Anna Lavelle Movies
- 1966
Directed by versatile standup comedian Lenny Weinrib, Wild Wild Winter is more palatable in its comic scenes than its musical interludes. Essentially a snowbound imitation of American-International's Beach Party series, the film stars such passing fancies of the 1960s as Gary Clarke, Chris Noel and Les Brown, Jr. The plot: Clarke poses as a millionaire to impress Noel, she finds out, everybody lives happily ever after. The musical acts include Jay and the Americans, The Beau Brummels, Dick and Dee Dee and Jackie and Gayle. Man, this sure is a swingin' snow-ball. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gary Clarke, Chris Noel, (more)
Columbia Pictures tried to create a tongue-in-cheek American James Bond with this, the first of five motion pictures based on the character of Matt Helm, a spy created in a series of novels by Donald Hamilton. Dean Martin stars as Helm, a boozing, womanizing cad of a spy coaxed out of retirement by ex-girlfriend Tina Batori (Daliah Lavi). His mission: stop the evil Big O organization, whose leader, Tung-Tze (Victor Buono), schemes to sabotage an atomic missile and thus spark World War III. Producer Irving Allen had once been partners with Albert R. Broccoli in the British film production company Warwick Films, their alliance ironically disintegrating over the merits of creating a Bond series. When Broccoli's instincts proved correct, Allen attempted to create his own spy franchise with the Helm character. The sequels to The Silencers (1966) were Murderers' Row (1966), The Ambushers (1967), and The Wrecking Crew (1968). Allen unsuccessfully tried to resurrect the character as a TV movie, Matt Helm (1975). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Martin, Stella Stevens, (more)
- 1965
It's music, mayhem and fun in the sun as three aspiring rockers attempt to scare up enough money to get their instruments out of hock. To do this, they pose as women, enter a contest and find themselves competing against such acts as the Righteous Brothers, the Supremes and the Four Seasons. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward Byrnes, Chris Noel, (more)
