David Quammen, on books:

Of course, anyone who truly loves books buys more of them than he or she can hope to read in one fleeting lifetime.
A good book, resting unopened in its slot on a shelf, full of majestic potentiality, is the most comforting sort of intellectual wallpaper.
- David Quammen.
 

Recommended reading - Kubrick: The Definitive Edition

Kubrick: The Definitive Edition

by Michel Ciment.
 
Published by Faber & Faber.
Published 2001.
 
ISBN-10: 0571199860
ISBN-13: 978-0571199860
 
Description:

"Michel Ciment's Kubrick: The Definitive Edition remains the best work on the great director. Through it we get a glimpse into a working method that was unique in the cinema. It is a fascinating blend of interviews and analysis."

– Joel Coen.

"This final edition of Michel Ciment's definitive book is an invaluable resource."

– Martin Scorsese.

If Stanley Kubrick had made only 2001: A Space Odyssey or Dr. Strangelove, his cinematic legacy would have been assured. But from his first feature film, Fear and Desire, to the posthumously released Eyes Wide Shut, Kubrick created an accomplished body of work unique in its scope, diversity, and artistry, and by turns both lauded and controversial.

In this fully revised and definitive edition of his now classic study, film critic Michel Ciment provides an insightful examination of Kubrick’s thirteen films --- including such favorites as Lolita, A Clockwork Orange, and Full Metal Jacket --- alongside an assemblage of more than four hundred photographs that form a complementary photo essay. Rounding out this unique work are a short biography of Kubrick; rare interviews that were held with the usually reticent director, as well as with cast and crew members, including Malcolm McDowell, Shelley Duvall, and Jack Nicholson; and a detailed filmography and bibliography.

Meshed with masterful integrity, the book’s text and illustrations pay homage to one of the most visionary, original, and demanding filmmakers of our time.

Recommended reading – The Searchers (1954, 2022)

The Searchers

by Alan Le May.

Filmed as The Searchers (1956), directed by John Ford.

Published by Harper & Brothers.

First published 1954.

ISBN-10: 0843961724

ISBN-13: 978-0843961720

 

Description:

On the Texas frontier, a Comanche war party attacks the Edwards ranch and kills all the inhabitants, except for the two girls carried away with them. In the name of civilization, a group of pioneers take off in hot pursuit, into a savage world of unexpected dangers, false hopes, and darkest despair.

The Searchers

by Edward Buscombe.

Published by British Film Institute.

Published 2022.

ISBN-10: 1839024690

ISBN-13: 978-1839024696

 

Description:

“The Searchers is an insightful analysis … Replete with a wealth of information on the production of The Searchers, and graced with thought-provoking commentary, Buscombe's book is a stimulating introduction to a great American film.”

– Journal of American Culture.

John Ford's masterpiece The Searchers (1956) was voted the seventh greatest film of all time in Sight & Sound's most recent poll of critics. Its influence on many of America's most distinguished contemporary filmmakers, among them Martin Scorsese, Paul Schrader, and John Milius, is enormous. John Wayne's portrait of the vengeful Confederate Ethan Edwards gives the film a truly epic dimension, as does his long and lonely journey into the dark heart of America. Edward Buscombe's insightful study provides a detailed commentary on all aspects of the film, drawing on material in the John Ford archive at Indiana University, including Ford's own memos and the original script, which differs in vital respects from the film he made, to offer new insights into the film's production history.

Born on this day – Mamie Smith:

Mamie Smith

Blues & Vaudeville singer

May 26, 1891 – September 16, 1946

Credits:

Albums:

All Legacy Masters (2014); All Night in Music (2015); Blue Woman (2023); Blues Essentials (2011); Blues Will Never Die (2014); Can Anyone See The Light (2015); Can't Be Satisfied - The 1920 Recordings (2023); Crazy Blues: The Best Of (2004); Essential Blues Masters (2013); Female Crazy Blues (Classic Mood Experience) (2013); I Found My Love Outside (2015); Last Tower's Bell (2016); Let Me Tell You - The 1921 Recordings (2023); Live Music (2022); Mamie Smith Vol. 1 (1920-1921) (2005); Mamie Smith Vol. 2 (1921-1922) (2005); Mamie Smith Vol. 3 (1922-1923) (2005); Mamie Smith Vol. 4 (1923-1942) (2005); Me Myself and My Songs (2016); Memories Suite (2015); Mem'ries of You, Mamie (2021); Music In My Hands (2015); My Happy Heaven (2016); My Jazzy Kiss (2021); Over the Top Blues Masterpieces (Remastered) (2014); Please Stay Somedays (2015); Presenting Mamie Smith (1920); Queen of the Blues (2015); The Groovin' Atmosphere (2015); The Immortal Blues Masters (2014); Unforgettable Sentimental Songs (2015); Wonderful Soundtrack (2016).

Movies and television:

A Huey P. Newton Story (2001); All You Need Is Love (1977); American Epic (2017); Because I Love You (1942); Beginners (2010); Black History, Black Freedom, and Black Love (2022); Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (1993); Jailhouse Blues (1929); Killers of the Flower Moon (2023); Murder on Lenox Avenue (1941); Paradise in Harlem (1939); Soul Power! (2013); Stolen Paradise (1940); Sunday Sinners (1940); The Blues (2003).

Born on this day – Dorothea Lange:

 

Dorothea Lange

Photographer

May 26, 1895 – October 11, 1965

Born on this day – Lesley Selander:

 

Lesley Selander

Director

May 26, 1900 – December 5, 1979

Born on this day – John Wayne:

John Wayne

Actor

May 26, 1907 – June 11, 1979

Credits:

