One Ringo To Rule Them All

Starr gets a Star!

2010-02-18T01:45:00.001Z

About time, I should say! Anyway, I thought he already had one... Cheers, Ringo Man!

Blame Ringo!

2010-01-01T19:16:00.003Z

What a delicious way to start off 2010! This video here below is living proof that pop culture is the driving force of our everyday lives. Enjoy it and a happy new year everyone!

Toot-toot!

2009-10-30T23:30:00.002Z

At one time, Ringo lent his vocals to a favorite 80's kiddies TV show called THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE. Remember it? Some probably won't but some will definitely and very fondly. See you soon!

Through the window pane

2009-09-16T20:01:00.001+01:00

And wouldn't you'd like to have one of those in your house? Perfect subject for a stained glass window, if you ask me.

Ringo, the Artist

2009-08-23T01:29:00.005+01:00

In case you didn't know, and I bet you didn't, Ringo also paints. Or doodles, or whatever you'd want to call it. With a computer. Oh, yeah. And he also does exhibitions. And his paintings sell for big bucks. You gotta love him. Take a look at some of it below.

Hello Earth!

2009-07-26T06:04:00.002+01:00

Hello everybody! No, I have not forsaken this blog of mine, no siree! Just been busy with other stuff (i.e., other blogs...!) and have not paid the attention this one needs. But fret no more: here's something I've just found that I know you're gonna love! Check it out:

My DVD review

2009-06-27T19:21:00.005+01:00

Well, I have to say that the new Lisztomania DVD is a bit of a missed opportunity. Don't get me wrong: it's fantastic to finally have access to an official release of that movie on DVD with the extra bonus of getting to see the original theatrical trailer and on top of that, hearing Russell himself talking through (most) of its duration.

The thing is, more care should have been applied to what are to me the key faults of this DVD. For starters, the transfer is not that good for a 2009 DVD: murky, dark and full of speckles, it's clear that a full restoration was not made. For comparison sake, I'd say it's only a notch up from the Laserdisc, which is not saying too much, as you can see. Also, subtitles are not included which is a common practice in the UK as far as home video is concerned but a sad one, as far as I'm concerned.

But what I felt was really lacking was the audio commentary. Russell is always an interesting person to listen to but let's not forget he is getting old and he really needs someone to keep him talking. There are lots of dead time and most of the time Russell simply describes what he's saying. Guess he haven't seen this one in a long time. Top marks go for the wonderfully written booklet that is filled to the brim with interesting trivia and anecdotes.

Still, it's the best you can get for now because Warner Bros. still refuses R1 users of a home video release.

(the image above is for a japanese single for Peace at Last/Orpheu's Song taken from the Lisztomania soundtrack)

Waiting

2009-05-24T17:00:00.002+01:00

Feeling a bit like old Ringo up here, in this lovely caricature I just found in this blog. I explain: I became tired of waiting for reviews to come out about the new Lisztomania DVD (so far, the only one I was able to find was this one over here by DVD Outsider and even that one seems to be misleading because it fails to mention the inclusion of the audio commentary which leads me to believe that the review copy they were sent in was incomplete), so I dutifully went and ordered the DVD myself.

Right now, I'm just waiting for it to arrive at my doorstep and be sure that as soon as I'm able to view it, I will tell you all you need to know about how it sounds and looks (we all know the film is ace, right so no need to expand on that!).

Until then!

Lisztomania DVD streets today!

2009-05-04T11:06:00.004+01:00

It's finally out today! The waiting is over! So go out and get it! I know I will.

Expect some reviews in the coming days. Be sure that I shall be posting every single one that I can find! See you all soon.

Lisztomania DVD details!

2009-04-20T03:54:00.005+01:00

Hooray! Digital Classics has spilled the beans over at the Ken Russell Discussion Forum regarding the details of the forthcoming DVD! And here they are, directly from the lion's mouth:

The DVD will be released in an anamorphic transfer (...)

The DVD bonuses include a Directors Commentary, 8 page booklet and a theatrical trailer.

Hooray! Very much looking forward to seeing the theatrical trailer as I've never managed to see it and I don't even think it was included in the laserdisc version. Bring it on!

Ken Russell has a message for you!

2009-04-18T12:10:00.003+01:00

Yes, you read it right: Ken Russell, the director of Lisztomania, has recorded a message for all of us regarding the upcoming release of the DVD and you can listen to it in the Amazon UK page selling it! Just follow this link.

May can't come soon enough!

One Born Every Minute

2009-04-15T14:51:00.003+01:00

Like the above title says, they are indeed born one every minute, I'm sure. Blogs, I mean. Me and some friends of mine have started one strictly cinema based. It's called Maus da Fita, which roughly translates into english as Bad Guys. Here's the link, if you'd like to check it out.

Take care and I see you soon (don't worry, I'm not leaving this one behind! I heart Ringo forever!).

Have one on me!

2009-04-13T22:16:00.001+01:00

Hope you had a great Easter weekend. Ringo sure did, by the looks on his face. Cheers!

Lisztomania Promo Trailer

2009-04-09T06:22:00.004+01:00

In anticipation of the soon-to-be released DVD for Lisztomania, Digital Classics have put together a trailer promoting it. I strongly suggest you watch it because only then you'll begin to understand the true nature of this particular beast. One to be experienced, that's for sure.

We're now less than one month away from its street date and I'm practically counting down the days, such is my excitement! From what I've heard, the A/V quality of the DVD really is outstanding but so far, no confirmation about the Russell commentary has surfaced. Let's really hope it does materialize. See you soon.

Happy Birthday to One Ringo!

2009-04-01T23:30:00.004+01:00

Hi, there! Well, well, well, who would've known? Today marks the very first birthday of this little blog! Well, happy birthday all around, then! To be honest, I never thought I'd get here because in all honesty I started this just to kill time and have a bit of fun whilst spreading the good word of Ringo to everyone that visited this blog. Glad to see it wasn't a complete waste of time.

This glorious date (April's 1st, quite apropriately) also marks some changes around here: from now on, each and every post will have a title and a label at the end. I've finally come to the conclusion that they are very handy when you've past the one year mark and although all previous posts until now don't feature them, I'm going to dedicate myself to the herculean task of labeling all past posts and attributing them titles. How's that for dedication, hey?

Here's to the next one!

P.S. I almost forgot: the poster you see above is for the series of films to be shown this month of April over at O Pátio. They are centered around the theme of pornography even though they are not pornographic per se. Quite interesting selection if I may say so myself. Dew Dropp Inn sometime.

The Magic Christian Original Theatrical Trailer

2009-03-28T22:17:00.003Z

Trailers from Hell is a wonderful prize-winning website that is dedicated to showing and presenting old and sometimes quite rare trailers to its visitors. The big selling point is that famous directors are the actual presenters of these forgotten trailers and they provide commentaries for each and every one of its so far 254 and counting that are part of its current library. Plenty of fun time to be had over there, so do check it out if you can.

The one I linked to above is for The Magic Christian and is presented by Mick Garris, the man behind the Masters of Horror project among other things. I thought I'd post this one because so far no DVD incarnation of the movie has featured its original theatrical trailer in it so here's your chance to watch it!

