The Revenge of Frankenstein (1958)

Yesterday was one of the final long softball days of the season and will admit it took its toll on me. I was beaten down and just wanted to sleep. When I finally cleared my head, I decided to watch something older. After some searching, I decided on the 1958 classic film, The Revenge of Frankenstein.

Plot/ Baron Frankenstein escapes from the guillotine and goes to Germany. There, he names himself Dr. Stein and plans to restart his experiments by using parts of dead bodies.

I was in the mood for some type of classic last night and decided to turn to Hammer Studios and that decision was rewarded. This is one of the more underpublicized films from the catalog, but it offers everything you could ask for from one of the early Frankenstein films. More atmospheric and creepy, this movie looks amazing. The sets, the lighting, pacing, and the cinematography are perfect, the performances were outstanding, and the storyline was full of twists and turns and added some depth that many entries in the historic life of Frankenstein do not have. Yes, it may be more of a drama or thriller than a horror film and as usual, the story is more about the doctor than the creature, but any fan of Hammer Horror should already expect those elements. In the end, this is an entertaining movie to watch and a perfect movie for a quiet night with Doctor Frankenstein. If you have not seen it, check it out.

The Plague of the Zombies (1966)

This weekend I had a great time at Monsterfest 14. Not only was I able to debut my two new books After the Static and Salvation, but also I was able to interact with some horror fans of all genres. By the end of the night, although tired, many of us came to the zombie double feature. The first movie from the evening was the 1966 Hammer Horror entry The Plague of the Zombies.

Plot/ A medical professor and his daughter link a Cornish epidemic to a village squire's voodoo.

It’s funny when you think that you had watched something, but get the ultimate surprise when you realize you were mistaken. That was the case with this one and what I found was one of the best Hammer Films I have seen. From 1966, this atmospheric zombie entry (Hammer Films only venture into the genre) predates the groundbreaking George Romero zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and lays the groundwork for what has developed over the years. The pacing is sound, the atmosphere is amazing, and the cast and performances are solid. Honestly, it is one of the best Hammer films I have seen and gives credence to the thought that the studio should have expanded their catalog to other creatures in the genre. Yes, some of it does feel dated and the story is somewhat predictable, but those flaws are minor. In the end, this was a perfect way to end the evening at Monsterfest 14 and an underrated entry that all zombie fans much see. Check it out.

The Quiet Ones (2014)

After diving into some scientific (at least fringe science) research last night, I decided that it was time to hit Family Video to see what was in stock. While the one movie I was looking for was out again, they did have a couple of flicks that seemed interesting. The first movie up for this Saturday night is the 2014 paranormal flick, The Quiet Ones.

Plot/ A university professor and a team of students conduct an experiment on a young woman, uncovering terrifyingly dark, unexpected forces in the process.

This was an interesting film on many levels and one the acted as a solid scary movie for the kids to enjoy. That being said, it did deliver some creepiness with some solid performances, heavy atmosphere, and an intriguing mix of true stories within the fabric of the fictional foundation. Sure, at PG-13, it did not pack an overwhelming punch, the scripting left some holes in the backstory, and the ending felt rushed (and unsatisfying). In the end, this may not be a perfect movie, but it is an entertaining mix of found footage and and regular cinematography. Yes, it has some flaws, but if you like creepiness, give it a shot.

Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell (1973)

As I start 2014, it is nice to reflect on the past, while looking forward. 2013 was a busy year, both at the institute and here at the house. The daughters are growing faster than one could imagine and they are becoming independant thinkers, I am so proud of all four of them. I started school again in a creative writing program and Bren saw an increase of freelance design. All positives. Work here at the Ringmaster's Realm did hit a slow period, but once I worked through that, it was full speed ahead; the same as it was for Steelers 101. Here's to hoping 2014 brings the same satisfaction. For my first review of 2014, I am going to do the last Frankenstein entry from historic Hammer Studios, Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell. 

Plot/ Baron Frankenstein is hiding out in an insane asylum, so that he may continue his experiments with reanimating the dead, along with inmate Dr. Helder, who has been institutionalized for conducting such experiments.

This is an interesting film to watch in many ways. It certainly is not the best Frankenstein film in the Hammer catalogue, but it is both entertaining and graphic. Actually, it may be the bloodiest film in the series.  Peter Cushing again proves to be one of the best and provides another great turn as the Baron. There are solid performances, outstanding scenery, and blood throughout, not to mention an awesome brain experiment scene. Unfortunately, while entertaining, there are some flaws that cannot be overlooked. The make-up effects of the creature do not do the film justice, as it looks more like an animal than a human. Yes, that may have some merit, but it definitely feels more Planet of the Apes than Frankenstein. On top of that, the atmosphere  and scripting never  reach their potential, leaving a viewer wanting more.  In the end, this one is campy and entertaining, but could have been much more memorable. If you are fan of Hammer Studios or Peter Cushing, you should definitely check it out. It is worth watching at least once. 

The Woman in Black (2012)

When I ran to Family Video to take some flicks back, I decided to check and see what was available. For me, this heat has been miserable and even made me suffer inside on my first Memorial Day since I have retired. I did get out early in the morning to go fishing with my dad, catching three amazing trout, but that drained me to the point where I could not function. Luckily, I had something to watch in the 2012 Hammer Films atmospheric ghost story The Woman in Black.

Plot/ A young lawyer, struggling with work after the death of his wife, is sent to a remote village to settle the estate of a deceased eccentric woman who owns an English manor. The village residents want him to leave as they are trying to conceal a deadly secret.

