Sly's First Fight

Sly talks about the first professional fight he ever saw in person over at SecondsOut.com. - Craig

Planet Hollywood: Don't Call It a Comeback

The New York Times reports that Planet Hollywood is on the verge of a major comeback! They didn't hear no bell! - Craig

John Rambo Fan Image

Here's a fan image created by SZoner, Gianno. - Craig

Sly in Burma News

SZoner, Anwar wrote in with the following:

Hi Craig,

I’m a big Stallone Fan, I came across this and thought I’d e-mail you the link.

http://www.irrawaddy.org/multimedia.php?art_id=8375

P.S. You do a great job with ‘StalloneZone’, keep up the good work!

Anwar, England, UK.

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Thanks to Anwar for the heads-up! - Craig

Rambo Support Group

The following information was forwarded to me by two operatives dressed in full military gear. Somehow I get the feeling that they are rouge agents.

Hey man check out this new Rambo fan site operationrsg.net.
It is for getting John Rambo to number one.
If all Rambo fans join the cause, we will shock the industry when the film is released.
Let your troops know.

SZoners, you now know. - Craig

New Fan Art

SZoner, Sherry Hutchison is back with her latest Stallone painting. She welcomes comments to Sherry_Hutchison@yahoo.com - Craig

First Blood Celebration Art Contest

I recently received information from Inge Wilson about an art contest for the First Blood 25th Anniversary Celebration. Here are the particulars:

• Enter to win $200 cash prize
• Enter original artwork that depicts the character of "John Rambo” as featured in the film “First Blood”
• Submit to Destination Hope & Beyond Services by 5PM on Thursday, October 4th, 2007
• All 2D media forms eligible (for example pencil, ink, charcoal, watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel etc.). Mechanically produced or assisted artwork such as photographs or computer generated images will not be accepted. Minimum size 5” X 7”. Please do not frame entries.
• No entry fee.
• All entries become the property of Destination Hope & Beyond Services and will be exhibited during the “Rambo-First Blood” 25th Anniversary Event in Hope October 5th to 8th, 2007
• All entries must be accompanied by a signed release form.
• Minimum of 10 contestants or contest will be cancelled. Maximum of two entries per contestant.
• Judges decision is final.
• Entry forms & release forms available from the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex located at 919 Water Avenue, Hope, B.C., V0X 1L0

We have several talented SZoner artists -- good luck to all! - Craig

Some Rocky Inspiration

Ehren Cheung, on his recent trip to Philadelphia couldn't help but notice the...

"...constant flow of tourists who flocked to the statue of Rocky. Posing with Rocky Balboa was one of the primary attractions but not only did it seem that Rocky inspired people to pose, people ran up the stairs of the Museum of Art reenacting the scene in Rocky, and people would applaud and smile each time a group of people raced up the stairs. Some people were so enthused that they almost fell down the stairs!"

It's amazing how Rocky continues to inspire so many people worldwide. I love how the Rocky statue has become a "must see stop" for those who go to Philadelphia. For Ethan's full blog post, click HERE. - Craig

Rambo Fan Art

SZoner, Adam Shippee is back with a new painting of Sly as Rambo. Adam's e-mail is ashippee1@cox.net if you'd like to drop him a line. - Craig

More on the First Blood Celebration

More on the First Blood celebration:

Craig – please see below for the “First Blood 25^th Anniversary Event” weekend plans but note that THIS SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! Please post to your website if possible

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Friday, October 5th - 7PM or so ... welcome evening for First Blood fans at the Silver Chalice Neighbourhood Pub featuring the premiere showing of the REEL PLACES documentary/travelogue of "First Blood". No cover charge. Must be 19 years old to gain admission. Introduction of the Rambo look-alike competitors - each Rambo look-alike competitor will receive a free ticket for the "First Blood" film screening on Saturday evening.

Saturday, October 6th - 10AM guided walking tour of "First Blood" filming locations within Hope. Starting location is the Hope Visitor Centre/Museum Complex at 919 Water Avenue. Admission to Museum by donation but no charge for walking tour. Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! (From 9AM to 10AM pre-bookings & pre-payments for a lunch at the Sheriff's Office can be made at the Visitor Centre & Museum Complex) Tour will include lunch stop at the "Sheriff's Office" where "First Blood" art competition entries will be displayed. Tour will conclude at the Visitor Centre/Museum Complex sometime in the afternoon.

Saturday, October 6th - 7PM doors open at the Hope Cinema for a special screening of the original "First Blood" film. At 7:30 PM anyone present that has stories or memories to share will be asked to speak at the microphone before the film begins. Rambo look-alike competitors will each be asked to voice one of the well known "Rambo" pieces of dialogue. The "Fan Favourite" and official first place winners of the Rambo look-alike competition to be announced & awards presented. Film begins once speakers & Rambo impersonators are finished. Cost per person is $8.00. Ticket will also include admission to the feature film (title unknown yet) being shown at Hope Cinema immediately after the conclusion of "First Blood".

