The Bearded Trio

I must admit I don't remember Neon .  A film magazine for 'lads.'  I picked up this edition recently.  It's from May 1997 and has a rather nice Jaws cover.  The main article inside is "100 movies you must see before you die."  I have to say I'm not a huge fan of the writing style of the magazine.  I can see what they were trying to achieve.  A 'one of the lads' magazine that focuses on movies which, unfortunately has bad language throughout and a feeling of negativity rather than celebrating movies.  Sounds a bit like the Internet of today so maybe they were ahead of their time. Never the less, Jaws is their number one movie you much watch before you die (Star Wars was number 11.)  A good choice.  However, I found it amusing that they list E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and It's a Wonderful Life as two movies you should avoid.  I feel that sentiment and happy endings just didn't cut it with the writers of this magazine. ...

The Bearded Trio are pleased to bring you an  exclusive clip from the features on the Bridge of Spies Blu-Ray which is released today.  In this clip we get to see Steven Spielberg's father talk about the time he flew for his country. STEVEN’S FATHER – About The Cold War with quotes from Steven Spielberg and a behind the scenes clip of Steven with his father Arnold Spielberg who remembers this period and flew for his country too, just like Francis Gary Powers BRIDGE OF SPIES is available on Digital HD on 20th March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 28th March, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

The Bearded Trio are pleased to bring you an  exclusive  clip from the features on the Bridge of Spies Blu-Ray which is released today. DISCOVERING DONOVAN’S STORY – About James B Donovan’s mission with quotes from Matt Charman the screenwriter on how he came to find out about this story and what happened before this mission even took place and how James came to be on JFK’s radar in the first place. Steven Spielberg also explains how he came to know James’ story. BRIDGE OF SPIES is available on Digital HD on 20th March and on Blu-ray and DVD from 28th March, courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON STEVEN SPIELBERG CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON GEORGE LUCAS CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON JOHN WILLIAMS

STEVEN SPIELBERG AND TOM HANKS Q and A BRIDGE OF SPIES IS AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL HD ON 14 TH MARCH AND BLU-RAY AND DVD ON 28 TH MARCH FROM TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks four-film collaboration is one of the greatest director-actor partnerships in movie history. Hanks’ ability to convey an all American dignity, wholesomeness and an understated heroism matched by Spielberg’s mastery of every aspect of moviemaking has informed films as diverse as WWII classic Saving Private Ryan (1998), colourful caper Catch Me If You Can (2002) and charming character comedy The Terminal (2004). Now their fourth collaboration, Bridge Of Spies takes them into the cauldron of the Cold War as Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a US insurance lawyer recruited by the CIA to negotiate a swap between Russian spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance) and US pilot Gary Powers (Austin Stowell). The filmmaker and actor talk about the origins of the film, their passion for history...

Released in 1978 by Parker Games, Close Encounters of the Third Kind - The Board Game was, unfortunately a little uninspiring when it came to tie-in board games.  The object was to get your five pips (supposedly the five tones from the movie) from the bottom of the board (Devil's Tower) to the top (the Mothership.)  Along the way you would set traps for the other players.  If they landed on one of these traps then they would have to move their pip back. It may not be the best board game ever released but it's nice that it exists.  There was a lack of Close Encounters merchandise released when the movie came out, certainly in comparison to other movies of the era such as Star Wars, Superman and Star Trek. The board itself has a wonderful picture of Devil's Tower behind 149 squares which was your playing area.  The board layout was also replicated on mini cards included with the game.  These cards were used to place your traps for the other players. ...

Ahsoka's meditations -- Star Wars Rebels : "Shroud of Darkness" In the latest episode of Star Wars Rebels : “Shroud of Darkness,” many new plot-points were set into motion by means of ‘ force vision’ or meditation. But before those foreboding instances even occurred, an intriguing, yet poignant revelation was revealed. Ahsoka's Revelations Upon entering the Jedi Temple on Lothal, Ahsoka insisted that Ezra and Kanan unlock the secret doorway that would allow them access to the ancient sanctuary – simply stating, “I am not a Jedi.” Ezra’s facial expressions were priceless as he turned to face her and quizzically studying her anew. Eager with wonder and questionable curiosity, he prodded to know “why?” Ahsoka’s reaction was calmly expectant, as if she knew Ezra would want to know more. After all, she, herself, had had a master that was almost always … seeking more. Again, she shows such grace in her composure and plainly explains that...

