What kind of music goes best with comedy? Even if you’ve never seen The Benny Hill Show, you know its silly, sped-up theme song. For years, funny movies would incorporate swinging jazz or playful orchestral tunes. Then, in the late 1970s, John Landis had the idea to tap acclaimed Oscar-winning composer (and friend) Elmer Bernstein to write a no-winking serious score for Landis’ outrageous Animal House. The juxtaposition worked perfectly, the onscreen hijinks accentuated by Bernstein’s soaring strings — almost as if the movie was pretending to be classy while the characters were thumbing their nose at the pomposity. Soon, other movies, like Airplane! (also scored by Bernstein), were doing the same thing, proving that what initially seemed like a bizarre notion for music in a comedy could actually be brilliant.
But times change, and one trend gets replaced by a new one. By the mid-1980s, several hit comedies contained a hit single.
But times change, and one trend gets replaced by a new one. By the mid-1980s, several hit comedies contained a hit single.
- 7/1/2024
- Cracked
Thief of Hearts: Lellouche’s Sprawling Romance Has Arrhythmia
A common occurrence for actors moonlighting as directors is not knowing how to hone a focus, crafting a narrative around the performers, often to the detriment of the film itself. Such is the case with Beating Hearts (L’amour Ouf), the third film directed by Gilles Lellouche, an actor who often oscillates between comedy and drama, and has thus far focused on lighter, frivolous fare as a director. The French language title of his latest roughly translates to Phew, Love, which gives a better indication of the irreverent tone aimed for in this violently stylized romantic melodrama, clocking in at nearly three hours, the justification of which never arrives.…...
A common occurrence for actors moonlighting as directors is not knowing how to hone a focus, crafting a narrative around the performers, often to the detriment of the film itself. Such is the case with Beating Hearts (L’amour Ouf), the third film directed by Gilles Lellouche, an actor who often oscillates between comedy and drama, and has thus far focused on lighter, frivolous fare as a director. The French language title of his latest roughly translates to Phew, Love, which gives a better indication of the irreverent tone aimed for in this violently stylized romantic melodrama, clocking in at nearly three hours, the justification of which never arrives.…...
- 5/23/2024
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Romy Walthall, an actress known for Face/Off and Camp Nowhere, died May 19 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles. She was 57.
Walthall’s son Morgan Krantz, a director and actor, confirmed her death via Instagram on Thursday, writing “Rip Mom. I love you” alongside a series of photographs.
Her career, in which she was sometimes credited under the stage name Romy Windsor, began in 1984 when she appeared in comedy Up the Creek, followed by Thief of Hearts and a string of TV shows including Man of the People and Civil Wars.
In 1997, she appeared in Face/Off alongside stars John Travolta and Nicolas ...
Walthall’s son Morgan Krantz, a director and actor, confirmed her death via Instagram on Thursday, writing “Rip Mom. I love you” alongside a series of photographs.
Her career, in which she was sometimes credited under the stage name Romy Windsor, began in 1984 when she appeared in comedy Up the Creek, followed by Thief of Hearts and a string of TV shows including Man of the People and Civil Wars.
In 1997, she appeared in Face/Off alongside stars John Travolta and Nicolas ...
Romy Walthall, an actress known for Face/Off and Camp Nowhere, died May 19 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Los Angeles. She was 57.
Walthall’s son Morgan Krantz, a director and actor, confirmed her death via Instagram on Thursday, writing “Rip Mom. I love you” alongside a series of photographs.
Her career, in which she was sometimes credited under the stage name Romy Windsor, began in 1984 when she appeared in comedy Up the Creek, followed by Thief of Hearts and a string of TV shows including Man of the People and Civil Wars.
In 1997, she appeared in Face/Off alongside stars John Travolta and Nicolas ...
Walthall’s son Morgan Krantz, a director and actor, confirmed her death via Instagram on Thursday, writing “Rip Mom. I love you” alongside a series of photographs.
Her career, in which she was sometimes credited under the stage name Romy Windsor, began in 1984 when she appeared in comedy Up the Creek, followed by Thief of Hearts and a string of TV shows including Man of the People and Civil Wars.
In 1997, she appeared in Face/Off alongside stars John Travolta and Nicolas ...
Romy Walthall, an actress who appeared in John Woo’s ’90s action film “Face/Off” and in movies such as “The House of Usher” and “Camp Nowhere,” has died. She was 57.
Walthall died on May 19 of cardiac arrest. Her son, actor Morgan Krantz, shared the news of his mother’s passing in a social media post on May 27.
“Rip Mom. I love you,” Krantz wrote.