Sunday, October 7th - 10AM Meet at the Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park parking lot for a guided walk through "Chapman's Gorge". Parking fee is $3 per vehicle (bring coins for the parking ticket machine). Must wear good walking shoes and be prepared for all kinds of weather - event proceeds rain or shine! Those who want to continue on with the optional hike should bring a bag lunch. No charge to participate.

Sunday, October 7th - 1PM Optional additional hike through the woods above "Chapman's Gorge". Must be physically fit, appropriately attired and sign a waiver. Parking fee for Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park still in effect. Hike proceeds rain or shine. No charge to participate. Sunday, October 7th - Pig Roast Dinner Wind Up. Location, time and cost not yet finalized. Both Saturday & Sunday the Hope Museum will be open from 10AM to 4PM. A small exhibit of "First Blood" photos and memorabilia will be featured. Admission by donation. A special "First Blood" 25th anniversary souvenir booklet will be available throughout the weekend. No organized events on Monday, October 8th - Thanksgiving Day - but visitors are encouraged to enjoy other points of interest in the Hope area like Hell's Gate Airtram, Minter Gardens, Hope Art Gallery, Hope Chainsaw Carvings, Yale Heritage Site, Kilby Historic Store & Farm, the Hope Slide and more!

Inge Wilson
Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex
Destination Hope & Beyond Services

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It looks to be like a lot of fun. If any SZoner is able to attend, we'd love to see photos and a report! - Craig

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

This came in the e-mail this week...

Hope Celebrates 25th Anniversary of First Blood

Over 25 years have passed since First Blood wrapped filming in Hope, British Columbia, Canada - but residents, local crew and Rambo enthusiasts agree it doesn't feel like a quarter century has passed. Back in 1981, British Columbia’s film industry was in itsinfancy when the Ministry of Tourism’s Film Promotion Office, helmed by Dianne Neufeld and Justis Greene, received a call from a production company interested in shooting First Blood, a $15 million action movie in B.C..

After scouting several different locations in BC, the producers found the exact look they had been searching for in the small town of Hope. Soon after, a crew of approximately 100 people (many of whom still work in the BC Film industry) began to transform the town of Hope into the birthplace of John Rambo. The Sheriff’s Office was constructed on the lawn of Hope’s District Hall, a gun shop and gas station were built and American flags, mailboxes, and US Army billboards were placed on downtown streets.

During the filming, the cast and crew had to deal with bitter cold, the theft of over 50 firearms needed for the movie, Stallone’s injuries and the escape of a wild boar on its way to set. Despite these challenges, First Blood, which was released on Friday October 22, 1982was a major box office success, earning a record breaking $14.8 million in the first 12 days of its release.

To mark the film’s 25th anniversary, the Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex (operated by Destination Hope & Beyond Services) is celebrating the occasion with a number of events and activities over the Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend, beginning October 5th. The anniversary celebration plans currently include a welcome reception at a Hope pub, the premiere of the REEL PLACES “First Blood” travelogue/documentary by Seattle’s Gas Light Alley Entertainment, film location tours, a Rambo look-a-like contest, an art competition, a pig roast dinner, and the publication of a souvenir “First Blood” booklet as a keepsake.

Anyone that would like to contribute stories, photos or trivia for the souvenir booklet is invited to send them to destinationhope@telus.net. Plus anyone that was involved in this film project is encouraged to take part in the events celebrating this pivotal BC film project.

For further information, please contact: Inge Wilson, Manager-Hope Visitor Centre & Museum Complex Phone: 604-869-2021 or 1-866-HOPEVIC or E-mail:destinationhope@telus.net

Sly Movie Memorbilia

The photo above and e-mail below arrived in the e-mail this week.

Hi Craig, I just want to tell you what a great web site you have.

I am a movie memorabilia collector, and I collect Stallone stuff especially. I have a complete Sylvester Stallone outfit that he actually wore in the movie Daylight. It is complete with shirt, undershirt, pants, socks, and boots. I am sure you know the outfit. It is the one that he wears throughout the entire film. I have a bunch of photos with it. It came right from a Profiles in History auction, and has their tags. Profiles is one of the biggest auction houses in the world. I had the outfit on a mannequin with a Stallone mask. I just don't have the room anymore. I am asking $650.00 for it. I would also include all of the 8X10 photos, and the original movie with the box. I also have a Stallone face life cast that was made right from his head and neck for Cop land. I got that from Premiere Props, and it comes with their COA. I am asking $350 for that. Please let me know if you are interested, and if possible maybe you can list it on the Stallone Zone. I would be happy to give you 10% of the selling prices if you have somebody or can get me somebody to purchase. Thanks so much, Brett
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If any SZoner is interested in purchasing Brett's items you can contact him at BackDoor07@aol.com. Feel free to ask for the 10% discount that he offered me, since I don't know Brett or the authenticity of his items [he says he has Certificates of Authenticity], I wouldn't feel comfortable accepting a commission on the sale. - Craig

Sly Presents Rocky

From American Film Institute Press Release - Wednesday September 12, 1:48 pm ET LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/

The American Film Institute today announced a historic public event to mark the institute's 40th anniversary. Target Presents AFI's 40th Anniversary is an event of unprecedented scale -- even for Hollywood. Eleven classic American films will screen on a single night, in a single location -- each with a live introduction by the film's legendary star or filmmaker.

