Monday, October 22 – TV Screams
12:00 --- Frankenstein: The True Story (1973, 180 mins.)
3:00 --- House of Dark Shadows (1970, 97 mins.)
5:00 --- Count Dracula (1977, 160 mins.)
8:00 --- Salem’s Lot (1979, 183 mins.)
11:00 --- The Night Stalker (1972, 74 mins.)
12:30 --- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1968, 120 mins.)
Notes: One of my favorite marathon days, because though its hardly your traditional horror movie, NBC's two-part "Frankenstein: The True Story" is one of my all-time favorites ... A bit of a cheat, as "House of Dark Shadows" is the theatrical version of ABC's legendary soap opera, which I watched each afternoon at 4:00 p.m. ... BBC's "Count Dracula" was shown in the U.S. on PBS, as a three-part presentation if I remember correctly, and has just been released on DVD ... "The Night Stalker" was at the time and longer, the highest rated TV-movie of all-time after it first aired; its sometimes cited as the inspiration for Chris Carter and his "X-Files". Dan Curtis produced both Dark Shadows and the TV-movie. ... During a summer in the early 70s, I remember staying up LATE to watch "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" on ABC; Jack Palance stars, and did a similar great job years later (1973) as Dracula (also about this time was a TV version of Frankenstein with Bo Svenson of "Walking Tall" fame) --- I remember seeing all three during that summer in the early '70s.
Note: I still love "The True Story" ... Nothing like hearing the theme to Dark Shadows on an overcast October afternoon. Amusing how the theatrical version did the bulk of almost four years of storyline that the daily soap provided. ...
... for fans of Dracula, give yourself a HUGE treat and get the BBC's "Count Dracula". I had not seen it in 25+ years, and its such a great adaptation that rivals (and in my opinion) supersedes "Bram Stoker's Dracula" --- Frank Finlay gives my all-time favorite portrayal of Van Helsing, and I think the definitive one based on the novel.
Tuesday, October 23 – Dead of Night
7:00 --- Night of the Living Dead (1968, 96 mins.)
8:35 --- Dawn of the Dead (1978, 139 mins. Director’s Cut)
11:00 --- The Return of the Living Dead (1985, 91 mins.)
12:30 --- Day of the Dead (1985, 102 mins.)
2:30 --- Land of the Dead (2005, 97 mins.)
Note: "Dead of Night" is actually the name of a highly reguarded 1945 anthology film. I thought I'd seen it, but I'm now sure that I haven't, and plan to get a copy of it. Either way, it's not a zombie flick, but I just borrowed the title for the day's marathon. It was this or "Romero Night of the Movies" ... Several years after it was released, "Dawn of the Dead" played at the Midnight Movies where I lived, and I saw it three consecutive weekends. ... I won't say much about all the sequels, but "The Return of the Living Dead" is one of the all-time great zombie movies --- fun and disgusting.
7:00 --- Night of the Living Dead (1968, 96 mins.)
8:35 --- Dawn of the Dead (1978, 139 mins. Director’s Cut)
11:00 --- The Return of the Living Dead (1985, 91 mins.)
12:30 --- Day of the Dead (1985, 102 mins.)
2:30 --- Land of the Dead (2005, 97 mins.)
Note: "Dead of Night" is actually the name of a highly reguarded 1945 anthology film. I thought I'd seen it, but I'm now sure that I haven't, and plan to get a copy of it. Either way, it's not a zombie flick, but I just borrowed the title for the day's marathon. It was this or "Romero Night of the Movies" ... Several years after it was released, "Dawn of the Dead" played at the Midnight Movies where I lived, and I saw it three consecutive weekends. ... I won't say much about all the sequels, but "The Return of the Living Dead" is one of the all-time great zombie movies --- fun and disgusting.
Wednesday, October 24 – Classic Remakes
8:30 --- The Blob (1988, 95 mins.)
10:00 --- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978, 115 mins.)
12:00 --- The Fly (1986, 95 mins.)
1:30 --- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003, 98 mins.)
