TEMPLE OF SCHLOCK: March 2011

21st Century Distribution Corporation, headed by Tom Ward and Art Schweitzer, specialized in cheap horror movies and imported kung fu flicks for the urban action market. They favored painted poster art and grindhouse-style trailers that were frequently narrated by Adolph Caesar. Their short-lived video label, Planet Video, put out a couple of dozen titles in 1982 and '83, but most of these films were reissued through a more lucrative deal with Continental Video beginning in 1985. Although some sources claim that 21st Century opened its doors in 1971, I've never seen anything related to the company appear in print before 1976. The Boxoffice article below, from January 1982, fudges the dates even more by implying that 21st Century was barely 2 years old at the time of publication. By then, Ward and Schweitzer had acquired most of the Dimension Pictures library as well as product from other defunct distributors (UMC Pictures, Cine Artists Pictures, Empire Releasing) for quick theatrical playoff ahead of the inevitable video, television and foreign sales. Most of these titles were eventually released on video through VCI, United Home Entertainment and Continental Video. [For more about the acquisition of the Dimension Pictures library, go here]

21st Century filed for bankruptcy in the mid 1980s and was purchased by Italian financier Giancarlo Parretti, who already owned the Cannon Group and eventually took control of MGM/UA. The rest is history best left to Wikipedia and myriad online legal resources, where the curious can easily find out just how the hell former Cannon Films co-owner Menahem Golan came to be in charge of a revamped 21st Century for a half dozen forgettable movies circa 1989-1990.

The following is a list of all the movies (that we know of) that were handled by 21st Century Distribution between 1976 and 1986, including theatrical, foreign, video, and TV rights. Is this list complete? Probably not. Additions and corrections are encouraged, and if anyone has more information or articles pertaining to the company itself, please send us whatever you have and we'll give you contributor credit.

FILMOGRAPHY

AIDA (1982) -- Re-release of the 1953 Italian film starring Sophia Loren and a cast of thousands, including the Ballet Corps of the Rome Opera Company. Sophia's singing was done by Renata Tebaldi.

ALADDIN'S LAMP -- A 1964 TV production by Rufus & Margo Rose, starring the Rufus Rose Marionettes. See also TREASURE ISLAND and RIP VAN WINKLE.

ANOTHER SIDE OF ROMANCE (December 1980) -- Two different movies appeared under this title on 21st Century's release schedule. The first was Alfred Sole's AMERICAN SOAP (1976), starring Kay Williams, Michael Twain and Mary Mendum. The second was Hank Aldrich's ROBIN (1979), which you can read more about here. We haven't found evidence of either one ever playing under this title.

THE BAD BUNCH -- Released under this title by Dimension Pictures in 1976, but previously released as TOM in 1973, THE BROTHERS in 1974 and NIGGER LOVER in 1975. Directed by Greydon Clark. Starring Tom Johnigarn, Greydon Clark, Jacquelin Cole, Aldo Ray and Jock Mahoney.

THE BANDITS -- Filmed in 1967. Released by Lone Star Films in 1979. Also released by Flora Releasing. Directed by Alfredo Zacarias. Starring Robert Conrad and Jan-Michael Vincent.

BANDITS OF THE RIO GRANDE -- Originally titled DIE BANDITEN VOM RIO GRANDE (1965). A modern-day western starring Harald Leipnitz and Maria Perschy.

BATTLE FORCE -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1979 as THE GREATEST BATTLE. Directed by Umberto Lenzi. Starring Orson Welles, Henry Fonda, John Huston, Stacey Keach, Samantha Eggar, Helmut Berger, many others.

BEAST OF THE YELLOW NIGHT -- Released by New World Pictures in 1971, on a double bill with THE CREATURE WITH THE BLUE HAND. Written and directed by Eddie Romero. Starring John Ashley, Mary Wilcox, Eddie Garcia, Ken Metcalfe and Vic Diaz.

BEYOND ATLANTIS -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1973. Directed by Eddie Romero. Starring Patrick Wayne, John Ashley, Leigh Christian, Sid Haig, George Nader, Lenore Stevens, Vic Diaz and Eddie Garcia. Directed by Eddie Romero. Story by Stephanie Rothman.

BIO HAZARD (September 1984) -- Directed by Fred Olen Ray. Starring Angelique Pettyjohn, Aldo Ray, Richard Hench and William Fair.

BLACK BELT FURY (June 1980) -- Starring Chang Li, Wang Tao, Chia Ling. No further details available.

BLACK SHAMPOO -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1976. Directed by Greydon Clark, starring John Daniels and Tanya Boyd.

