cult film freak: charles martin smith

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Written by James M. Tate / 7/22/2025 / No comments / body count , bully , charles martin smith , doug savant , eighties , exploitation , gene simmons , heavy metal , horror , lisa orgolini , marc price , ozzy osbourne , revenge , slasher

OZZY OSBOURNE CRASHES 'TRICK OR TREAT' STARRING MARC PRICE

<p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF7PNr8lD79dLlod4-HYAE3ihvNQtGhlv8P0F6t1JeFueC-Y372q-yGLZOdS0SZ_sokR-HoSsAyFq59pEHK1-anlrFW3u05YxEsO8EgujGB96RZLnRANCVLSsbKctaX7EqPcf76_1pTxo0r-AW71C6sT0yDcaT1Z5yjgtgM5HJgihGroRG1pTRvuhGaqS/s1628/Screen%20Shot%202025-07-22%20at%201.16.21%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYF7PNr8lD79dLlod4-HYAE3ihvNQtGhlv8P0F6t1JeFueC-Y372q-yGLZOdS0SZ_sokR-HoSsAyFq59pEHK1-anlrFW3u05YxEsO8EgujGB96RZLnRANCVLSsbKctaX7EqPcf76_1pTxo0r-AW71C6sT0yDcaT1Z5yjgtgM5HJgihGroRG1pTRvuhGaqS/s16000/Screen%20Shot%202025-07-22%20at%201.16.21%20PM.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Title: TRICK OR TREAT Year: 1986 Rating: ** 1/2</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Heavy Metal was invented outright by Black Sabbath, a band named after a horror film, and the two are inseparable, since metal is to music what horror is to cinema... so it's a kind of double-whammy irony that Ozzy Osbourne would play a preacher preaching against devil-culture back-masked music in the 1980's horror-exploitation TRICK OR TRICK...<br><br>Which is really yet another bully sub-genre entry, going all the way back to REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE and more recent, THE KARATE KID... the picked-on boy just happens to be partnered with the most gorgeous girl in school, making Lisa Orgolini another Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Shue, and one of the film's many problems...</p><p></p><p><span></span></p>

body count, bully, charles martin smith, doug savant, eighties, exploitation, gene simmons, heavy metal, horror, lisa orgolini, marc price, ozzy osbourne, revenge, slasher

OZZY OSBOURNE CRASHES 'TRICK OR TREAT' STARRING MARC PRICE

Title: TRICK OR TREAT Year: 1986 Rating: ** 1/2 Heavy Metal was invented outright by Black Sabbath, a band named after a horror film, and th...

BURT REYNOLDS AND RAQUEL WELCH KIND OF REUNITE IN 'FUZZ'

<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjBF5lAnF_9ae4pTwsXsZAxL8uL5UZQ3KT8Q5laV1wJXuxh58V_d2w9l9Q7Oj8rxDF6VFTaEyEt5MzE8ptHqCJ1u6JBAQ5GJC0AWCpTdsrqzhDUGCFZepgjQOpayNPU_3TRQDDh6Xg1AXJS0ZuU8Thqrn8laxJMYTTmpHwj6rAaVF4hSKIyZvJonrpM_o/s1590/Screen%20Shot%202024-09-09%20at%204.04.32%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjBF5lAnF_9ae4pTwsXsZAxL8uL5UZQ3KT8Q5laV1wJXuxh58V_d2w9l9Q7Oj8rxDF6VFTaEyEt5MzE8ptHqCJ1u6JBAQ5GJC0AWCpTdsrqzhDUGCFZepgjQOpayNPU_3TRQDDh6Xg1AXJS0ZuU8Thqrn8laxJMYTTmpHwj6rAaVF4hSKIyZvJonrpM_o/s16000/Screen%20Shot%202024-09-09%20at%204.04.32%20PM.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Pop Culture Explosion Poster for FUZZ Year: 1972 Rating: **</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Since Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch couldn't stand each other on the set of <a href="http://www.cultfilmfreaks.com/2022/08/100R.html">100 RIFLES</a>, when they wound up in FUZZ... a funky-scored blaxploitation-style wannabe but for mostly white cops... she demanded they share no screen-time together, which <i>almost</i> comes true...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>In one scene inside the usual dingy precinct, a woman tells Welch's newbie detective character about an attack... cutting to Burt and affable sidekick Jack Weston eavesdropping... then when Welch is shown again you can hear an early version of Burt's signature chortle... after which, they're in the same frame: twice, quickly...</p><p><span></span></p>

bert remsen, burt reynolds, charles martin smith, cop, dark comedy, don gordon, ensemble, jack weston, james mceachin, peter bonerz, raquel welch, seventies, tamara dobson, tom skerritt, yul brynner

BURT REYNOLDS AND RAQUEL WELCH KIND OF REUNITE IN 'FUZZ'

Pop Culture Explosion Poster for FUZZ Year: 1972 Rating: ** Since Burt Reynolds and Raquel Welch couldn't stand each other on the set of...

