Robert Mitchum

All posts tagged Robert Mitchum

Music to Make Horror Movies By – Keely Smith

Published April 8, 2024 by biggayhorrorfan

Has there ever been a voice as elegantly smooth as the one that poured out of the divine Keely Smith? I think not.

In fact, Smith’s was the one instrument that broke up my continued playback of Nine Inch Nails, The Crow soundtrack, Nirvana and Liz Phair one summer. The months encapsulated by those early ’90s heat waves were dominated by those indie rock forces and the Capitol Records Spotlight On compilation of Smith’s greatest work. Indeed, I found her take on Fools Rush In to be simply grand. Even more so, her commanding performance of Sweet and Lovely was almost indescribably beautiful to me. 

Nicely, in recent years, even the horror and creature community has discovered this irreplaceable songstress. Her tunes have been used in the reimagining of Stephen King’s The Stand and Marvel’s Venom: Let There Be Carnage. 

All I can say is…better late than never…and let’s hear some more!

Fun Facts:

Smith co-starred with Robert Mitchum in Thunder Road, one of the first films to embrace an outlaw, rock ‘n roll spirit. Also after years of playing the professional straight man to Las Vegas dynamo Louis Prima, Smith defiantly took control of her career, determinedly performing her music in the style and vein that she appreciated and preferred for the remaining decades of her career.

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

http://www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan

Horror Mash-Up: Mae Clarke and Lon Chaney, Jr.

Published April 25, 2020 by biggayhorrorfan

Lon NAAS

Screen legend Robert Mitchum tussled with such bad asses as Lee Marvin, George Kennedy, Jean Simmons and Jane Russell onscreen throughout his career as Hollywood’s smoothest tough guy. In 1955’s melodramatic medical drama Not As A Stranger this maverick met his match, though, while appearing opposite two of Universal Horror’s shining lights.

Here the incomparable Lon Chaney Jr., who appeared most famously as the original Wolf Man, dominates his tiny bit of screen time opposite Mitchum’s emotionally remote medical student Lucas March. As March’s alcoholic father, Chaney brings his own experience with that insidious disease to the fore, creating a truly sorrowful, emotionally impactful presence. Of course, those who have appreciated Chaney’s latter-day work in such projects as Spider Baby know what an amazing dramatic performer that he was.

Mae NAAS

Once March graduates, he wanders into the orbit of Mae Clarke’s steely Odell, a nurse who questions his knowledge and authority. A far cry from Frankenstein’s victimized Elizabeth, Clarke resonates with a determined attitude and a sense of unique force. Nicely, her final moments opposite Mitchum do give her a chance to show a tart sympathy, allowing her to create a rounded portrait within the few quick scenes that she is given to perform in.

Mae Lon Classic

Masters of their craft. Chaney and Clarke deserve recognition for all their celluloid contributions. A quick online search of their credits should lead you into many fascinating cinematic journeys.

Happy hunting and…

Until the next time, SWEET love and pink GRUE, Big Gay Horror Fan!

www.facebook.com/biggayhorrorfan