Events: Frighten Brighton, UK

If you love classic horror and are going to be in the Brighton area on August 11th, Frighten Brighton classic horror film festival is the place to be! Thought up and presented by the people that started the Classic Horror Campaign, Cyberschizoid and Scare Sarah, the event will take place from 12pm - 11pm at Komedia, Brighton and will feature several classic movie screenings plus celebrity guest Emily Booth!

"Expect spot prizes, merchandise and our very special guest; presenter of the Horror Channel and star of cult horror films Cradle of Fear and Evil Aliens, the lovely Emily Booth! Plus more excitingly ghoulish news to follow. 

So join us for the whole day or just the individual films, but whatever you do, be there and be scared! 

* MAD LOVE (1935)
* CAT PEOPLE (1942)
* THEM! (1954)
* PLAGUE OF THE ZOMBIES (1966)
* PHANTASM (1979) 

Ages: 18 + all shows.  

£15 all day pass or £5 per film. 

The bar is open all day with food and popcorn available from the Komedia Cafe!  

Tickets available from the Komedia website : http://komediabrighton.ticketsolve.com/shows/126525115/events"

For more information, check out the websites below:

• Frighten Brighton
• Frighten Brighton on Facebook
• Brighton Komedia
• Classic Horror Campaign

A-Z Challenge: Q is for...Queen of Blood!

Q is for...Queen of Blood

Sometimes also listed as 'Planet of Blood', 'Queen of Blood' is a 1966 sci-fi horror film directed by Curtis Harrington and starring John Saxon, Judi Meredith, Basil Rathbone, Florence Marly and Dennis Hopper. It's set in 1990, which although is now 22 years in the past, was 34 years in the future at the time of the film's release! 

Florence Marly as the alien in 'Queen of Blood'

Scientists receive a distress call from an alien ship that has crash landed on Mars and a rescue party are sent from Earth to assist them. A sole survivor is rescued and taken on board the ship. However, those on board realise something is wrong when, after unsuccessfully trying to feed the alien, the crew member assigned to guard her is found dead. The alien had eaten blood / flesh after hypnotising him!

They then try to get home in one piece as quickly as they can, before the extraterrestrial vampire has the chance to claim another victim. Will they survive?

The plot alone might not convince you to watch 'Queen of Blood', but how can you resist tag lines like:

"A deathless witch, who devours men, turns the Milky Way into a galaxy of gore!"

"From planets yet unknown comes out of this world HORROR!"

"Hideous beyond belief...with an inhuman craving!"

This post is part of the A-Z Blogging Challenge

A-Z Challenge: C is for...Caligari!

C is for...The Cabinet of Dr Caligari
Image Source: Light Keeps Me Company

I'll be honest, this entry has been backdated because I missed 3 days of the challenge due to my poor planning (heh...), but better a little late than never I guess? So today, C is for...Caligari! Or more specifically, German director Robert Weine's stylish silent, 'Das Cabinet Des Dr. Caligari' ('The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari', 1920). I could write a whole essay on this movie, as it's one of my favourites, but I'll spare you all the boredom this time and keep it fairly short!

 Dr. Caligari and Cesare the Somnambulist

Cast:

Dr. Caligari - Werner Krauss

Cesare - Conrad Veidt

Francis - Friedrich Feher

Jane Olsen - Lil Dagover

Alan - Hans Heinrich von Twardowski

Dr. Olsen - Rudolf Lettinger

Genres:
Silent
Classic horror
Psychological horror

German Expressionist

Plot:
A young man, Francis, recounts a story to a man seated next to him about his fiancee, Jane, and the strange events that they both experienced. The film then continues in an extended flashback, beginning with Francis and his friend, Alan, visiting a fair in their home town. Dr. Caligari is there with Cesare, a somnambulist. Caligari claims that Cesare has been asleep for 25 years and, waking under Caligari's hypnotic control, is now able to see into the future. Alan asks Cesare how long his life will be, to which Cesare replies: "The time is short. You die at dawn!". This prediction comes true, as Alan is murdered that night and Francis is convinced that Cesare was responsible. This leads Francis to begin following Cesare and Dr. Caligari.

