The Bearded Trio

Argos 1985 Retro Toy Goodness From 80's Argos Catalogues For those who are not familiar with Argos, it is a UK store that is generally situated on the high street and in town/city centres. Here's the thing, even though they have stores, generally nothing is on display. Instead you walk in and order your item from a catalogue, find the item you want in the rather large book, write down the item number and take your ticket to the till. Within a few minutes your item will appear on a conveyor belt from the depths of the store room. I always imagined the store room to be like the end scene from Raiders Of The Lost Ark with one man in a vast room filled with wooden boxes. Anyway I thought you would like to see the Star Wars pages from the 1984 and 1985 catalogues. Many kids right across the land would use the Argos catalogue to choose their favourite toys and hopefully what would be under the Christmas tree. I'm no exception. At-At for £29.99? Yes please. Rob W...

12 Interesting Facts About the 1989 Steven Spielberg movie, Always Steven Spielberg's "Always" celebrates its 30th birthday this year and to celebrate we bring you 12 facts about the movie which starred Richard Dreyfuss, Holly Hunter, Brad Johnson, John Goodman and Audrey Hepburn to name a few. This was Audrey Hepburn's final film before her death on January 20, 1993 at the age of 63. She accepted the role of Hap because she wanted to work with Steven Spielberg. Audrey Hepburn as Hap in Always Hepburn was paid $1 million for her performance in the film and she donated it to the charity, UNICEF . If Sean Connery had been available then we probably wouldn't have had Audrey Hepburn in the movie.  Steven Spielberg originally wanted the Scottish actor to play the role of Hap but he was unavailable.  Spielberg ultimately decided that Hap should be a woman instead. Steven Spielberg wanted to cast either Paul Newman or Robert Redford in the leading roles,...

In my latest YouTube video I open 75 sealed packs of Hook trading cards from 1992.  Will I get a full set and will I taste the bubblegum? To celebrate the latest video we are running a competition where you can win a two disc John Williams compilation CD.  Click here to find out more. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

John Williams Competition Time The Bearded Trio is pleased to bring you another competition and once again we are giving you the chance of winning this fantastic two disc John Williams compilation.  Featuring music from E.T. The Extra Terrestrial, Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark and lots more.  The first disc has tracks you would expect from a John Williams compilation but the second disc has some more unusual pieces such as JFK, Amistad and Hook. Speaking of Hook, here's how you can be in with a chance of winning.  Lately, we've been posting new content on our YouTube channel and the latest one has Rob opening 75 sealed packs of Hook trading cards from 1992.  Will he get a full set?  Well that's the question. How many cards were missing to complete the full trading card set? A - Six B - Sixteen C - None, he got a full set. Head over to the video on YouTube to find out the answer and while you're there maybe click on the subscribe bu...

Happy Birthday Star Wars.  42 years ago today movie history was created.  I was lucky enough (and old enough) to remember the phenomenon that changed my life.  I was five years old and from the moment I left the cinema I've craved Star Wars.  Thank you George Lucas for giving the world Star Wars and for letting us play in your galaxy. I was either five or six being either 1977 or 1978 when Star Wars first hit our cinemas here in South Wales.  In those days, there always seemed to be a huge gap between US releases and the rest of the world.  Anyway I had never heard of Star Wars and out of the blue my brother, who is sadly no longer with us asked if I would like to go and see this space film.  Any trip to the cinema back then was like someone taking you to a magical land.  Of course I said yes. The cinema was a small two screen affair.  No multi screens in those days, well at least not around our way.  One screen was showing Star W...

I take a look at 10 examples of bad movie trailers. The marketing of a movie is perhaps one of the most important parts of selling a movie.  If done well then the anticipation will go through the roof.  Take  Star Wars The Force Awakens  for example.  Each trailer released for The Force Awakens quickly hit the 50 million+ mark within days on YouTube and fans watched each one multiple times.  Reaction videos were made showing how fans felt the first time they witnessed the Millennium Falcon flying across their screen.  However if a movie trailer is done badly then it's like the front end of a car losing control, it's hard to correct once it starts sliding A bad trailer for a movie is, most of the time a sign that the movie studio doesn't actually know what they have on their hands and no idea how to promote it.  Here are a few examples of bad trailers. Star Trek Beyond The first trailer for the latest Star Trek movie did not go down well w...

