Christopher McKittrick

I write books about classic film and rock & roll including @7thAveStones @PettyLosAngeles

[Silent Movie GIFs @silentmoviegifs]

The look on Buster Keaton's face after he completed this incredibly dangerous stunt for Steamboat Bill, Jr. (1928)

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

While I would be beyond honored if esteemed novelist Robert Harris (@Robert___Harris) read my book on ZZ Top and found it worthy of praise, I know a literary scam in the works when I see one.

Authors: While it is flattering to receive an email praising your work, be smart!

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

Thank you to everyone at the @MahoningDIT who made the Father’s Day screening of THE SEARCHERS unforgettable, including Mark, Rob, Kevin & Virgil. I have done book signings in five states, but this was the pinnacle. Long live the Mahoning and 35mm exhibition of classic films!

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

John Wayne would later tell biographer Michael Munn, “When we had to cut [Vera Miles'] scenes from THE GREEN BERETS, I told her I’d make up for it by giving her the role of my ex-wife in HELLFIGHTERS. Since the film was such a bomb, maybe I didn’t do her any favors.” #VeraMiles

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

On this day 58 years ago, John Wayne’s THE GREEN BERETS premiered in New York City. Though initially critically panned and protested for its pro-Vietnam War themes, it was one of the biggest box office hits of Wayne’s late career. #JohnWayne #TheGreenBerets @JohnDukeWayne

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

Late in production, a scene for THE GREEN BERETS was written and shot with Vera Miles portraying the wife of Wayne’s character. However, the studio (Warner Bros.) deemed the scene unnecessary and cut it to shorten the film. Wayne gave Miles a role in his next film, HELLFIGHTERS

[Silent Movie GIFs @silentmoviegifs]

The Vanishing American (1925) was one of the first Hollywood movies to be filmed in Monument Valley, more than a decade before John Ford first filmed there

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

“That’ll be the day”

I am excited to join @MahoningDIT this Sunday for a 70th anniversary screening of THE SEARCHERS in 35mm, the way John Ford intended!

https://t.co/N62Xd53Tk8

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

PSYCHO features Vera Miles as Lila Crane. Though she does not appear until halfway through the film, Miles’ performance — and her reaction in the movie’s unforgettable climax — instantly solidified her as one of cinema’s all-time greatest “scream queens” #VeraMiles

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

On this day 66 years ago, Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO premiered in just two theaters in New York City. An instant sensation, the film was promoted by a “no late admissions” policy with Hitchcock himself featured prominently in the advertising #Psycho #Hitchcock

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

The low-budget film became the most financially successful film in Alfred Hitchcock’s filmography and also arguably his most influential, particularly for the groundbreaking editing of the shower sequence and Bernard Herrmann’s emotive score #AlfredHitchcock

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

I am also excited to celebrate the 70th anniversary of John Ford's masterpiece THE SEARCHERS at
@MahoningDIT on June 21! I cannot wait to see this film in 35mm. I'll be introducing the film on what is sure to be a stunning summer night. For tickets & info: https://t.co/oD8HkyzLkQ

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

It was a pleasure joining Virgil & Mark at @MahoningDIT for Mahoning Drive-In Radio to discuss Vera Miles, THE SEARCHERS, what we love about drive-ins, the Wilhelm Scream, and even the size of Jennifer Aniston on the LEPRECHAUN DVD artwork. Trust me, it all connects.

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

https://t.co/41z736AEWR Thanks to Mark and Virgil for having me on to talk about my book VERA MILES: The HITCHCOCK Blonde Who Got Away

[Variety @Variety]

Gene Shalit, Longtime 'Today Show' Film Critic, Dies at 100 https://t.co/EZ2du4Ak87

[Classic Movie Hub @ClassicMovieHub]

Happy National Drive In Movie Day :)
Though there were drive-ins as early as the 1910s, the first patented drive-in, "Park-in Theaters," was opened 93 years ago today, on June 6, 1933, by Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey. The first film shown was Wives Beware starring Adolphe Menjou.
#otd

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

While the “legacy sequel” is now commonplace with decades-spanning franchises, PSYCHO II was at the time a unique approach to bringing one of cinema’s greatest thrills back to theaters and honoring the enduring influence of Alfred Hitchcock’s original film #VeraMiles #Hitchcock

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

PSYCHO II was released on this day 43 years ago. Reuniting Anthony Perkins and Vera Miles, this once-thought impossible sequel has continued to grow in acclaim in the decades since it brought Norman Bates and Lila Crane back to the screen. #PsychoII #AnthonyPerkins #NormanBates

[Christopher McKittrick @ChrisMcKit]

Though Alfred Hitchcock died in 1980, the behind-the-scenes crew of PSYCHO II featured many individuals who had worked with Hitchcock. “It was the last gathering of people who worked with Alfred Hitchcock, so as a fan, it was fascinating to me,” screenwriter Tom Holland told me.