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.