Video Games Featured In Ready Player One I love Ready Player One from Ernest Cline, it is one of the most thrilling books I've had the pleasure of reading in years. The story throws a lot of 80's and gaming references throughout and this was perfect for me. I'm a huge fan of the 80's as this was my teenage years so I look back at that decade with fondness. I'm also an avid gamer and have been since the days of Space Invaders, so many of the gaming references I connected with and brought a retro-inducing smile to my face. As a result of reading this epic story my expectations for the Steven Spielberg movie which is set to hit cinema screens in March are higher than any movie release in years. I must admit I am intrigued how they are going to do some scenes as some of the challenges and scenarios in the book centre around a particular movie or video game. Now, I realise not everyone are into video games, especially from the early eighties. I'm not goi...

Star Wars Soap From 1985.  Does It Still Work? It's a question everyone is asking (maybe.)  Does soap from 1985, in particular Star Wars soap still work?  Does it still have that soapy fragrance?  Will it foam and clean my hands?  With all these burning questions I just had to find out so an unboxing video was in order. If you enjoy the video, please leave a comment either below or on YouTube.  Let me know what you would like me to try next. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

Here's something you may not know. It was thanks to the documentary, "In the Beginning" that this page and our site, The Bearded Trio exists. I've been a fan of Spielberg, Lucas and Williams since the 70's and my passion for the three has never dwindled. Getting a behind the scenes look at any of the three has always grabbed my attention. I love their movies, music and especially the behind the scenes magic. The documentary below is an amazing window into how a movie is made and in particular, Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. There's no commentary but instead you really do feel like you are right there in the room with the various talents we see. I watched this documentary around the time when The Phantom Menace came out in the bite size snippets that were released on the web but again in full in 2009. It was watching it again that, for some reason sparked an urge in me to want to create a website to celebrate their work. A way to say thank you...

The Star Wars Creator pays tribute to Peter Mayhew Peter Mayhew sadly has passed away at the age of 74.  The 7ft 3ins British actor who was famously the lovable but deadly Wookiee, Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies died on April 30th surrounded by his family. Tributes have been coming in for the well loved actor.  Notable ones are from Harrison Ford who said: "Peter Mayhew was a kind and gentle man, possessed of great dignity and noble character. These aspects of his own personality, plus his wit and grace, he brought to Chewbacca. We were partners in film and friends in life for over 30 years and I loved him...  I and millions of others will never forget Peter and what he gave us all." Director of The Last Jedi, Rian Johson had this to say: "To create a beloved character with warmth and humor is a testament to any actor’s spirit. To do it under a half ton of yak hair takes a true legend." Mark Hamill also paid tribute calling Mayhew "the gentlest...

If you listen to podcasts, you're a Spielberg fan and fancy some light hearted conversation then make sure you tune in to the latest episode of the Lethal Mullet Podcast .  It feature's me, but don't let that put you off, I promise it's a fun episode.  I talk all things Spielberg and take a look back at the classic era - The 80's. Adam O’Brien, the Fantha from Down Under, and a veteran podcaster from Australia brings you an all new fortnightly show here on the Fandom Podcast Network. “Lethal Mullet - a celebration of 80’s action cinema”. Looking at the classic B grades of that decade, Adam hosts with guests a show looking at all the films you remember but cannot find on DVD stores. Films you thought you knew and classics you love. From Jeff Speakman to Chuck Norris we’ve got you covered. All here on FPN.  On tonight’s episode Adam’s guest: Rob Wainfur catches up with the Lethal Mullet and tells us about his eighties fandoms and fun. From the likes of Spielber...

May 4th Gift Idea - Star Wars Original Stormtrooper Decanter If you like to wet your whistle with a good single malt or a quality brandy and you want to still show off your love for that galaxy far, far away then the good folks over at Prezzybox.com have the perfect solution.  It's this decanter that has been styled in the shape of the original Stormtrooper.  It holds 750ml which as most of you drinkers will know, just happens to be the same amount in one standard size bottle of grog.   What's more they also have the matching glasses (sold separately) to accompany the decanter.  A perfect gift for any Star Wars fan, just don't blame us if this contributes to you losing your ship in a game of Sabaac. The price is a reasonable £19.99 and you can order yours here. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

I love this video.  Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace celebrates it's 20th anniversary and I love it when it gets some love from fans.  The recent Star Wars Celebration in Chicago made sure the 1999 movie was well represented and during a panel celebrating the movie, fans were treated to the trailer in glorious 4K and lets be honest, that trailer is one of the best.  Listen to the crowd's reaction in the video below. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

Star Wars Galactic Atlas personalised book from InTheBook.Com We have another unboxing video for you and this one is extra special.  The good folks over at InTheBook.com sent over a book called the  Star Wars Galactic Atlas.  The book is illustrated throughout by  Tim McDonagh  who is a tremendous artist.  Just take a look at his website to see some of his stunning artwork he has produced.  He is one of my favourite artists with his unique colourful retro feel to his artwork, so I was very much looking forward to reviewing this book The book features maps, timelines, epic battle scenes and detailed star charts all from that galaxy far, far away.  The book is huge measuring a whopping 38 x 31cm.  Each page features Tim's signature artwork so you will be spending quite some time on each page scrutinising the detailed drawings.  Not only that, the illustrations are accompanied with comprehensive information on iconic scenes from Star...