Notes: Very few movies on this day under the banner of "Classic Remakes" --- because most remakes are miles from 'classic' and often miles from just being 'good' ... YES, there is a glaring omission from this little marathon (but it's coming) ... I went to see "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" as a double-feature with "Superman: the Movie" having seen the original and was only mildly enthused --- such a great, subtle horror film! ... I'll just go ahead and say it: "The Blob" remake is better than the original --- it respects and honors the McQueen classic, with the advantage of modern special effects that actually ADDED and didn't DISTRACT from its predecessor's legacy. ... Though technically a remake, the two versions of "The Fly" are really distinctly different and great films. ... I really have no idea why it was necessary to remake "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre", but I really like the new one. Only a monumental stinker could have made me dislike a movie with Jessica Biel AND R. Lee Ermey (LOL). But I appreciated how the young cast did something that can often be taken for granted in horror films --- they looked SCARED OUT OF THEIR MINDS.
8:30 --- The Blob (1988, 95 mins.)
10:00 --- Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978, 115 mins.)
12:00 --- The Fly (1986, 95 mins.)
1:30 --- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003, 98 mins.)
Notes: Very few movies on this day under the banner of "Classic Remakes" --- because most remakes are miles from 'classic' and often miles from just being 'good' ... YES, there is a glaring omission from this little marathon (but it's coming) ... I went to see "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" as a double-feature with "Superman: the Movie" having seen the original and was only mildly enthused --- such a great, subtle horror film! ... I'll just go ahead and say it: "The Blob" remake is better than the original --- it respects and honors the McQueen classic, with the advantage of modern special effects that actually ADDED and didn't DISTRACT from its predecessor's legacy. ... Though technically a remake, the two versions of "The Fly" are really distinctly different and great films. ... I really have no idea why it was necessary to remake "The Texas Chain Saw Massacre", but I really like the new one. Only a monumental stinker could have made me dislike a movie with Jessica Biel AND R. Lee Ermey (LOL). But I appreciated how the young cast did something that can often be taken for granted in horror films --- they looked SCARED OUT OF THEIR MINDS.
Thursday, October 25 – ‘80s Vampires
6:45 --- The Hunger (1983, 100 mins.)
8:30 --- Vamp (1986, 93 mins.)
10:00 --- Lifeforce (1985, 116 mins.)
12:00 --- Near Dark (1987, 94 mins.)
1:30 --- The Lost Boys (1987, 97 mins.)
Note: Yes, another glaring omission, and again, it's coming ... I've often stated "The Lost Boys" is the second best vampire movie of the '80s, and its a rock solid, scary and fun film that is required viewing by any horror fan ... On a much more radical and adult note, "Lifeforce" is one of the most unique 'vampire' movies ever, ranking up their with "The Keep"
6:45 --- The Hunger (1983, 100 mins.)
8:30 --- Vamp (1986, 93 mins.)
10:00 --- Lifeforce (1985, 116 mins.)
12:00 --- Near Dark (1987, 94 mins.)
1:30 --- The Lost Boys (1987, 97 mins.)
Note: Yes, another glaring omission, and again, it's coming ... I've often stated "The Lost Boys" is the second best vampire movie of the '80s, and its a rock solid, scary and fun film that is required viewing by any horror fan ... On a much more radical and adult note, "Lifeforce" is one of the most unique 'vampire' movies ever, ranking up their with "The Keep"
Friday, October 26 – Full Moon Madness
4:00 --- The Werewolf (1956, 79 mins.)
5:30 --- I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957, 76 mins.)
7:00 --- Bad Moon (1996, 80 mins.)
8:30 --- The Wolf Man (1941, 70 mins.)
10:00 --- The Howling (1981, 91 mins.)
11:30 --- An American Werewolf in London (1981, 97 mins.)
1:15 --- Wolfen (1981, 115 mins.)
Note: Last night was a Full Moon, as it will be tonight and tomorrow. Naturally, such an event must be used to savor a pack of werewolf films ... "Bad Moon" is a the must-see since I doubt many people actually have seen it ... I actually watched "The Wolf Man" October 1, but since I didn't have "Silver Bullet" on DVD, and it is a Full Moon, and the news of the new version being filmed, I'm watching it again ... "Wolfen" is one of one of the more unique horror films ; not for everyone, but I have always had a great appreciaiton for it.
Note: I was on a roll doing a project, and ended up watching "Werewolf of London" and "Frankenstein meets the Wolfman" before forcing myself to get a little sleep before undertaking ...
