularly scheduled plenary meeting in the James Cagney Board Room at the Guild’s Los Angeles headquarters and voted after reviewing a merger package put forward by the SAG and AFTRA Group for One Union (G1) that includes a Merger Agreement and Constitution.

Collectively, these documents outline the plan of merger, dues and finance structure, membership requirements, and other basic attributes of the successor union. The same merger package must now be approved by AFTRA’s National Board of Directors which is scheduled to meet on Jan. 28, to review and vote on the package. Should the AFTRA board approve the merger package as well, a referendum will be sent out for a vote by members of both unions in the coming weeks.

The proposed name for the new union is SAG-AFTRA.

Read the rest of the press release HERE.

This is fantastic news! Long time coming...and long over due, ONE union means greater strength!

Happy Birthday to The Maestro--FEDERICO FELLINI

2012-01-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

Federico Fellini. Born 20 January, 1920. Died 31 October, 1993.

"FELLINI 12" (2012) by Mark Redfield. Acrylic on canvas. (16x20)

© Mark Redfield 2012

MONSTERPALOOZA MAGAZINE'S POE-PALOOZA!

2012-01-14T16:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.monsterpaloozamag.com/news.html#poepalooza

POE-PALOOZA starts Sunday, January 15th, 2012 on the Monsterpalooza Magazine facebook page!

In honor of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday on January 19th, 2012, we'll be posting about the great, influential writer ALL WEEK--on the facebook page and on the website!

And CONTESTS! What's a birthday party without presents and party favors? Seven days--seven contests--and the rules are simple: open to anyone on the planet; just watch for a contest question each day and be the first to answer correctly and you win! Great prizes--books, posters, DVDs and other Poe-related stuff!

Let's get the Poe Party started!

Charles Dicken's A CHRISTMAS CAROL read by Mark Redfield

2011-12-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

My audio recording of Charles Dickens; A CHRISTMAS CAROL is now available at CDBaby!

Here's the description:

A CHRISTMAS CAROL
performed by Mark Redfield, music by Bill Dickson

Since 1843, A Christmas Carol has delighted millions around the globe and has come to embody the spirit of Christmas for all who have been touched by its magic. Your favorite characters come vividly to life in this rich performance by Mark Redfield. With wonderful music by Bill Dickson, gather ’round this holiday season to hear the beauty and timeless art that is Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

"Redfield's meticulous diction, perceptive phrasing, excellent transitions and impeccable timing make his Scrooge the finest we have heard. His is a classic interpretation that is almost Shakespearean."
- The Baltimore Sun

Download A CHRISTMAS CAROL now HERE!

Happy Holidays!

VINCENT PRICE POSTER NOW AVAILABLE!

2011-11-06T11:00:00.000-08:00

Monsterpalooza Magazine is offering this beautiful, exclusive poster of the great Vincent Price!
Printed on high-quality, glossy poster stock, it measures 18" x 24" and is perfect for framing.
This rare, candid photo of the actor visiting Edgar Allan Poe's grave at the Westminster Burial Grounds was taken by Jeff Jerome, the curator of the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, when Mr. Price was on tour with his one-man show Diversions and Delights, in 1977. Not seen for 34 years until it was published in the pages of the premiere issue of Monsterpalooza Magazine, readers began asking immediately if a poster could be made available--and now it is!
While in Baltimore on tour, Mr. Price stopped at Westminster Hall to pay his respects at Poe's grave, and paid a visit to the near-by Poe House and Museum. While at the Poe House, the veteran actor, known for his wonderful portrayals of Poe's heroes and villains in the AIP/Corman films, was quoted as saying, "This place gives me the creeps!"

Fans of Vincent Price and Poe will love this poster, and a portion of every sale (after production, shipping and handling costs) will be donated by Damfino Media to help support the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, keeping it's doors open so that the public may enjoy the historic site, as it is currently under the threat of closure by the City of Baltimore, after they cut the funding to sustain the House in 2010. (To find out more about the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore please visit www.poeforevermore.com)

Celebrate the Vincentennial and support the Poe House and Museum! Get one for yourself, and one for the Price and Poe fan who you know will want to display this poster in a place of honor-- before they're all gone!

Your VINCENT PRICE POSTER comes rolled in a sturdy cardboard tube for shipping, which is included in the cost of $19.95.

Makes a great gift for birthdays, special occasions--and for the holidays!
Cost includes mailing tube, shipping & handling. Please allow 10-14 days after processing your payment. etc. Use the PayPal shopping cart or send check or money order in US funds to
DAMFINO MEDIA
P.O. Box 19428
Baltimore, Maryland 21206
USA
Make check or money-order payable to Damfino Media

BUY IT NOW DIRECT FROM THE PUBLISHER HERE!

The Premiere Issue of Monsterpalooza Magazine--Available Now!

2011-11-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

The premiere issue of Monsterpalooza Magazine is available now and ships immediately!

Order direct from the publisher's website and get your copy!

IN THIS ISSUE:
FRANKENSTEIN and DRACULA at 80!
The VINCENTENNIAL: A Report from St. Louis!
The John Chambers Interview!
A HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN!
DARE YOU SEE IT? FRANKENSTEIN AT 80!
Who Put The ‘Monster’ In Monsterpalooza? We answer : Chaney and Pierce, of course!
THE THING(S) FROM ANOTHER WORLD!
KNB:EFX FrightNight! ! Jimmy Sangster Remembered
THE HAPPIEST HAUNT ON EARTH!
AND MUCH, MUCH, MORE!

Order your copy HERE!

Remembering Vincent Price: October 25, 2011

2011-10-24T23:36:00.000-07:00

Vincent Price passed away on this day in 1993.

This year has marked the centennial of his birth. In honor of that, we've asked Raymond Castile to sketch a portrait for Monsterpalooza Magazine of the incredible event that took place in St. Louis in May of this year, when Tom Stockman moved heaven and earth to create an event called the Vincentennial.

Here's a sneak-peek at the opening pages of Castile's lively report in the premiere issue of Monsterpalooza Magazine. Order your copy today!

MONSTERPALOOZA MAGAZINE GOES TO MONSTER BASH! OCT. 22 AND 23, 2011 IN BUTLER, PA.!

2011-10-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

Hope to see you at MONSTER BASH and while you're there, say hello to publishers Michael Heisler and Mark Redfield and pick up a copy of MONSTERPALOOZA MAGAZINE!

Here's the link to the October, 2011 Monster Bash show in Butler, PA: MONSTER BASH

POE'S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN--BALTIMORE OCT. 30, 2011!

2011-10-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

POE’S FRIGHTFUL HALLOWEEN!
At Westminster Hall
519 W. Fayette Street Baltimore, Maryland 21201 (corner of Fayette and Greene Streets)
Sunday, October 30, 2011 6PM to 9PM

$10 (adults) ($3.00, 12 & under). No advance ticket sales. Tickets available at the door on the night of the event. (Cash or checks only. Sorry, we cannot accept credit cards at this time)

Continuous Live Entertainment!

Party with Poe as he plays Ghost Host With The Most at the most ghoulish and ghastly fun event this Halloween!

All proceeds go to support THE POE HOUSE AND MUSEUM IN BALTIMORE!

Listen...

...to undead music by THE WESTMINSTER HALL RESURRECTIONIST QUARTET!

Laugh...

...like maniacs to the improv comedy of THE CRYPT KICKER COMEDY TROUPE!

Thrill...

...as your host Edgar Allan Poe introduces special guest H.P. Lovecraft—who will read The Rats in the Walls! Live!

Shriek...

...in horror at the The Tell Tale Heart performed by Mark Redfield!

Poe’s creeptacular COSTUME CONTEST! Prizes given!

Free cider, popcorn and Halloween treats! Walk the catacombs and the graveyard! It’ll be a night to remember!

Added attractions include:
Lauren Silberman reading wicked tales of old Baltimore from her new book “Wicked Baltimore”. Signed copies by the author will be available for purchase.
By special arrangement with author Ahmet Zappa (son of Frank Zappa) his children's book “The Monstrous Memoirs of Mighty McFearless” will be available for purchase!
Mark Redfield will display new cartoon art and his new publication Monsterpalooza Magazine will be on sale—perfect for Halloween!

And remember! Proceeds go to support the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore! We thank you for your support and generosity!

Please note that the program is subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. No alcohol will be served or will be allowed on the premises. Children are welcome (under 12 is $3) but must be accompanied by an adult. Costume contest note: proper footwear is required on the premises ay all times, and no weapons (swords, etc) will be allowed.

SEE YOU AT WESTMONSTER HALL, SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 6-9 PM!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Click the link below for more info and directions!

POEFOREVERMORE!

JEWEL SHEPARD FUNDRAISER

2011-10-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

Our friends at the Dark Delicacies bookstore in Burbank are helping Jewel with her mounting medical costs as she fights cancer.

Jewel, as you remember, starred in RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD. She's fighting cancer with her wit and candor, but needs our help.

Please click on the link below, and thanks for anything you can do to help off-set her medical bills. Thanks. And please re-post!

Dark Delicacies Bookstore

BALTIMORE: MEET “THE RAVEN” DIRECTOR JAMES McTEIGUE AND STAR LUKE EVANS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 AT WESTMINSTER HALL!

2011-10-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

BALTIMORE: MEET “THE RAVEN” DIRECTOR JAMES McTEIGUE AND STAR LUKE EVANS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2011 AT WESTMINSTER HALL!

Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans, The Hobbit), star of Relativity Media’s highly-anticipated film The Raven and the film’s director James McTeigue (V For Vendetta) to pay special honor at Baltimore’s Westminster Hall on the 162^nd Anniversary of the death of Edgar Allan Poe. Come on out on Friday and support The Poe House and Museum, and show your love for Poe!

On Friday, October 7^th, 2011 Poe and film fans are invited at noon, promptly, on a first come, first admitted basis. Meet one of the stars and the director of The Raven and participate in a Question and Answer session about the up-coming film. A wreath-laying presentation at Poe’s grave will take place at 2:30pm.

Westminster Hall, where Edgar Allan Poe is buried, is located at 519 West Fayette Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. This event is free and open to the public. Limited space available, so arrive promptly at noon. First come, first admittance.

About The Raven: In this gritty thriller, Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack, Being John Malkovich) joins forces with a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans, Immortals) to hunt down a mad serial killer who’s using Poe’s own works as the basis in a string of brutal murders. Directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta), the film also stars Alice Eve (Sex and the City 2), Brendan Gleeson (In Bruges) and Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Faster). The Raven opens nationwide on March 9, 2012.

About Edgar Allan Poe: Edgar Allan Poe (19 January 1809 - 7 October, 1849) was an American author, poet, editor and critic. Best known for his Gothic and horror stories and poems, Poe championed the short story as a literary form, contributed to the growing science fiction genre emerging in his day, and is the inventor of the modern "detective story" as we now know it. Poe lived a brief life of continued financial hardship sparked by flares of creative and critical success. Born in Boston to David and Elizabeth Poe, working actors, his father's disappearance and mother's premature death forced him into a pseudo-adoption by John Allan of Virginia, where he grew to consider himself a "Southern Gentleman" for the remainder of his life. As a student at West Point, poetry captured his fervent imagination, and he became a writer, winning his first monetary prize for his writing in Baltimore, Maryland. Shuttling between Richmond, Philadelphia and New York through-out his turbulent life, jumping between newspaper and magazine editorial jobs while gaining notoriety for his Gothic short stories, Baltimore became more of a home for him than other cities. His paternal grandfather and brother lived in Baltimore, and it was in Baltimore that he lived for many years with his Aunt, Maria Clemm, whom he considered more than anything else to be his "mother", and his child-bride, Virginia. It is in Baltimore that he died under mysterious circumstances in the autumn of 1849, and it is in Baltimore where he is buried, along-side Clemm and Virginia Poe.

On the Anniversary of Poe's Death, October 7, 2011

2011-10-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Edgar Allan Poe (19 January 1809 - 7 October, 1849) was an American author, poet, editor and critic. Best know for his Gothic and horror stories and poems, Poe championed the short story as a literary form, contributed to the growing science fiction genre emerging in his day, and is the inventor of the modern "detective story" as we now know it.

Poe lived a brief life of continued financial hardship sparked by flares of creative and critical success. Born in Boston to David and Elizabeth Poe, working actors, his father's disappearance and mother's premature death forced him into a pseudo-adoption by John Allan of Virginia, where he grew to consider himself a "Southern Gentleman" for the remainder of his life.

As a student at West Point, poetry captured his fervent imagination, and he became a writer, winning his first monetary prize for his writing in Baltimore, Maryland. Shuttling between Richmond, Philadelphia and New York through-out his turbulent life, jumping between newspaper and magazine editorial jobs while gaining notoriety for his Gothic short stories, Baltimore became more of a home for him than other cities. His paternal grandfather and brother lived in Baltimore, and it was in Baltimore that he lived for many years with his Aunt, Maria Clemm, whom he considered more than anything else to be his "mother", and his child-bride, Virginia. It is in Baltimore that he died under mysterious circumstances in the autumn of 1849, and it is in Baltimore where he his buried, along-side Clemm and Virginia Poe.

Order Mark Redfield in The Death of Poe HERE.

MONSTERPALOOZA MAGAZINE

2011-08-09T08:51:00.000-07:00

Michael Heisler and I are pleased to announce a new quarterly print 'zine called MONSTERPALOOZA MAGAZINE.

No.1, Autumn, 2011. 96 glossy pages. Full color (unless the subject dictates beautiful black & white!)

