Whats up, my monster lovers? Today's blog is a short one. I"m trying to get my creative juices flowing. Well, anyway I was at work the other night and when I walked into the kitchen while on my break the MTV channel was on. If Madonna isn't on I usually dont pay much attention, but when I looked up at the screen, I was instantly captivated. A new music video by Eminem called 3 A.M started to play. What I saw caught me by surprise. Now I'm no fan of Eminem, but this video was unlike any other I've seen before. If you're a horror movie fan YOU'LL LOVE IT! Im not gonna let the bat out of the belfrey, but let's just say its got lots of blood and carnage, enough to satisfy the most discerning splatter fan. SO CHECK IT OUT!
Til we meet again, HAVE A BLOODY GOOD DAY!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
More Convention Memories
Hello my fellow bloggers, greetings from the world of the bizarre! It's time for another one of my monster sci-fi convention memories. Back in 1997 I attended "The Dark Shadows Festival" at the Vista Hotel at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan; it had recently been reopened after the terrorist bombing in 1993. While checking out the convention vendor's tables , I had the distinct pleasure of running into John Russo, author of the screenplay and subsequent novelization of 'Night of the Living Dead" (1968). He published the novel, which I purchased when it debuted in 1974. We had a two hour conversation which proved to be the highlight of all of my convention experiences. I asked him what was going on in the NOTLD franchise, and he told me that a 30th anniversary edition of the film was due to be released the following year. It would be a newly remastered version of the film with a brand new prologue and instrumental background track. I told him that I had gotten his novel when it was released back in 1974, and still have it today as part of my horror memorabilia collection. He was visibly flattered by my remark, which I found refreshing.
Being from the Pittsburgh area, he was a big Steeler fan just like me. We spent the good part of two hours talking sports! HOW IRONIC! When we ended our discussion, he asked me if I would like to have his convention ID badge. I was quite honored and accepted it graciously. That item too, is part of my collection of horror memories! Some years later, while at a Chiller Theater show in New Jersey at The Meadowlands Sheraton, I would have an encounter that was related to that day in Manhattan back in 1997.
While lurking about in the celebrity tent setup outside in the parking area, I came across a familiar face behind one of the vending tables. It was Judith O'Dea, the actress who played Johnny's sister in the original film. "you're Barbara, from NOTLD!", and she replied, "thats me. how are you today?" After exchanging niceties, I brought up the conversation I had with John Russo back in 1997. She looked at me with an expression of disgust, and replied, "oh really? that bastard owes me money!" I laughed in an uncomfortable manner. I had an inkling as to what she was referring to. Some twenty-five years ago or so, George Romero, the original director of NOTLD failed to renew the copyrights to the film. This in turn caused it to go into public domain. That is why everyone and their mother was putting it out on VHS back in the mid 1980s. I can safely assume that this cost everyone involved with the film any residuals it has earned since then. Oh the trials and tribulations of the entertainment business! Looking back now, I wonder if she was being harrassed by her creditors. "THEY'RE COMING TO GET YOU BARBARAAAAAA!" Until our next encounter, HAVE A BLOODY GOOD DAY!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Monster Magazines
Welcome once again, fellow horror fiends, to another trip down memory lane. Remember when you were a kid, and couldn't wait to take that trip to the local candy store? After picking up some Bazooka Joe or Canada Mints you would head over to the magazine racks to check out the latest comic book. And then it happened! Your first encounter with a magazine called "Famous Monsters of Filmland." Or maybe it was "Castle of Frankenstein." These publications were very popular in the 60's and 70's. I remember buying my first issue of FMOF on my way to school one morning in February of 1973. It was issue # 96 and it featured a split cover of The Werewolf and Mr. Hyde! I was enthralled, devouring it from cover to cover. I STILL HAVE IT, and many issues that followed.
Over the years there would be others to captivate me. In 1982 I bought my first issue of Fangoria. That year FMOF went under, and I needed a new fix! Although I wasn't a kid anymore, I was hooked for life. Issue # 18 featured a creepy Malcom McDowell on its cover. It was a scene from " The Cat People", a remake of the 1942 classic. As the years went by, I would purchase back issues at horror conventions and comic book shows, to try and complete my collections, but it proved to be too costly an endeavor. What was so different about Fangoria was its pages! They were in color which was a new concept that FMOF never had, and featured mostly newer films such as the "SLASHER" films that were popular at the time.
