Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Monster Bash Spring 2025

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A few weeks ago, we made our annual trip to PA for the Monster Bash Conference, which we started attending way back in 2015. I can’t believe it’s been over a decade now, but we still continue to have so much fun there.

One of the reasons is some of the great items we find in the dealer room, most of which aren’t even something we’re looking for, but just happen to come across! For this show, since money has been a little tight as of late, my main goal was to try and not spend much at the show. I guess the key word there is “try”, because by Saturday, that was completely out the window.

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Hot Time at the Carpenter Fest at the Midway

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Over the weekend, we travelled out to Dixon, IL, once again, to the Midway Drive-in, for their John Carpenter Fest, where they screened The Thing (1982), Halloween (1978), Prince of Darkness (1987), and Assault on Precinct 13 (1976). We were one of the vendors set up outside for the event. Now, let’s just say that not only is the sun not my friend, but neither is the heat. But those are two things we had to deal with for most of the day. Getting there around 1pm to make sure we can unload everything and set up, such as our tent and all the merch, takes time. Doing it in those conditions makes it even more of a challenge, especially as I’m about to hit the big 60. In fact, standing there in the blazing heat was just brutal. And it makes one ponder why we even bother going through that misery.

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Mystery Photo 6-30

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I loved the fact that just about everyone that sent in the correct answer, apparently all wanted to be in charge of the booze as well! I guess that might show just how much some of us remember a film like this so well! The movie is, of course, THEM! from 1954, which I think is still one of the best giant bug movies out there, not to mention the first. A classic for many reasons, and one that still holds up today. Congrats to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Aaron Christensen, Dave Fronto, Kevin Hart, Bob Hartman, Ken Johnson, Doug Lamoreux, Erik Martin, Lee Nattrass, Jeff Owens, Michael Pniewski, and Bryan Senn. Well done!

Going with color this time out, even though it would be easy to finish out the entire month in black and white. Because we all know there are PLENTY of great titles out there made in that beautiful monochrome! But to finish the first month of summer, let’s get a little color in there. Take a look below and see if you can recognize this movie. Just remember to send me your answer, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good luck!

Lalo Schifrin – Rest in Peace

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We’ve lost another incredible talent in the world of film composition, the great Lalo Schifrin. I don’t think there is anyone out there in the world that doesn’t know the theme music from Mission: Impossible, whether it’s from the original TV series or the movie series, but Schifrin is the one that created it. It is one of those pieces that immediately has an effect on the listener. In fact, Bruce Lee specifically wanted Schifrin to score his movie Enter the Dragon (1973) because Lee used to work out to the famous TV theme. He also worked quite a bit with Clint Eastwood, doing the Dirty Harry films, not to mention Cool Hand Luke (1967), and Bullitt (1968), and more recent, the Rush Hour trilogy.

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DtH Episode 99 – Jaws 50th Anniversary

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Fifty years ago, a film was released that literally changed the world. Jaws transformed the way people think about going into the water and revolutionized how studios make movies, effectively creating what we now call the “summer blockbuster.” Its influence is still felt five decades later, by both fans and filmmakers alike.

And there’s a reason for that: Jaws is just that good.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the film and explore the impact it’s had on us (especially a couple of us who were profoundly shaped by it) as well as on the movie industry at large. People often talk about the idea of a “perfect movie,” one that couldn’t be improved. And while Jaws faced plenty of production problems (like the famously uncooperative mechanical shark), the creative solutions to those problems ended up making the film even stronger.

Films mentioned in this episode:

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Mystery Photo 6-23

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Even though I’m trying to recoup after the wonderful weekend at Monster Bash, I couldn’t miss posting a new Mystery Photo. Our last photo was from The Monster of London City (1964), and while not 100% horror, it sure has enough elements to make any film fan appreciate it! If you haven’t seen it, it is more than worth your time. Kudos to the following that sent in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Kevin Hart, Erik Martin, and Michael Shields. Well done!

