The Monkees‘ hardest-rocking hit might be “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone.” Surprisingly, the song was originally by another classic rock band. The band in question didn’t give “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” the same bite that the Prefab Four did.
The Monkees’ ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’ was originally by Paul Revere & the Raiders
“(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” debuted on Paul Revere & the Raiders’ album Midnight Ride. This version of the track has some cutting, growling vocals, and it works pretty well. Paul Revere & the Raiders had more credibility in rock ‘n’ roll circles back in the day. For that reason, one might expect their version to be harder than The Monkees’.
But that’s not the case. When The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz recorded “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” he didn’t quite sing it — he wailed it. It’s shockingly abrasive for a bubblegum hit.
The Monkees’ ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’ was originally by Paul Revere & the Raiders
“(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” debuted on Paul Revere & the Raiders’ album Midnight Ride. This version of the track has some cutting, growling vocals, and it works pretty well. Paul Revere & the Raiders had more credibility in rock ‘n’ roll circles back in the day. For that reason, one might expect their version to be harder than The Monkees’.
But that’s not the case. When The Monkees’ Micky Dolenz recorded “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone,” he didn’t quite sing it — he wailed it. It’s shockingly abrasive for a bubblegum hit.
- 10/25/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Neo-South Independent Film Festival has proudly unveiled the winners of its prestigious Out-of-Competition Awards, honoring exceptional works in independent filmmaking. This year’s festival attracted a remarkable range of submissions from across the world, reflecting the richness of global storytelling and innovation in film.
Best Out-of-Competition Feature Film: Wolfman Radio by George Panteleakis (United Kingdom)
Topping the list of Out-of-Competition winners is Wolfman Radio by UK filmmaker George Panteleakis. This captivating feature film has earned high praise for its gripping narrative and distinctive characters, affirming Panteleakis’ talent as a visionary filmmaker. His ability to draw audiences into an intense and immersive story makes Wolfman Radio a standout of this year’s festival.
Best Out-of-Competition Short Film: Run For Your Life by Lars B. Frahm (Denmark)
Danish director Lars B. Frahm takes home the award for Best Out-of-Competition Short Film with Run For Your Life, a suspenseful and expertly crafted piece of cinema.
Best Out-of-Competition Feature Film: Wolfman Radio by George Panteleakis (United Kingdom)
Topping the list of Out-of-Competition winners is Wolfman Radio by UK filmmaker George Panteleakis. This captivating feature film has earned high praise for its gripping narrative and distinctive characters, affirming Panteleakis’ talent as a visionary filmmaker. His ability to draw audiences into an intense and immersive story makes Wolfman Radio a standout of this year’s festival.
Best Out-of-Competition Short Film: Run For Your Life by Lars B. Frahm (Denmark)
Danish director Lars B. Frahm takes home the award for Best Out-of-Competition Short Film with Run For Your Life, a suspenseful and expertly crafted piece of cinema.
- 9/17/2024
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Beyoncé recently sampled Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” in her new track “Ya Ya.” Sinatra revealed she once begged an icon from a different medium to use that song. He made Sinatra’s dream come true, but in the process, he created a scene with a troubling undercurrent.
Nancy Sinatra wanted ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” in a famous movie
Sinatra’s cover of Cher’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” was used quite literally in a sequence in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. During a 2004 interview with Hot Press, Sinatra discussed this scene. “I’m a huge Tarantino fan, so him choosing me over Sonny & Cher was very humbling,” she opined. “I had a similar experience when a year before Full Metal Jacket came out I got word that Stanley Kubrick wanted ‘Boots’ for the soundtrack. I sent him a telegram saying,...
Nancy Sinatra wanted ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin” in a famous movie
Sinatra’s cover of Cher’s “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” was used quite literally in a sequence in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill. During a 2004 interview with Hot Press, Sinatra discussed this scene. “I’m a huge Tarantino fan, so him choosing me over Sonny & Cher was very humbling,” she opined. “I had a similar experience when a year before Full Metal Jacket came out I got word that Stanley Kubrick wanted ‘Boots’ for the soundtrack. I sent him a telegram saying,...
- 4/13/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
We know that Beatles fans all have their favorites, and now we want to know yours. Over Memorial Day weekend, The Beatles Channel (Ch. 18) will play the band’s 100 most popular songs — according to you, the real experts — during the annual “All Together Now” special.
The Beatles ChannelAll Together Now 2024Listen on the App
Listen on the App
Tune in to hear the countdown starting May 24, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, on The Beatles Channel (Ch. 18).
Stream the countdown in full anytime, anywhere, on the SiriusXM app.
Directions: Select 10 songs from the list below. Voting ends April 17 at 11:59pm Et.
Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember our family, friends, and loved ones. If you’d like to be a part of this year’s “All Together Now” countdown, here’s your chance to introduce your favorite song on air. Please submit a dedication via voice memo to beatles@siriusxm.
The Beatles ChannelAll Together Now 2024Listen on the App
Listen on the App
Tune in to hear the countdown starting May 24, the Friday of Memorial Day weekend, on The Beatles Channel (Ch. 18).
Stream the countdown in full anytime, anywhere, on the SiriusXM app.
Directions: Select 10 songs from the list below. Voting ends April 17 at 11:59pm Et.
Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember our family, friends, and loved ones. If you’d like to be a part of this year’s “All Together Now” countdown, here’s your chance to introduce your favorite song on air. Please submit a dedication via voice memo to beatles@siriusxm.
- 4/3/2024
- by Jackie Kolgraf
- SiriusXM
Anna Strasberg, an actress and the widow of famed acting coach Lee Strasberg who wound up inheriting the bulk of Marilyn Monroe’s estate, has died. She was 84.
Strasberg died Saturday in New York City of natural causes, a publicist for The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute told The Hollywood Reporter. She co-founded the institute and served as artistic director and “visionary leader” at the home of the Method acting approach.
“Anna ensured that The Institute became a beacon for aspiring actors and remains a cherished space for artistic exploration and growth,” a statement said. “Her lifelong commitment to The Method and unwavering devotion to The Institute have left an indelible mark on the world of acting and the countless talented people she inspired.
“Her presence will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through The Method and every class of passionate students.”
Monroe died at age 36 on Aug.
Strasberg died Saturday in New York City of natural causes, a publicist for The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute told The Hollywood Reporter. She co-founded the institute and served as artistic director and “visionary leader” at the home of the Method acting approach.
“Anna ensured that The Institute became a beacon for aspiring actors and remains a cherished space for artistic exploration and growth,” a statement said. “Her lifelong commitment to The Method and unwavering devotion to The Institute have left an indelible mark on the world of acting and the countless talented people she inspired.
“Her presence will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through The Method and every class of passionate students.”
Monroe died at age 36 on Aug.
- 1/9/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Deadline reports that Universal Pictures has made the first major Hollywood deal of 2024, pre-emptively purchasing the short story package Long Lost, which has the legendary Steven Spielberg attached to produce through his company Amblin Partners.
Long Lost is a 50 page short story written by Colin Bannon, who previously wrote and directed the 2009 comedy Love Conquers Paul. Bannon will be writing the screenplay adaptation of his story, which is said to be “in the vein of What Lies Beneath and Rosemary’s Baby“. The story centers on a recently married woman whose life is upended when her husband’s long-lost wife shockingly returns after she was believed to be dead, sparking fears that she’s hatching a sinister plan to reclaim what was once hers.
How does the maker of a little-seen indie from 15 years ago land a deal like this? Well, in addition to making Love Conquers Paul, Bannon has...
Long Lost is a 50 page short story written by Colin Bannon, who previously wrote and directed the 2009 comedy Love Conquers Paul. Bannon will be writing the screenplay adaptation of his story, which is said to be “in the vein of What Lies Beneath and Rosemary’s Baby“. The story centers on a recently married woman whose life is upended when her husband’s long-lost wife shockingly returns after she was believed to be dead, sparking fears that she’s hatching a sinister plan to reclaim what was once hers.
How does the maker of a little-seen indie from 15 years ago land a deal like this? Well, in addition to making Love Conquers Paul, Bannon has...
- 1/8/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: In the first major sale of the year, Universal has pre-emptively purchased the short story package Long Lost that comes with an attachment by Steven Spielberg, who’s aboard as a producer through his U-based Amblin banner.
