Daily Archives: January 12, 2012

Movies

New Jersey Actor “Sam Platizky” is back with his New Film “Red Scare”

Red Scare Premiere Thursday January 12th, 7pm -Frank’s Theater Bayonne, New Jersey

By Evelyn Bonilla

 He’s back! Yes, that’s right New Jersey actor, writer and filmmaker Sam Platizky, is back on the big screen in a new feature length film entitled, “Red Scare.” Why, just the name of his new film, will have many heading for cover! So, moviegoers beware!

Many of you might remember Platizky from his last film, entitled, “Blaming George Romero”, a film that tells the story of four horror film fanatic friends, unhappy with their lives, that think that there’s been a zombie apocalypse and jump at the chance to try to survive.  The film, “Blaming George Romero” was inspired by the works of George Romero a film director and screenwriter, best known for his gruesome horror films. Although, it may seem that Platizky’s new film, “Red Scare” might be just another zombie movie, truth be told that this one is filled with great dialogue and comedic persona. “Red Scare is bound to attract zombie lovers everywhere! 

Platizky’s “Red Scare” takes place during the 1950’s in the midst of the cold war.  The story line is based on a Soviet plot which brings the living dead to the shores of America! Only the brave patriotic hero, Rex Steel can stop the evil soviet menace alongside a teen rebel, a reporter, and a frightened teenage girl.

 Platizky wrote, produced and acted in his film ‘Red Scare”, his character Rex Steel is a tough but very funny American soldier who battles and evil soviet menace. In his script Platizky brings to life “Red Scare” in Mel Brooks style.  He explains, “Mel Brooks has to be one of the funniest filmmakers of all time. When I wrote “Red Scare”, I wanted to bring back the zombie aspect but with a sense of humor.” Continue reading New Jersey Actor “Sam Platizky” is back with his New Film “Red Scare” →

Hudson Then...Again

Hudson Then…Again -The Fighting Irish of Jersey City

Calahan J. Mc Carthy and Francis ( Frankie )Burns

By Maureen Wlodarczyk

While researching my second book, Young & Wicked, I spent many hours ferreting out and reading 19th century newspaper stories related to one of the central characters, Willie Flannelly, Jersey City bad boy and my great-grandmother’s second cousin. Among the various true stories of his juvenile delinquency and anti-social behavior was one recounting his use of a slungshot (different from a slingshot) which was used to knock out a popular local featherweight boxer named Cal McCarthy. Slungshots, a maritime tool consisting of a weight attached to a heavy cord, were a favorite concealed weapon of thugs in those days. Ah, the misguided ingenuity of the criminal mind.

Calahan J. McCarthy

Callahan J. McCarthy was born in Pennsylvania in 1867 and came to the Horseshoe section of Jersey City with his Irish immigrant parents about five years later. One of six children, he made his first public appearance as an amateur boxer in 1887 in association with the Scottish-American Club of Jersey City. A bare knuckles fighter and all of 5’ 2” and 100 pounds, he won the American amateur 110-pound championship that year and turned pro in early 1888. McCarthy, called the “Wonder,” had a great left jab and quick cat-like movements. He went on to fight more than 40 bouts in various venues around the country, taking on both American and European opponents and won the Featherweight Championship of America. In 1890 in Boston, he took on George Dixon in a bout that went on for 70 rounds until a draw was declared. In their second meeting in 1891, Dixon beat McCarthy in 22 rounds. Following that defeat, McCarthy reportedly turned to drinking, soon losing his form and discipline but still fighting sporadically. The young boxer never regained his stride, was stricken with tuberculosis and, still planning a boxing comeback, died in 1895 at 28 years old. Despite that, he was remembered by fight fans and sports writers who, two decades later, still reminisced about McCarthy when talking about the latest crop of young featherweight and bantam boxers.  Continue reading Hudson Then…Again -The Fighting Irish of Jersey City →