'48 Hours' episode 'Death of an Olympian' wife found guilty of murder

48 HOURS on CBS. The episode called, "Death of an Olympian" aired earlier this year 2016. Dave Laut was shot 6 times in his home back yard on Aug. 28, 2009. He was a 1984 Olympic medalist. His wife Jane told 911 emergency that she heard gun shots. Police later found the gun used to kill Dave, in his home. Jane became a suspect and admitted to killing Dave, but that it was self defense. She also claimed she was an abused woman all during their marriage. Dave's family disputed that claim and called Jane a compulsive liar. 

Jane Laut has been found guilty in the murder of her husband Dave. She could spend 50 years to life in prison. You can watch "Death of an Olympian" over at "48 Hours" streaming online.

Click Photo for DEATH OF AN OLYMPIAN.

(CBS collage of photos made by Daily Mail).

6-Hour Docuseries 'The Case Of: JoBenet Ramsey' coming to CBS

THE CASE OF: JONBENET RAMSEY on CBS. It has been 20 years and the murder of JonBenet is still unsolved. She was a 6-year-old child pageant contestant. Her mother Patsy died from cancer in 2006. Tests revealed in 2003 that DNA of an unknown male was found on JonBenet's clothing. No male suspect has been identified as of 2016. The parents became early suspects, but have since been cleared of any wrong doing. There were over 100 burglaries in the neighborhood where the Ramsey's lived in December of 1996. There were also 38 registered Sex Offenders living in Boulder, Colorado at that time. 

CBS says, "Original investigators of one of the highest profile unsolved murders in recent history unite to re-examine the tragic case 20 years later in 'The case of: Jonbenet Ramsey' (previously titled "Case Closed"), a six-hour limited event docuseries from Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer Tom Forman and Critical Content."

The docu-series premieres Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 (8 p.m.), Monday, Sept. 19 (9 p.m.) and Sunday, Sept. 25 (8:30 p.m.).

An All New "Dateline" Friday Sept. 2, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. The next episode is called, "The Last Dance" which will air on Friday at 10/9 p.m.  "Dateline" is back people...!

NBC says, "When a mother of two vanishes from her home, investigators uncover a disturbing connection between her recent weight loss and her mysterious disappearance. Andrea Canning reports."

Click photo for DATELINE TV Preview.

An all new "American Gothic" Wednesday Aug. 31, 2016

AMERICAN GOTHIC on CBS. (S01E11). The next episode is called, "Freedom from Fear" which will air at 10/9 p.m.

It looks like the Hawthorne family is being targeted by the accomplice to the "silver bells killer' (SBK). Who is it? They are a family of killers and with 3 episodes left. It will be interesting to see who the actual killer accomplice is. Go below for TV promo for this week's episode.

"The Night Of" Naz survives broken judicial system, but is cocaine addict & branded a killer

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. The Limited-Series part 8. Last night's 95 minute season finale on Sunday Aug. 28, 2016 was named, “The call of the wild.” The main characters are, “Naz” (Riz Ahmed) John Stone (John Tuturro). HBO will run repeat episodes after original airing. Check your listings. A reported 7 million TV viewers watched last week's episode.

“The call of the wild.” We may never know who killed Andrea. Detective Box has retired, but realized that he didn't work hard enough to find her killer. He uncovers Ray who was Andrea's financial adviser. He stole $300,000 from her. He is also seen arguing with her on security camera. Box takes what he knows to the district attorney who says “no.”

Chandra brings forth other witnesses as possible suspects. She gets greedy and gives “Naz” drugs so that in return he testifies on his own behalf. John Stone thinks it is a bad idea and it's worse because “Naz” confesses that he doesn't know if he killed Andrea or not. Freddy who mentored him in prison is given the tape of Chandra kissing “Naz.” He sends it to John who asks the judge for a mistrial. The judge instead demotes Chandra to 2nd chair and John has to give closing arguments. He's scared witless, but rises to the occasion because he dreamed of being a trial lawyer.

The jury is deadlocked and there is a mistrial. The district attorney believes that “Naz” may not be the real killer and decides there will be no re-trial. He is set free, but is now addicted to crack cocaine introduced to him by Freddy. He is shunned by his Pakistan community and knows that his own mother believed him to be Andrea's killer. “Naz” might be a lot of things, but he is a survivor of a broken judicial system from inside prison, to the lawyers and even to police detectives. Chandra will of course be dis-barred. The district attorney goes after Ray. John continues his sleazy work, but at least he has Andrea's cat to talk to.

