There’s a wonderfully bonkers Philip José Farmer novel in which Tarzan and Doc Savage, under different names, fight through the jungle with raging hard-ons that ejaculate every time an enemy is killed. The violence is scabrous, outlandish, always penetrative. Late in the book — it’s called A Feast Unknown, from 1969 — the pulp heroes, nude, face one another on a narrow bridge, their penises swollen like a duelist’s sword. As a Star Wars parody, it beats the hell out of Spaceballs. “Beating the hell out” is the primary concern of our entertainment culture, where the Expendables, all swollen, veiny pulp heroes themselves, can slaughter dozens and still win a kid-friendly PG-13. But stick a banana in Stallone&rsq...
- 8/20/2014
- Village Voice
The New Issue of Murania Press’ Blood ‘N’ Thunder issue #38 will be available Labor Day Weekend. A few highlights from the upcoming issue:
This issue’s outstanding feature is a lengthy excerpt from Nathan Madison’s recently published book, Anti-Foreign Imagery in American Pulps and Comic Books, 1920-1960. In this richly detailed, extensively illustrated piece Nathan explores “Yellow Peril” fiction from the pulps. His exhaustive study complements Bill Maynard’s celebration of Fu Manchu’s centennial from our last issue.
Another book published earlier this year, Will Murray’s Skull Island, pitted Doc Savage against King Kong and aroused much interest not only among the Bronze Man’s fans in general but devotees of Philip José Farmer’s Wold Newton Universe in particular. BnT contributor and Wold Newton adherent Rick Lai examines Skull Island and catalogs its deviations from the Universe in an unusually absorbing work of scholarship. In a...
This issue’s outstanding feature is a lengthy excerpt from Nathan Madison’s recently published book, Anti-Foreign Imagery in American Pulps and Comic Books, 1920-1960. In this richly detailed, extensively illustrated piece Nathan explores “Yellow Peril” fiction from the pulps. His exhaustive study complements Bill Maynard’s celebration of Fu Manchu’s centennial from our last issue.
Another book published earlier this year, Will Murray’s Skull Island, pitted Doc Savage against King Kong and aroused much interest not only among the Bronze Man’s fans in general but devotees of Philip José Farmer’s Wold Newton Universe in particular. BnT contributor and Wold Newton adherent Rick Lai examines Skull Island and catalogs its deviations from the Universe in an unusually absorbing work of scholarship. In a...
- 9/4/2013
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
August 30, 2013
CBS Radio Workshop Volume 4 The CBS Radio Workshop debuted at the end of the Age of Classic Radio, which was a time of innovation and experimentation, especially in terms of radio drama. The ten-hour Volume 4 includes “All Is Bright”, a history of the famous Christmas song; “1489 Words”, which featured the debut of later film composer Jerry Goldsmith’s “The Thunder of Imperial Names”, which was written for a concert band and was based on a text piece by Thomas Wolfe; a two-part adaptation of Frederick Pohl and Cyril M. Cornbluth’s The Space Merchants, which offers a satirical look at rampant consumerism from the viewpoint of an advertising executive; Archibald MacLeish’s “Air Raid”, the series’ only re-broadcast, which had first been written for the 1938 Columbia Workshop. Aired during the Cold War era, it took on a sinister new meaning; Henry Fritch’s “The Endless Road”, about a road...
CBS Radio Workshop Volume 4 The CBS Radio Workshop debuted at the end of the Age of Classic Radio, which was a time of innovation and experimentation, especially in terms of radio drama. The ten-hour Volume 4 includes “All Is Bright”, a history of the famous Christmas song; “1489 Words”, which featured the debut of later film composer Jerry Goldsmith’s “The Thunder of Imperial Names”, which was written for a concert band and was based on a text piece by Thomas Wolfe; a two-part adaptation of Frederick Pohl and Cyril M. Cornbluth’s The Space Merchants, which offers a satirical look at rampant consumerism from the viewpoint of an advertising executive; Archibald MacLeish’s “Air Raid”, the series’ only re-broadcast, which had first been written for the 1938 Columbia Workshop. Aired during the Cold War era, it took on a sinister new meaning; Henry Fritch’s “The Endless Road”, about a road...
- 9/4/2013
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
One of the best things about being editor of EW is getting free stuff — like the scary doll from The Conjuring that’s sitting on my desk; it looks like Lindsay Lohan and freaks me the hell out every day. The other great thing is working with an incredibly fun, talented staff. Speaking of which, I want to share some exciting news with you. Today I announced three new critics: Jeff Jensen (TV), Melissa Maerz (TV), and Chris Nashawaty (Movies). Please wish them well and tweet them your best wishes. Here’s the announcement that went out to the staff:
Ladies and gentlemen,...
Ladies and gentlemen,...
- 8/12/2013
- by Jess Cagle
- EW.com - PopWatch
This is another edition of Short Starts, where we present a weekly short film(s) from the start of a filmmaker or actor’s career. I’m taking a couple liberties with this week’s Short Starts. For one thing, the video I’m sharing is not a short film, although it’s one of the original Star Trek episodes that has that one-off feeling of being based on a short story. The other main liberty is that this 1967 episode, “The Return of the Archons,” is not officially related in any way to the movie I’m tying it to. But many people see the plot of the new thriller The Purge as being similar to that of “Archons.” As the imaginary judge inside my brain said in response to the idea, “I’ll allow it.” The sci-fi concept of The Purge is that in ten years time the U.S...
- 6/2/2013
- by Christopher Campbell
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
Titan Books has just released a new edition of award-winning science fiction writer Philip José Farmer‘s novel, The Other Log of Phileas Fogg, featuring a brand-new afterword and detailed chronology by Win Scott Eckert. The book reveals the true story behind Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days with a thrilling glimpse into the secret notebook of the mysterious Phileas Fogg.
For centuries, two extraterrestrial races, the Eridaneans and the Capelleans, have fought a secret and bloodthirsty war for Earth’s mastery. When a powerful teleportation device falls into enemy hands, Eridanean agent Fogg must endeavor to save his once-immortal race from certain annihilation. During his daring global dash, Fogg encounters new dangers at every turn, before coming face-to-face with his deadly Capellean rival: the infamous Captain Nemo, also known as James Moriarty.
Our friends over at Titan Books have supplied us with a look inside this book,...
For centuries, two extraterrestrial races, the Eridaneans and the Capelleans, have fought a secret and bloodthirsty war for Earth’s mastery. When a powerful teleportation device falls into enemy hands, Eridanean agent Fogg must endeavor to save his once-immortal race from certain annihilation. During his daring global dash, Fogg encounters new dangers at every turn, before coming face-to-face with his deadly Capellean rival: the infamous Captain Nemo, also known as James Moriarty.
Our friends over at Titan Books have supplied us with a look inside this book,...
- 5/9/2012
- by Brandon Johnston
- ScifiMafia
Are you bored of the same old TV shows? Tired of the mainstream? Then check out this round-up of alternative movies and series showing on UK television tonight…
8.05pm Stealth Fighter (Movies4Men +1)
An elite fighter pilot must fix the CIA’s failed attempts to retrieve a stolen stealth bomber before a madman and his cartel execute a lethal guerrilla strike on the Us. Starring Ice-t, Costas Mandylor, and Erika Eleniak. Directed by Jim Wynorski.
8.35pm Riverworld (Movies4Men)
An astronaut is killed when his space shuttle is hit by debris only to find himself resurrected on the shore of a mysterious world. Searching for answers he becomes caught in a struggle for power. Based on the books of the same name by Philip Jose Farmer.
9.00pm Stakeout (Film4)
John Badham’s crime-comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez as Chris Lecce and Bill Reimers, two detectives assigned to keep...
8.05pm Stealth Fighter (Movies4Men +1)
An elite fighter pilot must fix the CIA’s failed attempts to retrieve a stolen stealth bomber before a madman and his cartel execute a lethal guerrilla strike on the Us. Starring Ice-t, Costas Mandylor, and Erika Eleniak. Directed by Jim Wynorski.
8.35pm Riverworld (Movies4Men)
An astronaut is killed when his space shuttle is hit by debris only to find himself resurrected on the shore of a mysterious world. Searching for answers he becomes caught in a struggle for power. Based on the books of the same name by Philip Jose Farmer.
9.00pm Stakeout (Film4)
John Badham’s crime-comedy stars Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez as Chris Lecce and Bill Reimers, two detectives assigned to keep...
