Before praising the 2024 Oscars and their approach to sex, we need to acknowledge one truth. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences completely ignored one of the best movies of the year, and a movie that features one of the most frank and vulnerable sexual scenes committed to film. It, of course, involves a bathtub, where one man’s desire for another becomes clear in a way that not even he had heretofore acknowledged.
What? No, not Saltburn. I said a good movie, not a loud nothing that approaches sex like a 12-year-old who just learned a few rude words.
I’m referring to the beautiful Andrew Haigh film All of Us Strangers, which received no Oscar attention, not even for its outstanding leads Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The scene in question occurs after screenwriter Adam (Scott) returns from his parents’ home, where he just came out to his mother,...
What? No, not Saltburn. I said a good movie, not a loud nothing that approaches sex like a 12-year-old who just learned a few rude words.
I’m referring to the beautiful Andrew Haigh film All of Us Strangers, which received no Oscar attention, not even for its outstanding leads Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal. The scene in question occurs after screenwriter Adam (Scott) returns from his parents’ home, where he just came out to his mother,...
- 3/7/2024
- by Joe George
- Den of Geek
Nearly nine months after a judge dismissed a case involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet — who claimed they were sexually exploited by Paramount and the film’s director — both Leonard Whiting (Romeo) and Olivia Hussey (Juliet) are again suing the studio, this time alongside boutique label The Criterion Collection, who released the Shakespeare adaptation last year.
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
The lawsuit (via EW), like the failed one, seeks to stop exploitation and distribution of images of the actors in Romeo and Juliet, as it contains footage of both — who were teenagers at the time of filming — in partial nudity. They, too, maintain that profits are being made off of their images in a modern format, something they could not consent to due to their age and technology at the time. According to the claim, “Among other things, the digital photos rendered, in extremely high-definition detail, the contents of several analog color...
- 2/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Astro’s Cha Eun-woo Reacts To Romance Rumors With India Eisley(Photo Credit –Instagram)
South Korean actor/singer Cha Eun-woo is popular among K-Drama lovers. He has a huge fan base who are eager to know more about him, especially his love life. The media is also interested in bringing out such information, and while doing so, Eun-woo was linked to American actor India Eisley. He has now opened up about the alleged dating rumors with India. Keep scrolling for more.
Eun-woo is known for shows like True Beauty, Gangnam Beauty, and Island. He is also a member of the boy band Astro. The actor has over 42 million followers on the photo-sharing app Instagram. He is also a prominent personality in the fashion world and is associated with large labels such as Burberry, Dior Beauty, The North Face, Ricola, and others. He was born in 1997 in South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province.
South Korean actor/singer Cha Eun-woo is popular among K-Drama lovers. He has a huge fan base who are eager to know more about him, especially his love life. The media is also interested in bringing out such information, and while doing so, Eun-woo was linked to American actor India Eisley. He has now opened up about the alleged dating rumors with India. Keep scrolling for more.
Eun-woo is known for shows like True Beauty, Gangnam Beauty, and Island. He is also a member of the boy band Astro. The actor has over 42 million followers on the photo-sharing app Instagram. He is also a prominent personality in the fashion world and is associated with large labels such as Burberry, Dior Beauty, The North Face, Ricola, and others. He was born in 1997 in South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province.
- 2/16/2024
- by Esita Mallik
- KoiMoi
Alice Walker published her acclaimed novel “The Color Purple” in 1982. It sold five million copies; Walker became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize and she also received the National Book Club Award. Three years later, Steven Spielberg directed the lauded film version which made stars out of Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover. It earned 11 Oscar nominations. The story revolves around a young woman who suffers abuse from her father and husband for four decades until she finds her own identity. Not exactly the stuff of a Broadway musical.
But the 2005 tuner version received strong reviews, ran 910 performances and earned ten Tony nominations, winning best actress for Lachanze. The 2015 production picked up two Tonys for best revival and actress for Cynthia Erivo. The movie musical version opened strong Christmas Day with $18 million and is a strong contender in several Oscar categories especially for Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
But the 2005 tuner version received strong reviews, ran 910 performances and earned ten Tony nominations, winning best actress for Lachanze. The 2015 production picked up two Tonys for best revival and actress for Cynthia Erivo. The movie musical version opened strong Christmas Day with $18 million and is a strong contender in several Oscar categories especially for Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks.
- 1/2/2024
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Merry Creepmas, you filthy animals. The final day of Bloody Disgusting’s 12 Days of Creepmas is here, and it feels only fitting to celebrate with the reigning champion of holiday horror: Bob Clark’s Black Christmas.
In case you missed any of the holiday festivities, you can keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Released in 1974, Black Christmas has a simple setup on paper; over Christmas break, the residents of a sorority house are stalked and preyed upon by an unseen foe. Thanks to director Bob Clark and screenwriter Roy Moore, the plot isn’t quite so simple as it sounds thanks to a wonderfully complex cast of characters and character-driven moments that enhance the horror.
Scene-stealer Barb (Margot Kidder) is foul-mouthed and unapologetic, and her pranks or drunken quips ensure this sorority house is full of life. Barb is the precise type of handful that likely wears on housemother Mrs.
In case you missed any of the holiday festivities, you can keep track of the 12 Days of Creepmas here.
Released in 1974, Black Christmas has a simple setup on paper; over Christmas break, the residents of a sorority house are stalked and preyed upon by an unseen foe. Thanks to director Bob Clark and screenwriter Roy Moore, the plot isn’t quite so simple as it sounds thanks to a wonderfully complex cast of characters and character-driven moments that enhance the horror.
Scene-stealer Barb (Margot Kidder) is foul-mouthed and unapologetic, and her pranks or drunken quips ensure this sorority house is full of life. Barb is the precise type of handful that likely wears on housemother Mrs.
- 12/25/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Christmas is coming and we’re painting the snow red on Screambox.
There are an absurd amount of presents under our tree, including the “Frankenstein”-inspired Santastein, the nasty Secret Santa hailing from the director of Jason Goes to Hell, and the awesomely creepy anthology Night of the Missing.
