Last Seen pre-1970 Classic/Vintage Horror Movie?

[Sculpt]

DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE (1931). For me, the definitive version of the Robert Louis Stevenson novella with impressive camera work for the time and damn good transformation scenes with Hyde looking positively beastial towards the end. A lot of stilted dialogue...all the "Darling!", "Sir" and "How I love You!" bits will have You fidgeting, but stick with it . This was Pre-Code, so it's quite violent and incredibly heavy on the sex stuff; Jekyll is almost panting in his desire to get married and as soon as he becomes Hyde, he goes immediately to find the streetwalker who so captivated Jekyll. Frederic March won an Oscar as the titular character, but for Me the highlight of the film is Miriam, Hopkins. What I've read about her strikes me as a demanding, scene stealing diva, but she is sensational and heartbreaking as Ivy, the Good Time girl whose life quickly becomes a nightmare. ****
Well said, FD! I agree, I think Jekyll/Hyde 31 is very impressive, especially the camera work and camera tricks. It has more interesting and effective motion than some modern day films. The direction/camera pace is fast out of the gun, and becomes seamless, and well integrated into the story. The camera work must have blown some minds in 1931.

And being pre-code the dialogue seems very modern. No holds barred in what he's talking about and how he says it.

I think it is the best Jekyll/Hyde film to date. Still none of the films capture the short story well enough, which is too bad, because it has the best concepts, no need to change anything.

FryeDwight? If anything, what did you think the potion and change was a symbol(s) for?

[Tommy Jarvis]

Freaks: I enjoyed it, though it felt a bit slow sometimes, even for a kind of short film.

It also seemed to me that the story still holds relevancy today. The idea that the freaks, in a way, actually look more welcoming and tolerant than the "norms" can still resonate in an age where bullying is being heavily debated.

[LuvablePsycho]

I finally own Night of the Living Dead, Carnival of Souls, and Nosferatu on Bluray. ::cool::

My copy of NotLD seems to be very poor quality though it has so much static on the screen. Maybe one day I should replace it with a better copy? This version is from Mill Creek and I think they're one of those companies that always publish public domain films in really poor quality.

[Sculpt]

I finally own Night of the Living Dead, Carnival of Souls, and Nosferatu on Bluray. ::cool::

My copy of NotLD seems to be very poor quality though it has so much static on the screen. Maybe one day I should replace it with a better copy? This version is from Mill Creek and I think they're one of those companies that always publish public domain films in really poor quality.
Not sure what you mean by static, besides the obvious TV white speckle static.
You getting sound static too? Either don't sound normal. The DVD copy I have is SD, but there's no static.

You could send it back, get a refund, try another source.

[LuvablePsycho]

Not sure what you mean by static, besides the obvious TV white speckle static.
You getting sound static too? Either don't sound normal. The DVD copy I have is SD, but there's no static.

You could send it back, get a refund, try another source.

I mean the little white fuzzy things that tend to appear in old black and white movies that are not polished quality.

I don't think I can send it back because I have had it a long time and I no longer have the Walmart receipt. But maybe I can just accept it as is? The poor quality might even feel a little retro.

Besides I have seen all these movies in worse quality when I used to download them for free from archive org ::big grin::

[Sculpt]

I mean the little white fuzzy things that tend to appear in old black and white movies that are not polished quality.

I don't think I can send it back because I have had it a long time and I no longer have the Walmart receipt. But maybe I can just accept it as is? The poor quality might even feel a little retro.

Besides I have seen all these movies in worse quality when I used to download them for free from archive org ::big grin::
Oh, the specks on old films, like lint and hair. ::big grin:: Ya, I wouldn't worry about that. It is kind of homie. Electronic static would be out of place.

[FryeDwight]

Well said, FD! I agree, I think Jekyll/Hyde 31 is very impressive, especially the camera work and camera tricks. It has more interesting and effective motion than some modern day films. The direction/camera pace is fast out of the gun, and becomes seamless, and well integrated into the story. The camera work must have blown some minds in 1931.

And being pre-code the dialogue seems very modern. No holds barred in what he's talking about and how he says it.

I think it is the best Jekyll/Hyde film to date. Still none of the films capture the short story well enough, which is too bad, because it has the best concepts, no need to change anything.

FryeDwight? If anything, what did you think the potion and change was a symbol(s) for?

I guess in the most vulgar parlance I can think of was He had a major desire to get laid, hence all the panting to get married. And while Muriel is out of town , he goes to see Ivy, but "undercover" as it were, to not have damage to his Victorian image/reputation.

Seriously, he wanted to separate the two selves of human psyche and have the best of both worlds without anyone knowing. In the excellent Greg Mark commentary (Greg is my favorite for these, good writer and cool guy), he compares Hyde at first as a young puppy or kitten, more mischievous than anything else-He also looks a LOT like Jimmy McNulty from THE WIRE in his first change. As time goes on, Hyde's baser instincts come out and he truly becomes a Monster.

[Sculpt]

I guess in the most vulgar parlance I can think of was He had a major desire to get laid, hence all the panting to get married. And while Muriel is out of town , he goes to see Ivy, but "undercover" as it were, to not have damage to his Victorian image/reputation.

Seriously, he wanted to separate the two selves of human psyche and have the best of both worlds without anyone knowing. In the excellent Greg Mark commentary (Greg is my favorite for these, good writer and cool guy), he compares Hyde at first as a young puppy or kitten, more mischievous than anything else-He also looks a LOT like Jimmy McNulty from THE WIRE in his first change. As time goes on, Hyde's baser instincts come out and he truly becomes a Monster.I think you're right, in a way, on both accounts, that is in your first paragraph, you may be saying the potion is the vehicle for him to get laid in secret and 'not damage his Victorian image/reputation'. And in your second paragraph you're noting the film's, may I say, ridiculous theory about the good of separating the good man and the animal man -- which is not in the novel, and something I didn't like about the film.

You didn't mention what you thought the potion represented. In the short story (only about 170pgs), I think it's alluded to even more than in this or other films. I kind of think it's a bit obvious. I think it's alcohol. For many throughout history it's the potion that causes inhibition, and for some allows, or causes, people to lose contact with their higher brain function, empathy, morality, love and self control. Of course it's also a symbol for whatever else acts to do the same thing... a theory, a practice and societal system. But he does drink it, doesn't he? ::big grin::

Here's a quote from the film about the why he made the potion (which is not in the short story).

The soul of man.
My analysis of this soul,
the human psyche...
It leads me to believe
that man is not truly one...
but truly two.
One of him strives for the nobilities of life.
This we call his good self.
The other
seeks an expression of impulses...
that bind him to some dim animal relation
with the earth.
This, we may call the bad.
These two carry out an eternal struggle
in the nature of man...
yet they are chained together.
And that chain spells
repression to the evil.
Remorse to the good.
Now, if these two selves
could be separated from each other...
how much freer the good in us would be.
What heights it might scale.
And the so-called evil, once liberated...
would fulfill itself and trouble us no more.
I believe the day is not far off...
when this separation will be possible.
In my experiments, I have found...
that certain chemicals have the power....
Tell me, he can split me in two
like a jolly amoeba.
So, in the bold, is where it's ridiculous, that is, it doesn't really make any sense within itself. Liberate evil to fulfill itself so it troubles us no more? I'm guessing he means do it, the animal impulses, to get it out of your system? Yeah, like that ever worked. ::big grin:: Both the book and film do point to the same thing, in that, even so with the alcoholic, the more this activity is done, the more it entrenches itself into the person/brain/psyche/soul, not the other way around. It, 'evil', or unchecked selfishness, and insanity, emerges even without the potion, and can't be reversed even with the antidote, so to speak.

Of course I recommend reading the short story, as it's only 170 pages. Love to hear what you think.

[Sculpt]

House of Dracula (1945)
6/10

"Count Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr) seek cures for their afflictions; a hunchbacked woman, a mad scientist (Onslow Stevens) and Frankenstein's Monster have their own troubles."

It's an interesting story, with some interesting scenes, especially the trippy piano scene. Still, the story and characters are shallow, the dialogue and some acting is rather campy, it's not scary or exciting, little to no build of suspense.


Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1943)
6/10

"Two hapless freight handlers find themselves encountering Dracula (Lugosi) , the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr)."

I liked this better when I was a kid. If you find Costello's regular screen routine funny, than you'll like this. You'll know after the first scene with him. If not, you're in for a long show, cause this is Costello doing his thing over and over again. Other than that, there's not much there; because although the Universal Monster Characters are playing it straight, as they should, it's not convincing, especially Dracula is not at all the character he was in Dracula (1931) he's more of caricature. They get chased around, near misses, some secret passages and gags.

During the scene where Abbott & Costello bring Drac and Frank into the museum, I was really bored to tears. Just didn't find it was funny.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Rosemary's Baby, 1968


https://66.media.tumblr.com/f1d240bdbb2a3be015d291788c019684/tumblr_nq654cB2D21u0y8l9o1_500.gif

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Night of the Living Dead, 68


https://media.giphy.com/media/l2YWgjGt4Ea8KdUpq/giphy.gif


House of Wax, 1953

https://66.media.tumblr.com/9a16a1f81ccb9def0f9c71e26308c940/tumblr_mzgqmgJY2P1rne776o1_500.gif

[FryeDwight]

I think you're right, in a way, on both accounts, that is in your first paragraph, you may be saying the potion is the vehicle for him to get laid in secret and 'not damage his Victorian image/reputation'. And in your second paragraph you're noting the film's, may I say, ridiculous theory about the good of separating the good man and the animal man -- which is not in the novel, and something I didn't like about the film.

You didn't mention what you thought the potion represented. In the short story (only about 170pgs), I think it's alluded to even more than in this or other films. I kind of think it's a bit obvious. I think it's alcohol. For many throughout history it's the potion that causes inhibition, and for some allows, or causes, people to lose contact with their higher brain function, empathy, morality, love and self control. Of course it's also a symbol for whatever else acts to do the same thing... a theory, a practice and societal system. But he does drink it, doesn't he? ::big grin::


Here's a quote from the film about the why he made the potion (which is not in the short story).


So, in the bold, is where it's ridiculous, that is, it doesn't really make any sense within itself. Liberate evil to fulfill itself so it troubles us no more? I'm guessing he means do it, the animal impulses, to get it out of your system? Yeah, like that ever worked. ::big grin:: Both the book and film do point to the same thing, in that, even so with the alcoholic, the more this activity is done, the more it entrenches itself into the person/brain/psyche/soul, not the other way around. It, 'evil', or unchecked selfishness, and insanity, emerges even without the potion, and can't be reversed even with the antidote, so to speak.

Of course I recommend reading the short story, as it's only 170 pages. Love to hear what you think.

Hey Sculpt::smile::,
You're probably right about the potion being a symbol for alcohol...it definitely can change people and not always for the better. Knew guys who were nice as can be turn into major assholes after imbibing too much and like a lot of problem drinkers, Jekyll thought he could "Handle it". Also, during his month long shack up with Ivy (when Muriel is on holiday..."When the Cat is away..."), I wonder if he has to do any potion sipping or he can stay like Hyde for as long as needed.
Read the novella a long time ago-also had a CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED version of it. My wife is a big literature buff and sure she has a copy of it, so guess I will start looking.

[FryeDwight]

House of Dracula (1945)
6/10

"Count Dracula (John Carradine) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr) seek cures for their afflictions; a hunchbacked woman, a mad scientist (Onslow Stevens) and Frankenstein's Monster have their own troubles."

It's an interesting story, with some interesting scenes, especially the trippy piano scene. Still, the story and characters are shallow, the dialogue and some acting is rather campy, it's not scary or exciting, little to no build of suspense.


Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1943)
6/10

"Two hapless freight handlers find themselves encountering Dracula (Lugosi) , the Frankenstein Monster (Glenn Strange) and the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney Jr)."

I liked this better when I was a kid. If you find Costello's regular screen routine funny, than you'll like this. You'll know after the first scene with him. If not, you're in for a long show, cause this is Costello doing his thing over and over again. Other than that, there's not much there; because although the Universal Monster Characters are playing it straight, as they should, it's not convincing, especially Dracula is not at all the character he was in Dracula (1931) he's more of caricature. They get chased around, near misses, some secret passages and gags.

During the scene where Abbott & Costello bring Drac and Frank into the museum, I was really bored to tears. Just didn't find it was funny.

Sorry You felt that way about A/C meet Frank...absolutely one of my all time favorite films. It probably was Lou's routines, as he did a lot of the same shtick in their many films, but at least no Andrews Sisters were in this one. Like the Monsters in here; Dracula is really the one who sets the whole thing into motion and I find most of the big laughs involve the Frankenstein monster. Most annoying person here for me was McDougal...if only the fangs had gotten another couple of inches!

THE OLD DARK HOUSE (1932). My wife loves this one, but I find it all but impossible to get through. The whole thing feels forced and I really don't give a hoot about ANY of the characters, although Ernest Thesiger gets the best use of screen time. Perhaps Universal was making sure that Karloff would be worth the investment, but really, ANYBODY could play Morgan. Good sets, though, especially that stairwell. Don't think I can take another viewing of ODH. *1/2

[Sculpt]

House of Wax (1953)
6/10

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOWRhMTg1NjYtNDA5MS00NDJhLTgzZmQtZmY3NmRjNTExYW E3XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNTIzOTk5ODM@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182 ,268_AL_.jpg

Everything isn't what it seems with the macabre displays at house of wax. Starring Vincent Price.

This film was made for 3D viewing, but besides a carnival barker swatting a rubber paddle-ball in your face, you may not notice a whole lot of 3D shots, they tend to be a bit more subtle, like getting bummed into, but it brings a more up-close effect to the direction.

It looks and feels a lot like a gothic Hammer film. Unfortunately, during it's slow, smooth pace it never flowers any of its main characters; though they're played earnestly and with disembodied passion, they all remain a shallow mystery, making it difficult to care or empathise with them. Still, the cinematography is pleasant, Price carries a charm, and it entices you to see where the mystery ends; but as you will expect, it never scoops up enough wax to fashion a meaningful climactic display.

[LuvablePsycho]

I really want to watch the original black and white version of Village of the Damned. I've never seen it before.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/stephenking/images/4/44/Village_of_the_Damned_%281%29.gif/revision/latest?cb=20160615191952

[Oro13]

https://www.classichorrorposters.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/black-sabbath-movie-poster-1964-1020498556.jpg

Man, when I was a kid and saw this classic little Mario Bava anthology, it was one of the few that got to me. More specifically, the segment “ The Drop of Water “ freaked me right the fuck out, lol. One of the creepiest little morality tales of all time, and it still holds up today.

https://i.makeagif.com/media/12-22-2015/gjcFNO.gif
Whole lotta nope right there ::shocked::

[Sculpt]

I really want to watch the original black and white version of Village of the Damned. I've never seen it before.

https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/stephenking/images/4/44/Village_of_the_Damned_%281%29.gif/revision/latest?cb=20160615191952
I've never seen it either. Too bad we can't throw a film party online and watch it all together.


Man, when I was a kid and saw this classic little Mario Bava anthology, it was one of the few that got to me. More specifically, the segment “ The Drop of Water “ freaked me right the fuck out, lol. One of the creepiest little morality tales of all time, and it still holds up today.

https://i.makeagif.com/media/12-22-2015/gjcFNO.gif
Whole lotta nope right there ::shocked::
Yes! I totally agree! It freaked me out as an adult. So beautifully shot and directed. The other two were forgettable to me.

[LuvablePsycho]

I've never seen it either. Too bad we can't throw a film party online and watch it all together.

I think I'd also like to try and read the novel "The Midwich Cuckoos" which the movies are based on.

https://bloodymurder.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/wyndham_midwich_penguin.jpg

It's just a very unique concept for a horror story.

[FryeDwight]

I've never seen it either. Too bad we can't throw a film party online and watch it all together.


Yes! I totally agree! It freaked me out as an adult. So beautifully shot and directed. The other two were forgettable to me.

VOTD is pretty good and George Sanders turns in a stellar performance.

"A Drop of Water" is incredibly creepy and I find "The Vurdulak" impressive as well.

2000 MANIACS (1964). Follow up to Herschel Gordon Lewis's BLOOD FEAST is a better made film, but still pretty bad. Almost a splatter film of BRIGADOON, there are some brutally gruesome scenes and probably unintentional humor ("Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms"), but the film suffers from low budget and amateurish cast. **

[Sculpt]

VOTD is pretty good and George Sanders turns in a stellar performance.

"A Drop of Water" is incredibly creepy and I find "The Vurdulak" impressive as well.

2000 MANIACS (1964). Follow up to Herschel Gordon Lewis's BLOOD FEAST is a better made film, but still pretty bad. Almost a splatter film of BRIGADOON, there are some brutally gruesome scenes and probably unintentional humor ("Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms"), but the film suffers from low budget and amateurish cast. **
Splatter film of Brigadoon. ::big grin:: Speaking of Brigadoon, did you like Sweeney Todd? Just cause it's a musical.

[Bloof]

I think I'd also like to try and read the novel "The Midwich Cuckoos" which the movies are based on.

https://bloodymurder.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/wyndham_midwich_penguin.jpg

It's just a very unique concept for a horror story.

The book is excellent.

[LuvablePsycho]

The book is excellent.

What I found most interesting about the movie was that the children were not really evil, just extremly dangerous. They used their powers to make people kill themselves in violent ways but they only did it whenever they felt threatened. They were simply trying to protect their own species.

[FryeDwight]

Splatter film of Brigadoon. ::big grin:: Speaking of Brigadoon, did you like Sweeney Todd? Just cause it's a musical.

Haven't seen SWEENY TODD yet...

CHANDU THE MAGICIAN (1932)>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>

Wasn't really crazy about this, but watching with the great Greg Mank commentary made me appreciate it more. real good Kenneth Strickfadden machinery and really decent special effects as well for the time.
The story is quite silly-for God only knows what reason, Chandu's brother builds a Death Ray::shocked:: and is kidnapped by Roxor (played to the hilt by Bela Lugosi) on how to use it for World Domination. Edmond Lowe is sort of dull as Chandu (a lot like DR Strange), but Irene Ware (THE RAVEN 1935) is OK and a rather racy scene at the slave market with Chandu's niece!
Really a Popcorn movie, although in hindsight, when Roxor has the DR, he emotes in loving detail of what will happen to the cities He uses it on, it's actually kind of frightening. It almost foreshadows Hitler's mannerisms and how he had no qualms in leveling cities/populations. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Invisible Man, 1933. 9/10

https://66.media.tumblr.com/5a691d4218c3203dba51faeb8c1a9db9/tumblr_noevhaKlNp1s1v3r1o1_400.gif

[FryeDwight]

THE UNKNOWN (1927). Silent movies can be difficult to get through as they require more attention, but don't count them out as the payoff can be so good. This is an incredibly perverse little film about the things a man will do for love and actually, quite disturbing. Lon Chaney nails it again. ***1/2

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Blood and Black Lace, 1964. 7/10

https://media.giphy.com/media/iAL38OvfFMqnm/200.gif

[Sculpt]

Blood and Black Lace, 1964. 7/10

https://media.giphy.com/media/iAL38OvfFMqnm/200.gif

Some nice lighting/cinematography in this.

