Further casting news on Sully project

It’s good to see Laura Linney is in talks to play Tom Hanks’ wife in Warner Bros.’ “Sully,” directed by Clint Eastwood. It will be her third teaming with Eastwood after Mystic River and Absolute Power. 

She joins a cast that now features Aaron Eckhardt who will play Sully’s co-pilot.

Looking to keep his film and television slate filled, “Entourage” star Jerry Ferrara has also landed a key role in Eastwood’s film.

Ferrara has always wanted to act for Eastwood. He read for parts in “Jersey Boys” and “American Sniper,” but neither panned out for him. Though he had missed out on past Eastwood pics, the director had always liked Ferrara and hoped to find a part for him.

Rare The Eiger Sanction Advance Trade Ad 1974

I would like to thank my friend Steve Saragossi who today sent me a picture of this rare original 1974 print advertisement which appeared in an entertainment industry trade magazine supplement. This is the original vintage ad from 1974 announcing the forthcoming 1975 film The Eiger Sanction as "IN PREPARATION". Details: Measures approx. 9" x 12" and was printed on thick paper stock. I will also be adding this to the dedicated Eiger Sanction page of this site. Please use the drop down menu in the right side bar.

Thank you again Steve.

Warren Murphy, Screenwriter on Clint Eastwood's 'The Eiger Sanction, Dies at 81

He also worked on 'Lethal Weapon 2,' and his 'Destroyer' novels spawned 'Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins.'

Warren Murphy, a celebrated author of crime and political novels who wrote for the action films The Eiger Sanction and Lethal Weapon 2, has died. He was 81

Murphy died peacefully at his home in Virginia Beach, Va., on Friday, his son announced.

With the late Richard Sapir, Murphy wrote the first in the series of The Destroyer paperback novels, which revolve around a U.S. government operative named Remo Williams. The character, who is trained to be an assassin after his death is faked, was played by Fred Ward in the 1985 film Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. (A few years later, a planned Remo Williams series at ABC never got past the pilot stage.)

Eastwood called Murphy and asked him to adapt the 1972 novel The Eiger Sanction by Trevanian, the pen name of Rod Whitaker, for the 1975 thriller that starred the actor (he also directed) as a government assassin who comes out of retirement to avenge the murder of a pal. Murphy had never done a screenplay before.

Murphy later co-wrote with Shane Black the story for Lethal Weapon 2 (1989), the hugely successful sequel that starred Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as buddy cops.

A native of Jersey City, N.J., Murphy served in the Korean War and worked as a reporter, editor and as a personal secretary to the mayor of his hometown before writing his first novel.

Survivors include his children Deirdre, Megan, Brian, Ardath and Devin and grandchildren Adam, Samantha, Morgan, Adelaide, Thomas and Tyler.

The Gauntlet - Rare advance promotional folder

A big thank you to my friend Davy Triumph who recently acquired this very rare promo folder for The Gauntlet (1977). Davy was kind enough to send me the original scans that were advertising this rare piece. As always here on the CEA, I always try to restore the images to show them how they may of originally looked, in this case - some 38 years ago. It's a really interesting piece, as Davy pointed out, there is no 'The' in the title at this early stage. There is also an elongated 'L' in the word Gauntlet, making room for the silhouetted image of both Clint and Sondra. Note also inside that Clint's hand is holding 44 Magnum (not used in the film). This image appears to be from the credit sequence of Magnum Force. I took Davy's original images, and spent about an hour digitally restoring them taking out blemishes, minor creases and restoring the colour. I did not remove the centre fold completely in order to illustrate that this piece was/is a folded item (and was factory pressed that way). This is where a lot of the time is spent here at the CEA in presenting the image material in the best possible way. Sometimes an item is so rare, images hardly come along, so we think it is worth the time and effort to preserve them for all to enjoy - in all of their original glory. Thank you again Davy, your contributions are always appreciated. 

In this post I have chosen (I think for the first time) to show both the before and after examples.

Eastwood Japanese Universal Blu-ray titles receive royal packaging treatment, but at a cost…

My eyes and ears in Japan Philip McLean recently notified me of these superb looking Eastwood Universal Blu-rays which were released in Japan in June. Released under the translated name of Universal memories of the reprinted edition, the first three titles include Play Misty for me (Fear of melody), Coogan's Bluff and The Eiger Sanction. Looking at them on Amazon (Japan), I don’t believe the bonus extras differ to any degree; however, the packaging is quite another thing.

NBC Universal Entertainment Japan has come under a certain amount of criticism after their version of the Eastwood Universal Blu-ray collection fell short by two films (Breezy and The Beguiled). There appears to be no reason why these two titles were omitted, but naturally Japanese consumers felt a little cheated having to contend with a 6 film collection as opposed to an 8 film collection.

