'48 Hours' episode 'The Case Against Ezra McCandless' nabs 3.35 TV Ratings Overall

The 48 HOURS (CBS) episode called, "The Case against Ezra McCandless" aired last Saturday night (2/8/2020) at 10/9 p.m. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 3.35 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.4 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "NBA Basketball" (ABC) grabbed 2.15 overall and 0.6 with adults (8:30-11 p.m.). "Saturday Night Live" nabbed 2.64 overall & 0.4 with adults (repeat).

"The Case against Ezra McCandless." March 2018. Ezra showed up at a home and she claimed that she had been violently attacked. The word "boy" was carved on her arm. Police investigators later found an abandoned car with a dead body inside of it. That body belonged to Alex Woodworth who was 23-years-old. He was brutally stabbed 16 times. 

She had earlier changed her name to Ezra and was known to be a manipulative liar. She claimed that she was raped by a male friend. Alex had told police the different circumstances surrounding that "supposed" rape. The sexual assault claims were dropped and Ezra moved home. She was bitter that Alex spoke out against her to the police. Did her bitterness drive her to violence?    

Click photo below for 48 HOURS on CBS.

(CBS photo. Alex Woodworth in happier times.).

(CBS photo. Ezra McCandless shows different face during trial).

'Fantasy Island' opens in US movies theaters on Friday 'Valentine's Day' Feb. 14, 2020

'Hawaii Five-0' moves back to 9/8 p.m. Each Friday Night.

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The next episode is called, "He kauw? ke kanaka na ke aloha" that will air this Friday Feb. 14, 2020 at 9/8 p.m.

CBS says, "On Valentine’s Day -- Tani and Noelani are held hostage during a convenience store robbery. Also, Five-0 investigates the murder of a Thai diplomat whose wife confesses to the crime, but Danny suspects she’s covering for the real killer."

An all new '48 Hours' Saturday Feb. 8, 2020

48 HOURS on CBS. The next episode is called, "The Case Against Ezra McCandless" that will air Saturday night at 10/9 p.m.

CBS says, "A young woman claims she was attacked by an ex-boyfriend who carved the word boy into her arm. But the crime scene tells a different story. CBS News correspondent Jamie Yuccas reports."

Part 6: A Movie Marathon Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

DETECTIVE STORY from PARAMOUNT PICTURES (1951). The film takes place solely in a police squad where all sorts of criminals are arrested. It's based on the popular theatre play and Kirk Douglas portrays detective James Mcleod. In his autobiography - Douglas claimed that he directed the play in California before the film shooting began. He also thought his performance would bring him an Oscar nomination - which it didn't.  

The 1951 censors did not permit the word "abortion" in the movie. The script was changed to "baby farming." The censors also didn't permit the shooting of a police detective. Director William Wyler fought for the gun shooting to remain in the movie. 

A baby-farmer (abortionist) is beaten by detective McLeod who claims police brutality. Mcleod has been chasing this baby killer and wants him in prison. The situation turns drastically when McLeod's wife knew this baby farmer several years ago. This film is considered "Film Noir", but the theatre play shines through clearly. 

Click photos below for all things Kirk Douglas.

(Movie poster 1951).

(1951 lobby card. Kirk Douglas and William Bendix in front).

Part 5: A Movie Marathon Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL from MGM (1952). It won 5 Academy Awards (Oscars) including best picture. Kirk Douglas received his second best actor Oscar nomination - but he lost. The film was about movie-making and became a box office smash. 

Douglas portrays a poor film producer named Jonathon whose dad was a former movie studio boss. He rises in the film industry with a director, screenwriter and a lead actress. He makes promises he will never keep and dumps them on his way up. "They" continue with their careers and become successful while Jonathon falls back on hard times. He wants them back and they say "no."

Vincente Minelli directed this movie in glorious "Back and White." It was colorized in the 1980's which was a bad idea. It is now on Blu-Ray showcasing the pristine black and white original version.

Click photos below for all thing Kirk Douglas.

(1952 movie poster).

(MGM photo. Kirk Douglas and Lana Turner who have both passed away as of 2020).

Part 4: A Movie Marathon Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

ACE IN THE HOLE from PARAMOUNT PICTURES (1951). The studio renamed it "The Big Carnival" just before its' theatrical release. It was returned to it's original title when it came to DVD. This won the Academy Award (Oscar) for best story /screenplay that year. It did not recoup its' money, but was a modest hit. Billy Wilder directed and co-wrote it. The character dialogue is crisp and fresh even for 2020. 

This for me is the most "evil" role Kirk Douglas ever played onscreen. He is Chuck Tatum who is a washed up news reporter. He travels to Albuquerque, NM where no one knows him and applies for a job in a small newspaper. Chuck wants to write a sensational story so he can reclaim his job as a top New York journalist. He finds his story when a local man is trapped in a cave. 

Chuck muscles his way into holding that man down there to keep his story "hot" for the presses. He uses and abuses everyone who steps in his path. He even manipulates the American public who buy it. This story is a sensation and he get's his job with a huge payday. The man in the cave is close to death and that's when Chuck's scheme crumbles....

Click photos below for all things Kirk Douglas.

(Movie poster 1951).

(Movie screenshots).

'Hawaii Five-0' episode 'He waha kou o ka he'e' hits 6.62 TV Ratings Overall

HAWAII FIVE-0 (CBS) episode called, "He waha kou o ka he'e" aired Friday night (2/7/2020) at 9/8 p.m. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 6.62 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.7 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Democratic Debate" (ABC) grabbed 6.85 overall & 1.1 with adults. "Dateline" (NBC) nabbed 3.90 overall & 0.6 with adults.

"He waha kou o ka he'e." Lou's niece "Siobhan" had revealed that she always wanted to become a cop like him. Even though she was a very talented basketball player. Lou encouraged her to join the police academy on the island. Sioban is in training and one day she doesn't show up. Lou discovers that she had been kidnapped.

Meanwhile, Adam is tested by his father's old gang where he is trying to become its' leader. He was asked to work against the "Five-0" team to earn his place in the gang. Steve finds it suspicious that Adam returns to the force after quitting so abruptly. Him and Danno search Adam's apartment. 

   

Click photos below for HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS.

(CBS photo. Lou is on the war-path to find his niece).

(CBS photo. Lou asks hard questions).

(CBS photo. Lou's niece is kidnapped).

'Dateline' episode 'Devil's Bargain' grabs 3.90 TV Ratings Overall

The DATELINE (NBC) episode called, "Devil's Bargain" aired Friday night (2/7/2020) at 9/8 p.m. It was reported by Andrea Canning. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 3.90 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.6 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "Democratic Debate" (ABC) grabbed 6.85 overall & 1.1 with adults. "Hawaii Five-0" (CBS) 6.62 overall & 0.7 with adults.

This was a repeat episode and an update.

Click photos below for DATELINE on NBC.

(NBC Screenshot Capture).

Part 3: A Marathon Movie Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

YOUNG MAN WITH A HORN from WARNER BROS. (1950). This is the movie that introduced me to Kirk Douglas. I always rented Classic Films on VHS back in the 1980's.

This movie is based on the book about jazz musician Bix Beiderbecke who had a rare gift to play the trumpet or cornet. He was in love with a black woman, but married a closet lesbian. Bix died young of alcoholism.

The movie censors of 1949 changed the names and the race. Bix Beiderbecke is Rick Martin (Kirk Douglas). Jo Jordan (Doris Day) is the love interest who is a singer. She's also "white" instead of "black." Amy North (Lauren Bacall) is the closet lesbian wife. Her sexuality is implied, but never completely open.

The real "star" here is the jazz music which is fantastic.... Rick is married to his trumpet and nothing else.... Amy (Bacall) steals the movie. She has biting dialogue and it covers up her closet lesbian sexuality. She's also angry because she cannot be who she wants to be. Bacall played her perfectly and probably didn't receive a supporting-actress Oscar nomination because of the lesbian undertones.

(Movie Poster 1950).

(Warner Bros., Publicity photo 1950. Doris Day, Kirk Douglas & Lauren Bacall. They have all passed away as of 2020).

Part 2: A Marathon Movie Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

SEVEN DAYS IN MAY from JOEL PRODUCTIONS (1964). This is the Kirk Douglas film I've watched the most and after his recent passing. I had to watch it again.   