Cesare fleeing, carrying Jane

The next night, Cesare goes into Jane's bedroom, intending to kill her, but cannot bring himself to murder such a beautiful woman and kidnaps her instead. The townspeople go after him, and after running from them for some time, Cesare passes out and dies of exhaustion. At the same time the police discover that Dr. Caligari has fled and Francis follows him to an insane asylum, where he attempts to find out the truth about the doctor.

Is it any good?:

In a word: yes! But just to elaborate a little...

If you don't like black & white, silent horrors or aesthetically unrealistic films, and aren't at all interested in film history, then you probably won't like 'The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari' much. However, as one of the first films of the horror genre and with the concept of a twist ending - still used today - to boot, this is an excellent example of early cinema, with a bit of depth. What's more, the film manages to create eerie abduction and murder scenes without a drop of blood anywhere. Through a clever use of lighting, the killing is depicted predominantly in shadow and silhouette. Of course, by today's standards, the acting may be seen as ridiculously exaggerated, but then again, all the battling, slow-motion epics and screaming, gory slasher movies of late are pretty damn exaggerated too, don't you think?

Scary?: 

I wouldn't say it's "scary" as such, but there's definitely a creepy feel throughout. It's unmistakably a horror. 

This post is part of the A-Z Blogging Challenge.

Movies: The Bat (1959)

Before I begin my review of the slightly predictable but nevertheless enjoyable, “The Bat”, I have to point out that I love classic horror movies. Admittedly I don’t love them all, but if I had to bet on whether I’d like a new release or something from fifty plus years ago, the oldie would be my pick every time. There’s just something about the combination of horror, elegance and slight ridiculousness, of which I’ve always been fond.

So if I don’t criticize how silly the prop bat being shoved in through the window looks, or how some of the furniture apparently moves of its own accord from shot to shot, or how his steal claws and the bizarre posing make him look more like Freddy Krueger’s Cat than “The Bat”, then that fondness is why. Besides, I’d rather see a fake-looking prop and somewhat comical characterization than badly done CGI and characters devoid of any kind of personality at all.

Anyway, before this turns into even more of a tangential rant, on with the review! Starring horror legend Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead (best known for her role as Endora in ‘Bewitched’) and directed by Crane Wilbur, ‘The Bat’ is a 1959 adaptation of the Avery Hopwood/Mary Roberts Rinehart Broadway play of the same name. There were also two earlier film adaptations: “The Bat” (1926) and “The Bat Whispers” (1930), both directed by Roland West, but having seen neither, I'm unsure whether or not this version takes anything from those predecessors. I’m helpful like that.

The main plot centres on Agnes Moorehead, who plays a reclusive mystery writer, Cornelia Van Gorder, living in a town under threat from a serial killer known as “The Bat”. The mysterious murderer, described as a “man with no face”, which actually means that he wears a mask, kills his victims by ripping out their throats with steel claws. An outbreak of rabies in the town is also believed to be connected to the bats the killer releases at the scenes of his crimes. When Miss Van Gorder’s maid, Lizzie Allen (Lenita Lane), is bitten by one of the bats, following a break in by the steel-clawed menace, Dr Wells, who just happens to be conducting research on bats, is called to take a look.

As well as the slayings, everyone is looking for a million dollars-worth of recently stolen bank assets, which Dr. Wells (Vincent Price) believes is hidden in the Van Gorder house. Of course, he has very good reason to think that, as the thief tells him where it is earlier in the movie. After being threatened by the said money grabber, Wells then proceeds to shoot him, intending to retrieve the loot for himself instead. Lesson learned – threatening Vincent Price in a horror movie never ends well.

However, “The Bat” wants that stolen money too, which is why he was at the Van Gorder house. I didn’t really understand why a serial killer, who had previously just seemed to get his jollies killing women, suddenly wanted to become a millionaire thief, but perhaps it’s some logical progression in the criminal world, of which I’m simply ignorant. That sudden change and the excessive number of red herring suspects were, in my opinion, the somewhat disappointing aspects of the movie. Having said that, they weren’t bad enough to ruin the plot, which was for the most part entertaining and largely free of irritating characters.