BLOOD TIDE (September 1982) -- Starring James Earl Jones, Jose Ferrer, Lila Kedrova, Mary Louise Weller, Martin Kove, Lydia Cornell and Deborah Shelton. Co-written by Nico Mastorakis. Also known as RED TIDE and DEMON ISLAND.

THE BRUCE LEE CONNECTION (1982) -- Announced July 1981. Starring Johnny Chang, Mad Ying, Tan Tad Liang, Luo Lieh, Chang Yi. This is SCORCHING SUNS, FIERCE WINDS, WILD FIRE - also released by Unifilm International in 1981 as ANY WHICH WAY YOU PUNCH. Licensed to Continental Video under the title DRAGON LADY NINJA.

BRUCE LEE'S DEADLY KUNG FU (May 1981) -- Originally titled YANG CHUN DA XIONG (1977). Starring Bruce Li and Carter Wong. Also known as STORY OF THE DRAGON, BRUCE LEE: A DRAGON STORY, and BRUCE LEE'S SECRET.

BRUCE LEE'S DRAGONS FIGHTS BACK (1980) -- Starring Chang Li, Ha Chia Kai and Chan Lang Tzu. Possibly the same movie as FISTS LIKE LEE, PART II. No other details available.

BRUCE LEE'S SHADOW FIST (1980) -- Starring Yip Tai Kong and Cheung Ling. No other details available.

CATHY'S CURSE (September 1980) -- Announced for June 1980 release. Directed by Eddy Matalon. Starring Alan Scarfe, Beverley Murray and Randi Allen.

CHALLENGE THE DRAGON (January 1981) -- Announced for release in October 1980. Originally titled MENG HU CHUANG GUAN (1974).

CHEERING SECTION (December 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1977. Re-released by 21st Century on a double bill with DR. MINX. Directed by Harry E. Kerwin. Produced by Wayne Crawford.

CHESTY ANDERSON, U.S. NAVY -- Released by Atlas Films beginning in December 1975. Re-released by Flora Releasing and Coast Films. Shown on TV as ANDERSON'S ANGELS beginning in 1979. Ed Forsyth replaced Michael Miller as director. Starring Shari Eubank, Rosanne Katon and Connie Hoffman.

CITY OF THE WALKING DEAD (November 1983) -- Announced for June 1984 release. Originally titled INCUBO SULL CITTÀ CONTAMINATA (1980), also known as NIGHTMARE CITY. Directed by Umberto Lenzi. Starring Mel Ferrer, Hugo Stiglitz, Laura Trotter and Francisco Rabal.

COVERT ACTION (June 1980) -- Originally titled SONO STATO UN AGENTE C.I.A. (1978), starring David Janssen, Arthur Kennedy, Corinne Clery and Maurizio Merli.

THE DEADLY KUNG FU FACTOR -- Originally titled JIAO HUO (1978), starring Puishan Auyeung and Bobby Canavarro.

THE DEADLY SPAWN (April 1983) -- Also released by 21st Century as RETURN OF THE ALIENS: THE DEADLY SPAWN. Directed by Douglas McKeown. Co-written and produced by Ted Bohus.

DEATH JOURNEY -- Released in 1975 by Atlas Films. Re-released in 1977 by Flora Releasing. Produced and directed by Fred Williamson, starring Fred Williamson.

DELIVER US FROM EVIL -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1975 under this title, and re-released as JOEY in 1977. Written and directed by Horace Jackson. Starring Marie O'Henry, Renny Roker and Juanita Moore.

THE DEMON LOVER (November 1976) -- Also released by Flora Releasing. Written and directed by Donald Jackson and Jerry Younkins. Starring Christmas Robbins, Val Mayerik and Gunnar Hansen.

DEMON RAGE (December 1977) -- Originally titled EMANUELLE E FRANÇOISE LE SORRELLINE (1975). Also known as EMANUELLE'S REVENGE and BLOOD VENGEANCE. Directed by Joe D'Amato, starring Rosemarie Lindt and George Eastman.

DEVIL WOMAN -- Two different Filipino horror movies with this title were released in the U.S. It's unclear which one was acquired by 21st Century in the early 1980s.

THE DEVIL'S WEDDING NIGHT -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1973. Starring Mark Damon and Sara Bay [Rosalba Neri].

THE DIVINE NYMPH -- Originally titled DIVINA CREATURA (1975). Announced as a September 1977 release. Released by Analysis Film Releasing in 1979. Starring Laura Antonelli, Terence Stamp, Marcello Mastroianni and Tina Aumont.