The 50-page short story was written by Colin Bannon, who will write the script. His deal is in the low 7-figures range for story and to write the script, said sources. Pic will be produced by Spielberg’s Amblin Partners , Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon for Genre Pictures and Scott Glassgold and his Ground Control Entertainment.
As a screenwriter, Bannon has landed scripts on the Black List a record seven times, and he has sold the specs Ultra to Tri-Star Pictures and First Ascent to Netflix. Bannon’s psychological thriller Holdout is readying at Netflix with Elizabeth Moss attached to star and direct.
In the vein of What Lies Beneath and Rosemary’s Baby,...
The 50-page short story was written by Colin Bannon, who will write the script. His deal is in the low 7-figures range for story and to write the script, said sources. Pic will be produced by Spielberg’s Amblin Partners , Simon Kinberg and Audrey Chon for Genre Pictures and Scott Glassgold and his Ground Control Entertainment.
As a screenwriter, Bannon has landed scripts on the Black List a record seven times, and he has sold the specs Ultra to Tri-Star Pictures and First Ascent to Netflix. Bannon’s psychological thriller Holdout is readying at Netflix with Elizabeth Moss attached to star and direct.
In the vein of What Lies Beneath and Rosemary’s Baby,...
- 1/6/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Some classic rock songs are better the second time around. Cher released “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)” as an uptempo song, but Nancy Sinatra’s ballad cover became more iconic. Sinatra discussed the movie that revived her cover.
Nancy Sinatra wanted to flip Cher’s ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)’ on its head
During a 2013 interview with Vice, Sinatra was asked if she ever covered songs to improve them. “I don’t know that I had that in mind, but I think sometimes I did do it better than the original,” he said. “Like ‘Bang Bang.’ And no offense to Cher, because her record is great and it sold millions of copies. But I like turning a song around and really hearing what the lyric says.”
A journalist said Sinatra’s version of the tune emphasized its darkness. “Another thing I like to do is take...
Nancy Sinatra wanted to flip Cher’s ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)’ on its head
During a 2013 interview with Vice, Sinatra was asked if she ever covered songs to improve them. “I don’t know that I had that in mind, but I think sometimes I did do it better than the original,” he said. “Like ‘Bang Bang.’ And no offense to Cher, because her record is great and it sold millions of copies. But I like turning a song around and really hearing what the lyric says.”
A journalist said Sinatra’s version of the tune emphasized its darkness. “Another thing I like to do is take...
- 12/22/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
UK ska veterans Madness have released their latest studio album, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie, via BMG. Stream the record via Apple Music or Spotify below.
Spanning 14 tracks, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is truly a theatrical affair, with a spoken word prologue and several different “acts” occurring between the songs, all performed by actor (and longtime fan) Martin Freeman. As for the music itself, Madness brought the album to life as a collaborative effort, recording together alongside engineer and mixer, Matt Galsbey, in Cricklewood, London.
“Well, well, well, here we are… our 13th album (lucky for some),” the band said in a statement. “Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is ready for your ears. For us, recording it was the perfect antidote to the chaos of the past few years — we were all there, properly in the zone.
Spanning 14 tracks, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is truly a theatrical affair, with a spoken word prologue and several different “acts” occurring between the songs, all performed by actor (and longtime fan) Martin Freeman. As for the music itself, Madness brought the album to life as a collaborative effort, recording together alongside engineer and mixer, Matt Galsbey, in Cricklewood, London.
“Well, well, well, here we are… our 13th album (lucky for some),” the band said in a statement. “Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is ready for your ears. For us, recording it was the perfect antidote to the chaos of the past few years — we were all there, properly in the zone.
- 11/19/2023
- by Jo Vito
- Consequence - Music
Exclusive: The book-to-movie market that has been spotty with two strikes hobbling the business is seeing an uptick that will lead to a few strong deals before the holiday. It could presage a boom market if the optimism from the latest labor talks lead to a deal and resumption of business.
One big deal just closed at Universal, for an action thriller based on the unpublished 43-page short story Run For Your Life. The story is about a groom marked for death on his wedding day, and the studio is at the altar with a pre-emptive purchase that has Safe House scribe and Designated Survivor creator David Guggenheim attached to write and Sam Hargrave in talks to direct. Latter helmed the Chris Hemsworth action films Extraction and its sequel for Netflix and Agbo; Hargrave will next direct another high-action thriller, Stay Frosty, for Warner Bros with Dark Horse Entertainment.
(L-r...
One big deal just closed at Universal, for an action thriller based on the unpublished 43-page short story Run For Your Life. The story is about a groom marked for death on his wedding day, and the studio is at the altar with a pre-emptive purchase that has Safe House scribe and Designated Survivor creator David Guggenheim attached to write and Sam Hargrave in talks to direct. Latter helmed the Chris Hemsworth action films Extraction and its sequel for Netflix and Agbo; Hargrave will next direct another high-action thriller, Stay Frosty, for Warner Bros with Dark Horse Entertainment.
(L-r...
- 10/30/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
UK ska band Madness have announced their 13th album, Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie, out November 17th via BMG. As a preview, they’ve shared three songs from the project. Stream the tracks below.
Theatre of the Absurd marks the first album from Madness since 2016’s Can’t Touch Us Now. It was recorded in Cricklewood, London at the beginning of this year, where members Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Mark Bedford, Chris “Chrissy Boy” Foreman, Mike “Barso” Barson, Lee Thompson, and Dan “Woody” Woodgate found harmony alongside engineer and mixer Matt Galsbey.
Tying the 14 songs together is a prologue from actor (and longtime fan) Martin Freeman that runs throughout the album. Pre-orders for Theatre of the Absurd are ongoing. See the artwork and full tracklist below.
“Our thirteenth album (lucky for some) Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is ready for your ears,” Madness said in a statement.
Theatre of the Absurd marks the first album from Madness since 2016’s Can’t Touch Us Now. It was recorded in Cricklewood, London at the beginning of this year, where members Graham “Suggs” McPherson, Mark Bedford, Chris “Chrissy Boy” Foreman, Mike “Barso” Barson, Lee Thompson, and Dan “Woody” Woodgate found harmony alongside engineer and mixer Matt Galsbey.
Tying the 14 songs together is a prologue from actor (and longtime fan) Martin Freeman that runs throughout the album. Pre-orders for Theatre of the Absurd are ongoing. See the artwork and full tracklist below.
“Our thirteenth album (lucky for some) Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’Est La Vie is ready for your ears,” Madness said in a statement.
- 9/28/2023
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Music
While many covers of The Beatles‘ songs are bland regurgitations, Nancy Sinatra’s version of The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” is almost thought-provoking. Sinatra revealed she wanted her rendition of the tune to sound “girly.” Her cover was part of a larger trend on her debut album.
Nancy Sinatra covered The Beatles’ ‘Day Tripper’ and ‘Run for Your Life’ for her debut
The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” is a song where the Fab Four gleefully take down a girl for being a tease. It’s a bit on the misogynistic side, though it’s far from the most offensive song from The Beatles or their contemporaries. Sinatra covered “Day Tripper” and flipped the genders so she’s taking a man down. It’s a cheeky, empowering song that listeners might expect from the singer behind such hits as “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” and “How Does That Grab You, Darlin’?”
During a 2013 interview with Vice,...
Nancy Sinatra covered The Beatles’ ‘Day Tripper’ and ‘Run for Your Life’ for her debut
The Beatles’ “Day Tripper” is a song where the Fab Four gleefully take down a girl for being a tease. It’s a bit on the misogynistic side, though it’s far from the most offensive song from The Beatles or their contemporaries. Sinatra covered “Day Tripper” and flipped the genders so she’s taking a man down. It’s a cheeky, empowering song that listeners might expect from the singer behind such hits as “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” and “How Does That Grab You, Darlin’?”
During a 2013 interview with Vice,...
- 9/20/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ songs have been covered by so many artists that most of the covers got lost in the shuffle. Nancy Sinatra’s version of The Beatles’ “Run for Your Life” is one the most perplexing tunes in her catalog. After listening to it, it’s impossible not to have a lot of deep, uncomfortable thoughts.
Is Nancy Sinatra’s cover of The Beatles’ ‘Run for Your Life’ a feminist song?
The Beatles’ “Run for Your Life” is undoubtedly the most misogynistic song they ever released. In it, John sings that if his “little girl” cheats on him, he will try to murder her. I have no idea how that came across in 1965 but today, that lyric is unthinkably brutal.