The acting was also fairly solid from the whole cast, save for Agnes Moorehead’s somewhat changeable portrayal of Van Gorder; flitting between strong and intelligent, to needy and overemotional several times. Overall however, she gave a good performance and her interactions with Lenita Lane were believable as that of an employer and a maid who’ve known each other so long that they’re almost like family.

Then there’s the Dr Wells character, which brings a huge amount of charisma to the picture in the form of Vincent Price. He does overplay the role at times, but those are balanced out well with the subtle looks and gestures. His somewhat strange science lab (complete with test tubes, a microscope and a random giant light-up bat behind a curtain, of course!) also makes him the movie’s resident eccentric, which no self-respecting classic horror should be without.

I’m still not entirely sure what that bat was there for though…

Whilst both the plot and acting were decent, if I had to choose one thing to give this movie five out of five for, it would be the visuals. The use of lighting is superb, creating some really impressive and mildly creepy shadows and silhouettes of the doors, windows and even The Bat. I adore the striking contrast between the monochromatic tones caused by the hard lighting used. I can’t think of many movies today that utilize shadows so effectively. Maybe it’s because of the black and white film used, but Dario Argento managed that kind of effect in color in ‘Suspiria’, so I suspect not.

If all of the above isn’t enough for you, and you’re thinking “but where’s the blood and the gore from this serial murderer??”, well, there isn’t any. Sorry. However, quite unusually for a 1950’s flick, they do show one of The Bat’s killings in its entirety. It was pretty brutal for back then and, for me, one of the reasons why this is a horror rather than a film noir or mystery. Maybe along with the lighting…and that giant bat.

Overall, I have no real complaints about “The Bat” and it was absolutely worth seeing if you like older horrors. The ending could have been better and less predictable, but it didn’t ruin the whole film, thankfully. Definitely one to watch alone on a dark stormy night, or alternatively, watch with friends and have fun chuckling at the silly bits!

Interview: Amanda Norman

Horror Shock Lolipop recently had the great opportunity to interview Gothic Horror photographer Amanda Norman. Read on to find out about her inspirations, thoughts on modern horror, what drew her to horror photography in the first place and much more!

- First of all, thank you for giving us an interview. Could you tell our readers a little about yourself?

You're welcome and thank you for wanting to interview me.

Well, a lot of people who don't know me think that I'm strange due to my love of old graveyards and Victorian cemeteries. I like nothing better than to get my camera out and try to capture the spooky and eerie atmosphere that these places project and it's down to my love of classic Gothic horror. Hammer Horror introduced me to the vampire and ever since then, I've had a strange fascination with this alluring creature. I remember as a teenager wanting to become a vampire, just like one of those scantily clad beauties from Hammer Horror and then await my master, Count Dracula. It's quite funny looking back on it, but one evening, a friend and I were going to visit an old graveyard because it was foggy and I chickened out. Years later, I was in an old graveyard and I wanted to capture these thoughts and feelings to share with others, but it wasn't easy, but I'm learning all the time.

I've always been creative in one form or another. I used to love drawing and writing short stories and again the theme with the short stories was vampires.

Personally, I turn 40 this year and I'm a very proud grandmother. I really hope that the saying 'life begins at 40' is true, because I need a break from continually working too hard and not having anything to show for it. Family have told me to give up on trying to make money with my photography, but I can't give it up. I don't want to be an administrator working for an employer for the rest of my life.

- When did you get your first camera? What kind was it?

It was a cheap Fuji Finepix digital compact camera back in 1993.

- Why did you choose to concentrate primarily on photography, rather than the other artistic fields?

It was the challenge of creating an image with a camera and I love a challenge. A lot of people just point and click hence no emotions in their photography, but I've learned that you have to study the light and look for things that you primarily take for granted and therefore don't notice. I just love seeing the world via a lens and I like feedback as well. Photography is great for publishing and sharing on the Internet.

- What do you most enjoy about photography?

I love the responses I get from people who appreciate and enjoy my photography. Also, I get a buzz when I take a photograph and it turns out even creepier than I could have imagined.

Amanda Norman's first
horror portrait

- What first drew you to the more macabre side of art & photography?

My uncle takes the credit here for drawing me in, which was back in 2005. He pulled an absolutely crazy face that I instantly thought was freaky and when I published it on my website, I received a lot of feedback about it. As you can see from the image, it's not as good as my latest portraits, but it was the first one. Beats standard portrait photography don't you think?

- When shooting landscapes, do you scout out the area before hand to find specific places, or just take pictures of wherever you happen to wander?

I take my camera out whenever I go somewhere new. Often though, I can't find anything that would make a decent spooky image as my friends and family don't appreciate Gothic architecture and spooky themed places. The seaside is one of the worst places for me to visit although; I haven't visited the coast on a stormy day yet.

- You often show an eerier aspect of seemingly ordinary places. Are you ever surprised by what the camera shows you, or do you see the spooky side of the subjects, even before you look through the lens?

I think it's a mixture really. As I stated in my last answer, sometimes I can't find anything that would look eerie, then other times I'll half-heartedly take a photograph of something that has potential and when I view it on the computer I'm blown away. One good example to show here is the photograph that I call 'Haunted Tree'. This tree stood on the edge of a bland village graveyard, but the finished result after a few tweaks really surprised me.

- Out of the places you've photographed, which has been your favourite so far?

This is such an easy question to answer. By far my most favourite place is a cathedral in Sibiu, Romania.

My boyfriend and I we're lucky enough to tour Transylvania and my dream holiday lived up to expectations. I was surprised though that out of all the places I visited, the only reference to a vampire was a sign saying 'Vampire Camping'. It's a lovely country and this cathedral in Sibiu had some really old tombs with magnificent carved statues on the doors. I was in my element so much so that I held up the tour as I couldn't stop taking photographs. I could have spent a whole day in there and I was gutted that I had to leave after 10 minutes. I have to go back there if I win the lottery.

- If money and time were unlimited, where would be your dream location for photography?

Well, definitely I would go back to the cathedral in Sibiu, but I would also tour Eastern Europe as there are some churches that have the interior made out of skulls. I would also like to visit the catacombs of Paris and it's cemeteries.

- Apart from the different subject matter, what are the main difference between capturing a place/building and working with models?

Main difference is I don't have to speak to buildings and places hahaha! I can take all the time in the world when not photographing something that's alive providing that I'm not on a tour and holding people up. I've learned my lesson about that one.

- Although your portrait works are beautiful, they're not exactly glamour shots. Has anyone ever been unhappy with the results, or do they expect/want a horror-themed photo?

The majority of models for my dark portraits are friends and family or work colleagues who I've managed to talk into having their portrait taken and when I have visitors round, I love to get out the family album and make a remark about it being the Addams family album. I did once take a photograph of my sister and although I liked the finished result, she was absolutely horrified. She hated it! She couldn't even bring herself to look at it and I've promised her that I'll never reveal it, which is hard considering that I like it.

I have taken one portrait for a gentleman who requested one and he knew what he was getting as he had previously seen my work. The finished work was presented as a personalised movie poster, which I can't publish, but I can show you the portrait.

- You've said before that you're inspired by the promotional photos for classic horror films. Do you have any favourites?

I have two favourites that are amazing and both of these images play with shadows and light, which make the photograph. Totally dark and creepy don't you think?

The Exorcist (1976)

Nosferatu (1922)

- Do you think the visuals and atmosphere in modern horrors are as powerful as their predecessors? Why/why not?

Hmmm! I was inclined to say no straight off, but, modern horror is different with the introduction of CGI and 3D.

Graphic images of blood and guts, torturing and mutilation don't do it for me. I just can't watch these films simply because they are too horrific. I got halfway through Wolf Creek and couldn't take the suspense and horror any more so I turned it off. These types of film, although they are horror, are not for me.

A good classic horror will scare you by playing on your mind. The question of the creature's existence, i.e. vampires, demons and ghosts will play on your mind, but overall a good chilling story is the key and sometimes what you don't see scares you even more. I remember reading recently that in the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the viewer hardly seen any of the killings. This film scared me stupid as it was what the director made you think. I must have sat and watched that film with my own individual thoughts terrorising me. This is a good classic horror movie. I'm afraid to say that modern horror is all about the CGI and torture and the studios are concentrating on making remakes. Give it a rest!

In fact there's only two modern horror movies that I would describe as good classic horror and not overdone with CGI and they are 'The Last Exorcism' and 'Paranormal Activity'. These are good, but not chilling.

One last comment about CGI, do we really need it to scare us in horror? Although Jaws isn't a horror movie, the suspense of this movie together with the musical score worked and it will remain a classic.

- Given your love of horror movies, would you like to branch out into short films some day?

I've thought about it sometimes, but no, it's not for me.

- Your jewellery also has a dark, gothic look to it. What inspires you when creating a piece?

I love the look of Goths and the style of the Victorian era, which inspires my work. I've always wanted to try creating Gothic jewellery and I'm only into my second month of creating it so I have lots to learn. I have a lot of followers on Twitter who create handmade jewellery and I thought I would give it a go. My future plans are to incorporate my photography into pieces of jewellery and therefore I need to learn how to create pendants that showcase my photography. I have to learn this skill and then learn how to attach the pendants to pretty necklaces, but I want to model them on the Victorian era. I've got my heart set on this, but I need to sell what I've already made in order to raise funds to pursue this next venture.

Over the past couple of days, I've created some charm bracelets for the very first time and I have modelled these on my love of classic Gothic horror. One was a skull and roses charm which I sold within hours of making it. I was so chuffed! The other one is based on classic horror with ghosts, bats, imps, witches and spider charms and the other is based on vampires with bats and roses. (http://www.gothicjewellerybox.com/shop)

- How long, on average, does each piece take to create?

It could take from 15 minutes to over an hour, but with practice I'm sure it wouldn't take me as long as it does now.

- As well as jewellery making and photography, you also design and make websites via Umee Design. How and when did you start in that line of work?

Well, Umee Design (http://www.umeedesign.co.uk/ ) has been setup due to the amount of requests I had following the design of my own sites. My boyfriend also enjoys design work and therefore we thought, well why not give it a go.

I don't actively promote this website, but it's there should anyone want to see examples of my work. Most importantly, I like to work with clients who require my help and knowledge, because there's so much out there and jargon that it's hard to know where to begin. I've also come across other designers who will create you a lovely website, better than what I can do, but they have a fundamental flaw and charge the Earth. A good designer will create a website around keywords and keyword phrases so that major search engines will pick it up. I don't want to see friends getting ripped off and therefore I will help them out.

- Are you able to put your own style into the designs, or are the websites very much a product of what the client wants?

I've been really lucky with my clients, who have trusted my ideas and designs, but sometimes they do have requests that I don't like and I have to give the client what he/she wants.

- Apart from being a photographer, jewellery maker and web designer, what would your ideal job be?

My ideal job would be earning a self-employed income from my photography and jewellery, but I need to be noticed first.

- Lastly, please could you give a message to fans of your work?

Firstly, if you've ever purchased any of my work, I would like to give you a huge thank you as you're helping me to support what I love doing.

Secondly, if you've ever provided me with feedback about my work, again, a huge thank you as there would be no point in continuing if nobody enjoyed it. I appreciate the support I gain from all my fans, whether it's simple feedback or placing a banner on your website or interviewing me.

I'm always available to contact on Twitter (http://twitter.com/AmandaNorman) or via email through my website and I love a good chat.

For latest news about me, please visit my blog 'Inside the Mind of a Gothic Horror Photographer' (http://blog.amandanorman.com/) and on there you will find links to all my other sites including Zazzle where I sell greeting and business cards that feature my photography.(http://www.zazzle.com/mandy_norman*)

Many thanks to Amanda Norman for the interview & pictures!

Events: Classic Horror Campaign Double Feature

"Guys and ghouls, the Classic Horror Campaign has an announcement to make! We are launching the first of a series of Horror Double Bill events this Easter on Good Friday at the Roxy Bar & Screen in London!

Starting at 3pm on April 22nd we are proud to present a screening in the old tradition of the BBC Horror Double Bills of “Night of the Demon” (1957) followed by Hammer’s classic “Vampire Circus” (1972)!

