Photo Opportunity #61 Clint in ‘68

Photo Opportunity #61 Clint in ‘68

For the month of May, I went flicking randomly through one of my ‘miscellaneous’ binders of press stills. I landed upon this one that I don’t believe I’ve ever posted here before? Here’s a smashing portrait shot of Clint taken in 1968. Photographed here by legendary photographer, John Engstead. It was around this time that Clint was working with Director Don Siegel for the first time on Coogan’s Bluff. 

Photographer John Engstead John Engstead (22 September 1909 - 15 April 1983[1]) was an American photographer. Engstead was born in California, and began his career in 1926, when he was hired as an office boy by Paramount Pictures' head of studio publicity, Harold Harley.

In 1927, Engstead pleased his boss by arranging a photo session for actress Clara Bow with photographer Otto Dyar using an outdoor setting which was unusual at that time. Engstead's creative direction of photographs of actress Louise Brooks led to a promotion to art supervisor, where he oversaw the production of Paramount's publicity stills.

In 1932, due to a strike by photographers, Engstead assumed the position of studio portrait photographer, despite having never previously photographed anyone. Actor Cary Grant posed for his practice shots. He returned to his job as art supervisor after the strike was resolved.

In 1941, Paramount Pictures fired Engstead, and Harper's Bazaar hired him for freelance advertising and portrait photography assignments. From 1941 to 1949, he took fashion photography assignments from numerous other magazines, including Collier's, Esquire, House Beautiful, Ladies Home Journal, Life, Look, Mademoiselle, McCall's, Vogue, and Women's Home Companion.

In the 1940s, Engstead photographed many celebrities, including Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Maureen O'Hara and Shirley Temple. Unlike other photographers, he often shot his subjects at home or outdoors, and his portraits of Judy Garland in Carmel, California were particularly successful. During this decade, he built a studio in Los Angeles that became a gathering place for celebrities.

Engstead continued to photograph movie stars and other celebrities through the 1950s (Marilyn Monroe or Marlene Dietrich) and 1960s. He produced promotional material for many television personalities, including Pat Boone, Carmel Quinn, Donna Reed, Ozzie and Harriet, Eve Arden, and Lucille Ball. He also shot cover photos for albums recorded by singers such as Peggy Lee and Connie Francis, as well as society portraits. His work extended into governmental figures in the 1950s, including then-Second Lady Pat Nixon. Engstead closed his studio in 1970 but continued to accept special portrait and television assignments until his death in West Hollywood, California, in 1984 at age 72. 

Light into Ink: A Critical Survey of 50 Film Novelizations (Revised and Updated) [DeLuxe Edition]

THE BOOK OF THE BOOKS OF THE FILM...IS BACK!

Light into Ink: A Critical Survey of 50 Film Novelizations (Revised and Updated) [DeLuxe Edition: Colour Interior by S.M. Guariento. Publisher: Independently published. Hardback: 530 pages, ISBN-13: 979-8345193815 Product Dimensions: 20.96 x 3.66 x 27.94 cm, price £62.00

It was some 5 years ago that I was contacted by author Steve Guariento. Clearly a man with a passion, Steve explained how he had dedicated a great deal of his time in compiling what eventually emerged as a genuinely remarkable book and an authority. When Steve explained it was an overview on the film tie-in or film novelization - he certainly captured my attention. So when Steve contacted me again just recently informing me that he had returned to his ‘bible of books’ to revise and expand it, I was hit with a genuine sense of excitement.      

As most film fans would concur, the humble film ‘tie-in’ paperback, or if you would prefer, novelisation – was pretty much an essential element for movie lovers. Perhaps ‘tie-in’ is a somewhat dated term these days, but it still relates to the same thing - a book whose jacket, packaging, contents, or promotion relates to a feature film or a television show. 

Back in the day, the paperback novelisation had a magnetic effect, usually because it either contained some wonderful film artwork or an iconic photo from the movie. They proved quite irresistible and the newsagent’s rotary stands were often the place to find many treasurers. 