JENNIFER CONNELLY STEALS DENNIS HOPPER'S 'THE HOT SPOT'

<p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdKI01dKZiaCpAiQIG3rcN4DZrUwnNeyqDGIPju8bPy_6fizziCLPsxtnCIZu2VAGMX828ww2_oh6ja-0OACcnpsffxe68SBTdPcBrbEHpaEDtGEKNHawLK9oMpDwEYsk7SbKfsNHoyikZT7XoWsPezrfHV93pUw1miMiTQ2cVefpy1mdxrFWGI7AssHk/s1835/Screen%20Shot%202024-08-27%20at%202.20.17%20PM.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1835" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdKI01dKZiaCpAiQIG3rcN4DZrUwnNeyqDGIPju8bPy_6fizziCLPsxtnCIZu2VAGMX828ww2_oh6ja-0OACcnpsffxe68SBTdPcBrbEHpaEDtGEKNHawLK9oMpDwEYsk7SbKfsNHoyikZT7XoWsPezrfHV93pUw1miMiTQ2cVefpy1mdxrFWGI7AssHk/s16000/Screen%20Shot%202024-08-27%20at%202.20.17%20PM.jpeg"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Title: THE HOT SPOT AKA  ZONA CALIENTE Year: 1990 Rating: ***1/2</u></td></tr></tbody></table><p>You really know that director Dennis Hopper's THE HOT SPOT is a Noir when, within ten minutes of entering a new town... one that's extremely small and fitfully hot, and in Texas... Don Johnson's so smitten with local blackmailed beauty Jennifer Connelly, he questions her with the kind of irked jealousy a husband would have...</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>But she's the good girl here, comparably, while stacked-blonde Virginia Madsen's our sultry femme fatale... married to Johnson's wealthy used car lot boss... as quickly taken with old Don as he was with young Connelly, and, within moments, they're sharing not only heated chemistry but explosive sack time...</p><p><span></span></p>

barry corbin, charles martin smith, dennis hopper, don johnson, heist, jennifer connelly, jerry hardin, neo noir, thriller, virginia madsen, willia sadler

JENNIFER CONNELLY STEALS DENNIS HOPPER'S 'THE HOT SPOT'

Title: THE HOT SPOT AKA ZONA CALIENTE Year: 1990 Rating: ***1/2 You really know that director Dennis Hopper's THE HOT SPOT is a Noir wh...

ELYSSA DAVALOS RIDING DISNEY'S 'HERBIE GOES BANANAS'

action, charles martin smith, cloris leachman, comedy, disney, eighties, elyssa davalos, franchise, harvey korman, sequel

ELYSSA DAVALOS RIDING DISNEY'S 'HERBIE GOES BANANAS'

Elyssa Davalos is downright gorgeous in Disney's HERBIE GOES BANANAS circa 1980 The first two of Disney's Bueno Vista Herbie fi...

Written by James M. Tate / 3/03/2016 / No comments / charles martin smith , drug culture , mackenzie phillips , made-for-TV , seventies , william shatner

WILLIAM SHATNER FATHERS THE ANTI-DRUG KICK 'GO ASK ALICE'

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>An ABC Movie of the Week</u></td></tr>
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In AMERICAN GRAFFITI, Mackenzie Phillips played Carol, a curious young teen who, after being handed off by older girls, hangs out with the leading car shark played by Paul LeMat: making for one of the greatest polar-opposite "couples" in cinema history...<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_R6J70hnn4l9GkRzaNif7Do-llFn_mKs3y18M0cTGLuLU0b_LsdPu6Tvh_oA-pML8bogSPl5o-FDqOYM_H3LdkT-BRMzBb7PT1yTo8mffaV3Dp2md2M23HuW6IwXIQcHD0OVJSQnKsg/s1600/11.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0_R6J70hnn4l9GkRzaNif7Do-llFn_mKs3y18M0cTGLuLU0b_LsdPu6Tvh_oA-pML8bogSPl5o-FDqOYM_H3LdkT-BRMzBb7PT1yTo8mffaV3Dp2md2M23HuW6IwXIQcHD0OVJSQnKsg/s200/11.png" width="157"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><u>Mackenzie Phillips</u></td></tr>
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Phillips was a combination of innocence and rebellion… Her character, although a good girl deep down, wanted to venture into the wild California streets, and the performance embodied both a fearless confidence mixed with a shy undertone, making it impossible to imagine any other person in the role... and that actress provides a cameo in GO ASK ALICE, with a scrawl opening up with: “This motion picture is based on the authentic diary of a 15-year-old American girl. The only alterations have been those necessitated by considerations of length and acceptability for family viewing.” Sounds more like the description of a dress than a movie about a girl on drugs and, made in 1973 and centering on the late 1960’s, the colorful clothes are probably the most interesting aspect. Anyone who ever got loaded as a teen knows that you spend a lot of time coming down… Simply put, most of the adventurous trip is a bummer… Waiting and waiting around for more… And more and more and more…<br>

charles martin smith, drug culture, mackenzie phillips, made-for-TV, seventies, william shatner

WILLIAM SHATNER FATHERS THE ANTI-DRUG KICK 'GO ASK ALICE'

An ABC Movie of the Week In AMERICAN GRAFFITI, Mackenzie Phillips played Carol, a curious young teen who, after being handed off by ol...

CRUISING THE PSYCHEDELIC SEQUEL 'MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI'

