Conspiracy Theory Analysis: The Murder of Sal Mineo

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Sal-Mineo-sal-mineo-33559647-644-960thX0OLQIZQ  On Feb. 12, 1976, actor Sal Mineo was stabbed to death after rehearsal for the L.A. stage production of “P.S. Your Cat is Dead.”  Who did it and why?

Career peaks:  “Rebel Without a Cause” with James Dean (1956) and “Exodus” (1960.)  Mineo received two Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

1n 1960, he was engaged to his beautiful “Exodus” costar Jill Haworth.

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And then roles became scarce.  The engagement was called off.  After a role in “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (1965), Mineo starred in “Who Killed Teddy Bear?” (1965), an extremely low-budget sleazoid that has gained cult film status.

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In 1969, he co-starred in “Krakatoa, East of Java” and directed the stage play “Fortune and Men’s Eyes”.  In the 70’s, Mineo played minor roles in episodic television (“Columbo”, “Harry O”.)  In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola was prepared to cast him as Fredo in “The Godfather”, but costar James Caan threatened to quit, if “that fag” was allowed on the set.  He was still hoping for that comeback role and may have found it in “P.S. Your Cat is Dead”, which gained favorable notices in San Francisco (1975.)

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Sal Mineo dead outside his West Hollywood apartment.

February 12, 1976.  Sal Mineo was found dying from one fatal stab would to the heart.  Witnesses saw a man running away with long, blond hair.  Police searched Mineo’s apartment and found a stash of gay porn.  The LAPD wrote it off as a “fag killing” and they were prepared to sweep it under the rug, until…

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Lionel Ray Williams, a black man had been disguised in blond dreadlocks.  His ex-wife said he had returned home that day, bloody.  Williams, stupidly, had bragged to others about how “easy” it was to kill the unsuspecting actor.  He was found guilty of murder and spent fourteen years in prison.

Because of the initial reports of a blond man (presumed to be a gay lover), plus Williams denials of guilt, there are some who still think it was a homosexual vendetta.  There’s no doubt Williams killed Mineo, but why?

Robbery?  Maybe, but why was his wallet left behind?

Revenge?  Some say Williams heard Mineo speaking to inmates in prison, encouraging their rehabilitation.  Upon hearing this, Williams vowed to get him, calling him “a phony, tough guy.”

Drugs?  Did Mineo owe money for an illegal drug deal?  Was this payback?

Sal Mineo screamed for help, which means he saw the attack coming.  Murder seems more likely than robbery.  But, why?  The “why” we may never know.

Text ©2017-ERN

Movies, Movies, Movies

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It Follows (2015, Northern Lights Films)

About a sexually-transmitted disease; wherein the victims are followed by a slow-moving zombie who wants to kill you.  The zombie can change its appearance and is invisible to others.  Film depends on suspense more than horror with minimal special effects.  Maika Monroe and Keir Gilchrist are especially good in their leading roles.

Blackbird  (2012, A71 Productions)

Goth (played by Connor Jessup) tries to impress girl (Alexia Fast) who is already paired with jock (Craig Arnold.)  Threats on the Internet lead to unforeseen events.  Modern day story on how misunderstandings and political-correctness can alter people’s lives.  Surprisingly effective.

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United 93  (2006, Universal)

Based on the true story of the only hijacked plane on 9/11 that did not achieve its target.  Director Paul Greengrass films it documentary style and it works.  We all know the outcome, yet I defy anyone to watch it and not feel rage.  The beginning of the War on Terror, whether people want to admit it or not.

The Misfits  (1961, United Artists-7 Arts)

Melancholy farewell to movie greats Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe – their last completed film.

Written by Arthur Miller, directed by John Huston.  Co-stars Montgomery Clift and Eli Wallach, (who died recently.)  Drama set against the Nevada desert, as three men all fall for the same woman – Roslyn (MM.)  Depressing, downbeat, not the hit many think it was.  Stark black and white cinematography by Russell Metty, evocative score by Alex North.

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King Kong  (1933, RKO)

The original and still the best.  I know the special effects are better today, but the latter versions lack the soul of this ancient, depression-era oldie.  Dreamlike, atmospheric, and who can scream better than Fay Wray?

Stop motion photography was the CGI of the 30’s.  Directed by M.C. Cooper and Ernest Schoedsack.  Stars Bruce Cabot and Robert Armstrong.  Groundbreaking score by Max Steiner.

The baseball team has a conversation on the pitcher's mound on the top of the poster; on the bottom, the group sits in Hollywood set chairs; the title and credits are set in the middle.

A Boy Named Charlie Brown  (1969, Cinema Center Films)

First and best of the “Peanuts” gang animated films released in the theaters.  Born loser Charlie Brown finally find his niche when he wins a series of spelling bees.  Will he go on to be the state champion?  All the classic elements are here:  Oscar nominated Vince Guaraldi score, songs by Rod McKuen.  Cartoonist Charles Schulz at his peak.

J.T.  (1969, CBS)

Inner-city youth (Kevin Hooks) learns compassion taking care of an abandoned alley-cat.  Heartfelt TV drama – the kind they don’t make anymore.  Available on YouTube.

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Cat o’ Nine Tails  (1971, Warner Bros.)

Exciting horror-suspense film by Dario Argento.  Stars James Fransiscus, Karl Malden and Catherine Spaak.

Mysterious murders begin occurring around a genetics laboratory.  (Does a certain type of chromosome lead to violent behavior?)  It’s up to two news reporters (one blind, aided by an orphan girl) to solve it.  Recent uncut version is now available on DVD.  Ennio Moricone’s soundtrack is also available.

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Spanish poster for “Theatre of Blood”

Theatre of Blood  (1973, United Artists)

Vincent Price stars as an egocentric stage actor, presumed dead, who seeks a grisly revenge on his critics.  Perfect casting for Price.

Co-stars a sexy Diana Rigg as his daughter.  Ghoulish, bloody humor not for the faint-hearted.

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Sal Mineo and Juliet Prowse star in a grisly, psychosexual thriller concerning an obsessed Peeping Tom who becomes homicidal.

Who Killed Teddy Bear?  (1965, Magna Corp.)

Nasty little black & white film about a sexually-obsessed stalker who terrorizes a girl who works in a disco.  Surprisingly explicit for its time.  Some of the film’s techniques would be used later in “Midnight Cowboy” (1969.)  Stars Sal Mineo and Juliet Prowse would both meet unfortunate ends in real life.  (Mineo murdered in ’76, Prowse bitten twice by a leopard in ’87, died later from cancer in ’96.)  Songwriter Al Kasha had better luck, going on to win two Academy Awards.  (“The Morning After” and “We May Never Love like this Again”.)

Text (C) 2015 – EricReportsNews