50 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 50

Don't Breathe, Suicide Squad, and Kubo and the Two Strings make up the Top 3 this past weekend at the box office. Pretty much the same as last week, but I suspect this weekend will bring about a new champion.

In other news, Trailer Tuesday has hit its 50th post! I wasn't exactly sure how to celebrate, so I decided to go off the rails a bit — I don't generally post trailers for games/movies/etc that have already been released — and feature movies that made their debut to the big screen 50 years ago. Much to my surprise, there were many well known classics. In fact, too many, because I had to leave out some popular ones, and that was after selecting eight for tonight's entry.

Let's take a look at what 1966 had to offer...

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966):

One of the most famous spaghetti westerns to date, I feel incredibly dirty and ashamed to admit that I basically only know the Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, Rawhide) film by name. I've never actually seen it (none in the series, as this is the third). Only bits and pieces, memes and gifs. I've always liked Eastwood and have wanted to watch many of his classics that I missed, so I really need to get on this series.

I'm not sure how I feel about the trailer itself (or any of this grouping), aside from it opening with that iconic song/whistle. It's long and reveal quite a bit. I'm not sure this one would have enticed me to see it in theaters. Then again, considering these were the blockbusters of the era, who knows how I'd feel about trailers if I were alive back then. I obviously like the shitty ones through the 80's and 90's! I'm not sure why imdb.com doesn't have an exact release date for the movie, but it was in 1966, so applicable!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly also stars Eli Wallach (The Deep, Eye of the Cat) and Lee Van Cleef (Escape from New York, High Noon).

Our Man Flint (1/17/1966):

It seems that Derek Flint, played by James Coburn (American Gun, Snow Dogs), was our answer to one of the most prolific British spies to grace cinemas, James Bond. He's rich, a ladies man, and obviously a complete hardass! I'm mostly interested to seeing Coburn in this role, and comparing just how similar the movies are to the James Bond films. I doubt he would trump my love for 007, but he may introduce a new character I'll find entertaining. I have to see what that lighter can do!

I love how these trailers introduce the characters, even by way of the actual actors portraying them. Despite the cult success this franchise seemed to garnish, it was short lived, making only two features length films. Supposedly Coburn wasn't satisfied with scripts he was presented with, which did nothing to advance the Flint character. In this way, it seems Bond won the battle of which super spy would carry on the longest in cinema. However, many believe that in a one on one confrontation between the two, Flint would come out on top. I guess we'll never know...

Also starring in this film are Lee. J. Cobb (The Exorcist, 12 Angry Men) and Gila Golan (Three on a Couch, Ship of Fools).

Harper (2/23/1966):

Like James Coburn with Derek Flint, I never knew Paul Newman (Cars, Cool Hand Luke) played a grizzled, hardass private investigator named Harper. I've obviously lived a sheltered life when it comes to these classics. I'm so confused by this trailer. I literally know nothing about the movie. It was presented like a case study on the Harper character. One I feel that failed to portray the protagonist in a very positive light. And these voice-overs... Holy hell.

But like Our Man Flint, the movie was a success, yet only yielded one (I think?) sequel, The Drowning Pool. I find it odd that I've heard of that movie, but not the original, though the original is touted as superior. Either way, hopefully the trailer for the sequel offered up a bit more information about the plotline of the actual movie!

Newman's co-stars includes Lauren Bacall (The Match Game, The Big Sleep), Julie Harris (Knots Landing, East of Eden), and Robert Wagner (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Hart to Hart).

Batman: The Movie (7/30/1966):

I was pretty stoked to find that this movie starring Adam West (Family Guy, Chicken Little) and Burt Ward (Moving Targets, Robot Ninja), playing Batman and Robin respectively, was released in 1966 and was able to be included in this posting! It's been a long time since seeing this movie, but it's great. A super campy comedy that is a far cry from the more serious, brooding adaptations of Batman we see in modern times. I suppose in essence that goes against the ingrained elements of the character, but it seems many look past that. The hammy, quirky acting and one-liners, trumped up with ridiculous fight scenes full of the signature "Pow!" and "Wham!" call-outs are great!

This movie may sport the most villains in a live-action Batman feature film to date? Usually the character is up to two, maybe three, but in Batman: The Movie there are four! Catwoman (Lee Meriwether — The Ultimate Gift, Barnaby Jones), The Riddler (Frank Gorshin — Twelve Monkeys, Hail Caesar), The Penguin (Burgess Meredith — Rocky, Lock, Stock and Barrel), and of course The Joker (Cesar Romero — Ocean's 11, The Thin Man).

I thought the television series lasted way longer than it had, but it seems it died out after three seasons. This lead the eventual scrapping of a sequel film, which is a shame.

Return of the Seven (10/19/1966):

Being the odd, coincidental timing of this selection being released in 1966, with the reboot of the original movie coming out in just a few weeks, I couldn't not post this trailer! This preview follows along the same lines as the previous. A whole lot of character introductions, but not much about the plot. Considering I haven't ever seen the original, The Magnificent Seven, I'm not sure if I screwed myself over in regards to possible plot developments in the reboot, because only a handful of survivors from that movie appear in this sequel. Are the others alive? Dead? I don't want to know!

