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Mike Reeves, a public schoolboy in the late 1950s, gets permission from his Housemaster to visit the local cinema every Saturday. There he worships Hollywood movies, especially those made by Don Siegel and Roger Corman, who become his idols. He dreams of emulating them. Ten years later, having directed only three films for a total budget less than £200,000, Mike Reeves is dead. A couple of years later, Roger Corman comes to England to make a film. Actor Nicky Henson, who worked with Mike Reeves, is invited to an interview for a part in the film. As he walks into the room, Roger Corman says, "Tell me about Michael Reeves!" Another couple of years pass. Don Siegel comes to England to make a film. Again Nicky Henson is invited to an interview for a part in the film. As he walks into the room, Don Siegel says, "Tell me about Michael Reeves!" Author John B. Murray does indeed tell film fans about The Remarkable Michael Reeves and His Short and Tragic Life in this intriguing biography of the talented but fragile filmmaker, whose death at an early age assured him eternal cult status among horror film fans.
About the author
John Murray born of Greek/Irish parents and brought up in Edwardian England soon found himself working in Latvia. Having achieved a commercial education at Pitman's College he was put in charge of managing a cigarette factory. Later, he became its owner while also running an import export business in the Baltic States.
As war loomed large in Europe his fortunes changed. He was called upon to work for the British Government eventually finding himself as a cypher in the British Embassy, Moscow. During this time, John a highly insightful self-made individual succumbed to the entreaties of a desperate human being and found himself engulfed in the intricacies of Soviet WWII espionage and counter-intelligence.