We advise you all to get to the venue early as seating is limited and tickets are only available on the door at £5 per person. However, the Roxy Bar & Screen is renowned for serving excellent food and the kitchen opens at 1 o’clock so why not join us for lunch?

As well as the movie screenings there will be some horror dvd giveaways and the opportunity of appearing on the Classic Horror Campaign website when we post coverage of the event.

More details of The Horror Double Bill event will be posted on the Classic Horror Campaign Facebook page so check it out regularly for updates."

Classic Horror Campaign Website:
http://www.classichorrorcampaign.com/

Valentine's Day: Top 15 Creepy Couples Part 1

Ah, Valentine's Day...it's pretty unappealing, from its cardboard candy-filled smugness, right down to its heart, which seems to only be full of cheesy cards, dreadful songs and hideous romantic comedies these days. Nevertheless, even in the world of horror and fantasy there's romance, so Erinia Spooky and myself (Lilia Tombs) have put together a list of some of our favourite creepy couples to mark the occasion!

Count Dracula & Mina

Originally a character created by Irish writer Bram Stoker, Dracula has become one of the most famous and enduring horror characters ever. Numerous films have been made starring the Count, but we're focusing on Dracula and Mina's doomed pairing in 'Dracula' (1931), with Bela Lugosi and Helen Chandler, marking the 80th anniversary of the movie today! You might believe Mina was under hypnosis whilst looking into Dracula's "two red eyes", but we're not buying it. Maybe next time you should choose a guy that doesn't leave hickeys!

Jack Skellington & Sally

Arguably Tim Burton's most popular characters, Jack Skellington and Sally appeared in 'The Nightmare Before Christmas'. Although they're not strictly horror characters, the King of Halloween Town and the kind and devoted Sally defintely have a place in this list, and in our hearts!

Gomez & Morticia Addams

Now to our favourite couple - Gomez and Morticia Addams of The Addams Family - perpetually in love, in each others arms and insane! They're both gorgeous, confident, bizarre and make being married with kids seem almost appealing (almost)! If you're going to shove your love affair in everyone's faces today, this is undoubtedly the best way to do it. Perfect!

Chucky & Tiffany

From the fourth installment of the Child's Play franchise, 'Bride of Chucky', comes Tiffany! Her love hate relationship with Chucky, is violent, bloody, crazy and, thanks to a "Voodoo curse", doll-shaped. Definitely everything a horror relationship should have. Bloody romantic!

The Monster & Bride of Frankenstein

Now to another relationship with a bride...The Monster (Boris Karloff) and The Bride (Elsa Lanchester), in James Whale's superb sequel to 'Frankenstein', 'The Bride of Frankenstein'. The Bride isn't exactly a willing participant in the pairing (and by this we mean she screams and hisses at the sight of him), but technically she had just been born. Well anyway, her loss, because we don't think you "belong dead", Mr. Monster. No, we love you!

Lily & Herman Munster

Not quite so involved with each other as Gomez & Morticia, but still very sweet, Herman & Lily Munster are the next on our list. They first appeared back in 1964 in 'The Munsters' second pilot episode - the first episode having Herman married to a Morticia-esque wife called Phoebe instead. (Maybe that explains why their son is a werewolf?) Still, ignoring the hidden wife and Eddie's questionable parentage, this creepy couple are about as wholesome and innocent as it gets in the world of horror. Aww...

Betelgeuse & Lydia

Starring Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder, 'Beetlejuice' is another  movie from Tim Burton, featuring the delightfully "strange and unusual" Lydia and the "ghost with the most". After he's called from the grave by his name being said three times, the young girl Lydia is almost forced to marry him in order to save her recently deceased friends, the Maitlands (er, it's better than it sounds, honest). Whilst Lydia seems unattracted to anyone at all, her groom will take anyone female; more than one if he can. Not exactly a perfect match, but we still think it's a great couple! Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Be..tter not just in case! ;)


More to come in Part 2!

Commercials & Advertising: The Munsters Cheerios Commercial

"Big G Little o...Cheerios!"

I cannot believe I'd never seen this before today. Evidently, I was born a few decades after it aired, but still!

