Donald Westlake — writing as Richard Stark — said only one movie made from a Parker novel "got the feeling right." That's John Flynn's The Outfit (1973), starring Robert Duvall as Earl Macklin, out of prison to find his brother murdered by the mob over a bank job. Rather than run, Macklin runs at them, hitting every vulnerable Outfit operation until they pay. Joe Don Baker and Karen Black co-star alongside a murderer's row of noir faces: Robert Ryan, Marie Windsor, Jane Greer, Timothy Carey, and Elisha Cook Jr.
Jedidiah Ayres and Gary Phillips join Mike to dig into Westlake's dual-track career, the Parker adaptations from Point Blank to Play Dirty, Flynn's flat-and-mean style, and the film's year-long crawl across America courtesy of MGM's "smiling cobra" James Aubrey. Released in celebration of Arrow Video's new Limited Edition Blu-ray — featuring a commentary track by Mike and Jedidiah.
Special Guest: Sam Ingraffia Guest Co-Hosts: Gary Phillips, Jackie Stewart
We conclude Black History Month with a look at Jamaa-Fanakaa’s Welcome Home, Brother Charles. Released in 1975 it’s the story of our titular Brother Charles (Marlo Monte) who is picked up by the police and possibly castrated for being too “uppity”. Amid the crime and corruption of mid-seventies Los Angeles we follow Charles as he’s railroaded into jail and swears revenge upon his release.
Gary Phillips and Jackie Stewart join Mike to discuss this bizarre story of vengeance. Sam Ingraffia talks about his role in the film (as well as his work on Barney Miller).
Special Guest: Christopher St. John Guest Co-Hosts: Gary Phillips, Samm Deighan
Our Black History Month coverage continues with a look at Christopher St. John's Top of the Heap. Released in 1972 the film stars St. John as George Lattimer, a DC police officer who’s confronted with pressures from his job, his wife, and his daughter. When his mother dies, George undergoes a bit of a breakdown where he starts fantasizing about another life including being an astronaut.
Gary Phillips and Samm Deighan join Mike to discuss this sorely under-seen film while Christopher St. John talks about how Top of the Heap came together despite interference from the film's producer.
The Code Red Blu-Ray of Top of the Heap is out of print. In the meantime, you can see the film via Shout Factory TV, Tubi, and other streaming services.
Guest Co-Hosts: Gary Phillips, Jedidiah Ayres
Special Guest: 
Special Guest: