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Gordon Mitchell
1923-2003
Updated 4/30/2008 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Gordon Mitchell was born Charles Pendleton on July 29, 1923, in Denver, Colorado. Upon his parents' divorce, his mother packed up the family and moved to Inglewood, California, where Mitchell spent his youth. He was called to duty during World War II and, unfortunately, became a prisoner of war. When he was released after the war, he completed college studies in anatomy, biology, and physiology. He used his degree to become a high school teacher who, among other things, taught handicapped students and juvenile delinquents. According to Mitchell, "I was given all the rough kids because of my physique. Wherever there were rowdies, I was called in."
muscle beach days
LEFT: Mitchell on the beach in the 1950s with Irvin 'Zabo' Koszewski (left) and Larry Scott (right). CENTER A and B: Various poses. RIGHT: Mitchell (then Chuck Pendleton) on the July 1960 cover of Strength and Health
During this time, Mitchell lived near the famed Muscle Beach and met Joe Gold, who became Mitchell's life-long friend. At this time, Mitchell also became acquainted with other bodybuilders who became actors, such as Steve Reeves, Mickey Hargitay, and Mark Forest (aka Lou Degni).
LEFT: Mitchell with an unidentified woman and Dan Vadis. RIGHT: Classic muscle pose
the mae west revue
Following his film debut, he was asked to join the Mae West Revue, along with Reg Lewis, Brad Harris, and Mickey Hargitay. West took her troupe to various locales and created a sensation. According to Mitchell, it was an easy gig: "...It was quite unusual to see so many muscle-clad guys on stage [in the mid 1950s]. We almost always did something wrong, forgot our text or whatnot, but they [the audience] didn't care."
LEFT: Souvenir program of West's Revue at the Las Vegas Sahara, circa 1956. RIGHT: Gordon Mitchell adorns Mae West on stage in 1956
The act eventually wound up in Las Vegas, but when West fell ill, the tour was cancelled. Reflecting on the experience, Mitchell says, "I liked best the joints in New York's Latin Quarter. The people were raging! ....The whole thing gave me an opportunity to meet people. You know, there were always folks who worked in the movie biz. As fascinating as this was, I always had to take a leave of absence from school, as I was officially working as a school teacher."
Gordon Mitchell appeared in more than 200 films during his lengthy career which spanned nearly 50 yeras. For his first film appearance, Mitchell was an extra in MGM's low-budget war flick Prisoner of War (1954; with Ronald Reagan and Dewey Martin). His film career progressed with a bit in Otto Preminger's The Man With the Golden Arm and small but important roles in The Ten Commandments (1956) and Spartacus (1960). Mitchell also appeared in L'il Abner, where he worked with Brad Harris, who was also an extra in the film.
Following Steve Reeves and Mark Forest, Mitchell went to Italy in early January 1961 to star in Atlas in the Land of the Cyclops, which became a test of endurance for the rugged actor. When he landed in Italy, Mitchell recalls: "I left the plane, they put me in a taxi, [and] transported me in front of a guy who was supposed to do an interview for Leonviola." At the time, Mitchell didn't speak Italian, so his starring role proved to be quite a challenge: "They gave me this script... with a literal translation that sounded hideous. I had to fix things a little, so the words would make sense." Filming Atlas in the Land of the Cyclops turned out to be an exhausting experience: "The [six weeks of filming] were bone-hard labor; I didn't even know what time of day it was." Following Atlas is my personal Gordon Mitchell favorite, The Giant of Metropolis, a film which combines the Italian fusto with an interesting blend of science fiction and is a must-see film for fans of the genre. With Gordon Mitchell's acting career going extremely well, according to William Connolly, he helped his friend Dan Vadis break into the Italian film industry, also.
LEFT: Burt Nelson, Gordon Mitchell, and Dan Vadis in Italy, circa 1963. CENTER: Roger Browne, Dan Vadis, and Gordon Mitchell lift Giuliana Zagara. RIGHT: Roger Browne, Gordon Mitchell, and Kirk Morris inspect the cuisine (Photos courtesy of Gordon Mitchell)
the films of gordon mitchell
Atlas in the Land of the Cyclops (1961)
LEFT: A theater marquee featuring Atlas in the Land of the Cyclops, starring Gordon Mitchell. CENTER and RIGHT: Mitchell is tortured
The Giant of Metropolis (1961)
From Mitchell's starring role in his best known film, The Giant of Metropolis
The Fury of Achilles (1962)
LEFT: Greek poster from The Fury of Achilles. CENTER and RIGHT: Mitchell as Achilles
Ali Baba and the Seven Saracens (1962)
Mitchell as Ali Baba in Ali Baba and the Seven Saracens
Brennus, Enemy of Rome (1963)
Mitchell as the title character in Brennus, Enemy of Rome
Seven Slaves Against Rome (1964)
LEFT: As Balisten in the peplum Seven Slaves Against Rome. RIGHT: Mitchell with Roger Browne and other cast members
The Revenge of Spartacus (1965)
As Arminio in the sword and sandal adventure The Revenge of Spartacus
I Spy, Vol. 9: Sophia [DVD] DVD
Includes "Rome Take Away Three," "Tonia" with Leslie Uggams, "One of Our Bombs Is Missing" and "Sophia" with Gordon Mitchell 204 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby mono.
