Kevin McCarthy and Will Keenan Grace the Silver Screen Together!

 

 

 

 

Almost five years ago, on a quest for material on Kevin McCarthy, I came across a gem.  Dashing Mr. McCarthy, my first inductee into the Hell of Fame, was to appear in a sci-fi space musical.  A new McCarthy flick always gets me jazzed, and this flick one-upped my interest:  the star of the flick was none other than Tromeo himself, Will Keenan.  Two handsome, vastly talented actors, both of whom I happen to love,  from two generations of film were coming together in one film.  Paul Bunnell’s THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X seemed tailor made for me, and proved that Kevin McCarthy could manage to look dignified in a shiny suit and silly hat.

 

 

 

 

 

The film’s official website spells out a bizarre plot in which Mr. McCarthy banishes Keenan’s title character to Earth.  Now Johnny and his gang are on the chase for the mysterious Bliss, who’s stolen Johnny’s powerful resurrection suit.  The plot involves a music promoter, a zombie singer and a nostalgic look back to the musicals of the 1950s.  There’s lots of singing and dancing, and some stunt work from Keenan himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The official site boasted plenty of stills from the film, as well as behind-the scenes shots.  It also offered some video diaries from the filming, including the one below of the great Mr. McCarthy.  The best part of the entire site for me was the precious few seconds it shows of Will Keenan and Mr. McCarthy studying lines.  I would’ve killed to see this in person.  Take a look:

 

 

 

 

There’s also a trailer, which demonstrates just how cool this film is going to be.  I don’t really dig musicals.  And I’m a marginal sci-fi fan.  But a sci-fi musical in which Mr. McCarthy banishes a singing Will Keenan to Earth?  Sign me up!  If you don’t want to take my word for it, check out the trailer for yourself:

 

 

 

 

Oddly, when I looked up the site again last week, it had been pared down to just the trailer.  Fortunately, I found a way to back door myself into the older version, which I share here with you.  You can watch the videos on the official Youtube channel, but they look much cooler coming from a 1950s style television.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Will recently told me it may be a while before an audience gets to see THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X.  From what I’ve seen so far, it will be well worth the wait.  Kevin McCarthy’s final film role will send him out with a bang, and the daring Will Keenan will be along for the ride.  I’ll have more on the film as info becomes available.  For now, get your greaser jacket on and enjoy the website.

 

–Phil Fasso