[Oro13]

The Invisible Man, 1933. 9/10

https://66.media.tumblr.com/5a691d4218c3203dba51faeb8c1a9db9/tumblr_noevhaKlNp1s1v3r1o1_400.gif

Man, Claude Rains is criminally overlooked. He was perfect in that role, and even had a great turn as the Phantom in the 1943 version ( which I’m going to watch now ), as well as opposite Lon Chaney Jr. in the Wolf Man.

Also, I’d like to see a new version or update to the invisible man. Could do some really interesting things with current technology, I think Verhoeven’s Hollow Man was the last legit attempt at an update to the story. We’re overdue.

... Just hope they don’t do what they did to the Mummy ( shudders )

[Sculpt]

Man, Claude Rains is criminally overlooked. He was perfect in that role, and even had a great turn as the Phantom in the 1943 version ( which I’m going to watch now ), as well as opposite Lon Chaney Jr. in the Wolf Man.

Also, I’d like to see a new version or update to the invisible man. Could do some really interesting things with current technology, I think Verhoeven’s Hollow Man was the last legit attempt at an update to the story. We’re overdue.

... Just hope they don’t do what they did to the Mummy ( shudders )
What did you think of Verhoeven’s Hollow Man? That was with Kevin Bacon, I believe.

I remember seeing the original INvisible Man, and Claude Rains was scaring me just sitting at his table talking. He was completely convincing as an angry, condescending, evil, crazy man.

[Sculpt]

Laura (1944)
8/10

https://i0.wp.com/derekwinnert.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/576.jpg?zoom=2

In this film noir drama, a Manhattan police detective Mark McPherson (Dana Andrews) investigates the murder of a beautiful, well liked, successful, socialite, Laura Hunt (Dana Andrews), by interviewing her arrogant, older, controlling mentor, columnist Waldo Lydecker (Clifton Webb) and the man Waldo despises, Laura's playboy fiancee Shelby Carpenter (Vincent Price).

Rather than being a hard boiled film noir crime picture, it's served sunny-side-up as a deep drama of depthful unique characters whose own interests and motivations are peeled away like onions, slow cooking a dish you're invested in.

However it's not without its deficits. We know Waldo well, but emotions are dry when it comes to the starch-shirted feelings of Detective McPherson and charitable Laura. The movie plays more a well-told mystery than a thriller, with suspense of intention, not of action.

Laura (1944) won the Oscar for Best Black-and-White Cinematography for Joseph LaShelle, Nominated Best Director for Otto Preminger, and Nominated Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Clifton Webb.

[favabeans]

The Old Dark House (1932)

Great fun, I loved it. 8/10.

[Oro13]

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/u93CUmHjIjXy4APpHFjD5Oxeegw.jpg

7/10

Synopsis:A mysterious bout of violent and unexplained accidents plague the Paris Opera House, which are blamed on the specter reported to haunt box 5. All the while a young and talented soprano benefits, not only from this string of misfortunes, but flourishes under the tutalege of a mysterious benefactor that (in reality) is the very same monster responsible for these deeds. The Phantom.

Speaking of Claude Rains, this was the first time I recall seeing him in a film, and it really showcases his prowess. First and foremost, he is great as this version of the Phantom. He has the right mix of elegance and intensity, as well as being able to switch gears and be sympathetic or relatable, all of which are required to play the role. Perfectly cast, and is my second favorite performance in his career ( second only to his turn as Jack Griffin in the Invisible Man ). As for the supporting cast, Susanna Foster does a great job in the role of Christine ( the object of the Phantom’s twisted affection ), while her suitors Raoul and Anatole ( played by Edgar Barrier and Nelson Eddy, respectively ) have a great back and forth in their rivalry, and manage to both be likable and a decent subplot ( think Quincy Morris and Arthur Holmwood from Dracula ). The sets are stunning, lavish, and in technicolor. The Paris Opera House is as much of a character in this story as any of its inhabitants, and it manages to be both captivating in its bright colors and posh decorations, but also foreboding with it’s tenebrous shadows and labyrinthine catacombs. The score is very well done and definitely fits with the overall story, thought it does somewhat interfere with scenes here and there.

I only have one issue with this version, but it’s a rather major complaint.
First and foremost, this is only LOOSELY based on Gaston Leroux’s original novel, and is much further removed from it than the classic Lon Chaney version from 1925. The narrative now concerns a down on his luck violinist, Erique Claudin, who snaps and kills a publisher he believes has stolen his music. Instead of being a recluse who was born disfigured that has the voice of an angel, Claudin is disfigured by acid after the attack and takes to the sewers to flee police pursuit, stealing a mask and taking up residence under the opera house, continuing to support Christine. This narrative departure would carry more weight, if we didn’t view it in chronological order with the rest of the film. We already know Claudin is the Phantom, and we know how this came to be before the meat of the story even begins. This serves to demystify him, thus stripping away a huge portion of what makes the character of the Phantom so interesting. This also makes him less intimidating and scary, which ( again ) detracts from the overall screen presence and impact he has on the audience. In every version, the constants have been his love of Christine and of music, but also ( and arguably more importantly ) his motivations behind his misdeeds and the events that twisted him into the monster he has become. These are what makes for a compelling story. Take those parts out, and all you have is the tragic romance which, while it’s certainly a major theme, has nothing to do with the larger overall structure and point, which is that this is a horror story.

That being said, this version of the story became quite popular and more than a few iterations have adopted it in favor of the original. It’s a competent take on the classic story, and definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of it, classic horror, and that gothic Hammer look/feel.

What did you think of Verhoeven’s Hollow Man? That was with Kevin Bacon, I believe.

Lemme rewatch it, and I’ll tell ya in the Latest Movies thread ::smile::

[Sculpt]

https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/u93CUmHjIjXy4APpHFjD5Oxeegw.jpg

7/10

Synopsis:A mysterious bout of violent and unexplained accidents plague the Paris Opera House, which are blamed on the specter reported to haunt box 5. All the while a young and talented soprano benefits, not only from this string of misfortunes, but flourishes under the tutalege of a mysterious benefactor that (in reality) is the very same monster responsible for these deeds. The Phantom.

Speaking of Claude Rains, this was the first time I recall seeing him in a film, and it really showcases his prowess. First and foremost, he is great as this version of the Phantom. He has the right mix of elegance and intensity, as well as being able to switch gears and be sympathetic or relatable, all of which are required to play the role. Perfectly cast, and is my second favorite performance in his career ( second only to his turn as Jack Griffin in the Invisible Man ). As for the supporting cast, Susanna Foster does a great job in the role of Christine ( the object of the Phantom’s twisted affection ), while her suitors Raoul and Anatole ( played by Edgar Barrier and Nelson Eddy, respectively ) have a great back and forth in their rivalry, and manage to both be likable and a decent subplot ( think Quincy Morris and Arthur Holmwood from Dracula ). The sets are stunning, lavish, and in technicolor. The Paris Opera House is as much of a character in this story as any of its inhabitants, and it manages to be both captivating in its bright colors and posh decorations, but also foreboding with it’s tenebrous shadows and labyrinthine catacombs. The score is very well done and definitely fits with the overall story, thought it does somewhat interfere with scenes here and there.

I only have one issue with this version, but it’s a rather major complaint.
First and foremost, this is only LOOSELY based on Gaston Leroux’s original novel, and is much further removed from it than the classic Lon Chaney version from 1925. The narrative now concerns a down on his luck violinist, Erique Claudin, who snaps and kills a publisher he believes has stolen his music. Instead of being a recluse who was born disfigured that has the voice of an angel, Claudin is disfigured by acid after the attack and takes to the sewers to flee police pursuit, stealing a mask and taking up residence under the opera house, continuing to support Christine. This narrative departure would carry more weight, if we didn’t view it in chronological order with the rest of the film. We already know Claudin is the Phantom, and we know how this came to be before the meat of the story even begins. This serves to demystify him, thus stripping away a huge portion of what makes the character of the Phantom so interesting. This also makes him less intimidating and scary, which ( again ) detracts from the overall screen presence and impact he has on the audience. In every version, the constants have been his love of Christine and of music, but also ( and arguably more importantly ) his motivations behind his misdeeds and the events that twisted him into the monster he has become. These are what makes for a compelling story. Take those parts out, and all you have is the tragic romance which, while it’s certainly a major theme, has nothing to do with the larger overall structure and point, which is that this is a horror story.

That being said, this version of the story became quite popular and more than a few iterations have adopted it in favor of the original. It’s a competent take on the classic story, and definitely worth a watch if you’re a fan of it, classic horror, and that gothic Hammer look/feel.



Lemme rewatch it, and I’ll tell ya in the Latest Movies thread ::smile::
Interesting take. I haven't seen this film yet, but it's on my list. I did a radio show on mock-Susanna Foster (because my co-host didn't want to use her name). I really found her life story really interesting -- being recruited by a "Hollywood agent" while she lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and went to CA by herself, at age 12, to be trained by MGM to be a singer/actress in film. That is really weird. Two of her classmates at this school were Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Foster had an amazing voice. I look forward to seeing the film.

[idoneus1957]

Bride of Frankenstein was on tv. I've seen it a million times, but I tuned in. I was lucky enough to catch the bit where Dr. Pretorius first shows up at Dr. Frankenstein's house. What a performance!

[idoneus1957]

They showed the Herbert Lom version the other day, and I briefly thought that I really ought to see it, because Herbert Lom died in 2017.

[hammerfan]

They showed the Herbert Lom version the other day, and I briefly thought that I really ought to see it, because Herbert Lom died in 2017.

Herbert Lom died on September 27, 2012

[idoneus1957]

Lom died that long ago? When you're my age, you lose track of how long ago something happened.

[hammerfan]

Lom died that long ago? When you're my age, you lose track of how long ago something happened.

Shall we compare? I'm sure I'm older.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Mad Room, 1969. 7/10

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuudydXuSs8/Tpzuwv1qJ-I/AAAAAAAA0x4/51QKR9R9Lao/s400/Mad+Room+848.jpg

[FryeDwight]

The Mad Room, 1969. 7/10

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RuudydXuSs8/Tpzuwv1qJ-I/AAAAAAAA0x4/51QKR9R9Lao/s400/Mad+Room+848.jpg

This wasn't a bad little film at all...Shelley Winters was a hoot in it, Stella Stevens a Walking Goddess and the song on the radio is by The Nazz, an early group of Todd Rundgren.

[idoneus1957]

It's either age or just a bad memory...Here's something I wonder. One of the cable channels around here carries a lot of movies featuring a single mother whose child is in danger from some kind of psycho. Is the intended audience single mothers? I would think that they would want to avoid that topic.
Digression...The Christmas music starts right after Thanksgiving, giving us a whole month. They should show the old skit that was on Saturday Night Live: Santa Clause the Eliminator, Massacre on 34th St. (the audience actually groaned when they saw a lot of Cabbage Patch dolls being destroyed!)

[FryeDwight]

THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955). Finished reading the excellent gritty novel by Evan Hunter and although this was quite controversial in its time, find it very stagnant and it really has not improved with age, sadly as Glen Ford and Sidney Poitier are both pretty good. Look for a young Jaime Farr (MASH) here who also is pretty good on the commentary. **1/2

[Sculpt]

THE BLACKBOARD JUNGLE (1955). Finished reading the excellent gritty novel by Evan Hunter and although this was quite controversial in its time, find it very stagnant and it really has not improved with age, sadly as Glen Ford and Sidney Poitier are both pretty good. Look for a young Jaime Farr (MASH) here who also is pretty good on the commentary. **1/2
Sounds interesting. This directed by Ford too?


The Stranger (1946)
9/10

Written, directed, starring Orson Welles, also has Edward G Robinson. A US government agent is looking for an ex Nasi in the US. Very good. It's a thriller with some horror aspects. This is on Netflix now. Highly recommend it.

[Sculpt]

The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
7/10

"Recently released from prison, Dix Handley (Sterling Hayden) concocts a plan to steal $1 million in jewels. Dix gathers a team of small-time crooks, including a safecracker (Anthony Caruso) and a lawyer (Louis Calhern)."

Also has a young Marilyn Monroe. It's a bit of a light drama, with a classic film noir setting (but without a detective/dick), and heist film features, but mostly it's not exciting. The characters are semi-likeable anti-heros, and it's a morality play at the same time. I can't say I liked it, but it's made well... matter of taste.

[idoneus1957]

I wouldn't call the Asphalt Jungle light. The ending is kind of...musn't spoil.
Then, in the scene with Marilyn Monroe, it sorts of implies that Al Jaffee's character is some kind of pervert. The way he keeps giving nickels to Monroe's character to put in the jukebox so he can watch her dance. And the way he looks at her.
On the other hand, who needs to be perverted to like watching Marilyn Monroe?

[Sculpt]

I wouldn't call the Asphalt Jungle light. The ending is kind of...musn't spoil.
Then, in the scene with Marilyn Monroe, it sorts of implies that Al Jaffee's character is some kind of pervert. The way he keeps giving nickels to Monroe's character to put in the jukebox so he can watch her dance. And the way he looks at her.
On the other hand, who needs to be perverted to like watching Marilyn Monroe?
Good point, it's not a light drama considering the subject matter, I just mean considering the subject matter and the criminal main characters, it's not particularly gritty. They made a point of showing everyone's humanity.

The girl putting the coins in the jukebox wasn't Monroe -- she plays the criminal financier's mistress. But yes, Jaffee made it clear he's going to spend his stash on women in Mexico, and he started early in the bar, showing how each character has been snared by their desire and ill-gotten gain.

[FryeDwight]

Sounds interesting. This directed by Ford too?


The Stranger (1946)
9/10

Written, directed, starring Orson Welles, also has Edward G Robinson. A US government agent is looking for an ex Nasi in the US. Very good. It's a thriller with some horror aspects. This is on Netflix now. Highly recommend it.

Believe You are thinking of John Ford...don't know if Glenn Ford directed anything. But decent actor and I like a lot of his films.

[Sculpt]

Believe You are thinking of John Ford...don't know if Glenn Ford directed anything. But decent actor and I like a lot of his films.

Opps! Yep, I was thinking of John Ford the director/actor

[FryeDwight]

THE SET-UP (1949). Seems to be a lot of Noir films being discussed, so let's add another one. This is quite gritty and somewhat depressing flick of a washed up boxer (Robert Ryan is great) who finds circumstances changing from pure pluck and bad luck. Another interesting part of this is that it is shot in real time. Small little gem waiting to be discovered. ***1/2

[Sculpt]

THE SET-UP (1949). Seems to be a lot of Noir films being discussed, so let's add another one. This is quite gritty and somewhat depressing flick of a washed up boxer (Robert Ryan is great) who finds circumstances changing from pure pluck and bad luck. Another interesting part of this is that it is shot in real time. Small little gem waiting to be discovered. ***1/2Sounds pretty cool.

Shot in real time? You mean with shot with one take, like Rope? Or that it follows one linear timeline, without jumping ahead in time nor flashbacks, like The Big Heat (which stays with Bogart)?

You wrote, "who finds circumstances changing from pure pluck and bad luck." Did you mean changing back and forth from pure luck to pure bad luck?

[idoneus1957]

We seem to be stretching the idea of horror movie to some movies that most people don't fit in that category. This isn't a complaint. I will seize any excuse to discuss some of my favorite movies.
I sometimes find myself whistling a certain tune, and think "What am I whistling?" Then I wack my head an cry "Good grief! It's the theme music to The Trouble with Angels, a 1960s Disney live-action comedy starring Hayley Mills. Well, it's a horror movie if you find nuns scary (The Nun.)

[FryeDwight]

Sounds pretty cool.

Shot in real time? You mean with shot with one take, like Rope? Or that it follows one linear timeline, without jumping ahead in time nor flashbacks, like The Big Heat (which stays with Bogart)?

You wrote, "who finds circumstances changing from pure pluck and bad luck." Did you mean changing back and forth from pure luck to pure bad luck?

The "Real Time" means. as far as I know, that the events take up the same amount of time as the length of the film.

Without trying to give away too much of the film, the Pluck is when he is doing better than he or anyone else thought he would be doing and the Bad Luck is when the outcome is different than what was expected.
Convoluted as all get out, I will concede, but hope this clears it up a bit before You actually see the film
What Bogart film is that? THE BIG HEAT is by Fritz Lang with Glenn Ford. The Bogie one doesn't sound familiar to Me. Love Bogart, so any info You give would be appreciated-Thanks::big grin::!

[Tommy Jarvis]

It feels odd having to post Psycho in here since the movie still holds up today.

I definetily want to see it again.

[Sculpt]

The "Real Time" means. as far as I know, that the events take up the same amount of time as the length of the film.

Without trying to give away too much of the film, the Pluck is when he is doing better than he or anyone else thought he would be doing and the Bad Luck is when the outcome is different than what was expected.
Convoluted as all get out, I will concede, but hope this clears it up a bit before You actually see the film
What Bogart film is that? THE BIG HEAT is by Fritz Lang with Glenn Ford. The Bogie one doesn't sound familiar to Me. Love Bogart, so any info You give would be appreciated-Thanks::big grin::!
Sorry, I meant The Big Sleep (1946). ::big grin:: It was the big something.

Yeah, they stay with Bogart in every scene, or almost, near by outside a room. And it's over a fairly short period of time. So it's not real time. Rope is a real time film.

[FryeDwight]

Sorry, I meant The Big Sleep (1946). ::big grin:: It was the big something.

Yeah, they stay with Bogart in every scene, or almost, near by outside a room. And it's over a fairly short period of time. So it's not real time. Rope is a real time film.

Well, thanks for the info. TBS is a great film!

DRACULA (1931). For Xmas, my Supervisor got me a six pack of the Classic Universal Monsters, saying to me how he was "...taking a chance You might have these!" The set includes D, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE INVISIBLE MAN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and THE WOLF MAN. While I do have all of them, this edition does have real sharp picture quality and additional Special Features, which will make this a keeper.
As I've said before, DRACULA is a well made film with SO MANY good moments and then so much dullness...so incredibly stagey and showing Director Todd Browning's inexperience/unease with Talkies. But the good is so good (particularly in the Castle) that I'll just usually read while the dull stuff is playing and still throw out the ::love:: for Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye. **1/2

Next up is FRANKENSTEIN....

[Sculpt]

Well, thanks for the info. TBS is a great film!

