hud (1963) - martin ritt

'Hud' has got everything going for it.  Paul Newman never won the Oscar for his portrayal of the eponymous anti hero, but is strikingly magnificent throughout.  His performance is matched by Patricia Neal (as the housekeeper) and  Melvyn Douglas, (as Homer Bannon, Hud's father).  The black and white cinematography (by James Wong Howe) is sharp yet moody (a bit like Hud himself), and Neal, Douglas and Howe did win at the 1963 Academy awards.
Hud is disillusioned and just wants to enjoy himself, with no thought as to the consequences of his actions. His father however, is honorable and believes in behaving and living in the correct way.  This causes a dilemma with the young Lonnie Bannon, who idolises Hud, but ultimately, has to choose the correct path to take.  There are modern day concerns that Hud rages against, such as 'foot and mouth' disease, crooked politicians, bankers and TV game shows, but it's also about the changing of the ways and facing up to the modern world that is encroaching, whether they like it or not.  Superb.

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the hanging of tom ketchum and kid curry

Tom Ketchum, who was also known as 'Black Jack' Ketchum, was a member of the  'Hole in the Wall' gang and committed various robberies and crimes until he was apprehended and sentenced to be hanged.  So far, there's nothing unusual at all, as he is, after all, a wild west outlaw.  However (and this is where the tale gets juicy), when he was hanged on April 26th 1901 (at Clayton, New Mexico), the rope was too long, Ketchum had gained weight, and he fell (so it's said) about 9 feet, which resulted in him being decapitated.  That's not even the only gory bit (not by a long chalk), as it gets better (or worse).  Afterwards, his head was sewn back onto his body so that it could go on show before being interned in Clayton.  Now that, brothers and sisters, is what l call a hanging and aftermath.

As an aside, he also hung around a bit (see what l did there) with Kid Curry (Harvey Logan), although they apparently never got on.  Curry was later to become well known due to the TV series 'Alias Smith and Jones' (starring Pete Duel and Ben Murphy!), a favorite show of mine from when l was younger.  Kid Curry was portrayed in the show as likeable, but extremely fast on the draw.  I'm sure the real Kid Curry would have been a pretty nasty guy, and nothing at all like his TV portrayal.  The top picture is Ben Murphy as Kid Curry, whereas the bottom (scruffy and unattractive) one is the real deal.  I think l can spot a tiny bit of a difference between them.

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the trapped squirrel in germany

This cute little squirrel got his head stuck in a manhole cover in Isernhagen, Germany last week.  Policeman were alerted and worked to free him, but after trying to pull the squirrel out, and even removing the cover to do so, they were unable to do so.  Eventually they managed to use olive oil and push the squirrel's ears down before successfully freeing the obviously traumatized creature.  Unfortunately, after letting the squirrel go in a local garden, it was later found to be dead, probably due to the stress of it's ordeal.  Poor little bugger.  More about the rescue is here.

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the genius that was jim flora

Jim Flora illustrated albums and childrens books, as well as producing stand alone artworks.  I first saw his work when l came across the 'Mambo for Cats' LP, and have loved his stuff ever since then.  It's a witty, surreal and 'Mad Magazine like' skewed view of the world, and also encapsulates the crazier side of America, back when it was still be boppin' and swinging (daddy o).  He has sadly passed away, and the above pictures are only a small sample of his artwork, but there are lots, lots more.  The rather impressive collection at the bottom belongs to Takashi Okada from Tokyo, who is a graphic designer (amongst other things).  I wish all his Flora related goodies belonged to me, and l love the way he has them displayed.  If you are interested in purchasing any artworks, Jim Flora items are available to buy  here.  It's not cheap though.

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lizzie borden's passport application

This is a copy of Lizzie Borden's passport application.  Don't know who she is?  Read this.

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bruce springsteen at home

Bruce Springsteen at home (probably).

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alan friedman sun photograhs

These photographs of the Sun and it's flares were taken by Alan Friedman, photographing only the warm hydrogen.  It looks pretty impressive and strange, and if you want to know more, check out Discover Magazine's blog.

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the rest of the japanese war posters

The rest of the Japanese war posters (the rest are in an earlier post below).

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I want candy (2007) - stephen surjik

A 'so called' British comedy with some well known (in the UK at least) cameos (ie Jimmy Carr and Miranda Hart), I Want Candy was another waste of my precious time.  Two students from Leatherhead film college decide to make a movie.  They change it to a porno, get involved with gangsters, and my will to live started dying out.  This lacked comedy (essential for a comedy movie), tension (important when there are gangsters involved) and  filth (essential if they are meant to be making a porno and the film is crap, as there should be some kind of titillation at least).  It confirms my belief that the more star cameos there are in UK films, the crappier the films become, as if they don't have to try with the script.  I don't know about wanting candy, l wanted carrots shoving in my ears and my eyes gouged out so l didn't have to suffer any more.  Bring on the sweet relief of death if l have to tolerate more of this nonsense.  Thank God l'm not young anymore.

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frozen (2010) - adam green

Three Americans get stuck up a ski lift as night falls.  They try to get down with varying degrees of luck, and wolves are involved.
Yawn.
It was my misfortune to have to spend some of my quality time watching this, but don't waste your time (they're not worth it).
I desperately wanted them all to die long, lingering deaths, endlessly suffering and being shown no mercy.  If l was to be tormented and traumatised by watching it, l wanted them to be hurting to the same degree of agony and torment l was enduring.
Sadly, that was setting an impossible task.
You may have guessed by now - Frozen was not my cup of tea (it was crap)

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john smith - the 129 year old indian

This is John Smith, real name Ka-Be-Nah-Owey-Wence, who was supposed to be 129 years old when this picture was taken.  That might or might not be true, but he sure looks that old.  This should be used as an advert to prevent people staying out in the sun for too long (or getting them to moisturise).  I certainly don't think he ever came into contact with aftersun (other brands are available).

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world war 2 propaganda posters from japan

These are Japanese  propaganda posters from the Second World War, and they are up for no other reason than they are a fascinating slice of history, and their design and colours are great.  More to follow.

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terry gilliam and his junk

Holly, Terry Gilliam's daughter, has started posting bits and pieces of her fathers junk on her blog.  I say junk, but these are old sketches, animation cells, film scripts etc to do with Monty Python's Flying Circus, Brazil, The Fisher King, and so much more.  She will certainly have plenty to be delving through and exhibiting, so this could go on for quite a while (unless she gets bored of doing it).  If l was to do a blog featuring my fathers stuff, it wouldn't last a day.  An empty bottle of gin, a couple of books and some clothes would just about cover it.  It's a bugger being from the poor, working class side of town (he moans yet again).  Don't get me started on the advantages she has and will have in her life, even if it is through no fault of her own, and she may well be a lovely person.  Jealous?  Too right l am.

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