Rick Baker

Rick Baker

Born: December 8, 1950
in Binghamton, New York, USA
Richard A. Baker (born December 8, 1950) is a retired American special make-up effects creator and actor, mostly known for his creature effects and designs. Baker won the Academy Award for Best Makeup a record seven times from a record eleven nominations, beginning when he won the inaugural award for the 1981 film An American Werewolf in London.

As a teen, Baker began creating artificial body parts in his own kitchen. He also appeared briefly in the fan production The Night Turkey, a one-hour, black-and-white video parody of The Night Stalker directed by William Malone. Baker's first professional job was as an assistant to prosthetic makeup effects veteran Dick Smith on the 1973 film The Exorcist. While working on The Exorcist, Baker was hired by director Larry Cohen to design and create a mutant infant for Cohen's 1974 film It's Alive.

Baker received the inaugural Academy Award for Best Makeup for his work on An American Werewolf in London. He also created the werewolf creature Michael Jackson transforms into in the music video Thriller. Subsequently, Baker has been nominated for the Best Makeup Oscar ten more times, winning on seven occasions, both records in his field.

Baker claims that his work on Harry and the Hendersons is one of his proudest achievements.[8] On October 3, 2009, he received the Jack Pierce – Lifetime Achievement Award title of the Chiller-Eyegore Awards.[9]

He was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Academy of Art University San Francisco in 2008. He also contributes commentaries to the web series Trailers from Hell for trailers about horror and science fiction films.

Baker received the 2485th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 30, 2012. The star is located in front of the Guinness World Records Museum.

Baker announced his retirement on May 28, 2015: "First of all, the CG stuff definitely took away the animatronics part of what I do. It's also starting to take away the makeup part. The time is right, I am 64 years old, and the business is crazy right now. I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out. I would consider designing and consulting on something, but I don't think I will have a huge working studio anymore."

Movies for Rick Baker...

Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
Title: Fear and Love: The Story of The Exorcist
Character: Himself
Released: February 18, 2024
Type: Movie
A look back at the making of and cultural phenomenon of one of the most popular and profitable horror films ever made, The Exorcist (1973).
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Old Time Radio: Your Move
Title: Old Time Radio: Your Move
Character: The Caretaker
Released: October 28, 2023
Type: Movie
Riktus Grim and his half-brother, Edward Mise, have once again managed to climb their way out of their graves and make their way up to the ancestral home for a simple game of chess. What could go wrong...?
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AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1
Title: AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1
Character: Self
Released: April 8, 2020
Type: Movie
Unleashed from the video vaults of the American Genre Film Archive (AGFA), AGFA MYSTERY MIXTAPE #1 is a brand new compilation of the most electrifying found footage mayhem that you’ll see this week. For our kick-off tape, we’ve curated an hour-long joyride through the hallowed halls of “behind the scenes” horror. Our team has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support during these difficult times. So this is our way of saying thanks! The price is set at 99 cents, which is the lowest possible option that Vimeo offers. We want everyone to be able to enjoy this. But if you’re able to donate more to our non-profit mission, there’s also an option to pay what you want. Thank you for your continued support, and remember: “DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE SATAN?”
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Tales Beyond Madness
Title: Tales Beyond Madness
Released: July 30, 2019
Type: Movie
An omnibus of tales of horror and adventure by the master of suspense Damon Packard
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Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film
Title: Making Apes: The Artists Who Changed Film
Character: Himself
Released: January 30, 2019
Type: Movie
Fifty years after its release, the special effects makeup team behind Planet of the Apes reflect on making the iconic film.
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Keep the Gaslight Burning
Title: Keep the Gaslight Burning
Character: Mr Maxwell
Released: October 31, 2018
Type: Movie
Mrs Maxwell has killed her abusive husband but he won't stay dead and can only be kept at bay if she keeps the gaslight burning.
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Title: DC Daily
Character: Self
Released: September 15, 2018
Type: TV
Discover everything the DC Universe has to offer. DC Daily brings you the latest news, special guests, and insights from every corner of the multiverse.
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King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
Title: King Cohen: The Wild World of Filmmaker Larry Cohen
Character: Self
Released: July 7, 2018
Type: Movie
A feature-length documentary focusing on the acclaimed work and eclectic career of maverick filmmaker Larry Cohen, writer-director of "Black Caesar," "It's Alive," "God Told Me To," "Q," "The Stuff," and many more.
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The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
Title: The Beast Inside: Creating 'Wolf'
Character: Rick Baker
Released: November 20, 2017
Type: Movie
Featuring brand new interviews with producer Douglas Wick, screenwriter Wesley Strick, and special effects artist Rick Baker, THE BEAST INSIDE: CREATING »WOLF« examines the making of Mike Nichols’ WOLF (1994) in all its stages from original idea to final appearance.
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Cult of Terror
Title: Cult of Terror
Character: Self - Make-up Designer
Released: October 14, 2017
Type: Movie
A journey of years through many countries and film festivals; a nostalgic, adrenaline-fueled and rock-spirited immersion into the universe of cinephilia, in search of genre specialists, fans and filmmakers who speak of their shared passion for fantastic cinema; a whole international spiritual community united under the cathartic shadow of horror.
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MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
Title: MonsterKids: The Impact of Things That Go Bump In The Night
Character: Self
Released: September 1, 2017
Type: Movie
A documentary that explores the positive fascination with Classic Monsters.
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Title: Face Off: Game Face
Character: Self - Judge
Released: August 22, 2017
Type: TV
Former Face Off all-stars go head-to-head each week, with multiple make-up reveals and eliminations throughout each exciting episode. Every week, four artists will race against the clock to complete three challenges, with eliminations after every round, but only one artist will walk away with the $10,000 prize.
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Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
Title: Charlie Gemora: Uncredited
Character: Himself
Released: April 15, 2016
Type: Movie
A portrait of painter, sculptor, makeup artist, set designer and inventor Charlie Gemora.
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Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
Title: Creature Designers: The Frankenstein Complex
Character: Himself
Released: November 18, 2015
Type: Movie
The Frankenstein Complex takes a historical as well as a creative perspective, with a mix of fascinating scenes behind the camera, film clips, and dozens of interviews with all the big names in the industry. In addition to the many wonderful anecdotes, the film also offers a wealth of beautiful test material, while along the way showing how the art of filmmaking has changed over the years. An affectionate ode to monster makers throughout history.
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Birth Pains
Title: Birth Pains
Character: himself
Released: October 16, 2015
Type: Movie
Fun thirty-three minute documentary about the making of David Cronenberg's THE BROOD features interviews with star Samantha Eggar, executive producer Pierre David, special effects artists Rick Baker and Joe Blasco as well as assistant director John Board.
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The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'
Title: The Scanners Way: Creating the Special Effects in 'Scanners'
Character: Himself
Released: July 15, 2014
Type: Movie
This Documentary goes over how the special effects in the 1981 film "Scanners" were done.
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House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
Title: House of Wax: Unlike Anything You've Seen Before!
Character: Self
Released: October 1, 2013
Type: Movie
Documentary on the making and impact of "House of Wax".
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Men in Black 3
Title: Men in Black 3
Character: Brain Alien
Released: May 23, 2012
Type: Movie
Agents J and K are back...in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him - secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.
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Title: Face Off
Character: Guest Judge
Released: January 26, 2011
Type: TV
