David Fincher Cast Daniel Craig for His "Robert Mitchum Center"

For his ideal leading man in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, director David Fincher explains that he was seeking someone with an inner ROBERT MITCHUM, and James Bond star Daniel Craig was that actor.

“The casting process began with Daniel, and if you build your universe, it's like a good basketball team, you start with the anchor. And I knew him to be self-effacing and witty, and I knew that I needed that for Mikael. I wanted a very masculine center to the film. The androgynous side of the movie would be carried by Rooney, that was her job. So I knew that I needed a sort of Robert Mitchum center. And so when we had Daniel that was a fait accompli."

The closest Fincher came to working with Mitchum himself? In two degrees, Sean Penn (The Game) to Robert De Niro (the Cape Fear remake, in which Mitchum had a cameo).

Via News OK.

Merry Christmas From Robert Mitchum

 

ROBERT MITCHUM in a plaid holiday vest? Yes, the movie is Scrooged, the '80s update of the Dickens classic. It stars Bill Murray as a heartless TV executive and his clueless boss (Mitchum), who gives him advice like creating programming for pets! (Why not a detective who plays with string instead of sucking on a lollipop?) As the film winds down to its happy ending, even Mitchum's character approves of Murray's transformation. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Albert Brooks Picks Max Cady as One of His Favorite Villains

 

Albert Brooks, who's gotten great reviews and an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his role as a gangster in Drive, was asked to name his five favorite film villains. Among them: Norman Bates, Faye Dunaway as Joan Crawford and Max Cady in the original Cape Fear. "With Mitchum's Max Cady, he could go crazy on you, you just didn't know where his tolerance would end and he'd turn into some other kind of guy," he says. Via Yahoo Movies.

Happy 95th Birthday to Kirk Douglas

In honor of Kirk Douglas turning 95, I put together a list of my 10 favorite films of his. Curiously, enough, two of them happen to co-star ROBERT MITCHUM: Out of the Past and The List of Adrian Messenger.

RIP, Harry Morgan

Sad to hear that Harry (also known as Henry) Morgan has passed away at the age of 96. He was best known for his role as Col. Potter on TV's MASH, but he also had a long film career. One of my favorite roles of his is as the judge in Holiday Affair. He hears an outlandish case involving ROBERT MITCHUM and his wry amusement at the convoluted love triangle with Mitchum, Janet Leigh and Wendell Corey and peculiar details involving a squirrel and a little girl with a balloon on her head, make for a very funny scene. RIP.

Mitchum: One of the Coolest Cowboys of All Time

With Cowboys & Aliens in theaters (featuring Daniel Craig in his first western role), Rediff asks "Who are the coolest cowboys of all time?" Among their picks: ROBERT MITCHUM, John Wayne, Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood and Jeff Bridges.

Hard to disagree with that list!

The full photo gallery is here.

New Biography of Director Nicholas Ray

Mitchum and Nicholas Ray on the set of 'The Lusty Men.'

Director Nicholas Ray made several 1950s classics, including Rebel Without a Cause, the Humphrey Bogart film noir In a Lonely Place, and one of Mitchum's finest films, The Lusty Men. But his later career stalled, despite his cooperation with HUAC during the Red Scare.

A new biography, 'Nicholas Ray: The Glorious Failure of an American Director' by Patrick McGilligan, profiles Ray, who was as known for his Hollywood romances as his movies: He slept with Natalie Wood when she was just 16 during production of Rebel. His other conquests include Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford and Judy Holliday.

His most famous marriage was to noir icon Gloria Grahame, who costarred with Mitchum in Macao and Not as a Stranger. The Grahame biography Suicide Blonde details their stormy marriage and her subsequent marriage to Ray's son from his first marriage. (That's right, she married her own stepson!)

Ray would go on to become a mentor to filmmakers Wim Wenders and Jim Jarmusch (who directed Mitchum's last theatrical film, Dead Man). Wenders gave Ray a cameo in The American Friend and filmed Lightning Over Water, a documentary about Ray's last days.


JSOnline Book review 

Mitchum's Time in the Conservation Corps

Mitchum tends his own yard as a movie star (ToutLeCine.com)

Were you aware that ROBERT MITCHUM served time in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)? Well, add ditch digger to his colorful pre-Hollywood resumé, which included riding the rails, serving on a chain gang (he was arrested as a vagrant) and a brief stint as an astrologer.

