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Ricardo Cortez biography 'The Magnificent Heel: The Life and Films of Ricardo Cortez' – Paramount's 'Latin Lover' threat to a recalcitrant Rudolph Valentino, and a sly, seductive Sam Spade in the original film adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's 'The Maltese Falcon.' 'The Magnificent Heel: The Life and Films of Ricardo Cortez': Author Dan Van Neste remembers the silent era's 'Latin Lover' & the star of the original 'The Maltese Falcon' At odds with Famous Players-Lasky after the release of the 1922 critical and box office misfire The Young Rajah, Rudolph Valentino demands a fatter weekly paycheck and more control over his movie projects. The studio – a few years later to be reorganized under the name of its distribution arm, Paramount – balks. Valentino goes on a “one-man strike.” In 42nd Street-style, unknown 22-year-old Valentino look-alike contest winner Jacob Krantz of Manhattan steps in, shortly afterwards to become known worldwide as Latin Lover Ricardo Cortez of...

Apparently there’s an election happening somewhere at the moment. So what better time to test your knowledge of these campaign themed films.

Mr Smith Goes to Washington

The Best Man

Citizen Kane

Seven Days in May

Swing Vote

Bulworth

Bob Roberts

Election

The Manchurian Candidate

Dr Strangelove

Seven Days in May

Advise & Consent

The Candidate

The Campaign

The Contender

The Conquest

Meet John Doe

State of the Union

All the King's Men

The Great McGinty

Silver City

W.

The Ides of March

The American President

Three Days of the Condor

Taxi Driver

The Parallax View

The Candidate

Our Brand Is Crisis

State of Play

No

The Motorcycle Diaries

The Great McGinty

The Grapes of Wrath

Torchy Runs for Mayor

The Last Hurrah

Man of the Year

Napoleon Dynamite

Wag the Dog

Head of State

Continue reading...

There are different themes and moods associated with each season that, aside from the weather, make them remarkably different from one another. Summer in particular is associated with vitality, energy, and joy, while winter, in contrast, is most linked to death, lethargy, and hopelessness. These seasonal moods extend to all aspects of pop culture like movies and music too. Albums like 808s and Heartbreak, Reflektor, and Led Zeppelin IV are clearly winter albums, while Some Girls, True Blue, and Californication are without question summer albums.

Even comic books reflect this trend as some are more fit for particular seasons or times of the day than others. Some comics like Daredevil and Batman are nighttime books, while Superman and Amazing Spider-Man are daytime books. Batman Red Rain should be read around Halloween, while The Ultimates and The Ultimates 2 are the comic book equivalent of summer blockbusters. Below is my list of...

While Benedict Cumberbatch’s Hollywood star is on the continual rise, there aren’t many major projects that the star hasn’t been linked to, but now we have definite news about the actor’s next movie. Variety reports that Cumberbatch has signed up for new thriller Blood Mountain, coming from Mongol and Seventh Son director Sergei Bodrov, based on a script by The Last Hurrah writer Jonathan W. Stokes (with rewrites by The Lincoln Lawyer scribe John Romano). According to the reported synopsis for the film, the story follows “a private...

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Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness) has added another film to his busy schedule with the thriller, Blood Mountain. Now before you get confused, no, this is not a retitling of Guillermo del Toro's Crimson Peak, which previously had Cumberbatch attached before Tom Hiddleston replaced him. Blood Mountain is a new thriller penned by Jonathan W. Stokes (The Last Hurrah) with revisions by John Romano (The Lincoln Lawyer) in a 3:10 to Yuma-type tale which finds a special forces member escorting a most-wanted terrorist through hostile territory to bring him to justice. Hit the jump for more. Variety reports that Cumberbatch has joined Blood Mountain. Here's their reported logline: The film follows a private military contractor whose special forces team is ambushed and killed during a covert raid, forcing him to personally escort one of the world’s most wanted terrorists over hostile terrain in order to bring him to justice.

Movies You Haven't Seen with the Cast of The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is the biggest comedy on television. And as it saturates syndication while continuing to rack up big numbers during its prime time debut of new episodes, more and more fans are becoming addicted to the wacky antics of Leonard and Sheldon, two brilliant but socially awkward physicists living together and working in Pasadena, California, as they juggle their relationships and friendships with Penny, Amy Farrah Fowler, Howard, Raj, Bernadette and Stuart. Before and during their long and successful 7 season run, the entire cast has contributed to some lesser known movies that you may have never seen or even heard about. If you've already watched every single episode of The Big Bang Theory at least twice, and are looking for a Bazinga fix before new episodes return in 2014 (or you're just looking for something weird...

