Have a Merry Stooges X-mas

A publicity photo of the boys colorized by someone, and posted here. Onto 2010!

Charlie

Here is one of the posters to one of the First National shorts that Charlie Chaplin made at his own studio. If you have not seen it, do it soon. It features an amazing sequence filmed forward, and then played in reverse so that Charlie is doing amazing things with bricks.

A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

On this Date, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Shortly afterwards, all kinds of Anti-Japanese films hit the screens. Here is a poster to one of these 20 min. "Beware" films.

Babes in Toyland (1934)

If there was ever a film that should have been made in color, it is this one! This colorful lobby card hints at the Technicolor joys the film could have beheld for our eyes.
This all time X-mas Classic, looks great in either it's original black and white (MGM Home Video) or one of the two colorized versions that have been released.

RARE Bride of Frank. still

Until this surfaced recently, I had never seen it. Great atmosphere as the grave robbers go about their task as the Monster looks on.

House of Boris-stein

Karloff would not go thru the agony of the Frankenstein make-up again, but he did play a Mad (Is their any other kind?!) Scientist who is about to raise Dracula (Carradine but should have been Lugosi) from the dead. Here is a fun lobby card from this 1944 fright fest.

Boris makes Wong, Right

Boris Karloff as an Oriental Detective? Yes. When the 20th Century Fox Charlie Chan movies proved successful, what else could Monogram do then release a series of copy cats. They needed a "name" star for their series. In stepped Boris. Here is a rare lobby to put your eyeballs on.

Bride of Frankenstein - The Hermit

Another rare photo from my Favorite Karloff Film. Here Boris meets the Blind Hermit, the Monster's only real friend in the film.
The scene was played for laughs in Mel Brooks homage, Young Frankenstein (1974).

The Black Cat (1934)

A perfect example of Boris Karloff's ability to convey pure evil with minimal make-up. Look at the intensity in that face!.

Boris & Bela!

A still from SON OF FRANKENSTEIN (1939) with Boris as "you know who", and Bela as Igor. I have never seen this prior to recently. Notice the detail of the make-up on the top of the Monster's hand.

Boris Karloff Blog-A-Thon! Day 1

My number 1 favorite Horror (And everything else) Actor is being honored by: http://frankensteinia.blogspot.com/
My little contribution over the next several days will be these restored Posters and Photos.
I begin with THE APE (1940). A Monagram programmer with King Karloff as Dr. Bernard Adrian, A kindly mad scientist who seeks to cure a young woman's polio. He needs spinal fluid from a human to complete the formula for his experimental serum. Meanwhile, a vicious circus ape has broken out of its cage, and is terrorizing towns people. We find out that the "escaped" ape is our own boogieman, dressed in an Ape pelt. What better way to gather spinal fluid from un-suspecting victims?!

Oh La-La!

Makes you want to go to this show. Colorful and Eye Catching!

White Zombie-fied!

Here is one of the most visually pleasing posters ever made!........In my opinion. Here is the re-release poster to this 1932 classic from 1938! Fully restored and staring at you! Would make a nifty t-shirt, dontcha think?!

Bela Goes Ape!

Yes Kiddies, it's time for another still of Uncle Bela lurking behind a Fireplace. This atmospheric shot is from THE APE MAN (1943). One of those Monogram quickies that our beloved B. was doing to make ends meet.

Ann Sheridan

Lovely. Superb Actress.

Lovely Louise

Louise Brooks lays down for a quick nap or simply for the still photographer?. Her amazing beauty captured forever. What do Louise and Jack the Ripper have in common? Watch the great Pandora's Box (1929) to find out.

The Ghosts Are Meeting!

Another Great Spook Show Poster! Note the not so close to Halloween date advertised!

London Lost

What in the life of a Classic Film Fan is more annoying then to be Unable to see a film that only remains in still/photo form?!!?? Lon Chaney looks great and really makes you want to see-view-observe-study this Creepy Looking Film. Directed by the man that later brought us Bela Lugosi in DRACULA, Tod Browning went "bats" for the first time in this Lost gem.

3 Pests in a Mess

Interesting that this still contains the name Jerry on the tombstone that Curly "Jerome" Howard is holding. Coincidence that he would be the first Stooge to go into that great Vaudeville Stage in the sky.

Clara Bow wishes you all A Happy Howl-o-ween!

Clara Bow was one of the cutest stars of the Roaring Twenties. Refered to as the "It" girl, she still does "It" for me!

King of the Shock Show Posters!

I was going to post this last year for Halloween. It took so long to restore, It has finally made it here. If the show advertised was half as good as the "Ballyhoo" presented, what a night to remember that would have been!

