I was weak and backsliding, like Carrie’s fanatical mom, and subscribed to Disney+ so my sister and I could finally catch up on Doctor Who!
Have we been watching Doctor Who though?
Nope.
We immediately started watching The Muppet Show (1976-1981). It may even be funnier and more outrageous than we remembered, and it also proves Disney doesn’t have a clue what to do with these wonderfully sardonic, violent, sexual and irreverent characters in the 21st Century! My only concern is being triggered with nightmarish childhood flashbacks when we get to the episode horrifyingly featured in An American Werewolf in London (1981)!
Next we were going to watch Bride Hard (2025) because it stars Rebel Wilson. Ugh, it was so painfully unfunny that we gave up after 10 or 15 minutes. Instead, we watched Freaky Friday (1976), the one with Jodie Foster, who is always worth watching, and we still enjoyed this classic. Sure, allegedly savvy, modern audiences might find the original dated now, but you just can’t beat the absolute charm of the opening credits! I learned from Gill at Realweegiemidget Reviews that “I’d Like to Be You for a Day” is sung by stars Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster!
Then, I guess to prove my sister and I are not stuck in the past, we started watching and actually finished A Very Jonas Brothers Christmas Movie (2025). For the sake of this post, and to take away any boy band blackmail power from Dave of My Gay Opinion, I confess that, for a very brief moment in time, I listened to the Jonas Brothers and may even still have one of their CDs. So, of course we had to watch their Christmas movie. The plot is completely ridiculous, but some terrifically funny guest stars, such as Will Ferrell, Laverne Cox, Andrea Martin, Billie Lourd and Randall Park kept us entertained. However, I kept thinking the movie needed less singing and more of whatever this is…
What happens on the Jonas plane, stays on the Jonas plane!
In conclusion… Maybe for such a fun, trippy Disney+ experience, my soul was worth the price of admission…so far!
Now on to Doctor Who and more of The Muppet Show!
Freak Out, JLH
P.S. A Pennsylvania reader’s feline companion is eager to check out my Dawson’s Creek parody!
Here we end this Doris Wishman retrospective at the beginning.We leave behind her Grindhouse Twilight Years and her Roughie Moonlight Years to bask in the lush sunlight of her Daylight Years.These six sun-kissed celluloid creations are nudist camp films.
Yeah, you read that right! So, slap on the sunscreen, grab a well-placed towel or beach ball, because full-frontal is forbidden, and prepare to go back to nature by going nudist!
NUDE ON THE MOON (1961)
written by Jack Caplan & Doris Wishman/directed by Doris Wishman
Dr. Jeff Huntley doesn’t want to get married because he’s already married to science. After a rich relative dies, Jeff and his mentor Professor Nichols can finally build a rocketship to fly to the moon. Once on the surprisingly lush lunar surface, the two men scientifically explore minerals, plants and the topless inhabitants. Will these Moon Dolls cause Jeff to change his mind about marriage or will he run out of oxygen during his thorough extraterrestrial exploration? With the debatable scientific jargon, offkilter dialogue, and weirdly effective low budget special effects, this feels like a nudist camp film directed by Ed Wood. Throw in a swingin’ theme song and the Moon Queen’s haunting voice and it’s not surprising that even I couldn’t resist its early 60’s innocent kitschy charms. Added bonus is that a chunk of the film was shot at the famous Coral Castle in Florida.
BLAZE STARR GOES NUDIST(1962)
written & directed by Doris Wishman
Where in the world is superstar actress Blaze Starr? Tony, her fiancé/agent, wants Blaze to attend press events and cocktail parties. A film studio bigwig named D.W. wants Blaze to renew her contract. All Blaze Starr wants is some peace and quiet. After seeing a nudist camp film while escaping into a theater, Blaze decides to go nudist! Will this brazen display of breasts while playing chess, picking strawberries and doing laundry end her career and engagement? A swingin’ theme song, some fun dialogue and relentlessly innocent silliness made me enjoy this film. Unlike Blaze, I do not feel inspired to spend a weekend at a nudist camp, especially if I am forced to attend a nude accordion concert.