4:00 --- The Werewolf (1956, 79 mins.)
5:30 --- I Was a Teenage Werewolf (1957, 76 mins.)
7:00 --- Bad Moon (1996, 80 mins.)
8:30 --- The Wolf Man (1941, 70 mins.)
10:00 --- The Howling (1981, 91 mins.)
11:30 --- An American Werewolf in London (1981, 97 mins.)
1:15 --- Wolfen (1981, 115 mins.)
Note: Last night was a Full Moon, as it will be tonight and tomorrow. Naturally, such an event must be used to savor a pack of werewolf films ... "Bad Moon" is a the must-see since I doubt many people actually have seen it ... I actually watched "The Wolf Man" October 1, but since I didn't have "Silver Bullet" on DVD, and it is a Full Moon, and the news of the new version being filmed, I'm watching it again ... "Wolfen" is one of one of the more unique horror films ; not for everyone, but I have always had a great appreciaiton for it.
Note: I was on a roll doing a project, and ended up watching "Werewolf of London" and "Frankenstein meets the Wolfman" before forcing myself to get a little sleep before undertaking ...
Saturday, October 27, 2007 – Fright Night
8:00 --- Beetle Juice (1988, 92 mins.)
10:00 --- Horror Hotel (1960, 76 mins.)
11:30 --- The Curse of Dracula (1958, 77 mins.)
1:00 --- Curse of the Demon (1957, 95 mins.)
2:30 --- IT! Terror from Beyond Space (1958, 69 mins.)
4:00 --- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997, 100 mins.)
6:00 --- Sleepy Hollow (1999, 105 mins.)
8:00 --- Fright Night (1985, 106 mins.)
10:00 --- The Thing (1982, 109 mins.)
12:00 --- Shaun of the Dead (2004, 99 mins.)
2:00 --- Slither (2006, 95 mins.)
Notes: Long night before, a little lethargic this morning, but the solid, spooky laughs of Beetle Juice has me up and running ... Dubbed Fright Night, it really should be Fright DAY. I like the last Saturday of October to be a marathon of favorites.
Posting this, watching the first of four movies --- Saturday afternoon favorites from my childhood: The cheap but highly moody "Horror Hotel" with brief appearance by Christopher Lee; The Curse of Dracula now known as "The Return of Dracula"; a tense, horror thriller in "Curse of the Demon" that is vastly underrated in the world of horror; and the movie that is said to have inspired "Alien", "IT! Terror from Beyond Space", which features a great monster with what looks like a disgusting tongue that is actually the actor's chin inside the badly fitting mask!
"Scream" gets all the hype, but I loved "I Know What You Did Last Summer", with Sarah Michelle Gellar (first and foremost, lol) and Jennifer Love Hewitt; sans the goofy scene involving a car trunk, it is a really well-done slasher pic.
The remaining of the schedule needs little said ...
"Sleepy Hollow" --- the great Halloween, ghost story, done BEAUTIFULLY by Tim Burton (the look of it is awesome), and a great, growling performance by Christopher Walken.
"Fright Night" is one of my all-time favorites, with an element of fun without being stupid or trying to be funny.
"The Thing" is the greatest of all remakes, and provides moments of what films strive for --- absolute horror.
"Shaun of the Dead", done by a group of British comedians, ends up being the best Zombie movie since the original "Dawn of the Dead". This one tries to be funny and succeeds, but within the parameters of a well-done and executed story.
"Slither" is the most fun horror movie since "Phantasm", seeing it in a 2/3 full theatre, people were screaming, laughing and talking AT the screen --- that's movie magic.
8:00 --- Beetle Juice (1988, 92 mins.)
10:00 --- Horror Hotel (1960, 76 mins.)
11:30 --- The Curse of Dracula (1958, 77 mins.)
1:00 --- Curse of the Demon (1957, 95 mins.)
2:30 --- IT! Terror from Beyond Space (1958, 69 mins.)
4:00 --- I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997, 100 mins.)
6:00 --- Sleepy Hollow (1999, 105 mins.)
8:00 --- Fright Night (1985, 106 mins.)
10:00 --- The Thing (1982, 109 mins.)
12:00 --- Shaun of the Dead (2004, 99 mins.)
2:00 --- Slither (2006, 95 mins.)