- 6/23/2010
- by Phil
- Nerdly
Like the SyFy Channel’s latest attempt to resurrect Philip Jose Farmer’s “Riverworld” novels into a new ongoing series (see what I did there?), I get the feeling their attempts at bringing back The Ghost Who Walks will be just as unsuccessful. Thus, we have a 4-hour mini-series that will act as a backdoor pilot, premiering later this month on June 20 at 7 p.m. Et/Pt on the SyFy Channel. In case you were still not sold on the new Phantom yet, or you wanted to be sure it was something you had no interest in, here are a new gallery of pics from SciFiWire. Here’s the trailer from last year for those who missed it: Ryan Carnes stars as Kit Walker, aka the new Phantom. The movie co-stars the lovely Sandrone Holt (“Resident Evil: Apocalypse”) as Guran, Isabella Rossellini as Dr. Bella Lithia, Cas Anvar as Raatib Singh,...
- 6/14/2010
- by Nix
- Beyond Hollywood
The mind of Philip Jose Farmer is a dangerous place to play around. Author of dozens of science-fiction novels, winner of as many awards, and general legend in his own time, Farmer has created some of the most mesmerizing worlds in print, and some of the most compelling characters you'll find to populate them. Syfy's Riverworld is a kind of mashing of the original work, and the final result is the kind of show that can't figure out who it might be for at all. The story ends up only distantly related to the original, so Farmer fans will watch it, but aren't particularly likely to be happy about the fact. The uninitiated are likely to be skeptical going in, and the shows ditches so much of the character play that made the books work, that it's decidedly hard to get into from ground zero.
- 4/13/2010
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
I originally tried to write a traditional review for this new incarnation of “Riverworld”, but found it too difficult. The review just never came together, which happens when I find myself writing about a movie that I neither loved nor hated. “Riverworld” falls somewhere in there. As a result, I’ve written this non-traditional review. Please to enjoy. What Is It: “Riverworld” is the second attempt by the SyFy Channel to create a TV series around the fantasy/science fiction novels by author Philip Jose Farmer, with the first one being 2003’s “Riverworld” (back when the channel was still the Sci Fi Channel). The 2010 version stars Tahmoh Penikett (of “Battlestar Galactica” and “Dollhouse” fame) and Laura Vandervoort (of “Smallville” fame). Penikett is Matt, a war journalist who is finally ready to settle down and Vandervoort is Jessie, a blonde, gorgeous tour guide. As Matt is popping the question to Jessie,...
- 3/18/2010
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
Syfy announced its slate of original movies for the 2010-2011 season, including the promised "Sharktopus."
"Riverworld," based on the classic sci fi novels by Philip Jose Farmer, is a four-hour movie event that stars "Battlestar Galactica's" Tahmoh Penikett and "Smallville's" Laura Vandervoort.
The story centers on the greater part of humanity that lived on Earth suddenly finding themselves resurrected on a terraformed planet known as Riverworld. Among these people are war correspondent Matt Ellman (Penikett) and his fiancee (Vandervoort), both of whom had been killed and now find themselves alive and kicking, although separated. Matt enlists the help of Mark Twain (Mark Deklin) and a 13th-century female samurai warrior Tomoe (Jeananne Goossen).
Another four-hour movie event, "The Phantom," premieres in June and reimagines the classic comic strip. Ryan Carnes stars as Chris Walker/The Phantom, along with the legendary Isabella Rossellini as the villainous Lithia.
Less serious but...
"Riverworld," based on the classic sci fi novels by Philip Jose Farmer, is a four-hour movie event that stars "Battlestar Galactica's" Tahmoh Penikett and "Smallville's" Laura Vandervoort.
The story centers on the greater part of humanity that lived on Earth suddenly finding themselves resurrected on a terraformed planet known as Riverworld. Among these people are war correspondent Matt Ellman (Penikett) and his fiancee (Vandervoort), both of whom had been killed and now find themselves alive and kicking, although separated. Matt enlists the help of Mark Twain (Mark Deklin) and a 13th-century female samurai warrior Tomoe (Jeananne Goossen).
Another four-hour movie event, "The Phantom," premieres in June and reimagines the classic comic strip. Ryan Carnes stars as Chris Walker/The Phantom, along with the legendary Isabella Rossellini as the villainous Lithia.
Less serious but...
- 3/17/2010
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Joe R. Lansdale has been called a Mojo storyteller, a cult figure, a gifted storyteller, a folklorist, and an American original. I prefer to think of him as a purveyor of the Southern Gothic genre with stops to deliver some of the best crime stories through his recurring characters Hap Collins and Leonard Pine. (If you haven’t read a Hap and Leonard story, you need to get with the program and pick up a copy of Savage Season, their first adventure.)
