Seth Tucker's Blog, page 9
October 14, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 14 – Second Silent Saturday
Today, I bring you another silent classic from the age before films could speak. Most people will tell you that German cinema created the horror genre, and I would agree with them in large part. Today’s film Der Golem is a great example of this. The golem is a precursor to Frankenstein (the original story of the golem predates Shelley’s novel, and the film would arrive prior to Karloff by a decade). Released in 1921 this German production covers the infamous story of the creation of the Golem of Prague.
The scene where the creature is brought to life is still one of my favorite in all of cinema. Some of these themes are still relevant today, and the film is a must watch for fans of classic German cinema. You can click on the image below to procure a copy and read on for the synopsis.
Synopsis: Widely recognized as the source of the Frankenstein myth, the ancient Hebrew legend of the Golem provided actor/director Paul Wegener with the substance for one of the most adventurous films of the German silent cinema. Suffering under the tyrannical rule of Rudolf II in 16th century Prague, a Talmudic rabbi (Albert Steinruck) creates a giant warrior (Paul Wegener) to protect the safety of his people. Sculpted of clay and animated by the mysterious secrets of the Cabala, the Golem is a seemingly indestructible juggernaut, performing acts of great heroism, yet equally capable of dreadful violence. When the rabbi’s assistant (Ernst Deutsch) takes control of the Golem and attempts to use him for selfish gain, the lumbering monster runs rampant, abducting the rabbi’s daughter (Lyda Salmonova) and setting fire to the ghetto. With its remarkable creation sequence (a dazzling blend of religion, sorcery and special effects) and the grand scale destruction of its climax, The Golem was one of the greatest achievements of the legendary UFA Studios, and remains and undeniable landmark in the evolution of horror film
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, cinema, Der Golem, Frankenstein, German, golden age, golem, Halloween, Jewish, monster, prague, Shelley, silent
October 13, 2017
#31 Days of Halloween Day 13 – A Freaky Friday the 13th
Since I have deemed this the week of classics, I will stay true to my word. This freaky Friday I am recommending The Blob from 1958, starring Steve McQueen. The monster from this film is as close to seeing a Shoggoth from H.P. Lovecraft’s writings as we’ve ever come. It is a non-newtonian liquid that essentially devours flesh. It arrives via a meteor and attaches itself to the mountain man that pokes it with a stick. If you’ve never seen this film, you totally should it is one of the best scifi horror films of its era and the blob is a great monster. It does not feel pain and can enter into any space by even the smallest opening. You can click on the image below for a copy and the official synopsis follows. Since it is Friday the 13th, read on below The Blob‘s information for some Jason Voorhees related fun.
Synopsis: A cult classic of gooey greatness, The Blob follows the havoc wreaked on a small town by an outer-space monster with neither soul nor vertebrae, with Steve McQueen playing the rebel teen who tries to warn the residents about the jellylike invader. Strong performances and ingenious special effects help The Blob transcend the schlock sci-fi and youth delinquency genres from which it originates.
Now, the real reason that you came here. Since this is Friday the 13th, I couldn’t leave out everyone’s favorite athletic equipment wearing maniac. Seeing as this is Freaky Friday, I’m going to recommend Friday the 13th Part 7: The New Blood. Haven’t seen the first 6? Why not, hmmm? You can watch them all first for a really great ti me. Really, if you just watch Part 6, you’ll be good to go for this one. At this point in the series, Jason is an unkillable, resurrected zombie trapped at the bottom of Crystal Lake. Until a girl with telekinetic powers breaks his chains. You read that right this movie boils down to Jason Voorhees faces off against Jean Grey from the Xmen. Are you with me yet?
This film is also notable as the film where Kane Hodder dons the mask for the first time. He is the only actor to reprise the role of Jason (Part 7, Part 8, The Final Friday, and Jason X). His performance is amazing, he brings a level of anger and purpose that the other actors haven’t really provided. You can tell when he moves that Jason is on a vengeance filled quest as opposed to just randomly killing kids for the sake of killing kids. Also, the final fight is the best in the series and features what was at the time, the longest full-body burn sequence. This is also the first time you get to see Jason’s face since the end of Part 4, and death, resurrection, and time have not been kind to him. This film also features an amazing Jason design that is still one of my favorite.
Click below for either the single film or collection and the film’s official synopsis.