Notes: Long night before, a little lethargic this morning, but the solid, spooky laughs of Beetle Juice has me up and running ... Dubbed Fright Night, it really should be Fright DAY. I like the last Saturday of October to be a marathon of favorites.
Posting this, watching the first of four movies --- Saturday afternoon favorites from my childhood: The cheap but highly moody "Horror Hotel" with brief appearance by Christopher Lee; The Curse of Dracula now known as "The Return of Dracula"; a tense, horror thriller in "Curse of the Demon" that is vastly underrated in the world of horror; and the movie that is said to have inspired "Alien", "IT! Terror from Beyond Space", which features a great monster with what looks like a disgusting tongue that is actually the actor's chin inside the badly fitting mask!
"Scream" gets all the hype, but I loved "I Know What You Did Last Summer", with Sarah Michelle Gellar (first and foremost, lol) and Jennifer Love Hewitt; sans the goofy scene involving a car trunk, it is a really well-done slasher pic.
The remaining of the schedule needs little said ...
"Sleepy Hollow" --- the great Halloween, ghost story, done BEAUTIFULLY by Tim Burton (the look of it is awesome), and a great, growling performance by Christopher Walken.
"Fright Night" is one of my all-time favorites, with an element of fun without being stupid or trying to be funny.
"The Thing" is the greatest of all remakes, and provides moments of what films strive for --- absolute horror.
"Shaun of the Dead", done by a group of British comedians, ends up being the best Zombie movie since the original "Dawn of the Dead". This one tries to be funny and succeeds, but within the parameters of a well-done and executed story.
"Slither" is the most fun horror movie since "Phantasm", seeing it in a 2/3 full theatre, people were screaming, laughing and talking AT the screen --- that's movie magic.
Sunday, October 28 – Those Darn Kids!
6:30 --- Rosemary’s Baby (1968, 136 mins.)
9:00 --- The Omen (1976, 111 mins.)
11:00 --- The Exorcist (1973, 132 mins. Uncut)
Notes: After two long days of marathons, the planned brief-but-intense marathon today of the horrors of raising children --- from baby to teenager, these are three films high on the horror chain. Something about the most innocent of things (kids) being pawns of the most evil of things (the Devil) always makes for a highly disturbing level of horror.
Oh yeah ... and "The Exorcist" is the scariest freakin' film of all-time. I was 7 when this film premiered, and just the TV ads alone had me tensed up at night, willing the bed NOT to start jumping and shaking me. I eased into it, seeing it first on CBS and thus highly edited. I've 'met' Linda Blair at a horror movie convention and she is an exceptionally beautiful woman, but I couldn't stop thinking of her as Regan --- very unsettling, lol.
6:30 --- Rosemary’s Baby (1968, 136 mins.)
9:00 --- The Omen (1976, 111 mins.)
11:00 --- The Exorcist (1973, 132 mins. Uncut)
Notes: After two long days of marathons, the planned brief-but-intense marathon today of the horrors of raising children --- from baby to teenager, these are three films high on the horror chain. Something about the most innocent of things (kids) being pawns of the most evil of things (the Devil) always makes for a highly disturbing level of horror.
Oh yeah ... and "The Exorcist" is the scariest freakin' film of all-time. I was 7 when this film premiered, and just the TV ads alone had me tensed up at night, willing the bed NOT to start jumping and shaking me. I eased into it, seeing it first on CBS and thus highly edited. I've 'met' Linda Blair at a horror movie convention and she is an exceptionally beautiful woman, but I couldn't stop thinking of her as Regan --- very unsettling, lol.
Monday, October 29 – Illusions & Games
7:00 --- Hellraiser (1987, 94 mins.)
8:30 --- Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988, 99 mins. Uncut)
10:30 --- Phantasm (1979, 88 mins.)
12:00 --- Phantasm II (1988, 97 mins.)
1:40 --- Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994, 91 mins.)
