She wolf of london

The earth dies screaming

THE BIG PARADE (1925). Another silent movie with Live score at The Flying Monkey in Plymouth. Had never heard of this until recently, but very good, albeit long (2.5 hours). Was the first movie made about World War 1, some years after it ended. Idle Rich boy (John Gilbert) joins with his friends when the USA joins in the fight against the Central Powers, meets two working class stiffs who become like brothers and meets/falls in love with a pretty French girl (Renee Adoree). There are some scenes that could have been edited or deleted, but the farewell between Gilbert and Adoree is extremely moving and the battle sequences are very realistic and frightening. Our keyboardist described it as ..."the SAVING PRIVATE RYAN of its day" and He wasn't far off the mark. ****

Freaks

When you get a chance to watch this on the big screen, there's no reason to think twice. Sign me up.

One thing that struck me upon a rewatch, was how much humor this film contained. While there is a scene in which the freaks are shunned by the able people, there are also sweet moments of the performers bonding and getting together.

Tod Browning's accomplishment is making you care for the freaks. You see th world through their eyes and feel their feelings. In a way, it even has a bit of a message of acceptance and inclusiveness in it.

Wonder how today's audiences would react to the concept.

As a ps, it was also funny to see a character that Kevin Smith referenced in Clerks: the animated series.

Murder by invitation

DRACULA, PRINCE OF DARKNESS (1965). Like most of the Hammers (and Universals for that matter), the basic plot device is threadbare, but it's worth it to see the performers We love. Chris Lee makes his second time at Bat (Get it::big grin::) as The Count, but other than hissing, has no dialogue-He claimed the script had him saying stupid lines, which He refused to do; at this early stage there was contention between He and the studio, which only increased as the series went on::sad::. Still, He looks impressive, although a few of his expressions made my wife laugh out loud. Pretty inventive-and nasty-way to resurrect Drac and nice turn by Andrew Keir-would have preferred Peter Cushing (like the rest of us). but AK does alright here. For Me, though, Barbara Shelley steals the film.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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Her transformation from a rigid humorless pain in the ass to a ravenous (and let's be honest here....ravishing::love::) Creature of the night is dead on. ***

Love to see Freaks on the big screen!

The vampire’s ghost

RUN HOME SLOW (1966). Extremely bizarre Western about a Family patriarch being killed, his oddball family avenging the murder, finding a big stash and trying to hightail it to freedom with all sorts of obstacles, most of which are caused by themselves.
Mercedes McCambridge (in what almost looks like a reprise of JOHNNY GUITAR) is the EXTREMELY butch leader -reminds Me a lot of "Snoop" from THE WIRE- who is determined to keep "Family" intact, although one wonders why with this family. Only other performer I recognized was lovely Linda Gaye Scott (lots of TV and as one of the Saloon Doxies in WESTWORLD) whose Dingbattedness could almost be a start for Blonde jokes. Also of note is the score, some early work of Frank Zappa, a year or so before The Mothers of Invention. **1/2

PSYCHO (1960)

For Halloween, I received the Wolfman Legacy collection, which includes The Wolfman from 1941, Frankenstein Meets The Wolfman, House Of Dracula, House Of Frankenstein, Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein, Werewolf Of London, and She Wolf Of London. They are all great timeless classics, and always amazing to look back at, especially during the Fall season! ::devil::

That's awesome!

ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948)

Love love love this movie!!!

Me too....one of My Top Ten. Just so good in all areas. The Monsters are cool and humor still works. My Wife still breaks up when Lou yanks the tablecloth out and looks at the camera::big grin::

He really was a brilliant comic actor

THE MAD DOCTOR (1940). Basil Rathbone (looking a lot like Tom Conway with his mustache) plays a variation of his role from LOVE FROM A STRANGER, using illusion and deception for financial gain. Title is truly misleading, but TMD is worth a look if not expecting much. Good support from lovely Ellen Drew (MONSTER AND THE GIRL, ISLE OF THE DEAD) and Ralph Morgan (NIGHT MONSTER, WEIRD WOMAN, THE MONSTER MAKER). Also has Martin Kosleck (THE FLESH EATERS, PURSUIT TO ALGIERS, HOUSE OF HORRORS); his relationship with Basil in here is a little suspect and would have been interesting to see it explored in more detail. **

The Undead (1957)
Two psychical researchers send a prostitute back in time under hypnosis, where she finds herself in medieval times waiting to be beheaded as a witch. I hate every moment of this turd. Still, I can't look away.

Can't say I blame You since it is Alison Hayes::love::::love::.

FRANKENSTEIN MEETS THE WOLF MAN (1943)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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Know I have discussed this before, but still enjoy FMTW. The great atmosphere during the titles and the opening scene in the graveyard, one of the scariest parts in any Universal. Good cast (Lionel Atwill, Dwight Frye, Illona Massey, Patrick Knowles and Maria Ouspenskaya) and good performance by Lon Chaney Jr, although his outburst during the song is more funny than anything else.