Joe has also delighted horror fans with film versions of his short stories Bubba Ho-Tep and Incident On and Off a Mountain Road.
Dread Central recently spoke with the laconic Texan about how he feels being a cult icon as well as what’s up next.
DC: Thank you so much for taking time to speak with Dread Central, Joe. With your prolific writing schedule, I’m surprised you had the time.
Joe has also delighted horror fans with film versions of his short stories Bubba Ho-Tep and Incident On and Off a Mountain Road.
Dread Central recently spoke with the laconic Texan about how he feels being a cult icon as well as what’s up next.
DC: Thank you so much for taking time to speak with Dread Central, Joe. With your prolific writing schedule, I’m surprised you had the time.
- 2/4/2010
- by thebellefromhell
- DreadCentral.com
Looking for a sneak peek at Syfy's new mini-series Riverworld, starring Dollhouse's Tahmoh Penikett? You're in luck. Distributor Rhi has released the first trailer for the mini-series (itself a backdoor pilot for an ongoing series), which also stars Laura Vandervoort, Mark Deklin, Peter Wingfield, and Alan Cumming, among others. The project was written by Robert Hewitt Wolfe (The Dresden Files) and directed by Stuart Gillard (90210). Here's how Syfy described the four-hour mini-series: "Tahmoh Penikett (Battlestar Galactica/Dollhouse) and Laura Vandervoort (Smallville) star in Riverworld, based on the popular award-winning series of novels by Philip Jose Farmer. Penikett stars as Matt Ellman, an American war zone reporter who has witnessed the worst of humanity first-hand yet still grasps on to an optimistic spirit. When a suicide bomber kills both Matt and his fiance Jessie, played by Vandervoort, they awaken, separated in a mysterious world where everyone who has ever lived on Earth,...
- 9/29/2009
- by Jace
- Televisionary
SciFiWire, the web arm of The Sci Fi Channel, is dishing out new concept artwork from the cable net’s upcoming mini-series (aka backdoor pilot for a regular TV series) Riverworld, based on Philip Jose Farmer’s series of novels. I still remember the other backdoor pilot they did a few years back, starring Brad Johnson, actually. This new one looks entirely different, though. In the new Riverworld, Battlestar Galactica and Dollhouse’s Tahmoh Penikett will play Matt Ellman, an American war reporter who is killed, along with his fiancee Jessie (Smallville’s Laura Vandervoort) by a suicide bomber. They awaken in separate locations, but on the same mysterious world where everyone who has ever lived on Earth seems to have been “reborn” along the banks of a seemingly endless river. Matt’s quest to locate his beloved Jessie is joined by 13th-century female samurai warrior Tomoe (Jeananne Goossen) and...
- 4/8/2009
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
The Sci Fi Channel’s two newest offerings, Riverworld and The Phantom (based on the comic book and, as far as we can tell, completely different from the movie starring Billy Zane), have found their leads. For Riverworld, based on Philip Jose Farmer’s series of fantasy novels, former Battlestar Galactica star Tahmoh Penikett and Smallville’s Laura Vandervoort will play the show’s leads, a war correspondent and his wife who both die and are resurrected on Riverworld, a mysterious world populated by everyone who has ever lived (and died) on Earth. Meanwhile, THR’s Live Feed also reports that relative unknown Ryan Carnes (pictured, right) has been cast as the lead in the Sci Fi Channel’s resurrection of the Phantom comic book character. The cable net will re-introduce the purple tights wearing hero to the world in a four-hour movie intended as a backdoor pilot for a TV series.
- 4/7/2009
- by Nix
- SciFiCool.com
SyFy Channel (going to take me a while to get used to that) has returned to the world of recently deceased author Philip Jose Farmer’s “Riverworld” novels. The network made a pilot way back in 2003 but they are ready again to take a dip back into the story of where we really go when we die. It will start as a 4 part miniseries but could be expanded into a full series. Syfy also announced miniseries treatments for “The Phantom” and “Alice In Wonderland”...
- 3/23/2009
- by endymi0n
- SciFiCool.com
Sci Fi has greenlighted a trio of miniseries fantasy projects, including two that will serve as potential series pilots, and two of which are based on classic titles.