She became a worldwide star portraying Harry Potter's pal Hermione Granger and is now getting buzz for her portrayal of a member the infamous group of teenagers who went around breaking into and robbing the homes of celebrities in the new crime drama The Bling Ring. Here are five things you may not know about Emma Watson.

1. Born Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson on April 15, 1990 in Paris, France. She lived in France until she was five and then moved with her mother and younger brother to England after her parents divorced.

Pics: The Last Hurrah for the Cast of Harry Potter

2. Became the youngest person ever to appear on the cover of Teen Vogue magazine at age 15.

3. Has admitted she had a crush on Harry Potter co-star Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy. "For the first two movies, I had a huge crush on Tom Felton. He was my first crush," she told People...

Interview Rachel Bowles 28 Mar 2013 - 07:45

We spoke to the inimitable Rik Mayall about his return to Jonathan Creek, the scrapped Bottom reunion, and why he is Jesus...

Just a word of warning for the faint-hearted. Before you proceed, the following interview contains some, ahem, colourful language from Dr the Rik Mayall, a pan-global phenomenon, and the only one of his kind...

(Oh, and any TV, film, radio or theatre writers reading this, there's an open talent call at the end, so have your business cards at the ready).

This is your return to Jonathan Creek as the formidable Di Gideon Pryke...

The very first time I was offered Gideon Pryke was straight after Blair assassinated me, when I fell off my quad bike...’fell off’ my quad bike. I was medically dead for five days, this was the day before Good Friday before Easter. 2000 years after Jesus.

(nervous laughter)

Oh you can laugh,...

The action continues to heat up on Southfork as the twists, turns and double crossings pile up on top of each other in Dallas. In this week's episode, Jr (Larry Hagman) and John Ross (Josh Henderson) reveal what lengths they will go to for a chance to get their hands on the famous Southfork ranch, using blackmail and lies to get their own way. Dallas episode four 'The Last Hurrah' - Photo gallery

However, things don't go totally Jr's way as he discovers that (more)...

It was "The Last Hurrah" on this week's Dallas as Southfork was packed up and the final Ewing Barbecue kicked off, but the drama is far from over. 

Our Round Table team of Jim Garner, Dan Forcella, Sean McKenna, and Christine Orlando debate Christopher's methods for distancing himself from Elena and what whether Rebecca will come clean or continue the con.

Join our Dallas Round Table and add your answers in the comments below!

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What was your favorite scene?

Jim:  Chris finally confiding in Bobby. It was a pretty cool father/son talk where Bobby was treating him like the man he is and Chris was finally honest about his fears.

Dan:  Stolen!  All of the Bobby/Christopher stuff was definitely my favorite as well Jim.  Nothing like Patrick Duffy laying down some wisdom for the youngsters.

Sean:  I agree with Jim about the father son talk. It was...

So far this season, Dallas been about all the little schemes the characters have been cooking up in order to get their piece of the pie. Whether that pie is Southfork, a patent on methane extraction or just a little extra cash, the show has certainly had a lot of balls in the air. Now, with the fourth episode, it looks as though – in classic Dallas fashion – some of the allegiances that made these schemes a possibility are beginning to fall apart.

The big question, however, still revolves around the pending sale of Southfork. Since underhanded lawyer Mitch Lobell (Richard Dillard) has held up the delivery of the very documents that will finalize the sale (and effectively put Southfork in the hands of J.R.), ...

Click to continue reading ‘Dallas’ Season 1, Episode 4: ‘The Last Hurrah’ Recap...

The love quadrangle on Dallas has me spinning, as "The Last Hurrah" makes it clear that no one is getting out of this mess unscathed.

In a nutshell, Rebecca is in love with Christopher... who loves both her and Elena. Elena has feelings for both Christopher and John Ross and even John Ross seems truly smitten. In the end, everyone's hearts are on the line here and there's no way someone doesn't get hurt.

Unfortunately, it looks like Elena's the first victim. I'm fine with Christopher making a decision to stay with his wife but can't he just tell Elena he's not comfortable with them working together anymore and end it honestly?

Handing her that check was damn cold. Telling her she's untrustworthy because she's always been out to prove she's more than just the help's daughter? That was downright cruel. It's not as though Elena's pushing for more from him.