The event will be held October 3 at ArcLight Hollywood. All film programs will begin at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on September 19.

The films and artists that are confirmed to take part in this momentous occasion are:

    Julie Andrews will present THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)
  Warren Beatty will present BONNIE AND CLYDE (1967)
  Billy Crystal and Rob Reiner will present WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)
  Kirk Douglas will present SPARTACUS (1960)
  Clint Eastwood will present UNFORGIVEN (1992)
  Morgan Freeman will present THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994)
  Tippi Hedren will present THE BIRDS (1963)
  Angela Lansbury will present BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (1991)
  George Lucas will present STAR WARS -- EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE (1977)
  Jack Nicholson will present ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (1975)
  Sylvester Stallone will present ROCKY (1976)

"What better way to celebrate 40 years of AFI than to bring together movie artists and movie-goers in the flickering light of these classic American films," stated Jean Picker Firstenberg, AFI's President and CEO. "We thank Target for their continued support of AFI, providing the opportunity to honor AFI's 40th Anniversary with an epic celebration worthy of America's national educational and cultural organization."

"We are thrilled to honor 40 great years of the American Film Institute by celebrating the magic and artistry of the silver screen," said Laura Sandall, director, events marketing and publicity, Target. "By building relationships with leading cultural organizations like AFI, Target is able to foster creativity, promote learning and build stronger communities."

Tickets to all screenings are $25 and can be purchased at AFI.com or in person at the ArcLight box office at 6360 W Sunset Boulevard (at Ivar) beginning Wednesday, September 19. Event tickets include free popcorn and soda for all guests. The first 100 guests to arrive in each theater will receive a free copy of the special commemorative AFI 40th Anniversary Tribute book.
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What a great line up of films and presenters. Obviously "Rocky" would be THE one to attend, but it would also be cool to see Kirk Douglas present "Spartacus", Clint Eastwood show us "Unforgiven", or Jack Nicholson showcase "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". If any SZoner attends, please send in photos and a report! - Craig

John Rambo Returns on Jan. 25th

Lionsgate has set the release date of January 25, 2008 for "John Rambo". Written, directed and starring Sly Stallone, along with Julie Benz, Matthew Marsden, Graham McTavish, and Jake La Botz.

New "John Rambo" Footage

Harry, over at Ain't It Cool News received a call from Sly Stallone saying that he was heading back to Thailand for additional filming on "John Rambo". Sly also sent Harry some new footage and I need to warn you, it is "R" rated for violence. So, if you're in the mood for some Rambo mayhem, then click HERE.

SZoner Meets Frank Stallone

SZoner, Robert Clark sent in the picture above and this note: "I met Frank Stallone at DragonCon in Atlanta today. Frank was a true gentleman! I thanked him for ROCKY BALBOA and JOHN RAMBO. I told him about the crowd that showed up in Tampa to see an early screening of ROCKY BALBOA back in early Dec. This was the event that MIGBIZ (We spoke about the Rocky Cards too!) put on. I told him about the crowds bursting at the seams to get in." Congrats to Robert for meeting Frank, a true talent! Also thanks for sending along the photo and kind words! - Craig

"John Rambo" Fan Poster

SZoner, Brandon Hafiz sent in this simple but effective teaser poster for "John Rambo". - Craig

Legends Fan Art

M. Gerardo has been a SZoner for about a year now and has been a Stallone fan for 31 years. He sent in his iconic digital creation for SZoners everywhere to enjoy! Thanks to MG! - Craig

Rocky by Michael Nigro

Michael Nigro is a full time illustrator who is available for freelance commissions! His e-mail is bossk1138@yahoo.com. Michael works in pencil, watercolors, ink and digital paintings and would love to to hear any feedback on this painting. Michael says he has more Sly Art that he'll share soon. Thanks to Michael for sharing! - Craig

Rocky & Adrian UK Fan Art

Derek Nixon is based in the UK and was inspired to paint this after he and his girlfriend Jen ran up the Rocky steps in Philly to celebrate his 30th birthday! Any comments are welcome. Derek's email is mail@dmncreative.com (the website itself is a work in progress at the moment). The Rocky sculpture he's working on is nearing completion so hopefully he'll be able to send pics of it in the next few weeks. Thanks to Derek for sharing his talents! - Craig

Rocky Fan Art

Kevin Libal sent in this drawing that his brother Jason created for him. Thanks to Kevin and Jason for allowing us a look! - Craig

UK Rambo Fan Art

Michael Heather was cleaning out some files and came across some Sly art that he created years ago. Thanks to Michael for sharing! - Craig

Rocky Fan Art from Russia

Anatoly Zaprudnov did the pencil drawing above and is a Russian fan of Rocky. It's only the third portrait Anatoly has ever drawn! Thanks to Anatoly for sharing his talents. - Craig