Tag Archives: robert loggia

Robert Loggia 1930 – 2015

Posted by Marisa on

Well this is not how I wanted to end “Timothy in Color Week,” I can assure you. Robert Loggia, character actor and tough guy extraordinaire, passed away today at the age of 85. He and Timothy only made one film together, the drive-in classic Speedtrap (1977). To mark his passing, let’s share not only a pic from that film but a video clip as well.

Speedtrap

From Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) to The Sopranos (2004), Loggia marked whatever project he found himself in with the indelible stamp of his personality. He will truly be missed.

Video of the Week: “Speedtrap”

Posted by Marisa on

This week’s video showcases Timothy’s best scene from Earl “No Strain” Bellamy‘s Speedtrap (1977). He first appears, quite memorably, at about the 4:26 mark.

Also featuring Joe Don Baker, Robert Loggia, Tyne Daly, Lana Wood, and Richard Jaeckel. Tim, Baker and Jaeckel were also in John Flynn‘s The Outfit (1973).

Pic of the Day: “Speedtrap” revisited

Posted by Marisa on

Today we celebrate a birthday and mourn a passing. Firstly, we want to wish a happy 84th birthday anniversary to the great Robert Loggia! He made his film debut with Paul Newman in Somebody Up There Likes Me (1956) and hasn’t looked back since. He and Timothy only made one film together, the drive-in classic Speedtrap (1977). It’s a shame they didn’t get a chance to work together more often; they certainly made a great on-screen pair of bad guys.

Speedtrap

And lastly, we say goodbye to the founding genius of Something Weird Video, Mike Vraney. He died yesterday at the age of 56, after a long battle with lung cancer. His love of and enthusiasm for the weird, the strange, and the forgotten films of the fringe/underground/exploitation era cannot be matched. When we say that he will truly be missed, it is not a trite cliche but a bitter reality. We send our most heart-felt condolences and love to Mike’s family, friends and loved ones.

Pic of the Day: “Speedtrap” revisited

Posted by Marisa on

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.

Speedtrap

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!

Pic of the Day: “Speedtrap” revisited

Posted by Marisa on

Today we get another eyeful of that awesome Hawaiian shirt Timothy sports in Speedtrap (1977). Larry Loomis, Italian gangster (???), is at the airport to drop off some stash, and is taking careful note of where the car is parked. Good plan.

Speedtrap

Tim is Robert Loggia‘s right-hand goombah here, and they make a great team. Loggia has been an unforgettable presence in many a film and television show since the late 1950s, and is still hard at work. I wish he and Tim had worked together more. You gotta love the guy.

Video of the Week: “Speedtrap”

Posted by Marisa on

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!

Pic of the Day: “Speedtrap”

Posted by Marisa on

Our last pic of the work week is from Earl Bellamy‘s Speedtrap (1977). Timothy plays a gangster by the name of Larry Loomis, who speaks Italian to his boss (Robert Loggia), has a very unusual facial hair configuration, and rocks a Hawaiian shirt that would make Bruce Campbell proud.

Speedtrap

Bellamy also directed Tim in the Starsky and Hutch episode we saw earlier this week. Tim’s co-star from The Killing of a Chinese Bookie, the great Morgan Woodward, also appears here. Tim and Loggia make a great team; I wish they had more screen time together and had been in other projects with each other.