Notes: This day can also be known as "Boy, ... Time to Play"
"Hellraiser" and "Phantasm" are two of my favorite horror movies, and both have spawned less than satisfying sequels as each has fallen in to the trap of compelling them to EXPLAIN everything. I find explaination can often bog down and/or ruin the overall effect. The first sequel to each film is great in my opinion, but beyond things get shaky. I've literally lost track of all the Hellraiser films; but its more because of what is revealed or explained about Pinhead in "Hellbound". Pinhead is one of the all-time great characters of horror. ... "Phantasm II" picks up on the fun, and with more money, gave this sequel and in particular 'The Ball' more meat for fans to chew on. But "III: Lord of the Dead" just has to start explaining all the horror, and again, in this and "Hellraiser" case, there really ISN'T any scary Devil in the Details.
I also feel this way about "Halloween". It is far more scary and disturbing that a masked maniac just wants to kill for killing's sake ... and when you know why Jamie Lee Curtis' character is such a desireable target, a little bit of horror is sacrificed.
I don't need to know who or what the Cenobites are, I just know if you play with 'The Box' bad, BAD things happen ... I don't need to know who or what The Tall Man is, I just know if he presides over a funeral or a 'Ball' is flying around, it's never going to be a good thing.
It's a fine line, too little explaination can make a viewer feel left out or confused, but when the story and the tension are at a high level, explaination is often unnecessary. I wish more good horror films dealt with story and circumstance and less with the who, what, where and why.
Horror shouldn't pause to evaluate WHY these maniacs and monsters are doing what they are doing, and when it does pause to offer explaination, it often does so at the cost of effect.
Still, these two films are modern masterpieces, and both with very worthy sequels; but both couldln't leave it at that, and explained all the horror of themselves away. Really the only reason I'm watching "Phantasm III" is because I just acquired it on DVD and I haven't seen it since its direct-to-VHS release.
One last thing: when I saw the original "Phantasm" in a theatre, it was one of the best movie-going experiences ever. The true movie magic I've mentioned before, where people were screaming, tense laughing and talking at the screen in a way that made the movie more fun and not bothersome. But the best moment (maybe of all time for me), during a scene late in the movie as The Tall Man pursues his prey, two girls a few rows in front of us literally tried to jump out of their seats presumably into each other's laps and CRASHED to the floor. It was AWESOME, LOL.
7:00 --- Hellraiser (1987, 94 mins.)
8:30 --- Hellbound: Hellraiser II (1988, 99 mins. Uncut)
10:30 --- Phantasm (1979, 88 mins.)
12:00 --- Phantasm II (1988, 97 mins.)
1:40 --- Phantasm III: Lord of the Dead (1994, 91 mins.)
Notes: This day can also be known as "Boy, ... Time to Play"
"Hellraiser" and "Phantasm" are two of my favorite horror movies, and both have spawned less than satisfying sequels as each has fallen in to the trap of compelling them to EXPLAIN everything. I find explaination can often bog down and/or ruin the overall effect. The first sequel to each film is great in my opinion, but beyond things get shaky. I've literally lost track of all the Hellraiser films; but its more because of what is revealed or explained about Pinhead in "Hellbound". Pinhead is one of the all-time great characters of horror. ... "Phantasm II" picks up on the fun, and with more money, gave this sequel and in particular 'The Ball' more meat for fans to chew on. But "III: Lord of the Dead" just has to start explaining all the horror, and again, in this and "Hellraiser" case, there really ISN'T any scary Devil in the Details.
I also feel this way about "Halloween". It is far more scary and disturbing that a masked maniac just wants to kill for killing's sake ... and when you know why Jamie Lee Curtis' character is such a desireable target, a little bit of horror is sacrificed.
I don't need to know who or what the Cenobites are, I just know if you play with 'The Box' bad, BAD things happen ... I don't need to know who or what The Tall Man is, I just know if he presides over a funeral or a 'Ball' is flying around, it's never going to be a good thing.
It's a fine line, too little explaination can make a viewer feel left out or confused, but when the story and the tension are at a high level, explaination is often unnecessary. I wish more good horror films dealt with story and circumstance and less with the who, what, where and why.
Horror shouldn't pause to evaluate WHY these maniacs and monsters are doing what they are doing, and when it does pause to offer explaination, it often does so at the cost of effect.
Still, these two films are modern masterpieces, and both with very worthy sequels; but both couldln't leave it at that, and explained all the horror of themselves away. Really the only reason I'm watching "Phantasm III" is because I just acquired it on DVD and I haven't seen it since its direct-to-VHS release.