However, it was also a little piece of collecting history that hadn’t really been examined to any great depth – until now.

S.M. Guariento’s book is an excellent examination of 50 such books. The London born author provides a detailed case study of various genres. In his research, Guariento doesn’t skip or avoid and leaves no stone unturned. He examines the evolution of the softback, particularly from its 1950s explosion where the paperback began being a preference over that of the hardback equivalent. It’s an excellent historical journey and it’s a great education in how it all evolved. However, there is no escaping the overriding appeal of their presentation and the genuine pulling power of their lush and varied cover art. 

Guariento provides some glorious memories with the turn of each page, delving into TV titles such as Target’s Doctor Who, Bantam’s Star Trek and Futura’s Space 1999 – all of which contained heart racing cover imagery.   

The book’s subtitle ‘50 Film Novelisations’ can perhaps be easily misinterpreted and arguably undermines this book and its mammoth amount of content.

In terms of subject genres, Guariento hits the sweet spot every single time. In his chapter selections he has chosen very wisely, covering Eastwood, Bond, Planet of the Apes, Horror, Sci-fi, Hammer, Crime, Spy – in fact, everything that is both engaging and appealing to a key audience. Other chapters’ focus more specifically, such as Cult filmmakers (including David Cronenberg and John Carpenter) and the adaptations of their various films. Most importantly, do not be misled into thinking that 50 Film novelisations simply equates to 50 cover illustrations. The book also serves as a spectacular pictorial treasury with hundreds of covers featured - either related within the context of a chapter or shown as different or alternative editions of certain titles. Guariento certainly has this covered. This book is practically a dream.

Guariento has dedicated a whole chapter to Italian Genre Cinema with a very generous sub section handed over to The Man with No Name and Eastwood’s Spaghetti western tie-in novels. It’s arguably the most in-depth study that has ever been afforded to these books. The images are great and plentiful with some that are even new to me – including a stunning 1972 German tie-in for A Fistful of Dollars (which has just elevated itself to the top of my ‘most wanted’ list). But you don’t have to be just an Eastwood fan to appreciate this book, it stands high on its own merits – any film fan will treasure it.

Guariento’s book originally came in two very different versions, one of which was a b/w edition that really didn’t promote the lavish artwork as it probably should. I’m pleased to report that this new updated version is presented in stunning full colour.

Fully revised and updated, this new edition includes a wealth of fresh detail: an expanded history of the form, more data on authors and publishers and a comprehensive index. With close analysis of exclusive content, screenplay comparisons and excerpts from the novels themselves – including some translated into English for the very first time – Light into ink is lavishly illustrated with jacket art, film posters and more. Both exhaustive and informative, Light into ink is an indispensable addition to any film-lover’s bookshelf. Just make sure it’s a sturdy shelf, this beauty is as weighty as a house brick. 

An essential purchase. 

To order see HERE

Photo Opportunity #58, 59 and 60

Photo Opportunity #58, 59 and 60

I figured I owe at least 3 months’ worth of Photo Opportunities. Unfortunately, my health has been an issue over the last few months and I’ve simply had to hold off here for a while. 

However, I like to try and keep things updated, and fortunately I already had some great photos put aside for these posts, so thought I’d make up for a bit of lost time. 

Photo Opportunity #58 Rare behind the scenes shot from Magnum Force

Here’s a great shot I’d been wanting to post for some time. This photo was taken during the ‘way to San Quentin’ sequence from Magnum Force. In the picture Clint is seen studying the script with (possibly) the script supervisor Hope McLachlin (1925-1975), director Ted Post (1918-2013) wearing cap and co-star Felton Perry as Insp. Early Smith. Clint is seen here in the dark blue jacket and the group are standing next to Harry’s car, the 1972 Ford Galaxie 500.

Photo Opportunity #59 Kelly’s Heroes cast shot

Here’s a cracking shot of the Kelly’s Heroes cast taken during a break on location. Primarily, the movie was filmed in Yugoslavia, with a significant portion of the action sequences and exteriors captured in the Croatian village of Vižinada on the Istrian peninsula. So we’re probably somewhere in the right vicinity. 