Now, with the release of these three singular titles (which already appear in the box set), Universal have practically invited further criticism for providing a far better, individual packaging effort. Instead, these individual releases appear with a nicely designed slip case and inner case sleeve, both of which contain the original Japanese poster art of the time. In addition to this, Universal has also produced a reproduction booklet (8 pages) to tie in with the original Japanese TV debut transmission date – and very nice they appear to look too…

According to Amazon Japan, it also looks as if they come at a cost, with each of them carrying a price of ¥ 3,373 (£17.44). A princely sum indeed - I also understand (but please check for yourself) that these are also region free.

I have provided a translated version of each of the title descriptions below and just for the record. Sometimes the translation can also be a little confusing, so please bare that in mind.

Play Misty for me

Woman's heart loneliness love that undermining shines blade of hatred at the end of the love affair

Directorial debut of Clint Eastwood. Nippon Television "Wednesday Road Show" (June 4, 1975 broadcast) version of Japanese dub voice recording! Theatrical release during the Japanese original design the outer case using the movie flyer specifications ● Limited ● using the movie flyer at the time of theatrical release Japan original design the outer case specification ● Kindaieigasha published theatrical release during the published articles such as "screen" original booklet (8P) inclusion (outer case size) that was condensed ● Nippon Television "road show Wednesday" (June 4, 1975 broadcast) version of Japanese dub voice recording! [Story] "" Misty "over the ..." Dave (Clint Eastwood) is the phone of the radio stations that serve the DJ rang tonight. Eventually Dave was acquainted with the woman, Evelyn (Jessica Walter), the Tomonisuru overnight stays are invited to her. But the abnormal jealousy depth of Evelyn, Dave was a deviant behaviour witnessed is, cut her a Wakarebanashi. The day chilling revenge the blood of Evelyn began from .... [Cast] Dave (Clint Eastwood) Yasuo Yamada Evelyn (Jessica Walter) Shinbashi Taeko Toby (Donna Mills) Ueda Miyuki McCallum sergeant (John Larch) Kanda Takashi [staff] Director: Clint Eastwood / Production : Robert Daly / co-production: Jennings Lang / Screenplay: Joe Haymes, Dean Riesener / Photography: Bruce Surtees Music: Tea Burton [privilege] theatrical release during the published articles such as Kindaieigasha published by "screen" original booklet (8P) inclusion (outer case size) that was condensed [Overview] Japan original booklet that is configured to obtain the full cooperation of Kindaieigasha, which celebrated its 70th anniversary. (8P) during the theatrical release in movie magazine "screen", articles published during the television broadcast, an archive of such advertising is reprinted. Also published "My scorecard" of Futaba Juzaburo teacher. ■ Production: 1971 America ■ Disc number: 1 ■ screen size: 16: 9 Vista size ■ Duration: 102 minutes.. (C) 1971 Universal Studios & The Malpaso Company

Coogan’s Bluff

Origin and became Clint Eastwood of the hard-boiled action of "Dirty Harry" Don Siegel supervision and Clint Eastwood for the first time crossed Memorial work! Nippon Television "Wednesday Roadshow" (December 15, 1976 broadcast) edition Japanese dub voice recording! Theatrical release at the time of the Japanese original design using a movie press sheet outer case specification ● Limited ● Using the movie press sheet at the time of theatrical release Japan original design the outer case specification ● Kindaieigasha published " original booklet (8P) inclusion condensed the public when published articles such as theater of the screen "(outer case size) ● Nippon Television "Wednesday Roadshow" (December 15, 1976 broadcast) version of Japanese dub voice recording! [Story] Coogan of sheriff complement in rural Arizona (Clint Eastwood) is a ruthless, it was a criminal handedly agnostic means if for criminal arrest. Such he is, because of the custody taking thugs, it would be to go to New York. And was greeted him in Manhattan, Makkeroi lieutenant (Lee · J · Cobb), Julie beauty probation officer (Susan Clark) and the big city of cumbersome police organization. The well-behaved good urban way was completely ignored. Coogan will be trying Susumeyo that it is its own way, it is Coogan that cannot be obtained the cooperation of escaped to cause!! Now New York City Police Department in the criminal in his mistake, but he chasing thugs in alone.... [Cast] Coogan (Clint Eastwood) Yasuo Yamada McElroy (Lee · J · Cobb) Ohira Toru Julie (Susan Clark) Fujita Yoshiko Linney (stop Sterling) Sakakibara Ryoko Ringer Man (Don Stroud) Watanabe Takeshi [staff] Director, Producer: Don Siegel / Executive Producer: Richard · E · Lions / draft-Screenplay: Herman Miller / Screenplay: Dean Reisner, Howard Rodman / Photography: Bud Sakkari music: Lalo Schifrin [privilege] Modern Original booklet condensed the theatrical release during the published articles such as movie published by "screen" (8P) inclusion (outer case size) [Outline] Japanese original that is configured to obtain the full cooperation of Kindaieigasha, which celebrated its 70th anniversary booklet. (8P) during the theatrical release in movie magazine "screen", articles published during the television broadcast, an archive of such advertising is reprinted. Also published "My scorecard" of Futaba Juzaburo teacher. ■ Production: 1968 America ■ Disc number: 1 ■ screen size: 16: 9 Vista size ■ Duration: 94 minutes.. (C) 1968 Universal Studios All Rights Reserved