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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiI1SJGS3a7b3ge9cGekXJdWbNoXvswmtgQk49pBKspptNBjEHGy0PnPlsvgWev1PJHHWGlr_89jjMPYWT7ySbhSqA80PflOj6x4T7BqRoCLCz4ddCt0NqvmuPb6A4WAVS4hVniGRr4/s1600/moreamericangraffitimain-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QiI1SJGS3a7b3ge9cGekXJdWbNoXvswmtgQk49pBKspptNBjEHGy0PnPlsvgWev1PJHHWGlr_89jjMPYWT7ySbhSqA80PflOj6x4T7BqRoCLCz4ddCt0NqvmuPb6A4WAVS4hVniGRr4/s1600/moreamericangraffitimain-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 1979 cast: Paul LeMat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Cindy Williams, Bo Hopkins rating: ***</td></tr>
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The George Lucas retro classic AMERICAN GRAFFITI showed seven kids cruising a busy Central California boulevard the night of the last day of high school, 1962, and the sequel spends an entire day and night during New Year’s Eve two years later.  <br />
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Since it’s reported at the end of the original that Paul LeMat’s cool cat John Milner – the hot rod James Dean type with the fastest car in town – was killed by a drunk driver in 1964, the sequel’s starting point has all the main characters except Richard Dreyfuss (now a writer in Canada) meeting at a drag race course to cheer on Milner at the tail end of that fateful year.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nOAMn6iZJUP0oyb2JOjQHbclzTePAup2w7c-zBONmV7LVPXFOAKDPqxfQdVNExQCgq5Bn9-vA9MmYZIvGBiZFoUamjrj0zOPCADWjzzu_I9FutMDNrRv8RLADdNdDL0627kO_poRk0w/s1600/more+american+graffiti+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6nOAMn6iZJUP0oyb2JOjQHbclzTePAup2w7c-zBONmV7LVPXFOAKDPqxfQdVNExQCgq5Bn9-vA9MmYZIvGBiZFoUamjrj0zOPCADWjzzu_I9FutMDNrRv8RLADdNdDL0627kO_poRk0w/s1600/more+american+graffiti+8.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang reuniting in 1964</td></tr>
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Thus we follow the surviving characters in other New Year Eve’s throughout the sixties: Terry Toad Philips in Vietnam, 1965; Debbie in San Francisco, 1966; and Steve and Laurie Henderson in 1967. <br />
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Let's start with the most conventional characters of the original: Steve and Laurie, played by Ron Howard and Cindy Williams, who were both, at that point, known for their roles on HAPPY DAYS and the successful spin off LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY, are still a bickering couple with kids and a hellish relationship going nowhere but down, down, down.<br />
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The unhappily married duo have only wedding rings in common. Laurie wants to work but Steve, an insurance salesman, forces her to stay at home with their bratty kids. This was before Women’s Rights and Laurie wants her independence.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrN0vbToNQm9v0ADyF1OwAdQJYtDuK7I_tgA9LkeR2ZLHOss5L0YhGK_5CEmVoR5HnSZiQJX88H-GJGVOTsvQA0P1n3Cj2-fXMZDXMxSXF4bH-ZviS-UihFB8ArMYddWchpWdIkYBDsk/s1600/more+american+graffiti+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrN0vbToNQm9v0ADyF1OwAdQJYtDuK7I_tgA9LkeR2ZLHOss5L0YhGK_5CEmVoR5HnSZiQJX88H-GJGVOTsvQA0P1n3Cj2-fXMZDXMxSXF4bH-ZviS-UihFB8ArMYddWchpWdIkYBDsk/s1600/more+american+graffiti+9.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laurie (Cindy Williams) and Steve (Ron Howard) circa 1967</td></tr>
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Speaking of independence, her little brother is a college hippie radical. The campus is part of a violent protest and he calls Laurie to bring his driver’s license, without which he can’t leave the campus and might be shipped off to war.<br />
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Laurie, like Jane Fonda in COMING HOME, is unrealistically oblivious to the counter-culture peace movement: at one point she even mentions that the kids should back the President.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCW5iYv_MDir8fQENawWtABuc5lmqdJX122uD815EOmWIljuvNHegJ19_o3A_2K-7yIXGnHLEXf848dvWJUdS6qf2ZqEURyIdrLZD-gm6HC5NYBrXeMk8gHQl10nVubrOJn6ZMXJEWlI/s1600/more+american+graffiti+17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCW5iYv_MDir8fQENawWtABuc5lmqdJX122uD815EOmWIljuvNHegJ19_o3A_2K-7yIXGnHLEXf848dvWJUdS6qf2ZqEURyIdrLZD-gm6HC5NYBrXeMk8gHQl10nVubrOJn6ZMXJEWlI/s1600/more+american+graffiti+17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suburban mom Laurie (Cindy Williams) learns about being a hippie</td></tr>
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It's quickly obvious the entire purpose of this segment is the predictable character arc of both Laurie and Steve (who eventually has to rescue her): the cops are bad and the students are good.<br />
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The only thing truly worthwhile here is the music – the rest is an overly preachy agenda, proving that hippies aren’t very interesting characters: they all look the same, have similar motivations, and don’t stand apart from each other.  <br />
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Actually, <i>one </i>hippie does stand apart...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X1VPt9f-i4SWaDs_EWAgL8PUsFSx5bMZ1iekUJr4WiukmQ7sL-evei8JTznUosIto_3QkIhrXH-a4Z4raPyyoTm-abwyvyDvmqBX1SAf7_TO_wuzCqPV8oYOsxyj1WIsF3BRx8ArYSM/s1600/more+american+graffiti+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8X1VPt9f-i4SWaDs_EWAgL8PUsFSx5bMZ1iekUJr4WiukmQ7sL-evei8JTznUosIto_3QkIhrXH-a4Z4raPyyoTm-abwyvyDvmqBX1SAf7_TO_wuzCqPV8oYOsxyj1WIsF3BRx8ArYSM/s1600/more+american+graffiti+2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debbie (Candy Clark) and boyfriend Lance arrested by Bob Falfa (Harrison Ford) circa 1966</td></tr>