In my latest unboxing video, I take a look at the Star Wars: Leia Organa Rebel Leader Box from Chronicle Books.   This is a rather neat package that includes a 4¾" hand painted figurine of Princess Leia, a sturdy display stand and a 48-page illustrated book that is packed with all the information you need on the Princess.  All this for £17.99/$19.99. Chronicle Books tell us: Leia Organa is one of the galaxy’s fiercest rebels and greatest heroes—a powerful leader and a force against galactic evil, never to be underestimated. This one-of-a-kind, hand-painted statue comes with a display stand and a 48-page illustrated booklet featuring an illuminating look at Leia’s role in the Star Wars saga and insights on Carrie Fisher’s portrayal by Lucasfilm Executive Editor Jennifer Heddle, a celebration of the inspiration and symbol of strength the character has become for legions of fans.  Box: 3 x 4¼ x 6½ in; paperback booklet: 4 x 57/8 in, 48 pp, full-color inter...

Star Wars In Monkey Island In the early 90’s, Lucasfilm Games, which would eventually become Lucasarts, had, it seems the Midas touch with adventure games.  Using their unique SCUMM system, which stood for “Script Creation Utility for Maniac Mansion” it brought point and click games to a wider audience with classic games such as Monkey Island, Indiana Jones and Sam & Max. What made these games stand out from the crowd was their graphics, studio quality music and sound effects, their pick up and play feel and most importantly the script.  When it needed to be funny the game was genuinely laugh-out-loud funny, which was and still is rare for a video game.  The creators of the games also had the ability to make you care about the characters in the game and bring them to life with their unique style of writing. One particular game had this in abundance.  That was of course The Secret of Monkey Island released in 1990.  Designed by Ron Gilbert, with Tim S...

Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy 100 Postcards I take a look at Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy 100 Collectible Postcard set from Chronicle Books .  This rather neat box of postcards compliments the book, "Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy"  by Amy Ratcliffe as it features the artwork from the book but in postcard form. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the cards and of course the incredible artwork featuring some of our favourite characters from the Star Wars universe including one of my favourites, Asajj Ventress.   The cards are 6x4 and would be perfect for framing or for sending to your Star Wars friends. ISBN: 9781452174044 £16.99 Available: April 9, 2019 Amazon Link The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

I had a blast talking to Adam O'Brien on the latest episode of Fantha Track's, The Fantha From Down Under. In episode 26 I was the guest and Adam wanted to know what was my first Star Wars experience and when was the first time I become a John Williams fan. We also take a brief blast down gaming memory lane and discuss our favourite Star Wars games from over the decades. You can listen to the show below via the embedded  player or if you prefer, Youtube. The Bearded Trio - The Site For Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, John Williams and a whole lot more.

Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Solo: A Star Wars Story I was lucky enough to get my hands on this gem of a book published by Abrams ,  It's called Industrial Light & Magic Presents: Solo: A Star Wars Story and I have to say it is easily as good as the other "behind the scenes" Star Wars books that you may have in your collection such as the ones by Jonathan W. Rinzler. The book is written by ILM guru, Rob Bredow who was the visual effects supervisor for the movie and in fact was nominated for an Academy Award for Solo: A Star Wars Story in 2019.  It goes without saying that Bredow is most definitely one of the most qualified to write a detailed book on the work that goes into bringing a Star Wars story to life and in particular the wonderful visual effects. The book really does feel like a fly-on-the-wall documentary and boasts a logical layout throughout its 256 pages.  From pre-production to production and finally the post-production, we get to see ...

Indiana Jones and the Bridge to Yesterday  Produced by an international collective of artists across seven cities and over five years in the making, the first-ever feature-length Indiana Jones radio adventure will air on The IndyCast starting April 5th 2019. Released as a special episode, this fan-made full-cast audio drama is the marquee event in a diverse multimedia release including a screenplay, soundtrack, illustrations and more. What started as a simple idea for a movie premise transformed into a global collaboration committed to giving Indiana Jones fans a brand new adventure in their favorite series: In the immediate aftermath of the second World War, Indiana Jones returns home from his time with the OSS, now weary of his daredevil past. But just when he contemplates hanging up his hat for good, an old nemesis re-emerges with a plot to not only destroy the world’s newly established peace, but also erase the last thirty years of history. In order to stop him, Indy mu...