The premiere issue is being assembled now, and we ship No. 1 in mid-September, 2011. You can pre-order your copy at www.monsterpaloozamag.com

Our cover, "The Pumpkin Master" is by Jeff Preston. Our contributors this issue include: Jeff Baham, Matthew J. Bowerman, George Chastain, Frank Dietz, Scott Essman, Pierre Fournier, Daniel Griffith, Michael Heisler, Matt Lake, Joe Moe, Caroline Munro, Joe Nazzaro, Mark Redfield, Gary Don Rhodes, Eric Supensky, and Anthony Taylor. Monsterpalooza Magazine is published and edited by Michael Heisler and Mark Redfield.

Check out the website HERE

We're still adding things to the website, so come back often. As of today's website launch, you'll notice that we can only take pre-orders for orders in the US. But don't worry, friends in Canada, the UK and overseas--we'll be adding those very soon!

We hope you like it! It was made with loving care by folks like you--who love the art of monsters!

Redfield's Cartoonarama: "Grymsyke's Smile"

2011-07-28T06:36:00.000-07:00

"GRYMSDYKE'S SMILE" (2011) by Mark Redfield. Acrylic on canvas board. 18x24.

A cartoon of Peter Cushing's character Arthur Grymsdyke, smiling with sweet Valentine's Day revenge from the film TALES FROM THE CRYPT (1972).

The segment, called "Poetic Justice", is from a story that originally appeared in the HAUNT OF FEAR comic in 1952.

The Poe House and Museum in Baltimore: FOREVERMORE, Print Sale And Artist's Reception Benefit

2011-07-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

FOREVERMORE
An event & installation celebrating the gift of 100 signed prints by artist, Gaia to benefit Baltimore’s Poe House & Museum

MICA trained artist, Gaia, has generously donated a numbered special edition of his print, The Raven (Forevermore) for a sale to benefit Baltimore’s Poe House & Museum so that they may continue to keep their doors open. There will be a Preview & Print Sale gallery event
at Urbanite@Case[werks] and hosted by Baltimore Heritage on the eve of Artscape 2011, July 14^th from 6 to 8 pm. To attend the Preview, please RSVP. An Artist’s Reception will follow from 8-10 pm to celebrate the gift with an installation by the artist and is open to all.

THE RAVEN (FOREVERMORE), 2011 by Gaia. Block print on Mulberry paper, 66x91 cm
(26 x 35.8 inches)

Actor John Astin will host the event, and introduce the artist, Gaia. Later in the evening, Tony Tsendeas will perform a reading of Poe's famous poem, The Raven.

Only 100 prints will be offered at a cost of $400 each with all proceeds going directly to the Poe House & Museum. Framed prints (per the artist’s specification) will also be available for $600. Sales tax and/or shipping is additional.

Urbanite@Case[werks]
1501 St Paul Street, Suite 116 (Railway Express Building)
Baltimore, MD 21202
urbanite@casewerks.com
410-332-4160

Sponsor:

The William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, creator of the Baker Artist Awards.

Event Organizers:

Artist, Gaia
Baltimore Office for Promotion and the Arts (BOPA)
Baltimore Heritage
Baltimore City Commission for Historical & Architectural Preservation (CHAP)
Case[werks], LLC
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
Station North Arts & Entertainment District (SNEAD)
URBANITE Magazine

For more information about this very special project, visit www.poeforevermore.com or contact the gallery via email, urbanite@casewerks.com.

PLEASE, NO TALKING OR TEXTING IN THE THEATER!

2011-06-06T12:16:00.000-07:00

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin has the right idea.

We should take no pity on the chicken-brained, selfish "self-entitled" generation.

Bravo Alamo!

Vincent Price: Happy 100th to The Master of Mayhem!

2011-05-27T03:09:00.000-07:00

The Poe House and Museum Tribute to Vincent Price. Screened at the Poe January Birthday event in 2011 at Westminster Hall, Baltimore. Includes stills of Price visiting Poe's grave in 1977. Price and Poe. Perfect.

Written by Max Berring. Edited by Sean Paul Murphy. Narrated by Mark Redfield.

JACKIE COOPER 1922-2011

2011-05-04T21:26:00.000-07:00

The Vincent Price Centennial

2011-05-01T23:19:00.000-07:00

Vincent Price was born on May 27, 1911. This month I'll be celebrating Vincent Price here at AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK, so drop by as often as you can and spread the word!

PRICE AS PROSPERO (2010) Acrylic on canvas (18x24) by Mark Redfield.

LESSON I LEARNED TODAY? DON'T LET THE BLOCKHEADS DISTRACT YOU

2011-05-01T23:02:00.000-07:00

Harry Houdini March 24, 1874 -- October 31, 1926

2011-03-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

The Great Houdini

Remembering the great showman, magician, escapologist, foe of phony spiritualists and mediums, and the first man to fly across Australia!--on this, the 137th anniversary of his birth.

CARTOONARAMA: W.C. FIELDS

2011-03-22T11:52:00.000-07:00


"W.C. Fields" (2010) by Mark Redfield. Acrylic on canvas board. 16x20.

This cartoon is one of my "blotter pieces", meaning that when I'm painting and have paint I've mixed left over, I'll use it up without any plan or thought.

I started with just round shapes and swirls, and somehow what decided to manifest itself was this caricature of the great comedian!

-Mark Redfield

9th ANNUAL RONDO HATTON CLASSIC HORROR AWARDS

2011-03-21T05:49:00.000-07:00

It's the last week to vote in the fun and fan-driven RONDO HATTON AWARDS. Click the link below, follow the simple directions and email your vote before the Saturday, March 27th deadline! You don't have to vote in every category, just the ones you know or feel strongly about.

This year I'm honored to have been nominated in the BEST INTERVIEW (#13 on the ballot) category for my talk with Hammer Films star Veronica Carlson (which you can read here at An Actor's Notebook).

Veronica Carlson and Simon Ward in "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed"

I'm also pleased-as-punch to be "nominated by association" with the noms for Larry Blamire's movie DARK AND STORMY NIGHT (in Best Indie Film category) and the live performance of Ted Newsom's TOO MANY CREEPS at the 2010 Monsterpalooza show (in Best Live Fan Event).

The Cast of "Dark and Stormy Night"

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT, the latest Blamire comedy, was released on DVD in 2010 after traveling the globe playing theatrical and festival dates. The murder-mystery-old-dark-house romp has a great cast, and I was lucky to be included among the stellar talents of Dan Roebuck, James Karen, Brian Howe, Fay Masterson, Jennifer Blaire and so many others!

TOO MANY CREEPS was performed live in a truncated form for an audience at Monsterpalooza last year. I had the cool opportunity to voice Boris Karloff in this, acting along side Brinke Stevens, Perry Shields, Frank Dietz, David Skal and David J. Schow!

I've already voted (in fact, I cast my ballot an hour after the nominations were announced!) but if you vote, I'd like to urge you to look at my favorite horror-related blog FRANKENSTEINIA and consider voting for it this year in the "Best Blog" category.

I've been following this fascinating "Everything-Frankenstein-Under-The-Sun" blog almost since it's debut on the web, and this labor of love from Pierre Fournier just can't be beat for information regarding Mary Shelly's towering and influential creation.

Karloff as The Monster

FRANKENSTEINIA is now a virtual encyclopedia of all thing Frankensteinian, and is always outstanding and entertaining. Pierre has done a marvelous job, and continues to make it fresh and exciting on a weekly basis.

That's my simple but heartfelt endorsement. I love Frankensteinia and would so like it to win this year!

Thanks for you consideration and votes! Here's to Rondo 2011!

-Mark Redfield

The Rondo Awards are HERE.

Frankensteinia is HERE.

3rd ANNUAL POE WINE TASTING EVENT AT WESTMINSTER HALL IN BALTIMORE

2011-03-04T07:33:00.000-08:00

3RD ANNUAL THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO WINE TASTING AMONG THE BONES

Join us on Saturday, March 12, 2011 from noon to 4PM at Westminster Hall in Baltimore of our 3rd Annual CASK OF AMONTILLADO WINE TASTING AMONG THE BONES!

CONTINUOUS ENTERTAINMENT through-out the day while you sample great wines from WOODHALL WINE CELLARS! Also returning this year is Baltimore’s popular RAVEN BEER!

LEARN ABOUT THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF WINES!The ever-popular LAURIE FORSTER,THE WINE COACH returns to give a spirited talk on wines, and Poe House favorites DAVID KELTZ and TONY TSENDEAS will be LIVE performing selections from Poe’s poems and stories!

THE DROP THREE COMEDY IMPROV TROUPE will be presented for the first time at this event, performing multiple times through-out the day. DROP THREE plucks THE RAVEN, drains A KEG OF ARMADILLOES, and patently parodies Poe with love and laughter!

BRING YOUR CAMERA and have your picture taken with POE, or with your host MONTRESSOR, with YOU dressed as FORTUNATO, or BOTH!

MARK REDFIELD will be showing new POE-INSPIRED ART with new drawings, cartoons and painting for sale! And rounding out the festival atmosphere will be a return engagement of SADIRA, brought back by popular demand because YOU asked for her, with her exciting display of ORIENTAL DANSI—it’s educational AND entertaining! SADIRA will also offering fortune-telling sessions, along with THE MYSTERIOUS MYKITA, who see’s all and tells all!

DATE AND TICKET INFO: Saturday, March 12, Noon to 4PM. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for “designated drivers”, at the door. Cash and checks accepted. Sorry we CANNOT ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS. Admission includes 3 wine samples and all entertainment. Additional wine samples may be purchased. Children under ten not admitted.

Come for the wine and the friends! Stay all day for the entertainment!

More info and directions HERE!

REDFIELD'S 2011 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2011-02-27T13:51:00.000-08:00

Okay, let's see how I do after the big broadcast tonight.

Here are my 2011 Oscar predictions:

UPDATE: Well, at least I won the Oscar pool I annually contribute to. 17 out of 24 categories. Enough for a tank of gas and a couple dinners-for-two at Olive Garden.

BEST ACTOR: COLIN FIRTH
SUPPORTING ACTOR: CHRISTIAN BALE
ACTRESS: NATALIE PORTMAN
SUPPORTING ACTRESS: MELISSA LEO
ANIMATED FEATURE: TOY STORY 3
ART DIRECTION: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
CINEMATOGRAPHY: ~~TRUE GRIT~~ INCEPTION
COSTUME: ~~THE KING'S SPEECH~~ ALICE IN WONDERLAND
DIRECTING: ~~DAVID FINCHER~~ TOM HOOPER
DOCUMENTARY: INSIDE JOB
DOCUMENTARY SHORT: STRANGERS NO MORE
EDITING: THE SOCIAL NETWORK
FOREIGN FILM:IN A BETTER WORLD
MAKE-UP: THE WOLF MAN
SCORE: ~~THE KING'S SPEECH~~ THE SOCIAL NETWORK
ORIGINAL SONG: ~~127 HOURS~~ TOY STORY 3
ANIMATED SHORT: ~~NIGHT AND DAY~~ THE LOST THING
LIVE ACTION SHORT: ~~NA WEWE~~ GOD OF LOVE
SOUND EDITING: INCEPTION
SOUND MIXING: INCEPTION
FX: INCEPTION
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY: THE SOCIAL NETWORK
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY: THE KING'S SPEECH
BEST PICTURE: THE KING'S SPEECH

RE-ANIMATOR: THE MUSICAL opens March 5th, 2011 in Hollywood

2011-02-20T22:03:00.000-08:00

WHAT: "Re-Animator - The Musical." World Premiere engagement.
WHO: Book by Dennis Paoli, Stuart Gordon and William J. Norris. Music and lyrics by Mark Nutter. Adapted from the story by H.P. Lovecraft. Based on the film "H.P. Lovecraftâ€™s Re-Animator" produced by Brian Yuzna. Musical director: Peter Adams. Choreography by Cynthia Carle. Directed by Stuart Gordon. Produced by Dean Schramm and Stuart Gordon.
WHERE: Steve Allen Theater, 4773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90027. Parking lot behind building.
WHEN: Previews February 18- March 4. Opens Saturday, March 5, 2011, runs through March 27th. Fridays through Sundays at 8 p.m.
ADMISSION: $25. Previews $20. Student preview tickets $10 (with I.D.).
RESERVATIONS: 1-800-595-4TIX (595-4849).
ONLINE TICKETING: www.steveallentheater.com

THE VERONICA CARLSON INTERVIEW

2011-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

THE VERONICA CARLSON INTERVIEW
by Mark Redfield

Imagine Truly Scrumptious, played by Sally Anne Howes in Roald Dahl’s adaptation of Ian Fleming’s Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang (1968), trapped between the lethal black thorns of Christopher Lee’s Dracula and Peter Cushing’s Frankenstein, and you have Hammer heroine Veronica Carlson.

Born in Yorkshire, England and discovered by Hammer honcho James Carreras and swiftly cast in three of the studio’s films in the late 1960s, Veronica Carlson was the embodiment of the classic English Rose for the studio and is fondly remembered for her beauty and appealing screen presence. Pitted against the feral vengeance of Lee’s Count and the cold cruelty of Cushing’s Baron (and helping launch Ralph Bates as an all new--and very different – Baron, in 1970), Carlson would appear in only a few more films before leaving a burgeoning career behind to marry and raise a family. Considering that most women’s roles in genre films of the time were written as foil-like supporting characters in order to develop the themes as played out by the script’s male protagonists, Carlson’s portrayals in Dracula Has Risen From The Grave (1969), Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed (1969) and The Horror of Frankenstein (1970) are considered by Hammer critics as nuanced and richly played.

Today she lives in the United States, painting and quietly considering offers to return to the screen.

Mark Redfield: You liked to draw from a very early age.

Veronica Carlson: Yes! I never stopped drawing. I don’t remember ever starting, but I’ve never stopped!

Redfield: Is that what you wanted to be, an artist?

