Blu-Ray News #349: Film Focus – George Peppard (1968-1974).

Two Imprint posts in a row. This time, they’re pulling together a Blu-Ray set (limited to just 1,500 copies) of four cool pictures starring George Peppard.

P.J. (1968, AKA New Face In Hell)
Directed by John Guillermin
Starring George Peppard, Gayle Hunnicutt, Raymond Burr, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Brock Peters, Susan Saint James

Peppard’s a PI in this “neo-noir” (whatever that is), no doubt inspired by the success of Harper (1966). There was a string of mid-60s detective movies like this, and I’m a big fan of ’em. Peppard gets set up in a murder plot by a big businessman (Raymond Burr) and his mistress (Gayle Hunnicutt).

From the outstanding cast (character parts makes movies like this) to Loyal Griggs’ Technicolor and Techniscope cinematography to the 60s modern sets to Neil Hefti’s terrific score, cool ness just drips off this film. John Guillermin also directed Peppard in The Blue Max (1966) and House Of Cards (1968).

I’m super-stoked to be doing a commentary for it.

Pendulum (1969)
Directed by George Schaefer
Starring George Peppard, Jean Seberg, Richard Kiley, Charles McGraw

George Peppard’s a Washington, DC, police captain in this one, accused of murdering his wife and her lover.

The Executioner (1970)
Directed by Sam Wanamaker
Starring George Peppard, Joan Collins, Judy Geeson, Oskar Homolka, Charles Gray

After he’s almost killed while on assignment, an MI5 agent (Peppard) sets out to prove one of his contacts is a double agent. 

Newman’s Law (1974)
Directed by Richard Heffron
Starring George Peppard, Roger Robinson, Eugene Roche, Abe Vigoda

Newman (Peppard) is an honest LA copy accused being on the take. He sets out to prove his innocence and uncovers a nasty conspiracy. This came out shortly after Peppard’s Banacek series wrapped up.

George Peppard’s movie-star looks kept him from being the actor he wanted to be, and he’s mostly known today for The A-Team, but he was a very good actor when he had a good part. This set, absolutely packed with extras, is gonna be a good one. Recommended.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Not sure what you’re doing this Thanksgiving, but I hope it’s fun and delicious and safe.

I’m enjoying Warner Archive’s terrific Blu-Ray of Operation Crossbow (1965) — and I have to say, I’m quite thankful for it.

Will have a review up soon. In the meantime, here’s a maze that promoted the picture in newspapers and theatre handouts back in’65. Enjoy!

Blu-Ray News #265: Tobruk (1967).

Directed by Arthur Hiller
Written by Leo V. Gordon
Starring Rock Hudson, George Peppard, Guy Stockwell, Nigel Green, Leo Gordon

I worked in video stores all through college. One of the most-requested movies was Tobruk (1967), a tough World War II picture written by the great character actor Leo V. Gordon. It was in Technicolor and Techniscope (though the latter is never plugged in posters).

It stars Rock Hudson, George Peppard, Nigel Green, Leo Gordon and plenty of flamethrowers. It’s terrific, and I’m sure its January Blu-Ray release from Kino Lorber will make lots of people very happy. Count me as one of them.

Thanks to Mr. Richard Vincent for the news.