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Candy Clark’s 1966 "Winter of Love" segment is bit more entertaining...<br />
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Her jerk musician boyfriend is cheating and the ever-smiling bleach-blonde Debbie accidentally winds up hanging out with a rock band: touring a cowboy bar and other venues throughout a comically hectic day and night.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0qCzHYBGH96iUvAMQf5mznu8iDMM-aFtw_65aeTl6xk2il-8q8jpEFvrDk1NBtJAwhkvik8SKdkT41GhlGMqsCX1LfW1j4MCbqVcma1OMy-MViX4PsD1HDw2sAJ1uWtlpj1WQTKjV28/s1600/more+american+graffiti+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0qCzHYBGH96iUvAMQf5mznu8iDMM-aFtw_65aeTl6xk2il-8q8jpEFvrDk1NBtJAwhkvik8SKdkT41GhlGMqsCX1LfW1j4MCbqVcma1OMy-MViX4PsD1HDw2sAJ1uWtlpj1WQTKjV28/s1600/more+american+graffiti+15.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Split-screen showing Candy Clark and Scott Glenn</td></tr>
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A long-haired Scott Glenn plays the lead guitarist, and Debbie only needs to realize: he’d make a much better boyfriend. There’s some decent action sequences involving the bus crashing into a building, and the music here, like Steve and Laurie's tale, is also of the psychedelic genre.<br />
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Aesthetically, the use of multi-screen (popular in 1960’s films like MEDIUM COOL, THE THOMAS CROWNE AFFAIR and the WOODSTOCK documentary) attempts to dress up a non-story.  <br />
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And Mackenzie Phillips' Carol is all grown up, now named Rainbow and appearing only sporadically: the epitome of a "guest starring" role. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVFSJa0DGblfC2a6BIkeMJ7kb3BHb2PLmqCHl4FMhEwCpi4UPnSktDe_d6uxL9Z4fFa_NLk8WQe_OTBzX0biIYA1Zrh02eVC6tliPomNDkYJa7Ia2iUPrEv9PcjcfhnWu8YsLNMGo3Jw/s1600/more+american+graffiti+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVFSJa0DGblfC2a6BIkeMJ7kb3BHb2PLmqCHl4FMhEwCpi4UPnSktDe_d6uxL9Z4fFa_NLk8WQe_OTBzX0biIYA1Zrh02eVC6tliPomNDkYJa7Ia2iUPrEv9PcjcfhnWu8YsLNMGo3Jw/s1600/more+american+graffiti+11.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry The Toad Philips in Vietnam circa 1965</td></tr>
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The best story has Terry "The Toad" Philips in Vietnam. The visual gimmick is seeing everything through what looks to be a grainy 16 millimeter film stock (liken to news reels), with only a box filling the inside of the screen with black surrounding it. <br />
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Toad and the former lead Pharaoh Little Jo, played by Bo Hopkins, hang around the muddy barracks or fly around in Hueys, dodging death at every turn (the film opens with helicopters soaring to the song HEAT WAVE).<br />
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But Toad just wants to go home through being injured and he just can’t catch a break, literally. Think of his character as Jamie Farr's Max Klinger from MASH, only instead of wearing dresses he's trying to hurt his way back home. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LW4m6qCmJTgawSIpwm_8xuseo2uNcqYe63dSEdcYAXD8D5RJ28vuvs8djSDvAPN5HyMmLuk0YYFN673lVeAmL1Vs1xrrmhvc5vLtfnhMJi3sf5tQuxkpf-az4HuPrBMHfurIpDMV49I/s1600/more+american+graffiti+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LW4m6qCmJTgawSIpwm_8xuseo2uNcqYe63dSEdcYAXD8D5RJ28vuvs8djSDvAPN5HyMmLuk0YYFN673lVeAmL1Vs1xrrmhvc5vLtfnhMJi3sf5tQuxkpf-az4HuPrBMHfurIpDMV49I/s1600/more+american+graffiti+12.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bo Hopkins partners up with Toad in Vietnam</td></tr>
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The copters look cool and are reminiscent of APOCALYPSE NOW, the blockbuster that came out the same year, 1979.  <br />
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Perhaps George Lucas, who executive produced this sequel written and directed by Bill L. Norton (director of GARGOYLES), wanted a piece of what he missed out from the Francis Ford Coppola Vietnam War venture, which he was originally connected with.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6tyTKIHqQ2got0XgMjacTFssw-sCZ759Vl-ABWF0Ge0mIEW8QVFrLuUwBScUcAwB5egK7q3LQkO6KPGv24Sgzx5m5aKZBn53Cb1n9wAgl3o-B2qFZ5_mZM4EGGjfn57MpnRyJWzkEns/s1600/more+american+graffiti+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6tyTKIHqQ2got0XgMjacTFssw-sCZ759Vl-ABWF0Ge0mIEW8QVFrLuUwBScUcAwB5egK7q3LQkO6KPGv24Sgzx5m5aKZBn53Cb1n9wAgl3o-B2qFZ5_mZM4EGGjfn57MpnRyJWzkEns/s1600/more+american+graffiti+23.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huey Copters skim the river</td></tr>
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The use of Motown hits (circa 1965) works well during the Vietnam story, jovially contrasting with the bloody battles while the cinematography captures the deep dark green colors of 'Nam. The theme song of John Wayne's THE GREEN BERETS also serves as a caustic anthem for the anti-war proceedings. <br />
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This adventurous segment is all about Toad first trying to find a shortcut home and then teaming with a Gung Ho soldier (James Houghton), who eventually realizes war is a living/breathing hell: something Toad knew all along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0tTWzNnAbnxJtuAwq5QZg3qbUUz_brN49O6FMUv3GJdqNVIY0hR2RBwDDY7ZW3VVF3PGA2q01Tbv3PaIwhTYbMiUc3pqEpwfljIexFz3U2Asg9IxeW5Td02iZmIz_FL9VxI6tzuo4nQ/s1600/more+american+graffiti+19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0tTWzNnAbnxJtuAwq5QZg3qbUUz_brN49O6FMUv3GJdqNVIY0hR2RBwDDY7ZW3VVF3PGA2q01Tbv3PaIwhTYbMiUc3pqEpwfljIexFz3U2Asg9IxeW5Td02iZmIz_FL9VxI6tzuo4nQ/s1600/more+american+graffiti+19.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Milner's yellow dragster</td></tr>