DRACULA (1931). For Xmas, my Supervisor got me a six pack of the Classic Universal Monsters, saying to me how he was "...taking a chance You might have these!" The set includes D, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY, THE INVISIBLE MAN, BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN and THE WOLF MAN. While I do have all of them, this edition does have real sharp picture quality and additional Special Features, which will make this a keeper.
As I've said before, DRACULA is a well made film with SO MANY good moments and then so much dullness...so incredibly stagey and showing Director Todd Browning's inexperience/unease with Talkies. But the good is so good (particularly in the Castle) that I'll just usually read while the dull stuff is playing and still throw out the ::love:: for Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye. **1/2

Next up is FRANKENSTEIN....
That's a very nice Universal set of films! I'm sure that wasn't cheap. Well, at least that wouldn't have been cheap in the recent past. What kind of special features do they have? I wonder if these directors or actors ever did a commentary on the films? Probably wouldn't have been recorded while they were watching the film (like they do today) but a smart guy could line up commentary during the film that fits (although I'm sure there wouldn't be commentary for every scene).

I think 2.5 (out of 5?) is the lowest I've seen you give Dracula. It has some slow spots, and I think Harken, the father, Mina and Lucy are rather drab, but Bela, Frye and Van Slone are really good, and they drive the film. I tend to go by my first viewing, which was during the day with my mom, and I was riveted. I'd never watch the film late night when I'm sleepy, unless I want to sleep there, and get woken up with a scream. ::big grin::

I watched THE SET-UP (1949), and maybe I was checking it out too late at night, but found it a little humdrum... I really liked the first 30min setup or so, the couple, the boxing life of the new guy and mental degradation of the older boxer, and the manager taking the bribe. But the boxing sequences are pretty lame to be going on so long. The ending seemed a bit anticlimactic, in the sense what happened was about what I expected, and not very dramatic or dynamic, and the the ending seemed pretty abrupt. Maybe it sounds silly, but I wished they had condensed the film into an hour and then the next 30 mins into their new life.

[idoneus1957]

Movies shot in "real time." "Real time" is a phrase we didn't use to have a use for. Like when I go to a coffee shop and ask for my iced coffee in a "glass glass."

[FryeDwight]

That's a very nice Universal set of films! I'm sure that wasn't cheap. Well, at least that wouldn't have been cheap in the recent past. What kind of special features do they have? I wonder if these directors or actors ever did a commentary on the films? Probably wouldn't have been recorded while they were watching the film (like they do today) but a smart guy could line up commentary during the film that fits (although I'm sure there wouldn't be commentary for every scene).

I think 2.5 (out of 5?) is the lowest I've seen you give Dracula. It has some slow spots, and I think Harken, the father, Mina and Lucy are rather drab, but Bela, Frye and Van Slone are really good, and they drive the film. I tend to go by my first viewing, which was during the day with my mom, and I was riveted. I'd never watch the film late night when I'm sleepy, unless I want to sleep there, and get woken up with a scream. ::big grin::

I watched THE SET-UP (1949), and maybe I was checking it out too late at night, but found it a little humdrum... I really liked the first 30min setup or so, the couple, the boxing life of the new guy and mental degradation of the older boxer, and the manager taking the bribe. But the boxing sequences are pretty lame to be going on so long. The ending seemed a bit anticlimactic, in the sense what happened was about what I expected, and not very dramatic or dynamic, and the the ending seemed pretty abrupt. Maybe it sounds silly, but I wished they had condensed the film into an hour and then the next 30 mins into their new life.
Personally, I wouldn't have minded seeing some of their new life...some happiness was needed.
The set I got has new Extras for DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY and THE WOLFMAN, so 4 out of six not bad. Along with all the original extras are some new commentaries for D, F and TM and good docs on Bela, Boris, Lon and Jack Pierce.

THE MUMMY (1932). This one I appreciate more as I get older. While it's still very slow paced and almost a remake of DRACULA in many parts, still has some kickass moments, one of the best openers ever for any film and such a tragic love story throughout. One of my favorite Karloff turns and LOVE the extreme close up of him after Edwards "I'd break your dried flesh to pieces"...apparently the Film makers did too as it's repeated a few times! ****

[Sculpt]

Personally, I wouldn't have minded seeing some of their new life...some happiness was needed.
The set I got has new Extras for DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY and THE WOLFMAN, so 4 out of six not bad. Along with all the original extras are some new commentaries for D, F and TM and good docs on Bela, Boris, Lon and Jack Pierce.

THE MUMMY (1932). This one I appreciate more as I get older. While it's still very slow paced and almost a remake of DRACULA in many parts, still has some kickass moments, one of the best openers ever for any film and such a tragic love story throughout. One of my favorite Karloff turns and LOVE the extreme close up of him after Edwards "I'd break your dried flesh to pieces"...apparently the Film makers did too as it's repeated a few times! ****
And it is steller looking (the mummy). Do they have any commentaries that play with the film? What do they have for the mummy?

[FryeDwight]

And it is steller looking (the mummy). Do they have any commentaries that play with the film? What do they have for the mummy?

Happy to help!
DRACULA-David Skal (a great one) and Steve Haberman
FRANKENSTEIN-Rudy Behlmer, Christopher Freyling
THE MUMMY-Paul Jensen, Rick Baker/Scott Essman/Steve Haberman/ Bob Burns/Brent Armstrong
THE INVISIBLE MAN-Rudy Behlmer
BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN-Scott MacQueen
THE WOLF MAN-Tom W order a eaver and an new feature about the film.
Enjoy the old ones and also the new, but would have liked Greg Mank to do a new one or two

PATHS OF GLORY (1957). Early Stanley Kubrick that has lots of zip along with the great camera work You would associate with him. Takes place during WW1 where things are at a standstill and two French generals (Adolphe Menjou and George Macready are both despicable) order an attack on a German position that is pretty much a disaster. Instead of taking blame, they choose three scapegoats and it's up to Kirk Douglas (VERY good here) to try to help them. Fantastic film on all levels with an amazing battle sequence, sets and performances, especially by Douglas, Ralph Meeker and Timothy Carey. Was banned in France after its release and may still be. *****

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

A Christmas Carol, 1938. 8/10

https://scarielsgrotto.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/118.gif?w=356

[FryeDwight]

THE GORGAN (1964). While the titular monster isn't so much, this Hammer has, in my opinion, aged a lot better than many of the time. Great sets and music and some real good performances by Christopher Lee (one of his better ones), Peter Cushing and Barbara Shelley. ***1/2

[Sculpt]

THE GORGAN (1964). While the titular monster isn't so much, this Hammer has, in my opinion, aged a lot better than many of the time. Great sets and music and some real good performances by Christopher Lee (one of his better ones), Peter Cushing and Barbara Shelley. ***1/2
I've actually never seen this one, though I seem to recall starting it one Saturday afternoon and bailing on it, as a kid. Not that any of the Hammer films were for kids, but they became staples in the 'creature feature' TV format, and Gorgon was probably least accessible to a kids sensibilities.

[FryeDwight]

A Christmas Carol, 1938. 8/10

https://scarielsgrotto.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/118.gif?w=356

DAD, believe that's from the 1951 version with Alister Sim.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938). Pretty much agree with your rating (8/10). There have been many versions of the Dickens story, but like this one the best. Really good sets and Reginald Owen shines as Scrooge. Only beef I can have is a few aspects of the story pertaining to why Scrooge is the way he is are missing (revealed in more detail in 1951's version). Figured MGM had the capital to include them in the story.
Really good, though, overall and lots of cast members who were in other genre favorites: Gene Lockheart (MIRACLE ON 34th STREET), Terry Kilburn (THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, FIEND WITHOUT A FACE), Leo G Carroll (TOWER OF LONDON, TARANTULA), Billy Bevan (DRACULA'S DAUGHTER, RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE), Harry Cording (THE BLACK CAT, many Sherlock Holmes), Olaf Hytten (GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN, many Sherlock Holmes), Forrester Harvey (THE INVISIBLE MAN), Halliwell Hobbes (DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, many Sherlock Holmes) and June Lockheart ( SHE WOLF OF LONDON and TV's LOST IN SPACE). ****

[MovieLover12]

Zombie's Lake (1981)

I've a question regarding this film: Why would they, of all things, make a German stormtrooper one of the most compassionate zombies in horror history?!

[Sculpt]

DAD, believe that's from the 1951 version with Alister Sim.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (1938). Pretty much agree with your rating (8/10). There have been many versions of the Dickens story, but like this one the best. Really good sets and Reginald Owen shines as Scrooge. Only beef I can have is a few aspects of the story pertaining to why Scrooge is the way he is are missing (revealed in more detail in 1951's version). Figured MGM had the capital to include them in the story.
Really good, though, overall and lots of cast members who were in other genre favorites: Gene Lockheart (MIRACLE ON 34th STREET), Terry Kilburn (THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES, FIEND WITHOUT A FACE), Leo G Carroll (TOWER OF LONDON, TARANTULA), Billy Bevan (DRACULA'S DAUGHTER, RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE), Harry Cording (THE BLACK CAT, many Sherlock Holmes), Olaf Hytten (GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN, many Sherlock Holmes), Forrester Harvey (THE INVISIBLE MAN), Halliwell Hobbes (DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, many Sherlock Holmes) and June Lockheart ( SHE WOLF OF LONDON and TV's LOST IN SPACE). ****
It's a Momma!

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/June_Lockhart_Lost_in_Space_1965.JPG/170px-June_Lockhart_Lost_in_Space_1965.JPG

In Christmas Carol '38, I like the scene where all the kids are so happy discovering pops brought home a goose, they open up the covering and all the kids happily rubdown the dead goose!

It looks like a nice tight and cosey version of the story. I know I've seen it, but I don't remember it all that well.

[Sculpt]

Zombie's Lake (1981)

I've a question regarding this film: Why would they, of all things, make a German stormtrooper one of the most compassionate zombies in horror history?!
Why do you say they were compassionate? In a trailer I saw they just looked like slow moving biters to me.

[MovieLover12]

Why do you say they were compassionate? In a trailer I saw they just looked like slow moving biters to me.

The trailer obviously didn't show you that one zombie had a daughter that lived in the town and he wouldn't kill her and let others do the same, he guarded her.

[FryeDwight]

CHARLIE CHAN'S MURDER CRUISE/ CHARLIE CHAN IN PANAMA (both 1940)

Had never seen any of the series with Sidney Toler playing the inscrutable CC, and may be awhile before doing again. Decent pace on both films (single disc) with lots of cool supporting actors, particularly Lionel Atwill::love:: in both. Both were made by Paramount, but they both have a 1940's Universal vibe: silly, rushed and unfunny comedy relief. CCIP does get some help from pretty accurate naming of various spots in Panama that I remember from living in the Canal Zone from 1973-76. The biggest liability is the inclusion of "Number Two Son" played by Victor Sen Young...almost every scene gets thrown into the toilet by his character and almost wish Charle would put him in the Army or feed him to the sharks. In the same year, Young was very good in THE LETTER, playing an extremely conniving aide and he also ended playing Hop Sing on BONANZA!

CCMC-**1/2
CCIP-**

[FryeDwight]

BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA (1952). While it is as interesting as its title, Bela does get some good scenes in here. Also known as THE BOYS FROM BROOKLYN, the boys in question being Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo. Duke isn't much, but Sammy looks and acts almost uncannily as a young Jerry Lewis...and about as annoying as Jerry could be too! **

[Sculpt]

CHARLIE CHAN'S MURDER CRUISE/ CHARLIE CHAN IN PANAMA (both 1940)

Had never seen any of the series with Sidney Toler playing the inscrutable CC, and may be awhile before doing again. Decent pace on both films (single disc) with lots of cool supporting actors, particularly Lionel Atwill::love:: in both. Both were made by Paramount, but they both have a 1940's Universal vibe: silly, rushed and unfunny comedy relief. CCIP does get some help from pretty accurate naming of various spots in Panama that I remember from living in the Canal Zone from 1973-76. The biggest liability is the inclusion of "Number Two Son" played by Victor Sen Young...almost every scene gets thrown into the toilet by his character and almost wish Charle would put him in the Army or feed him to the sharks. In the same year, Young was very good in THE LETTER, playing an extremely conniving aide and he also ended playing Hop Sing on BONANZA!

CCMC-**1/2
CCIP-**
You were in PCZ 73-76? What was that like? I watched a netflix doc on the PCZ a few months ago. Do you think the US should have given back full ownership/control to the state of Panama?

BELA LUGOSI MEETS A BROOKLYN GORILLA (1952). While it is as interesting as its title, Bela does get some good scenes in here. Also known as THE BOYS FROM BROOKLYN, the boys in question being Duke Mitchell and Sammy Petrillo. Duke isn't much, but Sammy looks and acts almost uncannily as a young Jerry Lewis...and about as annoying as Jerry could be too! **
I always wondered about this movie. Has a title you'd never forget. I assume Bela is not playing himself, right? I think I always wondered if it would be too silly. Is this a comedy or serious?

[FryeDwight]

You were in PCZ 73-76? What was that like? I watched a netflix doc on the PCZ a few months ago. Do you think the US should have given back full ownership/control to the state of Panama?


I always wondered about this movie. Has a title you'd never forget. I assume Bela is not playing himself, right? I think I always wondered if it would be too silly. Is this a comedy or serious?

Hi Sculpt::big grin::
PCZ was an intersting time. My Dad was stationed in Norfolk VA befpre PCZ and we left there in a nasty Blizzard with Charleston SC our destination, but we got rerouted to Jacksonville FL as Charleston was snowed in. Took a train the next day and by the time we got to Charleston, we were straded and the National Guard had to collect us and remember getting to the airport and getting a NIGHTMARE magazine and picking up VAMPIRELLA #23 and a wrestling magazine the next day as we waited hours for the plane to come. When we finally landed, could not believe how warm it was after all the cold and how it stayed that way year round other than a dry period of a few months. The CZ was very Americanized with all the things You would expect from small town America. Lots of swimming pools, Bowling alleys,and all the Monster/wrestling/ Comic magazines I wanted! My Mom had a bit of a wanderlust, so lots of day trips to Pacific/Atlantic sides of the country, the Canal itself and old Panama City which we lived next to. Joined the Boy Scouts and several hikes involving a trip to an island and through a jungle path Henry Morgan carved to get to Panama City.
Even as a little kid, could feel the resentment from the locals about US presence and was appalled when Carter signed it over and figured at least, US should get some payment for building the thing, but politics don't really mesh on entertaiment boards. Crazy thing was, after my Dad's tour was over, we got shipped to an Army base above Chicago IL right next to Lake Michigan, so back to snow!~

BLMABG has Bela's name for Marquee value-he is called Dr Zabor in the film. He helps, but movie still geys a ** from me.

[Sculpt]

Hi Sculpt::big grin::
PCZ was an intersting time. My Dad was stationed in Norfolk VA befpre PCZ and we left there in a nasty Blizzard with Charleston SC our destination, but we got rerouted to Jacksonville FL as Charleston was snowed in. Took a train the next day and by the time we got to Charleston, we were straded and the National Guard had to collect us and remember getting to the airport and getting a NIGHTMARE magazine and picking up VAMPIRELLA #23 and a wrestling magazine the next day as we waited hours for the plane to come. When we finally landed, could not believe how warm it was after all the cold and how it stayed that way year round other than a dry period of a few months. The CZ was very Americanized with all the things You would expect from small town America. Lots of swimming pools, Bowling alleys,and all the Monster/wrestling/ Comic magazines I wanted! My Mom had a bit of a wanderlust, so lots of day trips to Pacific/Atlantic sides of the country, the Canal itself and old Panama City which we lived next to. Joined the Boy Scouts and several hikes involving a trip to an island and through a jungle path Henry Morgan carved to get to Panama City.
Even as a little kid, could feel the resentment from the locals about US presence and was appalled when Carter signed it over and figured at least, US should get some payment for building the thing, but politics don't really mesh on entertaiment boards. Crazy thing was, after my Dad's tour was over, we got shipped to an Army base above Chicago IL right next to Lake Michigan, so back to snow!~

BLMABG has Bela's name for Marquee value-he is called Dr Zabor in the film. He helps, but movie still geys a ** from me.
From a US interest perspective, it's too bad the canal zone wasn't at the border of two countries; where the US would have had an easier time purchasing the land. As it is, it's right down the middle of the Panama nation, so to purchase it would literally slice the nation into two, something the people of Panama would not like at all.

I'm glad they didn't, but this is where you would have expected the CIA try to foment a North Vs South Panama, with one of them breaking off to form their own country, making it easier for the US to force a purchase.

I think the US should have tried to purchase the land with a name-your-price amount. I can't remember now, but I assume Panama refused. Next, the US should have tried to give all the Net income from the canal to Panama in return for owner-operations. Lastly, if the US had to, give all income from the canal to Panama in return for owner-operations -- it would be worth it to the US. I don't know if those were offered Panama, but it's done now.

Gorilla -- It would be funny if Bela became Dracula and fought the gorilla. That's what people want. ::big grin::

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Shuttered Room, 1969. 7/10

Director: David Greene

https://i1.wp.com/kindertrauma.com/images/movies/shuttered.jpg

[FryeDwight]

LOVE FROM A STRANGER (1937). Pretty good Agatha Christie story (and it has a future Miss Marple -Joan Hickson-in one of her first roles) that has good performances by Ann Harding , whose engagement to snooty Ronnie is broken due to her winning a lottery and meeting smooth talking Basil Rathbone and of course, things are not quite what they appear to be.
Some slow spots, but really not bad overall and quite exciting towards the end as BR goes into total Looney Tunes phase. Directed by Rowland V Lee who later directed Basil in two more expensive productions-SON OF FRANKENSTEIN and TOWER OF LONDON-a couple of years down the road. ***

[hammerfan]

LOVE FROM A STRANGER (1937). Pretty good Agatha Christie story (and it has a future Miss Marple -Joan Hickson-in one of her first roles) that has good performances by Ann Harding , whose engagement to snooty Ronnie is broken due to her winning a lottery and meeting smooth talking Basil Rathbone and of course, things are not quite what they appear to be.
Some slow spots, but really not bad overall and quite exciting towards the end as BR goes into total Looney Tunes phase. Directed by Rowland V Lee who later directed Basil in two more expensive productions-SON OF FRANKENSTEIN and TOWER OF LONDON-a couple of years down the road. ***

I LOVE Agatha Christie!!!

[Sculpt]

LOVE FROM A STRANGER (1937). Pretty good Agatha Christie story (and it has a future Miss Marple -Joan Hickson-in one of her first roles) that has good performances by Ann Harding , whose engagement to snooty Ronnie is broken due to her winning a lottery and meeting smooth talking Basil Rathbone and of course, things are not quite what they appear to be.
Some slow spots, but really not bad overall and quite exciting towards the end as BR goes into total Looney Tunes phase. Directed by Rowland V Lee who later directed Basil in two more expensive productions-SON OF FRANKENSTEIN and TOWER OF LONDON-a couple of years down the road. ***
"Would you like to see the kitchen?" LOL Looks like a fun film. Would guess a totally different movie altogether if you switch year numbers Love from a Stranger (1973). Did you ever see Tower of London? I don't think I had even heard of it.