Amazing Pencil Drawing of The Beatles

2009-03-28T06:37:00.005Z

You have no idea of the sheer amount of artwork dedicated to Mr. Starr available on the web. It's quite overwhelming. The one you see above is one of the very best and while it's on the subject of The Beatles, I couldn't help posting it. Quite gorgeous, isn't it? I found it over at flickr.com and as much as I can, I like to give credit where credit is due, so follow this link to know more about its creator.

Take care and I see you soon!

Hirschfeld #2

2009-03-25T15:22:00.003Z

Just thought I'd post another Hirschfeld Ringo picture I've just found. Isn't it great?

In other news, this is my very last vacation day. Did some terrific things (managed to go to Lisbon and Vigo, among other typical holiday stuff) and luckily the weather was fantastic! Back to work now!

Mark Ryden's artwork for Time Takes Time

2009-03-22T18:16:00.003Z

A little bit of trivia: the artwork for Ringo's album Time Takes Time you see above was created by Mark Ryden, a famous american painter that besides doing record covers for big name artists (among them Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Jeff Beck to name just a small few), has built a reputation on creating some very striking pieces of work that portray the darkest sides of what is generally perceived as children's fare. As always, Wikipedia is your best friend in these and other matters:

Mark Ryden's paintings instantly trigger a warped déjà vu. His works recall a parallel universe of 1950s Little Golden Books and the whimsy of Lewis Carroll. His cheery bunnies, rendered in the glowing hues of children's books, are more likely to be carving slabs of meat rather than frolicking in the forest. Ryden's work mingles superb technique with outre images to create a world of strange and disturbing beauty. At once intriguing and unsettling, baffling and enchanting, Ryden's works are subtle amalgams of many sources and influences as wide-ranging as Psychedelic and Vienna School artists, Neon Park and Ernst Fuchs, to classical French formalists Ingres and David.

Ryden's work combines a saccharine cartoon-like sensibility - much like the doe-eyed Margaret Keane creatures of the 1960s - with a detailed fullness and a creepy combination of numerology, little girls, meat, Catholic and Buddhist symbolism, and carnivalesque Americana. Toys are a big component of his art. His work ranges from large highly-polished oil paintings to small black-and-white works on paper. Like modern illustrators Sir John Tenniel and Edward Gorey, Ryden is influenced by the fantastic art of Alice in Wonderland and early Renaissance landscapes.

See more of his work over at his official site. I promise you it's really worth it.

Silly Posts

2009-03-20T15:33:00.006Z

Silly post of the month #2. No comments needed here. Enjoy, as usual!

Alan Aldridge Illustrator Extraordinaire

2009-03-19T19:29:00.002Z

The lovely picture you see above is by renowned artist Alan Aldridge, a very famous english illustrator who did the bulk of his work in the 60's and the 70's. Here's what our friend Wikipedia has to say about him:

Alan Aldridge is a UK artist. Born in 1943 in East London, he currently resides in Los Angeles. His career began in 1965 when he happened to meet the art director of Penguin Books, and began producing illustrations for book covers. Over the next two years he took over as art director, and introduced his style which resonated with the mood of the time. In 1968 he moved to his own graphic-design firm, INK, which became closely involved with graphic images for the Beatles and Apple Corps.

During the 1960s and 1970s he was responsible for a great many album covers, and helped create the graphic style of that era. He designed a series of science fiction book covers for Penguin Books. He made a big impression with his illustrations for the Beatles Illustrated Song lyrics. He also provided illustrations for "The Penguin Book of Comics", a history of British and American comic art. His work was characterised by a flowing, cartoony style and soft airbrushing - very much in step with the psychedelic styles of the times. In the theatre, in February 1969 he designed the graphics for controversial Jane Arden (director) play Vagina Rex and the Gas Oven at the London Arts Laboratory, Drury Lane.

He is possibly best known, however, for the picture book The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper Feast (1973), a series of illustrations of anthropomorphic insects and other creatures, which he created in collaboration with William Plomer, who wrote the accompanying verses. This was based on William Roscoe's poem of the same name, but was inspired when Aldridge read that John Tenniel had told Lewis Carroll it was impossible to draw a wasp in a wig.

If you do a simple google search for him, you'll be sure to find lots of truly wonderful images that really capture a sort of magical imagination deeply rooted in the best breed of british whimsy. But for now, I'm going to leave you with a Beatles record cover designed by Aldridge and initially proposed for the White Album. I'm glad this gobsmackingly beautiful illustration was not binned for it's one of my favorite Beatles images ever. See you soon!

Ringo's Singles

2009-03-17T14:34:00.010Z

A little bit of vinyl heaven for you here in the format of some of Mr. Starkey's single record releases. Fun covers, too as you can see.

Silly Posts

2009-03-12T18:33:00.002Z

Ok, silly post of the month. What do you do if you're a fan that's got everything? Well, just buy this lovely Ringo Starr door handle and you're home and free. Simple, right? Silly, I tell you. Silly. But oddly essential.

A Small Correction

2009-03-11T15:53:00.003Z

It was called to my attention that Lisztomania was not the first "Quintaphonic" film to be made but rather Tommy instead. It's absolutely correct, of course and for that glaring mistake I publicly apologize for leading my readers astray.

Lisztomania was the first film to be encoded with a Dolby Stereo optical soundtrack, though and this was where my confusion laid (never been a "techy" kind of guy, anyway). Still, at the end of the day all it matters is that Digital Classics treats the movie the way it should be treated: with the utmost respect for such a great example of the highest order possible of camp on celuloid. And you can quote me for that. British eccentricity at its sublime best.

Red Nose Day

2009-03-10T21:03:00.004Z

Have you ever heard of Red Nose Day? Well, Red Nose Day is the main way in which Comic Relief (a British Charity Organization) raises money. It is held in the spring every second year and is often treated as a semi-holiday, with, for example, schools having non-uniform days. The day culminates in a live telethon event on BBC One starting in the evening and going through into the early hours of the morning, but other money-raising events take place. As the name suggests, the day involves the wearing of plastic/foam red noses which are available, in exchange for a donation, from many shops.

The T-shirt you see above (modelled by Keira Knightley) is but one of many that were created for this year's Red Nose Day. As you can see, it features the Beatles and was designed by none other than Stella McCartney, the daughter of the famous mop top. As well as all the proceeds going to Comic Relief, the t-shirts have been wholly manufactured in Africa, with 100% Fairtrade certified, organic cotton from co-operatives in Senegal and Burkina Faso.

Whether it’s supporting orphans in Africa who’ve lost their parents to Aids or helping older people in the UK who are abused by someone they should trust – Comic Relief will use the money you raise to help people in desperate need.

So, go wild this next Friday, the 13th and make it a lucky day for anyone in need. For more info, go to their official site.

Surrealism in March

2009-03-01T19:37:00.003Z

First post of the new month and it's getting to be a habit around these parts: yes, it's the all new movie programme for the month of March over at O Pátio.

This time around, I decided to repeat a previously used theme since it got such good reactions first time around, two years ago to this month when I first started to play films there: Surrealism. The choices are eclectic, to say the least but always interesting. I tried to focus on the cinematic output of eastern Europe and you have to trust my word that they're all very much worth your time and mine.