Walthall’s daughter Isabella Israel also shared a tribute to her late mother on Instagram.
“She was everything at once. She was my first love. My best friend at times and my sworn adversary at others. She was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and she was wicked and fun and light and dark and she possessed the kind of magic that you truly just don’t see,” she wrote. “I’m terrified of the world without her (how drab!) but so excited for wherever she’s heading next.
Walthall died on May 19 of cardiac arrest. Her son, actor Morgan Krantz, shared the news of his mother’s passing in a social media post on May 27.
“Rip Mom. I love you,” Krantz wrote.
Walthall’s daughter Isabella Israel also shared a tribute to her late mother on Instagram.
“She was everything at once. She was my first love. My best friend at times and my sworn adversary at others. She was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and she was wicked and fun and light and dark and she possessed the kind of magic that you truly just don’t see,” she wrote. “I’m terrified of the world without her (how drab!) but so excited for wherever she’s heading next.
- 6/1/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Romy Walthall, who starred in 1989’s The House of Usher opposite Oliver Reed and Donald Pleasence, was a regular on Steven Bochco’s Murder One and appeared on Hotel Malibu opposite Jennifer Lopez, has died at 57. Her son, Morgan Krantz, confirmed Walthall’s passing on Twitter.
Often going by the stage name Romy Windsor, the actress had a steady run of TV work in the ’80s and ’90s, including a recurring role on the short-lived TV series Man of the People starring James Garner and six episodes on another Bochco-created series, Civil Wars. Walthall also appeared on some of the biggest shows of the era including T.J. Hooker, Moonlighting, Quantum Leap, Jake and the Fatman, Matlock, L.A. Law, Diagnosis Murder and The X-Files.
Whitehall’s onscreen career began in 1984 with a trio of performances: a small part in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Don Simpson-produced film Thief of Hearts, two episodes...
Often going by the stage name Romy Windsor, the actress had a steady run of TV work in the ’80s and ’90s, including a recurring role on the short-lived TV series Man of the People starring James Garner and six episodes on another Bochco-created series, Civil Wars. Walthall also appeared on some of the biggest shows of the era including T.J. Hooker, Moonlighting, Quantum Leap, Jake and the Fatman, Matlock, L.A. Law, Diagnosis Murder and The X-Files.
Whitehall’s onscreen career began in 1984 with a trio of performances: a small part in the Jerry Bruckheimer/Don Simpson-produced film Thief of Hearts, two episodes...
- 5/31/2021
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Romy Walthall, an actor known for her roles in “Face/Off” and “The House of Usher,” died on May 19 in Los Angeles after experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. She was 57.
Walthall’s son, actor and director Morgan Krantz, confirmed her death to Variety.
Born on Sept. 16, 1963 in Pasadena, Texas, Walthall got her start in the entertainment industry by winning the Mother/Daughter USA pageant in 1980. At age 17, Walthall was signed to Ford Models and began modeling in Europe. She eventually moved back to Los Angeles and dipped her toes into the acting world, sometimes going by her stage name, Romy Windsor.
She landed her first major role in Jerry Bruckheimer’s 1984 thriller “Thief of Hearts,” and played Bobbi in 1985’s “A Bunny’s Tale,” which was based on Gloria Steinem’s investigation of Playboy Bunnies’ working conditions. Walthall also starred in the cult horror films “Howling IV: The Original Nightmare” in 1988 and...
Walthall’s son, actor and director Morgan Krantz, confirmed her death to Variety.
Born on Sept. 16, 1963 in Pasadena, Texas, Walthall got her start in the entertainment industry by winning the Mother/Daughter USA pageant in 1980. At age 17, Walthall was signed to Ford Models and began modeling in Europe. She eventually moved back to Los Angeles and dipped her toes into the acting world, sometimes going by her stage name, Romy Windsor.
She landed her first major role in Jerry Bruckheimer’s 1984 thriller “Thief of Hearts,” and played Bobbi in 1985’s “A Bunny’s Tale,” which was based on Gloria Steinem’s investigation of Playboy Bunnies’ working conditions. Walthall also starred in the cult horror films “Howling IV: The Original Nightmare” in 1988 and...
- 5/31/2021
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Chicago – The year 2019 was when everyone, including myself, seemed to struggle to focus. Politics suddenly appeared to be all consuming when we have an administration as George Orwell predicted, trying to convince so many not to believe their own eyes.
“What you are seeing and what you are reading is not happening,” proclaimed the President in July. This eerily echoed Orwell’s warning. “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears … it was their final, most essential command.” Meanwhile the Commander-in-Chief was enthusiastically tweeting out images with his head badly photoshopped onto different bodies.