The Shootist (1976); Rooster Cogburn (1975); Brannigan (1975); Maude (1972); McQ (1974); Cahill U.S. Marshal (1973); Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (1968–1973); The Train Robbers (1973); Cancel My Reservation (1972); The Cowboys (1972); Big Jake (1971); Rio Lobo (1970); Swing Out, Sweet Land (1970); Chisum (1970); The Undefeated (1969); True Grit (1969); Hellfighters (1968); The Green Berets (1968); The War Wagon (1967); The Beverly Hillbillies (1962); El Dorado (1966); The Lucy Show (1966); Cast a Giant Shadow (1966); The Sons of Katie Elder (1965); In Harm's Way (1965); The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965); Circus World (1964); McLintock! (1963); Donovan's Reef (1963); How the West Was Won (1962); Alcoa Premiere (1961); The Longest Day (1962); Hatari! (1962); The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962); The Comancheros (1961); Wagon Train (1957); The Jack Benny Program (1950); North to Alaska (1960); The Alamo (1960); The Horse Soldiers (1959); Rio Bravo (1959); The Barbarian and the Geisha (1958); I Married a Woman (1958); Legend of the Lost (1957); Jet Pilot (1957); The Wings of Eagles (1957); The Searchers (1956); The Conqueror (1956); Screen Directors Playhouse (1955); I Love Lucy (1955); Blood Alley (1955); Casablanca (1955); Gunsmoke (1955); The Sea Chase (1955); The High and the Mighty (1954); Hondo (1953); Island in the Sky (1953); Trouble Along the Way (1953); Big Jim McLain (1952); The Quiet Man (1952); Flying Leathernecks (1951); Operation Pacific (1951); Rio Grande (1950); Sands of Iwo Jima (1949); The Fighting Kentuckian (1949); She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949); Wake of the Red Witch (1948); 3 Godfathers (1948); Red River (1948); Fort Apache (1948); Tycoon (1947); Angel and the Badman (1947); Without Reservations (1946); They Were Expendable (1945); Dakota (1945); Back to Bataan (1945); Flame of Barbary Coast (1945); Tall in the Saddle (1944); The Fighting Seabees (1944); In Old Oklahoma (1943); A Lady Takes a Chance (1943); Reunion in France (1942); Pittsburgh (1942); Flying Tigers (1942); In Old California (1942); The Spoilers (1942); Reap the Wild Wind (1942); Lady for a Night (1942); The Shepherd of the Hills (1941); Lady from Louisiana (1941); A Man Betrayed (1941); Seven Sinners (1940); The Long Voyage Home (1940); Three Faces West (1940); Dark Command (1940); Allegheny Uprising (1939); New Frontier (1939); Wyoming Outlaw (1939); Three Texas Steers (1939); The Night Riders (1939); Stagecoach (1939); Red River Range (1938); Santa Fe Stampede (1938); Overland Stage Raiders (1938); Pals of the Saddle (1938); Born to the West (1937); Adventure's End (1937); Idol of the Crowds (1937); I Cover the War! (1937); California Straight Ahead! (1937); Conflict (1936); The Sea Spoilers (1936); Winds of the Wasteland (1936); The Lonely Trail (1936); King of the Pecos (1936); The Lawless Nineties (1936); The Oregon Trail (1936); Lawless Range (1935); The New Frontier (1935); Westward Ho (1935); Paradise Canyon (1935); The Dawn Rider (1935); The Desert Trail (1935); Rainbow Valley (1935); Texas Terror (1935); 'Neath the Arizona Skies (1934); The Lawless Frontier (1934); The Trail Beyond (1934); The Star Packer (1934); Randy Rides Alone (1934); The Man from Utah (1934); Blue Steel (1934); West of the Divide (1934); The Lucky Texan (1934); Sagebrush Trail (1933); College Coach (1933); Riders of Destiny (1933); The Man from Monterey (1933); Baby Face (1933); His Private Secretary (1933); The Life of Jimmy Dolan (1933); Somewhere in Sonora (1933); Central Airport (1933); The Three Musketeers (1933); The Telegraph Trail (1933); Haunted Gold (1932); That's My Boy (1932); The Big Stampede (1932); Ride Him, Cowboy (1932); The Hurricane Express (1932); Lady and Gent (1932); Two-Fisted Law (1932); Texas Cyclone (1932); The Shadow of the Eagle (1932); Running Hollywood (1932); The Voice of Hollywood No. 13 (1932); Maker of Men (1931); The Deceiver (1931); The Range Feud (1931); Arizona (1931); Three Girls Lost (1931); Girls Demand Excitement (1931); The Big Trail (1930); Cheer Up and Smile (1930); Rough Romance (1930); Born Reckless (1930); Men Without Women (1930); The Forward Pass (1929); Salute (1929); Words and Music (1929); The Black Watch (1929); Speakeasy (1929); Noah's Ark (1928); Hangman's House (1928); A Home-Made Man (1928); Four Sons (1928); Seeing Stars (1927); The Drop Kick (1927); Mother Machree (1927); Annie Laurie (1927); The Draw-Back (1927); The Great K & A Train Robbery (1926); Bardelys the Magnificent (1926); Brown of Harvard (1926).

Born on this day – Papa Charlie McCoy:

Papa Charlie McCoy

Blues musician

Songwriter

May 26, 1909 – July 26, 1950

Credits:

Music:

Always In Love With You; Blue Heaven Blues; Charlie McCoy – Complete Recorded Works (1928-1932); Glad Hand Blues; Ha-Ha Blues; Hidin’ On Me; I’ve Been Blue Ever Since You Went Away; It Ain’t No Good – Part I; It Ain’t No Good – Part II; It Is So Good – Part 1; It Is So Good – Part 2; It’s Hot Like That; Last Time Blues; Mississippi I’m Longing For You; Staggering Blues; Sunset Waltz; Sweet Alberta; That Lonesome Train Took My Baby Away; The Northern Starvers Are Returning Home; Times Ain’t What They Used To Be; Too Long; Vicksburg Stomp; You Gonna Need Me; Your Valves Need Grinding.

