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.