Last year 98 celebrities posed for my lens, and a fashion accessory – both on and off the red carpet – became quickly apparent. A modest poem about that trend … If you were a fashionable male/One worshipped by the masses/And you posed for my lens last year/You were probably wearing glasses.
“What you are seeing and what you are reading is not happening,” proclaimed the President in July. This eerily echoed Orwell’s warning. “The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears … it was their final, most essential command.” Meanwhile the Commander-in-Chief was enthusiastically tweeting out images with his head badly photoshopped onto different bodies.
Last year 98 celebrities posed for my lens, and a fashion accessory – both on and off the red carpet – became quickly apparent. A modest poem about that trend … If you were a fashionable male/One worshipped by the masses/And you posed for my lens last year/You were probably wearing glasses.
- 1/6/2020
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Reservoir Dogs Turns 25! 10 Colourful FactsReservoir Dogs Turns 25! 10 Colourful FactsKurt Anthony9/1/2017 10:00:00 Am
They say that every dog has its day, and today is the 25th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino’s American crime thriller, Reservoir Dogs!
After competing in the dog-eat-dog world of film festival screenings, Reservoir Dogs made its theatrical debut in France on September 2, 1992. Pulling triple duty as writer, actor, and director, the independent heist flick was Tarantino’s first feature-length film and instantly cemented his place at the top of Hollywood’s dogpile, paving the way for future films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Jackie Brown (1997).
With a budget of $1.2M and a domestic box office gross of over $2.8M, the independent underdog has since earned its bloody, cult classic status and is often referred to as “the greatest independent film ever made.”
Button up your suit jacket and join our pack as we unleash ten colourful facts...
They say that every dog has its day, and today is the 25th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino’s American crime thriller, Reservoir Dogs!
After competing in the dog-eat-dog world of film festival screenings, Reservoir Dogs made its theatrical debut in France on September 2, 1992. Pulling triple duty as writer, actor, and director, the independent heist flick was Tarantino’s first feature-length film and instantly cemented his place at the top of Hollywood’s dogpile, paving the way for future films like Pulp Fiction (1994) and Jackie Brown (1997).
With a budget of $1.2M and a domestic box office gross of over $2.8M, the independent underdog has since earned its bloody, cult classic status and is often referred to as “the greatest independent film ever made.”
Button up your suit jacket and join our pack as we unleash ten colourful facts...
- 9/1/2017
- by Kurt Anthony
- Cineplex
On Dec. 5, 1984, the Beverly Hills Cop franchise was born as the R-rated Eddie Murphy film hit theaters, becoming a $300 million-plus earner in its run. The Hollywood Reporter's original review is below.
Paramount can anticipate a healthy box-office arrest from its Beverly Hills Cop. Larcenously full of the high-tech production values one has come to expect from wunderkind producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (Flashdance, Thief of Hearts), this lickety-split action comedy is distinguished by the wry, character-conscious direction of Martin Brest, who coaxes a silver-bullet performance from star Eddie Murphy that's practically criminal in its accuracy.
Murphy,...
Paramount can anticipate a healthy box-office arrest from its Beverly Hills Cop. Larcenously full of the high-tech production values one has come to expect from wunderkind producers Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer (Flashdance, Thief of Hearts), this lickety-split action comedy is distinguished by the wry, character-conscious direction of Martin Brest, who coaxes a silver-bullet performance from star Eddie Murphy that's practically criminal in its accuracy.
Murphy,...
- 12/5/2016
- by THR Staff
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The heady world that is Malaysian indie film industry is often a mixed bag, but today we stumbled across this, the Malay horror thriller Psiko: Pencuri Hati (aka Psycho: Thief Of Hearts) which looks a small cut above the usual low budget fair that’s churned out. Synopsis: How far would you research when you write a novel about serial killers? Do you have to think like a serial killer? Do you need to find the emotions and the skills of a serial killer to ensure your character works on paper? In this question consumes the main character Sidi. Sidi is a writer, whose wretched soul is always struggling internally, tries to find some quiet time whilst doing research for his latest novel about serial killers, but finds himself succumbing to the darkness, little by little. Psycho trailer...
- 8/22/2013
- 24framespersecond.net
Back at the beginning of July in the daily Briefs, I started the Official snicks Top 100 Lost Hits of The 80's, spotlighting the 100 greatest minor hits of that decade. The songs you don't hear on any 80's nostalgia show. Songs that missed the top ten, or top twenty ... or top forty, and over the last five months I hope some of these forgotten gems may have rung a long dormant bell, or for younger readers, provided a pop music history lesson.