Click photos for THE NIGHT OF over at HBO.

(The night when Andrea was killed, but who was the murderer? Naz?)

"Dateline" returns from hiatus with 5 million TV viewers

"Dateline" (NBC) can be seen each Friday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired in Albuquerque, NM at 9 p.m. (central time) on KOB 4. Last night's episode on Aug. 27, 2016 was called, "Obsession." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 5.04 million TV viewers overall. It reached 1.1 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "NFL Preseason Football" (CBS) grabbed 5.06 overall & 1.3 with adults. “20/20" (ABC) nabbed 4.85 overall & 0.9 with adults.

“Dateline” is an investigative program focusing on crime & murder in the United States. The reporter and narrator of this episode is Andrea Canning.

“Obsession.” Jessie Blodgett was a 19-year-old college student who had a gift for music. She was an only child who was always smiling. She went to a pool party, returned home and slept into the next day. Her mother came back to their house in the afternoon and found Jessie dead in her bed. She was strangled and men in their 40's flirted with her at that pool party the night before. Someone quietly entered an open door in the home and killed Jessie.

Watch episodes of “Dateline” streaming online at NBC. Click photo.

(NBC Logo)

"America's Got Talent" Sends 7 more Talent Acts to Semi-Finals

AMERICA'S GOT TALENT on NBC. America has voted and here are the next 7 talent acts heading into the Semi-Finals. "Edgar Band", "Linkin' Bridge", "Blake Vogt", "Kadan Brat Rockett", "Malevo", "Brian Justin Crum" & "Grace Vanderwaal." 

It's up to America and all the judges have begged everyone to vote. My favorite is, "The Clairvoyants" who were voted into the Semi-Finals before the 2016 Olympics. My second favorite is singer Brian Justin Crum who could win it all. He turns every song into his own and gives 110% in each performance. But, he is up against 3 teen girl singers who are very good. All my votes went to Brain in this round and he was sent through to the Semi-Finals.

"Malevo" (From Argentina) is the only dance group who made it into the Semi-Finals and they are awesome. Dance groups have to be precise because the judges and America watch every tiny detail. If one dancer is weaker or slower than their best dancers. It shows, but "Malevo" is a male group who are all equal. They leave no room for mistakes.

"48 Hours" pre-empted by Saturday Night Football pre-season game

48 HOURS on CBS. This week's episode will be pre-empted by a Pre-Season game of "Saturday Night Football" Aug. 27, 2016 from 8-11 p.m. (Tennessee at Oakland). If you missed any episodes. Go to the 48 HOURS website. 

Click photo for 48 HOURS streaming online.

(48 Hours - from left, correspondents Susan Spencer, Richard Schlesinger, 

Maureen Maher, Erin Moriarty, Troy Roberts and Peter Van Sant. Photo by: 

Craig Blankenhorn/CBS).

Nate Parker's screening of "Birth of a Nation" dropped from "American Film Institute"

BIRTH OF A NATION from FOX SEARCHLIGHT. The Sundance 2016 darling received a standing ovation after its' screening and a bidding war began for distribution rights. "Fox Searchlight" bought it for a record $17.5 million. It has been praised as the front runner for the best picture "Oscar" in 2017. 

A news story broke about Nate Parker who co-wrote and directed "Birth of a Nation." Him and Jean Celestin were charged with the rape of a female Penn State college student in 1999. Nate was acquitted of that rape in 2001. Jean was not convicted of rape, but sexual assault. His appeal cleared him of that charge and was never retried again. The rape accuser committed suicide in 2012.

That 1999 Penn State case is public record and is now being re-examined as "Birth" rolls into U.S., theaters. "Fox Searchlight" is fielding Internet back lash. They said in a statement, "“Searchlight is aware of the incident that occurred while Nate Parker was at Penn State. We also know that he was found innocent and cleared of all charges. We stand behind Nate and are proud to help bring this important and powerful story to the screen.”