Here is where one of my chilhood memories come into play. Back in 1973, "Famous Monsters of Filmland" inspired me to create my own monster magazine, which i called "The Monster Log." I would write the features which included movie reviews, a movie " mystery" photo, and features on horror actors film careers. I also did all the artwork freehand. When I had completed an issue , my father would take it to his office the next day, and photocopy about ten issues. I couldn't wait for him to come home the next night so i could put them together! Then I would take them to school the next day and sell them to my friends for 25 cents each. I didn't make much money, but it was fun just to have "my own" magazine! I remember my 7th grade math teacher commented on how creative it was!
Just another sweet chilhood memory of mine! Do you have any like these? Let me know. Till we meet again, HAVE A BLOODY GOOD DAY!
Over the years there would be others to captivate me. In 1982 I bought my first issue of Fangoria. That year FMOF went under, and I needed a new fix! Although I wasn't a kid anymore, I was hooked for life. Issue # 18 featured a creepy Malcom McDowell on its cover. It was a scene from " The Cat People", a remake of the 1942 classic. As the years went by, I would purchase back issues at horror conventions and comic book shows, to try and complete my collections, but it proved to be too costly an endeavor. What was so different about Fangoria was its pages! They were in color which was a new concept that FMOF never had, and featured mostly newer films such as the "SLASHER" films that were popular at the time.
Here is where one of my chilhood memories come into play. Back in 1973, "Famous Monsters of Filmland" inspired me to create my own monster magazine, which i called "The Monster Log." I would write the features which included movie reviews, a movie " mystery" photo, and features on horror actors film careers. I also did all the artwork freehand. When I had completed an issue , my father would take it to his office the next day, and photocopy about ten issues. I couldn't wait for him to come home the next night so i could put them together! Then I would take them to school the next day and sell them to my friends for 25 cents each. I didn't make much money, but it was fun just to have "my own" magazine! I remember my 7th grade math teacher commented on how creative it was!
Just another sweet chilhood memory of mine! Do you have any like these? Let me know. Till we meet again, HAVE A BLOODY GOOD DAY!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Haunted House Classics
It's time for another journey into fear. When it comes to horror films, you know that there are many different kinds. Among the subjects explored; vampires, werewolves, zombies, slasher killers etc... None, in my opinion are more enjoyable than "the haunted house" theme. There are a few that are critically acclaimed and have thus become classics. The Innocents (1962), The Haunting (1963), House on Haunted Hill (1958), and The Uninvited (1944) come to mind. In my opinion, one film in particular stands out as the benchmark of all haunted house movies. I am referring to a 1980 Candian film called The Changeling, starring George C. Scott and his wife Trish Van Devere. It also features screen legend Melvyn Douglas in a pivotal role. If you have not seen this dandy of a hairaiser do yourself a favor and try to rent it, or see if it is on cable. There are some of the most heart stopping scenes ever filmed of this sort! I won't spoil the fun, but it centers around college music teacher (Scott) who rents an old historical mansion in Seattle, Washington after the tragic death of his wife and daughter. What makes this film different from the others I mentioned earlier in this blog, is while the other films featured groups of people trapped in a haunted house, Scott lives in this house by himself, which makes it all the more creepier. Noises, voices, and seances follow! I don't want to give the story away, so see it for yourself, I am sure that you will not be disappointed. It is a high caliber film with a great cast, ingenious script, and superior production values. After nearly thirty years it still can induce goosebumps.
Another notable favorite is The Legend of Hell House based on the novel Hell House written by Richard Matheson. Realeased in 1973, it features Roddy McDowall, Clive Revell, Pamela Franklin, and Gayle Hunnicutt. This enjoyable spookfest centers around the paranormal investigation of the infamous Hell House outside of London. Lots of fog, black cats, and bumps in the night. I highly recommend it. Happy Haunting and Have a Bloody Good Day!!!!
Another notable favorite is The Legend of Hell House based on the novel Hell House written by Richard Matheson. Realeased in 1973, it features Roddy McDowall, Clive Revell, Pamela Franklin, and Gayle Hunnicutt. This enjoyable spookfest centers around the paranormal investigation of the infamous Hell House outside of London. Lots of fog, black cats, and bumps in the night. I highly recommend it. Happy Haunting and Have a Bloody Good Day!!!!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Horror on Television
Hey, what's up monster lovers? I want to continue our conversation about childhood monster memories. Remember the days before VCR and DVD players? If you had to miss a movie because your mother wanted to watch her soap operas or The Mike Douglas Show, that was it you missed it! You could not record movies or time shift back in the 1970's.