In this competition/elimination series, special effects make-up artists participate in elaborate challenges for a grand prize and the honor of being Hollywood's next great effects artist.
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The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
Title: The Wolf Man: From Ancient Curse to Modern Myth
Character: Self
Released: February 2, 2010
Type: Movie
A documentary produced for Universal about their early Wolf Man film(s)
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Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
Title: Pure in Heart: The Life and Legacy of Lon Chaney, Jr.
Character: Self
Released: February 2, 2010
Type: Movie
A short documentary about the classic Universal Monster actor, Lon Chaney, Jr.
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I Walked with a Werewolf
Title: I Walked with a Werewolf
Character: Himself
Released: September 15, 2009
Type: Movie
Academy Award winning make-up artist Rick Baker reflects on An American Werewolf In London and The Wolfman.
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Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'
Title: Beware the Moon: Remembering 'An American Werewolf in London'
Character: Self
Released: September 14, 2009
Type: Movie
Host Paul Davis takes a trip through some of the iconic backdrops of John Landis' 1981 werewolf classic An American Werewolf In London. The original cast and crew tell the story of how the film was made over a quarter of a century ago featuring rare footage and never before seen photos.
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Monsterland
Title: Monsterland
Character: Self
Released: March 29, 2009
Type: Movie
A journey through time and history of diverse monster types, from the latex monster in devastated postwar Japan to aliens and serial murderers.
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He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
Title: He Who Made Monsters: The Life and Art of Jack Pierce
Character: Self
Released: July 9, 2008
Type: Movie
Tribute to Universal make-up artist Jack Pierce who created some of the studio's most famous works including Frankenstein's Monster, the Wolf Man, the Mummy and countless other creatures. Rick Baker, Tom Savini, Howard Berger, Bob Burns, Scott Essman, Kim Newman, Gregory Nicotero and others discuss the work of Pierce and his enduring legacy.
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Teddy Scares
Title: Teddy Scares
Character: Hester Golem (voice)
Released: June 28, 2006
Type: Movie
Cyrus annoys all his companions with his new friend Toasty the toaster, so they decide to get rid of it.
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Working with a Master: John Landis
Title: Working with a Master: John Landis
Character: Self
Released: June 27, 2006
Type: Movie
Short documentary about John Landis and his horror works.
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The Sci-Fi Boys
Title: The Sci-Fi Boys
Character: Self
Released: April 27, 2006
Type: Movie
Legendary all-stars of cinema bring to life the evolution of science-fiction and special effects films from the wild and funny days of B-movies to blockbusters that have captured the world's imagination. This is the story of the Sci-Fi Boys, who started out as kids making amateur movies inspired by Forrest J Ackerman's FAMOUS MONSTERS magazine and grew up to take Hollywood by storm, inventing the art and technology for filming anything the mind can dream.
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RKO Production 601: The Making of 'Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World'
Title: RKO Production 601: The Making of 'Kong, the Eighth Wonder of the World'
Released: November 22, 2005
Type: Movie
An in-depth look at the genesis, production, and legacy of King Kong, one of the most influential films ever made.
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The Perfect Scary Movie
Title: The Perfect Scary Movie
Character: Self
Released: October 29, 2005
Type: Movie
A documentary looking at the various conventions and scare techniques of the horror genre.
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The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
Title: The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz
Character: Himself
Released: October 25, 2005
Type: Movie
"The Art of Imagination: A Tribute to Oz" - a featurette narrated by Sydney Pollack.
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Ed Wood: Making Bela
Title: Ed Wood: Making Bela
Character: Self
Released: October 19, 2004
Type: Movie
Martin Landau talks about how he portrayed Bela Lugosi in the movie. He mentions the similarities between Lugosi and his own career, and how he worked on the Hungarian accent. Rick Baker, who won an Oscar for the make-up effects, discusses how he approached transforming Landau into Lugosi, and how much he wanted to do the project.
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Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
Title: Videodrome: Forging the New Flesh
Character: Self
Released: August 27, 2004
Type: Movie
Through the use of interviews (both vintage and new) with various cast and crew members, including Rick Baker, Bill Sturgeon, David Cronenberg, James Woods among others, as well as behind-the-scenes footage, this tells the story of how the special effects in the film were created.
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Rick Baker: Alien Maker
Title: Rick Baker: Alien Maker
Character: Self
Released: November 26, 2002
Type: Movie
The documentary looks at Rick Baker as he works on the alien design and creation for MIIB. Describing himself as part of 'the first generation that grew up in front of the TV' Rick explains how he carries out his work and how he has overcome the challenges of MIIB.
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The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
Title: The 'Frankenstein' Files: How Hollywood Made a Monster
Character: Self
Released: November 1, 2002
Type: Movie
The history of Frankenstein's journey from novel to stage to screen to icon.
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Men in Black II
Title: Men in Black II
Character: MIB Passport Control Agent
Released: July 3, 2002
Type: Movie
Kay and Jay reunite to provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIB's untarnished mission statement – protecting Earth from the scum of the universe. It's been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions. Now it's a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay – who not only has absolutely no memory of his time spent with the MIB, but is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the galaxy – to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate destruction.
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Planet of the Apes
Title: Planet of the Apes
Character: Old Ape #2
Released: July 25, 2001
Type: Movie
After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Title: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Character: Puppeteer
Released: November 17, 2000
Type: Movie
The Grinch decides to rob Whoville of Christmas - but a dash of kindness from little Cindy Lou Who and her family may be enough to melt his heart...
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Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
Title: Metamorphosis of 'Men in Black'