Born on this day – Jill Dennett:

Jill Dennett

Actress

May 26, 1913 – March 14, 1969

Credits:

The Cowboy and the Blonde (1941); Street of Memories (1940); Manhattan Heartbeat (1940); Star Dust (1940); Broadway Serenade (1939); Dramatic School (1938); The Devil Is a Woman (1935); One More Spring (1935); The Merry Widow (1934); Treasure Island (1934); Straight Is the Way (1934); Shoot the Works (1934); Men in White (1934); Good Dame (1934); Wharf Angel (1934); Heat Lightning (1934); Radio Dough (1934); All of Me (1934); Sing Sinner Sing (1933); Picture Snatcher (1933); The Tenderfoot (1932); Two Seconds (1932); Union Depot (1932); How Comedies Are Born (1931); Bless the Ladies (1931); Under a Texas Moon (1930); Hotter Than Hot (1929).

 

Born on this day – John Dall:

 

John Dall

Actor

May 26, 1920 – January 15, 1971

Credits:

American Cinema (1995); Another Part of the Forest (1948); Atlantis: The Lost Continent (1961); Broadway Television Theatre (1952–1953); Century of Cinema (1995); Compression (2023); Crawford Mystery Theatre (1951); E! True Hollywood Story (1999); General Electric Theater (1958); Great Performances (1987); Gun Crazy (1950); Hitchcock: Sin cortes (2021); La voleuse (1987); Lights Out (1951); My Name Is Alfred Hitchcock (2022); On Stage! (1949); Perry Mason (1962–1965); Rope (1948); Rope Unleashed (2001); Rope's End (2022); Schlitz Playhouse (1959); Something in the Wind (1947); Spartacus (1960); Studio One (1952); Suspense (1952–1954); The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre (1949); The Clock (1951); The Corn Is Green (1945); The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950); The Rules of Film Noir (2009); The Silver Screen: Color Me Lavender (1997); The Web (1953).

Born on this day – Pilar Del Rey:

Pilar Del Rey

Actress

May 26, 1929 – February 23, 2025

Credits:

26 Men (1959); A Lady Without Passport (1950); Anatomy of a Seduction (1979); And Now Miguel (1966); Baby Sister (1983); Barnaby Jones (1980); Black Horse Canyon (1954); Border River (1954); Checkmate (1961); Daniel Boone (1968); Dragnet 1967 (1968–1969); Family Affair (1969); Fireside Theatre (1951–1955); Flight to Tangier (1953); Fun and Games (1980); Giant (1956); Hart to Hart (1984); Have Gun - Will Travel (1959); Hopalong Cassidy (1953); How the West Was Won (1979); Illegal Entry (1949); Johnny Stool Pigeon (1949); Jubilee Trail (1954); Mannix (1975); Marcus Welby, M.D. (1973–1975); Mark of the Renegade (1951); Masquerade (1984); Midnight Madness (1980); My Three Sons (1969); Police Story (1974); Schlitz Playhouse (1954–1956); Sea Hunt (1961); Shotgun Slade (1961); Simon & Simon (1983); Sombrero (1953); Stewardess School (1986); Stories of the Century (1955); The Adventures of Kit Carson (1951–1953); The Case of the Dangerous Robin (1961); The Files of Jeffrey Jones (1952); The Flame Barrier (1958); The Forbidden Dance (1990); The High Chaparral (1970); The Kid from Texas (1950); The Miracle (1959); The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952); The Naked Jungle (1954); The Name of the Game (1969); The Night the Bridge Fell Down (1980); The O. Henry Playhouse (1957); The Sea Chase (1955); The Siege at Red River (1954); The Smith Family (1971); The Wild Wild West (1969); To Rome with Love (1970); Travis McGee (1983); Tropic Zone (1953); Zandy's Bride (1974).

Born on this day – Michel Ciment:

 

Michel Ciment

Writer

May 26, 1938 – November 13, 2023

Credits:

Books:

Boorman: un visionnaire en son temps (1985); Film World / anthology of interviews (2009); Fritz Lang: le meurtre et la loi (2003); Kazan par Kazan (1973); Kubrick: The Definitive Edition (2001); Le crime à l'écran: Une histoire de l'Amérique (1992); Le Dossier Rosi (1976); Le Livre de Losey (1979); Passeport pour Hollywood: entretiens avec Wilder, Huston, Mankiewicz, Polanski, Forman & Wenders (1992); Petite planète cinématographique (2003); Stanley Kubrick (1980); Theo Angelopoulos (1989).