Carlson: You know the options for me when I was going to school were limited. I remember standing up in class—we always had to stand when we spoke to teachers—the question was “what would you like to do?” I said, “An archeologist” because my father had a friend who was and I was fascinated. I was eleven years old. And the whole class laughed and sniggered. I was just told to sit down again. I think my options then were secretarial, something like that. It was a teacher in my high school who rescued me when I was 16. She told my mother “Your daughter has a gift and I think this is what her life should be.” And to my relief, I was taken out of school, while the others went into their final two years in high school. I went into college and got through because of my work and I’ve never looked back, really. It was wonderful for me, and it’s something (as my mother has said) that will sustain you for the rest of your life, whatever else you choose to do. She was right.

Redfield: What medium do you work in?

Carlson: Pastel, watercolor, oils—I use all media. Portraits are my love!

Redfield: When did the acting bug bite?

Carlson: It was always there. When I was in college we did some stage work. The music director, a man named Godwin, started a group who wanted to sing. I went down and auditioned. We did operettas--all different kinds of things. And also, a dear friend, David Alder, he was in fashion design, he started a group that did revues and he choreographed everything. We rehearsed whenever we could, in between classes and evening times.

Redfield: How did your modeling career start and how did that lead to films?

Carlson: I was walking around town one day and two guys took a photograph of me who said they were working for The Daily Mirror. They had a girl in it every day and they wanted me to be one of the girls. Father wasn’t very happy about that! In fact, he was quite ticked off. But I begged and pleaded and he said, “Well, don’t use my name”. I didn’t. I had one other photograph taken—that lead to small roles. I auditioned for a film at Pinewood Studios called The Magnificent Two. They wanted a girl who knew judo and I just happened to know a bit. I was still in college and I went to the soundstage where the audition was being held and I was dressed in these olive green slacks, very simple looking, and a lacey white knit sweater—and I went in and there wasn’t a girl in there that wasn’t in a bikini! I cringed! I thought—oh my god—I’ve got this wrong! ‘Cause I thought they wanted somebody who knew something about judo! (laughs) So I slunk back against the wall when the producer beckoned me forward. He said, “Now, show us what you can do.” And there was a girl there dressed as a bona fide judo person, so, knowing some judo moves I threw her over my head—and I got the job! And I just went on and on. Had a photograph taken down on the south coast somewhere, by a lovely photographer called Ben Jones. That was on the front page of the Sunday Mirror, a very important tabloid then. Jimmy Carreras saw it and said “I want her in my next movie” and that was it.

Redfield: So that story about Carreras seeing your picture in the paper is true?

Carlson: Absolutely. He said, “I want that girl in my next film.”

Redfield: There’s a similar beginning with Caroline Munro.

Carlson: Oh yes! She was a model. She’s beautiful.

Redfield: With her it was an advertisement--

Carlson: --for rum.

Redfield: Lamb’s Navy Rum—that’s right. Tell me about your audition for…

DRACULA HAS RISEN FROM THE GRAVE (1968) Director: Freddie Francis; Producer: Aida Young; Screenplay: John Elder; Director of Photography: Arthur Grant; Supervising Art Director: Bernard Robinson; Music Composer: James Bernard. CAST: Christopher Lee (Dracula), Rupert Davies (Monsignor), Veronica Carlson (Maria), Barbara Ewing (Zena), Barry Andrews (Paul), Wean Hooper (Priest), Marion Mathie (Anna), Michael Ripper (Max), John D. Collins (student), George A. Cooper (landlord).

Carlson: I auditioned with Barry Andrews. I was SO nervous. (Producer) Aida Young was there and (Director) Freddie Francis was there. The audition went very well and then we all went to a little diner place and I had an omelet—I can’t remember what was in the omelet –and I was still nervous. I didn’t want them to have to say, “Look, it’s been very nice meeting you, but we really don’t want you.” So, to save them that embarrassment, I suddenly got up, paid for my meal and rushed out without a word! And then I walked and walked and walked, and thinking that I’ve suffered the biggest embarrassment of my life, ‘cause I loved Hammer movies so, and I rang home very late. I thought my mother would be worried about me because she knew I’d gone to the audition.

“Where on earth have you been?” she asked and I said I didn’t know. I really didn’t remember where I’d been walking… She said there’s been a ‘phone call. They want you for a film role! Of course I nearly dropped the ‘phone and had tears just running down my face. “They want me! They want me!” That’s all I could think!

Redfield: You were a fan of Hammer films before you worked with them?

Carlson: Oh, very much! We were all like that in college, our crowd that did all the musicals and revues. When something new was on at the Odeon, we’d all skip class to see it. We loved them so! Once, when the lights came up I looked over and saw our lecturer was sitting there, too!

Redfield: What memories do you have of your first days on the set? It must’ve been like the first day of school.

Carlson (laughing): I was so nervous. I had NO experience of being the person of note in a movie. I’d always been in the background but this was so different. And—all eyes were on me and I had my special make-up and hair and everything. I was fitted for my clothes…I was somebody. The whole beauty of Hammer was that it was like a big family. You were cherished. Freddie (Francis) was fantastic. I was fortunate to get him as my first director because I’d had very little confidence and experience, really. He trusted me. And I trusted him. See, I was alright after that. Working with Christopher (Lee), a gentleman who I adored, well, I’d looked up to him for so long, I was nervous that he was going to be aloof and unapproachable—he was the EXACT opposite of all that. He was absolutely delightful and Marion Mathie, who took the part of my mother, could not have been kinder. She took me under her wing. She was lovely. Rupert Davies--I used to refer to him as ‘Uncle Rupert’. All these people were marvelous.

Redfield: How directly did that film lead to…

FRANKENSTEIN MUST BE DESTROYED (1969) Director: Terence Fisher; Producer: Anthony Nelson Keys; Screenplay: Bert Batt from an original story by Bert Batt and Anthony Nelson Keys; Director of Photography: Arthur Grant; Supervising Art Director: Bernard Robinson; Music Composer: James Bernard. CAST: Peter Cushing (Baron Frankenstein), Veronica Carlson (Anna Spengler), Freddie Jones (Professor Richter), Simon Ward (Karl Holst), Thorley Walters (Inspector Frisch), Maxine Audley (Ella Brandt), George Pravda (Dr. Brandt).

Carlson: They offered me the script and of course I read it and I thought-- oh working with Peter (Cushing)—here are my two heroes! Christopher and now Peter, and I thought this can’t be happening! So obviously they liked me in Dracula (Has Risen From the Grave). I had a different director of course, Terry Fisher, who was SO different from Freddie. A little bit intimidating at first because he expected me to know what I was doing! Thanks to Freddie, I almost did!

Redfield: What do you remember about working with Terence Fisher?

Carlson: The first day of that movie I was dressed up, all ringlets and everything, and my first scene was in the cellar with Peter. And Terry just matter-of-factly sat us on the edge of the set and he asked, “Exactly how would you like to kill her, Peter?” And they had this bizarre conversation about me as if I was not there! How Peter thought he would like to secure my demise after me damaging his creation. And it was very surreal and I was looking between Terry and Peter and I thought, oh I love this game! I was in my element. Just like when I was in art school.

Redfield: Did you watch how Cushing prepared and how he worked?

Carlson: He came so prepared. But his preparedness enabled you somehow. We’d always do a walk-through or maybe a couple of rehearsals. Terry reminds you what’s just happened before, what you’ve just done, what you just must’ve been feeling. Armed with that, and armed with what you know Peter’s going to do… he was just flawless. We often only did about one take—two was okay—three, you’re pushing it. Do it right the first time. That’s how it had to be. We had to do it in 6 weeks.

Redfield: A brisk schedule but never rushed.

Carlson: Brisk, but never compromised. That was not an option. We had to get rid of that set as soon as possible, you see, because it would cost money just to stand idly by. It would have to be right and so that really kept us all on our toes, which was a good discipline. If you cried, you had to cry the first time. You had to die right the first time and everything else. (laughing)

Redfield: Freddie Francis, your first director, was a good teacher, then?

Carlson: He was an excellent teacher! He taught me gently, carefully. He never stamped on my feelings. If I’d had a director that had done that I’d have been totally crushed. Freddie was kindness and gentleness itself—and that helped me to deal with Terry, and not because Terry was nasty, not by any means. In fact I wanted so much to work with Terry Fisher again because he really gave me “my lead”. He gave me reign. He loved to see how far I could go. But of course when I did another Hammer it was with Ralph Bates and Jimmy Sangster. Each person I worked with I learned from.

Redfield: Is it true that someone other than Terrence Fisher directed the notorious rape scene, because he found it distasteful?

Carlson: We were all disgusted with it. Jimmy Carreras came onto the set one day obviously upset because he’d had word from the higher-ups, the distributors, that there wasn’t enough sex in the movie; there had to be a rape scene. Terry thought he was quite cross—I remember that—and I thought that was out of character for Jimmy, ‘cause he was a lovely, all-fatherly figure.

Peter Cushing said, “Darling, I don’t like this any more than you do”. So we worked out how to do it, between us. They wanted him to strip me, to take hold of my neckline and tear it down to my waist, you see. Peter said, “I’m not going to do this.” That’s why we worked it out between ourselves. We assured Terry that we knew what we were doing. He let us do what we were comfortable with. After we shot the scene, Peter just held me. I was trembling and HE was trembling. We were both so upset. We just stayed there, very, very still until we composed ourselves and then we got up and walked out. It was the only time that I felt such a somber atmosphere on a Hammer film. It was terrible to remember, actually.

Redfield: When in the schedule was this thrust upon everybody?

Carlson: This was the final week! I said, “Terry, if I’d KNOWN this was going to be---my reactions to Peter would have been so different all the way through, and I’m going to look like a terrible actress!” It would’ve made my performance SO different, and that’s what I regret, too. You know what I’m trying to say, Mark?

Redfield: I do. You would have chosen to react to Frankenstein differently in the scenes you’d already shot. But you don’t come across as a “bad actor”; in fact, the way it’s cut into the film, your very next scene with him, with you avoiding any eye contact, works very well. But it’s out of character I think, to have Frankenstein rape somebody, even if it is to terrorize them or control them.

Carlson: Oh. Peter was furious about that. He researches the psychology of the people he is portraying. And he KNEW that this wasn’t in character and he remonstrated with Terry and Terry said “What can I do? WHAT CAN I DO?” And it was sad but I certainly don’t hold it against Jimmy Carreras. I have nothing but respect for Jimmy.

Redfield: On a happier note, what are your memories of the premiere?

Carlson: Well, I nearly didn’t go.

Redfield: Oh!?

Carlson: Yeah. Now, you see, not many people know that. Peter (Cushing) wrote my parents a beautiful letter, complimenting me and my mother called me. I was working in Rome on Pussycat, Pussycat, I Love You with Ian McShane. I felt I’d come across as a person “trying to act” and I felt I just let everybody down. I was scared to death! My mother said, you’ve GOT to come. You’re the leading lady! Of course I did go. I am proud of that movie.

Redfield: Sounds like your parents were supportive, your mother especially.

Carlson: You’ve got that right. You’ve nailed that, Mark. My father…I think he was in denial about my career. He said to me one day, “Oh, gosh had I known that was what you really wanted to do I’d have sent you to RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art).” And mother looked at me as if to say “like hell he would” (laughing).

I don’t know father’s opinion of me. I don’t really know. I adored him. And I know he loved me, unreservedly. I was very close to my parents. But I think he was a bit Victorian in his way. And certainly going on stage is not what one did. He had very strict ideas.

Redfield: Did he ever see any of your films?

Carlson: Oh yes! Well, he had to! He had to come to them!

Redfield: Tell me about Simon Ward a little bit since you spent a lot of time acting with him in that film.

Carlson: Yes! Yes! Well, of course he went on to become a most amazing stage actor. And he went on to play Winston Churchill, and of course these were early days for Simon and he went on to do these wonderful things. A remarkable actor…Sometimes I wish I’d never left the industry, I really do. Sometimes I think “What could I have done? How far could I have gone?” But we’ll never know now, will we?

Redfield: Why did you leave the business after these films?

Carlson: It was never my intention to. Because I thought I was really going places. The film industry changed for one thing. There was a lot of nudity introduced and I wasn’t into that, because I’d had a very strict upbringing and my father was a retired air force officer. He worked in the Ministry of Defense. It was all very—I had a very strict upbringing. I wouldn’t think of taking my clothes off. But it seemed at the time that was going to be the only option, for certainly any more Hammer films. Although I did a nude back view in The Ghoul, working with Freddie Francis and Peter Cushing again. But that’s all beside the point I suppose…So my options were limited.

But I’d met somebody, a gentleman who I’d grown to love; it took me a long time to learn to love him, because I…I don’t know…

Redfield: If you don’t want to talk about that…

Carlson: No, no, no—it’s no secret. You don’t trust people sometimes in this business so well, do you?

Redfield: No…

Carlson: And we got together. We were going to be married and I was working on a movie, Vampira with David Niven, a spoof thing. But my husband became very ill, and he’d had a history of stomach problems before but they’d not affected him. But this time it was different.

This illness affected him and I was becoming exhausted—I didn’t realize it at the time because he had become so ill and I was there to make sure he made it through the night. And his illness, it sort of dogged him and it took me further and further from the business and I – I don’t know, maybe people just forgot me; maybe I withdrew. And it was just a gradual thing. A different lifestyle with him in Coventry, rather than London. See, I used to go to the studios, travel 100 miles each way everyday to film a series I’d got called A Spider’s Web. Every day, 100 miles there and 100 miles back and I never thought anything of that. But it became problematic. People knew I wasn’t living nearby in London. It was sort of a step by step moving away from this business—until I didn’t realize that maybe it was too late. I married in ‘74. Had my first child in ’76. And of course then I became a fulltime mother, and…

Redfield: ..and life takes over.

Carlson: I took up my painting again. I used to take my sketchbook onto film sets and I’ve got lots of sketches and, oh, dear, yeah, so that’s what happened.