DIXIE DYNAMITE -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1976. Produced by Wes Bishop. Directed by Lee Frost. Starring Warren Oates, Christopher George, Jane Anne Johnstone, Kathy McHaley, Stanley Adams and R.G. Armstrong.

DOLEMITE -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1975. Starring Rudy Ray Moore, D'Urville Martin, Jerry Jones and Lady Reed. Directed by D'Urville Martin.

DON'T OPEN TILL CHRISTMAS (December 1984) -- Starring Edmund Purdom, Alan Lake and Belinda Mayne. Directed by Edmund Purdom and at least two uncredited co-directors (including writer Derek Ford). Produced by Dick Randall and Steve Minasian.

DRAGON FORCE (1982) -- Starring Kangjo Lee, Master Kwak, and Suchang Bay. Directed by Key-Nam Nam. Produced by Wha-shik Kim.

THE DRAGON VS. NEEDLES OF DEATH (December 1980) -- Originally titled LONG HU FENG (1976). Also known as THE NEEDLE AVENGER and DRAGON TIGER PHOENIX. Available on video from Planet Video prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video for a double feature release with SNAKE FIST NINJA (see SNAKE FIST FIGHTER).

DR. BLACK MR. HYDE -- Released by Dimension Pictures under this title in 1976, and re-released as THE WATTS MONSTER in 1979. Starring Bernie Casey, Rosalind Cash, Stu Gilliam, Marie O'Henry, Ji-Tu Cumbuka, and Milt Kogan. Directed by William Crain. Music by Johnny Pate.

DR. MINX (December 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1975. Re-released by 21st Century on a double bill with CHEERING SECTION. Written and directed by Hikmet Avedis. Starring Edy Williams, Randy Boone, Harvey Jason, William Smith, Marlene Schmidt and Alvy Moore.

EATEN ALIVE! -- Announced for February 1985 release. Originally titled MANGIATI VIVI (1980). Opened on 42nd Street in October 1985 as DOOMED TO DIE, with Continental Video credited as the distributor. Released on home video by Continental under the title THE EMERALD JUNGLE. Starring Mel Ferrer, Robert Kerman, Janet Agren, Ivan Rassimov and Paola Senatore. Directed by Umberto Lenzi.

EBONY, IVORY & JADE -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1976. Available on video from Wizard Video as FOXFORCE, prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video under the title AMERICAN BEAUTY HOSTAGES. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago. Starring Rosanne Katon, Colleen Camp and Sylvia Anderson.

EERIE MIDNIGHT HORROR SHOW (September 1980) -- Re-release of THE TORMENTED (see also)

EMANUELLE IN EGYPT -- Released by Dimension Pictures as SMOOTH VELVET, RAW SILK in 1978, and re-released as NAKED PARADISE in 1979. Originally titled VELLUTO VERO (1976). Available on video from VCI as NAKED PARADISE, prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video under the title EMANUELLE IN EGYPT. Starring Laura Gemser, Annie Belle, Al Cliver and Gabriele Tinti.

ESCAPE FROM WOMEN'S PRISON (June 1984) -- Licensed to Continental Video for a double feature videocassette release with SWEET SUGAR. Originally titled LE EVASE - STORIE DI SESSO E DI VIOLENZE (1978), starring Lilli Carati, Ines Pellegrini, Marina Daunia and Zora Kerova. Produced by Dick Randall. Directed by Conrad Brueghel [Giovanni Brusadori].

EXECUTIONER PART II (June 1984) -- Licensed to Continental Video for a double feature videocassette release with FROZEN SCREAM. Produced by Renee Harmon. Directed by James Bryan. Starring Chris Mitchum, Aldo Ray, Antoine John Mottet, Renee Harmon, Dan Bradley and Jim Dratfield. There is no part I.

EYE OF THE EVIL DEAD (October 1984) -- A 1982 Italian horror movie by Lucio Fulci, this opened on 42nd Street in 1986 as MANHATTAN BABY and was released on home video by Vestron under that title. Starring Christopher Connelly, Martha Taylor and Brigitta Boccoli.

FIGHTING MAD (December 1981) -- Released by Caprican Three in 1978 as DEATH FORCE. Starring James Iglehart, Jayne Kennedy and Leon Isaac Kennedy. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago.

FIST OF FURY PART II (April 1980) -- Announced for release in September 1979. Originally titled JING WU MEN XU JI (1977), starring Bruce Le and Lo Lieh.

FISTS LIKE LEE, PART II (1980) -- Starring Dragon Chan-Tzu and Ha Chia-Kai. No other details available.

THE FLYING MASTERS OF KUNG FU (January 1981) -- Originally titled YI DAI TIAN JIAO (1979), starring Ling Chia, Yuan Chuan and Angela Mao.