But we also have our fair share of holiday classics, including Rare Exports, Christmas Evil, Day of the Beast, Deep Red, and even Silent Night, Deadly Night 2.
However, the star at the top of the tree is Bob Clark‘s slasher masterpiece Black Christmas, which is now streaming on Screambox courtesy of Shout! Factory.
In Black Christmas…
“The college town of Bedford is receiving an unwelcome guest this Christmas. As the residents of sorority house Pi Kappa Sigma prepare for the festive season, a stranger begins to stalk the house. A series of obscene phone calls start to plague the sorority...
There are an absurd amount of presents under our tree, including the “Frankenstein”-inspired Santastein, the nasty Secret Santa hailing from the director of Jason Goes to Hell, and the awesomely creepy anthology Night of the Missing.
But we also have our fair share of holiday classics, including Rare Exports, Christmas Evil, Day of the Beast, Deep Red, and even Silent Night, Deadly Night 2.
However, the star at the top of the tree is Bob Clark‘s slasher masterpiece Black Christmas, which is now streaming on Screambox courtesy of Shout! Factory.
In Black Christmas…
“The college town of Bedford is receiving an unwelcome guest this Christmas. As the residents of sorority house Pi Kappa Sigma prepare for the festive season, a stranger begins to stalk the house. A series of obscene phone calls start to plague the sorority...
- 12/21/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
What do Black Christmas and Silent Night, Bloody Night have in common?
Blurry first-person Pov? Check. Mouth-breathing killer? Double check. Creepy phone calls? Triple Check. In both Bob Clark’s Black Christmas (1974) and Theodore Gershuny’s Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972), an unknown killer stalks their victims around the Christmas season, both striking terror and intrigue. Each entry succeeds to varying degrees in balancing cheer and fear; one becoming a holiday classic and the other a largely-forgotten gem. As a slasherific double feature, this holiday season brings a little goodwill and a whole lotta torture.
Gene Siskel once called Black Christmas a “routine shocker,” giving it a measly 1.5 out of 4 stars. That’s a paltry review for a tightly-wound and tense proto-slasher that helped catapult the slasher genre into the limelight. It might have come four years before Halloween, but it does many of the same things and in some ways,...
Blurry first-person Pov? Check. Mouth-breathing killer? Double check. Creepy phone calls? Triple Check. In both Bob Clark’s Black Christmas (1974) and Theodore Gershuny’s Silent Night, Bloody Night (1972), an unknown killer stalks their victims around the Christmas season, both striking terror and intrigue. Each entry succeeds to varying degrees in balancing cheer and fear; one becoming a holiday classic and the other a largely-forgotten gem. As a slasherific double feature, this holiday season brings a little goodwill and a whole lotta torture.
Gene Siskel once called Black Christmas a “routine shocker,” giving it a measly 1.5 out of 4 stars. That’s a paltry review for a tightly-wound and tense proto-slasher that helped catapult the slasher genre into the limelight. It might have come four years before Halloween, but it does many of the same things and in some ways,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Bee Delores
- bloody-disgusting.com
In this week’s Yuletide-tacular episode of the Nightmare on Film Street Horror Movie Podcast, ho-ho-hold onto your seats as we unwrap the chilling classic Black Christmas (1974). Yes, fellow horror hounds, Santa’s not the only one coming down the chimney this season! Our merry scary hosts Kimmi and Jon invite you for a festive frightfest, taking an interesting detour from cheer and eggnog to unnerving phone calls and uninvited guests in the attic.
As the sorority sisters at Pi Kappa Sigma start receiving anonymous, disturbing phone calls, their Christmas spirit morphs into a chilling horror story, and one of the best slashers of all time (and one of the first)! What starts as a jolly holiday gathering quickly descends into a cat-and-mouse game with a mysterious predator, who may or may not be named Billy.
Join Kimmi & Jon as they delve into Bob Clark’s skillful direction, the gripping performances,...
As the sorority sisters at Pi Kappa Sigma start receiving anonymous, disturbing phone calls, their Christmas spirit morphs into a chilling horror story, and one of the best slashers of all time (and one of the first)! What starts as a jolly holiday gathering quickly descends into a cat-and-mouse game with a mysterious predator, who may or may not be named Billy.
Join Kimmi & Jon as they delve into Bob Clark’s skillful direction, the gripping performances,...
- 12/21/2023
- by Nightmare on Film Street
The episode of Wtf Happened to This Horror Movie? covering Black Christmas (2006) was Written and Narrated by Adam Walton, Edited by Juan Jimenez, Produced by Andrew Hatfield and John Fallon, and Executive Produced by Berge Garabedian.
The weather has turned, all of your local stores will now be well stocked up with Christmas tat, and parents will be frantically searching for new and inventive naughty shenanigans for that fucking elf to get up to, and for kids to jump out of bed and probably forget they had a ‘magic’ elf that’s probably riding around on the pet cat. That’s right gore-hounds, Christmas is upon us, so you know what that means? Christmas carnage! Yes, there’s nothing we like more here in the haunted JoBlo dungeons than revisiting some classic festive bloodshed. Of course, this time of year always brings us repeats of the usual Christmas staples like It’s A Wonderful Life,...
The weather has turned, all of your local stores will now be well stocked up with Christmas tat, and parents will be frantically searching for new and inventive naughty shenanigans for that fucking elf to get up to, and for kids to jump out of bed and probably forget they had a ‘magic’ elf that’s probably riding around on the pet cat. That’s right gore-hounds, Christmas is upon us, so you know what that means? Christmas carnage! Yes, there’s nothing we like more here in the haunted JoBlo dungeons than revisiting some classic festive bloodshed. Of course, this time of year always brings us repeats of the usual Christmas staples like It’s A Wonderful Life,...
- 12/18/2023
- by Adam Walton
- JoBlo.com
5 Best Christmas Horror Movies(Photo Credit –IMDb)
When one thinks of Christmas, horror, and gore are generally not the first things that come to mind. Christmas is all about having fun. It’s full of life and color, and identifying it as scary would be out of place. And while Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” does make a perfect example of a ‘scary Christmas,’ it does not qualify as a traditional, spine-chilling horror movie. But contrary to popular narrative — certain media out there does it, and does it well. Think of the latest “Fargo” episode that runs a Halloween theme and blends it with “Nightmare Before Christmas.”