In this article about the CCC, Mitchum is mentioned as one of those who spent time in the New Deal program begun by Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression.

The program operated from 1933 to 1942 and provided unskilled manual labor employment for young men in relief families. It paid $30 per month ($5 for them $25 directly to their families) for work that conserved and developed natural resources in lands owned by the government.

The program was responsible for planting three billion trees, restoring 3,980 historical structures, constructing of over 785 parks, building 46,000 bridges, erecting 400,000 signs, and, aside from employing over three million men when the nation’s economy and morale most needed it, sparking a larger national interests in nature conservation and physical fitness."

After he'd made a success in Hollywood, Mitchum said, “those digging days were tough, acting is easy. I’m grateful for where I’m now, but I never get too cozy with it. I remember what it took to earn that money then and what we kept telling each other we’d do if we ever got another full-time job.”

Robert Mitchum Western Series at UCLA

Mitchum in 'Blood on the Moon'

Great news for LA-based ROBERT MITCHUM fans: UCLA is screening 10 of his westerns in a series called Tracking the Cat: Robert Mitchum in the West.

The series runs from July 8 through July 30 and includes both well-known westerns like El Dorado and some much more obscure cowboy flicks, like West of the Pecos. 

Films in the series include several great films not on DVD, like Blood on the Moon, The Lusty Men, as well as Pursued, The Sundowners (which apparently counts as a western even though it's set in Australia), Track of the Cat, Rachel and the Stranger, River of No Return and The Wonderful Country.


Overview of Mitchum's westerns.

A Family For Joe: Mitchum's Infamous '90s Sitcom Surfaces

It's hard to believe, but in 1990, ROBERT MITCHUM starred in a sitcom called A Family For Joe, about a homeless man who poses as the grandfather of a bunch of adorable orphans so they won't have to be taken away by child services.

Mitchum? Sitcom? Little kids? Yeah, it was a disaster by all accounts, only very few people have ever seen it. Clips are now up on YouTube and it's just as dreadful as its reputation. And look, that's a young Juliette Lewis, who'd go on to star in the 'Cape Fear' remake.



Everybody Loves Raymond's co-creator Phil Rosenthal, who got his first job in Hollywood as a writer on the series, recently talked about his time on the show.

As this Macleans article states, "It’s every bit as bad as Rosenthal’s description makes it sound, so the one thing to enjoy is how much Mitchum clearly does not love the adorable orphans and how completely he signals his boredom with the whole thing. Rosenthal says that he tried to introduce The Night of the Hunter to the cast and crew and was depressed when they laughed at it. But the show itself only works if you assume Mitchum is really playing the same guy from Night of the Hunter and is plotting to murder all these people after the cheesy synth music dies down and the credits roll."

Hee, that is genius!

In honor of Memorial Day....

Why not enjoy one of several military films with ROBERT MITCHUM, from 'The Story of G.I. Joe,' (above) 'The Longest Day' or 'The Enemy Below' or 'Heaven Knows Mr. Allison?'

Ohio Sheriff Blames 'Thunder Road' for Glamorizing Crime

One Ohio sheriff's editorial on the legacy of 'Thunder Road' and the sorry state of current crime ran today in the Cleveland Daily Banner.

"The story line of this movie romanticized the lives of those who today we would call less than honorable citizens...

In the movie the moonshiners were justified in their law-breaking because they were supposedly poor, humble folks who were victimized by the federal government. That same refrain is still being used by many criminals today. History tells us that these poor, underprivileged victims were finally put out of business by the dogged efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement."

Of course, putting anything on camera tends to glamorize it. No mention of Mitchum's own brush with the law.

Elizabeth Taylor's Best Performance in 'Secret Ceremony?'

Very sad to hear of the loss of legend Elizabeth Taylor, who died this morning of congestive heart failure.

Among her many tributes and retrospectives, there's sure to be little mention of the one movie she did with ROBERT MITCHUM, 1968's 'Secret Ceremony.' It received terrible reviews, but, according to Wikipedia, features one of her best performances. It's one I haven't seen myself, only in bits on TV. It's currently available only in a non-USA format DVD.

