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From the obscure to the obscurest to the merely overlooked or underappreciated; they all have a home in the TiVoPlex! All times Pacific.

Tuesday 7/16/13

5:00 PM Showtime
Beware of Mr. Baker (2011 USA): Ginger Baker is, indeed, one of the most frightening men on Earth. If you have any doubts, watch this film, or if you only have a few minutes check out the ornery drummer’s May 2013 interview (perhaps better described as a joust) with the Guardian’s Michael Hann. Now 73 years old, the cantankerous grumpy old man of British rock – famous as much for his drug problems and alcohol-fueled tirades as for his drum thrashing exploits with Cream and others – is seen, warts and all, in this thoroughly entertaining rockumentary. Even if you’re not a fan of Baker’s music, you’ve gotta appreciate his To Lou Reed...and Beyond! attitude, which director Jay Bulger captures to full effect – even after being whacked in the face by Ginger’s cane. Get off my drum kit, you rotten kids! Also airs at 8:00 PM.

11:30 PM Turner Classic Movies
Thief of Damascus (1952 USA): Not to be confused with any versions of The Thief of Bagdad, Thief of Damascus is a deeply obscure Arabian Nights fantasia churned out by the good folks at Columbia’s "B" unit. Directed by Will Jason (who usually helmed short subjects), the film stars a down-on-his-luck Paul Henreid as Abu Amdar, a general tasked by wicked Khalid the Iron Man (John Sutton) to lay siege to, and capture, the titular city. Sounds like a sweeping epic might be afoot, but alas this is strictly backlot material. Uninspiring story and crummy production values aside, Thief of Damascus does feature an intriguing supporting cast, including Hogan’s Heroes Robert Clary as Aladdin, Lon Chaney Jr. as Sinbad, and Elena Verdugo as love interest Neela.

Wednesday 7/17/13

3:00 AM Turner Classic Movies
Unholy Partners (1941 USA): Edward G. Robinson plays a newspaperman with Charles Foster Kane-like ambitions in this above average Mervyn LeRoy-helmed drama. Robinson is Bruce Corey, a tabloid editor looking to raise investment cash with which to launch his own paper. He finds a willing money man in the form of shady gambler Merrill Lambert (Edward Arnold) and launches his scandal sheet with unsavory (and fake) stories in order to increase circulation. Naturally, this is no way to run a legit business, and Corey soon finds himself in deep waters when the printing presses heat up with (real) murder and insurance scandals. Surprisingly downbeat for 1941, Unholy Partners is not one of Robinson’s best known features but will definitely satisfy his fans.

7:00 PM Turner Classic Movies
Our Man In Marrakesh (1966 GB): Here’s one I’m really looking forward to! A comic caper flick with Bondian overtones from indie producer Harry Alan Towers, Our Man In Marrakesh stars Tony Randall as Andrew Jessel, a tourist who finds himself caught up in international intrigue involving bribery at the UN. Helmed by Don Sharp (Curse of the Fly, Psychomania), the film co-stars Herbert Lom, Terry-Thomas, Senta Berger, Gregoire Aslan, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Klaus Kinski, Margaret Lee, Burt Kwouk and John LeMesurier. If that mouthwatering cast isn’t enough to convince you to watch, this screening also marks Our Man In Marrakesh’s widescreen television debut.

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