Photo Opportunity #60 Where Eagles Dare, I’m ready for my close-up

Here’s another great shot of Clint from the classic Where Eagles Dare (the film that just keeps on giving). Obviously taken on location, somewhere in the snow-covered regions of the Austrian Alps. The main locations included Hohenwerfen Castle and the surrounding area. 

Rare Hang ‘em high UK double crown teaser poster

Rare Hang ‘em high UK double crown teaser poster

Thanks to my dear friend, Davy Triumph, I was informed this week about this very rare teaser design for Hang ‘em high. I have to say, I hadn’t even seen it before. It finally sold on Ewbanks today for £80 plus all the add on extras etc. It’s a lot of money for a relatively simple teaser design, but I guess its rarity was always going to add to the overall value. 

Below: The rare Hang ‘em high teaser UK double crown

Below: The standard Hang ‘em high UK double crown

DVDVision English Edition in the works

DVDVision English Edition in the works

Clint Eastwood & Dirty Harry is a 132-page ALL ENGLISH book, limited to 1000 copies only. measuring 7.87 x 10.63 inches, with hardcover or softcover, high quality 150g glossy paper, featuring over 200 high quality pictures, some of them previously unseen. It includes detailed history and reviews of all Clint's cult classics films from A Fistful of Dollars to Unforgiven, with 5 giant features dedicated to the making of each of the 5 Dirty Harry films, Dirty Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer, Sudden Impact and Dirty Harry in The Dead Pool. It's a must for film fans and movie buffs. The book also starts with a full blown, no holds barred Clint interview about his early work and primarily the Dirty Harry movies.

Parallel to the French version, and to respond to demand, DVDvision is now planning to be published in an international edition, starting with an all-English version of the Clint Eastwood & Dirty Harry mook as issue 1... And only you can make it happen!

For further information, check it out HERE

                 

Rare Singapore For a Few Dollars More LP

Rare Singapore For a Few Dollars More LP

Here’s a nice little welcome addition I managed to add to my collection of vinyl just recently. It is certainly an LP I have not come across before – especially in this cover design - so thought it may be of interest to vinyl collectors. The LP is an unofficial release which came out of Singapore in Southeast Asia. For A Few Dollars More (L.S. 368) carries no artist name, but is in fact, Hugo Montenegro and His Orchestra.  

Whilst there is no year specified, the same label, ‘Hawk’ did release this album in a slightly different sleeve design - with the content remaining exactly the same. This probably dates to 1967, as there was also a 4 track EP released by Hawk (B.B. 8) which also has the same artwork as the original album press. The EP is dated from 1967.

The design on this new LP is a lot more vibrant and uses a full colour still from the movie. It could also of course be a slightly later re-issue from the early 70’s, but due to the unofficial nature of the label I doubt very much if the exact year of release can ever be determined. 

Anyway, I thought it looked like a very nice example and I didn’t think it would look out of place among the collection. These unofficial releases often have a charm of their own.  

Below: The 1967 EP (B.B. 8) and LP which featured the same artwork

Arrow release new A Fistful of Dollars Trailer

Arrow release new A Fistful of Dollars Trailer

A big thank you to our good friend Kevin Wilkinson who spotted this brand-new trailer for Arrow’s up and coming Blu-ray and 4K release of A Fistful of Dollars. This is the first of Arrow’s Leone / Eastwood Trilogy and now has a release date of May 12th. 

I have to say the scenes contained in the trailer look incredibly vibrant and vivid and flawless in terms of quality. The trailer boasts that it is fully uncut and restored – although I believe it has been presented uncut now for a great many decades on home video. The trailer also boasts it is ‘equipped with an arsenal of new and old bonus material’, but nothing is listed or shown. 

Originally scheduled for an April release, Arrow held back the special edition until the following month – so let’s hope something spectacular popped up for inclusion during the production of the set.