The film stars Mia Farrow and Taylor in a rather twisted faux mother-and-daughter relationship; Mitchum plays Farrow's randy stepfather. Joseph Losey ('The Servant,' 'The Go-Between') directed.



Photo thanks to Heck Yeah, Robert Mitchum.

Hollywood's dark tales of Irish gangsters have long captured America's attention

With the new films 'Kill the Irishman' and 'White Irish Drinkers,' the New Jersey Star-Ledger takes a look at Irish gangsters on film, including ROBERT MITCHUM in 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle.'

"... one of the greatest of all Irish gangster films, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle.” Eddie, played by a rarely better Robert Mitchum (who supposedly researched his part by barhopping with the real Boston mob) is a low-level gunrunner facing a long prison sentence. His only chance to cut a deal is to turn confidential informant.

But soon Coyle finds himself being pushed to sell more and more of himself. And that’s a dangerous habit in a world where the cheap price of someone’s life is refigured every day.

A prime example of downbeat ’70s cinema, “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” remains a genre touchstone. (During a scene in “The Town,” Ben Affleck’s portrait of the current Boston mob scene, the film can be heard, dimly, playing in the background on TV.) It hammered home the point that, however dishonorable these men are, the one virtue they cling to is their honor toward each other."

Trailer for Comedy 'Robert Mitchum is Dead'

I can't believe I'm only just now hearing about this: A film called "Robert Mitchum is Dead" (or in its native French "Robert Mitchum Est Mort") hit the festival circuit last year and is now scheduled for an April release, according to TwitchFilm.

The comedy is about an agent and scriptwriter, Arsène (Olivier Gourmet) dying to impress a big name director at a film festival held in the Arctic Circle. He and his lead actor Franky Pastor (Pablo Nicomedes) set out from France for a very strange road trip. The French trailer is below.

Mitchum Sings With the Ames Brothers in 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling'

ROBERT MITCHUM harmonizing with the Ames Brothers is one of the highlights in "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling -- An Irish Parade of Stars," a new PBS special that also features other little-seen performances from Irish and Irish-American stars.

The program opens in Dublin with Bing Crosby offering a pair of Irish folk standards, "Molly Malone" and "McNamara's Band." Then Mitchum joins the Ames Brothers for a rare rendition of "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral (That's An Irish Lullaby)." There's also an all-star version of "It's A Great Day For The Irish" featuring Rosemary Clooney, Maureen O'Hara, Pat Rooney, and TV host Ed Sullivan.

Patty Duke hosts the program, which was written by actor and author Malachy McCourt.

The special will air throughout March. Check local PBS listings for stations and times. (Sadly, it does not seem to be airing in the LA market.)

More at PR Newswire
Read more about Mitchum, the Singer.

Christopher Mitchum Running For Office?

According to the Santa Barbara Independent, Christopher Mitchum, son of actor ROBERT MITCHUM, is "seriously considering" running for political office again.

Chris was the Republican nominee in the 1998 general election for the California State Assembly in the 35th District, but lost the election to Democrat Hannah-Beth Jackson, Wikipedia states.

The picture at left is from a 2009 appearance.

Chris, now 67, appeared in a few films alongside his famous father, including 'Young Billy Young,' and the 1985 TV movie 'Promises to Keep,' which also co-starred Chris's son Bentley.


See more on The Mitchum Acting Clan

President Eisenhower: Not a Mitchum Fan!

Turns out that Dwight Eisenhower was not a fan of ROBERT MITCHUM and refused to let any of his movies be screened at the White House, according to a new article about presidential viewing habits in the Washingtonian.

"Westerns were a lot more common in the 1950s than they are today, but Ike clearly favored silent-type, tough-guy movies. He was also discriminating. He refused to watch films featuring Robert Mitchum because Mitchum had served time for marijuana possession. This was no small sacrifice: Mitchum was a star who appeared in more than 20 movies during Eisenhower’s two terms, including 1955’s classic 'The Night of the Hunter.'

White House projectionist Paul Fischer occasionally would try to sneak a Mitchum film past the President, but Ike would get up and walk out of the theater upon seeing the actor’s face onscreen."

