Today we need to take another look at the handsome mug of Flo, the garrulous torpedo of John Cassavetes‘ The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976). Here he reminds an off-screen Cosmo (Ben Gazzara) that $23,000 is a lot of money.
Taking up the foreground on the right side of the pic is Robert Phillips, who my MSTie pals will recognize as the exasperated police chief of Mitchell (1975). “You’re gonna get me mad, Mitchell, and when that happens I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. Now get out.”
It’s time for another look at Speedtrap (1977), the drive-in classic directed by Earl Bellamy. Timothy is stellar as Larry Loomis, obliging torpedo to drug kingpin Spillano (Robert Loggia). Here they are grilling private eye Pete Novick (Joe Don Baker), who is quickly realizing that he is in way over his head.
This would make an absolutely perfect double bill with Mitchell (1975), also starring Baker. It’s practically a sequel. Go get your copy today at j4hi.com!
Today we take another gander at Flo, that enigmatic mix of bonhomie and brute force from John Cassavetes‘ The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976). Here he reminds Cosmo Vittelli (Ben Gazzara) of his obligations, as fellow gangster Phil (Robert Phillips) listens.
As I believe I’ve mentioned before, my fellow MST3K pals will recognize Phillips as Chief Pallin, the put-upon superior of Mitchell (1975). “You’re gonna get me mad, Mitchell, and when that happens I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. Now get out.” Phillips is an interesting character himself, having been a pro football player, bodyguard for Adlai Stevenson, and worked undercover for the Los Angeles Police Department, among other exploits. He is also the author of Sixty-One Ways to End an Argument.
Today we revisit Speedtrap (1977), the rather silly but enjoyable drive-in classic starring Mitchell himself, Joe Don Baker. Here we see the memorable moment when Timothy pops up in the back seat of Joe Don’s car, points a gun at him, and intones “Good eeeeevening.”
It’s the greatest cinematic “Good evening” since Bela Lugosi, no kidding.
We’re jumping the gun a bit this week with our video, which is usually presented on Wednesday. But since today is the birthday anniversary of the fabulous Robert Loggia, I couldn’t wait til tomorrow to show you this clip from Speedtrap (1977), directed by Earl Bellamy. Tim is Loggia’s torpedo, escorting Joe Don Baker to “the library” for a meeting with the patrone.
This movie would make a great double bill with Mitchell (1975). Take special note of the boom mike making an unscheduled (I’m guessing) appearance after they go through the door. As I’ve mentioned before, Tim and Loggia play off each other well, and it’s a shame this is their only screen appearance together. Loggia has always been one of my favorite character actors, and seeing him and Tim together is quite a treat. Happy birthday, patrone!
Today’s pic (and you’ll be clicking for the embiggening) is from an incomplete press kit for The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) that I snagged on eBay. Tim is pictured along with co-stars Seymour Cassel, Morgan Woodward, Robert Phillips, John Red Kullers and Al Ruban (the latter the film’s producer as well).
This photo of Tim is the one that appears on his gravestone. My MSTie pals will remember Phillips as Mitchell‘s harried superior. “You’re gonna get me mad, Mitchell, and when that happens I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes. Now get out.”
The Timothy Carey Experience 