So, the appeal behind it is understandable. This is why we have curated a list of the best Christmas horror movies you can enjoy for a change of pace from all the happy and sparkly traditions.
1. Krampus (2015) Krampus (Photo Credit –IMDb...
When one thinks of Christmas, horror, and gore are generally not the first things that come to mind. Christmas is all about having fun. It’s full of life and color, and identifying it as scary would be out of place. And while Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” does make a perfect example of a ‘scary Christmas,’ it does not qualify as a traditional, spine-chilling horror movie. But contrary to popular narrative — certain media out there does it, and does it well. Think of the latest “Fargo” episode that runs a Halloween theme and blends it with “Nightmare Before Christmas.”
So, the appeal behind it is understandable. This is why we have curated a list of the best Christmas horror movies you can enjoy for a change of pace from all the happy and sparkly traditions.
1. Krampus (2015) Krampus (Photo Credit –IMDb...
- 12/14/2023
- by Koimoi.com Team
- KoiMoi
Clockwork from bottom left: Gremlins (Screenshot: Warners Bros.), Silent Night (Screenshot: Lionsgate), Krampus (Screenshot: Universal Pictures), Bad Santa (Screenshot: Columbia Pictures), A Bad Moms Christmas (Screenshot: STX Entertainment)Graphic: The A.V. Club
It’s Christmas time again, which means more marathons of the same old sappy, feel-good movies. But what...
It’s Christmas time again, which means more marathons of the same old sappy, feel-good movies. But what...
- 12/2/2023
- by Gil Macias, Brian Collins, Robert DeSalvo, Bryan Reesman, Richard Newby, Matthew Jackson, Mark Keizer, and Jen Lennon
- avclub.com
Clint Howard – son of Rance, brother of Ron, uncle of Bryce, etc. – has been acting since he was a child, and over the decades has racked up over 250 credits, from Star Trek and The Andy Griffith Show to The Wraith, Carnosaur, Ticks, Little Nicky, Apollo 13, a couple Silent Night, Deadly Night sequels, Rob Zombie’s Halloween, 3 from Hell, and Solo: A Star Wars Story. You’ve almost certainly seen him around. His most recent credit was in the Nicolas Cage film The Old Way… and one of his most popular roles came in the 1995 horror comedy Ice Cream Man (watch it Here). Ice Cream Man has developed a strong cult following in the years since its release, and Howard is aiming to bring the audience more killer ice cream man action. He took to Instagram to reveal that he recently got some collaborators together for a reading of the Ice Cream Man sequel script!
- 5/30/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
A judge has put a dagger in the heart of the lawsuit involving the stars of 1968’s Romeo and Juliet, siding with Paramount Pictures in deciding that its use of underage nudity actually falls under the First Amendment and that the stars “had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.”
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
In her statement regarding her decision in the Romeo and Juliet lawsuit, judge Alison Mackenzie said, “Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of law to be held to be conclusively illegal…Plaintiffs’ argument on the subject is limited to cherry-picked language from federal and state statutes without offering any authority regarding the interpretation or application of those statutory provisions to purported works of artistic merit, such as the award-winning film at issue here.
- 5/28/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Los Angeles County judge Alison Mackenzie confirmed she would grant Paramount Pictures’ motion to throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 film Romeo and Juliet, citing the First Amendment.
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
Earlier this year, lead actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting sued Paramount for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. In the suit, the actors claimed that their consent was violated by the film’s director Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019.
In January...
- 5/26/2023
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
A judge has granted Paramount Pictures’ motion for dismissal of a lawsuit filed by Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, the stars of a 1968 film adaptation of “Romeo & Juliet” who claim they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing a nude scene as teenagers.
In a tentative ruling filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Alison Mackenzie ruled that the plaintiffs’ case did not sufficiently prove that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography” and therefore overrode the film’s First Amendment protections as an artistic work. While a new California law lifted the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims, the judge said that the plaintiffs did not comply with the provisions required for such claims under that law.
In a statement sent to TheWrap, Hussey and Whiting’s attorney Solomon Gresen is looking into a potential appeal of the case and is also planning to...
In a tentative ruling filed Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Alison Mackenzie ruled that the plaintiffs’ case did not sufficiently prove that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography” and therefore overrode the film’s First Amendment protections as an artistic work. While a new California law lifted the statute of limitations on child sex abuse claims, the judge said that the plaintiffs did not comply with the provisions required for such claims under that law.
In a statement sent to TheWrap, Hussey and Whiting’s attorney Solomon Gresen is looking into a potential appeal of the case and is also planning to...
- 5/25/2023
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
‘Romeo & Juliet’ $100M Sex Abuse Suit Is “Gross Mischaracterization” & Will Be Dismissed, Judge Says
“Thus with a kiss I die,” wrote William Shakespeare in Romeo & Juliet, and thus echoed a Los Angeles judge today over the alleged sexual abuse and negligence lawsuit from the stars of Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated 1968 adaptation of the doomed lovers play.
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
Stating that the $100 million in damages action against Paramount Pictures from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting contains a “gross mischaracterization” of the bedroom scenes in question from the film and citing the First Amendment, Judge Alison Mackenzie put forth a tentative ruling to dismiss the case.
“Defendant’s special motion to strike Plaintiffs’ entire Complaint …is Granted as each cause of action asserted therein arises from protected activity and Plaintiffs have failed to show a probability of success on the merits of those claims,” she wrote Thursday of Paramount’s (successful) attempt to have the matter tossed under California’s anti-slapp laws.
Simultaneously, making short work of the...
- 5/25/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film have tentatively lost their battle to receive damages over a sex scene filmed when they were teenagers
A California judge has signalled she will throw out a child abuse lawsuit put forward by the two lead actors from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Last December, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film, accused Paramount of sexual exploitation over a nude scene they allege was insisted upon after being told it wouldn’t take place.
