Kiss Me Deadly (1955) Panting Barefoot Panic Starts The Hammer

And there I was sitting in a world where Stacy Keach was the only Mike Hammer from the hands of crime novelist Mickey Spillane. Stacy’s Mike smashed his way though our 80’s television screens like a, well, Hammer. Stacy Keach was perfect for the part as the tough, gruff and brutally efficient, hard-boiled private investigator. I just didn’t know there was a whole gang of different Mike Hammer’s bringing justice throughout the ages. Kolchak The Night Stalker very own Darren McGavin played him in a 50’s series and in a universe defying paradox, creator Mickey Spillane actually plays his own “baby” in the 1963 film The Girl Hunters. (I need to see this)

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The Night My Number Came Up (1955) Dreams, Omens & Final Destination

Opening with that distinct, recognisable voice of Paddington Bear, Commander Lindsay (Michael Hordern) worriedly confronts an air traffic control officer with news that a Dakota airplane has crashed landed at a certain point over Japan.  The control room officer is convinced that no distress warnings have come in or the fact that the Dakota isn’t even on that flight path. “How do you know this?” he asks, “I can’t say but if I did you wouldn’t believe me but please believe me I know something has happened!” replies the Commander.

Blow Out (1981) B-movie Sound Man Records More Than He Can Chew

Was in the mood for an eighties movie last night, a thriller would do. Nothing came to mind, had a flick through Netflix to see John Travolta looking at me. First thought, I was certain I had seen it, though it must of been a long time ago. Reading the first line of the plot didn’t ring any bells. With a quick scan of IMDB I notice it had a very healthy rating and much loved by many. The little description of the plot sounded excellent and makes me realise that I may not have actually seen this film. Brilliant I’m buzzing, beer poured and ready to tuck into my steak and chips, I press play.

Ministry of Fear (1944) Nazis, Bombs & Spies, Fortune Tellers & Cake!

Having sat in his room staring at the swinging pendulum of his ticking clock for two years straight, Stephen Neale (Ray Milland) has had time contemplating life and reflecting what the future will hold for him. After being on his own for those years, Stephen fancies the hustle and bustle of London, to be surrounded by people again. He’s probably picked a bad time to visit London, the city is being pounded by the Germans during The Blitz but he’s determined. With a spring in his step he takes off to the local train station. As he leaves his building of residence, the camera pans to show the engraved sign on the wall, Lembridge Asylum!

Dark Passage (1947) Bogart In First Person Face-Off Thriller

Was recommended this noir thriller starring husband and wife double act Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.  I for sure wasn’t expecting to be wowed by its unique take right from the get go. For this film’s first few acts are played out entirely in first person perspective. Meaning that our “hero” Vincent Parry (Humphrey Bogart) face is never seen for a big portion of the film. Filmed in a point of view (POV) style or his face being covered up. A very brave decision for the studio to have made I can imagine, not having your big star, leading man’s face on the screen.

Midnight Lace (1960) Stay Out Of The Pea Soup Calamity Jane!

No denying this has a very inspired by Alfred Hitchcock thriller feel to it, especially even having the same actor, John Williams, playing the cop like he did in Dial M For Murder. Even the poster artwork has that Hitchcock look but it’s no bad thing at all as you will find this is an excellent movie filled with mystery.

Games (1967) Where the Normal is Not and the Bizarre Is….

Imagine if Hammer House Of Horror Studio’s somehow managed to have a baby with Andy Warhol. Then throw in some surrealism, abstract art, spooky imagines and some horror. What might emerge on the other side is something resembling the wackiness of this film called Games.

Taglines – Passion wears a mask of terror in this strangest of all games!

Pretty Poison (1968) CIA Super Spy Double-O Perkins

Lanky bean pole Dennis Pitt (Anthony Perkins) loves nothing better than hop, skipping and jumping around the place. A few quick few words with someone, then that’s enough, conversation over, turn around and bounds off with a spring in his step. Run Dennis Run.

Mirage (1965) Gregory Peck, The Major Wants To See You!

David Stillwell (Gregory Peck) emerges from a darken doorway of a 27th floor New York apartment block into a bustling crowd of slightly crazy people. A blackout has occurred through-out the building, bizarrely making everyone a bit feisty. To his surprise he is offered the chance to attend an orgy, twice! “I’ve already passed on one orgy. I have to go.”

The Last Wave (1977) Mystical Magical Aboriginal Dreams & Ju-Ju Frogs

You know what, I really should read the descriptions of the films I watch! I had imagined from the title and the cover image this movie was going to be a surfing drama, oh how wrong could I be. I guess it makes it so much more fun when the crazy starts to go down and that’s pretty much the first scene.