Initially convicted of second-degree murder of actor Tommy Hood, James Silva received a sentence of five years to life in prison. Yet his violent history did not end with Tommy Hood’s death. While incarcerated at San Quentin, Silva committed another shocking crime that once again thrust his name into California headlines. In 1953, he confessed to stabbing fellow inmate Kenneth King with a homemade knife after allegedly brooding over a perceived insult for weeks. Because California law at the time mandated the death penalty in certain repeat violent felony cases, Silva was condemned to die in the gas chamber.

Beyond the spotlight of Hollywood’s stars and studio elites, there was a different world filled with struggling actors, bit players, chorus performers, and hopeful men and women whose names rarely lasted past the credits of forgotten films. Among them was Tommy Hood, a small-framed character actor whose life ended in one of the strangest and most disturbing murder cases Los Angeles had seen in the early 1950s. The crime was so sensational that newspapers across California called it the “folding bed murder.”

Sam Neill’s career spanned over five decades, during which he was considered one of cinema's most versatile actors. He took on dinosaurs in Jurassic Park, was called upon to help launch The Hunt for Red October and shined in countless dramas and thrillers. Intelligent, warm, and humble, Neill never sought to be a superstar. Audiences around the world simply loved him as one of cinema's most dependable leading men.

Occasionally, a horror movie sneaks up on you. You think you know where it's going from its simple premise, but then it morphs into something horrific. Obsession by Curry Barker is that type of film. Though it first feels like a typical supernatural story about a wish gone wrong, it slowly becomes clear you are watching something far more perverse: a disturbing psychological look at loneliness, privilege, and blurring the lines between wanting and loving.

Not everyone who moves to Hollywood is chasing instant fame. Some people come because they just can't picture living anywhere else. James Kenneth "Jimmy" Bangley was one of those people. For nearly thirty years, he worked as an actor and quietly became known as a Hollywood film historian. Whether he was acting in Shakespeare plays, doing stand-up on Sunset Boulevard, or digging up forgotten stories from Hollywood's silent era, Bangley gave his life to the industry he loved. He may not have found fame, but he always found fulfillment.

Another weekend brings another diverse lineup of new releases, offering something for nearly every moviegoer. Families have a major Disney adventure to enjoy, horror fans can return to one of cinema's bloodiest franchises, while audiences looking for comedy, romance, or independent filmmaking will also find several intriguing choices. Whether you're planning a trip to your neighborhood multiplex or searching for a smaller arthouse gem, here's a look at what's opening in theaters this weekend.

Mae Dix stands out in the colorful history of Burlesque. While her name is not as well-known today as Sally Rand, Gypsy Rose Lee, or Ann Corio, entertainment historians have credited her as the originator of the striptease for many years. Although it is uncertain whether Mae Dix truly invented the act, most agree she perfected it and helped make it a defining part of twentieth-century burlesque. No matter what, she made a lasting impact on the art of stage seduction.

Few films carry the weight of tragedy quite like Brainstorm (1983). Intended to be remembered as one of the biggest and most visionary science-fiction productions of its time, it would instead become best known for the death of lead actress Natalie Wood. Even today, nearly forty-three years after its release, Brainstorm endures as something of a Hollywood curiosity. Technologically advanced, critically acclaimed by many, a box-office flop, and rarely spoken of in the same sentences as "best science-fiction movies," Brainstorm lives in the memories of most as something that happened off-screen.

Some Hollywood landmarks stand out with neon lights, marquees, searchlights, and stories sold in souvenir shops. The Woman’s Club of Hollywood is different. It sits quietly at 1749 North La Brea Avenue, set back from the busy street, and remains as a piece of Hollywood from before the city became all about spectacle. It may not be glamorous in the usual way, but it matters more than that.

For much of her existence, Supergirl has lived in Superman's giant shadow. Introduced as his cousin first, she has always struggled to stand apart from her famous male counterpart. Released in 1984, Supergirl starred Helen Slater, who embraced her role and gave an earnest performance that deserved better. Even with a strong supporting cast including Faye Dunaway, Peter O'Toole, Brenda Vaccaro, and Mia Farrow, the film couldn't overcome a schizophrenic screenplay, inconsistent visual effects, and an identity crisis. Over forty years later, DC Studios is finally giving Kara Zor-El another shot. With Supergirl (2026), they've replaced wide-eyed naivety with a battle-hardened heroine who hasn't faced obstacles without getting her uniform dirty or heartbroken. The result is an action-packed and often thrilling superhero blockbuster that gives the character her own identity separate from Superman, even if it doesn't always manage to fly.

When people talk about old Hollywood, they usually mention the stars on the big screen or the powerful studio bosses who made headlines. Louis B. Mayer led MGM with a commanding presence. Irving Thalberg earned fame as the “Boy Wonder” producer. Samuel Goldwyn became known for his temperamental genius. But behind almost every major MGM production during its golden years was another key figure, someone the public rarely saw but who held great influence in the industry: Joseph Judson “J. J.” Cohn.

If you're looking to escape the summer heat or simply enjoy a couple of hours in the dark with a bucket of popcorn, the Independence Day weekend offers something for nearly every taste. From a patriotic historical drama and a nostalgic animated comedy to an acclaimed documentary and a gripping wartime thriller, this week's new releases provide a welcome mix of entertainment. Here's a look at four of the most notable films arriving in theaters.