Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Discover the Horror Episode 29 – Conventions: Dealers!

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We’ve already discussed conventions from a fan’s perspective, so now we’re going to go to the other side of the table and discuss what goes into becoming a dealer, what that means, what it costs, and all the other fun stuff that comes with the territory, that maybe most fans might not be aware of!Hopefully you’ll find this episode insightful, informative, and even entertaining as you hear stories about what it takes to being a dealer. With two of your three hosts being dealers for over two decades, we’ve seen a lot and hopefully can shed some light on all the pros and cons of being on that side of the table at conventions.You can always let us know your thoughts about conventions, dealers, or just being a fan by posting comments here, or through our Facebook page or Instagram.

Movie Review: Lady in White (1988)

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(1988)
Directed by Frank LaLoggia
Starring Lucas Haas, Alex Rocco, Katherine Helmond, Jason Presson, Len Cariou, Renata Vanni

The very first horror convention that I attended was the Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors, out in California, in April of 1988. One of the guests there was Frank LaLoggia promoting his new film, Lady in White. I remember seeing the trailer there, and it looked like a cool little ghost story. I went to see it in the theater after it came out, and to this day, it still remains as one of my favorite ghost films of all time.

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Andrew Prine – Rest in Peace

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This one just plain sucks! I saw it posted earlier this morning, but couldn’t find any confirmation, so I was hoping it wasn’t real, but unfortunately, it has now been reported by the Hollywood Reporter. Actor Andrew Prine passed away on Monday the 31st, at the age of 86. Prine had close to 200 film and TV credits over his career, appearing in westerns, war films, and more than a few titles in the cult and horror genre. I got to meet Mr. Prine a few times over the years at different shows, and even had the honor to interview him way back in April of 2005. Such a kind and funny man, with a ton of great stories. He had recently been a guest at the Monster Bash show in PA and his Q&A was just so funny and entertaining.

His portray of the title character in Simon, King of the Witches (1971), while it may not be a true horror film, is an incredible tale of someone that may or may not be a real warlock. Of course, there’s ways William Girdler’s Grizzly (1976), where Prine was the only actor to get inside the caged area where the very real and very huge bear was in! But so many other great titles, like Crypt of the Living Dead (1973), The Centerfold Girls (1974), or The Evil (1978). Hell, even Barn of the Naked Dead (1973), which was made under the title Terror Circus, is pretty fun to watch. Again, that comes down to Prine and his performance.

Thankfully, all of those films mentioned, plus plenty more, are readily available for fans to enjoy over and over again. And thanks to Rob Zombie, who cast Prine in a small role in his 2012 film The Lords of Salem, maybe that will bring in some newer fans to might want to look into his long and entertaining career. So, while we might have lost him from this realm of existence, he will continue to not only be alive to us fans, but he will continue to entertain us with his performances. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family during this difficult time.

Witches, Bitches and Banshees Now Available!

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Okay, so who needs another book on British Horror films? Specifically, one that titles that American International Pictures produced and/or released here in the states? I know, I know. We ALL do, right? We all know you can never have too many reference books in your film library, so now is your chance to add one more!

AIP was always known for their quick black and white low budget exploitation flicks on the 50s, but once they realized how much money they were making on Corman’s Poe features, they continued that trend, even having films produced across the pond, creating some of our favorite films, such as the Dr. Phibes films, Witchfinder General, Die, Monster, Die!, and so many other great ones.

In Witches, Bitches and Banshees: The British Films of American International Pictures, author John Hamilton spent over two decades doing research on these films, interviewing more than 60 names in the business that were involved, from “inside corporate AIP dealings as well as extensive behind-the-scenes coverage on the films”, all now encompassed in this 354-page hardcover edition. Includes a foreword by director Gordon Hessler and actress Valli Kemp.

You can order your copy directly from Little Shoppe of Horrors through their website HERE. The price is $55 plus $6.50 shipping, if you’re in the states. If you’re in the UK, Hemlock Books should be getting them in stock shortly. Otherwise, email Mr. Klemensen from LSoH for a shipping quote.

Soundtrack Review: The Dark and the Wicked

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The Dark and the Wicked (2020)
Released by Bandcamp
34 Tracks with a Total Running Time of 78 min.
Music by Tom Schraeder

As I mentioned in my review of the actual film, it’s a very strong and emotional draining ride, that constantly pulls at your emotions. And one of the things that helps with that is the score. This is not one with music per say, with melodies and such, but of sounds and emotions. And it works so well.

Schraeder uses a couple instruments, in very unusual ways, to create these amazing sounds that immediately put the viewer on edge. There are haunting piano notes given a slight echoing to them, or what sounds like metal slowly being dragged across another piece of metal, with different speeds and tones, but again, highly effective. A perfect example of that is track 8 – Not the Carrots, especially if you’ve seen the film which means you’ll probably remember the scene. It’s almost hard to watch and hear the music that Schraeder created for this, makes listening to it almost as effective as the visuals.