Join The Fun!

Please check out: frankensteinia.blogspot.com

Virginia Bruce as Batgirl!

Lovely star of THE INVISIBLE WOMAN (1940), here shows off her Batwings in this great Cheesecake Photo!

Dr. Dracula Returns!...........Who?

Another one of those great posters to advertise a show from the good ol days of 19??.

The WOLF MAN ..............a remake?!

O.k., I just watched the NEW version of the perennial horror classic. I have to admit, they did a good job! Well paced, great special effects and effective performances. A deluxe dvd edition of the original 1941 great was released with plenty of great extras as well. Including a new documentary on make up man Jack Pierce. Here Lon Chaney Jr. as the Wolf man (which he lovingly refered to as "His baby") attacking the ever lovely (and attackable) Evelyn Ankers.

Teen Frank

Producer Samuel Z. Arkoff could only imagine what would happen when he released the Teen Monsters into the Theatres in the 1950s. I WAS A TEENAGE WEREWOLF (Michael Landon) was made for around $75,000.00 and made over 3 million!. Here is the follow up to that film.

Halloween Poster Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here is the first of many Monster Movie Posters to come! It stood to reason that after the success of ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET FRANKENSTEIN (1948), the Bowery Boys would "meet" some Monsters as well. Here is the fully restored one sheet to this 1954 film.

Lovely Lilly

Great Bad (Good) Film!

I recently screened this little gem on dvd. Fast paced, horribly acted and very entertaining. As a interesting side note, The mentally challenged patient who is strapped to the table is not an actor in makeup but a genuine microcephalic who was a veteran of circus sideshows who appeared under the name of "Schlitze". Although he was a male, this film was one of the rare times he appeared as a male; he was normally dressed and exhibited as a female, as in the Tod Browning classic FREAKS (1932).

Hawaii-Yi-Yi!!!!

This vintage poster "speaks" for itself. Circa 1940, this Stage Show featured Hula Girls (Topless?) and Robert Bell who considered himself, Hawaii's Greatest Entertainer!

It's almost Halloween. So, what better time then now to mention a really fun little Fright Flick, 13 Ghosts. No, not the horrendously forgettable re-make. This 13 Ghosts (1960) was made by the now all but forgotten producer William Castle. Mr. Castle, was a showman extraordinaire. Each of his other worldly releases featured a gimmick. In this case, theater attendees were given "Ghost Viewers" so that they could enjoy the wonders of ILLUSION-O. Using a simple film trick, you could choose to see or not see Ghosts up on the screen! The top of the cardboard glasses had a red cellophane strip. Below it, a blue cellophane strip. Looking thru the top half, you could see outlines of ectoplasmic ghosties! The bottom half made them disappear. Figure out the trick? The film had a blue tint during the Ghost scenes! This delightful fun film is still available thru Columbia home video. Better yet, if you have the extra bucks, buy the William Castle boxset that is coming out on DVD October 20th.

War of the Worlds......Fix it!

One of the most annoying problems with our mutual enjoyment of "Older" films, are the Special Effects. The effects in this, the original W.O.T.W. are for the most part, flawless. But, the DVD transfers of this film to date enhance in a negative way, certain effects. Most noticeably, the very obvious wire work on the Spaceships. In the lighter scenes, they stick out like a sore thumb. Please Paramount, pay some talented little Computer Pro to go in and digitally remove the wires! And release this gem again. That way I do not have to listen to my Nephew say: "Unk John, I can see the Wires!". Enjoy this restored Banner from this George Pal Masterpiece.

Oh Susan!

For all the fellow men (and the few women who experimented in College) who frequent this blog, a tribute to Susan's the world over!

Alice in Wonderland-of Hollywood

Soon our the movie screens (And our senses) will be assaulted by the "New" Alice in Wonderland. Directed by Tim Burton, this oft told tale will most likely fill the Imax screen in all of it's eye candy prone majesty. But, whatever happened to the 1933 all star screen version of this film released by Paramount? Where else can you see Gary Cooper as the White Knight, W.C. Fields as Humpty Dumpty, Cary Grant as the Mock Turtle, Edward Evert Horton as the Mad Hatter and many, many more!? O.k. Universal, get that Special Collector's Edition ready for DVD sale! Here is the Giant Lobby Card! And yes, that is Gary Cooper under that makeup. Lovely Charlotte Henry is Alice.

Smile

Could any still better capture the infectious optimism seen here in this behind the scenes shot of Sir Charles Chaplin between takes on location filming Modern Times?