THE FOREST -- Originally released by Fury Films in 1982. Also released as TERROR IN THE FOREST. Directed by Don Jones. Starring Dean Russell, Michael Brody (Gary Kent), Elaine Warner (Tomi Barrett), Ann Wilkinson and Stafford Morgan.

FOUR PLAY (July 1981) -- Originally released by International Cinema Ltd. in 1977 as TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE FLOWERS. Directed by Chris Caras [Peter Maris]. Starring Viju Krem, David Anthony, Ellen Irons, Greta Hartog, Richard Salamon and Harrington Smith. Some sources credit production date as 1972, but it was '74. Released unrated: "Due to the nature of this film, it is not recommended for any one under the age of 18."

FROZEN SCREAM (July 1984) -- Filmed in 1975, completed in 1981. Licensed to Continental Video for a double feature videocassette release with EXECUTIONER II. Starring Renee Harmon, who also produced the movie and wrote a novelization of it titled Evil Covenant (published in 2000 by Xlibris).

FUN LOVING (April 1982) -- Released by UMC Pictures in 1970 as QUACKSER FORTUNE HAS A COUSIN IN THE BRONX. Starring Gene Wilder and Margot Kidder.

GISELLE (September 1982) -- Filmed in Brazil in 1980. Announced for release in August 1981. Available on video from Continental Video as HER SUMMER VACATION. Starring Alba Valeria, Carlo Mossy and Maria Lúcia Dahl.

GREATEST WARRIOR OF SHAOLIN -- No details available

GROUP MARRIAGE (December 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1972. Re-released by 21st Century on a double bill with THE MUTHERS. Directed by Stephanie Rothman. Starring Victoria Vetri, Aimee Eccles, Solomon Sturges, Claudia Jennings, Jeffrey Pomerantz, Jayne Kennedy, Zack Taylor and Milt Kamen.

HELL RIDERS (August 1984) -- Starring Adam West, Tina Louise, Ross Alexander, Renee Harmon, Eric Bryce, Chris Haramis, Frank Millen and Lynn Whitmire. Written by Renee Harmon and James Bryan. Produced by Renee Harmon. Directed by James Bryan. Lee Frost was executive producer.

HI-RIDERS -- Submitted to the MPAA for an R rating in 1977. Released by Dimension Pictures in 1978. Written and directed by Greydon Clark. Starring Darby Hinton, Diane Peterson, Mel Ferrer, Stephen McNally, Ralph Meeker, and Neville Brand.

THE HUMAN TORNADO -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1976. Sequel to DOLEMITE. Starring Rudy Ray Moore, Lady Reed, Jimmy Lynch, Howard Jackson, Jerry Jones, Lord Java and Ernie Hudson. Directed by Cliff Roquemore. Written by Jerry Jones.

I GO POGO (August 1980) -- A stop-motion animated feature based on the comic strip by Walt Kelly. Written and directed by Marc Paul Chinoy. Voice talents: Jonathan Winters, Vincent Price, Ruth Buzzi, Stan Freberg, Jimmy Breslin, Arnold Stang, Bob McFadden and Skip Hinnant. A View-Master packet was issued to tie in with the movie's release.

THE IMAGE OF BRUCE LEE (March 1980) -- Originally titled MENG NAN DA ZEI YAN ZHI HU (1978), starring Bruce Le

THE IRON DRAGON STRIKES BACK (September 1981) -- Announced December 1980. Originally titled HUI FENG HAO HUANG JIN DA FENG BAO (1979). Starring Bruce Li.

JACKIE CHAN AND THE 36 CRAZY FISTS (May 1983) -- Originally titled SAN SHI LIU MI XING QUAN (1977), starring Hsiung Kuang. Jackie Chan was actually the fight choreographer on this film, and only appears in behind-the-scenes footage that was tacked on at the beginning.

JAILBAIT BABYSITTER -- Released by Empire Releasing in 1977. Licensed to Continental Video for a double feature videocassette release with THE STUDENT BODY. Directed by John Hayes. Starring Thérèse Paré, Roscoe Born and Lydia Wagner.

JENNIFER -- Originally released by American International Pictures (AIP) in 1978. Shown on TV as JENNIFER, THE SNAKE GODDESS beginning in 1982. Directed by Brice Mack. Produced by Steve Krantz. Starring Lisa Pelikan, Bert Convy, Nina Foch, Amy Johnston, John Gavin and Jeff Corey.

KUNG FU (September 1978) -- No details available

KUNG FU FURY (1980) -- Directed by Shaw Fung James. No other details available.