Actress Valerie Azlynn’s repertoire of supporting roles in both film and television is extremely impressive. If you’re a fan of hit sitcoms such as The Big Bang Theory, Castle, Two and a Half Men and How I Met Your Mother or blockbuster films Tropic Thunder, Bewitched and Poseidon, then you’ve seen Valerie’s work. In addition to her popular guest appearances, Valerie had a leading role on the Tbc comedy series Welcome to The Captain and the indie film Caroline & Jackie. Now, the Connecticut native (born Valerie Asselin) is embarking on a new project that is bound to make us laugh: TBS comedy Sullivan and Son!

Azlynn stars as Melanie, the only female regular on the series. The show centers on Steve Sullivan, played by funnyman Steve Byrne, a successful corporate NYC lawyer who decides to leave the big city to take over his parent’s bar...

"Harry Potter" is the most successful film franchise ever made, with its eight films earning a record-shattering $7.7 billion worldwide... but it's never won a single Oscar. Like Ron and Hermione's climactic kiss, the Academy should -- no, needs to -- finally take serious notice and give the magical movie saga some much-needed love.

The series has gone 0 for 9 in previous nominations, most of which were in technical categories. And even though the series' incredible final film, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2" has gotten no love at all this awards season -- yet -- this could still be the Chosen One's year to triumph (with a Best Picture nomination, we hope). Here's why:

The Last Hurrah: Usually "sequels" don't fare very well with the Academy (okay, less than well -- only two have ever won, "The Godfather Part II" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King...

Twenty books and fifty-six movies later, the “Harry Potter” franchise comes to a close with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2″, thus ending one of the most profitable movie franchises in cinematic history. There hasn’t been a franchise that cleaned up at the box office this thoroughly since Ken Burns’ incredible 67-part documentary about the making of butter. Remember that one? The episode about how butter helped win World War II totally blew my mind. Anyhoo. The last hurrah for Harry and the gang now comes home to DVD, Blu-ray, and for download on November 11, 2011 from Warner Bros. Home Video. In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he...

Hey Guys,

A few teasers for you this week, ranging from Castle all the way to Parenthood. It's crammed full of exclusive Stv content, so enjoy!

Castle

Episode 4.12

We have a new recurring character on the block; Robert Wheldon, who is an African-American handsome politician.

He's involved in a crime, suggesting a case for the team that spans over a few weeks.

Raising Hope

Episode 2.11 is called "It's a Hopeful Life."

The episode features a Christmas movie with a family similar to the Chance's, the difference being they are incredibly over the top

Episode 2.12 is called "Tarot Cards."

Featuring in the episode is acrobats who must be training in acrobatics. Stunner!

The Middle

Episode 3.10 is called "Thanksgiving III."

Frankie's family and her sister Janet's family both head to their parent's house for the holidays.

Axl finds himself crushing over a cashier at the mini-mart, but even grandpa can't help his chances,...

Take a stroll through the backlot; it’s High Noon.Sure, there’s a shootin’ gone down in this photo, but we like the set more than the action. Just look at it:

This still from the climax of High Noon gives a pretty good view of the back end of the western street at the Columbia Ranch in Burbank (now owned by Warner Bros. and rechistened the Warner Ranch). That street is now a parking lot, but it was still standing in 1983 when I shot part of Gremlins there. Zach Galligan’s house, on the flip side of the old west street, was on the same block as Blondie’s home and Dennis the Menace’s. The back yard of Dick Miller’s place led right into what was left of a Mexican village used in Lady from Shanghai. Often I would wander over to the western street and...

The mornings will never be the same. Regis Philbin revealed on Live With Regis and Kelly Tuesday morning that Nov. 18 will officially be his last day cohosting his popular syndicated gabfest after 28 years of hamming it up on the air. "Friday, November 18 is my last day," the 80-year-old host told viewers. "But don't worry, the show goes on." Come on, Reeg, is that really your final answer? As it turns out, he couldn't have picked a better day. The last hurrah will be smack in the middle of fall sweeps, ensuring a big boost in the ratings. Of course, leave it to Philbin to make light of his pending retirement (from being on-camera at any...

In recent years France has been among the front-runners in pushing the boundaries of modern horror. With such offerings as Frontier(s), Inside and High Tension, French filmmakers have been making us seriously squirm. It is with this reminder of the quality of their filmmaking that we at Dread Central bring you an announcement of the film list from the 17th Annual L'Etrange Festival, France's biggest horror film festival.

With over 70 films being screened and more than 17,000 attendees expected to descend on Paris, Le'Etrange Festival

Below we have the Complete listing of the festival's events:

From the Press Release

L’Étrange Festival – a unique event bringing filmgoers a fascinating roster of provocative and eye-opening films – is thrilled to announce the line-up for its 17th edition, September 2 – 11, 2011 in Paris, France.