Isle of the Dead (1945)
7/10

Classic dark drama starring Boris Karloff as a General Pherides, who takes a one day respite from the Balkan Wars of 1912 to take American reporter Oliver Davis (Marc Cramer) to see a nearby island were the General's wife is buried. There's a spectre of plague, and they, with a small group already there, are forced to stay until the threat passes. The visitors then must deal with an accusation that a sickly woman's young greek companion Thea (Ellen Drew) is a vorvolaka, a malevolent force in human form.

The film has rich effective black and white cinematography and starts out intriguing enough, as Karloff is a cold and dutiful general who struggles with conflicting beliefs, civil duties and compassion. As the 1hr 11min film moves into the second half, the characters and scenes lose sharpness and purpose, making for a slow pace and seemingly meandering plot; but the poetic end comes quick enough.

[FryeDwight]

"Would you like to see the kitchen?" LOL Looks like a fun film. Would guess a totally different movie altogether if you switch year numbers Love from a Stranger (1973). Did you ever see Tower of London? I don't think I had even heard of it.


Isle of the Dead (1945)
7/10

Classic dark drama starring Boris Karloff as a General Pherides, who takes a one day respite from the Balkan Wars of 1912 to take American reporter Oliver Davis (Marc Cramer) to see a nearby island were the General's wife is buried. There's a spectre of plague, and they, with a small group already there, are forced to stay until the threat passes. The visitors then most deal with an accusation that a sickly woman's young greek companion Greek Thea (Ellen Drew) is a vorvolaka, a malevolent force in human form.

The film has rich effective black and white cinematography and starts out intriguing enough, as Karloff is a cold and dutiful general who struggles with conflicting beliefs, civil duties and compassion. As the 1hr 11min film moves into the second half, the characters and scenes lose sharpness and purpose, making for a slow pace and seemingly meandering plot; but the poetic end comes quick enough.

Kind of had a fondness for "Are You going to believe that doddering old Fool or Me?'" or even "Faster! FASTER!!"::big grin::

Kind of ambivalent of IOTD, certainly not bad, but just doesn't gel all the way for me. Knew there were production problems throughout the shooting which may have caused said feelings.

THE CAINE MUTINY (1953). The "Romantic Leads" are nothing special, but good performances by Van Johnson, Jose Ferrer and Lee Marvin help out. Also, probably Humphrey Bogart's BEST performance-he truly makes the film worth seeing; his twitchy paranoid Captain Queeg is right up there with Sam Spade, Phillip Marlowe and Fred C Dobbs. Only spoiler I can possibly offer is Fred MacMurray's character is SUCH a bitch. ***

[FryeDwight]

THE MANSTER (1962, athough different dates have been shown). Back when I discovered the absolute joy of spending hours visiting Fan sites on the Internet, one of my favorites was the very much missed EC-ECENTRIC CINEMA which had a sense of fun with decent reviews, good photos/sound clips and very fair rating system. What made Me fall in love was their statement "Sometimes We ENJOY Bad Movies" and THE MANSTER belongs in that category. For this one, EC had a trio of pictures at the top which said "Half Man...Half Monster...ALL JERK!"::big grin::
While the circumstances of becoming the title creature are not his fault , Larry becomes a nasty drunken whoremaster and You really don't care what happens to him, although the end result is quite humorous. More frightening is that Larry looks like a cross between William H Macy and Lon Chaney JR!
While this review looks critical, this is a fun little flick that should be checked out for the sheer lunacy of it. Even more bizarre is the fact that the married couple here (Larry/Linda) met on the set and actually had a long happy marriage togeather! ****

[Sculpt]

THE MANSTER (1962, athough different dates have been shown). Back when I discovered the absolute joy of spending hours visiting Fan sites on the Internet, one of my favorites was the very much missed EC-ECENTRIC CINEMA which had a sense of fun with decent reviews, good photos/sound clips and very fair rating system. What made Me fall in love was their statement "Sometimes We ENJOY Bad Movies" and THE MANSTER belongs in that category. For this one, EC had a trio of pictures at the top which said "Half Man...Half Monster...ALL JERK!"::big grin::
While the circumstances of becoming the title creature are not his fault , Larry becomes a nasty drunken whoremaster and You really don't care what happens to him, although the end result is quite humorous. More frightening is that Larry looks like a cross between William H Macy and Lon Chaney JR!
While this review looks critical, this is a fun little flick that should be checked out for the sheer lunacy of it. Even more bizarre is the fact that the married couple here (Larry/Linda) met on the set and actually had a long happy marriage togeather! ****
On my list! Is whoremaster one of the creature's powers? ::big grin::

[FryeDwight]

Could be, Sculpt! He DOES to seem to get more moxie as the film continues.

THE WILD BUNCH (1969). "It ain't like the old Days, but it will do" says Edmond O'Brien to Robert Ryan towards the end, and this could probably also suffice for the Western genre itself. While there has always been some dustiness in westerns, John Wayne/Gary Cooper et al always looked clean and noble and The "Bunch" is anything but. They are filthy and absolutely amoral, despite a "Code" they have. Probably the best Western ever made with a first rate cast, wonderful scenery and one of the most violent films I've ever seen, in particular the final Gun battle-it's literally a squib overdose and one can only imagine the reactions to original audiences. *****

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT>>>>>>>>>. While this is a classic, albeit grimy film, one scene I do not like at all. Not at all fond of arachnids nor insects, but deplore the scene where children are pushing a couple of scorpions into Red ants, then setting it all on fire. Maybe it was director Sam Peckinpah's way to say that life is cheap and brutish...perhaps, but I don't like seeing animals killed just for exploitation (which is why I hate most of the Jungle cannibal films), especially when he shows this about six times.

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Horrors of Malformed Men. 1969. 8/10


Director: Teruo Ishii



https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRHOjmCpn1Kevw3wugfW0wmaFw9EbSP-eVPBBfOgZAkutVLb1Zp

[FryeDwight]

THE GHOST AND MRS MUIR (1947). Wonderful romantic love story between a widowed woman and aghost. Good turns by lovely Gene Tierney, rex Harrison, George Sanders and Anna Lee.
Two commentaries that are very informative by Greg Kimble and Jeanine Basinger suffer with the addition of Christopher Husted (who talks about the Bernard Herrmann score, but seems to relish telling tales of Bern's abrasive behavior) and Kenneth Geist (Joseph Mankiewicz biographer who does not seem to like the film at all, criticizing Gene's performance, simply mean comments of the actress playing grown up Anna, referring to Harrison as "corporeal" at least three times and basically being a bitch!). *****

[Sculpt]

THE GHOST AND MRS MUIR (1947). Wonderful romantic love story between a widowed woman and aghost. Good turns by lovely Gene Tierney, rex Harrison, George Sanders and Anna Lee.
Two commentaries that are very informative by Greg Kimble and Jeanine Basinger suffer with the addition of Christopher Husted (who talks about the Bernard Herrmann score, but seems to relish telling tales of Bern's abrasive behavior) and Kenneth Geist (Joseph Mankiewicz biographer who does not seem to like the film at all, criticizing Gene's performance, simply mean comments of the actress playing grown up Anna, referring to Harrison as "corporeal" at least three times and basically being a bitch!). *****
I've never seen this, 5 stars is some high praise from you. Sounds like a feel good film for sure.

Too bad about the commentary. Very strange people recounting a film from 1947 would be attacking each other. Doesn't time heal all wounds? Unless the interviewer was trying to drag this stuff out of them? How old is much of this material for the commentary?

[FryeDwight]

I've never seen this, 5 stars is some high praise from you. Sounds like a feel good film for sure.

Too bad about the commentary. Very strange people recounting a film from 1947 would be attacking each other. Doesn't time heal all wounds? Unless the interviewer was trying to drag this stuff out of them? How old is much of this material for the commentary?

Definitely a feelgood movie-we got the DVD around 2005-07 and not sure how old the commentaries are. Both sets seemed to get along, but I felt the extra commentators were not needed. For commentary excellence, I really like Greg Mank (so much trivia/info and absolutely no dead air) along with David Skal, Rudy Behlmer and Scott MacQueen.

THE UNEARTHLY (1957). May have mentioned this one before, but don't really recall and I feel the more love TU receives is all for the better/. nAn over the top John Carradine, while running a sanitarium, is really using it as a front to procure Guinea pigs for his experiments with a man made gland with all sorts of wacky goings on. Always liked JC and even though he made a LOT of turkeys, he NEVER gave a walk through performance and he just shines in here. Also with Tor Johnson, Allison Hayes (the 50 Foot woman herself!), Sally Todd (FRANKENSTEIN'S DAUGHTER as well as a PLAYBOY Playmate), Marilyn Buford (Miss America 1946) and an actor who ended up in the POLICE ACADEMY movies engaging in fisticuffs with his son. ****

[FryeDwight]

THE LODGER (1944). I find this Jack The Ripper film a little overrated, although Merle Oberon and Sir Cedric Hardwicke give decent turns. But Laird Cregar steals the film as the titular character and is the main reason to see this, especially towards the end. Some exceptional camera angles also. ***

[idoneus1957]

I know that some Asian Americans have protested against Charlie Chan as a stereotype. I think one of the things they object to in him is that he has such nice manners. In America it isn't considered manly to be polite.
I guess Warner Oland belong to the long list of non-Asian actors who have played Asians. Like in the Manchurian Candidate, Henry Silva (a Puerto Rican) is supposed to be a Korean, and Kigh Diegh (a New Yorker of Egyptian parentage) is supposed to be Chinese.
For old film buffs, check out Warner Oland in his brief appearance as a werewolf in Werewolf of London.
And for non-Asian actors who have played Asians, how could I leave out Boris Karloff in "The mask of Fu Manchu." I have read all the Fu Manchu novels, and I am a big Karloff fan, and I haven't seen this movie.
And Myrna Loy (The Thin Man) played Fu Manchu's daughter, as I learned from reading Famous Monsters of Filmland a long time ago.

[BudMan]

HOLD THAT GHOST 1941

Not as good as Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein but had its moments.

Joan Davis steals the show

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/1f/0f/691f0f4dc3c174238ed29edeff28d184.jpg

[Sculpt]

I know that some Asian Americans have protested against Charlie Chan as a stereotype. I think one of the things they object to in him is that he has such nice manners. In America it isn't considered manly to be polite.
I guess Warner Oland belong to the long list of non-Asian actors who have played Asians. Like in the Manchurian Candidate, Henry Silva (a Puerto Rican) is supposed to be a Korean, and Kigh Diegh (a New Yorker of Egyptian parentage) is supposed to be Chinese.
For old film buffs, check out Warner Oland in his brief appearance as a werewolf in Werewolf of London.
And for non-Asian actors who have played Asians, how could I leave out Boris Karloff in "The mask of Fu Manchu." I have read all the Fu Manchu novels, and I am a big Karloff fan, and I haven't seen this movie.
And Myrna Loy (The Thin Man) played Fu Manchu's daughter, as I learned from reading Famous Monsters of Filmland a long time ago.
I've seen Mask of Fu Manchu. It's weird. And it is unambiguously racist.

[BudMan]

I've seen Mask of Fu Manchu. It's weird. And it is unambiguously racist.

speaking of " unambiguously racist" the "Me and my Shadow" routine in "Hold That Ghost" had me cringing.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RsqNjcW-m9w/U4yJRuybNyI/AAAAAAAB6hE/n46vIFfHXGg/s1600/Hold%20That%20Ghost%2003.jpg

[FryeDwight]

HANGOVER SQUARE (1945). Could almost be a retread of THE LODGER with same director, same basic plot, two actors. from LT (Laird Cregar//George Sanders) and many technicians. But feel this has more atmosphere and is actually more frightening with Laird giving a wonderful performance as a seriously damaged composer with Kudos also going to gorgeous Linda Darnell as one of the most duplicitous characters ever, although her final scene is pretty nasty.
From what I heard on the commentary, this was a strife filled production with Cregar desperately trying to lose weight to play Leading Man roles instead of villains (From this and THE LODGER, You can see the weight loss) and seems to have been somewhat confused about his sexual orientation, which back then could haver seriously hampered his careeer. Lots of bickering throughout than some reshoots after primary filming and after Laird had alienated just about everyone. Sadly, all the aggravation Laird put himself through was for naught as he passed away at a too young age of 31::sad::. ***1/2

[BudMan]

If you have Amazon prime there is a two hour and forty five minute version of “Horrible Horror” hosted by Zacherely. Movie clips from some real doozies from the 50s / 60s.
Lots of fun and best served with cold beer or whatever smoke you may have.

[hammerfan]

If you have Amazon prime there is a two hour and forty five minute version of “Horrible Horror” hosted by Zacherely. Movie clips from some real doozies from the 50s / 60s.
Lots of fun and best served with cold beer or whatever smoke you may have.

Sweet! Thanks for the heads-up!

[BudMan]

Sweet! Thanks for the heads-up!

anything for you sweetie::wink::

[FryeDwight]

If you have Amazon prime there is a two hour and forty five minute version of “Horrible Horror” hosted by Zacherely. Movie clips from some real doozies from the 50s / 60s.
Lots of fun and best served with cold beer or whatever smoke you may have.

I got this on VHS back in 1987, a couple of months before my Daughter was born...a TRULY GREAT party tape.
Did find it odd that there are some GOOD films on here like NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, CARNIVAL OF SOULS and ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN>

[bamahorrorfan87]

12 angry men

[Sculpt]

12 angry men
Probably the best court drama I ever saw. Very watchable. I think of Few Good Men, JFK, Brockovich as contenders.

[FryeDwight]

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Probably the first of the Classic Universals I was able to see...a little bit anyway. Had about 5 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND and a CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN, so was a liitle familiar with titles etc. Saw a picture of Lou standing next to Glenn Strange in the TV Guide which piqued my interest. I was about 8 going on 9 at this time and my Parents would go to parties and leave me and my Brother at a Nursery for a cheap babysitter. Got home and caught the last few minutes starting with Dracula and The Wolfman are chasing each other. Some years later, read the "Fearbook" in FM #105 and finally in Spring 1978, it was playing on TV and really liked it (was truly disheartened years later, watching on regular TV and a commercial break meant the WHOLE scene where Lou returns Talbott's grip was cut-Bastards!)

Have watched it many times over the years and still think it's absolutely one of the BEST films ever---will always be in my Top 10. The Monsters come off with dignity and respect and A&C were never better. Just love "The Moving Candle", Lou's reaction when he first sees The Monster ("Oooooo-WOW!!"::big grin::),
Lou returning the suitcase and writing the note, pulling the quilt over the Monster and the scene where Lou yanks off the tablecloth and his reaction to the camera is guaranteed to send my wife into hysterics... and that's really scratching the service. Good Greg Mank commentary also. *****

[Sculpt]

In Cold Blood (1967)
7/10

Based on true story of two criminals who who go to steal from a small farmer's safe, but find no safe end up with only $40, and they murder all four family members. Then they sort of meander around avoiding the police, in and out of Mexico, as we see a couple detectives get some incites on the murders and murderers. Based on a book by Truman Capote.

It's crime drama, bordering and melodrama. I thought it had a rather pokey pace, and it didn't inspire me to want to know who the murderers were or why they did it. ‎The flashback reveals were a bit perplexing, and unsatisfying as explanations for the murders. Robert Blake‎, and especially ‎Scott Wilson, do a great job acting, it just wasn't exciting or all that interesting.

[FryeDwight]

In Cold Blood (1967)
7/10

Based on true story of two criminals who who go to steal a safe but end up only finding $40 and they murder all four family members. Then they sort of meander around avoiding the police as we see a couple detectives get some incites on the murders and murderers. Based on a book by Truman Capote.

Meh, I wasn't impressed. I thought it had a rather pokey pace, and it didn't inspire me to want to know who the murderers were or why they did it. ‎Robert Blake‎, and especially ‎Scott Wilson, do a great job acting, it just wasn't exciting or all that interesting.

The two leads are good and while it has a grim premise (I think it was FANGORIA who called it "The HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER of it's day"), it does poke around and don't find the musical score all that either.

THE DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES (1962). The effect alcohol has on a Young couples lives is shown in wrenching almost frightening detail. THE LOST WEEKEND (1945) has gotten more of the praise, but Ray Milland's character is such a sclub, you don't really care about him. You like Jack Lemmon and especially Lee Remick-how lovely and vulnerable she is- and hoping there will be some salvation for them. ****

[sfear]

Watched this last Saturday night:
19523
Superb.

[FryeDwight]

THIS ISLAND EARTH (1955). Many positive things here-camera work , an awesome score, bright Technicolor, really good special effects, a cool Monster and I like Faith Domergue.
Sadly, the story moves at a snail's pace, the Monster is sadly underused and >>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it seems our hero/heroine pack up and leave barely a minute after they reach Metaluna!
Worth seeing once, but won't see it again. ***

[Sculpt]

THIS ISLAND EARTH (1955). Many positive things here-camera work , an awesome score, bright Technicolor, really good special effects, a cool Monster and I like Faith Domergue.
Sadly, the story moves at a snail's pace, the Monster is sadly underused and >>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> it seems our hero/heroine pack up and leave barely a minute after they reach Metaluna!
Worth seeing once, but won't see it again. ***
Well said, Frye! I only saw This Island Earth once, maybe 20 years ago. Considering how wonderful and mind blowing the spaceship, new planet and alien monster are, it's such a shame the scientists are held up in the little house/lab for the first half to three-quarters of the film.

[FryeDwight]

THE MUMMY'S CURSE (1944). At least Universal came up with names for their sequels, instead of something generic like THE MUMMY 5, which to have been the trend for the past few decades.
Despite a new name and some great scenes (Kharis rising, Virginia Christine doing her makeover-she is very good-, Tanthe Berte knocking dust off Kharis, the tumbling walls), this is stil like many of the numbered sequels-it basically rehashes old ideas, doesn't make much sense and seems thrown together.
Cast is decent; Virginia is very good in parts and I find Kay Harding quite charming. Martin Koslek delivers his usual good performance (and as usual, up to no good!) and I believe Peter Coe is the ONLY High Preist in the series who doesn't throw over the mission for a pretty face!
Have heard Lon JR HATED playing Kharis and You can practically feel it in his performance; he, probably more than the rest of us, was probably just glad it was over! **

[FryeDwight]

HOMICIDAL (1961). William Castle makes his version of PSYCHO, complete with the "Coward's Corner". Sadly, this lacks the fun of earlier films and the story is needlessly complicated...was hoping Vincent Price would turn up in here somewhere. LOVE the two films he and Castle made togeather! **1/2

[Sculpt]

Colossus of New York (1957)
7/10

A genius scientist (Ross Martin), who was working on planting crops in inhospitable regions to prevent world starvation, gets hit by a truck and dies. His brain surgeon father, and automation expert brother, incorporate his brain into a robot. What follows is questions of soul, body, family, life, morality in regards to the dangers of cybernetics and artificial life.