Redfield: How quickly did HORROR come on the heels of DESTROYED?

Carlson: It was quite fast. I did Pussycat, Pussycat and I had another interview for something else, one of the Bond films. I can’t remember which one that was now. I think I was exceedingly fortunate to have three Hammer movies offered me. And of course then I met Ralph Bates. Jimmy Sangster who’s the biggest load of fun you could ever hope to work with. He knows I didn’t think he took that movie seriously enough. I took Hammer very seriously.

Redfield: But Hammer didn’t always take Hammer seriously. Let’s touch on…

THE HORROR OF FRANKENSTEIN (1970) Director: Jimmy Sangster; Producer: Jimmy Sangster; Screenplay: Jeremy Burnham and Jimmy Sangster; Director of Photography: Moray Grant; Art Director: Scott MacGregor; Music Composer: Malcolm Williamson. CAST Ralph Bates (Victor Frankenstein), Kate O’Mara (Alys), Graham James (Wilhelm Kassner), Veronica Carlson (Elizabeth Heiss), Bernard Archard (Professor Heiss), Dennis Price (grave robber), Dave Prowse (The Monster).

Redfield: Was it supposed to be a black comedy? Or did that happen on the floor while you were making it?

Carlson: It happened on the floor as we were making it! Because Jimmy and Ralph had a great sense of humor. They just ran with it (the humor). But I like them both so very much. It should have been played straight. And Jimmy knows I’ve said this but, he shouldn’t have sent that film up. You see, a person would never pass out while watching that movie. For example, Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed was showing at a nearby town and my mother said, “Hey, let’s go. You and me.” So we went. And a woman passed out during the scene where Peter was doing the operation on the head and was sawing the skull! (laughs). She fell off her chair and had to be taken out! In an ambulance. And that wouldn’t have happened in Horror of Frankenstein (laughs)!

Redfield: It’s those grisly sound effects that make that moment gruesome.

Carlson: Exactly. It’s what you don’t see that’s scary, right?

Redfield: Do you watch the newer horror films? Would you like to do some more films?

Carlson: They’re too scary for me! I like to be “safely” horrified—that’s how Christopher Lee used to say it. Today the horror films are much too real. I think my kids like ‘em. Too much reality nowadays, isn’t there? As for more films? I’d love to do some work again, of course I would! With the right script. I don’t want to do anything silly. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I did? Oh, I’d just love to get back into something like that!

Redfield: We’ll see what we can do about that! Thank you very much, Veronica. You’ve been delightful and generous and it’s been great to get to know you a little this way!

Carlson: I hope I haven’t been too dusty—or repeated myself too much. I’m very enthusiastic about Hammer and I’m torn between the way I’d been brought up-- not to talk too much about myself-- and yet I’m delighted to talk about these films, ‘cause I’m so happy to have been a part of them!

Redfield: A final question to you, Veronica, strictly as a fan: do you prefer Dracula or Frankenstein?

Carlson: Frankenstein!

End.

Photos courtesy Richard Klemenson.

THE CHANEY MURDER CASE Cover Art Revealed!

2011-02-14T11:33:00.000-08:00

Here is the cover, by illustrator Mark Wheatley, for my upcoming novel THE CHANEY MURDER CASE.

More info, including pre-ordering the novel, review copies, and more, will be posted in March, 2011!

THE CHANEY MURDER CASE will be available Summer, 2011.

SAVE THE POE HOUSE AND MUSEUM IN BALTIMORE!

2011-02-05T22:24:00.000-08:00

The City of Baltimore has cut the funding to The Poe House and Museum and the date set to close the house to the public, unless the city reverses its course, in June, 2012.

I've created a petition that is being signed by people from all over the world who care about the situation and the works and life of Edgar Allan Poe.

Here is the text of the petition. I hope that after you read it, you'll go to the petition site, sign it, and share the petition with your friends on facebook, twitter, blogs and websites. We must create awareness, and let the powers that be in Baltimore know they are making a mistake, and that they must KEEP THE POE HOUSE OPEN AND FUNDED!

The text of the petition:

To the Honorable Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, of Baltimore City

We, the undersigned, the citizens of Baltimore City, friends and visitors of Baltimore City, and people from around the world who hold Edgar Allan Poe in the highest regard as one of the key and most important figures in American literature,

NOW look to your bold leadership to

STOP the financially wasteful process of engaging a consultant or consultancy agency to force the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore to close or become “self-sustaining”; to

REVERSE the short-sighted decision to cut the funding of the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore in June, 2012; and to

CONTINUE to fund the Poe House and Museum in Baltimore. Now, beyond 2012, and in the future.

The Poe House is, itself physically, a little thing. As a “line item” in the City’s annual budget, it is a small thing (at current levels, only $80,000.00 to operate). Most museums and historic sites cannot survive as “self-sustaining”. But the rewards it brings to Baltimore is great. In terms of public relations and tourism, it is very great. In terms our culture and heritage, the rewards are immeasurable.

We are not here to do what has been done before. Past administrations have made regrettable, short-sighted mistakes by cutting the funding of many, now gone forever, Baltimore museums and historic landmarks. In hard economic times, times that all American cities face, we must not pawn our history for short-term gains. We must lead. Baltimore must shine a light, where others turn to darkness. Let us do the right thing, and not suffer shame and embarrassment in the eyes of the world.

Edgar Allan Poe is a giant in American Literature and its history. He is a “son of Baltimore”. His fans and devotees around the globe look to Baltimore, his final resting place, and especially the Poe House and Museum, as fixed beacons of his life and work. We must not let them down.

We look to your wise and forward-thinking leadership at this time TO CONTINUE THE CARE AND FINANCING OF THE POE HOUSE IN BALTIMORE, and thank you in advance for your decision to take action.

Sincerely,

THE UNDERSIGNED

The link to the petition is HERE. Thanks for getting involved and helping!

-Mark Redfield

AN INTERVIEW WITH WAYNE SHIPLEY, MY DIRECTOR FOR 'COME HELL OR HIGH WATER'

2011-01-03T12:01:00.000-08:00

Here's an interview, published just this month, with writer-director Wayne Shipley, who asked me to star in my first western, COME HELL OR HIGH WATER.

You can read the interview HERE.

I'll have more to say about the making of this little indie oater, in the weeks to come, as COME HELL OR HIGH WATER is January's film.

Thank you, Wayne, for the wonderful opportunity, and the very kind words in your interview.

ACTORS: VOTE YES ON THE TV/THEATRICAL CONTRACT!

2010-12-13T20:58:00.000-08:00

My ballot came in the mail today for the Joint TV/Theatrical contract and I voted YES, and urge all my fellow actors to do the same! The ballots were mailed on Friday, December 10, 2010.

I've posted notices regarding the ratification of the proposed contract with its increases and upgrades previously (scroll down and see posts below), and SAG and AFTRA have planned informational meetings around the country to answer questions before the final deadline for receiving all ballots, which is January 14th, 2011.

To find out more about the informational meetings from SAG, please visit their website HERE.

2011 Edgar Allan Poe Birthday Celebration in Baltimore, with a Tribute to Vincent Price

2010-12-10T10:41:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Poe Birthday Celebration in Baltimore is shaping up nicely. Last year for the birthday celebration I co-produced the East Coast premiere of the Jeffrey Combs one-man play Nevermore, directed by Stuart Gordon. You can order tickets for the 2011 event HERE.

I'm scripting the Vincent Price Tribute now, a short film, and will post some more news as things develop.

SCREEN ACTORS GUILD NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVES TENTATIVE BASIC CABLE AND ANIMATION CONTRACTS

2010-12-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

RECOMMENDS RATIFICATION OF BASIC CABLE LIVE ACTION DEAL
Los Angeles (December 4, 2010) – The National Board of Screen Actors Guild today overwhelmingly approved the tentative agreements reached November 10 with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for successor contracts to the Basic Cable Live Action, Basic Cable Animation and Television Animation contracts.
The Board voted to send the Basic Cable Live Action tentative agreement to the membership for ratification by mailed ballot with the Board’s positive recommendation. Those ballots will be mailed to eligible SAG members in late January, with an expected return date in early February. Tabulation will occur immediately upon the conclusion of balloting.
The Board ratified the smaller Basic Cable Animation and Television Animation contracts directly, effective upon the ratification of the Television and Motion Picture contracts.
The current contracts expire on June 30, 2011. Highlights of the tentative agreement include:
• The term of each agreement is three years, commencing July 1, 2011.
• Wage increases of 6% over the terms of the agreements, with 2% increases in each of the three years, effective July 1, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
• A 10% increase in the current rate of employer contributions would be paid to the Screen Actors Guild Pension & Health Plans bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5% effective July 1, 2011.
Additionally, the unions agreed to modifications to the travel provision that allow for business class (or first class when business class is unavailable) on all domestic flights of 1,000 miles or more and on all international flights, except for Vancouver and Toronto, Canada. Coach class travel is permitted on flights of less than 1,000 miles between a U.S. city and Vancouver, Canada or Toronto, Canada and flights between Los Angeles and Vancouver, Canada. First class travel shall continue to be required if business class is not available and coach is not permissible.
Formal negotiations on these contracts began on Monday, November 8, at AMPTP headquarters in Sherman Oaks, CA.
In other business, the Board received an update from the Screen Actors Guild SAG-AFTRA Relations Task Force regarding recent activities of the Presidents’ Forum for One Union.

JOINT NATIONAL BOARD OF AFTRA AND SCREEN ACTORS GUILD APPROVES TENTATIVE TELEVISION AND MOTION PICTURE CONTRACTS

2010-12-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

Los Angeles (December 4, 2010) – The Joint National Board of Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists today overwhelmingly approved the tentative agreement reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers on November 7 – a deal which it is now recommending to the respective union memberships.
Eligible AFTRA and SAG members will vote on the proposed successor agreements to the Producer-Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement for feature motion pictures, scripted network primetime television and pay television programs; Exhibit A of the AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting, covering scripted network primetime and pay television programs; and the CW Supplement which applies to both unions.
The Board passed the motion to approve and send to the memberships a recommendation of a “yes” vote by 89.29 percent to 10.71 percent.
Ratification ballots will be mailed to all eligible AFTRA and SAG members in the coming days with an expected return date in mid-January. Due to the holidays, the time period for reviewing and returning ballots will be extended to five weeks (rather than the traditional three-week time period) in order to afford every member the opportunity to carefully review the terms of the proposed agreements before voting. Tabulation will occur immediately upon the conclusion of balloting.
Additionally, informational meetings for members will be scheduled in select cities across the country including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Florida, Washington, D. C.-Baltimore, San Francisco and Atlanta.
The current contracts expire on June 30, 2011. The new three-year agreement would be effective from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2014.
Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

The term of the agreement is 3 years, commencing July 1, 2011
A 6% wage increase over the term of the agreement, with 2% in each of the three years, effective July 1, 2011, 2012 and 2013
A 10% increase in the current rate of employer contributions paid to the Screen Actors Guild Pension & Health Plans and AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds, bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5% effective July 1, 2011. This represents the largest percentage increase and dollar value increase to the plans under these contracts in more than two decades
Two additional background positions in theatrical and one additional background position in television in the Western Zones
An expansion of major role provisions to apply to new pay television series commencing in their second season
Expanded union coverage over made for new media productions
Increases in the area of money and schedule breaks
Improved contract language to increase equal employment opportunities for union performers

Additionally, the unions agreed to modifications to the travel provision that allow for business class (or first class when business class is unavailable) on all domestic flights of 1,000 miles or more and on all international flights, except for Vancouver and Toronto, Canada. Coach class travel is permitted on flights of less than 1,000 miles between a U.S. city and Vancouver, Canada or Toronto, Canada and flights between Los Angeles and Vancouver, Canada. First class travel shall continue to be required if business class is not available and coach is not permissible.
Screen Actors Guild National President Ken Howard said, “Our most important goal in this negotiation was to protect our members’ ability to have access to strong, reliable pension and health benefits. This contract achieves that by securing the largest increase in decades to our employer P&H/H&R contributions, and I’m extremely pleased that the joint boards of SAG and AFTRA have recommended it to our members for ratification. I’m also grateful to our joint negotiating committee, who worked so closely together to deliver this solid contract.”
AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon said, “AFTRA and SAG successfully achieved our primary objective of securing a significant increase in employer contributions to the H&R and P&H funds, as well as a breakthrough on the addition of Major Role minimum provisions to series made for pay television for the second season onward, among other improvements to the contracts. I commend the joint negotiating committee for their solidarity and hard work, and I am very pleased that the joint board recommends it for ratification by the members.”
Formal negotiations between the 26-member Joint Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA Negotiating Committee and the AMPTP began on Monday, September 27, in Los Angeles. Talks were preceded by wages and working conditions meetings held this past summer.

NOTHING SAYS 'HOLIDAYS' BETTER THAN GETTING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY: THE THREE STOOGES HOME MOVIES FROM THE 1930s

2010-12-01T20:49:00.000-08:00

I've not seen this fabulous footage before last night. A wonderful home movie of The Three Stooges from the 1930s.

They're all there: The Howard Boys, their kids, parents and wives. Even Larry Fine (who wasn't a blood brother to Moe, Curly or Shemp, but was one in spirit) and his wife.

If the music is familiar, it's because it's a series of LeRoy Shields cuts from the Hal Roach comedies like Our Gang and Laurel and Hardy. And speaking of Laurel, I wish the video had some narration like Laurel's daughter did when his home movies were released on video, identifying everyone.

Around the five minute mark the footage cuts to a "live appearance" of Moe, Larry and Curly. I'd love to know where and when that took place. Then suddenly at around the six minute mark, the footage leaps forward in time to a bunch of frenetic footage of a live appearance of Larry, Moe, and the "sixth member" of the Stooges, Curly Joe DeRita. That footage is probably from the late 1950s or very early 1960s, as Joe DeRita joined the team in 1958.