The 2011 line-up continues the tradition of highlighting emerging talent, paying homage to independent-minded filmmakers and featuring a truly diverse program that includes cutting-edge works,...

After Dark Films has purchased Jonathan W. Stokes's action script "El Gringo" which Joel Silver will executive produce says Deadline.

The story centers on an American who crosses the border into Mexico with a bullet in his arm and $2.3 million in cash, looking to head to Acapulco and retire on the beach.

He soon discovers quickly that his plan is easier said than done. Shooting would begin later this year.

Stokes also wrote the Wall Street-set action thriller "Murders and Acquisitions", and wrote and directed the college grad drama "The Last Hurrah"...

After Dark Films has purchased Jonathan W Stokes' action script El Gringo. Deadline reports that Joel Silver is serving as executive producer on the film, which is set to begin production later this year. The plot centers on "an American who crosses the border into Mexico with a bullet in his arm and $2.3 million in cash, looking to head to Acapulco and retire on the beach. But he discovers quickly that his plan is easier said than done." Stokes also wrote Murders and Acquisitions, an actioner set on Wall Street, and he wrote and directed The Last Hurrah, about the last night of a group of students before they graduate college.

This sounds like it will be a gritty action film along the lines of Sam Peckinpah's Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia. It will be interesting to see who gets tapped to direct and star in this film.

Jonathan Stokes El Gringo sold to After Dark for Joel Silver to executive produce. El Gringo tells of an American who crosses into Mexico with a bullet in his arm and $2.3 million in cash, aiming to get to Acapulco and retire. He soon learns the plan is easier said than done. Stokes also has written the action flick Murders and Acquisitions, which is set on Wall Street. He directed and wrote The Last Hurrah which focuses on the last night of a group of students before graduation. Production on El Gringo is set to start later this year...

Jonathan Stokes El Gringo sold to After Dark for Joel Silver to executive produce. El Gringo tells of an American who crosses into Mexico with a bullet in his arm and $2.3 million in cash, aiming to get to Acapulco and retire. He soon learns the plan is easier said than done. Stokes also has written the action flick Murders and Acquisitions, which is set on Wall Street. He directed and wrote The Last Hurrah which focuses on the last night of a group of students before graduation. Production on El Gringo is set to start later this year...

Jonathan Stokes El Gringo sold to After Dark for Joel Silver to executive produce. El Gringo tells of an American who crosses into Mexico with a bullet in his arm and $2.3 million in cash, aiming to get to Acapulco and retire. He soon learns the plan is easier said than done. Stokes also has written the action flick Murders and Acquisitions, which is set on Wall Street. He directed and wrote The Last Hurrah which focuses on the last night of a group of students before graduation. Production on El Gringo is set to start later this year...

Six teams have been accepted into Screen Australia’s Springboard short development initiative, with the projects Please Explain, Bon Scott, The Last Hurrah, Scratch the Surface, Cat Night Morning and Dieback.

The teams will participate in two workshops to develop their short and revisit their feature script. Three projects will go into production, with a budget of up to $150,000.

Springboard will be run by screenwriting teachers and script consultants Simon van der Borgh and Jonathan Rawlinson.

The six teams are:

Leanne Tonkes (p), Steve Kearney (p), Anna Broinowski (w/d) with political satire Please Explain Lizzette Atkins (p), Sophie Edelstein (w), Eddie Martin (d) with biopic Bon Scott Sheila Jayadev (p), Matthew Zeremes (w), Oliver Torr (w), Martha Goddard (d) with drama The Last Hurrah Jannine Barnes (p), Grant Scicluna (w/d) with psychological thriller Scratch the Surface · Annmaree Bell (p), Cj Johnson (w/d) with caper Cat Night Morning...

We’ve teamed up with Samuel Goldwyn to give our readers a chance at winning some gear from the new film, To Save A Life. Tsal stars Randy Wayne (The Dukes Of Hazzard, Foreign Exchange, The Last Hurrah, Grizzly Park), Deja Kreutzberg (CSI Miami, Law And Order, Hope And Faith), Kim Hidalgo (Ball Don’T Lie, New Adventures Of Old Christine) and Sean Michael Afable (Channels, Akeelah And The Bee, Phil Of Future.) and follows a group of high schoolers who deal with tragedy and the possibility of changing unfortunate events.

Read more on Giveaway: Enter to win gear from To Save A Life…

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