Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Blood & Flesh: The Reel Life and Ghastly Death of Al Adamson

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Flesh & Blood - Adamson documentaryI’ve been a long time fan of the work of Al Adamson. I know, some say that would be on par with being a fan of Larry Buchanan, but as I’ve said many times before, if you’re entertained by their work, then they can’t be bad movies! And I still stand by that statement! Adamson made some of the best in low budget horror and exploitation films, such as titles like Satan’s Sadist (1969), Horror of the Blood Monsters (1970), Brain of Blood (1971), Dracula vs. Frankenstein (1971), The Naughty Stewardesses (1975) and Blazing Stewardesses (1975), and so many more. But Adamson’s ending was right out of one of his movies.

Now thanks to David Gregory and Severin Films, you’ll be able to learn more about this man than you ever thought possible. Maybe afterwards you’ll have a little more respect for this underrated filmmaker.

We don’t have a release date yet, but the documentary will be making its debut at this year’s Fantasia International Film Festival. Stay tuned for more information.

Steve Hawkes – Rest in Peace

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Steve Hawkes - RIPIf ever there was a film that would be at the top of a cult and/or exploitation genre, or especially a Turkey Day festival, it would have to be the 1972 film Blood Freak. I mean, where else could you find a movie about a Turkey-Headed, blood-drinking, religious-backed horror film, than in this must-be-seen-to-believed film. Unfortunately, Steve Hawkes (real name Steve Sipek), co-writer, co-director, co-producer, and star of this film has passed away.

He starred in a couple of Spanish made Tarzan films back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, the last of which he was severely burned on the set. After his film career ended in the mid-’70s, he would later start an animal refuge. In July of 2004, he was in the news when one of his Bengal tigers was shot and killed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission after it had escaped. He was seen on the news openly weeping, blaming the officers for “murdering” his pet.

While he never had a huge career in film, it is because of Blood Freak that most fans of the cult, exploitation, and horror genre will remember him for. And because of this film, he WILL always be remembered. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Frankenstein at the Lookingglass Theatre

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frankenstein lookingglass theatre3

Right now, playing at Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre, there is a new stage production of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. We went last year to see a Frankenstein play at the Lifeline Theatre, which was a different take on the story, but was still entertaining. So when I heard there was a new adaptation of the story, well… I’m a sucker for anything Frankenstein, so it’s hard for me not to want to see what they are doing with this amazing and timeless story.

It is playing from now through Aug. 4th, which seems to be filling up rather quickly. When I went online to buy tickets, seats are becoming few and far between, so if you’re remotely interested, I would jump on it now! Continue reading →

Super Monster Movie Fest at the Skyline Drive-In

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Super Monster Movie Fest 2019 banner

What has seemed like forever, the Skyline Drive-In in Shelbyville, IN has finally announced their lineup (well… most of it) for this year’s Super Monster Movie Fest. Earlier, they had mentioned the theme was going to be Man Made Monsters, which lead to a lot of guessing and speculation. But now, other than one more title on each night that is to be announced, we have our titles. And here they are: Continue reading →

Eddie Garcia – Rest in Peace

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Eddie Garcia - RIPIf you’re a fan of Filipino horror films, then you were familiar with Eddie Garcia. Actually, if you were a fan of ANY Filipino movies, then you most likely knew who Eddie Garcia was. The man is credited with 653 acting credits on IMDB! There were years that he was appearing in over a dozen titles in one year alone. In 1975, he appeared in 33 feature films! Needless to say, the man was busy. He was also the most credited man in the Filipino film business as well, taking home more awards in the FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) than any other person, with 6 Supporting Actor awards, 5 for Best Actor, 5 for Best Director, 3 different Hall of Fame and 1 Lifetime Achievement award. Yeah…just wow.

But of course, this is the Krypt and the ones that we remember him from are the wonderful horror pictures that he made, usually in the ’60s and ’70s, such as Ibulong mo sa hangin (1966), which has multiple different titles, such as Blood of the Vampires, or Creatures of Evil, or even Curse of the Vampires (1966). Then there is Beast of the Yellow Night (1971) or The Twilight People (1972), but it will always be his performance as Dr. Lorca, in the infamous 1970 film Beast of Blood, that I will remember him most fondly from.

Garcia passed away on June 20th, from a fall that happened on the set of his latest TV series. That’s right, Garcia was 90 years old and still working! He spent 12 days in a coma after the fall and never recovered. Our heart goes out to his friends and family, and all of his fans during this difficult time. While the films that we horror fans love might not be his best or most popular, I know that we’ll keep his memory alive because of them.