The American Film Institute (AFI) recently cancelled  the screening of "Birth" plus the Q&A with Parker. The 1999 case has caused considerable controversy and "Fox" will host a screening later. AFI has recently been clouded over by the firing of 5 faculty members and 4 other faculty who have resigned out of protest. All have questioned the way Jan Schuette has been running the school as the new Dean since 2014. 

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will hold "Birth" screenings, but has cancelled the Q&A with Nate Parker on Sept. 9, 2016. It has been reported that Parker will continue to attend press junkets for "Birth."

"American Gothic" Current mayor paid to destroy evidence in "Silver Bells Killer" case

“American Gothic” (CBS) can be seen each Wednesday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Aug. 24, 2016 was called, “The veteran in a new field.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 2.58 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.5 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Modern Family" (ABC) grabbed 2.78 overall & 0.9 with adults (repeat). "The Night Shift" (NBC) nabbed 5.59 overall & 1.1 with adults.

“American Gothic” stars, Juliet Rylance (Alison Hawthorne-Price), Antony Starr (Garrett Hawthorne), Justin Chatwin (Cam Hawthorne), Stephanie Leonidas (Sophie Hawthorne) & Virginia Madsen (Madeline Hawthorne).

“The veteran in a new field.” Mayor Bill Conley paid detective Cutter $25,000 to destroy evidence in the case of the “sliver bells killer” (SBK). He got into an argument with the final male victim the day before he went missing. Conley lost his ring in their physical altercation and it ended up in the crime scene evidence. Garrett Hawthorne was let go as the main SBK suspect. He is later found digging up a grave and grinding up a skeleton. Somebody is mentally torturing Madeline Hawthorne by placing silver bells in one of her bags. Does she know the accomplice of the SBK?

Click photo for AMERICAN GOTHIC streaming online.

(Madeline Hawthorne is being mentally tortured)

Pamela Hupp charged with murder that is connected to "Dateline"

Pamela Hupp was arrested on Aug. 23, 2016 after gunning down Louis Gumpenberger in her home. She lured the "brain damaged" Louis into her house to frame Russ Faria. His wife Betsy was killed in 2011. Russ was charged and convicted of her murder, but that conviction was reversed. Pam was a key witness against him. She inherited Betsy's life insurance money worth $150,000 and was the last person to see Betsy alive. 

Pamela claimed to be a producer from "Dateline" to get Louis into her home. She shot him and called 911 emergency to get it recorded. She planted a note inside his pocket saying he wanted $10,000 of that "Russ Faria" money which was in Pamela's bank. Remember, she inherited that life insurance. It was a frame up of Russ. (Louis was supposed to enter the home hired by Russ to get money and then kill Pamela).

Pamela was arrested and soon stabbed herself with a pen and was taken to the hospital.

Click St. Louis Post-Dispatch photo for complete news.

Click photo for RETURN TO GAME NIGHT full episode.  (Betsy & Russ Faria)

An All New "Dateline" Friday Aug. 26, 2016

DATELINE on NBC. This Friday marks the return after a three week hiatus because of the Summer Olympics. Friday's new episode is called, "Obsession" and it will air at 10/9 p.m.  (I think this is new, because I never saw it).

NBC says, "When a young Wisconsin college student with a passion for music is found dead in her bed, a woman’s courage helps the police find the killer. Andrea Canning reports."

Click photo for DATELINE over at NBC.

Relativity Media comes out of Bankruptcy to release "Kidnap"

Relativity Media earlier this year 2016 has climbed out of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. In 2015, they let go of the Natalie Portman Western "Jane Got a Gun" before claiming Chapter 11. That film had numerous release dates over three years and finally made it to U.S., screens in 2016. It nabbed a paltry $1 million worldwide. It was filmed entirely at Santa Fe, NM.

Several investors have put up $75 million to keep the company afloat and a judge moved Relativity Media out of Chapter 11. Four big budget films are already finished and will finally be released in 2017. They include, "The Crow" (February 2017), "Hunter Killer" (April 2017), "Immortals 2" (November 2017) and "Secret Scripture" (December 2017). All are expected to make some money back. Hopefully.

The comedy "Masterminds" is slated for release September 2016 and it will star Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson and Kristen Wiig. That movie trailer has been released. "Kidnap" with Halle Berry was scheduled to be released this past May, but only the trailer has made an appearance so far. Stay tuned as Relativity Media gets back on its' feet.