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Movie Review: The Dark and the Wicked

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(2020)
Written and directed by Bryan Bertino
Starring Marin Ireland, Michael Abbott Jr., Julie Oliver-Touchstone, Lynn Andrews, Tom Nowicki, and Xander Berkeley

I had put this film in my “honorable mentions” in my Best Viewings writeup at the end of 2020, but I recently rewatched it again and felt I had to write up an actual review to maybe help others seek out this incredible film. But a bit of a warning, as good as this film is, it packs quite the punch, and will make you want to watch videos of cute puppies and such to bring you out from the darkness this film envelopes you with.

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Mystery Photo 10-31

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Happy Halloween!!! I know it’s still a Monday, hence the new Mystery Photo, but hopefully either today, or over this last weekend, everyone was able to enjoy the holiday, get some fright flicks watched, as well as get to hang out with fellow horror fans to just have a good time!

I was pleasantly surprised at the number of correct answers sent in for our last photo. Without having the main star from the film, but just a shot of some tortured women, I didn’t think it was that easy. But I was wrong! The film title is actually Die Schlangengrube und das Pendel (1967), but is one of those that has been retitled more than a few times with names like The Blood Demon, Blood of the Virgins, Castle of the Walking Dead, but most notably as The Torture Chamber of Dr. Sadism, starring Christopher Lee. So big kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Todd Barwick, Dave Fronto, Bob Hartman, Troy Howarth, Gary McGuire, Bryan Senn, Michael Shields, Vincent Simonelli, Alan Tromp, Todd Warren, Nick Wilson.

Since the last one was a little too easy apparently, we’re going to go with one a little tougher. Well, maybe. But take a peek and see what pops into your head! Just remember to email me your answer (at jon@kitleyskrypt.com) otherwise I might forget! Good Luck!

Sausages: The Making of Dog Soldiers

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One of the best werewolf movies to come out in the new millennium was Neil Marshall’s debut film, Dog Soldiers, which came out in 2002. That’s right, this is the 20-year anniversary and it’s great to see it get some more (much deserved) attention!

With such a great story, incredible cast, and some of the best-looking werewolves on film, it still remains a favorite amongst werewolf movie fans, and for good reason. Now, two decades later, we get a book that details the making of this modern monster classic with Janine Pipe’s book Sausages: The Making of Dog Soldiers!

Within this volume, that runs close to 400 pages, you’ll hear insights about the film from interviews with the cast and crew, never seen before photos, excepts from the script, and plenty more. It will also include a foreword from Joe Dante and afterword from John Landis, two directors that kind of set the standards for modern-day werewolf films.

Published by Encyclopocalypse Publications, and available in both hardcover ($22.99) and softcover ($15.99) editions, I know this title will soon be on the shelves in my own library.

Howarth’s New Book Makes Them Die Slowly!

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Author Troy Howarth has a new book out, this time examining the films of a filmmaker that probably doesn’t get the attention that he should, Umberto Lenzi. While most fans might know him because of his notorious entries in the cannibal sub-genre, like Eaten Alive! (1980) and Cannibal Ferox (1981), Lenzi worked in every film genre there was, from westerns, to comedies, to gialli, to the horror genre. Now Howarth gives readers a chance to learn more about not only about his films, but about the man himself.

Running close to 500 pages, this volume goes through his films, giving us more information about the making of them, as well as biography of the man himself, but also hearing from those that worked with him. There are also some rare behind-the-scenes photos, as well as promotional artwork, posters, and stills from the films.

While Lenzi might not be on the same page as names like Argento or even Bava, he still is an important figure in Italian cinema, and this book sounds like perfect way to dig deep into his films and his history. I know we’ll be adding this to our library!

This book is available in both hardcover and softcover formats, priced accordingly. You can find it on Amazon HERE, or have one of your local bookstores order it for you!

Movie Review: The Bat (1959)

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The Bat (1959)
Directed by Crane Wilbur
Starring Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price, Gavin Gordon, John Sutton, Lenita Lane, Darla Hood, Elaine Edwards

Let’s be straight right from the start. This is not a horror film. BUT . . . if you’re a fan of the ‘old dark house’ types and dark thrillers, then you are going to want to watch this anyway. It’s got a great cast and not to mention it is a fun little picture.

The Bat stars Agnes Moorehead, not yet famous playing the witchy mother on the TV show Bewitched in 1964, but here she plays Cornelia van Gorder, a mystery writer that has rented an old house that has a past of murder by a masked character named The Bat. Because of its reputation, the staff doesn’t stay long so it is up to her and her secretary to fend for themselves. Bodies start to pile up, plenty of red herrings, hidden passageways, all the while Cornelia tries to figure out how she would have written this mystery in order to discover who the killer is.

While Vincent Price’s name is usually all over the place, he really is a supporting character, but nonetheless, any time he shows up onscreen, it’s always a plus. Also in the cast is Gavin Cordon, who’s voice might be more recognizable than his face. He played Lord Byron in the opening segment of The Bride of Frankenstein (1935). John Sutton, who plays the butler, appeared with Price in The Invisible Man Returns (1940). And Darla Hood, all grown up for her stint with the Little Rascals in the Our Gang shorts, appears as one of the houseguests. This would be her last film appearance.

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