Swedish and Impressive

Another impressive example of the kind of art found in a unique European artist. Un-like anything seen here, in the U.S., where the film was produced. Joan Crawford indeed had a very art worthy face. Paid was released in 1930.

Lon Chaney and the Devil

Yes Folks, another poster to a long LOST film. In this missing gem, Lon plays a Mad Surgeon and his Apeish assistant! Ad this to LONDON AFTER MIDNIGHT, as a film all fans would love to see.

2 1/2 Years In The Making!!!

What a great poster! And what better hype in 1955 then to print on a poster ...2 1/2 YEARS IN THE MAKING! A vastly under-rated Film. I'm always pleasantly surprised to see Russell Johnson (The professor on Gilligan's Island) playing a, ummmm, Professor in this film! Pick up that DVD.

Since these were filmed in Sexicolor.......

.....You know they must be good!

Those Darn High School Girls!

Filmed in 1934, this movie tells the story of Beth. Her Mom never, ever told her about her own body. So, Beth gets Preggers. Please everyone, tell your daughters, sisters, horny 18 year olds about their bods!!! Before it's too late!!!

Stan and Ollie....One last time

Here is a picture from the last photo shoot that featured Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy. The year was 1956. Stan was slowly improving from a minor stroke. Oliver Hardy was ordered by his Doctor to loose a LOT of weight. The Doctor ordered him on a severe crash diet. His heart could not take the strain, and shortly after this photo was taken, Ollie suffered a series of strokes, wasted away and left us. Completely different looking from the beloved comedian we all knew in this photo, he none the less had the same smile and Puckish glimmer in those eyes.

A Haunting We Will......GO?

No matter how you slice it, no one will ever agree on the entertainment value of the post Hal Roach Laurel & Hardy features.
I have to share with you the observation that my Tent, The Saps at Sea (located in lovely California), recently screened this much maligned film and the group LOVED IT! Not Liked it, LOVED IT. So go figure.
Here is a wacky insert from that movie.

Myrna Loy, Oh Boy!

Intriguing window card to this silent classic. Ever feel like flinging your gal over your shoulder and carrying her off? No! In 1926, This poster showed that you could have!

The Beast that Killed Nudists

In this little exploitation gem from 1965, a guy in a Gorilla suit attacks (quite comically) women who just happen to be staying at a Florida Nudist Camp! It kills these naked lovelies by jumping up and down on them! Although it runs a scant 60 min. it moves along at a snail's pace. Worth a peek....with your finger heavy on the FF button.
Available on DVD as part of a double feature. From Something Weird Video.

Dangerous?

What better parody movie to make then one that cashes in on Elivs Presley's induction into the Army. Frankie Vaughan was 29 when "These Dangerous Years" (known in the U.S. as "Dangerous Youth") was released, a little elderly for a teenage idol. Makes a very good poster.

Fay Wray - Classic Beauty

Is there any doubt as to why, King Kong (1933 version of course) wanted this Classic Beauty!? Fay Wray in a photo that works on many emotional levels.

Captain Marvel Simply Great!!!

Of all of the serials of the 1940s,, none compares to the pacing, action and most importantly Violence of this great chapterplay! Once seen, you will never forget the sight of Captain Marvel (Tom Tyler) questioning a bad guy after, that is after he has thrown his buddy off the top of a building! The remaining gangster tells Cap just what he wants to know!!! Pick this up on dvd for only $9.95!!! Perfect quality and 4 hours of great stuff.

Batman Garage Sale

Discovered this on the Funny or Die website. Notice that Adam West is standing in front of the actual cave used for the scenes of the Batmobile racing out from beneath Stately Wayne Manor. The cave was also used in several 50's Sci Fi and Western Shows among other genres. It is located in Bronson Canyon in Los Angeles.

Batman Garage Sale with Adam West from Adam West

Frights come to London

Here we see Anne Nagel, Bela & Boris in one of their last films together (the 5th of 7). If you happened to be in London circa 1940, you could have caught this Fun-Fright-Film right there in Piccadilly Circus!

A Cool Poster for Youse Mugs

The Gangster Craze that started with Public Enemy in 1931, was still going strong when they released this little gem Very nice poster with a lot going on.

Happy Easter Everyone!

It's that time of year again. The time to for whatever reason, we dye eggs, hide them and let little brats find them!
I much prefer the after Easter chocolate sales. Especially the M&Ms Easter themed candies! Yum!
And what do ya know, it was the middle of the night, I was awakened by an Easter Bunny placing eggs at the foot of my bed. Luckily I caught her!
What I did with her after she was caught.........we'll, you know about those rabbits!
All kidding aside, this is a cute as heck photo of long forgotten actress Mary Carlisle.