1974 "The Taking of Pelham, One, Two, Three" is tense thrill ride in New York City

THE TAKING OF PELHAM, ONE, TWO, THREE. The original 1974 movie had a small budget of $5 million. It went onto grab $16 million at the U.S, box office. It was and still is a favorite of critics and fans. It's based on the best selling book at the time. There was a TV remake in 1998 and a movie remake in 2009. Neither captured the essence of the original.

Mr. Blue (Robert Shaw) and three other gunmen hijack the subway train "Pelham one, two, three." Blue tells Zach Garber (Walter Matthau) that he wants $1 million dollars in one hour or he will kill 17 hostages every minute the payment is late. 

The question is "how are these gunmen going to get away with it?" They get surrounded by police and are trapped underground in the subway. That's what makes it tense and thrilling. We follow every move made by Mr. Blue and Robert Shaw gives a great performance as the gunman with a plan. What we also get is colorful New York supporting characters from the hostages, to the police, to even the mayor. The drama brings out humor and many of the character lines are funny. That ending is priceless too. The "BluRay" is fantastic and I loved the film.

Click poster for THE TAKING OF PELHAM, ONE, TWO, THREE.

(Movie Poster)

Denzel Washington saves 2009 remake of "The Taking of Pelham 123"

THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123. It is the 2009 film remake of the original 1974 movie. This retelling starred Denzel Washington and it garnered $65 million at the U.S., box office. It grabbed $84 million at the Foreign box office. The worldwide total climbed to $150 million. The production budget was $100 million.

Ryder (John Travolta) and three other gunmen hijack the New York City subway train "Pelham 123." Ryder tells Walter Garber (Denzel Washington) that he wants $10 million in one hour or he will kill a hostage every minute.

It doesn't live up to the tense, crackling and character driven story of the original. Instead of it being about greed by the main villain who catches New York City off guard. It's about Ryder dealing with Garber on a personal level. We care about Garber and Denzel makes his character work. We don't care about anyone else. All the characters in the 1974 version are real. Here, we don't get to see anything but faces through quick editing techniques. Denzel saves the film.

Click poster for THE TAKING OF PELHAM 123.

(Poster Logo)

"The Night Of" Naz becomes an accomplice to murder in prison

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. The Limited-Series part 5. Last night's episode on Sunday Aug. 21, 2016 was called, “Ordinary Death.” The main characters are, “Naz” (Riz Ahmed) John Stone (John Tuturro). HBO will run repeat episodes after original airing. Check your listings.

“Ordinary Death.” “Naz” has now become an accomplice to murder. Petey's mom smuggled cocaine into prison for him to give to Freddy. Petey was forced to give oral sex to another of Freddy's inside crew. Petey commits suicide. That ended the cocaine delivery. Freddy asks “Naz” to keep the prison guard busy while he slices the neck of his other crew member.

Chandra is scoring points in the defense of “Naz.” She also gently kisses him in the visiting cell. John investigates Andrea's stepfather Don who has a mountain of credit card debt. Detective Box is retiring and he questions “Naz's” guilt of Andrea's murder. He made small mistakes during his investigation. Sadly, “Naz's” mom begins to believe her son committed the murder. His dad loses his partners in the taxicab business too. The murder trial drags everyone down into the depths. Everyone...,

Click photo for THE NIGHT OF over at HBO.

(John and Naz watch as his mother walks out of courtroom)

(Chandra crosses line and gets personal with her defendant)

Pamela Hupp shoots man & she appeared on "Dateline" episode "Return to Game Night"

DATELINE on NBC. Betsy Faria was stabbed to death and her husband Russell was convicted of her murder in "Game Night." A judge reversed his conviction based on new evidence in the update episode called, "Return to Game Night."

Pamela Hupp was a key witness in the conviction of Russell. She inherited $150,000 in life insurance from Betsy's death just days before her murder. She claimed that her and Betsy had an intimate relationship and Betsy wanted to give her the insurance money. Pamela then became a suspect even though charges have not been filed. A lawyer believes she stabbed Betsy for the life insurance and pinned the death on the husband.

2016. Pamela is now claiming that Louis Gumpenberger confronted her in the driveway of her house. He followed her inside the home. She pulled a gun and killed him. Louis suffered a brain injury after a drunk driving accident a few years ago. Visit St. Louis Post-dispatch for full story.