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Last but not least is the John Milner drag racing story, taking place on and off the crowded and colorful California race grounds...<br />
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Milner is a good driver but can’t get a sponsor, and has to win a few quick jaunts in order for corporate-backed teams to take interest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgi7xXeRQVpCL3dwgrgymrUn-pm7zN6CuJ-HpLYZZD7bhQVj5gvsuuQl2PHNleogb9gSkC199TzjUFNwNUI4Cl3QEjs0a9JrVacC3Z54tQ88CpWq-BW9CDMpYrRz24rIsEWf_K-aGuuc/s1600/anna+bjorn+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgi7xXeRQVpCL3dwgrgymrUn-pm7zN6CuJ-HpLYZZD7bhQVj5gvsuuQl2PHNleogb9gSkC199TzjUFNwNUI4Cl3QEjs0a9JrVacC3Z54tQ88CpWq-BW9CDMpYrRz24rIsEWf_K-aGuuc/s1600/anna+bjorn+29.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Milner with dream girl Eva (Anna Bjorn) circa 1964</td></tr>
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Here’s where the best (and really, the only) love story resides. Gorgeous blond model Ana Bjorn plays a naive foreign exchange student named Eva from Sweden… no, Iceland… that hangs around Milner like a lost puppy.<br />
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Eva doesn’t speak a lick of English but they have sparks. Ken Place (the cop in THE BIG CHILL and brother of Mary Kay Place, who has a small part) is a worthy antagonist as Milner’s drag strip rival, filling in the shoes of Harrison Ford’s Bob Falfa (turning up as a cop in the Candy Clark segment).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyyJJVr7rE-Csg3Z_7cDcxSe-PgUpCKmG0Gkd9OJukjVIAolUZYcOlO2wz2FWjzQiiHBRqA_1a3lsHKOXAvXMwLNaZx00L0t8DQD4R7ZmeEZdE-jGOCsoMh4k2yPqWwoBW3p28kqSJV4/s1600/more+american+graffiti+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTyyJJVr7rE-Csg3Z_7cDcxSe-PgUpCKmG0Gkd9OJukjVIAolUZYcOlO2wz2FWjzQiiHBRqA_1a3lsHKOXAvXMwLNaZx00L0t8DQD4R7ZmeEZdE-jGOCsoMh4k2yPqWwoBW3p28kqSJV4/s1600/more+american+graffiti+13.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dragsters prepare to race</td></tr>
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The drag strip races aren’t very exciting since the sleek speedsters roll for a total of five seconds before crossing the finish line, lacking the freewheeling spontaneity of the hot rods in the original.<br />
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Plus, Milner doesn't have his entire reputation to lose this time. His character, although very likable, is somewhat pointless throughout, especially since we know his hours are numbered.    <br />
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But this is still the second best story, ending with JM's famous yellow Deuce Coupe cruising down the midnight highway towards a pair of oncoming headlights – his death immanent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlq-9A0vytYJXLFF0julAQLGMXHrhuQZZS5VImVRpSDZjYCxGs4Pw1yVLGSRPo5W4qw_HbP3NZEJOM6LA8qjwF9GvD4JqSAyam30ubehnJzxVFmLYOlH7t6ZZ27hpx2KdvlRTfnzBbls/s1600/more+american+graffiti+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAlq-9A0vytYJXLFF0julAQLGMXHrhuQZZS5VImVRpSDZjYCxGs4Pw1yVLGSRPo5W4qw_HbP3NZEJOM6LA8qjwF9GvD4JqSAyam30ubehnJzxVFmLYOlH7t6ZZ27hpx2KdvlRTfnzBbls/s1600/more+american+graffiti+20.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Milner's Deuce Coupe heads for an implied disaster </td></tr>
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In many ways this is an unnecessary sequel but it’s nice to see the characters together again, even though they’re mostly apart.<br />
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The soundtrack (highlighted by Donovan's "Season of the Witch" followed by Cream, The Grateful Dead, a live appearance by Country Joe and the Fish and concluding with Bob Dylan's "Like A Rolling Stone") stands out more than the actual film, and the acting makes it a more than worthy viewing. <br />
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So while this visual experience is basically an “eight-foot ballerina,” there are times she can actually dance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq__kpfZPswJygXfen8_2Qk-KjddRKt_-CgPYKYg1pIZStVtlUoP7UEfK5HdRcdvYeDlLqVGSeXrRrhtTw9ufTBgqRLB9wBmjdOo7Cjvvl25UE1NsoyfcScBo0qtILLEAoer8ERA85kjY/s1600/more+american+graffiti+999999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq__kpfZPswJygXfen8_2Qk-KjddRKt_-CgPYKYg1pIZStVtlUoP7UEfK5HdRcdvYeDlLqVGSeXrRrhtTw9ufTBgqRLB9wBmjdOo7Cjvvl25UE1NsoyfcScBo0qtILLEAoer8ERA85kjY/s1600/more+american+graffiti+999999.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Naomi Judd (far left) sings "Baby Love" with Cindy Williams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9fNG7bEzHCxhcAfwRWszcFosAZlIZ-KjCvei3Sj9mjU15W1ERG9If08twjqyioAnliMg55TCMew08jgdqkoSKvgMB9xJzOy00ZGh70WTTdmtwakbMo9lxScqUgwLff8bAg79d5IC92Q/s1600/more+american+graffiti+999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM9fNG7bEzHCxhcAfwRWszcFosAZlIZ-KjCvei3Sj9mjU15W1ERG9If08twjqyioAnliMg55TCMew08jgdqkoSKvgMB9xJzOy00ZGh70WTTdmtwakbMo9lxScqUgwLff8bAg79d5IC92Q/s1600/more+american+graffiti+999.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delroy Lindo as an Army Sergeant barking orders at Toad</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECHugqZHe0p-U2HdQfc0_ImRLbrZAJG8xd0y66qF9KNnoCtZO7hiHteCvHJtTrDr94l-WISt9tMq6FLri-7aazmjzWQPM19HdzDGj7mSQWnyVVHTwmjP1JG2gJzG7MDj6er_oBiTROK0/s1600/more+american+graffiti+99.