A California judge has signalled she will throw out a child abuse lawsuit put forward by the two lead actors from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Last December, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making Franco Zeffirelli’s Oscar-winning film, accused Paramount of sexual exploitation over a nude scene they allege was insisted upon after being told it wouldn’t take place.
- 5/25/2023
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Paramount won’t have to face a lawsuit accusing the studio of sexual abuse over a nude scene in the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Alison Mackenzie signaled on Thursday that she’ll dismiss the suit, finding claims that the movie depicts sexual acts are a “gross mischaracterization” of the scene. She said in a tentative ruling that the claims “arise from protected activity” under the First Amendment.
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, 16 and 17 respectively when the film was shot, starred in the movie directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The suit seeking $500 million, which was filed under a California law that suspends the window to file a complaint for childhood sexual assault, revolves around a bedroom scene that briefly shows Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The actors accused Zeffirelli of pressuring them into performing nude scenes despite previously telling them that they...
- 5/25/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A judge on Thursday said she will throw out a lawsuit over a nude scene in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” after finding that the film is protected by the First Amendment.
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
The stars of the film, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, filed the suit in December, alleging that they were coerced by director Franco Zeffirelli into performing nude in the film’s bedroom scene. Hussey was 16 at the time of filming; Whiting was 17.
Judge Alison Mackenzie granted Paramount’s motion to throw out the suit, finding that the plaintiffs had not complied with the provisions of a California law that temporarily suspended the statute of limitations for child sex abuse claims.
Mackenzie also rejected the plaintiffs’ argument that the nude scene amounted to “child pornography.”
“Plaintiffs have not put forth any authority showing the film here can be deemed to be sufficiently sexually suggestive as a matter of...
- 5/25/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount has filed a motion to throw out a lawsuit over the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” arguing that a nude scene with underage actors does not amount to “childhood sexual assault.”
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 16 and 17 when they starred in the movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film’s famous bedroom scene includes a lingering shot of Whiting’s buttocks and a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts.
The actors, now in their 70s, filed a $500 million suit in December, alleging that Zeffirelli pressured them into performing in the nude. They accused Paramount, the distributor, of profiting from their sexual exploitation.
Paramount’s lawyers filed a motion on Monday, arguing that the suit is doomed to fail for a host of reasons. Among other things, the suit argues that the actors cannot file suit under a California law that suspends the statute of limitations for child sexual assault,...
- 5/5/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Original ‘Black Christmas’ Star Olivia Hussey Returns in Fan Film Sequel ‘It’s Me, Billy: Chapter 2’
The Black Christmas fan film It’s Me, Billy is getting a sequel with the upcoming It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2: A Black Christmas Fan Film, and we’ve got some big news this morning.
Olivia Hussey will return to her final girl roots and play Jess Bradford in the short film sequel!
Directed by Canadian filmmaking duo Dave McRae and Bruce Dale, It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2 serves as the second and final installment in their Black Christmas tribute series, honoring the legacy of one of the most important characters and films in the genre.
The filmmakers said in a statement this week, “It’s Me, Billy (2021) was always designed to be the first part of a two-part story, hence the cliffhanger ending. It was always our hope that we’d get a chance to complete our vision and bring this story to a conclusion. Now is that time.
Olivia Hussey will return to her final girl roots and play Jess Bradford in the short film sequel!
Directed by Canadian filmmaking duo Dave McRae and Bruce Dale, It’s Me, Billy Chapter 2 serves as the second and final installment in their Black Christmas tribute series, honoring the legacy of one of the most important characters and films in the genre.
The filmmakers said in a statement this week, “It’s Me, Billy (2021) was always designed to be the first part of a two-part story, hence the cliffhanger ending. It was always our hope that we’d get a chance to complete our vision and bring this story to a conclusion. Now is that time.
- 5/1/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Scream VI hit theaters, bringing Ghostface back to haunt the young adults of Woodsboro, but this time, they’re fighting for survival in New York City. Whodunit slasher horror movies are a popular subgenre that spans several decades. Here’s a look at five iconic entries in the category to watch after watching Scream VI.
‘Black Christmas’ (1974) Olivia Hussey as Jess | Warner Bros.
Winter break is here, but Jess (Olivia Hussey) and Barb (Margot Kidder), and their fellow sorority sisters begin to receive terrifying anonymous phone calls. Barb initially believes that they’re some creep making a joke, but his strange remarks turn into pointed threats. When one of the sorority girls goes missing, they begin to suspect that a serial killer is on the loose.
The original Black Christmas is one of the greatest holiday horror flicks out there, but it’s also one of the excellent whodunit movies...
‘Black Christmas’ (1974) Olivia Hussey as Jess | Warner Bros.
Winter break is here, but Jess (Olivia Hussey) and Barb (Margot Kidder), and their fellow sorority sisters begin to receive terrifying anonymous phone calls. Barb initially believes that they’re some creep making a joke, but his strange remarks turn into pointed threats. When one of the sorority girls goes missing, they begin to suspect that a serial killer is on the loose.
The original Black Christmas is one of the greatest holiday horror flicks out there, but it’s also one of the excellent whodunit movies...
- 3/19/2023
- by Jeff Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
101 Films presents the Bob Clark: Horror Collection, featuring the director’s highly influential horrors of the early 1970s, brought together for the first time. Though he would achieve wider success in the 1980s with hit comedies such as Porky’s (1981) and A Christmas Story (1983), Clark’s run of three horror movies a decade earlier — low budget horror-comedy Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things (1972), chilling Vietnam War critique Deathdream (Aka Dead of Night) (1974) and genre-defining slasher masterpiece Black Christmas (1974) — ensure his legacy as a master of the horror genre.
Title 029 on the 101 Films Black Label, this limited-edition set also features new Bob Clark documentary ‘Dreaming of Death’, stunning newly commissioned artwork for all three titles with reversible sleeves, a booklet with new writing on Clark’s career, a set of art cards, and extensive additional content.
Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things
Led by a mean-spirited director, a theatre...
Title 029 on the 101 Films Black Label, this limited-edition set also features new Bob Clark documentary ‘Dreaming of Death’, stunning newly commissioned artwork for all three titles with reversible sleeves, a booklet with new writing on Clark’s career, a set of art cards, and extensive additional content.
