A Sci-Fi Swarm and Horror Horde: Interviews with 62 Filmmakers

by Tom Weaver

In this jam-packed jamboree of conversations, more than 60 movie veterans describe their experiences on the sets of some of the world's most beloved sci-fi and horror movies and television series. Including groundbreaking oldies (Flash Gordon, One Million B.C.); 1950s and 1960s milestones (The War of the Worlds, Psycho, House of Usher); classic schlock (Queen of Outer Space, Attack of the Crab Monsters); and cult TV favorites (Lost in Space, Land of the Giants), the discussions offer a frank and fascinating behind-the-scenes look. Among the Roger Corman, Pamela Duncan, Richard and Alex Gordon, Tony "Dr. Lao" Randall, Troy Donahue, Sid Melton, Fess Parker, Nan Peterson, Alan Young, John "Bud" Cardos, and dozens more.

Genres: Media Tie In, Film

412 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Horror DNA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with stories about Robert Armstrong, the star of the original King Kong (the "Beauty killed the beast" guy), as told by his friend and co-star Jimmy Lydon, then moving through various other cast and crew members whose names you probably wouldn't know, it's jam-packed with fascinating anecdotes from film and TV.

From the old Flash Gordon serials to the original Lost in Space and Wild Wild West TV shows, to movies like Them and War of the Worlds, author Tom Weaver has culled together an impressive array of variegated tales that never become repetitive.

You can read R.J.'s full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent collection of interviews by Tom Weaver. This time, he collects shorter pieces from his magazine work, and excerpts from longer interviews that focus specifically on horror and sci-fi films in a larger career. As always, it's a mixed bag, but there is enough good stuff here to warrant the somewhat steep price. The McFarland Press design and packaging is superb.