Dew dropp inn.

Ask Ken!

2009-02-25T03:27:00.003Z

And the good news keep on rolling: if you move over to the Ken Russell Discussion Forum, moderated by Iain Fisher (the guy behind the website Savage Messiah I mentioned a few posts below), you'll find that Digital Classics (the label that will be releasing Lisztomania on DVD soon) has made the astounding announcement that Ken Russell himself has expressed interest in doing the audio-commentary for the film and is inviting people to send him questions that will eventually be answered and included on that audio-track.

How's that for treating the fans, hey? All I can say is I'm thrilled beyond words. Now, just go to that forum, register yourself and ask away!

Lisztomania DVD Artwork revealed!

2009-02-16T01:44:00.004Z

I really can't wait for the new Lisztomania DVD to arrive in stores. Take a look at the brilliant cover artwork that was created for the upcoming release right above. I think it perfectly describes what the movie is all about: a glam-rock 19th century musical biopic! Great job, Digital Classics.

Lisztomania DVD with a Commentary (maybe...)!

2009-02-14T15:03:00.004Z

Hmm, the good news keep on coming: apparently, and according to Savage Messiah, the best online resource of all things Ken Russell, Lisztomania will indeed (probably, maybe) contain an audio commentary by its (in)famous director...

Let's just see if it indeed materializes. In the meantime, keep your fingers and toes crossed.

By the way, the above photo is by Nancy Lee Andrews and it was taken on the set of Lisztomania. And in case you haven't guessed it, Ringo is playing a Pope. Oh, yeah.

Happy Valentine's Day Ringo Fans!

2009-02-11T21:29:00.004Z

Ok, St. Valentine's Day is just around the corner and I want you to stop for a moment... and smell the roses. Lovely clip it is too. Happy Valentine's Day for all of you (a bit early, I know but who's got the patience for such things these days?).

Remember the 80's?

2009-02-01T17:19:00.003Z

First post of February and that (not usually) means that I am here to inform you of the new cycle of films I'll be playing over at O Pátio. This time around, I decided to go all nuts and give you some of the best (some might argue that, understandably) the 80's got to offer. "Remember the 80's?" Yeah, too vividly, in my case...

Dew dropp inn...

Lisztomania out on DVD!

2009-01-28T22:19:00.004Z

Terrific news, everyone! Lisztomania is being released by UK DVD outfit, Digital Classics in May! It's always a great feeling when a MIA Ringo movie gets an official release date!

I really hope the upcoming DVD is not barebones and that at least we get the basic package: original trailer (which I've never, ever seen and am very curious to know just how they managed to advertise this one back then!) and a small featurette/interview. Needless to say, a 5 track audio option is mandatory as you remember this was the very first movie that used such an audio soundtrack (it was billed as "Quintaphonic").

And is it too much to ask for a Russell commentary (my very favorite commentator just behind John Waters)? Come on, the man is getting old...

Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, Let it be, speaking words of wisdom, Let it be

2009-01-20T01:59:00.003Z

Hi, there! Here I am again with a treat for all of you: Let it be, the movie. Often talked about, loved and hated by both fans and critics alike, seldom seen and WAY long overdue on DVD. What's the matter, Apple? Can't you see that we've been waiting for this one to come out since the birth of the DVD format? Unless you were waiting for Blu-Ray to catch on, which seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, take a look at the movie. It never ceases to fascinate me at how candid the whole thing still is. Enjoy.

O Homem e a Natureza (Man and Nature)

2009-01-02T01:16:00.003Z

Hi! Hope you all had a great "Réveillon", as they say in old France and may 2009 be a great year for all of us!

January is already on its second day and that means that a new cycle of movies will be presented by yours truly on that little coffee-shop I keep telling you about: O Pátio. This month, I decided to select movies with a wilderness theme to it and the sometimes difficult relationship Man has with Nature. Some amazing movies in there for you to check out if you still haven't. See you soon.

200 Motels

2008-12-30T01:39:00.009Z

Frank Zappa - 200 Motels Cd1
Enviado por piezo

I told you I had a great post in the making, didn't I? As you can see above, now's your chance to watch the long and still unavailable on DVD rock musical/comedy/farce/ avant garde /whateveryouwannacallit/extravaganza/one man show 200 Motels by the one and only Frank Zappa.

Ringo STARR's as Zappa himself and I have to say the resemblances are uncanny. But first things first. 200 Motels was one of many projects Zappa was able to pull out of his seemingly never-ending bag of tricks (to call him a workaholic is a bit of an understatement). It has the distinction of being the first feature length film to ever be shot on video and later transfered to 35 mm. But before I get all tangled up in the movie's production history (itself a whole movie unto itself and the subject of a documentary that I'll be posting later on), here's what the ever helpful Wikipedia has to say about it:

The $600,000 film budget resulted in a seven-day shoot and 11 days of editing. Its low production values and frenetic schedule contributed to the insanity which the movie attempted to evoke. Although the movie's main theme is "life on the road" for a touring rock musician in the late Twentieth Century, Zappa's movie makes broader comments about the surreal state of the political and cultural life of America and the world during that time. Its references include Mephisto, Kafka, Kubrick's 2001, work re-education/concentration camps and an animated sequence featured as part of a video/musical collage. These broader, symbolic culture references coexist with specific characters and places: i.e. "Lonesome Cowboy Burt," a non-union roofer who savagely beats up hippies and leftists, and two groupies, Lucy Offerall and Janet Neville.

The film's creative talents include the Mothers of Invention and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the actor Theodore Bikel and rock-stars Ringo Starr as Larry the Dwarf and The Who's drummer, Keith Moon as a nun in drag.

The plot is both nebulous and nonexistent as a narrative or as a series of vignettes and production numbers. According to Zappa, only a third of his script was filmed. The director, several actors and a band member quit mid-production. These events accounted for several radical, last-minute changes.

As you can see, it's the kind of movie that could only have been done in the 70's. Can you really imagine contemporary big studio execs turning to Zappa after he's explained to them what the movie's all about and asking him: "can we do action figures out of you" or "can we mass produce the Zappa mask Ringo is wearing to Toys 'R' Us stores all over the world"? Hmm, think not.

The film's out there though, for everyone to see and enjoy and I really hope the Zappa Family Estate gets its act together and let somebody release the damn thing on any home video format, preferably before the DVD format is dead... Yes, you heard it right, they're the ones behing all this delay... Oh, well, maybe 2009 will see it finally happen! Here's to it and while I'm at it, have a GREAT 2009! See you all then!

200 Motels Original Theatrical Trailer

2008-12-29T02:07:00.004Z

Hi, there! I'm back as promised from all the Christmas excesses and I really hope you had a great one. Mine surely was. Quick post, though. I'm going to leave you with the trailer for Frank Zappa's wacky 200 Motels and be sure to watch this space for a great post in the making.

Bye.

Merry Beatmas!

2008-12-24T02:05:00.003Z

This is it, people! Merry Christmas! I'm taking a few days off so see you all then! Don't eat too much (stuff that's bad for you) and remember to Give Big (no, I'm not affiliated with Harpo)!