The Eiger Sanction

Assassin is Who!? Altitude 4000 challenge Eastwood is to unidentified enemy in meters! Stunt without using any, Eastwood is challenging the dangerous action! Fuji TV "Golden Movie theater" (November 10, 1978 broadcasting) version Japanese dub voice recording! Theatrical release during the Japanese original design the outer case using the movie flyer specifications ● Limited ● using the movie flyer at the time of theatrical release Japan original design the outer case specification ● Kindaieigasha published " Original booklet condensed the theatrical release during the published articles such as screen "(8P) inclusion (outer case size) ● Fuji TV "Golden Movie theater" (November 10, 1978 broadcast) version of Japanese dub voice recording! [Story] man was once a go-getter killers, Jonathan Hemlock (Clint Eastwood) is currently making a living as an art teacher at the university. One day has been familiar with the mundane life, comes the task request from the organization of the boss. Intelligence who had been stationed in Switzerland, it was killed by someone. According to the information, that the assassin to participate in the expedition of the Alps of the Eiger North Face. The Eiger North Face, also Jonathan to challenge twice, which is a climber, it was a mountain that was not climbed even once.... [Cast] Jonathan Hemlock (Clint Eastwood) Yasuo Yamada Ben Bowman (George Kennedy) Genzō Wakayama Jemimah Brown (Vu~onetta McGee) Ueda Miyuki Myles Mellor (Jack Cassidy) Kobayashi Kyoji Montaigne wife (Heidi Bururu) Shibata Kiyoko Dragon (Thayer David) Minoru Yada [staff] Director: Clint Eastwood / Production: Robert Delhi / Original: Torevu~e two Ann / Photography: Frank Stanley / Music: John Williams [privilege] Modern movie Company published the original booklet condensed the theaters when published articles such as "screen" (8P) inclusion (outer case size) [Overview] is configured to obtain the full cooperation of Kindaieigasha, which celebrated its 70th anniversary of the Japanese original booklet . (8P) during the theatrical release in movie magazine "screen", articles published during the television broadcast, an archive of such advertising is reprinted. Also published "My scorecard" of Futaba Juzaburo teacher. ■ Production: 1975 America ■ Disc number: 1 ■ screen size: LB scope size ■ Duration: 129 minutes (C) 1975 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS All RIGHTS RESERVED  

Clint Eastwood to direct a film on another American hero in US Airways pilot Sully Sullenberger

I've been keeping a close eye on this story, and it looks more and more as if the project could be going ahead. Clint was spotted on the Warner Bros lot a couple of days - apparently getting involved with some pre-production aspect of his next project. So based upon that information, here's a few bits I have collated since last month - when rumours of the 'Sully' project started to surface.

Fresh from the success of American Sniper, Clint Eastwood has been announced as the director of a new movie about another American hero – Captain Sullenberger. US Airways pilot Sully Sullenberger gained instant global fame for displaying tremendous grace under pressure when he landed his disabled jet on the Hudson River in 2009, saving the lives of everyone aboard. Warner Bros. has secured the movie rights to the heroic story that was quickly called The Miracle on the Hudson, although no title has been announced yet for the movie.

Eastwood will direct the film from a screenplay by Todd Komarnicki, based on the book Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, by Sullenberger and Jeffrey Zaslow. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, Warner Bros. Pictures, reports The Wrap. The film is being produced by Eastwood and Tim Moore, for Malpaso; Frank Marshall, under the Kennedy/Marshall banner; and Allyn Stewart, for Flashlight Films. Flashlight’s Kipp Nelson and RatPac-Dune’s Steven Mnuchin are serving as executive producers.

'Simply put, Clint Eastwood is at the top of his game, not to mention a global treasure,' said Silverman. 'On the heels of his extraordinary work in American Sniper, it is tremendously exciting to see him explore the life of another captivating true-life hero.'