LEGACY OF STARS -- No details available

LEGEND OF BLACK THUNDER MOUNTAIN (March 1985) -- Filmed in 1979, originally released in 1980. Starring Bozo the Bear, Glen Porter and Tim Staab.

LEGEND OF THE DRAGON -- No details available

THE LEGEND OF THE WOLF WOMAN (March 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1977. Originally titled LA LUPA MANNARA (1976), starring Annik Borel, Howard Ross and Dagmar Lassander.

LION MAN (1980) -- Originally titled ASLAN ADAM (1975), starring Steve Arkin (Cüneyt Arkin). Released instead by William Mishkin Motion Pictures as LION MAN, LION MAN VS. THE BARBARIANS and THE SWORD AND THE CLAW.

LUNATIC (1981) -- Released by UMC Pictures in 1971 as THE NIGHT VISITOR. Starring Max Von Sydow, Liv Ullmann, Trevor Howard and Per Oscarsson.

MAGNIFICENT BODYGUARD (1982) -- Originally titled FEI DU JUAN YUN SHAN (1978), directed by Lo Wei and starring Jackie Chan. Filmed in 3D.

MASTERMIND -- Filmed in 1969. Announced from Cinerama Releasing in 1970. Released in 1976 by EPOH and Goldstone Film Distributors. Re-released by Flora Releasing. Starring Zero Mostel, Keiko Kishi, Bradford Dillman, Sorrell Booke and Felix Silla. Written by William Peter Blatty as "Terence Clyne."

MEAN JOHNNY BARROWS -- Released by Atlas Films in 1975. Re-released by Flora Releasing and Dimension Pictures. Produced and directed by Fred Williamson, starring Fred Williamson, Stuart Whitman, Roddy McDowell, Luther Adler, Robert Phillips and Elliott Gould.

MR. MAGOO’S SOLID GOLD SHOW -- Released by United Artists in 1977 as THE SOLID GOLD SHOW. Produced by Howard Hamilton Smith. Starring Buffalo Bob, Dick Shawn, Marilyn Patch, Mr. Magoo. Rated G.

MRS. SHUMWAY GOES WEST -- Originally titled UNE BLONDE COMME ÇA (1962), with TV showings in the U.S. beginning in 1970

THE MUTHERS (May 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1976. 21st Century re-released this in May of 1981 on a double bill with SNAKE FIST FIGHTER and in December '81 on a double bill with GROUP MARRIAGE. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago. Starring Rosanne Katon, Jeanne Bell, Trina Parks and Jayne Kennedy.

NEW YORK NINJA (December 1984) -- "International karate champ John Liu is TV technician who turns vengeful ninja following the brutal murder of his wife." No other details available.

NIGHT CREATURE (October 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1978 under this title and also as CAT and OUT OF THE DARKNESS. Produced by Ross Hagen. Directed by Lee Madden. Starring Donald Pleasence, Ross Hagen, Nancy Kwan and Jennifer Rhodes.

NIGHTMARE (October 1981) -- Written and directed by Romano Scavolini. Starring Baird Stafford, Sharon Smith, C.J. Cooke and Mik Cribben. Also known as BLOOD SPLASH and NIGHTMARES IN A DAMAGED BRAIN. Tom Savini requested that his "special effects director" credit be removed from all advertising materials. Released unrated: "No one under the age of 17 will be admitted due to the violent nature of this film."

THE OBSESSED ONE (November 1977) -- Appears to be the 1973 Suriname production OPERATIE MAIKONAMA with added scenes. Starring Malc Panday, Tracy Parrish and Sally Savalas. Directed by Ramdjan Abdoelrahman.

PEPPER AND HIS WACKY TAXI -- Submitted to the MPAA for a G rating in 1972. Released by Group 1 in 1973. Starring John Astin, Maria Pohji, Allan Sherman and Frank Sinatra Jr. Re-released by Flora Releasing as WACKY TAXI.

PHANTOM OF TERROR (April 1982) -- Announced August 1980. Released by UMC Pictures in 1970 as THE BIRD WITH THE CRYSTAL PLUMAGE. Directed by Dario Argento. Starring Tony Musante, Suzy Kendall, Eva Renzi and Mario Adorf. In Boxoffice magazine this was erroneously listed by 21st Century as a re-release of Umberto Lenzi's SPASMO.

PRISON SHIP 2005 (January 1985) -- A Jack H. Harris presentation, released by Vidmark Entertainment in 1988 as STAR SLAMMER: THE ESCAPE. Directed by Fred Olen Ray. Starring Sandy Brooke, Susan Stokey, Ross Hagen, Aldo Ray, Dawn Wildsmith, Marya Gant, Bobbie Bresee, Richard Hench and John Carradine.

