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Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
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This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Fahrenheit 451" (1966) in the Pacific Northwest. 

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Fahrenheit 451 (1966)
"Fahrenheit 451," directed by François Truffaut and released in 1966, is an adaptation of Ray Bradbury's acclaimed dystopian novel. The film presents a future society where books are banned and "firemen" are tasked with burning any found. The title refers to the temperature at which book paper is said to combust.

The protagonist, Guy Montag, is one of these firemen. Initially, he is a loyal servant of the oppressive regime, unquestioningly destroying literature. However, his perspective changes after encountering Clarisse, a free-spirited young woman who challenges his beliefs and introduces him to a world of ideas and emotions that the state has suppressed.

Montag's growing disillusionment with his society's anti-intellectualism and desire for knowledge leads him to conflict with his superiors and colleagues. The film explores censorship, conformity, and the transformative power of literature. It combines striking visuals with a haunting score to create a thought-provoking and visually compelling narrative.

As Montag's journey unfolds, he must make difficult choices about his role in the oppressive society and his quest for personal freedom. The film remains a poignant commentary on the dangers of censorship and the importance of critical thinking and individualism.

Director: François Truffaut
Writers: François Truffaut, Jean-Louis Richard, Ray Bradbury
Stars: Oskar Werner, Julie Christie, Cyril Cusack
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January 25, 1967 ad (Portland)


January 21, 1967 photo (Portland)


January 27, 1967 ad (Portland)


January 28, 1967 article (Portland)


January 30, 1967 article (Portland)


March 2, 1967 ad (Seattle)


March 3, 1967 ad (Seattle)


March 3, 1967 photo (Seattle)


March 4, 1967 article (Seattle)


March 4, 1967 ad (Seattle)


Fahrenheit 451 (1966) poster


Fahrenheit 451 (1966) trailer

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Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
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This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "The Busy Body" (1967) in the Pacific Northwest.  This is basically here because it's a William Castle film!

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The Busy Body (1967)
"The Busy Body" is a delightful comedic caper involving quirky characters and unexpected situations. Directed by William Castle, the film stars Sid Caesar in a lead role that showcases his impeccable timing and comedic prowess.

The story centers around a bumbling gangster, George Norton (played by Caesar), who finds himself in a peculiar predicament involving a misplaced body. George works for a crime syndicate led by the intimidating Charley Barker. When a fellow gangster dies, George is tasked with disposing of the body. Things take a hilarious turn when the body goes missing, and George must retrace his steps to find it.

As George stumbles through increasingly absurd situations, he encounters a colorful array of characters, including a bumbling detective, a flirtatious secretary, and an eccentric mortician. Each encounter adds to the chaos and comedy, leading to misunderstandings and slapstick moments.

The film's charm lies in its clever humor and the performances of its cast. Sid Caesar's portrayal of the hapless George Norton is both endearing and uproariously funny, while the supporting cast brings their unique flair to the film.

The Busy Body is a lighthearted romp that combines elements of farce and crime comedy, making it a fun and entertaining watch for those who enjoy classic comedies with a twist. The film's witty script and energetic performances ensure that it remains a memorable piece of 1960s cinema.

Director: William Castle
Writers: Donald E. Westlake, Ben Starr
Stars: Sid Caesar, Robert Ryan, Anne Baxter, Richard Pryor
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February 7, 1967 ad (Portland)


January 24, 1967 ad (Seattle)


January 25, 1967 ad (Seattle)


January 26, 1967 ad (Seattle)


January 27, 1967 article (Seattle)


February 5, 1967 article (Portland)


February 8, 1967 ad (Portland)


February 10, 1967 ad (Portland)


The Busy Body (1967) poster


The Busy Body (1967) clip
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Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
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This is the last of several collections of media from other noteworthy films that played the Pacific Northwest in 1966. While these don't have enough content to warrant their own pages they should not be dismissed :) 

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Our only movie remaining for the cinema year 1966 is yet another run for the "Poor White Trash" retitling of the 1957 potboiler "Bayou." This isn't the last of them either. At least this time the film got an appropriate second feature with "Common Law Wife" from 1961. 
 
Bayou (1957)
"Bayou," also known as "Poor White Trash," is a drama film that delves into the complexities of life in a small bayou town in Louisiana.
 
The movie follows the protagonist, a young architect from New York City, Martin Davis, who travels to the South to oversee the construction of a new building project. He finds himself in a world starkly different from his own, where the people and the environment exude a raw, untamed beauty. The town is filled with colorful characters, each with their own stories and struggles, but it's Marie Hebert, a local Cajun girl, who catches Martin's eye. Their relationship becomes a central element of the narrative, highlighting their cultural and societal contrasts.
 
