Mondo Trivia: Mute Witness (1995)

 Sir Alec Guiness was a legend.

He's the only person so far to get an Oscar Nomination for Acting in a Star Wars Film.

So how did he end up in a random Thriller like Mute Witness that was shot in Russia from 1995?

Well, the short answer is 'He didn't.'

I'll explain.

Guiness actually shot his role in Germany.

In 1985.
No, really.

As the Director tells the Story, he had a chance meeting with Guinness and asked him to shoot a Scene that he could use in a Film later.

The man agreed and shot the Scene sans Plot or context to the Film that wasn't even being considered at the time.

You can't make a Story like that up.

The closest equivalent I can think of would be when Ed Wood got a small amount of money and shot a Scene of Bela Lugosi looking sad and walking on a lawn.

That was later inserted into the infamous Plan 9 from Outer Space.

The difference, of course, is that this Film is good.

The story is still weird as hell though.

The Batman Legacy of Patrick Leahy

 Patrick Leahy served as a Senator from 1975 to, well, yesterday.

So what does Batman have to do with a retiring Senator?

Well, he's in more Batman Films than *checks Google* anyone.
No, really.

In Batman Forever, he attends a Party for the launch of Edward Nigma's new Tech.

In Batman & Robin, he's attending the Charity Costume Ball.

To note, he was 'paid' for all of his Film & TV work with charitable donations to local Groups and a Library where he first discovered Comic Books.

In The Dark Knight, he's attending...another party- this time to help Harvey Dent's Campaign.  That probably ended well, right?

This is his most famous Cameo since he has a line AND is confronted by Ledger's Joker.

In The Dark Knight Rises, he's on the board of the Wayne Foundation and speaks up about the takeover planned by Bane and his conspirators.

He also might be the same guy in both Films.  Dunno.

In his final- so far- Cameo, he plays a fictional version of himself in Batman V Superman (not to be confused with the Supreme Court Case of the same name).

He's at a Senate Committee Hearing which, as you recall, ends poorly.

However, it's not just in Live Action that he appears....

In 1995, he was the Voice of The Governor in Batman: The Animated Series Episode entitled 'Showdown.'

That's the one that is 90% flashback to the Old West with Ra's Al Ghul's original heir- Malcolm McDowell- and famous Western Hero Jonah Hex basically gets a Backdoor Pilot.

Also in the Episode is Bewitched's Elizabeth Montgomery and, of course, David Warner as Ra's.

As a double bonus, he's also written Introductions and other such Extras on a number of Batman Comics, including the recent 80th Anniversary Book.

He wrote the Introduction to 1996's Batman: Death of the Innocents, a PSA Comic about land mines (which he worked to deal with as a Senator).

Regardless of how you may feel about his Politics or Party, that's quite a Resume for Leahy.

Could you imagine someone fudging their Resume to get into Congress?
Never...

Mondo Trivia: Mothra (1961)

 A while back, I did a bit of a deep dive/compare-contrast between both versions of the rarest Godzilla Film out there (Godzilla Returns/Godzilla 1985).

Well, Mothra has an alternate Japanese Cut as well.

The difference- it is only 10 minutes longer (and obviously in Japanese).

So with the knowledge that the cuts are only minor cuts, you might be surprised to see *what* they cut out for the US Release.

To set the Scene, Mothra is attacking a New York City stand-in (Newkirk City) to retrieve the tiny twins and the residents are naturally concerned...

This is where the majority of the noticeable cutting begins as the US Cut is missing some big chunks here.

Specifically, we don't see a pair of Priests say that we need to pray to God for help against Mothra.

Yep.

Were you expecting something else?
I know I sure was!

Later on, the Heroes arrive and get briefed on things.

They too reach a similar conclusion...

This is followed by some serious praying, not to mention our Comedic Lead doing the Sign of the Cross.

...so why did they cut this?

I guess they must have figured that Religion had no place in a Film like Mothra.  
I can't find any evidence as to their motives, mind you, so I can only infer from what I see.

If anyone has the reason, I'm all ears.

Either way, this is...not what I expected to see!

Mondo Trivia: A Future Star's Early Credits

 Everyone starts out somewhere.

In Hollywood, you sometimes start out on the back of the Set and move up to the front as the Star if you are lucky.

This is one such case.

Bill Hader does a mean (as in accurate) Arnold Schwarzenegger impression, which he says he crafted while working as an Assistant to him on a Film called Collateral Damage.

Well, that Film is on Tubi to stream, so let's see if we can find the evidence...

There we go!

He did a similar job on a number of Films around this time like Critical Mass, The Scorpion King and James Dean.

He's also listed as 'Librarian' for The Surreal Life (with Paris Hilton).

Who knows- the Production Assistant on a Film right now might turn out to be a big Star.  C'est la vie!

Mondo 'Black History' Trivia: Eartha Kitt's Final Batman Episode (and its Historical Significance)

Well, I've already connected the Show to the Sharon Tate/La Bianca Murders, so I might as well connect it to Politics...

For the third Season of Batman, Julie Newmar had left, but Catwoman had more appearances to make.  Enter Eartha Kitt...

