Hardly Working (1980)

To commemorate the recent passing of 

Jerry Lewis, presented here is Hardly Working. 

 

Filmed in 1979, it was released to Europe 

and South America in 1980 

and then throughout the U.S. in 1981.

the trailer

the feature

The Cramps - 1978 - Napa State Mental Hospital

The Cramps

live at 

Napa State Mental Hospital 

1978

Mystery Plane 

Way I Walk 

What's Behind The Mask 

Human Fly 

Domino 

Love Me 

Twist & Shout 

TV Set 

Black Flag - Target Video

Black Flag

Target Video

Footage from 1979, 1980, and 1981

Death Rides a Horse (1967)

Directed by Giulio Petroni, Death Rides a Horse (aka Da uomo a uomo) begins with a pummeling rain storm replete with copious thunder and lightning. A young boy watches as a gang rides in and murders his father and brutally assault his mother and sister. Most gang members have distinct characteristics, such as a specific tattoo, and he even sees the face of one. As fifteen years pass, the boy grows into a sharp shooter (John Phillip Law), now hell bent on avenging his slain family. In pursuit of the gang, he meets up with a crusty gunsman (Lee Van Cleef) who just served fifteen years in jail after being framed by the same gang of outlaws. Ennio Morricone supplies standout music to the proceedings. A recommended Euro-Western!

the trailer

the feature

Heavy Traffic (1973)

Ralph Bakshi initially developed the storyline concerning a tale of gritty, inner city life in the late sixties and approached producers with the idea of it as an animated feature film. With his experience primarily in industrial short subjects and commercials, producers balked. It was only after some success as the director of the X-rated animated feature Fritz the Cat in 1972 that Bakshi was given a green light on this more personal project which would also go on to receive an initial X rating. Samuel Z. Arkoff produced and distributed this for American International Pictures, as he earlier had for Fritz the Cat.

Heavy Traffic centers on Michael, a troubled underground cartoonist, living at home with his Mob connected Italian father and Jewish mother as they verbally argue and physically fight constantly. His outside world is equally chaotic and filled with odd and interesting characters, many prone to violence and profane outbursts. Live action gives way to animated scenes while photographic or filmed backgrounds often have animation overlayed.

the trailer

the feature

House (1986)

After directing Friday the 13th Part II and Part III  but just before Soul Man, Steve Miner directed the curious film House.

William Katt (forever known as the Greatest American Hero to some folks) stars as a troubled horror writer who moves into his Aunt's home after her death. Things rapidly go downhill as chronic nightmares give way to hallucinations culminating in attacks from other-worldly creatures.

As he did on the Friday the 13th films, Harry Manfredini provides the musical score.

House did good business at the box office, ensuring sequels. It's opening weekend it made $5,923,972 and came in a very close second to Pretty in Pink.

the trailer

the feature