Episode 88 - Flickerin' Down the Road

We hit the road again this week, thanks to a great suggestion from one of our awesome listeners named Andrew. He told us about an amazing Canadian film from 1970, called "Goin' Down the Road" from director Donald Shebib. The film follows to "maritimers" who leave their homes to travel to the big city of Toronto with hopes of a chance to live a better life.  An incredible film, with honest and powerful performances, we had never heard of it and are thrilled that we were able to see it. We pair that one with 1974's "Road Movie" from director Joseph Strick.  This one also has incredibly brave and poignant performances, including a very young Barry Bostwick, and the truly mesmerizing Regina Baff as Janice, the catalyst in the storyline. It is the tale of two truck drivers who are following their dream of being independent drivers, who set off on their first run in their new rig...and things don't really go how they imagined.  These are two stunning, and bleak films, that don't leave you happy, but instead show the lengths that humans will go to, just to keep some semblance of hope. These are characters clutching at straws and frequently coming up short, if they come up at all.  Please let us know what you thought of the show by writing to flickersfrom@yahoo.com, flickersfrom@gmail.com or post a message over on our Facebook page.

 

Episode 87 - Flickers of the Blind Cave

We love getting recommendations from listeners but it might seem like we were ignoring one of those recommendations, but we assure you that is not the case. Thanks, and apologies, go out to Hugo, who suggested that we look into the "Blind Dead" films from Amando de Ossorio.  We  missed Hugo's message for a LONG time, but when we found it, lurking in the dark corners of our inbox, we leapt on the suggestion.  Starting with the first of the four films in the series, Tombs of the Blind Dead, from 1972, which tells the story of a group of Knights Templar that return from the crusades and are forced to pay a heavy price for their fall from grace.  A pretty grim movie overall, this one started it all.  We follow that up with the fourth and final film in the series, 1975's Night of the Seagulls. This one has lots of Lovecraftian influences and is probably a better overall film than the first one, but they both have plenty to recommend them.  Thanks to Hugo for the great suggestion, and our apologies again for taking so long to get to them. Please let us know what you thought of the show and send your own suggestions to flickersfrom@yahoo.com or flickersfrom@gmail.com or just post a message to our Facebook page.