Vintage Japanese Movie Posters

2008-12-23T01:31:00.007Z

You know how the japanese are, don't you? Severely talented at doing practically everything. Cool as hell cats, too. And when it comes to designing posters, there's no other way to put it: brilliant bastards. So here are a few of Ringo's movie posters as designed by some very clever niponic minds. If you can find more or know of more, please let me know. I'd be happy to include them on my little blog.

Young at heart

2008-12-22T01:33:00.003Z

Ah, to be young again. Just two days to go.

The Magical Mystery Tour

2008-12-21T01:48:00.004Z

A small treat for all of you out there: the famous Beatles "misfire", The Magical Mystery Tour movie.

Right now, I see you wondering: "what the heck does this have to do with Christmas?". Well, it does and I'll tell you how. This one little oddity was born in the apex of Beatlemania, when they thought that everything they'd do could not ever go wrong. Well, as it turns out, it was the beginning of the end of the (long by today's standards) love affair they had with the music press for years. It was broadcast on TV on Boxing Day (see, I told it had something to do with Christmas) and as TV transmissions at the time were still being made in black and white, the majority of the viewing audience did not "get" it. It's simple to see why, now. The film is so ebulient in colors and color effects that it could never work in black and white. Suffice to say that it was trashed by both public and critics alike.

Still, it's now regarded as an experimental work of some importance (read, lunacy) and an important legacy in the Beatles cannon. Its soundtrack it's actually one of my favorite Beatles records. Some pretty brilliant tracks in there. If you want to download it, just click here.

Shall we go for a ride, then?

I Wanna Be Santa Claus

2008-12-20T05:43:00.008Z

Well, I did tell you I was in the Christmas mood, didn't I? And what better way to celebrate it than with Ringo's very own Rock 'n' Roll contribution to the seemingly hundreds of thousand Yuletide-themed records that seem to exist in some form or another out there?

And what a perfectly charming record it is. You know, the thing I love about practically all of his solo musical output is that it's very straightforward, musically speaking. No unnecessary musical flourishes, just good old musicianship and songwriting. I guess he got tired of all those studio hours the Beatles devoted themselves in the last few records to, huh? Well, whatever reason,it's music played with complete honesty and total unpretention, something we are sorely lacking nowadays. I mean, you have to agree with me that all these indie bands that try to pretend that they're only in it for the music are making it very hard for us to believe in them, especially when they play all coy in interviews. I mean, come on!

Before I stray too much from the point of this post, let me just redirect you to the right side of the blog where you'll find the link to download through rapidshare the album you see above. As always the password is amrao.

Oh, and a big thank you to a special friend of mine who very wisely (and also very sweetly) recently gave me a Yellow Submarine vinyl sticker kind of like the one you see on the right! Very much appreciated!

Yuletide Follies

2008-12-19T01:14:00.003Z

Oh, God - I'm such a sucker for Christmas... and don't get me started on one of my most embarassing obsessions: weird Christmas albums... only some of my friends know about this and let's just say that they're not proud...

Some people complain about consumerism running wild in this season and a lack of true Christmas feeling but when I look at something like this on the left, I give up hope of ever stopping myself of buying junk that I have no real need for. Isn't it just the cutest thing you've ever seen? McFarland toys is the big culprit behind this and besides Ringo, you can also find all the other Beatles as well as some Blue Meanies too.

Anyway, now that I'm in the Christmas mood, expect some more Yuletide-themed posts coming your way right here in the coming days. See you soon.

1978 Ringo TV Special

2008-12-18T01:45:00.004Z

Christmas is just around the corner and don't you just love how somehow all over TV we get innundated with Holiday Specials? Well, me neither with some notable exceptions, of course (I admit being a fan of Sonny and Cher's Holiday Specials and Dame Edna's too! Nothing wrong with a bit of camp in your life, that's what I always say).

This 1978 Ringo TV Special was very kindly brought to my attention by the man behind the For the Love of Harry blog, you know, the nice chap I keep telling you about. And I couldn't thank him enough because now that I have some free time in my hands, I was able to watch it and boy, was it worth it! And now's your chance - go ahead, you know you want to.

Captain Caveman!

2008-12-10T02:53:00.011Z

The lovely image you see above is from the movie in which Ringo finally had a Starr-ing role in: Caveman.

As far as movies go, it's a very peculiar one. It doesn't have dialogue (at least, that you can understand because, this being a "pre-historic movie", characters mumble and grumble and grunt the whole way through), it's got stop-motion animation sequences when dinosaurs and other primitive fauna are involved and it was the start of a long and fruitful marriage of its main Starr and his second wife, Barbara Bach (see above picture as well).

I have to say I'm a sucker for this sort of movie, being a big fan of Jean-Jacques Annaud's La Guerre du Feu and the more recent french outing, RRRrrrr!! (if you haven't seen it, let's just say that it's a direct descendent of Caveman, but with very rude lines of dialogue that you can't stop laughing at). To say that I'm eager to check out Homo Erectus, a recent american venture into pre-historic humour, is putting it mildly.

Anyway, needless to say that Ringo plays the underdog that comes out winning in the end and that plenty of wacky action sequences and blank star(r)ing are involved. However, the movie works in its own rugged way and it's one of the most widely recognized and distributed of his entire erratic filmic career. Do check it out if you can.

Children and Cinema

2008-12-09T00:36:00.003Z

As promised, here I am to show you how the poster for December looks like. This month in particular is dedicated to films where children play a major role in and there are some really bona-fide classics in there that I just had to include and some very personal favorites as well.

Very eclectic choices as you can see and overall a very exciting month to be a part of over at O Pátio. So, be there!

Just some quick things

2008-12-07T20:18:00.004Z

Just a quick post here and a promise to come back tomorrow with the poster I made for the month of December for that weekly showing of films I mention below.

First of all, a BIG thank you to the guy that runs one of the most wonderful and complete blogs around, For the Love of Harry! He's emailed me with lots of lovely stuff for me to post in my little blog of blogs and that I shall be posting in the coming future. It's just that I've been a bit busy and still haven't come around to it.

Meanwhile, hope you enjoy the links I've added at the bottom right on a new column I decided to call, "Fun blogging". Lots of cool stuff for you to check out just around the corner.

See you tomorrow, then.

Families in Cinema

2008-12-05T22:48:00.005Z

Just catching up on some stuff I've been meaning to post but still haven't. The poster you see above is for a cycle of films dedicated to the portrayals of families on cinema. It was made by yours truly here and if you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that these movies and cycles are programmed by me as well and they're shown every Tuesday nights at around 10:30 p.m. on a very friendly coffee shop in Vila do Conde called O Pátio. If you know where it is, do drop in sometime. You're very welcome to do so.

This poster in particular was made for the month of November. On my next posts, I'm going to show you what the themes are for both December and January. Until then, have yourself a grand weekend!

Ringo Starr's Selected Solo Discography

2008-11-23T03:21:00.003Z

It's the weekend and I'm in the mood for some house-cleaning and a spot of a tiny make-over: if you notice on your right, I've added some more stuff for you to peruse and use at your own will. Yes, it's the long awaited Ringo Starr's Selected Solo Discography list. Like I said, use it at your own will. And risk. Each album has been linked to a Rapid Share file (not hosted by me and before you ask, no, I'm not getting anything out of this, just your complete and undivided attention, that's all) and the password for everything is: amrao. Have fun.