As a kid, I managed to convince my mother (most of the time) to let me watch, Creature Features or Chiller Theater on a Saturday night (after all what else was a kid supposed to do on the weekend). The funny thing was we never realized that most of these movies were "edited." This was done for two main reasons; mainly to cut out inappropriate content, or for the T.V stations time retraints. When we watched horror movies back then, we thought what we saw on the T.V was all there was to a movie. Years later when VCR's became popular, we would find out otherwise.
A perfect example of this concerned a gem of a film entitled The Blood on Satan's Claw (1970). This excellent British production was exquisitely by Piers Haggard, concerned a satanic coven headed by a "sweet" village girl named ironically, Angel. Played in a chillingly seductive manner by actress Linda Hayden, this film had it all. Of course I did not find out that this film was edited until years later when I rented it for me and my parents to watch on our VCR. As the opening scene played out, my mother would utter her usual lament, "is this another one of those English weirdo movies?" God knows she endured many of those movies for my benefit I just kept on looking at the screen, unaware how right how she would be. When the scene where Linda Hayden (Angel) begins to recruit the local village teens into the coven, I sensed that something dire was about to happen. One of the girls is violently stripped naked and one of the local boys proceeds to have his way with her (doggy style). While he was getting into it (or her, I should say), Angel viciously stabs him in the back with a pair of metal shears. At this point, (my mother had already left the room) my father finally speaks up, " is this your idea of entertainment?" After my jaw dropped, I responded, "gee I don't remember this scene when I use to watch it as a kid!" No wonder! Duh! Not on channel 5.
Now, I can look back at these memories with amusement. I will never forget that uncomfortable moment in the confines of our T.V room. A similar incident occured with the film The Excorcist. I don't even want to get into that one! Until tomorrow have a Bloody Good Day!
As a kid, I managed to convince my mother (most of the time) to let me watch, Creature Features or Chiller Theater on a Saturday night (after all what else was a kid supposed to do on the weekend). The funny thing was we never realized that most of these movies were "edited." This was done for two main reasons; mainly to cut out inappropriate content, or for the T.V stations time retraints. When we watched horror movies back then, we thought what we saw on the T.V was all there was to a movie. Years later when VCR's became popular, we would find out otherwise.
A perfect example of this concerned a gem of a film entitled The Blood on Satan's Claw (1970). This excellent British production was exquisitely by Piers Haggard, concerned a satanic coven headed by a "sweet" village girl named ironically, Angel. Played in a chillingly seductive manner by actress Linda Hayden, this film had it all. Of course I did not find out that this film was edited until years later when I rented it for me and my parents to watch on our VCR. As the opening scene played out, my mother would utter her usual lament, "is this another one of those English weirdo movies?" God knows she endured many of those movies for my benefit I just kept on looking at the screen, unaware how right how she would be. When the scene where Linda Hayden (Angel) begins to recruit the local village teens into the coven, I sensed that something dire was about to happen. One of the girls is violently stripped naked and one of the local boys proceeds to have his way with her (doggy style). While he was getting into it (or her, I should say), Angel viciously stabs him in the back with a pair of metal shears. At this point, (my mother had already left the room) my father finally speaks up, " is this your idea of entertainment?" After my jaw dropped, I responded, "gee I don't remember this scene when I use to watch it as a kid!" No wonder! Duh! Not on channel 5.
Now, I can look back at these memories with amusement. I will never forget that uncomfortable moment in the confines of our T.V room. A similar incident occured with the film The Excorcist. I don't even want to get into that one! Until tomorrow have a Bloody Good Day!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Horror Convention
Hey fellow fear fans, it's time for another foray into the world of horror! So many things to talk about, and so little time. On Wednesday, we reminisced about what horror movies scared us as a child. We also touched on what ones affected us as an adult. Ah memory lane! Thats what is so great about life; no matter how bad things get, and let's face it, I cant remember things being this bad; we can always escape just by going back to those times when life was so much simpler and remember what made our childhood so great .
