I had the distinct privilege of interviewing him for the GGTMC podcast in 2011 and it was one of my favorite interviews that I've done. I could immediately tell I'd found a kindred spirit in the affection for similar kinds of cinema when I spoke to him. Larry was also gracious enough to allow me to interview him for the Danny Peary documentary I have been working on.
If you haven't checked out some of his Trailers from Hell commentaries you are truly missing out. Do yourself a favor and clear out an hour or two for his wonderful enlightening insights.
http://trailersfromhell.com/gurus/larry-karaszewski/
I am honored to have Larry contributing a list to this series!
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That Cold Day In The Park (1969; Robert Altman)
Norwood (1970; Jack Haley Jr.)
I watched this obscurity because of a piece at Slate about the Charles Portis novel. Portis wrote the book that True Grit was based on and when that film was a huge hit Hollywood snapped up another and brought back the team of Glenn Campbell and Kim Darby. No luck the second time out. But it does feature the acting debut of Joe Namath! Plus the lovely Carol Lynley and Trisha Sterling. And Dom Deluise steals every scene he is in. Skip the film, but read the book.
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/books/features/2013/mass_market_marathon/charles_portis_norwood_a_great_american_deadpan_comedy.html
I’ll Never Forget What’s‘Isname (1967) / The Girl-Getters (1964)
I really only knew Michael Winner from his Charles Bronson movies. And studio hackwork like The Sentinel. But watching his early work with Oliver Reed was a revelation. This guy was a real filmmaker. Girl-Getters is the one to see. Reed so young and full of brio. And not drunk! He has such power. What’s‘Isname’s title scared me away for years… but that film is also quite interesting. Orson Welles in a real role. Add to these the wacky Hannibal Brooks and you’ve got a nice Winner/Reed retro: http://trailersfromhell.com/hannibal-brooks/
Hornet’s Nest (1970; Phil Karlson)
Bienvenido, Mister Marshall! (1953; Luis Garcia Berlanga)
A small masterpiece from Spanish director Luis Garcia Berlanga (who is way too unrecognized in the U.S.). Feels like a lost Preston Sturges film. A tiny Spanish town after WW2 learns that an American congregation with rebuilding dollars is coming to visit… and everyone tries to get into the action. Director Alex De La Iglesia is a big fan and turned me onto this excellent film.
Brother John (1971; James Goldstone)
Rififi (1955; Jules Dassin)
Can’t believe it took me so long to see this. Every frame perfect. A truly great film.
Birth of a Nation (1915; D.W. Griffith)
Castle Keep (1969; Sydney Pollack)
Another World War II movie. And another weird late sixties tone. But not that successful. An early work from director Sydney Pollack. He made this between reshooting Frank Perry’s The Swimmer and his own first homerun They Shoot Horses Don’t They. Wish I liked it more. But always great to see Al Freeman Jr. in anything.
Fast Five (2011; Justin Lin)
It’s only a year old…but I watched it after Paul Walker’s death. Pretty damn entertaining. A lot of times when I see current big hits, I don’t get the appeal. But this is a hoot.
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