Last but not least, I've also added two links to a couple of friend's of mine blogs/live journal/internet ramblings/form of occupation for all the idlers in the world/shameless way of autopromotion/you get the picture by now I'm sure. Visit them once in a while. It's a win-win situation, I tell you. Honest. To God. Cross my heart and hope to die. On my way, now. Before you shut me down. Completely. Cheers!

Son of Dracula

2008-11-21T06:21:00.007Z

Hi, again! In this post I shall be postponing that pre-historic post yet again but also for a very good reason: I found you and myself yet another great link, courtesy once more by that great little blog called "For the Love of Harry, dedicated to all things Harry Nilsson". It's the link to a directly viewable version of that most elusive of Ringo's movies: Son of Dracula!

If you've ever wondered if it really is all that bad, well, now's the time for it. I personally wonder if Ringo ever wanted to "shoot himself in the head" at the general opinion of the movie at the time of its release? Didn't someone had the power to "pull the trigger" on all the production? Wait, that would be him...

Ringo's solo career

2008-10-29T06:59:00.003Z

Before I make that pre-historic post (see below), I just wanted to point you to a most wonderful link that answers that million-dollar question: how do you listen to each and every Ringo Starr solo album without spending a single penny? Simple, you just follow the link over here.

Remember my initial promise to also cover the output of Ringo's solo musical career? See, I found you and myself a much easier and not to mention, cheaper way to put that promise in motion. And since we're all living in difficult economical times and since the world of blogging is an altogether wonderful place to be and to visit, consider yourself fortunate that someone out there is doing all the work for your convenience. There. Now go and download some of your favorite Ringo albums and feel free to agree and disagree with me as I explore his very peculiar solo musical path.

Until we meet again!

Caveman, the movie

2008-10-12T04:52:00.003+01:00

Yes, I'm still here! Missed me? Yeah, I know - I'm starting to lose my audience. Let's see if the above poster will do the trick and get you all back again! Yep, I will be talking about Ringo's pre-historic one-off adventure, Caveman on my next post! Stay tuned!

Rambling on Ringo

2008-09-05T22:54:00.003+01:00

The lovely drawing you see above is by brazilian cartoonist Ademir Antônio Bacca and for me it captures so much of what Ringo means to me that I just had to share it with you lot out there. Hope you enjoy it.

Today's post will not be about any of Ringo's movies or even albums. I'm just taking a break here, I guess trying to make this a more interesting blog where I can also spill out of my rambling mind some thoughts and/or ideas that I suppose are interesting enough for me to expose them. Hope you don't mind. Don't expect anything highly philosophical, though. Want proof? Here's what crossed my mind today:

I would love to see a book completely dedicated to Ringo's movie career (and another one about his solo music output, but that's another story) and while I do know that such a book almost exists (the "almost" being that it covers everything else in his life - it's called Ringo Starr: A Life - but as I understand, it is written in a somewhat condescending way, which is wrong, naturally), I think that simply out of fun, someone should really consider such a possibility as a sure-fire winner, considering the variety and overall quality of the movie projects he was involved with. I mean, I bet that somewhere out there there's a book about "Toilet jokes The Beatles told while in the toilet", so why not this one, right?

To The Point!

2008-08-26T04:55:00.006+01:00

See, I told you my next post was going to be "animated". The charming poster you see above is for one of only two animation feature films Ringo was involved with (the other one being of course, Yellow Submarine). And who better than me than Wikipedia to tell you all about it:

The Point! is a fable by American songwriter and musician Harry Nilsson about a boy named Oblio, the only round-headed person in The Pointed Village, where by law everyone and everything had to have a point.

"I was on acid and I looked at the trees and I realized that they all came to points, and the little branches came to points, and the houses came to point. I thought, 'Oh! Everything has a point, and if it doesn't, then there's a point to it.'" -- Harry Nilsson

The film version of The Point! first aired February 2, 1971, at 7:30pm on the ABC television network as a "movie of the week." The film was directed by Fred Wolf and produced by Murakami-Wolf Films in association with Nilsson House Music. In this version, there is a framing device of a father telling his son the fable as a bedtime story. In its initial airing, the voice of the father was provided by Dustin Hoffman, but for contractual reasons later airings of the film could not use Hoffman's voice and it had to be re-recorded. The initial re-recording was done by actor Alan Barzman. The VHS and DVD releases feature Ringo Starr as the father.

I don't know why but I just happen to love Ringo's monochordic voice with that particularly delicious liverpuddlian accent, so I guess this little movie with a big message is a no-brainer for me. That reminds me, I really should be putting some money on the side for all the Ringo Starr-ing movies I've yet to see. And so should you!

And to further prove that I'm your best friend, here's a link to that wonderful blog I'm always mentioning about that will take you to the version of The Point! narrated by Dustin Hoffman. See what things I do for you?

Blecch

2008-08-21T21:11:00.006+01:00

The lovely image you see above is from an illustration world renowned graphic artist Frank Frazetta made for the back cover of MAD magazine #90, when he was still a fledgling painter trying to make a buck. It's actually one of my favorite pictures of Ringo and I'm sure it will be one of yours too if you read what it says below more carefully.

Anyway, expect a very "animated" post in the coming days about one of Ringo's more sought out items. Or is it Dustin Hoffman's? Intrigued? Well, stay posted.

Goodnight Ringo!

2008-07-31T21:03:00.004+01:00

A couple of quick things: just added a new link over at the Favorites section of the blog, entitled LP Cover Lover. I strongly suggest you check it out especially if you like watching (if not exactly listening) at old record covers. I literally spent more than an hour going through it when I first spotted it in this labyrinthine world they call blogging. Definitely worth your while.

And while I'm at it, here's my favorite Ringo album cover: the one for Goodnight Vienna. Isn't it just grand? And this one below here even comes autographed by the man himself as well as by two people who also performed on the album: Billy Preston (electric piano) and Bobby Keys (horns). Enjoy.

The Magic Christian

2008-07-30T19:53:00.004+01:00

One thing is for certain: Ringo has always surrounded himself with beautiful women in every single movie he was in. See above photo of him with sultry Raquel Welch for proof. And the females seem to be as smitten with him as he is with them. Can't really blame them, can you?

The Magic Christian is the sort of movie that was being made in the late 60's in England and, as such, it represented a very different view on the whole Psychedelic generation, which means, less flower power and more tea and whimsy instead. To say that Lewis Carroll's influence was at its strongest at this place in time is not an overstatement. British surrealism (sometimes mistaken by sheer eccentricity) was felt throughout all of the arts and even encouraged which resulted in some very powerful works, be it in the music scene (with the Zombies, Pink Floyd, a lot of folk acts too and even our own Beatles) or in Cinema, as well (Wonderwall and other quirky cinematic offerings come to mind).

So it's no suprise that by the end of The Magic Christian you will be left wondering what the heck have you just been watching. Yes, because the last part of the movie is particularly inventive and it literally throws everything out of the window including the kitchen sink! I'm refering to the scene shot at the proverbial Magic Christian, a boat for the rich and wealthy that is just being inaugurated by the richest man alive, a character played by Peter Sellers.