HIDEOUT IN THE SUN (1960)
written by Eugene Fernett & Doris Wishman/directed by Larry Wolk & Doris Wishman
Duke Martin has successfully robbed a bank with his brother Steve, getaway car driver extraordinaire. Well, almost successfully. They ditch their vehicle and carjack Dorothy’s sweet convertible ride, but the cops have closed all roads out of town. Dorothy may hold the key to their escape because she is a member of the Hibiscus Country Club. They can lay low there while waiting for their getaway boat guy to dock. Of course the club is actually a nudist camp! Will the brothers go nudist? Will Dorothy fall in love with one of them? Will the boat guy dock in time for nude archery? This is the most low key crime drama ever. The suspense is barely palpable but the kitsch has a pulse, especially with yet another swingin’ theme song! However, HIDEOUT IN THE SUN lacks the overall charm of the first two films in this set.
GENTLEMEN PREFER NATURE GIRLS (1963)
written & directed by Doris Wishman
Anne and Tom are secretly married at the office because their boss doesn’t want married couples working for him. Mr. Bennett is also against nudists and fires Tom when he finds his nudist membership card on the floor. What are Anne and Tom going to do? Will Tom find a job at the nudist camp? Will Anne attempt to convince Mr. Bennett to hire Tom back? Will Mr. Bennett learn the joy of healthy living through a nude life? The kitsch cred is knocked down a notch by a lack of a swingin’ theme song, but the amusing swimming pool music almost makes up for it. Overall, it’s a harmlessly goofy story with yet another nude accordion concert and the new addition of nude teeter-tottering. All I kept thinking was how those splinters are gonna hurt!
DIARY OF A NUDIST (1961)
written & directed by Doris Wishman
Arthur, the head of a newspaper, gets lost in the woods and stumbles across a nudist camp. He decides to have Stacy, his blondest reporter, go undercover and expose the shocking facts about nudism. When Stacy loses objectivity by becoming a sun lover, Arthur must go undercover and write the articles himself. Will he write the truth about nudism or go for a more sensationalistic angle? A swingin’ theme song almost makes up for the thinnest of thin plots. However, there’s still kitsch to go around, especially with the grandmotherly head of the nudist camp, who was playing herself. I just don’t understand why she didn’t inform Arthur that walking around in swim trunks is not being a nudist.
THE PRINCE AND THE NATURE GIRL (1964)
written by Andrew J. Kuehn/directed by Doris Wishman
According to the Blu-ray liner notes, the plot of this “comedy of mistaken identity” is as follows, “a wealthy handsome ‘Prince’ catches the eye of identical twins who compete for his heart at the office and a nature camp.” The reason I have to quote the synopsis is because I wasn’t sure what was going on since the film was not in English and my half-blind eyes couldn’t read the subtitles. According to IMDb, THE PRINCE AND THE NATURE GIRL was a lost film until a German language print was discovered. There is supposedly a recreated English dub out there, but not in this box set. Personally, this is the least effective of these films because more than half of it is comprised of scenes from Wishman’s previous nudist camp flicks. Though I do appreciate the soap opera plot.
All I kept hearing during this box set was Neely O’Hara in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS saying, “Boobies, boobies, boobies.” Even though nudist camp films come across as innocent propaganda for the healthy, sun-loving nudist lifestyle, they’re really about boobies. Oh, there are some shirtless men and bare bums, but cinematic nudist camps are mostly populated by perky young women.
According to the audio commentaries, Doris Wishman has the distinction of being the most prolific nudist camp filmmaker. Having not seen other nudist films, I can’t contrast and compare. I can only imagine Wishman’s take on the genre is something special. I mean, a sci-fi nudist film and a nudist crime drama seem to be proof that Doris truly did her own thing even at the beginning of her career.
In conclusion…
The only reason I purchased this box set was because my filmic OCD forced me to complete my Doris Wishman Something Weird/AGFA collection. I was expecting to just roll my eyes, but I found THE DAYLIGHT YEARS was more entertaining than THE MOONLIGHT YEARS, which I’m sure just caused longtime Wishman fans to collectively gasp. Who knows though? Maybe when I rewatch the three box sets, my opinion will change. However, no matter what I think, the films of Doris Wishman need to be experienced!