Here is the complete list, including my favorite lost song of the decade. Thank you for taking this 80's road trip with me ... but it's not over yet! I'll be featuring a new Lost Hit once a week in the Wednesday Briefs, so the history lesson will continue!
Let the countdown commence, and remember ... keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars!
100. Animotion - "I...
Here is the complete list, including my favorite lost song of the decade. Thank you for taking this 80's road trip with me ... but it's not over yet! I'll be featuring a new Lost Hit once a week in the Wednesday Briefs, so the history lesson will continue!
Let the countdown commence, and remember ... keep your feet on the ground, and keep reaching for the stars!
100. Animotion - "I...
- 11/28/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Birthday shoutouts go to Brent Corrigan (above), who is 26, Justin Chatwin is 30, Piper Perabo is 36, Dermot Mulroney is 49, and Mike O'Malley is 46.In ratings news,Happy Endings tumbled over 20% in its second airing of the season. Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Renner will be hosting Saturday Night Live in November.Catching up with Heather Langenkamp.This Gay Is Exhausted From Causing Hurricane Sandy.Brad Pitt has donated $100,00 to the Hrc's National Marriage Fund. The Big Lie: 'I Love My Gay Friends, but I'm Voting for Romney Anyway.' Benedict Cumberbatch will play Brian Epstein in a a biopic of the closeted Beatles manager.Below you can see the penultimate episode of The Variants. Will the evil be vanquished?
Lisa Whelchel was a guest of The Talk yesterday, and the ladies dressed up as Facts of Life characters. Inevitably, Sara Gilbert was Jo. Duh.
Ellen is Sofia Vergara.
Keith Urban in a speedo.
Lisa Whelchel was a guest of The Talk yesterday, and the ladies dressed up as Facts of Life characters. Inevitably, Sara Gilbert was Jo. Duh.
Ellen is Sofia Vergara.
Keith Urban in a speedo.
- 10/31/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
Throughout his 30+-year career, character actor Steven Bauer has been associated with films like Scarface, Thief of Hearts, Running Scared, Gleaming the Cube (a personal favorite), Raising Cain, Primal Fear and Traffic to name a few as well as the hit 80's TV series "Wiseguy."
For his latest project Bauer decided to switch things up a bit and don a crazy fur cap and eye patch to fight werewolves in Universal Studios Home Entertainment's latest classic monster project, Werewolf: The Beast Among Us, which was recently released on Blu-ray and DVD everywhere.
To mark the occasion, Dread Central had the opportunity to briefly chat with Bauer about how his life-long fandom for the Universal Monsters led to his involvement with Werewolf as well as more on his experiences shooting in Transylvania and how one small eye patch caused so many problems on set.
Check out our exclusive interview with Bauer below!
For his latest project Bauer decided to switch things up a bit and don a crazy fur cap and eye patch to fight werewolves in Universal Studios Home Entertainment's latest classic monster project, Werewolf: The Beast Among Us, which was recently released on Blu-ray and DVD everywhere.
To mark the occasion, Dread Central had the opportunity to briefly chat with Bauer about how his life-long fandom for the Universal Monsters led to his involvement with Werewolf as well as more on his experiences shooting in Transylvania and how one small eye patch caused so many problems on set.
Check out our exclusive interview with Bauer below!
- 10/27/2012
- by thehorrorchick
- DreadCentral.com
Sometimes movie publicists are telepathic. Last week I was thinking about The Hamptons and how it's weird that I've never been but I'm so eager to spend every weekend there this fall shivering from the icy cold glares of Victoria Grayson and Emily Thorne (Revenge returns Sunday night ~Holla). Then a friend who had never seen Scarface (1983) sent me a text that was basically like “Steven Bauer ♥ omg!” to which I responded with a “Queue Thief of Hearts - it's pure Bauer Porn." Last but not least, I was wondering which celebs I should invite as future guest stars and my mind wandered to Sally Kirkland, star of Anna (1986), for which she won the Golden Globe, an Independent Spirit and the Heart of Me.
All of these things were jostling for attention in my crowded celluloid packed-brain for the past few days when what should arrive in my inbox but...
All of these things were jostling for attention in my crowded celluloid packed-brain for the past few days when what should arrive in my inbox but...
- 9/27/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Jake Gyllenhaal presents Meryl Streep with a Golden Bear statuette in Berlin.