Click photos below for RETURN TO GAME NIGHT. full episode.

(Pamela Hupp on witness stand)

(NBC Logo)

An All New "American Gothic" Wednesday Aug. 24, 2016

AMERICAN GOTHIC on CBS. (S01E10). The next episode is called, "The Veteran in a New Field" that will air this Wednesday at 10/9 p.m. 

Now that there is a different accomplice to the "Silver Bells Killer" other than Garrett Hawthorne. Secrets cannot stay buried. Who is the accomplice and who will he/she kill next? Madeline Hawthorne cut off the air supply to her husband in the hospital to stop him from telling the truth. She's a murderer. Garrett smothered his backwoods friend who had cancer and wanted to die. It was a mercy killing. It is anybody's guess now with only 4 episodes left. (My wild guess is the current mayor who this female reporter was following. She was strangled to death live-on-air). Watch TV Promo below for next episode.

"Rush Hour" nabs extra 1 Million TV viewers for Season Finale

"Rush Hour" (CBS) can be seen each Saturday evening at 8/7 p.m. It aired at 7 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's final episode on Aug. 20, 2016 was called, "FamiLee Ties." In the overnight TV ratings it jumped to 2.53 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.5 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Summer Olympics" (NBC) grabbed 14.55 overall & 3.5 with adults (8-11 p.m.). "Last man standing" (ABC) nabbed 2.56 & 0.5 with adults (repeat).

"Rush Hour" stars, Justin Hires (Detective James Carter), Jon Foo (Lee), Aimee Garcia (Didi Diaz), Page Kennedy (Gerald), Wendie Malick (Captain Lindsay Cole).

“FamiLee Ties” reunites Lee with his sister who went undercover as an NAS agent. She tried to infiltrate a notorious Chinese gang in Los Angeles. Lee believed that all this time she went to the criminal side. Carter and Lee track down money to the Chinese gang lord. Both detectives give up their badges to find the real truth after CIA stone-wall's the LAPD. Is it too late to help Lee's sister? Or is she in too deep?

You can watch “Rush Hour” over at CBS. Click photo.

(Carter in middle, and Lee on right, catch up with sister on left)

"Dateline" Josh Mankiewicz chooses compelling episode set at Albuquerque

DATELINE on NBC. All TV programs have been pre-empted by the Summer Olympics. Josh Mankiewicz reports on "Somebody's Daughter" which covers the killing of young women at Albuquerque, NM. You can watch his most interesting choice streaming online.

NBC says, "During the three weeks Dateline is off the air this August, our correspondents are sharing some of their most memorable episodes. Josh Mankiewicz shares his choice revolving around a sinister force that seemed to be snatching women off the streets of Albuquerque."

Click Photos below for SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER online at NBC.

(Josh for Dateline on NBC)

(Investigator trying to save young girls on the streets of Albuquerque)

1957 classic "Witness for the Prosecution" possible remake with Ben Affleck

It is being reported that Ben Affleck (Batman, Argo) will direct and star in a remake of "Witness for the Prosecution." The 1957 movie was directed by Billy Wilder and starred Tyrone Power, Marlene Dietrich and Charles Laughton. The production was made for $3 million and grossed a hefty $9 million at the time. It was also a critical success and went onto grab 6 Oscar Nominations. 

It is based on an Agatha Christie novel and surrounds the murder of an elderly lady who left her estate to a handsome playboy (Tyrone Power). The courtroom drama has several twists and turns only Christie can write. It's a classic film and it will be yet another remake coming out of Hollywood. (Just my opinion. I would cast Cate Blanchett in the Dietrich role).

Click photos below for DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD news.

(Tyrone Power on the witness stand)

(Marlene Dietrich being questioned by Charles Laughton)

(Ben Affleck set to possibly direct and star in remake)

"American Gothic" Garrett Hawthorne could not be "Silver Bells Killer" accomplice

“American Gothic” (CBS) can be seen each Wednesday evening at 10/9 p.m. It aired at 9 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Aug. 18, 2016 was called, “The Oxbow.” In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 2.37 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.4 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Modern Family" (ABC) grabbed 2.02 overall & 0.6 with adults (repeat). "Summer Olympics" (NBC) nabbed 20.68 overall & 5.8 with adults (8-11 p.m.).