Ringo's part is of a down on his luck fellow that one day hits the jackpot when he is befriended and later adopted by Mr. Sellers himself. All sorts of mad situations and crazy settings dutefully ensue, as it should, anyway. And that's for the benefit of the movie, too.

Definitely not one for everyone but if you fancy watching Yul Brynner in drag, this is the movie for you! Oh, and I almost forgot: this movie was adapted from a book by Terry Southern, the one that also wrote another movie Ringo Starr-ed in: Candy. Now you really want to see it, don't you?

Magic's on the way!

2008-07-22T07:18:00.003+01:00

Expect a magical post in the coming days...

Life's a drag, baby!

2008-07-18T23:11:00.003+01:00

The poster you see above is the one that was created to illustrate this current month's movie theme on that weekly showing of films I do in Pátio - that kooky, quirky and very bohemian coffee-shop located in Vila do Conde. So, if you go there every Tuesday night at 10:30 p. m. sharp, you will be treated to a series of films centering on the very outrageous lives of that wonderful being called The Drag Queen. Wonderfully campy cinema, all month long!

Blindman

2008-07-17T21:05:00.003+01:00

If you've just heard a sound of someone sneaking (or trying to, anyway), that was me just now entering this blog. Yes, I know - long time, no posts. Apologies to all of you that have been visiting us - me and bloggie, here - only to find that I haven't been very active lately. Not anymore, though.

And keeping with my promise, I'm going to talk to you a little bit about Blindman, the one Ringo movie to venture into Spaghetti Western territories. And it's a quirky, clever little number, too. Directed by italian genre filmmaker, Ferdinando Baldi (did some peplums and some fairly well-known movies with star Franco Nero), it starts off slowly, as any self-respecting Spaghetti Western should, anyway. Ringo, however, is not the star of the show - the eponimous Blindman is played by Tony Anthony, who had made a name for himself in this particular genre of movies. Ringo's character is named (curiously) Candy, just like the name of the female protagonist of a movie he had just been in a couple of years before.

So how does this movie came about and how did Ringo get involved in it in the first place, you might ask? Well, I guess it was just a matter of him telling former Beatles agent Allen Klein that he wanted to be in a Spaghetti Western and the rest just sort of happened. Let's not forget that The Beatles as a brand name was still very strong then, so it's not completely bonkers to assume that this sort of thing was very common then. Heck, even now music moguls and recording companies are making millions out of their past! Still!

The story itself was slightly based on a japanese character named Zatoichi (also a blind, lonely figure out on a mission) but the similarities end there. Blindman's story and story setting are very different ones and if you expect me to tell you all about it, well, sorry to disappoint you but I won't - get the movie instead and enjoy the wonderful cinematography on display, the evocative music and the rare chance of watching 50 naked women running before your eyes. Ahh, now you really want to see it, don't you?

Copy/Paste

2008-05-31T01:10:00.003+01:00

The month of June is just around the corner (although judging from the weather, you'd think not) and another slew of films has been lined up for the viewing pleasures of that lovely motley crue of people that form the usual human landscape over at O Pátio, that curious little coffee shop in Vila do Conde that I mentioned earlier in the blog.

This month in particular, I'm playing a sort of two double-bills of movies that have been remade. So, if you go there on any Tuesday night of June at roughly 22:30 p.m., you'll find yourself wondering, "haven't I seen this one just last week?". Not quite, as you will see. Anyway, the invitation has been made so do come along!

Go blind, man!

2008-05-18T05:31:00.007+01:00

Hello there Ringo aficionados! Just a quick post here and a taste of things to come: here's the italian trailer for Ringo's foray into the Spaghetti Western genre - Blindman. Enjoy and I'll be back soon to talk about it!

OST - 3rd Part

2008-05-12T03:38:00.004+01:00

Apologies in advance for the delay in posting the third and final part of my little survey of the soundtracks for most of Ringo's filmography.

So, last stop was Son of Dracula (and remember you can download it for free on that Harry Nilsson blog I mentioned below) and I guess that next I'll be talking about one of the most troubled title of all of Ringo's filmography: Lisztomania, that crazy whirlwind of a motion picture that continues to be absent on the DVD market as of now. Come on, Warner Brothers - move those behinds, ok?! But first things first. Its soundtrack was composed by Yes frontman, Rick Wakeman, of prog-rock fame. He went ahead and adapted some of Franz Liszt's original compositions in a style all his own. You can imagine the results, ladies and gentlemen. Oh, yes. They're over the top, alright. But strangely and imaginatively effective. But as we will see, we have now two different soundtracks for that particular movie: you can find the original one here and a recently (as of 2003) released and revised version is also out on CD. Get it here. Here's what the Amazon product description says about it:

This is an extremely rare find as the master tapes were long since considered destroyed, back in 1975 Rick was asked to oversee & write a lot of the music for the film 'Lizstomania' which was directed by Ken Russell. Rick was also given a part in the film & played the god Thor. A soundtrack album was produced by Rick which was subsequently turned down by A&M records. A&M then produced a soundtrack of their own which had very little of Rick on it & yet they thoughtfully put his name on the front cover. Rick was furious to say the least & hated the soundtrack album & told the press accordingly. It sold accordingly as well! The film became one of the cult films of all time & to find this original soundtrack is quite unbelievable as there was only one master ever produced & somehow it has survived more than 25 years in a box amongst some old football shorts!

I wonder whose shorts they were from! Anyway, both editions are out and for completists only, get them just to get a clearer picture of how things turn out.

Next on the list is the Mae West vehicle, Sextette. I cannot seem to find evidence that a LP was ever issued back in the day and since the movie was such a bomb at the box-office, I reckon nothing ever came out. However, the ever trustworthy Imdb has a soundtrack listing here that is of some help.

Finally, we have that glorious pre-historic comedy, Caveman, one of the most treasured among Ringo's movies and a landmark in itself on his private life (curious to know how, ain't ya? Well, you just have to wait until I post about it, ok?). Famous composer Lalo Schifrin wrote the score and sure enough, it's out on CD. Get it here.

Well, that completes my little survey and I hope I've been of some help. Do you feel yourself getting more and more into the Ringomania vibe? If you do, watch this space for even more and more of his erratic film career and my crazy ramblings. However, I could not leave you without posting what I just found: a picture of two of my favorite people, Ringo and Ms. Shelley Duvall. Together!

David Cronenberg

2008-05-06T04:14:00.004+01:00

Just a quick post before I continue to track down the soundtrack availability of most of Ringo's filmography (which I promise to do it tomorrow at roughly the same time).

As I mentioned earlier on this blog, I run a weekly showing of films in a small coffee-shop in Vila do Conde called O Pátio. This month of May, I am dedicating it entirely to that crazed genius of the Venereal Horror, David Cronenberg himself. Yep, no Ringo films as of yet but I will try to sneak one or two one of these months. Meanwhile, enjoy the poster:

It's on every Tuesday nights at 22:30 sharp!

OST - 2nd Part

2008-04-28T02:03:00.004+01:00

Glad you could make it because you're just in time for the second part of my attempt at tracking down the soundtrack recordings to most of Ringo's filmography. And we enter the 70's.