Synopsis for Part 7: What chance does a teenage girl have against a maniacal maniac with a machete? Pack your bags and return to Crystal Lake to find out for yourself . . . if you dare! In Friday the 13th Part VII: The New Blood – Deluxe Edition, young Tina Shepard possesses the gift of telekinesis, allowing her to move things and see the future, using the power of her mind. But when a devious doctor tries to exploit her ability, the gift becomes a hellish curse. Tina unwittingly unchains the merciless, bloodthirsty Jason Voorhees from his watery grave, igniting a bloodbath that ends in the ultimate showdown in strength of mind versus pure evil matter. Experience the legacy of unrelenting terror that never dies!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 50s, 80s, friday the 13th, Halloween, horror, jason, Jason Voorhees, lovecraft, monster, scifi, Shoggoth, slasher, Steve McQueen, teen, The BLob
October 12, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 12 – A frightfully, funny classic
Today, I am bringing you a great film featuring not only the classic Universal Monsters, but also one of the legendary comedy duos of all time. Today, I give you Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. This movie was made when the monsters weren’t quite the box office draw that they had been, having combined the three big monsters into single films for House of Frankenstein and House of Dracula, it seemed natural to have them featured along with the comedians.
This is only the second time that Bela Lugosi would play Dracula on film, a role that he created in the 1931 film. Lon Chaney, Jr. would return to play the cursed Lawrence Talbot, who under a full moon turns into a wolf man (Lon Chaney, Jr is the only actor to play the roles of Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, and the Wolf Man for Universal; he was the only Wolf Man of the classic horror era). Glenn Strange had taken over the role of Frankenstein’s Monster from Lon Chaney, Jr for Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man, and would go on to play the monster in three other films. This gave him one more role in the makeup over Boris Karloff, who played the monster in the first three films.
The plot centers around Dracula’s attempts to steal Abbott’s brain to put into the monster to make him easier to control. Lon Chaney is trying to stop Dracula, and poor Abbott and Costello are caught in the middle. To pick up a copy, click the image below (the link will take you to a multi-pack, which also features Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy, …the Invisible Man, and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde – four comedy greats at a low price). The film’s synopsis is below.
Synopsis: Abbott and Costello, as railroad baggage clerks, receive a strange shipment – the last remains of Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster. But this deadly duo is still very much alive. So when the shipment arrives at the House of Horrors, the Monsters are not in their crates but have disappeared to a secret hideaway island. Blamed for the disappearance, Abbott and Costello follow their trail to the island, where not only do they meet up with Dracula (Bela Lugosi) and the Monster (Glenn Strange), but a Mad Scientist (Charles Bradstreet) who wants to switch Costello’s brain with that of the Monster. With everyone chasing each other, the Wolf Man (Lon Chaney, Jr.) shows up to scare them all. In the end everything works out: Costello finds romance and the Monsters find their final resting places…or do they?
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 40s, Abbott, Abbott and Costello, Bela Lugosi, classic, comedy, Costello, Dracula, Frankenstein, Glenn Strange, Halloween, horror, Lon Chaney, strange, universal, Universal Monsters, werewolf, Wolf Man
October 11, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 11 – the second Werewolf Wednesday
Because this is still classics week, and I did not want to use all of the normal selections for something like this, I am foregoing any of the Universal Wolf Man movies (but you should watch them). Instead, I am going with a film that has left a major mark on pop culture, was made to be little more than drive-in fodder, and launched the career of Michael Landon (Bonanza, Highway to Heaven, Little House on the Prairie). Some of you will have already guessed, but for those of you who haven’t, today’s film is I Was a Teenage Werewolf.
This film did some interesting things with the concept of the werewolf. In this one, a young teenager does not get bitten by an already existing werewolf. Instead, we have a teenager with anger issues who eventually goes to see a psychiatrist. Using regression therapy and an experimental serum, the doctor is able to transform his patient into the aforementioned werewolf of the title. A fun film that has been parodied many times over, when references to 50’s horror come up, I Was a Teenage Werewolf is well worth a viewing.
Unfortunately, I could not find this film on Amazon, but did find a copy here partnered with I Was a Teenage Frankenstein. Below is the official synopsis for the film.
Synopsis: A troubled teenager seeks help through hypnotherapy, but his evil doctor uses him for regression experiments that transform him into a rampaging werewolf. Stars Michael Landon in the movie that grossed ten times what it cost to make and became an instant drive-in classic.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 50s, B-movie, cult classic, drivein, Halloween, horror, horror movie, I was a teenage werewolf, mad scientist, Michael Landon, teenage, transformation, universal, werewolf, wolfman
October 10, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 10 – Classic scifi horror
Today, I wanted to bring up one of my all-time favorite films: Howard Hawks The Thing from Another World. This 1951 classic is based off of John W. Campbell’s Who Goes There and was remade into a more faithful retelling of the story by John Carpenter in 1982 as simply The Thing, starring Kurt Russell. Most of you will have at least heard of Carpenter’s film. However, due to stricter guidelines and effect limitations the original dealt with a plant-based lifeform that did not mimic creatures, but instead used blood to grow clones of itself.
