A Year of Fear

A Year of Fear
Author: Bryan Senn
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 561
Release: 2015-03-26
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1476610908

This eclectic overview of horror cinema offers up a collection of horror films for practically any occasion and literally every day of the year. For example, the author recommends commemorating United Nations Day (October 24) with a screening of The Colossus of New York, whose startling climax takes place at the U.N. Building. Each day-by-day entry includes the movie title, production year, plot summary and critique, along with a brief explanation of how the film fits into the history of that particular day and interesting anecdotes on the film's production.

Charles McGraw

Charles McGraw
Author: Alan K. Rode
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 228
Release: 2012-08-28
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0786471727

The iconic actor Charles McGraw appeared in over 140 roles on films and television, including the classic noir pictures The Killers (1946) and The Narrow Margin (1952). Whether portraying tough cops or sadistic killers, McGraw brought a unique authenticity to the screen. Emphasizing his impact on the film noir style, this comprehensive biography examines McGraw's lengthy career against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood. Through numerous personal interviews with his surviving intimates, close acquaintances and co-workers, his tumultuous personal life is detailed from his earliest days to his bizarre, accidental death. Also included are an extensive critical filmography of McGraw's feature film career, a complete list of television appearances and previously unpublished film stills and personal photos.

"Twice the Thrills! Twice the Chills!"

Author: Bryan Senn
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 434
Release: 2019-02-28
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1476635714

In the mid-1950s, to combat declining theater attendance, film distributors began releasing pre-packaged genre double-bills--including many horror and science fiction double features. Though many of these films were low-budget and low-end, others, such as Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Horror of Dracula and The Fly, became bona fide classics. Beginning with Universal-International's 1955 pairing of Revenge of the Creature and Cult of the Cobra, 147 officially sanctioned horror and sci-fi double-bills were released over a 20-year period. This book presents these double features year-by-year, and includes production details, historical notes, and critical commentary for each film.

Keep Watching the Skies!

Keep Watching the Skies!
Author: Bill Warren
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 3299
Release: 2017-01-12
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 1476625050

Bill Warren's Keep Watching the Skies! was originally published in two volumes, in 1982 and 1986. It was then greatly expanded in what we called the 21st Century Edition, with new entries on several films and revisions and expansions of the commentary on every film. In addition to a detailed plot synopsis, full cast and credit listings, and an overview of the critical reception of each film, Warren delivers richly informative assessments of the films and a wealth of insights and anecdotes about their making. The book contains 273 photographs (many rare, 35 in color), has seven useful appendices, and concludes with an enormous index. This book is also available in hardcover format (ISBN 978-0-7864-4230-0).

Science Fiction Film Directors, 1895-1998

Science Fiction Film Directors, 1895-1998
Author: Dennis Fischer
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 768
Release: 2011-07-01
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 0786460911

This enormous and exhaustive reference book has entries on every major and minor director of science fiction films from the inception of cinema (circa 1895) through 1998. For each director there is a complete filmography including television work, a career summary, a critical assessment, and behind-the-scenes production information. Seventy-nine directors are covered in especially lengthy entries and a short history of the science fiction film genre is also included.

The Monster Movies of Universal Studios

The Monster Movies of Universal Studios
Author: James L Neibaur
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 245
Release: 2023-06-14
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 144227817X

This history and critique of classic scary films “honors Universal’s horror legacy. . . . an excellent resource for film students and monster movie fanatics” (Library Journal). In 1931 Universal Studios released Dracula starring Bela Lugosi. This box office success was followed by a string of films featuring macabre characters and chilling atmospherics, including Frankenstein, The Mummy, and The Invisible Man. With each new film, Universal established its place in the Hollywood firmament as the leading producer of horror films, a status it enjoyed for more than twenty years. In The Monster Movies of Universal Studios, James L. Neibaur examines the key films produced by the studio from the early 1930s through the mid-1950s. In each entry, Neibaur recounts the movie’s production, provides critical commentary, considers the film’s commercial reception, and offers an overall assessment of the movie’s significance. Neibaur also examines the impact these films had on popular culture, an influence that resonates in the cinema of fear today. From the world premiere of Dracula to the 1956 release of The Creature Walks among Us, Universal excelled at scaring viewers of all ages—and even elicited a few chuckles along the way by pitting their iconic creatures against the comedic pair of Abbott and Costello. The Monster Movies of Universal Studios captures the thrills of these films, making this book a treat for fans of the golden age of horror cinema. “Studio stills and trade ads for several of the films add a suitably scary touch to this treat for fans and scholars alike. ― Booklist “An impressive work of film scholarship.” ― Cinema Retro

Universal Terrors, 1951-1955

Universal Terrors, 1951-1955
Author: Tom Weaver
Publisher: McFarland
Total Pages: 439
Release: 2017-09-29
Genre: Performing Arts
ISBN: 078643614X

Universal Studios created the first cinematic universe of monsters--Dracula, Frankenstein, the Mummy and others became household names during the 1930s and 1940s. During the 1950s, more modern monsters were created for the Atomic Age, including one-eyed globs from outer space, mutants from the planet Metaluna, the Creature from the Black Lagoon, and the 100-foot high horror known as Tarantula. This over-the-top history is the definitive retrospective on Universal's horror and science fiction movies of 1951-1955. Standing as a sequel to Tom Weaver, Michael Brunas and John Brunas's Universal Horrors (Second Edition, 2007), it covers eight films: The Strange Door, The Black Castle, It Came from Outer Space, Creature from the Black Lagoon, This Island Earth, Revenge of the Creature, Cult of the Cobra and Tarantula. Each receives a richly detailed critical analysis, day-by-day production history, interviews with filmmakers, release information, an essay on the score, and many photographs, including rare behind-the-scenes shots.

The Immortal Count

The Immortal Count
Author: Arthur Lennig
Publisher: University Press of Kentucky
Total Pages: 610
Release: 2013-07-24
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0813143756

Bela Lugosi won immediate fame for his portrayal of the immortal count in the 1931 film Dracula. After a decade of trying vainly to broaden his range and secure parts to challenge his acting abilities, Lugosi resigned himself to a career as the world's most recognizable vampire. His last years were spent as a forgotten and rather tragic figure. When he died in 1956, Lugosi could not have known that vindication of his talent would come—his face would adorn theaters, his image would appear on greeting cards and postage stamps, his film memorabilia would sell for more than he earned in his entire career, and his Hungarian accent would be instantly recognized by millions of people. Martin Landau's Oscar-winning role as Lugosi in the 1994 film Ed Wood added an ironic twist to a career that had ended in oblivion. In 1974, devoted Lugosi fan Arthur Lennig published a highly regarded biography of the unsung actor. More than twice the length of the original and completely rewritten, The Immortal Count provides deeper insights into Lugosi's films and personality. Drawing upon personal interviews, studio memos, shooting scripts, research in Romania and Hungary, and his own recollections, Lennig has written the definitive account of Lugosi's tragic life.

Do You Want it Good Or Tuesday?

Do You Want it Good Or Tuesday?
Author: Jimmy Sangster
Publisher: Midnight Marquee Press, Incorporated
Total Pages: 250
Release: 1997
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN:

Jimmy Sangster proves the pen is mightier than the stake as he reflects upon his film career from his early apprenticeship in the British film industry to Hammer Films mainstay and then to a stint in Hollywood and television. "Mr. Sangster's autobiography is written with the same flair that made him a successful and respected film writer, as he takes us on a witty, informative and honest ride from Hammer Horror to American network television."--Tom Johnson, author Hammer Films: An Exhaustive Filmography