B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - THE DEATH OF RITCHIE (TV 1977)

Looks like a lot of fun to me, I don't know. Seriously and for those that don't know, The Death Of Ritchie is one of the most iconic TV movies of the entire '70's decade. I was roughly 15 when it aired and i can tell you that both Robby Benson and teens taking drugs were very hot topics at the time. The film is based on a true story where a father who couldn't control his teen's behavior from drug abuse was forced to take the law into his own hands. The father here is good ole Ben Gazzara and he is at his Gazzara best with a ferocious intensity, his scenes with Benson as father and son a perfect chemistry. At the time more emphasis was on Benson as a model but his performance here is really amazing. Streams free on Tubi, Freevee, Roku and Plex, if this was being rated on the standard scale I would give it five stars, 'nuff said. 2.75 stars/2.75

Monday, August 19, 2024

TOMMY'S TOP FIVE FAVORITE CLINT EASTWOOD FLICKS - #2 - CLINT IS A JOHN HUSTON TYPE MOVIE DIRECTOR 100% OBSESSED WITH KILLING AN ELEPHANT IN "WHITE HUNTER, BLACK HEART" (1990)

 

Clint plays Wilson, an overbearing John Huston type director. He's about to start shooting a new picture in Africa. Jeff Fahey plays his screenwriter and good friend. Wilson is obsessed with killing an elephant. Before his writing partner, producer or any of the other crew can bat an eye, Wilson has declared the hunt on and everyone else can just stand around all day until he gets his elephant. 

This is easily one of the most (sorry for the cliche words) overlooked, underappreciated but usually not underrated film in Clint's catalog. There is an outstanding piece written by Jonathon Rosenbaum on this movie HERE. 

Shot on location, some great support here. Fahey is outstanding. Timothy Spall has a small support role that's also great. As usual though, it's all about Clint, he is mesmerizing in this role, you won't be able to take your eyes off him. White Hunter, Black Heart is available on VOD.   4.75 stars/5



Jeff Fahey & Timothy Spall, a couple of legends.

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