But this is wonderful to see them all together in the footage from the 30s, all happy and goofing with each other. Yeah, nothing says "happy holidays" better than families getting together and having a good time!

WESTERNS

2010-12-01T16:16:00.000-08:00

The western has struggled to make a come back in recent years.

But I'm not sure the western has ever gone away. I think the audience has always been there, eagerly awaiting new tales of adventure.

The upcoming release of the Coen brothers version of TRUE GRIT has fans chomping at the bit, and advance reviews are raving about it.

John Wayne has long been a favorite actor of mine, and he won the Academy Award for his turn in TRUE GRIT (1969) in 1970. Jeff Bridges may have created an equally memorable Rooster Cogburn in the new cinematic telling of Charles Portis' novel that was serialized in the Saturday Evening Post in 1968.

This month might make a good and fun time to discuss the western. Done. Gonna do it.

Meanwhile, here's the trailer for the new TRUE GRIT, hitting U.S. cinemas on December 22, 2010.

HOLIDAY MOVIES--some favorites

2010-11-26T03:24:00.000-08:00

For me, it usually starts around Thanksgiving, with an annual screening of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, the wonderful 1987 comedy starring Steve Martin and John Candy, directed by John Hughes. It never fails to bring a lump to the throat. Candy's performance as Del is one of his best.

Neal (Steve Martin) flashes back to Del (John Candy).

Then, depending on the mood and the hour, as we move inevitably toward Christmas Day itself, other favorites for the holidays are screened.

Christmas morning with Nora (Myrna Loy)and Nick (William Powell) Charles.

There's the marvelous and matchless matching of William Powell and Myrna Loy in The Thin Man. This 1934 comedy-murder mystery set during the Christmas season in New York never fails to amuse as the chemistry of Powell and Loy always seems fresh and new, no matter how many times I've seen it. Loy's Nora Charles will forever be the ideal partner in my heart...

And the holiday perennials: Miracle on 34th Street from 1947, with Edmund Gwenn's gentle and loving performance. His turn as Kris Kringle has a strength that few Santas have ever had on film. Ever.

Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn.

Listening to the rich narration by Boris Karloff in the 1966 animated television adaptation of Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a must for me. It just wouldn't be Christmas without hearing Boris happily announce,"... and he found the strength of ten Grinches, plus two!" And who can forget Thurl Ravenscroft rendition of the song!?

Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss), Boris Karloff, and Chuck Jones.

For pure comedy and fantasy in a season rich in the stuff, there's always Laurel and Hardy in Babes in Toyland, also known as March of the Wooden Soldiers. My favorite comedy team.

And it wouldn't be complete without Alastair Sim's performance-for-the-ages as Scrooge in the 1951 film of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

"Christmas Day! Then I haven't missed it!"

What are your favorites?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-24T21:19:00.000-08:00

May each and every one of you make it home safely, or spend some time with someone you love.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
-- President John F. Kennedy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BORIS KARLOFF

2010-11-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

Boris Karloff reading An Actor's Notebook. Err--the script for The Mummy.
Remembering Boris Karloff November 23, 1887- February 2, 1969.

CARTOONARAMA: PRICE AS PROSPERO

2010-11-22T20:59:00.001-08:00

"PRICE AS PROSPERO" (2010) by Mark Redfield. Acrylic on canvas. (18x24)

This cartoon of Vincent Price as Prince Prospero, from the Roger Corman film The Masque of the Red Death, was commissioned by super-Poe fan Tanja Pawluczkowycz-O'Dell several months ago. I was able to deliver it to her personally at the Night of a 100 Poes film event at Westminster Hall, in Baltimore recently.

That's Tanja, in the picture above with a hatchet in her head, dressed as the wife of the killer in Poe's The Black Cat. My beard isn't for the costume contest that was held that night, but for an upcoming film based on a story by Lovecraft. More on that in the future as events unfold...

The Masque of the Red Death is one of the most opulent of the AIP-Corman Poe adaptations. Filmed in England in 1963, and released in 1964, it stars Vincent Price, Hazel Court, Jane Asher and co-stars the wonderful British character actors Patrick Magee, Nigel Green, and Robert Brown.

I'm looking forward to writing more about Vincent Price, this film, and many others through-out 2011, for the Price Centennial.

Image and text © Mark Redfield 2010.

JOHN CUSACK AS EDGAR ALLAN POE

2010-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Currently shooting in Prague, here's a behind-the-scenes shot of John Cusack as E. A. Poe.

Cusack joins the ranks of some fine actors who have played the poet, including Jeffrey Combs and Henry Hull. The film The Raven is scheduled for release in 2011.

I assume John is wearing comfortable walking shoes, because, well, Baltimore is a walking-around kind of town.

-Mark Redfield, November, 2010

FILM HISTORIAN KEVIN BROWNLOW

2010-11-15T05:22:00.000-08:00

Kevin Brownlow's speech to the Academy this November. His books and documentaries have opened windows, doors and worlds to me; his work continues to inspire and remain "must have" works in my library, valuable pieces that I re-visit often.

If you don't know Brownlow's work, I strongly suggest you start with his book THE PARADE'S GONE BY. Then look at his series HOLLYWOOD, and the documentaries UNKNOWN CHAPLIN and
BUSTER KEATON: A HARD ACT TO FOLLOW (with the late David Gill). And then go from there. To Chaney, Lloyd and so much more.

Wonderful contributions; well deserved recognition of his work by the Academy. Hopefully others are being inspired by him to continue on. Listen to his speech to the Academy in November, 2010 HERE.

-Mark Redfield, November, 2010

SAG: TENTATIVE AGREEMENTS ON CABLE/ANIMATION CONTRACTS

2010-11-11T10:37:00.000-08:00

Screen Actors Guild Reaches Tentative Agreements for Successor Contracts to the Basic Cable Live Action, Basic Cable Animation and TV Animation Contracts

Screen Actors Guild today announced that tentative agreements were reached on Wednesday, November 10, on new, three-year contracts covering basic cable live action, basic cable animation and television animation productions.

The current contracts expire on June 30, 2011, and the new three-year agreement will be effective from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2014.

The provisions of the new agreements are similar to those achieved Nov. 7, on successor agreements to the Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement for theatrical motion picture and television production.

Highlights of the new, tentative agreements include:

• The term of each agreement is three years, commencing July 1, 2011

• Wage increases of 6% over the terms of the agreements with 2% in each of the three years, effective July 1, 2011, 2012 and 2013

• A 10% increase in the current rate of employer contributions paid to the Screen Actors Guild Pension & Health Plans bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5% effective July 1, 2011

Details of the new agreements will be submitted for approval to the National Board of Screen Actors Guild.

Formal negotiations on these contracts began on Monday, Nov. 8 at AMPTP headquarters in Los Angeles.

More info HERE.

GREAT NEWS FOR LON CHANEY FANS! Warner Home Video releases six Chaney titles on DVD!

2010-11-11T09:29:00.000-08:00

Warner Home Video is releasing six great Lon Chaney films on DVD. The titles in the set are:

HE WHO GETS SLAPPED (1924)
THE MONSTER (1925)
THE UNHOLY THREE (1925--silent version)
MR. WU (1927)
MOCKERY (1927)
THE UNHOLY THREE (1930--"Talkie" re-make)

I know what I want for Christmas! Check out the link to Amazon.

Better still: order them from Warner Bros. direct! They're cheaper!

TOM CRUISE AT WORK RECENTLY ON MI:4

2010-11-10T20:11:00.000-08:00

In the modern computer generated film world, it's good to see actors like Tom Cruise do their own stunts and follow in the footsteps of, say, Douglas Fairbanks.

In this fan-made clip, Cruise is rappelling off a skyscraper, about 124 stories from the ground, in Dubai for a scene filmed by a helicopter for Mission Impossible 4, directed by the wonderful Brad Bird (The Iron Giant-1999, The Incredibles--2004, Ratatouille--2007).

Nice to still see the "real thing" in the "reel thing" now and again.

SAG AND AFTRA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH AMPTP ON TV AND FILM CONTRACTS

2010-11-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA Reach Tentative Agreement
with AMPTP on New Television and Feature Film Contracts

Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA, AFL-CIO) have reached a tentative agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) on successor agreements to the Producers-Screen Actors Guild Codified Basic Agreement for feature motion pictures, scripted network primetime television and pay television programs, Exhibit A of the AFTRA National Code of Fair Practice for Network Television Broadcasting (covering scripted network primetime and pay television programs), and The CW Supplement.

The new three-year agreement is subject to approval by the Joint National Board of Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA, and ratification by the unions’ memberships. The current contracts expire on June 30, 2011, and the new three-year agreement will be effective from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2014.

Highlights of the new tentative agreement include:

The term of the agreement is 3 years commencing July 1, 2011

A 6% wage increase over the term of the agreement with 2% in each of the three years, effective July 1, 2011, 2012 and 2013

A 10% increase in the current rate of employer contributions paid to the Screen Actors Guild Pension & Health Plans and AFTRA Health & Retirement Funds, bringing the total contribution rate to 16.5% effective July 1, 2011. This represents the largest dollar value increase to the plans, under these contracts, since the plans were founded and is the largest percentage increase to the plans in more than two decades

Two additional background positions in theatrical and one additional background position in television in the Western Zones

An expansion of major role provisions to apply to new pay television series commencing in their second season

Expanded union coverage over made for new media productions

Increases in the area of money and schedule breaks

Improved contract language to increase equal employment opportunities for union performers

The unions also agreed to modifications in the travel provisions of the contracts.

Screen Actors Guild President Ken Howard, said, “Strengthening the Pension and Health Plans was our top priority in these negotiations – making such a significant gain in that area was a vital achievement. Increased wages across the contract and the expansion of the major role premium into pay television will not only put more money in performers’ pockets, but will provide yet another boost to our P&H funds. I’m grateful to have worked closely with AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon and want to give special thanks to SAG Chief Negotiator David White and his bargaining team. All the staff and members of this joint committee, from both unions, deserve praise for their focus and dedication. We had to make some difficult decisions, but working together, we’ve reached a deal that will protect our essential pension and health benefits for years to come.”

AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon said, “I am extremely pleased we met our goal of increasing contributions to our retirement and pension plans, and that we successfully completed this negotiation now to protect the needs of performers early in the process. I applaud AFTRA Chief Negotiator Kim Roberts Hedgpeth, and I thank Screen Actors Guild Co-Chair President Howard for his strong and supportive leadership. Our joint negotiating committee worked together seamlessly and in solidarity, and I am very proud of their work.”

Details of the new agreement will be submitted for approval to the Joint National Board of Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA. Upon approval, the pact will be sent out for joint ratification by the unions’ memberships.

Representatives of the following organizations attended one or more of the negotiating sessions as observers: Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW), Directors Guild of America (DGA), International Brotherhood of Teamsters,(IBT), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Formal negotiations between the 26-member Joint Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA Negotiating Committee and the AMPTP began on Monday, Sept. 27, in Los Angeles. Talks were preceded by months of joint wages and working conditions meetings held this past summer.

REDFIELD'S MAKE-UP MORGUE: TONY TSENDEAS AS SIGMUND FREUD

2010-11-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

Actor Tony Tsendeas as Sigmund Freud. November, 2010. Make-up by Mark Redfield.

Tsendeas is an old friend and wonderful actor. He was asked to play Freud in a program at the Baltimore Symphony in November 2010 called "Analyze This: Mahler and Freud", and he asked me to help with his make-up.Tsendeas as Freud in rehearsal at the BSO, November 4th, 2010.

From the program description: Inspired by the BSO’s hit CSI: Beethoven program in 2008, this program reenacts the little known meeting in 1910 between Gustav Mahler (Richard Pilcher) and famous psychiatrist Dr. Sigmund Freud (Tony Tsendeas), where the two grappled with tensions and conflict that affected Mahler’s entire musical output and later led to marital discord. Join Maestra Marin Alsop and “Dr. Freud” on the couch as they psychoanalyze the essence of Mahler’s relationship with his wife Alma, his music and his crippling fear of death.

"Analyze This: Mahler and Freud" was written and directed by Didi Balle.

NIGHT OF A 100 POES

2010-11-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

The POE HOUSE AND MUSEUM with the WESTMINSTER PRESERVATION TRUST, INC. and the UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND SCHOOL OF LAW present

NIGHT OF A 100 POES—a frightening evening of Poe on film and COSTUME CONTEST!

WHEN: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20^ST, 2010. 7PM (Doors open to the public at 6PM)

WHERE: Bring your body—and your best Poe face!-- to Westminster Hall. 519 E. Fayette Street. Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Regretfully the ghastly catacombs beneath Westminster Hall will not be available due to the fear factor.

ADMISSION: FREE and open to the public! But reserve your tickets now, as seating is limited and only for the living! Reserve your tickets at

Join us for a CREEPTACULAR COSTUME CONTEST and a FRIGHTFULLY FUN EVENING OF FILMS inspired by the work of EDGAR ALLAN POE!

For more info please visit: www.poebicentennial.com and for reserving your free tickets please visit:

http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=211877

THE PROGRAM:

THE TELL-TALE HEART (short film) Directed by Travis Mays and Narrated by Tony Tsendeas!

Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff in THE BLACK CAT (1934). Also starring David Manners and Julie Bishop. A strange, weird tale loosely based on Poe’s diabolical short story The Black Cat! Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer!

Vincent Price in THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1964). Also starring Hazel Court and Jane Asher. Based on Poe’s Masque of the Red Death and Hop Frog! A Roger Corman Poe shocker!

POE COSTUMECONTEST! Come dressed as Edgar Allan Poe! Go the whole nine yards or just paint on a mustache (Groucho-size mustaches will be disqualified! So don’t paint ‘em on too thick!) and win a prize! Professional Poe Impersonators and E.A. Poe himself (should he attend) not eligible! Or come as your favorite character from a Poe story or poem!

