Samuel Fuller’s sharp detective thriller set in post-World War II Tokyo
Eureka Entertainment has just released HOUSE OF BAMBOO; Samuel Fuller’s sharp detective thriller set in post-World War II Tokyo; presented on Blu-ray from a 2K restoration as a part of The Masters of Cinema Series. The release will be limited to 1,000 copies only.
“What about Japan?” asked Zanuck. “Would you like to shoot a picture there?” “Holy mackerel, Darryl, now you’re talking!” When offered the opportunity to film an entire movie in Japan, (Fox would be the first major American studio to do so) Samuel Fuller jumped at the opportunity and the result is House of Bamboo, a lushly photographed, cold-as-ice film noir like no other.
Japan, 1954. A military train is robbed of its cargo by a ruthless gang of professionals led by the sadistic, but brilliant, Sandy Dawson (the incomparable Robert Ryan). Weeks later, one of the thieves lies dying in a Tokyo hospital, shot by his own accomplices. Recently released convict Eddie Spanier (Robert Stack) arrives in Tokyo, and joins up with the gang, impressing Sandy so much he quickly becomes his “ichiban” (number one man), greatly displeasing the former favourite, Griff (Cameron Mitchell). But is Eddie all he seems?
Also starring the beautiful Shirley Yamaguchi, House of Bamboo is a stunning, brutal masterpiece, featuring incredible widescreen photography by Joe MacDonald, and hard-boiled dialogue and action that is the Fuller trademark.
Samuel Fuller’s white-knuckle Cold War thriller starring Richard Widmark
Eureka Entertainment has also released HELL AND HIGH WATER; Samuel Fuller’s Cold War submarine adventure starring Richard Widmark; presented on Blu-ray from a stunning 4K restoration, as a part of The Masters of Cinema Series. Available from 7 December 2020, the release will be limited to 1000 copies only.
“In the summer of 1953, it was announced that an atomic bomb of foreign origin had been exploded somewhere outside of the United States… This is the story of that explosion.” Starting with a nuclear explosion and only escalating from there (Fuller was a master of the opening scene – “If a story doesn’t give you a hard-on in the first couple of scenes, throw it in the goddamn garbage.”), Hell and High Water is a white-knuckle Cold War thriller that would have a huge influence on the future of blockbuster cinema (Steven Spielberg was so enamoured with the film that he kept a print in his car for many years).
When military intelligence suggests a secret atomic base is being covertly set-up on an island near Japan, former US Navy commander Adam Jones (Richard Widmark) is sent on a covert mission to prevent a nuclear attack that could trigger World War 3.
To be in with a chance to win a copy of both films (we have two sets to give away) all you need to do is answer the following question:-
Who was said to keep a copy of the film Hell And High Water in his car?
Send your answer, including your name and address and telephone number by e-mail to andrew.silk@maturetimes.co.uk. The closing date for entries is 06.00pm on the 15 January 2021.
Winners
The two lucky winners of this competition were Angela Willis from Manchester and Maisie Young from London.
Terms & Conditions of entry.
No entries will be accepted after the closing date of 06.00pm on 15 January 2021.
Entry to the competition is by e-mail only – no other forms of entry will be accepted. Entries must also be in the format stated, if not they will be rejected.
The prize is as stated – no cash alternative will be offered.
The winner will be drawn at random from all correct entries received on the 16 January 2021 and the winner will be notified by e-mail.
This competition is organised by Highwood House Publishing Limited who are registered as required under Data Protection Regulations. We do not provide or sell your details to advertisers or third parties.
The organisers decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