In case you missed it, go back to the future for Doris Wishman’s Twilight Years!
Freak Out,
JLH
P.S. Is Doris Wishman done with me? I can only answer the question with a question. Do you really think I can resist experiencing films with such titles as SATAN WAS A LADY (1975) and DILDO HEAVEN (2002)?
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Click the pic ⤵️ to read a glowing new review of STURGEONS! 📗
What you are about to read is not a “freakboy on film” post.It is a review of the 1970’s disaster film AVALANCHE from Gill Jacob of Realweegiemidget Reviews!
Gill is a good blogging friend I met through Twitter and various blogathons.She suggested doing a “blog swap” some time ago and I finally agreed to it.While I am showcasing her far from disastrous review of a disaster film, Gill will be presenting my review of TOMMY (1975), due in large part to Jack Nicholson!
Before we get to Gill’s review of AVALANCHE, here’s a bit about thisContent Writer, Curator and Owner at Realweegiemidget Reviews Films, TV, Books and More…
Gill Jacob is a wee (5ft) random Expat Scottish lass living in Finland with the love of her life, Darlin' Husband, her Dallas Boxsets and more. Prone to gittering (ie rambling on aimlessly) about Films TV Books & ALL things Entertainment on her blog Realweegiemidget Reviews. Happy to promote anything with an entertainment tie in from themed toothbrushes to autobiographies, indie films, and TV to blockbusters. And 100% obsessed with Dallas, but only the original series.
Now, without further ado, grab a parka and a pair of snowshoes for Gill’s fun look at AVALANCHE, starring Rock Hudson and Mia Farrow…
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FILMS.. Avalanche (1978)
JUL 15, 2018
A Rock gets snowed under as a (snow) storm is brewing…
A Roger Corman produced avalanche themed winter’s tale with the Rock with an icy ex-wife and a Thorne in his side.
As the opening scenes take us into the movie… as you hear the wind howl, and watch the aerial view of snowy mountains you could be excused for thinking this is a The Sound of Music(1965) sequel. As it continues, you may search for the von Trapps literally climbing every mountain on their escape from those bad guys. But it is, in fact, the Colorado setting for the disaster movie, Avalanche (1978).
Avalanche is surprisingly not a TV movie. Directed by Roger Corman. With anall-star cast headed by Rock Hudson – pre Dynasty (1981-89) – and Mia Farrow who also appeared in Death on the Nile (1978)) the same year. As it’s Corman, don’t expect extravagant budget filled disaster scenes with stellar special effects.
In a move Ed Wood (1994) would be proud of, some of the titular disaster scenes of the avalanche itself are stock footage. There’s polystyrene doubling as snow. The eagle-eyed disaster movie viewer will note some of the avalanche scenes make an appearance in – bizarrely – the next film to be reviewed, Meteor (1979).
The characters in this soap in the snow story are reminiscent of every disaster film ever, from The Towering Inferno (1974) to Jaws (1975). Yup, we’ve had more of those much-loved stereotypes and plotlines before. But this time the plot devices are not just a nature vs man theme, there is some man vs man scenes too.
We’ve the sultry talking, Rock Hudson heading the bill – as I assume millionaire – David Shelby, a man with a fondness of checked shirts who won’t shut his new ski resort whatever the impending disaster may be. Reminding me immediately of a similar man, with similar taste in suits in a film with a shark in another more successful 1970s disaster movie but with sharks.
Shelby is a man so passionate about a mountain he built his pride and joy, million-dollar snow sports resort underneath it. In an area notorious for avalanches. Could this possibly be The Towering Inferno inspired?? Ironically this film did have The Towering Inferno‘s William Holden – he played the owner of the doomed tower – in the running for the Shelby role. He turned this flop down for the Omen II (1978) movie. While we are talking casting, Charlton Heston of the film Earthquake(1974) was also in competition for this nature will find a way movie’s headlining role.
