An Obscure Letter! Obscure But Terrific “Q” Cinema!
Some letters are filled with great films – some less so – but my “Movies A-Z” continues with a quirky list of “Q” films that will make you laugh, cry, cover your eyes and so much more!
And yes, you get some vintage Zsa Zsa Gabor as well!
Let’s get started with one of my favorite comedies – a strangely under-appreicted film from one of our favorite people:
10 – “Quick Change”
In 1990, Bill Murray directed this great comedy about a trio of friends who pull off the perfect crime – they just can’t find the airport!
Any movie that begins with the line “Clowns Welcome!” works for me!
Here is the trailer:
Geena Davis and Randy Quaid are also great in the movie, which didn’t do well when it was released, but there is so much to love – see more great trivia here:
Next up is a really fun “B” movie – Director Larry Cohen’s ode to classic horror monsters:
9 – “Q, The Winged Serpent”
In 1982, Cohen unleashed a dragon onto New York City – and had a great time doing so! Here is the trailer:
Larry Cohen has made some of the most enjoyable movies around – including the classic movie with one of the best tagline of all:
“There’s only one things wrong with the Davis baby…”
“It’s Alive!”
He also made some great blaxploitation as well – see more about this eclectic Director here:
Time to head to Paris – oh, not the Eiffel tower – this is a part of Paris you probably don’t wander around in:
8 – “Quiet Days In Clichy”
The notorious Henry Miller novel was turned into a cinema verite look at two penniless Writers who seek fun and sex in Paris 1970:
After 33 years, a completely uncut version of the film was finally released on home video…while not a “good” film, it’s a fascinating time capsule…
From “time capsule” to Oscar-winning historical bio-pic, thanks to Helen Mirren:
7 – “The Queen”
Mirren won Best Actress in 2006 for her portrayal of “The Queen”, and how she reacted to the death of Princess Diana…here is the trailer:
Director Stephen Frears got an amazing, nuanced performance from Mirren as a Queen who finds herself out of touch with a public who loved the former daughter-in-law she didn’t.
Mirren has had a great career so far, here are some highlights:
Next up is another Queen, not quite as “royal”:
6 – “The Queen Of Versailles”
Jackie Siegel and her husband have a lavish lifestyle – until the crash of 2008 tears their life apart, and puts their “castle” at risk…check out the trailer:
This is a terrific 2012 documentary that follows the couple as they build a mansion inspired by Versailles…a story about America, money and status…
It’s eye-opening and surprisingly poignant as well…now, onto a movie based on a double album by The Who!
5 – “Quadrophenia”
Pete Townsend wrote an amazing concept album about a group of mods and rockers in London – and in 1979 it was made into a great movie!
Here is the trailer:
Pete Townsend’s songwriting is superb – this is a really great film that captures a unique time in England’s history of upheaval – oh, and 50 years on, The Who are still on tour!
Here is a look at their incredible career:
From England, we “saddle up” and head to the wild wild west:
4 – “The Quick And The Dead”
Call her the “lady with no name” – Sharon Stone rides into town like Clint Eastwood at his best and takes on the most ruthless gunslingers in the west – check out the trailer:
Director Sam Raimi assembled a “once in a lifetime” cast: Sharon Stone, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gene Hackman and Russell Crowe!
This is a really good western – we need more of them!
What we don’t need is this – a sub-par 007: every James Bond craps out at least once, and it was no different for Daniel Craig:
3 – “Quantum Of Solace”
Daniel Craig was coming off a fantastic re-boot of the Bond series with “Casino Royale” – so I want to know this: why make an installment where he does nothing but seek revenge – over and over and over – and with the most dour expressions and humorless approach possible…here is the trailer, more akin to a Bourne film than a Bond:
Luckily, they quickly moved past this somber exercise and gave us the terrific “Skyfall” – still, is this the worst Bond film ever? Take a look at the contenders here:
Director Sidney Lumet made such great movies as “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Verdict”, but here is an obscure film that is terrific as well:
2 – “Q & A”
A young New York DA goes after a corrupt police detective in this 1990 drama – here is the trailer:
While not one of his best, Lumet always got terrific performances out of his cast…in that regard, I’m not sure our last “Q” movie NEEDED a great performance, because it had the one, the only:
Zsa Zsa Gabor!
1 – “Queen Of Outer Space”
What better way to wrap this list than with a clamp classic! Zsa Zsa Gabor stars as, who else, the “Queen Of Outer Space!”
Here is the trailer:
Well now you know, in the future – that’s right, 1985 – we are landing on other planets, including one run by women – and only women!
I love this movie so much – I mean, it was Zsa Zsa!
If you want to see more “Movies A-Z”, just click on “film” at the top of the site and you can see all of them!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Academy Awards, Action Films, Art, Awards, Books / Media, British Cinema, Classic Rock, Comedy Movies, Cult Movies, documentary films, Exploitation films, Film Fight Club, Film Noir, Foreign Films, Great Films, Grindhouse, Hollywood, Horror films, Independent Cinema, Los Angeles, Memoirs, Movies, Music, Obscure Movies, Obscure Music, Paris, Revenge Movies, Sexploitation Movies, Talent/Celebrities, Uncategorized
johnrieber 
Good choices, John. Nolte was on fire in ‘Q&A’, and ‘Quadrophenia is the story of my youth.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Pete, my friend went to the live performance last night here in LA of “Quadrophenia” with Pete Townsend! Billy Idol and many others performed it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some real oddities for an odd letter. Something about stop motion animation in an R-rated movie that makes for a strange viewing experience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So right about that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, Queen of Outer Space made #1! I confess to seeing that movie back sometime in the last century. They don’t make ’em like that anymore! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How could I have forgotten about Quick Change?! Lovely film.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s largely forgotten, and Bill Murray is terrific!
LikeLiked by 1 person