“American Gothic” stars, Juliet Rylance (Alison Hawthorne-Price), Antony Starr (Garrett Hawthorne), Justin Chatwin (Cam Hawthorne), Stephanie Leonidas (Sophie Hawthorne) & Virginia Madsen (Madeline Hawthorne).

“The Oxbow.” Garrett Hathorne sits in jail charged with helping the “silver bells killer” (SBK). His nephew Jake found a white knife in Garrett's cabin. It matches the knife with the first victim of the SBK back in 1999. He supposedly helped his father on the killing spree. The news reporter who bugged the Hawthorne home is being forced to spy on Alison's competitor for mayor. That current mayor has been secretly meeting with detective Cutter who is the lead investigator of the SBK. The reporter is kidnapped, but goes on air “live” to say she knows who the SBK accomplice is and it isn't Garrett.

Click photo for AMERICAN GOTHIC streaming online at CBS.

The second episode "48 Hours" Saturday on August 20, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The second in the back-to-back 2-hour episodes is called, "The Preppy Killer" which airs Saturday at 10/9 p.m. This is a repeat episode from 2003. Jennifer Levin was strangled to death in 1986 and Robert Chambers only received 15 years in prison. 

CBS says, "To mark the 30th anniversary of a case that made national headlines, "48 Hours" broadcasts the only interview with "Preppy Killer" Robert Chambers."

Click 1988 People Magazine for THE PREPPY KILLER Sneak Peek.

The first episode "48 Hours" on Saturday Aug. 20, 2016

48 HOURS on CBS. The first in the back-to-back 2-hour episodes is called, "Eliminating the Threat" which airs Saturday at 9/8 p.m. This is a repeat episode and it will make you angry.

CBS says, "An elite FBI agent shoots his estranged wife after he says she came after him with a knife -- was it self-defense or murder? "48 Hours"' Susan Spencer investigates."

Click photo for Sneak Peek of ELIMINATING THE THREAT.

(CBS Photo)

"Dateline" Dennis Murphy chooses his most interesting episode

DATELINE on NBC. The Olympics have pre-empted all NBC programs. "Dateline" will return next week. Dennis Murphy chooses his favorite episode called, "Angels and Demons." 

NBC says, "During the three weeks Dateline is off the air this August, our correspondents are sharing some of their most memorable episodes. Dennis Murphy reports on the mysterious deaths inside a traveling commune, and an investigation that would span over a decade."

Click NBC logo for ANGELS AND DEMONS streaming online.

(NBC Logo)

Shaunae Miller literally hits finish line beating Allyson Felix for Gold Medal 2016

2016 SUMMER OLYMPICS in RIO. I've been reading all the comments on social media and everyone is Split. Some think Shaunae Miller (Bahamas) dived across the finish line deliberately to win the Gold Medal in the women's 400 meter final. Others believe Miller fell because she was tired and Allyson Felix (U.S.) was gonna beat her. I watched the video numerous times over at "nbcolympics." 

Miller was dead tired because she started too fast and was struggling for that finish line. Allyson planned her race and she is a strong finisher. She always finds that "strength gear" in the last 40 meters like she did at the Olympic Trials. That's her strategy, but Miller was too far ahead and Allyson said she couldn't find that gear to win. Look how close she was to passing Miller who knew Allyson was right next to her. That's why they call it the Olympics. Anything can happen when you race for the Gold Medal. Allyson was awesome in my view. She's a great competitor.

Click photo for complete 400 meter race over at NBC OLYMPICS.

(Shaunae Miller wins by a sliver over Allyson Felix)

Enthralling Documentary "Ingrid Bergman: In her own words"

INGRID BERGMAN: IN HER OWN WORDS. The documentary came to "The Guild" here at Albuquerque and I watched it. If anybody knows me. I am a classic film buff. I read Ingrid's autobiography "Ingrid Bergman: My Story" several times. Her life was acting.

This documentary shows that she saved everything, home movies, pictures and a diary. Her life is all here from early childhood to theatre, to movies, to scandal and back to movies again. It was a passionate life to say the least and she never acted like a movie star. She was real and honest. I've seen all of her movies and my favorites are, "Joan of Arc", "Casablanca", "Saratoga Trunk", "Intermezzo" (both versions), "Gaslight", "Spellbound", "For whom the bell tolls" and "Anastasia." My absolute favorite is "Notorious" directed by Alfred Hitchocok.