Film: Georges Melies "Le Manior du Diable"

Honoring the french "cinemagician" Georges Melies, creator of numerous classic black and white silent films. Here is a clip of one of his most malevolent films, "Le Manior du Diable" (The House of the Devil); a short but fantastic clip made in 1896 filled with classic horror and spooky effects!

(Keep an eye on the skeleton!!!)

Documentary: A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss

Mark Gatiss in front of a statue of Boris Karloff as The Monster

Best known for his roles in the dark comedy series 'The League of Gentlemen', English actor, producer and writer Mark Gatiss is host to the 3 part documentary series 'A History of Horror with Mark Gatiss', which is currently being shown on BBC Four (UK).

The series consists of:

1. Mon 11th Oct - Frankenstein Goes to Hollywood - 1920 - 1950 Hollywood horror, including sections on Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff
2. Mon 18th Oct - Home Counties Horror - 1950's & 1960's, the influence of British horror and the resurge of interest in the genre, including sections on Hammer, Roger Corman and Mario Bava's 'Black Sunday'
3. Mon 25th Oct - More information soon

The cast of 'Freaks' (1932)

With clips in abundance, numerous interviews and a look at some wonderful sets and memorabilia, episode one was great for me, because I adore classic horror! The programme chronologically, but entertainingly, covered the world of horror in Hollywood in the first half of the 20th century. Gatiss largely focuses on Universal and RKO and their actors/directors/producers, but as those were the two main horror movie producing studios of the time, there's more than enough material covered. Unfortunately, films such as 'The Wolfman' are only mentioned briefly, and the influence of German Expressionism seems to be altogether ignored, but within the constraints of an hour time slot, I suppose something had to be omitted.



Lon Chaney as The Phantom

Also, although Gatiss' personal take on the films and events surrounding them, as well as his own memories, are strongly evident throughout, this gives the program a unique quality and it is still well-researched and informative in nature. Besides, even when his personal opinions enter into his dialogue, it's quite nice to hear someone being so enthusiastic about and in awe of horror! However, 'A History of Horror' is not simply an hour of fan babble, as Gatiss and those he interviews also critique and acknowledge the flaws of the material covered.

Overall, part one was interesting, insightful, and enjoyable and I cannot wait to see the next two episodes! To watch the first part on BBC iPlayer and read an interview with Gatiss about the show, visit the BBC Four website.

For those of you in the UK, BBC Four are also showing a horror film after each episode, in addition to showing various scary movies recently. 'The Bride of Frankenstein', 'Cat People', 'I Walked with a Zombie' and 'Brides of Dracula' have been/will be shown, as well as 'Gods and Monsters', the fictional biopic of director James Whale. 

Movies: UK Suspiria Screening

16th October 11.30pm start - DJ & Bar Open until 2am Tickets £7.00

"Cigarette Burns Cinema is continuing its partnership with Dalston’s Rio Cinema and together we are bringing you none other than one of the creepiest films ever made. Just how it needs to be seen, fully uncut, bold, disconcerting and LOUD – SUSPIRIA.

This tale of an innocent American ballet student who unwittingly unravels the terrifying secret of her new school is routinely cited as one of the all time scariest horror films and is solely responsible for cementing Dario Argento’s place in cinematic history. Suspiria is an undeniably visceral experience, assaulting, not only your eyes, but your ears as well.

We can’t thing of a better way to spend a cold, dark October night than to let Goblin’s super eerie soundtrack creep into your brain as Argento drenches the screen with his dreamlike technicolour palette.

Flashback Record’s very own Graham Murphy will be spinning Italian Doomy Prog and Kraut Rock to set the mood before and after the screening and the Rio Cinema has been kind enough to leave the bar open throughout the film and after, a brilliant night is guaranteed. All for a measly £7."

Via Horror-Movies.ca and Hackney Hive

Movies: Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things

Bob Clark's dark comedy horror, 'Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things' (1972), is a movie I've been wanting to see for quite a while now, but never have. The story centres around a theatre troupe who carry out a necromantic ritual, as somewhat of a joke, to bring the corpse of Orville Dunworth back to life. After it seemingly fails, their director, Alan (played by Alan Ormsby, who also wrote the film) decides to take the body back to the house in which the group are staying. However, the joke turns serious when the corpses of Orville and the other people buried on the island come back to life to teach the troupe a lesson.