Kirk Douglas (Col. Martin 'Jiggs' Casey) works under Burt Lancaster as (Gen. James Mattoon Scott) at the United States Pentagon. Martin goes on a risky hunch when he believes that his boss James is plotting something against the current U.S. President - Frederic March (Jordan Lyman). Martin's hunch proves to be right when it is discovered that James wants to over throw the U.S. government in a political coup. The President and his trusted aides have only 7 days to stop this over throw.

John Frankenheimer directed this Oscar nominated film in glorious "Black and White." He opened the film with fighting protesters outside the White House. That fight represents not just U.S. citizens, but also those who work inside that White House. The television medium is used as a weapon for good, but mainly for bad as James plots his coup using the three major TV networks.

Kirk Douglas as Martin anchors the film because it is he who discovers wrong-doing by men who work closely with the President. This movie is now on Blu-Ray and it is fantastic. Check it out.

(Movie DVD Poster 1964. Nominated for 6 Oscars).

(Lobby Card 1964. Getty Image archives. Kirk Douglas as Martin Casey).

Part 1: A Movie Marathon in Tribute to KIRK DOUGLAS

Kirk Douglas (1916-2020) had a huge impact on me since I was 19-years-old. I rented a 1980's VHS tape of his 1950 film, "Young Man with a Horn." I became a life long fan of his movies after watching it. He passed away recently and I'm re-watching his films in a marathon binge. 

CHAMPION from UNITED ARTISTS (1949). Douglas landed his first best actor Oscar nomination for his role as boxer Midge Kelly. It became a box office hit and made Douglas a movie star. He said in his autobiography that after playing Midge Kelly. He could never play a weak character again.

"Champion" was filmed in glorious "Black and White." Midge Kelly is a poor bum who decides to get into the boxing ring. He trains hard and climbs to the top through anger and ambition. That ambition engulfs his life inside and outside of the boxing ring. He turns on his manager, his wife, girlfriends, and his own brother. On the surface he is a charming bum, but underneath he's selfish and greedy. It all comes tumbling down when that anger and ambition can't hold up to the physical beating inside that boxing ring. 

The film stands up really well in 2020. It's now on DVD. I tried to purchase the Laserdisc version, but missed out on it. It might be on Ebay, but they don't sell Laserdisc machines anymore.

(Movie poster 1949. The film was nominated for 6 Academy Awards).

An all new 'Hawaii Five-0' Friday Feb. 7, 2020

HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS. The next episode is called, "He waha kou o ka he‘e" that will air this Friday at 8/7 p.m. 

CBS says, "When Grover’s niece, Siobhan goes missing from the police academy and it’s discovered her boyfriend is an undercover member of the Yakuza, Adam may be her only hope of rescue."

'Dateline' 2 back-to-back episodes Saturday Feb. 8, 2020

DATELINE on NBC. The second hour segment is called, "Evil Intent" that will air this Saturday at 9/8 p.m. This looks like a repeat. I'm not sure if I saw this one. Anyway.... Check it out.

'Dateline' 2 back-to-back episodes Saturday Feb. 8, 2020

DATELINE on NBC. The first hour segment is called, "Jagged" that will air this Saturday at 8/7 p.m. This is a repeat. Check it out if you missed it.

Andrea Canning previews 'Devil's Bargain' Friday Feb. 7, 2020 at 9/8 p.m.

'Dateline' Friday Feb. 7, 2020

DATELINE on NBC. The next episode is called, "Devil's Bargain" that will air this Friday at 9/8 p.m. This is a repeat and a more complete update. Check it out.

'Kirk Douglas' legendary actor 'Spartacus' dies at 103

I have to say it here and now.... Kirk Douglas (1916-2020) was and is my favorite actor in movies. I had read his autobiography, "The Ragman's Son" (1988) so many times that I know it by heart. I had also read his other written books and enjoyed, "Climbing the Mountain: My search for meaning" (1999).

There are too many favorite films to list here. (He made over 100). The movie I watched the most would have to be the political thriller, "Seven Days in May" (1964). A really close second would be, "Spartacus" (1960) and the western, "Last Train from Gun Hill" (1959). 