"Indiewire" tracks the cat in "The Night Of"

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. If you cannot get enough of this murder mystery. Well, "Indiewire" goes in depth on the cat which was owned by Andrea. She was brutally murdered in her bedroom and "Naz" is the main suspect. Andrea put her cat outside on the night she was killed and her gate is broken. "Naz" claims he blacked out and woke up on the kitchen table when Andrea was stabbed 22 times. Did someone walk in the broken gate and kill her? Did the cat see the killer? John Stone saved that cat from being put to death. He is allergic, but plays with its' paws under the door. "Indiewire" walks through everything about what the cat means to the characters in this murder mystery.

Click HBO photo for INDIEWIRE in-depth article.

 

(HBO Photo. John Stone and the cat)

Season Finale will mark end of "Rush Hour" Saturday Aug. 20, 2016

RUSH HOUR on CBS. (S01E13). The finale episode is called, "Familee Ties" that will air this Saturday at 8/7 p.m. The "season finale" really is the "season finale" forever. It's over after episode 13 because CBS cancelled it because of low TV ratings. The network then moved it to Saturday night's which is the graveyard of TV ratings. "Hour" nabbed 5 million TV viewers overall when it first premiered last Spring 2016. It has dragged hardcore TV fans with them down to 1.74 million TV viewers overall. Lee actually began to loosen up around Carter during the 12th episode. It's too late...,

An All New "American Gothic" Wednesday Aug. 17, 2016

AMERICAN GOTHIC on CBS. (S01E09). The next episode is called, "The Oxbow" which will air this Wednesday night at 10/9 p.m. Detective Brady finds a pocket knife that matches the one in the home of an elderly lady who was killed. She knew something about the "silver bells killer" (SBK) and that knife was grabbed by Jake inside Garrett Hawthorne's cabin. Did he kill the old lady? Or is there another SBK?

"The Night Of" Naz smokes crack cocaine & gets tattoos before his trial

THE NIGHT OF on HBO. The Limited-Series part 5. Last night's episode on Sunday Aug. 14, 2016 was called, “Samson and Delilah.” The main characters are, “Naz” (Riz Ahmed) John Stone (John Tuturro). HBO will run repeat episodes after original airing. Check your listings.

“Samson and Delilah.” As the murder trial of “Naz” begins. He has gone convict by getting tattoos and smoking crack cocaine. Detective Box discovers that “Naz” threw another high school teen down a flight of stairs. Is he a murderous and violent man? Box isn't really investigating other possible suspects though. Chandra visits the male mortician who saw Andrea on the night she died. He hates all women. Period..., Also, John finds out that Andrea's stepfather will inherit her $6 million home. Plus, he preys on elderly women as a fitness trainer. Is his greed a motive for murder?

John finally found a cure for his infected feet. He gets to wear shoes again before the trial. He sat in front of his “afflicted” group of men with a smile on his face. (That was funny and I laughed out loud). “Naz” is obviously giving up behind bars. When he inhaled that cocaine. It looked like he had a flashback to the night Andrea was killed. He cannot remember the moments when he blacked out. Meanwhile, his hard working parents take menial jobs to pay for his defense.

Click photo for THE NIGHT OF over at HBO.

"Rush Hour" gains a tick in TV ratings as series ends its' run

"Rush Hour" (CBS) can be seen each Saturday evening at 8/7 p.m. It aired at 7 p.m. (central time) in Albuquerque, NM on KRQE 13. Last night's episode on Aug. 13, 2016 was called, "The Dark Night." In the overnight TV ratings it garnered 1.74 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.3 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Summer Olympics" (NBC) grabbed 23.99 overall & 6.3 with adults (8-11 p.m.). "Last man standing" (ABC) nabbed 2.63 & 0.6 with adults (repeat).

Next week is the final episode of this TV series. It was cancelled by CBS after one TV season.

"Rush Hour" stars, Justin Hires (Detective James Carter), Jon Foo (Lee), Aimee Garcia (Didi Diaz), Page Kennedy (Gerald), Wendie Malick (Captain Lindsay Cole).