The network has ordered a retelling of "Alice in Wonderland"; a fresh take on the comic-book hero "The Phantom"; and "Riverworld," from a series of fantasy books by Philip Jose Farmer. All the projects are four-hour movies from prolific production company Rhi Entertainment.
"Riverworld," about a photojournalist transported to a mysterious world occupied by everyone who has ever lived on Earth, and "Phantom" will air as backdoor pilots -- titles under consideration for a series order contingent on drawing a large enough audience. It's the programming model the network has used with success before, as in the case of "Battlestar Galactica."
"The four-hour format allows us to command large dollars around the world for our shows that puts about ($4 million-$6 million) of...
The network has ordered a retelling of "Alice in Wonderland"; a fresh take on the comic-book hero "The Phantom"; and "Riverworld," from a series of fantasy books by Philip Jose Farmer. All the projects are four-hour movies from prolific production company Rhi Entertainment.
"Riverworld," about a photojournalist transported to a mysterious world occupied by everyone who has ever lived on Earth, and "Phantom" will air as backdoor pilots -- titles under consideration for a series order contingent on drawing a large enough audience. It's the programming model the network has used with success before, as in the case of "Battlestar Galactica."
"The four-hour format allows us to command large dollars around the world for our shows that puts about ($4 million-$6 million) of...
- 3/22/2009
- by By James Hibberd
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Award-winning science fiction writer Philip Jose Farmer has died, aged 91.
Farmer passed away on Wednesday "peacefully in his sleep," according to a posting on his official website.
His first success initially shocked audiences in 1952, when the American author depicted humans having sex with aliens in his tale The Lovers.
The book became more widely accepted in the years after its release and won Farmer the title of "most promising new writer" at the 1953 Hugo Awards, which celebrates authors for outstanding contributions in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
He won another Hugo for his 1967 novella Riders of the Purple Wage and again for his 1971 release To Your Scattered Bodies Go.
Farmer wrote over 75 books during his career, which have been translated into 22 languages and published in more than 40 countries.
He is survived by his wife, Bette, a son, Philip, his daughter, Kristen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Farmer passed away on Wednesday "peacefully in his sleep," according to a posting on his official website.
His first success initially shocked audiences in 1952, when the American author depicted humans having sex with aliens in his tale The Lovers.
The book became more widely accepted in the years after its release and won Farmer the title of "most promising new writer" at the 1953 Hugo Awards, which celebrates authors for outstanding contributions in the genres of science fiction and fantasy.
He won another Hugo for his 1967 novella Riders of the Purple Wage and again for his 1971 release To Your Scattered Bodies Go.
Farmer wrote over 75 books during his career, which have been translated into 22 languages and published in more than 40 countries.
He is survived by his wife, Bette, a son, Philip, his daughter, Kristen, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
- 2/27/2009
- WENN
Producer Robert Halmi Sr., who celebrates his 85th birthday today, is getting a belated gift. On Sunday, his latest big-budget miniseries, "The Last Templar," premieres on NBC, marking his return to the Big Three broadcast networks after a three-year absence.
The year 2009 is special in another way: It's been 30 years since his first TV movie, "My Old Man," premiered on CBS. But instead of planning a celebration, Halmi -- the Hungarian-born former photographer who emigrated to the U.S. in 1950 with $5 in his pocket and a still camera around his neck -- is busy ramping up a slate of miniseries.
It includes three projects for Sci Fi Channel that have been greenlighted for production: "The Phantom," "Riverworld" and "Alice," a contemporary retelling of "Alice in Wonderland."
Halmi also has a couple of minis in development at ABC, including "Planet Earth Conspiracy," a globe-spanning drama tackling climate change, and a possible...
The year 2009 is special in another way: It's been 30 years since his first TV movie, "My Old Man," premiered on CBS. But instead of planning a celebration, Halmi -- the Hungarian-born former photographer who emigrated to the U.S. in 1950 with $5 in his pocket and a still camera around his neck -- is busy ramping up a slate of miniseries.
It includes three projects for Sci Fi Channel that have been greenlighted for production: "The Phantom," "Riverworld" and "Alice," a contemporary retelling of "Alice in Wonderland."
Halmi also has a couple of minis in development at ABC, including "Planet Earth Conspiracy," a globe-spanning drama tackling climate change, and a possible...
- 1/22/2009
- by By Nellie Andreeva
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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