Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Mystery Photo 8-14

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Halfway through August already, that means that Halloween is just around the corner! You know, when us horror fans can seem somewhat normal for a short time. Then again, we all know that normal is overrated. But not here to talk philosophy, are we? Let’s get down to business. Last week’s photo was from the 1987 film The Kindred, a very underrated little monster flick. If you haven’t seen this one, then make sure you pick up the amazing release from Synapse Films because they have done, as always, an incredible job with that one! Kudos Erik Martin, Gavin Schmitt, and William Wilson for sending in the correct answer.

For this week’s photo, we’re going with a one of the classic monsters. But which film is it from? That is the $64 question, isn’t it? Take a peek and see what you can come up with. Just remember to send your guess to me in an email (so I don’t lose it) to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

The Criminal Acts of Tod Slaughter

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Indicator has done it once again with coming up with a box set to celebrate one of the unsung heroes of the horror genre, Tod Slaughter. While he started acting on the stage in 19005, usually playing the villain and really hamming it up, he became a big star known for those types of roles. A lot of these roles were then transferred to the big screen, usually in very cheap and quick versions, to help with Britain’s quota-quickies, which then continued his notoriety.

Known for his over-the-top performances, he still continued to be popular in the film versions, though eventually that lost the charm to more modern-day fans. But thankfully, fans are still becoming aware of Slaughter and his work, and now, thanks to Indicator, it will be even easier.

These are the 8 films being released in this box set:

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Dusk to Dawn Horrorfest at the Midway Drive-In

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I can’t remember how long it’s been, but ever since Mike and Mia Kerz took over the Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL, and started doing these old-fashioned all night horror movie marathons, we’ve been there! And now that they’ve announced this year’s lineup, I know I am, as always, excited to do it all over again!

Taking place on September 16th, they will be screening the following features:

Child’s Play (1988)
The Return of the Living Dead (1985)
Slumber Party Massacre (1983)
Frankenhooker (1990)

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Discover the Horror LIVE!

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To Celebrate our 50th show, we are going to try something a little different. Heavy on the “try” part! We are going to do a live show, that will be streaming on YouTube and where you’ll be able to interact with us, asking some questions or make comments. We don’t have the link just yet but will post it everywhere once we do get it.

This momentous event will take place 2 weeks from today, on August 23rd, at 8pm CST. This will have video, so you’ll be able to see as well as just listen this time out. Or at least until I run into the usual technical difficulties I tend to each show. But we’re going to give it a whirl anyway!

Mark your calendar, stay tuned for more details, and come to the show with your questions and comments! See you in 2 weeks!

Discover the Horror Episode 49 – Fanzines with Dave Kosanke

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One of the things that was realized at some point after the creation of Famous Monsters magazine, was that there was this horror fandom, or fan base, of all these horror fans around the country, in a variety of ages, that realized that they were not alone in their love of horror. While there were more magazines to follow, at some point there was the birth of the fanzine, which was the low budget version of a professional magazine, but one that was created by nothing but passion. In the ’90s, with home computers and then desktop publishing became something you had in your own home, more and more of these fanzines started. Each one wrote about the films they wanted to cover, whether it was mainstream, though mainly they were talking about more on the obscure side, but it was always through the excitement of hoping to get others to seek those films out.

In this episode, we welcome Dave Kosanke, creator and genius behind the fanzine Liquid Cheese, which Dave created, wrote, and self-published for 25 years. Dave’s knowledge of the horror genre and fanzines is a topic that he is more than well-versed in, which it shows within the first few minutes of chatting with him.

Fanzines and magazines mentioned in this episode:

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William Friedkin – Rest in Peace

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It’s hard to go on any social media today and not see the news of the passing of director William Friedkin, at the age of 87. While he made plenty of films, it really was only two that gave him the notoriety that he carried with him for the rest of his career, the first being The French Connection (1971) and, of course, The Exorcist (1973). On the later, one can argue about his tactics on set (and one should), but the end results that ended up on film are just incredible, giving us, without question, one of the scariest films of all time. It is a film that still holds up today and can still pack the same slap to the face, has he had done to Father William O’ Malley, playing Father Dyer, right before the scene where he gives Karras his Last Rites.

Because of The Exorcist, Friedkin will never be forgotten in the minds of not only horror fans, but movie fans in general. He was able to create one powerful film, obviously with the help of many talented actors, makeup artists, technicians, and everyone else involved in that film. But without his craziness leading the charge, who knows if it would have been as effective.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Friedkin. Thank you for the nightmares.

Mystery Photo 8-7

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Welcome to our first Mystery Photo for August! So far, this month has started busier as ever, so that is why I’m blaming on not getting this posted until now! Had an amazing weekend at Flashback so now playing a little bit of catch-up. But let’s get to business!

Looks like last week’s photo was a good one because we got a lot of correct answers this time out. The photo was from The Lodger (1944), starring the amazing talented Laird Cregar. Congrats to the following: Hoby Abernathy, Aaron Christensen, Dave Fronto, Kevin Hart, Troy Howarth, Erik Martin, Gary McGuire, Lee Nattrass, Bryan Senn, and Todd Warren. Well done, indeed!

This week’s photo might be a little tougher, but I have faith in that some of you out there will get it right away. Right? Just remember to send your answer to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Upcoming Conventions

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After having the month of July off, next week the convention fun starts all over again!!!

This weekend, we’re heading to our own backyard to Rosemont, IL for the Flashback Weekend, taking place from Aug. 4th-6th. They have a huge guest lineup, such as Scream union, Terrifier 1 & 2 reunion with 9 guests from the two films, including director Damien Leone & Art the Clown, David Howard Thornton, Child’s Play 2 reunion with Alex Vincent & Christine Elise, Christine reunion with William Ostrander, Malcolm Danare, Steven Tash, as well as a replica of Christine herself, Halloween 2 reunion with Lance Guest & Leo Rossi, along with Dick Warlock who played Michael Myers, Kane Hodder, Charles Band, Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl, and many more.

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Mystery Photo 7-31

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Wow. Two weeks in a row with not one correct answer sent in. Am I making these too hard? Our last photo was from the 2007 film Storm Warning, directed by Jamie Blanks of Urban Legend (1998) fame. Little on the torture porn side, but actually a decent movie that will have a few men cringing a little, especially when you get to the part of what the lady is holding in the photo!

So, let’s try this one and see if it is a wee bit easier. More of a classic, but we’ll see how many get this one. Just remember, send your guess to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

Discover the Horror Podcast – Episode 48: Witches

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Night of the Eagle aka Burn, Witch, Burn (1962), Eyes of Fire (1983), Pyewacket (2017)

Welcome to Episode 48, where we are about to discuss one of the oldest perceived monsters in our history . . . witches. But as we know in film, there are many different types of witches, therefore a lot of different types of witch movies. Some titles the craft is done for good, while there are others to use it for more of a darker side, maybe for a personal gain. And then there are those that are just plan evil. 

Either way, this is a genre monster that not only is one of the oldest ones, it also has crossed into many other genres, from romance to comedies. But it doesn’t take away the power behind the sub-genre. So, sit down and make sure you have your favorite lucky charm with you, light a candle, or whatever you need to do for protection, as we delve into 3 different titles.

Movies Mentioned During This Episode:

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