“The Dark Night.” Captain Cole assigns detective Carter and Lee to the case of Father Walter Brighton. He was caught on camera with two hookers and cocaine on the table. It was a prank 911 phone call sent to Walter's home by someone he doesn't know. He gives a sermon to his followers and is shot dead on the spot. The man who pulled the gun is captured and is also shot dead by a sniper in the parking lot.

You can watch “Rush Hour” over at CBS. Click photo.

CBS Photo

"Ben-Hur" opens in US theaters Aug. 19, 2016

BEN-HUR for MGM 2016. This is yet another remake of the epic story on the Tale of the Christ. MGM produced the 1925 version with Roman Navarro as Judah Ben-Hur. It is a classic silent film. MGM then dusted off the story and retold it with Charlton Heston as Judah in 1959. It was directed by the great William Wyler and won 11 Academy Awards. (A record at the time). It is 2016 and MGM has taken it down off the shelf again, but this time adding CGI effects. 

DREAM-WORKS even created a good animated story called, "The Prince of Egypt" in 1998. Val Kilmer was Judah and Ralph Fiennes was Messala. The musical numbers were great too.

If I can look past Morgan Freeman in those dreadlocks. I can try and enjoy something new. I have to look past the face of Jesus too. The 1959 version never showed his face and when people looked at him. They saw something spiritual and God-like. Also, in this new version, Judah has a brother when he only had a sister (Tirza) in 1959. Messala was a boyhood best friend who was like a brother. This probably won't win any Oscars, but I'm sure MGM will make some money. The production budget climbed to $100 million.

"Jack Reacher: Never Go Back" Trailer 2 released

JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK for PARAMOUNT PICTURES. (Opens in U.S., Theaters Oct. 21, 2016). The 2nd trailer has been released. Tom Cruise is filling Jack Reacher's action shoes really well. Even though Jack is a tall man in the mystery novels. I am reading "One Shot" which the first movie is based on and am loving it. I have to read the next novel for the next film. - Wahoo!

"Making a Murderer" Brendan Dassey conviction overturned

MAKING A MURDER on NETFLIX. Brendan Dassey was sentenced to life in prison as an accessory to the murder of a female photographer back in 2005. The documentary raised a lot of questions and reasonable doubt on Brendan's guilt. He was coerced into a confession so easily by police because of his really low, low, IQ. You can see the coercion by police in the complete documentary and it makes you angry. That teen didn't know how to defend himself to anyone. His mother was also helpless and their recorded phone calls were sad to hear. A judge has overturned Brendan's conviction. His uncle Steven Avery was also convicted and still remains behind bars. If you haven't watched this powerful documentary over at "Netfix." Check it out if you can...,

"Longmire" Returns for 5th TV season on Sept. 23, 2016

LONGMIRE on NETFLIX. Is set in Absaroka County near an Indian Reservation at Wyoming. It was filmed entirely at New Mexico and is entering its' 5th TV season. The date is set for release, streaming online, over at "Netflix." You can also watch all of the first 4 TV seasons at "Netflix."

Click Photo for LONGMIRE over at NETFLIX.

"Dateline" Keith Morrison chooses his most interesting episode

DATELINE on NBC. The Summer Olympics is pre-empting all NBC programs this August 2016. "The Charleston Affair" is the online episode chosen by Keith Morrison. It is one of my favorites too.

NBC says, "During the three weeks Dateline is off the air this August, our correspondents are sharing some of their most memorable reports. Keith Morrison's choice surrounds the story of an ex-con who confesses he had been hired to kill someone in the family of a wealthy Charleston banker."

Click photo for THE CHARLESTON AFFAIR over at NBC.

Roscoe Pond continues to write Murder Mystery Screenplays

It's all about writing that great Native American murder mystery movie. Last April 2016, I had an actor table read of my latest full length screenplay "Ambush." It is my 4th mystery in three years. I always have a table read to hear the "voices" of actors and actresses, so that I can work on "dialogue." It's important to the overall screenplay along with other elements like Time, Place, Plot and Character. I'm always grateful for the actors who are willing to read for any part. Each screenplay has to have a complete story or I have to drop it and/or rewrite it. "Ambush" is where I finally got it on murder and complete mystery.

AMBUSH actor table read April 2016.