It's a B-movie, so obviously it might be a little silly, but B-movie or not, it certainly sounds very entertaining!

Movies: Kill, Baby... Kill!

Dr. Eswai is called by Inspector Kruger to a small village to perform an autopsy on a woman who has died under suspicious circumstances. Despite help from Ruth, the village witch, Kruger is killed and it is revealed that the dead woman, as well as other villagers, have been killed by the ghost of Melissa, a young girl who, fed by the hatred of her grieving mother, Baroness Graps, exacts her revenge on them. Dr. Eswai, along with Monica, a local nurse, are lured into a fateful confrontation at the Villa Graps.

-Doug Sederberg

Set in Transylvania, you might expect legendary Italian director, Mario Bava's, stylish classic gothic horror, 'Kill, Baby... Kill!' (1966, aka 'Operazione paura'), to be about vampires. However, quite a different supernatural, undead being is the subject of this movie. This is one of Bava's best, in my opinion. Wonderful aesthetics and a skillful plot progression make it a must see, along with 1960's 'Black Sunday'/'La maschera del demonio'. If possible, watch it in Italian with English subtitles though, because, as is so often the case, the English dubs are pretty terrible!

Shopping: TheHorrorDome.com

Ah, the end of August is looming, casting a gloriously gloomy shadow over September and welcoming Autumn. That can mean only one thing: the best day of the year is coming up. That's right! My birthday! HALLOWEEN!

Whilst I'm sure you're all already prepared, just in case you need anything extra for this years grotesque gatherings and spooky seances, look no further than TheHorrorDome.com, the "Halloween superstore"! They have everything you could want from horrific halloween masks and zombie risers to creepy dolls and haunted clocks! And more!!

Not only do they sell great items, but they even provide free how-to guides in their prop directions section. Guides featured include such ghastly delights as 'Horror Ribs', 'Vampire Blood' and 'The Army of Darkness'.

Movies: The Wolfman

Watch the Trailer on Yahoo! Movies

Today, ladies and gentlemen, I am a very happy horror-addict; for one of my favourite classic horrors, 'The Wolfman' (originally starring Lon Chaney Jr.), has been remade! And not only that, it's been remade by Universal!

"Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman, is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Reunited with his estranged father, Talbot sets out to find his brother... and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself. Talbot's childhood ended the night his mother died. After he left the sleepy Victorian hamlet of Blackmoor, he spent decades recovering and trying to forget. But when his brother's fiancée, Gwen Conliffe, tracks him down to help find her missing love, Talbot returns home to join the search. He learns that something with brute strength and insatiable bloodlust has been killing the villagers, and that a suspicious Scotland Yard inspector named Aberline has come to investigate."

Now, I know there has been a flurry of remakes of old classics in recent years, and a large proportion of them are...substandard...to say the least, but from the trailers, this one looks like it might actually be really good. Not only because of the special effects make-up talents of six-time Oscar-winning make-up artist Rick Baker, but for the plot and the cast, which includes the acting talents of Benicio del Toro (Lawrence Talbot/The Wolfman), Anthony Hopkins (Sir John Talbot), Emily Blunt (Gwen Conliffe) and Hugo Weaving (Detective Aberline).

The movie will hit screens on February 12th 2010. To find out more, visit the official movie site below:

The Wolfman

And if you can't wait until February, you can always visit Universal Studios, Orlando to get a taste of the movie as part of their Halloween Horror Nights events, which also features the movies 'Saw' and 'Child's Play', running from September 25th - October 31st 2009.

Universal Studios, Orlando

Oh if only the UK weren't so far away from there! T.T

Art: Joseph Lara

This portrait of Elsa Lanchester in the 1930's James Whale classic, 'The Bride of Frankenstein', is the latest creation from aspiring New York music journalist and horror artist, Joseph Lara. With a love of all things spooky from childhood, and a background in painting, Lara naturally began combining the two.

Expect more ghastly ghouls, graves and ghosts from him soon!

You can keep up to date with him by visiting his page ⇒ here