Our panel of judges will scan the crowd through-out the evening, and at the end of the night will award prizes to the best of the following categories:

1. Best Male Poe (Grand Prize and 1 runner up)

2. Best Female Poe (we know it’s a drag but be creative!) (Grand Prize and 1 runner up)

3. Best Character from a Poe story or poem (Grand Prize and 1 runner up)

Panel Discussion: POE ON FILM with Chris Kaltenbach (film critic, The Baltimore Sun), Gregory William Mank (“Golden Age Horror” historian and author), Tony Tsendeas (actor, “The Poe Show”). Moderated by Mark Redfield (actor and filmmaker, “The Death of Poe”). Stay after MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH for a lively discussion about Poe and the cinema. With 100 years of Poe inspired movies, we’ll have plenty to talk about! Bring your questions! After the panel discussion, we’ll give the costume contest prizes to the lucky winners!

FREE POPCORN! Refreshments also available for purchase.

FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. But reserve your ticket NOW as space is limited. Reserve your tickets at:

ALSO: Do your Poe holiday shopping early! Vendors will be present featuring Poe-related gift items, perfect for the holidays, from t-shirts to DVD’s to Gregory William Manks’s new book “Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff”, signed by the author himself!

“NIGHT OF 100 POES” PROGRAM DETAILS:

6PM --PREVIEWS OF POE: We’ve assembled trailers (or “previews of coming attractions”) of some of the many films inspired by Edgar Allan Poe. From the Universal Studios adaptations that starred Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, to the Roger Corman “Poe-Cycle” produced by American International Pictures and from films from all over the world, including works from filmmakers Frederico Fellini, Dario Argento and many more. How many have you seen?

7PM--THE TELL TALE HEART. USA. Color. 10 minutes. Directed by Travis Mays. Narrated by Tony Tsendeas.

THE BLACK CAT (1934). Starring Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, David Manners and Julie Bishop. Screenplay by Edgar G. Ulmer and Peter Ruric . Directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. USA. Black and White. 65 minutes. Universal Pictures biggest boxoffice hit of 1934! Karloff and Lugosi are a perfect match in this battle between a beastly black magician (Karloff) and a sympathetic shrink (Lugosi).

INTERMISSION

THE MASQUE OF THE RED DEATH (1964). Starring Vincent Price, Hazel Court. Screenplay by Charle Beaumont and R. Wright Campbell. Directed by Roger Corman. USA. Color. 85 minutes. Price proves he is The Master of Mayhem as Prince Prospero in this great entry in the Corman/AIP “Poe cycle” of films from the 1960s. Roger Corman received an honorary Oscar in 2010 for his prolific body of work.

PANEL DISCUSSION: “POE ON FILM”. Stay and join us in a lively discussion moderated by actor and filmmaker Mark Redfield (“The Death of Poe”, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”). Our panelists include Chris Kaltenbach (film critic for the Baltimore Sun), Gregory William Mank (film historian and author of the recently published “Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff: The Expanded Story of a Haunting Collaboration”) and Tony Tsendeas (actor, director and Poe interpreter, currently touring his one-man show “The Poe Show”). Please note that all panelists are confirmed, but appearance at the event remains subject to last minute professional commitments beyond our control.

POE COSTUME CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED AND PRIZES AWARDED! Bring your camera!

WITH REGRETS

2010-10-15T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry that I have to cancel plans to attend The Festival of Fantastic Films in Manchester, UK this weekend as I'm working for a few days on Ed Sanchez's new film The Possession.

The Festival, organized each year by Gil Lane-Young and Tony Edwards is a favorite of mine, and I'm equally sad to miss many friends who are able to attend this year.

Hope everyone has a great time! And hope that I can attend next year!

-Mark Redfield

SORRY, I'M A LITTLE BEHIND...

2010-09-13T22:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all the emails and calls nudging me and reminding me that I'm behind in posting on the blog.

It's been a very busy past few weeks, with work on Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine increasing, preparing my novel The Chaney Murder Case for publication, laying the early groundwork for a possible TV show, and a bunch of other things that help pay the rent.

But enough with the excuses---new posts will start appearing, and appear regularly, in about a week.

I'll be back soon! Promise!

Larry Blamire Interview in USATODAY today!

2010-08-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the release date for DARK AND STORMY NIGHT and THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN, two films written and directed by that mad genius Larry Blamire.

As I assemble the interviews of the cast and crew of these two films for your perusal and approval on this blog, I present a link to an brief interview with Blamire, written by David Colton, that appears in today's USA TODAY. Enjoy!

Read the USATODAY interview HERE!

And look who's on the cover (upper right corner) of the print edition! Why, it's none other than DARK AND STORMY NIGHT and THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN star Jennifer Blaire!

Both movies are available now directly from Shout! Factory, or from Amazon.

On Friday I'll post the first interview in the Behind-The-Scenes Bantam Street series!

FAMOUS MONSTERS AT THE SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL COMIC CON 2010: A WRAP-UP/ROUND-UP

2010-08-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

FAMOUS MONSTERS AT COMIC CON 2010

The 2010 edition of the San Diego Comic Con International exploded on the scene July 22nd, as colorful and spectacular as the nightly fireworks display over the city’s Sea World park, threatening to burst the fortress-like walls of the San Diego convention center as over 126,000 fans packed the building and Famous Monsters of Filmland was there in the heat of the action!

Little could Comic Con founder Shel Dorf have imagined that the convention would grow to such monstrous proportions when he organized “The Golden State Comic Con” in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel back in 1970. Comic books are still the heart and soul of Comic Con, but over the years as the convention has grown, it has embraced related media like magazines, toys and Hollywood, itself, where the studios roll out news about their big, upcoming titles. And the late, founding Editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine Forrest J Ackerman would have undoubtedly been proud to see and hear about the re-birth of his beloved periodical, and the fact that news of future plans for the FM brand vied for fan excitement, on par with the excitement generated by things like the announcement of the final cast of the AVENGERS movie!

NO REST FOR THE FM TEAM

Fresh and invigorated from their own Famous Monsters Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana a short two weeks earlier, the FM crew, led by Publisher/Owner Philip Kim, Editor-In-Chief Michael Heisler, and Editor Jessie Lilley, collectively and tirelessly spoke with thousands of fans that visited the FM booth over the five day event.

FAMOUS MONSTERS IS BACK—BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER

Fans eagerly approached the FM booth and picked up copies of Famous Monsters numbers 250, the special tribute issue to Forrest J Ackerman, and 251, the official re-launch issue. Comic Con was the only place readers could get all of the fabulous variant covers under one roof if they wished. Eyes popped and jaws dropped as fans who remembered the magazine from their childhood approached the FM booth, recognizing the famous Famous Monsters logo. All had stories and fond reminiscences to share of which issue was their first, found at their respective local drug store magazine racks. Fans who are now parents delightfully showed the new Famous Monsters off to their children, introducing a whole new generation to their favorite monster mag. Famous Monsters and it’s fans may have grown up, but the child within has remained very much alive!

As magazines, posters, t-shirts and FM-branded apparel flew off the tables and shelves, the FM booth was visited by many stars and celebrities through-out the convention. Longtime fans of every stripe in entertainment, like writer-director Frank Darabont, wrestler Jerry Lawler, actor D.B. Sweeney and many other stopped by to wish the new venture and re-launch well. Lucky fans could have Bela Lugosi, Jr. or FM cover artist William Stout autograph their magazines or prints of FM covers for free.

(left to right) Operations Manager Dominie Lee, Publisher Philip Kim, Bela Lugosi, Jr.

BEYOND THE PAGES OF FM: THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT

But the big news concerning Famous Monsters could hardly be contained as rumor swirled to such a degree that Harry Knowles (of Ain’t It Cool News) had to blurt out an announcement at the Expendables panel he moderated on Thursday, just moments before introducing stars Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis to avid action fans: that he, himself, the one-and-only Harry Knowles, has become Editor-In-Chief of the Famous Monsters of Filmland website! The agreement between Knowles and FM publisher Philip Kim was signed at the FM booth earlier in the day, creating a memorable historic moment for fans present to witness it. Although it’s too early to reveal details about the FM website under Knowles editorship, expect on all-new Harry Knowles, very different from the one we’ve come to know and love at Ain’t It Cool News. As Knowles himself wrote at his site recently, “What you’ll see is a lot of Passion for the classics…To create a place for Families, Kids and Geeks like us (to) share a loving passion for the fantastic odd things that make us all the nieces and nephews of FJA (Forrest J Ackerman).”

(left to right) FM website Editor-In-Chief Harry Knowles, Philip Kim.

The news of Knowles stewardship of the Famous Monsters website (to be launched in October, coinciding with Fantastic Fest) was elaborated upon during the FM panel discussion on Friday afternoon.

The FM panel, moderated by yours truly, included the FM team of Philip Kim, Michael Heisler and Jessie Lilley and special guests Bela Lugosi, Jr., artist William Stout, film producer Ted Chalmers, and filmmaker Joe Moe.

Editor-In-Chief Michael Heisler revealed the fabulous cover art for upcoming issues 252 and 253, respectively, and teased the audience with hints of the rich content to come. A rousing discussion with future website editor Harry Knowles ensued, with talk of the synergy and relationship that the website will have with the print magazine. Again, no detailed plans were revealed as all is “top secret” at the moment, but the relief of finally being able to talk about the FM website after months of negotiations was palpable and felt by all on the panel.

The connection to FM’s past was touched on with humor and reverence when FM’s unofficial Ambassador of classic horror, Bela Lugosi, Jr. spoke, along with long-time Forry Ackerman friend and caretaker Joe Moe, sharing stories with the audience and speaking of their unwavering support of the new Famous Monsters of Filmland.

As the brief hour allotted to the panel discussion sped by, FM owner Philip Kim was able to sketch some of the amazing future plans, which include (beyond the new website in October) other manifestations of FM in New Media, including the possibilities of web-based video content and a host of other FM-related projects still on the drawing table.

(left to right) Mark Redfield and Frank Darabont at the Famous Monsters booth at Comic Con.

Famous Monsters of Filmland is back, and the future looks bright indeed for all fans of the fantastic, both in print, on the internet, and in the world of filmed media, both traditional and new.

Had Forrest J Ackerman lived to see this amazing revival of one of the most important aspects of his life’s work come this far, and reach even farther into the immediate future, I think he’d be very proud. Speaking for myself and the rest of the FM team, we’re extremely proud to continue to serve, and to keep the legacy alive for fellow fans, and for the new fans just discovering all things Famous Monsters.

-Mark Redfield,

San Diego, 2010

WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE FAMOUS MONSTERS COMIC CON PANEL HERE!

SAG: UNITE FOR STRENGTH announces candidates for National and Hollywood Boards

2010-08-04T05:31:00.000-07:00

Candidates Praise Bargaining Partnership with AFTRA and
Reaffirm Commitment to One Union for Performers

Los Angeles, (August 4, 2010) – Seeking to extend its majority coalition on SAG’s National Board of Directors, Unite for Strength today announced its slate of 35 candidates running for election to the SAG National and Hollywood Division Boards. In addition to 15 incumbent Hollywood Board members, the UFS slate features numerous first-time candidates, including veteran actor Ron Perlman and noted comedian/actor Jeff Garlin.

“I’m inspired by our candidates,” said SAG President Ken Howard, who was elected on the Unite for Strength ticket in 2009. “These are smart, dedicated SAG members who are passionate about protecting actors. They represent the diversity of our membership and I know they’ll be terrific leaders if elected.”

Referring to the joint TV/Theatrical-Exhibit A Contract talks set to begin September 27, Jeff Garlin said, “Thanks to Ken and UFS, SAG and AFTRA have teamed up to negotiate the TV and Film Contracts, putting us in a much stronger position than last time, when we were divided. It’s hard to believe nearly a quarter of SAG’s board wanted to negotiate separately again, but the key to staying strong is to elect more board members who see the importance of working together. That’s why I’m running.”

Ron Perlman added “I became a professional actor in 1973. I’ve done just about every type of work possible in this business and it’s never made sense that my jobs were covered by separate unions. With digital video fast becoming the state of the art in filmmaking, splitting work between SAG and AFTRA goes way beyond senseless; it is unacceptable. The only ones who benefit from that division are our employers and we have to put a stop to it. Performers deserve one union that covers all their work, period – and I’m running for the SAG board to help make it happen.”

Unite for Strength was formed in 2008 after then Guild President Alan Rosenberg and his Membership First allies repeatedly attacked AFTRA, leading to the breakdown of joint bargaining and a subsequent SAG contract stalemate. In response, UFS ran its first slate of board candidates in September 2008, successfully taking control of SAG’s National Board with a coalition of board members from across the country. In 2009, running on a platform of strengthening ties with AFTRA, the group won a majority of contested board seats and elected Ken Howard as SAG President and Amy Aquino as the Guild’s Secretary-Treasurer.

This year, Unite for Strength was instrumental in reviving SAG’s historic bargaining partnership with AFTRA. The group also made progress toward its goal of permanently uniting SAG and AFTRA as a single performers’ union when Ken Howard and AFTRA President Roberta Reardon established The Presidents’ Forum for One Union. Candidate and UFS co-founder Ned Vaughn noted, “Recent history has proven that competing with ourselves is a terrible mistake. Actors are facing serious challenges ahead and we need to be as strong and united as possible to protect our livelihoods – that means one union for all of us. The President’s Forum is a crucial step in that direction and I’m excited to be part of it.”

Ballots will be mailed to SAG Hollywood Division members on August 24, 2010. Ballots are due and results will be tabulated on September 23, 2010.