Character: Self
Released: September 5, 2000
Type: Movie
An in-depth look into the creation of the special effects for the film Men in Black (1997). Various interviews with the cast and filmmakers and a look at the pre-rendered SFX from ILM and Rick Baker. Also a look at storyboards and information about the change of the script during production.
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Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
Title: Mummy Dearest: A Horror Tradition Unearthed
Character: Self
Released: August 29, 2000
Type: Movie
Documentary featured on the Classic Monster Collection and Monster Legacy Collection for The Mummy (1932).
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The Road to 'Dracula'
Title: The Road to 'Dracula'
Character: Self
Released: December 21, 1999
Type: Movie
A documentary from Universal about the movie "Dracula" (1931) starring Bela Lugosi.
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A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
Title: A Tribute to the Wizard of Oz
Character: Himself
Released: January 1, 1999
Type: Movie
A tribute to the characters and makeup artists from the Wizard of Oz, as performed and created by some of the top makeup people in Hollywood. On September 12, 1998, a group of top makeup artists gathered in Studio City, CA, to pay tribute to Jack Dawn and his team from the seminal 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz.
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She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
Title: She's Alive! Creating 'The Bride of Frankenstein'
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1999
Type: Movie
Documentary about the making of 1935's "The Bride of Frankenstein."
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Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
Title: Monster by Moonlight! The Immortal Saga of 'The Wolf Man'
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1999
Type: Movie
Starting with "The Wolf Man" (in 1941), Universal Studios made five movies featuring The Wolf Man, a character portrayed by Lon Chaney, Jr. Monster by Moonlight! explores these movies. Rick Baker explains how the make-up was done on Chaney's character. Screenwriter Curtis Siodmak took very little from earlier werewolf legends, providing his own story for some of the films. This documentary displays clips from several other movies, including "Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948) and "House of Dracula" (1945).
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The Making of Men in Black
Title: The Making of Men in Black
Character: Self
Released: November 4, 1997
Type: Movie
Behind the scenes of Men in Black (1997)
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It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
Title: It's Alive: The True Story of Frankenstein
Character: Self
Released: October 25, 1994
Type: Movie
Mary Shelley created a monster in 1818, and writers, actors and filmmakers haven't been able to get enough of it ever since. The history of the creature on and off the screen includes clips from Thomas Edison's 1910 filmization to Kenneth Branagh's 1994 treatment, plus interviews with Robert De Niro, Mel Brooks, Roger Corman and others. Hosted by Roger Moore; narrated by Eli Wallach.
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The Making of Captain EO
Title: The Making of Captain EO
Character: Self
Released: September 12, 1986
Type: Movie
Documentary of the making of Michael Jackson's Captain EO film for the Disney theme parks.
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King Kong! The Living Legend
Title: King Kong! The Living Legend
Character: Self / King Kong
Released: June 1, 1986
Type: Movie
Documentary special to promote the release of King Kong Lives, the grand opening of the King Kong attraction at Universal theme park, as well as a look back at the history of King Kong in the movies.
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Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
Title: Fangoria's Weekend of Horrors
Character: Self
Released: January 1, 1986
Type: Movie
Actors, directors and special effects technicians are interviewed at a horror-film convention.
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Into the Night
Title: Into the Night
Character: Drug Dealer
Released: February 22, 1985
Type: Movie
Ed Okin used to have a boring life. He used to have trouble getting to sleep. Then one night, he met Diana. Now, Ed's having trouble staying alive.
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Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
Title: Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
Character: Self
Released: December 15, 1983
Type: Movie
Featuring interviews with director John Landis, make-up artist Rick Baker, and the King of Pop himself, Making Michael Jackson's Thriller takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey from pre-production to shooting on the ghoulish graveyard set of Michael Jackson's legendary music video and short film.
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Michael Jackson's Thriller
Title: Michael Jackson's Thriller
Character: Zombie Opening the Crypt (uncredited)
Released: November 14, 1983
Type: Movie
A night at the movies turns into a nightmare when Michael and his date are attacked by a horde of bloody-thirsty zombies.
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The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
Title: The Making of David Cronenberg's Videodrome
Character: Interviewee
Released: December 31, 1982
Type: Movie
A featurette made in 1982 to promote the new film by David Cronenberg, including interviews with the cast and crew.
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The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Title: The Incredible Shrinking Woman
Character: Sidney
Released: January 30, 1981
Type: Movie
After being exposed to a bizarre mixture of household chemicals, Pat Kramer begins to shrink. This baffles scientists, makes parenting difficult, warms the hearts of Americans, and captures the attention of a group of people who want to take over the world. This evil group plots to kidnap Pat and perform experiments on her so that they can eventually shrink everyone.
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The Kentucky Fried Movie
Title: The Kentucky Fried Movie
Character: Dino (segment "A.M. Today") (as Richard A. Baker)
Released: August 10, 1977
Type: Movie
A series of loosely connected skits that spoof news programs, commercials, porno films, kung-fu films, disaster films, blaxploitation films, spy films, mafia films, and the fear that somebody is watching you on the other side of the TV.
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King Kong
Title: King Kong
Character: King Kong
Released: September 8, 1976
Type: Movie
An oil company expedition disturbs the peace of a giant ape and brings him back to New York to exploit him.
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The Thing with Two Heads
Title: The Thing with Two Heads
Character: Gorilla
Released: July 19, 1972
Type: Movie
A rich but racist man is dying and hatches an elaborate scheme for transplanting his head onto another man's body. His health deteriorates rapidly, and doctors are forced to transplant his head onto the only available candidate: a black man from death row.