Sinatra recorded the tune for her album Boots — the same record that includes the early feminist hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” How should audiences understand Sinatra’s decision...
Is Nancy Sinatra’s cover of The Beatles’ ‘Run for Your Life’ a feminist song?
The Beatles’ “Run for Your Life” is undoubtedly the most misogynistic song they ever released. In it, John sings that if his “little girl” cheats on him, he will try to murder her. I have no idea how that came across in 1965 but today, that lyric is unthinkably brutal.
Sinatra recorded the tune for her album Boots — the same record that includes the early feminist hit “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’.” How should audiences understand Sinatra’s decision...
- 9/10/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Ringo Starr said The Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” was inspired by real-life octopus behavior. In retrospect, he felt the tune could have been a lot more twisted. It appears Paul McCartney approved of “Octopus’s Garden.”
The Beatles‘ “Octopus’s Garden” is one of the most famous songs Ringo Starr sang. During an interview, he said the track could have been about happy sharks instead. As odd as it sounds, that might have worked.
The Beatles’ ‘Octopus’s Garden’ was inspired by a conversation on Peter Sellers’ boat
During a 2023 interview with Vulture, Ringo discussed the origin of “Octopus’s Garden.” “I’d actually left the band and gone to Sardinia for a holiday in 1968, and Peter Sellers’ boat just happened to be there,” he said. “[Ringo’s then-wife] Maureen [Cox] and I and the kids went on his boat, and the captain was talking to me. I’m afraid we...
Ringo Starr said The Beatles’ “Octopus’s Garden” was inspired by real-life octopus behavior. In retrospect, he felt the tune could have been a lot more twisted. It appears Paul McCartney approved of “Octopus’s Garden.”
The Beatles‘ “Octopus’s Garden” is one of the most famous songs Ringo Starr sang. During an interview, he said the track could have been about happy sharks instead. As odd as it sounds, that might have worked.
The Beatles’ ‘Octopus’s Garden’ was inspired by a conversation on Peter Sellers’ boat
During a 2023 interview with Vulture, Ringo discussed the origin of “Octopus’s Garden.” “I’d actually left the band and gone to Sardinia for a holiday in 1968, and Peter Sellers’ boat just happened to be there,” he said. “[Ringo’s then-wife] Maureen [Cox] and I and the kids went on his boat, and the captain was talking to me. I’m afraid we...
- 8/16/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Lew Palter, who played Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic and a Supreme Court justice in First Monday in October, has died. He was 94.
Palter died of lung cancer May 21 at his Los Angeles home. CalArts, where Palter was a longtime faculty member, shared news of his death on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime #calartstheater faculty Lew Palter has passed away. Lew retired from @CalArts in 2013, having served our community since 1971 as an acting teacher, director, and mentor.”
Among his students at CalArts was Cecily Strong, said it was Palter who encouraged her to try out for improv/sketch comedy group The Groundlings, leading to her breakout role on SNL.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same,” said CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston in a statement. “He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect,...
Palter died of lung cancer May 21 at his Los Angeles home. CalArts, where Palter was a longtime faculty member, shared news of his death on Twitter.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that longtime #calartstheater faculty Lew Palter has passed away. Lew retired from @CalArts in 2013, having served our community since 1971 as an acting teacher, director, and mentor.”
Among his students at CalArts was Cecily Strong, said it was Palter who encouraged her to try out for improv/sketch comedy group The Groundlings, leading to her breakout role on SNL.
“Lew loved the craft of acting, and taught his students to do the same,” said CalArts School of Theater Dean Travis Preston in a statement. “He fostered deep curiosity, care, intellect,...
- 6/27/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lew Palter, the veteran character actor and admired CalArts School of Theater faculty member who portrayed the department store magnate Isidor Straus in James Cameron’s Titanic, has died. He was 94.
Palter died May 21 of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Catherine Palter, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New York native played one of the Supreme Court justices in First Monday in October (1981), starring Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh and Barnard Hughes, and he donned a robe for stints on The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law as well.
Plus, he portrayed an LAPD detective on the 1976-77 CBS series Delvecchio, starring Judd Hirsch.
Palter joined CalArts in 1971 and served as an acting teacher and director at the Santa Clarita school until his retirement in 2013, but he also conducted private workshops and taught around the country and around the world, including in Edinburgh and at Carnegie Mellon and UCLA.
Palter died May 21 of lung cancer at his home in Los Angeles, his daughter, Catherine Palter, told The Hollywood Reporter.
The New York native played one of the Supreme Court justices in First Monday in October (1981), starring Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh and Barnard Hughes, and he donned a robe for stints on The Flying Nun, Hill Street Blues and L.A. Law as well.
Plus, he portrayed an LAPD detective on the 1976-77 CBS series Delvecchio, starring Judd Hirsch.
Palter joined CalArts in 1971 and served as an acting teacher and director at the Santa Clarita school until his retirement in 2013, but he also conducted private workshops and taught around the country and around the world, including in Edinburgh and at Carnegie Mellon and UCLA.
- 6/26/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Beatles didn’t change the world overnight. They steadily built an audience in England with their first singles before becoming a legendary band. They suffered insults along the way, including from a fellow musician who called Paul McCartney and John Lennon idiots as songwriters. The Fab Four channeled a ton of creative energy into breaking pop music norms, less so into naming albums. Seven Beatles songs doubled as album titles, and now we’re ranking them.
Notes: We’re not including “Get Back” on our list. It was the working title of the album/project that became Let It Be, but The Beatles never released a record with that name. Chart placement stats via Billboard (United States) and the Official Charts Company (England).
7. ‘Yellow Submarine’ Song chart positions: No. 2 in the U.S.; No. 1 in England Album chart positions: No. 2 in the U.S.; No. 3 in England
We love...
Notes: We’re not including “Get Back” on our list. It was the working title of the album/project that became Let It Be, but The Beatles never released a record with that name. Chart placement stats via Billboard (United States) and the Official Charts Company (England).
7. ‘Yellow Submarine’ Song chart positions: No. 2 in the U.S.; No. 1 in England Album chart positions: No. 2 in the U.S.; No. 3 in England
We love...
- 6/20/2023
- by Jason Rossi
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon was often cynical about his own work, especially once The Beatles ended. There are several songs he loved, had mixed feelings about, or flat-out hated. A few he was indifferent toward, calling them “throwaways,” meaning he didn’t hate them, but he found them forgettable. Here are 4 Beatles songs John Lennon deemed “throwaways.”
‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ John Lennon | CBS via Getty Images
“I Wanna Be Your Man” is an interesting track because it’s mainly associated with The Rolling Stones. Paul McCartney and John Lennon went to see the Stones perform and were asked by the band if they could write a song for them. McCartney and Lennon finished the track on the spot, and it became The Rolling Stones’ first hit in the U.K.
The Beatles recorded their own version, but it didn’t perform as well. The song being a hit for the Stones might have surprised Lennon,...
‘I Wanna Be Your Man’ John Lennon | CBS via Getty Images
“I Wanna Be Your Man” is an interesting track because it’s mainly associated with The Rolling Stones. Paul McCartney and John Lennon went to see the Stones perform and were asked by the band if they could write a song for them. McCartney and Lennon finished the track on the spot, and it became The Rolling Stones’ first hit in the U.K.
The Beatles recorded their own version, but it didn’t perform as well. The song being a hit for the Stones might have surprised Lennon,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Some of The Beatles‘ songs are just plain weird. For example, one Beatles song is less than a minute long. Another is basically one line repeated over and over for several minutes.
The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Handout 5. ‘Revolution 9’
“Revolution 9” might seem totally random. The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations with John Lennon includes an interview from 1968. In it, someone asked John if “Revolution 9” is about death.
“It’s about death,” he said. “Well, listen to it on another day. In the sun. Outside. And see if it’s about death then. It’s about everything. I mean, it’s not specifically about anything. It’s a set of sounds like walking down the street is a set of sounds. And I just captured a moment of time, put it on disc, and it’s about that.”
Subsequently, John was asked if the track was about revolution. “Yeah, you know,...
The Beatles | Michael Ochs Archives / Handout 5. ‘Revolution 9’
“Revolution 9” might seem totally random. The book Lennon on Lennon: Conversations with John Lennon includes an interview from 1968. In it, someone asked John if “Revolution 9” is about death.
