Happy New Year (?)

Lovely, doomed actress Thelma Todd greets the New Year of 1932. The Nation was slowly crawling out of a horrible depression......Just like we will soon be doing! Onto 2009.

Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny!

I have seen exactly 2 min. of this film via a trailer. Makes PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE look like a masterpiece. Interesting poster with a simple layout that no doubt would lure the kiddies into the theatre. Notice the matinees only sub-title. This gem was released in 1972!

Merry X-mas From Boris Claus!

Hi All,
I hope that the New Year brings a lot better tidings then this year. Here is a rare X-mas Image of none other then Boris Karloff delivering gifts to some (Most likely) frightened Kids!
John

A Film by any other Name............

It has always fascinated me that a film made here would often have it's title changed overseas and vice versa. Here is a prime example. Originally made and released in Britain as LOVE FROM A STRANGER (1937), by the time it reached our shores, it was now known as A NIGHT OF TERROR. A very nice Agatha Christie mystery, this little gem is seldom seen.
Let's face it, If we walked by a theatre marquee and saw the British title we might have continued walking. But, if we saw A NIGHT OF TERROR.....Wow! Here is the simple yet effective one sheet.

Universal Back Lot circa 1935

Here is an aerial view of the back lot at Universal Studios. The area seen here is the Town Square from THE BRIDE OF FRANKENSTEIN! This still came from the personal collection of Boris Karloff himself.

A Cautionary Tale, or Hilarious Oddity?

Originally titled TELL YOUR CHILDREN! (1936). It is now best known as REEFER MADNESS. The over the top performances make this a must see. The man who steals the film is Dave O'Brien. His manic puffing on the "Devil's Weed" as his personality changes from rather mild to a Mr. Hyde must be seen to be believed! Here is the cool poster from one of the film's many re-releases.

Not Just Remembering a Poster

During our Annual W.W. 2 night at our Laurel & Hardy Club, I asked if their were any W.W. 2 survivors in the audience. Two aged hands were raised proudly into the air. I salute these men and all men and women that served during this planet altering event.
The movie making machine went into full tilt production after that fateful day. This Republic Studio release was one of the first to hit the theatre screens.

Uncle Forry taken by Prince Sirki

One of the disadvantages of growing older (there are many) is hearing that someone that meant a lot to your childhood has passed.
Forrest J. Ackerman, founder, writer, publisher and all around Nice Sci Fi Guy left this world today.
My appreciation for classic films sprang forth from the pages of his baby Famous Monsters of Filmland.
I met Uncle Forry several times, but my favorite visit was 10 years ago when my fellow film fan friend Raven White asked me to project films for a presentation in smell-a. (Los Angeles). After the screening of some sci fi and horror forgettables, we headed out to a local restaurant. Favorite guest Uncle Forry joined us. At our prodding, Forry regaled us with one amazing story after another. Stories that included Bela Lugosi's less then supportive wife. Al Jolson calling Forry "Sonny Boy" as he sang him that song! His amazement at seeing Frankenstein (1931), King Kong (1933) and his beloved Metropolis (1927) First Run!!! etc. etc.
I drove Forry home at nights end. I explained to him a memory that was very personal to me. I told him how at the ripe old age of 12, I was devastated to hear that Boris Karloff had passed. I cried and my parents were clueless as to why. Forry explained to me that indeed when Boris Karloff passed, he received letter after letter from distraught young fans who had never dealt with death before. He took the time to write every one of them back and could not have been more supportive.
At 51, death has become somewhat routine to me now. With the passing of my Mom and Dad, I realize how the last thing we truly have left to savor are our memories. I remember that trip to the original Ackermansion (in Beverly Hills Karloffornia of course), and how I asked question after question to a patient Forry of his memories of my favorite actors. I remember seeing amazing props from several of my favorite fantasy films. I also spotted a sense of pride in Forry when I correctly identified each and every piece of memorabilia, naming each film that they were featured in that he had on display. He had the look of a proud parent who had raised that kid right!
Yes, you did raise this kid right, Uncle Forry.
Do me a BIG favor thou won't you? Say hi to Bela, Vincent, Lon and especially Boris for me will you.

I really like this poster art for some odd reason.........

Exploitation at it's best. I do not know how this movie passed by my eyeballs while growing up. Enjoy.