Friday, November 29, 2013

In Old Alipore, Bengal: The Cannon Ball Tree

Within the grounds of Belvedere Palace (now the National Library of India campus), perhaps near the spot where Warren Hastings and Philip Francis had their famous (and non-fatal) duel in 1780, stands a wonderful Cannon Ball Tree, guarded by an alert hound. Many a 'cannon ball' from past 'armaments production' lie beneath, adding to the pleasing and picturesque aspect of this fascinating plant.
Originally from Brazil, but flourishing hereabouts.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Couroupita_guianensis

(Click on first photo for slideshow; all photos © by BPB.)












Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Birds Of A Feather In Calcutta

Whether on the Great Seal of the city, or in the fabulous Zoological Gardens (my favorite zoo), Calcuttan birds are pretty fantastic. A tiny selection follows: Greater Adjutant Stork (145–150 cm (57–60 inches high!)), pigeon, kingfisher, spoonbill...
(Click on first pic for slideshow; all pix ©by BPB)





















Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Extremely Rare Screen Shots From My 1969 Epic, 'Death Desert'

I scripted, produced & directed this picture, 'Death Desert' in July 1969
Starring Kevin Keeffe as Plumpet Maximus (who also co-scripted)
with Drave Appleyard as Butler Primmumm
and Alekzander Z. Burnstein, Manny Sheptz, Pete Slæker, Don Czkhyshz and Peanutz White
Music by Jerome Moross, Dimitri Tiomkin, Miklos Rozsa, Alex North, and Bronislau Kaper
A United Pyramid Release, in SuperPyraScope 90 and WonderColour
(all plates © by BP Bach)
[Click on first pic for slideshow]

Critics were universally appalled by this bizarre tale, which deeply shocked the nation.