Douglas was nominated for an Oscar three times as best actor - but never won. "Champion" (1949), "The Bad and the Beautiful" (1952) and "Lust for Life" (1956). He received an honorary Oscar in 1996.

As a film producer. He employed the black-listed screenwriter Dalton Trumbo to pen "Spartacus" (1960). He got credit as the screenwriter. Douglas helped break the black-list of Hollywood who were accused of Russian communist sympathies. Douglas said Trumbo wrote one of the best screenplays ever with "Spartacus."

Douglas claimed in his autobiography that he never aspired to become a movie star. He loved the "Theatre." He would never have become a superstar with so many great film roles. We can watch them over and over again. In my opinion -- his most evil role was in "Ace in the Hole" (1951) where he portrayed a journalist who will do anything for publicity.

Rest in Peace.

Click movie posters below for all things Kirk Douglas.

(Laserdisc collection "Champion" 1949. Kirk Douglas with Marilyn Maxwell. It made Douglas a movie star and earned him his first best actor Oscar nomination).

(Movie Poster 1952. Kirk Douglas earned his second best actor nomination as a ruthless movie producer).

(Lobby Card 1956. Kirk Douglas portrayed artist Vincent Van Gogh. It shocked people at how much Douglas looked like Vincent. He landed his third best actor Oscar nomination).

2020 Oscar nominated 'Parasite' comes to Albuquerque

The Academy Award (Oscar) nominated Korean thriller "Parasite" comes to the Guild Cinema at Albuquerque, NM. 

"Parasite" runs from Feb. 12 to 16, 2020.

Click here for the Guild Cinema website.

2020 Oscar Nominated short films come to Albuquerque

The Academy Award (Oscar) nominated short films for 2020 has reached the Guild Cinema at Albuquerque, NM. 

The short films run from Feb 2 to 11, 2020. Check it out.

Click here for Guild Cinema Show-times.

'Mulan' Final Movie Trailer 2020

NFL Shakira & J-Lo's Electrifying Performance during Superbowl Half-time 2020

'48 Hours' episode 'The Death of Todd Stermer' grabs 3.71 TV Ratings Overall

The 48 HOURS (CBS) episode called, "The Death of Todd Stermer" aired last Saturday night (2/1/2020) at 10/9 p.m. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 3.71 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.4 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "NBA Basketball" (ABC) grabbed 5.56 overall and 0.4 with adults (8:30-11 p.m.). "Saturday Night Live" nabbed 2.70 overall & 0.5 with adults (repeat).

There will be no TV recap this week. I am working on my screenplay table read.

Click photo below for 48 HOURS on CBS.

(CBS photo. Mr and Mrs Stermer before his death).

'Hawaii Five-0' episode 'I ho'olulu, ho'ohulei 'ia e ka makani' hits 7.48 TV Ratings Overall

HAWAII FIVE-0 (CBS) episode called, "I ho'olulu, ho'ohulei 'ia e ka makani" aired Friday night (01/31/2020) at 8/7 p.m. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 7.48 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.7 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "American Housewife" (ABC) grabbed 3.19 overall & 0.5 with adults. "Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for Bone Collector" (NBC) nabbed 3.34 overall & 0.4 with adults.

There will no TV recap this week. I'm busy working my next movie screenplay table read.

Click photo below for HAWAII FIVE-0 on CBS.

(CBS Photo. Eddie the dog, shows signs of PTSD).

'Dateline' episode 'Abducted' nabs 2.60 TV Ratings Overall

The DATELINE (NBC) episode called, "Abducted" had aired Friday night (1/31/2020) at 10/9 p.m. It was reported by Andrea Canning. In the overnight TV ratings. It garnered 2.60 million TV viewers overall. It reached 0.5 million TV viewers in the all important 18 to 49 adult demographic. "20/20" (ABC) grabbed 3.60 overall & 0.6 with adults. "Blue Bloods" (CBS) 7.49 overall & 0.6 with adults.

There will be no TV recap this Week. I'm busy with my new movie screenplay table read.

Click photo below for DATELINE on NBC.

(NBC logo).