The Orphans 5: Fred Williamson, The Howling III, and a Sundance Prize Winner Nobody Saw – The 80s Movie Podcast 120
This week on The 80s Movie Podcast, host Edward Havens uncovers three forgotten films connected by one remarkable piece of movie history: being released by one-and-done movie distributors.
Some distributors spent decades building Hollywood legacies. However, others disappeared after releasing just one theatrical feature. This time, we return to the ongoing Orphans series to celebrate those overlooked companies and the movies they left behind. Along the way, we discover how a single release could preserve an unforgettable story, even after the distributor itself faded into obscurity. As a result, these films offer a fascinating glimpse into the unpredictable world of independent movie distribution during the 1980s.
First, we revisit The Last Fight, starring Fred Williamson as Jesse Crowder in a futuristic action drama that marked the only theatrical release from Best Film and Video. Next, we examine The Howling III, Philippe Mora’s unusual Australian sequel that arrived through the mysterious Square Pictures. Finally, we explore Sullivan’s Pavilion, filmmaker Fred G. Sullivan’s deeply personal documentary, released by a distributor that never handled another feature. Meanwhile, we explain why each company disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared and how those brief histories shaped the films they released.
Some forgotten movies deserve another look because of their casts or their stories. Others matter because of the remarkable paths they took to reach theaters. Today, we revisit three films linked by an extraordinary coincidence and celebrate a chapter of film history that rarely receives the attention it deserves. Whether you’re a longtime collector of obscure cinema or simply curious about Hollywood’s forgotten corners, this episode reveals why even the smallest distributors can leave a lasting mark.
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