RAIDERS OF THE SHALIMAR -- Filmed in 1978. Also known as SHALIMAR and RAIDERS OF THE SACRED STONE. Directed by Krishna Shah. Starring Dharmendra, Zeenat Aman, Rex Harrison, Sylvia Miles and John Saxon.

THE REDEEMER -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1978. Available on video from VCI under this title, prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video under the title CLASS REUNION MASSACRE. Starring T.G. Finkbinder, Damien Knight and Jeannetta Arnette. Directed by Constantine S. Gochis.

RETURN OF BRUCE (February 1982) -- Originally titled ZHONG LIE JING WU MEN (1978). Starring Bruce Le, Lo Lieh, Meng Fei.

RETURN OF THE TIGER (June 1980) -- Announced for release in January 1980. Originally titled DA JUAN TAO (1979), starring Bruce Le, Angela Mao and Paul Smith.

REVENGE OF SHOGUN ASSASSIN -- No details available

REVENGE OF THE BRUCE LEE CONNECTION (1980) -- Starring Chang Li and Heng Wa Keung. No other details available.

REVENGE OF THE SHOGUN WOMEN (January 1982) -- Originally titled SHI SHAN NU NI (1977) and filmed in Michael Findlay's "Super Touch 3-D" process. Also known as 13 NUNS. Directed by Mei Chun Chang. Starring Ying Bai, Shirley Han and Shisuen Leong.

RHYTHM & BLUES REVUE -- Compilation of footage from the T.V. show Showtime at the Apollo (1954), produced for T.V. by Ben Frye. Hosted by Willie Bryant. Featured performers: Freddie Robinson, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Faye Adams, Bill Bailey, Herb Jeffries, Amos Milburn, Sarah Vaughan, Nipsey Russell, Big Joe Turner, Martha Davis, Little Buck, Nat 'King' Cole, Mantan Moreland, Cab Calloway and Ruth Brown.

RIP VAN WINKLE -- A 1964 TV production by Rufus & Margo Rose, starring the Rufus Rose Marionettes. See also ALADDIN'S LAMP and TREASURE ISLAND.

THE RIVER NIGER -- Released by Cine Artists Pictures in 1976. Directed by Krishna Shah. Starring Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, Louis Gossett Jr., Glynn Turman, Roger E. Mosley and Zakes Mokae. Based on the play by Joseph A. Walker. Music by War.

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL REVUE -- Compilation of footage from the T.V. show Showtime at the Apollo (1954), produced for T.V. by Ben Frye. Hosted by Willie Bryant. Featured performers: Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, the Clovers, Dinah Washington, Martha Davis, and Mantan Moreland.

RUBY -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1977. Directed by Curtis harrington. Starring Piper Laurie, Stuart Whitman, Roger Davis, Janit Baldwin and Len Lesser. Novelization published by Berkley in 1978 and credited to "Kerry Stewart" [Linda Stewart].

SALUT L'ARTISTE (November 1976) -- Filmed in 1973, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Françoise Fabian and Jean Rochefort

SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS -- Released by World Amusements in 1977. Re-released by Dimension Pictures in 1979. Directed by Greydon Clark. Starring John Ireland, Yvonne De Carlo, Jack Kruschen, John Carradine, Sydney Chaplin, Jacquelin Cole and Kerry Sherman. Rated R by the MPAA, then re-edited for a PG rating.

SCALPS (December 1983) -- Announced as a June 1984 release. Licensed to Continental Video for a double feature videocassette release with THE SLAYER. Directed by Fred Olen Ray. Starring Jo-Ann Robinson and Richard Hench.

SEEDS OF EVIL -- Filmed in 1973 as THE GARDENER. Released by KKI Films in 1974 as THE GARDENER and then as SEEDS OF EVIL. Re-released by Flora Releasing in 1977 and New American Films in 1981. Directed by James H. Kay. Starring Katharine Houghton, Joe Dallesandro and Rita Gam.

SHADOW FIST HUNTER -- Also known as BRUCE LEE'S SHADOWFIST. No other details available.

SHAOLIN KUNG FU MYSTAGOGUE -- Originally titled DA MO MI ZONG (1976). Released by Headliner Productions as MYSTAGOGUE SUPERMAN. Also known as KILLER FISTS and 18 SHAOLIN DISCIPLES.

SHOW BARDOT -- Shown on TV in France as LE SHOW BARDOT (1968)

THE SIN OF ADAM & EVE -- Originally titled EL PECADO DE ADAN Y EVA (1969). Acquired by New World Pictures for release in 1971. Released by Dimension Pictures in 1972. Directed by Miguel Zacarías. Starring Jorge Rivero and Candy Wilson.

SLAVES (August 1981) -- Released unrated by Continetnal Distributing in 1969. Rated R by the MPAA in 1979 for a re-release. Directed by Herbert J. Biberman and starring Dionne Warwick, Ossie Davis, Stephen Boyd and Gale Sondergaard. Novelization published by Pyramid and written by John O. Killens.

THE SLAYER (October 1982) -- Available on video from Planet Video prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video for a double feature release with SCALPS. Directed by J.S. Cardone. Starring Sarah Kendall, Frederick Flynn and Carol Kottenbrook. Also known as NIGHTMARE ISLAND.

SNAKE FIST FIGHTER (May 1981) -- Originally titled GUANG DONG XIAO LAO HU (1978). Filmed in 1971 as THE CUB TIGER OF KWANG TUNG (a.k.a. LITTLE TIGER OF CANTON), starring Jackie Chan, and briefly released in Hong Kong in 1973. New scenes featuring Dean Shek, Yuen Biao and a Chan stand-in were shot in 1978 for international release. This version, also known as MASTER WITH CRACKED FINGERS, is what 21st Century released in 1981. Available on video from Planet Video prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video under the title SNAKE FIST NINJA for a double feature release with THE DRAGON VS. NEEDLES OF DEATH.

SNAKE FIST VS. THE DRAGON (August 1980) -- Originally titled HOU HSING KOU SHOU (1979), starring John Cheung and Wilson Tong. Also known as SNAKE IN THE MONKEY'S SHADOW.

SNUFF BOX CONNECTION (September 1978) -- Originally titled SHEN TUI TIE SHAN GONG (1977). Also known as SNUFF BOTTLE CONNECTION. Starring John Liu.

SPORT BILLY -- A cartoon produced by Filmation in 1979 for German TV, and picked up by NBC in 1982 for U.S. television

STONE (November 1984) -- Filmed in Australia in 1974, starring Ken Shorter and writer-director Sandy Harbutt

THE STUDENT BODY -- Released by Surrogate Releasing in 1976. Re-released by Motion Picture Marketing (MPM) in 1981 as CLASSROOM TEASERS. Available on video from Planet Video prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video for a double feature release with JAILBAIT BABYSITTER. Directed by Gus Trikonis. Starring Warren Stevens, Jillian Kesner, Janice Heiden, June Fairchild and Peter Hooten.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHER -- Originally titled LA SUPPLENTE (1975). Released by Empire Releasing in 1978. Directed by Guido Leoni. Starring Carmen Villani, Eligio Zamara, Carlo Giuffrè and Dayle Haddon.

SUICIDE CULT (August 1980) -- Copyright 1976 and released by Interstar Corporation in 1978 as THE ASTROLOGER. Directed by James Glickenhaus. Starring Bob Byrd, Mark Buntzman, James Glickenhaus, Alison McCarthy, Ivy White and Monica Tidwell. Based on the novel The Astrologer by John Cameron [A.G. MacDonell]. Not to be confused with THE ASTROLOGER (1975), starring Craig Denney and directed by Arthur Dreifuss.

SUPER SOUL BROTHER -- Released by International Cinema Inc. under the title THE SIX THOUSAND DOLLAR NIGGER beginning December 22, 1978. Directed by Rene Martinez Jr. Starring Wildman Steve Gallon, Joycelyn Norris, Benny Latimore and Peter Conrad.

SUPERVAN -- Released by Empire Releasing in 1977. Directed by Lamar Card. Starring Mark Schneider, Katie Saylor, Morgan Woodward, Len Lesser, Skip Riley, Bruce Kimball, George Barris, and a cameo by Charles Bukowski.

SURVIVAL ZONE -- Originally released by Commedia Pictures in 1983. Also known as HAUNTED PLANET. Shot in South Africa. Directed by Percival Rubens. Starring Gary Lockwood, Camilla Sparv, Morgan Stevens and Zoli Marki.

SWAP MEET -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1979. Produced by Steve Krantz. Directed by Brice Mack. Starring Danny Goldman, Jonathan Gries, Ruth Cox, Deborah Richter, Cheryl Rixon, George Memmoli, Marc Lawrence, Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman.