Children Shouldn’t Play with Dead Things
Led by a mean-spirited director, a theatre...
- 3/3/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Franco Zeffirelli apprenticed to Luchino Visconti, stage directed operas and directed several movie hits, the biggest of which was this exuberant, attractive Shakespeare adaptation, filmed like an opera with sumptuous sets and sunswept Italian locations. The novelty for 1968 was casting the Bard’s star-crossed young lovers with actual teenagers. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are attractive kids directed to give spirited performances; the critics may have had mixed reactions but the public received the film well. If memory serves, Criterion’s new remaster looks better than Paramount’s original release prints.
Romeo and Juliet
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1171
1968 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date February 14, 2023 / 39.95
Starring: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O’Shea, Pat Heywood, Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson, Paul Hardwick, Natasha Parry, Antonio Pierfederici, Esmeralda Ruspoli, Roberto Bisacco, Roy Holder, Keith Skinner, Dyson Lovell, Richard Warwick, Laurence Olivier.
Cinematography: Pasquelino De...
Romeo and Juliet
Blu-ray
The Criterion Collection 1171
1968 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / available through The Criterion Collection / Street Date February 14, 2023 / 39.95
Starring: Leonard Whiting, Olivia Hussey, John McEnery, Milo O’Shea, Pat Heywood, Robert Stephens, Michael York, Bruce Robinson, Paul Hardwick, Natasha Parry, Antonio Pierfederici, Esmeralda Ruspoli, Roberto Bisacco, Roy Holder, Keith Skinner, Dyson Lovell, Richard Warwick, Laurence Olivier.
Cinematography: Pasquelino De...
- 2/21/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Ever since the early days of film, horror fans have been comparing and contrasting the scariest moments of our favorite movies. We love to share the specific scenes that get under our skin, hoping that we’re not the only ones afraid to turn out the lights. Ranking these moments also gives us a sense of accomplishment and we compare and contrast to find the films that test us the most. If we can watch the scariest moments imaginable and come out the other side, we might just be brave enough to take on the real world.
Before Bravo became known for chronicling the sagas of housewives, the network attempted to solidify this hierarchy with a formal list of the most frightening moments film has to offer. From way back in 2004, Bravo’s The 100 Scariest Movie Moments is a mix of interviews, clips, and anecdotes that justify a 100 entry list...
Before Bravo became known for chronicling the sagas of housewives, the network attempted to solidify this hierarchy with a formal list of the most frightening moments film has to offer. From way back in 2004, Bravo’s The 100 Scariest Movie Moments is a mix of interviews, clips, and anecdotes that justify a 100 entry list...
- 1/24/2023
- by Jenn Adams
- bloody-disgusting.com
Brooke Shields became a star and attracted mild controversy in this show, director Louis Malle’s first American production. Co-writer & producer Polly Platt and cinematographer Sven Nykvist collaborated on Malle’s fascinating look at life in a New Orleans brothel early in the 20th century. Prostitute Susan Sarandon raises two children in the upscale bawdy house, and art photographer Keith Carradine becomes an artist in residence. It’s a non-moralizing portrait of a bygone lifestyle. The handsome remastered release co-stars Diana Scarwid and Barbara Steele — and comes with a new interview with Brooke Shields.
Pretty Baby
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 174
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 109 min. / Street Date November 4, 2022 / Available from / £
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine, Brooke Shields, Frances Faye, Antonio Fargas, Gerrit Graham, Matthew Anton, Mae Mercer, Diana Scarwid, Barbara Steele.
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Production Designer: Trevor Williams
Costume Supervisor: Mina Mittelman
Film Editor: Suzanne Fenn, supervisor Suzanne Baron
Music adapted by Jerry Wexler,...
Pretty Baby
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 174
1978 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 109 min. / Street Date November 4, 2022 / Available from / £
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine, Brooke Shields, Frances Faye, Antonio Fargas, Gerrit Graham, Matthew Anton, Mae Mercer, Diana Scarwid, Barbara Steele.
Cinematography: Sven Nykvist
Production Designer: Trevor Williams
Costume Supervisor: Mina Mittelman
Film Editor: Suzanne Fenn, supervisor Suzanne Baron
Music adapted by Jerry Wexler,...
- 1/24/2023
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Similar to the stars of Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo & Juliet, who are suing Paramount for 100M+ for alleged sexual abuse and more, Brooke Shields also had an unsettling experience with the 2x Oscar nominated filmmaker during the production of Endless Love.
She details the incident in the latest ABC News/Hulu Lana Wilson-directed docuseries Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields that premiered at Sundance.
Interspliced with footage from a 1981 TV interview, the late Zeffirelli, sitting next to the then 16-year-old actress, details how he twisted Shields’ toe during a sex scene; the pic about a two lovestruck teens, whose parents are bitterly against their romance. The movie was one of a trio of R-rated sex-themed summer pics that Shields starred in, the previous ones being 1978’s Pretty Baby and 1980’s Blue Lagoon.
In the Hulu doc, Shields confesses, “The physicality and the exploration of sexuality felt really dangerous to me,...
She details the incident in the latest ABC News/Hulu Lana Wilson-directed docuseries Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields that premiered at Sundance.
Interspliced with footage from a 1981 TV interview, the late Zeffirelli, sitting next to the then 16-year-old actress, details how he twisted Shields’ toe during a sex scene; the pic about a two lovestruck teens, whose parents are bitterly against their romance. The movie was one of a trio of R-rated sex-themed summer pics that Shields starred in, the previous ones being 1978’s Pretty Baby and 1980’s Blue Lagoon.
In the Hulu doc, Shields confesses, “The physicality and the exploration of sexuality felt really dangerous to me,...
- 1/22/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey rewrote a piece of film history on Dec. 30, when they filed a lawsuit alleging they were sexually exploited in the 1968 film version of “Romeo and Juliet.”
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
The actors, now 72 and 71, accuse the late director Franco Zeffirelli of coercing them into performing a bedroom scene in the nude, after first promising that they could wear flesh-colored underwear. They also claim that Zeffirelli lied to them when he said that nude images would not be shown.