One last thing: when I saw the original "Phantasm" in a theatre, it was one of the best movie-going experiences ever. The true movie magic I've mentioned before, where people were screaming, tense laughing and talking at the screen in a way that made the movie more fun and not bothersome. But the best moment (maybe of all time for me), during a scene late in the movie as The Tall Man pursues his prey, two girls a few rows in front of us literally tried to jump out of their seats presumably into each other's laps and CRASHED to the floor. It was AWESOME, LOL.
Tuesday, October 30 – It’s Alive! It’s Alive!
7:00 --- Frankenstein (1931, 71 mins.)
8:15 --- Bride of Frankenstein (1935, 75 mins.)
9:30 --- Son of Frankenstein (1939, 99 mins.)
11:15 --- Ghost of Frankenstein (1942, 67 mins.)
12:30 --- Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man (1943, 74 mins.)
1:45 --- House of Frankenstein (1944, 71 mins.)
Notes: I planned on watching a few other versions of Mary Shelley's tale, but I just wanted to savor the look, feel and charm of the Universal Horror version ... watching "meets the Wolfman" for the second time in the last few days; it's short, a classic, and must be watched as part of the Legacy sequence ... a relatively short marathon time wise, in order to be sharp for the Halloween Day marathon.
I'll say this yet again: "Ghost of Frankenstein" is vastly underrated, and I also stand by the statement that Lugosi's IGOR in "Son of" and here in "Ghost of" is the best performance of his legendary career. How I wish there had been a movie that showed The Monster's reign of terror utilizing a fully functioning Igor-brain.
P.S. --- I'm breaking out my Parrot label, scratched, crackling and worn out vinyl version of the late, great Bobby "Boris" Pickett's infamous "MONSTER MASH" to listen to at least once during the day's marathon fun.
7:00 --- Frankenstein (1931, 71 mins.)
8:15 --- Bride of Frankenstein (1935, 75 mins.)
9:30 --- Son of Frankenstein (1939, 99 mins.)
11:15 --- Ghost of Frankenstein (1942, 67 mins.)
12:30 --- Frankenstein meets the Wolf Man (1943, 74 mins.)
1:45 --- House of Frankenstein (1944, 71 mins.)
Notes: I planned on watching a few other versions of Mary Shelley's tale, but I just wanted to savor the look, feel and charm of the Universal Horror version ... watching "meets the Wolfman" for the second time in the last few days; it's short, a classic, and must be watched as part of the Legacy sequence ... a relatively short marathon time wise, in order to be sharp for the Halloween Day marathon.
I'll say this yet again: "Ghost of Frankenstein" is vastly underrated, and I also stand by the statement that Lugosi's IGOR in "Son of" and here in "Ghost of" is the best performance of his legendary career. How I wish there had been a movie that showed The Monster's reign of terror utilizing a fully functioning Igor-brain.
P.S. --- I'm breaking out my Parrot label, scratched, crackling and worn out vinyl version of the late, great Bobby "Boris" Pickett's infamous "MONSTER MASH" to listen to at least once during the day's marathon fun.
Wednesday, October 31 – HALLOWEEN
7:00 --- The Groovy Goolies
8:00 --- Scooby-Doo, “Headless Horseman"
8:30 --- Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004, 93 mins.)
10:00 --- Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein (1948, 83 mins.)
11:30 --- The Simpsons: Treehouse of Terror
12:00 --- The Andy Griffith Show, “Haunted Hosueâ€Â
12:20 --- Roseanne, “BOOâ€Â
12:40 --- Newhart, “War of the Worldsâ€Â
1:00 --- The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (1962, 82 mins.)
2:30 --- The Return of the Vampire (1944, 69 mins.)
4:00 --- Dracula (1979, 109 mins.)
5:50 --- Michael Jackson, “Thrillerâ€Â
6:00 --- Mad Monster Party (1969, 94 mins.)
7:30 --- Charlie Brown, “It’s the Great Pumpkinâ€Â
8:00 --- Halloween (1978, 91 mins./101 mins. extended)
9:30 --- Halloween II (1981, 92 mins.)
11:00 --- Pumpkinhead (1989, 86 mins.)
12:30 --- The Hollywood Knights (1980, 91 mins.)
2:00 --- The Gravedancers (2006, 95 mins.)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN Everyone!