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECHugqZHe0p-U2HdQfc0_ImRLbrZAJG8xd0y66qF9KNnoCtZO7hiHteCvHJtTrDr94l-WISt9tMq6FLri-7aazmjzWQPM19HdzDGj7mSQWnyVVHTwmjP1JG2gJzG7MDj6er_oBiTROK0/s1600/more+american+graffiti+99.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Kay Place as Eva's friend Teensa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEHbZ2K9DyF3yjaD8UwmnmrtuO4jfcpcYFANuoDLZxFPTw3EwWmlNk4Sm3KZVAQJbWbYLcEueBzYKHyvTgKbRsJ4UNqZz_hFBRZreeuCBn4I4EkziISupcUy5PAtEL8tQGdgp141bQ_M/s1600/more+american+graffiti+99999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCEHbZ2K9DyF3yjaD8UwmnmrtuO4jfcpcYFANuoDLZxFPTw3EwWmlNk4Sm3KZVAQJbWbYLcEueBzYKHyvTgKbRsJ4UNqZz_hFBRZreeuCBn4I4EkziISupcUy5PAtEL8tQGdgp141bQ_M/s1600/more+american+graffiti+99999.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eva (Anna Bjorn) covers her ears from...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFIV3oThHm7IuDtFf-3C85PkzZZ1rNVjVj5DEPFYw1RGsmc15PNjIl2GWOsHzHbvl1F7efGC4vwu2gFj0xizOavPaMcSrb7zSysJ3Aic7eQuhC0lYGO0PS9V6SxueGkymVCujVco1X5A/s1600/more+american+graffiti+9999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFIV3oThHm7IuDtFf-3C85PkzZZ1rNVjVj5DEPFYw1RGsmc15PNjIl2GWOsHzHbvl1F7efGC4vwu2gFj0xizOavPaMcSrb7zSysJ3Aic7eQuhC0lYGO0PS9V6SxueGkymVCujVco1X5A/s1600/more+american+graffiti+9999.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The roar of the dragsters warming up</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4wGLrGQchZuttF6Fn1aIiPSbn-e085R95kJWYF6InsvK3RQdbg9Er36sy7n6CycXtohvyE11LZ9ljsTGyfDtHpiITxX76IvSCXvxU4jm__LxG31rDm499j6caW5DK-G71h0-PmCNRPY/s1600/more+american+graffiti+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ4wGLrGQchZuttF6Fn1aIiPSbn-e085R95kJWYF6InsvK3RQdbg9Er36sy7n6CycXtohvyE11LZ9ljsTGyfDtHpiITxX76IvSCXvxU4jm__LxG31rDm499j6caW5DK-G71h0-PmCNRPY/s1600/more+american+graffiti+4.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul LeMat as John Milner</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5GmiXMV8m6YzTt4K7K5_iKBtXgJbNjKmBGXfc2Dw0cLasl4dYZG6mw0yVq-VPhBaC8fSDRmrbF8lzOaHjpidU8g-1rWLyrC4pJdMGqXdE0-iE3yScfLMAX3FfkfPMeMwH0ONP7EjV78/s1600/anna+bjorn+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5GmiXMV8m6YzTt4K7K5_iKBtXgJbNjKmBGXfc2Dw0cLasl4dYZG6mw0yVq-VPhBaC8fSDRmrbF8lzOaHjpidU8g-1rWLyrC4pJdMGqXdE0-iE3yScfLMAX3FfkfPMeMwH0ONP7EjV78/s1600/anna+bjorn+6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antagonist driver Ken Place with Anna Bjorn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINUsJKVbNhxpZGP65uACQOqtMmzVQhTZbvmQa1y7VMRWT4YSfNmLuf1kvUapIWXaAcBXFqzp61ynzrI6MKNFRotItGgz2HBvf6RnakLlNj06o3J7M2C8tflK6aPvXNAzRLpA0RrrhnC4/s1600/anna+bjorn+25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgINUsJKVbNhxpZGP65uACQOqtMmzVQhTZbvmQa1y7VMRWT4YSfNmLuf1kvUapIWXaAcBXFqzp61ynzrI6MKNFRotItGgz2HBvf6RnakLlNj06o3J7M2C8tflK6aPvXNAzRLpA0RrrhnC4/s1600/anna+bjorn+25.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna Bjorn's Eva watches Milner race </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pfdz2X3v8_sudEorERighKLgISltYKTSEfVcBbeRBXBdx2CG1YD1qOdMlKg7S-lWoM4no7IfTce6dVUtoANNdb2maqBixCg7IVZhrAcYVpIyB7LB9xAjNmmN85SzhBoryTCWXhXQS-c/s1600/anna+bjorn+28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pfdz2X3v8_sudEorERighKLgISltYKTSEfVcBbeRBXBdx2CG1YD1qOdMlKg7S-lWoM4no7IfTce6dVUtoANNdb2maqBixCg7IVZhrAcYVpIyB7LB9xAjNmmN85SzhBoryTCWXhXQS-c/s1600/anna+bjorn+28.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary Kay Place with Anna Bjorn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszbigUYyHzXtAWLFOHyW5BTWHJaWuhgx0fkvt4Iy2rxXH0hMLwR4jcVyZea2m-gTU1PPHuAD2kXMjFDQXJWxctkTw9v5OksocECdMlTyYMt3clRNQpPqvCbBPyA0CjrLkvKwngWGWH-g/s1600/more+american+graffiti+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhszbigUYyHzXtAWLFOHyW5BTWHJaWuhgx0fkvt4Iy2rxXH0hMLwR4jcVyZea2m-gTU1PPHuAD2kXMjFDQXJWxctkTw9v5OksocECdMlTyYMt3clRNQpPqvCbBPyA0CjrLkvKwngWGWH-g/s1600/more+american+graffiti+3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Apocalypse Now style hueys and a great font for MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI</u></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTZ3jWZbdgAvDpW16_aIIVVTvj2hw03OPwFiOoUrYdnq4YdQZ9EPdXJ-ixHPuhO1CbsLoVR9qbBJztYNnZAlJFLGXyWe6TJaTqBwn1ZxRfVdBUybumdopRG8jIhF3epqyYguK1WjqV5qe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-20+at+2.53.50+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTZ3jWZbdgAvDpW16_aIIVVTvj2hw03OPwFiOoUrYdnq4YdQZ9EPdXJ-ixHPuhO1CbsLoVR9qbBJztYNnZAlJFLGXyWe6TJaTqBwn1ZxRfVdBUybumdopRG8jIhF3epqyYguK1WjqV5qe/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-04-20+at+2.53.50+AM.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>All Region Import Blu Ray signed by Candy Clark, Bo Hopkins and Paul LeMat MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI</u></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgC7THVww7_br6ul9LHBqG6Nav5mgvQ8-JMacMvyoE8zPdsmTobZfzwzw1fyeGQbJodtGWNZ9XuLsz3XT_VFDJwOKaoFZjibKXGWed5WvCWN3O7p9LoKJTL-RPLcBcc7y1M85yzbGUw5L/s1600/57465183_688141304948382_4218342807401660416_o.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPgC7THVww7_br6ul9LHBqG6Nav5mgvQ8-JMacMvyoE8zPdsmTobZfzwzw1fyeGQbJodtGWNZ9XuLsz3XT_VFDJwOKaoFZjibKXGWed5WvCWN3O7p9LoKJTL-RPLcBcc7y1M85yzbGUw5L/s1600/57465183_688141304948382_4218342807401660416_o.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Monica Tenner as Moonchild in MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI (if this is her)</u></td></tr>
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all night, anna bjorn, candy clark, charles martin smith, cindy williams, delroy lindo, george lucas, hangout, harrison ford, mackenzie phillips, mary kay place, paul lemat, ron howard, sequel, seventies, war