SWEET SUGAR -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1972. Re-released by Motion Picture Marketing (MPM) in 1982 as CHAINGANG GIRLS. Available on video from Cult Video as SHE-DEVIL IN CHAINS, prior to 21st Century licensing it to Continental Video for a double feature release with ESCAPE FROM WOMEN'S PRISON. Directed by Michel Levesque. Starring Phyllis Davis, Ella Edwards, Timothy Brown, Pamela Collins, Cliff Osmond, Jacqueline Giroux, Angus Duncan, Albert Cole and James Whitworth. Produced by Charles S. Swartz. Written by Don Spencer.

TERMINAL ISLAND (February 1981) -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1973. Directed by Stephanie Rothman. Starring Don Marshall, Phyllis Davis, Ena Hartman, Barbara Leigh, Marta Kristen, Randy Boone, Tom selleck, Roger E. Mosley, Sean Kenney and James Whitworth. Magnum P.I. stars Selleck and Mosley were top-billed in the re-release advertising.

THREE FANTASTIC SUPERMEN (1976) -- Originally known as I FANTASTICI 3 $UPERMEN (1967), starring Tony Kendall, Brad Harris and Nick Jordan

TO THE DEVIL...A DAUGHTER -- Released by Cine Artists Pictures in 1976. A Hammer production. Directed by Peter Sykes. Starring Richard Widmark, Christopher Lee, Honor Blackman, Denholm Elliott and Nastassja Kinski.

TOMCATS -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1977. Licensed to Continental Video under the title AVENGED. Also known as GETTING EVEN and DEADBEAT. Directed by Harry Kerwin. Written by Wayne Crawford and Andrew Lane. Starring Chris Mulkey, Polly King, Wayne Crawford and William Kerwin.

THE TORMENTED (April 1977) -- Originally titled L'OSSESSA (1974). Directed by Mario Gariazzo. Starring Stella Carnacina, Lucretia Love, Chris Avram, Gabriele Tinti, Ivan Rassimov and Luigi Pistilli. Re-released by 21st Century in 1980 as THE EERIE MIDNIGHT HORROR SHOW, and issued on videocassette by Planet Video and Continental Video under this title.

TOUGH -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1974. Also known as JOHNNY TOUGH and JOHNNY. Written, produced and directed by Horace Jackson. Starring Dion Gossett, Christopher Townes and Renny Roker. Music by Dennis Coffey.

TREASURE ISLAND -- A 1964 TV production by Rufus & Margo Rose, starring the Rufus Rose Marionettes. See also ALADDIN'S LAMP and RIP VAN WINKLE.

TWILIGHT PEOPLE (September 1981) -- Originally made for New World Pictures in 1971. Released by Dimension Pictures in 1972. Directed by Eddie Romero. Starring John Ashley, Pat Woodell, Jan Merlin, Charles Macaulay and Pam Grier.

VAMPIRE HOOKERS -- Released by Caprican Three in 1978 as VAMPIRE HOOKERS and in 1979 as VAMPIRE GRAVEYARD. Re-released by Saturn International in 1981 as THE SENSUOUS VAMPIRES. Also known as VAMPIRE HOOKERS OF HORROR. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago. Written by Howard R. Cohen. Starring Karen Stride, Lenka Novak, Katie Dolan, John Carradine, Trey Wilson, Bruce Fairbairn and Vic Diaz.

VENGEANCE (ONE BY ONE) (January 1978) -- Originally titled LE VIEUX FUSIL. Released by United Artists in 1975 as THE OLD GUN. Re-released by Surrogate Releasing in 1976 as ONE BY ONE. Re-released as THE LAST STRAW in 1979. Directed by Robert Enrico. Starring Philippe Noiret, Romy Schneider, Jean Bouise, Joachim Hansen and Robert Hoffmann.

VOICE IN THE WIND (February 1978) -- Starring Ari San. No other details available.

WAR OF THE WIZARDS (December 1983) -- Originally titled THE PHOENIX (1978). A Taiwanese fantasy co-starring Richard Kiel.

WILLIAM SHATNER'S MIRACLES OF THE GODS -- Released by Hemisphere Pictures in 1976 as MYSTERIES OF THE GODS. A West German documentary based on the bestselling book by Erich von Däniken. Narrated by William Shatner.

THE WORKING GIRLS -- Released by Dimension Pictures in 1974. Written and directed by Stephanie Rothman. Starring Sarah Kennedy, Laurie Rose, Lynne Guthrie, Solomon Sturges, Mark Thomas, Mary Beth Hughes and Cassandra Peterson.

Compiled by Chris Poggiali

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Movie Ads of the Week: HERCULES IN THE HAUNTED WORLD

Saturday, March 26, 2011

The Endangered List (Case File #101)

Monday, March 21, 2011

21st Century Distribution Corporation: The Filmography (1976-1986)