The candidates running on the Unite for Strength slate are:

Michelle Allsopp

Scotty Caldwell

Gabrielle Carteris

William Charlton

Assaf Cohen

Mimi Cozzens

Ellen Crawford

Bertila Damas

Patrick Fabian

Jeff Garlin

Jason George

Clark Gregg

Jon Huertas

Sam Jaeger

Clyde Kusatsu

Christine Lakin

Dawnn Lewis

Donal Logue

Gilles Marini

D.W. Moffett

Marisol Nichols

Jenny O’Hara

Michael O’Keefe

Michael O’Neill

Conrad Palmisano

Ron Perlman

Tara Radcliffe

Dileep Rao

Sarayu Rao

Woody Schultz

Bill Smitrovich

Mandy Steckelberg

Marcia Strassman

Stacey Travis

Ned Vaughn

For more information, visit www.uniteforstrength.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

What's Coming Up This August in AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK?

2010-08-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

All about Larry Blamire's new old dark house mystery-comedy-thriller DARK AND STORMY NIGHT--that's what!

Shout! Factory releases the latest Blamire thing on August 17th, 2010 (order the DVD HERE!) and so all month, beginning on the 17th, I'll be running interviews here at AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK with the cast and crew! And if that isn't enough, there'll be interviews with the cast and crew of THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN, because many of the same Bantam Street cast and crew worked on that picture, too!

DARK AND STORMY NIGHT stars: Daniel Roebuck, Jennifer Blaire, Fay Masterson, Brian Howe, Andrew Parks, Dan Conroy, Kevin Quinn, Christine Romeo, H.M. Wynant, Jim Beaver, James Karen,Bruce French, Robert Deveau, Trish Geiger, Alison Martin, Susan McConnell, Tom Reese, Betty Garrett, Marvin Kaplan, Larry Blamire, Bob Burns and me (Mark Redfield)!So please visit the blog daily starting on August 17th, and get to know the cast and crew of DARK AND STORMY NIGHT!

The cast of Larry Blamire's DARK AND STORMY NIGHT

SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2010

2010-07-15T22:10:00.001-07:00

The San Diego Comic Con International is back and runs Thursday, July 22 to Sunday, July 25 (with a preview night on Wednesday, July 21st).

I'll be there all week, mostly at the Famous Monsters of Filmland booth, continuing from the fabulous Famous Monsters Convention that just happened a short two weeks ago in Indianapolis, Indiana!

On Thursday, July 22, I'll be at the Shout!Factory booth at 2pm with writer-director Larry Blamire, artist-actor Frank Dietz, and other cast members (don't know who will be there as I write this) signing DVDs of Blamire's new mystery-comedy thriller Dark and Stormy Night and The Lost Skeleton Returns Again. If you want to catch fellow Dark and Stormy Night cast member Jim Beaver, he'll be doing a Supernatural panel on Sunday morning, so be sure to catch him there!

On Friday at 5:30pm I'll be moderating a panel about the all-new and improved Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine! The panelists include publisher Philip Kim, Editor-In-Chief Michael Heisler, Editor Jessie Lilley, and special guests Bela Lugosi Jr and FM cover artist William Stout! As a regular contributing writer to the newly re-launched (and beloved) magazine, the sure to be lively panel discussion I'm moderating will cover the re-birth of the magazine, and the incredible plans the future holds for the brand!

Otherwise, please stop by the Famous Monsters booth and say hello and get your copy of Famous Monsters #251 before it hits bookstores and news stands in early August!

The link to Comic Con, the biggest show of its kind in the country, is HERE!

Comic Con hosts the widest array of artists, publishers, filmmakers, and celebrities in movies, TV and in comic books and graphic novels that there's sure to be something for everyone! So come on by and spend the day or the week, but if it's your first time attending, wear your most comfortable walking shoes--you'll thank me later!

-Mark Redfield

"THE CHANEY MURDER CASE" : A LOVE LETTER TO LORETTA YOUNG

2010-06-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked to write a small essay about THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER (1947) for issue #250 of Famous Monsters Magazine. What has this whimsical political comedy have to do with monsters, let alone famous ones? To answer that, you'll have to buy the magazine (see below), but meanwhile, here's a snippet of my little love letter to Loretta Young.

from upcoming issue #250 of FM:

Her career spans an astonishing 77 years (1917 to 1994), all told, where she was on top of every medium she worked in. She was exquisitely beautiful. She had talent and a superb acting range. Is it simply because, in spite of solid work in films and television with virtually every top male star of every era (including Chaney, Cagney, Gable, Tracy and others) that not one of her films is remembered in the AFI Top 100?

To be blunt: because she never starred in a truly “great” film?

Loretta Young began working in films as a child. In 1928, at the age of fifteen, Lon Chaney personally chose her as the female lead in his film Laugh, Clown, Laugh. Looking at her performance in that film, one is struck by her devastating, ethereal beauty and her solid screen presence.

By the time the talkies came around, Young was a seasoned film veteran, but still youthful and beautiful. As her star rose, she took charge of her image and her career (much the same as other strong, savvy women did who had the gumption and backbone to fight the studio system, like Davis and Hepburn).

In the 1950’s, when she was in her early middle-age and new girls were coming up and being promoted by the studios, nipping at her heels and taking roles she once played, Young made the bold and (as the studio heads saw it) traitorous move of moving to the new medium of television. In television, she produced and starred in a string of shows and won numerous Emmy Awards.

The time has come for a full re-evaluation and appreciation of the work of Loretta Young. For those who are fans (but just don’t know it yet), my suggestion would be to start with a screening of Laugh, Clown, Laugh and work chronologically through her filmography.

You’ll thank me later.

-Mark Redfield

Loretta Young makes a brief cameo appearance in my new novel, The Chaney Murder Case, coming in the late fall of 2010.

You can subscribe to the all-new Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine, published by Philip Kim, or order issue #250, a tribute to Forrest J Ackerman, that includes my complete essay, and seven others, HERE!

Text © 2010 by Mark Redfield.

JOHN CAZALE DOCUMENTARY ON HBO THIS MONTH

2010-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

In the month of June, HBO will be airing this 40 minute portrait of the wonderful John Cazale.

Here's when it plays on HBO: June 1 (8:00-8:45 p.m. ET/PT -- debut and 4:50 a.m.), June 3 (1:30 p.m., 11:50 p.m.), June 5 (3:30 p.m.), June 8 (9:30 a.m.), June 11 (5:30 p.m.) and June 13 (10:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 9 (9:30 p.m.), June 11 (5:20 a.m.) and June 24 (2:30 p.m.).

THIS WEEKEND IN BOSTON: A BLAMIRE BLOCKBUSTER DOUBLE-FEATURE!

2010-05-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

From writer/director Larry Blamire:

The first dates have been announced for the theatrical run of our double feature (that’s two movies that show together, back to back, just like the olden days) of THE LOST SKELETON RETURNS AGAIN and DARK AND STORMY NIGHT.

The films will open in Boston at the wonderful Coolidge Corner Theatre on May 21st. Ticket info will be available at the usual online sources, including the Coolidge website: http://www.coolidge.org/

More cities listed as they become available.

Larry Blamire's new comedy murder mystery DARK AND STORMY NIGHT stars Daniel Roebuck, Jennifer Blaire, Fay Masterson, Brian Howe, Andrew Parks, Dan Conroy, Kevin Quinn, Christine Romeo, H.M. Wynant, Jim Beaver, James Karen,Bruce French, Robert Deveau, Trish Geiger, Alison Martin, Susan McConnell, Tom Reese, Betty Garrett, Marvin Kaplan, Larry Blamire, Bob Burns and Mark Redfield!

2010-05-07T04:38:00.000-07:00

I've contributed seven essays in this wonderful tribute issue dedicated to Forrest J Ackerman for the new Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine from publisher Philip Kim and Editors Michael Heisler and Jessie Lilley. Check it out and pre-order this issue, and check out how to subscribe to the all-new FM starting with issue #251! ---Mark Redfield

More info on FM#250 can be found HERE.

Subscribe to the all-new and improved Famous Monsters of Filmland Magazine HERE!

For information about the big Famous Monsters Convention in Indianapolis in July, 2010, please visit http://famousmonstersconvention.com/ and check out the fabulous array of guests and events planned!

NEW 'DEATH OF POE' FILM REVIEW IN SCARY MONSTERS MAGAZINE--ON NEWS STANDS NOW!

2010-05-01T03:25:00.000-07:00

There’s a fine review of my film The Death of Poe in the current issue of Scary Monsters Magazine, written by David Alex Nahmod.

The issue is packed with great articles by Martin Powell, Bob Statzer, Ron Adams and many more of publisher Dennis Druktenis’ great stable of contributors. Get it on newsstands, Barnes and Noble or Border’s Books today!

CARTOONARAMA: "JOHN BARRYMORE AS SVENGALI"

2010-04-22T03:55:00.001-07:00

"John Barrymore as Svengali" by Mark Redfield (2010)
Acrylic on canvas board. (11x14)

An old review of my play DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE

2010-04-20T18:37:00.001-07:00

This is an old review from 1991 of the play that my film DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE was adapted from. Bottom line about the stage -to-screen adaptation: the script was changed drastically. Here's a review by Winifred Walsh that surfaced recently on-line, originally published in the Baltimore Sun in 1991.

New Century's 'Dr. Jekyll' is nearly flawless

October 10, 1991|By Winifred Walsh | Winifred Walsh,Evening Sun Staff

A splendid version of the ultimate psychological thriller "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is on stage at the Spotlighters Theatre through Oct. 27.

This excellent new adaptation by the show's producer, director and star, Mark Redfield, in collaboration with actor Stuart Voytilla, is faithful to the original Robert Louis Stevenson novel. The very sophisticated, intellectual work presents, as Stevenson intended, the fascinating tale of the good and evil warring within us in the form of a good, old-fashioned mystery.

Redfield's production under the banner of New Century Theater is the best of its kind this reviewer has ever seen. All the parts are perfectly cast down to the most insignificant character.

Although originally written for the proscenium stage, the work plays well in the limited confines of the arena theater.

The classical language is vintage Stevenson. The mood is eerie, spooky and chilling. Scenes have intriguing symbolic and abstract undertones. The sparse, black-and-white surrealistic imagery designed by Redfield and carried out by scenic artist Kelly Phillips is extremely effective.

Redfield's direction is masterful -- practically flawless. Every actor has a proper attitude for his or her role and all interact beautifully -- always making important eye contact.

Timing and character development are superb and the suspense is hair-raising.

The marvelous fight sequences were arranged by Lewis Shaw.

Set in 1890 London, the play opens with the accounting of the dastardly deeds of a man called Hyde, a beastly, brutal creature without remorse or pity.

The evil Hyde, somehow, has access to the house of the kindly Dr. Henry Jekyll. Franklin Utterson, Jekyll's longtime loyal lawyer, is worried that his friend is under some dark threat by this man who has committed a number of foul crimes. He enlists the aid of others to unravel the puzzle.

Dr. Jekyll is a man of inherited wealth. Imbued with a deep feeling of compassion for the less fortunate, he divides his time between the poor hospital wards and his private practice.

Impressed with Darwin's evolution theories, he engages in research to determine the biological base for the good and evil in man. He wants to set loose and separate the shadowy elements of the primitive human psyche. He eventually finds these qualities in the form of the pernicious Hyde.

Redfield plays both roles. As the upright, uptight, gentle Jekyll and the horrifying Hyde crouching ape-like and wild-eyed around the stage, he is magnificent. A consummate professional artist, Redfield's attention to the finer details of his character is matchless.

Not a bad review; I have a feeling that somehow my writing partner, Stuart Voytilla, and I, always imagined the story somewhat cinematically. Working on the play, and the first year working with my theater company New Century Theater, were certainly some creatively (and personally) grand times. One of the most thrilling and satisfying in my little career. More on the play in future articles coming up.

CARTOONARAMA: 'BUSTER AND A FROG'

2010-04-20T07:39:00.000-07:00

"BUSTER AND FROG" (2010) by Mark Redfield. Acrylic on canvas board. (11x14).

This cartoon of silent screen comedian Buster Keaton was a gift to Dark and Stormy Night producer Michael Schlesinger, who is also a great fan of 'the great stone face'.

Image and text © 2010 by Mark Redfield.

THE CHANEY MURDER CASE by Mark Redfield, debuting in the Fall of 2010

2010-04-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've started a page over at facebook where I'll be posting developments about my novel THE CHANEY MURDER CASE until it's publication in the Fall of 2010, and also post whateverthis-n-that about actor Lon Chaney strikes my fancy!

Of course I'll be posting major news about the novel here at AN ACTOR'S NOTEBOOK, and have some nice pieces about Lon Chaney, but check out the facebook page in the event that other friends post things about The Man of a Thousand Faces.

The facebook page is HERE.

Thanks in advance for joining the group and for all your support!

CARTOONARAMA: "VINCENT PRICE AND A SHRUNKEN HEAD"

2010-04-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

"VINCENT PRICE AND A SHRUNKEN HEAD" by Mark Redfield
Acrylic on canvas board, 11x14.

Recently I've been getting some commissions; upcoming cartoons I'm working on by request include Bela Lugosi, Bette Davis, and a special Vincent Price, as Prince Prospero from Roger Corman's film Masque of the Red Death.

Original art and text copyright Mark Redfield. All Rights Reserved.

MONSTERPALOOZA 2010

2010-04-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Monsterpalooza, the horror convention held in Burbank, California (and now in it's sophomore year) is Friday April 9th to Sunday April 11th.

A smashing success and much praised event in a very crowded field, what sets Monsterpaloozo apart from the other conventions is a high concentration of guests that are special FX make up artists and technicians. This year, FX guests include: Verne Langdon, Michael Westmore, Tom Burman, The Chiodo Brothers, Greg Nicotero, Willaim Stout and many others.