Naturally, I wouldn't have been drawn into this movie by the trailer alone, unless I had seen the original, and I'm sure my draw to seeing this in the theater would rely heavily on liking said original. It's a shame I haven't seen The Magnificent Seven, because I'd have a whole hell of a lot more to say! I've been debating if I should watch the original before the reboot, but it's so close now that I may wait to watch the classic afterwards. As for this sequel? I'm fairly certain if this reboot spawns a sequel it will depart drastically from this iteration. But if I like the classic, I may give it a go.

Return of the Seven stars Yul Brynner (Westworld, The King and I), Robert Fuller (Wagon Train, Laramie), and Julian Mateos (The Wanton of Spain, Young Sanchez), among others.

Fahrenheit 451 (11/14/1966):

The only other classic of the bunch that I've actually seen, and one I'm actually familiar with the book it's based on, written by Ray Bradbury. This isn't the original trailer, which actually gives some semblance of the storyline, unlike many of these others, but it was listed as a trailer and is a scene that I like, so I said to hell with it and used it!

If unfamiliar, the movie is set in an oppressed, medicated society where books are outlawed and burned by firemen. Guy Montag is one of these firemen, but after meeting and getting to know one of his neighbors, Clarisse, Guy begins to question his marriage, beliefs, and life.

It's been so long since both reading the book and watching the movie, but I believe I recall various changes made, as always seems to be the case in adaptations. A possibly perceived love interest (and name changes, for some odd reason) being one, which may be a bit discerning being the character was underage in the book. This character's fate also differs from the source material. I've read that many, if not all, science fiction elements were removed in the adaptation too.

I believe that scene above between Clarisse (Julie Christie — Don't Look Now, Doctor Zhivago) and Guy Montag (Oskar Werner — Interlude, Jules and Jim) is a pivotal one, which acts as a catalyst for the dramatic changes coming in the protagonist's life. The acting is great and while some may feel the movie is outdated, it remains a cautionary tale still very relevant today. Cyril Cusack (1984, Harold and Maude) also co-stars.

Manos: The Hands of Fate (11/15/1966):

Alllllllllrighty, so there is that. That's a thing. That thing being supposedly one of the worst movies ever made! The trailer can't be that far off. I have no idea what the hell is going on, but rather than attempt to explain it, I'll just let it speak for itself. A friend once told me to watch this, knowing full well its notoriety, but I never got around to it. When I saw this was released in 1966, there was no way in hell I wasn't adding it into the mix!

Also, I have no idea if this is actually the real trailer. I searched for some time, but mostly came across "fan" cuts/trailers. This may or may not be the real deal. Either way, I'm assuming the movie gained its popularity and clout from being a prominent feature on Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K).

IMDb describes this horror film's plot as: "A family gets lost on the road and stumbles upon a hidden, underground, devil-worshiping cult led by the fearsome Master and his servant Torgo."

I'll say one thing, the trailer does well in keeping everything relatively a mystery. Literally, just about everything. I'm sure I'll actually see this someday. But today, tomorrow, or the relatively near future, is not that day...

Django (12/??/1966):

This western featured a great new star, Franco Nero (Cars 2, Die Hard 2), in the role of Django (The "D" is silent), a mysterious man with a sad, impenetrable face. He also drags a coffin around (a theme I've seen in a handful of movies I suspect may be influenced by this movie). The film also boasts a great supporting cast which includes, but not limited to, Loredana Nusciak (Gladiators 7, A Difficult Life), Eduardo Fajardo (Oasis of the Zombies, The Mercenary), Angel Alvarez (The Executioner, The Little Apartment), and Jose Bodalo (Estudio 1, Companeros).

Once again we have the narrator giving the details of the movie, mainly characterization, instead of allowing the trailer to give us much of the plot. This trailer, however, when compared to the rest, actually intrigues me and would have likely prompted me to see it in theaters. I saw and really enjoy the newer adaptation/homage film by Quentin Tarantino in theaters. Though, it went a little long, in my opinion. Tarantino claims that his inspiration/influence arose solely from the original film's writer/director, Sergio Corbucci.

Regardless of how much influenced Tarantino's adaptation, the fact that it inspired him at all, and Franco Nero just has that "look" that fits the role, I'm really interested in seeing this classic. Maybe I'm just a pushover for ruggedly handsome cowboys that drag around coffins full of artillery? I just find it pretty badass...

Are you familiar with any of the featured classic movies? Which of these movies have you already seen? Have you seen all three movies associated with The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly? Which was your favorite? Ever catch James Coburn in his role as Derek Flint? Who do you think would win in a fight between Derek Flint and James Bond? Does Harper seem like a good guy or a total prick in the trailer for Paul Newman's film of the same name? If seeing both related movies, which did you prefer more? Are you a fan of the Classic Adam West Batman series? Do you wish a sequel was made to Batman: The Movie?

Have you seen the original The Magnificent Seven and/or its sequel? Are you looking forward to the reboot? Have you read Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451? Do you feel the 1966 film was a good representation of the book? If seeing Manos: The Hands of Fate, do you think it is the worst movie ever made to date? Was it the original or the MST3K viewing? Are you a fan of the original Django franchise? What about Tarantino's reboot?