Now on to this week’s photo. Going to keep in the black and white theme once again, but this one might be a little easier, especially if you recognize any of the actors in the photo. Though, one of them is even more famous for a different movie, that isn’t in black and white. Confused? Just check out the photo and see if you know where this shot is from. Just remember to send your answer to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

International Horror Film Festival in Columbus

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Next month, at the Wexner Center for the Arts, at the Ohio State University, will be holding an International Horror Film Festival showcasing films from around the world, from Italy to Japan to France and more. It’s one of those times when I wished to be retired and wealthy, only to be able to travel around attending these different festivals! They have a great lineup here with some truly amazing examples of the horror genre, but also incredible pieces of cinema as well. The festival runs from July 10th through Aug. 14th. Most of them are single screenings, but there are a couple of nights where there is a double feature. Below is the list of films playing:

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Naschy in 3D Is Almost HERE!

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I know we posted about September, but with these things, you never know if it is actually going to happen. Especially with something been anxiously waiting over 30 years to happen! But now, it is almost here since Kino Lober has announced the release date and is even taking pre-orders!

For those of you out there that might be unfamiliar with the work of Paul Naschy, which probably means you’re relatively new to this site since I tend to mention him a bit . . . BUT Paul Naschy was a Spanish actor/director/writer and all-around lover of the horror genre. He was inspired as a young boy after seeing Universal’s Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man (1943), mainly the plight of the tragic Lawrence Talbot, the Wolf Man. He would eventually work his way into filmmaking, first appearing in bit parts, before writing a screenplay called La marca del Hombre Lobo. After they couldn’t find a suitable actor to take on the lead role of Waldemar Daninsky, who would acquire the curse of lycanthrope, Naschy was given the chance. And after over a dozen films with him playing the same character (well, in name), not to mention appearing in over 100 films in his career that spanned five decades, his mark on the genre is quite impressive.

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Giallo Gelato at the Logan Theatre

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Next month, the Logan Theatre in Chicago will be hosting a 50th Anniversary Giallo Celebration, hosted by Stephanie Sack. Taking place from July 18th to the 21st, each night will feature a film that came out in 1975. As listed on the site, “These sensational films — equal parts murder mystery, fashion fantasy, and fever dream — were Italy’s post-war answer to Hitchcock and the drive-in grindhouse, where sleaze meets style, art meets arterial spray, and every killer indeed comes dressed to kill. To celebrate the 50th anniversaries of four notorious 1975 cult classics, Sack presents GIALLO GELATO: a four-night spree of sleaze, suspense, and stylish psychosis at The Logan Theatre’s Late Nights.”

Here are the films that will be screening, each of the four nights, at 11pm:

Friday July 18th – Autopsy
Saturday July 19th – Dario Argento’s Deep Red
Sunday July 20th – Strip Nude for Your Killer
Monday July 21st – Footprints on the Moon

For more information about the theater and this event, just click HERE.

Mystery Photo 6-16

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Another week, another Monday, another Mystery Photo. One might think it could be a little tedious and repetitive, but I like to think that this little post could be a slight second of a break from an otherwise possibly typical “Monday”. Honestly, with any of our posts, if can take you out of reality for a quick second, then I know what I’m doing is worth it. Especially now, with all the BS going on in the world, sometimes we just need a little break. So, when you need it, the Krypt will be here, creaking gates wide open.

Last week’s photo was from Francis Ford Coppola’s early effort from 1963, Dementia 13. While it’s mainly known for that brutal murder, the rest of the film is quite good as well. If you haven’t seen it, or seen it lately, take 75 minutes and check it out. Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Wendy Bodine, Chris Dyer, Dave Fronto, Kevin Hart, Ken Johnson, Erik Martin, Charles Miller, Michael Pniewski, and Michael Shields. Well done!

Okay, we’re going to stay in the world of black and white because, well, just because. But take a look at see if you can spot where this amazing shot is from. Just remember, send your guess to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. And good luck!