Movies and television:

À contre-temps (2009); À voix nue: grands entretiens d'hier et d'aujourd'hui (2011); Abbas Kiarostami: The Art of Living (2003); About the Salesman (2018); Alain Corneau, du noir au bleu (2006); All About Mankiewicz (1983); Allemaal film (2007); Apostrophes (1985); Bouillon de culture (1993); Café Picouly (2011); Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010); Ce soir (ou jamais!);  (2007); Ciné regards (1978–1981); Cinéphiles de notre temps (2012); Crítico (2008); Dans les oreilles d'Alain Resnais (2020); Droit de réponse: l'esprit de contradiction (1982); Elia Kazan: An Outsider (1982); Épreuves d'artistes (2004); Exposed (1983); Filmmakers Talking: The Making of 'The Boys' (2003); Francesco Rosi: Chronique D'un Film Annonce (1986); Grand écran (1974); Il cineasta e il labirinto (2004); Il cinema ritrovato: istruzioni per l'uso (2004); Il était une fois... (2011 / 2021); Je t'aime... moi non plus: Artistes et critiques (2004); Jerry Schatzberg, portrait paysage (2022); Jo le magnifique (2005); King Social Briars / The Media Show (1988); Kubrick by Kubrick (2020); L'aventure Spielberg (2003); Le cercle de minuit (1994–1997); Le fantôme d'Henri Langlois (2004); Le masque et la plume (1976); Les Nuits de France Culture (2017–2023); L'invité de FR3 (1981); Lumière and Company (1995); Macadam Popcorn (2017); Metropolis (1996); Michel Ciment, le cinéma en partage (2010); Nos italiennes, de Magnani à Muti (2022); O Homem que Matou John Wayne (2015); Pierre Rissient: Man of Cinema (2007); Portrait of a '60% Perfect Man': Billy Wilder (1980); Positif, une revue (2003); Seduced and Abandoned (2013); Sortie d'usine 2017 (2017); Spécial cinéma (1987); Stanley and Us (1999); Stanleyandus (2022); Success Is the Best Revenge (1984); Trace of the Bears (2010); Un Américain nommé Kazan (2018); Von (2008); Yasujiro Ozu and the Taste of Sake (1978).

Born on this day – Dayle Haddon:

 

Dayle Haddon

Actress

Model

May 26, 1948 – December 27, 2024

Credits:

About Face: Supermodels Then and Now (2012); Bedroom Eyes (1984); Bullets Over Broadway (1994); Camp Midnite (1989); Celebrity (1998); Certains Leeb Show (1985); Coup de foudre (1991); Cyborg (1989); Desert Chase (1986); Fiesta (1995); Formule 1 (1985); Get Involved! (2008); La crime (1983); La nuit des Césars (1983–1986); La supplente (1975); Le dessus du panier (1978); Lux (2001); Madame Claude (1977); Maschio latino cercasi / Segment: L'amnistia (1977); Matin Bonheur (1995); Max Headroom (1987); North Dallas Forty (1979); Paperback Hero (1973); Paroles et musique (1984); Sex with a Smile / Segment: La guardia del corpo (1976); Silence Like Glass (1989); Spermula (1976); Sports Illustrated Swimsuit: 50 Years of Beautiful (2014); The Cheaters (1975); The Cousin (1974); The Hitchhiker (1986); The Jack Docherty Show (1997); The Last Romantic Lover (1978); The Magical World of Disney (1983); The Oprah Winfrey Show (2010); The World's Greatest Athlete (1973); Tilt-A-Whirl (1995); Unbecoming Age (1992); What Would Sophia Loren Do? (2021).

Born on this day – Robyn Bernard:

Robyn Bernard

Actress

Musician

Singer

Pianist

May 26, 1959 – March 12, 2024

Credits:

Betty Blue (1986); Diva (1981); General Hospital (1984–1990); Hour Magazine (1986); Kings for a Day (1997); Maigret (1992); Roselyne and the Lions (1989); Simon & Simon (1983); The Facts of Life (1984); The New Hollywood Squares (1987); Tour of Duty (1988); Voices from the High School (2002); Whiz Kids (1983); Win, Lose or Draw (1988).