 She last appeared in a 2-Part Episode (without a Cliffhanger, weirdly enough) alongside The Joker.

To add extra intrigue, the 2nd Episode featured Pierre Salinger, a former Press Secretary for JFK and LBJ.  There's a reason I mention this...

The Episode aired on January 4, 1968.
This Month would be very notable for Kitt besides just this appearance, however...

She appeared at a White House Luncheon and spoke to the First Lady (Lady Bird Johnson).  She spoke candidly about the War in Vietnam saying "You send the best of this country off to be shot and maimed. No wonder the kids rebel and take pot."

Furthermore, she took a question about Vietnam during a Q&A later and said the following...

"The children of America are not rebelling for no reason. They are not hippies for no reason at all. We don't have what we have on Sunset Blvd. for no reason. They are rebelling against something. There are so many things burning the people of this country, particularly mothers. They feel they are going to raise sons – and I know what it's like, and you have children of your own, Mrs. Johnson – we raise children and send them to war."

This didn't end well for Mrs. Kitt as she was blacklisted for nearly a Decade!  She even had a secret file on her courtesy of the CIA (which branded her a 'sadistic nymphomaniac')!

Granted- the Show wouldn't get a 4th Season on NBC, so this would be her final appearance regardless of the controversy.  

Even so, her candid and honest comments led to this being the last time anyone saw her for a while...

There's alot more history to that Show where a paunchy guy in a cape punched people in silly wigs, huh?  Bam!

Mondo Trivia: The Batman/Sharon Tate Murders Connection

In the wake of a renewed interest in the tragedy that was the Sharon Tate Murders- between good and bad Films about it-, I was reminded of this little tidbit.

The thing about the Murders is that people tend to focus on Tate- understandably so.

However, there were, sadly, other victims.

One of them- Jay Sebring.

He was a famous Stylist and former Partner of Tate.  He was attending the Party.

Here's where the less morbid part comes in as we flashback to 1966 on...Batman!

In Part 2 of a Catwoman Story ('The Cat's Meow'), she hides out at a Stylist's Shop with a pun name...

Hmm...

As this is the Climax, you get the typical fight- with a twist.

Mr. Oceanbring (not a criminal) spends the whole fight trying to stop them from knocking over his 'antiques.'  Now you know where Rush Hour got it from!

He has to save his vase, his statues and the like.
Naturally, he leans on and breaks the vase after they leave.

In case you didn't figure it out, *that* is Jay Sebring, in one of his few TV appearances.

I bet you didn't know that connection was there, right?

Mondo Trivia: The 'Cannibal Holocaust'-'Spider-Man' Connection

Cannibal Holocaust is a famous Film that was once banned in over 40 Countries.

It is down to like 3 now.

While I won't go into the whole Plot here, this is what you need to know...

Robert Kerman is sent to the Jungle to find a missing Film Crew (not Mike, Kevin and Bill).

***Smash Cut to 22 years later***

In Spider-Man, Green Goblin has set up a life-or-death scenario for the titular hero to solve.

Who should help save the day but a friendly Tugboat Captain- Robert Kerman

So what's the Story?

While doing an event celebrating the 20th Anniversary of Cannibal Holocaust, Kerwin Matthews here met Sam Raimi.

Impressed by his earlier work, Raimi offered him a job in Spider-Man.

Given his work in that Film AND Cannibal Ferox AND Eaten Alive (plus about 100 '80s Porn Films), could this happen today?

Not likely.

Mondo Trivia: Jason Lives- Friday the 13th, Part 6

Well, I had to watch one of these today.  I'll review it properly soon (probably a Quick Review), but...

In the meantime, here's some interesting bit of Cast Trivia for you.

The first official Couple that end up being Jason's Victims include a guy you might recognize...

That's right- Tony Goldwyn!

If you aren't one of the millions of people that apparently watch Scandal (like me), here is the other thing you may know him from Ghost...

In case you still need more visual aids (why?), here is the bit you definitely remember...

Good times.

Mondo Trivia: Over-Sexed Rugsucker From Mars

-Courtesy of The Complete Oral History of MST3K...

(Kevin J. ) Murphy: There was one submission called Demon Rugsuckers From Mars, or maybe just Rugsuckers From Mars. [Ed. note: It’s actually titled Over-Sexed Rugsuckers From Mars.] It’s about vacuum cleaners. And there was a scene with this dorky bearded fellow making graphic love to a vacuum cleaner. That was the one time I thought, what the hell am I doing with my life?

That says alot, doesn't it?

Mondo Trivia: Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)

I meant to mention this before, but it slipped my mind.  Fortunately, it slipped back in and here we go.

Before the late David R. Ellis was Directing stuff like Final Destination and Snakes on a Plane, he was a Stunt Coordinator in the 70s and 80s.

That includes the 1978 Invasion of the Body Snatchers...

As a bonus, note that the also-late Jerry Garcia is Credited for playing the Banjo in the bit with the Street Performer (who later become a man-dog).

Just to keep this long-time rumor dead, he did NOT play the Performer that appears, just the Music that was added in Post-Production.

All clear now?  Good.