NOTES
Thanks to iTunes, I watched a classic Scooby-Doo cartoon ... I really didn't like the first, but "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" is a great live action version of the cartoon (the first had too much of a modern, hip plot and not enough of what the Scooby Gang was all about). Freddy Prinze aside, the casting gurus did an amazing job bringing the Gang to life (Prinze does a really good job, it's just I would never have thought of him for the role; much like Jessica Alba as the Invisible Woman --- something about both going blonde just seems unnatural). And the addition of Peter Boyle was stellar. The plot holds up like a Saturday morning cartoon --- and that's why it's better than the first movie. I barely acknowledge the first existed.
Every time I watch "Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein", I'm impressed what a great movie this is. The 'monster' element of it is as good as many of Universal's 'serious' monster films: Lugosi (in what I think is only the second official time he portrayed Dracula, ... and his last), Chaney as the Wolf Man and Strange as The Monster --- all interacting in classic monster storyline. The humor element that Universal always infused is taken to legendary levels with Abbott & Costello. This movie is fantastic! It's really funny, and a classic for monster fans of all ages at the same time. I try to shake up my Halloween Day marathons, but like Carpenter's "Halloween", this is officially a permanent fixture. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Many TV series do Halloween episodes, and two shows do so on a legendary basis: "The Simpsons" and "Roseanne". The seven "Roseanne" episodes are available on a special edition DVD. ... "Haunted House" from the "The Andy Griffith Show" always provides solid laughs, with Don Knotts and Jim Nabors in top form with their characters. ... When "War of the Worlds" comes to Vermont, the insanity of the "Newhart" characters is at a peak here.
The favorite movie of Cleveland's legendary horror movie host Ghoulardi was "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" --- funny, scary absurdity that brings back great memories.
"The Return of the Vampire" has it all, and is often forgotten. Lugosi is the vampire Armand Tesla, complete with a Werewolf henchman in the midst of a spooky old graveyard and crypt. Just over an hour-long, its a bare bones monster treat.
The 1979, Frank Langella "Dracula" is a personal favorite, though as always, its spins the Stoker tale wildly. Regardless, watching some version of "Dracula" should be part of any Halloween marathon.
"Mad Monster Party" is the Halloween holiday classic from the creators of "Rudolph" and "Santa Claus" specials. It's newly put to DVD, and hearing the voice of Boris Karloff is always a treat. This was actually released in theaters.
Few things have the innocent charm of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown".
Stan Winston did the effects for "Alien", and in 1989 directed his first film, "Pumpkinhead". It's one of the all-time great monsters, and it's easy to see the "Alien" influence. Ignore sequels, but watch the original.
A ripoff of "American Graffiti", "The Hollywood Knights" is nonetheless a classic. Set on Halloween night 1965, its the end of an era for the Southern California car club and its hangout Tubby's. Stupid but hilarious, its always a treat. New members have to return to Tubby's by 2 a.m., which is about the time it ends during the marathon.
"The Gravedancers" is one of the best pure ghost movies is a long time. It was part of the 2006 After Dark 8 Films to Die For - HorrorFest, and I thought the best of the bunch by far.
7:00 --- The Groovy Goolies
8:00 --- Scooby-Doo, “Headless Horseman"
8:30 --- Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004, 93 mins.)
10:00 --- Abbott & Costello meet Frankenstein (1948, 83 mins.)
11:30 --- The Simpsons: Treehouse of Terror
12:00 --- The Andy Griffith Show, “Haunted Hosueâ€Â
12:20 --- Roseanne, “BOOâ€Â
12:40 --- Newhart, “War of the Worldsâ€Â
1:00 --- The Brain That Wouldn’t Die (1962, 82 mins.)
2:30 --- The Return of the Vampire (1944, 69 mins.)
4:00 --- Dracula (1979, 109 mins.)
5:50 --- Michael Jackson, “Thrillerâ€Â
6:00 --- Mad Monster Party (1969, 94 mins.)
7:30 --- Charlie Brown, “It’s the Great Pumpkinâ€Â
8:00 --- Halloween (1978, 91 mins./101 mins. extended)
9:30 --- Halloween II (1981, 92 mins.)
11:00 --- Pumpkinhead (1989, 86 mins.)