CRUISING THE PSYCHEDELIC SEQUEL 'MORE AMERICAN GRAFFITI'

year: 1979 cast: Paul LeMat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Cindy Williams, Bo Hopkins rating: *** The George Lucas retro classic AM...

Written by James M. Tate / 7/29/2013 / No comments / all night , charles martin smith , cindy williams , george lucas , hangout , harrison ford , jody carlson , mackenzie phillips , paul lemat , richard dreyfuss , ron howard , seventies

REEXPERIENCING 'AMERICAN GRAFFITI' ON THE BIG SCREEN

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVrfkN3q5HEfwvSITH8qKJLR9xt3NA0HrbufSZA4yoRi4n6jNSnadvSQYBZ3ZAR44lABF9qRZLQ83WZz3yFruhU5q-iIH6SZQNGosqbnHNRqWFWjE6ZE4txeowkzJKQid84AL91TF4Mkj3imFo28r9HuSDNa_JsjrjfmDZ-CCbvkzAKchXt53j1YYkQ/s1146/Picture%201.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="1146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVrfkN3q5HEfwvSITH8qKJLR9xt3NA0HrbufSZA4yoRi4n6jNSnadvSQYBZ3ZAR44lABF9qRZLQ83WZz3yFruhU5q-iIH6SZQNGosqbnHNRqWFWjE6ZE4txeowkzJKQid84AL91TF4Mkj3imFo28r9HuSDNa_JsjrjfmDZ-CCbvkzAKchXt53j1YYkQ/s16000/Picture%201.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">year: 1973 cast: Richard Dreyfuss, Paul LeMat, Charles Martin Smith, Candy Clark, Ron Howard rating: *****</td></tr></tbody></table>
After growing up watching AMERICAN GRAFFITI, and seeing it fifty or more times since childhood, and always on television, there are a few noticeable particularities when viewed in an actual theater on the big screen...<br />
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Producer Francis Ford Coppola’s low budget horror titled DEMENTIA 13, is on the marquee outside Jerry's Cherries Used Car Lot, where Richard Dreyfuss’s Curt Henderson, kidnapped for the night by a gang called The Pharaohs, caused havoc for a local police car by tying a cable to its underbelly: And before that when Curt and his new acquaintances are inside a pinball alley, the Laura Scudder’s brand Potato Chips are in abundance behind the Moose Lodge guys…  <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FacuYZmqfR3pjz7BWd-Pi6K0ZbNCN50e9JskQWEUKV9dFU08tx21V5GXN8_O994NEhSYQ6XA8iGoUp4aiXPqHOUum43wrmzioYxZUbtmQXAbH1pVvRtION-GUUaN-o5ztF3yH-mwd2krlSUBrJGmkGQQPmcql9aB07kBmk7W414vdGmhuNC5rpWQcw/s1128/Picture%2012.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="1128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FacuYZmqfR3pjz7BWd-Pi6K0ZbNCN50e9JskQWEUKV9dFU08tx21V5GXN8_O994NEhSYQ6XA8iGoUp4aiXPqHOUum43wrmzioYxZUbtmQXAbH1pVvRtION-GUUaN-o5ztF3yH-mwd2krlSUBrJGmkGQQPmcql9aB07kBmk7W414vdGmhuNC5rpWQcw/s16000/Picture%2012.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u>Racers Harrison Ford & Paul LeMat's first meeting from AMERICAN GRAFFITI</u><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>And various adult characters: like the poor fella who gets his front bumper bashed, the jerk cop Holstein, the liquor store clerk, the chaperone told to “Kiss A Duck,” really look straight out of the Eisenhower era – okay so JFK was president by this time, but you get the drift…<br />
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The bottom line and the most important thing is that Lucas's AMERICAN GRAFFITI is meant to be viewed the way originally intended, and the bigger the screen the better...   <br />