The biggest thorn in here is casting Bela Lugosi as The Monster, although from a logical (not in common practice for Universal) point of view, it makes perfect sense as Ygor's brain (played by Lugosi) is transplanted into the Monster's skull in GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN. Sadly the blood types don't match and the Monster becomes blind, which would explain the Monster's stumbling walk with his arms held in front...poor guy is trying not to fall! But truth be told, Bela does look sort of frail here , for He was in his early 60's and not the best of health (although the look of malevolence on his face as his sight is returned is a grand moment for Him) and apparently, the Monster talking in Bela's voice brought more chuckles and the dialogue was removed. So with his lips moving soundlessly compiled with a less impressive physical appearance, it's not one of Lugosi's finer moments.

Before watching again, was looking through an old Monster magazine with an article on FMTW and the author suggested it might have been a better film if Glenn Strange had been tapped to play the Monster with Bela's voice. Obviously, Glenn was an impressive Monster in the HOUSE films (although He just lays there until the last reel) and his physical presence would have been a better pick. The author also suggests it also may have helped to have Ygor's ghost popping up throughout to move the story; eg why does Dr Mannering decide at the last minute to change his course of action.

Of course, all this is idle musing and We have to be happy with what We have, So, despite some oof the stellar points of the film, I still enjoy it very much and would still give it ***1/2

Ah, Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man! I had looked forward to watching that film all through my youth. Never seemed to show on TV (along with Bride and Son of Frankenstein).

As a kid I was hoping for Frankenstein Vs the Wolf Man. After seeing it, the title of the film was apt... ::big grin:: they do meet. They (the monster and Wolf Man) might as well have sat down for a cup of coffee. At the time of first viewing, it felt like a rip-off.

A much later second viewing was much more enjoyable. It's a weird and interesting story. And although the Larry Talbot character acts bizarre, and sometimes annoying, he's as earnest as always. And it has good sets and cinematography.

I like the idea of Ygor's ghost popping up would have been a nice addition, would help explain the bizarre behavior. Glenn Strange should definitely have played the monster. The film has one of the best songs in horror film history (Song of the New Wine). I think they should have had Maleva (Maria Ouspenskaya) play a much larger role throughout.

Strangers on a Train*

A great thriller and undoubtedly, one of Hitchcock's better works, no doubt.

He wonderfully illustrates how the unsuspecting Guy Haines is lured into Bruno's trap. Not even in a naive way, he is just trying to be polite to a clingy fan. It also sets up how he has no space to move. The drunk professor was a nice touch in that aspect.

The actors shine in their parts. Robert Walker as the insane Bruno. Farley as Guy, who goes from a charming, polite young man to somebody driven to madness. And Patricia Hitchcock as the bubbly sister Barbara. She adds a bit of relief and a lighter touch to the procedings.

Citizen Kane

A four star epic, no doubt.

You can tell how it laid the foundations for later biopics and life stories. And the images are without a doubt wonderful and sometimes (like the methaphor of the breakfast table) downright brilliant.

Does that make it the best film ever? That's a matter of taste. But it's cerrtainly up there with the all time greats.

Nightmare Alley, 1947. 8/10

Director: Edmund Goulding

https://64.media.tumblr.com/f4528367...65a43c223.gifv

Colleen Grey::love::::cool::!! Yeah, Baby!

ATTACK OF THE MUSHROOM PEOPLE (1963). Silly title to be sure, but very moody throughout and better than You would think. In what could almost be a GILLIGAN'S ISLAND precursor, a small craft with seven people is caught in a storm and winds up on a deserted isle, other than a derelict ship which holds a secret. Tensions rise as the group unity begins to fray. More serious than normal Toho fare, I like this and also remember how it scared the bejesus out of my younger Brother when We first saw it::big grin::! ***

I'm intrigued.


Ah Matango! I own Matango (Attack of the Mushroom People). I'm assuming you've seen the original Japanese version? I originally saw the eng dub in b/w... must have been on our b/w TV. Creeped me out. It was interesting to eventually see in color, has a different feel to it.

A lot about Matango is strange, but the worst is this one scene where on the boat, after a long intense build, a mush-peep opens the door and then they cut away to something else, and we never see what happened. So weird.

The sound effects of the mush-peep are really creepy, quite the atmosphere. Horrific, in a Twighlight Zone type of way, but not exactly satisfying.

The version I just watched is also called MATANGO, purchased from the kind folks at DCS VIDEO SCREAMS

THE PHENIX CITY STORY (1955). Had never heard of this until recently, but checked it out and pretty good albeit very hard hitting Noir. Small town is in the grip of graft and corruption by local mob and not much chance of being toppled as most of the law enforcement are involved as well. A small group of citizen's are helping to "clean up" the town, but what sacrifices will be involved? This is based on a true story, although some things were changed around.

