Those Who Walk Before Us Should Not Walk Alone

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rue-morgue-170“Although the villagers had forgotten the ritual and lost the original black box, they still remembered to use stones.” Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery.

I had mentioned this on my Facebook page a few days ago, but I feel that I need to comment it on here as well, but in a slightly longer detail. In issue #170 of Rue Morgue, they have Shirley Jackson on the cover. Who is Shirley Jackson you ask? I would hope that everyone out there knows who she is, but sadly, that is probably not the case. It is this exactly reasoning that I feel why Rue Morgue needs to be applauded for this. By not just putting something their cover that they know it will draw attention of potential customers and sales, they decide to put the relatively unknown Jackson on it, in tribute of what would have been her 100th birthday this year.

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H.G. Lewis – Rest in Peace

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hglewis1There are a few filmmakers out there that make one film that makes a lasting impact. Then there are those out there that make a film that actually creates a whole new sub-genre! Even more impressive when that particular film is not….shall we say a “well crafted” production? But on the other hand, if you look at how it was made, and for the budget it had, and then how much money it actually made at the drive-ins, then the quality of the picture really has nothing to do with it. Of course, I’m talking about Blood Feast, directed by the one and only Herschell Gordon Lewis. He would go on to create more and more of these new ‘gore films’ giving the audiences something they had never seen before. The philosophy that he and his partner Dave Friedman came up with was simple: ” We strived to make films that either the majors couldn’t, or wouldn’t make.” And that is exactly what they did. Two Thousand Maniacs followed Blood Feast and was an even bigger hit. And the films kept coming and the blood kept spilling.

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Mystery Photo 9-26

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Since next Monday we might still be recovering from Cinema Wasteland, I wanted to make sure I got a new Mystery Photo for everyone today. We’ll just have to see what happens next week! But before we get to it, let’s go over last week’s photo. It was from Paul Naschy’s Blue Eyes of the Broken Doll, also known as House of Psychotic Women, a really good giallo made in 1974. It did get a release on DVD years ago, but not sure if it is still available. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. Kudos out to the following for sending in the correct answer: Hoby Abernathy, Troy Howarth, and Michael Shields. Well done.

Okay, so let’s get to this week’s photo. It’s not the best of quality, but hopefully the close up of this little beastie might be enough for you to identify the film from which is from. Good luck!

And please remember not to post your answers here, but send it in an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com.

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Hammer’s Dracula Scrapbook Available

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dracula-scrapbook-frontPeveril Publishing’s latest must-have edition, The Hammer Dracula Scrapbook, is now available for order. Keep in mind, there are only 600 copies of this available so if you have ANY desire to order this, you might want to do it now. Once their books go out-of-print, the prices just get ridiculous.

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Book Review: It Came from the 80s!

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it-came-from-the-80sIt Came from the 80s!
By Francesco Borseti
Published by McFarland, 2016. 294 pages.

Why are there not more books like this? With all the low budget films that were made in the 80s, there has to be an over abundance of incredible and fascinating stories that us movie nerds would eat up, from the high stress levels and time constraints, to no money, to dealing with once popular actors on their way down and young ones fighting their way up, to so many other things that were just a normal part of that kind of guerilla-style of filmmaking. But thankfully for us, Francesco Borseti has given us a chance to revisit some of these films, and hear from some of the different people behind them. Each chapter will cover one specific movie that will have different input from several people from the film. Might be the screenwriter, director, cameraman, effects artists, or all of the above, with each one giving their thoughts and memories of working on that particular title.

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All Day HorrorFest in Rosemont

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phantasm-ravagerIn case you had any free weekends left open next month, Flashback Weekend is going to help you fill it. On Saturday October 8th, they will be holding a 12-hour marathon of classic horror films at the Muvico Rosemont Theaters. You’ll get to see six features on the big screen all for the one low price of $20. Here’s what the lineup has in store for you:

12pm – Night of the Living Dead (1968)
2pm – Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)
4pm – Fright Night (1985)
6pm – A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
8pm – Phantasm: Remastered (1979)
10pm – Phantasm V: Ravager (2016)

Just a reminder, this is the newly remastered print of Phantasm that was supervised by J.J. Abrams. Plus, you’ll get to the lastest installment of Coscarelli’s series with a screening of Phantasm V: Ravager! Of course, getting to see these other classics on the big screen is always a treat, especailly the original Night of the Living Dead. That alone is worth the price of admission. There will be horror vendors, prizes, and more. To get your tickets, head over to http://www.carmike.com

 

Books, Books, and More Books!

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Nothing like finding even more titles for my ever-growing list of “Need to add to the Library” that seems to better longer and longer every day, which constantly gives the middle finger to those that say this kind of media is dead. Recently, I have come across some new titles that I know will be upcoming editions to my library. Very soon, my precious….very soon.

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Mystery Photo 9-19

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Yes, I know. I’ve been slacking off again and missed last week’s photo. I’d like to say it was because I was exhausted from the HorrorHound Weekend right before that, but that still isn’t a good enough excuse. Granted, I say that now with Cinema Wasteland hovering over me in a few weeks! So we shall see! But let us get down to business, shall we?

Our last photo was from none other than Clive Barker’s Hellraiser. I have to say I’m pretty surprised more people didn’t get this one. But I did get correct answers from William Wilson and Greg Wojick, so well done!

This week’s pick might be a little head scratcher. Then again, I try to make all of them head scratchers, don’t I? But take a look and see what you can come up with. For some, it might be pretty easy. For others, maybe not. But good luck either way. As always, please remember not to post your answers here, but send an email to jon@kitleyskrypt.com. That way everyone can enjoy the quest.

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