The 3-D Film Archive has posted a terrific new article, “An In-Depth Look At Creature From The Black Lagoon.” This is a site that just keeps getting better and better — be sure to check out their history of the early-50s widescreen race.
Going beyond Creature, the article covers Universal’s contributions to 3-D technology and widescreen exhibition, which I found fascinating. I also didn’t realize that by the time of Creature‘s release, the 3-D fad was already dying out, and many of its bookings were flat. (It’s amazing they even bothered with 3-D for Revenge Of The Creature.)
They also review the new 3-D Blu-ray edition of Creature From The Black Lagoon, appearing in the eight-disc set Universal Classic Monsters: The Essential Collection. I’ve heard many positive things about the film’s new transfer, but was alarmed to learn here of its re-convergence — director Jack Arnold’s unique, deeper effects set it apart from other 3-D pictures.
Since Julie Adams stars in Creature, I opted for a couple stills from one of her other Universal 3-D films, Wings Of The Hawk (1953). It co-stars Van Heflin and was directed by Budd Boetticher. Sadly, it’s very hard to see these days.
Speaking of Miss Adams, have you read her book?
What a still! (the second one of Julie). If you already find Julie Adams one of the screen’s most attractive women, as I do, this particular effect of her has a very strong effect. And in fact, her revolutionary heroine in this movie is as sexy as the still suggests.
I saw WINGS OF THE HAWK in 3D at 3D expo here in L.A. a few years back and was glad for the chance, though I wouldn’t say it added anything that special to the movie, nor did it take away. Among Boetticher U-I movies, it’s about par, somewhere around the middle, which means pretty good.
I saw quite a few 3D movies there, after never being that warm to the process–and now will acknowledge it was made a real virtue at times, even if any really good movie would still be good without it. For example, they showed all six of the Universal-International ones. Four of these were by Jack Arnold and I think he used the process most creatively, especially in IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE. But I’d emphasize that I already admired this movie, as well as his CREATURE movies from many viewings before and so even though I enjoyed them this way believe they can be appreciated if one never sees them in 3D.
Blake, you kinda stumbled on my secret motive here. I’ve had those Wings Of The Hawk stills around here for a while, waiting for a chance to see the film again.
When I read this great Creature article, suddenly I saw a chance to share them.
Thanks for the awesome stills. I see the book is $100 used on Amazon……I think I will have to wait on that for some time. Any news on Wings of the Hawk being released on DVD?
If you get it direct from Miss Adams, it’s a lot better.
http://www.julieadams.biz/store/audio_book.html
WINGS OF THE HAWK was recently released by Sidonis in France.
The film sadly does have those wretched “forced” subtitles we all hate
so much. The DVD includes the original trailer and a 55 minute feature
on Boetticher and Carlos Azzura. This is in French and Spanish but does
contain lots of interesting Boetticher interview footage (in English!)
Those cats at Jubal Classic Video are at it again;they are from what I
gather,an Italian P.D. imprint.I know some contributors to this blog
have purchased previous releases from them (THE LAST COMMAND,
ROCK ISLAND TRAIL,THE OUTCAST)
They have just released AMBUSH AT CIMARRON PASS but I understand
it is the full screen version. Also forthcoming is TIMBERJACK but from
what I can gather the soundtrack is Italian.
As I have said many,many times before its sad to see these Republic
titles given these tacky presentations (bad p.q. dreadful cover art!)
The sooner the Warner Archive get control of the Republic catalog
the better as far as I am concerned.
I think I may have mentioned this phenomenon before, but it’s happened again. I watch 99% only old TV shows and movies and there are times when thru no trying or puposefulness on my part a certain actor or actress just happens to keep popping up over and over again in different TV shows and movies that I’m watching that particular week. This happens for about a week or 2 at the most then I don’t see that actor/actress again for what could be years. It’s happened in the past with Joanna Moore, Susan Oliver, Sharon Farrell and now again this past week with Julie Adams. This past Saturday night I watched Gunfight at Dodge City, then I read this article about her, then I watched a Mannix episode “Little Girl Lost” this past Wednesday and there she was again then just tonight I watched an episode of Tate “Maru Hardin” and there she was again!! Mind you I did not purposely seek out shows that had her or any of these other actresses they just happen to keep popping over and over in different shows during the week. Very weird. I think I first noticed this with Susan Oliver, no matter what show I watched western, drama, sit com, detective, mystery, she kept popping up for about 2 weeks straight and all by happenstance. I did not puposely seek out show with her in it, she just happend to be in each of the shows I watched that week. And as it happens, I don’t think I’ve seen her but once since then in any shows I seen since. But for one week a certain actress will keep popping up though pure happenstance. Weird, huh? Well, Julie, this week it was your week, I didn’t know it would be but it was!?
Anyone else have this happen to them? I don’t mean where you seek out a certain actress or actor to watch on pupose but when a certain person just keeps popping up for a short concentrated period of time then they disappear again for years.
Are any of the old 3 D films available for home use in 3 D.
Thanks
Creature From The Black Lagoon and Dial M For Murder are available, and there’s word that House Of Wax is on the way.
That first pic is a real hoot. Here’s a little more on the lovely Ms. Adams bio and B movie career:
http://bmoviebabes.blogspot.com/2016/07/18-julie-adams.html