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John Ashley
1934-1997
Updated 4/20/2008 with more films available on DVD!
biography
Born John Atchley in Missouri on Christmas day in 1934, John Ashley was raised in Oklahoma. He was attending Oklahoma State University when he became interested in acting, and while on a trip to California managed to get a part as an extra in The Conqueror (1956; with John Wayne). Soon, he snagged a starring role in American International Pictures Dragstrip Girl, released in the spring of 1957, beginning Ashley's long association with AIP.
Late 1950s promotional photo
In addition to his acting talents, Ashley also proved to be a good singer, releasing several singles on the Dot label in 1957 and 1958. His vocal talents are highlighted in Zero Hour! (1957; with Dana Andrews and Sterling Hayden) and Hot Rod Gang (1958; with Jody Fair). Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, Ashley starred in a string of films, as well as two television series. In 1962, he married Deborah Walley. The union produced a son, born in May 1963, but their marriage ended in 1966.
the films of john ashley
Dragstrip Girl (1957)
LEFT: From Dragstrip Girl with Judy Bamber. CENTER: With Judy Bamber, Fay Spain, and Steve Terrell. RIGHT: Ashley also dabbled in recording in the late 1950s. This is one of his rockabilly singles, with ad hype from Dragstrip Girl
High School Caesar (1960)
In High School Caesar, Ashley stars as Matt Stevens, a rich bad boy who terrorizes his classmates
Beach Party (1963)
From AIP's Beach Party
Muscle Beach Party (1964)
Bikini Beach (1964)
Promotional photo from Bikini Beach
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)
Young Dillinger (1965)
Images from the Allied Artists release Young Dillinger. LEFT: With Nick Adams as John Dillinger, Robert Conrad as Pretty Boy Floyd, and Ashley as Baby Face Nelson. RIGHT: With Helen Stephens, Dan Terranova, Beverly Hills, Robert Conrad, Nick Adams, Mary Ann Mobley, and Joy Harmon
By the late 1960s, John Ashley's career focus began to move behind the camera. Alongside low budget writer/director Eddie Romero, Ashley produced a string of shocking horror films made mostly in the Philippines, including Beast of the Yellow Night (1971; with Vic Diaz) and Twilight People (1973; with Pat Woodell), in which he acted as well. Ashley also produced, but did not appear in, some of Pam Grier's early 'chicks in chains' films, such as The Big Doll House (1971) and Black Mama, White Mama (1972).
The Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968)
From The Mad Doctor of Blood Island with Angelique Pettyjohn
Beyond Atlantis (1973)
From Beyond Atlantis. LEFT: With Patrick Wayne. CENTER and RIGHT: With Patrick Wayne and Sid Haig
Savage Sisters (1974)
LEFT: All tied up in a scene from Savage Sisters (1974), one of Ashley's last films as an actor. RIGHT: Promotional photo
From the 1980s through the mid 1990s, John Ashley was producing hit TV shows, including The A Team, The Quest, and Walker, Texas Ranger. Sadly, he passed away from a heart attack in 1997 at the age of 62. He was survived by two sons.
The Wild Wild West: The Second Season [DVD](1966) DVD
All 28 episodes from season two (the first in color)--including "The Night of the Eccentrics," "The Night of the Raven," "The Night of the Poisonous Posey," "The Night of the Brain," and "The Night of the Bogus Bandits"--are collected in a seven-disc set. 24 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Cult Camp Classics, Vol. 3: Terrorized Travelers [DVD] DVD
Three-disc set includes "Zero Hour!" (1957), "Hot Rods to Hell" and "Skyjacked."
Frankenstein's Daughter [DVD](1958) DVD
Oliver Frankenstein carries on the family tradition by creating a monster with half a face (the other half is melting away) and by experimenting with drugs on a young girl who transforms into a grotesque creature. John Ashley, Sally Todd, Harold Lloyd, Jr. star. 85 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; photo gallery; theatrical trailer.
High School Big Shot (1958)/High School Caesar (1960)/Date Bait [DVD](1960) DVD
It's troubled teens galore in this "JD drama" triple bill. First, brainy student Marvin must deal with bullies, a back-stabbing cutie, and his loser dad's financial woes, as he gets wrapped up in criminal activities involving stolen loot and safecrackers, in "High School Big Shot." Tom Pittman, Virginia Alexander and Stanley Adams star. Next, John Ashley is the youth "who had more rackets than Al Capone," in a tale of classroom capers and gang rumbles. Judy Nugent co-stars. Finally, two young hepcats want to get hitched, but their folks tell them "no," in "Date Bait," with Gary Clarke and Marlo Ryan. 173 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; art gallery; theatrical trailers.
Hud [DVD](1963) DVD
A powerful, emotionally charged drama with Paul Newman as the ill-disposed and irresponsible son of Texas rancher Melvyn Douglas, caught between the traditional ideals of his father and the lack of principles in the New West. Oscars went to Douglas, Patricia Neal and cinematographer James Wong Howe; directed by Martin Ritt. 112 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English.