Colossus of New York oscillates between genius and laughable clunky moments. Some of the lines are profound; some of the acted scenes are adept and emotionally palpable, and others are darn right cornball and cringe worthy. The film has some fine sets and special effects as well. The subject matter is now approaching modern and it's themes are still valid. As the last quarter of the film reveals an unrefined script and feels like a hack job, the film would have greatly benefited from a budget and schedule that aloud for rewrites and reshoots. Still, the short 70 minute runtime allows one to enjoy the finer aspects of the film without burning a hole in one's chair.

[FryeDwight]

DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL (1951). Truly great film about a visiting ETI who has a message for us that may be wonderful or end up in catastrophe, depending on our behavior. Well acted by all principals and actually kind of frightening during the title sequence>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILIER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> that shows how incredibly DEPENDANT we are on automation and I can't even begin to imagine the chaos some almost 70 years later if that happened, especially if people were denied use of their Cell phones for more than a minute. *****

[BudMan]

Not horror by any means but I was in a very nostalgic mood earlier and watched "With Six You Get Eggroll". And I can only think of one other on this forum who will have the slightest idea what I'm talking about.

[FryeDwight]

BLOODY MAMA (1969). Very admiring of Roger Corman's production abilities, but don't really care for most of what he directs; just doesn't work for me. This is a loosely based drama of Ma Barker and her brood and just about every loathsome quality in people you can imagine is here, starting with the first scene. Cast is very good, however, with Shelley Winters stealing every scene she's in, and also has Pat ingle, Scatman Crothers, Don Stroud, Bruce Dern and a very young Robert DeNiro. **

[hammerfan]

Not horror by any means but I was in a very nostalgic mood earlier and watched "With Six You Get Eggroll". And I can only think of one other on this forum who will have the slightest idea what I'm talking about.

::big grin::::stick out tongue::

[FryeDwight]

THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN (1957). Not that it's saying much, but feel this is Bert I Gordon's (BIG) best film, although he obviously didn't have extra cash for special effects and most of them here are pretty threadbare. Decent story of a kind act of humanity being horribly punished by the fickle finger of fate and a good performance by Glenn Langan. Also, dig the inventive use of a hypodermic needle! ***

[Sculpt]

THE AMAZING COLOSSAL MAN (1957). Not that it's saying much, but feel this is Bert I Gordon's (BIG) best film, although he obviously didn't have extra cash for special effects and most of them here are pretty threadbare. Decent story of a kind act of humanity being horribly punished by the fickle finger of fate and a good performance by Glenn Langan. Also, dig the inventive use of a hypodermic needle! ***
I saw this as a kid and the hypo scene devastated me. It's a real horror film, a true gut punch. But I only saw it once as a kid, hard to remember. Have to see it again sometime.

[FryeDwight]

THE BLACK ZOO (1963). Herman Cohen production with nasty Michael Gough (other than BATMAN, don't think he was EVER kind) using his private zoo to get back at various enemies and pretty sadistic for the time. ***

[FryeDwight]

MR HOBBS TAKES A VACATION (1962). Jimmy Stewart is a burned out business man who wants to take a vacation with wife Maureen O'Hara (still incredibly lovely) but she has rented a beach house for their two younger children, two grown up daughters with their families, a cook (Minerva Urcal from THE APE MAN) and dropping ins.
Of course the house is less than satisfactory and family situation not so hot, but things do get better.
Decent enough story with JS getting most of the laughs with his befuddled, exasperated moments with this group of people he loves, but can't quite figure out (including John Saxon as a brainy Son-In-Law).
Personally, I would have told all these people I was going on a drive to pick up Ice Cream...and keep on driving. **1/2

[Sculpt]

Duck Soup (1933)
7/10

Wackiness and clever lines is what it's about. The story isn't that cohesive, and certainly not pertinent, but if you must know, it's about a fictional country called Freedonia that's going bankrupt. One wealthy widow will make a lone only if Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) is made "president". Firefly wants her money via marriage, as does the ambassador (Louis Calhern) of neighboring country Sylvanian, which hires Chico and Harpo Marx to spy on Firefly and eventually invades.

Basically, the Marx brothers are wacky and break the forth wall while everyone else plays it straight. There really isn't any great social commentary, though some want to see it. Also, the Marx brothers did not write the script. There's a great famous scene where Chico dresses like Firefly while spying on him in his palace and breaks a giant mirror. When Firefly arrives, Chico mimics everything Firefly does as though he's the reflection.

[FryeDwight]

THE BIG SLEEP (1946). Just finished reading the Raymond Chandler source novel and have always liked this one immensely. Such great dialogue and poweful turns by Bogart, Elisha Cook, Martha Vickers (great as the slutty hophead-also in CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN and also at one time Mrs Mickey Rooney::shocked::!) and Dorothy Malone. Even though the story is amazingly convuluted, the film doesn't suffer at all.

Remember Sculpt had mentioned an alternate version (1945), which is what I watched this time. Apparantly, Lauren Bacal's films after TO HAVE AND TO HAVE NOT were less than successful, so Warners figured more scenes with Bogart would help (By this time, thy were married) and the film was released almost a year later. While the 1945 version is more linear, the 1946 version has more scenes, some trimming of parts which really didn't help the story much and even a different actress playing Mrs Eddie Mars. As far as I'm concerned, the 46 version is the one to watch and definitely in my Bogie Top 10. ***1/2 (1945), ***** (46)

[Sculpt]

THE BIG SLEEP (1946). Just finished reading the Raymond Chandler source novel and have always liked this one immensely. Such great dialogue and poweful turns by Bogart, Elisha Cook, Martha Vickers (great as the slutty hophead-also in CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN and also at one time Mrs Mickey Rooney::shocked::!) and Dorothy Malone. Even though the story is amazingly convuluted, the film doesn't suffer at all.

Remember Sculpt had mentioned an alternate version (1945), which is what I watched this time. Apparantly, Lauren Bacal's films after TO HAVE AND TO HAVE NOT were less than successful, so Warners figured more scenes with Bogart would help (By this time, thy were married) and the film was released almost a year later. While the 1945 version is more linear, the 1946 version has more scenes, some trimming of parts which really didn't help the story much and even a different actress playing Mrs Eddie Mars. As far as I'm concerned, the 46 version is the one to watch and definitely in my Bogie Top 10. ***1/2 (1945), ***** (46)
Interesting to hear a review of the 45, never seen it. Yeah, the film has such a fast pace and punchy, the details of the story don't matter much. Maybe you can PM me where you happened to come across the 45 version?

[FryeDwight]

HORROR ISLAND (1941). Despite the impressive technical aspects, this is just an awful waste of time with Dick Foran and two annoying sidekicks offering a cruise to an island with an old mansion and maybe buried trasure. Feel the script was supposed to be funny and is just exasperating.
Dick Foran (THE MUMMY'S HAND) is somewhat engaging here as is Peggy Moran (also in TMH), but that's about all I can say about it.
According to UNIVERSAL HORRORS (a 1990 book about the 1931-46 Scare flicks from them-if You like these films, this Brunas Brothers/Tom Weaver tome is essential), the production on this was extremely rushed with everyone working long days. Might have been better if Exec producer Ben Pivar (noticed his name in a lot of Universal's that don't cut it) lenghtened the schedule and the $. *

[avian7]

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, I have been trying to find anything on an old B&W
horror movie that was aired late 60's - 70's the movie was aired on Creature
features and Chiller, near as I can remember the name was either Return from
the Ashes or Return to the Ashes, it was actually 4 short movies the only one
I can clearly remember had to do with a vampyre taking in a border and at the
end tries to feast on him on the front porch of the house but to the vampyer's
surprise the full moon changes the border into a werewolf and he attacks the
vamp end of story, if anyone even knows the name of the classic horror flick
please let me know, many thanks !

[FryeDwight]

Hi all, I'm a newbie here, I have been trying to find anything on an old B&W
horror movie that was aired late 60's - 70's the movie was aired on Creature
features and Chiller, near as I can remember the name was either Return from
the Ashes or Return to the Ashes, it was actually 4 short movies the only one
I can clearly remember had to do with a vampyre taking in a border and at the
end tries to feast on him on the front porch of the house but to the vampyer's
surprise the full moon changes the border into a werewolf and he attacks the
vamp end of story, if anyone even knows the name of the classic horror flick
please let me know, many thanks !

This is RETURN FROM THE PAST aka DR TERROR'S GALLERY OF HORRORS (1967). Michael Weldon's PSYCHTRONIC ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FILM mentions the scene You spoke about.
Pretty sure You could find this on YOUTUBE.
Hope this helps.

[FryeDwight]

CALLING DR DEATH (1943). While the openings of the INNER SANCTUM's creeped me out at 10-11 (the guy in the Crystal Ball), even then I felt the films weren't all that impressive and as a Geeezer getting close to 60::sad::, it's even more difficult to watch them.
Love Lon Chaney JR and know He was put in the IS series for Marquee Value, but he is just not convincing as an Intellectual/ Babe Magnet. The endless voice overs and self flaggelation just add to the overall mediocrity.
Decent cast helps a little with harrassing J Carroll Naish (HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, THE MAD MONSTER), Fay Helm (THE WOLF MAN, CAPTIVE WILD WOMAN, NIGHT MONSTER), Ramsay Ames (THE MUMMY'S GHOST), David Bruce (THE MAD GHOUL) and lovely Patricia Morison (DRESSED TO KILL, HITLER'S MADMAN and much Broadway) who is the only reason You might want to watch this. *1/2

[avian7]

Thanks very much FryeDwight, I have been searching for years looking for the info you gave me, don't know how I ever got "past" switched with "ashes", I have another movie I've been looking for also with no luck because I probably
did it again with the name, hope you don't mind me asking you about it, this
movie started with a bunch of people being invited to a party, later some of
the guests wind up with their throats ripped out and the group decides it's a werewolf amongst them, they pass out silver bullets to everyone and one by one they put the bullet in their mouths to prove they are not the werewolf, it turns out to be a woman at the table, for some reason I thought this was
"Night of the Blood Beast" but I was mistaken, any ideas ?

[FryeDwight]

Thanks very much FryeDwight, I have been searching for years looking for the info you gave me, don't know how I ever got "past" switched with "ashes", I have another movie I've been looking for also with no luck because I probably
did it again with the name, hope you don't mind me asking you about it, this
movie started with a bunch of people being invited to a party, later some of
the guests wind up with their throats ripped out and the group decides it's a werewolf amongst them, they pass out silver bullets to everyone and one by one they put the bullet in their mouths to prove they are not the werewolf, it turns out to be a woman at the table, for some reason I thought this was
"Night of the Blood Beast" but I was mistaken, any ideas ?

Glad to have helped Avian 7::big grin::

Very sure the other film is THE BEAST MUST DIE! (1974) with Calvin Lockheart and Peter Cushing. Reading your descriptions reminded me of when my wife and I saw it on an October vaca some years back. Probably on YOUTUBE also.
Good Luck!

[FryeDwight]

THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE (1946). Great sets and genuinely atmospheric camerawork-particularly shadows-still can't save this listless melodrama of a recently mute servant girl being targeted by a Serial killer dispatching "Less than Perfect" women. Lots of annoying characters-particularly Kent Smith and Ethel Barrymore- don't help either and surprised the poor servant girl didn't collapse of exaustion due to all the piddling errands she is sent on. As usual, Elsa Lanchester gets the best lines. She is the best part of this and an early performance by Rhonda Fleming who was incredibly babealicious even back then::love::. **

[FryeDwight]

SEVEN MEN FROM NOW (1956). Decent Bud Botteler western with Randolph Scott searching for his wife's murders, encountering a couple of homesteaders and a seriously evil Lee Marvin. One of Gail Russell's (THE UNINVITED) last films before her early and sad demise. ***

[Scarecrows]

Dracula Has Risen From The Grave

[FryeDwight]

THE VALLEY OF GWANGI (1969). A dinosaur Western that takes a little while to get going, but stick with it and You'll probably enjoy. Ray Harryhausen's effects work are probably the best he ever did, with the title character appropriately meanacing, although You certainly will feel for him towards the end. Most frightening part is HOW MUCH Richard Carlson (THE CREATURE VROM THEBLACK LAGOON, IT CAME FROM OUTER SPACE) looks like Mitch Peleggi (THE X FILES, SUPERNATURAL)! ***1/2

[Sculpt]

Dracula Has Risen From The Grave
What'd you think of it, Scarecrows?

[FryeDwight]

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). And It's a Wonderful Film. Hard to believe this was sort of a box office dud in its day and really didn't pick up steam until its copyright expired and TV stations began showing it around Xmas. While it's been derided as "Corny", think it's anything but. There is a Happy ending, but the hell our protagonist goes through makes it a welcome one. I really like Jimmy Stewart and don't think he was ever better than as George Bailey, the decent guy who seems to catch more unlucky breaks than anything else; the anguished desperation as he clutches his youngest son gives me goosebumps.
Excellent cast as well, with Lionel Barrymore (despicible), Samuel S Hinds (THE RAVEN, MAN MADE MONSTER), Gloria Grahame (THE BIG HEAT, BLOOD AND LACE), Ward Bond and (especially) Donna Reed shining. *****

[hammerfan]

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). And It's a Wonderful Film. Hard to believe this was sort of a box office dud in its day and really didn't pick up steam until its copyright expired and TV stations began showing it around Xmas. While it's been derided as "Corny", think it's anything but. There is a Happy ending, but the hell our protagonist goes through makes it a welcome one. I really like Jimmy Stewart and don't think he was ever better than as George Bailey, the decent guy who seems to catch more unlucky breaks than anything else; the anguished desperation as he clutches his youngest son gives me goosebumps.
Excellent cast as well, with Lionel Barrymore (despicible), Samuel S Hinds (THE RAVEN, MAN MADE MONSTER), Gloria Grahame (THE BIG HEAT, BLOOD AND LACE), Ward Bond and (especially) Donna Reed shining. *****

In my top 5 favorite Christmas movies!

[Sculpt]

IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946). And It's a Wonderful Film. Hard to believe this was sort of a box office dud in its day and really didn't pick up steam until its copyright expired and TV stations began showing it around Xmas. While it's been derided as "Corny", think it's anything but. There is a Happy ending, but the hell our protagonist goes through makes it a welcome one. I really like Jimmy Stewart and don't think he was ever better than as George Bailey, the decent guy who seems to catch more unlucky breaks than anything else; the anguished desperation as he clutches his youngest son gives me goosebumps.
Excellent cast as well, with Lionel Barrymore (despicible), Samuel S Hinds (THE RAVEN, MAN MADE MONSTER), Gloria Grahame (THE BIG HEAT, BLOOD AND LACE), Ward Bond and (especially) Donna Reed shining. *****
Great movie of an array of raw emotion and moral conundrums and self sacrifice. Agreed, the light hearted and funny moments are balanced well with dark and serious moments. One of the best films ever.

[FryeDwight]

BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRE. (1958). Similar in tone to a Hammer film, especially with a Jimmy Sangster script , Barbara Shelly performance and how Donald Wolffit reminds one of Christopher Lee. Sadly, found this pedestrian in Third/Fourth grade on CREATURE FEATURE and even more so on last viewing. OK , but not much more than that. **

[Sculpt]

I Wake Up Screaming (1941)
8/10

Victor Mature plays Frankie, a promoter, who helps hash-slinging Vicky (Carole Landis) brush elbows with high-society and media moguls. After Vicky announces she's going to Hollywood, and is murdered, Vicky's skeptical sister Jill (Betty Grable) begins a relationship with Frankie. Meanwhile an obsessed cop (Laird Cregar) tries to nail Frankie as the murderer.

The characters are enjoyable, and there's a light gayety that brightens the underlying dark film noir subject matter. The direction has some nice use of shadows and intriguing shot choices, but the film has a odd penchants for playing Somewhere Over the Rainbow at ill-fitting moments.

[FryeDwight]

THE HELLFIRE CLUB (1961). On the same disc as BLOOD OF THE VAMPIRE with another Jimmy Sangster script. Young boy escapes tumultuous family home and tries to get his rightful title from sleazy cousin who nabbed it. Pretty good swashbuckling effort is entertaining and as always., nice to see Peter Cushing. ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Rosemary's Baby, 1968. 9/10

Director: Roman Polanski


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lywP5cmeVM/VhPW2tzDpGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0x2xGZX6yng/s1600/rosemarysbabycoverimage.jpg

[hammerfan]

Rosemary's Baby, 1968. 9/10

Director: Roman Polanski


http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lywP5cmeVM/VhPW2tzDpGI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/0x2xGZX6yng/s1600/rosemarysbabycoverimage.jpg

My second favorite Polanski film

[Sculpt]

My second favorite Polanski film

Otay, so what's your first?

I'll make three guesses: The Tenant, Repulsion and The Pianist. I wouldn't peg you as a Chinatown fan.

[hammerfan]

Otay, so what's your first?

I'll make three guesses: The Tenant, Repulsion and The Pianist. I wouldn't peg you as a Chinatown fan.

The Fearless Vampire Killers ::wink::

[Sculpt]

The Fearless Vampire Killers ::wink::
Yeah, I was thinking that one too, cause you are a Hammerfan. ::big grin:: But I thought maybe it was too silly.

[hammerfan]

Yeah, I was thinking that one too, cause you are a Hammerfan. ::big grin:: But I thought maybe it was too silly.

You would think, but, I love it

[FryeDwight]

MURDERS IN THE ZOO (1934). Lionel Atwill is once again looney tunes as a wealthy Zoo owner convinced his wife (Kathleen Burke from ISLAND OF LOST SOULS) is tomcatting about and his efforts to prevent. This has one of the most startling opening scene ever put on film and some extreme bits of nastiness throughout. Early performance by Randolph Scott as a Scientist and He still moves like a Cowpoke! Sadly, extremely unfunny "Comedy Relief". by top billed Charles Ruggles::shocked:: truly hamper any momentum previously incurred. ***

[Sculpt]

MURDERS IN THE ZOO (1934). Lionel Atwill is once again looney tunes as a wealthy Zoo owner convinced his wife (Kathleen Burke from ISLAND OF LOST SOULS) is tomcatting about and his efforts to prevent. This has one of the most startling opening scene ever put on film and some extreme bits of nastiness throughout. Early performance by Randolph Scott as a Scientist and He still moves like a Cowpoke! Sadly, extremely unfunny "Comedy Relief". by top billed Charles Ruggles::shocked:: truly hamper any momentum previously incurred. ***
This is the one where the husband sews up the mouth of some dude, right?

[FryeDwight]

This is the one where the husband sews up the mouth of some dude, right?

Now, Sculpt...if I told that it would spoil the surprise!
















yep!::big grin::

[FryeDwight]

WHITE ZOMBIE (1932). Impressive atmosphere, great sets and some cool zombies are all but hamstrung by a silly plot and some horrid acting...realize most of the actors here began in silents and were used to over emoting, but it really puts the movie in jeopardy.
The main reason to watch this -and this is the case in many of his films- is for Bela Lugosi as Murder Legendre, the Zombie master. Even with the unibrow, Bela looks fantastic in this and he completely carries WZ As mentioned, many of Bela's films are bad, but he has incredible charisma and truly mesmerizing...You cannot take your eyes off him while he is on the screen. He has some humdingers here for dialogue especially when discussing the origins of his slaves, particularly "He almost executed ME!" ***

[PoulanaSawyer]

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Always put off this film, but finally sat through it. Absolutely haunting and still relevant today (aside from the Satan aspect) with the issues of isolation, control, and pregnancy. Great performances and music. Just sucks Roman Polanski is a creep. Film is one of the best of the best.

