Video - THE INVINCIBLE MASKED RIDER (1963)

This Umberto Lenzi adventure film is the topic of the next episode of Wild, Wild Podcast! It's an excellent example of the Rapiers & Ruffles sub-genre and might surprise viewers who have only experienced Lenzi's later more rough and violent movies. Be aware that you can turn on the captioning and then, in settings, have YouTube translate them into English. Enjoy!

What I Watched in May 2025

THUNDERBOLTS* (2025) is not just one of the best of Marvel's superhero films. It is also a life affirming look at a group of people mired in serious depression who learn to be better and happier by helping each other. Watching these sad-sack characters, each of whom is at the lowest point in their adult lives, realize that the way forward is to focus on the folks around them that they can support. Every good hero story is about people helping each other survive and this one fits the bill. The group learns that even though they are broken, there are people that can piece you together as long as you try to do the same for them. THUNDERBOLTS is both funny and touching in ways I had not expected. 

The List

UNKNOWN WORLD (1951) – 5 (slow, dull journey to the center of the earth)

THE MEDIUM (1980) – 6 (Italian possession drama)

 

SEX IS CRAZY (1981) – 6 (Jess Franco’s episodic sex comedy)

 

SPECIAL AGENT (1935) – 7 (fast, fun criminal tale)

 

THUNDERBOLTS* (2025) – 9

 

DAMNATION ALLEY (1977) – 4 (rewatch on Blu)

I LOVE A MYSTERY (1945) – 7 (First of the series)

EXTERRITORIAL (2025) - 7 (German action film)

 

THE EQUILIZER 2 (2018) – 7 (well done action film)

THE UNKNOWN (1946) – 7 (third ‘I Love A Mystery’ film is a southern gothic)

FIRST SPACESHIP ON VENUS (1962) – 7 (rewatch on Blu – the shorter version)

UNTIL DAWN (2025) – 4 (some great cinematography and effects but ineffective)

 

THE AMATEUR (2025) – 7 (solid espionage/revenge thriller)

 

THE DEVIL’S MASK (1946) – 6 (second I Love A Mystery film)

THE PURCHASE PRICE (1932) – 5 (slight romantic comedy/drama with Barbara Stanwick)

SMILE BEFORE DEATH (1972) – 7 (sexy mystery from Italy – giallo?)

ASSASSINATION IN ROME (1965) – 6 (murder mystery from Italy)

AMUCK (1972) – 7 (rewatch on Blu) (giallo)

COMPANION (2025) – 8 (rewatch)

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE: FINAL RECONING (2025) – 6 (too long)

THE EXECUTIONER OF VENICE (1963) – 7 (excellent period drama/adventure) 

 

William Castle Films - Poster Art

 

Trailers From Hell - THE NIGHT STALKER (1972)

I'm not sure I buy all of Dr. Z's tale of how McGavin was cast but its fun to get a little dirt on how the ape sausage gets made. 

Planet Comics Cover Gallery

I think the cover artists were told "Don't come in here with a cover that doesn't have legs prominent or you will be smacked by my secretary! The more legs the better!"

 

FROM HELL IT CAME ! (1957) Poster Art and Lobby Cards

 

Wild, Wild Podcast - THE EXECUTIONER OF VENICE (1963)

 

Grab your carnival mask, strap on your rapier and jump into a passing gondola, so that you can travel with us through 17th century Venezia, where evil schemes are afoot, pious nuns need rescuing from wicked pirates, and strong men swing big choppers with abandon.

The Executioner of Venice is another fine example of the Rapiers & Ruffles sub-genre of Italian costume adventure films, and a great-quality copy can be found in English on YouTube.

You can get in touch with us (we love hearing from you!), follow us on social media, buy our merch, and all that stuff, through our LinkTree.

Model Work From Wonderfest 2025

Lovely!

 

The Bloody Pit #215 - DAMNATION ALLEY (1977)

The show returns to the science fiction films of the 1970’s with author Randy Fox! This time out we tackle DAMNATION ALLEY (1977) and make a sad discovery – neither of us like the film. Generally, I don’t enjoy podcasting about films I’m not enthusiastic about but we explain how this episode came to be. Word to the wise – communication is key!

 

Anyway. We dig into the production of the film and go back to the source story from Roger Zelazny to compare page to screen. Spoiler alert – page wins. But we take note of the various films that seem directly inspired by Zelazny’s tale and relate ways that this movie could have benefited from sticking closer to the story as written. We discuss the slashing of the budget and the commensurate drop in special effects quality. Neither Randy or I like one of the lead actors which is always a problem for entertainment value. Couple this with excellent character actors dying far too soon, as well as the female lead being given nothing to do and the printed version of this tale looks better all the time. No matter that the producers thought, a futuristic Convoy was not what the public wanted.

 

If you like DAMNATION ALLEY, by all means, let us know why at thebloodypit@gmail.com – we are curious. Thank you for listening and we’ll be back soon. 

Video - THE EXECUTIONER OF VENICE (1963)

Wild, Wild Podcast returns soon with an episode focused on this very well made adventure/drama that shows what we love about the 'Rapiers & Ruffles' sub-genre. Check it out and look for our show soon. 

Dinosaur Movie Comic Book Adaptations!

I am trying to track down copies of each of these - cheap!

 

Skywald's Psycho Magazine Cover Gallery

Good reading!