Anyway, Shelby’s resort has everything and anything in snow sport themed facilities, with sports, jumping, skating, ski mobiles and downhill skiing. This resort was built so he could impress his ex-wife. He’s invited her to attend the celebrity attended – read two Olympic skaters, a TV Commentator and a ski jumper (who’s sleeping with the commentator’s estranged wife) – celebration banquet.
The next day is the opening ceremony with snow inspired competitions galore. With crowds of extras piled in, what could go wrong? However, Shelby got his men to pull trees down from his favourite mountaintop as the damn trees obscured the view. This action destabilised the slope and resulted in the mountain now being more prone to avalanches. This puts the lives of others at risk. To top it all, a snowstorm is due.
Shelby’s other passion is his ex-wife Caroline Brace (Mia Farrow), a woman who has moved on with her life, work and love. Caroline visits Shelby for the grand opening of his dream resort. Just to remind him she doesn’t love him anymore she changes her booking to her maiden name.
Much to Shelby’s obvious upset. So he gets a frosty reception from her. Later she tells Shelby he’s a control freak. Furthermore, Caroline won’t respond to his passionate kisses or his moves on the dance floor. Which makes him angry. But hey there’s always his (obviously naked) secretary in the hot tub as a last resort. Caroline also flirts and then sleeps with Nick Thorne (Robert Forster), his nemesis.
Thorne – a younger rugged-looking environmentalist and wildlife photographer – has warned him the slope is unsafe and putting the resort at risk of being engulfed by snow. Thorne built his own log cabin on this mountain with his bare hands (unless that’s a line for the ladies which Caroline falls for). He even “acquires” some explosives just to reinforce that the slope isn’t safe. Leaving Caroline a note while she sleeps after their night of lovemaking.
Add to this trio, there’s Shelby’s mother Florence (Jeanette Nolan). She’s also hoping for a reconciliation with Shelby and Caroline. She spends a lot of time drinking and kinda flirting with McDade (Steve Franken), Shelby’s accountant who she kindly introduces us to as the film begins. She does this in the manner you would introduce someone awkwardly at a dinner party.
McDade drags her up a mountain, just to reinforce the plotline. Florence, however, will find a piano in the face of death and play you a tune. This means she could fall into the category of “the lounge singer role”… see Airport 77 (1977) and The Towering Inferno (again).
Also attending the celebration banquet and opening day there’s downhill skier, Bruce Scott (Rick Moses), a major celebrity of the ski world. He’s there chatting up the lovestruck gals, despite the presence of his lady-love Tina (Cathey Paine). Her estranged husband, Mike Elliott (Barry Primus), the sports commentator also attends. These three join Shelby’s table for the big celebration. It’s like an awkward scene set at the Captain’s table in Titanic(1997).
Bruce will bed any girl who gives him the eye, but only if you can prove your age by ID. There’s an Olympic skater with a bowl haircut, Annette (Peggy Browne) who falls for Bruce with his magic moves on the dance floor and later in the bedroom. Annette’s idea of foreplay is to demonstrate and squeak out names of skating positions.
However, the two are caught making love by his girlfriend, Tina. This after she stripped to her undies outside in a snowstorm on her way coming home. Finally, more on her TV sports commentator soon to be ex-husband Mike. He will happily take your kid up the mountain for you via ski lift. Because he’s a nice guy. And that is just some of the more interesting relevant characters…
Add in no particular order… a minor avalanche, a heavy snowstorm, collapse, fresh snow on the mountains, a small plane crash, a major avalanche, a lot of shouting, collapse requiring mouth to mouth support, threatened with a knife, a lot of screaming, a broken ski lift, a suicidal jilted ex-girlfriend, a gas leak, an explosion or two, a vat of boiling soup pouring over you and an ambulance crashing off a mountainside and its DISASTER in capital letters.
Just think this all could have been avoided if Shelby had taken heed of those weather reports and shut his ski resort and listened to those warnings… As of now, it’s the (other) Rock to the rescue… As you count the 1000 ways to die in a snow-related disaster movie.
Winter in July Blogathon 2018, No 34 and the Magnificent Mia Farrow Blogathon 2020 No 2