“It’s about death,” he said. “Well, listen to it on another day. In the sun. Outside. And see if it’s about death then. It’s about everything. I mean, it’s not specifically about anything. It’s a set of sounds like walking down the street is a set of sounds. And I just captured a moment of time, put it on disc, and it’s about that.”
Subsequently, John was asked if the track was about revolution. “Yeah, you know,...
- 4/7/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s hard to imagine the most pointless Beatles songs at first. The group was one of the most influential bands in music. However, despite how good they were, some doozies fell through the cracks and into their catalog. Here are 10 of the most pointless Beatles songs.
The Beatles | J. Wilds/Getty Images 10. ‘Til There Was You’
The Beatles should have never covered “Till There Was You.” The song is a show tune written by Meredith Willson. It appeared in his 1957 stage production, The Music Man, and its 1962 movie musical adaptation. However, for some reason, the Fab Four thought it was a good idea to cover. Their version is pointless because they already had great love songs. They didn’t need to cover a cheesy tune from a musical.
9. ‘Run For Your Life’
“Run For Your Life” is one of the most pointless Beatles songs, and John Lennon admitted it.
The Beatles | J. Wilds/Getty Images 10. ‘Til There Was You’
The Beatles should have never covered “Till There Was You.” The song is a show tune written by Meredith Willson. It appeared in his 1957 stage production, The Music Man, and its 1962 movie musical adaptation. However, for some reason, the Fab Four thought it was a good idea to cover. Their version is pointless because they already had great love songs. They didn’t need to cover a cheesy tune from a musical.
9. ‘Run For Your Life’
“Run For Your Life” is one of the most pointless Beatles songs, and John Lennon admitted it.
- 4/2/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles‘ darkest love songs are interesting for a couple of reasons. While the Fab Four knew how to write romantic tunes like “All My Loving” and “She Loves You,” they also knew how to make darker, moodier love songs. They knew what it felt like to have all-consuming love, but they also knew of the dangers, insecurities, and fears that it could bring. Here are the 10 darkest Beatles songs that describe that.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘Chains’
The Beatles’ “Chains” is one of their darkest love songs because it speaks about the mental chains that can wrap around someone in a relationship. The speaker admits their lover has them in metaphorical chains, and they’re not opposed to them. Despite the person being willing to be bound, it’s still dark and possessive.
9. ‘Misery’
“Misery” is a song about being miserable after a relationship ends. Everyone’s had their breakups,...
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘Chains’
The Beatles’ “Chains” is one of their darkest love songs because it speaks about the mental chains that can wrap around someone in a relationship. The speaker admits their lover has them in metaphorical chains, and they’re not opposed to them. Despite the person being willing to be bound, it’s still dark and possessive.
9. ‘Misery’
“Misery” is a song about being miserable after a relationship ends. Everyone’s had their breakups,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There are many Beatles songs that John Lennon hated. Out of all The Beatles, John was the most critical of his and the band’s work. He didn’t give his praise lightly. Here are 10 songs John disliked. Some may surprise fans.
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Getty Images 10. ‘Run for Your Life’
It’s surprising if anyone likes “Run for Your Life.” It’s one of the most disturbing Beatles songs and one John hated. All you need to hear is the first verse to get that impression: “Well, I’d rather see you dead, little girl/ Than to be with another man/ You better keep your head, little girl/ Or I won’t know where I am.” According to Ultimate Classic Rock, John often said it was his least favorite Beatles song. He also called it a “throwaway.”
9. ‘Paperback Writer’
“Paperback Writer” is one of the best Beatles songs from the mid-1960s.
John Lennon | Harry Benson/Getty Images 10. ‘Run for Your Life’
It’s surprising if anyone likes “Run for Your Life.” It’s one of the most disturbing Beatles songs and one John hated. All you need to hear is the first verse to get that impression: “Well, I’d rather see you dead, little girl/ Than to be with another man/ You better keep your head, little girl/ Or I won’t know where I am.” According to Ultimate Classic Rock, John often said it was his least favorite Beatles song. He also called it a “throwaway.”
9. ‘Paperback Writer’
“Paperback Writer” is one of the best Beatles songs from the mid-1960s.
- 3/20/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There are a couple of Beatles songs with questionable lyrics. It’s a wonder The Beatles recorded them at all; some of them are so controversial.
The Beatles | Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images 5. ‘Run for Your Life’
“Run for Your Life” is one of the most controversial Beatles songs and one with some extremely questionable, violent, and disturbing lyrics. Thankfully, it’s also one of the most often-forgotten. John Lennon said it was a throw-away that didn’t matter, but for the fans who remember it, “Run for Your Life” is unnerving, to say the least.
John told Rolling Stone (per Beatles Bible), “I never liked ‘Run For Your Life,’ because it was a song I just knocked off. It was inspired from – this is a very vague connection – from ‘Baby, Let’s Play House.’ There was a line on it – I used to like specific lines from songs – ‘I’d rather see you dead,...
The Beatles | Hulton Deutsch/Getty Images 5. ‘Run for Your Life’
“Run for Your Life” is one of the most controversial Beatles songs and one with some extremely questionable, violent, and disturbing lyrics. Thankfully, it’s also one of the most often-forgotten. John Lennon said it was a throw-away that didn’t matter, but for the fans who remember it, “Run for Your Life” is unnerving, to say the least.
John told Rolling Stone (per Beatles Bible), “I never liked ‘Run For Your Life,’ because it was a song I just knocked off. It was inspired from – this is a very vague connection – from ‘Baby, Let’s Play House.’ There was a line on it – I used to like specific lines from songs – ‘I’d rather see you dead,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
John Lennon wrote many songs for The Beatles but wasn’t proud of every single one. After The Beatles broke up, Lennon wasn’t afraid to be brutally honest about the band’s work, and there is a long list of songs he detests, including one’s he wrote.
Here are 5 Beatles songs written by John Lennon that he hated ‘It’s Only Love’ John Lennon | Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
“It’s Only Love” was first released on The Beatles’ 1965 album Help!. The song is credited to the Lennon-McCartney duo, but Lennon claimed it was mainly his. In an interview with David Sheff for Playboy, Lennon’s review of this track was particularly scathing, saying he always hated it.
“‘It’s Only Love’ is mine,” he shared, “I always thought it was a lousy song. The lyrics were abysmal. I always hated that song.”
McCartney backed this sentiment,...
Here are 5 Beatles songs written by John Lennon that he hated ‘It’s Only Love’ John Lennon | Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images
“It’s Only Love” was first released on The Beatles’ 1965 album Help!. The song is credited to the Lennon-McCartney duo, but Lennon claimed it was mainly his. In an interview with David Sheff for Playboy, Lennon’s review of this track was particularly scathing, saying he always hated it.
“‘It’s Only Love’ is mine,” he shared, “I always thought it was a lousy song. The lyrics were abysmal. I always hated that song.”
McCartney backed this sentiment,...
- 3/5/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The creepiest Beatles love songs might surprise some. On first listen, some of them seem like ordinary love songs. However, when you read the lyrics, the message is creepy or just downright bizarre.
Sometimes love makes people think and do horrible things. The Beatles wanted to warn people about that. Having a love that’s depicted in songs like “All My Loving” and “She Loves You” is great, but there’s always a dark side to love, like what’s portrayed in songs like “Run For Your Life” and “You Like Me Too Much.”
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 11. ‘Please Please Me’
While “Please Please Me” is considered one of the best love songs, it’s also one of the creepiest Beatles love songs. Something is unsettling about the lyrics: “Last night I said these words to my girl/ I know you never even try girl.” The person urges his love to please him.
Sometimes love makes people think and do horrible things. The Beatles wanted to warn people about that. Having a love that’s depicted in songs like “All My Loving” and “She Loves You” is great, but there’s always a dark side to love, like what’s portrayed in songs like “Run For Your Life” and “You Like Me Too Much.”
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 11. ‘Please Please Me’
While “Please Please Me” is considered one of the best love songs, it’s also one of the creepiest Beatles love songs. Something is unsettling about the lyrics: “Last night I said these words to my girl/ I know you never even try girl.” The person urges his love to please him.