[Sculpt]

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Always put off this film, but finally sat through it. Absolutely haunting and still relevant today (aside from the Satan aspect) with the issues of isolation, control, and pregnancy. Great performances and music. Just sucks Roman Polanski is a creep. Film is one of the best of the best.
I know what you mean. I had put this one off too. When I was much younger I saw some of it, but wasn't in the mood, or didn't have the temperament to give the film the attention it required.

[FryeDwight]

NIGGHTMARE (1964). Pretty good BW psychological Hammer film, although I find it pretty mean spirited and two of the most loathsome characters I've ever seen. To tell more would diminish the film, so FD says, Check It Out! ***1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

The Birds (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056869/?ref_=rvi_tt)

It has all the "problems" of an "old" film. By today's standards, the pace seems a bit slow and some of the effects look dated, which is only logical. The end also was a bit underwhelming.

Having said that, the attacks towards the end still hold up pretty well and the image of birds pecking away at the doors is indeed scary.

Also interesting to see how they bring along the lovebirds.

[hammerfan]

Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein
The Giant Gila Monster

[hammerfan]

The Wolf Man

[hammerfan]

Creature From the Black Lagoon

Still my favorite Universal monster ::love::

[jimrnemeth]

Recently watched The House That Dripped Blood, my favorite of the Amicus anthology films. The Peter Cushing segment is a bit of a disappointment due to the less-than-realistic heads that are "served" on the platter, but overall, the film holds up very well.

Jim

[Creature]

The last classic horror film I watched was, "Fiend Without A Face" (1958). It was fairly standard b-movie tropes until the last fifteen minutes, and then I was blown away! This film contains some of the most glorious b-movie action sequences I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. All those flying brains with wriggling tentacles and their viscous, neuron-guts spewing all over in black and white? Awesome!

[FryeDwight]

Creature From the Black Lagoon

Still my favorite Universal monster ::love::

Mine too...probably the most HANDSOME monster ever::love::

[FryeDwight]

The last classic horror film I watched was, "Fiend Without A Face" (1958). It was fairly standard b-movie tropes until the last fifteen minutes, and then I was blown away! This film contains some of the most glorious b-movie action sequences I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. All those flying brains with wriggling tentacles and their viscous, neuron-guts spewing all over in black and white? Awesome!

It is pretty good, isn't it, although there a lot of dull spots enlivened by attacks on unsuspecting screaming Canadians, but it sure gets bad ass towards the end, indeed::cool::1

[Creature]

Absolutely!

If only the entirety of the film were exciting as the last fifteen minutes...

[hammerfan]

The Mummy (1932)

[hammerfan]

Frankenstein

[hammerfan]

Dracula

[hammerfan]

Curse of the Werewolf

Next to Dog Soldiers, my favorite werewolf movie. Of course! It's Hammer!

[Sculpt]

Curse of the Werewolf

Next to Dog Soldiers, my favorite werewolf movie. Of course! It's Hammer!
Too bad Marshall wasn't able to workout a sequel to Dog Soldiers. Sounded like you were saying Dog was a Hammer film. I had to look it up. ::big grin::

[hammerfan]

Too bad Marshall wasn't able to workout a sequel to Dog Soldiers. Sounded like you were saying Dog was a Hammer film. I had to look it up. ::big grin::

Sorry 'bout that!

[hammerfan]

Paranoiac

Excellent thriller from Hammer, starring Oliver Reed

[hammerfan]

The Kiss of the Vampire

[FryeDwight]

NIGHT KEY (1937)>>>>>>>>>>>>>POSSIBLE SPOILERS ALTHOUGH IT MIGHT SPARE YOU THE PAIN AND WASTED TIME>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

One of the first films shot at Universal with new owners, this has Boris Karloff as a kindly inventor who is screwed over, not once, but TWICE by Samuel S Hinds and decides to take an almost Gahndi style form of revenge. Incredibly listless and a completely ridiculous ending.
Watch FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY or THE BODY SNATCHER instead. *1/2

[hammerfan]

Horror of Dracula

[jimrnemeth]

So far this month:

Gorgo
The Black Sleep
Night of the Living Dead

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

The Wolfman

https://media0.giphy.com/media/vYWL7VXJOKJsQ/source.gif

[FryeDwight]

We watched The WOLF MAN as well than put in FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN (1943) which, for my money, one of the better Universals from that time. Really like the title sequence with the test tubes, one of the best opening scenes in any film, good cast and of course, "The Battle of the Century" towards the end. Lon JR is really good as WM and while the jury is still out on Bela as the Monster, think it would have played better had the original script been left alone with its references from GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN to explain while the Monster acts as he does. ***1/2

[hammerfan]

The Fearless Vampire Killers

[Sculpt]

We watched The WOLF MAN as well than put in FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN (1943) which, for my money, one of the better Universals from that time. Really like the title sequence with the test tubes, one of the best opening scenes in any film, good cast and of course, "The Battle of the Century" towards the end. Lon JR is really good as WM and while the jury is still out on Bela as the Monster, think it would have played better had the original script been left alone with its references from GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN to explain while the Monster acts as he does. ***1/2
I love the original song in FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLFMAN, that occurs during the feast, so good! Plus, excellent delivery of a bizarre sentiment from Lon, 'Stop that! Why did you say that! Don't wish me long life!'.

As a kid, it took awhile before I was able to see Frank Meets Wolf. And I was old enough, and young enough, that I was expecting a much better and decisive fight, even multiple fights. So if you're 'waiting' for that, you probably won't soak in the lead up like a rich warm bath.

Watching as an adult not long ago, I appreciated it much more. I still don't think it's one of the better ones, partly because I think it's rather silly and bit aimless, but Lon delivers, and there's some solid craftsmanship.

[FryeDwight]

TOWER OF LONDON (1939). I've grown to like this after a few viewings, but like SON OF FRANKENSTEIN, it takes forever to wrap up and honestly, the battle scenes would have been better had MGM or Paramount had been behind the $$...have read how Lee had all kinds of difficulties due to heat and crowding.

All quibbling aside, Basil Rathbone is great as Richard-not nearly as hammy as he was in SOF-and one of Karloff's best performances..he truly exudes menace , especially sharpening the ax! Early appearance by Vincent Price and he is ever so prissy, but like Bela Lugosi, he dominates the scenes he is in. Impressive sets as well.

A little trivia...the poor guy who gets the "Mord treatment" in the beginning of the film was Basil Rathbone's son in real life! ***

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

House of Wax, 1953. 9/10

Director: André De Toth

https://66.media.tumblr.com/4ccd73f8d02a843f5859069b61c84c22/tumblr_p0ddosNadS1v85sfao9_250.gifv

[FryeDwight]

YOU'LL FIND OUT (1940). Kay Kyser and His College of Musical Knowledge (along with Ish Kabibble) set up to entertain a Young heiress at an old mansion, where mysterious happenings are underfoot.Probably due to the presence of Peter Lorre, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff at the same shindig.

This is as bad as You can imagine...awful musical numbers, unfunny "laughs" and just an air of malaise around it. The ONLY enjoyment are watching the seriously slumming Boogie Men, Peter and Bela got some genuine laughs. But only a couple. Watch at your own risk. *

[FryeDwight]

ZOMBIES ON BROADWAY (1945). This might also be considered as "Abbott and Costello wannabes who Walked with a Zombie", but actually a lot better than I thought it would be. Carney and Brown aren't all that great, but get some decent chuckles and would take them over the Ritz brothers for sure. RKO had a good hit with I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, so Darby Jones and Sir Lancelot are back and on the same island as IWWAZ. Bela Lugosi is his usual reliable self and despite the goofy, perhaps off-putting title, this is worth a look. ***

[FryeDwight]

THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940). One of my favorites from Universal, just a FUN movie all around. The four leads (Peggy Moran, Dick Foran, Cecil Kellaway and Wallace Ford) are so likable, even if Wallace gets very close to wearing out his welcome. But, He does really save the day, so all can be forgiven.
George Zucco is spot on as the High Priest, even though he probably started the trend of the importance of the mission being bollocksed by Lust; but guess You can't blame him, Peggy is awfully adorable here.
Tom Tyler makes a great Mummy and the scene in the cave with Zucco and Charles Trowbridge is genuinely frightening. ***1/2

[FryeDwight]

THE MUMMY'S TOMB (1942). Tepid sequel to the enjoyable THE MUMMY'S HAND that is full of filler, mistakes and just plain dumbness-the most obvious being George Zucco in HAND being shot four times at point blank range and rolling down at least 50 stone steps. In TOMB, he's a little worse for wear, but still around, explaining that .."the bullet he fired only crushed my arm". Not that the Universals were complex onuses, but continuity would be nice.
First Kharis appearance for Lon Chaney Jr and he looks pretty cool, burned and out for blood, Turhan Bey is bland and young Marilyn Monroe look-a-like Elyse Knox (who later was Mom to Mark Harmon) is quite lovely.
This was on a Double Bill with NIGHT MONSTER-skip TMT and watch NM instead. *

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

Rosemary's Baby, 1968. 9/10

Director: Roman Polanski

https://media3.giphy.com/media/OB03zr1YBFWQU/source.gif

[FryeDwight]

THE RAVEN (1935). One of my favorites from the first era at Universal. Despite Karloff getting top billing here, this is Bela Lugosi's vehicle all the way. Despite the fact his Dr Vollin is arrogant, sadistic and completely off his rocker, a certain amount of humor-perhaps unintentional?- comes forth is several lines, especially "You Driveling Fool! Stop Talking!", "Why are You telling Me this? I'm not interested in Your life story" and Oh...You DO forgive ME!" ****

[Sculpt]

THE RAVEN (1935). One of my favorites from the first era at Universal. Despite Karloff getting top billing here, this is Bela Lugosi's vehicle all the way. Despite the fact his Dr Vollin is arrogant, sadistic and completely off his rocker, a certain amount of humor-perhaps unintentional?- comes forth is several lines, especially "You Driveling Fool! Stop Talking!", "Why are You telling Me this? I'm not interested in Your life story" and Oh...You DO forgive ME!" ****
One of a kind horror film. Not really like any I've seen. It's both artsy and tough. Probably gets a little overshadowed by the other film named The Raven staring Karloff and Price.

[FryeDwight]

One of a kind horror film. Not really like any I've seen. It's both artsy and tough. Probably gets a little overshadowed by the other film named The Raven staring Karloff and Price.

The 1963 one is pretty good as well with Lorre getting most of the laughs, Hazel Court is luscious here and cool seeing a young Jack Nicholson!

HITLER'S MADMAN (1943). MGM movie that I thought was a PRC film (finding out later PRC made it and sold it to Metro::confused::) nonetheless has a bravura performance by John Carradine as Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most odious of Hitler's henchman and the film deals with his assassination and the destruction of the Czechoslovakian village of Lidice as retribution by the Nazis. There is some propaganda-ish elements here, but not really to the detriment of the film.One of JC's better films and one more people should know about. His final speech is electrifying. Also some truly audacious moments in here, surprised they got past the Hays Code.
Good supporting cast with Patricia Morison (CALLING DR DEATH, DRESSED TO KILL and venerated stage actress), Ralph Morgan (THE MONSTER MAKER, WEIRD WOMAN), Vicki Lane (JUNGLE WOMAN) and a very early appearance by Ava Gardner. ****

[Sculpt]

The 1963 one is pretty good as well with Lorre getting most of the laughs, Hazel Court is luscious here and cool seeing a young Jack Nicholson!

HITLER'S MADMAN (1943). MGM movie that I thought was a PRC film (finding out later PRC made it and sold it to Metro::confused::) nonetheless has a bravura performance by John Carradine as Reinhard Heydrich, one of the most odious of Hitler's henchman and the film deals with his assassination and the destruction of the Czechoslovakian village of Lidice as retribution by the Nazis. There is some propaganda-ish elements here, but not really to the detriment of the film.One of JC's better films and one more people should know about. His final speech is electrifying. Also some truly audacious moments in here, surprised they got past the Hays Code.
Good supporting cast with Patricia Morison (CALLING DR DEATH, DRESSED TO KILL and venerated stage actress), Ralph Morgan (THE MONSTER MAKER, WEIRD WOMAN), Vicki Lane (JUNGLE WOMAN) and a very early appearance by Ava Gardner. ****
Got to see this. Never even heard of it. Released right in the heat of the war.

[FryeDwight]

Got to see this. Never even heard of it. Released right in the heat of the war.

Hi Sculpt,
I found out about it through Greg Mank's THE HOLLYWOOD HISSABLES and peaked my interest . It might be on YOUTUBE; I got my copy through DCS VIDEO SCREAMS which has a ton of obscure stuff.


MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE (1932). Supposedly a consolation project for Director Robert Florey and Bela Lugosi (Both being replaced for FRANKENSTEIN), this has such promise ; Mad Scientist Bela has a crackpot theory of evolution , involving apes and women, but an incredibly disjointed script and horrendous acting (particularly prissy Bert Roach and squeaky star Sydney Fox), sloppy camera work (especially towards the end) and several overly long scenes just take the wind out of its sails.
Still, Bela is awesome as always, some great sets (Dr Mirakle's lab, the Parisian Rooftops) and a scene between Bela and Arlene Francis (later on TV's WHAT'S MY LINE?) that truly packs a wallop-how this must have shocked 1930's audiences-, although one wonders how the good DR could be so clueless. *1/2

[FryeDwight]

PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (1945). Top notch production details cannot save how incredibly dull the film is. Hurd Hatfield has absolutely no presence as the titular character and the majority of the film involves people conversing on what an horrible person DG is. Have read in some books how this could be similar to DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, but at least in the latter, things happen. George Sanders plays another overbearing Cad-quite obnoxious too-and for Me, a young Angela Lansbury is the only reason to check this out; she is very good. **

[Sculpt]

PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY (1945). Top notch production details cannot save how incredibly dull the film is. Hurd Hatfield has absolutely no presence as the titular character and the majority of the film involves people conversing on what an horrible person DG is. Have read in some books how this could be similar to DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, but at least in the latter, things happen. George Sanders plays another overbearing Cad-quite obnoxious too-and for Me, a young Angela Lansbury is the only reason to check this out; she is very good. **
Might be a little harsh. I liked it. Not as good, and the basically the plot stolen from, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, but I thought it was solid and entertaining.

[FryeDwight]

THE INVISIBLE RAY (1936). Probably the most reserved of the Karloff/Lugosi teamups for Universal, but I've grown truly to like this a lot. Boris is very good as the Genius scientest whose discovery will give him the respect He wants and feels he deserves, but what a Price to pay! Bela is definitely a support player in here, but he delivers it, although it's probably his most low key performance. Some good John Fulton FX also help out. ***1/2

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

A Christmas Carol, 1951

https://media.giphy.com/media/qHY09fSPVin4c/giphy.gif


A Christmas Carol, 1938

https://66.media.tumblr.com/3e0bdaf57950ba7f83095a94dfef9914/tumblr_nzx1siQvO11s2f16eo2_400.gifv

[Sculpt]

A Christmas Carol, 1951

https://media.giphy.com/media/qHY09fSPVin4c/giphy.gif


A Christmas Carol, 1938

https://66.media.tumblr.com/3e0bdaf57950ba7f83095a94dfef9914/tumblr_nzx1siQvO11s2f16eo2_400.gifv
What's the best of the two? And which Christmas Carol do you think is the best of all the ones you've seen?

[DeadbeatAtDawn]

What's the best of the two? And which Christmas Carol do you think is the best of all the ones you've seen?


I love them both. My favorite Christmas story..ever. ::love::

[hammerfan]

What's the best of the two? And which Christmas Carol do you think is the best of all the ones you've seen?

Not that you asked me, but, I'll tell you anyway ::big grin::

My favorite is the 1951 version.

[Sculpt]

I sorta get them mixed up now. There was one 'a Christmas carol' that my public school took us 3rd graders to at the theatre... would have been between 76 and 78. It was scary. It was live action, in color. I remember Scrooge reaching for his doorknob and it turned into a horrifying moving face. And at one point he was flying through the air and these ghosts were flying past him with horrifying faces. Now I can't even find this film. It's baffling.

[FryeDwight]

Not that you asked me, but, I'll tell you anyway ::big grin::

My favorite is the 1951 version.

That is a great one, although I kind of lean more towards the 1938 version.

Also like MICKEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, MR MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL and the 1984 one with George C Scott.

[FryeDwight]

INVISIBLE AGENT (1942). John Fultons special effects are fantastic here, Ilona Massey is ravishing and the duo of Peter Lorre/Sir Cedric Hardwicke give this a lot of zip. Sadly, the story is truly tepid, full of WW2 propaganda and Jon Hall just isn't convincing. **

[hammerfan]

INVISIBLE AGENT (1942). John Fultons special effects are fantastic here, Ilona Massey is ravishing and the duo of Peter Lorre/Sir Cedric Hardwicke give this a lot of zip. Sadly, the story is truly tepid, full of WW2 propaganda and Jon Hall just isn't convincing. **

You make me realize how many movies I have NOT seen! I need to make a list of the movies you've seen in this thread and the classic horror movie thread.

[Sculpt]

You make me realize how many movies I have NOT seen! I need to make a list of the movies you've seen in this thread and the classic horror movie thread.
I second that. And I tend to really like the films of this area more than most the modern ones. I never even heard of Invisible Agent with Peter Lorre. I'd buy that ticket. Wonder if the agent turns invisible? Special effects were mentioned...

[FryeDwight]

I second that. And I tend to really like the films of this area more than most the modern ones. I never even heard of Invisible Agent with Peter Lorre. I'd buy that ticket. Wonder if the agent turns invisible? Special effects were mentioned...

You can NEVER see too many Horror films..especially the Classic/Vintage kind::cool::

[FryeDwight]

OLD YELLER (1957). >>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

My Fourth Grade teacher read this to us and entire class involved until Travis has to shoot Yeller after the rabid wolf bites him. A lot of girls in the room were openly crying and all the boys biting their lip/wiping eyes. We all knew it had to be done, but seemed so unfair.

The film has great photography, decent cast and the title character himself is Bad Ass! but think they make a mistake showing him right at the beginning whereas in the book, he shows up after the story has been set up. Also think it's cruel to keep Yeller penned up until the disease takes hold and Travis has no choice-Tommy Kirk is very good in this part...such anguish!
Also, know little brothers are supposed to be annoying-mine certainly was and still is, sadly- but this kid just raised my hackles with his endless yowling and not listening...serious dangers to himself and his family. ***

[Sculpt]

OLD YELLER (1957). >>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

My Fourth Grade teacher read this to us and entire class involved until Travis has to shoot Yeller after the rabid wolf bites him. A lot of girls in the room were openly crying and all the boys biting their lip/wiping eyes. We all knew it had to be done, but seemed so unfair.

