Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Book Review: Universal Terrors, 1951-1955

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universal-terrorsUniversal Terrors, 1951-1955: Eight Classic Horror and Sci-Fi Films
Published by McFarland, 2017. 440 pages.
By Tom Weaver, with David Schecter, Robert J. Kiss, and Steve Kronenberg

Anytime I do research on an older classic, if I’m looking for quotes, interviews, or anything type of information, going through the many volumes of books I have from Tom Weaver is one place that I always start. The reason for that is that his books are always so informative, giving a ton of details about the movies and their production, as well as the people that worked on it, from the directors and writers to the actors. Since he’s interviewed so many of these people over the years, the details he’s getting comes first hand. When news of a new book Weaver was working on that covered some of Universal’s films of the ’50s, since I’m a huge fan of that era, I couldn’t wait for it to come out so I could dig into it.

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Help Support Phil’s Ride!

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Phil's RideIf you’ve been going to horror conventions for a few years, you’ve probably seen Phil Meenan around. He’s pretty easy to spot (unless he’s wearing his giant Frankenstein head), covered in horror tattoos, and just hanging out. Or you might have seen him on the first part of Shout Factory’s Horror Hunters show, where you can see his unbelievable monster collection. I’ve known Phil for over two decades and I can’t think of someone who is a complete opposite of what one might think of when you see Phil. He’s one of the friendliest, giving, and funny people that I have the great honor in calling a friend.

But now Phil is facing a monstrous task that is scarier than any character tattooed on his body. He has decided to do try and raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In fact, his goal is to raise $21,000. And just how is he going to do this? By riding his bike from Chicago to Hollywood California, which is 2100 miles. This is a journey that he is making on his single gear bike, by himself, at the end of March of next year.

I personally think Phil is crazy, but then again, I thought that even before he decided to take on this task! But I can’t be more proud of him for what he’s trying to do and to raise money for a great cause. There is not a person alive that hasn’t not been affected by cancer in some form or another, either personally or a friend or loved one that has had to deal with it. So check out his donation page by clicking HERE and give something if you can. I know this is the holiday season and money is tight, but even a few dollars can help get Phil to his goal. Once he starts his journey next March, he will be posting updates as he goes, with I’m sure plenty of photos.

So take a few minutes to look over his page and give what you can.

 

Wild Beasts Midnight Screening at Music Box!

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wildbeastsWhat a time to be alive!

Sure, our President is probably going to cause WWIII any day now, but if he can hold off until at least the end of January, I’ll be able to catch Franco Prosperi’s Wild Beasts (1984) at a midnight screening at the Music Box Theatre! Now if you’ve never seen this little film before, boy are you in for a treat. Though, a little warning though, if you’re a card-carrying member of PETA, you might want to miss this one. They say no animals were killed in this film, but I’d beg to differ, not to mention I’d make a bet that a stuntman or two might have turned up missing!

I’m usually not one for these mondo-type of films, and there are a few parts in here that are hard for me to watch, but the rest of the film is just so damn crazy, I’m amazed it ever got made! I mean, when is the last time you see a pack of elephants attack an airport! Or a cheetah chasing a lady in a convertible down a city street? This film is a perfect example of Italian exploitation cinema. And to be able to see this on the big screen? Wow.

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Year of Naschy Continues!

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El CaminanteIt looks like the Year of Naschy will continue into 2018!!!

El Caminante (1979), a film that Naschy co-wrote, directed, and stars in, will be making it’s way to Blu-ray early in January, from the fine folks at Mondo Macabro. For Naschy fans, this is a pretty amazing news since this title had never been released over here in the states on DVD or even VHS, so to not only be able to finally see it, but to see it in a nice brand new 4K restoration!?!?! Just amazing.

Also known as The Devil Incarnate, the story is about the Devil who takes human form and walks the earth to see how humans have progress over the years. But the story here is a very dark one depending on how deep you look, especially in today’s terms. In 1994, a special double Naschy issue of Videooze came out where the actor/writer/director himself talks about each of his films. His thoughts on this film are even more meaningful today than ever.

Naschy says that “we live in the age when becoming rich is the most important thing, no matter who may stand in the way. The age when friendship has no value; we sell it out for nothing. The age in which a man could take his friend’s wife to bed and think nothing of it. The age in which even murder is justified with politics. We live in the age of the Devil.” That was said over 20 years ago. 

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Suzanna Leigh – Rest in Peace

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Suzanna Leigh - RIPHammer fans have lost another name from the studio we love so much. Suzanna Leigh, who appeared in The Lost Continent (1968) and Lust for a Vampire (1971), passed away yesterday at the age of 72.

The Lost Continent is a favorite of mine since it is just so damn crazy, but so much fun. We had the wonderful opportunity to meet her at a couple of conventions over the years and she was always such a sweet person to talk to. She had plenty of great stories to tell as well. Other genre titles she appeared in are The Deadly Bees (1966) and the cult film Son of Dracula (1974) with Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson. But probably even scarier than any of those films was probably working with Klaus Kinski in the 1965 film The Pleasure Girls.

Oh yeah…and she worked with some guy named Elvis.

That is one of the real shames of being a fan of a studio that (realistically) stopped making films almost 30 years ago, that the stars that we loved to watch and follow are sadly slowly leaving us. But as I always say, we will always have their movies to remind us of their talent, and their work will continue to give audiences both old and new, entertainment for years to come.  Gone, but never forgotten.