This gets pretty intense, very much like THE BIG HEAT or TV's THE UNTOUCHABLES and surprised a lot of the violence (some scenes still shocking) and sexual innuendo (Meg Myles, a Pin-Up/Torch singer is quite provocative in her scenes) made it past the censors. Decent cast with John McIntyre (PSYCHO), Kathryn Grant (SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINBAD) and Richard Kiley in his film debut.

Worth a look-if Your copy has Clete Roberts (a real life TV man, who was also in a couple of MASH episodes) at the beginning, fast forward as He interviews People on who the film was based. Almost a walking "Spoiler alert" and almost 15 minutes before the story begins...really should have been a " Special Feature". ***

Panic 1963

MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE (1932)

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947)

A Bucket of Blood (1959) Dick Miller murders Bert Convey and makes him a statue. I can never look away from this turd. Saw this on 'Halloween Harvey's Festival of Fear' on the Retro TV network.

DIAL 1119 (1950). Pretty good noir of a Disturbed Military Veteran who returns to a Town, but with no Good intentions. Marshall Thompson (FIEND WITHOUT A FACE, CULT OF THE COBRA, IT! THE TERROR BEYOND SPACE and TV's DAKTARI) is effective as the loose Cannon, reminding Me very much of Howard Unruh, the NJ vet who went on a shooting spree in his neighborhood for no discernible reason. ***

THE HAUNTED PALACE (1963). This Roger Corman/Vincent Price "Poe Picture" doesn't seem to be as well known as some of the others They made, but it's really well worth Your time, although there's a lot more Lovecraft here than Edgar. Vincent with his wife (Debra Paget, very lovely and appealing in her last film) arrive in a town to take possession of an old Family home and given the usual hostile greeting, as VP's ancestor had been up to less than honorable practices.
Some good atmosphere in THP and a fine performance from Lon Chaney Jr-his first appearance is a Pip!- with extra support from Elisha Cook Jr, who meets a less than happy end, as He always seemed to. ***1/2

The Deadly Bees (1966)
Very nice music.
The ending is too straightforward according to my taste.
Enjoyable movie.

THE MUMMY'S SHROUD (1967). Hammer film covers the normal Mummy backstory and the bad fate awaiting those who step into the tomb, but I found TMS has aged better than when I saw it as a teen. Mummy is kind of cheesy in a good way (cool demise too) and some decent acting, particularly John Phillips (His "Preston" is such an asshole) and Michael Ripper who really gives it 110%, one of the better performances I've seen from him. ***

THE RAVEN (1935)

"The film is based on Edgar Allan Poe's 1845 homonymous poem, featuring Lugosi as a Poe-obsessed mad surgeon with a torture chamber in his basement and Karloff as a fugitive murderer on the run from the police."

This has the most bizarre description. I've never seen it. So what'd you think? Did you go outside in lay in the street after seeing it? ::big grin::

I DID have thoughts of building my own Torture chamber in my basement::big grin::::stick out tongue:: for "deserving" types, especially with the 5 acres.

Do Yourself a favor, Sculpt...check this out pronto. Very enjoyable and Bela is fantastic although He gets a little carried away in parts.

ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES (1939). Second film in the series is wonderful with such attention to Gothic detail and top performances. What I like about this particularly is the relationship between Holmes and Watson. The Good Doctor isn't quite as clueless as in later films and quite amusing in the final scene. Also, his expressions after He's supposed to tail a suspect; He's morose, but after a pat on the arm, how He cheers up! A good showing of the friendship between the two.
Ida Lupino and Alan Marshall do alright and a top turn by George Zucco as Moriarty...GZ gets some good lines in here and probably my favorite characterization of the evil Professor. ****1/2

KONGA (1961). The BATMAN films aside, I think Michael Gough was born to play shits in films and You would have to look hard to find a bigger shit than Dr Dekkar, who is as unpleasant as can be. He returns from an African trip with a chimpanzee. and some carnivorous plants. While working on his theories, He gets the plants to grow, stall his Asst-Girlfriend with marriage plans, turn Konga into a Gorilla::confused::, plots to remove "enemies" and even has the time to letch after one of his students!

Story is pretty wacky, as You may have guessed, but so looney that it's enjoyable. Sadly, the finale seriously drags the story down, but You still might get a kick out of it. ***

LYDIA BAILEY (1952). Decent costume drama as an American lawyer travels to Haiti with a legal document for the title character to sign and finds himself involved in the 1802 insurrection against France. Anne Francis, a few years before FORBIDDEN PLANET, doesn't really impress as Lydia...she comes off as the weak link in here, especially compared to William "BLACULA" Marshall in his film debut. Good performance as "King Dick" and that wonderful voice ::cool::. ***