He said the movie will go beyond Sullenberger's calm handling of US Airways flight 1549 and explore events behind the scenes as the drama unfolds. 

'I am very glad my story is in the hands of gifted storyteller and filmmaker Clint Eastwood,' said Sullenberger. Back in January, he was among a group of pilots and passengers who attended a ceremony to mark the fifth anniversary of the remarkable event.

'I'm filled with joy and gratitude about what was able to be accomplished by so many five years ago today and the fact that all 155 passengers and crew are here today because of it,' said Sullenberger.

The flight had just taken off from LaGuardia Airport when a flock of geese disabled the engines. Sullenberger safely glided to a water landing and all 155 passengers and crew members were rescued. Sullenberger and about a half-dozen passengers gathered at the NY Waterway ferry terminal to thank the ferry boat company, whose boats quickly got to the downed plane and rescued people. They then boarded a boat and sailed out to the area of the landing, where they raised a toast.

Eastwood struck critical and commercial gold last year with his biopic of American war hero Chris Kyle. American Sniper was the highest-grossing film of 2014 in the United States - taking $350 million - it was also the highest-grossing war film of all time unadjusted for inflation and Eastwood's highest-grossing film to date. At the 87th Academy Awards, it received six nominations, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Actor for Bradley Cooper, ultimately winning one award for Best Sound Editing.

Tom Hanks is in final talks to play the pilot who flew his stricken aircraft into the Hudson river, saving all 155 passengers, in Clint Eastwood’s real-life drama Sully.

Variety reports Hanks is considering the role of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, who pulled off the miraculous escape on 15 January 2009 after his Airbus A320 had hit a flock of Canada geese during its climb out of nearby LaGuardia airport in Queens, New York. Eastwood signed on to direct earlier this month following the spectacular box-office success of his Iraq war drama, American Sniper, last year. Previous reports suggested the project might be titled Miracle on the Hudson.

Sully will be based on Sullenberger’s New York Times bestselling memoir Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters, which has been adapted to the screen by Perfect Stranger writer Todd Komarnicki. Eastwood turned down the chance to direct Jonah Hill in the story of Olympic bomb-plot hero Richard Jewell in order to take on the film. 

The Oscar-winning film-maker, 85, has his pick of Hollywood projects after American Sniper scored $543m worldwide to become the top-grossing film of 2014 at the US box office on the back of a surge of patriotism.

Sully would mark Hanks’s latest in a series of recent roles playing totemic real-life figures. In 2013 the 58-year-old Oscar-winning star of Philadelphia played heroic merchant mariner Captain Richard Phillips in Captain Phillips, and iconic film-maker Walt Disney in Saving Mr Banks.

Exclusive! Cinema Retro Movie Classics #5: The American Westerns of Clint Eastwood

Cinema Retro Movie Classics #5: The American Westerns of Clint Eastwood

This year's long-awaited 'Movie Classic's Special' is a 116-page Limited Edition Deluxe issue celebrating the American Westerns of Clint Eastwood featuring in-depth chapters on: Hang 'Em High, Paint Your Wagon, Two Mules For Sister Sara, The Beguiled, Joe Kidd, High Plains Drifter, The Outlaw Josey Wales, Pale Rider, and Unforgiven. Featuring 100s of photographs, rare behind-the-scenes stills and movie poster art, including location photos - then and now, and even props that exist to this day in private collections. Also includes a chapter on Eastwood's early Western roles and TV appearances, and a 5-page feature on poster designer Bill Gold, complete with unused artwork and visuals.  

UK: £12.50. Europe: £15.50. Prices include shipping.

Available from the UK office (cheques payable Cinema Retro): PO Box 1570, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 4XS or go to your Paypal page and send fee electronically. Our recipient address is solopublishing@gmail.com. Please put in message box what your order is for.

America and Rest of the World: This will be available late August. Please check our web site here for announcements.

I was proud to be assigned to this project, acting as both consultant and on the main image archives. Seeing all of our hard work for the first time this morning in all of its physical glory was amazing. We are all incredibly proud of the finished project which works superbly alongside its companion piece, the Cinema Retro Dollar Trilogy Special. 

• Full coverage of 'A Fistful of Dollars', 'For a Few Dollars More' and 'the Good, the Bad and the Ugly' - and why these films remain timeless cinematic classics.
• 80 full pages (16 pages more than the standard Cinema Retro issue)
• Packed with hundreds of rare production stills, collectibles and international movie poster art culled from archives from around the world.
• Many photos never before published - including rare behind the scenes production stills from people who acted as extras in 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly'
• Special foreword by Leone biographer Sir Christopher Frayling
• The legendary film locations - then and now
• Coverage of the rare, deleted sequences