It is not often, where you find a movie, surrounded by hype, which actually hits home. For me, that is exactly what happened with this one. Honestly, it was amazing to see Hammer Films return with this atmospheric gem. The acting was solid, with Daniel Radcliffe successfully carrying a layered character, the cinematography and design fit the storyline perfectly creating a dark and creepy dominion, the mood, atmosphere and feel just worked and there were enough subtle scares to keep it interesting. Yes, some of the pacing seemed a bit off and the cut-in visions added some confusion, but those flaws were minor. In the end, I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not going to see this one in the theatre; it would have been worth it. If you love ghost stories, check this one out!

ETSY Update

As I have had some more time to enjoy my recovery, I decided to put a little more effort into stocking my ETSY page. While none of the items are Earth-shattering, there are some interesting and weird items that I have picked-up from time-to-time.

Bouncy the Clown

Gizmo

The Curse of Frankenstein

To the Devil a Daughter (1976)

After having my feel of the Drive-In Classics, I decided to move back into something more tangible. Looking through Netflix, I stumbled onto the satanic themed To the Devil a Daughter from 1976.

Plot/ An American occult novelist battles to save the soul of a young girl from a group of Satanists, led by an excommunicated priest, who plan on using her as the representative of the Devil on Earth.

As many fans know, this is one of the last films from the Hammer studios, and while some Hammer fans dislike the flick, it is not all bad. This is a creepy film that, while it lacks the typical Gothic Hammer atmosphere, features some great performances and cinematography that creates an eerie feeling throughout. Christopher Lee is brilliant as always, but it is the performance of the supporting cast the truly adds to the overall feel. Sure, the pacing drags at times, some of the effects are poor and it is clearly not the perfect send-off that Hammer would have imagined in the 1970s, but it is a very sinister little film that is often overlooked.

Hands of the Ripper (1971)

What a weekend! I did battle with my sink (note: garbage disposals do not like whole grain pasta), dealt with a severe cough that was made worse by Liquid Plummer (which did not work) and listened to Jillian and Markie torture each other for fun. To relax a bit, I decided to check out a different take on the legendary Jack the Ripper, in Hammer Studio’s 1971 tale Hands of the Ripper.

Plot/ The infant daughter of Jack the Ripper is witness to the brutal murder of her mother by her father. Fifteen years later she is a troubled young woman who is seemingly possessed by the spirit of her father. While in a trance she continues his murderous killing spree but has no recollection of the events afterwards. A sympathetic psychiatrist takes her in and is convinced he can cure her condition. Soon, however, he regrets his decision.

As a person that has always had an outside interest in Jack the Ripper, this flick definitely took an interesting trip into that legend. While not one of the most popular or well known entries from Hammer, this one should be. Complete with the signature gothic scenery and atmosphere, this film boasts some great performances, a solid script, and some interesting and bloody killings. Yes, the pacing can feel slow, but the tension created the detailed story and development make this an easy aspect to overlook. In the end, this often overlooked gem from Hammer Studios is a suspenseful ride that many horror fans haven’t experienced. Sure, the pacing may turn some people off, but true horror fans should enjoy it!

Horror of Dracula (1958)

 October, now this is my favorite month of the year! With the winds of fall on the horizon and Halloween right around the corner, it is time to go all out inside and out. To get the mood flowing, I watched a great vampire flick, the 1958 Hammer classic Horror of Dracula starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing!

Plot / After Jonathan Harker attacks Dracula at his castle (apparently somewhere in Germany), the vampire travels to a nearby city, where he preys on the family of Harker's fiancée. The only one who may be able to protect them is Dr. van Helsing, Harker's friend and fellow-student of vampires, who is determined to destroy Dracula, whatever the cost.

This Hammer Horror interpretation was an awesome retelling of the classic Bram Stoker tale. It is funny, that while many of the more modern Hammer flicks are talked about, this first incarnation of their Dracula chain may be the best. In all, it boasts a fair amount of blood, a solid script, tremendous acting and beautiful set design. Really, it has it all (including a cool finale). Honestly, this may be the best version of Dracula I have seen. Overall, a gripping tale that is a must see for any and all horror fans!

Satan's Slave (1976)

After taking a break for a few days, I was dying to watch something in the horror genre again. With that in mind, I jumped back into the Gorehouse Greats Collection that my mother picked up for me. Having watched (and reviewed) three or four of the films already, I figured it was time to finish that set (although, I will not watch Prime Evil again!). After some debate, I decided on Satan's Slave, a 1976 British entry in to this set.

Plot/ On her way to a relaxing vacation at her uncle's isolated country mansion, a young woman is instead tortured and terrorized by her uncle and cousin, who unbeknownest to her, are disciples of Satan. Soon, she discovers that she can trust no one and even people she thought were dead comes back to haunt her.

I was pleasantly surprised by this film, as it is actually one of the better British Horror films from the late 1970s that doesn't seem to get the awknowledgement it deserves. Yes, the story line is a bit run-of-the-mill, yet, director Norman Warren pulls it off quite nicely with the solid use of flashbacks to aid the plot. The script, writen by David McGillivray is sound with god dialogue throughout. The one thing that really impressed me was that while, I had some idea of what I would see based on past satanic torture and British Horror, the movie still held some surprises that I didn;t expect. he film plays nicely on our expectations and manages to surprise and plant different questions in the mind throughout. The cinematography is awesome,and the combination of soundtrack, grittiness and color create quite an atmosphere. In the end, this 1976 film seems to stand as a marker for the tragic end of the Hammer Horror monopoly, demonstrating that society had tired of the Hammer blueprint and quality gore, horror and supernaturalmovies could come from other studio's.

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