Mondo Trivia: Deadly Blessing

* Here's a weird one.  In the UK, they cut the finale of the film.  They.  just.  cut.  it.

It's not for violent content (there's no blood) or suggestive content (i.e. sex).  Why did they cut this then?

* According to reports, they cut it 'to avoid confusion.'  Wow.

Words fail me, gentlemen.

Mondo Trivia: Waxwork II

There's so much to talk about with Waxwork II, so let's throw out some extra Trivia.

* The Actor that plays the Teacher in Waxwork also plays the Judge in Waxwork II.  Given that this Trial took place (at most) months later, how....how is this possible?

* In addition, the guy that played the Butler in Waxwork appears briefly as a Peasant.  In his defense though, he's in a different Dimension (or something)!

Ironically enough, the Phibes films did this too.  Another weird comparison that I just now thought of!

You know that old expression 'Who did they sleep with to get the part?'

Well, this guy didn't have to do any such thing...because he's the Director!  Unlike Frank Henenlotter in Brain Damage, this one is confirmed, as he 's in the Credits.

* A double-dose here.  One- the Credits play over a rap song written for the film.  Weird, right?

Second, the film features Stunt Work by Kane Hodder (who plays Frankenstein's Monster in Waxwork as well).  Bonus!

* Lastly, Drew Barrymore appears here as Vampire Victim #1 in the Nosferatu bit from the Climax.  Why?  I'm not sure.

On the plus side, I actually spotted her this time.  I've seen the film twice since I bought it, but only found her on the third viewing.  Don't blink!

Is there some Trivia that I missed?  If so, leave a comment and learn me something.

Mondo Trivia: Halloween 2 (1981)

I decided to watch *the original* Halloween 2 in order to cleanse my pallet from Rob Zombie's Halloween II.  It's only during the credits that I noticed this...

Yeah, he's in this movie.  It's apparently his screen debut to boot!

Yes, he's in a film scarier than The Master of Disguise!

Here's him in a slightly-harder part to see...

He does the exact same thing in the exact same outfit...but from a different direction.  That, my friends, is real acting!

Mondo Trivia: Highlander III

* Apparently there are two different cuts of the film- the American one and the European one.  The latter cuts nearly all shots of magic from the film.

Magic has no place in a film about immortals trying to claim 'the prize!'

* In addition, there are a few different releases between VHS and DVD.  Besides the regular version, there is a Director's Cut and a 2005 re-release of the Director's Cut.  However, there is a catch...

-This version is actually the European version of the film!  Director's Cut, my ass!

Mondo Trivia: Wrong Turn 3...and 4?

*According to IMDB, a 2008 horror film called Swamp Devil was released as Wrong Turn 3 as a bootleg in The Phillipines.  Does it make it an official title?  Obviously not.

*In 2009, a different horror film called Albino Farm was released in The Phillipines as Wrong Turn 4.

I guess I have to review that now too, huh?  At least this one has a wrestler in it (Chris Jericho) to help me out.

Mondo Trivia: Red (2010)

The fairly-new release Red tells the tale of ex-spies who get pulled back into the game.  It's actually a good movie, but something was eating at me when I saw it.  Wasn't there another film called Red made recently?

Well, yes.

In 2008, a drama film of the same name was made.  That would just be a coincidence, but...

Both films star Brian Cox.

Weird, right?  I think so, anyways.

Mondo Trivia: House (1986)

In this '80s cult classic, see if this stunt man's name seems familiar...

Yes, it's future Jason- Kane Hodder.  In fact, he pulls double-duty here...

As a bonus, I should note that this is a Steve Miner film.  The same Steve Miner who directed Friday the 13th, Part II and III.

So he cast Kane in a film post-Friday film, but two years (from release date, not production date) before Kane would be cast as Jason in Part VII.  It's a small world, huh?

Mondo Trivia: Van Helsing- The London Assignment

There is actually a one-shot/special comic written by Stephen Sommers that connects Van Helsing to...Van Helsing.  No, really.

Apparently, he stops in London before heading back to Rome and battles Dr. Moreau.  Apparently, he was there at the same time that Mr. Hyde was.  You think that this would bear mention in the film, but you'd be wrong.

*source: Wikipedia and bigger nerds than I.*

Mondo Trivia: Demons

* There are a total of 8 films that make-up the Demons series.  Mind you, most of them are fakes...

- Demons III: The Ogre is a TV-movie by Bava. 
- Demons III: The Church is a similar film to Bava's made by Michele Soavi.
- Demons III: Black Demons is about voodoo zombies.
- Demons IV: The Sect is another horror film by Soavi.  I guess since The Church was 3, this is 4...
- Demons V: The Devil's Veil is another unrelated Bava film.
- Demons VI is Luigi Cozzi's The Black Cat.  No, really.

* In an un-related note, Lamberto Bava was an Assistant Director on Cannibal Holocaust.  That film also has six fake sequels.  Coincidence?  Yes.

Mondo Trivia: Return of the Killer Tomatoes

* The ending credits promise to close-up the Killer Tomato trilogy with The Killer Tomatoes Go To France.  That didn't happen.

* As it would turn out, the fourth film would become Killer Tomatoes Eat France.  Close, but no cigar.