The Point! is a very peculiar animation long-feature (the first to be made for TV) and it was born entirely out of Harry Nilsson's head (Nilsson is a name that pops up frequently when talking about Ringo's life and career as you will see, because the two of them were close friends and collaborated quite often during the 70's decade). He came up with the idea for it ("I was on acid and I looked at the trees and I realized that they all came to points, and the little branches came to points, and the houses came to points. I thought, 'Oh! Everything has a point, and if it doesn't, then there's a point to it." - Harry Nilsson)and even wrote and composed the entire soundtrack. On For the Love of Harry, a wonderful blog about Harry Nilsson, you can find and download the entire soundtrack in this link here. Am I or am I not your best friend right now? Of course I'm not. But I will be. Just bear with me some more paragraphs.

Moving on, we find Frank Zappa's first movie effort, 200 Motels. This particular title has the distinction of being the first feature film to be entirely shot on video and then transfered to 35 mm. And it's still not out on DVD. Vent away your frustrations, all you Ringo and Zappa fans because as things are right now, you will not see this one through legit ways in a long, long time. In other words, get it through the grey market. Anyway, the soundtrack is out on CD (a double-disc, no less) and I actually have it and can recommend it very highly (it even comes with a small poster inside and all). Get it here.

The Spaghetti Western Blindman (which is out on DVD and is one of the movies that I will be talking very soon about) score was written by Stelvio Cipriani and while not particularly memorable, it has its moments and if you like the genre, give it a try. Who knows, you might even like it. Check out more info at that amazing reference site I mentioned to you about on the just below post, Soundtrack Collector.

Next stop is the glam wet dream of Born to Boogie, a part movie/part documentary/part concert film about Marc Bolan and his T. Rex band, directed and produced by Ringo himself. It's a wonderful time capsule of a movie and it's thankfully out on DVD in a fantastically produced 2xDVD edition with all the bells and whistles. And yes, you can get it also on CD here. For fans or initiated, this stuff is glorious. Highly recommended, of course. And from Glam to Rock and Roll as we move into one of Ringo's best movies (no, seriously), That'll Be The Day, the David Essex vehicle. No CD soundtrack appears to be available at the moment, which is a shame considering the amount of old Rock 'n' Roll gems it contains. IMDB lists some of them. Definitely one to get your fingers on, both movie and music.

We've now reached roughly half-way through the 70's and I'll leave the other half to the next time but before I go, I'm going to provide a link for a free download of the complete soundtrack to Son of Dracula (that peculiar movie I talked about earlier on this blog), from that wonderful Harry Nilsson blog I mentioned above. It's currently Out of Print on CD, so grab it now! See, I told you I was going to become your best friend.

OST - Part One

2008-04-27T02:01:00.003+01:00

Hello there! Missed me? Of course you all did! Want to know more about Ringo? Guessed you would! So here goes nothing.

Today, I'm going to sort of provide enough info and links to the soundtracks of most of Ringo's filmography. Am I up for the task? Well, that's what we are going to find out very, very soon.

Starting with The Beatles output, you can easily find them on any Amazon shop. Here are the links for Hard Day's Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine and Let It Be. Worth noting that these last two albums have alternate versions: here is the link for the former and the one for the latter.

As for Candy, as far as I know, there hasn't been any re-release on CD, although there definitely was one on LP format. Here is the link to a wonderful site I'll be linking more on this and other future posts that proves just that. Check out the cover artwork for the various LP releases too. Soundtrack Collector is a wonderful reference site for anyone even vaguely interested in Music written for the Cinema. Moving on, we have a tricky one. The Magic Christian did have a LP soundtrack release but sadly, there's been no sign of it on CD until now. Here's the link that proves it. However, if you want to listen to some of the songs written for it, you can find them at the Badfinger album, Magic Christian Music. Apparently, Paul McCartney was involved in it too, so I guess this is Beatles' completist heaven for some. Not for me, though.

Anyway, now that we've covered the 60's period and given you enough to google by, I promise to write about the 70's soundtracks tomorrow but before I leave, here's some more Ringo for thought (yup, I'll be talking about the movie this picture was taken from in the future as well, don't you worry):

Candy

2008-04-22T03:38:00.005+01:00

The movie Ringo co-STARRed in that I'm going to write some words about today is readily available on DVD for quite a long time (though now currently Out of Print in the US but not in the UK), so if by the end of this post, you feel interested in checking it out, that particular task won't be as hard as the previously mentioned films in this little blog of ours.

It's called Candy, as you can see by the original theatrical poster on the left, and it was made in 1968 by frenchman Christian Marquand at the height of the hippie movement. And boy, does it show! Adapted from the novel by Terry Southern by the same name, it tells the story of a young ingénue named, you guessed it, Candy and her many adventures in search of... well, something. I've watched the movie quite a few times (rewatched it in fact just this weekend to prepare myself for these words) and I am still not sure what the movie is about.

Just so you can get a better picture of it, it involves a constantly wind-swept poet, a mexican gardener who's studying to become a priest (our own Ringo Starr, no less!), false indian gurus, homicidal surgeons, underground temples, members of the U. S. Army, a flying hunchback and the Mob! To confuse matters even more, apparently Southern's novel was loosely basen on literary classic Candide, by Voltaire, also the story of a naif character (a man, this time around) in search of Optimism. Sounds too erudite to you? Well, it should: it was written by a philosopher, if you're still wondering who Voltaire was.

With this sort of material, it should've been easy to make a fantastic movie, right? Right. But not in this case, though. Candy is yet another glorious cinematic mess that leaves you dumbfounded at the end and viewing it 40 years on, I'm quite sure that even the hippie crowd (clearly the target audience this movie was fabricated for) had a hard time figuring it all out. Nevertheless, it features some amazing cinematography by Fellini regular, Giuseppe Rotunno which achieves the impossible: to keep us glued to the screen for its whole two hours. No mean feat, I tell you.

And what about Ringo's part in it? Well, let's just say that his mexican accent sounds too liverpudlian to be believable but to see him on the big screen is always a pleasure (for me, at least). He seemed to enjoy it too, judging by the picture below with newcomer Ewa Aulin...

Good Morning!

2008-04-18T11:11:00.005+01:00

Top o' the morning to y'all! Hope you've been having a fantastic week. The weekend is just around the corner and make yourself a favour and enjoy it to the max, ok?

Now, while I'm still wondering which next Ringo movie to talk to you about on my next post (the choices are still so many and so juicily good that I'm really having trouble figuring out which one to choose), I'll leave you with the full picture from legendary cartoonist Al Hirschfeld that you can currently get a sneak peak at in my current profile. It's actually quite good, which coming from the author in question, is an understatement. Take a look -

Lisztomania

2008-04-13T02:00:00.004+01:00

Hello, blog-goers (just made up this crappy new word on the spot)! Well, here I am again to tell you a little bit more about Lisztomania, a 1975 Ken Russell film starring The Who frontman, Roger Daltrey and co-STARRing our one and only Ringo Starr in a very peculiar role as we shall see.