Actors that make up the special guest roster include: Don Calfa, Clu Gulager, Jonathan Winters (!) and many, many more.

My own special connection launches the weekend with laughs: Larry Blamire's DARK AND STORMY NIGHT screens at 6:15PM on Friday night. I'll be there along with other cast members Daniel Roebuck, Jennifer Blaire, James Karen and writer-director Larry Blamire.

The comedy continues right after the movie with a live radio-style reading of Ted Newsom's comedy TOO MANY CREEPS. The strange and twisted story of Alex Gordon and Ed Wood trying to get Boris Karloff into one of their new films, and end up corralling most of Hollywood's Golden Age horror stars into a script reading!

I'm narrating and playing Karloff. Others in Newsom's fantastic cast include David Skal as Bela Lugosi, Newsom himself as John Carradine, with Frank Dietz, Brinke Stevens, Perry Sheilds and others rounding out the cast.

Check it out here: http://www.rubberroom101.com/monsterpalooza2010/

Come on by if you're in the LA area. I'll be there all weekend so be sure to say hello!

MEET THE NEW EDITOR OF THE NEW 'FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND' MAGAZINE

2010-04-06T17:20:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my friend Jessie Lilley. It was announced today that she'll guide the all-new incarnation of FAMOUS MONSTERS as editor.

Jessie has been extraordinarily supportive of my film work over the last ten years, and has the chops to bring Famous Monsters to vibrant life. The first issue published by Philip Kim (number 251) debuts in a couple of months. Expect the mag quarterly.

Here's what the Famous Monster website had to say about Jessie's appointment as editor:

The staff of Famous Monsters of Filmland is pleased to announce the arrival of Jessie Lilley to its ranks as Editor.

As a publisher and editor of small press magazines for over 20 years, Jessie brings an impressive wealth of experience to the pages of FM, and has already had an immediate effect on the production of #251, the relaunch issue scheduled for release in July. “I asked Jessie to write a piece for #251, and over the course of our discussions I think we both slowly realized that she had a lot to offer on the other side of the desk as well,” said FM Editor in Chief Michael Heisler. “We danced around the topic until, ultimately, her first achievement as Editor was to hire herself! Seriously, Jessie has joined us as we’re heading into the home stretch of putting FM #251 together, and we couldn’t be happier to have her aboard.”

You can read more here.

In other FAMOUS MONSTERS news, issue 251 features cover art by the inimitable Richard Corben! Two other covers will be revealed soon, including one by William Stout, and one by Basil Gogos. Famous Monsters of Filmland does indeed live again!

REDFIELD'S 2010 OSCAR PREDICTIONS

2010-03-06T15:20:00.000-08:00

Let's see how we do after Sunday night. Here are my predictions for the 2010 Oscars:

BEST PICTURE
"The Hurt Locker" ("Avatar"...really? I mean seriously now..."Avatar"?)
BEST DIRECTOR
Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker"
BEST ACTOR
Jeff Bridges (and he'll make an excellent Rooster Cogburn in "True Grit" next year.
BEST ACTRESS
Sandra Bullock (that's who I think WILL win...Gabourey Sidibe was excellent in "Precious", Carey Mulligan was excellent in "An Education" and Meryl Streep was excellent in "Julie and Julia". If I were voting, I'd vote for Streep.)
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Christolph Waltz. No contest.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Mo'nique for "Precious"
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
"Up"
BEST FOREIGN FILM
"The White Ribbon" (Germany)
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
"Inglorius Basterds" (because...well I don't know why, but they'll at least give Tarrantino this.)
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
"Up In The Air" Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
"The Cove"
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
"Up" will win, but I think it SHOULD go to Hans Zimmer's "Sherlock Holmes"
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"The Weary Kind" from "Crazy Heart"
BEST FILM EDITING
"The Hurt Locker" (This is tough, because this is where "Avatar" could start cleaning up on awards.)
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
"The Hurt Locker" (Again, this could be taken by "Avatar". A toss up.)
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
"The Young Victoria"
BEST ART DIRECTION
"Avatar" is going to take this over equally imaginative and well-executed production designs.
BEST MAKEUP
"Star Trek". (But if "Avatar" takes this, I expect Rick Baker to lodge a formal complaint.)
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
"Avatar" No contest. ("Avatar" should actually be in the best "Animated Feature category...)
BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
"China's Unnatural Disaster"
BEST SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
"A Matter of Loaf and Death" (Can't beat Wallace and Grommit---but "Logorama" is brilliant.)
BEST SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
"Kavi" (A pure guess--sight unseen--on my part.)
BEST SOUND EDITING
"Avatar" (Unless loud and noisy means something, then "Transformers" will win this and sound mixing.)
BEST SOUND MIXING
"Avatar" (see above)

That's it. Let's see how I did tomorrow night.

REDFIELD'S MAKE-UP MORGUE: AS MARK TWAIN

2010-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

I've played Mark Twain several times in the mid-1990's, culminating in a one-man piece I cobbled together called "Mark Twain: How To Tell A Story". The show was centered around an essay he'd written (of the same title) and incorporated a few other writings. One of the performances was recorded (audio only) and I'm seriously thinking of releasing on CD later in the year, along with other audio books I'm preparing.

The idea of playing Mark Twain came about in an unexpected way. Through the 1990's I was doing a lot of producing for a couple of events companies. Many times a client would want some sort of character to appear as a "greeter" to greet guests as they arrived at a themed event, and often interact with them. I had done a handful of characters over the years, but I had more fun taking a clients (often bizarre) requests, and finding and hiring the right actors to play the parts. In the events business, there are a great roster of actors who play historic or famous people. In the mid-Atlantic area, there were plenty of people to play Bill Clintons, George Bushes, Charlie Chaplins, Ben Franklins and the like.

One day a fellow called Jay Wachter, who runs and operates an events company called Entertainment Consultants, called in a slight panic. He had sold "Mark Twain" to The American Trucking Association as a key-note speaker at one of their annual meetings. Twain was to speak at the opening dinner for 45 minutes on the subject of trucking.

45 minutes. On trucking. The problem?

Wachter didn't have a Mark Twain.

So he called and asked if I would do it.

I had NEVER done Twain before. I didn't have anything handy to do a make-up; didn't own a white cotton summer suit; didn't have a clue what I would say for 45 minutes and if Twain even said anything himself about trucking. Frightening.

I told Jay I'd do it.

After we negotiated my fee (knowing immediately the amount of work that was going to be involved) I went to work on researching what Twain had to say about trucking. He had nothing to say. But, as Twain had a lot to say about a lot of things, I discovered that he had written an very good piece about transportation in general, particularly railroads and steamboats . This could be used with little adaptation. When the speech was finished, it timed perfectly for the needs of the event.

So then, on to the make-up. The wig and the lace mustache were store bought, and not made-to-order, but they worked very well. I used a subtle latex stipple technique to age and roughen the texture of the skin, and to bring the wrinkles out. I knew he'd be seen close-up, and wanted him to be as realistic a s possible. The suit I found in a vintage clothing store; an honest-to-goodness linen summer suit from the 1920's that I own to this day.

After working on the speech and the make-up for a week I was ready to go, and the appearance at the American Trucker's Association was a big hit. After it was over, and because I had put the time into it, "Twain" kept nagging at me and would let me go. What else could I do with him? The result was the longer piece, "Mark Twain: How To Tell A Story".

Wachter has tried to get me to play Twain again at conventions and events over the years, but those days are behind me. I've done my share of "grand-opening Groucho's" and "food fair Franklins".

But I wouldn't mind playing Twain in a film some day...

FEBRUARY'S FILM: "DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE" (2002)

2010-02-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

I've rolled the film of the month over to February because a number of stories I wrote about it got pushed out of January. (I probably should just schedule a post per day as there are so many stories backing up here on the old blog).

So, the February film again is DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, released on DVD in 2002.

I don't know how long this sale is on, but the cheapest is this offer HERE. The DVD is only $3.99 (for $13.97 you can get the DVD and an 11x14 poster HERE). But maybe the best deal is this boxed set (pictured, left above), where you can get the film and nine other films on DVD for about $9.98 plus shipping. Check it out HERE.

But please don't download the movie for free on-line (it's not legally available as a download anywhere). That would be greatly appreciated!

VICTOR BUONO: THE FAT MAN'S PRAYER

2010-02-03T13:11:00.000-08:00

The popular and ubiquitous Victor Buono, born February 3, 1938 in San Diego, was everywhere (and everyone!) on TV and in films in the 1960's.

Beginning in theater in California, his first break came when director Robert Aldrich cast him as Edwin Flagg in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, opposite Bette Davis.

Playing countless heavies and villains on television, Buono is remembered chiefly for two recurring villians; King Tut (on Batman) and Count Manzepi (on The Wild, Wild, West).

In the 1970's, Victor Buono released a few comedy albums, and would recite his poetry on talk shows. One of his fans favorites was

The Fat Man's Prayer
by Victor Buono

Lord, my soul is ripped with riot,
Incited by my wicked diet.
We are what we eat, said a wise old man,
And Lord, if that's true, I'm a garbage can!
I want to rise on Judgment Day, that's plain,
But at my present weight, I'll need a crane!

So grant me strength that I may not fall
Into the clutches of cholesterol.
May my flesh with carrot curls be sated
That my soul may be polyunsaturated.
And show me the light that I may bear witness
To the President's Council on Physical Fitness.

At oleomargarine I'll never mutter,
For the road to hell is spread with butter.
And cake is cursed, and cream is awful,
And Satan is hiding in every waffle.
Mephistopheles lurks in provolone,
The devil is in each slice of bologna,
Beelzebub is a chocolate drop,
And Lucifer is a lollipop!

Give me this day my daily slice -
But cut it thin and toast it twice.
I beg upon my dimpled knees,
Deliver me from Jujubees.
And my when days of trial are done
And my war with malted milks is won,
Let me stand with the saints in heaven
In a shining robe - Size 37!

I can do it, Lord, if you'll show to me
The virtues of lettuce and celery.
If you'll teach me the evils of mayonnaise,
The sinfulness of hollandaise
And pasta a la milanese
And potatoes a la lyonaise
And crisp fried chicken from the south!
Lord, if you love me, SHUT MY MOUTH!

L.

'NEVERMORE' WITH JEFFREY COMBS BOOKS TWO PLAYDATES IN SAN DIEGO

2010-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

Writer Dennis Paoli, actor Jeffrey Combs and director Stuart Gordon at Poe's Monument and grave in Baltimore, the weekend of the East Coast premiere of NEVERMORE. (photo: Mark Redfield)

After the stellar weekend and sold-out houses in Baltimore, NEVERMORE, starring Jeffrey Combs has booked two new playdates for February, 2010 in San Diego, at the North Coast Rep. Ticket info and details can be found: HERE.

NEW PRESS FOR 'NEVERMORE'

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

Chris Kaltenbach of the Baltimore Sun interviews Jeffrey Combs and Stuart Gordon HERE:

Lee Gardner of the Baltimore City Paper talks with Jeffrey Combs HERE:

Jessie Lilley at Mondo Cult Magazine gets the inside scoop from Mark Redfield HERE:

SPECIAL TICKET OFFER FOR 'NEVERMORE' IN BALTIMORE, COMING THIS WEEKEND

2010-01-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: JANUARY 21, 2010--THE DISCOUNT OFFER HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED! COUPONS ALREADY DOWNLOADED WILL BE HONORED AT THE BOX OFFICE ON SUNDAY!

THE EDGAR ALLAN POE HOUSE AND MUSEUM IN BALTIMORE

Proudly Presents

THE EAST COAST PREMIERE of

JEFFREY COMBS in

NEVERMORE: AN EVENING WITH EDGAR ALLAN POE

SATURDAY JANUARY 23, 2010 at 7pm and

SUNDAY JANUARY 24, 2010 at 4:30pm

Tickets are $35 per person (cash or check only at the door)

With SUNDAY DISCOUNT COUPON (for Sunday's performance only, see below) $20

NEVERMORE - SUNDAY DISCOUNT COUPON!

SAVE $15!
We are now offering a DOWNLOADABLE COUPON for the Sunday January 24th, 4:30pm showing of NEVERMORE!

VISIT www.poebicentennial.com to download the discount ticket flyer!!

If you will be purchasing tickets at the door on the day of the show, print out and present the coupon to our ticket attendees and save $15!

(Cash or check accepted. Sorry, no credit cards. Reserved seating. SRO not allowed. Children age 9 and under not allowed. Performance runs 90 minutes without intermission. This offer may be withdrawn at any time. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. Coupon cannot be used for groups. One coupon per person. Valid on Sunday, January 24, 2010 only. This coupon does not guarantee a seat nor does it reserve a seat. Cannot be applied to tickets already purchased.)

Children under 9 not permitted.

Performance runs 90 minutes without intermission.

We can no longer accept advance ticket orders.

Tickets are STILL AVAILABLE at the door for BOTH PERFORMANCES.

Please plan to arrive AT LEAST ONE HOUR before performance time when the box office opens to purchase a ticket the day of the event. BOX OFFICE OPENS 6PM SAT. JAN 23RD AND 3:30 PM SUNDAY, JAN. 24TH.

Sorry, we cannot take reservations. Tickets sold on a 'first come, first served' basis. If you're planning on coming Sunday, January 24th, take advantage of our DISCOUNT COUPON for that performance, and download and print the coupon to bring with you! Sunday ticket discount available ONLY with printed coupon presented at the box office.

For more information visit www.poebicentennial.com

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND THE STARS: The March on Washington, 1963

2010-01-18T01:07:00.000-08:00

The Mall, Washington DC, 1963.

Dr. King.

Dr. King.Sammy Davis, Jr.

James Baldwin, Marlon Brando.

Sidney Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Charlton Heston.

Ossie Davis.

Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt, Marlon Brando.

Joan Baez, Bob Dylan.