Lee Van Cleef Collector's Edition [DVD] DVD
Two-disc set includes "Beyond the Law" (1968), "Death Rides a Horse," "The Grand Duel," "God's Gun," and "Kid Vengeance."
Li'l Abner [DVD](1959) DVD
The down-home denizens of Dogpatch, U.S.A., are a-singin' and a-dancin' in this film rendition of the Broadway musical. It's up to Abner and Mammy Yokum to save the day when their town is deemed "most useless in America" and marked for an A-bomb test! Al Capp's colorful characters are all here; with Peter Palmer, Leslie Parrish, Billie Hayes, Stubby Kaye, Julie Newmar. 113 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English.
Brennus, Enemy Of Rome(1960) VHS
Rome is attacked by Brennus and his vicious followers. The invader falls in love with a beautiful princess, while holding the city under siege. Gordon Mitchell, Tony Kendell and Ursula Davis star.
Atlas In The Land Of The Cyclops [DVD](1961) DVD
Titanic Atlas matches muscles with a Cyclops to save a baby and battles a sinister queen. But who's holding up the world? Stars Gordon Mitchell and Vira Silenti. AKA: "Atlas Against the Cyclops." 100 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Plays All Regions.
Atlas In The Land Of The Cyclops(1961) VHS
Titanic Atlas matches muscles with a cyclops to save a baby and battles a sinister queen. But who's holding up the world? Stars Gordon Mitchell and Vira Silenti. AKA: ``Atlas Against the Cyclops.'' 100 min.
The Giant Of Metropolis (1961)/Hercules And The Princess Of Troy [DVD](1965) DVD
First, in "The Giant of Metropolis," a bare-chested muscleman in sandals journeys to pre-submerged Atlantis where he challenges the despotic rule of King Cortez and his scientists who possess a death ray and the secret to immortality. Gordon Mitchell, Bella Cortez star. Then, made as a pilot for a proposed TV series, "Hercules and the Princess of Troy" stars Gordon Scott as the heroic demigod, taking on a ruthless sea creature. With Paul Stevens, Diana Hyland. AKA: "Hercules vs. the Sea Monster." 139 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Plays All Regions. Dubbed in English.
The Giant Of Metropolis(1963) VHS
A bare-chested muscleman in sandals journeys to pre-submerged Atlantis and challenges the despotic rule of King Cortez and his scientists, possessors of a Death Ray and the secret of immortality. 9O min.
Vulcan, Son Of Jupiter [DVD](1962) DVD
It's a muscleman epic with many supernatural elements as Jupiter's brawny son tackles monster men, underground creatures and others. With Rod Flash, Gordon Mitchell. Soundtrack: English (dubbed)
Vulcan, Son Of Jupiter(1962) VHS
It's a muscleman epic with many supernatural elements as Jupiter's brawny son tackles monster men, underground creatures and others. With Rod Flash, Gordon Mitchell.
Fury Of Achilles (1962)/Lion Of Thebes (1964) [DVD] DVD
It's swords and sandals of mythical proportions, as Achilles leads the Greeks into battle against the Trojans in the fortified city of Troy in "Fury of Achilles," starring Gordon Mitchell and Jacques Bergerac. Next, Mark Forrest ain't no coward as the "Lion of Thebes," who saves the lovely Helen of Troy (Yvonne Furneaux) from a shipwreck and accompanies her to the city of Thebes. There they find themselves embroiled in court intrigue and deadly conspiracies. 3 1/3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English (dubbed) Dolby Digital stereo. Dubbed in English.
Giants Of Rome [DVD](1963) DVD
When the city of Rome is besieged by Druids armed with a mysterious new weapon, an elite band of soldiers is sent by Caesar on a mission to locate the weapon and destroy it...or die trying. Richard Harrison, Ettore Manni star. 98 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
2 & 5: Mission Hydra [DVD](1966) DVD
Italian space adventure about aliens from the planet Hydra who land on Earth and abduct Earthlings to use as exhibits in their zoo. Bizarre blend of sci-fi, action, romance and social commentary stars Kirk Morris, Gordon Mitchell. AKA: "Star Pilots." Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; theatrical trailers; scene access.
2 & 5: Mission Hydra(1966) VHS
Italian space adventure about aliens from the planet Hydra who land on Earth and abduct Earthlings to use as exhibits in their zoo. Bizarre blend of sci-fi, action, romance and social commentary stars Kirk Morris, Gordon Mitchell. AKA: "Star Pilots."