Happy Birthday to Janice Dickinson, who turns 57, Jane Child is 45, Alex Borstein is 42, Renee O'Connor is 41, Matt Groening is 58, and the Faboo Melissa Manchester is 61. Time to name your top five Melissa songs! Here are mine: 5. "Mathematics," 4. "No One Can Love You Like Me," 3. "Through The Eyes Of Love," 2. "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" 1."Thief Of Hearts." Rick Santorum keeps racking up the important endorsements. How long before Mustaine releases a statement that he's changed his mind and "really didn't understand" what Santorum's views were? In ratings news, everything stunk last night. Cougar Town's return was its lowest rated episode, Glee was down 15%, and Ringer was down 40%!Following his Oscar debacle, Brett Ratner has been working with GLAAD, and will produce and direct "an upcoming video series that will feature Hollywood celebrities, athletes, musicians...
Happy Birthday to Janice Dickinson, who turns 57, Jane Child is 45, Alex Borstein is 42, Renee O'Connor is 41, Matt Groening is 58, and the Faboo Melissa Manchester is 61. Time to name your top five Melissa songs! Here are mine: 5. "Mathematics," 4. "No One Can Love You Like Me," 3. "Through The Eyes Of Love," 2. "You Should Hear How She Talks About You" 1."Thief Of Hearts." Rick Santorum keeps racking up the important endorsements. How long before Mustaine releases a statement that he's changed his mind and "really didn't understand" what Santorum's views were? In ratings news, everything stunk last night. Cougar Town's return was its lowest rated episode, Glee was down 15%, and Ringer was down 40%!Following his Oscar debacle, Brett Ratner has been working with GLAAD, and will produce and direct "an upcoming video series that will feature Hollywood celebrities, athletes, musicians...
- 2/15/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
The premiere of Madonna's video for "Give Me All Your Luvin,'" the first single off her new album M.D.N.A., is today, children. It's bound to be a little over-the-top and nutty, like the deranged song itself, and I assume it's not going to live up to the greatest stuff in Madonna's catalog. Then I remember: What does live up to the best stuff in Madonna's catalog? Turns out, not much. Madonna's repertoire is a varied and thundering collection of self-empowering pop ditties, soulful ballads, and kooky little anomalies. And they're mostly all irreplaceable. In the tradition of Rolling Stone, who listed their 100 Greatest Beatles Songs a couple years ago, let's reinspect Madonna's complete history and name her definitive 100 jams. Ready? Start disagreeing Now.
100. "Dance 2Night" from Hard Candy
Hard Candy’s most euphoric groove (and best dancefloor-filler) makes the stilted duo...
100. "Dance 2Night" from Hard Candy
Hard Candy’s most euphoric groove (and best dancefloor-filler) makes the stilted duo...
- 2/3/2012
- by virtel
- The Backlot
Your cinematic birthdays for 12/02. If it's your big day, let us know.
Steven, Lucy and Warren
1894 Warren William, charming snake, pre-code movie star who was often paired with formidable actresses like Claudette Colbert (Imitation of Life, Cleopatra), Joan Blondell (Gold Diggers of 1933, Stage Struck) and Bette Davis (Three on a Match, Satan Met a Lady)
1914 Ray Walston, the Damn Yankees! devil had a lengthy career on screens small and large
1914 Adolph Green, musical giant of 'Comden & Green' fame. I can't even begin to choose a favorite song by that duo. Plus they wrote the screenplay to Singin' in the Rain!
1923 Maria Callas, La Divina. Fanny Ardant recently played her in Callas Forever. The next actress who'll have a go at her is Eva Mendes in Greek Fire
1925 Julie Harris was Oscar nominated for her film debut (The Member of the Wedding), co-starred with James Dean (East of Eden) and...
Steven, Lucy and Warren
1894 Warren William, charming snake, pre-code movie star who was often paired with formidable actresses like Claudette Colbert (Imitation of Life, Cleopatra), Joan Blondell (Gold Diggers of 1933, Stage Struck) and Bette Davis (Three on a Match, Satan Met a Lady)
1914 Ray Walston, the Damn Yankees! devil had a lengthy career on screens small and large
1914 Adolph Green, musical giant of 'Comden & Green' fame. I can't even begin to choose a favorite song by that duo. Plus they wrote the screenplay to Singin' in the Rain!
1923 Maria Callas, La Divina. Fanny Ardant recently played her in Callas Forever. The next actress who'll have a go at her is Eva Mendes in Greek Fire
1925 Julie Harris was Oscar nominated for her film debut (The Member of the Wedding), co-starred with James Dean (East of Eden) and...
- 12/2/2009
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
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