The film has great photography, decent cast and the title character himself is Bad Ass! but think they make a mistake showing him right at the beginning whereas in the book, he shows up after the story has been set up. Also think it's cruel to keep Yeller penned up until the disease takes hold and Travis has no choice-Tommy Kirk is very good in this part...such anguish!
Also, know little brothers are supposed to be annoying-mine certainly was and still is, sadly- but this kid just raised my hackles with his endless yowling and not listening...serious dangers to himself and his family. ***
All this time I thought I was entertaining my big brother.::big grin::

I never read, nor saw the film, except for a few clips. It's a cultural icon, and joke, so it's a walking spoiler reference. I'll probably never watch it unless I'm tagging along with others. I really haven't heard anything good about it, besides being in competition with Brian's Song as tear jerker champion.

[FryeDwight]

ONIBABA (1964)>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOLIERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Not many people have heard of this Japanese film, but if You can give it a look. While their son/Husband is off fighting in Japanese Civil Wars (think it takes place in the 1600's) His Mother/Wife survive by killing wounded Samaurai, dropping their corpses in a deep hole and selling the armor. Trouble begins to ensue with the return of a neighbor who knew the son...

Extremely well shot-love those shots of high blowing grass-, quite erotic and very grim with a high sense of unease. I first heard of this in CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN interview with William Friedkin-coming off THE EXORCIST- who described it as "...terrifying. It is the most terrifying film I have ever seen" and when I got to see it some 20 years later, wouldn't describe it as that, but it's pretty damn creepy and I would recommend this heartily. ****1/2

[Sculpt]

ONIBABA (1964)>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOLIERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Not many people have heard of this Japanese film, but if You can give it a look. While their son/Husband is off fighting in Japanese Civil Wars (think it takes place in the 1600's) His Mother/Wife survive by killing wounded Samaurai, dropping their corpses in a deep hole and selling the armor. Trouble begins to ensue with the return of a neighbor who knew the son...

Extremely well shot-love those shots of high blowing grass-, quite erotic and very grim with a high sense of unease. I first heard of this in CASTLE OF FRANKENSTEIN interview with William Friedkin-coming off THE EXORCIST- who described it as "...terrifying. It is the most terrifying film I have ever seen" and when I got to see it some 20 years later, wouldn't describe it as that, but it's pretty damn creepy and I would recommend this heartily. ****1/2
It is beautifully shot. It's odd. I liked it, but I also wouldn't call it frightening, but maybe if I understood it on all the levels, I might have.

[FryeDwight]

THE MONOLITH MONSTERS (1958). Universal seemed to have used up all the Sci-Fi monster ideas by this time and not many people seem to know about this, which is a shame as it's pretty damn good. A groups of Outer Space rocks have a nasty habit of growing when wet and the situation becomes more dire as the film progresses.
The plot may sound silly, but stick with it...decent acting and the special effects are a lot better than You would expect. ***1/2

[Sculpt]

THE MONOLITH MONSTERS (1958). Universal seemed to have used up all the Sci-Fi monster ideas by this time and not many people seem to know about this, which is a shame as it's pretty damn good. A groups of Outer Space rocks have a nasty habit of growing when wet and the situation becomes more dire as the film progresses.
The plot may sound silly, but stick with it...decent acting and the special effects are a lot better than You would expect. ***1/2
Looks interesting, and I never heard of this one either.

[FryeDwight]

Looks interesting, and I never heard of this one either.

No worries, Sculpt...old FD is here to help::big grin::::big grin::!

THE KILLING (1956). Excellent heist movie that crackles with nervous energy. It's been compared to THE ASPHALT JUNGLE (1950-another one to check out), but in that one, the gang wants to pull off one last job, the KILLING group needs to, hoping the money will improve their circumstances. Not professional crooks in any sense of the word, other than a great Sterling Hayden as the mastermind for the crime.
This early Stanley Kubrick film has wonderfully nourish photographic angles and fine performances by Colleen Grey (very touching), Marie Windsor (viperish as can be) and a standout performance by Elisha Cook JR, once again playing a meek guy trying to be tough and not really succeeding. Also a brief but pivotal spot with Timothy Carey, one of the all time great "Social Undesiribles".
Obviously a big inspiration for Quentin Tarantino, like RESERVOIR DOGS, THE KILLING bounces to different times throughout, but I find it makes the film more suspenseful. Also, according to IMDB, during the distracting Bar fight, Rodney Dangerfield is up against the wall on the right watching the action...paused the frame and it sure looks like Him, probably one of his first gigs. *****

[Sculpt]

No worries, Sculpt...old FD is here to help::big grin::::big grin::!

THE KILLING (1956). Excellent heist movie that crackles with nervous energy. It's been compared to THE ASPHALT JUNGLE (1950-another one to check out), but in that one, the gang wants to pull off one last job, the KILLING group needs to, hoping the money will improve their circumstances. Not professional crooks in any sense of the word, other than a great Sterling Hayden as the mastermind for the crime.
This early Stanley Kubrick film has wonderfully nourish photographic angles and fine performances by Colleen Grey (very touching), Marie Windsor (viperish as can be) and a standout performance by Elisha Cook JR, once again playing a meek guy trying to be tough and not really succeeding. Also a brief but pivotal spot with Timothy Carey, one of the all time great "Social Undesiribles".
Obviously a big inspiration for Quentin Tarantino, like RESERVOIR DOGS, THE KILLING bounces to different times throughout, but I find it makes the film more suspenseful. Also, according to IMDB, during the distracting Bar fight, Rodney Dangerfield is up against the wall on the right watching the action...paused the frame and it sure looks like Him, probably one of his first gigs. *****
Yes, I saw THE ASPHALT JUNGLE (1950) in the last year. Good film, sad ending. I look forward to seeing the Killing.

[FryeDwight]

BILLY THE KID VS DRACULA (1966). >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


In an interview with FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND, John Carradine considered this the worst film He ever made and "I was absolutely numb!". While BTKVD is indeed quite bad, other JC films like THE ASTRO-ZOMBIES and BIGFOOT weren't nearly as much fun. Shot in about 8 days, Dracula (who is never mentioned by name) impersonates a Ranch owner in order to victimize said owners niece who is in love with Billy The Kid, an upstanding Ranch hand.

Unintentionally funny throughout with some choice lines ("Oh God! The Vampire test!" by Virginia Christine, Mrs Olson from Folger's coffee and Ananka in THE MUMMY'S CURSE) and hammy acting throughout, with John getting top honors, particularly when he is in a stagecoach being shown a picture of the niece ("Eighteen and Beautiful? Yes, I WOULD like to see it!" and his eyes all but bugging out of his skull::smile::) while Drac's demise will just have You shaking your head in disbelief. **

[Sculpt]

Good thing Billy the Kid is quick on the draw.

[FryeDwight]

Good thing Billy the Kid is quick on the draw.

Or accurate with his pitching arm, more like it::big grin::::big grin::!

[FryeDwight]

PREHISTORIC WOMEN (1967). Martine Beswicke-so cool when We met her at Monster Bash last June-gives it the old College try, but this is incredibly tedious and padded with dance number after dance number and definitely filmed on the "Cheap and Hurry". Watch ONE MILLION YEARS BC instead; more action and Martine is pretty good in there. *

[FryeDwight]

BLACK PIT OF DR M (1958). Typically wild Mexican film about a Doctor coercing his dying colleague for info about "the other side". He gets the info, but at such a price. Very good photography, atmosphere and some eye raising moments. Make some popcorn and enjoy. ***

[FryeDwight]

BLACK FRIDAY (1940)>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

As a Crime drama, this isn't too bad, but just falls to pieces as a Horror film. Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi get star billing, but don't have a single scene together. The plot concerns a Surgeon -originally supposed to be played by Bela-whose kindly Teacher friend-Karloff-is seriously injured and the Surgeon transplants part of a gangsters brain to save him. Finding put the gangster had a big stash in the big city, the two men take a trip there where the Gangsters personality begins to take over with Jekyll/Hyde transformations.
According to rumor (mainly by screenwriter Curt Siodmak), Karloff felt he wouldn't be believable in the dual role, so He was given the role of the Doctor and Bela was given a thankless part of a member of the Crime gang (One thinks with his natural voice, Bela could have handled the Slavic Doctor). In the main role, as the Teacher/Gangster, Stanley Ridges is quite good; I think He steals the whole film, but so many missed opportunities here make this one of the lesser Boris/Bela pairings. **

[FryeDwight]

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944). This is normally the model people use when describing Film Noir; fabulous shadowy camera work, unpleasant subject matter, a "hero" letting the little head to the thinking for the big head (and not nearly as smart as He thinks he is) and a viperous woman setting up the whole chain of events. Two people meet, aspire to a "Perfect Crime", pull it off and watch as the unraveling begins.

One of the best with Fred MacMurray going against type along with Barbara Stanwyk why is very good here, but the wig they had her wear just looks awful and while Barb is very good, think Joan Bennett or Mary Astor could have been more convincing . JB was a knockout at the time and she was great as the "Bad Girl" in SCARLET STREET.

For Me, Edward G Robison is the main reason to see this. He is fantastic and wholly deserving of an Oscar for his performance . ****1/2

[Sculpt]

DOUBLE INDEMNITY (1944). This is normally the model people use when describing Film Noir; fabulous shadowy camera work, unpleasant subject matter, a "hero" letting the little head to the thinking for the big head (and not nearly as smart as He thinks he is) and a viperous woman setting up the whole chain of events. Two people meet, aspire to a "Perfect Crime", pull it off and watch as the unraveling begins.

One of the best with Fred MacMurray going against type along with Barbara Stanwyk why is very good here, but the wig they had her wear just looks awful and while Barb is very good, think Joan Bennett or Mary Astor could have been more convincing . JB was a knockout at the time and she was great as the "Bad Girl" in SCARLET STREET.

For Me, Edward G Robison is the main reason to see this. He is fantastic and wholly deserving of an Oscar for his performance . ****1/2
Well said. Double Indemnity is the first rate film noir. Turn of the type for MacMurray and for Robinson too, who play it to the T. I didn't know Stanwyk was wearing a wig, but yeah, it doesn't look good.

[FryeDwight]

TEENAGE ZOMBIES (1959). While I do have a fondness for low budget films and can appreciate the effort, find this all but unwatchable. Silly story, bad acting and some unintentionally funny scenes (particularly the scuffle towards the end when it looks like a yoga class) ; a particularly static camera does not help. 1/2

[FryeDwight]

PINOCCHIO (1940)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


The animation here is first rate and the title character is much more appealing than he is in the book (Little asshole He is there::mad::!), albeit easily led astray. Find the first 20 minute to be the least effective as Jimmy Cricket is strictly there, it seems, for the easy laugh.
Things pick up quickly when Pinocchio visits "Pleasure Island" where a boy can do anything he wants, but the price to pay for all that fun is staggering. Indeed, I find the sequence where Lampwick transforms to be extremely frightening and noticing that his last words are for his Mother. But one wonders just how much heartbreak his delinquency brought to Moms?

The scenes involving Monstro, the Whale, are also pretty intense and one can imagine all the screams during those. There is a Happy ending, but after all the adventures He's been through , it's a welcome one. ****

[Sculpt]

PINOCCHIO (1940)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


The animation here is first rate and the title character is much more appealing than he is in the book (Little asshole He is there::mad::!), albeit easily led astray. Find the first 20 minute to be the least effective as Jimmy Cricket is strictly there, it seems, for the easy laugh.
Things pick up quickly when Pinocchio visits "Pleasure Island" where a boy can do anything he wants, but the price to pay for all that fun is staggering. Indeed, I find the sequence where Lampwick transforms to be extremely frightening and noticing that his last words are for his Mother. But one wonders just how much heartbreak his delinquency brought to Moms?

The scenes involving Monstro, the Whale, are also pretty intense and one can imagine all the screams during those. There is a Happy ending, but after all the adventures He's been through , it's a welcome one. ****
What prompted you to see Pinocchio?

[FryeDwight]

What prompted you to see Pinocchio?

My daughter loved the Disney films when she was little, starting with THE LITTLE MERMAID, so watched a great many of them ,including the above. Some I like better than others and hadn't seen PINOCCHIO in awhile.

THE LETTER (1940)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>SPOILERS>.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

This opens with a literal bang as Bette Davis and her pistol blow a guy to Hell and Back several times. The question is, was it self defense or something more. All the fawning over Davis by the other characters- You would think She is the Queen or such- gets old, but stick with it as other info comes to light, making this pretty good. Excellent turns by James Stephenson as her Lawyer (dying in real life just a few months after TL release) and Victor Seun Young-Charlie Chan's Number One Son as well as BONANZA's Hop Sing- as his efficient but extremely conniving clerk. Herbert Marshall (THE FLY) is also good as her adoring naive husband and You feel such pity for him as the story wraps.
Lots of appearances by other genre favorites as Tetsu Komai (ISLAND OF LOST SOULS), Doris Lloyd (NIGHT MONSTER, THE WOLF MAN, THE LODGER), Holmes Herbert (THE INVISIBLE MAN, 1931 Dr Jekyll AND MR HYDE), Freda Inescourt (RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE, THE ALLIGATOR PEOPLE), Cecil Kellaway (THE MUMMY'S HAND, THE BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS) and Gale Sondergaard (SPIDER WOMAN, 1941 THE BLACK CAT) whose glare alone will give You chills. ***1/2

[FryeDwight]

MAD LOVE (1935). Peter Lorre is creepy as hell here and quite a deviant tone to it, but so much filler and pointless finale. Have heard how great this is, but find it very overrated, although it's worth seeing. **

[classic_horror_fan]

I just looked back at the original "Psycho" for the first time in well over in 10 years, and found it to be more amazing than I remembered! Not only did Anthony Perkins nail that role, but it was also directed by Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most brilliant and amazing movie directors ever! It's no wonder the sequels and the remake were unable to even touch this great timeless classic! A lot of stuff from more recent years or even more recent decades are still unable to touch the old black and white classics from way back when that were directed by Hitchcock! ::cool::

[FryeDwight]

I just looked back at the original "Psycho" for the first time in well over in 10 years, and found it to be more amazing than I remembered! Not only did Anthony Perkins nail that role, but it was also directed by Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most brilliant and amazing movie directors ever! It's no wonder the sequels and the remake were unable to even touch this great timeless classic! A lot of stuff from more recent years or even more recent decades are still unable to touch the old black and white classics from way back when that were directed by Hitchcock! ::cool::

Very true::smile::!

COME BACK, LITTLE SHEBA (1952). Shirley Booth ,("Hazel" herself from the later TV show) won an Oscar for her role as a slovenly Dingbatted housewife married to a recovering alcoholic, well played by Burt Lancaster (who, truth be told, even with the makeup, he still looks too young for the role). They both have grown stale and complacent with one another until a Student from the local University rents a room. Terry Moore (MIGHTY JOE YOUNG) is quite fetching here and pretty frisky as well...although she mentions a serious boyfriend, she still finds time to make time with a young Richard Jackel...their makeout sessions are pretty intense.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>POSSIBLE SPOILERS>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Although Booth will remind You as an Edith Bunker type, stay with it and some marvelous acting from Her as more of the back story emerges and the importance of "Little Sheba" comes to light. Also, due to misunderstanding, Lancaster falls off the wagon and he is frightening in the scene when he returns home, revealing his true feelings...the resentment and loathing from him will hit You like a fist and your heart will truly go out to Booth. ****

[Maila Munster]

Witchfinder General (1968), directed by Michael Reeves.

Truly a great movie, because of a deep look into the worst of the human condition (also narrow-mindedness). It manages to disturb and induce a general feeling of horror due to its violence.
The final movie of Michael Reeves who sadly died of a drug overdose shortly after the film was released. I must say, the "Witchfinder General" is well-made though it's low-budget. Vincent Price as a horror maestro of course doesn't disappoint. As a titular hero he delivers us a vicious and brilliant performance. ::love:: Certainly worth seeing!

[hammerfan]

Witchfinder General (1968), directed by Michael Reeves.

Truly a great movie, because of a deep look into the worst of the human condition (also narrow-mindedness). It manages to disturb and induce a general feeling of horror due to its violence.
The final movie of Michael Reeves who sadly died of a drug overdose shortly after the film was released. I must say, the "Witchfinder General" is well-made though it's low-budget. Vincent Price as a horror maestro of course doesn't disappoint. As a titular hero he delivers us a vicious and brilliant performance. ::love:: Certainly worth seeing!

I love pretty much anything Vincent Price does!

[FryeDwight]

I love pretty much anything Vincent Price does!

I'll second that.


THE MAD GHOUL (1943). While the general plot is extremely mean spirited, this Universal flick (which oddly enough, did not beget sequels) is a lot of fun with George Zucco playing a scientist involved in some rather, shall We say, unorthodox experiments. David Bruce, his Assistant, is engaged to lovely Evelyn Ankers, but Zucco deduces that She has fallen out of love with David and, for whatever reason, that She's in love with Him instead::confused::!
A screwy plot, to be sure, but George gives it his all, although he gets strong completion from Robert Armstrong (King Kong, SON OF KONG, THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME) who is quite funny here. ***

[Maila Munster]

I love pretty much anything Vincent Price does!

I'll second that.


I'm a huge fan of Vincent Price, too. ::wink::

[FryeDwight]

THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957). The one that started it all and has still held up remarkably well with Peter Cushing superb as the overly dedicated Mad Doctor who is also a First Rate Shitheel! Very good performance by Chris Lee as the Creature, especially His reveal (imagine the screams at that time::cool::::big grin::!) and his spastic movements ::EEK!::in his reveal to Paul towards the end. Hazel Court doesn't have a lot to do, but just gorgeous and with Valerie Gaunt thrown in as well, I'm just at a loss for words::embarrassment::! ****

[Sculpt]

THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957). The one that started it all and has still held up remarkably well with Peter Cushing superb as the overly dedicated Mad Doctor who is also a First Rate Shitheel! Very good performance by Chris Lee as the Creature, especially His reveal (imagine the screams at that time::cool::::big grin::!) and his spastic movements ::EEK!::in his reveal to Paul towards the end. Hazel Court doesn't have a lot to do, but just gorgeous and with Valerie Gaunt thrown in as well, I'm just at a loss for words::embarrassment::! ****
Yes, Peter Cushing redefined Baron Von Frankenstein with this role. He didn't mimic Colin Cline's 1931-35 role; and I think made for a stronger character, which was necessary for Hammer's version.