Apparently, this is the movie that Ken Russell (himself belonging to that rare and dying breed that constitute the Great British Eccentrics) wanted to make before he was approached by The Who to transform their double-album Rock Opera, Tommy, into a moving musical picture. Because that particular project was so successful, Russell got the go-ahead signal from the folks at Warner Bros. to come up with a fantasized bio-pic on classic composer Franz Liszt. For anyone wondering, Russell did not come up with the title - it was borrowed from a biography with the same name. Perfect, don't you think?

Anyway, this movie, like most of Russell's, is a love it or hate it affair. Those who like to indulge in the dizzy realms of that grand art that is High Camp, will find plenty to enjoy here, be it from the over-the-top sceneries and performances or from the liberty the author grants himself to go past over such silly and impractical things as historical accuracy or narrative plausibility. Not to worry, dear readers: it's all done in excellent bad taste.

Yes, we have giant penises, Richard Wagner dying and ressuscitating as Hitler, Richard Wakeman as a sort of mixture of Asterix and a Viking, a heavenly spaceship in the full sense of the word (I won't ruin this one for you as you have to see it to believe it) and finally, Ringo as the Pope, wearing cowboy boots. With that said, if you still haven't ran to get this movie at all costs, you simply'll never know how much fun you are missing. Yes, it's another MODVD, folks.

That reminds me: one of these days, I have to start making online petitions for those damned MODVD movies. And that's a promise! I leave you with a poster for Lisztomania I just found and one I've never seen before. Enjoy it!

À escolha do freguês

2008-04-10T20:40:00.004+01:00

Just a small, harmless plug here: I am in charge of a weekly showing of films on a very nice Cafe in the town where I live. It's called O Pátio and it's quite the melting pot, as coffee-shops go! Below, you'll find the poster and the movies that are being played this month (it's People's choice, all April long) -

Franz Liszt! Chop Sticks!

2008-04-08T03:06:00.008+01:00

Question: what do Roger Daltrey, Franz Liszt, Ken Russell, giant penises, Hitler, Richard Wagner, Rick Wakeman, Ringo Starr and the Pope have to do with the movie from which the above poster comes from?

Find out all about it in my next post as we journey into the unknown territory of Ringo's MODVD (missing on DVD, for those who'd like to know) filmography! Stay tuned!

Son of Dracula

2008-04-07T02:24:00.004+01:00

Well, as promised here I am to tell you a little bit about the movie from which the poster I posted (a little aliteration never hurt anybody) down below comes from.

As you can easily tell, it's called Son of Dracula and reputedly, it's one of the worst movies ever made (which instantly makes it a "must see" in my book), having only played for a week in Atlanta in 1974, the year of its release (and my birth year, coincidently). It was directed by none other than Freddie Francis, cinematographer extraordinaire and the man behind the visuals of such great masterpieces such as The Innocents and The Elephant Man, just to name a couple of movies he was behind the camera.

Anyway, feeling a little bit lazy here so I'll just quote a small synopsis from Wikipedia:

Son of Dracula is a musical comedy film released in 1974 by Apple Films, starring Harry Nilsson and Ringo Starr. It is also the title of a Harry Nilsson album released in conjunction with the film. It includes Nilsson songs that were showcased in the film as well as portions of dialogue, used as bridging sequences. All song tracks with the exception of "Daybreak" are from Nilsson Schmilsson (1971) and Son of Schmilsson (1972), albums previously released.

Ringo Starr appears as Merlin the Magician, who follows the birth and rise of young Count Downe, played by Harry Nilsson. Starr and Nilsson were longtime friends, and Starr had played drums on Son of Schmilsson, which had spoofed horror movie motifs. A year or so later, Starr decided to make a rock and roll Dracula movie, and invited Nilsson to come on board. Nilsson thought at first the whole idea came from his recent album; as it turned out, Starr hadn't followed its release, and until then-wife Maureen brought him a copy, he didn't even know Nilsson had already used a similar theme.

Intrigued? So am I. Want to watch it? So would I. But sadly there's never been any release of Son of Dracula on any home video format. Over at YouTube land, there used to be a way to watch it in its entirety but that option is now no longer available (I guess it must have been pulled down due to rights issues). The only way out is to find a decent bootleg DVD and buy it. Not that I'm endorsing bootlegging or anything like that but in extreme cases like these anything goes, me guesses.

One last thing: notice the similarity between the cover artwork for Harry Nilsson's The Son of Schmilsson and the soundtrack for Son of Dracula -

Help!

2008-04-02T22:11:00.008+01:00

Just a quick post today (and I know I'm cheating, I should be talking about Son of Dracula instead... rest assured, I will!) but I just wanted to share with you this earth-shattering fact: I went out and finally got myself the new Help! DVD [earth crumbles into oblivion noises]. Wow, my life is full, isn't it?

Anyway, the DVD is great, it's fantastic even, and already went through all the extras and booklet, with foreword by the director himself (Richard Lester) and an appreciation of the film by none other than Martin Scorsese. Yup. We're in the big league here, gentlemen.

Must dash now. See you all next time.

Q & A

2008-04-02T02:01:00.001+01:00

So, in case you haven't guessed the mini-quizz on the post below, yes, it's The Beatles. No prizes for this one, I'm afraid.

Anyway, I think I should clarify in a more... um, clarifying way, what the purpose of this blog really is. You see, for years the mere vision or mention of Mr. Starr was a kind of baffling one. I mean, he's the odd one out, isn't he? And yet, the world would have been a poorer and sadder place without him. Being a sort of cinema buff, once in a while I would happen to catch or watch a film in which he STARRed in. And most of the time, he wasn't to be found amongst the best examples of the 7th Art, as it has come to be called. In fact, he's been in quite a number of cinematic misfires. The ones that are so off the beaten track that they cannot help themselves turning into cult classics. Just the kind I happen to love, actually.

So, what I'm trying to say is that my real appreciation for his talents came from watching those very same movies. And just like the world we live in, they would have been a lot poorer and sadder without Mr. Starr STARRing in them. I'll cut to the chase: for the duration of this blog, I will try to make my readers aware that Ringo (if he doesn't mind me calling him that) has had one of the most peculiar film careers ever and we're all the ones who should be thankful for that. Putting a little bit of fun in everything he touches. That's one of the main reasons I'm his fan.

Oh, and occasionally you can also expect to find some reviews of mine for his solo albums (also a most peculiar side to his overall career). And since I'm still a long way until I see each and every one of his movies and listen to each and every one of his albums, this blog will be just an adventure for me as it will be (maybe) to you, the reader. Are you up for the ride?

I leave you with the poster of a quite obscure movie that I will talk in more detail next time (and one I still haven't watched yet, though I'm dying to!).

Hello!

2008-04-01T03:27:00.001+01:00

Hi, there!

First ever post on a(nother) blog being inaugurated this instant on the place we now have come to call second home (yes, you guessed it: the www). One born every minute. Just like crap ideas.

With that out of the way, I'd just like to say that this will be a place where you will be able to find all sort of things and up-to-date news and reviews connected with that all-too familiar face (and body!) behind the drums of the most famous band to ever grace pop-dom. No, I'm not talking about The Spice Girls. They don't even have a drummer. Hey, they're not even a band, you know? In case you haven't figured it out yet, I'll tell you all about in on my second post.

Until then, I leave you with my favorite photo of Mr. Starr himself: I give you ...[drum roll]... RINGO!