Beach Party (1963)/Bikini Beach [DVD](1964) DVD
The first entry in A.I.P.'s surfside slapstick series, "Beach Party" stars Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello as fun-loving teens who become the subject of anthropologist Bob Cummings' research into adolescent mating rituals. With Morey Amsterdam, Dorothy Malone, Dick Dale and The Del-Tones, and Harvey Lembeck as Eric Von Zipper. Next, Frankie plays himself and mop-topped British pop idol the Potato Bug (get it?)--and both are vying for Annette's attention--in "Bikini Beach," co-starring Don Rickles, Keenan Wynn, Little Stevie Wonder, and Boris Karloff. 198 min. total. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailers.
Frankie & Annette: M-G-M Movie Legends Collection [DVD] DVD
"Surf's up" in this four-disc boxed set saluting AIP's teen comedy series and seaside sweethearts Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Anthropologist Bob Cummings uses the pair as part of a study of modern mating habits in the original "Beach Party" (1963), with Morey Amsterdam, Dorothy Malone, and Harvey Lembeck as Eric Von Zipper. Annette has her hands full when the Potato Bug, a British pop star who's Frankie's double, arrives at "Bikini Beach" (1964). Don Rickles and Little Stevie Wonder guest star. Gym owner Rickles wants to take over the kids' surf spot, and heiress Luciana Paluzzi wants to woo Frankie from Annette, in "Muscle Beach Party" (1964). Avalon trades his board for slats and joins Dwayne Hickman, Deborah Walley and James Brown for a "Ski Party" (1965). "Beach Blanket Bingo" (1965) boasts a missing singer, a mermaid, and skydiving surfdogs. Avalon wants to keep pal Hickman away from Funicello while he's on military duty in "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini" (1965), with Buster Keaton. Frankie's a moonshine-running hot rodder competing with racer Fabian for Annette's hand in "Fireball 500" (1966). And Fabian and Funicello burn rubber together in "Thunder Alley" (1967). 12 1/2 hrs. total. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English mono.
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965)/How To Stuff A Wild Bikini [DVD](1965) DVD
The "Beach Party" gang is back in a double bill that's packed with more fun than a two-piece bathing suit. "Beach Blanket Bingo," a wild mix about a missing singing star, a mermaid, and biker Eric Von Zipper's gang, features guest stars Don Rickles, Paul Lynde, Buster Keaton, and Linda Evans joining series regulars Annette Funicello, Frankie Avalon and Harvey Lembeck. Then, while Frankie is away on Army Reserve duty, he gets witch doctor Keaton to send a bikini-clad beauty to keep rival Dwayne Hickman away from Annette, in "How to Stuff a Wild Bikini." Beverly Adams, Mickey Rooney, and The Kingsmen also star. 192 min. total. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailers.
Muscle Beach Party (1964)/Ski Party [DVD](1965) DVD
Surf's up! Frankie and Annette sure have their hands full at a "Muscle Beach Party," as gym owner Don Rickles and his strongmen try to take over the beach, lovesick heiress Luciana Paluzzi tries to snare Frankie, and Little Stevie Wonder stops by to perform "Happy Street." With Morey Amsterdam, Buddy Hackett, Peter Lorre. Next, Frankie trades in his board for some slats and hits the slopes with Dwayne Hickman to find why their gals are swooning over ski bum Aron Kincaid. ..with the guys resorting to dressing up as girls! "Ski Party" also stars Deborah Walley, Yvonne Craig, Robert Q. Lewis, and musical guests James Brown and Lesley Gore. 186 min. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; theatrical trailers.
Zontar, The Thing From Venus (1966)/The Eye Creatures [DVD](1965) DVD
"Tonight's top story...Zontar prevails!" With his flying bat creatures and the aid of an Earth scientist, "Zontar, The Thing from Venus" plots the mental domination of all mankind. John Agar and Anthony Huston star in director Larry Buchanan's late-night TV fave, a remake of Roger Corman's 1957 "It Conquered the World." Then, you'll be screaming "eye-yi-YI!" after watching the sci-fi shocker "The Eye Creatures," an uncredited remake of AIP's "Invasion of the Saucer Men." A small town is invaded by the multi-peepered title aliens, and only some plucky teens can save the day. John Ashley, Cynthia Hull star; also directed by Buchanan. AKA: "Attack of the Eye Creatures." 180 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; featurette.
Hell On Wheels [DVD](1967) DVD
There's red-hot, lightning-fast drama both on and off the track in this tale of two brothers, a top race driver and a mechanic, who get involved with moonshiners and both fall for the same girl. Country singers Marty Robbins and Connie Smith, John Ashley and Gigi Perreau star. 96 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
The Blood Island Vacation [DVD] DVD
Four-disc boxed set includes "Beast of Blood," "Brain of Blood," "Brides of Blood," and "Mad Doctor of Blood Island."
