In the past, my partner-in-horror Aaron Christensen (aka Horror 101 with Dr. AC) and I have given some little seminars at the Sulzer branch of the Chicago Public Library, giving an overview of the horror genre. This year, however, not only did they ask us back, but they wanted MORE! So now, we’re taking over every Tuesday in October with TERROR TUESDAYS!
Lady Frankenstein (1971), Erotic Rites of Frankenstsein (1973), Flesh for Frankenstein (1973).
While Frankenstein is one of the oldest monsters in the genre and has been adapted multiple times by a variety of creators, some closer to the original source than others, there are other filmmakers that go far enough away from the original novel that they’re not even in same library! But it is always interesting to see where these creative filmmakers take that story, giving it their own twist, and putting it out there for the world to see!
Join us as we delve into 3 different variations on the Frankenstein theme, all that deal with sex, nudity, gore, and some of the strangest in Euro-Horror!
Titles mentioned in this episode:
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Dragon’s Digital Domain Records have unleashed another CD of the work of composter Albert Glasser, another entry of the work he did with director Bert I. Gordon. This time out, we get both scores for The Amazing Colossal Man (1957) and its sequel War of the Colossal Beast (1958)! The release has 23 tracks with a total running time of 67 minutes! The release was mastered by James Nelson of Digital Outland, and also contains lineal notes from film music journalist Randall D. Larson.
Glasser worked on a lot of films, starting out by doing a lot of westerns. But once he got to the ’50s, he composed the scores for a lot of sci-fi/horror films. Thanks to the folks at Dragon’s Digital Domain Records, we’re able to enjoy Glasser’s music on their own. Composers have a lot to do on how the film plays for the audiences, and Glasser’s work is a good example of that.
Priced at only $17.95, you can order your copy from Screen Archives Entertainment by clicking HERE.
I know I don’t cover too many fictional writers here, or fiction for that matter, but back in the day, I devoured horror fiction as much as I do movies and non-fiction books today. One of the writers I followed was Peter Straub. His earlier novels, such as Julia in 1975, which became a great little ghost story film The Haunting of Julia in 1977, Ghost Story, which the movie adaptation became a big hit in 1981 with an all-star cast. In 1984, he collaborated with Stephen King with The Talisman, which they revisited with a sequel in 2001 called Black House. His 1982 novel, Floating Dragon, creeped the hell out of me.
So it is with sadness that I mention that Mr. Straub has passed away, at the age of 79. I remember either reading or seeing an interview with Stephen King, where he mentioned that Straub hand wrote all of his work, and that he didn’t feel sorry for anyone more than Straub’s editor because his handwriting was damn near illegible. In the late ’80s, when I was reading a lot of fiction, I would often write to authors, many times getting a letter back. When I got one back from Straub, I realized how right King was. I’ve posted the letter below.
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I came across this title recently on Amazon, which looks like it was published a couple of months ago, but felt it needs some attention. I have not read it (yet!) but will be ordering it soon and at some point, will have my review posted. But since it is on one of the greatest makeup artists in history, I think it is important to mention here. I mean, this is the guy that created most of the faces on what we consider the Classic Universal Monsters, right?
This 332 page book by author Christopher Lock, that features over 350 photos and graphics, is the only “personal and professional memoire on Jack Pierce available anyway”, which gives fans a “comprehensive and unique insight into the background, psyche, and motivations of Jack P. Pierce; from his childhood in Greece to his immigration to America, his career rationales, his psychological instincts, his rise to fame and recognition, and his eternal legacy”, according to the listing on Amazon.
Continue readingThat’s right, folks. It is officially September, which means Halloween is just a short time away. Granted, we all know that every day is Halloween, right! But let’s get to business. Our photo from last week was from French director Jean Rollin’s 1972 film Requiem pour un vampire, or as most know it as Requiem for a Vampire or even Caged Virgins. No matter how you feel about Rollin and his work, you can’t take away from the imagery that he gave us, and the shot I used is a perfect example. Kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Aaron AuBuchon, Brian Doerin, Dave Fronto, Bob Hartman, Lee Nattrass, Bryan Senn, Michael Shields, and Kristin Wicks. Well done. Always love it when one of these cult filmmakers gets some attention!
For our first photo of September, I thought I’d go with something a little more mainstream. Well, a little. Let’s see if you recognize this one. Just remember, send your guess to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!
Less than a week away and we’ll be packing up the Kryptic Van and heading to Cincinnati for HorrorHound Weekend! And just looking at the huge guest lineup, it looks like this is going to be one hell of a show, as always. There is going to be someone there for all fans of the genre, from a Hocus Pocus reunion, a Killer Klowns from Outer Space reunion with the Chiodo Bros., stars Grant Cramer and Suzanne Synder, as well as Harrod Blank & Mike Martinez who played a couple of the Klowns, to so much more. You have Ron Perlman, Doug Jones, Anthony Michael Hall, Quinn Lord, Dana Delorenzo & Ray Santiago, and so many more. They even have Milly Shaprio from Hereditary!
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Last night, I ventured into Chicago to the Music Box Theatre for The Creepshow, a Stephen King film festival, where they had a bunch of King movies being screened over 3 days. Friday night, they were screening the original The Shining (1980) and Doctor Sleep (2019), which I had originally planned to go but didn’t make it. Which kind of worked out for the best, since I heard it sold out early in the day. But I did go last night because they were screening Creepshow (1982), which happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. They were also screening 1408 (2007), and Christine (1983), which we planned on staying for as well.
When we (myself and my partner-in-crime for the evening, Brian Martinez) drove up to the theater, we could already see a huge line outside the theater. I lucked out in finding a parking space right in front of the theater. Any locals know just how lucky you are when that happens. In fact, we were so excited, I completely forgot to pay the parking meter. So, after over 30 years of coming into the city for movies and such, I ended up getting my first parking ticket! But back to the real story.
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The importance of the movie poster is almost lost in this day and age. With the internet flooding social media with trailers, photos, and all sorts of advertisements, the poster art might get lost in the shuffle. But decades ago, it was the first thing used to promote an upcoming feature film. It had to reach out and grab hold of your eyes, telling your brain you need to see this film. Shortly after that, the poster collecting started.
Why do we collect posters? What kinds are there? What is it about it that still holds a spell over movie goers? Join us and our special guest, Alan Tromp, as we try to answer all of those questions and more, as we discuss our own obsessions with movie posters, from one-sheets to British Quads to the French Grande size!
Movie titles mentioned in this episode:
Continue readingA wee bit late today, but that’s because we’re still recovering from our weekend at the drive-in in Shelbyville, IN. Had a great time, hanging out with some good friends and seeing some amazing films on the big screen. It makes a film fan whole again, even if for only a short time. But on to business! Our photo from last week was from Richard Stanley’s 1992 film Dust Devil! Such a great little film, filled with a ton of style and atmosphere, just like Stanley does. Only got one correct answer this time and that was from Kevin Hart! Well done!
On to this week’s photo, one that is a little more off the beaten path. Take a peek and see what you think. Just remember, send your guess to us in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!
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