- 3/5/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
There are many often-forgotten Beatles songs out there. The Fab Four produced over 200 songs in their lifetime, so a few were bound to slip through the cracks.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘Doctor Robert’
Revolver is one album that doesn’t have many often-forgotten Beatles songs. However, “Doctor John” is one of the lesser-remembered tracks. It’s a straight rock ‘n’ roll song. It doesn’t have any of the experimental sounds found in “Tomorrow Never Knows” or “I’m Only Sleeping,” but it does have a character and a story, something The Beatles started incorporating into their songs more during that time.
9. ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’
“I’ve Just Seen a Face” appears on Help! but doesn’t appear in the film. Many might recognize this song from Across the Universe, but before that, it might have slipped through the cracks. It’s one of the best acoustic Beatles songs.
The Beatles | Mirrorpix/Getty Images 10. ‘Doctor Robert’
Revolver is one album that doesn’t have many often-forgotten Beatles songs. However, “Doctor John” is one of the lesser-remembered tracks. It’s a straight rock ‘n’ roll song. It doesn’t have any of the experimental sounds found in “Tomorrow Never Knows” or “I’m Only Sleeping,” but it does have a character and a story, something The Beatles started incorporating into their songs more during that time.
9. ‘I’ve Just Seen a Face’
“I’ve Just Seen a Face” appears on Help! but doesn’t appear in the film. Many might recognize this song from Across the Universe, but before that, it might have slipped through the cracks. It’s one of the best acoustic Beatles songs.
- 2/27/2023
- by Hannah Wigandt
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Tl;Dr:
Nancy Sinatra’s Boots has covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.Her Dylan cover immediately precedes “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” on the album tracklist.She made a major change to a controversial Beatles track. The photo on the cover of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Boots’ | Gab Archive/Redferns
Many of Nancy Sinatra’s most famous songs, including “Somethin’ Stupid” and “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” are covers. Notably, her album Boots featured several covers of classic rock songs. Notably, she gender-flipped a controversial Beatles track.
4. The Rolling Stones’ ‘As Tears Go By’
“As Tears Go By” is a Mick Jagger-Keith Richards-Andrew Loog Oldham composition. Marianne Faithfull put out her version and then The Rolling Stones put out theirs. Both renditions are devastatingly sad.
Sinatra’s “As Tears Go By” is closer to bossa nova or...
Nancy Sinatra’s Boots has covers of songs by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan.Her Dylan cover immediately precedes “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” on the album tracklist.She made a major change to a controversial Beatles track. The photo on the cover of Nancy Sinatra’s ‘Boots’ | Gab Archive/Redferns
Many of Nancy Sinatra’s most famous songs, including “Somethin’ Stupid” and “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” are covers. Notably, her album Boots featured several covers of classic rock songs. Notably, she gender-flipped a controversial Beatles track.
4. The Rolling Stones’ ‘As Tears Go By’
“As Tears Go By” is a Mick Jagger-Keith Richards-Andrew Loog Oldham composition. Marianne Faithfull put out her version and then The Rolling Stones put out theirs. Both renditions are devastatingly sad.
Sinatra’s “As Tears Go By” is closer to bossa nova or...
- 2/8/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Classic rock songs are awesome … except when they’re not! Here’s a look at five classic rock songs with highly offensive lyrics. To keep this list relevant, it only mentions hits or tunes from hit albums. Notably, the only Beatles track on the list was directly inspired by an Elvis Presley song.
The Beatles | Icon and Image / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Run for Your Life’
In “Baby, Let’s Play House,” Elvis Presley sang “I’d rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man.” That’s creepy and possessive. At least it’s only a small part of the song.
According to the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John Lennon built The Beatles’ “Run for Your Life” around Elvis’ terrible line. John admitted he wasn’t a big fan of the song — although George Harrison inexplicably liked it.
The Beatles | Icon and Image / Contributor 5. The Beatles’ ‘Run for Your Life’
In “Baby, Let’s Play House,” Elvis Presley sang “I’d rather see you dead, little girl, than to be with another man.” That’s creepy and possessive. At least it’s only a small part of the song.
According to the book All We Are Saying: The Last Major Interview with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, John Lennon built The Beatles’ “Run for Your Life” around Elvis’ terrible line. John admitted he wasn’t a big fan of the song — although George Harrison inexplicably liked it.
- 2/1/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The NBC comedy Frasier had plenty of A-list guest stars. Many Cheers cast members visited Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in Seattle. Patrick Stewart, Bill Gates and Laura Linney were among other Frasier guest stars. One guest star, however, ruled himself out of a Frasier episode with his weird request.
Ben Gazzara | Brad Barket/Getty Images
Frasier writer Ken Levine discussed the episode and guest star in question on an episode of his Hollywood & Levine podcast. Here’s why you never saw Ben Gazzara on an episode of Frasier.
The ‘Frasier’ episode they wanted to cast Ben Gazzara for
Gazzara was a film and television actor from the ‘60s through his death in 2012. Though he starred on three seasons of Run For Your Life, it was 2003’s Hysterical Blindness that finally landed him an Emmy. Gazzara also appeared in legendary movies from Anatomy of a Murder to Road House and The Big Lebowski.
Ben Gazzara | Brad Barket/Getty Images
Frasier writer Ken Levine discussed the episode and guest star in question on an episode of his Hollywood & Levine podcast. Here’s why you never saw Ben Gazzara on an episode of Frasier.
The ‘Frasier’ episode they wanted to cast Ben Gazzara for
Gazzara was a film and television actor from the ‘60s through his death in 2012. Though he starred on three seasons of Run For Your Life, it was 2003’s Hysterical Blindness that finally landed him an Emmy. Gazzara also appeared in legendary movies from Anatomy of a Murder to Road House and The Big Lebowski.
- 1/27/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Harold Livingston, an American novelist who wrote the screenplay for “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979, died early Thursday morning, Bobby Livingston confirmed to Variety. He was 97.
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was Livingston’s most famous writing credit, and he also wrote for several TV shows, including “Mission: Impossible,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and more.
“Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster, who penned several “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” novels, also contributed to the story and script development alongside Livingston. The 1979 film was the first movie in the “Star Trek” franchise, and it starred the original TV series cast members, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barrett, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Persis Khambatta and Stephen Collins.
The film was successful at the box office, earning 139 million worldwide from a 44 million budget, and Paramount ordered a follow-up, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...
“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” was Livingston’s most famous writing credit, and he also wrote for several TV shows, including “Mission: Impossible,” “The Six Million Dollar Man” and more.
“Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry and sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster, who penned several “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” novels, also contributed to the story and script development alongside Livingston. The 1979 film was the first movie in the “Star Trek” franchise, and it starred the original TV series cast members, including William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, Majel Barrett, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, Persis Khambatta and Stephen Collins.
The film was successful at the box office, earning 139 million worldwide from a 44 million budget, and Paramount ordered a follow-up, “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan...
- 4/28/2022
- by Jordan Moreau
- Variety Film + TV
Not only is the 25th James Bond film “No Time to Die” the last 007 adventure thriller starring Daniel Craig, it’s also the first one directed by an American: Cary Joji Fukunaga. The 44-year-old filmmaker won the Sundance dramatic directing award in 2009 for “Sin Nombre,” was the first Asian-American director to win an Emmy for directing in 2014 for “True Detective” and earned a Peabody in 2015 for “Beasts of No Nation.”
He joins other cutting-edge filmmakers to direct Craig as Bond including Oscar-winning English director Sam Mendes (“American Beauty”) who helmed 2012’s “Skyfall” and 2015’s “Spectre” and indie German filmmaker Marc Forster (2008’s “Quantum of Solace”), who had directed Halle Berry to an Oscar for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and Johnny Depp to a nomination for 2004’s “Finding Neverland.”
These three are a far cry from the early Bond directors who were British and had worked their way up the ranks...
He joins other cutting-edge filmmakers to direct Craig as Bond including Oscar-winning English director Sam Mendes (“American Beauty”) who helmed 2012’s “Skyfall” and 2015’s “Spectre” and indie German filmmaker Marc Forster (2008’s “Quantum of Solace”), who had directed Halle Berry to an Oscar for 2001’s “Monster’s Ball” and Johnny Depp to a nomination for 2004’s “Finding Neverland.”
These three are a far cry from the early Bond directors who were British and had worked their way up the ranks...
- 10/8/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Four-time Emmy winning producer, writer and showrunner Lee Metzger has signed with Verve for representation. The move comes as Metzger expands further into the scripted space following last week’s release of Strawberry Spring, the first-ever podcast adaptation based on a short story by Stephen King.