Beast Of The Yellow Night(1971) VHS
A man makes a deal with the Devil for power and wealth, only to learn the terrible price: he is turned into a loathsome rampaging monster. John Ashley, Mary Charlotte Wilcox star. 87 min.
Twilight People [DVD](1972) DVD
Based on the 1932 horror classic "Island of Lost Souls," this Roger Corman-produced shocker features a mad scientist whose creations include an ape man, antelope man, bat man (no, not that bat man!) and even a tree woman. John Ashley and Jan Merlin star, with Pam Grier as the panther woman. 84 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby stereo; interactive menus; biographies.
Black Mamba [DVD](1974) DVD
Creepy shot-in-the Philippines effort from the John Ashley-Eddie Garcia team ("Beast of the Yellow Night") tells of a voodoo witch who uses dolls and snakes to steal a child from a widowed woman. Ashley is a doctor who becomes a believer in black magic after he encounters the sorceress face to face. This rarity features extremely gory sequences. With Marlene Clarke, Pilar Pilapil.
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filmography
Invisible Mom (1997) with Dee Wallace-Stone, Russ Tamblyn, Barry Livingston, Stella Stevens, and Brinke Stevens
Sudden Death (1977) with Robert Conrad, Don Stroud, Felton Perry, and Chuck Courtney
Smoke in the Wind (1975) with John Russell, Myron Healey, Walter Brennan, and Lorna Thayer
Black Mamba (1974) with Eddie Garcia
Savage Sisters (1974) with Gloria Hendry, Sig Haig, and Vic Diaz
Beyond Atlantis (1973) with George Nader, Patrick Wayne, Sid Haig, and Vic Diaz
The Twilight People (1972) with Pam Grier and Pat Woodell
Woman Hunt (1972) with Sid Haig and Pat Woodell
Beast of the Yellow Night (1971) with Vic Diaz
Beast of the Dead (1971) with Eddie Garcia
Brides of the Beast (1968) with Kent Taylor and Beverly Hills
The Mad Doctor of Blood Island (1968) with Angelique Pettyjohn
Manila Open City (1968) with Alex Nicol
Hell On Wheels (1967) with Marty Robbins, Gigi Perreau, and Connie Smith
Attack of the Eye Creatures (1965) with Cynthia Hull; directed by Larry Buchanan
Sergeant Deadhead (1965) with Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Bobbi Shaw, Eve Arden, and Donna Loren
How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965) with Annette Funicello, Jody McCrea, and Bobbi Shaw
Young Dillinger (1965) with Nick Adams, Robert Conrad, Joy Harmon, Mary Ann Mobley, and Beverly Powers
Beach Blanket Bingo (1965) Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Deborah Walley, Jody McCrea, Bobbi Shaw, and Donna Loren
Bikini Beach (1964) with Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Jody McCrea, and Donna Loren
Muscle Beach Party (1964) with Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Peter Lupus, Jody McCrea, Donna Loren, and Larry Scott
Beach Party (1963) with Robert Cummings, Dorothy Malone, Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, Jody McCrea, and Yvette Vickers
Hud (1963) with Paul Newman, Patricia Neal, and Whit Bissell
High School Caesar (1960) with Judy Nugent
T-Bird Gang (1959) with Ed Nelson
Hot Rod Gang (1958) with Jody Fair and Doodles Weaver
Suicide Battalion (1958) with Mike Connors
Frankenstein's Daughter (1958) with Sandra Knight and Sally Todd
How to Make a Monster (1958) with Gary Conway
Zero Hour (1957) with Dana Andrews, Linda Darnell, and Sterling Hayden
Motorcycle Gang (1957) with Steve Terrell, Jean Moorhead, and Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer
Dragstrip Girl (1957) with Fay Spain, Steve Terrell, and Frank Gorshin
TELEVISION SERIES
Straightaway, 1961-1962 TV series. Ashley co-starred with Brian Kelly
TELEVISION GUEST SPOTS
The Beverly Hillbillies, episode Mr. Universe Muscles In, originally aired October 25, 1967. Dave Draper is featured as Mr. Universe.
The Wild, Wild West, episode The Night of the Watery Death, originally aired November 11, 1966
The Beverly Hillbillies, episode The Cat Burglar, originally aired January 26, 1966
Petticoat Junction, episode Spur Line To Shady Rest, originally aired September 24, 1963
The Beverly Hillbillies, episode Elly Becomes A Secretary, originally aired May 22, 1963
Wagon Train, episode The Abel Weatherly Story, originally aired January 2, 1963
Wagon Train, episode The Amos Gibbon Story, originally aired April 20, 1960
The Deputy, episode The Wild Wind, originally aired September 19, 1959
Frontier Doctor, episode Elkton Lake Feud, originally aired May 16, 1959
Jefferson Drum, episode Arrival, originally aired April 25, 1958
links
The Astounding B Monster: Remembering John Ashley
A nice tribute to John Ashley written by Fred Olen Ray.
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This page premiered August 21, 2001.