Our thoughts go out to her friends and family during this difficult time.

Mystery Photo 12-11

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In all the years I’ve been doing these little mystery pics, I don’t think I’ve had this many correct answers sent in. And since it is an old classic film instead of a new popular one, that makes it even more special for me because it is obviously not just me that grew up watching this great little piece of cinema. The film of course is The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966), starring the always amusing Don Knotts. Congrats to the following that sent in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Todd Barwick, Scott Bradley, Aaron Christensen, Mike Ferguson, Bill Harrison, Rick Hayden, Angela Hermann, Troy Howarth, Ken Johnson, Doug Lamoreux, Michael Shields, Mark Turner, Dave Voigt, William Wilson, and Greg Wojick. Well done, folks!

Okay…let us take a gander at this week’s photo. Might be a little tougher this time out, but we’ll see. Just remember, please don’t post your answers here so everyone else can have a go at it. Good luck!

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The Unrepentant Cinephile

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Unrepentant CinephileNot sure when I first met Jason Coffman, but I’m pretty sure it was through our mutual friend Aaron Christensen, yet another demented film watcher. Except, that while both Aaron and I watch quite a few films during the year, if you were to combine our totals, it still wouldn’t compare to the amount that Mr. Coffman watches. It staggers my brain! But it isn’t just the number of films, but the caliber of some of them amazes me even more. He will watch anything. But even though he may dredge through the sewers of cinema, he a stronger film lover because of it.

Jason has been a regular staple at our Turkey Day Marathons since 2011 and when I can come up with a few titles that he still hadn’t seen, I fine a little pride in that! He really is an unrepentant Cinephile.

Jason has been writing about films for close to a decade, being able to read his thoughts on Film Monthly as well as Daily Grindhouse. But now he has compiled a massive amount of film reviews all in one place and even put it in book form, entitled The Unrepentant Cinephile: Collect Reviews of Cult, Exploitation, Horror, & Independent Films! With 800 reviews, this 500+ page book is now available on Amazon for only…ready for this?…$15.99! Or if you prefer Kindle, you can get it for FREE!!!

So if you are looking for a new checklist to start off 2018 with, then here is your chance. I can pretty much guarantee that you will read reviews of titles you’ve never heard of before. A lot of them. So this is either going to send you on a quest to find them, or make sure you avoid them. All thanks to our buddy Jason and his willingness to test the open waters for us.

You can order your copy directly from Amazon by clicking HERE.

Kryptic 20-Year-Old Anniversary Tour

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meNext October, Kitley’s Krypt will officially be 20 years old. That’s right…that means come October, I’ll have been ranting and raving on my little world wide web soapbox for two whole decades. While I’m not 100% positive, I’m pretty sure the Krypt is the longest running site out here on this inter-web thingy, at least here in the States. That is a lot of ramblings over those years, and hopefully inciting a little spark or two in some of you to look and learn more about the horror genre, and to really Discover the Horror. That is a moniker that I still truly stand by and belief in.

Trust me, it’s hard sometimes for me to believe that I’m still at this and haven’t given up on it. There’s been a few times I thought about it, but always continued on. And sure, the Krypt isn’t one of the big boys on the block, but honestly, if that would mean being owned by a studio and having to give up some journalistic integrity, then I guess I’m pretty happy right where I’m at. But when it all comes down to it, I do this because this is what I love doing….talking about horror movies. It really is my life’s passion and one that I don’t see myself ever stopping. All I need to know is that I’ve given a fan a little push in the right direction, having them decide to look a little deeper into the genre, then I know I’ve done right by the genre.

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Mystery Photo 12-4

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Happy December! That’s right…only a few more weeks before 2017 is over and done and we can hope that 2018 is a little better. I did say “hope”….but for now, let’s get to our new Mystery Photo. Before we do, our last photo was from Hammer’s 1963 black and white thriller Maniac. This was after the success of Hitchcock’s Psycho, Hammer decided to try their hand and these kind of thrillers with a nice twist at the end, which they did a rather nice job of too! The following sent in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Cate Cameron, Craig J. Clark, Troy Howarth, and Michael Shields. Well done!

Now on to this week’s photo. Might be an easy to some, others might have to study it a little bit before it comes to them. I will say this was a staple viewing of my childhood, if that gives you any hint. Just remember not to post your answers here so that everyone can have a chance at them. Just send them to us in an email at jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck!

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Book Review: It Came from the Video Aisle!

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IT CAME FROM THE VIDEO AISLE

It Came from the Video Aisle!
Published by Schiffer Publishing, 2017. 480 pages.
By Dave Jay, William S. Wilson, & Torsten Dewi

You couldn’t have grown up in the video store era of the late ’80s/early ’90s, and not know who Full Moon Entertainment was. In fact, their product was usually all over the shelves in the horror section. They really were a staple of the horror market back then. Sure, it didn’t matter if most of the films weren’t any good, there were sure enough of them to make you hope that maybe the one you were currently holding in your hands would be one of the good ones! All seriousness aside, we all know the quality of the end result in a majority of Full Moon titles are, but no matter what, you have to give them, and Charles Band, credit for what they were continuing to do, which was making low budget features the old fashion way…a lot of work and a lot of ballyhoo. There are more than a few of Full Moon’s titles that I actually enjoy, but nowhere near is that a high percentage. But just as started into this new book on the company and the man behind it, I was amazed at how it drew me in more and more into the world of Full Moon, and those fighting for the cause of low budget filmmaking.

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