Jane Russell Dies at Age 89

Sad news! Jane Russell, one of my favorite movie stars and ROBERT MITCHUM co-star, has died at age 89. Here's a blog I wrote in her memory over at Examiner.com, complete with photo gallery of this stunning star.

Mitchum fans will remember her from her turns in the RKO noirs 'Macao' and 'His Kind of Woman,' where she always gave as good as she got.

Here's a short bit on their working relationship: Mitchum's Leading Ladies

Farewell, Jane. We'll miss you!

'Return to Thunder Road' author appearance

This non-fiction book by Alex Gabbard profiles the real-life story of moonshining in the southern Appalachians, as seen in the 1958 ROBERT MITCHUM film 'Thunder Road.' Gabbard will be speaking at the March 17 Literacy Luncheon in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.

From the Amazon profile: "This is a powerful saga of an age gone by ... Alex Gabbard tells the story of moonshining in the mountains where he grew up and how it influenced the rural south and fledgling stock car racing, giving the sport its most colorful and enduring characters."

'Thunder Road' was one of Mitchum's most personal films. He came up with the idea for the film, produced it, chose the director and cast his son, Jim, as his younger brother. He also sang the hit title track, 'The Ballad of Thunder Road.'

Feeling Noirish: NY Times on the Film Noir Foundation

The NY Times' editorial on saving our favorite film noirs.

Critics have wondered why we love to watch tragedy. It’s easier to understand why we love film noir. In tragedy, none of the characters know they’re going to be tragic until it’s too late. The characters in film noir know what terrible cards they’re holding. We’re the bystanders witnessing a pitiless world where the game is rigged. Just watch “Out of the Past,” starring ROBERT MITCHUM and Jane Greer, and you’ll see. The only moments of true tenderness involve women lighting cigarettes for men and men lighting cigarettes for each other.

Contribute to the Film Noir Foundation which helps preserve neglected or damaged films.

Julian Cope Sings 'Robert Mitchum'

As a fan of both '80s music and, of course, ROBERT MITCHUM, I'm embarrassed to say this is the first I'm hearing about a song from 1989 called "Robert Mitchum." It's by ex The Teardrop Explodes front man Julian Cope, who co-wrote it with Echo and The Bunnymen's Ian McCulloch.

Sample lyrics, "You're such a guy, you're such a dude, you're so half-asleep."




Here's the Chart Attack article that led me to it.

'Friends of Eddie Coyle' Director Peter Yates Dies

Director Peter Yates, best known for the films 'Bullitt' and 'Breaking Away,' died Sunday. He was 82.

Yates was a graduate of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art who relocated to New York. His first Hollywood production, 'Bullitt,' became the high point of Steve McQueen's career and its chase scenes set a new standard. The film won an Oscar for Best Editing.

Yates also directed ROBERT MITCHUM in the 1973 crime film 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle,' about a small-time Boston hood. The film was recently released on DVD, after several years of being unavailable.

He earned a Best Director nomination for the 1979 coming-of-age film 'Breaking Away' and for 1983's 'The Dresser,' which also scored Best Ator nominations for stars Albert Finney and Tom Courtenay.

Read more at the New York Daily News

Robert Mitchum in 'The Human Comedy'

Over the holidays, I caught one of Robert Mitchum's earliest films for the first time. 'The Human Comedy' is one of the many 1943 films Mitchum appeared in when he first hit Hollywood.

This film, based on the book by William Saroyan, concerns a small-town family during World War II. It stars Mickey Rooney as a telegraph company messenger, a very young Donna Reed as his older sister and Van Johnson as his older brother, who's serving in the war.

Mitchum makes his appearance about halfway through the film, as one of a trio of G.I.s who ask Donna Reed and her friend Mary (played by Dorothy Morris), out to the theater. G.I. Barry Nelson does most of the talking, but when the quintet swings by the telegraph office, we learn that the first name of Mitchum's character, Horse, is actually Quentin! Before the G.I.s part, they give the girls a kiss, with Mitchum kissing Morris (at left, in the photo above). This was, sadly, the only time Reed and Mitchum shared the screen.

The film itself I have to give a thumbs down: Great cast, but a schmaltzy and often preachy script, alas. Still, I'm glad to have seen one of Mitchum's first movies!