Born on this day – Nicki Aycox:

Nicki Aycox

Actress

Musician

May 26, 1975 – November 16, 2022

Credits:

3rd Rock from the Sun (1997); Ally McBeal (1999); Animals (2009); Beyond the Blackboard (2011); BlackBoxTV (2012); Boy Meets World (1997); Christina (2010); Cold Case (2004–2010); Crime + Punishment in Suburbia (2000); Criminal Minds (2006); Cruel Justice (1999); CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2001); CSI: Miami (2008); Dark Angel (2001); Dark Blue (2009–2010); Dead Birds (2004); Dead on Campus (2014); Defying Gravity (1997); Double Tap (1997); Ed (2002–2004); Family Law (2002); Howard Stern (2003); Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003); Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003); John from Cincinnati (2007); Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead (2008); L.A. Heat (1997); Las Vegas (2004); Law & Order (2008); LAX (2004–2005); Lifted (2010); Lights, Camera, Creeper: Making 'Jeepers Creepers 2' (2003); Longmire (2013); Making 'Dead Birds' (2005); Mercenary (2008); Momentum (2003); Opposite Sex (2000); Over There (2005); Perfect Stranger (2007); Profile for Murder (2013); Providence (1999); Rave Macbeth (2001); She Gets What She Wants (2002); Showboat & Boonie (2005); Significant Others (1998); Supernatural (2006–2008); Supernatural Fandom (2016); The Dogwalker (1999); The Employer (2013); The Girl on the Train (2014); The Glades (2013); The Twilight Zone (2002); The X Files: I Want to Believe (2008); The X-Files (1999); Ticking Clock (2011); Tom Cool (2009); USA High (1997); Weird Science (1996).

On this day in movie history - Raw Deal (1948)

Raw Deal

directed by Anthony Mann,

written by Leopold Atlas and John C. Higgins,

based on a story by Arnold B. Armstrong and Audrey Ashley,

was released in the United States on May 26, 1948.

Music by Paul Sawtell.

Cast:

Dennis O’Keefe, Claire Trevor, Marsha Hunt, John Ireland, Raymond Burr, Curt Conway, Chili Williams, Richard Fraser, Whit Bissell, Cliff Clark, Gregg Barton, Robert Bice, David Clarke, Victor Cutler, John Daheim, Alexis Davidoff, Abe Dinovitch, Lloyd Everett, Tom Fadden, Ilka Grüning, Frank Hyers, Richard Irving, Bill Kennedy, Paul Kruger, Mike Lally, Carey Loftin, James Magill, Joan Myles, Edna Ryan, Cap Somers, Dok Stanford, Ray Teal, Regis Toomey, Harry Tyler, Robert B. Williams, Beverly Wills.

On this day in movie history - The Searchers (1956)

The Searchers

directed by John Ford,

written by Frank S. Nugent,

based on the novel by Alan Le May,

was released in the United States on May 26, 1956.

Music by Max Steiner.

Cast:

John Wayne, Jeffrey Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond, Natalie Wood, John Qualen, Olive Carey, Henry Brandon, Ken Curtis, Harry Carey Jr., Antonio Moreno, Hank Worden, Beulah Archuletta, Walter Coy, Dorothy Jordan, Pippa Scott, Patrick Wayne, Lana Wood, Gertrude Astor, Pipe Line Begishe, Exactly Sonnie Betsuie, Danny Borzage, Ruth Clifford, Carmen D’Antonio, Tommy Doss, Pete Grey Eyes, Feather Hat Jr., Nacho Galindo, Chuck Hayward, Jack Tin Horn, Harry Black Horse, Away Luna, Robert Lyden, Cliff Lyons, Peter Mamakos, Mae Marsh, Frank McGrath, Bob Many Mules, Jack Pennick, Lloyd Perryman, Prince (dog), Chuck Roberson, Smile White Sheep, Many Mules Son, Percy Shooting Star, William Steele, Chief Thundercloud, Terry Wilson, Billy Yellow.