This movie is well-written, acted, and still has a few scenes that will make you jump. I know that last one because when I show this movie to people for the first time, they always jump at the same places. If you are interested in picking up a copy of this gem, please click the image below, and the synopsis is beneath it.
Synopsis: A UFO crashes near an isolated military base in the far Arctic.Scientists recover the craft’s now-frozen alien pilot and take it back to their base. While debating whether to study the alien, try to communicate with it or kill it, the pilot awakens–and the scientists’ question of if it is friend or foe is quickly answered.Now, trapped in a frozen wasteland with an unstoppable, nonhuman creature that sees them as prey, the small band of scientists come face to face with The Thing.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 50s, amazon, classic, Halloween, horror, howard hawks, James Arness, john carpenter, remake, scary, scifi, The Thing, thing
October 9, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 9 – Monster Monday round 2
On this the second of our Monster Mondays, during classics week, I thought I would tackle a different sort of monster than the often thought of creature feature. I’m going very old school with this one, in fact, I’m going to a film that is actually a sequel in a six film series. Yes, you heard that right, a six-film series from back in the day. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you The Bride of Frankenstein.
Plans for this film were started immediately following the release of the 1931 Frankenstein, although this iconic lady would not see the silver screen until 1935. Colin Clive and Boris Karloff would return to play Doctor Frankenstein and his shambling monstrosity. Once again the make-up was done by famous monster maker Jack Pierce (who created the iconic look of the monster, his bride, and the Wolf Man). Borrowing from a subplot from the original novel, Bride is one of the few sequels that is considered an equal or to have surpassed the original. I would give this film a watch to see Karloff’s performance as the original monster.
Fans of Young Frankenstein will recognize several of the set pieces and scenes, as having been spoofed by Mel Brooks. Today, I’m not just linking to this film, but an entire Universal Monster’s set, because these are must haves for horror fans and fans of classic cinema. Not to mention it also comes with Frankenstein if you’ve not seen it. The Bride is also the only monster not in the first film in the series that is considered to be one of the Universal Monsters as you can see by her inclusion on the cover below. Click the image below to pick it up and read below for the synopsis of the Bride.
Synopsis: In one of the most popular horror films of all time, The Bride of Frankenstein, Boris Karloff reprises his role as the silver screen’s most misunderstood monster who now longs for a mate. Continuing exactly where the original left off, the critically acclaimed sequel introduces Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) as a deranged scientist who forces Henry Frankenstein (Colin Clive) to help him create a companion for the monster. Once again directed by James Whale and adapted from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, the sequel features outstanding makeup and special effects, instantly making the Bride of Frankenstein (Elsa Lanchester) one of the most recognizable monsters of all time.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, Boris Karloff, Bride, Bride of Frankenstein, classic, Frankenstein, Halloween, horror, iconic, Jack Pierce, monster, movie, science fiction, scifi, set, universal, Universal Monsters, Young Frankenstein
October 8, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 8 – Classic’s Week
Big thanks to everyone that came out yesterday to Smyrna for Revfest and welcome.
As this is the start of a new week, I thought that I would post classics of horror cinema. I consider classics to be anything up through 1960, and I realize that people will argue that range. I just wanted to give you guys the range that I would be using to determine a “classic” horror film.
For my first film, let me start with an English film that helped to inspire my second Winston & Baum steampunk adventure: Hammer’s The Mummy from 1959 (phew just made the cut off). This film features, like many of Hammer’s early hits, Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee. A lavish production that deals with the resurrection of an ancient high priest to seek revenge on those who desecrated the tomb of his lover, this film features great effects and wonderful performances. With many classic Hammer actors in supporting roles, Peter Cushing would become synonymous with the academic pitting himself against unnatural forces. Christopher Lee is imposing, even without the use of his voice, as the shambling mummy.
Why I am a sucker for the Universal films, I feel that this is a superior film to Universal’s The Mummy starring Boris Karloff. Mainly because Universal’s film feels like an Egyptian spin on their classic 1932 Dracula.
To pick up a copy of this classic, just click on the cover below and read on for the official synopsis.
Synopsis: When three English archaeologists find the tomb of an Egyptian highpriestess — buried nearly four thousand years before — they discover a guard who had been buried alive with her. Rising in anger, the Mummysets out to destroy the despoilers of the tomb of the sacred princess in this cult horror film. Starring two horror legends — Peter Cushing(“Star Wars”) and Christopher Lee.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 50s, British, Christopher Lee, Halloween, Hammer, Hammer Horror, horror, mummy, Peter Cushing, the mummy
October 7, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 7 – a Silent Saturday
Today, I’m at Revfest in Smyrna and hope some of you can drop by and say hi. For those of you keeping up with my monthly roundup of horrors, I offer you a German film from the silent era.
Haxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages was made to be an actual documentary, but in all honesty, it is a really fun watch for horror fans and history buffs. It is a psuedo-documentary at best and is a lot of fun. Silent film acting is normally large and over the top, but some of the things that they show are almost comical by today’s standards. Still, Haxan is a fun watch and any horror fan should give it a view. Click on the cover below and read on for the synopsis.
Synopsis: This silent docu-horror masterpiece is a study of how superstition and the misunderstanding of diseases and mental illness led to the hysteria of witch-hunts.
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, classic, documentary, German, Halloween, Haxan, horror, movie, silent, trials, witchcraft, witches
October 6, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 6 – Freaky Friday
Just a reminder that Revfest is tomorrow, I hope you guys are able to come out. Onward to day 6 of our 31 days of Halloween. I’m calling this Freaky Friday because the selection for today is one that will mess with your head a little bit.
John Carpenter is one of my all time favorite directors. In 1994, he created what is in my opinion one of the greatest Lovecraftian horror films: In the Mouth of Madness. While this story is not based on any of the H.P. Lovecraft’s works, the film captures the essence of what makes Lovecraftian horror so great: an overwhelming sense of insignificance and the fear of things from outside our realm.
Sam Neil plays an insurance investigator that is hired to locate a missing horror novelist. The fun starts when Sam Neil finds a small town that doesn’t exist except for in the author’s work. Ripe with people transforming into monstrosities and tentacle monsters and a pervading sense of reality beyond our conception, In the Mouth of Madness is a must see for fans of Carpenter, Lovecraft, or good horror.
Click the cover below to pick up your copy of this masterpiece and read on for the synopsis.
Synopsis: Sutter Cane (Jurgen Prochnow, The Seventh Sign) is the best-selling author whose newest novel is literally driving readers insane. When he inexplicably vanishes, his publisher (Academy Award winner Charlton Heston*) sends special investigator John Trent (Sam Neill, Jurassic Park, Dead Calm) to track him down. Drawn to a town that exists only in Cane’s books, Trent crosses the barrier between fact and fiction and enters a terrifying world from which there is no escape. Inspired by the tales of H.P. Lovecraft, this shocking story is, in the words of it’s acclaimed director, “horror beyond description!”
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, Alien, cosmic, cthulhu, dread, Halloween, horror, in the mouth of madness, john carpenter, lovecraft, lovecraftian, madness, movie, Sam Neil, scary
October 5, 2017
31 Days of Halloween Day 5 – Laughing Through the Fear
Just a quick reminder that I will be at Revfest at Rev Coffee in Smyrna this Saturday.
So far, I’ve put up some good horror movies, and one book. It is always good to break the tension just to let your nerves relax. This reason is why I’m giving you a goofy, great from the early 90’s: Ernest Scared Stupid. If you’ve never seen the Ernest films, then you should check out the earlier ones from Touchstone (Ernest Goes to Camp, Ernest Goes to Jail, & Ernest Saves Christmas). Jim Varney does a great job as our favorite fool, know what I mean Vern.
In this Halloween adventure, we find out that his family was cursed to grow ever dumber because they imprisoned a troll. In classic fashion Ernest releases the troll, unwittingly of course, and finds that he is the only one that can stop it. The troll in this actually scared me as a kid, so it may be too intense for younger viewers, but the makeup effects are pretty good. Also, Eartha Kitt turns in a fun performance as an old woman thought by many to be a witch, but she alone can help Ernest confront the troll army. This might be a fun one to watch with the family as opposed to some of the R-rated films I’ve posted so far. Click on the picture below to pick up a copy and read on for the synopsis.
Synopsis: Everybody’s favorite know-it-all, Ernest P. Worrell, scares up heaps of hilarious laughs in this frightfully funny comedy! The loveable lunkhead is in for a devil of a time when he accidentally unleashes an evil demon from its sacred tomb, causing the awakened foe to go on a devastating rampage. Ernest desperately attempts to prevent the destruction of town, but a 200-year-old curse renders Ernest Scared Stupid! And that’s when the fun and adventure begin! Loaded with uproarious hilarity, and a host of outrageously kooky characters, this big-screen treat delivers off-the-wall nuttiness that’s sure to drive you wild any time of the year!
Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: 31days, 31daysofhalloween, 90s, classic, comedy, Ernest, Ernest Scared Stupid, horror, horror comedy, Jim Varney, movie, scary, trolls, Vern