It's official!  Disney announced today that Indiana Jones will return July 19th, 2019.  What's more director Steven Spielberg and star Harrison ford will make the fifth “Indiana Jones” film. The release from the studio describes “a fifth epic adventure in the blockbuster series,” adding: “Steven Spielberg, who directed all four previous films, will helm the as-yet-untitled project with star Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role. Franchise veterans Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall will produce.” Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn called the Jones character “one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history,” adding, “It’s rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn’t be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven.” Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said: "Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can't wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019. ...

Sad news today as we learn that Drewe Henley who played Red Leader Garven Dreis in Star Wars has passed away at the age of 75. Henley's performance in Star Wars was not dubbed in post-production, one of the few actors who didn't need dubbing. Henley interpreted his character as an experienced battle veteran and so opted to play him without any excitement in his voice.  In the 1997 special editions of Star Wars an extra scene was included with Henley's character talking to Luke Skywalker. Henley had been acting since 1964 including roles in Space 1999 and The Doctors but Star Wars was his final performance in 1977.  He retired due to depression. Our thoughts are with his family and friends in these difficult times. Rob @thebeardedtrio The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Williams THE BEARDED TRIO ON FACEBOOK THE BEARDED TRIO ON TWITTER THE BEARDED TRIO ON GOOGLE+ THE BEARDED TRIO ON PINTEREST CLICK HERE FOR FACTS ON...

The Famous Indiana Jones Fly In Belloq's Mouth Scene.  Did It Really Happen? I've always wondered if Paul Freeman unintentionally consumed a fly in this scene in  Raiders of the Lost Ark ?  It's the scene where Indiana Jones shouts down to Bellosh...I mean Belloq and threatens to blow up the ark.  Did a fly go in his mouth? I remember watching this scene back in the early eighties and my ten year old mind thought he definitely had a snack while filming.  I recall talking about 'flygate' in my school playground at the time and the general consensus with my friends was that Freeman definitely had a sneaky snack. Paul Freeman talks about the famous 'fly' scene in an interview with TheIndyExperience.com  and settled 'flygate:' This is a bit of a dicey question so don’t get too upset. (Laughs) A movie’s always got bloopers in it, some have a lot, and some only have three or four. And the most remarkable blooper was right before the opening of th...

Steven Spielberg’s most recent film, Bridge of Spies , opens with an image borrowed from another great American artist. Spielberg’s camera winds through the rundown New York apartment of Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (Mark Rylance). He’s sat in silence, painting a picture of himself to indulge his artistic hobby. He’s flanked by two items: on his left, a mirror where he can see himself reflected; on his right, the canvas, on which he paints what he sees. It’s a clear nod to Norman Rockwell and his famous painting ‘ Triple Self-Portrait ’, a humorous, gently self-effacing piece that also touches on themes of identity (note how different the illustration is to the mirror reflection) and nationality (spot the American eagle on top of the mirror). By drawing on the image of one of America’s most beloved artists (indeed one of its foremost chroniclers of what it means to be American), Spielberg introduces these issues (as well as a pervasive sense of paranoia) for the rest of Bridge of Spie...

Film & Comic Con Cardiff took place over the weekend at the Motorpoint Arena and it was another fine event organised by Showmasters. Saturday It wasn't the biggest event even compared to past Cardiff comic cons but that didn't stop it from being an enjoyable experience.  I along with my wife turned up on the Saturday around 9:30 am and we more or less walked straight in.  The first thing we noticed that was different from previous Film & Comic Cons was the security.  Tables were setup at the entrance and staff were thoroughly checking bags.  We even saw a few police walking around.  This was the first time I've seen this at a comic con.  After picking up our press passes and leaving our coats at the cloak room (£2 per item) we walked into the main arena.  The first thing that confronted us was the Mystery Machine van from Scooby Doo.  For a small fee you could have your photo taken sitting in the van.  We decided to just ...