In fact, the camera lingers on Whiting’s buttocks, and there is a brief glimpse of Hussey’s breasts. She was 16 and he was 17 at the time. (Their complaint misstated their ages as 15 and 16.)
A studio would never film such a scene today with underage actors, several industry experts say, though doing so is not explicitly forbidden by laws or union rules.
“No studio would touch this with a 10-foot pole,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
From Jodie Foster in Taxi Driver to Brooke Shields in The Blue Lagoon, are films that used teen actors for sexual roles heading for a reckoning? As Paramount is sued over Romeo and Juliet, we look at the scenes cinema and TV might want to forget
Spoiler alert: Romeo and Juliet does not have a happy ending. But Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the Shakespeare play did – at least until recently. The 1968 movie was a huge commercial success and became a secondary school fixture. Its stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, even briefly dated – a dream come true publicity-wise. But now it has emerged that the pair are suing the studio, Paramount, for 500m over Zeffirelli’s handling of a scene in which both actors, then 16 and 17, briefly appeared partially naked. According to the complaint, the actors “were told by Mr Zeffirelli that they must act in the nude or...
Spoiler alert: Romeo and Juliet does not have a happy ending. But Franco Zeffirelli’s adaptation of the Shakespeare play did – at least until recently. The 1968 movie was a huge commercial success and became a secondary school fixture. Its stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, even briefly dated – a dream come true publicity-wise. But now it has emerged that the pair are suing the studio, Paramount, for 500m over Zeffirelli’s handling of a scene in which both actors, then 16 and 17, briefly appeared partially naked. According to the complaint, the actors “were told by Mr Zeffirelli that they must act in the nude or...
- 1/10/2023
- by Steve Rose
- The Guardian - Film News
Pippo Zeffirelli, the son of the late Italian director Franco Zeffirelli, has publicly criticized the two lead actors of his father’s 1968 Shakespeare adaptation Romeo and Juliet for their decision to sue the film’s producer, Paramount Pictures, for child abuse over a nude scene in the movie.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were 15 and 16, respectively, when they shot the film, allege that Zeffirelli coerced them into doing a bedroom scene in the nude after they had originally agreed to wear flesh-colored body suits. The scene, which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, was highly controversial at the time.
Hussey and Whiting, both now in their 70s, recently filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children. They claim the director, who died in 2019, warned them that “the film would fail” if...
- 1/9/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A lawsuit filed by “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them as teenagers starring in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film, is drawing ire from Italy’s Franco Zeffirelli Foundation.
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
The foundation’s president, Pippo Zeffirelli, who is the late director’s adoptive son, over the weekend reacted with disdain to the suit filed in a Santa Monica court last week, which claims that Zeffirelli tricked the actors while shooting a bedroom scene that includes images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts. The “Romeo and Juliet” actors at the time were, respectively, 16 and 15 years old. The film was a hit and nominated for four Academy Awards.
“It is embarrassing to hear that, today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered an abuse that has caused them...
- 1/9/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Franco Zeffirelli’s son Pippo has hit out at the sexual exploitation lawsuit filed by Romeo and Juliet actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey.
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
The lawsuit filed against Paramount accuses the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It stems from a Romeo and Juliet nude scene involving Whiting and Hussey, allegedly filmed while they were minors.
The complaint also alleges that late director Franco told the lead actors that the 1968 film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up going back on his word.
In an interview with The Guardian, Zeffirelli’s son Pippo called the lawsuit “embarrassing” and said that the nude scene at the center of the complaint is “far from pornographic”.
“It is embarrassing to hear that today, 55 years after filming, two elderly actors who owe their notoriety essentially to this film wake up to declare that they have suffered...
- 1/9/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Pippo Zeffirelli, son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli, is criticizing the lawsuit brought by that film’s stars, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting.
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
Related Story Paramount Hit With 100M Sexual Abuse Suit By Stars Of 1968‘s ’Romeo & Juliet' Movie Related Story 'Election' Sequel 'Tracy Flick Can't Win' In Works For Paramount+; Reese Witherspoon To Produce And Return As Title Character, With Alexander Payne Directing Related Story 'Top Gun: Maverick's Jerry Bruckheimer, Joseph Kosinski, Miles Teller & Jennifer Connelly On Training And Shooting "Everything For Real" – Contenders L.A.
The actors are alleging sexual exploitation and child abuse in a lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a famous nude scene in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play.
Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, earlier this week filed suit against Paramount. They alleged that Franco Zeffirelli violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge. Hussey...
- 1/8/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The son of Romeo and Juliet director Franco Zeffirelli has criticized that film’s stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting after the actors filed a sexual exploitation and child abuse lawsuit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the 1968 big screen adaptation.
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
Earlier this week, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, sued Paramount, claiming that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — violated their consent by filming them nude without their knowledge; Hussey and Whiting were 15 and 16 years old at the time of shooting.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,...
- 1/8/2023
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Si Litvinoff, the executive producer of Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and Nicolas Roeg’s The Man Who Fell To Earth, died Dec. 26 in Los Angeles. He was 93.
His death was confirmed to Deadline by his friend Shade Rupe. A cause of death has not been announced.
Litvinoff was a practicing lawyer for more than a decade before pivoting to film production. He acquired the rights to the now-classic 1962 Anthony Burgess dystopian sci-fi novel A Clockwork Orange and developed the project with Burgess and writer Terry Southern. Litvinoff eventually recruited director Kubrick, who signed on as both producer and director.
The film, starring Malcolm McDowell as the leader of an “ultra-violence” gang in a futuristic Britain, was released by Warner Bros. in 1971 and would be nominated for four Oscars, including best picture, the following year.
Also in ’71, Litvinoff produced the drama Walkabout, set in the Australian Outback and directed by Roeg.
His death was confirmed to Deadline by his friend Shade Rupe. A cause of death has not been announced.
Litvinoff was a practicing lawyer for more than a decade before pivoting to film production. He acquired the rights to the now-classic 1962 Anthony Burgess dystopian sci-fi novel A Clockwork Orange and developed the project with Burgess and writer Terry Southern. Litvinoff eventually recruited director Kubrick, who signed on as both producer and director.
