STACK #157 Nov 2017

NEWS EXTRAS

Stone, Jim Carrey and Ray Liotta. “There were a lot of wonderful actors,” Keach recalls. “Burt Reynolds came and sat on the bus as an extra in one of the episodes.” As to the popularity and longevity of Mike Hammer, Keach attributes the character’s strong sense of morality, as well as a certain vulnerability, as being key factors. “Even though he has James Bond

TV series aired in 1958, with Darren McGavin in the title role – a portrayal Keach says is his favourite. “I just loved him. He was the one who really initiated the whole idea of playing Mike Hammer with a sardonic, humorous streak.” Keach’s own tenure as Hammer began in 1984, returning for The New Mike Hammer in 1986. “The title was the only thing that was new, it

RETRO TV

The New Mike Hammer

qualities, when he gets hit, he bleeds. And he gets beaten up a lot.” The character is now set to reach a new audience with the release of The New Mike Hammer series on DVD in a 7-disc set on

was just the fact it was coming out at a different time,” he clarifies. The actor says that the greatest thing about his experience playing Mike Hammer was

W hen it comes to pulp detectives, none are as hard boiled as Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer. Since his print debut in I, the Jury in 1947, the womanising New York gumshoe – who considers the law an impediment to justice – has featured in numerous films and TV series, with veteran actor Stacy Keach’s portrayal being the most iconic and enduring.

“As a teenager I read I, the Jury and thought, ‘wow, this is something new,’” Keach tells STACK of his introduction to the character he would become synonymous with. “That was the early fifties and in those days, Mickey Spillane was like soft porno. My parents were very upset when they discovered I had been reading these ‘dirty books.’” The first Mike Hammer

meeting his wife, actress Malgosia Tomassi. “She was in the original Mike Hammer playing a small part, and then later as a Russian spy in one of the episodes.” The series is famous for its line-up of guest stars, many of whom would go on to bigger things in Hollywood, like Sharon

November 22. “It will be interesting to see whether or not today’s audience will take to the noir genre of yesteryear,” muses Keach. “Who knows? I’m very pleased that it’s coming out, and I have a feeling it may still hold up.”

These goodies are exclusive to JB Hi-Fi, while stocks last.

character art cards and bonus disc. Also exclusive bonus disc on Blu-ray. Available November 15.

Black Sails (The Complete Collection) Available now for a limited time only.

Baby Driver (Blu-ray) Exclusive bonus disc. Available November 1.

Narcos (Seasons 1 & 2) Available now for a limited time only.

Family Guy: Season 17 (Collector's Edition) Contains episode script of Inside Family Guy! Available November 8.

Atomic Blonde Exclusive artwork on 4K Ultra HD. Available November 15.

The Legend of Korra (Limited Collector's Edition)

Power (Seasons 1–3) Available now for a limited time only.

The complete series on Blu-ray including 80-page gloss book featuring the art of the animated series. Available November 1.

Human Centipede (The Complete Sequence) Contains The Human Centipede , The Human Centipede 2 and The Human Centipede 3: The Final Sequence on DVD. Available now.

Baby Driver (4K Ultra HD) Includes exclusive Baby Driver branded earphones,

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