So today we are going to discuss another kind of memory . Anyone who has ever attended a horror-sci-fi convention knows that you never know who you might run into. I"m talking in terms of celebrity guest stars. One of the most popular of these conventions is the CHILLER THEATRE shows that come to New Jersey twice a year, every May and October (Halloween weekend). Outside of the hotel they usually have a big tent set up where all the celebrities are gathered behind tables where they sell their memorabilia. (shows are usually in The Meadowlands or Parsippany) Some guests are announced and some are not. One celebrity encounter that sticks in my mind the most was with actor Kevin McCarthy. He is a venerable character actor from the 50's through the 90,s, most notable for his starring role in the sci-fi classic " Invasion of the Body Snatchers"(1956) When I noticed he was selling a photo of him and co-star Dana Wynter I asked him, "how much for the photo?" He told me $20. I said "I'll take it!" As I started to reach towards him with the monery he grabbed the bill from my hand, and said "I'll take that!" He saw how taken aback I was , and proceeded to flash a wry grin at me. "Invasion of the MONEY SNATCHER'S " was more like it I'd say! Later that evening I spotted him roaming the bar area with drink in tow, visibly tipsy. Right then I knew where my $20 dollars went! I'll share more of these moments in the coming weeks. Until then, Have a bloody good day!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Childhood Memories...
Hello to all of my fellow horror fans, my name is Mike S, and this is my first official posting on my newly created blog.
As I have stated yesterday in my formal introduction of this blog, I 'm looking forward to hearing from fellow horror fans on the net who share my passion for everything horror in the world of entertainment. While the classics and the popular movie blockblusters of today all have their merits, there is nothing like a good 'ol fashioned horror film to cuddle up to on a dark and lonely night. Whether it is a classic horror film from the 1930's or the 1940's like Frankenstein or The Wolfman, a big bug sci-fi movie like Them! or a 1980's slasher film featuring guys named Jason, Freddie, or Michael, there is nothing more satsifying like a good scare or two. Let's face it when it comes to childhood memories and horror movies, what sticks in your mind the most? The first time that you saw Dracula creep out of his coffin, the first encounter with a zombie in the opening graveyard scene in Night of the Living Dead, or the first time you heard that chilling death rattle in The Grudge? These moments were priceless and will stay with you for many years to come.
With this blog, I hope to not only give my own spin on horror films, books, toys, etc. consisting of reviews and impressions of my own childhood memories, but to hear from you as well. There is a lot to discuss, critique, and reminisce about on this blog and I am eager to get started right away. Every Wednesday will be question day. So the questions will range from trivia to comments on a personal level. Today's question is a basic, but an important one. What five films frightened you the most as a child? I can tell you the ones that impacted me the most. They are in no particular order as follows:
As I have stated yesterday in my formal introduction of this blog, I 'm looking forward to hearing from fellow horror fans on the net who share my passion for everything horror in the world of entertainment. While the classics and the popular movie blockblusters of today all have their merits, there is nothing like a good 'ol fashioned horror film to cuddle up to on a dark and lonely night. Whether it is a classic horror film from the 1930's or the 1940's like Frankenstein or The Wolfman, a big bug sci-fi movie like Them! or a 1980's slasher film featuring guys named Jason, Freddie, or Michael, there is nothing more satsifying like a good scare or two. Let's face it when it comes to childhood memories and horror movies, what sticks in your mind the most? The first time that you saw Dracula creep out of his coffin, the first encounter with a zombie in the opening graveyard scene in Night of the Living Dead, or the first time you heard that chilling death rattle in The Grudge? These moments were priceless and will stay with you for many years to come.
With this blog, I hope to not only give my own spin on horror films, books, toys, etc. consisting of reviews and impressions of my own childhood memories, but to hear from you as well. There is a lot to discuss, critique, and reminisce about on this blog and I am eager to get started right away. Every Wednesday will be question day. So the questions will range from trivia to comments on a personal level. Today's question is a basic, but an important one. What five films frightened you the most as a child? I can tell you the ones that impacted me the most. They are in no particular order as follows:
- Night of the Living Dead (1968)
- Pyscho (1960)
- Carnival of Souls (1962)
- The Wolfman (1941)
- Tales from the Crypt (1972)
There are also a handful of movies that effected me in my adult years as well. They are as follows:
- Dawn of the Dead (1979)
- The Brood (1980)
- The Saint Francisville Experiment (2000)
- The Grudge (2004)
- The Changeling (1980)
What are yours?
The above films that I mentioned prove one thing, you are never too old to be scared out of your wits. Alright there until tomorrow have a bloody good day!!!!
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