Written, directed, and produced by Metzger, Strawberry Spring stars Milo Ventimiglia, Garrett Hedlund, Herizen F. Gaurdiola and Sydney Sweeney. Based on one short story from King’s Night Shift collection, it follows the story of a journalist (Hedlund) in his relentless pursuit of a serial killer known as “Springheel Jack”. In addition to Metzger, producers are Emmy winner Philip Alberstat, Audio Up Media and iHeartMedia. Strawberry Spring debuted at #1 on Apple’s Fiction and Drama Podcast charts upon release in over 32 countries.
Next up, Metzger will be adapting the life story of an iconic American singer, songwriter and rock icon. Details are being kept under wraps for now.
Written, directed, and produced by Metzger, Strawberry Spring stars Milo Ventimiglia, Garrett Hedlund, Herizen F. Gaurdiola and Sydney Sweeney. Based on one short story from King’s Night Shift collection, it follows the story of a journalist (Hedlund) in his relentless pursuit of a serial killer known as “Springheel Jack”. In addition to Metzger, producers are Emmy winner Philip Alberstat, Audio Up Media and iHeartMedia. Strawberry Spring debuted at #1 on Apple’s Fiction and Drama Podcast charts upon release in over 32 countries.
Next up, Metzger will be adapting the life story of an iconic American singer, songwriter and rock icon. Details are being kept under wraps for now.
- 9/9/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Emmy-nominated film and TV editor Richard Bracken has died. He was 90.
Bracken died Thursday of kidney failure in Chatsworth, California, according to his daughter Kathleen Bracken.
Over the course of his 30 year career, Bracken served as editor for a roster of television classics, including “Columbo,” “The Bold Ones” and “Ironside.” He spent a particularly fruitful number of years working for Oscar-nominated producer Ross Hunter, editing films “The Thrill of It All” and “Madame X,” miniseries “The Moneychangers” and NBC drama “A Family Upside Down,” which starred Fred Astaire and Helen Hayes.
Much of Bracken’s career was dedicated to television, having also worked on NBC drama “Run for Your Life,” ABC American Western series “Alias Smith and Jones” and TV movie “The Jesse Owens Story.” His work was recognized with four Emmy nominations, including for the 1976 TV miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” and the Anjelica Huston-starring miniseries “Buffalo Girls...
Bracken died Thursday of kidney failure in Chatsworth, California, according to his daughter Kathleen Bracken.
Over the course of his 30 year career, Bracken served as editor for a roster of television classics, including “Columbo,” “The Bold Ones” and “Ironside.” He spent a particularly fruitful number of years working for Oscar-nominated producer Ross Hunter, editing films “The Thrill of It All” and “Madame X,” miniseries “The Moneychangers” and NBC drama “A Family Upside Down,” which starred Fred Astaire and Helen Hayes.
Much of Bracken’s career was dedicated to television, having also worked on NBC drama “Run for Your Life,” ABC American Western series “Alias Smith and Jones” and TV movie “The Jesse Owens Story.” His work was recognized with four Emmy nominations, including for the 1976 TV miniseries “Rich Man, Poor Man” and the Anjelica Huston-starring miniseries “Buffalo Girls...
- 2/18/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Top reality producer Lee Metzger, best known for his work on 14 seasons of NBC’s The Voice, has signed with ICM Partners.
Lee, who works in both unscripted and scripted television, joined The Voice as co-executive producer in Season 1. He was upped to executive producer at the start of the second season. Lee remained on the hit NBC show as Ep through season 14 in 2018, sharing in The Voice‘s four Emmy awards for reality-competition series.
Lee most recently executive produced the Celebrity Escape Room Red Nose Day special for NBC starring Jack Black and Ben Stiller. Before that, he was executive producer/showrunne on the CBS competition series Million Dollar Mile from LeBron James.
Lee’s extensive resume also includes stints as executive producer/showrunner of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, and Your Own Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. In addition, he has worked on series such as Big Brother,...
Lee, who works in both unscripted and scripted television, joined The Voice as co-executive producer in Season 1. He was upped to executive producer at the start of the second season. Lee remained on the hit NBC show as Ep through season 14 in 2018, sharing in The Voice‘s four Emmy awards for reality-competition series.
Lee most recently executive produced the Celebrity Escape Room Red Nose Day special for NBC starring Jack Black and Ben Stiller. Before that, he was executive producer/showrunne on the CBS competition series Million Dollar Mile from LeBron James.
Lee’s extensive resume also includes stints as executive producer/showrunner of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, and Your Own Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star. In addition, he has worked on series such as Big Brother,...
- 4/29/2020
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
(Above: Lynley in the 1972 hit "The Poseidon Adventure")
By Lee Pfeiffer
Actress Carol Lynley has died from a heart attack at age 77. She began her career as a child model before gravitating to the movie industry. With her stunning looks, Lynley showed great potential in an era in which studios groomed starlets to become full-blown stars. Lynley gained fine notices for her starring role in the 1959 drama "Blue Denim" in which she and Brandon DeWilde played middle-class teenagers dealing with the secret of her unintended pregnancy in an era in which such scenarios were met with repression instead of compassion. Prominent roles followed including "Hound Dog Man", "Return to Peyton Place" and "The Last Sunset" in which she co-starred with Hollywood icons Rock Hudson and Kirk Douglas. Other major films of the 1960s include "The Stripper", "Under the Yum Yum Tree", "Shock Treatment", "The Pleasure Seekers", "The Maltese Bippy", "Danger...
By Lee Pfeiffer
Actress Carol Lynley has died from a heart attack at age 77. She began her career as a child model before gravitating to the movie industry. With her stunning looks, Lynley showed great potential in an era in which studios groomed starlets to become full-blown stars. Lynley gained fine notices for her starring role in the 1959 drama "Blue Denim" in which she and Brandon DeWilde played middle-class teenagers dealing with the secret of her unintended pregnancy in an era in which such scenarios were met with repression instead of compassion. Prominent roles followed including "Hound Dog Man", "Return to Peyton Place" and "The Last Sunset" in which she co-starred with Hollywood icons Rock Hudson and Kirk Douglas. Other major films of the 1960s include "The Stripper", "Under the Yum Yum Tree", "Shock Treatment", "The Pleasure Seekers", "The Maltese Bippy", "Danger...
- 9/6/2019
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Tom Jennings, a retired Hollywood talent agent and casting director, was killed in a household fire on Bainbridge Island in Washington State on April 18, his family announced Tuesday. He was 81.
Jennings’ notable clients during his long career included Julian Fellowes, Burl Ives, Lee Van Cleef and Gene Simmons.
Along with partner Walter Beakel, he founded the boutique talent agency Beakel and Jennings in 1976.
Also Read: Peggy Lipton of 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 72
Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1937, Jennings grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and later attended Hanover College in Indiana before serving in the Marine corps. He began his career in Hollywood in the late 1950s as an agency assistant to Bing Crosby at Artists Agency Corporation, later moving on to General Artists where he assisted Bill Sargent with the cult music series “The Teenage Music International.”
Following his departure from General Artists in the early ’60s,...
Jennings’ notable clients during his long career included Julian Fellowes, Burl Ives, Lee Van Cleef and Gene Simmons.
Along with partner Walter Beakel, he founded the boutique talent agency Beakel and Jennings in 1976.
Also Read: Peggy Lipton of 'Mod Squad' and 'Twin Peaks' Dies at 72
Born in Evanston, Illinois in 1937, Jennings grew up in Santa Barbara, California, and later attended Hanover College in Indiana before serving in the Marine corps. He began his career in Hollywood in the late 1950s as an agency assistant to Bing Crosby at Artists Agency Corporation, later moving on to General Artists where he assisted Bill Sargent with the cult music series “The Teenage Music International.”
Following his departure from General Artists in the early ’60s,...
- 5/15/2019
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The current Marvel Cinematic Universe of superhero blockbusters, sequels and spin-offs might not exist if not for screenwriter Alvin Sargent, who is dead from natural causes at age 92 on May 9.
The two-time Oscar winner for his scripts for 1977’s “Julia” and 1980’s “Ordinary People” was involved in the screenplays for the original “Spider-Man” trilogy that began in 2002 starring Tobey Maguire as Spidey the web-slinger that would redefine and elevate the modern superhero genre and set the standard for all the spandex-wearing crusaders who followed. I recall Oscar talk for the possibility that Sargent’s much-praised script for 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” could be nominated — an unheard-of notion back then for a film based on a comic-book.
See Celebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Sargent would also contribute to 2012’s “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the reboot of the series starring Andrew Garfield. It would be his final script, which the scribe completed when...
The two-time Oscar winner for his scripts for 1977’s “Julia” and 1980’s “Ordinary People” was involved in the screenplays for the original “Spider-Man” trilogy that began in 2002 starring Tobey Maguire as Spidey the web-slinger that would redefine and elevate the modern superhero genre and set the standard for all the spandex-wearing crusaders who followed. I recall Oscar talk for the possibility that Sargent’s much-praised script for 2004’s “Spider-Man 2” could be nominated — an unheard-of notion back then for a film based on a comic-book.
See Celebrity Deaths 2019: In Memoriam Gallery
Sargent would also contribute to 2012’s “The Amazing Spider-Man,” the reboot of the series starring Andrew Garfield. It would be his final script, which the scribe completed when...
- 5/11/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Mexico’s famed “Tres Amigos” have made a name for themselves in Hollywood and beyond, directing their way to a bevy of Oscars. Less well known: the emerging wave of female auteurs from Mexico.
The directors range from Patricia Riggen and Issa Lopez, both busy with Hollywood projects and gaining their own international recognition, to women from indigenous communities, such as María Sojob, a Tzotzil native, and Elizabeth Piña, of Otomí Hñätho descent. The latter two are making their first documentaries. Also part of this wave: Tatiana Huezo and Variety director to watch Alejandra Marquez Abella.
“It’s just marvelous what’s happening now; there are more female directors in features, and even more making short films,” says Maria Novaro, freshly installed head of Mexican Film Institute (Imcine) and who fought against chauvinism early in her directing career. She is best-known for 1991’s uplifting dance drama “Danzon.”
According to the latest findings from Imcine,...
The directors range from Patricia Riggen and Issa Lopez, both busy with Hollywood projects and gaining their own international recognition, to women from indigenous communities, such as María Sojob, a Tzotzil native, and Elizabeth Piña, of Otomí Hñätho descent. The latter two are making their first documentaries. Also part of this wave: Tatiana Huezo and Variety director to watch Alejandra Marquez Abella.
“It’s just marvelous what’s happening now; there are more female directors in features, and even more making short films,” says Maria Novaro, freshly installed head of Mexican Film Institute (Imcine) and who fought against chauvinism early in her directing career. She is best-known for 1991’s uplifting dance drama “Danzon.”
According to the latest findings from Imcine,...
- 3/7/2019
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Syfy has passed on its pilot Tremors, a reboot of the 1990 cult classic film headlined by original star Kevin Bacon reprising his role. Bacon confirmed the news in an Instagram post.
“Sad to report that my dream of revisiting the world of Perfection will not become a reality,” he wrote. “Although we made a fantastic pilot (Imho) the network has decided not to move forward. Thanks to our killer cast and everyone behind the scenes who worked so hard. And always keep one eye out for Graboids!
Tremors, from Universal Cable Productions and Blumhouse Television, was one of three pilots from Syfy’s most recent batch. The network last week picked up one of the three, Deadly Class, to series, triggering speculation about the fate of the other two. Tremors is now officially dead, with no final decision yet on the third, Run For Your Life, though I hear it also looks unlikely.
“Sad to report that my dream of revisiting the world of Perfection will not become a reality,” he wrote. “Although we made a fantastic pilot (Imho) the network has decided not to move forward. Thanks to our killer cast and everyone behind the scenes who worked so hard. And always keep one eye out for Graboids!
Tremors, from Universal Cable Productions and Blumhouse Television, was one of three pilots from Syfy’s most recent batch. The network last week picked up one of the three, Deadly Class, to series, triggering speculation about the fate of the other two. Tremors is now officially dead, with no final decision yet on the third, Run For Your Life, though I hear it also looks unlikely.
- 4/28/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniveral Cable Entertainment’s Entertainment Networks Group, composed of USA and Syfy, have ordered a pilot for supernatural thriller Run for Your Life, from Universal TV and Blumhouse Television. Run for Your Life is centered on the last night of Dia de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead), when a grieving detective is thrust into a deadly game to bring someone back from the dead. Should the pilot be ordered to series, the network on which it would air would be…...
- 11/20/2017
- Deadline TV
Get ready to literally run towards today’s NYC casting notices! “Run For Your Life,” an upcoming web series on the many horrors of online dating, is looking to fill several roles, including its two leads! There are also several roles available in the upcoming feature film “When Everything’s Gone” and in a short online commercial! “Run For Your Life”“Run For Your Life,” an upcoming web series about the horrors of internet dating, is currently casting in New York. A male actor and a female actor ages 30–40 are sought to play the lead roles of Richard and Celine. There are also several supporting roles available for male and female talent aged 30–45, and two background roles available for female talent aged 70–80 as “fast grannies.” The series is filming its first four episodes Sept. 7–10 in NYC. Some pay will be provided, as well as meals and transportation. “When Everything’S...
- 7/5/2017
- backstage.com
Foo Fighters have returned, and they’re up to their old tricks—emphasis on old.
The Dave Grohl-led outfit is celebrating 22 years this summer, but anyone fearing that the band’s sledge hammer riffs have gone soft will have their ear drums pounded into rubble by their new song, “Run.” Age brings wisdom, and a greater ability to shred.
The accompanying music video hammers the point home. The Foos—prematurely elderly with the magic of prosthetic makeup—find themselves in an oppressive nursing home, lead by terrifying Nurse Ratched-like staff. Grohl, nearly unrecognizable but for his trademark Trini Lopez Gibson,...
The Dave Grohl-led outfit is celebrating 22 years this summer, but anyone fearing that the band’s sledge hammer riffs have gone soft will have their ear drums pounded into rubble by their new song, “Run.” Age brings wisdom, and a greater ability to shred.
The accompanying music video hammers the point home. The Foos—prematurely elderly with the magic of prosthetic makeup—find themselves in an oppressive nursing home, lead by terrifying Nurse Ratched-like staff. Grohl, nearly unrecognizable but for his trademark Trini Lopez Gibson,...
- 6/1/2017
- by Jordan Runtagh
- PEOPLE.com
The Mistress of the Dark and Fright Rags collide for a limited time in a new Midnight Madness shirt! Also: Comet TV's May contest details, a new poster for Hostile, a look at Doyle's "Run For Your Life" music video, and info on the zombie short story anthology Gone With the Dead.
Fright Rags' Elvira Shirt: From Fright Rags: "Hello Darlings! Since the 80s, Elvira has been tempting us as the horror hostess of our dreams (or maybe nightmares?). Late night so-bad-it’s-good horror movies were never complete without her hilariously quirky intros, her long black dress and her big… um… hair. We’re celebrating the Mistress of the Dark with a Limited Edition release at Midnight Tomorrow (Est)! They will be available for $18/ea for 24Hrs! Don't miss Midnight Madness!
Art by Christopher Franchi
Only at Fright-rags.Com"
Images from Fright Rags:
---------
Comet TV's May Contest Details: "May...
Fright Rags' Elvira Shirt: From Fright Rags: "Hello Darlings! Since the 80s, Elvira has been tempting us as the horror hostess of our dreams (or maybe nightmares?). Late night so-bad-it’s-good horror movies were never complete without her hilariously quirky intros, her long black dress and her big… um… hair. We’re celebrating the Mistress of the Dark with a Limited Edition release at Midnight Tomorrow (Est)! They will be available for $18/ea for 24Hrs! Don't miss Midnight Madness!
Art by Christopher Franchi
Only at Fright-rags.Com"
Images from Fright Rags:
---------
Comet TV's May Contest Details: "May...
- 5/13/2017
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
Los Angeles – With the flourish of trumpets in “The Bullfighter’s Song,” a pugnacious man would strut on stage and launch a volley of hilarious insults on some unsuspecting targets. That act was Don Rickles, whose show business nicknames included “The King of Zing,” “The Merchant of Venom” and the magnificently ironic “Mr. Warmth.” Rickles died in Los Angeles on April 6th, 2017. He was 90.
