“For the first time in motion picture history…” was a line that director William Castle used quite often to promote his new movie, that usually came with a gimmick. Whether it was Percepto, Emergo, or Illusion-O, Castle made not only pretty entertaining pictures but made going to see one of his film an event. While he didn’t create ballyhoo, he damn near perfected it when it came to his films. This August, as Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, you’ll be able to experience 5 of his features, most of which from 35mm. See below for the schedule and start making your plans.
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Super-Horror-Rama Celebrates William Castle
Continuing their film series at the Sideshow Gelato, next month they will be celebrating one of the best movie showmen ever to direct a film, William Castle. They will be screening 3 of his features on Wednesdays in October, all programmed by Matt Carr of the Music Box Theatre. Sideshow Gelato is located at 4819 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60625.
Oct. 2nd – House on Haunted Hill (1959) – presented in EMERGO!
Oct. 16th – Mr. Sardonicus (1961) – Presented with The Punishment Poll
Oct. 23rd – The Tingler (1959) – Presented in PERCEPTO
There are only 40 seats per show, so get there early! From 6pm to 7pm, there is a Social Hour with a Live DJ. Then at 7pm, there is a short feature and giveaways, then followed by a video intro by Drive-in Asylum, with the feature starting at 7:30pm.
For all the latest info, head over to Super-Horror-Rama’s Facebook page HERE.
2023 Year End Review – Part 1: The Highlights
2023 was one crazy year. A lot of things changed, had some amazing travel adventures, another year on the convention circuit, movie screenings and marathons, and more than a few visits to the drive-ins. Plenty of be grateful for really. That should be the first thing to mention because it is one that we only bring up on certain holidays, when it should be celebrated each and every day. It is a time to not only look at the upcoming year, but also to look back on your accomplishments from 2023. Sometimes, just getting through the year is something to be proud of, because we know that that alone can be difficult. So don’t think you have to list off a dozen or so things that you did. Just be proud of what you did. But we can always make those lists of what we want to do in 2024. I don’t like to use the word resolution because that seems to come and go with the holiday. Write it down. Make a list. Set a goal. And then work your way there. Doesn’t have to be a huge one either. Could be just to watch all the Hammer Frankenstein films. Then on to the next thing. Most importantly, remember why you put it on your list in the first place. Have fun with it.
My website hit the 25 anniversary this year. Still hard to believe, but honestly, when you know how stubborn I can be, it makes perfect sense. The Krypt has helped keep my passion alive and well, as well as thriving. It is the one place I can go and spout my views and opinions to those that are always checking in with what this slightly obsessive horror fan has to say. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everyone’s continued support. So, thank you!
Continue readingMusic Box Loves Horror!
I know I’ve sang the praises of Chicago’s Music Box Theatre many times before here, but damn if they don’t make it hard living out in the suburbs when they program so much great stuff during this time of year that makes me want to rent an apartment or something for the month of October!
We already posted about the upcoming Music Box of Horrors, taking place on Oct. 21st, which we will be making our glorious return as a vendor there, but they have added a few more titles to the list. They will be screening Mike Mendez’s The Convent (2000), with Adrienne Barbeau, Dan Curtis’ haunted house epic Burnt Offerings (1976), with an all-star cast of Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, Burgess Meredith, and Karen Black, as well as Child’s Play 3 (1991). All three titles being screened from 35mm prints. Along with the other films already announced, Piranha II: The Spawning (1981), Casper (1995), and J.R. Bookwalter’s Ozone (1995), this is going to be another 24 hours of greatness. For all the latest info on this event, just click HERE.
If that wasn’t enough, they are also having their 31 Nights of Terror, with a huge selection of rare archival screenings, special guests, interactive events, fan favorites and much more. Here are SOME of the titles they have already announced.
Continue readingDtH Podcast Episode 47 – William Castle
House on Haunted Hill (1959), The Tingler (1959), and Mr. Sardonicus (1961). In the world of ballyhoo, nobody comes close to being a master at it than producer/director William Castle. From giving insurance policies to filmgoers in case they die of fright, promising the horrors onscreen will come off the screen into the audiences, to even letting the audience decide the fate of one of the characters in the film, Castle was a master of it. He treated his fans with respect and wanted everyone to have a great time with his pictures. And they still are entertaining today.
In this episode we’re going to delve into 3 of Castle’s films, as well as the man himself. Joining us to talk all things Castle is superfan and collector (not to mention Regional Warrior for Severin Films) Matt Harding!
Films Mentioned in this episode:
Continue readingMovie Review: Mr. Sardonicus
(1961)
Directed by William Castle
Starring Guy Rolfe, Ronald Lewis, Oscar Homolka, Audrey Dalton, Vladimir Sokoloff, Erika Peters.
The groundbreaking doctor Sir Robert, specializing in muscle maladies, receives a strange message from an old love, asking him to come to her home in a distant land for some dire help. Once he arrives there, he meets the husband of his long-lost love, the Baron Sardonicus. Sardonicus had acquired his wife after paying off the gambling debt of her father. But the strange part of Sardonicus is that his face is hidden behind a mask. He tells his story of how he acquired his wealth, and the terrible secret he is hiding behind the mask. He blackmails Sir Robert into curing his affliction or his wife will come to great harm.
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