It's always interesting to see where a franchise goes after the first movie, and the original Frankenstein series is no exception, as it was mostly a matter of finding new situations for the monster to lurch into. 1942's The Ghost of Frankenstein seems as if it would break new ground for the character, and while … Continue reading Frankenstein’s Ghost
Bela Lugosi, Action Hero
Who's ready for adventure? Bela Lugosi, is, of course, best known for playing Dracula, as well as starring in various other creature features, but Dracula was both his blessing and his curse, and Lugosi spent the rest of his life trying his hardest to get away from it. One of his more successful attempts seemed … Continue reading Bela Lugosi, Action Hero
I Vant Your Shave Lotion
Bela Lugosi was, of course, typecast as Dracula and carried that with him all his life, but he did break out of the mold and play other characters as well. One of these was 1940's The Death Bat. Bela doesn't play a vampire, but there are bats. Big ones. The movie opens with Dr. Paul Carruthers working … Continue reading I Vant Your Shave Lotion
Abbott and Costello Meet…
Abbott and Costello were quite the duo, of course, and they sure got around, even into some of Universal's best horror franchises. Actually, I should rephrase that. They met pretty much everyone, and if anyone hasn't seen the "Abbott and Costello Meet..." series, well, here's a treat. I've seen three of the five and the … Continue reading Abbott and Costello Meet…
Television Is Dangerous
As we've talked about on here before, it's pretty easy to forget that television was in its very early stages of development during the nineteen-thirties. And since it was such an unknown quantity, why not make a movie about it? Enter 1935's Murder By Television, starring one typecast former vampire, Hattie McDaniel, and a death ray. … Continue reading Television Is Dangerous
Pint-sized Poe
It seems I can't get out of October without looking at the work of Edgar Allan Poe, and this year's finding is the 2013 animated anthology, Extraordinary Tales. I discovered this little Raul Garcia product on Netflix, and while it's not the best adaptation of Poe's stories, it's still a fascinating film. Parents beware, though: Extraordinary Tales might be … Continue reading Pint-sized Poe
Bela Lugosi Versus the Vampire
Film fest time... Bela Lugosi is best-known for playing Dracula in the 1931 Universal film. He played the role on Broadway as well, and he originated what we immediately think of when vampires come to mind (Not looking at you, Twilight.). Hauntingly slow speech. Clawed hands. A sweep of a cape. Bela Lugosi did it all first. Lugosi … Continue reading Bela Lugosi Versus the Vampire
Taking Up Room 