The film, starring Malcolm McDowell as the leader of an “ultra-violence” gang in a futuristic Britain, was released by Warner Bros. in 1971 and would be nominated for four Oscars, including best picture, the following year.
Also in ’71, Litvinoff produced the drama Walkabout, set in the Australian Outback and directed by Roeg.
- 1/6/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Si Litvinoff, the visionary producer behind Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange and the Nicolas Roeg-directed films The Man Who Fell to Earth and the Australian New Wave classic Walkabout, has died. He was 93.
Litvinoff died peacefully Dec. 26 in Los Angeles, his friend Shade Rupe announced. Rupe interviewed him for the Blu-ray release of Litvinoff’s groundbreaking 1968 film The Queen, which revolves around a national drag queen contest.
Litvinoff also produced the London-set All the Right Noises (1970), starring Olivia Hussey, Tom Bell and Judy Carne, and executive produced a Roeg-directed documentary about the 1972 Glastonbury Fayre music festival that featured performances by Traffic, Fairport Convention, Melanie and Arthur Brown.
In 1965, Litvinoff optioned Anthony Burgess’ 1962 novel A Clockwork Orange for a reported 500 and sent the book to Kubrick. While paying for screenplays by Burgess, Terry Southern and Michael Cooper, the producer sought Mick Jagger to star in it, all while Kubrick...
Litvinoff died peacefully Dec. 26 in Los Angeles, his friend Shade Rupe announced. Rupe interviewed him for the Blu-ray release of Litvinoff’s groundbreaking 1968 film The Queen, which revolves around a national drag queen contest.
Litvinoff also produced the London-set All the Right Noises (1970), starring Olivia Hussey, Tom Bell and Judy Carne, and executive produced a Roeg-directed documentary about the 1972 Glastonbury Fayre music festival that featured performances by Traffic, Fairport Convention, Melanie and Arthur Brown.
In 1965, Litvinoff optioned Anthony Burgess’ 1962 novel A Clockwork Orange for a reported 500 and sent the book to Kubrick. While paying for screenplays by Burgess, Terry Southern and Michael Cooper, the producer sought Mick Jagger to star in it, all while Kubrick...
- 1/6/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
55 later, Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount. To put it clearer, actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are attempting to collect damages in the hundreds of millions after the filming of a nude scene that apparently wrecked their reputation. There’s likely more to this story than many are hearing, but one thing is certain, this nude scene lasts for a matter of seconds. Unless one wants to count Whiting showing his naked backside for nearly a minute or so, Hussey’s big nude scene lasted a few seconds at best. This likely doesn’t matter to those that are sounding the
55 Years Later, Romeo and Juliet are Suing Paramount...
55 Years Later, Romeo and Juliet are Suing Paramount...
- 1/5/2023
- by Tom Foster
- TVovermind.com
Two former child movie stars are seeking closure and not “vengeance” in a 500,000 lawsuit for nude scenes they say they were forced to perform by celebrated director Franco Zeffirelli, their manager has claimed.
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
Olivia Hussey, was just 15, and Leonard Whiting 16, back in 1968 when they featured in Romeo and Juliet, directed by the late Italian filmmaker, and distributed by Paramount Pictures.
In a lawsuit alleging they were the unknowing victims of sexual abuse, sexual harassment and fraud, the British pair claim Zeffirelli told them they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in scenes set in a bedroom.
But on the morning of filming, the young actors were told they would be protected only by flesh-coloured make up, though the film would be shot from such an angle as not to reveal their nudity.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the...
- 1/4/2023
- by Andrew Buncombe
- The Independent - Film
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting are suing over their experience making 1968’s “Romeo and Juliet”.
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
The actors, who starred as teenagers in the Oscar-winning Shakespeare adaptation, have filed a suit against Paramount Pictures over a nude scene in the film, the Entertainment Weekly reported.
Read More: Judge Dismisses Defamation Lawsuit Against Phoebe Bridgers
In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, who were 15 and 16 when the movie was shot, accused the studio of exploitation, sexual abuse, negligence, distributing nude images of children and more.
“Paramount owed a duty to protect their minor children employees from child and sexual exploitation,” the lawsuit says.
The suit also claims damages are “believed to be in excess of 500 million.”
Both actors, now in their 70s, claim they have suffered emotional distress during the decades since the film premiered, along with losing out on career opportunities as a result.
They also allege that director Franco Zeffirelli had...
- 1/4/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
The question of informed consent on Zeffirelli’s 1968 film has revived the historical abuses argument – will movie production companies be hit by a tidal wave of lawsuits?
Romeo and Juliet actors sue Paramount for child abuse in 1968 film
Just when the #MeToo movement looked to be getting marginalised in just the way activists had feared, a new frontier has opened up – history.
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who as teens starred in Franco Zeffirelli’s movie version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968, are suing Paramount for more than $500m for child abuse in the semi-nude scene they say they were made to do, having originally been assured by the director that this would not be necessary. This was act three, scene five – in which the star crossed, loved-up hero and heroine awake after their (secret) wedding night.
To a modern eye, it looks pretty tame: Romeo is naked face down...
Romeo and Juliet actors sue Paramount for child abuse in 1968 film
Just when the #MeToo movement looked to be getting marginalised in just the way activists had feared, a new frontier has opened up – history.
Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, who as teens starred in Franco Zeffirelli’s movie version of Romeo and Juliet in 1968, are suing Paramount for more than $500m for child abuse in the semi-nude scene they say they were made to do, having originally been assured by the director that this would not be necessary. This was act three, scene five – in which the star crossed, loved-up hero and heroine awake after their (secret) wedding night.
To a modern eye, it looks pretty tame: Romeo is naked face down...
- 1/4/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were teenagers when they stunned the audiences in the 1968 version of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts, reports Variety.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-coloured undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director reportedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time...
- 1/4/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
Romeo and Juliet stars Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount, accusing the production company of sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
Hussey and Whiting starred in the 1968’s feature film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.