In his early career, Rickles was a throwback to the cocktail and burlesque joints of the 1950s and ‘60s, where a burgeoning stand up comic would do anything to engage the audience and keep a gig. With a quick wit and rat-a-tat delivery, Rickles developed a persona that would keep him working virtually all the way to the end. He went from the “Rat Pack” era, through comedy roasts of the 1970s, to the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” series, and never...
In his early career, Rickles was a throwback to the cocktail and burlesque joints of the 1950s and ‘60s, where a burgeoning stand up comic would do anything to engage the audience and keep a gig. With a quick wit and rat-a-tat delivery, Rickles developed a persona that would keep him working virtually all the way to the end. He went from the “Rat Pack” era, through comedy roasts of the 1970s, to the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the “Toy Story” series, and never...
- 4/7/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Legendary comedian Don Rickles passed away at home from kidney failure, his publicist confirmed. He was 90. Rickles, who would've turned 91 on May 8, was best known for his comedy, but also became a best-selling author and dramatic actor. He made his mark alongside Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster in Run Silent, Run Deep. Rickles also served as an honorary member of the Rat Pack and appeared as an abrasive celebrity roast comic. Throughout his career, Rickles also appeared on various sitcoms and dramatic series, including Get Smart and Run for Your Life. Perhaps one of his best known film roles was voicing the role of Mr. Potato Head in Pixar's Toy Story...
- 4/6/2017
- E! Online
Get Out is a genuinely terrifying satirical horror film filled that doubles as a chilling social commentary on race. But fans are now finding the lighter side of Jordan Peele’s masterwork with the #GetOutChallenge. The point of the challenge is to recreate a moment in the film where Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) goes outside to smoke a cigarette late at night while staying at his girlfriend’s parents’ house for the first time. Out of nowhere, the family’s groundskeeper Walter (Marcus Henderson) comes running at him full force only to make a sharp turn at the very last second. The film’s official Twitter account helpfully shared a Gif of the unsettling moment:
Run for your life. Have you tried the #GetOutChallenge? pic.twitter.com/6piaiP1vMX
— Get Out (@GetOutMovie) March 7, 2017
The #GetOutChallenge seems to have originated from Kira C. on Twitter:
#GetOutChallenge lmfaoo...
Run for your life. Have you tried the #GetOutChallenge? pic.twitter.com/6piaiP1vMX
— Get Out (@GetOutMovie) March 7, 2017
The #GetOutChallenge seems to have originated from Kira C. on Twitter:
#GetOutChallenge lmfaoo...
- 3/9/2017
- by Caroline Siede
- avclub.com
Monday's episode of Bachelor in Paradise had it all: breakups, makeups, new couples, old fights – and of course, enough of Ashley I.'s tears to fill a swimming pool. Let's begin.
Ashley/Jared/Caila Circus ContinuesThis love triangle is officially going in circles. Picking up where we left off last week, Caila was back with more sugar-coated cattiness aimed at Ashley than we could have ever dreamed of.
Caila: I'm sorry that you guys are longtime friends and that he like, loves you like a sister. You and I don't have to talk for the rest of the time here,...
Ashley/Jared/Caila Circus ContinuesThis love triangle is officially going in circles. Picking up where we left off last week, Caila was back with more sugar-coated cattiness aimed at Ashley than we could have ever dreamed of.
Caila: I'm sorry that you guys are longtime friends and that he like, loves you like a sister. You and I don't have to talk for the rest of the time here,...
- 8/30/2016
- by Aurelie Corinthios
- People.com - TV Watch
Angkor temples, Cambodia.
Increased interest in 4K documentaries has helped Sydney-based international distributor Flame secure more than 65 hours of sales after Miptv.
Flames 4K documentary Ancient angkor has been bought by Discovery Channel in Canada, while there was also strong interest in Jet Set and the The Luxury Travel Show, according to a company statement.
Flame has also continued its partnership with Prospero Productions, the Western Australian indie who brought the world Outback Truckers, by securing a sale to Discovery Asia of their new series, Railroad Australia..
Canadian series, Restoration Garage, from Pixcom Productions has been picked up by the Australian digital channel 7Mate, while Singapore.s public broadcaster, Mediacorp, has taken two titles hosted by successful New Zealand psychologist/scientist Nigel Latta produced by Razor Films - Nigel Latta Blows Stuff Up and Is Sugar the New Fat?
Australia.s Foxtel Lifestyle Food Channel has picked up a third...
Increased interest in 4K documentaries has helped Sydney-based international distributor Flame secure more than 65 hours of sales after Miptv.
Flames 4K documentary Ancient angkor has been bought by Discovery Channel in Canada, while there was also strong interest in Jet Set and the The Luxury Travel Show, according to a company statement.
Flame has also continued its partnership with Prospero Productions, the Western Australian indie who brought the world Outback Truckers, by securing a sale to Discovery Asia of their new series, Railroad Australia..
Canadian series, Restoration Garage, from Pixcom Productions has been picked up by the Australian digital channel 7Mate, while Singapore.s public broadcaster, Mediacorp, has taken two titles hosted by successful New Zealand psychologist/scientist Nigel Latta produced by Razor Films - Nigel Latta Blows Stuff Up and Is Sugar the New Fat?
Australia.s Foxtel Lifestyle Food Channel has picked up a third...
- 5/31/2016
- by Staff Writer
- IF.com.au
facebook
twitter
google+
Brilliantly tense UK crime drama Line Of Duty is back with more corruption, more action and lots of guns…
This review contains spoilers (incl. for Line Of Duty series 1 and 2).
Admit it, you thought you had Sgt Danny Waldron’s number from the moment he unloaded three bullets into that suspect’s head too. Here we go, I told myself, another bent copper murdering a witness to his no-doubt shady gangland dealings. He’s a bully, I thought, watching him intimidate his team and cockily bat away AC-12’s accusations. Probably a psychopath to boot, judging by those robotic powers of observation and recitation of procedural chapter and verse. ‘Run for your life, dry-white-wine-Rachel!’ I inwardly urged, as the pair swapped numbers.
By the time he was on the floor choking on his own blood, the scale of writer Jed Mercurio and actor Daniel Mays’ glorious deception was clear.
google+
Brilliantly tense UK crime drama Line Of Duty is back with more corruption, more action and lots of guns…
This review contains spoilers (incl. for Line Of Duty series 1 and 2).
Admit it, you thought you had Sgt Danny Waldron’s number from the moment he unloaded three bullets into that suspect’s head too. Here we go, I told myself, another bent copper murdering a witness to his no-doubt shady gangland dealings. He’s a bully, I thought, watching him intimidate his team and cockily bat away AC-12’s accusations. Probably a psychopath to boot, judging by those robotic powers of observation and recitation of procedural chapter and verse. ‘Run for your life, dry-white-wine-Rachel!’ I inwardly urged, as the pair swapped numbers.
By the time he was on the floor choking on his own blood, the scale of writer Jed Mercurio and actor Daniel Mays’ glorious deception was clear.
- 3/24/2016
- Den of Geek
There was a celebratory vibe at Federation Hall at the Vca in Melbourne last night as this year.s primary and secondary student winners were announced at the 2015 Atom Awards student awards.
Held annually for more than 30 years, the Atom Awards recognise film and media excellence in the education sector and the screen industry. This year there were more than 500 entries from Australian and New Zealand filmmakers.
The award presentation was hosted by Nat Geo Wild.s Ben Britton and was followed by a special screening of all the winning productions.
Atom, in conjunction with the IP Awareness Foundation, also announced the winners of the 2015 My Story My Content short film competition.
The winners in the tertiary and general/open categories of the Atom Awards will be announced on Thursday November 27 in Melbourne.
Content from both events will also be shown on Foxtel community channel Aurora.
The student winners of...
Held annually for more than 30 years, the Atom Awards recognise film and media excellence in the education sector and the screen industry. This year there were more than 500 entries from Australian and New Zealand filmmakers.
The award presentation was hosted by Nat Geo Wild.s Ben Britton and was followed by a special screening of all the winning productions.
Atom, in conjunction with the IP Awareness Foundation, also announced the winners of the 2015 My Story My Content short film competition.
The winners in the tertiary and general/open categories of the Atom Awards will be announced on Thursday November 27 in Melbourne.
Content from both events will also be shown on Foxtel community channel Aurora.
The student winners of...
- 10/28/2015
- by Staff writer
- IF.com.au
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.