12:30 --- The Hollywood Knights (1980, 91 mins.)
2:00 --- The Gravedancers (2006, 95 mins.)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN Everyone!
NOTES
Thanks to iTunes, I watched a classic Scooby-Doo cartoon ... I really didn't like the first, but "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" is a great live action version of the cartoon (the first had too much of a modern, hip plot and not enough of what the Scooby Gang was all about). Freddy Prinze aside, the casting gurus did an amazing job bringing the Gang to life (Prinze does a really good job, it's just I would never have thought of him for the role; much like Jessica Alba as the Invisible Woman --- something about both going blonde just seems unnatural). And the addition of Peter Boyle was stellar. The plot holds up like a Saturday morning cartoon --- and that's why it's better than the first movie. I barely acknowledge the first existed.
Every time I watch "Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein", I'm impressed what a great movie this is. The 'monster' element of it is as good as many of Universal's 'serious' monster films: Lugosi (in what I think is only the second official time he portrayed Dracula, ... and his last), Chaney as the Wolf Man and Strange as The Monster --- all interacting in classic monster storyline. The humor element that Universal always infused is taken to legendary levels with Abbott & Costello. This movie is fantastic! It's really funny, and a classic for monster fans of all ages at the same time. I try to shake up my Halloween Day marathons, but like Carpenter's "Halloween", this is officially a permanent fixture. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION.
Many TV series do Halloween episodes, and two shows do so on a legendary basis: "The Simpsons" and "Roseanne". The seven "Roseanne" episodes are available on a special edition DVD. ... "Haunted House" from the "The Andy Griffith Show" always provides solid laughs, with Don Knotts and Jim Nabors in top form with their characters. ... When "War of the Worlds" comes to Vermont, the insanity of the "Newhart" characters is at a peak here.
The favorite movie of Cleveland's legendary horror movie host Ghoulardi was "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" --- funny, scary absurdity that brings back great memories.
"The Return of the Vampire" has it all, and is often forgotten. Lugosi is the vampire Armand Tesla, complete with a Werewolf henchman in the midst of a spooky old graveyard and crypt. Just over an hour-long, its a bare bones monster treat.
The 1979, Frank Langella "Dracula" is a personal favorite, though as always, its spins the Stoker tale wildly. Regardless, watching some version of "Dracula" should be part of any Halloween marathon.
"Mad Monster Party" is the Halloween holiday classic from the creators of "Rudolph" and "Santa Claus" specials. It's newly put to DVD, and hearing the voice of Boris Karloff is always a treat. This was actually released in theaters.
Few things have the innocent charm of "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown".
Stan Winston did the effects for "Alien", and in 1989 directed his first film, "Pumpkinhead". It's one of the all-time great monsters, and it's easy to see the "Alien" influence. Ignore sequels, but watch the original.
A ripoff of "American Graffiti", "The Hollywood Knights" is nonetheless a classic. Set on Halloween night 1965, its the end of an era for the Southern California car club and its hangout Tubby's. Stupid but hilarious, its always a treat. New members have to return to Tubby's by 2 a.m., which is about the time it ends during the marathon.
"The Gravedancers" is one of the best pure ghost movies is a long time. It was part of the 2006 After Dark 8 Films to Die For - HorrorFest, and I thought the best of the bunch by far.
Last edited by Uncle POE on Wed Oct 31, 2007 3:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
One Last Note
I'm not sure the rationale, but I've enjoyed sharing my marathon movie lists with those here on this thread.
I'm a movie fanatic in general. When it comes to horror/sci-fi, I watch several a week in one form or another.
I may post my weekly viewing list, until proven its just boring people or no one really cares. Not sure if this would be the best place, but I'll try until encouraged otherwise.
For those who won't be back to this website until next Autumn, ... have a great year.
I'm not sure the rationale, but I've enjoyed sharing my marathon movie lists with those here on this thread.
I'm a movie fanatic in general. When it comes to horror/sci-fi, I watch several a week in one form or another.
I may post my weekly viewing list, until proven its just boring people or no one really cares. Not sure if this would be the best place, but I'll try until encouraged otherwise.
For those who won't be back to this website until next Autumn, ... have a great year.
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hippieluvn
- Halloween Master
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hippieluvn
- Halloween Master
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Cadaverino
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