Rita Of The West [DVD](1967) DVD
Believing money to be the root of the world's evil, a singer-turned-cowgirl decides to steal all the gold she can with the intention of blowing it up. Her plan attracts the attention of an Indian chief, a pair of outlaws, a Mexican bandit, and a cowboy who may or may not be on her side. Rita Pavone, Terence Hill, Lucio Dalla star in this offbeat Euro Western. AKA: "Crazy Westerners." 96 min. Soundtrack: Italian; Subtitles: English. In Italian with English subtitles.
Dead For A Dollar(1968) VHS
A trio of bank robbers who don't trust each other, the haul from their latest heist, and a shady prostitute all add up to wild western fun. John Ireland, Piero Vida, Sandra Milo star. AKA: "Trusting Is Good...Shooting Is Better." 90 min.
Beyond The Law [DVD](1968) DVD
Western legend Lee Van Cleef is a man caught in the middle, as the ex-leader of an outlaw gang becomes the town sheriff and must choose between protecting a fortune in loot or siding with his former allies. With Antonio Sabato, Gordon Mitchell, Bud Spencer. AKA "Bloodsilver," "The Good Die First." 90 min.
Fellini Satyricon [DVD](1970) DVD
A decade before "Caligula," Federico Fellini crafted this visually stunning look at the decadence and debauchery of Ancient Rome. Based on contemporary accounts, the succession of bizarre beings, orgiastic lifestyles and amoral attitudes reflect Fellini's views of '60s youth. With Martin Potter, Capucine, Hiram Keller. 129 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: Italian Dolby Digital mono, English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
The Dragon Strikes Back [DVD](1972) DVD
Exciting blend of martial arts action and Euro-Western thrills stars Chen Lee as a kung fu fighter who comes to North America and quickly finds himself battling a bunch of tough thugs who are brutalizing poor Mexican farmers. Gang Wars galore! Klaus Kinksi, Claudio Undari co-star. AKA: "My Name Is Shanghai Joe," "Shanghai Joe," "The Fighting Fists of Shanghai Joe," "To Kill or to Die." 97 min. Soundtrack: English (dubbed). Dubbed in English.
French Sex Murders [DVD](1972) DVD
Despite his claims of innocence, a Parisian jewel thief is sentenced to death in the killing of a prostitute. He manages to escape moments before his date with the guillotine, only to be decapitated in a motorcycle accident. But when the people involved in the trial are murdered one by one, it looks like the dead man has come back for revenge. Steamy mix of Euro-horror and softcore thriller stars Peter Martell, Anita Ekberg, Barbara Bouchet, Howard Vernon, and Humphrey Bogart look-alike Robert Sacchi as the police inspector. AKA: "The Bogeyman and the French Murders," "Casa d'Appuntamento," "Paris Sex Murders." 90 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English (dubbed) stereo; audio commentary; deleted scenes; alternate scenes; documentary; poster gallery. Dubbed in English.
Frankenstein's Castle Of Freaks [DVD](1973) DVD
It's a long way from the South Pacific to Castle Frankenstein for mad scientist Rosanno Brazzi, whose brain-transplant experiments result in terror unparalleled. With Michael Dunn, Edmund Purdom, and "Boris Lugosi" as Ook the Neanderthal Man. AKA: "House of Freaks." 88 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; bonus shorts; theatrical trailer; radio spots; scene access.
Achtung! The Desert Tigers [DVD](1976) DVD
The kommadant of a POW camp in WWII Africa flaunts the Geneva Rules in the most mordant, depraved ways possible, torturing the women and inflicting brutal punishment on the men. The survivors band together to plot an escape, but can they overtake their sadistic captors? A Eurosleaze spectacle with Richard Harrison, Lea Lander and Gordon Mitchell. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono (dubbed); Subtitles: Dutch.
Emanuelle's Daughter: Queen Of Sados (Emanuelle's Daughter) [DVD](1979) DVD
In order to finally be free from her husband's persistent sexual abuses, Emanuelle (Laura Gemser) persuades her lover to kill him. Once she has control of her late spouse's estate, she prepares to revenge herself on his equally guilty associates, while taking the dead man's teenage daughter under her wing. Gabrielle Tinti, Livia Russo, and Gordon Mitchell co-star. AKA: "Emanuelle the Queen." 90 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; outtakes; photo gallery; theatrical trailers.
White Fire [DVD](1984) DVD
"White Fire" is the name of the world's most valuable diamond, a 200-carat gem that becomes the bait in a death duel between some of the world's most cunning and ruthless jewel thieves. Fred Williamson and Robert Ginty star in an action-packed saga. 90 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono.
Malevolence [DVD](2004) DVD
A botched bank robbery scheme and a kidnapping born of desperation leads the crooks and their captives to a seemingly abandoned farmhouse. What no one knows is that the house is occupied by a deranged young serial killer who doesn't take kindly to visitors. Blood-curdling shocker stars Brandon Johnson, Samantha Dark, Heather Magee. 85 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; audio commentary; deleted scenes; "making of" featurette; photo gallery; theatrical trailers; TV spots; DVD-ROM content; radio spots.
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