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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhXmC9emnLRQPTtYnssbxieMm03PeHlzJN0E8wy6kxqGx0g-iZTi3SfXxV15v9xqul-5zBP8k-feHuFI2auHb-B7S9roL7MKqo2J-Kq4HzR16MwB6CpAoMS9toUMcjdXAci1YKvNry7II-bo-dvJUg6m8sh4zdHfPQSqAGun4-ucZi3rv68SmbEdWOA/s1123/Picture%2017.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="1123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhXmC9emnLRQPTtYnssbxieMm03PeHlzJN0E8wy6kxqGx0g-iZTi3SfXxV15v9xqul-5zBP8k-feHuFI2auHb-B7S9roL7MKqo2J-Kq4HzR16MwB6CpAoMS9toUMcjdXAci1YKvNry7II-bo-dvJUg6m8sh4zdHfPQSqAGun4-ucZi3rv68SmbEdWOA/s16000/Picture%2017.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim Bohan's Holstein refers to Paul LeMat's car as that "thing" like the Death Star guard to Chewbacca</td></tr></tbody></table>Not to toot the old horn, but yours truly notified the theater management… ten minutes before the movie played at Bella Terra in Huntington Beach, California… that the previous screening of NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE was all but ruined by a minimal amount of audio… In other words, the sound was so low it hindered the entire experience...<br />
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If GRAFFITI, with wall-to-wall music playing throughout, blaring in and out of cars while providing a subliminally expository narrative, had the same sound problem, and so, once again, a sublime movie, part of the ongoing Landmark Classic Series, would be ruined. And who wants to hear the irritating noise of popcorn bags being ransacked by hungry audience members, or banal comments spoken when you’re trying hard to listen to what’s really important?<br />

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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m3e6fLYmr_Pv3MHejraPy3LP3m4Saya8LTuKikkA_9bxaDlomFmtUHGYTHxb7Wkd0Fui7aVKof81oZfvens29586ro_TRwYWxb9Dy7WyyhKw4VJkqV_uLY77FaOpT7KGTtnvIFXpbYW7JOu5W7A67T6VVUBYUosU8EyDQ4cQmHBv0zF0SGjvWPtNBA/s1151/Picture%2013.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="486" data-original-width="1151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7m3e6fLYmr_Pv3MHejraPy3LP3m4Saya8LTuKikkA_9bxaDlomFmtUHGYTHxb7Wkd0Fui7aVKof81oZfvens29586ro_TRwYWxb9Dy7WyyhKw4VJkqV_uLY77FaOpT7KGTtnvIFXpbYW7JOu5W7A67T6VVUBYUosU8EyDQ4cQmHBv0zF0SGjvWPtNBA/s16000/Picture%2013.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy Williams and the always-lovely Kathleen Quinlan </td></tr></tbody></table>But it's not all cruising around, there's a love story, kinda... Centering on Steve and his girlfriend Laurie's constant bickering on whether they should remain a couple: after all, Steve is taking off the next morning and long distant relationships rarely work.<br />
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Laurie Henderson, Curt’s sister, is played by Cindy Williams – while it’s difficult <i>not </i>seeing HAPPY DAYS verses LAVERNE AND SHIRLEY, the two actors are terrific and do a fantastic job despite a somewhat cliché romantic-quibbling storyline that it took co-writers Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz to help Lucas with, since he (in his own opinion) wasn’t good at writing about relationships. <br />

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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRBkGvkxLemIpWEFG04vygbzNzRZfojeTEZROvTTSv3bt2LnJeaqbJv2bZy0qw2OGQ1czJxttbN7WbSCrAPHDR10kErxCMaH_WTIJtgcpBYHNHXSWvw_WTubHSgzKge3QfhoP2vqYufZMDGBCXefv6CPNjZV2bejbt-PCr3bkwzUvJeYEo4gszIXP4A/s1116/Picture%2016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="1116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRBkGvkxLemIpWEFG04vygbzNzRZfojeTEZROvTTSv3bt2LnJeaqbJv2bZy0qw2OGQ1czJxttbN7WbSCrAPHDR10kErxCMaH_WTIJtgcpBYHNHXSWvw_WTubHSgzKge3QfhoP2vqYufZMDGBCXefv6CPNjZV2bejbt-PCr3bkwzUvJeYEo4gszIXP4A/s16000/Picture%2016.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Howard and Cindy Williams with Kathleen Quinlan's Peg silently instigating</td></tr></tbody></table>While the main actors were kickstarting their careers, Ron Howard, billed as Ronny Howard, who was the biggest name of the lot, had the task of making people forget he was Opie on ANDY GRIFFITH for all those years. Although his story is the least interesting, he succeeded as a teenage actor.<br />
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And then people would know him as Richie Cunningham (HAPPY DAYS was inspired by GRAFFITI but actually spun-off from an episode of LOVE AMERICAN STYLE) until he trailblazed as a successful director later on.<br />