Mystery Photo 6-24

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After a much needed mini-vacation at Monster Bash in Mars, PA, we’re back with our weekly Mystery Photo. This one is a real treat. But before we get to that, our photo from last week probably got the most correct answers that I can remember. The film is American Gothic (1987), starring Rod Steiger and Yvonne De Carlo, as well as cult regulars Michael J. Pollard and William Hootkins. Kudos to the following that sent in the correct answers: Hoby Abernathy, Aaron Christensen, Todd Barwick, Jerry Downing, Brian Fukala, Richard Garcia, Christopher Highland, Erick Martin, Gavin Schmitt, James Turner, Kristin Wicks, William Willson, and Greg Wojick. Major Kudos!

So this next flick is going to be a little obscure, but is one of those that if you’ve seen it, I doubt you’ll ever forget it. The quality isn’t that great but take a look and see what you can come up with. As always, please don’t post your answers here so others can have a chance. Just send them to us in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck.

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Book Review: Italian Gothic Horror Films, 1980-1989

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Italian Gothic Horror Films 1980-1989Italian Gothic Horror Films, 1980-1989
Published by McFarland, 2019. 232 pages.
By Roberto Curti

Being that this is the 3rd book in the series by Curti involving the gothic horror films of Italy, this latest one, covering the ’80s, it’s sort of a nice little walk down memory lane for me. The ’80s is when I started to become aware of these films. With the boom of VHS tapes, the horror section was filled with these flicks from Italy, promising (and usually delivering) the bloody and gory goods to us eager viewers. So getting to read several pages on some of my favorites, namely the ones from Argento, Bava, Fulci, and Soavi, there is plenty to be learned here.

Not only will you get to read about some of your favorite classic Italian horror flicks like Argento’s Inferno (1980) or Fulci’s City of the Living Dead (1980), The Beyond and House by the Cemetery (both 1981), as well as Claudio Fragasso’s Monster Dog (1985) and Luigi Cozzi’s Paganini Horror (1989), you will get so much insight and information that I bet you’re going to want to re-watch some of these if you haven’t seen them in a while. You’ll learn maybe why Monster Dog turned out like it did, which could make you give it (and Fragasso) a little more credit. Maybe. Continue reading →

Mystery Photo 6-17

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Sorry about the lack of updates this week, but been putting way too many hours in my real job and it is taking it’s toll. Didn’t really have a weekend so almost forgot that today is actually Monday! But at least I did get this photo in before the day is over. Our last photo was from The People Who Own the Dark (1976), starring Alberto de Mendoza, Nadiuksa, and of course, Paul Naschy! While Naschy has only a supporting role, the film is still more than worth your time and has great ending. Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Bob Hartman, Troy Howarth, Lee Nattrass, Gavin Schmitt, and Michael Shields. Well done!

Now on to this week’s photo. Might be pretty easy for those that have seen the movie. Otherwise…might take a little more research. As always, please remember not to post your answers here in the comments, so that others can have a change at guessing. Just send your answer to us in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

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FAB Press Unleashes the Werewolves!

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Frightfest Guide - werewolf moviesContinuing their track record of producing incredible books, FAB Press has announced the latest volume in their Frightfest Guide. The Frightfest Guide to Werewolf Movies, written by Gavin Baddeley, will be “uncovering neglected gems, and even examining a few howlers among the definitive selection of werewolf movies reviewed.” You’ll get to read about “reluctant wolfmen and shapeshifting sadists, big bad fairytale wolves and lycanthropic nymphomaniacs.” How could this not be a book you need to add to your own library?

With an introduction by director Neil Marshall, who gave us one of the best modern-day werewolf movies with his 2002 film Dog Soldiers, this will be another example of the quality work that FAB Press continues to put out.

Yes, these volumes can be a bit pricy, especially when you’re getting the shipped over here to the US, but I would attest that they are more than worth the money invested. The international street date for the book will be October 1st. The paperback price will be £17.99 (UK) $24.95 (US). Or you can order your exclusive hardcover edition now for only £20 now! Just head over to FAB Press now by clicking HERE.

Mystery Photo 6-10

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Happy Monday, once again. They just keep coming back, don’t they?

Okay, our photo from last week was from the 1971 film The Devil’s Nightmare, starring the wonderful Erika Blanc. I can remember back in the old VHS days trying to find an uncut copy of this that had the black and white intro, as well as some of the other cut scenes that weren’t in any of the VHS releases here in the states. But now, thanks to Mondo Macabre, we don’t need to worry about that, do we? Anyway, kudos out to Todd Barwick and Michael Shields for sending in the correct answer. Well done, indeed.

This week’s photo is another Euro favorite of mine, so take a peek and see what you can figure out. As always, please remember not to post your answers here so that others can have a chance at guessing. You can send us your guess though email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

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