Author Archives: Jon Kitley

Movie Review: Death Line

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(1972)
Directed by Gary Sherman
Starring Donald Pleasence, David Ladd, Sharon Gurney, Clive Swift, Norman Rossington, Hugh Armstrong, June Turner, James Cossins, Christopher Lee

For the longest time, I always knew this film as Raw Meat, mainly due to the poster art that AIP used for it, which admittedly, was pretty cool looking. They knew a title like that would be much easier to sell than Death Line, which I have to I agree with. But for the film itself, Death Line fits a lot better, not to mention not misleading the audience as to what kind of film this is.

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A “New” Frankenstein Book?

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There is nothing I love more than coming across a new non-fiction book on Frankenstein, whether it’s on the movie, the novel, or the history, I’m always intrigued to learn more. I have plenty of volumes in my library but can always make room for one more.

But then there is nothing I hate more than coming across a “new” book that after a little digging, looks to be a previously published book, just retitled, making it look like a new book. Now if this was a book way out of print and hard to find, that’s one thing. And if that’s the case, why not just publish an updated edition? Why change the title and the look of it?

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Horror & Fun at the Midway Drive-In!

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I started writing this on very little sleep over the last 24 hours. Not for any bad reasons, but just choices we make in life. Sure, some of them might not be too smart, especially at my age, but it is one bad choice I will continue to make as long as I can. What is this poor choice that I am talking about? Going to the Dusk to Dawn Horrorfest at the Midway Drive-in last Saturday!

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Mystery Photo 9-22

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Sorry for the late posting, but I think I’m still recovering from the Dusk to Dawn Horrorfest at the Midway Drive-in this last Saturday. But that’s for another post. Our photo from last week was from Lamberto Bava’s Una notte al cimitero aka Graveyard Disturbance (1989), which was part of a 4-part TV series. All 4 of the titles were recently released in a box set put out by Cauldron Films. Kudos to Kevin Hart, Erik Martin, Tim Palace, William Wilson, and Greg Wojick for sending in the correct answer!

This week’s photo, we’re going back to black and white, to someone with an obvious issue with their thumb! Too much hitchhiking maybe? Take a look and then send your guess to me, in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. Good Luck!

A COLOSSAL CD Release

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For fans of sci-fi/horror films of the ’50s and Bert I. Gordon, Dragon’s Domain Records has recently announced their latest release, The Albert Glasser Collection, Volume 5: Science Fiction Atomic Mutation II. This features the scores for The Amazing Colossal Man (1957) and its sequel, War of the Colossal Beast (1958). Both scores were mastered by James Nelson at Digital Outland, and it contains a booklet with liner notes by film music journalist and author Randall D. Larson.

Glasser did a lot of work with Mr. B.I.G., including Attack of the Puppet People and The Spider, as well as working with other films like Monster From Green Hell.

For more information, head over to Screen Archives Entertainment by clicking HERE.

Sergio Salvati – Rest in Peace

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If you don’t recognize Salvati’s name, if you’re a regular here, then you know his work. He was a cinematographer that worked with Lucio Fulci on 11 different films, including some of his best titles. Films like The Psychic (1977), Zombie (1979), City of the Living Dead (1980), The Beyond (1981), and House by the Cemetery (1981). He worked on what was supposed to be Fulci’s big return with The Wax Mask (1997), but Fulci passed away, but Salvati still worked on it with the new director, Sergio Stivaletti. He also worked with Charles Band on Crawlspace (1986) and Puppet Master (1989).

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DtH Episode 105 – Andy Milligan

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The Ghastly Ones (1968), The Man with Two Heads (1972), and Carnage (1984)

There are not many filmmakers like Andy Milligan. Sure, there’s were a lot of independents during that same era, working with zero budgets that somehow got their finished pictures to play theaters and released on home video. But not too many where their real life was almost as terrifying as the films they made. Milligan could fit into that category. Making over 30 pictures in almost 25 years, with some of the most outrageous and memorable titles, he still remains very close to obscurity. But he does have some fans out there. In fact, a few years ago, Severin Films released a box set that included over a dozen of his films, packed with extras. So why not take a look into this strange filmmaker and three of his films.

But a warning… his films are not for everyone. Some refer to them as high school stage plays that were filmed. They can be mean. Talky. Bizarre camerawork. And pretty shoddy makeup. Nonetheless, they still have a charm to them. To some at least. So, take your next steps with caution, and as the saying goes, “Well… we warned you.”

Films mentioned in this episode:

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Amicus, Franco, Fulci and More!

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I know we’re always promoting and talking about how great the Music Box Theatre here in Chicago is (because it is!), but I recently found out about a theater in Wind Gap, PA that seems to not only play some amazing genre films quite a bit, but they also have some mini fests coming up that makes me want to take a road trip! The Gap Theatre (click HERE to get to their website) has plenty of amazing titles, double features, and other screenings lined up on their schedule. But there were 3 different ones that had me drooling.

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Mystery Photo 9-15

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We were just at HorrorHound Weekend, getting home late last night. Actually, early this morning. Plus, most of last week was getting prepared for it, as well as working on a bunch of other different projects! Not bitching, just explaining why no updates since last month. I hope to get a few in this week, but it’s going to be another busy one, with us heading out the Midway for their Dusk to Dawn Horrorfest! Tons of fun! Head over to the Midway Drive-in’s website HERE for all the details.

Anyway… our photo from last week was from Neil Marshall’s amazing film The Descent (2005), which makes its 20th anniversary this year! There is supposed to be a 4K release coming soon, but not sure from who. But kudos to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Steve Adkins, Tom Brennan, Aaron Christensen, Jennifer Pike-Cruz, Dada Debaser, Kevin Hart, Erik Martin, Bryan Senn, William Wilson, and Greg Wojick. Well done!

Let’s get to this week’s photo before it’s Tuesday already! You know the drill. Take a look and send you guess to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. And Good Luck!

Mystery Photo 9-8

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Welcome to another wonderful Monday! Okay… maybe not wonderful but at least the high temperatures are gone! But let’s get to it. Our photo from last week was from The Seventh Victim (1943), directed by Mark Robson and produced by the one and only Val Lewton! This was never one of my favorites of Lewton’s work but each time I see it, I see more. It always had such a dark ending, but upon my last viewing, I did see a slight positive message there. If you didn’t catch it, email me and I’ll tell you. But congrats to the following for sending in the correct title: Hoby Abernathy, Todd Barwick Chris Dyer, Dave Friedman, Dave Fronto, Kevin Hart, and Mike Shields. Well done!

Now our next photo could be a photo representation of how I feel with all the stuff I have going on in the next two month. From conventions, library lectures, 24-hour marathons, etc., etc., it does make me feel like I’m constantly digging myself out! Granted, all self-imposed, so I can’t really complain. But none the less, take a peek and see if you can recognize what film this is from. Just remember to send your answer to me in an email, to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. And Good Luck!