The lawsuit, verified by People, stems from a scene in the movie that showcases nude images of both actors, which were filmed when Hussey and Whiting were allegedly minors.
The complaint alleges that late director Franco Zeffirelli told the lead actors that the film wouldn’t include nudity, but ended up turning on his word.
“What they were told and what went on were two different things,” Tony Marinozzi, a business manager for the actors, told Variety in a statement on Tuesday (3 January). “They trusted Franco. At 16, as actors, they took his lead that he would not violate that trust they had.
“Franco was their friend,...
- 1/4/2023
- by Peony Hirwani
- The Independent - Film
Almost 55 years after Franco Zeffirelli Oscar-nominated adaptation of Romeo & Juliet came out, the then-young stars of the film are now suing Paramount Pictures for more than 100 million for alleged sexual abuse, negligence and more.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
“Defendants were dishonest and secretly filmed the nude or partially nude minor children without their knowledge, in violation of the state and federal laws regulating said child sexual abuse and exploitation,” the filing from Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting states. “Plaintiffs have suffered and will continue to suffer physical pain and mental pain along with extreme and severe mental anguish and emotional distress,” the suit (read it here) over the Best Picture Oscar-nominated movie based on William Shakespeare’s classic doomed lovers tale goes on to say.
In a Shakespearean drama of their own and estimating the studio has made over 500 million off the Zeffirelli adaptation, Hussey and Whiting are seeking punitive and exemplary damages of more than 100 million.
- 1/4/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The former teen stars of the 1968 Paramount Pictures production of “Romeo and Juliet” have sued the studio, claiming the film’s nude scene amounted to sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse and intentional infliction of emotional distress upon the title actors, who were just 15 and 16 years old at the time.
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
Franco Zeffirelli, the famed Italian director of films and opera, had told the teens that nudity would not be required, and that flesh-colored garments would be used for a bedroom scene, according to the lawsuit. But when the time to shoot the scene arrived in the last days of production, Zeffirelli pressured them to switch to body makeup, then shot their naked bodies without their knowledge, telling them his camera angles prevented exposure.
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were 15 and 16 years old, respectively, when the footage was taken, according to the lawsuit filed late last week in California Superior Court. The...
- 1/4/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet remains one of the more iconic movies based on the work of William Shakespeare, but the project wasn’t exactly free from controversy. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just 15 and 16 years old at the time of filming, respectively, and the movie included a bedroom scene which included glimpses of Hussey’s breasts and Whiting’s buttocks. The two Romeo and Juliet actors have now filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court accusing Paramount Pictures of “sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.“
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
According to the lawsuit, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting allege that Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019, had told them that there would be no nudity in Romeo and Juliet. Toward the end of filming, he said that they would need to perform in the nude or else “the Picture would fail.” To make matters worse,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
There are a handful of films that seemingly every American high schooler watches at some point in class, but Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting is arguably the one most watched. I distinctly remember my teacher warning us not to complain when Hussey lets out a wailing cry lamenting the turmoil between the Capulet and Montague families, joking, "yes, yes, she's very annoying, you'll just have to deal with it." Nowhere in my teacher's laundry list of preemptive warnings did she include the fact both Hussey and Whiting would be shown partially nude during a bedroom scene.
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
Her defense was that if we knew it was coming, our hormonally charged brains wouldn't be able to focus on the film knowing there was going to be T&a. However, there's a much bigger problem than whether or not some immature...
- 1/3/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet sits at the center of a lawsuit from the film’s leading actors. Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have sued Paramount Pictures for sexual exploitation and child abuse over the use of nude footage in the movie, which was captured when they were 15 and 16, respectively. They are seeking damages amounting to more than 500 million, according to Variety.
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
In the film, Romeo and Juliet are briefly depicted partially naked on their wedding night. In the suit, Hussey and Whiting, now 71 and 72, claim that...
- 1/3/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting accuse studio of sexual exploitation in nude scene in Franco Zeffirelli adaptation
The two leads from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount for child abuse over a nude scene in the film.
According to Variety, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making the Oscar-winning film, filed a lawsuit on 30 December accusing the studio of sexual exploitation.
The two leads from the 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet are suing Paramount for child abuse over a nude scene in the film.
According to Variety, Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting, who were teenagers when making the Oscar-winning film, filed a lawsuit on 30 December accusing the studio of sexual exploitation.
- 1/3/2023
- by Benjamin Lee
- The Guardian - Film News
Former “Romeo and Juliet” actors Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting have filed a lawsuit against Paramount alleging sexual exploitation at the time of the 1968 film.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
Hussey, who was 15, and Whiting, who was 16, also accused the production studio of distributing nude images of children; Hussey’s bare breasts were exposed in the film along with Whiting’s buttocks. The lawsuit was filed in Santa Monica Superior Court and claims sexual harassment, fraud, sexual abuse, negligence, appropriation of name and likeness, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unfair business practices/injunction in the complaint, as IndieWire can confirm.
Paramount Pictures Corporation is the official defendant. Law firm Solomon Gresen Gresen is representing both Hussey and Whiting in the lawsuit.
Franco Zeffirelli, who died in 2019 at age 96, directed “Romeo and Juliet.” Hussey and Whiting allege that Zeffirelli assured them there would be no nudity in the film due to the use of skin-colored undergarments.
- 1/3/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting were just teenagers when they electrified audiences in the 1968 version of “Romeo and Juliet,” directed by Franco Zeffirelli. The film was a hit and was nominated for four Academy Awards, but it also stirred controversy over a bedroom scene which included images of Whiting’s buttocks and Hussey’s bare breasts.
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
Now in their 70s, Hussey and Whiting filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica Superior Court on Friday, accusing Paramount of sexually exploiting them and distributing nude images of adolescent children.
The suit alleges that Zeffirelli — who died in 2019 — assured both actors that there would be no nudity in the film, and that they would wear flesh-colored undergarments in the bedroom scene. But in the final days of filming, the director allegedly implored them to perform in the nude with body makeup, “or the Picture would fail.”
Hussey was 15 at the time and Whiting was 16. According to the complaint,...
- 1/3/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
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