As Martin navigates this unfamiliar terrain, he encounters opposition from Ulysses, a brutish character who sees Martin as a threat to his way of life and his interest in Marie. The tension between Martin and Ulysses escalates, leading to dramatic confrontations and a deeper exploration of themes like love, prejudice, and survival in the rugged landscape of the bayou.
Director: Harold Daniels
Writer: Edward I. Fessler
Stars: Peter Graves, Lita Milan, Douglas Fowley
 
Common Law Wife (1961)
"Common Law Wife," directed by Eric Sayers (with a lot of footage from an unreleased film by Larry Buchanon entitled "Swamp Rose"), is a Southern drama set in the mid-20th century that explores themes of power, control, and relationships in a rural setting. The film follows the life of a wealthy yet domineering old man named Shugfoot Rainey, who has lived with a woman named Linda for five years, treating her as his common-law wife.
 
Now bored with Linda and yearning for his youth, Rainey decides to rekindle a relationship with his former flame, Nita. He goes to great lengths to have Nita return to him, seeing her as a more suitable companion. This sets off a chain of events that brings tension and drama into Rainey's household. Linda, unwilling to be cast aside, stands her ground, leading to conflicts that reveal deeper issues within the characters and their relationships.
 
The film delves into the complexities of love, commitment, and the societal norms that define them. It portrays the manipulation and power struggles that often accompany personal relationships, set against the backdrop of a small-town community.
 
"Common Law Wife" is a rich tapestry of human emotions and flawed characters, depicting a time and place where tradition and personal desires often collide. The narrative keeps viewers engaged as it navigates the turbulent waters of human relationships and the consequences of choices made.
 
Directors: Eric Sayers, Larry Buchanan
Writer: Grace Nolan
Stars: Annabelle Weenick, George Edgley, Max W. Anderson
 
 
September 7, 1966 ad (Seattle)
 
October 5, 1966 ad (Portland)
 
Poor White Trash (1957) poster
 
Common Law Wife (1961) poster
 
Poor White Trash (1961) radio spot
 
 
I'll wrap up 1966 with an article/interview on Our Patron Saint Roger Corman by Kevin Thomas of the Washington Post that was published in the July 13, 1966 issue of The Oregonian.
 
July 13, 1966 Roger Corman Article (Portland)

 

Details
Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas
Hits: 339

This is the third of several collections of media from other noteworthy films that played the Pacific Northwest in 1966. While these don't have enough content to warrant their own pages they should not be dismissed :) 

Click on images for larger versions

Devil's Reward (Based on the art alone I am assuming this is "Devil's Harvest," 1942)
"Devil's Harvest" is a crime drama that delves into the dark underbelly of society and the consequences of moral corruption. Directed by Ray Test, this film serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of drug addiction and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

The story follows a dedicated district attorney who is determined to rid his city of illegal activities and the pervasive influence of narcotics. His investigation leads him to uncover a sinister network of drug dealers and corrupt officials who profit from the suffering of others. As he delves deeper into the case he encounters various characters who are entangled in the web of crime, including addicts, pushers, and those who the drug trade has victimized.

Throughout the film, the district attorney faces numerous obstacles and dangers, including threats to his own life and the lives of those he cares about. His relentless pursuit of justice is driven by a strong moral compass and a desire to protect his community from the devastating effects of addiction.

"Devil's Harvest" is notable for its stark portrayal of the consequences of drug abuse and the moral dilemmas faced by those in positions of power. The film uses its narrative to highlight the importance of integrity and the need for societal reform. The performances, particularly by the lead actor, convey the emotional and psychological toll of battling such a pervasive and destructive force.

Director: Ray Test
Writer: Edward Clark
Stars: June Doyle, Leo Anthony, George Graham
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July 7, 1966 ad (Portland)


July 8, 1966 ad (Portland)


Devil's Harvest (1942) trailer
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Mondo Freudo (1966)
"Mondo Freudo" is an exploitation film that falls under the "Mondo" genre, which combines elements of documentary and sensationalism to explore taboo subjects and unusual cultural practices. Directed by Lee Frost, the film is known for its provocative and often controversial content. Greasy Bob Cresse ("House on Bare Mountain," Love Camp 7," "The Scavengers") provided narration for this.

The film takes viewers on a journey through various locations worldwide, showcasing a range of bizarre and shocking activities. These include topless dancing, voodoo rituals, sadism nightclubs, and other forms of sexual and cultural deviance. The narrative is driven by a voiceover that provides commentary on the depicted events, often with a sensationalist and lurid tone.

"Mondo Freudo" is characterized by its use of hidden cameras and voyeuristic footage, aiming to provide a glimpse into the hidden and forbidden aspects of society. The film's style is reminiscent of earlier "Mondo" films like "Mondo Cane," but with a more explicit and sensational approach.

While the film is often criticized for its exploitative nature and questionable authenticity, it remains a fascinating snapshot of 1960s cinema and the era's fascination with the exotic and the taboo. The film's blend of documentary-style footage and sensationalism makes it a unique and memorable entry in the "Mondo" genre.

Overall, "Mondo Freudo" is a provocative and controversial film that pushes the boundaries of traditional cinema, offering viewers a glimpse into the darker and more sensational aspects of human behavior and cultural practices.

Director: Lee Frost
Stars: Judy Adler, Carol Baughman, Terry Bryan
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August 17, 1966 ad (Portland)


August 18, 1966 ad (Portland)


Mondo Freudo (1966) poster


Mondo Freudo (1966) (1966) trailer
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