[FryeDwight]

BLOOD AND SAND (1941). A little hambone, but good story of a Bullfighter reaching the top and succumbing to all the vices around him. Tyrone Power is very good, but honestly, his Juan is basically a Bitch (no bargain either as a child), especially the way He treats his wife (well played by the lovely Linda Darnell).
Wonderful Technicolor and a lot of actors I enjoy such as John Carradine (HOUSE OF DRACULA, VOODOO MAN, THE MUMMY'S GHOST), J Carroll Naish (THE MONSTER MAKER, HOUSE OF FRANKENSTEIN, CALLING DR DEATH) and Laird Cregar (THE LODGER, HANGOVER SQUARE), whose critic has lots in common with ALL ABOUT EVE'S Addison Dewitt. ***

[FryeDwight]

MAD DOCTOR OF MARKET STREET (1942). Lionel Atwill is really the only saving grace in this....His quick Doctor is on the run and after a shipwreck, finds himself with other survivors on a island with hostile natives. Through a mixture of bluster and bullshit, He saves one of the Natives and is declared "God of Life" and given full largesse until He has to Put up or Shut up.

As mentioned, Lionel is great in here with his lecherous looks, pomposity and some genuinely sympathetic acting towards the end when He has to produce the goods...or else! The rest of the cast will test your patience with Nat Pendleton (as another Lummox) and Una Merkel standing out in their awfulness. Anne Nagel (BLACK FRIDAY, MAN MADE MONSTER) is only in the first few minutes, but her scene hits very close to home in a similar instance with her first husband in real life.
Really, there are better films to watch, so pass on this. *

[FryeDwight]

LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN (1945). Pretty good film with lovely Gene Tierney as a woman who "...loves too much" and what the lengths she will go to make sure there is no competition. Good support by Jeannie Crain, Gene Lockhart and some bravura acting by Vincent Pice, which of course, is the main reason I checked it out! ***

[classic_horror_fan]

THE CURSE OF FRANKENSTEIN (1957). The one that started it all and has still held up remarkably well with Peter Cushing superb as the overly dedicated Mad Doctor who is also a First Rate Shitheel! Very good performance by Chris Lee as the Creature, especially His reveal (imagine the screams at that time::cool::::big grin::!) and his spastic movements ::EEK!::in his reveal to Paul towards the end. Hazel Court doesn't have a lot to do, but just gorgeous and with Valerie Gaunt thrown in as well, I'm just at a loss for words::embarrassment::! ****

This is also one of my all time favorites of the Frankenstein movies. Peter Cushing really did a phenomenal job at Dr. Frankenstein while Christopher Lee was not bad as the monster. I looked back at that one in recent years, and it still looks good in my opinion, along with "Revenge Of Frankenstein," "Frankenstein Created Woman," and "Frankenstein and The Monster From Hell." That last one has David Prowse playing the monster from before he started playing Darth Vader. ::wink::

[FryeDwight]

REVENGE OF THE CREATURE (1955). Sequel to CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON isn't as good, but worth seeing and You'll have much more pity for the Gillman. Good cast with John Agar, Lori Nelson (not Julie Adams scrumptious, but pretty nice all the same) and a VERY young Clint Eastwood in what I believe is his first film. Also, you'll see Ricou Browning (the Creature under water) playing a scientist taking blood samples.

Watching this again and listening to the good commentary, had quite a bit of Nostalgia...the Black Lagoon sequences (and many other films/TV) were filmed at Silver Springs FL, very close to where my parents live (went there in 1995) and the majority of the action takes place at Marineland FL, very close to St Augustine FL (went there as a boy in 1970 and took my daughter there after Xmas 1997, during an unusually chilly time. ML suffers in comparison to Sea World, but came first and I quite liked it...also loved the cool Mural of The Gillman painted on a wall next to the aquarium). Had also forgotten that the first time I saw this in January 1973, we were living in Norfolk Virginia and due to move to the Panama Canal Zone the next month. During the Creature's rampage, a Newscaster announcers the Creature has been seen "...as far north as Norfolk Virginia and as far South as Panama!"::shocked::::cool:: ***

[classic_horror_fan]

This one goes back to the drive in movie theater days from back in the 1950s. It had no budget, but the cast and crew did an excellent job with what they had with a lot of great drama and dialogue to a good excellent story that is well portrayed. The black and white format also helps at not only hiding a lot of cheesiness, but also giving it a good classic appeal. This is another good example of not needing a big budget or a lot of people to still make a decent entertaining and interesting film. ::cool::

[Sculpt]

REVENGE OF THE CREATURE (1955). Sequel to CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON isn't as good, but worth seeing and You'll have much more pity for the Gillman. Good cast with John Agar, Lori Nelson (not Julie Adams scrumptious, but pretty nice all the same) and a VERY young Clint Eastwood in what I believe is his first film. Also, you'll see Ricou Browning (the Creature under water) playing a scientist taking blood samples.

Watching this again and listening to the good commentary, had quite a bit of Nostalgia...the Black Lagoon sequences (and many other films/TV) were filmed at Silver Springs FL, very close to where my parents live (went there in 1995) and the majority of the action takes place at Marineland FL, very close to St Augustine FL (went there as a boy in 1970 and took my daughter there after Xmas 1997, during an unusually chilly time. ML suffers in comparison to Sea World, but came first and I quite liked it...also loved the cool Mural of The Gillman painted on a wall next to the aquarium). Had also forgotten that the first time I saw this in January 1973, we were living in Norfolk Virginia and due to move to the Panama Canal Zone the next month. During the Creature's rampage, a Newscaster announcers the Creature has been seen "...as far north as Norfolk Virginia and as far South as Panama!"::shocked::::cool:: ***
I actually never saw Revenge, I don't think, looking at the trailer. I did see The Creature Walks Among Us when I was 12. It wasn't particularly good, but I remember the Creature throws the guy 10 feet into a palm tree.

My folks took me to Clearwater a couple years ago. Very cool.


Revenge of the Creature
TOMATOMETER
Critics Consensus 22%
No consensus yet. Total Count: 9

Audience Score 31%
User Ratings: 1,632

Doesn't look like Revenge gets much love.

[FryeDwight]

[QUOTE=Sculpt;1042010]I actually never saw Revenge, I don't think, looking at the trailer. I did see The Creature Walks Among Us when I was 12. It wasn't particularly good, but I remember the Creature throws the guy 10 feet into a palm tree.

My folks took me to Clearwater a couple years ago. Very cool.

The Gulf Coast of Florida is awesome. We were staying Madiera Beach a couple of years ago and took a drive through Clearwater...maybe We passed You! Remember also how damn hot it was (early October)...just sweltering and 95 degrees when we left and 57 in Manchester NH...quite the difference::smile::

Naples is also very nice

[FryeDwight]

SAMSON VS THE VAMPIRE WOMEN (1962). There are several dull stretches in here, but the opening scenes are rich in atmosphere and once they get a little plasma in them, the Vampire Women are Knockouts (especially Lorena Valezquez and Ophelia Montesco::love::::love::)! When not wrestling at the Arena for his many fans, Samson (called "Santo" by the ringside crowd) is assigned to protect a young lady (the actress looks a lot like a young Elizabeth Taylor) from being abducted to be the New Queen of The Vampires. About as silly as it sounds, but a lot of fun. Some real life wrestlers (Raul Mendoza in particular) and definitely watch Samson's second match...what a Finish::shocked::! ***

[urgeok2]

The Day the Earth Caught Fire

A British made end of the world tale from 1961 that was surprisingly good.
It was executed VIA the point of view of a major newspaper ... how they reported it, how it affected the people who worked there.

Very dialogue driven - exceptionally well written and acted.

I googled it after i watched it to find that the movie included some music by a fellow called Monty Norman who a year later would provide one of the most recognised pieces of music all over the world - the James Bond Theme - for Dr No.

[FryeDwight]

The Day the Earth Caught Fire

A British made end of the world tale from 1961 that was surprisingly good.
It was executed VIA the point of view of a major newspaper ... how they reported it, how it affected the people who worked there.

Very dialogue driven - exceptionally well written and acted.

I googled it after i watched it to find that the movie included some music by a fellow called Monty Norman who a year later would provide one of the most recognised pieces of music all over the world - the James Bond Theme - for Dr No.

I quite like that one myself.

THE CHASE (1966). In one of his biographies, this Marlon Brando film was described as "...Peyton Place, Southern Fried" and I would add a dash of HIGH NOON to it as well.
Very young Robert Redford escapes from prison and heads back to his hometown where it seems the main pastimes are drinking, humping and Redneck violence. While it's long, I do like this mainly for the cast. Besides Brando, there is also Angie Dickinson::love::, Jane Fonda, Martha Hyer (FIRST MEN IN THE MOON), Robert Duvall, Janice Rule (What a TRAMP her character is::embarrassment::), EG Marshall (THE DEFENDERS, CREEPSHOW), James Fox (THE SERVANT, PERFORMANCE),Miriam Hopkins (DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE 1931), Henry Hull (THE WEREWOLF OF LONDON), Bruce Cabot (KING KONG), Clifton James (the Sheriff in LIVE AND LET DIE and THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN), Diana Hyland (THE BOY IN THE PLASTIC BUBBLE), Lori Martin (CAPE FEAR) and a young Paul Williams (PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE and many hit songs). ***

[Sculpt]

Treasure Island (1934)
8/10

This isn't a kid's movie. This is rough 1930s film making, having the sensibilities of the other Robert Louis Stevenson’s adaptation Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931). Sure, young Jackie Cooper plays the lead of "Young Jim Hawkins" like he was Shirley Temple, which is slightly annoying, but it sure contrasts the viscously cold realities and frightening cutthroat violence in the film.

There are excellent character performances here, particularly Wallace Beery as Long John Silver, Lionel Barrymore as Billy Bones and William V. Mong as Pew.

Intact and fascinating is the portrayal of British patriotism and praise of "gentlemen", as in gentry.

[urgeok2]

I finally got around to watching my Criterion laserdisc of Polanski's first film thinking it was a thriller.

Turns out it's anything but. There is some tension built between an older man trying to force his tough guy militaristic ways on a young freewheeling hitchhiker (each envious of the other) but it didn't go where I expected. It was more of a portrayal of a standard male self important asshole type and how it affects his marriage and anyone he comes into contact with.

It's a good movie .. as a character study... but definitely not the thriller i was hoping for.

Polanski's The Fearless Vampire Killers, The Tenant, Repulsion, and Rosemary's Baby are where to go for the horror ... oh, and The Ninth Gate.

I struggle with his films .. because hes a little paedophile creep .. but he is such an amazing filmmaker. I wish it was easier for me to separate the art from the artist but it's very difficult to do so.

[classic_horror_fan]

This one goes all the way back to the lower budget drive in movies from the early 1950s that were shown as openers to double and triple features a lot of the time. This one definitely had a low budget, even for standards back then, but they did overall well with what they had to go with. The story and plot are overall well written and the actors and actresses did really well at portraying and bring out their roles. I could also see that the whole cast and crew really put in all of their hearts and souls during the filming of this one, which is something else I really like about it. The aliens' masks are cheap and campy looking, even for standards back then, but they are also funny and cool looking as well, to help make this film more entertaining. The aliens also have a section in their caverns with large mutated reptiles and insects that looks overall cool in the traditions of "Them!", "Tarantula," "Earth vs. The Spider," "Godzilla," "Gamera," and the like. The film keeps interest as the main character who was abducted by them, drained of his memory before gradually regains it, eventually remembers where they are hiding and figures one possible way that might actually stop their plot from taking over the planet. Those wanting a major blockbuster ought to skip this one, even back when it first came out. Those who can enjoy or appreciate a good entertaining B-movie that is overall well done with what they had, along with being able to tell a lot of time, effort, and hard work was put into it might actually find this one worth a look. ::cool::

[classic_horror_fan]

Here's another gem from the 1950s drive in movie theater era! This one starts out with a rocket ship blasting off to the moon, only to have its steering controls go to where the astronaut was unable to control before it was totally out of Earth's gravity system, so he dislocated the cabin to be dropped back down to the Earth's surface instead of ending up lost in space forever. The astronaut makes a good speedy recovery, but it then turns out the top part of the rocket ship, like a missile, knocked a bunch of meteors and asteroids in outer space off course, now heading for the planet Earth. They only have a couple of days to figure out something to prevent those asteroids and meteors from crashing into the planet Earth and possibly destroying her. There is plenty of suspense that keeps going as the plot keeps building up. There is also a lot of good feel to this film with the good drama and dialogue, developing each of the characters real well. The special effects are low budget, but still relatively well done for what they had, along with a lot of work being put into it. The picture is also in black and white format to hide a lot of cheesiness, and to give it a good classic appeal. Those who like the drive in horror and sci-fi classics from the 1950s should enjoy this one as well. ::cool::

[classic_horror_fan]

[QUOTE=Sculpt;1042010]I actually never saw Revenge, I don't think, looking at the trailer. I did see The Creature Walks Among Us when I was 12. It wasn't particularly good, but I remember the Creature throws the guy 10 feet into a palm tree.

My folks took me to Clearwater a couple years ago. Very cool.

The Gulf Coast of Florida is awesome. We were staying Madiera Beach a couple of years ago and took a drive through Clearwater...maybe We passed You! Remember also how damn hot it was (early October)...just sweltering and 95 degrees when we left and 57 in Manchester NH...quite the difference::smile::

Naples is also very nice

Yes. The Gulf Coast in Florida is very nice. Clearwater Beach is another awesome one to visit some time(after this corona virus deal is over, of course). "The Creature Walks Among Us" is the third sequel made to close the trilogy. That one is more comedy than horror or sci-fi. The best of that series is definitely the original, which was one of the first very good monster movies out there that could still hold its own with today's standards to an extent. "Revenge Of The Creature" is a good worthy sequel as well. If you get quarantined in, the Creature From The Black Lagoon series should be a good series to keep you company. Of all the old black and white Universal monster movies, that series is definitely one of the best of them all. ::danger::

[classic_horror_fan]

Here is another classic that I have always wanted to see, but never had the chance to, until now, and it's about time! I am so glad I finally got to see it! I saw it three times in the past two days, to be exact! For those not familiar, this one is about a dinosaur brought out of its frozen state in the North Pole, then travels its way by ocean to its old mating grounds, which is for the then present day, New York City. It has a timeless classic scene when it first arrives to the city with a NYPD officer shooting at it, only to get swallowed whole by it, which is done with style. For standards then, that scene might have been scary, but for today's standards, it's hilarious. Scientists who have researched that type of dinosaur and how it can be stopped team up with the National Guard to stop its raging spree before it destroys the whole city, while killing everybody in the process. Those who like the classic King Kong, Godzilla, Gamera, Tarantula, and Them! films should really enjoy this one as well. It is another one of the better black and white monster classics out there. ::danger::

[FryeDwight]

Here is another classic that I have always wanted to see, but never had the chance to, until now, and it's about time! I am so glad I finally got to see it! Those who like the classic King Kong, Godzilla, Gamera, Tarantula, and Them! films should really enjoy this one as well. It is another one of the better black and white monster classics out there. ::danger::

It IS a good little film, isn't it. Check out the source story, "The Foghorn" by Ray Bradbury.

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (1940). Good special effects are all that save this painfully unfunny "Comedy". Dotty John Barrymore (his final film, I believe) wants to try his invisibility formula on a human to help out feckless benefactor and flighty model Virginia Bruce takes the plunge. Watch the 1933 THE INVISIBLE MAN instead. *

[classic_horror_fan]

It IS a good little film, isn't it. Check out the source story, "The Foghorn" by Ray Bradbury.

THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (1940). Good special effects are all that save this painfully unfunny "Comedy". Dotty John Barrymore (his final film, I believe) wants to try his invisibility formula on a human to help out feckless benefactor and flighty model Virginia Bruce takes the plunge. Watch the 1933 THE INVISIBLE MAN instead. *

Yes, it's a great one. I will try looking at the source story some time. Ray Bradbury was another one of the great horror and suspense writers. I actually enjoyed "The Invisible Woman," but didn't expect much real amazing from it, just an enjoyable comedy parody that it is. Funny coincidence that you mentioned "The Invisible Man" from 1933. That's another classic I have always wanted to see, but never got the chance to. I should be able to rent that one on Prime over the weekend, though, and probably will if I get the chance.

[FryeDwight]

RIO BRAVO (1959). It took me a long time to check out John Wayne's films as my Stepfather and Father In Law almost afforded deity status on him. But with time passing, he really did do some good films and this one is probably at the top. Great chemistry between JW and Dean Martin (solid performance as the conflicted lush), Rick Nelson (Colorado reminds me a lot of the persona Tom Cruise affected in the late 80's onward), Walter Brennan and Angie Dickinson::love::. ****

[Sculpt]

RIO BRAVO (1959). It took me a long time to check out John Wayne's films as my Stepfather and Father In Law almost afforded deity status on him. But with time passing, he really did do some good films and this one is probably at the top. Great chemistry between JW and Dean Martin (solid performance as the conflicted lush), Rick Nelson (Colorado reminds me a lot of the persona Tom Cruise affected in the late 80's onward), Walter Brennan and Angie Dickinson::love::. ****
I remember liking Rio Bravo. You've probably already seen it, but I thought the best, and surprisingly enjoyable, 'John Wayne film' was Stagecoach (1939). (Which is on youtube).

[FryeDwight]

I remember liking Rio Bravo. You've probably already seen it, but I thought the best, and surprisingly enjoyable, 'John Wayne film' was Stagecoach (1939). (Which is on youtube).


It's been awhile, but STAGECOACH was pretty good. Like John Carradine a lot in it and Thomas Mitchell won an Oscar.

A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS (1964). "I don't think it's nice, You LAUGHIN'!" and with that , the Ultimate Bad Ass-AKA Clint Eastwood- comes into prominence. After several forgettable films, especially THE WORLD'S FIRST TRAVELLING SALESLADY (as Carol Channing's romantic interest::shocked::) and the RAWHIDE television series, this was his first starring role. This "Spaghetti Western" features "The Man with No Name" (Clint) riding into a town torn apart by two feuding families, where He slyly plays them against each other, collecting money along the way. Lots of closeups and still pretty violent with memorable music score. ****

[FryeDwight]

SHE DEMONS (1958).A hurricane washes a small group on a uncharted island-what else would it be- that has a group of Nazi's conducting skin grafting experiments, turning the local Native girls into ugly faced/fanged monstrosities, but still possessing perfect dancer's bodies! Not great by any means, but it has Chalie Chan's Number One Son (Victor Seun Young, a few years from playing Hop Sing on BONANZA) and lovely Irish McCalla (from the television series SHEENA : QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE), which is certainly inspiring casting. To add to the fun of watching this, the YOUTUBE version I watched gets sound/sight synchronization out of whack by a couple of minutes, which actually sort of helped::big grin::. **1/2

[Tommy Jarvis]

White Zombie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023694/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) - By 2020 standards, it's not that captivating. But as a pioneer of the genre, it deserves to be seen and preserved.

[Bloof]

White Zombie (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023694/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0) - By 2020 standards, it's not that captivating. But as a pioneer of the genre, it deserves to be seen and preserved.

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