Film Flashback December 20, 1968

We're going way back this week to 1968. Swinging London was the place to be, but if you were stuck in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on this date don't worry as the Martin Theatre was bringing Swinging London to you. Rat Pack buddies Peter Lawford and Sammy Davis Jr. star in Salt and Pepper. They are owners of a SoHo nightclub where a murdered lady secret agent is found and it's up to them to solve the case which involves an evil plot to overthrow the government. Of course, Sammy is salt and Peter is Pepper. The movie is directed by Richard Donner who also directed Superman (1978) and even better directed 3 episodes of Gilligan's Island. This movie is lots of fun, especially if you are a huge fan of Sammy like me, you shouldn't miss it.

The Princess Theatre has Killers Three from American International. The tagline on the poster is brilliant. It is produced by the Dick Clark who also is one of the stars. It features a Merle Haggard soundtrack and he plays one of the sheriffs in the film. Backwoods and moonshine was a popular topic back then. I would guess it was made in the wake of the huge success of Bonnie and Clyde. I may have seen it on television during the 70's, but I don't recall it if I did. The trailer makes it seem like a fun b-movie.

If the popcorn and candy at the movies weren't enough for you, then how about heading over to Shoney's where you could enjoy a fried oyster dinner and the "sock it to me" psychedelic ice cream goodie. Hmmm, I think I will pass. 

The Marbro Drive-In has a couple of films on the big screen tonight. Better bring a blanket. There's the always irascible Lee Marvin as Sergeant Ryker...is he a Commie spy....or is he not? It's funny that Alison Sie also describes Lee as irascible in the YouTube clip I found. The other feature is the western comedy Texas Across The River starring Dean Martin. It also stars Joey Bishop as Kronk which is probably considered offensive today. It's pretty cheesy and funny to me. 

Bonus: The Daily News Journal would feature a family every year going out and shopping for Christmas. It was obvious that the places they visited had paid for these entries and the Martin Theatre made sure they were a part of these pieces that ran in November and December for years. I've been sharing them the last few weeks. Here's the one from 1979 that ran in the November 18th paper. 

It looks like the Harris family is going to the Martin where they can either see National Lampoon's Animal House or Bo Derek in 10. Children under 17 were allowed into rated R films with an accompanying parent or guardian so who are we to judge, plus it is just a thinly disguised ad. I doubt the Martin family actually took their small children to see either movie. That's it for this film flashback. There's one more this month so make sure you reserve your spot here next week via Fandango.